Category Archives: Health

The privatization of Medicare and Medicaid

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: This is an in depth look at how a few large insurance companies are taking over control of health care (doctors, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, etc.). It is notable that “the government will pay roughly $500 billion to insurance … Continue reading →

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Thursday’s Health Talk – 11 AM in the MBR

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Sleep expert Brandon Peters-Mathews returns to Skyline once again to update us on a subject near and dear to us: What goes on during that one-third of our lives while we sleep? Brandon is a Virginia Mason neurologist who has … Continue reading →

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H5N1 Influenza Virus (“Bird Flu”) Is Unlikely to Become a Human Pandemic

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Here’s why: by Paul Offit (thanks to Ed M.) In May 1997, a 3-year-old boy died in Hong Kong of influenza. His death wasn’t unusual. Every year in every country in every corner of the world healthy children die from … Continue reading →

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Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Recent research makes it clear that any amount of drinking can be detrimental. Here’s why you may want to cut down on your consumption beyond Dry January. Ed note: When I developed A-fib, I asked my cardiologist if there was … Continue reading →

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Brain Health Block Party on Seattle’s First Hill – Skyline is a partner in the community

Posted on July 6, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Click here for the Memory Hub newsletter. Community Stories, Brain Health, News, Brain Health Awareness Month Neighboring organizations come together to promote brain health for this second annual event From 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday July 10, head to Seattle’s First Hill for the … Continue reading →

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The loneliness of the woman voter

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Jim deMaine

By Danny Westneat – Seattle Times columnist (thanks to Bob P.) In the fire hose of news this past week, the airlifts are an image that needs more attention. “We are now living in two very different United States,” was how one … Continue reading →

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Federal Officials Revise Recommendations for R.S.V. Vaccine

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Among Americans aged 60 to 74, only those with certain health conditions need to receive the shots, the agency concluded. Pfizer’s Abrysvo is one of three R.S.V. vaccines approved by the F.D.A. The other two are GSK’s Arexvy and Moderna’s … Continue reading →

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The Woman Who Could Smell Parkinson’s

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Jim deMaine

She first noticed the scent on her husband. Now her abilities are helping unlock new research in early disease detection. By Scott Sayare in the NYT: Scott Sayare is a writer in New York. He interviewed doctors, researchers, caregivers and patients … Continue reading →

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Antioxidants – food, supplements or neither?

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Dr. Mehmet Oz has been an unfortunate voice hyping fat-burning supplements sending sales skyrocketing. He has been called to task by congress and has undergone searing critiques of his “flowery language” and health claims promoting questionable products. Unfortunately … Continue reading →

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Consider this letter to Senator Jamie Pedersen

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Jim deMaine

House Bill 2166 (with revisions) recently passed the House unanimously (97-0). This bill allows our POLST forms to be placed in a statewide registry, so that our POLSTs can rapidly be retrieved by 911 responders or emergency rooms. Oregon has … Continue reading →

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Trump’s COVID life threatening infection

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M.

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Take a Hike in the Andes: a virtual walk

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Jim Tanner

The Fitness and and Wellness subcommittee is bringing back the popular Skyline Virtual Walk. Among the many “walks” we have taken in the past are the Oregon Trail, Route 66, and the Pacific Crest Trail. For those of you who … Continue reading →

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How to (and not to) boost your immune system

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Jim deMaine

KATELYN JETELINA AND DR. ANDREA LOVE Thanks to Ed. M. The rumor mill is hot with ways to “boost your immune system” this viral season. Legitimate and illegitimate claims on prevention and treatment are entangled on social media and massive podcasts (cough, … Continue reading →

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Swedish Health System set for $1.3B expansion of First Hill Campus

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Perkins&Will is designing the 750,000sf tower Swedish Health System is set to break ground its largest project in its more than 100-year history, reports the Puget Sound Business Journal. The $1.3-billion North Tower project, planned at the corner of Marion Street … Continue reading →

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Trying to understand long term care insurance.

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Janet M. who shares two articles from the NYT: A Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance and Why Long Term Care Insurance Falls Short for Many

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Learning about Assisted Living – Do we need federal guidelines for staffing?

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Janet M. There are two excellent New York Times articles recently about Assisted Living pros, cons, costs and staffing. The first is titled A Guide to Assisted Living along with a companion articled titled Added Fees Drive Assisted-Living … Continue reading →

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Enlightened Aging

Posted on November 16, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Recent presentation at Skyline by Eric Larson MD, MPH

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An Invitation to Gratitude: November 12-19

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Jim Tanner

From Your Fitness and Wellness Subcommittee When: November 12th — November 19th Where: Note from our chaplain: Mayo Clinic psychologist Matthew Schumann reminds us that expressing gratitude is brings a host of mental and physical benefits: feeling thankful can– improve … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, happiness, Health, Mental Health | 1 Comment

Enlightened Aging – Tuesday November 14th at 3PM

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Please join us for this special presentation in the Mt. Baker Room sponsored by your Health Care Committee. Eric is a researcher, teacher and author widely recognized for his studies on aging and dementia, particularly the Adult Changes in Thought … Continue reading →

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Is it time to evaluate our indoor air quality?

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Research now shows a virus such a COVID can travel well beyond the 6 feet “limit.” For more data from the EPA click here: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/clean-air-buildings-challenge

Posted in Health | 1 Comment

It’s Covid Season. What Are the New Rules for Staying Safe?

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary Jane F. A primer on how to minimize your risk and know when you’re in the clear after an exposure. By Dani Blum We want to be done with Covid. But the virus isn’t done with us. While … Continue reading →

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Rite Aid, Facing Slumping Sales and Opioid Suits, Files for Bankruptcy

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Jim deMaine

The pharmacy chain, one of the country’s largest, faces more than a thousand lawsuits that say it filled illegal prescriptions for painkillers. By Jordyn Holman and Lauren Hirsch in the NYT Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, … Continue reading →

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I don’t want CPR; will anyone listen?

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jim deMaine

By Jim deMaine Special to The Seattle Times published Saturday September 23rd I’m 85 years old and am in reasonably good health considering my age — mild hypertension, cured prostate cancer and macular degeneration. It’s been a wonderful life and I … Continue reading →

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Slides from “Speaking of Dying Presentation”

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Click on this icon to enlarge Here are the slides presented yesterday by Dr. Kate Brostoff. The full presentation will be on CareMerge within two weeks. Also these slides will be available on CareMerge under documents from the Health Care … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life, Health, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

As you get your COVID vaccine, thank these two scientists

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M. Yesterday, the 2023 Nobel Prize Winners for Physiology or Medicine went to Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó for their discoveries in the biotechnology behind our Covid-19 mRNA vaccines.  Behind the amazing story of perseverance and collaborative … Continue reading →

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