Articles from the October 1, 2020 edition
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 25
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Social Security: Policy, politics, fact and fiction
The misleading ads and distorted facts have not quite hit the level of the 2011 classic “granny off the cliff” political ad where an elderly woman was being foisted from her wheelchair over the edge of a cliff, which then-House Speaker Paul Ryan him...
How to cast your vote in Alaska's 2020 election
Alaskans will be able to apply for no-excuse absentee ballots online this year, as election officials have made it easier to vote safely from home amid the coronavirus pandemic: Older voters should have already received absentee ballot applications...
Update from the Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman
We are still here for you! The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (OLTCO) is mandated by the Older Americans Act and state law to provide resident-centered advocacy designed to protect the rights, health, safety and welfare of Alaskans li...
Influenza vs. COVID-19: What's the difference?
As we approach flu season, it is important to know the difference and similarities between the flu and COVID-19. Although influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, they affect the body and health...
You don't want the flu, so get the new vaccine for seniors
What a relief! An article about health that isn’t about the pandemic and COVID-19. That’s the good news. On the other hand, this is about seasonal influenza, “the flu.” The flu season is fall and winter, right now. Flu shots help prevent people from...
Alaska Health Fair stays busy in unusual times
Alaska Health Fair is in the middle of a very active fall season. Though we aren’t holding traditional health fairs, we are continuing to provide appointment-based services to communities around the state. October events include multiple dates in A...
New library resources from Anchorage hospice
The Hospice of Anchorage team has spent countless hours reimagining what we do and how to continue to provide services to Alaskans. In part, this pandemic has allowed us to spend focused attention on renewing a long dreamed of project - the Hospice...
It's Medicare's Part D Open Enrollment or Annual Election Period
The summer has flown and autumn is upon us. The leaves on the trees are turning the vibrant colors of fall, and the air is cool and brisk. The captivating smell of fireplaces burning logs permeates...
Free training, support for family caregivers
With senior centers still closed, the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold all October peer support meetings on Tuesdays, 1 p.m., at its office at 44539 Sterling Highway, Suite 202 in the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. Social...
Creative, meaningful activities for someone living with dementia
What brings enjoyment and happiness to your day? Perhaps your idea of a fulfilling day is making something with your hands, going on an outing, helping others or spending time with friends and family. For our own well-being we need to have a sense...
Breakthroughs promise faster, better COVID testing
COVID testing using a smartphone Researchers are reporting they may be able to test for COVID-19 in just 30 minutes with the use of a smartphone. As COVID-19 continues to spread, bottlenecks in...
Palliative Care Symposium, Oct. 24
Professional and community members interested in advancing palliative care throughout Alaska are invited to register for the 4th Annual Palliative Care Alaska Network (PCAN) Symposium, featuring innovative, influential and engaging speakers from...
Making Alaska greener through recycling
Every day, new steps are being taken to improve recycling programs throughout Alaska. Anchorage Solid Waste Services announced in August that it would start allowing recycled greasy pizza boxes as...
Slana phone hack was retro, but effective
"Where have you guys been all week?" our son, Patrick, demanded when I answered the phone one morning back in October 1999. He was calling from his home in Colorado. "We haven't gone anywhere. Why,...
AnchorRIDES offers free grocery delivery
The Municipality of Anchorage has launched a new grocery delivery service for seniors, age 60 and older, and for people who have disabilities that prevent them from using People Mover buses. People can now arrange for AnchorRIDES buses to pick up the...
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...
Sourdough governor understands Alaskans
Alaska's governor from 1933 to 1939 believed that more people and more roads would help the territory achieve statehood. And John Weir Troy, who came to Alaska during the gold rush in 1897, thought a...
'Night of the Living Dead' still lives for Judith O'Dea
When Halloween returns each October, so do the 50-year-old memories for actress Judith O'Dea who starred as Barbra in the 1968 horror classic "Night of the Living Dead" as one of several characters...
You may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment
Though most Americans − more than 160 million in all − have already received their Economic Impact Payments, the IRS reminds anyone with little or no income who is not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible to receive an Eco...
Discussing the pros and cons of the upcoming ballot measures
Wondering how to vote on the two ballot measures appearing in the General Election this November? Join Alaska Common Ground on Oct. 6 and Oct. 14 for online discussions on each of the initiatives. Both events will begin with an overview, followed by...
To have and to hold (together) is not so easy in Alaska
Al Martinez was a longtime syndicated newspaper columnist. Toward the end of his career, he said that of all the controversial subjects he had written about (including a lot of articles about...
New life into old computers, unwanted alerts, iPhone security
Q. I have several old computers in my garage that are just taking up space. Before I send them to the recycler, I wonder if there is anything useful I could do with them. A. Working from home and remote learning has increased the demand for...
Sleeping here is like sleeping with history
How would you like to spend a night or more at a hotel once frequented by Clark Gable, Ingrid Bergman, Marilyn Monroe and a long list of other Hollywood luminaries? Or snuggle down under the sheets...
The new twist on the political power of seniors
“Even slight Trump erosions and/or Biden inroads with seniors will make the difference in the election.”- Salena Zito, CNN political analyst, in PJ Media “This year, retaining the support of seniors is obviously central to Trump’s reelection chances....
