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The "Eyes of Freedom" memorial exhibit, featuring the poignant "Silent Battle" sculpture, will visit Anchorage in July 2024 to honor the memory of Lance Cpl Grant Fraser, a fallen Marine of the Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Reconnaissance Battalion. He was from Anchorage. This exhibit, which travels nationwide to honor fallen military personnel, will be displayed at three Anchorage locations: July 20-21 Arctic Thunder Open House, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The exhibit will be accessible...
The 33rd Alaska Legislature concluded its two-year session on May 15. The legislature set out to prioritize energy and education policy in 2024, and those issues did take much of the session’s focus, political will, and compromise, in addition to the usual budget process. AARP Alaska’s 2024 legislative advocacy pushed for policies and funding that support aging in place, financial security, and improved access to healthcare. We saw major successes in our work to restore and expand funding for critical programs serving older Alaskans, with add...
Would you go to your doctor to find out why the brakes on your car are making so much noise? Would you go to your friendly neighborhood mechanic for diagnosis and treatment of a serious heart problem? I’ll just crawl out on a limb here and say, “probably not.” And that begs the question, “why not?” Really. Why wouldn’t you see a doctor about your car problems? Because smart as your doctor is, he or she has little if any training or experience fixing cars. Same for the mechanic. Great with cars. Doesn’t know squat about heart problems. See...
More than 10 percent of Alaska’s adult population are military veterans, many of whom live with a military service-related disability due to toxic exposure, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, the Dept. of Veterans Affairs does not recognize a disease developed during service on a military site with known PFAS contamination as a presumptively service-related disability. The VET PFAS ACT of July 2023 aims to assure medical care to ill veterans and their dependents exposed to PFAS by sparing them from unnecessary b...
Q: My neighbor and their spouse reside in separate homes. This is the third couple I have heard of living this way. Why do some people choose to live apart? A: Living Apart Together (LAT) is a modern relationship arrangement where couples choose to remain in separate residences while maintaining a committed romantic relationship. This phenomenon has been gaining popularity, challenging traditional notions of cohabitation and partnership. Let us explore the concept of LAT couples, examine the...
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men, so it is often thought of as a women’s disease. Subsequently, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in men, especially men age 65 and older, who are at risk for developing osteoporosis. In addition, the number of fractures caused by fragile bones in men has increased in recent years. A fracture after age 50 is an important signal that a person may have osteoporosis. Unfortunately, men are less likely than women to be evaluated for osteoporosis after a fracture. Men also are less likely to get o...
Q: I work at a keyboard and my wrists get really sore. What can I do to prevent damaging my hands and wrists? I can't quit my job. A: Repetitive strain injury from computer work is a widespread problem in this age of electronic communication. You may touch keys up to 200,000 times a day -the equivalent of your fingers walking 10 miles. Holding your wrists, hands and back straight while keyboard walking is crucial to ongoing comfort and prevention of strains and pains. When you work with straight wrists and fingers, the nerves, muscles and...
Ott-Lite table and desk lamps are designed specifically to bring natural daylight lighting indoors to help the user see details clearly and colors accurately. Ott-Lites can benefit individuals who need assistance seeing books, recipes, prescription bottles, crafts, puzzles, electronics, jewelry and more. There are Ott-Lite lamps that can be placed on desks or on the floor with high contrast clocks on their face, USB ports for charging electronics, magnifiers attached, or adjustable device...
This month’s article begins with a recommendation to prepare documentation of your personal desires as related to your medical situation and future health care needs. These can help convey your intentions should you not be able to voice them yourself. Next, a reminder that Medicare only provides coverage for services and equipment deemed medically necessary – you might find yourself in need of additional help with activities in your daily life. Finally, a mention regarding how hospice care pro...
June is Men's Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique health issues men face and to encourage early detection, treatment and prevention. Alaska Health Fair offers a variety of blood screenings that can provide valuable information about your health. Take your blood test results to your doctor. Comprehensive Blood Chemistry panel. This test measures various components of your blood, providing insight into your kidney, liver, as well as glucose, electrolyte and lipid levels. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Beginning at...
Preventing memory loss on a daily basis When it comes to your brain, use it or lose it. The harder your brain works at your job, the less likely you may be to have memory and thinking problems later in life, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. The study does not prove that stimulating work prevents mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It only shows an association. “We examined the demands of various jobs and found that cognitive stimulation at work during different stages i...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in June. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. June 4, Tyotkas Elder Center, 10:30 a.m. June 7, Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 18, Kenai Senior Center, with guest speaker, Louise Heite from MA Speech Pathology, 1 to 2 p.m. June 20, Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 27, Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a...
The loon drifts in lethargic circles, its white-collared neck drooping into the water. Fish dart below, but the bird cannot eat. Paralysis spreads from its broad webbed feet to the lungs that once sustained five-minute dives. As its organs shut down, the loon will slowly suffocate or starve. Every year, an estimated 16 million birds suffer this torturous death from lead poisoning. Accidental ingestion of lead fishing tackle causes up to half of all adult loon deaths. But with a few small...
The Social Security Administration partners with locations throughout Alaska to offer a secure video service option. Video service is a convenient and no-cost way for people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service locations are available at: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, located at 1000 Greg Kruschek Ave. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai...
Born in the heart of Anchorage and raised amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Willow, I developed a connection with the great outdoors from a young age. Fishing, hiking, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling became not just hobbies, but cherished parts of my identity. Professionally, I wear multiple hats. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I hold a certificate degree as a holistic health coach and am board-certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. My...
Spring is a season of renewal, symbolizing hope, and growth. As snow melts away and nature awakens, its impact on Alaskans living with Alzheimer's and dementia and their caregivers is profound. The changing season may spark memories and enhance cognitive function. The sight of blossoming flowers or the smell of freshly cut grass can evoke nostalgic feelings, fostering moments of clarity and connection. Additionally, exposure to natural light can help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood, reducing agitation and anxiety commonly associated...
In 2022, there were 53,692 veterans living in Alaska, making it the number one state with retired American military. While that's a 25.25 percent decrease since 2012, the statewide population total of 733,583 state population of that same year, means 10.10 percent of the adult civilian population in Alaska were considered veterans. Looking after soldiers Joint Base Elmendorf/Richardson Retired Soldiers Council has a free newsletter, “Soldier for Life,” which can be viewed on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Alaska.Milit...
Older Americans Month is an annual celebration that serves as a platform to honor and appreciate the vital contributions that older persons play in our communities and in our society as a whole. Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is celebrated every May. It is also an opportunity to highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities. The federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), typically provides us with an annual theme. This year’s theme is “Powered by Community,” which...
Senior Voice contributor Lawrence Weiss sat down in late March for an interview with longtime Anchorage resident Cal Williams. Here is their Q&A. People often refer to you as a "community activist." Why is that? Just prior to coming here, I was involved with CORE, the Congress of Racial Equality, in Monroe, Louisiana -marching picketing, doing voter registration and voter education with CORE-the summer of 1964. Then in September of 1964, I, along with six other black students, was accepted at...
Shifting from processed to home-cooked meals offers numerous advantages, from improved nutritional quality to enriching personal and social experiences. Here's why making this change can be profoundly positive. One significant advantage of home cooking is the control it gives over ingredients. This allows you to avoid harmful additives and excess sugars, fats and salts common in processed foods. Instead, you can choose fresh, wholesome ingredients that boost your intake of vital nutrients,...
Reacher/grabber tools help those who have trouble bending or those with limited mobility to pick up lightweight objects around the house. Each reacher/grabber has slight variations from length, head rotation, magnetic tips, folding capabilities, materials and more. There are many on the market for purchase. The one shown in the picture is 32 inches in length, weighs less than one pound, has a rotating and magnetic head, folds in half, and has non-slip silicone rubber coating to make it easier...
Q: When I see the doctor, I give them my symptoms over and over, but they are dismissive of my pains and concerns. What can I do? A: As adults age, it is crucial to take control of one’s health and wellness. By being consistent about preventive care, prioritizing medical issues, and actively engaging with healthcare providers to avoid ageism, one can optimize outcomes and quality of life. Prioritize healthcare First, stay informed about age-related health concerns, medications and treatment o...
This month’s article will focus on how Medicare may work with health benefits for federal employees, retirees and annuitants. Employees and retired employees of the federal government are eligible for Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, subject to those positions that are excluded by law or regulation. Currently this includes employees of the U.S. Postal Service. The Office of Personnel Management administers the FEHB program. When someone becomes eligible for Medicare, most c...
Alaska Health Fair has been delivering health fairs and affordable comprehensive blood screenings since 1980. May is the final month of our spring health fair season. After that, we will go on a short break and begin work on fall health fairs. Now is the perfect time to visit one of our remaining fairs, connect with local health and wellness resources, and take advantage of the affordable, comprehensive blood screenings (prices begin at $20). Schedule an appointment online (www.alaskahealthfair.org) or simply walk-in at any of our events. May...
A chatbot app to quit smoking Researchers in Seattle, Wash. have now developed an artificial intelligence (AI) -powered chatbot app called QuitBot to help more people successfully quit smoking cigarettes. The app is available for free on Apple and Android devices and is a comprehensive app that provides users personalized support. Developed using scientifically backed answers vetted by scientists and experienced smoking cessation clinicians, QuitBot combines evidence-based structured conversatio...
