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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...
The Alaska Radon Program will give out free radon tests for National Radon Action Month in January. Radon is a colorless, odorless cancer-causing gas that is commonly found in Alaska. With homes closed up during the winter, January is a good time to test for the gas. Alaska residents may request a test kit at https://bit.ly/3v9Qh2p. For more information, contact Jennifer Athey, Alaska Div. of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, at 907-451-5028 or email jennifer.athey@alaska.govjennifer.athey@alaska.gov....
Drones equipped with defibrillators may help save lives Researchers have evaluated the possibility of alerting drones equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED) to patients with suspected cardiac arrest. In more than half of the cases, the drones were ahead of the ambulance by an average of three minutes. In cases where the patient was in cardiac arrest, the drone-delivered defibrillator was used in a majority of cases. Swedish researchers at Karolinska Institutet evaluated the use...
Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about the eye disease glaucoma? My older brother was recently diagnosed with it and lost some of his vision, but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too? – Stressed Sibling Dear Stressed: Yes. Having an immediate family member with glaucoma significantly increases your risks of developing it, but there are other risk factors you need to be aware of too. Here’s what you should know. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vis...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in January: Jan. 2, Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai), 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5, Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 16, Kenai Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 18, Sterling Senior Center, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Nikiski Senior Center, 12:30 to 1:30 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 family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind...
A reader emailed me this question: I want to take better care of myself, but I’m having trouble committing. Any tips for creating a good routine? Here was my reply. Thanks for sparking a good column topic! Intention is key. That’s the best place to start. You said “routine,” which may sound less-than-exciting. But, honestly, excitement is overrated. In fact, our bodies respond very well to routine at all stages of life. And we feel so much better, and act more considerately, when applying consistent self-care. The basics include making healthi...
Good news from the Kenai Peninsula. The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program (KPFCSP) is now being administered by the Nikiski Senior Center. I’m Dani Kebschull, program coordinator of the KPFCSP. I’ve lived on the Peninsula almost all of my life and have spent my career working with, and providing services for, family caregivers - including 10 years with the KPFCSP. I’m excited to help rebuild this program and aid in its growth for the entire Peninsula. A caregiver can be anyone from a helpful neighbor who provides daily check...
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Willow. Call 1-800-478-1080 for details. ARA also hosts a statewide call-in meeting on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m. For information, call Gay Wellman, 907-822-5620 or 1-800-478-1080....
As the crisp air envelops our great state, it’s not just the snowflakes that remind us of the season’s charm, but also the spirit of giving and togetherness. This December, as we observe Safe Toys and Gifts Month, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the choices we make when selecting gifts, not just for children but for adults as well. Active play and educational value. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, gifting items that encourage active play is more crucial than ever. For children, consider toys that promote physical act...
The Alaska Center for the Blind will hold two low-vision clinics and two support group meetings in Fairbanks, Dec. 4 and 5. At the low-vision clinics, a specialist will match the client with the best possible device for their condition. The Dec. 4 clinic will be at Ravens Landing. Also on Dec. 4, Center for the Blind staff will hold a support group at Timber Creek at 9 a.m. and another at Access Alaska at group at 1 p.m. Staff will be available for home visits in the afternoon. On Dec. 5, a low-vision clinic will be held at the Tanana Chiefs...
New help for those with low vision or blindness Australian researchers have developed a new type of technology known as acoustic touch and it helps people “see” using sound. The technology has the potential to transform the lives of those who are blind or have low level vision. Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney have developed new smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons. “Smart glasses typically use computer visio...
An estimated 80% of older adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Maintaining healthy blood pressure can protect against serious conditions like heart failure, heart attacks and strokes. Now, a new study is suggesting that adding a relatively minimal amount of movement, about 3,000 steps per day, can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults. It is time to step up your game. "We'll all get high blood pressure if we live long enough, at least in this country," said study...
The weather is crisp outside, the leaves are falling and the holiday season is fast approaching. Typically, this time of year fills us with joy, laughter and festive gatherings surrounded by those we love. However, holiday traditions may also serve as a reminder of what is missing and the happiness of others can make grieving individuals feel alone. Hospice of Anchorage recognizes that the holidays aren’t easy for everyone. Our mission is to help individuals and families prepare for and live well with serious and life-limiting illness, dying, a...
November shines a spotlight on a growing health concern: diabetes. As we delve deeper into this awareness month, it’s imperative that we arm ourselves with knowledge and take proactive steps toward ensuring better health outcomes for ourselves and our community. What is diabetes and pre-diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to properly utilize or produce insulin, a hormone essential for converting sugar into energy. Without this process, sugar accumulates in the blood, leading to various health complications. P...
New nasal spray for rapid heartbeats A fast-acting medication delivered as a nasal spray may soon allow individuals with intermittent rapid heartbeats to treat the problem themselves as soon as they develop symptoms, according to a new study. This new medication is still waiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “This is a potential new and exciting option for patients to safely self-treat their rapid heartbeat without direct medical supervision to avoid emergency r...
The annual Great American Smokeout public awareness event takes place Nov. 16 and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) plans to observe the day by highlighting resources for quitting smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, and iqmik. ANTHC and the State of Alaska have resources available for quitting tobacco use: Contact the Alaska Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to learn more about free services for quitting tobacco, including over the phone and virtual consultation. Tribal health beneficiaries throughout Alaska...
If you are helping a family member or friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. Family Caregiver Support Programs offer free support meetings to allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, S...
