Check out our March newsletter!
THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR MARCH 2022
FROM THE DESK OF Mike Bryan
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I can’t believe March is already here, but I do look forward to filling out my bracket for March Madness this year. I hope I do better than last year!
Over time, I’ve realized that it’s crucial for older adults to remain active. But it can be intimidating if you haven’t exercised in a while. The workouts you may have done in your youth won’t be ideal anymore, and you might see more disadvantages than advantages if you try to move like you once did. Instead of straining yourself, try these PT-recommended exercises that will help you live a longer, healthier life. Water Aerobics This can be extremely beneficial for those living with arthritis and other joint pains. The water puts less strain on your joints through a more natural resistance, so there is no need for weights. Water aerobics can help you improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Exercises can include flutter kicks, standing pushups, and arm curls. Wall Pushups Pushups are a great way to strengthen the muscles in your arms, but getting on the floor and pushing your body weight can be difficult. This is where wall pushups come in! Place your feet and arms shoulder-width apart, place your hands on the wall, and slowly begin to bend toward it. Then begin to push up from the wall and repeat the process. Chair Yoga Yoga is great for improving flexibility and balance, but it can be difficult for older adults to start because of the stress on their muscles and joints. An alternative to this is chair yoga. It’s more accessible for seniors and provides the same benefits of regular yoga. Poses you can do are seated twist, overhead stretch, and seated cow and cat stretch. 5 Exercises to Try Want to Age Gracefully? Here’s How!
Michele M. Shirer
This year we are updating
our interviews with Muskingum County for nursing home, assisted living and home health agencies. This month, I am happy to feature Michele Shirer with Helen Purcell. Helen Purcell provides assisted living and independent living services. During our interview, Michele describes the facility, what services are offered, social activities and more.
Please click the link below to watch the interview: https://swbwlawfirm.com/ helen-purcell/
Thanks and see you next month!
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Sit-to-Stand Standing up from a chair, toilet seat, or any surface can be difficult, even while using your hands. This exercise can help with your mobility and help you stand up from surfaces much easier. You simply want to go from a sitting position to a standing position for several reps. For beginners, use a chair that is more elevated so it’s easier to sit and stand. Then, once you’re more acquainted with the movement, you can use chairs that are lower to help strengthen your muscles. This is also a great alternative to squatting. Single-Leg Stand This exercise will help you improve your ability to support yourself one leg at a time, which can help you climb inclines easier. Start off by holding onto something sturdy to keep your balance, then lift one leg off the ground. Try not to wobble as you hold this position for at least 30 seconds. Then do the same to the other leg. Once you get the hang of it, you can then begin putting your leg out in front of you and then behind you for better mobility. Trying to persuade a loved one to exercise with you? There’s real evidence that exercise is as powerful as people say it is. The Harvard Medical School conducted a study that states seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to depend on others. It can also improve your balance and reduce your likelihood of falling by 23%. Studies have also shown that physical activity can help prevent
many common diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. And on top of improving physical well-being, it can boost mental health as well. Having physical activity within your daily routine can lower your risk of dementia by 30%. These exercises have helped me out tremendously as I age. Contact your local physical therapist for more exercises that you can do in order to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.
5 Ways to Deal With Annoying Robocalls Protect Your Identity and Kick Scammers to the Curb
According to the latest data, scammers and telemarketers make 1,528 robocalls to Americans every single second . No wonder they’re driving us all crazy! Some of these calls are legitimate reminders about doctor’s appointments and payment plans, but around 55% of them are just nuisances — and we can’t rely on the government to stop them.
block spam calls, and Nomorobo is an award-winning option that’s free for landlines and costs $1.99 per month for cellphones.
3. When in doubt, let it ring out. If you don’t recognize the
number calling, don’t answer. You can always call back if they leave a legitimate voicemail.
4.
Suspect spam? Hang up. So, you accidentally answered a spam call. Whether it’s a person or a robot on the line, hang up immediately! Even saying your name or the word “yes” could set you up for identity theft.
If you’re sick of hearing about “your car’s extended warranty” or the “student loans” you paid off 40 years ago, try these five tips to cut down on robocalls and outwit scammers.
1. Explore your carrier’s free tools. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer services to cut down on scam calls. Some of them are free and/or come with your phone, but others you have to pay for or activate. If you have Verizon, for example, you can download the “Verizon Call Filter” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit your carrier’s website or call them to learn about the tools they offer. 2. Download an ad blocker. For extra protection, you can download a separate ad blocker from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Hiya is a free app that will give you caller ID and
5. Handle voicemails with care. If you get a suspicious voicemail, never call the number or visit the website given by the caller. Instead, Google the company or agency they claimed to be with and call that number. If the real agency has no idea about the call, you’ve just escaped a trap.
By taking all five of these steps, you can protect yourself and your wallet from Ponzi schemes, identity thieves, and annoying telemarketers. For even more specific advice, visit AARP.com and search “The Definitive Guide to Reducing Robocalls.”
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Wearable Tech … for Your Pet? Dog and Cat Gadgets Are Hitting the Market
If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the
It's fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals' collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth.
market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money? A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost.
Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals.
If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you
Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime.
peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or
hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.
Take a Break!
Easy March Madness Chili
Inspired by MyRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
Directions
1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Mike Bryan PAGE 1 Improve Your Mobility and Muscles as You Age PAGE 1 Handle Robocalls Like a Pro PAGE 2 Inside the Hot New Pet Tech Market PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Easy March Madness Chili PAGE 3 Packing Tips to Save Your Back, Wallet, and Sanity PAGE 4
Many people are considering traveling this spring for the first time since the pandemic started. A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation remains a hassle, and baggage fees haven’t gone anywhere. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible — physically and mentally. Make a list. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider in detail what you’ll need, and put it in writing. As each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system to prevent leaving anything behind. And when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don't need that many pairs of sandals. Use your personal item for extra storage. Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but the general rule of thumb is that the personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse or a laptop bag when you can take a large tote or backpack. With the extra room, you can avoid checking another bag. 3 Essential Packing Tips Leaving on a Jet Plane?
probably won’t get it back that same day. So, you need to pack all essential items, like prescription medications or glasses, in your carry- on bag. Some experts even recommend tossing an extra shirt or pair of underwear in your carry-on in case your bag gets lost. You'll be glad to have them if something goes awry. Packing smart will make for a less stressful journey. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the trip knowing that everything you need is right there in your suitcase, and everything you don’t need is safe at home.
Never check essential items. Lost luggage is the worst way to start a vacation, but it happens. If your luggage is misplaced, you
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