Estate Planning & Elder Care Firm of Michigan - June 2024

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So oftentimes it happens, that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key. –Eagles, Already Gone

When I heard this Eagles song, the lyrics carried me back to age 17. I was a tired, sweaty kid bunched with my teammates around Coach Pat Mulcahy after basketball practice in our high school gym. Practice was over, and we were ready to go home. But that day, Coach decided to recite a poem. A poem? At basketball practice? We were a captive audience, so we listened.

Coach shared a poem titled “ The Man Who Thinks He Can .”

Short version, it was about attitude and about believing in yourself: “ Success begins in a fellow’s will, it’s all in the state of mind .”

Profound words.

But those words washed over us. Our mushy 17-year-old brains didn’t understand that a simple shift in mindset can make all the difference.

From a young age, my parents encouraged a positive attitude. But this was the first time I remember hearing the topic put into words in another setting. At that moment, I didn’t comprehend the powerful impact of those words. But as I journeyed through life, the wisdom condensed in that poem revealed itself.

than your words – a lesson much easier to teach in the days before social media. And most importantly, the message sank in that a positive state of mind will take you wherever you want to go. So, Coach, a belated and heartfelt thank you for the lessons that started as tiny seeds planted in mush and finally sprouted. Hopefully, putting this into words gives you some comfort that your words were not uttered in vain (except maybe those words about Thomas dribbling the ball over his head, which continued well until adulthood when he insisted on playing point guard on our community team). I’ll leave you with a fitting quote from Maya Angelou, who said it best: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

“If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you like to win, but you think you can’t, it is almost a cinch you won’t.”

These simple but weighty words serve as a reminder that our thoughts have the power to shape our reality. Your state of mind is vital, and it’s also connected to so many other excellent qualities – confidence, personal responsibility, resilience, determination. All of those key qualities start with your state of mind, and they are all important in every aspect of life – relationships, parenting (and now grandparenting), friendships, and work. So, as I flash back to that time in the gym, what do I remember? I remember the booming voice that shook the bleachers. And we all remember the thunderous “guidance” to Thomas about dribbling the ball higher than his 6-foot, 4-inch head, and Holcomb starting his layups from 16 feet away from the hoop.

But thankfully, we also remember some of the life lessons. Teamwork, of course. “Low profile” – let your actions speak louder

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REVIVED AND REVITALIZED

THE WONDROUS PROPERTIES OF HOT WATER

We are aware that water drinkers consume fewer calories than nonwater drinkers, and the link between consuming sweetened beverages and obesity attests to this. Beverage brands may boast the supposedly remarkable attributes of their energy drink and mineral water brands, but none can beat the benefits of water — and there’s research to prove it. Water is necessary to keep our bodies functioning, and drinking enough is essential to live healthily and reach our full fitness potential. However, a new development shows that it is possible to unlock even more of water’s potential — by drinking it hot! Enhanced Weight Loss While many know that drinking enough can make you feel full, it may actually do much more, depending on the temperature of the water and when you drink it. Research shows that drinking water can increase your metabolic rate and daily energy expenditure, which helps you burn calories and lose weight. If you want to lose weight, try drinking some hot water before your meal. Studies also show that drinking hot water 30–40 minutes before you eat can increase your metabolism by 40%, compared to just 30% from drinking room-temperature water! Additionally, researchers

recommend drinking 2 liters of water, heated to at least 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, to kickstart your energy expenditure throughout the day.

Cleanse Your System One of the first side effects of drinking hot water is increased body temperature, which can lead to sweating and natural detoxification. Additionally, drinking hot water aids in preventing constipation, bloating, and hemorrhoids and helps break down food faster than cold water.

If you want to lose weight or partake in some natural detoxification, it may be time to incorporate some hot water into your diet. It may be a hot take, but science suggests that

ditching soft drinks for some heated H2O will benefit your health!

What started as a small Japanese tea ceremony has become a cultural phenomenon worldwide. Its vibrant green hue is eye- catching and promises to improve the health and well-being of older adults in America. This ingredient offers a unique sensory experience that will tantalize your taste buds; this green powder magic is called matcha tea! The many benefits of consuming matcha tea include enhanced memory and heart health, increased immune function, and support for healthy aging. Proven to reduce stress, lower heart risk disease, and improve gut and brain health, matcha stands out among other teas and foods due to its distinct production process and concentrated form. Derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant, PROMOTING HEALTHY AGING

Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, matcha’s benefits stem from its high concentration of plant polyphenols. This makes matcha stand out among the rest because of its antioxidant-rich options. This outstanding green tea can combat inflammation and support various aspects of health, including cognitive function and cardiovascular health.

Matcha continues to

gain popularity as a versatile and healthy ingredient. It also serves as a flavorful addition to any diet. As

matcha is made from tea leaves grown in the shade, resulting in a more prosperous and sweeter flavor than traditional green teas.

research continues to shed light on the many benefits of matcha tea, this green potion invites individuals to reap the rewards of its potent health-promoting compounds. Matcha tea is enjoyed in its traditional form or incorporated into modern recipes, and it continues to captivate people worldwide with its delicious taste and health properties.

This highly concentrated powdered form of green tea has been consumed

mainly in Asia, particularly Japan and China, where it

began as an integral part of their cultural and culinary traditions for centuries. According to Frank Hu, chair of the Department of

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Sudoku

CHILDHOOD EXCITEMENT TO ADULT CONCERNS The Journey of Tooth Loss Losing a baby tooth as a child was often met with excitement, especially if the tooth fairy left a generous reward under your pillow. But tooth loss takes on a different tone as an adult. Adult tooth loss is a common occurrence, with statistics from the American Dental Association revealing that, by age 64, the average adult has three or more missing or decayed teeth. Gum disease and tooth decay are common culprits behind adult tooth loss, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene throughout life. Transitioning from childhood to adulthood, tooth loss evolves from a natural rite of passage to a concerning reality. As adults, tooth loss is no longer accompanied by the possibility of regrowth or a visit from the tooth fairy. Instead, it prompts a visit to the dentist, where action is necessary to address the situation effectively. While it may be tempting to rush to an emergency room, dental experts advise against it unless accompanying facial fractures exist. You should seek dental care as soon as possible, minimizing the risk of further damage and maximizing the chances of preserving your teeth. Proper handling is crucial in tooth loss to increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm water helps remove debris without damaging the root surface. However, caution must be exercised to avoid scraping or rubbing the tooth, as this could compromise the tooth and reduce its chances of survival. The journey of tooth loss spans from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. Losing a tooth remains a significant concern for adults, which calls for timely intervention and personalized care. Through proactive oral hygiene practices and regular dentist checkups, individuals can prevent the risk of tooth loss and maintain optimal oral health throughout life.

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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!

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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843

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What’s Inside? 1 2 A Belated Thank You to Coach Hot Water Is Phenomenal for Your Health?

The Interesting Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

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A Guide on Replacing Missing Teeth

Helpful Resources

3 Tips to Protect Your Mental Vitality

The fast-paced modern lifestyle many subscribe to nowadays has lasting effects on our mental health — from broken sleep to chronic multitasking. A graduate student at the University of Arizona has ideas for protecting our brains from stress created by life’s hustle. Emily McDonald, a doctoral candidate in neuroscience who posts health advice as EmonTheBrain on TikTok, lists these three things to avoid. AVOID YOUR SMARTPHONE WHEN YOU WAKE UP. The brain is highly suggestible upon awakening, and “the content you consume … will have a greater impact on your mindset,” says McDonald, who is also a mental health coach on top of her doctoral work. Studies show that while waking up, the brain transitions from theta waves, a deeply relaxed, inward-focused state, to alpha waves, which promote alertness. Guard Your Mind, Ignite Your Life

Reaching for a smartphone to look for texts or other content often triggers a dopamine release in the brain, encouraging the user to repeat the activity. If this occurs first thing in the morning, it can disrupt your dopamine levels for the rest of the day, leading to a continuous need to check our phones. RESIST NEGATIVE SELF-TALK. Repetitive thoughts about ourselves get wired in over time, and “what gets wired in is what we manifest,” McDonald says. A 2021 study in Scientific Reports shows that brain scans of people who recite scripts expressing self-respect and self-confidence exhibit stronger connectivity in regions associated with motivation. However, it’s important to note that positive self-talk can also trigger overconfidence, leading to impulsivity and inaccurate responses on cognitive tests.

AVOID HIGHLY PROCESSED FOODS. “There is plenty of science to show that what we eat affects our brains,” McDonald says. An eight-year study of 10,775 people showed that the cognitive functioning of people who ate highly processed foods, including hot dogs, pizza, pastries, white bread, cakes, and instant noodles, declined 28% faster than that of people who ate more fresh and unprocessed foods. A diet of highly processed foods speeds the aging of the brain, which no one wants.

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