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In the dark winter months, swimming can be enjoyable and an outstanding full-body workout. Further, it can be an effective way of building and maintaining muscle strength. The water provides a natural resistance that makes your muscles work harder. The resistance offered by the water may even be up to 44 times greater than that of air, suggesting that swimming may be a more challenging workout than other forms of exercise. Grant Fairbanks, who is 74 and lives in Bethel, attributes a general...
Let’s take a moment to shed some light on this often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of our wellbeing. Mental health isn’t just about whether you’re feeling happy or sad at any given moment - it’s a complex tapestry that weaves itself through every facet of our lives, from our relationships and careers to our physical health and overall sense of purpose. It is a concept that encompasses an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It refers to our ability to think, feel and behave in ways that enable us to navigate...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in January: Jan. 2, Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5, Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 16, Kenai Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 18, Sterling Senior Center, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Nikiski Senior Center, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind...
My daughter Erin called from her home in Colorado and left a voice message, "Call me when convenient. I want to talk about quilt batting." Erin had recently resumed work on the corduroy quilt she started over 20 years ago. The top was finished and she wanted to put the layers together, bind it and tie it. This was the same daughter who greatly disliked sewing in seventh grade Home-Ec class at Colony Middle School. It was too structured. She was more of the "creative" type. I'm glad she...
After some time off, solar maximum has returned to the skies. It's a regular period of greatest solar activity during the sun's 11-year solar cycle. On Dec. 15, www.spaceweather.com reported Sunspot 3514 flared with a strong M7-class event following close on the heels of Dec. 14th's X2.8-class boomer. The X-flare on Dec. 14 was the strongest flare so far of Solar Cycle 25 and the most powerful eruption the sun has produced since the great storms of September 2017. The smallest flares are...
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Willow. Call 1-800-478-1080 for details. ARA also hosts a statewide call-in meeting on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m. For information, call Gay Wellman, 907-822-5620 or 1-800-478-1080....
As the crisp air envelops our great state, it’s not just the snowflakes that remind us of the season’s charm, but also the spirit of giving and togetherness. This December, as we observe Safe Toys and Gifts Month, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the choices we make when selecting gifts, not just for children but for adults as well. Active play and educational value. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, gifting items that encourage active play is more crucial than ever. For children, consider toys that promote physical act...
The Alaska Center for the Blind will hold two low-vision clinics and two support group meetings in Fairbanks, Dec. 4 and 5. At the low-vision clinics, a specialist will match the client with the best possible device for their condition. The Dec. 4 clinic will be at Ravens Landing. Also on Dec. 4, Center for the Blind staff will hold a support group at Timber Creek at 9 a.m. and another at Access Alaska at group at 1 p.m. Staff will be available for home visits in the afternoon. On Dec. 5, a low-vision clinic will be held at the Tanana Chiefs...
Do you want to improve the lives of older adults in long-term care facilities? We need caring people like you to advocate for Alaska seniors. As a Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteer, you’ll speak up for residents of assisted living homes and nursing facilities across our state. We’re seeking compassionate volunteers to protect seniors’ rights and dignity. No experience required—just bring your empathy, patience and desire to help. Free training provided so you feel completely supported. Volunteer in Anchorage, Bethel, Eagle River, Fairban...
Access Alaska is hosting Holiday Bash parties at its offices in Anchorage, Mat-Su and Fairbanks. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some snacks while participating in holiday crafts, games and an ugly sweater contest. The Anchorage party will be Dec. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Access Alaska office, 1217 E. 10th Ave. RSVP required by Dec. 11. Call 907-248-4777. In Wasilla, the party will be on Dec. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mat-Su Health Foundation location, 777 N. Crusey St. RSVP required by Dec. 11. Call 907-357-2588. The Fairbanks...
November shines a spotlight on a growing health concern: diabetes. As we delve deeper into this awareness month, it’s imperative that we arm ourselves with knowledge and take proactive steps toward ensuring better health outcomes for ourselves and our community. What is diabetes and pre-diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to properly utilize or produce insulin, a hormone essential for converting sugar into energy. Without this process, sugar accumulates in the blood, leading to various health complications. P...
If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. Family Caregiver Support Programs offer free support meetings to allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, S...
Hello there! My name is Judy Miller. I am 80 years young, and published my first book at 80 years old. I've always believed that older people have an influence on the lives of younger people. That's why I believe the Elder Mentor Program works. You can share with the next generation some of the things you learned and saw growing up, and at the same time, you also find a way to relate to their generation and their time, too. For example, if you bring kids into a nursing home, the residents love i...
If you are reading this short piece, you are most likely a senior, like me, interested in continuing to play a role in the Alaska economy. I came to Alaska ten years ago, toward the end of a long career of college teaching. Now I'm coordinating the Northern and Interior regions of the MASST program. It is a challenging, rewarding job. I often say that nobody is learning more than I am in this program. It's also meaningful work, because I know that it is making a difference in Northern and...
If you face heating bills that are burdensome, the State of Alaska’s Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program could be your solution. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. It can help you stay warm in the winter and reduce the risk of health and safety problems such as illness, fire or eviction. The program may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance: bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization and energy-related home r...
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase awareness about this prevalent disease. Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide. Early detection, often through screening, increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. It can affect both men and women, but it’s far more common in women. Regular self-examinations and routine screenings can help in the early detection of breast cancer. Mammography remains one of the m...
Family Caregiver Support Programs offer free support meetings to allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, S...
The tourists have departed and the land is changing colors, and it's the time when Alaskans can see the state unhindered by tour buses and being asked pesky questions like, "when do the Northern Lights come out?" Best of all, the fish are running and the crowds are gone. Hook a fish Best Fishing Specials Of 2023 on The Kenai River: • Drifters Lodge,18404 Sterling Hwy., Cooper Landing, AK 99572 20 percent to 30 percent off guided fishing and rafting trips on the Kenai River. Call and book at 9...
A proposal to help Alaska seniors fix their homes so they can live at home longer is on its way to the legislature. Current state statutes provide a minimum $150,000 property tax exemption for Senior Citizens/Disabled Veterans. If approved by legislators, modifying a home would add an additional $20,000 to the property tax exemption at no cost to the State of Alaska. The home modifications incentive is a way to motivate older Alaskans who think about adding grab bars, raised toilets or roll-in showers with hand-held showerheads. Often...
September is a bustling month for Alaska Health Fair, with numerous opportunities to participate in health education and affordable blood and health screenings. We invite you to join us at these events across various communities, whether you attend to receive services, volunteer to help serve the public or share a mission by exhibiting. Southcentral Sept. 9 Valdez Valdez Civic Center, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 Anchorage St. John Methodist Church, 1801 O’Malley Road, 8 a.m. to noon. Sept. 15-16 Palmer Palmer Depot, 610 S. Valley Way, 2 to 6 p...
Do you care deeply about improving seniors’ quality of life? Join us in speaking up for Alaska seniors living in long term care facilities. As a Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteer, you’ll advocate for residents of assisted living homes and skilled nursing facilities across Alaska. We need compassionate volunteers statewide who want to defend seniors’ rights and dignity. Free training is provided, and you’ll be supported every step of the way. No previous experience required —just bring your empathy, patience and drive to help vulnerabl...
Family Caregiver Support Programs offer free support meetings to allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, S...
The Alaska Dept. of Health and Alaska Health Fair, Inc. are thrilled to announce the continuation of a vital screening program this fall through Alaska Health Fair, Inc. health fairs - free Hemoglobin A1C and Estimated Average Glucose tests. Our aim is to empower Alaskans with the information they need to lead healthier lives, by identifying early risks for diabetes and prediabetes. Are you at risk? Take our short self-assessment survey at https://bit.ly/3rk9Djt to find out. If your survey result indicates a risk, and you’re not presently d...
Family Caregiver Support Programs offer free support meetings to allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, S...
By DIMITRA LAVRAKAS Senior Voice Travel Correspondent "That the Alaska Railroad was ever built is astonishing," writes Alaskan author Steven Levi in his rollicking history of the Alaska Railroad in "A Rat's Nest of Rails: Tundra, Ice, Mosquitoes and Permafrost Saga of the Alaska Railroad" (signed copies available at https://authormasterminds.com/steve-levi). It was a feat of engineering and pluck, resulting in 100 years of carrying freight and tourists, much to the benefit of Alaska. "It was...
