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I have just retired after enjoying 32 years as a primary care provider. My clinical focus has been on creating wellness, rather than managing disease, primarily through good nutrition and positive self-care. I have observed that women, especially those born before the early days of legally bolstered equal rights, have often been made to feel that their role is to serve men. We are unfortunately seeing a persistence or revival of sexism at personal, community, state, and national levels. It is...
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, I encourage you to review and, if needed, change your Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) under Medicare’s 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 e...
Alaska Health Fair events offer a chance to learn about important health topics topics in an informal setting. Attendees can receive free basic screenings, obtain information and resources, and have their questions answered by health, wellness and safety professionals. Health fairs are also a great way to connect with local health resources. Most importantly, events feature comprehensive, affordable blood tests. Obtaining blood screenings at health fairs is a great way to get quick, accurate results at a fraction of the cost. Alaska Health...
Current research is showing that a healthy plant-based diet, along with regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight, can reduce breast cancer risk. Further, engineering combined with digital health may unlock a much better way to detect breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that one in eight women born in the U.S. today will develop breast cancer. Studies have consistently demonstrated that consumption of vegetables, fruits, and soy...
When a medical emergency happens, you may not be able to speak for yourself. That's why having an emergency medical file ready is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your health and safety. An emergency medical file is a simple folder or envelope that contains all your important medical information in one place. You know all those questions the EMTs and nurses and doctors ask so often? It's because the answers are key to the care you need. This file is your medical story told...
A new AI-based breast cancer software has received FDA Breakthrough Device destination, accelerating the path to approval. The system analyzes mammograms to produce a risk score estimating the likelihood that a woman will develop breast cancer over the next five years. The technology is compatible with both types of mammogram imaging available: the four 2D views of the breast produced by full-field digital mammography and the synthetic 3D view of the breast produced by digital breast...
Amy Urbanus was already an assistant professor in the dietetics and nutrition program at the University of Alaska Anchorage but missed working with patients. So she started working with patients at the Anchorage Senior Activities Center, putting in about 20 hours a month to address seniors' nutrition needs. That work, and a professional career as a diabetes educator drove Urbanus to seek a Ph.D., which she is completing at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She designed her own...
As we age our nutritional needs change. Paying attention to the foods we consume can keep our energy level, vitality, cognition, stamina and strength, and prevent chronic health problems. Strategies to increase or to maintain muscle mass and its functional capacity are essential to preserve the quality of life of aging adults. Here is a quick guide for aging well. 1) Boost protein intake-it helps to preserve immune system, prevent the loss of muscle mass and strength and helps to aid recovery. G...
For those of us enrolled into Original Medicare (Parts A & 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...
Dear Savvy Senior, A few months ago, I took an ambulance to the hospital emergency room because I had a nasty fall at home, but just received a hefty $1,050 bill from the ambulance company. Doesn’t Medicare cover ambulance rides? - Frustrated Beneficiary Dear Beneficiary, Yes, Medicare does cover emergency ambulance services and, in limited cases, nonemergency ambulance services too, but only when they’re deemed medically necessary and reasonable. So, what does that mean? First, it means that your medical condition must be serious enough tha...
This advice is not just for kids-although contact with "cooties" will inevitably go up when kids (and teachers) return to school in the fall. If you or your grandchildren have a history of being vulnerable to commons colds or flus at the beginning of the school year, there are a few simple ways to help stave off the misery of being ill. Hand-washing is an obvious, but under-utilized, method to prevent disease. Avoid the triclosan-containing anti-bacterial soaps, which are contributing to the...
As you may know, original Medicare covers approximately 80% of the cost of most out-patient services. But what about the remaining 20%, or even the other out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or the costs of in-patient care? You may want to consider purchasing a Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as a Medigap) policy as a companion to your Medicare coverage. But how to know which one? My first recommendation is to obtain a copy of the “Consumer Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance (...
A medication for treating diabetes may have hidden brain benefits. Researchers have found that semaglutide, a popular diabetes and weight-loss drug, may lower the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dementia, a condition that slowly makes it harder for people to remember things and think clearly, occurs when brain cells are damaged and their connections stop working properly. This damage, which worsens over time, can be caused by various modifiable factors, including obesity,...
When you have Medicare and another source of health care insurance coverage, you may at some point wonder, “Who pays first?” If you are like me, my first thought goes to the classic Abbott and Costello comedy routine, “Who’s on first?” and that is a much funnier topic. But with Medicare and other coverage, such as that offered by your employer, knowing which coverage is considered primary (and which then is secondary) can help to fully understand your covered insurance claims. Point 1: The di...
We are fortunate to live here among the mountains, forests and vast natural beauty of Alaska. For many of us, hiking isn't just a form of exercise-it's a return to joy, spirituality, solitude, and connection. Whether you're getting back on the trail after a long winter or rediscovering hiking later in life, moving your body in this landscape can be deeply healing and rewarding. As a physical therapist, I see firsthand how physical activity supports not just longevity but vitality. It's not only...
A large study is suggesting that women who consume caffeinated coffee in midlife are more likely to be healthy agers. However, tea and decaf coffee may not provide the same benefits. Additionally, researchers found that drinking colas was strongly associated with lesser likelihood of healthy aging. Researchers conducted a study with almost 48,000 women who were followed for 30 years. They found that a morning cup of coffee might do more than boost energy and could also help women stay sharp,...
Q: I recently watched the documentary “The 90s Club,” where individuals in their 90s share their perspectives on life, love, loss, and the search for meaning. This deeply resonated with me and sparked reflections about my own future. Some days, it is challenging to remain optimistic, especially when I find myself surrounded by constant reminders of farewells and funerals. I'm seeking ways to shift my perspective and find hope amid grief. How can I develop a more positive outlook? A: One way to...
Preventive health care is care you receive to prevent illness, detect medical conditions, and keep you healthy. Medicare covers many preventive health care services, including routine vaccines. Today I will discuss how the different parts of Medicare cover vaccines, along with some important notes about a few common vaccines. Point 1: Understand that most vaccines are covered by Medicare Part D If your provider recommends that you get a vaccine, in most cases this service will be covered by your...
I am a Certified Medicare Counselor working under SHIP. My office is in the Soldotna Senior Center, and I serve the state via phone. If you are local, I can help you as a walk-in. I am here Mondays through Thursday, 8 am to 3:30 pm. Call with your Medicare questions, 907-262-2322....
Even though muscle is heavier than fat, and exercise greatly stimulates appetite, no health improvement or weight loss program will ultimately succeed without focused toning. This is because muscle is highly metabolically active tissue and uses up close to 80% of our glucose requirements. In general, I favor low carb (and no refined carb) diets, especially for blood type O and B. A blood types would ideally choose a pesco-ovo vegetarian diet (avoiding red meat and heavy dairy products). But we all like to have a treat now and then—right? So, sa...
Technology use among older adults appears to benefit cognitive health rather than harm it, according to a large-scale meta-analysis published in Nature Human Behaviour, a monthly multidisciplinary online-only peer-reviewed scientific journal. The study, which examined data from more than 411,000 adults ages 50 and older, found that engaging with digital devices may actually help protect against cognitive decline and dementia. “The generation that brought us the digital revolution is now r...
Q: Coming back home after visiting my mom opened my eyes to the various challenges that older individuals face- challenges I had not fully recognized before. I've also noticed growing strain in our relationship as she ages. How can I improve our communication, especially when I need to discuss concerning behaviors? A: I appreciate you sharing your reflections after a visit with your mother. It is natural to feel a sense of concern as we navigate the complexities that come with aging and...
After a brain injury, stress management is crucial for recovery and well-being. -Calm is an app that offers a variety of breathing techniques, calming exercises, and sleep resources. -The Hatch sound machine provides sleep sounds while a user falls asleep and a sunrise alarm for gentler wakeups, reducing the need to look at a bright phone first thing in the morning. -Another tool to help with stress management is Loop earplugs, specifically the Quiet and Engage models, which minimize background...
In this month's article, I will discuss Medicare's coverage of durable medical equipment, which is called DME for short. It is equipment that helps you complete daily activities. This category is also sometimes labeled more inclusively as DMEPOS for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. Medical equipment to help you daily Durable medical equipment (DME) are items that help you complete your daily activities including a variety of items, such as walkers, wheelchairs,...
I am a Certified Medicare Counselor working under SHIP. My office is in the Soldotna Senior Center, and I serve the state via phone. If you are local, I can help you as a walk-in. I am here Mondays through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call with your Medicare questions, 907-262-2322....
