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  • Free training and support for family caregivers in December

    Senior Voice Staff|Dec 1, 2015

    The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in December. This month’s topic is “How to Measure Vital Signs.” Dec. 1, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. Dec. 8, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.. Dec. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m. Dec. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, 3 p.m. Dec. 29, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. Please join and share your exper...

  • New Web resource for aging Alaskans

    Lawrence David Weiss PhD, For Senior Voice|Dec 1, 2015

    “Aging Alaskans Info” is a blog and website which I started earlier this year to be a comprehensive resource for aging Alaskans and our families. I started the website for reasons that were personal and difficult, yet familiar to most of us. I have been in Alaska since 1982, but in the last decade I was responsible for the care of my elderly mother and aunt, who were both living in New Mexico. They have since passed away, but it was a tremendous struggle to try to help them manage their lives from such a great distance. This stressful exp...

  • Choosing a better Medicare drug plan

    Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services|Nov 1, 2015

    The annual window for Medicare beneficiaries to review their prescription drug, or Part D, insurance plan options for next year is open until Dec. 7, 2015. Alaskans who get both Medicaid and Medicare can enroll or change plans any time. “Consumers should always compare plans, but this year it’s more important than ever,” said Judith Bendersky of Alaska’s Medicare Information Office. “Plan premiums are trending upward for the first time in years, so are many medication costs, and most of the plans that did not have an annual deductibl...

  • New guidelines allow traditional Native foods onto more plates

    Nancy Furlow and Sarah Shimer, For Senior Voice|Nov 1, 2015

    When Alaska Native elders talk about Alaska's traditional foods they often say, "real foods feed our bodies and our spirits." Eating traditional foods like moose, fish and berries often is easy as long as seniors remain at home, but is more challenging if they participate in senior meal programs or move into urban areas, long-term care, nursing homes or hospital settings. The National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders (NRC) listened to Alaska Native elders and senior Alaskans express thei...

  • Advisory committee seeks public input regarding Medicaid

    Senior Voice Staff|Nov 1, 2015

    The Alaska Medical Care Advisory Committee will meet Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, in Anchorage at the State Dept. of Health and Social Services Health Care Services Conference Room, 450 Business Park Blvd., Building L. The meeting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 6 and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 7. The public is invited to attend. The purpose of the committee is to serve as the primary advisory body to the Dept. of Health and Social Services under federal Medicaid provisions requiring that each state have an advisory committee. The...

  • Scammers push medical devices on seniors

    Michelle Tabler, Better Business Bureau|Nov 1, 2015

    Alaskan seniors are being targeted with unwelcomed calls from telemarketers pitching unneeded medical devices. Better Business Bureau and the Alaska Medicare Information Office say the callers will trick seniors into parting with personal information and agreeing to medical devices that may be lesser quality than claimed. Alaska health officials say the practice has been rampant in the state. The callers often times will offer Medicare recipients free or discounted wrist splints, back braces and diabetic supplies, even though they may not need...

  • Magnesium deficiency found in 80 percent of Americans

    Wendell Fowler, Senior Wire|Nov 1, 2015

    In an over-fed, undernourished world, here’s a bit of tasty news. Addressing just one simple nutrient deficiency can prevent a long list of modern society’s present-day diseases while vastly improving the quality of your life. You never hear magnesium mentioned in the same breath as vitamin C, A, E and calcium; however, magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. The role of magnesium in preventing heart disease and kidney stones is widely accepted. Individuals who die suddenly of heart attacks have been shown to...

  • Get a free memory checkup in November

    Senior Voice Staff|Nov 1, 2015

    Memory Screenings are an important part of checking our overall health as we age. If you or a loved one are having concerns about memory loss and the difference between normal aging and cognitive impairment, make an appointment for a screening and learn more about both. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska will offer free memory screenings during November at the following locations and times. Registration is required. Nov. 3 Juneau 3225 Hospital Drive, #101, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Amber, 586-6044 Nov. 6 Fairbanks 565 University Ave., #2, 9 a.m. to 4...

  • Medicare Part D plans and Part B premiums

    Rita Hatch, Senior Voice Correspondent|Nov 1, 2015

    Winter has finally arrived, with one small fall of the flaky, white stuff and if the prognosticators are to be believed, due to the imminent arrival of “El Nino,” it will be a mild one. At my age I am forever thankful. I used to welcome snow, when I could go “sno-go” riding and even take a turn on the old skis, but now snow is just a nuisance. It is again time to remind us that winter brings slippery steps, streets, roads and don’t forget fallen leaves, and we have to step carefully. And that...

  • Health fairs in November

    Senior Voice Staff|Nov 1, 2015

    * The University Center Health Fair in Anchorage is Nov. 21. The print edition incorrectly listed it as Nov. 15. Please take note and spread the word! Alaska Health Fair, Inc. wraps up their fall series of health fairs around the state this month, featuring free health screenings and education, low cost blood tests and more. These tests can help you learn about your health and detect potential problems early, when treatment or changes in personal habits can be most effective. The test results give you and your health care provider important...

  • Free kidney health screenings in Anchorage

    Senior Voice Staff|Nov 1, 2015

    The Alaska Kidney Patients Assoc. is offering free kidney health screenings in November for people at increased risk for kidney disease, meaning people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or immediate family members with kidney disease. To participate, contact the Alaska Kidney Patients Association, and they’ll arrange for you to get your lab work done at a local lab, free of charge. After you’ve completed the lab work, an appointment will be made on Saturday, Nov. 21, to go over the results with a medical professional, who will be able to ans...

  • Medicare open enrollment is also open season for scams

    Alan M. Schlein, Senior Wire|Nov 1, 2015

    Medicare’s open enrollment, the time you can keep or switch your Medicare coverage, runs from October 15 until December 7. To Medicare scammers, open enrollment means open season on seniors. The best advice to prevent yourself from being taken advantage of by these con artists and scammers is jarring but to the point: be rude and just hang up the phone. If a solicitation comes via email or on a website, don’t click on the link, as it may open you up to a computer virus. You may also need to watch out for predatory insurance agents, who som...

  • Free training and support for family caregivers

    Senior Voice Staff|Nov 1, 2015

    The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in November. This month’s topic is “Caregiver Wellness.” Nov. 3, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. Nov. 10, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.. Nov. 17, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m. Nov. 17, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, 3 p.m. Nov. 24, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. Please join and share your experiences as a car...

  • News on colds; anti-cancer qualities of plums; and high-tech walkers

    John Schieszer, Medical Minutes|Nov 1, 2015

    Lowering your risk of catching a cold The common cold occurs approximately two to three times a year in adults. If you get that many, you are in the norm. However, if you get more than that you need to think about getting more sleep. New research suggests that a lack of sleep and walking around with a sleep deficit can significantly increase your risk of catching a cold. Studies also suggest that handwashing and zinc may help with prevention. A review of 67 randomized controlled trials found...

  • Radios served as lifelines for bush Alaska

    Laurel Downing Bill, Senior Voice Correspondent|Nov 1, 2015

    Before the Internet and cell service became synonymous with instant communication, Alaska's remote villages relied on a military network of telephone-telegraph radiophone stations to relay messages. Only a few cables reached a few Alaska cities back in the mid-1900s, so messages from these Alaska Communication System stations were transmitted to and from radiophone stations scattered all over the territory. With no roads and no other forms of communication, these radiophones were the lifeline...

  • Congress changes billing rules for hospital 'observation care'

    Alan M. Schlein, Senior Wire|Oct 1, 2015

    Here is some Medicare bad news, disguised as good news. Congress has finally moved to change the laws about observation care, a problem that’s been vexing seniors for years because the laws are unclear. This has forced millions of seniors to face huge unexpected medical bills when they get home from short hospital stays. Congress has supposedly “fixed” the problem – with the House and Senate approving legislation, but the fix appears to be a step in the right direction, without fixing the actual problem. Under legislation that passed the Sen...

  • Senior Voice wins national media awards

    Senior Voice Staff|Oct 1, 2015

    Older Persons Action Group, Inc., earned honors for its monthly, statewide publication “Senior Voice” in the 24th 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. Senior Voice received both Gold and Silver awards in the Local/State media division, Newsletter/Newspaper category. The entries were judged by a pan...

  • Outrageous scam stories are sadly true

    Michelle Tabler, Better Business Bureau|Oct 1, 2015

    Earlier this year, I wrote a blog on lottery scams and the vulnerability of seniors to this type of scheme – whether by phone, mail, or email. Since then, I have received more reports from victims. Community partners throughout the state have all mentioned an uptick in cases of lottery scams. Just last month, I spoke with the daughter of a 91-year old woman who contacted Better Business Bureau with her mom’s story. It’s a heartbreaking story. She told me that her mom has sent a total of $20,000 to scammers. It all began with the scam artis...

  • Medicare Part D open enrollment: Time to shop

    Judith Bendersky, Alaska Medicare Information Office|Oct 1, 2015

    What’s new for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage for 2016? There will be 19 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans available (versus 24 in 2015). No Medicare Advantage Plans will be available; 54 percent of Alaskans are eligible for Extra Help but not all have taken advantage of the great savings it affords. The lowest monthly premium for a prescription drug plan will be $18.40. The highest will be $89.20. People who reach the “donut hole” in the drug benefit will save 55 percent on covered brand name drugs and see increased savings on generic drug...

  • This popular pain reliever has deadly side effects

    Suzy Cohen, Senior Wire|Oct 1, 2015

    Tylenol is popular. It is known generically as “acetaminophen” or “paracetamol,” and is one of the leading pain relievers in the entire world. It’s probably in every medicine cabinet (including mine), right next to my ibuprofen. Most people know ibuprofen can hurt the gut, whereas acetaminophen can hurt the liver. Today I want to focus on protecting you if you like to take acetaminophen. Many years ago, probably in 2001, I warned you all to take a certain supplement called “NAC”, in order to protect your liver and restore glutathione l...

  • Stay safe while the trick or treaters are out for fun

    Teresa Ambord, Senior Wire|Oct 1, 2015

    Kids love Halloween, but adults… maybe not. Seniors who live alone may feel vulnerable opening their doors to strangers. And if you choose not to spend a small fortune on treats, will your house get egged? Then again, some adults like to decorate their front porches and enjoy seeing the costumes and talking to the children. You might even walk the neighborhood with your grandkids. Depending on where you live, Halloween can be scary and stressful for seniors, especially those who live alone. If you have mobility problems, getting up and down t...

  • Feel like gambling with your Social Security payouts?

    Rita Hatch, Senior Voice Correspondent|Oct 1, 2015

    Fall is here and we are expecting another mild winter; happy days for me – the less snow we get the fewer times I have to have my roof shoveled. I haven’t heard from any readers about the “filial responsibility laws” I last wrote about, which is probably good news, since it means that seniors are taking care of their children and children are happily taking care of their parents. After my own 14-day stay in the hospital, which cost over $100,000, I am curious as to what Caitlyn Jenner had to...

  • Health fairs around the state in October

    Senior Voice Staff|Oct 1, 2015

    Alaska Health Fair, Inc. continues their fall series of health fairs around the state this month, featuring free health screenings and education, low cost blood tests and more. These tests can help you learn about your health and detect potential problems early, when treatment or changes in personal habits can be most effective. The test results give you and your health care provider important information about your physical condition and vital organ functions. A complete and comprehensive chemistry/hematology test is available for only $45 and...

  • 'Stand Down' event for homeless veterans is Oct. 23 in Anchorage

    Senior Voice Staff|Oct 1, 2015

    The 23rd annual Stand Down for Veterans in Need will be held on Friday, October 23, at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, North Terminal. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to officials, “Stand Down is an annual program to provide ‘Veterans in Need’ with various types of assistance to include but not limited to medical, dental and vision screening, housing assistance, employment assistance, and financial assistance.” “We’ll have more than 50 social service agencies, including federal organizations, State of Al...

  • New procedure shows promise to improve reading vision

    John Schieszer, Medical Minutes|Oct 1, 2015

    No more reading glasses? It may now be possible to get rid of your reading glasses permanently. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now approved a new inlay procedure that can correct presbyopia. This is a condition that develops around age 40 and involves the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Until now, you had to wear reading glasses, bifocals or undergo surgical procedures. The problem with the surgical procedures were that they could compromise a person’s d...

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