Health

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 9 Surprising Things Your Hands Can Tell You About Your Health. These surprising health clues are within your grasp, if you know how to recognize them. By Beth Howard, AARP. Published July 24, 2024. Hands are, by definition, pretty darn handy. But one of their hidden talents is divulging potentially subtle health problems that need a doctor’s attention. Here are nine things your hands and fingers may be trying to tell you. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2024/what-hands-say-about-health.html

Tired of the same old meals? Explore diverse recipes with healthy ingredients, like our budget-friendly quick lentil salmon salad. Not a fan of salmon? We have recipes for everyone, including meat lovers, vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth. Expand your cooking repertoire today! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more delicious recipes.    

31% over last year. ($800) No tickets or accidents. Perfect credit. Disappointed in Hartford and the AARP.  Enough said.

I don't understand the big deal about the new hearing aid directive. AARP should be fighting for hearing aids to be covered by Medicare. Since we need the hearing aids as we age, it is insane for Medicare not to cover this. Why is AARP silent on this topic but make a big deal for over the counter ones. Just another way to take advantage of the aging population. 

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 64 Medicare Prescription Drugs That Are Getting More Affordable. The coinsurance rates for certain Part B medications are being lowered temporarily. Here’s why. By Rachel Nania, AARP. Published July 03, 2024. Some people with Medicare will pay less for their prescription medications from July 1 to September 30, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced.   The agency identified 64 drugs — used by more than 750,000 Medicare enrollees annually — whose prices have risen faster than the rate of inflation. Under the prescription drug law passed in 2022, the coinsurance rates for these medications will be adjusted to match the inflation rate, meaning some people with Medicare could pay less out of pocket through September. What’s more, the makers of these drugs will face penalties for the price hikes in the form of a rebate to Medicare. https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-

 Is AARP involved in any work or discussions with Congress to eliminate the Doughnut Hole in Medicare?  It costs seniors, who are quite vulnerable, money that we can not afford to lose. Congress MUST eliminate this sinkhole that we seniors can not afford to pour money into.  I write to my elected officials constantly, yet no one does anything to address this abomination of a rule.

From early life, a healthy brain relies on relationships. Whether it’s with lifelong friends or new neighbors, staying socially connected can have unexpected benefits. Research indicates that social connection and engagement may reduce the risk of dementia and support better brain function. Read this article to better understand how social connection may support cognitive function. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

To: United Healthcare, Optum, the South Carolina Department of Insurance, AARP, BBB, Current & Prospective Future Enrollees in AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plans I am writing to make the entities above aware of the experience that my wife and I have had with United Healthcare (UHC) and Optum over the past 3 ½ years relative to their Medicare Advantage Plans. To say the least, it has been a VERY frustrating and disappointing experience.   When I retired in January 2021, my wife and I enrolled in one of the AARP United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans offered in South Carolina, where we live. I retired as an executive with over 40 years in the managed healthcare industry, so I am very familiar with Medicare Advantage plans and how they are supposed to work. (The company from which I retired is not currently licensed in the state of South Carolina). My prior Group Plan coverage terminated on January 31, 2021. As I have said over and over again to representatives

I'm coming up where I'll be adding Medicare part B soon.   One of my concerns is that I'm on Trelegy and it's a bundle without having a prescription plan.  I've been considering Blue Cross Blue Shield's advantage plan to get the prescription coverage.  I'd appreciate any advice people can give.   Thanks!    

from Yoga Journal:just Google this:“Yoga for Seniors: A Sequence to Help with Your Mobility”Try this practice, which emphasizes joint health and offers movements that can be incorporated into your daily life, to help maintain or improve mobility and stability for healthy aging. ++++And, of course, have any exercise routine first approved by your doctor, even if it is gentle exercise from something like Yoga or Tai Chi… also good for seniors - Tai Chi. Can also look up under "Gentle Yoga"

"Power Couple Finds New Ways to Stay Fit After 50"  This is one of my favorite AARP health and fitness videos! hth

Would you like a healthy life style that promotes a lower carbon footprint.  Cycling, whether traditional or ebikes, has amazing physical and mental benefits.   In Portland OR the number of seniors on bikes is amazing and growing all the time.  Look at the Netherlands' bike population.  Young to old, all on bikes and living healthier and long. Come on, you'll love it!

To: United Healthcare, Optum, the South Carolina Department of Insurance, AARP, BBB, Current & Prospective Future Enrollees in AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plans I am writing to make the entities above aware of the experience that my wife and I have had with United Healthcare (UHC) and Optum over the past 3 ½ years relative to their Medicare Advantage Plans. To say the least, it has been a VERY frustrating and disappointing experience.   When I retired in January 2021, my wife and I enrolled in one of the AARP United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans offered in South Carolina, where we live. I retired as an executive with over 40 years in the managed healthcare industry, so I am very familiar with Medicare Advantage plans and how they are supposed to work. (The company from which I retired is not currently licensed in the state of South Carolina). My prior Group Plan coverage terminated on January 31, 2021. As I have said over and over again to representatives

LOL - what’s the world coming to ?  But I guess crime has been around as long as civilization -     APNEWS 06/27/2024- Justice Department charges nearly 200 people in $2.7 billion health care fraud schemes crackdown   

My regular health care provider (an MD) is on vacation. I got to a very large practice that is part of a large hospital and the family medicine department is spread out over about 6 different locations in various towns. The Nurse Practitioner I saw was angry when she came into the room. I have never met her before. She proceeded to be angry (about something) during the visit but I tried to let it go. At one point she said I was going to need an ultrasound and said "You are going to need bloodwork before you get the ultrasound because of your age. Younger people don't need it". I was wondering why she put it that way. I was waiting for her to explain..and you need it because of your age because..., but she didn't. So it was then that I asked her why because of my age did I need it but a younger person didn't. She did answer but answered in a manner where she was annoyed I had asked.  But it was more than that. She was simply angry about something and taking it out on

If you don’t have access to a local gym, don’t despair. Even if you do, sometimes the weather keeps you stuck at home. What to do? Staying Sharp offers a collection of exercise videos and aerobic workouts that you can use to stay fit from the comfort of home. Explore AARP® Staying Sharp®  for more brain health tips and resources.

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE! By Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published June 14, 2024. Medicare has never been a family plan, in contrast to employer-sponsored health insurance. Each spouse pays separate Medicare premiums, and married couples don’t get a discount. If both spouses are enrolled in Medicare Part B, they each pay $174.70 a month in 2024; more for couples with high incomes. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/does-marriage-affect-medicare.html

This is a referral to an AARP link, but I tried it both broiled & baked, and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd share. https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/recipes/balsamic-marinated-chicken/   

  Is AARP doing anything to address the doughnut hole in Medicare, and how to eliminate it completely? I just spent almost $500 for insulin to keep me alive.  I am on Social Security and Medicare and I do not   know in I will be able to afford this life saving medicine when I need to refill it.

 World Mental Health Day (10 October) is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. [source: Wiki] World Mental Health Day  [source: World Health Organization/W.H.O.]  'When talking about suicide, avoid using these words'If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. [source: CNN] Remember, you are enough!  👉😌👈  So, take care of yourself! 

Ever get tired of eating the same food staples? Did you know that even small changes to your diet may support your brain health? Good nutrition is essential for optimal brain function, and research has found that certain plant compounds, amino acids, vitamins and minerals found in food can help protect memory, regulate emotions and control blood sugar. Read this article to find out which six foods you should add to your grocery list. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Discover the social benefits of pet ownership. Pets aren’t just companions; they’re social catalysts that can help you form new connections and friendships. Read More. Explore AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health tips and resources.

One of the common tactics of perpetuating antisocial values and behavior in our culture is the use of the rhetorical phrase "Grow up" or "Oh Grow Up".  Hopefully reviewing this material will provide a more meaningful understanding what it truly means to Grow Up.Including a couple of links to information about Mama Bears in this post.  Maybe folks will find some inspiration in them.  Mama Bears on POV  Mama Bears Home Page  These brave people are one example of the many who are seeking redress of the many antisocial values that infect human cultures.  Everything from concerns about AI to Gun Violence, Anti-Vaxers, Sudan and Ukraine is a product of a culture embracing rather than growing beyond our antisocial mistakes of the past. P.S.  This time of year is accompanied by persistent sleep disruption for me so I hope this doesn't sound too cranky...please checkout the links it really is an amazing record of prosocial personal growth.

I had a wonderful dentist who partnered w his patients; his staff could tell you to a nickel what the share was for each visit. He tried to hold costs down. Unfortunately he passed away, and I’ve not been unsuccessful at duplicating the experience. One dentist provided me w a treatment plan, but I could not pin her down on what the actual cost would be. Lasers for pockets, a back tooth implant w a graft, etc. I didn’t want any of it. Thousands! My current dentist’s staff puts a clipboard in front of you while you’re in the chair and makes you sign responsibility for the ‘estimate.’ Fine, OK, but he just did an onlay that cost $1200 above the estimate, now I’m on the hook for $1700. My dental insurance paid $85 would have covered 50% of a crown had he done one. No one in my retirement planning told me to have $40,000 in an account held in reserve for dental care. I’m at a loss in more way than one. It’s costing $3000 a year for dental care and I have insurance. How can seniors advocate

After 45 years of using the same insurance company, we decided to look into Hartford. What a mistake! I set up auto pay for Auto insurance when I took out policy. I verified all info in system was correct, yet they failed to take payment and cancelled policy without notifying me. I found out when I checked bank statement and saw it was not withdrawn. No problem, I thought. I called and called and could get noone to help me. AARP members are lowest on priority. Finally, after hours of being shuffled around, I talked to a live person that informed me there was nothing they could do. It was cancelled due to non-payment and it could not be reinstated. She advised that I call and get coverage right away with another company. I also have my homeowners with them, so now they leave me stuck to get coverage and also change my homeowners since it is too expensive without bundling. I wish I had never changed. They are the worst company I have ever dealt with and it is not worth switching. How can