The Storm’s 25th anniversary season promises to be a memorable one.

“The fans who have showed up for this team are very special,” owner Lisa Brummel said in an interview with Carter Subaru. “They’re special to us because it’s our business and we love to entertain them every time they come to the arena.”

But it’s more important because you see across the 16 years that we’ve owned the team, they’re there through thick and thin. Oftentimes in a business when things aren’t going well, people abandon you, our fans are always there,” she continued.

Throughout the year, fans can participate in various promotions, giveaways and experiences to honor the team’s legacy. The franchise has come a long way since its founding, and this milestone season is a testament to its enduring impact on the community.

Seattle Storm first WNBA team with all-women ownership

One of the most remarkable features of the Storm is its all-women ownership group. The Storm is the first WNBA team to have all-women ownership.

The ownership team is composed of Ginny Gilder, Lisa Brummel, Dawn Trudeau and recently WNBA legend Sue Bird. Their commitment to women’s sports and empowerment sets a powerful example for the entire league.

“When we first took over the team, the ask of the corporate partner was more of a ‘You should do this because it’s the right thing,’ and now it’s ‘You want to do this because you want to be part of what we’re doing,'” Trudeau said in a video with Carter Subaru. “It’s a big change and it’s been a really helpful thing for us to bring in more partners who want to align with what we’re doing and what our brand is doing in the community and the impact we have with the community.”

Bird retired from playing with the Storm in 2022. She played her entire professional career with the team. She also won four WNBA championships and five Olympic gold medals.

“As a player, I poured my heart into every game for the Seattle Storm, and now, as part of the ownership group, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the growth of the game,” said former player Sue Bird via the Storm’s website. “Investing in women’s sports isn’t just about passion; it’s smart business. It’s about recognizing the immense talent, dedication, and market potential our league has always had. Force 10 Hoops and the Storm have been at the forefront of this for decades. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of basketball, but also paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society.”

Seattle Storm launches Force4Change

Force4Change became part of the Storm’s mission in 2020.

“When we first purchased the team we had a pretty strict rule with the team and with ourselves, not wanting to alienate anyone,” Trudeau said. “We wanted everyone to feel comfortable in the arena and we still want everyone to feel comfortable in the arena.”

Force4Change was started in response to social unrest and demands for justice for Black individuals across the country. The platform focuses on elevating the voices and experiences of Black women, supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities through different programs, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion and promoting civic engagement, education and legislative action.

In 2020, the Seattle Storm expanded its Force4Change initiatives, including programs like Stats for Youth, where Storm stats are converted into dollar donations for non-profits.

Carter Subaru has long-standing history as corporate partner of the Storm

Carter Subaru, under the leadership of Jen Moran is the longest-standing corporate partner of the Storm.

“The partnership is centered around bringing the community together and creating a positive impact with our shared platform,” said Storm CEO and General Manager Alisha Valavanis.

Their unwavering support has contributed to the team’s sustained excellence. Carter-Subaru embodies the spirit of community collaboration and shared values through the Subaru Love Promise.

Carter Subaru has been nationally recognized for its dedication to the community. The Subaru Love Promise acknowledges Subaru retailers who actively contribute to causes in local communities, focusing on areas such as the environment, community, health and education.

One organization they work with is Treehouse , a nonprofit organization in Washington that focuses on supporting youth in foster care. 

As Carter Subaru partners with Treehouse and the Storm, it sought a way to help foster Treehouse’s mission.  Therefore, it launched 3’s for Treehouse, a program that directs funds to Treehouse with the help of the Storm team.

The Storm, being not only a basketball team but an advocate for change, jumped at the opportunity to help. 

“I am very excited to work with these partners and look forward to promoting long-lasting positive impact in the Seattle community,” Force4Change‘s Director of Community Engagement, Crystal Langhorne said. “We are very lucky to have corporate partners who embrace the activism side of the Seattle Storm and understand the importance of our influence on young people.”

Along with 3’s for Treehouse, other initiatives include Free Throws for the Future, Community Assist and Blockchain. The team continues to intentionally partner with organizations to raise money and promote diversity in underserved communities, non-profits and among individuals. 

As the Seattle Storm celebrates its 25th anniversary, the community applauds its achievements, honors its legacy, and looks forward to many more years of inspiring basketball and community impact. 

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest

Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is inviting you to experience pop culture like never before with its new groundbreaking exhibition “Massive: The Power of Pop Culture” (Massive). Museumgoers can look forward to an immersive showcase of shared cultural phenomena that have left an indelible mark on our world.

Much more than a simple gallery show, the 2,400-square-foot exhibition is an exploration of how pop culture shapes our perceptions, influences our choices, and unites us through the sheer power of shared enthusiasm. The exhibit features over 80 extraordinary artifacts and includes interactives, films, and immersive environments.

“Massive” spans the spectrum of pop culture from iconic films like “Star Wars” to the global sensation of K-pop and the timeless influence of Beyoncé. Visitors will get to stand face-to-face with George Clooney’s Batman costume, Kim Kardashian’s Ancuta Sarca x Nike Bugatti sneaker pumps, and Judy Garland’s actual gingham dress from the “Wizard of Oz.” Visitors will also get to navigate and interpret the exhibit based on personal passions and interests.

“Massive encourages visitors to explore their own place within pop culture, bringing their personal experiences, identities, and communities into conversation with the museum,” said MoPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith.

This positioning of the visitor as expert is a core component of MoPOP’s vision for Massive. Digital technology has exponentially increased the amount of pop culture available worldwide, as well as the speed with which it travels, and we have all become creators with the potential for global reach.

One TikTok dance video can catapult a song to the top of the charts. One hashtag can become a country’s new favorite slang. One homemade meme can inspire a movement. We no longer simply witness pop culture, we embody it. Massive is designed to provide visitors with new tools and perspectives to embrace their roles as pop culture authorities, collaborators, and innovators.

Another culturally significant exhibit at MoPOP was Contact High. The exhibit closed Jan. 7, but took visitors through a hip-hop journey that showcased more than music.

“Contact High (explored) four decades of iconic photography from the late 1970s to today, documenting a revolution not just in music but in politics, race relations, fashion, and culture,”  MoPOP wrote on its website.

Beyond the individual, there is the community, and MoPOP has high hopes “Massive” will become a hub for pop culture-linked communities both here in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

“‘Massive’ focuses on creating a dynamic, dedicated space for our community to collaborate and engage with,” MoPOP’s Chief Collections and Exhibitions Officer Jacob McMurray said.

To do this, the exhibition dives into essential concepts that arise when pop culture is shared between diverse groups of people.

These are concepts such as the value of representation, appreciation versus appropriation, inspiration versus imitation, and the overall nature of fame and celebrity. How do individuals come to represent entire groups? Who is art created for? Who gets to tell a culture’s stories? How do we decide what succeeds, what matters, what lasts, and what gets saved?

By engaging directly with these questions and more, Massive provides visitors with a nuanced understanding of the ways pop culture and the individuals and communities that create it have the power to shape lives and legacies across generations.

MoPOP is celebrating the opening of this landmark project with a party from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, March 15.

This ticketed event is open to the public for those at least 21 years old. It will include performances by 8-Bit Brass Band, Wax Witch, a K-pop dance-along with Coffee Dance Studio and others. Guests will also be able to enjoy professional photos ops, art activities, a curatorial panel discussion, and a first chance to explore “Massive.”

Visitors to “Massive” won’t just be entering an exhibition, they’ll be immersing themselves in the wonders of global pop culture and rediscovering their place within it by claiming, connecting and being inspired by the transformative power that pop culture holds. And that’s a pretty big deal.

“Massive” opens March 16, 2024. Tickets are $38 for general admission and $32 for members. You can buy tickets here.

More information on the exhibition and opening party can be found on MoPOP’s website.

What else can be seen at MoPOP

There are several other exhibits open and ready to be explored at MoPOP now.

“Hidden Worlds” features films by Laika like the unsettling “Coraline.” “Nirvana” is perfect for music lovers with over 200 rare photographs and artifacts. “Fantasy” submerges users into the worlds of myth and magic with “Harry Potter,” “The Princess Bride,” and more.

Along with exhibits, the community can support local artists at the third Sound Off showcase. And looking ahead, what better place to send your aspiring artist this summer than MoPOP’s Creative Camps for Creative Kids?

By supporting youth and bringing new worlds to the community, MoPOP’s mission is to inspire and connect.

“The Museum of Pop Culture’s mission is to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities,” MoPOP’s website states.

In the heart of Kitsap County, a financial institution is making waves not just as a banking entity but as a beacon of community support. Kitsap Credit Union (KCU), with its deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of the community, has emerged as a driving force for positive change. From its humble beginnings with seven individuals employed at the Navy shipyard in Bremerton, KCU has evolved into an institution deeply committed to filling gaps in the community, particularly in the realms of housing, hunger, and financial services. Today, in collaboration with the KCUCares Foundation, KCU continues to build on the spirit of community benefit, a core value that has defined its existence for nearly 90 years.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with David Inglish, Outreach Coordinator for KCU. In talking to him, I was struck by how fundamental this has been through the history of the organization. It starts with the name. Kitsap Credit Union is, of course, a credit union. While they may offer many of the same services as a bank, the differences between the two are crucial.

“At a fundamental level, a credit union is different than a bank in that its members are the owners,” Inglish told me. “So the owners, these members get to work with the credit union to decide where they want to put their focus, what kind of services they offer, like our Gold Checking account. That’s something that was inspired by our members, one of the best rates in the nation. But we didn’t stop there. That’s just one part of this larger puzzle. We also heard from our members that we should continue to support our community in ways that aren’t just banking services, like loans or the Gold Checking account, but also how we show up for our community in the needs that are there.”

Once the membership made it clear that they wanted to support the community, it became important to decide in which way they could best help. Like any good leader, Kitsap Credit Union first listened and then acted. What they found was that they could be most impactful in three areas: housing, hunger, and financial literacy.

Housing

For years, we have heard that there is a housing crisis in the Northwest. Inglish recognized that as a reality but offered a way for the KCUCares Foundation to help.

“We support Habitat for Humanity, for example, in supporting our community members, make sure that they have stable housing but also housing that is not falling apart. But we’re also looking at other partners. Coffee Oasis is another great one for young adults. Shelter services are incredible work – making sure that our youth in the community have a place to sleep and a warm bed waiting for them. But those are just a couple examples of where we’re supporting in regard to homelessness.”

Hunger

With homelessness often comes hunger, so it’s only natural for KCUCares Foundation to partner with Northwest Harvest. This holiday season, they combined to raise more than 23 million meals for hungry individuals across the Washington State community at large.

They also partnered with 14 local food banks and 11 backpack feeding programs. By partnering, they utilize the three “T’s:” time, talent, and treasure. Three important ways to help!

Financial Literacy

While the first two categories mostly involve time and treasure (i.e. money), this one is all about utilizing their talent. As a financial institution, Kitsap Credit Union is uniquely suited to help people learn about and understand how money works. They’ve done this in a variety of important and impressive ways.

“We’ve partnered with over 21 schools,” Inglish told me. “We bring best practice financial wellness curriculums to their classrooms in an accessible way. So these students are able to work on a fully digital, modular, super easy-to-access resource to learn about all the different parts of how money comes and goes in their life. Everything from basic banking all the way to federal tax simulation.”

The program works and he has seen the results.

“One good example is a student came back to us after doing the curriculum, and told us proudly that they finally had the conversation with their parents to start an emergency savings account to prepare for any eventualities… the car breaks down medical expenses, anything like that. And they were so happy to announce that they had saved $500 in that account.”

In short, the program had taught the student how to help their family prepare for the unexpected costs that can throw a family off track. It’s a fantastic way to bring the three pillars of KC Cares Foundation together. If a family learns to set aside money to avoid those bumps in the road, maybe it can help them stay in their home and avoid the challenges that come with that loss.

These stories not only showcase the tangible financial outcomes, such as savings and entrepreneurial endeavors, but also highlight the intangible aspects—empowerment and a sense of control over one’s financial future.

Kitsap Credit Union’s commitment to financial education is evidently making a meaningful impact, enabling individuals to make informed decisions, plan for the future, and pursue their dreams. Inglish’s passion for these success stories reflects the transformative potential of financial education in fostering a community of financially empowered individuals.

SPONSORED — In the dynamic and ever-changing world of finance, finding a banking solution that not only aligns with your financial goals but also nurtures financial wellness can be a huge challenge. With so many accounts, introductory offers, terms and conditions, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

Fortunately, my journey led me to Kitsap Credit Union, a not-for-profit, forward-thinking financial co-op that’s been serving its members since 1934. They offer the fantastic Gold Checking Account, an invaluable companion on the path to financial empowerment. What makes this account so different and special? Let’s explore its features and how they can help you explore life’s opportunities.
There are several key features of the Gold Checking Account that make it stand out.

1. No Minimum Balance Requirements: This account is available to anyone without the burden of minimum balance requirements. If you are looking for additional ways to save or are someone who wants to try a credit union for the first time, this opens access to anyone who lives in Washington.

2. Competitive 3.30% APY on Balances up to $15,000: The Gold Checking Account offers a compelling 3.30%* APY on balances up to $15,000, which equals $495 annually.** This allows account holders to watch their savings grow steadily over time. This competitive rate positions the account as an attractive option for those seeking to maximize their returns. Remember, this is a HUGE rate for a checking account — you can earn significant dividends while still maintaining maximum flexibility over your money.

3. Early Direct Deposits: How many times are you waiting for that influx of money that comes with your latest paycheck? Maybe you have bills to cover or just need to stay liquid. Gold Checking allows you to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.*** That can be a game-changer! Essentially, Kitsap Credit Union allows you access to your paycheck on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to two days earlier than the scheduled payment date. It provides financial flexibility, enabling you to plan and manage your expenses more efficiently. This showcases the practical impact of timely access to funds in day-to-day life.

4. ATM Fee Refunds and Nationwide Access: The Gold Checking Account takes away the hassle of ATM fees by refunding up to $25 of nationwide ATM fees.** Additionally, account holders gain access to a vast network of 30,000 no-fee ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP Network, making cash withdrawal convenient and cost-effective. I was recently traveling out of state with my family and needed cash. It was so helpful to just hit the nearest ATM without driving way out of our way and wasting precious vacation time!

5. Fast, Secure Online and Mobile Banking: Embracing the digital age, the Gold Checking Account and all accounts at Kitsap Credit Union come with fast and secure online and mobile banking. Account holders can manage their finances, track transactions, and conduct banking operations seamlessly from the comfort of their devices. I use the app nearly every day!

2023 has been a bizarre year from a financial and economic standpoint. It seems like every day, there has been some sort of change in the economy, with the market bouncing all over the place and the interest rates nearly as unpredictable. Often, I think it’s easiest (and safest) to know exactly where my money is and what it’s going to be worth. Predictability matters. And with Kitsap Credit Union’s Gold Checking Account, you get all the advantages of dividend growth, the flexibility of a checking account, the convenience of the best-in-class app, and the confidence and peace of mind of knowing exactly how much money you’ll have tomorrow.”

To learn more or to apply for a Gold Checking account, visit their website at KitsapCU.org/GoldChecking.

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of January 10, 2024 and subject to change. Must meet Credit Union membership eligibility and account opening requirements. Minimum to open account is $25.

**Monthly qualifications apply to earn stated rate, refer to Rate & Fee Schedule for more information. The qualification period is from the 1st day of the month until the last day of the month. High APY rate paid on balances between one penny and $15,000, and 0.05% APY paid on the portion of the balances above $15,000 each cycle the qualifications are met. If you do not meet the qualifications per cycle, your account will earn the Base Rate of 0.00% APY. Qualifications: (1) Have 12 or more in-person or online point of sale (POS) transactions or debit card purchases post and clear by close of business on the last day of the month (bill payments using debit card are excluded); (2) Sign up to receive account statements electronically (e-statements) by the last day of the month; and (3) receive a direct deposit, conduct an outgoing ACH transaction, or perform an online bill payment transaction to post and clear by close of business on the last day of the month. Available to personal accounts only and limited to one per Tax ID number.

***Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

Insured by NCUA

Seattle Sports host and FOX Sports college football analyst Brock Huard joins Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion and other NFL punters in partnership with Compassion in a cause now known as “Punts For Purpose.” The charity program is part of “The Fight for First,” a global initiative to raise $7.5 million to fund 500 survival centers for mothers and babies in the developing world.

Many vulnerable children around the world don’t have a fighting chance to survive their first year of life. Every year, 2.6 million babies in poverty don’t survive their first 28 days, and most die in their first week of life due to pre-term birth or delivery complications. In many regions in the developing world, mothers also face severe and life-threatening conditions.

“The idea that we’re fighting for kids to get to their first birthday is inspiring and challenging all at the same time,” said Steve Stenstrom, President of Pro Athletes Outreach.

What you can do to help

For each punt downed inside the opposing 20-yard line during an NFL regular season or playoff game, you can join several punters, including Pinion, in pledging money to support 500 survival centers in the developing world, help save the lives of thousands of babies and their mothers and help babies born in poverty reach their first birthday.

Pinion, who recently traveled with his wife to the African nation of Tanzania to open survival centers, said on the Falcons In Focus podcast on atlantafalcons.com that three of his fellow punters are taking part in the project for the entire season with pledgers per downed punt. Also, there will be a game closer to the end of the year where 15 punters throughout the NFL will participate.

You can get involved in various ways. You can pledge to give money with every punt downed inside the 20-yard line, or visit compassion.com/puntsforpurpose to make a one-time donation or set up a monthly contribution.

You can also encourage others by recording and sharing a challenge video for players and other fans, rally teammates and other players to join the fight and engage fellow fans using your social media accounts.

Every Compassion Survival Center you help launch gives mothers and their babies a fighting chance. Compassion has the church partners in place to launch new Survival Centers. All they need is your partnership.

Compassion’s survival centers provide proper prenatal care, education, nutritious food, clean water, access to medical care, a birth assistant during childbirth, and a community of spiritual and emotional support to moms and babies in poverty. The results of these centers are undeniable. Centers in the African nations of Ethiopia and Togo have seen measurable improvements in key areas.

Ahead of Major League Baseball’s 2023 World Series, Chris Stratton, pitcher for the world champion Texas Rangers, and Pavin Smith, outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, competed against one another on the baseball diamond, but came together as teammates for The Fight for First initiative.

Previously, Compassion teamed up with professional athletes from numerous sports to complete “Fill the Stadium,” an effort in direct response to food shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign raised over $36 million and provided life-saving food and support to over 76,400 children around the world.

For more information on how you can join the fight for children in poverty to reach their first smile, their first steps, their first birthday and more, visit TheFightForFirst.com.

Their lives are on the line. Let’s just help them get the win.

Democrat policies that have emboldened criminals, including a ban on police vehicular pursuits, and soft-on-crime policies by prosecutors and judges has created an escalating crime crisis. Seattle is on pace to meet or exceed the city’s all time high number of homicides. Tacoma is seeing a surge in violent crime, particularly amongst youth. And from Thurston County into Snohomish County, car theft and break-ins continue to alarm local law enforcement.

As our communities become less safe, Washingtonians are turning to their Second Amendment rights to feel more secure. John Holschen of West Coast Armory North, a sponsor of the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH, understands what people are going through.

“As crime becomes more common it leads to a decrease in perceived safety and comfort,” Holschen told the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH. “It’s natural for people to want to take steps to secure their safety and that of their loved ones.”

Personal security can only be achieved when you’re safe

But Holschen notes that if you’re looking to enjoy your Second Amendment rights, you need to do so safely and responsibly.

For those who worry a safe will hinder quick access to protect oneself during a robbery, Holschen says it’s a myth that you have to sacrifice quick access for safe storage. West Coast Armory North offers a variety of storage options to fit individual needs.

But personal safety needs aren’t simply addressed by making a purchase. You need to develop skills on how to operate whatever purchase you make for personal safety. West Coast Armory North offers a number of small group training sessions for individuals of all different skill levels.

I recently took a refresher course since I already had some skills, but needed to hone in some forgotten skills. The class was small, so I got the attention I needed, and most of it was spent at the indoor range. I followed up with one private lesson, too. West Coast Armory North ensures you have the skills to actually hit what you’re aiming at.

“You can learn some of the above through diligent self-study but beware that the internet is full of incorrect information and bad ideas,” Holschen explained. “Training and guidance from professionally trained instructors is the best bet for you to learn the optimal way to do these things.”

Of course, it’s also important to know the law around personal protection and self-defense, which is offered at West Coast Armory North.

It’s unclear when we’ll see relief from the crime crisis. Law enforcement officials worry that if significant changes to law aren’t addressed by the state legislature, the problems will only worsen. Until then, for those of you who take your family’s safety seriously, West Coast Armory North is there for you.

Listen to The Jason Rantz Show on weekday afternoons from 3-7 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the podcast. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Check back frequently for more news and analysis.

Follow @https://twitter.com/jasonrantz

What Does Medicare Open Enrollment Mean? It means during this time, people eligible for Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan and vice versa.
• Join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan, if you’re on Original Medicare.
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program – part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner – is ready to help with all of these decisions. Your local SHIBA advisors are ready to provide one-on-one counseling appointments over the phone or through online video, and some locations are offering face-to-face counseling.

SHIBA provides free, unbiased, and confidential help with Medicare and other healthcare options to people of all ages and backgrounds across our state.

“Navigating Medicare plan options can be overwhelming,” says Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “Our SHIBA volunteer advisors and staff provide consumers with a valuable service. They can help you compare plans for 2024 and other information to help you make an informed decision about what Medicare plans work best for your personal situation.”

Medicare is not a one-size fits all program. Each person’s needs, situation, and benefits are different – and that includes spouses who may have their own unique Medicare plan. So, before you make a final decision, consider these tips:

• Plan costs and coverage can change every year, so review and keep all letters and notices your current plan sends you.
• List all of the current prescription drugs you take, the doses and how often. Then, use the Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov to compare Part D plans.
• Review the 2024 Medicare & You handbook. You should receive it in the mail by mid-October.
• If you have questions, call SHIBA at 1-800-562-6900 before you sign up.
• Attend an online SHIBA webinar – check out our online events calendar.

To schedule your counseling appointment with a SHIBA volunteer, Monday through Friday:

• Find the phone number of the local SHIBA office near you.
• Contact us online at www.insurance.wa.gov/contact-washington-state-shiba-program
• Call us at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a SHIBA volunteer in your area.

Watch our Medicare videos on YouTube:

• SHIBA helps with Medicare choices
• Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage plans
• Deceptive marketing practices and Medicare health plans

In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 288,300 new cases and about 34,700 deaths from prostate cancer. We know that for many men, having conversations around this sensitive topic may not be easy. However, it is important for men to understand their potential risk of developing prostate cancer, screening guidelines and the treatment options available.

One of the most crucial messages of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is the significance of early detection. Unlike many other cancers, prostate cancer often progresses silently, displaying no symptoms in its early stages. The power of early detection cannot be overstated, as it can substantially enhance the chances of successful treatments.

Several factors contribute to an individual’s risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, family history, race/ethnicity and lifestyle. Schedule a prostate health checkup. Discuss with your doctor and make an informed decision on when to begin regular screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). These play an instrumental role in early detection.

If facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, it’s important to know there are several treatment options available. Choosing the treatment that is best for you can be overwhelming. Consider speaking to the doctors who specialize in each of the treatment options. This might give you a better perspective and understanding the treatments, success rates and side effects.

One of the most technologically advanced options is Swedish CyberKnife, offered right here in Seattle. It’s one of the shortest treatment courses, requiring only five treatment sessions, each lasting less than an hour. Unique to CyberKnife is the ability to adjust to patient movement during the treatment delivery. This motion tracking ensures radiation is delivered to the target while avoiding nearby critical organs. Being able to precisely and accurately deliver radiation makes a difference in terms of controlling cancer and reducing the risk of side effects.

Swedish CyberKnife is non-surgical, non-invasive and patients report better quality of life during and after treatment, compared with other options. Swedish CyberKnife physicians publish a 97% cure rate. Swedish has been offering the CyberKnife treatment in Seattle for over 10 years. During this time, Swedish CyberKnife has successfully treated over a thousand prostate cancer patients.

Whether it’s yourself, a relative, friend or loved one, we all know someone who may be at risk. This September, we’re bringing awareness to prostate cancer and encouraging treatment with Swedish CyberKnife. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is incredibly important to do your research about all prostate cancer treatments. We highly recommend reaching out to Swedish CyberKnife to see if treatment is an option for you. The dedicated staff is eager to provide information about CyberKnife and the steps to scheduling a consultation with one of their providers.

To learn more about CyberKnife for prostate cancer treatment go to Swedish.org/cyberknifeprostate. Or call them at 206-320-7187. Treat prostate cancer with Swedish CyberKnife.

SPONSORED — My phone runs on 5G. I also just saw a bunch of ads about “10G”. Is it twice as fast? Our local internet company, Ziply Fiber, just announced a 10 Gig plan. Is that the same?

If you’re confused by internet technologies and marketing jargon, you’re not alone. Here we break down the important differences so you can make an informed decision.

Gigabits/Megabits

Internet plans are marketed with speeds in Gigabits per second (Gbps) or Megabits per second (Mbps). The Gigabits (also known as Gigs) or Megabits indicate how much “stuff” (video, music, games, social content, emails) can get through at the same time.

Most residential customers are on plans between 50 Mbps and 1 Gig. “Gig-speed internet” means a plan offers a download speed of 1 Gigabit per second, or 1,000 megabits per second.

Upload/Download Speeds

A little-known fact is that most companies only list and market their download speeds, so if you see a cable internet provider listing 200 Mbps, for example, that’s only the download speed. However, the upload speed is equally important – it’s how fast you send things to the internet, like your image and voice on a video call – and it’s usually just a fraction of the download speed. When download and upload speeds are asymmetrical or uneven, you might hear people say that your video is frozen on a call, or the audio is cutting in and out, meaning your connection is likely causing problems.

Fiber-optic internet plans, like those from Ziply Fiber, are symmetrical, meaning they always offer the same upload and download speeds. This means better performance with no lag or buffering.

For the best internet experience, look for symmetrical upload and download speeds.

5G = 5th Generation Wireless

5G simply stands for 5th Generation and is the technology standard for broadband cellular networks today. When you see the “5G” symbol on your phone, it’s connected to your provider’s 5th Generation network.

The 5 doesn’t mean 5 times faster and doesn’t mean 5 Gigs. In fact, according to Ookla, the wireless carrier with the fastest 5G speed test for Q1 2023 had an average download speed of just 220.70 Mbps, a fraction of the speed consumers can access versus a typical gig-speed fiber plan.

10G = Network Name

There’s been a lot of marketing for this lately, but let’s be clear, unlike with 5G, 10G doesn’t mean 10th Generation because there was no 7G, 8G or 9G. It’s simply what a cable company named its network.

At this point, internet service providers (ISPs) touting 10G are often alluding to speeds that are still in development and confusing the public about what speeds they can offer by making it sound like they have 10 Gig plans. In most areas, plans advertised on a cable 10G network currently top out at 1 Gig download with a much lower upload speed, because many of these networks run on older copper-based technology designed for sending TV signals and not the modern internet that a fiber-to-the-home network is designed for.

10 Gig = Ultra-Fast Speeds

If 1 Gig = 1,000 Mbps, then 10 Gigs = 10,000 Mbps. That’s the latest speed tier from Ziply Fiber, recently named Fastest ISP in the West by CNET, when they launched the region’s first 10 Gig fiber-to-the-home network in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

Residential fiber 10 Gig internet is brand new, and those who want to take advantage of its mind-blowing speed today are probably serious content creators. It also makes gaming and high-definition video streaming a blast.

What speed do I need?

Not everyone needs a 10 Gig or even a 5 Gig plan. Ziply Fiber’s most popular plans are their fiber 2 Gig and 1 Gig plans, which offer ultra-fast, reliable, symmetrical upload/download connectivity to allow you to do everything you want online seamlessly across multiple connected devices.

If your needs are minimal, then a basic fiber plan like the 100/100, which offers 100 Mbps download and upload speeds, provides a quality connection suitable for checking email, browsing and streaming at a very affordable price.

Bottom line: on fiber-optic internet, you won’t experience aggravations like buffering wheels and peak-time slowdowns. And remember: not all “G”s are created equal.

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Dan Miller supports Ziply Fiber’s communications efforts in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. More information about the company and its work to bring fiber to communities across the Northwest can be found at ziplyfiber.com or by calling 1.866.699.4759.

One of the educational choices parents and students have is Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA). WAVA is a program of Omak School District that is a full-time online public school for students in grades K-12.

This innovative school model engages teachers, families, and students to be invested in inspiring and empowering students through an education experience tailored to every child’s unique needs.

Who We Serve

At WAVA, we’re dedicated to empowering every student through an education experience tailored to their needs so students learn in the ways that are best for them—at home, on the road, or wherever there’s an internet connection.

The populations served by online public schools are diverse, economically and culturally. A full 41% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch and 14% are special education students. Nearly 40% are students of color.

And, we know there are many reasons for the move to blended – online and in-person – education.

In rural parts of the state, which exist in all 39 counties, travel time to and from school can be lengthy, creating barriers for students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as a competitive sport or a theater or art program. For many families the cost of travel to and from school and extracurricular activities poses a financial burden on the family.

There are also parents looking for options for their children with different abilities, such as highly capable students and those with learning or physical challenges that make it difficult to attend an all-day, in-person classroom.

WAVA’s blended education model allows students to learn at their own pace while meeting deadlines to submit assignments, making the educational experience more adaptive to the student and more dynamic for their strengths and weaknesses.

It’s for these reasons, and so many more, we are seeing more families from all backgrounds seeking an alternative to in-person public school education.

Academic Excellence, Balanced with Student Endeavors

Across all grades, WAVA’s curriculum uses a blend of learning elements to accommodate multiple learning styles and maximize both the quality of lessons and the way they are delivered.

We have too many stories to recount that illustrate the dynamic and diverse educational opportunities students enrolled in WAVA are exposed to.

One such story is Eva Zamora-Kapoor, she is proof it’s never too young to find a passion. As a kindergartner, she took home the third-place prize in the Stride K12 national art competition with her artwork titled, “Underwater Ice-cream,” this year.

She said the painting represents the car of her dreams – an underwater ice-cream truck. It’s powered by a rainbow engine and it runs on a surfboard and delights sea creatures with its music.

She is a student at St. Thomas School in Medina, Wash., which is part of the Stride K12 hybrid public school educational model, allowing students to learn at their pace, explore through art and extracurricular activities, as well as attend in-person classes at their local public school.

It’s experiences like these, and so many more, that offer WAVA students opportunities that expand their minds and grow their creativity while learning the basics.

And, we offer clubs for students that highlight unique interests from art, baking, gaming, coding, student leadership, music, and more. WAVA has a Learning Coach Community designated to our families and provides ways to connect with others at our school geographically and in locations throughout Washington state by connecting through an online platform.

WAVA and its teachers and administrators understand that every student learns differently and has different passions, and this model of schooling celebrates those differences all while ensuring students get a quality and well-rounded education.

Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Success

WAVA offers online instruction through a variety of tools that include video, text, animations, interactive games, and chat.

We also establish partnerships that foster an environment that allows students to tailor their learning to their career pathway of choice.

With WAVA’s career preparation, students can use their middle and high school years to figure out where they want to go and how to get there.

In addition to core courses, they can take career-focused electives to explore their options and find their passion—all while earning their high school diploma in career pathways such as:

– Business
– Health & Human Services
– Information Technology
– Manufacturing: Engineering/Tech
– Marketing

This educational experience prepares students to dive into a career right out of high school or help them make the right decision about post-secondary education options and majors.

Open Minds, Open Opportunities

A WAVA education fosters an environment where educational excellence is priority and educational opportunities abound.

Allowing parents and students to work alongside WAVA teachers and administrators means academic buy-in. Together, we find the right combination where students get a quality education while experiencing the diverse activities that will shape their lives today and into the future.

This hands-on, tailored learning model has been a tremendous success for thousands of students across Washington state, building confidence and building bridges to future endeavors.

A WAVA education is one of endless possibilities, where learners — no matter who or where they are — can create, explore, and find their own path to success.

Enrollment is open now. To learn more about WAVA or to enroll a student, visit the website.

Life or death decisions shouldn’t be made in a split second, something an increasing number of United States citizens are becoming aware of. Per a 2020 FEMA poll, 48% of Americans stated that they have created an emergency plan. Are you one of them?

If not, let’s change that today, and if so, feel free to compare notes while you bask in the glory of your ultra-preparedness. We spoke to John Holschen of West Coast Armory North about things to consider when preparing for the most common emergencies you might face.

Consider the alarming danger of other people. John of West Coast Armory North poses the question, “If you look outside and see someone breaking into your car, what are you going to do?” Consider it.

None of us want to lose our things, especially at the hands of another person. Feeling rage upon seeing this would be a perfectly natural emotion, but people are unpredictable, and you shouldn’t react out of pure anger. Weigh the risk versus the reward. There have been far too many instances of confrontation leading to serious injury or even death. You need to ask yourself if you’re comfortable risking your life over material possessions. In any case, call the police right away.

Now suppose that trespasser upgrades to an intruder, meaning they have entered your home. This is really when fight or flight mode kicks in.

Get into the closest room that can be locked and barricaded, hopefully with your cell phone in hand so you can hastily call 911. The goal is to delay the intruders’ access to you until authorities arrive. Try to stay calm and quiet. Consider ahead of time how you want to defend yourself in case confrontation becomes unavoidable.

This is what John calls the “last-ditch plan.” When considering how to plan for physical confrontation, first ask yourself, am I Mike Tyson circa the 1990s? If the answer is no, you should consider defensive tools. This really comes down to what makes you feel the safest, as well as what you are most comfortable with.

For some, this means pepper spray, for others, a baseball bat near the bed. If you want to take your self-defense to the next level, West Coast Armory North has a wide range of options.

They also offer a variety of classes, so contact John himself. He can teach you how to protect yourself, just in case you find yourself in need of a last-ditch plan.

Insight School of Washington (ISWA), an online K-12 public school program in the Quillayute Valley School District, is an accredited, tuition-free online public school program for grades K–12. ISWA boasts a robust program of online, tuition-free public schooling to accommodate students’ diverse interests, create a learning environment that fits their needs, and encourages students to explore all aspects of their academic passions – from technology to business to the arts.

This innovative school model gives teachers, families, and students the freedom to explore their educational opportunities and build student academics through an education experience tailored to every child’s unique needs.

Online Education Option for Everyone

We hear a lot these days about the educational model of the last century – paperback books, classrooms, and recess. While this model is still thriving today and works for many students, not every child thrives in a full-time, in-person classroom.

That’s where ISWA comes in.

As an online public school, we’re seeing a diverse student base that serves kids from all backgrounds and life experiences. In fact, the populations served by online public schools are diverse, economically and culturally. A full 41% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch and 14% are special education students. Nearly 40% are students of color.

We have also seen growth in students enrolled in rural parts of the state, which exist in every one of Washington’s 39 counties.

There are many factors that attract rural students to ISWA’s school model. Reasons like economics and time factors. In rural parts of the state, travel time to and from the brick-and-mortar school can be lengthy, creating barriers for students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as a competitive sport or a theater or art program. For many families the cost of travel poses an insurmountable financial hurdle.

Across the state, parents are turning to ISWA to meet the unique needs of their children who may be highly capable and in need of a more rigorous course load, or students who have different abilities that learn better in a familiar and comfortable space.

And, some parents simply want an academic program that gives their kids the variety of experiences they believe will help them get a foothold into their passions and find new ways to learn and express themselves.

The truth is, online public school is available to everyone.

Innovative Learning, Connections

Across all grades, ISWA curriculum uses a blend of learning elements to accommodate multiple learning styles and maximize both the quality of lessons and the way they are delivered.
We have all heard that video games are taking away from student learning, but one innovative approach at ISWA is actually improving student outcomes and fostering student engagement.

The eSports program through ISWA is helping one student in Bothell excel from a “B” student to an “A” student. Riley Drew, a junior, explained how eSports, a competitive video game competition among high school peers, is changing how he and other students connect and illustrates the freedom to learn in new ways while building his academic and personal achievements.

Riley began his ISWA online schooling six months into the pandemic. In his words, he likes the independence and the educational model works well for him.

Not only does this out-of-the-box learning help students problem solve in new ways, it helps them connect and collaborate with their fellow students.

“I’ve met some of my best friends from this league team,” Riley said about the eSports competitive video league, which meets to practice three times a week.

This is just one example of the power of an innovative education – the ability to find ways to reach students that not only boost their academic performance but help them build social skills.

Preparing Students for Career Pathways

ISWA’s Career and College Prep offerings combine traditional high school academics with industry-relevant, career-focused electives, giving students a jump-start on their college and career goals.

We offer course concentrations in four in-demand career fields. ISWA students can take career-focused electives to explore their options and find their passion in these fields:

● Art & Communications
● Business & Marketing
● Information Technology (IT)
● Health Science

This early career intervention is something that attracts parents and students to ISWA. They see the benefit of engaging young adults in a variety of experiences and learning models to help them reach their goals today and into the future.

And, allowing students to explore what they may want to do after high school graduation while earning their high school diploma is an important part of ensuring not only academic success, but post-graduation success for students.

Open Minds, Open Opportunities

A ISWA education fosters an environment where educational excellence is priority and educational opportunities abound.

As a team, we offer families and students academic support and intervention, a homeroom advisory program, Star 360® Growth Assessments, and a wealth of other resources that build the foundation for a successful K-12 education.

Our hands-on, tailored learning model has been a tremendous success for thousands of students across Washington state, building confidence and building bridges to future endeavors.

Technology has opened parents’ minds to the diverse academic opportunities available to their students. Gone are the days when students had one school model to choose from.

ISWA is a reimagined educational experience that combines the rigor of traditional curricula with the modern learning tools.

We invite you to learn more about ISWA on our website. Enrollment is open.

SMPs around the country empower and help Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling and education. SMPs are grant-funded projects of the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Administration for Community Living.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you can do your part to protect yourself by following these fraud tips:

• Make sure you buy from a licensed agent. To see if they’re licensed in Washington state go to www.insurance.wa.gov.
• Never give out your personal information such as your Social Security, bank account or credit-card numbers over the phone unless you’ve initiated the contact.
• Keep your receipts and bills and compare them to your Medicare Summary Notice to be sure you received all the services, supplies or equipment listed.
• Don’t share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you by phone, email or in person – unless you’ve given them advanced permission. Medicare will never contact you for your Medicare number or other personal information.
• Be careful of any salesperson who says he or she is from Medicare. Medicare never sends salespeople to solicit your business.

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is Washington state’s SMP project. SHIBA is a free unbiased service of the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner. SHIBA can help you prevent, detect and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. If you have questions or suspect fraud or abuse, call us at 1-800-562-6900 or visit www.insurance.wa.gov/medicare.

As age increases, so does the risk for developing prostate cancer. When detected early, prostate cancer has a higher cure rate and several treatment options.

June is Men’s Health Month, with the goal to raise awareness about men’s health and to encourage men to speak about their health with family members and medical professionals. Open conversations are key to early detection and learning about your family medical history. Additionally, having these discussions and knowledge can lead to implementing healthy choices such as exercising and diet.

Men can be reluctant to openly discuss prostate health with others. Some may find it too personal or embarrassing to discuss. Others may simply avoid the topic out of fear of learning their symptoms may be a sign of prostate health issues. Other men may not want to talk about their health because it was never discussed in their families.

What’s for certain is the stigma needs to change and the conversation needs to happen. Talk about it. Start the conversation about your family’s cancer history. Men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, as well as breast, ovarian, and other cancers may be at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Knowing your family history and informing your doctor can lead to earlier detection. With early detection, patients often have a higher number of treatment options to choose from. While men cannot change the major risk factors — age, race, and family history of the disease — there are things they can do to take charge of their prostate health.

If diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is important to know you have several treatment options depending on the stage and grade of your cancer. Proven to be one of the most effective methods to safely treat prostate cancer non-invasively is Swedish CyberKnife, located in Seattle. The CyberKnife System is the only radiation delivery system directly mounted on a robot. The CyberKnife’s advanced technology allows it to track tumors anywhere in the body, even while the body or tumor moves. Before delivering the radiation beam, the CyberKnife verifies the exact tumor position then adjusts to precisely target the tumor. Because of this tracking and precision, a high-dose of radiation can be delivered to the target, while minimizing radiation dose to surrounding critical organs, which reduces the incidence of side effects.

Short course of treatment — only five short treatment sessions, with each session lasting less than an hour, leading to minimal disruption to your daily schedule, and a quicker return to your everyday life. Compared with other treatment options, Swedish CyberKnife patients report a better quality of life both during and after treatment. Published Swedish CyberKnife results show excellent cancer control rates at 10 years.

This June during Men’s Health Month and the months after, men must place an emphasis on having conversations about their health with family members and medical professionals. Break the stigma, fear, and discomfort, open up the conversation, know your risks and recommended screening criteria and take the steps to improve your overall health.

To learn more about CyberKnife for prostate cancer go to Swedish.org/Cyberknifeprostate. Or call 206-320-7187. Treat prostate cancer with Swedish CyberKnife.

Network Investment and Expansion

Comcast is expanding fiber-rich network improvements that will offer Washington customers upload speeds up to 10 times faster than they currently have. And the network upgrade will extend throughout Comcast’s service area throughout the state. Once complete, these locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to introduce new multi-gigabit Internet options.

The first phase of network enhancements is happening now and initially will offer a maximum download speed of 2 Gbps, combined with upload speeds up to 200 Mbps, which is five to 10 times faster than Comcast’s existing upload speeds. Comcast expects that 40% of the company’s network in Washington will offer multi-gig Internet speeds by the end of 2023.

Comcast will also expand its network to deliver Xfinity Internet and TV services and Comcast Business Internet services to more than 60,000 additional homes and businesses, including the rural communities of Battleground, Chattaroy, Key Peninsula and Sumas in Washington.

The network expansion is the latest example of Comcast’s investment to connect more households and businesses in the Pacific Northwest to its Internet services that deliver fast speeds, more reliability, broader coverage in the home, and greater capacity to support customers’ growing Internet usage. Comcast expanded service to more than 35,000 additional homes and businesses last year in Washington. Further, the company has invested $1 billion in technology and infrastructure investments in Washington during the previous three years, including network expansion and upgrades.

Community Investment

The $280 million investment by Comcast this year will also fund contributions, foundation grants, free Internet connectivity, employee volunteerism and giving campaigns, broadcast services, laptop donations, and more to make a positive impact in communities throughout Washington. Throughout the year, the company will collaborate with non-profit partners, including Boys & Girls Clubs, Goodwill, Urban League, YWCA, and others to advance digital equity and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The funding will also support ongoing efforts to build awareness about connectivity programs like Internet Essentials and the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers eligible households up to $30/month credit, or up to $75 for households on tribal lands, for home Internet. Comcast proudly participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program and offers Internet Essentials Plus, a $29.95/month home Internet service that is effectively free for eligible households, once the ACP credit is applied. Interested customers can visit Xfinity.com/ACP or call 1-800-Xfinity to learn more about this program and determine if they qualify.

“The Washington State Broadband Office is pleased that Comcast is expanding its service to numerous locations in Washington that have previously been without needed broadband service,” said Mark Vasconi, Washington State Broadband Office Director. “Not only is Comcast providing expanded access, but they are also partnering with non-profits to provide training and devices that assist people in using broadband services. The company’s investments and collaboration with community partners are essential to ensuring that broadband service is a reality for residents and businesses in Washington.”

“Our investment is helping to build a network of the future and get more rural communities in Washington connected to the Internet,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Senior Regional Vice President of Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “In addition to delivering the network of tomorrow and more broadband in more places, we are also investing in advancing digital equity and helping build a future of unlimited possibilities in the Pacific Northwest.”

For more information about Comcast in Washington, visit https://washington.comcast.com/.

We know the power of the pro-athlete community, and professional athletes know how to fight for firsts! First downs, first base, first string, to be in first place. Now they are fighting for another set of firsts. Join the fight for children to reach their first smile, their first steps, and their first birthday.

Millions of children in poverty around the world die within their first year of life due to a lack of resources, delivery complications, malnutrition, and preventable diseases. But we can give those mothers and babies a fighting chance. And you can join the team!

Through The Fight for First program and Compassion’s team of frontline health specialists, you can help provide critical prenatal care, education, nutritious food, and medical treatments to help children and mothers not only survive the critical first year but thrive.

Compassion, a child-advocacy ministry and a global authority in holistic child development through sponsorship for over 70 years, works across 39 countries to resource and empower local churches to release children from poverty.

In 2003, Compassion Survival was launched as Compassion’s earliest intervention to combat global infant and maternal mortality rates and promote early childhood development. These centers create an essential community for mothers, so they’re not alone.

Every Compassion Survival Center you help launch gives moms and babies a fighting chance.

Compassion has the church partners in place to launch new Survival Centers. All they need is a partnership from you.

• Every donation amount matters.
• Every $1,000 cares for one mother and her baby until its first birthday.
• Every $15,000 funds one center to help save 25 mothers and their babies.

For more information on how you can support, visit TheFirstForFirst.com.

An event that helps get ready for the next disaster is on tap for April 4 – 6 at the Tacoma Marriott – the Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference. Businesses of any size, schools and higher education, health care facilities, places of worship, government organizations, utilities, non-profits, and more can attend this conference.

More from Ted Buehner: Oso community marks 9-year anniversary of deadly landslide

The agenda offers subject matter experts on a wide variety of topics. Kate Starbird of the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public will address how to handle misinformation and disinformation during a disaster. The other keynote speaker is Jolie Wills of Hummingly who will address a topic not often raised – the Psychology of Disaster.

The Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference is an annual event going back to the 1990s and is a key place to meet and network with others in the preparedness community. These relationships often extend well beyond the conference as partnerships and collaborations are borne, developed, and enhanced. One good example where these partnerships paid dividends was during the Oso Landslide nine years ago.

KIRO Newsradio takes preparedness seriously, always working to enhance readiness planning. KIRO Newsradio is the primary Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio station in Washington state.

KIRO Radio ready to serve in case of emergency

People count on KIRO Newsradio to be there when unfortunate events unfold. The station has become an esteemed partner with the Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference to help strengthen the ability to remain on-air and serve the community when the need for key information is critical.

Being prepared before the next disaster arrives is key to preserving businesses and organizations of many kinds. Consider the Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference as a great place to establish and grow these skills. Cost-effective registration is available at www.piepc.org.

The SHIBA program is a free, unbiased, and confidential service offered through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

You don’t have to know Medicare because you will receive basic training. And there is a variety of volunteer positions and time commitments available, so there is something for everyone.

Our volunteers help people:

• Determine general eligibility for health care coverage programs.
• Evaluate and compare Medicare plans and programs.
• Provide Medicare enrollment help.
• Speak with 1-800-MEDICARE on clients’ behalf.
• Make referrals to other agencies/programs.
• Collect and report possible Medicare fraud complaints.
• Make public presentations to local groups.
• Provide clerical support.
• Participate in outreach activities.

Dick Anderson, a longtime 15-year SHIBA volunteer counselor from Wenatchee, talks about his experience volunteering with the program. “I’d pay money for them to let me do this,” says Dick. “It’s that big, and an important part of my life. Health insurance can be confusing, and I think that’s one of the reasons why the SHIBA program has been so successful and has gotten such a good response from the public. What we do makes a difference, and we’re able to help thousands of people each year.”

So, if you’re willing to learn and want to help others, join the team of volunteers right in your own community. SHIBA offices are located throughout the state. To learn more and get started, call SHIBA at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak to someone about volunteering with SHIBA. You can also find out more about SHIBA at www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba.

Having windows that will perform well for years is essential to a lifetime of enjoyment in our harsh climate. Here are four reasons to have windows that are installed correctly:

1. Improved energy efficiency, saving you money on heating and cooling costs.
2. Protection from water intrusion, critical for the rainy climate.
3. Eliminating drafts around windows.
4. Reduces sound control, keeping more outside noise to a minimum.

You’ll see the impact of rising energy prices in your monthly electric and gas bills in the coming months. Old windows and doors can be responsible for up to 25% or more of your heating and cooling bill. Coupled with the fact that installing new windows can return up to 85% of your investment makes the decision an easy one to have done sooner than later.

Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation which was born from thousands of commercial and residential installations and years of experience. By utilizing layers of flashings, pans, and sealants, the Leak Armor system provides commercial-grade benefits in your home at no extra cost. Coupled with a top-of-the-line window selection, this patented technology makes your windows clearly the best. As one of the primary Seattle Window companies, Lake Washington Windows and Doors installs all types of window sizes and types — Vinyl fiberglass.

The first step in the window replacement process is scheduling a convenient time for a window specialist to visit your home and complete a complimentary, no-sales-pressure evaluation. During this time, they will perform an inspection of your home’s windows or doors, ask a few questions to find the best solution based on your needs, and answer your questions.

The sooner you have your windows or doors replaced the sooner you will realize energy savings, lower your heating and cooling costs, increase the value of your home, and protect your home’s exterior against the tough Washington climate. Make sure you get a free estimate from Milgard’s top window and door replacement specialist.

Call Lake Washington Windows and Doors at (425) 255-2600 for a Free Estimate and ask about current offers and financing plans.

There is good news; when detected early, prostate cancer is curable. In fact, 3.1 million men in the U.S. who’ve been diagnosed are alive today.

In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening can be vital. How do you get screened? A simple blood test, called a PSA test.

When should men get screened for Prostate Cancer?

First, talk to your doctor and go over your particular risk factors. You may have more than one risk factor at play. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. The discussion about screening should take place at:

• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age)

Who is at the most risk of developing prostate cancer?

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, although it is most common after age 50. As men age, that risk increases, with men over age 65 accounting for 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer. Family history is also a factor – if your father or brother has prostate cancer, your risk of developing it more than doubles. Race and ethnicity also play a part in your risk, African American men have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer and dying from it. In fact, 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed during their lifetime, and 1 in 25 will die from the disease.

Many men are hesitant to get PSA test because they fear the treatment and the side effects of treatment. This is why it is important to understand prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and the treatments available. If detected early, you may have more treatment options available than if the cancer is found at an advanced stage.

A Revolutionary Treatment – Swedish CyberKnife

There are a wide variety of treatments options available for men with prostate cancer. One of the most technologically advanced treatment options in the Pacific Northwest is Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy using the CyberKnife platform at Swedish Medical Center. Published data shows exceptional outcomes, few side effects, and treatment is conducted over the course of only one week. Swedish physicians have published 97% cure rates and patients report better quality of life during and after treatment.

The CyberKnife is a robotic system that uses real-time image guidance to deliver radiation from thousands of beam angle with virtually unlimited directions with robotic mobility. All while constantly correcting for patient and tumor movement throughout treatment, ensuring radiation beams are always locked on the target. This design enables clinicians to maximize and conform the dose to the tumor target while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, therefore reducing side effects such as erectile dysfunction, urinary and bowel complications.

You have many treatment options available, if you are interested in the most advanced, effective treatment, consider Swedish CyberKnife at swedish.org/cyberknifeprostate or call them at 206-320-7187.