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March has been an exciting month for the TechKnowledgy Team, bringing new opportunities to support our community with essential tech services. From delivering insightful cyber scam lectures to participating in vendor events across Naples, our mission remains clear: to provide honest, patient, knowledgeable, and caring tech assistance.
As word-of-mouth referrals continue to grow, I am reminded daily of the increasing demand for trustworthy technology support. My ultimate goal is to make this service accessible, affordable, and readily available to everyone. For now, I remain a passionate individual dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and those who need help navigating it.
A recurring issue has been affecting many of my clients over the past month. If you are a CenturyLink email user relying on third-party mail applications such as Apple Mail, Gmail, or Outlook, you may have encountered connectivity problems preventing you from loading new emails.
Rest assured, there is nothing wrong with your phone or internet connection—this issue originates from CenturyLink. Unfortunately, no official resolution has been provided. However, there are workarounds, though they require avoiding the use of third-party email apps. If this issue affects you, feel free to reach out for assistance in navigating possible solutions.
While no system is 100% secure, the benefits of technology far outweigh the risks—when used wisely. I continue to encounter specific scam-based apps on clients’ phones that serve no beneficial purpose. Instead, these apps flood devices with advertisements, manipulate users into clicking deceptive links, and often lead to scams.
Here are some examples of apps you should delete immediately:
AI Cleaner
Superior Cleaner
Clean Master
Super Phone Cleaner
Quick Clean
Space Cleaner
If you see any of these or similar apps on your phone, remove them promptly. These applications do not improve your device’s performance—they exist solely to mislead and exploit users.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has benefited from our services so far. Your support and referrals mean the world to me. If you have any tech-related questions or concerns, never hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to help.
📞 239-744-6987
📧 erick@techknowledgyteam.com
🌐 www.techknowledgyteam.com
I’ll see you around town!
— Erick Montano
Decluttering isnt just something you do when preparing to sell your home or downsize. The truth iswe all have clutter! But before you dive in, ask yourself: Does your home feel more like a storage unit than a sanctuary? Are you constantly searching for misplaced items? Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff around you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, now is the perfect time to begin your decluttering journey. It might feel daunting at first, but the benefits of a clutter-free home are realand they can significantly enhance your daily life. Here are 10 powerful reasons to declutter your home right now: 1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety Clutter can be visually overwhelming and create a sense of chaos that contributes to stress and anxiety. A tidy, organized space fosters a more peaceful environment, helping you to relax and unwind. Studies have even linked clutter to higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels in women. 2. Improve Mental Clarity and Focus A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. By removing unnecessary items, you create visual and mental claritymaking it easier to focus and think clearly. 3. Save Time and Money How much time do you spend looking for keys, documents, or that one missing sock? Decluttering ensures everything has its place. Plus, rediscovering lost items might save you from making duplicate purchases. 4. Enhance Productivity A clean, organized environmentwhether its your home office or kitchencan boost productivity. With fewer distractions, youll find it easier to stay on task and get things done. 5. Make Cleaning Easier Less clutter = less to clean! Its that simple. Fewer items mean less dusting, less rearranging, and faster, easier cleaning routines. 6. Create More Space Decluttering opens up your home and makes it feel more spacious. You might be surprised at how much larger and more functional your rooms feel without all the excess. 7. Improve Health and Safety Clutter can harbor dust, allergens, and even mold. It can also become a tripping hazard. A clutter-free home is not only cleaner but safer and healthier, too. 8. Boost Your Mood and Well-being Your surroundings have a direct impact on your mood. A clean, well-organized space promotes feelings of happiness, calm, and control over your environment. 9. Make Your Home More Welcoming Whether youre hosting guests or simply enjoying your own space, a decluttered home is more inviting. It reflects pride in your living environment and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 10. Gain a Sense of Accomplishment Theres something incredibly satisfying about seeing the results of your decluttering efforts. That sense of accomplishment can motivate you to maintain a tidy, organized space moving forward. Getting Started: One Step at a Time Decluttering doesnt have to be overwhelming. Start smallchoose a drawer, a single shelf, or one corner of a room. As you begin to see progress, youll feel more inspired to continue. Be patient with yourself, take breaks, and celebrate each step forward! Decluttering your home is a gift to yourselfan investment in your peace of mind, health, and happiness. So why wait? Start today and experience the transformation of a clutter-free home. Need Help? If youd like support along the way, were here for you! Call us at 941-275-2914 or visit https://linktr.ee/NaplesParadiseLiving to learn more about how we can help.
your portfolio 100% stocks? The stock markets can be a great source of financial gains and losses. Being fully invested in the stock market carries a lot of risk. Traditional investing reduces risk by replacing some of your stocks with lower growth, lower risk holdings. YOU LOSE LESS BY EARNING LESS.But now you dont need to earn less to protect your money. Newer strategies keep you fully invested for better growth when the market is rising and better protected with a safety net when the market falls. Your portfolio value rises faster when the gains arent used to replenish prior losses! EARN MORE BY LOSING LESS!ASK ME TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THESE STRATEGIES CAN HELP YOU EARN MORE:Mark Fenton (239) 404-6750 markfenton239@gmail.comGrowthNetSolutions.comMark Fenton offers investment advisory services through Portfolio Medics, a Florida registered investment adviser. This is not a solicitation for services or products. For educational purposes only. GrowthNet Solutions and Portfolio Medics are not affiliated.
Hospice supports people near the end of life with compassionate care by:Developing individualized care plans focused on each patients goals and wishesManaging symptoms and painImproving quality of life in the patients preferred setting of careEncouraging patients and their families to make the most of their time togetherAt VITAS, our care model is inclusive and is designed to meet the unique needs of diverse patients facing a broad array of advanced illnesses, medical conditions, and accompanying symptoms.Once a patient is deemed eligible for hospice by their physician, the transition can start as soon as theyor the person who is designated to make healthcare decisions on their behalfagrees to shift from a curative focus and begin hospice services.Whether youre a patient, family member, or clinician who treats patients with serious illnesses, having correct information about hospice services can help you make the best decisions about whether hospice care is appropriate.Table of Contents:What Services Does Hospice Provide?What Is Usually Not Included in Hospice Care?What Is the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?Who Is Eligible for Hospice Care?Where Can You Receive Hospice Care?How Long Does Hospice Last?How Do You Pay for Hospice?Begin the Hospice Conversation EarlyWhat to Ask Your Hospice ProviderWhat VITAS Will Do for You in Hospice CareWhat Services Does Hospice Provide?Hospice offers compassionate care to improve the quality of life for seriously ill patients who have a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its course as expected.Because hospice is not a place, patients can remain in their home, whether that is a private home or senior living community such as senior living, memory care, or a nursing home. Services include:Clinical symptom and pain management, including medications to help with symptoms.Care coordination, including the delivery of home medical equipment and supplies related to the cause of the illness. This includes shower chairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, toileting supplies, and more.Training for family members or friends who are the primary caregiver(s).An expert, multi-disciplinary team makes regular, scheduled visits to the patients household. For patients who live in senior living communities and nursing homes, the hospice team works with the facility staff.Therapies, including physical and occupational therapy. VITAS also offers respiratory therapy, music therapy, and spiritual and complimentary therapies in many programs.Spiritual support and bereavement care.Around-the-clock access to a clinical expert who can treat and triage over the phone or via a telehealth visit.When medically necessary as per Medicare guidelines, VITAS offers Intensive Comfort Care(R), a higher level of care when patients experience symptom exacerbation. Care is delivered at the patients bedside in temporary shifts of 8-24 hours until symptoms stabilize.Short-term care in an inpatient hospice unit as needed (for patients) or respite care (for caregivers)A minimum of 13 months of grief and bereavement support for patients loved ones.What Is Usually Not Included in Hospice Care?Below are some items that are not included in the hospice benefit:Medications unrelated to the patients serious illness.Emergency room care not arranged by the patients hospice care provider.Curative treatments intended to heal the patient. If a new curative medication, therapy, or treatment for the patients serious illness becomes available, they can withdraw from hospice care to receive it.Housing or room and board, aside from an inpatient unit hospice stay when medically necessary. The patient and their loved ones remain responsible for their home, assisted living community, or nursing home and related costs such as rent, mortgage, and food.What Is the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?Palliative care can occur at any point in life, for any duration, and it can occur in conjunction with curative care.Hospice is for patients who are not responding to disease-directed treatments and are expected to live six months or less.Both types of care offer pain and symptom relief with clinical and psychosocial services. Hospice is the only one of these options covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit (Medicare Part A).Who Is Eligible for Hospice Care?A patients physician will determine hospice eligibility based on the patients prognosis. Hospice becomes an option when curative treatments are no longer effective and the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less as certified by their attending physician and a hospice doctoreither the hospices medical director or the directors designee. Increased hospitalizations or emergency department visits, typically more than three per year, may be a sign of hospice eligibility.Diseases that may lead to functional decline and hospice eligibility include:CancerCardiac and circulatory diseasesDementia/AlzheimersEnd-stage liver or kidney diseaseRespiratory diseasesStroke, neurological diseases, ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease)Sepsis and post-sepsis syndromeHospice care remains a patients choice. Patients can choose to stop receiving hospice services or revoke hospice without a physicians consent. They can then resume curative efforts. If they decide to return to hospice, they can do so as long as they meet eligibility guidelines.Where Can You Receive Hospice Care?Hospice is a service provided by a team of experts that comes to the patient in the place they prefer to receive end-of-life care. This means patients can remain surrounded by the faces and things they know and love:In a private homeIn a senior living communityIn a nursing homeWhen medically necessary, shortterm treatment in an inpatient unit is available for some hospice patients.How Long Does Hospice Last?There is no limit to the amount of time a patient can receive hospice care. Although hospice is for patients who have six months or less to live according to a physician, the patients stay can be extended when necessary.Eligible patients benefit most from hospice services if they are referred early in their end-of-life journey. In surveys, family members often say, We wish we had known about hospice sooner.How Do You Pay for Hospice?Most hospice patients do not have any out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of the cost of hospice care related to a hospice-eligible patients illness, with no deductible or copayment.Private or employer-provided health coverage can vary. Check with your insurance provider for details about hospice eligibility, coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Medicaid provides hospice coverage, but specific services and eligibility criteria vary by state.Begin the Hospice Conversation EarlyHospice care provides the most meaningful improvement to the patients quality of life when it begins sooner in their disease process rather than later.VITAS recommends end-of-life care conversations begin as soon as a serious diagnosis is made. Patients can ensure that they receive the care they wantand when they want itby having early and ongoing discussions about their care goals and preferences with their family, physicians, or facility staff.Physicians can help patients understand their options and identify their preferences during advance care planning sessions and goals-of-care consultations. These Medicare-reimbursed discussions result in advance directives, medically binding documents that indicate how a patient should be treated, under what circumstances they should be resuscitated, who can make medical decisions on their behalf, and more.Everyone over the age of 18 should have an advance directive to maintain control over their care in case they become unable to speak for themselves. Advance directives include living wills, durable/medical powers of attorney, a Five Wishes document, physician/medical orders for life-sustaining treatment, and other important documents.Questions to Ask Your Hospice ProviderWhen considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one, understanding a potential providers capabilities, history, and philosophy will enable you to make a more confident care decision. These questions can clarify whether a provider is a good fit for a patient:How are hospice costs covered? Does the provider accept Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and private insurance?What levels of care are provided? How often will care team members visit the patient at home?What is the admissions process? How quickly can care begin?What happens in the case of an emergency or an episode of aggressive symptoms? Does the provider offer 24/7 support?Can the provider manage complex symptoms at home? Do they offer specialized services for respiratory disease, dementia, cancer, heart disease, sepsis, HIV/AIDS, etc.?Is population-specific care available for veterans, LGBTQ+ patients, religious minorities, etc.? Can the provider accommodate and honor specific religious or cultural traditions?What VITAS Will Do for You in Hospice CareVITAS is guided by a core value: Patients and families come first. Every VITAS service is designed to surround patients, their families, and caregivers with support that elevates quality of life, manages their symptoms and pain, and ensures comfort and dignity during one of lifes most difficultbut meaningfulperiods.Once a patient is ready to consider hospice care, VITAS can typically conduct an eligibility assessment within 24 hours and, if appropriate, begin an immediate transition to our services. We can take on new patients day or night, even on holidays and weekends.This always-available approach defines our entire care model. Clinical support for patients, families, and caregivers is never more than a phone call away.A VITAS interdisciplinary care team is assigned to each patient, working from an individualized care plan built around the patients unique needs, goals, and preferences.Members of the teamincluding a physician, nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, bereavement counselor, and other specialistswill visit routinely to manage the patients clinical, psychosocial, and spiritual symptoms. Visit frequency depends on the needs of each patient and family.Upon the patients death, spiritual staff and other members of the care team can be present to assist with end-of-life rituals, funeral home arrangements, and the challenges of grieving.For at least 13 months after the patients death, VITAS bereavement specialists continue to help the family navigate their loss with personal check-ins, grief support groups, and other practical measures.
Erick Montano has an extensive background in the creative industry, having worked in the visual effects sector from 2010 to 2014. His expertise contributed to blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Pompeii, and Anchorman 2, among others. Following his time in Los Angeles, Erick began applying his technical skills to help neighbors, family, and friends with various tech-related issues. His passion for technology and problem-solving naturally evolved into providing support and education for those around him.In 2014, Erick transitioned into the non-profit sector in Naples, FL, where he continues to contribute to various organizations. His work in non-profits has deepened his understanding of community needs, particularly recognizing the challenges seniors face with rapidly changing technology. This experience, coupled with his creative background, has shaped Ericks approach to tech educationfocusing on empathy, accessibility, and empowerment. Today, as the founder of TechKnowledgy Team, Erick is dedicated to helping seniors and others gain confidence in using technology, bridging the digital divide one lesson at a time.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of technology?It can be frustrating to see how quickly devices and apps evolve, leaving you struggling to keep up. This frustration often leads to feeling disconnected and less confident in your ability to navigate the digital world. But it doesnt have to be this way. TechKnowledgy Team offers personalized tech education tailored to your pace, helping you confidently connect with loved ones and learn from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to tech frustration and hello to a more connected and empowered life. Erick Montano has an extensive background in the creative industry, having worked in the visual effects sector from 2010 to 2014. His expertise contributed to blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Pompeii, and Anchorman 2, among others. Following his time in Los Angeles, Erick began applying his technical skills to help neighbors, family, and friends with various tech-related issues. His passion for technology and problem-solving naturally evolved into providing support and education for those around him.In 2014, Erick transitioned into the non-profit sector in Naples, FL, where he continues to contribute to various organizations. His work in non-profits has deepened his understanding of community needs, particularly recognizing the challenges seniors face with rapidly changing technology. This experience, coupled with his creative background, has shaped Ericks approach to tech educationfocusing on empathy, accessibility, and empowerment. Today, as the founder of TechKnowledgy Team, Erick is dedicated to helping seniors and others gain confidence in using technology, bridging the digital divide one lesson at a time.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of technology?It can be frustrating to see how quickly devices and apps evolve, leaving you struggling to keep up. This frustration often leads to feeling disconnected and less confident in your ability to navigate the digital world. But it doesnt have to be this way. TechKnowledgy Team offers personalized tech education tailored to your pace, helping you confidently connect with loved ones and learn from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to tech frustration and hello to a more connected and empowered life. Erick Montano has an extensive background in the creative industry, having worked in the visual effects sector from 2010 to 2014. His expertise contributed to blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Pompeii, and Anchorman 2, among others. Following his time in Los Angeles, Erick began applying his technical skills to help neighbors, family, and friends with various tech-related issues. His passion for technology and problem-solving naturally evolved into providing support and education for those around him.In 2014, Erick transitioned into the non-profit sector in Naples, FL, where he continues to contribute to various organizations. His work in non-profits has deepened his understanding of community needs, particularly recognizing the challenges seniors face with rapidly changing technology. This experience, coupled with his creative background, has shaped Ericks approach to tech educationfocusing on empathy, accessibility, and empowerment. Today, as the founder of TechKnowledgy Team, Erick is dedicated to helping seniors and others gain confidence in using technology, bridging the digital divide one lesson at a time.