Sorted by date Results 822 - 846 of 2084
President Joe Biden has laid out a long list of policy priorities - some more politically plausible than others. But what he left out of his sweeping infrastructure and family relief proposals – drug pricing reform, among other things – is as important as what he included. Biden, who served in the U.S. Senate for 36 years and as vice president for eight more, understood the politics of coronavirus and was able to successfully shepherd his pandemic relief bill through Congress, with only Democrat...
There are many examples of the long-established right for public institutions such as schools, employers, governments and businesses to protect the health of others by requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination or of a past infection, or seek a medical or religious exception. So why has COVID-19 vaccination become a lightning rod for controversy over “vaccine passports” and claims of violations of medical privacy or individual rights? Medical historian Dr. Howard Markel has written two popular books on the history of infectious dis...
In the United States, more than 40% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, however, most approved COVID-19 vaccines require two doses to provide a level of adequate protection. Delaying a second dose of the vaccine could put people at risk for any of the new variants and "are dangerously vulnerable to infection with variants that weaken the effects of antibodies," according to recent statements by Dr. Anthony Faucci, chief epidemiologist. of the White House. Another...
Detecting severe COVID-19 earlier There is some very good news to report in the battle against COVID-19 as researchers may have discovered a way to detect early those who will become severely ill. Most people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop no or only mild symptoms. However, some individuals suffer severe life-threatening cases of COVID-19 and require intensive medical care and a ventilator to help them breathe. Many of these patients eventually succumb to the disease or suffer significant long-term health consequences. To identify...
You just found out you have a limited life expectancy. Let’s say six months to a year. Here’s the kicker: You get to choose how you spend this time. What does that look like to you? Maybe you would like to be surrounded by family and friends. Perhaps you want to mend some broken relationships before it is too late. You probably would like to be comfortable and free of as much pain as possible. What about the comfort of your own surroundings? Of course, you want your cat (or is it a dog or rabbit or bird?) to cheer you up daily. And the las...
Q: How do I get my aunt who stays with me to do some form of exercise? I know it will help her and I’ve even offered to exercise with her so she isn’t alone, but she is still resistant. A: Physical activity is an important part of healthy aging. Frequent, repetitive, and enjoyable exercise can be a challenge. Many individuals see exercise as a fun social gathering as they walk outdoors or in the mall, but others find it tough just to get started. Any change is created through small steps. Whi...
Our agency has had a challenging year, as many non-profits have during our nation’s health crisis. The loyalty of many long-time clients, the curiosity of many new clients, plus many regular contributors have helped us to ride the crazy, wild waves of 2020-2021 and we didn’t go under water during the process. We are survivors and have proven this time and again over the past 41 years of serving Alaskans statewide. The Southcentral and Southeast health fair programs are closing their spring season at the end of May and the Tanana Valley Nor...
Everyone has some baking soda in the house and if not, you should get some. Aside from baking with it, I also use it in my garbage disposal and to brighten my laundry. Sodium bicarbonate is known more commonly as “baking soda” since it helps make dough rise by producing carbon dioxide. Today, I’ll share the most common medicinal uses for baking soda, as well as a few household uses that make it the cheapest, most effective remedy in town. Consuming excessive baking soda is toxic because it’s so high in sodium. So if you’re taking it internall...
Many individuals with Medicare find themselves struggling to pay the various costs associated with monthly premiums or prescription drugs. Fortunately, there are a number of different programs available to help. Medicare Savings Program The Medicare Savings Program (MSP), or Medicare Buy-in, is a program to help with paying Medicare premiums. There are three different programs you may be qualified for based on your income and assets. These programs are administered through the State of Alaska Division of Public Assistance. If you think you may...
Preventing strokes with a phone app It may soon be possible to detect atrial fibrillation with your phone. About one-third of ischemic strokes, those triggered by blood clots, are caused by atrial fibrillation, which is the most common heart rhythm disorder. Since many people don’t have symptoms and are unaware of its presence, atrial fibrillation often goes undiagnosed. In some cases, a stroke is the first sign that a person has the disorder. American Indians are more at risk for atrial fibrill...
Mountain-Pacific Quality Health and AARP state offices in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming invite family caregivers across the west region to a free public webinar series called, “House Calls,” which will demonstrate infection protection and other ways to keep loved ones out of the hospital. The webinar series is free, but participants are asked to register by visiting https://aarp.cvent.com/Housecalls_2021 or https://aarp.cvent.com/Housecalls_MP. The webinar series comes from the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Project Firstline, which...
If you are a family caregiver and have been feeling as if you are particularly stressed out by all the duties and responsibilities that come with your role, you are not alone. Here are some facts about caregiver stress from Caring.com: 40% of caregivers have been providing care for five or more years. Working women with caregiver roles are 2.5 times more likely to live in poverty when they become elderly compared to women who have not been caregivers during their lifetime. Long distance caregivers spend an average of $392 per month on travel...
Are you a senior chafing under the debt burden of a student loan? It may be perversely comforting to know that you are not alone. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in 2015, nearly 870,000 borrowers age 65 and older were burdened by federal student loans. Certainly the numbers are even higher now. Moreover, the amounts of money involved are staggering. According to AARP, in 2004, adults age 50 and older owed $47 billion in student loan debt. By 2018, that figure had exploded to $289.5 billion, making it one of the big...
As a graduating senior and assistant at an Alaska assisted living facility, I wanted to look at how COVID-19 impacted long term care residents. With careful attention to confidentiality agreements, and proper respect to resident’s privacy, I conducted a short, anonymous informal survey among the residents at the facility in Southcentral Alaska. Background on long term care residents and their caretakers In 2019, a Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) article reported that 46% of caretakers working in long term care homes missed a...
Congratulations to Gordon Glaser, who was announced in May as the winner of this year’s Ron Hammett Award for outstanding service to seniors in the Anchorage community. Gordon was scheduled to be presented the award at the Older Americans Month kick-off event May 26 at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center. Gordon has served on the Anchorage Senior Activity Center’s board of directors since 2011, six years of which as board president. He also serves on the Alaska Commission on Aging, currently as its board chair, and on the state’s Pione...
According to Diane McBain who turned 80 in May, it's never too late to begin a new chapter in your life. Along with co-author Michael Gregg Michaud, the 60s glamour gal published her autobiography "Famous Enough: A Hollywood Memoir" in 2014. (See www.facebook.com/michael.michaud.90 ) She also recently penned her first novel, "The Laughing Bear." "And I've got another ready to be published," said McBain from the retirement community in Woodland Hills, California, where she has lived for several...
The Alaska Commission on Aging will hold its spring meeting at the Soldotna Senior Center, May 4 through May 6. The agenda and site visit schedule will be distributed through the Alaska Commission on Aging Listserv once it is confirmed. Day one of the meeting will be held at the Soldotna Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an opportunity for public testimony from 4 to 4:30 p.m. On day two, commissioners will divide into groups and partner with local senior centers, tribal health centers and other groups to hold senior listening...
In the fall of 2019, representative payees in Alaska were involved in a controversy with the Social Security Administration over the legality of charging a certain fee for representative payee services. A representative payee is a person or organization appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive the Social Security or Social Security Income (SSI) benefits for beneficiaries who can’t manage or direct the management of their benefits. Millions of Americans who receive monthly Social Security or SSI benefits need help managing t...
As a retired Alaskan, I depend on quality health care from knowledgeable professionals. The health care workers I see regularly are people I know and have come to trust with my care. Alaska has a stringent set of standards when it comes to nurse licensing and robust continuing education requirements. It makes sense; we have a diverse population, both ethnically and geographically, and our aging population is growing as more and more people decide to make Alaska their retirement destination. Alaska depends on these highly trained professionals t...
While Latinos represent approximately 18% of the population in the United States, fewer than 5% participate in clinical trials or other forms of health research. Being left out of health research could have a significant negative impact on Latino communities, especially when it comes to understanding how new drugs, devices and therapies affect different people. Although Latinos are underrepresented in health research, that doesn’t mean that they don’t participate. NHCOA (National Hispanic Council on Aging) spoke with two Latinos from dif...
It is now possible to find out lots of details about what you are doing while you are sleeping at night. There are wrist sensors, rings and a host of other gadgets that measure how much sleep you are getting on a nightly basis. They are known as Consumer Sleep Technologies (CSTs) and there are dozens of options. These sleep trackers can give a person a better idea of whether they are getting enough quality sleep. Sleep trackers use sensors to detect things such as body movement and heart rate. Some wearable sleep trackers remain on the...
The latest studies show that a person who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can still become infected with the virus. However, there have been many questions about whether a fully vaccinated adult can transmit the virus. “It would be very rare. The best data we have are from long-term care facilities in a study from Denmark,” said Dr. Morgan Katz, who is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Denmark launched an immunization program against COVID-19 at the end of 20...
It’s that time of year again; the sun is warm, breakup is messy, and the snowbirds are migrating back to Alaska. It’s the time of year where the year-round residents and snowbirds alike are asking themselves, “Is this the year I finally move?” What does moving mean for your Medicare benefits? What is the process? Will your coverage change? Moving out of Alaska Medicare Parts A & B: The most important thing to do when moving is to update your address with the Social Security Administration. This will ensure you don’t miss important updates a...
Spring blood test date offerings continue through May for Southcentral and Southeast programs and mid-June for the Tanana Valley Northern Region Program. We continue to follow our appointment-based model, which works well and our clients are pleased with the service. Our traditional “morning draws” offer the ability to scoot in early and go enjoy a good lunch. Our late afternoon draws provide the chance to eat breakfast and skip lunch. Visit www.alaskahealthfair.org and check for various May “office draw dates” offered “by appointme...
Kay, tell us first about the mission of Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska? ARA's mission is to support Alaskans affected by Alzheimer's disease, related dementias and other disabilities to ensure quality of life. Aging is something that impacts everyone and brings its own challenges; however, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are not a part of 'normal' aging and the impact to all effected by ADRD is significant. Our goal at ARA is to provide support to all those impacted by ADRD,...
