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New machines measure back surgery benefits Researchers who have been using Fitbit data to help predict surgical outcomes have now come up with a new method to more accurately gauge how an individual may recover from spine surgery. Using machine learning techniques developed at the AI for Health Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, the team developed a novel way to predict recovery more accurately from lumbar spine surgery. This latest model has outperformed previous models...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in June. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. July 5 Soldotna Senior Center, training featuring “Alive Inside,” a cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity, 1 to 2 p.m. July 16 Kenai Senior Center, round table discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. July 18 Sterling Senior Center, round table discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. July 23 Tyotkas Elder Center, round table discu...
“I do not have to attend every argument I’m invited to.” These words can be kept in the back of your mind as you, the family caregiver, spend what can be some very frustrating days with your loved one. This month try to remember: When a loved one or close friend is upset or concerned about something, it’s part of our nature to listen, empathize, and possibly help them resolve the situation. As caring people, we do what we can to make those close to us feel valued and respected. However, when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease o...
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men, so it is often thought of as a women’s disease. Subsequently, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in men, especially men age 65 and older, who are at risk for developing osteoporosis. In addition, the number of fractures caused by fragile bones in men has increased in recent years. A fracture after age 50 is an important signal that a person may have osteoporosis. Unfortunately, men are less likely than women to be evaluated for osteoporosis after a fracture. Men also are less likely to get o...
Q: I work at a keyboard and my wrists get really sore. What can I do to prevent damaging my hands and wrists? I can't quit my job. A: Repetitive strain injury from computer work is a widespread problem in this age of electronic communication. You may touch keys up to 200,000 times a day -the equivalent of your fingers walking 10 miles. Holding your wrists, hands and back straight while keyboard walking is crucial to ongoing comfort and prevention of strains and pains. When you work with straight wrists and fingers, the nerves, muscles and...
Ott-Lite table and desk lamps are designed specifically to bring natural daylight lighting indoors to help the user see details clearly and colors accurately. Ott-Lites can benefit individuals who need assistance seeing books, recipes, prescription bottles, crafts, puzzles, electronics, jewelry and more. There are Ott-Lite lamps that can be placed on desks or on the floor with high contrast clocks on their face, USB ports for charging electronics, magnifiers attached, or adjustable device...
June is Men's Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique health issues men face and to encourage early detection, treatment and prevention. Alaska Health Fair offers a variety of blood screenings that can provide valuable information about your health. Take your blood test results to your doctor. Comprehensive Blood Chemistry panel. This test measures various components of your blood, providing insight into your kidney, liver, as well as glucose, electrolyte and lipid levels. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Beginning at...
Preventing memory loss on a daily basis When it comes to your brain, use it or lose it. The harder your brain works at your job, the less likely you may be to have memory and thinking problems later in life, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology. The study does not prove that stimulating work prevents mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It only shows an association. “We examined the demands of various jobs and found that cognitive stimulation at work during different stages i...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in June. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. June 4, Tyotkas Elder Center, 10:30 a.m. June 7, Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 18, Kenai Senior Center, with guest speaker, Louise Heite from MA Speech Pathology, 1 to 2 p.m. June 20, Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 27, Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a...
Shifting from processed to home-cooked meals offers numerous advantages, from improved nutritional quality to enriching personal and social experiences. Here's why making this change can be profoundly positive. One significant advantage of home cooking is the control it gives over ingredients. This allows you to avoid harmful additives and excess sugars, fats and salts common in processed foods. Instead, you can choose fresh, wholesome ingredients that boost your intake of vital nutrients,...
Reacher/grabber tools help those who have trouble bending or those with limited mobility to pick up lightweight objects around the house. Each reacher/grabber has slight variations from length, head rotation, magnetic tips, folding capabilities, materials and more. There are many on the market for purchase. The one shown in the picture is 32 inches in length, weighs less than one pound, has a rotating and magnetic head, folds in half, and has non-slip silicone rubber coating to make it easier...
Alaska Health Fair has been delivering health fairs and affordable comprehensive blood screenings since 1980. May is the final month of our spring health fair season. After that, we will go on a short break and begin work on fall health fairs. Now is the perfect time to visit one of our remaining fairs, connect with local health and wellness resources, and take advantage of the affordable, comprehensive blood screenings (prices begin at $20). Schedule an appointment online (www.alaskahealthfair.org) or simply walk-in at any of our events. May...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold support group meetings at the following locations: May 3, Soldotna Senior Center Guest speaker Janice Nightingale from Hospice of Central Peninsula, 1 to 2 p.m. May 14, Kenai Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. May 16, Sterling Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m. May 23, Nikiski Senior Center, open discussion, 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 family member or...
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...
