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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...
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...
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...
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...
Vaccinations may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease There now may be new steps a person can take to lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Getting your recommended routine vaccinations may provide hidden health benefits, according to new research. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that after receiving the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine there was a 30% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Similar results were observed in individu...
For individuals who would like notifications when motion is detected in their home, when a door is open, or if someone is in need of assistance, an alerting device can be helpful. The SMPL Wander Alert system has a pager that will vibrate, flash and sound an alarm when sensors are triggered. There are door sensors, motion sensors, help pendants, call bells and more that can be connected to one pager each with a different alerting sound. This alerting device is wireless, does not require...
If you or a loved one are receiving in-patient medical care, there comes a time when that care will end. Hopefully, this is because the patient is ready for discharge, but sometimes, the patient is notified that care will be discontinued, possibly due to a notice from Medicare. You have a right to appeal this decision. What if my medical care ends too soon? If you are receiving care in a hospital or non-hospital setting and you learn that your care is going to end, you have the right to a fast,...
It's March again, the month when we ditch our winter blues, welcome springtime, and ... talk about colon cancer? It's not the most thrilling topic for a conversation starter, but knowledge is power and in this case, it could be lifesaving for you or someone you love. What is colon cancer? Colon (or colorectal) cancer starts in the large intestine, which is an essential part of your digestive system. It usually develops slowly over time, beginning as noncancerous growths called polyps. Regular screenings are crucial because early detection can...
March health fairs feature health education and affordable comprehensive blood tests. See the entire schedule and pricing at www.alaskahealthfair.org, with more events being added as arrangements are made. Schedule an appointment online or simply walk-in at any of our public events. March 2 Meadow Lakes Community Health Fair, Meadow Lakes Elementary School, 1741 Pittman Rd., 8 a.m. to noon. March 9 Anchorage Community Health Fair on O'Malley, 1801 O'Malley Rd., 8 a.m. to noon. March 16 Anchorage Willow Crest Elementary, 1004 West Tudor Rd., 8...
New wearable robotics for Parkinson’s disease “Freezing,” a temporary, involuntary inability to move, is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 9 million people worldwide. When individuals with Parkinson’s disease freeze, they suddenly lose the ability to move their feet, often mid-stride, resulting in a series of staccato stutter steps that get shorter until the person stops altogether. These episodes...
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired's Elijah Haines, pictured, will conduct two low-vision clinics in Fairbanks, March 11 and 12, at the Golden Towers Building. A certified orientation and mobility specialist, he will assess and match people with the best possible device for their condition. Center for the Blind staff will also be in Fairbanks on March 21 and 22 to make presentations and home visits. Reserve your spot (home visit appointments fill fast) by calling Pete McCall,...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in March: March 1, Soldotna Senior Center, discussing direct services models, 1 to 2 p.m. March 5, Tyotkas Elder Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. March 19, Kenai Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. March 21, Sterling Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. March 29, Nikiski Senior Center, with overview presentation on home health nursing, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support...
1. I know you’ve heard this before, but it is so important that it bears repeating: Chew, chew, chew. This means both slowly and thoroughly. To be totally graphic about it, you want anything you swallow to be a soupy consistency. Especially meat. For starters, digestion starts in the mouth. There are thousands of tiny neuro-receptors in the mouth that send messages to the brain about what is about to come down the pike. These messages “prep” the entire digestive system to gear up for the meal or snack that’s on the way. Fatty foods will tr...
If you would characterize your relationship with chocolate as complicated, you're not alone. Sweet, velvety and smooth, chocolate thrills the senses, making it very popular, especially at Valentine's Day. There is mounting evidence that a few nibbles of dark chocolate can not only satisfy a craving, but can also be beneficial for your health. Lee S. Berk, an associate dean of research affairs at the School of Allied Health Professions and a researcher in psychoneuroimmunology and food science...
February, the month of love, is also an opportune time to show some love to your heart. As we observe Heart Health Month, we're reminded of the critical role heart health plays in our overall well-being. Here are some simple, actionable steps you can take right now to embark on a journey toward better heart health. Step it up with walking. A stroll might seem mundane, but it's a powerhouse of heart health benefits. Walking is a wonderfully accessible form of exercise that bolsters heart strength, aids weight management and uplifts your mood....
Staff from the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be in Fairbanks Feb. 6 and 7 to conduct support group meetings and conduct home visits. A support group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Southhall Manor building, 401 7th Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon. Another support group meeting will be held in the afternoon at the Golden Towers building, 330 3rd Ave., at 2 p.m. Staff will be available for home visits throughout the day. Home visits include an assessment of the living space to eliminate falling dangers and...
Improving brain health through exercise A new study is suggesting a fascinating link between regular exercise and better brain health. Researchers looked at 10,125 Individuals with MRI brain scans and found that being physically active is related to increased size of brain areas important for memory and learning. The study revealed that those who regularly engaged in physical activities such as walking, running or sports had larger brain volumes in key areas. This includes the gray matter,...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in February: Feb. 2, Soldotna Senior Center, with a training on transfers, by Annett Brookshire from Nettie’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 6, Tyotkas Elder Center, round table discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 15, Sterling Senior Center, “Alzheimer’s and Diet,” with Cindy Harris from the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 20, Kenai Senior Center, “All About Medicaid,” with Valerie Flake from Val’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 21,...
Perhaps the most consistent element of the loss and grief process is its absolute in-consistency. Anyone who has lost a loved one to death, divorce, illness or separation knows firsthand the ebb and flow of feelings, made more complicated by physical and emotional reminders of their absence. It can be hard to know how to help ourselves when every aspect of our human form is affected by a loss, ranging from tearfulness to muscle aches and sleep disorders. And while therapy and group support can...
In the dark winter months, swimming can be enjoyable and an outstanding full-body workout. Further, it can be an effective way of building and maintaining muscle strength. The water provides a natural resistance that makes your muscles work harder. The resistance offered by the water may even be up to 44 times greater than that of air, suggesting that swimming may be a more challenging workout than other forms of exercise. Grant Fairbanks, who is 74 and lives in Bethel, attributes a general...
Let’s take a moment to shed some light on this often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of our wellbeing. Mental health isn’t just about whether you’re feeling happy or sad at any given moment - it’s a complex tapestry that weaves itself through every facet of our lives, from our relationships and careers to our physical health and overall sense of purpose. It is a concept that encompasses an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It refers to our ability to think, feel and behave in ways that enable us to navigate...
