CRYOTHERAPY, COLD PLUNGES, AND THE QUEST TO OUTSMART AGING
Every winter, many people living in the northern states head south to escape the cold weather. Florida is well-known for being a snowbird haven, but many also travel to Arizona, California, or even Mexico to enjoy a warmer winter. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to escape a harsh northern winter, but what if the cold was actually beneficial for you? Recent research published in ScienceDirect explored the connection between cold exposure and longevity, and the results may come as a surprise. Researchers reviewed various studies to determine whether exposure to cold temperatures has a positive or negative impact on aging. They explored research related to cryotherapy and cold plunges, as well as examples from the animal kingdom to further their analysis. While their findings weren’t entirely conclusive, the short-term impact of cold exposure may benefit most people and help them age more gracefully.
symptoms related to arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It can strengthen antioxidant defenses, helping offset the stress caused by aging, environmental factors, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Cold exposure can enhance our metabolism, aiding in maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar levels. Even your heart health can improve thanks to the impact of cold exposure on circulation. However, not all of the information from the study is promising. Some studies have shown that communities in colder climates tend to have higher death rates during winter. Furthermore, individuals with preexisting conditions may experience the adverse effects of the cold, as it can be very stressful for their bodies. While this study provides us with a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of cold exposure, further research is needed to draw conclusive findings. For now, it appears that cold exposure can be beneficial for healthy adults in the short term; however, its long-term effects on the body are unknown.
Through their work, researchers have found that cold exposure can reduce chronic inflammation, thereby easing the effects of
Wills vs. Trusts in Plain English UNDERSTANDING YOUR ESTATE PLANNING OPTIONS
One of the most common questions I hear is, “Do I need a Will or a Trust?” It can sound like a big fork in the road. The good news is that the basics are easier to understand than most people expect. Put simply, a Will is a set of instructions we leave behind for our family to follow after we pass away. It outlines who should receive our property, who will handle the estate, and who will care for our minor children. A Will doesn’t control anything during our lifetimes. It also doesn’t keep our families out of probate court, although it does give the court a guide. A Living Trust works a little differently. You move certain assets into the Trust while you are alive. The Trust then owns those assets and holds them for you and your beneficiaries. When you pass away,
the assets can be transferred from the Trust without a court process. In the right situation, that can make things work more smoothly behind the scenes. So, where does that leave you in practice? A well-written Will covers many situations, especially when assets and family dynamics are fairly simple. A few accounts and a straightforward family structure can often be addressed through a Will. In our office, the Trust conversation usually begins when families want to make things easier on the people they love . When there are more moving parts like multiple assets, blended families, privacy concerns, or a desire to avoid court involvement, a Trust offers significantly more control, flexibility, and efficiency. It allows your plan to work smoothly without unnecessary delays, expenses, or stress for your family.
If that’s the case, a Revocable Living Trust may be worth the extra time and cost. A Trust can keep things more organized and prevent information from becoming part of the public record. Trusts can also be beneficial for families of people with special needs. Setting up a Special Needs Trust can provide for the family member without affecting their ability to receive government assistance. Even if you have a Trust, you will still need a Will, especially if you have young children. It will allow you to set up guardianship and ensure that any assets not placed in the Trust are transferred to it upon your death. If you’re unsure what fits your current situation, we’re happy to take a look and help you set up a plan that works for you.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
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