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Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson's disease, and I'm wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier. -Dog Loving Leah Dear Leah: For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, service dogs can be fantastic help, not to mention they provide great companionship and an invaluable sense of security. But be aware that service dogs can be very expensive...
This portable, lightweight TV amplifier connects to your TV, allowing sound to project wherever you place the speaker. Simply install the receiver base to your TV with included optical and analog cables. Place the receiver on the base for charging, and when you're ready to use it, the receiver has a convenient handle so you can carry it with you, even to another room. Use for up to eight hours before needing to charge. This column is brought to you by ATLA (Assistive Technology of Alaska), a...
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, playing a crucial role in our overall health. Despite its importance, many people are unaware of the liver's functions and how to properly maintain its health. In this article, we'll explore the significance of the liver, common liver issues in the United States, and how you can minimize your risk of developing these problems. The liver is essential The liver is responsible for over 500 essential functions. It acts as a detoxification...
At-home urine test for prostate cancer Researchers at Vanderbilt and the University of Michigan are now reporting that they have come up with a simple at-home urine test for prostate cancer screening. Traditional prostate cancer screening with PSA testing and biopsy has been shown to lead to unnecessary procedures and overdiagnosis of low-grade cancers, according to researchers Dr. Jeffrey Tosoian, an assistant professor of Urology and director of Translational Cancer Research at Vanderbilt...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in March. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. March 5 Kenai Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 6 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 7 Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Emergency preparedness training with Valerie Flake. All registered caregivers will go home with a starter “bug out bag”. March 20 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Emergency preparedness training with Valerie Flake. All r...
As the seasons change and we welcome the longer days of spring, many of us take the opportunity to refresh and reorganize our homes. For families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD), this is also a perfect time to evaluate and adapt the living space to ensure it remains safe, comfortable and supportive. A well-organized, dementia-friendly home can reduce stress and confusion while promoting independence for those living with ADRD. Below are some essential tips and modifications to consider during your s...
We're a few months now into the new year. Raise your hand if you made a resolution to get more exercise? Have you kept your promise? By the time you've committed to starting a regular exercise program, you've likely made up your mind that you're ready to do that daily walk, start a strength training routine, or go to more yoga classes. For some folks, developing a new exercise habit is easy. For others, it can be a challenge. For adults over 65 years old, The Center for Disease Control...
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. will offer the following health fairs around the state in March: March 8 Anchorage Moose Lodge Community health fair, 4211 Arctic Blvd., 8 a.m. to noon. March 8 Wasilla FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers, 650 N. Shoreline Drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 Salcha Community health fair at Salcha Fire and Rescue Firehouse Bldg., 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 15 Anchorage St. John United Methodist Church, 1801 O’Malley Rd., 8 a.m. to noon March 15 Palmer Depot Community Center, 610 S. Valley Way, 8 a.m. to noon March 18 Fairbanks...
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...
