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Alaska Health Fair, Inc. has canceled all April Health Fairs due to the current health crisis, following state and national guidance and mandates. We will assess Alaska’s health condition on an ongoing basis and make announcements in late April related to the holding of any May events. Please check www.alaskahealthfair.org for Alaska Health Fair event updates, newsletters and announcements, plus our COVID-19 status updates. We hope to quickly return to offering office blood draw appointments in both our Anchorage and Fairbanks offices, once s...
Dear Savvy Senior: Do kidney problems run in families? My mother died from kidney failure 10 years ago at age 74 but didn’t know she had a kidney problem until it was too late. - Just Turned 60 Dear 60: Anyone who has a family history of kidney disease, or who has high blood pressure or diabetes is at increased risk and needs to have their kidneys tested. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around 37 million U.S adults have chronic kidney disease (when the kidneys can’t properly do their job of cleaning toxins and wastes...
We are all learning to navigate these challenging, unprecedented times. While our care looks different these days, Hospice of Anchorage is still able to serve patients and families in our community with compassionate hospice and palliative care. And while that is our organization’s focus, we also know that as a community, we must take care of our children, parents, brothers and sisters. Maintaining a healthy community is everyone’s common objective as we work through the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be assured that we...
Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) will conduct its monthly low vision support group meeting via Zoom teleconference on April 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Call Linda Newman at 907-209-7555 for the log-in or dial-in information. Also, the Alaska Center for Blind and Visually Impaired is starting a weekly Wednesday call-in meeting to provide support for Alaskans with low vision or blindness. Contact the center for details at 907-248-7770 in Anchorage, or toll-free statewide at 1-800-770-7517. The National Federation of the Blind is offering...
Editor’s note: This schedule may change, due to coronavirus safety measures. Be sure to confirm with the host agency prior to visiting. The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in April. This month’s presentation and discussion will focus on age-related driving issues, as April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. April 7, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. April 14, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. April 21, Caregiver sup...
There are many ways to train our bodies to be strong and no shortage of available advice on how to do so. Seeking this advice can quickly get complex given the wide variety of ways to work out and equipment available for purchase. This fitness professional finds it helpful to break down some key exercise concepts into simple descriptions that can be applied to any form of workout. Around 15 years ago, the fitness industry turned its full attention to the concept of functional training— performing exercises that more closely resemble the way w...
If you plan on celebrating National Garlic Day on April 19, remember the old New York Yiddish saying, "A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat." Even a well-known Muslim prophet supposedly once informed his followers: "Whoever has eaten garlic should not approach the mosque." Potent biochemistry Despite its much-maligned odor, garlic is a wonderfully versatile cooking ingredient that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The production of smelly odors is...
Microwaves are one of the 20th century's most useful inventions. In fact, over 90% of American homes have at least one microwave. The basics of using this appliance are widely known, but there are also some important pointers for keeping our foods safe and nutritious when heating with a microwave. Tips for thorough cooking While microwaves heat food and kill bacteria, they don't heat as evenly as a conventional oven. To help your foods cook through, spread them out in a covered dish, adding...
Current COVID-19 statistics from State of Alaska At the time of Thursday’s press briefing, the novel coronavirus had affected 157 Alaskans, with 11 new cases, 15 total hospitalizations, and no new deaths related to the disease. Governor Mike Dunleavy reported that 5,530 tests had been performed statewide, including at a drive-up testing site recently built in Bethel. Additionally, Alaska currently has 73,000 total masks; 26,000 N95-type masks for frontline medical personnel; and 4,700 gowns. The governor also reiterated a call for the public t...
Weekend brings additional COVID-19 cases to Alaska The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced on Sunday, April 5, one new death and 14 new cases of COVID-19 in four Alaska communities – Anchorage (4), Fairbanks (7), Juneau (2) and Seward (1). This brings the total case count in Alaska to 185. These new cases and the new death were reported from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 4, and reflect data posted at noon Sunday on the state’s website, coronavirus.alaska.gov. The person who died is a 71-year-old Anchorage res...
State of Alaska coronavirus case count As of April 6, 2020, there are 191 Alaskans who have tested positive for COVID-19. Six new cases were identified during the evening press briefing, with two cases in Anchorage, one in Eagle River, one in Petersburg and one in Soldotna. New cases are reported between 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. the previous day, and are reflected on the State of Alaska COVID-19 response page each day at noon. (Editor's note: the count was updated at noon on April 7, with 22 new cases to 213 total. Breakdowns by age were not pr...
State of Alaska releases data hub for coronavirus tracking Governor Mike Dunleavy and the State Department of Health and Social Services released a comprehensive tool to help the public track cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). https://coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com/. Known as the “Data Dashboard,” the chart breaks down cases by region, borough or census area, and community, thus providing a more detailed account of the illness. The page also allows for information on case gender, testing and cumulative hospitalizations...
Alaska sport fish season still open The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced on Monday that sport and personal use fishing will remain open for the 2020 season, as long as individuals stay in compliance with State of Alaska public health mandates. In a media release, the department stated that “Although travel between communities is prohibited under issued health mandates, the public may still travel to fishing locations,” provided that ADF&G guidelines are followed: 1. Fishing activities should occur as close to home residences as pos...
Earlier this week, the Treasury Department launched a new web tool to allow registration for individuals seeking payment through the recently-passed CARES Act who do not normally file a federal income tax return. Qualified individuals who typically receive benefits from the Social Security Administration — particularly those with children under the age of 17 — should utilize the new web portal to ensure they receive the $500 per dependent Economic Impact Payment. People who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability ins...
At a community briefing held late afternoon Monday, April 20, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gave the first indication Anchorage is on the verge of reopening some businesses. Citing a plan called “Safe Anchorage: A Roadmap To Reopening the Municipality of Anchorage,” Berkowitz and members of his administration waded into the when, where and how city goods and services will be managed in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The plan calls for four phases: Easing; Recovery; Maintenance; and New Normal. Each is bolstered by a listing of acceptable activities, pr...
My 95-year old mother lives in an independent living apartment community and no longer cooks for herself. Her walk down the hall to the dining room gives her a little exercise and the other residents who share her table provide companionship and support. With three out of the four at her table very hard of hearing, it isn't always easy to have great conversations, but they manage to keep up with each other's visiting children, health changes and travel plans. And, they help each other order...
Often times it can be confusing to Medicare beneficiaries just how much of their medical expenses will be covered and for how much they will be responsible. This, in part, can be due to not understanding their providers’ relationship with Medicare. Medical providers are categorized under three classifications in reference to Medicare. They are: providers who accept assignment, providers who do not accept assignment, and opted-out providers. Providers who accept assignment (also known as p...
The State Diabetes Prevention and Control Program partners with Leslie Shallcross at the UAF Cooperative Extension Service to offer training for lifestyle coaches interested in delivering the evidence-based National Diabetes Prevention Program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This program is designed to help people make lifestyle changes and lose weight to ultimately reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and have a better overall quality of life. This lifestyle coach training will be offered in...
Alaska Health Fair depends on dedicated professionals from various medical, social, health and safety fields who can take time to share their extensive knowledge, skills and abilities with health fair attendees. These individuals share their agency’s mission, vision and core purpose and what services they offer that can help event attendees achieve more balanced, overall and greatly improved physical, emotional, mental and social “health”. Come help educate and help people to connect with important services, perform free health scree...
Insulin patches for replacing shots UCLA bioengineers and colleagues at UNC School of Medicine and MIT are continuing to report success in the development of a smart insulin-delivery patch that could one day monitor and manage glucose levels in people with diabetes and deliver the necessary insulin dosage. The adhesive patch, about the size of a quarter, is simple to manufacture and intended for once-a-day use. Study investigator Zhen Gu, PhD, who is a professor of bioengineering at the UCLA...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in March. This month’s presentation and discussion will continue focus on a training DVD by Teepa Snow. March 3, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. March 10, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m. March 17, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m. March 24, Open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program in Blazy Mall, Soldotna, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending lib...
Here are do's and don'ts if you fall ill during this coronavirus crisis, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Do not leave home. Stay home. You may leave to see the doctor, but do not go to the pharmacy, grocery store, or other public place before or after. Stay in touch with your doctor. Before going to the doctor, call his or her office and tell them your symptoms. IF you feel short of breath, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room. Avoid public transportation. Monitor your...
Alaskans may be good at maintaining distance from each other, but if you’re a caregiver (and even if you’re not), eventually you’ll have to leave the house to get groceries, replenish medications, or gather other supplies. If you usually stock up on incontinence supplies, toilet paper, or other products for personal care via Amazon or some other bulk supplier, be aware that shipping to Alaska may be backlogged. It may be better to shop locally to be sure of supplies on hand. Here are four tips for your personal safety, and the safety of other...
The Denali Center, a 75-bed rehabilitation and senior center in Fairbanks, recently began testing its residents and staff after one confirmed case of COVID-19 was established on Saturday, March 28. The facility, run by Foundation Health Partners, currently has 135 staff members working a variety of shifts at the 19th Avenue location. It was determined the affected individual, a resident female, 80, was only “mildly symptomatic” and is quarantined in her apartment. All other residents are also confined to their rooms and wear masks to pre...
Current COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Alaska At the nightly press briefing on Tuesday, March 31, Dr. Anne Zink, of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 in five Alaska communities – Anchorage (2), Eagle River (2), Fairbanks (5), Juneau (4) and Kenai (1). This brings the total case count in Alaska to 133. Two of the new cases are older adults (60+); 10 are adults aged 30-59; and two are younger adults aged 19-29. Five are female and nine are male. Five of the cases are c...
