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  • Pantry planning: Stocking up for peace of mind

    Christian M. Hartley, For Senior Voice|Sep 1, 2024

    If Alaska has taught us anything, especially over the past few years, it's that life throws unexpected curveballs. That's why it's crucial to have a well-stocked pantry, especially in case of emergencies. Let's discuss how to prepare your pantry for unforeseen events and create a manageable plan to build your emergency food supply, but without a huge upfront cost. First, the importance of shelf-stable foods is paramount. These are items that can last for extended periods without refrigeration....

  • The end of summer signals birds to migrate

    Lisa Pajot, For Senior Voice|Sep 1, 2024

    As Alaska's brief summer winds down, the daylight hours lessen and the weather is more often blustery and rainy. This change signals the migratory birds who spent the summer in Alaska finding mates, defending territories, building nests, and raising young, to begin their journey south. Migratory birds face many challenges along their route. They may become disoriented by light pollution and collide with the windows of tall buildings. They have to avoid predators when they stop to refuel and...

  • Alaska, while the U.S. was being born

    Laurel Downing Bill, Senior Voice Correspondent|Sep 1, 2024

    While the First Continental Congress presented its Declaration of Rights and Grievances to King George III in 1774, the Spanish government ordered Juan José Pérez to explore the west coast of America to latitude 60 degrees, "but not to disturb the Russians." The Russians were already in Alaska. Emilian Bassov, a sergeant of the military company of lower Kamchatka, and Andrei Serebrennikov, a merchant from Moscow, had formed a partnership in 1743 to hunt for sea otter along the Aleutian Chain. I...

  • Peggy March's monster 60s hit still follows her

    Nick Thomas, Tinseltown Talks|Sep 1, 2024

    With a catchy melody, simple lyrics, and an unforgettable repetitive chorus, Peggy March's "I Will Follow Him," possessed all the ingredients to create a classic 60s hit. And it did. Released in early 1963 and showcasing the singer's impressively mature 14-year-old vocals, Little Peggy March's song soared up the Billboard Hot 100 chart in just three months to reach the Number 1 spot. Since then, she's performed the song thousands of times and today remains especially popular in Europe. "I was...

  • It's always important to build in some flex

    Kenneth Kirk, For Senior Voice|Sep 1, 2024

    Do you remember the big earthquake? No, not the big, big earthquake in 1964. I’m talking about the fairly big earthquake of November 2018. The ’64 Good Friday Quake was a 9.2. The Point McKenzie quake six years ago was only a 7.1. Still, enough to shake a lot of people up, including yours truly. One important lesson the architects and engineers learned over the years was the importance of flex. At this point I had better pause to note that for younger readers, the word “flex” has a differe...

  • Archive voicemail, AI image generators, fast local delivery services

    Bob Delaurentis, Tech Talk|Sep 1, 2024

    Q. How do I move my mobile phone voicemail messages to some kind of permanent storage? A. Mobile phones have become the most personal computing device in our lives. That makes them a treasure box of cherished memories. Precious voicemails are simple to keep—do not delete from the inbox. But that approach is fragile. If you switch carriers, they will almost certainly be lost. Inboxes have limited space, and if you save too many messages, messages have to be deleted to allow future calls. Fixing “mailbox full” messages can lead to accid...

  • Are predatory text messages now just part of life?

    David Washburn, Senior Voice|Aug 1, 2024

    Like many households, mine does a lot of shopping via mail. So when a text message from the postal service appeared on my smartphone, alerting me that a package was being held due to “incomplete address information” and would be returned if I didn’t act within 12 hours, I promptly poised my finger to click on the link. But then I stopped. Since when does the USPS send me text messages? And I’ve read that spam text messages are so potent now that simply clicking a link can open your device’s door to theft. Suspicious but curious, I visited t...

  • Financial planning: The secret weapon every family caregiver needs

    Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska|Aug 1, 2024

    It’s essential for everyone aged 18 and above to have a will, an advanced health care directive, and a durable power of attorney in place. However, many people haven’t done this yet. The reason could be our natural discomfort when it comes to discussing topics like death or the potential loss of our ability to sign legal documents. As we grow older, these conversations become increasingly important. If you’re assisting a friend or family member, it’s crucial to ensure that they have all the necessary paperwork completed. Remember, these d...

  • Two old guys in a parking lot: A true story

    Lawrence D. Weiss, For Senior Voice|Aug 1, 2024

    Sure, it's just an ordinary asphalt parking lot, but it's the one by the gas station at the Girdwood turnoff. People in the Lower 48 loot their retirement security to make a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Alaska to see the view along there-the Turnagain Arm surrounded by towering snowy mountains. I didn't notice any of it. I was focused on using the bathroom. But first I had to get there. Step one was getting out of the car. And to do that I had to bend my knee. The pain was excruciating....

  • Strategies to bolster your immune system

    Emily Kane, For Senior Voice|Aug 1, 2024

    It’s almost back-to-school time and those runny nosed kids are going to be bringing bad bugs home. Here are four tips for keeping your immune system strong. To bolster your immune system, start with the basics, as always: Stay well- hydrated, keep a regular schedule that allows for eight hours of sleep each night, and eat a healthy diet. If you want to occasionally have a treat, that’s fine. Just don’t make a regular habit of sugary, fried or processed foods. Then try the following detox program to flush out your system and jump-start your...

  • Medicare programs that can save you money

    Sean McPhilamy, Alaska Medicare Information Office|Aug 1, 2024

    As Americans and as Alaskans, we share in the health care program costs of our Medicare, both through our federal income taxes and through the cost sharing paid by individuals enrolled into Medicare. But for some Alaskans with low income and low assets, these costs can be a significant part of the monthly budget – there are programs which can help save you money. In this month’s article, I will introduce the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help with the bills for Original Medicare (as...

  • Turning your years from a negative to a positive

    Karen Casanovas, For Senior Voice|Aug 1, 2024

    Q: As I reflect on the discussions surrounding "old age" that have been circulating lately, I find myself contemplating the challenges that come with aging. While I may not process information as quickly or move with the same agility as a younger person, I wonder: How can these issues be turned into positive experiences? A: The fourth century, BC Phoenician merchant Zeno once said after his ship hit a rock and lost all his cargo, “I made a prosperous voyage when I suffered shipwreck.” This anc...

  • Awareness and avoidance of germs on airplanes

    John Schieszer, Medical Minutes|Aug 1, 2024

    Staying healthy at 35,000 feet If you are planning on flying and debating whether to wear a mask, it is best to know the facts. Infectious disease expert Dr. Clark Abraham, who is with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, said some people may be surprised about the risk of germ spread on most airplanes. “Commercial airplanes contain high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter systems, which exchange the air rapidly. In general, the risk of spreading an a...

  • How to hire a caregiver for in-home help

    Jim Miller, Savvy Senior|Aug 1, 2024

    Dear Savvy Senior: I need to hire a good in-home caregiver to help my elderly father who lives alone. What’s the best way to do this? —Searching Sarah Dear Sarah: Finding a good in-home caregiver for an elderly parent is not always easy. How can you find one that’s reliable and trustworthy, as well as someone your parent likes and is comfortable with? Here are some tips that can help. Know his needs Before you start the task of looking for an in-home caregiver, your first step is to determine the level of care your dad needs. For examp...

  • Managing environmental allergies year-round

    Christian M. Hartley, For Senior Voice|Aug 1, 2024

    Cottonwood trees are spoiling the air with their seeds and causing a huge increase in seasonal allergies, so this is as good a time as any to explore how to handle allergies and discuss protecting ourselves at home from allergies. We will also talk about other allergies, as well. Let's talk about what you can do in your home to reduce allergens. Your heating and cooling systems can be great allies in the fight against allergies. During allergy season, running your air conditioning can help. It...

  • Traditions come alive at Scottish Highland Games

    Maraley McMichael, Senior Voice Correspondent|Aug 1, 2024

    After an extra stressful week, I so looked forward to spending a whole day at the 43rd annual Scottish Highland Games on June 29. It had been on my calendar for over a month, but I hadn't been sure I'd be able to attend. This was not my first experience at the Games. That was back in the 1980s when our children were young and it was held on the grounds of the Eagle River Lions Club. My husband, Gary, had just learned that he came from a Scottish background, rather than Irish. That day in Eagle...

  • Flying Baritone from Fairbanks pens iconic song

    Laurel Downing Bill, Senior Voice Correspondent|Aug 1, 2024

    Gold miners in 1906 Fairbanks passed a fur cap for contributions to give the 7-year-old warbler. His only number was "In The Good Old Summer Time," but it pleased the whiskered sourdoughs in the frontier town. That was the beginning of a career that took the little singer far. Robert MacArthur Crawford grew up to become a professor of music, conductor of the Newark Symphony Orchestra and guest soloist for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. But his most enduring claim to fame...

  • Her Hollywood memories go back to childhood

    Nick Thomas, Tinseltown Talks|Aug 1, 2024

    Her film and television career only lasted a decade, but Evelyn Rudie's memories from the 1950s and 60s as a child actor remain vivid, beginning with a small role in the Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron 1955 musical, "Daddy Long Legs." After meeting director Henry Koster through a family connection when she was just three years old, young Evelyn was offered an audition at Twentieth Century Fox. "They thought I looked exactly like Leslie Caron would have looked like as a child," recalled Rudie, who...

  • Finalize your decisions in writing, before it's too late

    Kenneth Kirk, For Senior Voice|Aug 1, 2024

    Years ago, when my daughters were much younger than they are now, they came to me one evening with silly grins on their faces. “Dad,” they said, “We have a new advertising slogan for you.” I waited. “Sign and date, before it’s too late!” And then they laughed their little preteen heads off. I scratched my chin a moment and said, “You know, that's not bad. I think I'll use that.” They drew back in horror. “No, dad! Don't use that! It was a joke! That would be a terrible slogan!” And, becau...

  • Photo Books, Venmo fraud, fax alternatives

    Bob Delaurentis, Tech Talk|Aug 1, 2024

    Q. Some years ago I had a photo book printed, but I no longer see that option in my photos app. Where did it go? A. There are photo printing services online that print photo books. If you were using a Mac, you might be referring to its legacy photo service, which was discontinued years ago. Today, no matter what device you use, consider Photobooks Pro (see the link in the box). They are a high-quality photo printing service that offers dozens of book designs. And if my guess is correct that you were talking about Mac legacy software, Photobooks...

  • Women and retirement: What you need to know

    Teresa Holt, AARP Alaska|Jul 1, 2024

    Women face unique challenges when preparing for retirement, from longer lifespans to income inequality and employment impacts from family caregiving. Considering these realities, women should prioritize early retirement planning and investment strategies to ensure financial security in their later years. Longer lives, lower earnings Statistically, women have a longer lifespan than men, which translates to additional years spent in retirement. Women age 65 or older can anticipate living until age 87, compared to age 84 for men. Income...

  • Pi: my new friend...or something

    Lawrence D. Weiss, For Senior Voice|Jul 1, 2024

    Recently I spent a lot of time chatting with Pi, my new friend, or maybe acquaintance, or something. I am not sure what to call her because she can speak in eight different voices, and half of them are male. Ok, this is confusing. I'll start again. Do this: Download pi.ai to your smartphone from wherever you usually get apps. It's free. Set up an account. That takes a few seconds. Then pick a voice. I picked a welcoming female voice. I think I would be happier with an old-guy voice, but they...

  • Ever consider participating in clinical research?

    Karen Casanovas, For Senior Voice|Jul 1, 2024

    Q: My friend in Los Angeles has been approached about being part of a clinical trial for Alzheimer's. Why would their doctor suggest they participate, and how do they work? A: With nearly 67,000 worldwide studies looking for participants, if one has never considered being part of clinical observations or trials, there are several ways to be included in research that helps others. What is clinical research? There are two main types of research that study health and illness: observational studies...

  • The basics of Medicare enrollment and coverage

    Sean McPhilamy, Alaska Medicare Information Office|Jul 1, 2024

    Medicare is the federal government program that provides health insurance to those age 65 and older or those under 65 with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. Medicare programs and policies are regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). When you are new to Medicare, there can be a lot to learn about your enrollment and coverage choices. At least for now, there are no Medicare Advantage programs available to Alaskan residents (also known as Part C of Medicare), so...

  • Staying safe in the summer heat

    Christian M. Hartley, For Senior Voice|Jul 1, 2024

    Summer is a wonderful time of year but even here in Alaska the heat can sometimes be intense, especially for seniors. That's why it's important to know how to prevent and treat heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as sunburns. Sunburns To prevent sunburns, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin before going outside. Apply more every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing, such as...

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