Category Archives: Health

“Insomnia can kill you” – from the NYT

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed Note: We spend a third of our lives sleeping, or at least trying to sleep. It’s mysterious just why, but dangerous if we don’t sleep well. The second part of this article will be put on the blog tomorrow. … Continue reading →

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Supplements for Weight Loss, Sexual Function and Muscle Building May Be Deadly

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed Note: Dietary supplements are truly scary. By law they cannot be regulated by the FDA. At times they don’t even have the ingredients listed in the supplement! At times the side effects go unreported. Dr. Oz with his unscientific … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Health | Comments Off on Supplements for Weight Loss, Sexual Function and Muscle Building May Be Deadly

Making a house call

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Jim deMaine

In order to be with my Dad, after dinner I’d go on house calls with him.  We’d drive to parts of town I’d never seen, and using the car’s spotlight we’d search out the right house number, often with no … Continue reading →

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Making ears out of apples

Posted on May 25, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Gordon G for finding this interesting TED talk. Andrew Pelling is a biohacker, and nature is his hardware. His favorite materials are the simplest ones (and oftentimes he finds them in the garbage). Building on the cellulose structure … Continue reading →

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Biggest World Problems

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Here’s a list made up by my favorite 8th grader. What’s your list? It’s a little shy on the “what can I do to help” but she’s still got time – especially when she becomes President!

Posted in Advocacy, Climate, Education, environment, Finance, Health, Politics, Poverty, Social justice | Comments Off on Biggest World Problems

Health Care Guide for Seniors in Seattle

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Below is a guide to health care in Seattle which was presented today by Dr. Lee Burnside. This effort was sponsored by the SRA and the Health Care Committee.

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Was It an Invisible Attack on U.S. Diplomats, or Something Stranger?

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: The article below from the New York Times raises the possibility, even probability, that those diplomats in Cuba were affected by a “functional” psychogenic type of disorder. It’s a real, treatable and widely misunderstood – a neurologic phenomenon … Continue reading →

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Should we get the MMR vaccine?

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Most people will not require MMR vaccination, they include the following: People born before 1957 are considered to have natural immunity. They almost certainly had measles, mumps and rubella as children. No need for vaccination or titers. 2) People born … Continue reading →

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The Moment of Life – new book by Melinda Gates

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Jim deMaine

The world’s largest non-profit organization is right here in Seattle. The values of Melinda Gates have been formative in the mission of this philanthropy. This PBS interview highlights her efforts and candor in advocating for equality between men and women, … Continue reading →

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Dying Is No Reason to Stop Fighting

Posted on May 5, 2019 by Jim deMaine

This article is an opinion op-ed from the NYT. Thanks to Pam P for sending it in. “Ady Barkan rolled into Washington this week in a motorized wheelchair, unable to talk or to chew food or to lift his arm to scratch … Continue reading →

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Thanks for your care!

Posted on April 15, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Are you having trouble pronouncing the name of your doctor, nurse, aide or caregiver? Do you understand that the shake of a head can mean “yes” instead of “no.” We are so fortunate at Skyline and in Seattle … Continue reading →

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The NASA Kelley Twin Study – comments and a video about the future of genetics in space travel

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Jim deMaine

The news media yesterday had a fascinating story about a twin experiment involving astronaut Scott Kelly and his identical twin Mark. The results of the effects on Scott have recently been published in the journal Science. Most changes to his … Continue reading →

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How to Fix a Dry Room: 11 Best Ways to Increase Humidity in Your Home

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: There are a number of inexpensive hygrometers available on Amazon to check your apartment’s humidity level. Some residents find our winter indoor dryness just too dry – giving them dry itchy skin and dry eyes. Part of this, … Continue reading →

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British doctors may soon write prescriptions for dance, art or music lessons

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Peg H from the Washington Post: “What if you were ill and instead of — or along with — a prescription for a pharmaceutical drug, your doctor wrote a prescription for a music, dance or painting class? Doctors … Continue reading →

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“Seattle is Dying” – over 2 million views so far

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: A Bellevue friend mentioned this video to me and was amazed why I would tolerate the drug related homelessness in Seattle. I was a bit defensive but after watching the video and reading John Carlon’s take, Seattle badly … Continue reading →

Posted in Addiction, Advocacy, Crime, Health, Homeless, In the Neighborhood, Safety | 2 Comments

Why Lifting Weights Can Be So Potent for Aging Well

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: This article from the NYT reminds us that we’re never too old to begin even a mild form of exercise like lifting weights. Have you noticed your muscles thinning with age. This is called sarcopenia, the muscle equivalent … Continue reading →

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Should I take that baby aspirin?

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Years ago, I asked a Cardiologist friend if he took a baby aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks or a stroke. He said, “No, I don’t have any risk factors and the risk of bleeding is more than any benefit.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Health | 2 Comments

The “Mr. Caplow Burger,” the new item on the lunch menu

Posted on March 15, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Chef Mark Ferrante listens to Skyliners’ suggestions.  The “Mr. Caplow Burger,” the new item on the lunch menu, came out of a discussion in the Dining Services Committee. Chef Mark was aware of this new product and had already included … Continue reading →

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Skyline resident featured on Q13 News about fall prevention

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Whether it’s yourself or you are caring for an aging loved one, falling is a very serious concern for a lot of people.  In fact, the Centers for Disease Control estimates one in four people 65-years-old or older fall each year.  It’s … Continue reading →

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Meet the surgeon Buffett, Bezos and Dimon trust to fix health care

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Atul Gawande is aware of the problems in the health care system – access, quality and cost. He has now teamed up with Buffett, Bezos and Dimon to try to bring these runaway problems under control. If anyone … Continue reading →

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How my dad’s dementia changed my idea of death (and life)

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Jim deMaine
Posted in Advance Directives, Dementia, Grief, Health | Comments Off on How my dad’s dementia changed my idea of death (and life)

Vaping Is Big Tobacco’s Bait and Switch

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Jim deMaine

Ed Note: Nicotine is highly addicting as any cigarette smoker can tell you. I cared for two doctors who died from COPD – neither able to stop smoking. Big Tobacco has long tried to lure us (especially teenagers and women) … Continue reading →

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The problem with dietary supplements

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Jim deMaine

On ingesting her bone meal dietary supplement to prevent osteoporosis a woman felt just fine – until she didn’t. Over time she began to feel weak and sought out medical attention. Even a top neurologist wasn’t able to establish a … Continue reading →

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After taking a painful tumble, this doctor and runner is learning the best way to fall

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Jim deMaine

By Daphne Miller in the Washington Post Thanks to Jim T for sending this in One minute, I was trotting peacefully along a rutted hillside path. The next, I lay in a heap on my left side, so wracked with pain it was hard to breathe. A longtime runner, I traded pavement … Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Health | 1 Comment

Is Eating Deli Meats Really That Bad for You?

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Jim deMaine

From the New York Times: Q. Is eating deli meats really that bad? Does it make a difference if it’s organic, nitrate-free or uncured? A. Meat and poultry are excellent sources of protein, B vitamins and certain minerals, but consuming even … Continue reading →

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