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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE November Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan officially named November Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. He created the holiday to raise awareness for the little-known disease, which 2 million Americans suffered from at the time. And, just one year later, in 1984, Reagan received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis himself. Today, over 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, and it has quickly become the most common form of dementia. By 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association projects the disease will affect over 12 million Americans. So, with this level of frequency, almost everyone knows someone affected. Also, due to its growing prevalence, there have been great strides in the efforts to raise awareness and funds for the disease in an effort to find a cure, just as Reagan hoped all those years ago. One fund and awareness-raising method is Alzheimer’s runs or walks hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association. My wife has participated in many of these events, including a 50-mile run! I’m not a runner, so that feat is
near the end of October, so unfortunately, they’ve already ended. However, just because you might have missed this year’s walk doesn’t mean you can’t make next year’s or attend any of the other events the Alzheimer’s Association has to offer! To see their events and add them to your calendar, you can visit Act.Alz.org . Thanks to these fundraising events, researchers have also made great strides with promising breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatments. In July of this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an Alzheimer’s treatment called Lecanemab, which “moderately slows cognitive and functional decline in early-stage cases of the disease.” There is another FDA-approved treatment, called Aducanumab, which is the first therapy to remove beta- amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain. The only drawback to many of these new treatments is that, at least for now, they’re costly and coverage is limited. But things are looking up in terms of finding a cure, and one day, I’m sure we will. So, if someone in your life has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, we hope you let them know they’re not alone. Millions of other Americans — and their families — are in a similar situation, and many different support groups and resources are available for anyone affected by this disease. The Alzheimer’s Association’s website, Alg.org , is a fantastic resource for finding more information and aid in your area, such as support groups, education programs, and volunteer opportunities. We highly recommend visiting their site to see what you can do in the fight against this disease.
awe-inspiring, as is her ongoing commitment to these events. Typically, the Alzheimer’s Association has a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event every October or November. This year, the South Carolina walks took place
“The Alzheimer’s Association’s website, Alg.org , is a fantastic resource for finding more information and aid in your area, such as support groups,
education programs, and volunteer opportunities.”
—Jason Mackey
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If you haven’t contacted our office regarding Medicare’s open enrollment yet, you must do so now . The window for open enrollment closes on Dec. 7, and as this date quickly approaches, so does your chance to review or modify your health care coverage. Knowing exactly what changes are best for you, especially given some of the recent Medicare updates, can be overwhelming. But that’s where we come in. If you contact us before the Dec. 7 cutoff date, we can help you make informed decisions about your health care. The sooner you contact us, the better because, as you can imagine, November and the first week of December can be incredibly hectic for our office as we try to squeeze everyone in. And remember, it’s always better to work with an advisor than trying to navigate Medicare alone. So, before November ends, here are three reasons to call our office and discuss your plan. NO. 1: WE CAN PROVIDE EXPERT GUIDANCE. Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all program. Different plans and options are available, each with unique features, costs, and coverage. We have extensive knowledge of these intricacies and can help you understand which plan best suits your needs and budget. NO. 2: WORKING WITH AN ADVISOR ALLOWS YOU TO AVOID MAKING COSTLY MISTAKES. If you choose the wrong Medicare plan, it can result in a substantial financial burden. We can help you avoid these costly mistakes and choose a plan that never goes over budget. NO. 3: YOUR NEEDS CHANGE, AND YOU NEED A PLAN THAT ACCURATELY REFLECTS THEM. The Medicare plan that worked for your life last year may not work for this year; maybe you’ve had certain developments in your health or budget. Whatever the reason, we can recommend the best adjustments for your coverage accordingly. MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DEC. 7 Call Us Today to Update Your Coverage — Before It’s Too Late!
What Our Clients Think!
“Tim was just a very patient and kind man. He made sure that before I left his office, I understood everything he had explained to me. Mary in his office is very helpful and kind also. They make a great team!” –Mary Traynham
We cannot stress how important it is that you contact our office as soon as possible to review your plan before this open enrollment window closes on Dec. 7. You can call us at 888‑335‑9498 to make your appointment today!
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THE GIFT OF TOGETHERNESS HOW HOLIDAY GATHERINGS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR WELL-BEING
The holiday season is a special time when families and friends gather around tables for delicious meals, share stories or laughs, give gifts, make new memories, and connect. While, for many of us, these things are traditions we participate in every year without thought, the truth is that taking time to connect with the ones we love isn’t just fun; it’s a crucial component of our health and well-being. You may be surprised to learn you receive the following three health benefits just by meeting with your loved ones once or twice during the holiday season. NO. 1: LESS LONELINESS Life can get busy, and for many families, unless there is a holiday or birthday involved, everyone can get too caught up in their schedules to make time for each other. But through holiday interactions, family members can once again connect
NO. 3: INCREASED STABILITY Remember that emotional lifeline we mentioned earlier? It does more than reduce loneliness; it also increases the overall stability of our lives. By talking with the people you know and trust about recent wins or losses you’ve experienced, you’ll be better able to navigate obstacles, find solutions, and focus on your higher needs. Plus, the younger people in your family, like adult children, nieces, and nephews, may need their own encouragement from someone who has already been through something they’re facing. You can be that person for them! We also understand that for some people, their family can be a source of stress and anxiety rather than support. But remember, your family is what you make it! You can also receive many of these health benefits by chatting with close friends!
to an emotional lifeline. This, in turn, makes them feel less alone during those other moments throughout the year when life gets crazy. NO. 2: IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH Any social interactions can give our brains a major boost, as humans are naturally social creatures. But these holiday gatherings, no matter how large, have been proven to significantly improve our overall cognitive function, reduce stress and depression, and increase our overall well-being.
STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Stuffed bell peppers are a common meal in many households. And as temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than by turning this classic recipe into a hearty — and healthy — soup!
INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water •
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. DIRECTIONS
1 28-oz can tomato sauce
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1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
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2 cups chopped green peppers
BALLOT CORNUCOPIA CRANBERRY DISTRICTS MAIZE PILGRIM
POLITICS RAKING
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1/4 cup packed brown sugar
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2 tsp salt
SHOPPING STUFFING THANKSGIVING VETERAN
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2 tsp beef bouillon granules
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1 tsp black pepper
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2 cups cooked long-grain rice
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Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH IS HERE!
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URGENT: TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR YOUR MEDICARE PLAN REVIEW! WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK 3 SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY TIME STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
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THE HEROIC HOUND WHO SAVED A LIFE IN JAPAN’S TSUNAMI
A DOG’S INTUITION: How Babu Saved Her Human From a Tsunami
The tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 was unimaginable; the natural disaster killed nearly 20,000 people in minutes. But amid the chaos, there was at least one tiny miracle: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Babu. Tami Akanuma, an 83-year-old woman living in the coastal city of Miyako, had her typical morning interrupted by a 9.0 earthquake that shook her house roughly 200 yards from the coast. When it stopped, she breathed a sigh of relief, but Babu became extremely agitated. The small dog began frantically pacing around the living room, moaning, and jumping at the door. Though it was early for Babu’s morning walk, Akanuma decided to appease her. Sources differ on what happened next. Some say officials broadcast a tsunami warning, and Akanuma realized she must evacuate, while others state she knew nothing of the impending disaster. But everyone agrees that Babu jumped into action. She instantly headed for a large hill near Akanuma’s home — the opposite direction of the pair’s usual walk.
owner. Akanuma said Babu seemed to be encouraging her to move faster, and the dog ran ahead every time Akanuma caught up. Akanuma later estimated they walked more than half a mile in a few minutes. Only moments after the duo finally reached the top of the hill, they watched an enormous wave wash over their home. The house was destroyed, but Akanuma and Babu escaped with their lives. How did Babu do it? People have long suspected that animals can predict natural disasters, but the truth is elusive. Scientists agree that animals aren’t psychic but disagree on whether something else might be at play. Some attribute the supposed phenomenon to the “psychological focusing effect,” or a human tendency to emphasize one detail in our memories while discarding others. But others point to dogs’ heightened senses of hearing and smell, suggesting animals may be able to detect small atmospheric changes that humans can’t. No matter the explanation, Akanuma credited her dog with saving her life, and the two gratefully celebrated Babu’s 12th birthday from an evacuation shelter only weeks later.
Akanuma did not dismiss the dog’s instincts. Babu tugged urgently at her leash, running as far as she could before turning to her
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