Category Archives: Health

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

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

Thanks to Karen W. and Gordon G.

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Is It Finally Time for a Medicare Dental Benefit?

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How wise are we?

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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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Attention hill climbers (and those wanting a COVID test)

thanks to Mike C. The Washington State Convention Center has re-opened. It’s a great way to get up the hill without climbing when returning on Pike Street from downtown. Enter at 7th and Pike and hop on the 3 tiers … Continue reading

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Want to save some lives?

Thanks to Al MacR UN’s Pandemic Efforts, Want to save some lives?  Here is how to donate for vaccines for underdeveloped countries. $5/vaccine. https://www.gavi.org/donate or support the UN’s pandemic efforts.

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A Pill For COVID? Molnupiravir Explained

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Thailand upcycles plastic bottle waste to make PPE suits for monks to protect from COVID-19

Thanks to Pam P. With an abundance of plastic waste but a scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE), Thailand is turning trash into treasure by upcycling bottles into protective clothing for people at risk of coronavirus infection. Key points: Thailand … Continue reading

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Over the counter hearing aids are coming

Even Bose and Apple are in the game. Thanks to Mike C. By Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News Spurred by decades of complaints about the high cost of hearing aids, Congress passed a law in 2017 to allow over-the-counter sales, hoping … Continue reading

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Those booster shots

Well, there seems to be no shortage of vaccine and the FDA has approved boosters for those 65+ in addition to those immunocompromised. Skyline administration is busy arranging in-house boosters here, date TBD. For those who don’t wish to wait, … Continue reading

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Where can I buy reliable N-95 or KN-95 masks?

Ed Note: The best article I’ve found detailing the best masks for COVID-19 protection was published in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/where-to-buy-n95-kn95-masks-online/. Below are excerpts from the article which is quite complete and includes where to purchase and prices.

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Face masks for COVID pass largest test yet

Ed note: A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. These are often referred to as face masks, although not all face … Continue reading

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The latest in Alzheimer’s research – from Erik B. Larson

Thanks to Put B.

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The covid endgame: Is the pandemic over already? Or are there years to go?

Ed note: The honest answer is — we really don’t know! Are we getting near the point that COVID will behave like the common cold as more are vaccinated? Are we rushing to openness or hunkering down with fear–or is … Continue reading

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All about those COVID protective masks

Erin Murphy from the Public Health Insider Updated 8/18/21 to reflect a statewide masking mandate that supersedes King County’s local mask Directive Ed note: I recently tried to find “real” N95 masks on Amazon. It’s a near impossible task to … Continue reading

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We’ve been good, and possibly lucky as well.

As you likely know, a nearby CCRC has had a medium sized COVID positive test outbreak among both residents and staff–reportedly six fully vaccinated staff testing positive for the virus plus some residents. As a consequence all activities and their … Continue reading

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Reading the news

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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Individual rights and the common good

Ed note: These two concepts (individual rights and the common good) don’t necessarily have to be in conflict. We have a long history of the common good of public health: clean water, food safety, construction regulations, federal response to disasters … Continue reading

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