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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
JULY/AUGUST 2024
IMPORTANT LESSONS FROM AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP Connections in the Cemetery
This past July 4, we celebrated 248 years as a nation. Relative to the rest of the world, the United States is still in its infancy, but we feel tremendous pride in it nonetheless. And while we can’t ignore the tumultuous and anxiety-inducing period our nation is in, we feel there are many reasons to be hopeful and proud of our country.
Determined to help, Schultz found a cleaning solution used by caretakers at Arlington National Cemetery and began the daunting task of cleaning every veteran’s gravestone. Schultz scrubbed the solution onto the stone and scraped away any mold growth covering it. Schultz shared what he was doing on Facebook, where White learned of Schultz’s mission. Soon, this solo task became a two-person job. Together, Schultz and White have committed to cleaning every veteran’s gravestone — some dating back to the Civil War. “People think, ‘Oh, this person died in 1965, so his headstone should be dirty.’ But there’s a way to clean it off and preserve it to what it was,” Schultz explained to CBS2 in eastern Iowa, as the Reader’s Digest article reported. Through this good deed, Schultz and White have formed an unlikely friendship. While scrubbing away the gunk, they have conversations that transcend their age difference. In fact, the pair learned that they both have family members who have served in the military. In the cemetery, they are just two friends showing their
appreciation for our nation’s veterans and building a friendship.
This story is so simple, but as we approach what will likely be a difficult election season, consider the power of this story. Here are two people from different backgrounds and generations, bound together because they want to express their gratitude for our nation’s veterans. And through that, they have become friends. Without this task, who knows if they would have met or had a real conversation. Through Schultz and White, we learn many lessons. We learn a small yet powerful way to show support for our nation’s veterans. We learn that friendship isn’t bound by age. We learn that we are more alike than we are different. We learn that veterans from every corner of American history deserve respect. And, perhaps most importantly, we learn that finding a connection requires just a little elbow grease.
A story from Iowa City, Iowa, right in the heart of our nation, illustrates just that.
In a July 2023 article by Andy Simmons for Reader’s Digest, readers were introduced to Aaron Schultz and Madonna White. On the surface, White and Schultz don’t have much in common. Schultz is a college student; White is retired. But they have formed an unlikely friendship dedicated to putting a little good back into their community. Their story began in 2021 when Schultz visited a neighbor’s gravesite at the local cemetery. While there, Schultz noticed that the gravesites of veterans hadn’t been well-maintained. Mold and dirt covered most of the stones, making them illegible, and some gravestones had even started to sink into the earth.
We hope you enjoyed a safe Fourth of July.
—Jason Mackey & Tim Hanbury
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As a parent of a 22-year-old and a 5-year-old, I have noticed some significant differences in how I parent children of such different ages. The most obvious difference is that my oldest kid is more independent and can drive a car, and my 5-year- old cannot. My youngest is still full of energy and curiosity and is always ready to try new things. This adventurous spirit brings me joy, excitement, and motivation to tackle these new daily 2 KIDS, 2 DECADES The Wild Ride of Parenting
challenges. I realize my kids have very different needs, as they are in two completely different stages in life. July 28 was Parents’ Day, a time to recognize the challenging yet rewarding role of parenting. This day reminds us to reflect on the lessons we have learned throughout this roller coaster of a journey. One major lesson I have learned while parenting
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is patience. When I was new to parenthood, I was often more reactive and less patient. Now, with much more life experience behind me, I can better parent my younger child. I embrace his new adventures without feeling so overwhelmed. As I reflect, I understand it is crucial to avoid getting so worked up over minor life issues and remember the bigger picture. I have learned to step back and consider my responses and reactions. I feel wiser and more patient now, and this change has helped me become a better parent to both of my children. I know they need to feel heard, understood, and supported. Parent’s Day reminds us of parents’ vital role and their growth along the way. Whether you are a parent or reflect on what your parents have done for you over the years, this day highlights the valuable impact of patience and understanding in raising the next generation. Wish your mom and dad a happy Parents’ Day!
—Jason Mackey
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IT’S TIME TO CHILL OUT! UNWIND YOUR MIND ON RELAXATION DAY
My 5-year-old loves the beach and constantly begs me to take him there, and I’m not mad about that! Going to the beach is one of my favorite ways to relax and wind down after a long, stressful week. Seeing my son’s excitement and happiness when we hit the sand helps me enjoy our present moments together. The serene sound of the waves and the feeling of the hot sand between our toes is all we need for a great day. Aug. 15 is National Relaxation Day, an excellent opportunity to take a break and unwind. Everyone has their favorite ways to relax, and as I reflect on my own, I also remember how much I love golf and its emotional benefits.
Golfing can be very frustrating, so most people don’t find it relaxing. However, the reward is much greater than the stress, so I call it my favorite hobby. Playing golf allows me to escape from life’s daily demands and focus my mind on something else. The concentration and skill required for this sport help me clear my thoughts and appreciate the peaceful surroundings on the golf course. Reading books is also another effective relaxation method. I often listen to audiobooks, which are convenient and enjoyable at night. The stories transport me into a different world, providing a mental
break from reality. Along with the cognitive benefits of reading, it also helps you get the best possible night’s sleep. For those seeking advice on how to relax, consider finding activities that bring you the most joy and allow you to disconnect from life’s stressors. Whether spending time with loved ones, engaging in a hobby like golf, or diving into a good book, the key is to find what works best for you and make time for it regularly. Put yourself first on National Relaxation Day, and prioritize your happiness! —Jason Mackey
INSTANT POT BEEF STEW
WORD SEARCH
Savor the flavor with this hearty meal that’s both quick and easy.
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 carrots, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 2 potatoes, diced • 2 cups beef broth • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato paste • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 bay leaf • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat olive oil. 2. Add beef and cook until browned, then add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. 3. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. 4. Secure the lid and set the pressure cook feature to high for 30 minutes. 5. When the stew is done cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure. Serve and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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AN IOWA CITY STORY WITH VALUABLE LESSONS
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MARKING PARENTS’ DAY
WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
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NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY REMINDS US TO FIND OUR ZEN
INSTANT POT BEEF STEW
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HOW A CAT SAVED AN ARMY VETERAN IN NEED
FLUFFY’S HEROIC DEED SAVES A VETERAN
emergency occurred. That was until he was gifted a black-and-white spotted cat named Fluffy. From the moment they met, it was clear the two would make a perfect pair. But what Ron didn’t know was that he had been given more than a companion — he had been given a savior. FELINE FRIEND While Ron did not have many people to talk to, he did have Fluffy. The two shared mostly one-sided conversations, likely interspersed with the occasional meow. Whenever Ron received a call on his cellphone, he got in the habit of saying, “Ring-a-ding.” While the two shared a deep bond, Ron never considered that Fluffy was actually listening. “I just fell in love with him,” Ron said of Fluffy in an interview with FOX17 in Michigan. As it turned out, Fluffy loved him back.
FLUFFY TO THE RESCUE One fateful day, at around 8 a.m., Ron slipped and fell on his way out of the shower. He landed on his arm, which became pinned under him. His Life Alert, which he had relied upon for situations like this, was charging in the other room. His cell phone, his only other means of calling for help, was on the bathroom counter, out of reach. The hours ticked away, and Ron lay in agonizing pain on the bathroom floor. At just past midnight the next day, Ron had an idea. Fluffy had wandered into the bathroom to check on his friend. “Ring-a-ding,” Ron told him, and Fluffy knew to retrieve his phone and bring it to him. Ron was able to call for help in time to save his life. Fluffy’s quick thinking prevented tragedy. This heroic act is a great reminder that our pets care — and listen — more than we may ever give them credit for.
In 2020, Ron Williams, a Korean War veteran in his mid-80s, lived alone. His only lifeline was his Life Alert, a small device designed to alert healthcare officials if an
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