Take a look at our latest newsletter!
Paddling out into the ocean, positioning myself in front of a surging wave, stroking hard to accelerate, and then dropping down the face while jumping to my feet… It’s a thrill that never gets old. I’ve been a surfer since I was a kid. In grade school, I rode the waves on a surf mat, an inflatable body board. I was instantly hooked on the rush of riding the raw energy, the thrill of that white water pushing me to the sand. I purchased my first surfboard at 14 in 1972. It wasn’t practical — I lived 35 miles inland — but I had to do it. I’d hitchhike down Highway 39, the busy road cutting through Los Angeles and Orange counties. A few years later, I didn’t rely on strangers for rides. I bought a VW Bug at 16 and drove it down the coast of California and Mexico, hungering for those cold Pacific waves. I’d take my friends, and we’d bring sleeping bags and camping gear. We’d be gone for days on those trips. RIDING HIGH MY DEEP CONNECTION WITH SURFING
Agents For Life
a positive reputation academically, the real reason I joined was the surf. I saw a surfing poster in my guidance counselor’s office and was instantly interested. When I saw the shimmer of waves crashing from a dorm room window, I knew I’d found the right place for me. I remember a two-story wave I rode at Sunset Cliffs during a winter storm. Riding those giant walls of fast-moving water is a unique, unforgettable, and dangerous experience. When I paddled into the beast, it pulled me to the top and held me there as the wave was about to pitch. I remember thinking, “Lean into it,” and hoped I could break free and make it to the bottom. I did. Fast forward a few thousand waves; I’m married to Irma with a few babies and a mortgage. Even though the demands of life had greatly increased, I surfed on Saturday mornings and squeezed in a mid-week session if the waves were right.
David Bennett (808) 392-7515 david@seniorhealth.pro
Irma Bennett (808) 799-0399 irma@seniorhealth.pro
After high school, I enrolled at the University of San Diego. While it has
Continued on Page 2 ...
1
March/April 2024
(808) 392-7515
... continued from Cover
inches away. Time froze as I pulled my arm out, just a moment from being bitten off. My son saw the shark’s tail 6 feet away. I’d like to say we did something smart, like get to shore, but we didn’t. The waves were just that good. Why do I love surfing so much? It’s something about being out in the ocean, with lots of water moving, and learning to be in the right place at the right time. It’s the adrenaline rush of dropping down the face of a wave, adjusting my weight and position to match the speed and shape of the wave. Then paddling out and doing it all again. I’ve been addicted to surfing since jumping on an inflatable bodyboard 50 years ago. I love it just as much as I always have. When I’m out there in the warm waters of Hawaii, I can’t help but be excited about the next wave.
I couldn’t help but try to get my kids surfing. Once they grew up and could swim, I taught them how to ride the waves. Not everyone loves surfing like I do, and it didn’t stick with everyone. But beach camping experiences made an impression on the whole Bennett family, and we still reminisce about the many years we’ve spent together on the shore.
One of my most terrifying surfing moments was with my son at Oceanside Harbor, California. We were out together, riding waves, paddling back and forth. It was just the two of us. I pulled my right arm out of the water, and a shark’s maw was open underneath my arm from elbow to knuckles, 3–4
–David Bennett
The Power of Encouraging Positivity
In the golden years of life, the value of encouragement cannot be overstated. It becomes not just a simple gesture but a beacon of hope and strength amidst the challenges that often accompany life these days. For those navigating the complexities of health concerns and financial worries, a few words of genuine encouragement can light up their world in unimaginable ways.
The influence of encouragement in this stage of life is profound. It can transform a day filled with loneliness or frustration into hope and determination. The acknowledgment from grown children, grandchildren, friends, or neighbors can reinforce a sense of belonging and purpose, reminding someone they are valued, loved, and not alone in their journey. Encouragement as a Remedy for the Soul In a world where negative news can easily overshadow personal achievements and joys, a simple act of kindness or positive words can shield against despair. For seniors, who have experienced much and often reflect on their lives, encouragement can also be a balm for regrets, a reminder that their lives are still unfolding and that every moment holds the potential for beauty and satisfaction.
The act of encouraging others is equally beneficial. It fosters a culture of empathy and understanding,
bridging the gap between generations and reinforcing the bonds of family and community. When seniors encourage others, they reaffirm their own wisdom and worth, contributing
to a legacy of positivity that can inspire their families and peers.
The Healing Power of Encouragement
So, to our seniors and those who hold them dear, let’s make encouragement a daily practice. Whether it’s a phone call to a friend, a note of appreciation to a family member, or a kind word to a stranger, these acts of encouragement are powerful. They have the potential to uplift the spirits of those who might feel overlooked or undervalued and enrich our own lives with a sense of purpose and connection.
Imagine the comfort that comes from a reassuring word during a doctor’s visit or the warmth of a friend’s voice over the phone. For those grappling with the realities of Medicare and limited income, encouragement is not just about boosting morale; it’s about affirming their ongoing struggle and victories in maintaining
health, managing finances, and finding joy in day-to-day life. 2 hawaii.seniorhealth.pro
Green Thumbs, Full Hearts
Environmental Impact: Tending to the Earth Responsibly
Retirement opens the door to new hobbies and activities. Among these, cultivating an organic vegetable garden could be a fulfilling and beneficial option. This activity provides your body with healthy exercise and fresh produce and can rejuvenate your mind and soul. Health Benefits: A Natural Boost for Well-Being Physical Activity: Gardening is a gentle way to stay active. Bending, planting, and tending to vegetables are excellent low-impact exercises that improve flexibility and strength. Plus, it doesn’t feel like you’re exercising because the activity is goal-focused. Healthy Eating: Harvesting your own vegetables ensures a supply of fresh, organic produce. This home-grown food is free from harmful pesticides and richer in nutrients, contributing to a healthier diet. If you have extras, you can share your harvest with others, helping to improve their diets, too! Mental Health: Gardening is therapeutic. It reduces stress and promotes a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a source of new learning and curiosity. You may need to do some research to learn about the best zones for various plants and techniques to keep them healthy. Watching plants grow from seeds to harvest can be incredibly satisfying and a great way to boost mental well-being.
Organic gardening is environmentally sustainable. By avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, gardeners protect the soil and local wildlife. Home-grown vegetables mean fewer trips to the store and less packaging waste, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. So, by gardening, you’re participating in an eco-friendly practice. Social Connection: Growing Community Ties Gardening offers opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners, share tips, and exchange produce, fostering a sense of community. Inviting grandchildren or neighborhood kids to the garden can educate them about where food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices. If you participate in a community garden, these benefits, in particular, contribute to a sense of well-being because you’re getting active in the community, making friends, and sharing your knowledge with others. It’s a win-win. Organic gardening in retirement is not just about cultivating plants; it’s about cultivating a healthier lifestyle, a better environment, and stronger community bonds. It’s a hobby that offers endless learning, joy, and satisfaction, making retirement not just a time to relax but also a time to thrive.
The Best Vegan Loaded Baked Potatoes
... continued from Page 4
makes you feel. Switch to another beverage or drink less if you notice any adverse effects.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 4 russet potatoes • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 15-oz can black beans • 1/4 tsp kosher salt • 1 1/2 cups pico de gallo, store-bought • 1 cup corn • 1 cup guacamole, store‑bought • Shredded vegan cheese • Fresh chopped cilantro • Dairy-free sour cream
1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 2. Wash potatoes and use a fork to pierce them all over. Next, rub olive oil on potatoes and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 20 minutes, turn each potato, and bake for another 25 minutes or until tender. 3. Drain and rinse the black beans, then add kosher salt. When the potatoes are done, open the tops with a fork and top with the pico de gallo, seasoned black beans, corn, guacamole, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and sour cream.
Our wild world may have problems, but it has just as many solutions. It’s best to
see a professional therapist or psychiatrist if you find anxiety impossible to overcome; anxiety can be challenging to cope with, but there are always ways to make it easier.
3
(808) 392-7515
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1326-C Alewa Dr. Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 392-7515 hawaii.seniorhealth.pro
Inside This Issue
1 Surfing Is in My Blood 2 Embrace the Life-Enhancing Rewards of Encouragement 3 Retirement Bliss in a Garden 3 The Best Vegan Loaded Baked Potatoes 4 3 Simple Ways to Ease Anxiety
3 WAYS TO SOOTHE ANXIETY IN TODAY’S TURBULENT TIMES Calm Amid Chaos
Exercise A regular workout routine benefits the whole body; the brain is no exception. Exercise reduces anxiety, stress, and depression by a substantial margin. It distracts you from the source of your worries, relieves tension, and alters your brain chemistry by pumping up your endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters. You don’t have to do anything too intense; any exercise will help. Limit Caffeine While it provides an essential energy boost, caffeine causes restlessness, insomnia, heart palpitations, and several other contributors to anxiety. You don’t have to eliminate caffeine from your diet entirely — just ensure you’re not drinking too much. Next time you consume caffeine, track how much you’re drinking and how it
It’s chaos out there: Inflation continues to skyrocket, Artificial Intelligence is disruptng industries, and new wars seem to start every other month. Anxiety is a typical response to so many stressful current events. It’s essential to fight this anxiety, as it causes several mental and physical health problems. There is no easy cure, but you can ease the apprehension in a few simple ways. Drink Water Water is essential for life, but forgetting to hydrate is easy. Dehydration is correlated with anxiety, depression, and stress. If you’re experiencing dry mouth, thirst, and headaches, there’s a good chance you need to drink more water. Then, drinking itself, especially cold water, can temporarily alleviate anxiety because it stimulates the vagus nerve. This nerve, part of the parasympathetic nervous system, calms the “flight-or-fight response” that puts the brain in survival mode, a frequent cause of stress.
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com Continued on Page 3 ...
4
hawaii.seniorhealth.pro
Your Agents for Life Licensed Brokers for All Medicare Plans As Licensed Insurance Brokers, we represent all the major Medicare Plans in Hawaii. We look at all the plans available in Hawaii and help you select the Medicare plan that best fits your needs, regardless of which insurance company it’s from. We explain the good and bad about every Medicare plan so you can evaluate the tradeoffs. Once you understand the differences, you’ll know which plan is best for you. With our help, you can have confidence and peace of mind. Thank You for Being Our Client! We appreciate the trust you have in us and look forward to serving your Medicare needs year after year. We master the details so you don’t have to.
Family and Friends If you know someone who needs a trusted advisor for their Medicare plan, we would love to help them. Call us today. We’ll take very good care of them for you. Thanks!
David Bennett (808) 392-7515 david@seniorhealth.pro
Irma Bennett (808) 799-0399 irma@seniorhealth.pro
Will You Help Us Grow Our Business? Medicare advertising can be misleading. They promise you everything for free, from groceries and flex cards to thousands of dollars of government money. Telemarketers call you relentlessly at all hours of the day, making promises and pressuring you to change plans.
Will You Tell Your Friends?
You have a circle of friends who are also on Medicare. Will you tell them about us? If they aren’t sure they have the best Medicare plan for 2024, we would love to help them the same way we help you. How to Connect Us With Your Friends Have them call us directly on our mobile phones, or you can text us their name and address, and we’ll mail
We Do It Differently You know from personal experience that we do it differently. No exaggerated claims and no pressure to change plans. Call us old-fashioned, but we want to do what is best for you. We take the time to make sure you understand your options, the good and bad, of every Medicare plan. We give you the whole story so you know what’s real and what’s not. No pressure, just trusted advice for a complicated decision.
them our newsletter. We appreciate your
confidence in us, and we appreciate your helping us feed our family.
Call us with your questions. We are your Agents for Life.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator