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I think the snowy winters in Michigan, where I was raised, prepared me for Alaska. After 40 years in Alaska, I considered myself an Alaskan and Anchorage is home. I came to Alaska in the late 1970s to work for what was then the Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS). After living in large cities as a young adult, (Washington, DC, Chicago, and San Francisco) my family members were surprised when I headed to Alaska. I worked in the Dept. of Health and Social Services, Dept. of Regional...
As the Alzheimer's Association Alaska Chapter, our mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. We continuously advocate for comprehensive care services that address the diverse needs of patients and their caregivers. Code 99483 is currently covered for Alaska Medicare patients, but not for Alaska Medicaid patients. The inclusion of 99483 in Alaska's approved Medicaid billing code list would ensure enhanced care for Alaskans with cognitive impairment. Code 99483 represents a...
The journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is filled with challenges, both emotional and logistical. The recent release of the Alzheimer's Association's 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report sheds crucial light on the pressing issues faced by those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers in Alaska and nationwide. The report paints a stark picture: 6.9 million seniors in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s, with 8,400 in Alaska alone. The financial burden is staggering, projected to reach $360 bi...
If you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization, then now may be the ideal to offer your services or ask how you can be of help. April is National Volunteer Month and it is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month. For many of us, volunteerism was instilled at a young age. Scores of organizations in small towns, rural counties, and the largest cities would not function without...
The Federal Trade Commission recently shared its 2023 fraud report, “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023.” I looked at the data for Alaska and was shocked to see that 6,456 Alaskans reported losing 20.5 million dollars in 2023. Impostor scams are the top reported fraud in Alaska, making up 22% of all reported scams. These scams generally start with an unsolicited call, email, text, or social media message posing as someone you trust—your bank, a business you know, or even a government agency. Criminals play on our emotions by creat...
Yes, using fountain pens will make you smarter. Also, it turns out that using pencils and ballpoints will make you smarter too. However, I want to talk about fountain pens in particular because they are nostalgic, creative, fun and comfy to write with. As to the "smarter" assertion, we'll just drag in some scientific findings here. According to an article published earlier this year in Psychology Today: Handwriting stimulates complex brain connections essential in encoding new information and...
Dear Savvy Senior: Who should be screened for lung cancer and how is it covered by Medicare? I used to smoke but quit many years ago and am wondering if I need to be tested. – Just Turned 65. Dear Just Turned: Even if you haven’t touched a cigarette in decades, you could still be due for an annual lung cancer screening, based on new recommendations from the American Cancer Society. The new guidelines state that adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or used to smoke the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years should get an annual low...
This month we highlight two gizmos at once -electric can and jar openers. Set the electric can opener on the can and press the button to start. It will cut cleanly around the side of the can leaving smooth edges, press the button again to stop. Electric jar openers work similarly - place down on the top of the jar and press the button to start. The jar opener will tighten around the lip of the jar and twist off the lid. These simple electronic openers could benefit individuals with limited hand...
ATLA, Assistive Technology of Alaska, will present a “virtual expo,” followed by on-site activities in celebration of National Assistive Technology Awareness Day on April 17. The Virtual Expo will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with presentations on a variety of topics: “Top ios Accessibility Features for Seniors” (9 a.m.); “Adding Assistive Technology to Your Mental Health Tool Kit” (10 a.m.); “Utilizing Assistive Technology to Support Speech and Communication” (11 a.m.); “Assistive Technology for Caregivers of All Ages” (noon). These sessi...
Local residents are invited to take advantage of free health services provided by Remote Area Medical (RAM) USA at events in April in Anchorage and Fairbanks. RAM USA is a non-profit organization providing free healthcare to underserved and remote communities across the United States through a network of volunteers and medical professionals. These Alaska events will be held at the following times and locations: Anchorage, April 20-21 Begich Middle School, 7440 Creekside Center Drive, 6 a.m. to noon. Fairbanks, April 27-28 Ryan Middle School, 14...
Prescription Drug Plan coverage is a valued element within Medicare. Known more commonly as Part D of Medicare, these policies are offered by privately managed insurance companies, and regulated both by the State of Alaska’s Division of Insurance along with the national Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The cost of your Medicare Part D-covered drugs may change throughout the year. If you notice that your drug prices have changed, it may be because you are in a different phase of...
I am a Certified Medicare Counselor working under SHIP. My office is in the Soldotna Senior Center, but I serve the state via phone. If you are local, I can help you as a walk-in. I am here Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon. Call with your Medicare questions, 907-262-2322....
Understanding brain health is crucial for everyone, as it impacts our daily lives, our future, and the well-being of our loved ones. Dementia isn't a single disease, but an umbrella term that captures a wide array of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease—the star culprit behind the majority of cases. But what makes dementia more than just a forgetful moment or a misplaced key? A tapestry of symptoms. Dementia is notorious for its impact on memory, but it's also a master of disguise, affecting language, problem-solving abili...
Here is a schedule of upcoming Alaska Health Fair, Inc. events, featuring comprehensive blood screenings. Prices start at $20. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.alaskahealthfair.org. Or simply walk-in at any event. April 6, Anchorage Alaska Health Fair Office, 720 W 58th Ave, Unit J, 8 a.m. to noon. April 6, Salcha Community Health Fair, Salcha Elementary School, 9 a.m. to noon. April 6, Willow Community Health Fair, Willow Community Center, 8 a.m. to noon April 9, Fairbanks Alaska Health Fair Office, 725 26th Ave.,...
Music’s healing properties: Don’t worry be happy Whether it’s singing in a choir, playing the living room piano, joining in hymns at church, or just whistling along with the radio, a new poll finds that nearly all older adults report music brings them far more than just entertainment. Three-quarters of people age 50 to 80 say music helps them relieve stress or relax and 65% say it helps their mental health or mood, according to a new poll on healthy aging from the University of Michigan. The sur...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in March: April 2, Tyotkas Elder Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. April 5, Soldotna Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. April 16, Kenai Senior Center, with presentation “Health Living for Your Brain and Body” by Cindy Harris from the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 to 2 p.m. April 18, Sterling Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. April 25, Nikiski Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your...
Q: How do I handle rude, hurtful or condescending comments by family members or people who are part of my care team? A: In our daily interactions, we occasionally encounter individuals who seem to thrive on making demeaning and condescending remarks. These remarks can be hurtful, frustrating, and overwhelming, leaving us searching for ways to respond and maintain our dignity. Let us explore some strategies and empowering approaches to handle condescending remarks and regain control over such sit...
Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, which presents with impaired cognition, and diminished quality of life for the patient but ultimately even more so for the caregivers. Prominent Alzheimer’s researcher Alexandra Oxford writes in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: “For the last 25 years, clinical trials involving Alzheimer’s disease have centered on beta-amyloid (Aβ) and the Aβ hypothesis of Alzheimer’s progression and pathology. According to this hypothesis, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease begins follow...
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to tackle some spring cleaning around your home. This yearly tradition is not just about tidying up; it's also a good way to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. By taking a few simple steps, you can help reduce the risks you face. First, let's start with the exterior of your home. Take a walk around your property, looking for any dead or dry vegetation such as leaves, twigs and branches. These can easily catch fire...
Are your garage, basement and closets overflowing from the heaps of stuff you've been saving 'just in case'? If so, it may be time to put those languishing piles to good use-in someone else's home. Rummage sales are a great way to clear out, recycle, and make some extra cash. Follow these suggestions for a successful sale and a clutter-free home. The storefront A garage is usually the best place to hold a sale offering shelter and requiring little daily set up and tear down. If your garage is...
Back in the spring of 1992, my husband Gary and I decided we wanted to raise homegrown chickens to eat, something we'd done twice before. But this time he also wanted some egg layers, so in addition to the 25 Cornish Cross for eating, he purchased four Rhode Island Red and two Barred Plymouth Rock for egg laying. The Cornish Cross grew fast and two and a half months later were all in the freezer. The remaining chickens were happier with a less crowded coop, but of those intended for laying, four...
The Anchorage Genealogical Society will hold its annual Spring Seminar on May 4 at the Loussac Library Event Center, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The featured speakers will be Alison and Tom Taylor, owners of “Pictures and Stories” from Utah. Sessions will include how to tell the best stories of your life, making a family story cookbook, organizing a family history, and advice on digitizing photos. Organizers notes that the Taylors are in demand all over the country. Cost is $55 per person; $45 for Society members; $30 for a half day, morning or aft...
Juneau residents age 65 and older are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Senior Citizen Hardship Tax Programs, offering assistance through the Senior Citizen Real Property Hardship Exemption and the Senior Citizen Sales Tax Hardship Rebate. Both programs, which require annual applications, aim to alleviate financial burdens for qualifying seniors. Eligibility is based on the gross income level for the previous year, with applications now open for consideration. Real Property Hardship Exemption The Senior Citizen Real Property Hardship Exemption...
The seeds of Alaska's biggest city were planted in April 1915 when the federal government authorized construction of a new railroad to connect Interior Alaska to tidewater in Seward and hundreds of hopeful workers made their way north to the construction camp on Ship Creek. And although the government tried to keep a handle on illegal activities in its new railroad town, prostitution, gambling and bootlegging flourished. One didn't have to go far to find the vice of his choice in Anchorage,...
The 15th Turner Classic Movies Film Festival is scheduled for April 18-21, in Hollywood. Canceled for a couple of years due to the pandemic, no one was more pleased to attend the festival when it resumed in person two years ago than actress Diane Baker, a popular guest at many of the past festivals. "I love them!" said Baker from Los Angeles, who noted that the 2020 and 2021 events had been held virtually. The five current TCM hosts-Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Eddie Muller and...
