Articles from the June 1, 2021 edition
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 28
Providing for Alaska seniors throughout the pandemic
During the pandemic, many organizations in Alaska reduced the direct services they provided, but that was not true for Southeast Senior Services (SESS). SESS worked to meet the changing needs of seniors and caregivers during this difficult time. Typi...
Analysis: Has Biden forgotten his plans regarding drug pricing?
President Joe Biden has laid out a long list of policy priorities - some more politically plausible than others. But what he left out of his sweeping infrastructure and family relief proposals – drug...
Why the controversy over a vaccine passport?
There are many examples of the long-established right for public institutions such as schools, employers, governments and businesses to protect the health of others by requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination or of a past infection, or...
Networking for Anchorage, Mat-Su area providers
Interested in learning more about businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Service Providers Breakfast (formerly known as the Interagency...
Don't postpone your second dose of vaccine
In the United States, more than 40% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, however, most approved COVID-19 vaccines require two doses to provide a level of adequate...
COVID: Earlier detection; reinfection in young
Detecting severe COVID-19 earlier There is some very good news to report in the battle against COVID-19 as researchers may have discovered a way to detect early those who will become severely ill. Most people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop...
Understanding when you should call hospice
You just found out you have a limited life expectancy. Let’s say six months to a year. Here’s the kicker: You get to choose how you spend this time. What does that look like to you? Maybe you would like to be surrounded by family and friends. Per...
Better health requires better motivation
Q: How do I get my aunt who stays with me to do some form of exercise? I know it will help her and I’ve even offered to exercise with her so she isn’t alone, but she is still resistant. A: Phy...
Alaska Health Fair summer schedule
Our agency has had a challenging year, as many non-profits have during our nation’s health crisis. The loyalty of many long-time clients, the curiosity of many new clients, plus many regular contributors have helped us to ride the crazy, wild w...
Medicinal uses for baking soda
Everyone has some baking soda in the house and if not, you should get some. Aside from baking with it, I also use it in my garbage disposal and to brighten my laundry. Sodium bicarbonate is known more commonly as “baking soda” since it helps mak...
Getting help with Medicare costs
Many individuals with Medicare find themselves struggling to pay the various costs associated with monthly premiums or prescription drugs. Fortunately, there are a number of different programs available to help. Medicare Savings Program The Medicare...
Detecting strokes earlier using a phone app; Mediterranean diet and Alzheimer's
Preventing strokes with a phone app It may soon be possible to detect atrial fibrillation with your phone. About one-third of ischemic strokes, those triggered by blood clots, are caused by atrial fib...
Free 'House Calls' webinars for family caregivers
Mountain-Pacific Quality Health and AARP state offices in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming invite family caregivers across the west region to a free public webinar series called, “House Calls,” which will demonstrate infection protection and oth...
Family caregiver tip of the month
If you are a family caregiver and have been feeling as if you are particularly stressed out by all the duties and responsibilities that come with your role, you are not alone. Here are some facts about caregiver stress from Caring.com: 40% of...
Seniors stuck with student loans: Problems and prospects
Are you a senior chafing under the debt burden of a student loan? It may be perversely comforting to know that you are not alone. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in 2015, nearly 870,000 borrowers age 65 and older were bu...
Alaska seniors in long term care during COVID-19
As a graduating senior and assistant at an Alaska assisted living facility, I wanted to look at how COVID-19 impacted long term care residents. With careful attention to confidentiality agreements, and proper respect to resident’s privacy, I c...
These golf gadgets can help older golfers
Dear Savvy Senior: Do you know of any golfing equipment that can help older golfers? My dad, who's 76, loves to play golf, but arthritis in his hands has made griping the club challenging, and his...
Wasilla's 'Miles for Meals' fundraiser returns
Back in August of 1989, Wasilla seniors got together and planned their first Miles for Meals on Wheels 5K. The event was successfully carried out on June 2, 1990 and raised a little over $5,000....
Grant will preserve treasure trove of Southeast Alaska Native programming
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has received funding to digitize a major collection of audio recordings that include a trove of interviews with notable elders, clan leaders and other Native people that date back more than 35 years. The collection...
Sorting and stirring up memories
January 15, 1963: Dear Mrs. Ridener. It is cold up there. I do not want too go. But I'll have to. I love you Mrs. Ridener. I love the collass too. Your frend Maraley While going through boxes of...
Anchorage's Glaser recognized for service
Congratulations to Gordon Glaser, who was announced in May as the winner of this year’s Ron Hammett Award for outstanding service to seniors in the Anchorage community. Gordon was scheduled to be presented the award at the Older Americans Month k...
Library delivers books, more in Fairbanks area
Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Libraries provides monthly delivery service to borough residents who are homebound or unable to access the library due to age or disability. Staff is happy to deliver hand-selected materials or specific requests....
Settlers' early days in the Mat-Su Valley
Long before the Matanuska Valley became one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation, Russians tried to establish agricultural settlements on its fertile soil. They taught the Dena'ina how to...
Turning 80, Hollywood beauty Diane McBain tackles new career
According to Diane McBain who turned 80 in May, it's never too late to begin a new chapter in your life. Along with co-author Michael Gregg Michaud, the 60s glamour gal published her autobiography...
Social Security update: Elder abuse, spousal benefits
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. On this day, and throughout the month, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations and the private sector unite to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people. Social...