Category Archives: Health

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

“….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

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John Oliver exposes Dr. Oz

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

Thanks to Barb W.

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Can we toss out this Christmas bulb?

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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The secrets to successful aging

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!

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

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A new Grinch!

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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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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