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Club MED
September 2024
Ginger Spice Wins The Many Attempts to Find Puppy Peace
We were so excited to bring Ginger Spice home to meet Max. Bev suggested we leave Max in his kennel so they could get used to one another. Ginger Spice ran up to Max’s kennel with tail wagging. She is a gentle and loving puppy. On the other hand, Max exploded from the back of his cage, barking, slobbering, and baring his teeth. I thought he would come through the gate. But Ginger Spice was unflappable. She didn’t seem to understand that Max wanted to kill her. She squeaked out a few puppy barks,
I heard my wife, Bev, scream. I’ve never heard Bev scream before — she’s not the screaming type, but she can produce some volume. I came running out of the bedroom. Bev was on the front porch with Ginger Spice dangling from a leash. She was holding Ginger up in the air over her head, and Max was in the doorway with his head down, cowed by Bev’s verbal assaults. Bev shouted that Max had Ginger in his jaws and bit her. I hit Max on the top of the head as hard as I could with an open hand.
there. She squeaked at him, but he just ignored her.
The next day, I was feeding Max in the morning. I walked away to go into the house to get his water. Somehow, Ginger slipped out through the gate of her kennel because she was so small and was running toward Max. I ran screaming at Max. I was going to kill him if he touched Ginger Spice. Before I could get there, she got into his bowl and started eating his food. My heart stopped. The last dog that got near Max’s food got a serious bite. Before I could get there, Max lifted his head and just looked at her. By then, I was at the bowl and snatched her up. She squirmed to get back to Max and the food. I could barely walk. My heart was pounding in my chest so hard. Later that day, we let them out together and waited. Max went to his bed and lay down. Ginger tried to play with Max, but he ignored her and pretended to fall asleep. When she couldn’t get him to play, Ginger climbed onto Max and went to sleep. She looked like a mouse sleeping on top of an elephant. We’ll see what happens from here, but I hope Max has learned that he can’t be mean to Ginger Spice.
chased her tail, jumped up and down, and then put her nose against Max’s nose, which was sticking through the wires of his cage. Max remained unrelenting in his barking, growling, and snapping. Ginger simply licked Max’s nose, which sent him into even further convulsions, crashing against the wall of his kennel. He jumped at the front gate, lifting the
I thought I had broken my hand afterward — Max’s head is like a very large granite stone — and Max slunk down the stairs. By this point, we didn’t know what to do. We were becoming resigned to taking Ginger Spice back to the breeder and begging for some sort of refund, but we hung in there.
back of the kennel off the ground. Ginger pawed at the kennel, trying to get inside. We were disturbed — we didn’t imagine anything like this happening. Bev and I retreated to the living room with our new puppy and tried to figure out what to do next. We assumed everything would settle down with time, and Max would eventually get used to his new roommate. The days passed, however, and Max continued to be as loud as he was on day one.
The next day, Max wasn’t as vociferous, and Ginger didn’t seem to remember that Max tried to eat her. She was licking his nose through the kennel bars, but Max wasn’t barking. He just stood there. As the next week went by, we took Max out of his kennel around Ginger. I held him with both hands by the collar. Max is sneaky for a powerful 120-pound American bulldog. He pretended not to care, then leaped at her, but I put his face into the carpet.
–Christopher J. Grimmond
A few days later, on a Sunday evening, I was in our bedroom ironing shirts when
Eventually, Max didn’t even come to the door of his kennel when Ginger was
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HOBBIES TO DIVE INTO DURING VACATION RELAX AND ENJOY Have you ever vacationed somewhere sensationally beautiful and full of things to explore, only to spend an inordinate amount of time in the hotel room or lounging around at a cafe? We can only do so much sightseeing. But you can enhance your time off, even while taking it easy. From cooking new foods to learning a new language, here are three hobbies to try while on vacation! BON APPÉTIT One of the main draws of any vacation is the food. Think of all of the cities and countries synonymous with some form of cuisine. New Orleans has the po’boy. Spain has paella. Scotland has haggis. If you want to experience the culture of a region in a unique way, take a cooking class! You can learn an authentic recipe and take it home with you to relive the magic all over again. PAINT A PRETTY PICTURE Painting from an actual, in-person reference rather than a printed picture is exciting. If you are headed somewhere with spectacular
views, pack a canvas and painting supplies. Picking up painting can make any vacation more rewarding.
LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE Me gusta pollo picante. Impressed? With a few lessons, you, too, can say, “I like spicy chicken” in Spanish or any other language. Language learning apps, like Duolingo, LingQ, and Babbel, can help you pick up the basics quickly and easily. Once you know some vocabulary, it’s best to improve your fluency in another language by immersing yourself in it. Head somewhere new and practice your craft! ¡El mundo es tu ostra!
THE ROLLERCOASTER RIDE OF INSULIN PRICES: WHAT’S THE DEAL?
Insulin is a vital medicine for people with diabetes, but the cost has been on a wild ride in recent years. Buckle up as we explore why insulin prices have soared and what’s being done to fix it. THE COST OF INSULIN: A PRICEY JOURNEY To understand how crazy insulin prices have gotten, let’s look at the price of one popular type of insulin called Humalog. Here’s a chart showing how the price of Humalog changed from 2004 to 2024:
These middlemen negotiate prices between drug makers, insurance companies, and others. They get discounts and rebates from drug companies, but guess what? Often, patients still have to pay the full price. It’s a bit like getting a coupon for a sale but still paying the regular price because of complicated rules. THE GOOD NEWS: PRICES ARE COMING DOWN Here’s a silver lining: In March 2023, Eli Lilly, the company that makes Humalog, announced that it would cut prices by 70% by the end of 2023. This means the price of a 10 mL vial of Humalog is expected to drop to around $66.40. Plus, Eli Lilly plans to cap out-of-pocket patient costs at $35 per month. That’s a significant relief for many people who rely on insulin. WHAT’S NEXT? While these changes are promising, it’s still unclear how they’ll be rolled out and whether there will be any other changes in costs. Patients hope for more transparency to understand precisely what they’re paying for and why. So, there you have it — a quick look at how insulin prices have soared and how they’re finally coming back down. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, even in medicine, things can sometimes take a turn for the better!
YEAR PRICE FOR 10 ML HUMALOG: 2004 — $56 2005 — $65 2006 — $70 2007 — $77 2008 — $81 2009 — $93 2010 — $100 2011 — $116 2012 — $130 2013 — $140 2014 — $168 2015 — $223 2016 — $255 2017 — $275
2018 — $275 2019 — $275 2020 — $275 2021 — $275 2022 — $275 2023 — $274 2024 — $66
When Humalog was first introduced in 1996, a 10 mL vial cost only $21.23, but the price skyrocketed over the years. By 2016, it had climbed to $255! That’s a whopping 264% increase in just a decade! WHY DID THE PRICES GO UP? So, what’s behind the considerable price jump? The answer involves behind-the-scenes stuff with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
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Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring, especially if you don’t do it alone. Whether blending smoothies or workout routines, tackling health and fitness with your partner strengthens your body and your bond. Here are some playful yet practical tips on how couples can keep each other motivated and moving toward a healthier lifestyle. COOK TOGETHER, GROW TOGETHER The kitchen is the heart of the home, and cooking together can be a recipe for delicious meals and excellent communication. Swap out the takeout menus for a stack of healthy recipes you can cook as a duo. Cooking at home lets you control your ingredients and portions, making it easier to stay on track. WORKOUT PARTNERS FOR LIFE Couples who train together stay together! Whether jogging through the park, attending a spin class, or doing yoga in the living room, find activities you both enjoy. This not only helps you stay physically fit but also keeps you accountable. Plus, a little healthy competition never hurt — challenge each other to push-ups or racing laps in the pool! HEALTHY DATE NIGHTS Rethink your date night by planning fun and beneficial activities for your health. Skip the movie and popcorn and go for a hike, rent bikes, explore a new part of town, or take a dance class together. These active dates help you stay fit while spending quality time together. It’s about making memories while moving your muscles! SHARE THE MENTAL LOAD Mental health is just as important as physical health. Open communication about each other’s needs and feelings is crucial to maintaining a healthy relationship. Engage in activities that reduce stress and increase happiness, like meditating together or starting a gratitude journal. Remember, the journey to health doesn’t have to be a solo trek. When you incorporate these activities into your relationship, you can build a foundation of health and happiness that supports both your goals. HOW STAYING ACTIVE CAN STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP LOVE IN MOTION
Testimonial
“As recently retired doctors needing to transition to the mandatory government health plans, my wife and I received the typical volumes of federally produced information. Upon reading, we still had questions. We met with an initial agent who said they could easily help us make some decisions. After that meeting, we were more confused than ever. We then found Chris Grimmond. His presentation was clear, concise, and professional. His computer presentation comparing plans and pricing was informative, and his knowledge of the industry was obvious. Chris is clearly most concerned with what is in your best interest and NOT what may potentially be to his personal or financial benefit. That is a rare commodity in today’s world. His staff and organizational skills are superb. If you want to make this an easy process, see Chris. And no, he did not ask for or solicit this review.” –Dr. Scott S.
Perfect Peach Cobbler
Made with fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this peach cobbler is the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Ingredients • 6 cups sliced fresh peaches • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown. 402-614-3389 • 3
11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68144
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INSIDE This Issue
Max Did NOT Like Ginger
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Hobbies to Take With You on Vacation
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What’s the Deal With Insulin Prices?
Discover Fun Ways Couples Can Stay Fit Together
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Testimonial
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Perfect Peach Cobbler
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Parks Pave the Way for Accessibility
Nature’s Playground Awaits! These National Parks Are Accessible to All
allows wheelchair users to roll into the water. Nearby, Teton Adaptive Sports hosts climbing trips, so nobody has to abandon their dreams of conquering the cliffs. YELLOWSTONE This national park is one of the country’s best, with over 90% of visitors reporting never needing to leave their car. For adventurers with injuries, age-related mobility issues, or other disabilities who want a closer look, most of the thermal features Yellowstone is famous for are easily accessible due to its excellent boardwalk system. The accessibility changes made by these parks are a significant step toward ensuring our national treasures are inclusive for all who wish to experience nature’s wonders. Through innovative solutions like sand-friendly wheelchairs, cave elevators, and special driving permits, these parks give outdoor access to even more people.
For decades, the 400-plus national parks encompassing over 84 million acres were unreachable for millions of Americans with mobility issues. Thankfully, recent advances at many national parks have made nature available for everyone. Let’s look at five accessible options for your next adventure. GREAT SAND DUNES Great Sand Dunes National Park has 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stretches 30 miles. The winds blow these sands into massive dunes with peaks reaching 13,000 feet in elevation. Now, with sand-friendly wheelchairs available for rent, utilizing inflatable wheels for accessibility, everyone can explore these natural wonders. GRAND CANYON A scenic drive accessibility permit allows visitors to access roads that are closed to
regular traffic, providing incredible views of the Grand Canyon without needing to get out of the car. However, for a closer peek, you can find wheelchair-friendly overlook platforms and a free shuttle to transport visitors around the park. CARLSBAD CAVERNS Think again if you thought cave exploration was off the table for folks with trouble getting around. Carlsbad Caverns features an elevator that takes visitors 750 feet underground into a giant cave chamber, home to over a mile of paved trails through beautiful rock formations that took millions of years to form. GRAND TETON Feel like going for a swim? Grand Teton National Park wanted everyone to feel welcome to cool off in the 1,200-acre Jenny Lake, so they built a path that
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