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YOUR MEDICARE PLAN PRO
DECEMBER 2025
SMALL LAUGHS, BIG IMPACT EVERYDAY HUMOR MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
I’ve always believed laughter can change things, sometimes in the smallest and simplest moments. Even when life feels stressful or heavy, a good laugh can bust the tension wide open and remind us we’re okay. I grew up with that trait and belief, and my dad and grandpa were the same way. They would laugh in the middle of tough situations, not because it was funny but because it helped lighten the load. For me, laughter makes space for us to step back and see things differently, even amid a challenge. Before we know it, the holidays will have come and gone, and we’ll already be in 2026. Instead of New Year’s resolutions or favorite festive memories, I’m looking ahead to another holiday to kick-start the new year. Global Belly Laugh Day is on Jan. 24, 2026, and it’s all about laughing out loud, sharing a smile with someone, and all the reasons humor can help us in life. A little laughter just always seems to lighten the mood. Like my dad and grandpa Goodman, I’ll chuckle during stressful situations to ease
the anxiety enough to move forward. Now, if something is really serious, we’re not over here cracking up about it, but in most moments, a laugh is a little tool to make everyone in the room feel better. More than anything, I just love how laughter makes me feel. When one person laughs, it spreads and lets everyone have a good time.
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When it comes to my particular sense of humor, I really laugh at a lot of different things. I like a good comedy show and love a good joke. Family is one of the most important pillars in my life, and I enjoy making my loved ones laugh, maybe even more than finding something comical for myself. Sometimes, I can be a bit of a goofball because I get a kick out of bringing a smile to someone else’s face. When my family and I are playing card games and having fun, I put myself out there more than I usually
but it’s harder to see those lessons when you’re stuck in sadness. If I can lighten up a bit and have a small laugh, I can look at the bigger picture and take something meaningful from the difficulties. It’s just another way laughter can open doors to progress. Laughter is something that brings us together. When you’re in a good conversation with good company, the laughter flows easily. That’s where some of our best friendships start and often where many of our treasured memories come from. They say the five people you hang around the most shape the person you’re most likely to become. So, if you want to laugh more, make sure you’re around people who appreciate a little humor. Laughter may not solve every problem, but it makes life lighter and the journey brighter. As we enter a new year, remember that even a small laugh can make a big difference in your mindset.
would because I’m working a little overtime to make sure everyone has a blast. It’s a nice feeling to bring out the joy in others. Life will always throw challenges at us, and at times, it can be difficult to find something to laugh about. Growing up, I learned that feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t do you much good. You have to figure out what you can learn from challenging moments,
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SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS Want to Live Longer and Feel Younger?
As we grow older, we start to think about things that could increase our longevity. For example, we could adopt a healthier diet, incorporate more movement into our daily routine, and get outside as often as possible. But what if there were a better way to integrate healthy aging behaviors into our daily habits, and even better, we could do it while spending time with some of our favorite people? We often don’t realize how beneficial the grandparent role can be. Not only does it give our grandchildren someone who provides unconditional love and support, but it can also help keep us young. Here are three benefits of spending more time with your grandchildren. Mental Clarity
the Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that older women who spend one day a week babysitting grandkids scored higher on cognitive tests than women in the same age range who don’t spend as much time with their grandchildren. Improved Physical Fitness Kids like to move; there’s no question about it, and if you want to stay young as long as possible, you have to try to keep up with them. You probably won’t be running laps around a track at full speed or playing a full-on tackle football game, but any movement is good as you age. Go for walks outside, play a game of catch, or just chase them around the backyard. You’ll create great memories while improving your fitness. Enhanced Mindfulness
It’s no secret that our memory, concentration, and focus can slip as we age, but spending time with our grandchildren can offset some of these setbacks. Kids love to ask questions and inquire about the world around them. Answering their questions and exploring new avenues of thought can
It’s easy to lose yourself as you think about everything going on in your life, but you can just stop and enjoy the moment when you’re with your grandkids. Push off any nagging thoughts and give your grandkids your full attention. It will help solidify your relationship.
help you maintain mental clarity. A study published in
Ingredients • 1 (1-oz) envelope onion soup mix • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 3-lb piece of beef brisket (flat cut)
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 lb baby golden potatoes • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges • 2 1/2 cups beef stock • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs • 8 whole garlic cloves • 2 bay leaves
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over brisket. 2. Place meat, fat cap side down, into an 8-qt slow cooker. 3. Top brisket with thyme, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. 4. Whisk stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Add to slow cooker. 5. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours until tender. 6. Remove to a cutting board, fat side up. Remove thyme and bay leaves. 7. Thinly slice brisket against the grain. 8. Serve with vegetables, drizzled with gravy from the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Brisket
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YOUR MEDICARE PLAN PRO 3521 E. Brown Rd., Suite 101 • Mesa, AZ 85213 MedicareInsuranceAZ.com • 480-442-9498
Jesse Goodman
INSIDE
1. Step Back and Chuckle
3. Are Grandchildren
the Solution to Aging Concerns?
Slow Cooker Brisket
4. The Body’s Natural Reset Button
Deep Breathing Is Your Scientific Shortcut to Stress Relief INHALE THE FACTS
When you feel angry or stressed out, a few deep breaths can be more powerful than they seem. That inhale is like a reset button for your body, sending signals to your nervous system, slowing your heart rate, and quieting the mental storm. Deep breathing isn’t just hot air; it’s scientifically proven to be one of the simplest hacks for calming the mind and body. Inhale deeply, and let’s explore what happens internally when you breathe back to balance. Most of the time, you don’t think about breathing; your body naturally handles this task as you go about your day. But when you control your breath, you trigger a rest and digest mode that slows your heart rate and sends more
blood to your gut to help digestion. The brain manages breathing and heart rate in the same parts of the brain, and they work together. With each breath you take, your lungs expand and the pressure on your heart and blood vessels shifts. This rhythm directly links how you breathe and how calm or alert you feel. The slower and more relaxed your breath is, the less your internal systems are gearing up for a battle. Deep breathing reduces stress and triggers your blood pressure and nervous system to relax. It doesn’t just change your mental state; it can also ease minor physical pain, such as headaches or an upset stomach. Pain stresses your body out, so easing your aches will help
your parasympathetic nervous system take the reins and focus on recovery rather than alertness. To get the full benefits from this mindfulness technique, sit upright and take a slow, deep inhale through your nose. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to feel your rib cage expand and your belly rise as the lungs fill. Keep this up until you feel a wave of calm come over you. So, next time you’re feeling on edge, inhale and see why, sometimes, the simplest science is a breath of fresh air.
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