Health & Wellbeing

RALEIGH – If the NC House of Representatives acts in the Short Session, state lawmakers will make substantial progress when it comes to improving both the access and affordability of health care in the state. Following many years exploring healthcare policy changes and a recent bipartisan Joint Legislative Study Committee on Access to Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion, the state Senate passed HB 149 with bipartisan and near unanimous (by one vote) support.

COVID-19 has delivered a grim reminder of the serious and chronic issues residents and staff in nursing homes face. But long before the pandemic, many of these facilities were cited frequently for problems such as poor infection control, understaffing, inappropriate discharges and more.

In the United States, the vast majority of long-term care for older people is provided by family members, such as and spouses, children and other relatives. But LGBTQ elders are only half as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to have close family to lean on for help.

GREENSBORO, NC -- Do you ask yourself every day, "What’s for dinner?" If you are like most people, you want to start off the new year by eating better. Are you sick of your own cooking? If so, this is a great virtual opportunity for you to learn to prepare new tasty and nutritious meals.

RALEIGH, NC —Today, AARP launched a new tool to bring together valuable information and resources to help veterans, military families and their caregivers navigate their health care options. The Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator, North Carolina with critical information about what is required to qualify for health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DoD).

If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. AARP fought for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) because too many Americans do not have access to the affordable, high-speed internet they need. In addition, AARP is working with state lawmakers to expand broadband access to unserved areas in the state.

“It’s funny where a little research can take you,” AARP volunteer Sara Knapp mused recently. “Like all volunteers, I wanted to make a difference and have an impact in my community. In my case, I began by searching through Transylvania County health data and ended up becoming a Tai Chi instructor! Never in my wildest dreams,” she laughs.

Summer has officially arrived, and with it plenty of beach days, barbeques, and picnics. Now that vaccinated individuals can gather for those classic backyard bashes, it’s time to amaze friends and family alike with some delicious and healthy recipes. Over the years, AARP has teamed up with chefs all over America to share some of their summer dishes, and to celebrate, we’re recapping our favorites. For more recipes, make sure to visit aarp.org/food.

This week, record-breaking temperatures are affecting the Northwest region of America, with records set in the hundreds in cities like Portland and Seattle. Streets are buckling from the immense heat, and some power cables are even melting.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has solidified itself as a convenient and safe way to see physicians in your time of need. With just the press of a button on your phone or computer, you can connect with a doctor without the hassle of commuting, sitting in a waiting room, and paying in-person fees. However, with the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine and re-opening of doctor’s offices to the public, is the future of telehealth in jeopardy?