Health & Wellness

When evaluating a nursing home, it also helps to show up unannounced and talk to staff members.

Childhood cancer is rare. But Karen Caywood of Gig Harbor knows that it doesn’t seem that way when a doctor informs a parent  their child has been diagnosed. “Once you’re told that your child has childhood cancer, it’s not rare anymore. It’s infuriating, and feels so dismissive to be told that it’s rare,” she said.

“By 2040, almost a quarter of the U.S. population will be age 65 or older,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This demographic shift will impact the economy, healthcare and community dynamics. Now is the time to prioritize health and wellness to increase your chances of aging healthily and maintaining independence

A decade ago, it was difficult to get a full-time position at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, says Aimee Oien, a union rep for the hospital’s nurses and other staff. Turnover was low. Most staff started in per diem or on-call roles. The last several years — even before the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the

New backpack. Check. School supplies. Check. New clothes. Check. First sick day. Oh no! Back-to-school time often means an influx of sickness and sharing germs for our kids. To help parents and caregivers, we’re sharing some practical ways to prep your family for a healthy return to the classroom before the school year starts again.