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Club MED
April 2023
Sun and Surf in Florida THE SUNSHINE STATE CURED MY SADS
I think I have SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Every overcast winter drives me down. When I was in college seminary in the Twin Cities, we sometimes had 20 to 30 days of cloud cover straight. When the
the 3-year-old, wanted to go to Buzzil (Brazil) instead to see his father, but he got excited when I told him we would go fishing for sharks. I didn’t explain he was the bait. We flew out on Wednesday, Feb. 15, and got there at 10 p.m. It was 63 degrees when we landed. When we got in the rental car, it felt like 80, so I put on the air. Nothing like air conditioning in February. The next day, Omaha had 6 inches of snow. I love Florida!
sun appeared after a prolonged period of overcast, everyone ran outside, no matter how cold it was.
On our second day, Sam and I trekked along the beach. That little girl did a two-hour hike with me in the surf. A perfect morning with the waves crashing in the background. Not a snowflake in sight. Sam talked the whole time while I didn’t say a word. I couldn’t. If I didn’t know better, I would have assumed she drank some of my café con leche — Cuban coffee. I wanted to push Sam into the waves. She wouldn’t stop talking.
In the past, I had parishioners who suffered from depression, and
the winter months only exasperated the problem. I had one lady who
would become incredibly agitated in the fall, anticipating winter. She flew to Arizona during the winter months to beat back her depression. While there, everything was heavenly, but once back in Nebraska, the black dog quickly returned. Medication helped, but nothing cured it except sunshine.
A gentleman walking on the
beach behind us caught up. As he sped by, he asked, “When does she come
She even had a special light box she would sit in front of for hours. The special light would interact with her eyes to cause a chemical reaction in the brain. While it helped some, nothing worked as well as natural sunlight. I have a cousin, Mark Krejci, who lives in Tampa, Florida. His company owns a condo right on the beach, so in January, when I was sunshine-deprived and bummed out from winter gray, I called Mark and asked to visit him. I was worried I would feel too relaxed while vacationing there. So, I invited my two youngest grandkids along. I didn’t want my stress level to get too low. I had never vacationed with a 3 and 7-year-old before.
up for air?” I think even the seagulls got annoyed.
We came upon a sea snake skeleton that had washed ashore, and I tried to give Sam the snake as a memento of
the trip. Her high-pitched screams were impressive. I would have killed for something as cool as a snake skeleton when I was 7.
I was surprised at how excited Sam, the 7-year-old, was about going to Florida. She talked about it for weeks ahead of time. Jake,
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Medicare Insurance Made Easy
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ADD MORE MOVEMENT TO EACH DAY GET IN BETTER SHAPE
Getting the movement our bodies and minds need each day can be challenging. Many of us work on computers for hours, only standing to use the restroom or refill our water bottles. But we need to do more than that to stay healthy. When we add more movement to our daily routines, our muscles grow stronger, which helps improve our balance, stability, and coordination. Our bones become more durable and our joints more flexible. It’s no secret that moving helps us live healthier, but going to the gym can be expensive and time-consuming. Thankfully, we can adopt simple daily routines to add more movement to our lives. Here are a few worth trying. BE ACTIVE ON YOUR WORK BREAKS. If you work an eight-hour shift, you are entitled to a few breaks throughout your day. Try to use them to be active. Stand up
and stretch or walk around once an hour if you work on a computer. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget. You can even utilize a standing desk to avoid sitting for extended periods. If possible, get out during your lunch break and walk instead of sitting down. Being active throughout the day will help prevent stiffness and fatigue while improving focus and productivity.
to your home. You’ll add some extra movement and sunlight to your days.
TAKE THE STAIRS. If you work in an office building, skip the elevator. If you work from home and have stairs in your house or apartment, walk up and down the steps a few times. You can also take the stairs
up to buildings instead of using walking ramps. This adjustment is one of the quickest ways to add
WALK OR BIKE TO YOUR DESTINATIONS.
We’re all accustomed to getting in our cars
exercise into your day, and it doesn’t take much!
whenever we need to go somewhere, but maybe it’s time to walk or get the bike out instead. If you travel a short distance for work, consider
These little changes can go a long way, but remember that doing these activities
once is not enough. They need to become a habit. Perform them every day when possible, and you’ll feel better physically in no time.
walking there or riding a bicycle if possible. The same goes for trips to the post office, grocery store, or other locations close
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When the two boats pulled away from the dock, the pirate ship was draped in a skull and crossbones flags, billowing sails, and bright pendants flapping in the breeze. It was an impressive sight. I admit I was disappointed by not being aboard, but I remained strong. I didn’t cry or stomp my feet publicly. As it turned out, Jake liked the idea of dolphins. I explained that dolphins were like sharks but friendly. They would not chew his hand off.
We hit the boardwalk in John’s Pass, a touristy place on the bay where Jake found a pirate ship. The crew were decked out in black eye patches and congregated around an impressive treasure chest. The whole place was a cheesy tourist trap,
but it worked. That ship was packed with hordes of kids. My 3-year-old self would have thought that dumpy boat was super- duper cool like Jake. Jake planted his feet on the dock and refused to move. He wanted to board the pirate ship and raised a fit when his mother tried to move him along. Nana Bev finally pacified Jake by purchasing tickets for a boat ride. The boat, however, was a simple craft for bay tours and dolphin watching. The pirate ship was, unfortunately, full.
The ride started slowly, but eventually, dolphins showed up, and it turned out the boat’s captain sold alcohol. So, everyone was happy. Jake was delighted with the dolphins, and the ride on the water calmed him down. Eventually, he fell asleep on his mother’s lap. I started to nod off, too, after a couple of beers.
Florida cured my SAD, and daylight saving time also helped when we returned. Watching the sunset while drinking my wine, I realize how blessed I am with a loving wife, delightful grandkids, a dedicated coworker, and loyal clients.
With no small amount of anticipation, I was curious to see how Bev and Rachel would navigate the situation when the pirate ship pulled away without Jake. The two boats were docked side by side. A quick comparison made our boat look like the most boring thing in the world. I wanted to go on the pirate ship myself.
–Christopher J. Grimmond
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Does Medicare Cover Dental?
When people mean Medicare, they usually mean Original Medicare, which is Medicare Part A and Part B. Part A is for the hospital. Part B is for doctor visits and outpatient procedures. The simple answer is Medicare does not cover dental. If you have only Medicare Part A and Part B, you need to purchase a separate, stand-alone dental plan, which may cost between $25 to $45 per month, depending on the coverage. Medicare Supplements or Medigap Plans do not cover dental. Medicare Part D drug plans do not cover dental. The dental plan may be with the same company you purchased your supplement from, but it is still a separate plan that costs more. Does Medicare Advantage cover dental? Some Medicare Advantage plans cover dental. In the Omaha Metro area, we have several plans that have very lovely dental plans. Should you get a dental plan? If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with good dental benefits, an additional dental plan does not make any sense. Still, if you are on Original Medicare, a Medigap policy, and Part D prescription drug, I would consider it. Dental health is like your general physical health. You go in for a physical annually to make sure everything is working. Your bi-annual teeth cleanings, X-rays, and oral examples are the same. You pay approximately $100–$200 for teeth cleaning in our area. The first appointment is more because the dentist generally does the most X-rays at the time. In the end, you could pay between $300–$400 per year for two teeth cleanings. That is without anything else being done. The filling could be $300. An extraction by an oral surgeon may cost $500. Crowns will be at least $1,200. The nice thing about a simple dental plan that is $25 per month, or $300 a year, is you would cover your teeth cleanings, but if there is anything else, like crowns or root canals, you are not paying the whole load. You are only paying 50% of a hefty bill. You are spending the same amount of money on getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, but now with a dental plan, you don’t need to worry about an overwhelming dental bill.
11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68144 402-614-3389 OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
Want to hang on to your teeth?
Extend Your Life Expectancy
Testimonial
SEEING A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IS VITAL
“I was concerned about making the decision regarding my transition to Medicare, but Chris eased my anxiety by providing clear details and simple explanations. He carefully guided me through the process and encouraged me to make decisions in
When I enroll clients in a Medicare Advantage/Part C plan, part of the application is putting down the name of your primary care physician (PCP). I cannot complete the application without a doctor’s name. Sometimes I have to randomly pick a name because some individuals don’t have a PCP. Medicare and the insurance companies require a PCP because they know how effective a primary care physician can be for your health care success. Primary care is the heart of the health care system. Since the early 2000s, however, the nation has been experiencing a primary care shortage, with declining access affecting many Americans. Research shows that increased primary care provider density in an area improves the detection and diagnosis of diseases and reduces health disparities. PCP utilization also increases your expected lifespan. A primary care physician is often the first point of contact when patients seek health care, and a primary care physician’s role is designed to be person-focused, coordinated, and comprehensive. Evidence shows PCPs improve health regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, employment, income, health insurance, and smoking status. In a national study, 29% of patients who received medical services between 2016 and 2022 did not visit a primary care provider. Another study reported that a gain of 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people is associated with an increase in life expectancy by 51.5 days.
identified source of primary care decreased from 77% to 75%. The decline affected patients of every age, except those in their 80s. The most significant drops, however, occurred in patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. According to a September 2022 report, 97.6 million Americans now live in an area with a designated primary care health professional shortage; removing that designation would require 16,940 additional practitioners. As the shortage worsens, experts predict that rural areas will be more severely affected than suburban or urban areas, while marginalized and low- income populations will also be heavily affected. Although the health care professional shortage extends to all medical specialties, primary care is experiencing the most significant deficit, especially in the Western and Southern regions of the U.S. By 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a primary care physician shortage will grow from 17,800 to 48,000. My wife, Bev, a medical professional herself, persuaded me to go with her primary care physician, Dr. Joseph Sheehan. Since my heart attack in 2018, I started to take my health care seriously, and since he’s Irish, he should be adequate. Surprisingly the heart attack messed with my kidneys and liver, so I’ve been watching those with my doctor. I’m all about odds, so if the stats are correct, I’ve increased my probability of living an additional 51.5 days. Hopefully, those days will all be on the beach in Florida with a hot redhead by my side (Bev is a redhead).
my best interest. Chris is friendly, and I enjoyed his company. He is a fine professional, and I highly recommend his services.” –Rich & Arlene R.
Cod and Asparagus Bake
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
This recipe is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights when eating healthy seems impossible. The buttery cod is low-fat and a great way to include healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet.
Ingredients • Oil for baking pan • 4 4-oz cod fillets • 1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a 15x10x1-inch baking pan brushed with oil, place cod, asparagus, and tomatoes. 2. Brush cod with lemon juice, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle cod and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 12 minutes. 3. Remove pan from oven; preheat broiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4 inches from the heat source until vegetables are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
From 2002 to 2015, the proportion of adult Americans with an
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11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68144 402-614-3389 OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
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INSIDE This Issue
A Family Vacation to Remember
1
2
3 Ways to Move More During the Day
3
Take Your Health Seriously
3
Testimonial
Cod and Asparagus Bake
3
4
Combating Spring Allergies
Nipping Spring Allergies in the Bud When Pollen Strikes
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the
air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air.
REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to
pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions.
RINSE OUT YOUR SINUSES. When pollen overwhelms your sinus
passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. TAKE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over- the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay.
remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening.
REMOVE POLLEN FROM INDOOR AIR. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your
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