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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
MAY/JUNE 2025
REFLECTIONS ON A FOREVER FRIEND Memories of the Brave
Our time in this world is precious, and what we do with our lives matters.
more about that period and learned more about how it shaped their lives.
until he exited the plane! Marines are an extraordinary breed of people.
This sentiment has been at the top of my mind lately, as May is both Older Americans Month and when we commemorate our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. I also turn 65 this month, so I suppose that makes me an “older American.” Meanwhile, the last Monday of the month always prompts me to pause and remember the special people I’ve known who served our country with pride and more bravery than I can fathom. Although Memorial Day traditionally honors those who were lost in combat — and it always should — the military personnel in my life died after their service ended. Still, I’d like to explain why they mean so much to me. My uncles, who have been gone for about 20 years, served in the Battle of Midway during World War II. As civilians, they both owned businesses and passed away having achieved great things in life. Although I knew of their past service, they didn’t talk much about their experiences defending our country. As an older man, I now realize I should have asked them
Thankfully, I was lucky to hear and learn a lot from my good buddy Gary. Originally from a small Texas town, he became a Marine and served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam. After the war, he eventually got involved in my field — and even helped me land a job at BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina in 1995. Throughout the years of our friendship, he’d tell me about his time fighting overseas at 23 — a year younger than my son is now. As his tales unfolded, I was constantly amazed by the courage and ingenuity he displayed as such a young man. He’d tell me about the times he had to veer off to avoid being struck by surface-to-air missiles — which he said looked like “flying telephone poles” — after he’d hear the alarms go off. Other times, he’d solemnly share moments that weren’t so fortunate, like when he saw his wingman lose his life moments after speaking his last words to him. Gary almost didn’t make it out of there alive. One day, nine 50 caliber bullets ripped through his plane. Miraculously, he survived by hand-cranking the landing gear. He told me he didn’t get scared
Sadly, we lost Gary in August 2022. On the final Memorial Day of his life, he was invited to speak at the Lee County Veterans Museum in Bishopville. He gave a presentation on his time in the war and provided attendees with an honest and heartfelt look into the lives of the era’s military members. I’m glad he got to share his stories with more people because so many young soldiers who lost their lives in combat never had the opportunity to pass on what they saw and learned. Knowing Gary, there is no doubt he spoke for them as much as he did for himself.
I really miss him.
To those of you with family members whose stories died with them on the battlefield, in the air, or at sea, know that we all honor them and their ultimate sacrifices. We’re here today because of them. And to all the Garys who are still here to tell us your truths, know that our ears and hearts will always be open to you.
—Tim Hanbury
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Now that we’re in the heart of the sunny season, it is the perfect time to take the spirit of spring-cleaning that kicked off a few weeks ago and apply it to refreshing and reorganizing how you want your affairs handled if you become seriously ill or reach the end of your life. We’re sorry to add a dark cloud to a bright day. We understand that end-of-life planning is an uncomfortable topic for many, but it is essential to discuss. Far too often, an individual’s loved ones are left scrambling to connect legal and logistical dots — from life insurance policies and bank information to wills, trusts, and medical directives — after they’ve passed away unexpectedly or become incapacitated. The inaccessibility or complete absence of documentation specifying your wishes adds unnecessary strain to an already sad situation. Here are two tips to help you make a solid end-of-life plan and relieve your loved ones of undue stress when the time comes. TIMING — AND TALKING — ARE EVERYTHING. First and foremost, you should consider and devise your end- of-life plan when you are still in good health and of sound mind — and never wait until a crisis occurs to pursue your options. If you have already completed this crucial step, you must ensure anyone designated to a specific role in carrying out your wishes is aware of their responsibilities, capable of fulfilling them, and knows where and how to find everything they need. Additionally, stay on top of any life changes that may necessitate revisions to your end-of-life documentation, including property sales, births, divorces, and relocations. DILIGENCE AND DOCUMENTATION MATTER. Whether you’re new to end-of-life planning or have already determined your desires, understanding the purposes behind typical documentation is key. Have you created a power of attorney document to allow someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are physically or mentally unable to do so? Have you stated advance health care directives to ensure someone can fulfill your medical wishes if you’re incapable of expressing them? Again, these questions must be answered sooner rather than later — consult with an attorney specializing in estate planning and any other aspect of end-of-life decisions before fate makes these decisions for you. END-OF-LIFE ESSENTIALS Tips for Laying Out Lasting Plans
“I have always felt that I am getting great advice about Medicare and Part D for prescriptions. I feel a strong ability to TRUST Tim and his knowledge! It is wonderful to now be able to work with his son as well.” –Miriam Gabriel What Our Clients Think!
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—Tim Hanbury
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A NEW MINDSET FOR MOMENTUM ALTERNATIVE ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS FOR EXERCISE
For some older people, finding the motivation to exercise — especially when surrounded by strangers — can be challenging. As people age, they may lack the energy or self-confidence to stick to an effective regimen that helps sustain their health. Because physical movement is critical to our well-being, we’d like to offer four suggestions for an alternative approach to your daily routine. CONSIDER THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. If working out around younger or fitter people has tested your self- image, consider ways to build a social support network more aligned with your age and health situation. Pursuing physical activities with friends with comparable life experiences — or joining an online community of like-
minded people with the same or similar objectives—may help you feel heard, understood, and less alone. CELEBRATE THE SMALL STEPS. Improving your health is about consistent motion, not moving mountains. Hitting your new routine too hard and quickly — as people often do — will often lead to disappointment and burnout. You are more likely to succeed by starting small and pacing yourself wisely. For example, three 10-minute daily exercises will have the same impact as one 30-minute session — and may help you feel less overwhelmed by the task.
workout without leaving your front door. Maybe your living room could benefit from a new coat of paint, or your bedroom could use rearranging. Completing household chores does wonders for our physical health and sense of accomplishment, helping us clear our minds and fight the urge to become couch potatoes. CHART A CLEAR PATH TO SELF-CARE. Before undertaking any new activities, it is wise to consult your physician first — especially if trying something new could inadvertently worsen a chronic condition. Conducting your refined self- care routine with the involvement of your healthcare providers may also open the door to practical suggestions and different perspectives that broaden your health horizons and make your long-term goals even more straightforward to attain.
USE PRIVACY TO PROPEL YOUR PROGRESS.
If you’re more of a homebody than the life of the party, you can still get in an effective
ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF Inspired by AllRecipes.com
WORD SEARCH
Cashews and seasonal asparagus are the centerpiece of this delicious rice pilaf, which can be served as a side dish or a vegetarian entree.
1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm. DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup butter •
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces
• • • • • •
1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION
LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup cashew halves
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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IN HONOR OF HEROES
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CLARITY DURING CRISIS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
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NEW MOTIVATIONS FOR MOVEMENT
ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF
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A STRAY DOG PULLS OFF THE ULTIMATE RESCUE MISSION
STRAY DOG OUTSMARTS FATE AND SAVES HER PUPPY’S LIFE
When our furry friends get sick, it’s up to us to bring them in for a veterinary appointment. It’s part of the responsibility of being a pet owner, but stray animals have no owners. Who takes care of them when they most need it? Sadly, help is beyond their reach in many cases. However, some dogs won’t let anything
stand in their way, especially if it’s a difference between life and death.
before long, it was awake and moving again. All the while, the mother was at the puppy’s side with her head perched on the examination table. So, how did the puppy’s mother know where to take her baby? This wasn’t her first encounter with this vet clinic; the same doctor was already treating the puppy’s littermate after good Samaritans brought her to the same clinic a few days earlier. Both puppies have been reunited with their mother and are all under the close eye of the clinic. Whether discussing humans or dogs, parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their children survive and thrive. However, dogs might have to be more creative with their efforts.
In January 2025, a stray mother dog noticed her puppy stopped moving and jumped into action. Without an owner to guide her, the mother brought her baby to a local veterinarian clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The staff saw the dog standing outside their door, so they checked on her and noticed the lifeless puppy. The pup was freezing cold, and the vet wasn’t even sure if it was still alive! The vet could not hear the puppy’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, so he checked it with a needle, which provided promising results! The dog was alive but had a very slow heartbeat. The vet used a blow dryer to warm the puppy up, and
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