Sorted by date Results 126 - 150 of 1943
In a town not much different from the one where they both grew up, orthopedic surgeon and husband Henry Krull alongside his wife, entrepreneur and visionary Mary Krull, have embarked on a mission to bring fresh food, renewable energy and a unique experience to Soldotna, and all of Alaska. Including the talents of their adult children, the Krulls have turned Whistle Hill into a thriving hub for locals and visitors alike, with a combination of innovative farming, dining experiences, local art,...
The Social Security Administration continues to partner with locations throughout Alaska to offer secure video service, a convenient and no cost service option that allows people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service is available at these locations: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, 1000 Grek Kruschek. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Kenai Senior Ce...
Q. My iPhone just automatically updated to iOS 17.7. How do I get the new features advertised in iOS 18? A. There are two kinds of system updates for iPhones, major and minor. Major releases that change once a year, and increase the first number. For example, from 17.0 to 18.0. Minor updates occur throughout the year, and increase the numbers after the decimal point. Your iPhone will automatically update itself with these “point updates” as long as it is plugged in and has a Wi-Fi connection. Each autumn Apple releases a major new update to the...
In 2017, The New York Times published "Glowing Auras and 'Black Money': The Pentagon's Mysterious U.F.O. Program". That article helped change the common perception about UFOs and intelligent life on other planets from "goofy people who wear tinfoil hats" to "Hmm, maybe there is something to this." Since then, military sources have publicly released and verified images of UFOs, often referred to as "UAPs," Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. Highly placed military officers and civilians have...
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. We work to make that happen through legislative advocacy, supporting policies that benefit the age 50+ community, opposing those that don't, and working alongside our partners to ensure issues related to aging in Alaska are top of mind when drafting new legislation. AARP is offering three opportunities for you to help make Alaska a place where we can all choose how we live as we age. - Become an e-activist - Volunteer as an AARP legislative...
Q. Someone I know appears to be mentally stressed or troubled. It raises the questions: When should I become concerned? How should I respond to any unusual mannerisms they may exhibit? A. If someone shows signs of mental stress or angst, pay close attention to any significant changes in their behavior. Should their actions become extreme, reach out to a healthcare provider or seek professional guidance promptly. In cases where you believe the individual may pose a risk to themselves or others,...
Tom Class, the dedicated rural outreach coordinator for the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, has had a very busy year. Traveling extensively across the state, Tom has been conducting low-vision clinics in various remote locations, including Nome, Juneau, Kotzebue and several other communities. Tom's tireless efforts are making a significant impact, bringing much-needed vision care to those in Alaska's far-flung regions. His work ensures that even the most isolated residents...
Bump Dots are adhesive dots that provide tactile marking of everyday items such as a microwave, oven, keyboard, calculators, light switches and more. The dots allow an individual who has vision loss to easily navigate and utilize the appliance or device. Bump Dots come in many different sizes, shapes, heights and colors to help with distinguishing between each dot. This column is brought to you by ATLA (Assistive Technology of Alaska), a nonprofit, statewide resource. ATLA does not endorse this...
The 10th Annual Alaska Disability and Aging Summit, themed “Inclusive Aging in Alaska: Thriving and Growing Together,” will be held on October 8 and 9 in Anchorage. Organized by the Alaska Disability and Aging Coalition, the event will be hybrid, allowing participants to attend both in person at the Special Olympics Alaska Jim Balamaci Training Center and online via Zoom. The summit's goal is to unite Alaskans to discuss national and state trends related to aging, specifically focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental dis...
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, I encourage you to review and, if needed, change your Prescription Drug Plan under Part D coverage. Changes you elect will become effective on Jan. 1. Certified Medicare counselors across Alaska can help you as part of the Medicare Information Office’s network of program Ambassadors, including through your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Give us a call, we would be glad to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and even complete t...
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase awareness about this prevalent disease. Breast cancer affects millions worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Early detection, often through screening, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. While it can affect both men and women, it's far more common in women. Regular self-examinations and routine screenings play a crucial...
At-home detection of heart failure Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide and now researchers hope to combat it in a whole new way. They have developed a point-of-care electrochemical biosensor that can measure levels of two biomarkers for heart failure in as little as 15 minutes from just a drop of saliva. “Our device would be ideal for people, who are at high risk for heart failure but have limited access to a hospital or a centralized lab,” said developer Trey Pittman, who is...
Alaska’s Medicare Information Office holds a webinar on the second Monday of each month, “Medicare Monday,” to discuss and answer questions related to Medicare. The October session is on Oct. 14, from noon to 1 p.m., and the topic will be Part D prescription drug plan open enrollment. After a brief presentation, the meeting is open for Q&A. Anyone can attend via Zoom or phone call (must dial in using Zoom number). Registration is required, upon which the Zoom address is sent. To register, visit http://alaska.gov/go/7V6X. For more infor...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in October. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Oct. 2. Kenai Senior Center, “Stronger Together” support group with Rachael Craig, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 3 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 Soldotna Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 Sterling Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 Nikiski Senior Center, Cindy Harris from Alzheimer’s Assoc...
Over the course of my career working with family caregivers, I have noticed a subtle change in the makeup of who is providing the care. In 2009, men comprised 34 percent of family caregivers of adults. In 2020, according to a report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (“Caregiving in the U.S. 2020”), roughly 40 percent of informal caregivers in the U.S. were men. And that number is likely to increase, according to a 2019 NIH study, due to a shrinking family caregiver pool and shifting policies that provide better support for all...
Aging is not for the weak. Tasks we once took for granted become more difficult to complete. New challenges pop up frequently such as sore knees, stiff back or not sleeping well. That list just keeps on growing, right? However, aging is a gift and one we can value and maximize every day. To be our best selves at our current age and forward, we need to invest in our health and well-being. The benefits of strength training for aging are well documented. The good news is this doesn't have to be a b...
It is late August and despite the nip in the air as fall descends on Interior Alaska, 56 elders and emerging elders eagerly gathered to learn and share their traditional Native activities at the third Denakkanaaga Elders Mentoring Elders Cultural Camp. Held at the scenic Howard Luke Gaalee'ya Spirit Camp on the Tanana River, the elders joined together to celebrate Native traditions, values, stories and skills. "The camp is an opportunity to support elders who were disconnected from their...
It could be said that I owe my existence to square dancing. My parents met at a square dance in the basement of the Seward Methodist Church in the early 1950s. Dad grew up on a ranch in Montana and came to Alaska for adventure and work. Mom grew up in a Pennsylvania town and came to Alaska as a missionary nurse. They married in 1954 and lived in Seward, Anchorage and Cooper Landing before moving their growing family of four children (I'm the oldest) to Glennallen in January 1963. Glennallen did...
The Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame (AWHF) has announced its 2024 inductees, recognizing ten remarkable women who have made significant contributions to their communities, professions, and the state. The honorees will be celebrated at a virtual induction ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on the AWHF website, providing a platform for the inductees to share their inspiring stories. This year’s inductees include a diverse group of women whose achievements span various fields, from science and education to hea...
Q. I need help deciding which cellphone to buy. What do you recommend? A. If you have a tech-oriented friend, get the model they suggest. Just make sure they are willing to help you when you need it. If I assume you don’t have a friend like that, here is my take: I purchased my first cell phone in 1989. I have owned or tested countless different cellular phones. As a daily user of cellphones for 35 years, I have strong opinions. The very best phones available at any price are made by Apple. Any Apple phone is a good choice, so making your c...
Older Persons Action Group, Inc., earned honors for its monthly, statewide publication Senior Voice in the 33rd annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation's finest marketing, communications, educational materials and programs designed and produced for older adults. Entries were judged by a panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall exc...
As the Alaskan population ages, the mental health of our seniors has become an increasingly important issue to our state. With many older adults facing challenges such as loneliness, chronic illness, and loss of independence, mental health concerns among seniors are more prevalent than ever. In response, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has emerged as a critical resource, offering immediate support for individuals in distress or just looking for more information on how to combat loneliness or depression. Understanding the 988 Lifeline The...
Alerting systems provide notifications of a variety of alerts around your home. There are many different brands of alerting systems available, however, each system has unique transmitters that communicate with the main receiver to provide notifications to the user. There are many transmitters, such as phone calls, doorbells, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, baby cry sensors, and more. When a notification comes through, the alerting system's receiver will provide flashing and vibrating alerts...
Grapes often get a bad rap as being too sweet or sugary, but they are a nutrient-dense fruit and pack a host of health benefits. Eating grapes can help support brain and heart health. Further, the vitamins and minerals in grapes may provide an immunity boost and more. There are so many health benefits from eating grapes that they are now classified as a "functional food." Grapes are a rich source of bioactive molecules, which contribute to the health benefits. Grape consumption is linked to...
For those of us enrolled into Original Medicare (Parts A and B), most of us have also enrolled into one of Medicare’s Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). Each year, we may make changes to this prescription coverage during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, for changes which will then go into effect from Jan. 1 onward. Leading up to this Open Enrollment, you will start to receive notices with information relating to any changes in your plan for the com...
