Health

Would a single payer health care system be good for Alaska? Dr. Carol Paris, president of Physicians for a National Health Program, advocates for a single payer health care system. Policy expert Sandra Heffern with the AK Health Reform coalition and Juneau general surgeon Dr. David Miller will discuss the concept, and why it might work or fail in Alaska.

The last twenty years produced an explosion of understanding about addiction (substance use disorders) and how our brains enable our most human capacities such as assigning value to pleasure and making decisions based upon that value. This lecture summarizes the most current neuroscientific research about addiction — research that explains how the brain constructs pleasurable experiences, what happens when this process goes wrong and why this can have a dramatic impact on our ability to make proper choices.

 

Karen Hunt served as a Superior Court Judge from 1984 until 2000. And while she retired from the bench, Judge Hunt has definitely not retired. She continues to work in a variety of ways that benefit both community and people. In this program, Judge Hunt discusses “minimum documents” people should have in place that will protect their families. Ann Secrest of AARP Alaska conducts the interview.

Pamela Kelley, Education Director for Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska talks about the number of Alaskans affected by Alzheimer’s and what steps should be done immediately – by the individual and the family – when the diagnosis is first learned. Ms. Kelley also shares information on a variety of workshops offered by the organization. Ann Secrest of AARP Alaska conducts the interview.

Julie Wrigley, estate planning and business attorney with the Durrell Law Group, P.C. of Anchorage, discusses the personal journey she underwent when she discovered she had cancer – and how that changed her life. She now speaks publicly on the importance of having three documents completed: (1) Advance Health Care Directive; (2) A Durable Power of Attorney; and (3) A Will or Revocable Living Trust. Ms. Wrigley also discusses the importance of how often individuals should review their paperwork and where to keep documents. Ann Secrest of AARP Alaska conducts the interview.

Mike Motti, EMT, Instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates talks about the importance of preparation and prevention for those who want to explore Alaska.  During the program Mr. Motti demonstrates what he considers to be critical gear for anyone who is planning a wilderness trip. He also demonstrates gear needed for snow adventures, including an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel. Ann Secrest of AARP Alaska conducts the interview.