New CPAP with all the Works

 I have not had a pulmonary/sleep specialist since retiring from Valley Medical Center over five years ago.  I guess this had to do more with leaving California, as my Valley Health Plan insurance wouldn't cover me outside of California.  I had about six masks at this time.  I have been using them longer than the prescribed to make them last.  However I finally have a new machine and masks.  I was worried about the old one as it was getting to old.  My old machine was recalled, so I did get a new machine sent to me in Arizona.  My new machine which I picked up last week is much smaller, sleeker and looks cooler.  The piping has a heater in it. It is set at 72 degrees.  It has a humidifier attachment but I had them turn it off for now.  It is set so all I do is turn it on and off.  The level is set by the sleep doctor.  

Crisis Line Information on Farnam Pier and the Pedestrian Bridge

 Found the crisis line number on the pier and the bridge coming from Discovery Playground to the pier.  Seems they want this information out there where there is a place someone could jump.  There is now a national suicide and crisis number to call.  

Magazine Article Review: Has Science Solved Death?

 Has Science Solved Death? by Meryl Davids Landau, Prevention Magazine, March 2026, pp 63-74.

Of course the answer is no, but this article deals with what things have increased longevity.  Three experts answer the questions: 

Magazine Article Review: Zinc Improves Glucose Control

 Zinc Improves Glucose Control by Ross Howzer, Life Extension Magazine: The Science of a Healthier Life, Collectors Edition 2026, pp 65-68.

This is a concept I had not heard, that zinc could help with glucose control.  I am taking Four pills and a weekly shot to improve my glucose control.  Adding a zinc supplement may help as well.  This article indicates that zinc has many positive qualities.  It can improve and support the immune system.  Studies indicate that low zinc is related to inulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.  For those with diabetes zince supplements have helped improve blood sugar numbers and lower AIC.

This magazine promotes supplements so I was wary, so turned to AI for its answer to the question about zinc.  There is states that zinc can help diabetes and cholesterol.  It states that zinc is helpful in controlling blood sugar but it also warns it is possible to get too much zinc.  It suggests that a low dose of zinc can be helpful but less than 25 mg.  There are 50 mg supplements so I would be wary of those.  My multivitamin has 10 mg zinc so a supplement with 10 or 15 mg may be right for me.  I see my Dr. in a couple weeks and am going to ask him about this.

Magazine Article Review: Sweet Dreams: Follow some simple tips and get the sound sleep you deserve

 Sweet Dreams: Follow some simple tips and get the sound sleep you deserve by Juliana LaBianca, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Summer 2023 pp 22-25

So her are some tips for better sleep, during the day:  Spend time outside in the morning With coffee or hot chocolate, do some strength exercises instead of just cardio (will get you more tired and body will need to recover), eat regular meals and snacks, no beeping noises to wak, music or nature sounds are better.

Before Bedtime: slip into something you love such as comfortable pajamas, eat almonds (they have natural melatonin), bedroom should be cool (under 65), good music for sleep, no screens--read a book instead, no alcohol but chamomile tea with cherry juice is good.

While You Are in Bed:  Be in the dark (eye masks are good), smell lavender (perhaps a spray), red lighting may help, sleep on your left side for better breathing and less issues with acid reflux, if you are ruminating about somethin take a moment to write it down and then go to sleep, if you wake during the night try deep breathing to get back to sleep.  

Magazine Article Review: Vitamin D May Slow Aging by Protecting Telomeres

 Vitamin D May Slow Aging by Protecting Telomeres by Joseph Meyer, Life Extension, The Science of a Healthier Life, collectors edition, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, 2026 pp 23-.

Telomeres are the protecting ends of chromosomes.  The process of aging is connected to the telomeres.  People predict the physical aging of an individual by looking at the telomeres.  

Studies are showing the taking vitamin D protects the telomeres, and thus reduces aging.  A 2025 study shows that individuals who had taken vitamin D-3 2000 IU for four years had significantly reduced telomere shortening.  I have been taking vitamin D-3 for many years at the suggestion of my doctor.  

Avoiding Falls as an Older Adult

 I came across a flyer posted in the bathroom of the Kingman Visitors Center.  It is important to take care of any fall hazards, use the handrail on stairs, and avoid over loading yourself, especially not blocking your vision.