Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 2038
Minor accidents happen frequently, but sometimes what didn't bother us before is a real nuisance now. A slip on an icy walkway, a cut while preparing dinner, or a bruise from bumping into furniture are common experiences for many people. Knowing how to handle these minor injuries properly can help you heal faster and prevent bigger problems down the road. Let's start with sprains, which happen when we twist or stretch a ligament too far. If you roll your ankle or hurt your wrist, remember the...
Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska offers mini grants to help ease the daily challenges faced by Alaskans living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and those who care for them. These grants, made possible by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, are designed to improve quality of life and support independence by helping cover the cost of services, equipment, and supports that are often out of reach. The impact of these grants is best understood through the voices of caregivers who use...
Organizations can submit a letter of interest now through March 11 for Alaska’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The letter of interest gives organizations a chance to briefly describe their ideas for improving rural health care in Alaska. Alaska’s RHTP is part of a $50 billion national initiative authorized by Congress in 2025 to strengthen rural health systems over the next five years. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded Alaska one of the largest allocations in the nation. The year one award was $272,174,856, pen...
Q: I have seen advertisements urging people to be ready for an emergency crisis, but do not know what supplies are needed. What should I gather up? A: It is crucial to be ready for emergencies such as natural disasters or power outages, especially if you live alone. Make a plan today that can be adapted to any situation so others can help you, or periodically check on your safety following an unusual event. Having a well-thought-out plan can ease anxiety during unplanned situations. Many...
According to the latest report on health care quality across America, Alaska ranks as the second worst in terms of several factors. A study by the stem cell treatment center called Auragens examined health care systems in all 50 states, comparing safety, response time, and medical bills. New York ranked the worst state to get sick in America. In New York, medical expenses reach $14,000 per person and emergency rooms taking three hours to see patients. Alaska ranks second-worst, charging $13,600...
The Medicare-related decisions can be quite challenging, especially when you or your spouse are about to turn age 65, during your Initial Enrollment Period. The decisions can be even more complicated when you have other health insurance coverage. Deciding if and when to enroll in the various parts of Medicare, when you are first eligible, is an important choice including how to avoid potential penalties or gaps in coverage. Most people enroll into Medicare Part A (in-patient, hospitalization...
I have an older cousin who was just diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's after several years of dizziness and falls. Luckily, his doctor said it's not the type of Parkinson's that leads to death. I often give "Come to Jesus" talks to family and friends when they begin to experience these symptoms. It can be annoying for them. I advise sturdy equipment like walkers, especially ones with built-in seats. But men usually disdain the advice because of pride and vanity. They just don't want to look...
Even with regular brushing, teeth can become stained from genetic factors or consuming foods and drinks like tomatoes and coffee. Chemical whiteners can help, but they can also damage teeth in the process. So, researchers have designed a prototype teeth-whitening powder that is activated by the vibrations from an electric toothbrush. The system both brightened and protected teeth in lab demonstrations. "This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repai...
Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? I didn’t file a tax return last year because my income was below the filing threshold, but I got a part-time job in 2025, so I’m wondering if I need to file this year. - Semi-retired Joe Dear Joe, Whether you need to file a federal income tax return this year depends on several factors: how much you earned in 2025, the source of your income, your age, and your filing status. Here’s a quick guide to this year’s IRS filing thresholds. For most pe...
Established in 1968, OPAG is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving services, developing programs, educating, promoting and implementing changes to help Alaska seniors live healthy, productive lives. Current programs: - publish the monthly Senior Voice newspaper - publish and distribute the Directory for Older Alaskans senior resource directory - provide information and referral services for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Health Care Act and other senior issues - organize monthly Providers' Breakfast...
As Alaskans, we take great pride in our unique culture and the breathtaking beauty of our state. Yet, hidden within this beauty is a pressing issue that affects a significant part of our population: our seniors. Today, I want to address the multifaceted challenges they face, including voting rights, economic security, access to quality health care, social justice, and educational opportunities. We must unite to advocate for meaningful changes that ensure our seniors receive the respect and support they deserve. Voting rights: Alaskans must be...
Frances Perkins was tough as nails. She had to be. She was the first woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet. Perkins was Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Her beat was workers, immigrants, and the creation of Social Security. She was determined, focused, and did not suffer fools. According to her Wikipedia entry, one time she got in a spat with Alfred P. Sloan, the chairman of the board at General Motors. During a United Auto Workers strike, she...
Q: A client of mine, an avid salsa dancer, often talks about the physical advantages of dancing for older adults. But what about the mental benefits? A: As we get older, the knowledge and experiences we gather inspire us to look for ways to boost not only our physical well-being, but also our mental acuity. This brings us to your interesting question about how dance can impact our brain function, alongside the already familiar physical perks. Dancing goes beyond enjoyment; it is an expressive...
Strong natural immunity represents the potential to avoid chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, frequent vaccinations, hospital convalescence, chronic fatigue, degenerative disease, and other unpleasant or costly medical interventions. Below are basic parameters for wellness through immune support. Daily foundations Adequate rest. Work balanced by play. A healthy diet and fresh water. These may sound obvious, but they require conscious commitment. Rest and play Most people need about eight hours of sleep per night. Aim to be in bed eight hours...
Alaska has 139 active clinical trials looking for those willing to sign up for research studies in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Bethel. Not only do you earn money for participation, but you also learn about your own state of health. Over the past few years, I've been found to have Stage 1 fatty liver disease, which the earliest and mildest form where fat accumulates up to 33% in liver cells and usually causes no noticeable symptoms. But it is crucial to address because it can progress to...
This month’s article provides an overview of Medicare coverage in 2026. The 2026 edition of the Medicare & You handbook provides much greater detail than is provided in this article; if you do not have a copy, then please contact the Medicare Information Office and we are happy to provide a copy. You may also find the handbook available on the Medicare.gov website (look for the link under the “Basics” topic header) as an eBook, as well as in large print, audio version, and in Braille. The Medic...
If you catch a cold, know the facts. Studies have confirmed that taking vitamin C supplements regularly may only slightly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. However, these supplements typically don't prevent you from catching a cold and can only slightly reduce the severity of symptoms for most people. Starting vitamin C after symptoms doesn't seem to help much. However, consistent daily intake in large doses (1000-2000 mg) might shorten a cold by a day or so and make it milder. In...
Alaska has been awarded $272 million to support system-level investments in health care through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), according to a press release from the Alaska Department of Health. The five-year, $50 billion national initiative is designed to strengthen, stabilize, and modernize health care systems in rural communities. Alaska is among the top recipients of the funding. “This investment represents a turning point for rural health care in Alaska,” said Heidi Hedbe...
Editor's Note: National Centenarian's Day is Sept. 22. The day honors those who've celebrated 100 birthdays or more. We're publishing profiles of people who have hit this milestone. The Alaska Commission on Aging is working with the Governor's Office, Pioneer Homes and Long Term Care Ombudsman to celebrate Alaska's centenarians. This interview was made possible thanks to the Alaska Commission on Aging. Every morning before dawn, Susie Ford is up. Coco, her little dog, is waiting. At 5 a.m., she...
My husband, Gary, passed away in December 2025 at the Palmer Veterans and Pioneers Home -his residence for almost four years. The staff graciously told me to take all the time I needed to remove his belongings from his room. Above his bed was a beautiful quilt made by his grandmother-a lady I never met. It is a requirement that only lightweight items be placed on the wall above a bed at the Pioneer Home...a precaution for earthquakes. On the wall in his bathroom was a lovely Alaska-themed lap...
Alaska has one of the highest smoking costs in the nation, according to a report from personal-finance company WalletHub. The company calculated the potential monetary losses—including the lifetime and annual costs of a pack of cigarettes per day, health care expenditures, income losses and other costs—brought on by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking impacts your health and your pocketbook. Tobacco use is responsible for nearly half a million deaths in the United States each year and remains the leading cause of lung cancer, acc...
Alaska House Rep. Will Stapp has introduced HB 255, known as the PFD Senior Raffle Bill, which would establish two new funding mechanisms, the Senior Citizen Grants Endowment Fund and the Senior Citizen Grants Dividend Raffle Fund, to strengthen financial support for organizations serving older Alaskans. If the bill passes, Alaskans could choose to direct a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) toward these funds and participate in associated raffles, creating a voluntary and dedicated...
As we step into a new year, the deepest days of winter are already behind us. The winter solstice has passed, and although the days grow brighter, only a few minutes at a time, the return of the light is steady and sure. This slow brightening can be a comforting reminder for caregivers. Even in seasons that feel long or heavy, there is always a path forward and resources that can help light your way. Many of us greet January with thoughts of goals or intentions. For caregivers, these goals do...
A new year is a blank slate. A chance to make and keep promises to yourself and maybe also to those you love by being present. One promise you can count on is that having a regular fitness routine leads to a life of independence. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours lifting weights or running endless miles each week. You can start and maintain a regular fitness routine with the right mindset and a good pair of trainers. Start small If you’ve never exercised or haven’t done so in a while, consult your medical professional first. Once you g...
Becoming hospitalized is a challenging situation —the goal is to become well with treatment for the condition, illness or injury, which brought you to being admitted in the first place. For these events, there is Medicare’s Part A, which provides insurance coverage for your in-patient admission to a hospital. This can be confusing, because not all treatment at a hospital is covered by Part A – most often, individuals are treated in an emergency room, or medical facility that provides care under...
