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Minor accidents happen frequently, but sometimes what didn't bother us before is a real nuisance now. A slip on an icy walkway, a cut while preparing dinner, or a bruise from bumping into furniture are common experiences for many people. Knowing how to handle these minor injuries properly can help you heal faster and prevent bigger problems down the road. Let's start with sprains, which happen when we twist or stretch a ligament too far. If you roll your ankle or hurt your wrist, remember the...
According to the latest report on health care quality across America, Alaska ranks as the second worst in terms of several factors. A study by the stem cell treatment center called Auragens examined health care systems in all 50 states, comparing safety, response time, and medical bills. New York ranked the worst state to get sick in America. In New York, medical expenses reach $14,000 per person and emergency rooms taking three hours to see patients. Alaska ranks second-worst, charging $13,600...
The Medicare-related decisions can be quite challenging, especially when you or your spouse are about to turn age 65, during your Initial Enrollment Period. The decisions can be even more complicated when you have other health insurance coverage. Deciding if and when to enroll in the various parts of Medicare, when you are first eligible, is an important choice including how to avoid potential penalties or gaps in coverage. Most people enroll into Medicare Part A (in-patient, hospitalization...
I have an older cousin who was just diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's after several years of dizziness and falls. Luckily, his doctor said it's not the type of Parkinson's that leads to death. I often give "Come to Jesus" talks to family and friends when they begin to experience these symptoms. It can be annoying for them. I advise sturdy equipment like walkers, especially ones with built-in seats. But men usually disdain the advice because of pride and vanity. They just don't want to look...
Even with regular brushing, teeth can become stained from genetic factors or consuming foods and drinks like tomatoes and coffee. Chemical whiteners can help, but they can also damage teeth in the process. So, researchers have designed a prototype teeth-whitening powder that is activated by the vibrations from an electric toothbrush. The system both brightened and protected teeth in lab demonstrations. "This work offers a safe, at-home teeth whitening strategy integrating whitening, enamel repai...
Alaska has 139 active clinical trials looking for those willing to sign up for research studies in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Bethel. Not only do you earn money for participation, but you also learn about your own state of health. Over the past few years, I've been found to have Stage 1 fatty liver disease, which the earliest and mildest form where fat accumulates up to 33% in liver cells and usually causes no noticeable symptoms. But it is crucial to address because it can progress to...
This month’s article provides an overview of Medicare coverage in 2026. The 2026 edition of the Medicare & You handbook provides much greater detail than is provided in this article; if you do not have a copy, then please contact the Medicare Information Office and we are happy to provide a copy. You may also find the handbook available on the Medicare.gov website (look for the link under the “Basics” topic header) as an eBook, as well as in large print, audio version, and in Braille. The Medic...
If you catch a cold, know the facts. Studies have confirmed that taking vitamin C supplements regularly may only slightly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. However, these supplements typically don't prevent you from catching a cold and can only slightly reduce the severity of symptoms for most people. Starting vitamin C after symptoms doesn't seem to help much. However, consistent daily intake in large doses (1000-2000 mg) might shorten a cold by a day or so and make it milder. In...
Alaska has been awarded $272 million to support system-level investments in health care through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), according to a press release from the Alaska Department of Health. The five-year, $50 billion national initiative is designed to strengthen, stabilize, and modernize health care systems in rural communities. Alaska is among the top recipients of the funding. “This investment represents a turning point for rural health care in Alaska,” said Heidi Hedbe...
A new year is a blank slate. A chance to make and keep promises to yourself and maybe also to those you love by being present. One promise you can count on is that having a regular fitness routine leads to a life of independence. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours lifting weights or running endless miles each week. You can start and maintain a regular fitness routine with the right mindset and a good pair of trainers. Start small If you’ve never exercised or haven’t done so in a while, consult your medical professional first. Once you g...
Becoming hospitalized is a challenging situation —the goal is to become well with treatment for the condition, illness or injury, which brought you to being admitted in the first place. For these events, there is Medicare’s Part A, which provides insurance coverage for your in-patient admission to a hospital. This can be confusing, because not all treatment at a hospital is covered by Part A – most often, individuals are treated in an emergency room, or medical facility that provides care under...
I have many stories about friends who have ignored signs their body is in trouble and made the problem worse. A friend called me one February and-unusual for her-was drunk on the phone and very angry about another friend's treatment of her. Then she complained of fevers and chills, but she said, "On the good side, I've lost 25 pounds in the last two months." My immediate thought: cancer. Within the month she was in a hospital where she lived hooked up to many machines. I watched two doctors come...
Australian researchers have found compelling evidence that insomnia may be linked to disruptions in the brain's natural 24-hour rhythm of mental activity, shedding light on why some people struggle to 'switch off' at night. Published in the journal Sleep Medicine, the study led by the University of South Australia (UniSA) is the first to map how cognitive activity fluctuates across the day in individuals with chronic insomnia, compared to healthy sleepers. Insomnia affects about 10% of the...
Winter in Alaska is beautiful but hazardous. When temperatures drop below freezing, our bodies face risks from the cold. As we get older, these dangers become even more serious. But when you know what to watch for and how to respond, it can make all the difference between a minor problem and a medical emergency. Our bodies work hard to keep us warm, but sometimes the cold wins. Two main problems happen when we get too cold: frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite happens when our skin and the...
Alaskans value resilience. We know what it means to work together in tough times, and we require solutions that meet the unique challenges of our vast and remote state. Few areas demonstrate this need more clearly than health care. Our mission at the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development is to promote a healthy economy, strong communities, and protect consumers in Alaska. Our ability to achieve this mission depends on factors across many sectors, but one key indicator is the stability of our health care system. Health care...
A reader wrote in that they frequently get sick during travel. Bummer! While there really isn’t any good time to get sick, it’s especially no fun when you are on vacation. However, this is common because we are exposed to so many people, and their germs, in crowded airports. Once on the plane you’re probably OK because airlines have installed fantastic air filtration systems. Airports/bus stations/train stations—not so much. Here are five simple steps to bolster your immune system and reduce...
As we age, our skin transforms from being elastic and plump to sagging and thin. As well, senior skin produces less oil, becoming dry, itchy and flaky. Sorry, that's the reality, but you can make your skin feel better with moisturizing and, again, hydrating by drinking lots of water. We also get pesky dry spots all over our bodies that itch and when we scratch too much it bleeds. Best to avoid that. Consult a doctor for any unusual or persistent skin conditions, as they are common in older...
Identity theft, in particular, medical identity theft can happen to anyone of us. In fact, this month is one of the most likely months for this crime to be committed. The other likely months are January, February, March, April … yes, any month of the year. And, while a victim of this theft can feel especially vulnerable, most likely “it isn’t personal,” but more likely a crime of opportunity. However, like a home invasion, medical identity theft can upset your life, disrupt your plans, steal y...
Be sure you know the real facts to protect yourself and your loved one. It is well established that vaccination is the most powerful tool to avoid influenza-related hospitalizations or worse. As many as 130,000 people in the U.S. died from the flu last year, according to estimates from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) "By getting the flu shot, you're not only protecting yourself, you're protecting your family and vulnerable members of the community who would suffer a more...
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health for $3.26 million for a research project to address coronary heart disease among Yup'ik Alaska Native people in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The project focuses on blending an elder-designed program based on ancestral principles with workshops on traditional foodways-a break from conventional hearth health interventions. The tribally driven project, "Neqpiaput Iinruugut (Our Food is Medicine),"...
Alaskan Way is a new nonprofit based in Anchorage with a focus on serving elderly and medically fragile individuals who are unable to meet their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs-a population often overlooked in traditional shelter and housing systems. Started by Theresa Hankins, the nonprofit is in the funding stage so that it can open its doors. The nonprofit's website has more information, but it's centered on providing 24/7 staff support, personal care assistance, case management...
A single course of low-dose radiation therapy may provide a safe and effective alternative treatment option for people with painful knee osteoarthritis, according to a new randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study showed patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis reported significant reductions in pain and improved physical function in the four months after receiving the low dose of radiation (just a small fraction of what’s used to treat cancer). The study included a c...
Note: I am departing from the travel column to share with readers what I have observed in the decades caring for seniors and observing their good and bad habits. When I was 15 1/2 years old, I worked as a nurse's aide at Lowell General Hospital in Massachusetts. No candy striper gig, I saw and did what no girl my age should working in medical-surgical, newborn nursery, operating room, psych ward, and emergency room, often questioning "Are you sure I'm supposed to do this?" Off and on in my...
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...
