October 2026 Edition
October 2026 Edition
When someone receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, it can feel as though life has suddenly been divided into a before and an after. Conversations quickly turn to what may change. Memory, independence, driving, finances, caregiving, and the future all become part of a new vocabulary for families. Those conversations are important. Families need information, resources, and a plan for what may lie ahead. But when we focus only on what dementia can take away, we...
The highlight of October is the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. This large annual gathering brings together Indigenous leaders and community members together to celebrate culture and discuss important policy issues. The convention itself is Oct. 22-24. This year’s theme is “Rooted in Land and Tradition, Rising in Our Voices.” The First Alaskans Statewide Youth and Elders Conference is immediately before AFN, Oct. 18-21. Both are at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center....
Shortly after the discovery of gold in the Klondike, Alaska was a land raw and grand, newly settled towns stitched together by wild rivers, frozen trails, and hope. The great rush for gold had ignited dreams in the hearts of thousands, but it also drew sharp attention to one practical problem – how to get a letter or a bank draft hundreds of miles from the coast to stampeders in Circle City and the Yukon. The cry for a dependable, all-American mail route had been echoing in the North for...
You see them zipping by in the milder months. With colors of deep teal, metallic brown, a rare powder blue, some emit beep-beeps while others rumble mightily. They are the vintage cars of Alaska, on display now. Like showy birds, they largely go away before bad weather arrives, their owners careful to protect against snow, potholes and inattentive drivers. "These cars are meant to be seen," said Eli Guzmán, whose Chevrolet Bel Air required 10 years of work. It had belonged to his great-uncle....
Maybe you're like me and doomscroll reels on Facebook or memes playing to Alphaville song "I want to be Forever Young," and the young faces of famous people and movie stars morph into their present-day image. If they're dead, they have beautiful white wings, which is somewhat reassuring. Sometimes, the cause of death is listed and No. 1 seems to be pneumonia, but also heart problems and Lewy Body dementia. Pro-vaxxers and anti-vaxxers Personally, I have never seen a vaccine I didn't like. In...
Important changes to federal rules will affect some adults ages 19-64 who get Alaska Medicaid starting in January 2027. This means that some people with Medicaid must work, go to school, go to a training program, or volunteer to keep their coverage. For adults ages 50 to 64, one of the biggest changes is that most people covered through Medicaid will have their eligibility reviewed every six months instead of every 12 months beginning Jan. 1, 2027. If you get a form or letter, read it and reply...
The change of season is a time when our immune systems must adapt to a new environment and weather pattern. We are more vulnerable to contagious illness during these colder days and longer nights. Warm hats, scarves and gloves can help. Cold wind can literally drive pathogens into your system, so bundle up. In many parts of northern Asia, the preferred winter drink is hot water. Take your water warmer if you are feeling chilly. Warming herbs which can be added to hot water include ginger,...
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, 2027. Certified Medicare counselors across Alaska can help you as part of the Medicare Information Office’s network of program Ambassadors. Give us a call, we would be glad to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and even complete the review of your prescription drug plan with...
Clearing the air to treat dry eye disease Anyone who has ever endured burning, itchy eyes or extra tearing knows that these symptoms are tough to ignore. They can impact your vision and make it harder to work, focus or sleep. They are also some of the most common signs of dry eye disease, a condition that impacts up to 30% of the population globally, without any real cure. Dry eye can result from insufficient tear production or poor tear quality and may cause eye discomfort, a burning sensation...
The plane touches down, your bag rounds the carousel, and you drive home feeling nothing worse than a little stiff. Then, ten days later, one of your calves is swollen, warm, and aching, and you can't for the life of you figure out why. That's the sneaky thing about a blood clot. When it shows up at all, that's often how it does it: quietly, days after the fact. And here's the part that surprises most people: about half of those with a deep vein thrombosis (doctors call it DVT) never feel a...
Getting up out of a chair, carrying groceries, or picking up your grandchild are regular activities that can become challenging as we age. But they don’t have to be—if you incorporate strength training into your routine. Why strength train? As we age, muscular strength decreases so it’s essential to train your muscles to keep being able to do the activities you need or want to do. Getting up out of a chair, getting up from the ground, reaching overhead, squatting, even keeping good posture—all of it can keep you going and prevent...
There's something both exhilarating and slightly disorienting about traveling as newly minted empty nesters. No schedules, no negotiations over where to eat, no one asking for Wi-Fi passwords every five minutes. Just the two of us, figuring out how to travel, relax, and reconnect again. Our final stop brought us to Koh Samui, a palm-fringed island in the Gulf of Thailand known for laid-back beaches, warm waters, and a gentle reminder to slow down – or at least try to. Travel day – steps vs....
