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A number of years ago I spent some time in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. It is an extraordinary place. Think: the industrial revolution meets the wild west, in the middle of the desert. Wonderful people, but a very poor country. Good thing I didn't leave my medications at the airport in Anchorage by accident, as a friend of mine once did on the way to Europe. Upon arrival, she just popped into a pharmacy by the hotel and picked up replacements. She was quite confident that her...
Voice amplifiers, also known as personal voice amplification devices or portable voice amplifiers, are compact electronic devices that enhance and project the sound of a person's voice. The lightweight speaker is designed primarily to be worn around the neck, though it can be clipped on a belt or placed on a table. Wearing the speaker around the neck is recommended since the sound of the voice is close to the visual source. This column is brought to you by ATLA (Assistive Technology of Alaska),...
One of the highest callings for us humans is to deeply know and love ourselves, and as much as possible to be a force for good. Perhaps you will agree that being good to yourself, and making healthy choices throughout the day, is a large portion of what makes up a good day. At the end of the day, it feels satisfying to know we did the best to honor and extend our one wild and precious life, taking the high road in every encounter and treating ourselves right, too. A few of my daily practices to promote graceful aging are full-body dry-brush...
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. Alaska Health Fair events offer a great opportunity to learn about important health topics in an informal setting. Attendees can receive free basic screenings, obtain information and resources, and have their questions answered by health, wellness and safety professionals. Health fairs are also a great way to connect with local health and wellness resources. Most importantly, events feature comprehensive, affordable blood tests. Obtaining blood screenings at health fairs is a great way to get quick, accurate results at...
Dear Savvy Senior: Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it. − Just Turned 63 Dear 63: Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or higher) should have a home blood pressure monitor. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure in a comfortable setting. Plus, if you're taking medication it will make certain it's working, and a...
Health is the first wealth is a philosophy that has been around for centuries. However, health now refers to body, spirit and mind in a different way than it did before the age of technology. Mental health experts say we all have "joy resources" and we need to manage them properly. Valentina Ogaryan, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, said it's best to eat whole foods and incorporate some type of physical activity on a routine basis. "It's also about...
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...
