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Along with annual health check-ups like eye exams, it’s equally important to assess your memory and cognitive function. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska can help. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) is dedicated to supporting Alaskans affected by Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and other disabilities by offering resources, classes and services to individuals, families, professionals and communities. Among these services are non-diagnostic Memory Screenings, which are available both live online via Zoom and in person. While these free an...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in February. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Feb. 5. Kenai Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 6 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 7. Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 12. Seward Senior Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 25 Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support so...
Few could say that they do not have memories of meals and specific foods-flavors, aromas, textures, conversations, family recipes, comforting familiar rituals and celebrations. Food is a connection to the past, to our families, identity and culture. In the expression "as American as apple pie," most of us understand the reference to patriotic values and our identity and most of us have a memory of making and eating a perfect apple pie. Legumes may not have risen to this type of distinction with...
Amplified phones help those with hearing loss to understand phone conversations better. Each amplified phone will have its own level of amplification, tone control options, caller ID settings, and more. The Panasonic KX-TGM450S can increase up to 50dB amplification, has an amplified answering machine, an extra loud ringer, a talking caller ID, and six levels of tone control. This is a cordless landline phone and can connect with up to six handsets; however, there are also corded amplified...
When we think about eating disorders, the image that often comes to mind is of a teenager or young adult struggling with body image who looks extraordinarily thin. However, eating disorders don’t discriminate by age or body size. In fact, research shows that approximately 13% of women over age 50 are living with an eating disorder. Yet, the misconception that these conditions are exclusive to adolescents contributes to stigma—leaving many older adults suffering in silence. The risks can be especially high at this time of year when many peo...
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. (AHF) is excited to announce the return of our health fairs and affordable blood tests. The schedule will be published on www.alaskahealthfair.org around the first week of January. You are welcome to make your appointment online or walk in at any of our events. Please consider signing up for our electronic newsletter to be notified of important updates, resources, and more. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to prioritize your health in the new year. This season, we will add new blood tests to...
New approach to lower back pain Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common cause of lower back pain in a large number of older adults. Now, a study out of the University of Florida is showing that a minimally invasive procedure, known as mild®, provides pain relief and improved physical function for at least a year in adults suffering from lower back pain. The study followed 136 men and women between the ages of 16 and 89 who underwent the mild® procedure. It is designed to reduce pressure on the...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in January. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Jan. 2 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 3 Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 Sterling Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 28 Nikiski Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a...
When we think about having good balance, it's often in terms of body stability, of being able to stand on tip-toe or on one foot without falling over. In fact, you may have heard about a recent study that associates the ability to balance on one foot for at least 10 seconds with improved odds for a longer life span. But having good balance isn't just about being able to stand on one leg; it's about being able to move better and finding a balance of activities that helps us do that. Here are...
Dear Savvy Senior: I’ve heard that people with heart problems need to be extra careful during the winter months because heart attacks are much more common. What can you tell me about this? – AFib Alan Dear Alan: Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but many don’t know that it’s also the prime season for heart attacks too, especially if you already have a heart condition or have suffered a previous heart attack. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you protect yourself. In the U.S., the risk of having a heart att...
Card games are a great pastime and opportunity for socialization. If it is difficult to shuffle or hold cards, there are options to allow an individual to continue with this pastime. Place your card deck in an automatic card shuffler, press the switch, and watch as your deck is shuffled and collected in a tray for easy access. Once shuffled and dealt, use a card holder to keep track of the cards without causing pain or discomfort that can be found from grasping. This column is brought to you by...
In December after an active spring, summer and autumn of physical activity, you wonder how to keep it together as another Alaska winter sets in. You could winter over in Hawaii (see deals in the travel column), but you don't have to go that far; exercise is as close as your nearest shopping mall or recreation center. Anchorage Dimond Center Mall is open for free mall walking on the first and second levels of the building, Hours are Monday through Saturday, a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to...
The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and creating memories. However, for families with loved ones experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, the holidays can also bring unique challenges. Balancing traditions with the changing needs of those we care for is essential, and small adjustments can make all the difference. Here are some ways to help make the holiday season more enjoyable and less stressful for both caregivers and their loved ones. Plan celebrations with simplicity in mind. Simplifying holiday plans can help re...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in December. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Dec. 4 Kenai Senior Center, “Stronger Together” support group, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6 Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 19 Sterling Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. For information or to offer sug...
Winter has arrived in Alaska. For many kids, this brings joy and excitement about making snow angels, going sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. For some of us, however, the winter season brings fear – fear of slipping on the ice, falling and causing serious injury. Otherwise easy tasks such as taking out the trash or getting the mail become treacherous in snowy and icy conditions. Walking to the car or bringing grocery bags from the store to the house become high risk activities. Th...
New steps are underway to improve the detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among American Indian and Alaska Native elders. A $11.3 million dollar contract has been awarded to specifically train healthcare providers and support patients’ families in communities that have little access to such specialized care. The program will be led by Dr. Dedra Buchwald, a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and it is funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS). She and...
For some individuals, time orientation can be a struggle and lead to frustration and anxiety. Digital calendar clocks clearly display the current time and part of the day, week, date and month without any abbreviations and in high contrast. Many of these devices can set daily alarms, customize reminders shown on the screen, change languages, and adjust brightness. This column is brought to you by ATLA (Assistive Technology of Alaska), a nonprofit, statewide resource. ATLA does not endorse this...
The long-held tradition of the family gathered around a table for a savory Thanksgiving feast carries fond memories for most. Yet, many will spend the day alone, either out of circumstance or by choice. Whatever the case, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday without family. So whether you go it alone or decide to hold a Friendsgiving, follow these tips to make the most of your holiday. Solitary celebrations The upside of spending Thanksgiving alone is that you can celebrate any way you...
Dear Savvy Senior: I’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been trying to use a CPAP device for the past six months but can’t tolerate it. Are there any alternative treatment options you can tell me about? – Sleepy Sam Dear Sam: I’m sorry to hear your CPAP mask is keeping you awake at night, but I’m happy to hear that you’re addressing your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) problem. Left untreated, OSA is linked to daytime sleepiness and an increased risk of anxiety, diabetes, hypertension and stroke. For those who aren’t familiar, OSA...
November is Diabetes Awareness month. Thanks to our partnership with the State of Alaska Dept. of Health (DOH), Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is making it easier than ever to check your blood sugar levels and learn about diabetes and pre-diabetes at health fairs. Diabetes occurs when your body struggles with insulin production or usage, leading to high blood sugar levels and potential complications. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. Early detection and intervention can prevent...
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. Nov. 1 Soldotna Senior Center support meeting with presentation, “Holiday Dining with Dementia,” by Valerie Flake from Val’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 Kenai Senior Center, “Stronger Together” support group, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 Sterling Senior Center support meeting, 1 to 2 p.m....
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...
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...
