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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
MARCH/APRIL 2023
Stay Sharp With Self-Education Use It or Lose It
If you ever pass me as I’m driving in the car, I’m likely listening to a business book on my Audible app. It’s the best time to squeeze in some learning time while on the go, and I’m always trying to learn something new. In particular, I’m really into self-education because schools don’t always teach you the most practical things about business — you learn them over time from your own reading and practice. And ultimately, all the extra learning I do is for my clients because this additional knowledge helps us strengthen our processes and systems, especially since Medicare requires a process for nearly everything. One book that has helped us become more efficient is “The E Myth” by Michael Gerber. In his book, Gerber outlines how businesses can implement strategies that allow their companies to run more efficiently with a structured process, which we have heavily adapted at Medicare Blueprint Advisors. The truth is that pushing ourselves to adopt these new strategies and continually learn has made us better leaders and managers. I’m sharing this example because April 2 is Education and Sharing Day, and I want to suggest that when it comes to knowledge, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. If we didn’t adopt new processes from “The E Myth,” we would have certainly lost a large amount of potential and efficiency, and the same is true for your life, too. You don’t have to learn some technical business process, but as long as you push yourself to learn something new, you’re working toward keeping your brain sharp. Maybe you want to be the best fly fisherman or learn to speak another language. Whatever it is doesn’t matter; you can teach yourself something new using
readily available resources. And if you think you can’t teach yourself something new, I’ll happily inform you that you’re wrong. The example I often give to people looking to teach themselves is of Frederick Douglas, a man who left slavery, taught himself to read and write, and became one of history’s more prolific authors. He did it all himself, and you can, too. Learning something new is also highly advantageous if you want to keep up with your grandchildren, who are always looking to absorb any knowledge you can share and pass on, and it’s hard to be interesting to them if you only pass the time by watching TV. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN LEARN SOMETHING NEW? If you already have an idea in mind of what you would like to learn, YouTube is a great resource. You can learn just about anything by doing a simple search on YouTube.com, such as “how to tie a fly” or “French for beginners.” If you want to learn how to paint as an activity to start with your grandchildren, you can try searching “painting for beginners.” This option is excellent if reading books is difficult due to print sizes or other challenges, but it generally requires that you already know what you want to learn since you’ll have to look it up. If you don’t know what new hobby or skill to start learning, your local library is a huge resource. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a title or image to inspire a new hobby, so perusing the shelves is an easy way to start. Once you know what you want to learn, the
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As winter fades into spring, it’s a great time to think about getting active again if you’ve been sedentary for the past few months. In fact, April is National Move More Month for this very reason. However, getting active again after a long period of inactivity (months or even years) can be challenging. So, to help you celebrate Move More Month, here are three ways to ease into movement if you haven’t already. START SMALL You don’t need to run a 5K or climb a mountain this weekend to be active. Instead, start walking for 10 minutes daily and slowly work up to more extended periods at higher intensities as you feel comfortable. If it helps, an excellent incremental regimen to aim for is a daily movement that meets the “FIT” criteria: • Frequency — 500 steps within seven minutes, six times daily • Intensity — 3,000 steps within 30 minutes each day • Tenacity — at least 10,000 total steps per day It’s okay to only hit some of the letters on some days and important to remember you won’t immediately meet the “FIT” criteria. The goal is to get closer and closer to those targets each month or week until, eventually, you’ll be there. RECRUIT A MOVEMENT PARTNER Beginning an exercise initiative alone can seem daunting, and for some people, it makes them less likely to do it. So, recruit your spouse, children, grandchildren, or friends to come along with you. Doing so will keep you accountable and make the movement more fun. TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE Your walk or exercise plan doesn’t have to be boring and only focused on steps. As long as you’re moving your body every day, you’re ultimately bettering your health. So, pick a local park or botanical garden with flowers you love or explore a part of your neighborhood you haven’t seen in a while. If you live nearby where you grew up, take a literal trip down memory lane and walk through the places you loved to visit as a child. Steps are steps, no matter where you take them. MOVE MORE THIS MONTH 3 Ways to Ease Into Exercise
What Our Clients Think!
“Jason Mackey is so knowledgeable. He has been a delight to work with and quick to respond to questions and got the best coverage for us. We had very costly coverage with a secondary, and Jason was able to substitute policies with better coverage for a fraction of the cost. We are so grateful to him.” –Lucia Henderson “Donna and I received professional, courteous service with Tim and his staff. They continue to reach out to us to provide the best quality medical care we need and can afford. I enthusiastically recommend Tim Hanbury and Medical Blueprint Advisors.” –Michael Ugino “Best customer service, ever. Social Security and Medicare can be overwhelming, but Tim and his team help make it an easier process. I highly recommend their services.” –Charlotte Floyd
Ultimately, your goal should be to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day in some way. We urge you to make it fun and continue the health initiative long after Move More Month ends.
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service, and eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.” SO, WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM? To take advantage of this program, an individual can qualify in three ways. NO 1: BASED ON INCOME Individuals can qualify for the ACP if their income is 200% less than the 2023 federal poverty line. For a single person, this is $29,160 annually, and $39,440 for a household of two. If your household has more than two people, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify to see the full federal poverty line amounts for households of up to eight people. NO 2: UTILIZING OTHER GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS You may automatically qualify for this program if you are currently enrolled in services such as:
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Public housing assistance programs such as Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), the Section 202 and 811 programs Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
Stay Connected! WITH THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
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One of the best ways to find a new hobby or learn a different skill is to surf the web. There are nearly endless numbers of videos, tutorials, blog posts, or other references available that can teach you anything you want to learn. And even when you’re not using the internet to discover something new, it’s still a valuable tool that provides everyone the means they need to stay connected with their loved ones and the world around them. That’s why the federal government is offering affordable internet services through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to qualified citizens. According to the Federal Communications Commission’s website, “The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet
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Federal Pell Grant in 2023
NO 3: BASED ON YOUR (OR A FAMILY MEMBER’S) LIFELINE BENEFIT Lifeline is another Federal Communications Commission benefit that helps make communication services (like telephone or broadband Internet services) more affordable for low-income families. If your family receives this benefit already, you automatically qualify for ACP. If you need help understanding whether or not you qualify for this service, call us at (888) 335-9498 , so we can help you understand and acquire the services you need to stay connected.
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COD AND ASPARAGUS BAKE
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.
library has books, DVDs, movies, and computers available to begin your self-education journey. Libraries are also great because they often host club meetings for different interest groups, like computer basics, meditation, gardening, and more. This month, push yourself to learn something new, whether for you, your spouse, your children, or your grandkids. Because as long as you’re “using it and not losing it,” you’re making strides toward keeping your brain sharp for a lifetime of learning.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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.
INGREDIENTS • Oil for baking pan • 4 4-oz cod fillets •
—Jason Mackey
1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed
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1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
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1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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PUSH YOURSELF TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW!
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EASY WAYS ANYONE CAN GET ACTIVE WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
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DO YOU QUALIFY FOR DISCOUNTED INTERNET SERVICES? COD AND ASPARAGUS BAKE
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HOW A CAT SAVED HER HUMANS’ LIVES
SCHNAUTZIE SAVES THE DAY Facing a Gas Leak, She Thought Fast
That October, Schnautzie climbed up on Trudy’s chest at 2 a.m. and started pawing at her nose. Since cats sometimes do strange (and annoying) things, Trudy didn’t think too much of it — until Schnautzie kept at it. Now, Schnautzie had her attention, especially when Trudy noticed her persistently sniffing the air around her. Once fully awake, Trudy noticed a hissing sound somewhere in the house. Getting up to investigate, she found a broken pipe outside her bathroom, pumping gas into the basement. “The gas was just fuming,” Trudy remembered. “Our house was saturated in a short time.” The Guys quickly vacated the house with Schnautzie in tow and called the fire department. Only upon the rescue workers’ arrival did the Guys realize the extent of the danger they had faced. While the gas alone could have killed them, it was also an
unseasonably frigid night in October. Had the heater or water tank turned on, it would have ignited the fumes and caused an explosion. Schnautzie was a hero to the Guys, but extra treats and a permanent home were thanks enough for her. Still, she received a bit more than that in 2010. The Great Falls Animal Foundation learned how Schnautzie had saved the day and decided to honor her with the Purple Paw Award. While Schnautzie appreciated the thought, Greg said she didn’t enjoy the reception. “She’s shy around strangers,” he explained. But there’s no doubt that Schnautzie deserved her award. Sally Cerny of the animal foundation told Catster.com that the Purple Paw is given to pets who uniquely demonstrate the bond between animals and humans. And, she concluded, “There’s no more special way to show that than to save your family.”
Besides a fire, a gas leak is one of the worst things that can happen in the middle of the night. Fortunately for one Montana couple in 2007, Schnautzie the cat was on the case. She woke up her owners to alert them to the danger, preventing a deadly — and explosive — tragedy. People magazine reported that Greg and Trudy Guy adopted Schnautzie from a local pet store in April 2007. They’d gone with hopes of adopting a puppy but instead fell in love with a tiny black kitten. The couple only intended to foster Schnautzie, but she proved herself a hero and became a permanent family member.
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