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YOUR MEDICARE PLAN PRO
AUGUST 2025
THE POWER OF WE HOW TEAMWORK AND A POSITIVE MINDSET LEAD TO VICTORY Teamwork is, well, what I was raised on. Whether it’s in sports, family, or business, I’ve always come back to the idea of working together toward something bigger than yourself. Labor Day is right around the corner, and it makes me even more grateful to the people who have helped me along the way and have been a support system. Positive Thinking Day is also in September, and I’ve realized that while staying positive isn’t easy, it can be a powerful motivator. Having a good team, whether it’s your family, friends, or coworkers, can help you shift your mindset, keep you focused, and remind you of what’s possible. I’m a sports guy, and any good athlete understands that you only win the game if you have a strong team. I’ve always loved that aspect of sports, knowing your teammates are there to pick you up when you don’t perform your best or need extra backup. It’s a full circle moment. You just have to trust in one another and know everyone is shooting for the same outcome. There’s a special kind of synergy there that makes it all work. On the field or in the office, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. When someone is strong in something I’m not, I let them run with it and trust in them. I’m not the world’s best computer person, but people I work with are great with technology. They always teach me things I didn’t even know were possible. As a team, you can win games you would never win alone. Having a team you trust makes the successes that much better, too. It’s rewarding to share when you’re excelling and making things happen. For us, if we can help a client gain clarity about their insurance benefits or answer their questions, we celebrate that together. Those shared moments of positivity with your crew can be easier to come by than trying to muster it all on your own. It’s
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far easier to be negative than optimistic, and I’ve had to work on this myself. It takes real effort to have a positive mindset. Honestly, my wife helps me a lot in this department, and she’s even taken courses on the subject. Failure used to be one of my biggest motivators, but I’ve learned over time that having an abundance mindset can get you even further. I believe that when you put positive energy into the world, you attract it back to yourself. Bad things happen in life, and many are out of our control, but we can choose to gain something from them. When I feel the weight of challenges, I like to take a few deep breaths, reflect on the positives, and try to go to my happy place — often a pleasant memory of time spent with my dad, grandfather, or someone else dear to me. I try to think of the good times to gain a better perspective. I try to see the big picture. Though it can feel all-encompassing in the moment, negativity doesn’t have to be permanent. When the difficult times come, I ask myself what I am supposed to learn from this. What am I gaining from this experience, and how do I transform it into a good one?
Ultimately, none of us are meant to live life alone. We’re made for teamwork and meant to help each other. I’m just thankful for the people on my team who remind me of that and help me see the good, even when it can be hard to spot.
WORD SEARCH
Beer Family Leo Lunchbox
Poppy Sisters Twins Vacation Watermelon Zucchini
Mustard Peridot
2 • MedicareInsuranceAZ.com
Smart Strategies to Survive the Caregiving Years SANDWICH GENERATION STRESS
Streamline Tasks Plan to delegate chores, such as driving the kids to sports practice or taking Mom to a doctor’s appointment. To avoid constantly updating family members on a loved one’s status, set up a group text or shared Google Doc. Family-focused platforms such as Lotsa Helping Hands offer more elaborate information-sharing functions and can be especially useful during crises. Non-Negotiable Needs You may never attain a sense of balance during this life stage. As one caregiver says, sometimes it’s all about putting out fires, and that’s okay! But don’t surrender your own needs entirely! Identify the activities you simply cannot give up without sacrificing your mental health, such as regular exercise, time outdoors, or coffee with friends. Make time for these pursuits by enlisting others to help or paying for professional care.
Caring for children and aging parents can be stressful for the generation in the middle, leading to heavy workloads and round-the-clock worries. Nearly 1 in 4 American adults are shouldering those duties as part of the sandwich generation — that is, they have at least one parent over 65 and are raising a child under 18 or supporting an adult child financially, according to Pew Research. These cross-generational responsibilities can easily leave a caregiver feeling swamped and stressed out. However, family- care experts have provided three strategies for navigating this challenging stage of life. Self-Care Essentials Neglecting your own physical and mental health is a mistake, not only for your sake but for ensuring you have the inner resources you need for your family. One social worker told Care. com, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If you simply can’t find time for a break to exercise, read, or chill with friends, ask a spouse, another family member, or a friend to take over caregiving duties so you can get away. If you need support or space to vent, look for a caregiver support group through a local aging agency, hospital, or senior-care facility.
Remember that the difficult, unpredictable labor of family care you provide can make a huge and enduring difference in your loved ones’ quality of life. And that is a purpose well worth pursuing!
Ingredients • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces • 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt • Fresh ground pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
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Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
YOUR MEDICARE PLAN PRO 3521 E. Brown Rd., Suite 101 • Mesa, AZ 85213 MedicareInsuranceAZ.com • 480-442-9498
Jesse Goodman
Stephanie Marino
INSIDE
1. Pass the Ball, Share the Win
3. Stuck in the Middle: Managing Sandwich Generation Strain
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
4. The Path to a Happier You
3 Habits That Lead to a More Fulfilling Life SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT
We all want to live long, happy, and fulfilling lives, but doing so can be challenging. We must intentionally reduce stress and bring more balance to our lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean we must overhaul our lives and find new jobs and friends while removing anything that doesn’t bring us joy. Instead, we can make simple changes to our day-to-day routine that can significantly impact our perspective, happiness, and overall well-being. Want to improve your outlook and get more enjoyment from life? Try incorporating the following behaviors into your routine! Spend more time in nature. You’ve probably heard countless times how beneficial spending
time in the great outdoors can be for your mental health and overall well-being, but that just shows how valuable it is. You don’t have to take up hiking or visit a national park to get your fill of nature. Simply taking a walk through your neighborhood or enjoying some time in the backyard will help you boost your health and connect with the world around you. Practice gratitude. Stress and difficult situations can overshadow so much good in our lives. Take some time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and show your appreciation for those who matter most to you. If you have a hard time finding things to focus on, consider picking up journaling. Keeping a gratitude
journal is a great way to boost your mental well-being and gain more appreciation for life. Don’t be afraid to say no. One of the most difficult things in life is telling others “No,” especially to your friends and family. However, failing to say no can negatively affect your mood and perspective. Make time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to turn down invites or requests if they impede your personal time or ask you to do something overwhelming or stressful.
4 • MedicareInsuranceAZ.com
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