Category Archives: Health

Masks from Bartell Drugs

Posted on January 30, 2022 by Jim deMaine

From Al MacR. Ed note: Our Health Care Committee has ordered 100 KN95 masks which should arrive in the next week or so (hopefully). You will be notified when they’re available (for $1.00/each) at Skyline’s resident run Corner Store. From … Continue reading →

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UW COVID-19 Symposium # XXIV

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Here is the latest monthly UW symposium. It’s a bit technical, but might appeal to some of the readers of this blog: Click this link to view: 01/27/2022: COVID Symposium XXIV – Zoom COVID Symposium XXIV The Public Health Officer’s … Continue reading →

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How to Reuse N95, KN95, and Other Disposable Masks

Posted on January 24, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Joanne Chen in the NYT Thanks to Mary M. for forwarding this article Ed note: KN95 masks will soon be on sale in the Corner Store. It’s helpful to know that they can (carefully) be reused as noted in this … Continue reading →

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If you’re asymptomatic but exposed to COVID-19, how should Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) be used?

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Jim deMaine

From the New England Journal based on FDA recommendations Ed note: Soon we will have RDTs sent to us if we’ve requested them. If you have symptoms, for sure test yourself or get tested at one of the sites available. … Continue reading →

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A different kind of retriever

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Gordon G. who notes, “This “domestic” robot will be featured at this year’s International Robotics Conference.  Wouldn’t it be nice if there were one in every Skyline apartment?🙂”

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Free at-home COVID-19 tests

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Click this link to order: www.COVIDtests.gov. The site is up and running today (a day early). ABOUT THE AT-⁠HOME COVID-⁠19 TESTS The tests available for order: Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR Can be taken anywhere Give results within … Continue reading →

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The joys (and challenges) of sex after 70 and beyond

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Jim deMaine

The New York Times Magazine takes on this little talked about subject in a lengthy article written by Maggie Jones who is a contributing writer for the magazine and teaches writing at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a Nieman … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging Sites, Education, happiness, Health | 2 Comments

The current tsunami of the Omicron variant in King County – what personal choices should we make?

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Jim deMaine

“….health officials in Washington continue to report record COVID-19 hospitalizations, largely driven by omicron. Hospitals are struggling with high rates of hospitalizations, staff shortages and scarce testing supplies. The Washington National Guard will help staff hospitals and testing sites across the state in … Continue reading →

Posted in Health | 1 Comment

John Oliver exposes Dr. Oz

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed. note: The NYT today has an Opinion piece on Dr. Oz’s entry into the US Senate race in Pennsylvania. For a bit of history of his involvement with the dietary supplement industry, please view this serious/hilarious somewhat off-color monologue … Continue reading →

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Flights and Rights: Access to Health Care

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Barb W.

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Can we toss out this Christmas bulb?

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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The secrets to successful aging

Posted on January 1, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary Jane F. Ed note: I also like to saying that the best “physician” is Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet and Dr. Merryman. By The New York Times Dec. 31, 2021 Looking for ways to grow old gracefully? Over the … Continue reading →

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It’s time to use the N95 or KN95 masks!

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Given the incoming surge of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, it’s time to take masks even more seriously. Experts are now urging high quality masks that are much better than the surgical or cloth masks most … Continue reading →

Posted in Health | 1 Comment

A new Grinch!

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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Cataract Surgery Linked to Lower Risk of Developing Dementia, Even 10 Years Later

Posted on December 11, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ann M. Ed note: Skyliners might note that Dr. Eric Larson is a co-author of this study and the lead researcher of Group Health’s, now Kaiser’s ACT (Adult Changes in Thought) study. Some of you are participants in … Continue reading →

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Forrest bathing

Posted on December 5, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Karen W. and Gordon G.

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Is It Finally Time for a Medicare Dental Benefit?

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Jim deMaine
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How wise are we?

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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Exemptions for sale: How a central Washington doctor helped workers dodge vaccine mandate

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Chris Ingalls, Taylor Mirfendereski From King5. Thanks to Mike C. An Ellensburg doctor removed her mask as she entered a small medical exam room in October and began signing a COVID-19 vaccine exemption form for a first-time patient, without asking … Continue reading →

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I’m 87, Triple Vaxxed and Living My Life Again

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Jim deMaine

By Katharine Esty in the New York Times Dr. Esty is a psychotherapist and the author of “Eightysomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well and Finding Unexpected Happiness.” Another Covid winter looms, but this moment of the pandemic feels … Continue reading →

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Good morning. Is it time to start moving back to normalcy?

Posted on November 13, 2021 by Jim deMaine

From the New York Times. Thanks to Mary Jane F. Ed note: I think in some sense we’re all beginning to adjust to whatever the new normal is. We’re not sure yet, we’re uneasy, but COVID will recede into the … Continue reading →

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Frye Museum–Cultivating Compassion

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ann M. Cultivating Compassion:2021 Virtual Creative Aging ConferenceFriday, December 10, 9 am–3 pm PSTRooted in a discussion of compassion and empathy, this one-day virtual conference will focus on how we care for ourselves, each other, and the natural world. An exciting … Continue reading →

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Ask the Doctor – My interviews with Michael Hebb

Posted on November 3, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Michael Hebb is an innovative and influential cultural figure, entrepreneur and activist, described by the New York Times as an “underground restaurateur, impresario and provocateur.” He believes that the dinner table is one of the most effective (and overlooked) vehicles … Continue reading →

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Why Aren’t More People Comparison Shopping for Health Plans?

Posted on October 31, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Most Medicare beneficiaries don’t compare plans during open enrollment season, and may be paying more, or accepting more restrictions, than they should. Ed note: Medicare insurance choice is impossibly confusing. If you need help, please contact https://www.shiphelp.org/ — the State … Continue reading →

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The power of touch

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: So often doctor’s are neglecting the power of touch. This poignant story from the New England Journal of Medicine is a reminder–hopefully physicians are listening.

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