HURRICANE HERO TONY ALSUP
How One Man Saved Hundreds of Animals
Gulf Coast. When he finished there, his mission shifted to helping animals in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island. It’s said that character is defined by the way someone acts when no one is watching. Many people heard of Alsup’s bravery after the devastation of Florence, but as news stories turned to sports, politics, and business, America slowly moved on. Victims of the hurricane who lacked supplies received less national attention, but more than a month later, Alsup’s commitment to the cause was as strong as ever. Living out of the back of the bus for weeks, he drove pets out of the persistent flooding and convoyed shipments of desperately needed supplies to the coastal Carolina towns. You can follow Tony’s commitment on Facebook. He’s not asking for money or fame; he’s just a person with heart to serve, using social media to promote awareness about those who desperately need our help. If you’re wondering what drives such a person, you can find it written at the bottom of every update he posts: “Love y’all, mean it.” determine when your next appointment should be. Doing this can ensure you stay on track with your care and make the most of your dental plan. LOOK TO THE FUTURE While the window to use your 2018 benefits is closing, you may soon have an opportunity to change or alter your existing plan. During open enrollment period, you might be able to switch to a different level of coverage within your employer’s plan or shop around for individual coverage. Talking to your dentist or orthodontist about your specific needs and risk factors can give you a better idea of the type of plan that will work best for you in the future. You work hard for your insurance and should take advantage of your benefits. Being proactive about your dental health and determining the best plan for your future needs can help you save money and get the most out of your coverage. Above all, remember that the only thing worse than being overinsured is being underinsured.
In the wake of destruction, it’s easy to focus on self- preservation. After all, fight-or-flight instincts are hard-wired into our brains so that we can survive dangerous situations. But while fear drives the actions of many in times of chaos, there are a few who find greater strength in compassion. Tony Alsup considered the potential devastation of Hurricane Florence as he sat comfortably in his home in Greeneville, Tennessee. Rather than sit back and watch, the truck driver by trade packed up an out-of-commission school bus he’d bought and set off to South Carolina with one goal in mind: to save as many animals as possible. Stopping by every shelter he found along the coast, Alsup rescued over 60 cats and dogs in both North and South Carolina and took them to Foley, Alabama. The heroic efforts of Alsup saved the lives of many animals, but it wasn’t the first time he’d rushed into danger for a good cause. He’d originally purchased the school bus, which he turned into Noah’s Ark last year, to save animals in Texas and Florida as Hurricane Harvey pounded the The end of the year often coincides with dental insurance benefit deadlines. If you get your insurance through your employer, it may be a good idea to review your plan and ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits. Even if you can’t get penciled in for an appointment this late in the year, you can make a plan for next year that puts your premiums to good use. Here are some tips for making the most of your dental insurance. BE PROACTIVE Many dental plans offer full coverage for preventive care such as cleanings. Not only does this minimize your out- of-pocket contributions, but it keeps more severe (and expensive) health issues from arising. Annual cleanings are a great way to put your benefits to use while staying two steps ahead of cavities and gum disease.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR BENEFITS COUNT
Effective Dental Insurance Strategies
SCHEDULE FOLLOW-UPS There’s never a better time to schedule your next
appointment than when you’re still in the chair. Talk to your doctor about your dental needs, and work with them to
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