The transition to Medicare is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy health care benefits when you are 65 and older, or have a disability or medical conditions that provide you with coverage when you are under the age of 65. To help you learn more about this program and prepare for enrollment, here are five positive facts about Original Medicare that you may enjoy discovering.You Can Access Original Medicare Healthcare Benefits Throughout the United States and Its TerritoriesIf you have Original Medicare, medical coverage is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S., and in its inhabited territories, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the event you require medical care while traveling, its important to know that most doctors and hospitals accept Original Medicare within these areas. If youre outside of the United States, you may not get the same coverage. Original Medicare typically doesnt cover any medical treatment you receive while outside of the United States, except under the following circumstances:You require emergency medical care in Canada while you are traveling a direct route between Alaska and another contiguous state, and the closest medical center is in Canada.You board a cruise ship and require medical care while you are in U.S. territorial waters. This includes the ship docking in a U.S. port or being within six hours of arrival or departure from a U.S. port.You require non-emergency medical inpatient services in a foreign hospital, and the nearest foreign hospital is closer to your residence than the nearest U.S. hospital.In these instances, Original Medicare may cover your medical care outside of the United States. Make sure you have this information handy before traveling abroad.You Do Not Need Referrals for Covered Services Under Original MedicareOne of the biggest benefits that comes with Original Medicare coverage is that there is no need for referrals. Since Original Medicare encompasses Part A hospital coverage and Part B outpatient/medical coverage, beneficiaries can select any doctor that accepts Medicare for their treatment needs. Therefore, under your Original Medicare plan, youre free to select the doctors and specialists you consult with at the hospital or healthcare facility of your choice for your medical needs. As long as the selected practitioner accepts Medicare, youre good to go.Beneficiaries Can Select and Change Medicare Benefits Every YearThere are two annual periods when Medicare beneficiaries can change their benefits: the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During the AEP, which runs from October 15th to December 7th, Medicare beneficiaries can:Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage planChange from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original MedicareChange from one Medicare Advantage plan to anotherEnroll in Part D prescription drug coverageChange from one Part D prescription drug plan to anotherCancel their current Part D coverageAny changes made during AEP will take effect on January 1st of the next calendar year.OEP, on the other hand, is a little bit different. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which applies to those currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, runs from January 1st through March 31st. During the OEP, Medicare beneficiaries can:Enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan (with or without Part D prescription drug coverage)Disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare and enroll in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug planMedicare Allows Coverage Adjustments When Major Life Events OccurIn addition to AEP and OEP, Medicare also includes a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows beneficiaries to delay initial enrollment in Parts B and D without incurring a late enrollment penalty (LEP) or change coverage outside of designated enrollment periods without incurring penalties or gaps in coverage. Special circumstances that allow for SEP include:Loss of employer coverageMoving out of your Medicare plans service areaResiding or moving in/out of a skilled nursing facilityLosing or gaining eligibility for Medicaid coverageIn these situations, an SEP grants delayed enrollment without penalty or Medicare coverage changes to assist beneficiaries in enrolling and managing their Medicare benefits. Documentation of said circumstances is required to create the Special Enrollment Period. It is highly recommended that you verify your eligibility for an SEP.Medicare Can Be Less Expensive Than Previous Healthcare CoverageYou Could Save Money by Enrolling in Medicare If You Are Working Past 65 for a Large Employer (Over 20 Employees)Medicare costs, premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance can oftentimes be less than many employers anticipate. It is important to carefully compare your current plan premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs to get an accurate assessment of both options.For most, Medicare Part A is premium-free due to paying taxes while working. However, Part B requires a monthly premium; this cost can increase with your income. Understanding the Part B surcharge, known as Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), is important since added costs up to $450 per month.For out-of-pocket costs, Medicare Part B has a very low deductible of $226 for 2023, and the coinsurance after this is just 20% for the Medicare beneficiary. However, it is important to note that Medicare Parts A and B do not have an out-of-pocket maximum limit, so considering a Medicare supplement plan can be helpful in covering your exposure to claims. Even without an out-of-pocket maximum, Medicare is still a cost-effective choice that can offer beneficiaries savings when compared to large employer-sponsored heath coverage plans.If you need individualized assistance with your transition to Medicare or to a different plan such as Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription coverage, youre in the right place. Contact Medicare Portal today for one-on-one help exploring suitable plan options schedule a virtual, phone or in-person consultation with one of our licensed Medicare insurance agents today.

The old saying goes, Into every life a little rain must fall. Stress is like rain. A little of it can be a good thing. But too much can cause havoc and devastation.Our bodies are designed to handle a little bit of acute or sudden stress. But when stress is prolonged or becomes chronic, it can have devastating consequences to our health.Here are just some of the ways stress can negatively impact your body:Respiratory IssuesProlonged stress can lead to respiratory issues such as shortness of breath. Individuals who do not have an underlying respiratory disease may not be very impacted. But for those with pre-existing conditions such as COPD and asthma, stress can dangerously exacerbate the situation.Heart HealthWhen were stressed we are in fight or flight mode. This causes our heart to beat faster and our blood vessels to dilate. In short-term scenarios, these physical manifestations help get us out of danger.But for prolonged periods, this can put a lot of stress on our heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.Gut HealthDid you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? Its incredibly important to ensure your gut is healthy!But chronic stress can wreak havoc on your gut as it changes the beneficial gut bacteria. And a change in this bacteria can negatively impact your mood. And when youre already feeling stressed, the last thing you need is to also feel depressed.Sexual HealthBoth the male and female reproductive systems are influenced by the nervous system. When we are stressed, our sexual hormones can get out of balance and we can lose sexual desire. Men may find it hard to achieve and maintain an erection. Stress can also make it hard to conceive and affect a womans menstrual cycle.As you can see, stress can really impact your physical health in a negative way. While we cant stop the rain from falling or stress from entering our lives, we can practice healthy stress management. That means eating right, getting enough exercise, and quality sleep each night.SOURCES:https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/bodyhttps://www.stress.org/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-bodyhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987

Medicare provides coverage when youre in the hospital or a skilled nursing facility, but what about when you need health care services while you are at home? There are many instances where Medicare beneficiaries dont require hospital admittance or were just discharged, but need temporary medical care at home while recovering from an injury or illness. Lets explore what home health care is, what part of Medicare covers these services and the necessary qualifications to receive these benefits.What Is Home Health Care?Medicare beneficiaries who require assistance in their home to heal from an injury or illness and regain their health and self-sufficiency may need home health care support. These services, provided by Medicare-certified home health agencies, include assistance and care to fulfill a wide variety of needs. The scope of services provided by Medicare will be skilled in nature, not custodial. Skilled services include checking vitals, treating wounds, ministering comfort, monitoring pain levels, performing injections, helping ensure adequate nutrition and proper prescription drug intake, coordinating care with doctors and more. At times, home health care services may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services. Home health care staff also help the patient self-manage care while educating caregivers.Its important to note that home health care does not cover the following services:24-hour home health careMeal deliveryCustodial care/activities of daily living (if this is the sole service being provided)Housekeeping/cleaning servicesWhat Part of Medicare Covers Home Health Care?Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)  covers inpatient care in hospitals, hospice care, skilled nursing facility (SNF) care and home health care (usually after discharge from a hospital or SNF). Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient care, preventative services, long-lasting medical equipment and some medical services including certain types of occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental healthcare and home health care services. In summary, both sections of Medicare provide home health care coverage.When Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?Medicare offers home health coverage under certain circumstances: when a doctor orders these services and refers you to a home health agency. The doctor creates a plan of care that home health staff follow, then reviews and updates it regularly.A Medicare-approved provider must certify that the patient in question is homebound. Homebound means you need another persons help or the assistance of medical equipment such as crutches or a wheelchair to leave the house. In other situations, a doctor must instead certify that you need sporadic skilled nursing care and/or physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology services. These are the circumstances in which Medicare will cover home health care.How to Receive Home Health ServicesWhen your doctor or provider determines that you require home health care, you are free to choose from the Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area. (Keep in mind if you receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, you may need to select an agency within your plan network). Consult with Medicare or your plan provider for a list of agencies in your area. You may want to select an agency that has experience providing the type of care you need, so reference your plan of care. Your plan of care as prescribed by the doctor describes the services required, the health professionals needed to administer the care, frequency of the services, necessary medical equipment, expected outcomes and other details.Recovering and regaining your good health is possible thanks to home health care coverage and expert medical caregiver assistance. Get started on the path to recovery and take advantage of your Medicare benefits that cover home health services. Should you need help with understanding your Medicare plan benefits or evaluating coverage options, our licensed insurance agents at Medicare Portal can assist with no cost to you. Contact us today for lifetime Medicare assistance.

DENTURE DUPLICATION SOLVES THE DENTURE LOSS ISSUE!Can I use my old mold to get a new one ? The simple answer is No!Dentures are an excellent solution for people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. They are a cost-effective way to restore your smile and improve your oral health. However, one of the biggest challenges for those that have cognitive decline is that they are at risk of loss of losing their dentures. Loss can be devastating because they cannot always be replaced. With cognitive decline, some patients are no longer available to go through the steps to fabricate well fitting dentures. Some cannot get used to a new prosthesis as they were used to their good old pair.Denture loss is a huge quality of life issue and it can be costly to the family or Care Centers (if they accept responsibility).And unfortunately, old molds cannot be used to simply fabricate new dentures. When we deliver this bad news, patients, families, administrators, and caregivers are devastated.Alzheimers and Dementia patients are the individuals who are most at risk. They are often misplaced or thrown away on meal trays. Denture wearers often wrap dentures in napkins which many times are accidentally thrown away. Hospitals and ambulances are also known to misplace dentures, as removing them are necessary to clear the airway during emergency situations.Hospitals should have protocols for safely storing dentures before surgical procedures, but often they do not and are misplaced.At Geriatric House Call Dentistry we take all precautions for our patients to not to lose their dentures.Dentures are labeled at the insertion visit with the patients name.We also offer denture duplication so that the dentures can be ordered and delivered in a day or two without ever going through the 4 fittings necessary to fabricate them ever again.The new well-fitting dentures are scanned and sent into the cloud where we are ready to use the latest technology to fabricate them exactly, cost effectively and quickly.Call 866-686-4423 or www.GeriatricHouseCallDentistry.com for more information.FAQs for Dentures:How much does a new denture cost?The cost of a new denture can vary widely depending on the type of denture, the materials used, and the dentists fees. On average, a full or partial denture can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5000 each.How long does it take to make a new denture?The process of making a new denture can take several weeks to several months, depending on the type of denture and the complexity of the case. It typically takes several appointments to complete the process, including the initial consultation, dental impressions, try-in appointments and final fitting.How often do dentures need to be replaced?The lifespan of a denture depends on several factors, including the material used, the quality of the workmanship, the frequency of use, and how wellthey are cleaned and stored. Dentures should never be worn to sleep and the mouth should be rested 6-8 hours to maintain good longevity of bone that the dentures rest on.On average, full dentures need to be replaced every five to seven years, while partial dentures may last longer.If dentures are unfortunately lost, the process must start from the beginning unless you were smartly informed about denture duplication at the consultation visit.

Minimally invasive surgery often serves as both key and keyhole for diagnosing and treating several of the most common shoulder disorders, namely rotator cuff injuries, labrum (SLAP) tears, and unstable shoulder joints, says hand and upper limb orthopedic specialist Alejandro Badia MD. He refers to arthroscopic surgery as keyhole surgery because it is performed through tiny incisions cut just large enough to accommodate insertion of a mini-camera and micro instruments.In fact, arthroscopy is among the most frequent kinds of orthopedic surgery performed because it limits post-operative pain, reduces a patients healing time, and minimizes risk of infection.For an experienced orthopedic surgeon, arthroscopic surgery is often the treatment of choice to repair a rotator cuff and restore shoulder mobility and strength in athletes who play high-demand sports like baseball or tennis. It also is a preferred approach for workers required to perform extensive overhead activities and for patients whose shoulder problems are chronic and have not responded to more conservative therapies, states Dr. Badia. He is founder and chief medical officer of the Miami-based Badia Hand to Shoulder Center and OrthoNOW.The rotator cuff consists of a stabilizing system of four major tendons and muscles that keep the head of the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket, allowing the arm to be raised and rotated. Partial or complete tears may occur simply from normal wear and use over time or from repetitive activities that stress the shoulder joint. Symptoms of rotator cuff problems include shoulder and arm weakness, pain when raising or rotating an arm, and discomfort while trying to sleep.Statistics show that as many as four million Americans and 50 percent or more over age 60 have some level of rotator cuff disease.A SLAP tear involves damage to the superior, or upper, part of the labrum where the bicep muscle tendon attaches. The labrum is the cartilage rimming the shoulder joints shallow glenoid, the shoulder-blade socket into which the upper arms humerus bone fits. Repair of a SLAP injury can sometimes require reattachment of the bicep tendon, Dr. Badia says.A study appearing in a 2016 edition of The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine underscores the frequency of SLAP-related disorders among the general population. Authors of the report find a high prevalence of labral tears even among asymptomatic adults who are between the ages of 45 and 60 and never have experienced injury or undergone surgery to either shoulder.Many patients with labral tears also have other shoulder injuries as well, including rotator cuff damage, Dr. Badia adds.Among arthroscopic surgerys other wide-ranging applications is its usefulness in the treatment of unstable shoulder joints and recurrent shoulder dislocations, which is most common in young athletes, says Dr. Badia.SLAP tears, as well as ligaments and joint capsule lining that have become stretched, torn or detached from bone, can lead to destabilization or looseness of the shoulder joint. The labrum and ligaments are what help keep the ball of the humerus bone from partially, or completely, leaving the glenoid socket, Dr. Badia says. Even if the humerus snaps back into position again without medical assistance, the patient will experience pain and restricted motion of the shoulder. Arthroscopic procedures often prove an effective method for treating the ligaments and cartilage contributing to the problem.A 2016 study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine offers evidence that arthroscopic surgery performed on first-time shoulder dislocations is more effective in reducing risks of shoulder-reinjury and need for follow-up surgery than using a more conservative, non-operative treatment regimen.Of course, the overall best approach to maintaining a healthy shoulder is prevention. That is why Dr. Badia offers these tips for avoiding a trip to the orthopedist:Warm up the limbs, including shoulder, before engaging in any sports activities, especially those requiring repetitive overhead movements, or before doing heavy lifting.When exercising, do not overtax the joints or attempt lifting weights beyond capabilities. Know your limits.Follow the correct method for lifting by bending the knees, grasping the item, and then using the legs and knees to propel upwards. Simply bending over at the waist and trying to pick up a heavy load puts too much stress on arms and shoulders and can injure upper joints.Avoid straining the shoulder when reaching for something, especially if that something is high above you.And, if shoulder joint pain develops and persists for more than a few days, seek immediate treatment from an orthopedic specialist. Minor problems have a way of becoming major ones when ignored, Dr. Badia says.Alejandro Badia, MD, FACS, internationally renowned hand and upper-limb surgeon and founder of Badia Hand to Shoulder Center and OrthoNOW, a walk-in orthopedic care clinic. He is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, American Association for Hand Surgery and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and an honorary member of many international professional hand societies. Dr. Badia specializes in treating all problems related to the hand and upper extremities, including trauma, sports injury, joint reconstruction, nerve injuries and arthroscopic surgeries.

There are numerous reasons to reconsider our relationship with sugar.The most common negative health symptoms caused by excess sugar are:Sleep problemsFatigue and low energyBrain fogIncreased anxiety and stressIrritability and mood swingsDigestive issuesJoint painHigh blood pressureWeight gainAcne and wrinklesDental cavitiesRegular excess sugar consumption also increases the long-term risk of serious, possibly fatal, health problems.According to a study published in November 2016 in the journal Nutrients, consuming too much added sugar has been linked to obesity, risk factors for heart disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer.How much sugar should I eat?There is no minimum amount of sugar that humans need to eat each day for good health.Instead, the American Heart Association (AHA) has set the maximum amount of added sugars adults should eat in a day as:Men: 36 grams (9 teaspoons)Women: 25 grams (6 teaspoons)The average American adult gets about 17 teaspoons of sugar every day. Thats nearly double the limit for men and triple the limit for women!!Almost half of the added sugar in the American diet comes from sugary drinks. In fact, one 12-oz can of Coke contains 39 grams of added sugar!The AHAs guidelines on maximum daily added sugars go even further for children:Children over 2 years: 25 grams (6 teaspoons)No more than one 8-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage per weekBabies & Toddlers under 2 years: 0 gramsI can think of countless foods marketed for babies and toddlers that would need to be eliminated completely for parents to truly follow this recommendation.Gerber Puffs cereal snacks, Gerber Teethers, childrens breakfast cereals, kids yogurt, animal crackers, yogurt covered raisins, and fruit snacks are just a few that come to mind.Many popular infant formulas and childrens supplements also contain added sugar. And the list goes onWhere is sugar found?Added sugars are found in far more than just desserts.Sugar is added to many common premade and processed foods including beverages, sauces, yogurt, soups, granola, flavored oatmeal, and salad dressings.Does fruit count as added sugar?The naturally occurring sugars in fresh or frozen whole fruit do not contribute to your daily total of added sugars, as defined by the AHA.Processed forms of fruit where sugar is added and/or the fiber is removed do count as added sugars. Examples of this would be fruit juice, canned fruit in syrup, fruit snacks, etc.Simply put, if it comes with a nutrition label, then any added sugars contribute to your daily total. Thats one reason why buying food that comes straight from nature is healthier and easier no labels to read!The best way to find out how much sugar you and your kids are eating is to read the nutrition label. This applies to all premade and packaged foods and drinks.Common types of sugars to look for in the ingredient list:refined white sugarcane sugarbrown sugarraw sugarinvert sugarmalt sugarcoconut sugarmolassessyruprefiners syrupmaple syrupagave nectarcorn syruphigh-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)corn sweetenerhoneycaramelfruit juice concentratessugar molecules ending in ose, such as fructose, glucose, dextrose, lactose, maltose, and sucroseThese are just a few of the 50 types of sugar.Many restaurants now offer nutrition information about their products online now as well.Even if you understand the health problems that sugar causes and are aware of where it hides, you may find the process of reducing your sugar intake very difficult.All people are wired to crave sugar.Sugar is one of the hardest addictions to break. In fact, research on rats indicates that sugar may be even more addictive than opioid drugs such as cocaine. Withdrawal symptoms, including depression and mood swings, may even occur when people try cutting out sugar completely.So whats to blame for sugars addictiveness? Its not just its delicious flavor.Humans are biologically hard-wired to desire sugar (the same is true for salt). From an evolutionary standpoint, this was a necessary survival trait.Sugar is a high calorie food that quickly converts to body fat. This extra store of body fat helped early humans survive the long, harsh winters when food was scarce. Across most of human history, our sugar intake consisted only of fruit and the very occasional sugared treat. Now, opportunities for candy, sweetened drinks, and sugar-filled processed foods are everywhere. They line every grocery store aisle and are available at home, work, school, and social events.Diets, cleanses, and gym memberships top many peoples New Years resolutions each year. But one of the most challenging ones is reducing our sugar intake. Our nonstop sugar-fueled holiday season only makes those cravings stronger.Fortunately, it is possible to stop your sugar cravings without an extreme cleanse or fad diet.Learn 7 steps to Stop Sugar Cravings and start feeling better.CitationsAmerican Heart Association. (2020). How Too Much Added Sugar Affects Your Health Infographic. www.heart.org. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-too-much-added-sugar-affects-your-health-infographic. Jenco, M. (2016, August 23). AHA: Limit childrens sugar consumption to 6 teaspoons per day. American Academy of Pediatrics News. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.aappublications.org/news/2016/08/23/Sugar082316%29. Kroen, G. C. (2011, September 26). Kids Sugar Cravings Might Be Biological. NPR. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2011/09/26/140753048/kids-sugar-cravings-might-be-biological. Ramsay Healthcare. (2017, September 20). Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine. New Hall Hospital. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.newhallhospital.co.uk/news/is-sugar-more-addictive-than-cocaine. Revelant, J. (2021, March 30). 12 Potential Signs Youre Eating Too Much Sugar. EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-signs-youre-eating-too-much-sugar/. The Effects of Sugar Overload & Eating Too Much Sugar. Complete Care. (2020, November 12). Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.visitcompletecare.com/blog/the-effects-of-sugar-overload-eating-too-much-sugar/. USDA. (2020, December). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 PDF. Dietary Guidelines. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf.Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This blog post is general information only and is not to be substituted for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ten years ago, Id never have thought about writing about digital legacy planning. But when I think about my digital assets (photos, documents, music, blogs, business records, etc.) and my digital accounts (emails, bank accounts, subscriptions, etc.), I know Ill want to provide for someone to handle them (1) in case I lack capacity to manage them, or (2) after I die.Think about it: the larger my digital footprint, the larger my digital legacy. While I am only on Facebook and LinkedIn, I imagine many readers are also on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, as well as dating, job search, and affinity websites. What happens to these accounts after one dies?Do I want to preserve or eliminate my digital presence? How do I get off of Facebook, LinkedIN, Instagram, Twitter, etc.?  For example, Facebook allows users in the US to designate a legacy contact who can take control of your account after their death. Few other social media do. Or do I want to remain there in perpetuity (as a zombie)? (One shocking statistic suggests that in 100 years, there will be billion dead people on Facebook). What about passwords, photos, emails, texts and business information that live on after I die? These, too, are part of this process. A durable power of attorney and/or a will or estate plan can designate a trustee or executor to access, modify, delete, and/or archive, your digital data. But she or he cant do this unless you have provided them the authority to do so and alist of your digital accounts and assets and how to access them.Most states have passed a version of the Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, which allows a digital asset custodian to disclose digital asset information when requested by a fiduciary who needs access to the information to fulfill fiduciary duties.But heres the kicker: Who actually has the skill to manage our digital assets and accounts? Your spouse who is executor of your estate? Your brother who has power of attorney to make decisions for you if you lose capacity? I wonder. Digital legacy management may call for a new occupational specialty with a skill set not many of us possess.

Its no surprise that balancing is harder with your eyes closed than with them open. But how much do we really understand about the mechanism of visual input into balance and what can be done to protect or improve it? Read on to learn 5 important facts about your vision and your balance as you age.Vision is a key sensory input for your balance. Together with your inner ear and the soles of your feet, your eyes send signals to your brain about where your body is in relation to the things around you. Often the brain pays more attention to the visual signals than the others (have you ever been sitting in a stationary car and thought for a second you were rolling backwards when it was just the car next to you going forwards? This is an example of the discomfit your brain must deal with when two sensory messages dont match up). This visual reliance can make us vulnerable in low light situations for example.Presbyopia, or age-related longsightedness, commonly begins in our 40s and can progress over time.  Its characterized by difficulty clearly seeing objects close to us, such as books or restaurant menus, and is usually managed by using reading glasses for close work. People who already wear corrective lenses may need to carry more than one pair or opt for varifocals or progressive lenses to manage seeing both close and far objects. But beware, as use of these lenses can make it particularly difficult to judge the distance of curbs or steps, particularly when you first start using them, and have been cited as a fall risk in a number of studies.Reduced contrast sensitivity is also a typical feature of the aging eye and means that it can be difficult to distinguish the edges of hazards think of a set of concrete steps, everything is gray, and blends together, making it easier to stumble and fall. It also makes reading small print, arty menus in low-lit restaurants more difficult, but that at least, isnt a fall risk!Diseases also affect eyesight, particularly those associated with aging like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy also play a part in increasing fall risk because vision is compromised.  Getting your vision checked annually is an important part of managing your balance health. Your optometrist can advise on suitable care to protect your vision and advise if and when further action may be required. There was an interesting study which discovered that people were most at risk of falling after receiving new glasses or recent eye surgery. The authors suggest this may be because people feel more confident in their improved vision and suddenly become more active, thereby putting themselves in riskier environments.Boost your whole balance system. Whilst accepting eyesight deterioration is a natural part of aging, there are ways to protect your balance despite it. This is where its important to make sure you use your proprioceptive system by practicing moves where your eyes are not the dominant information input.Tai chi includes slow movements to the side, backwards and while turning which means that vision is not the primary form of reference, and signals to the brain to pay attention to sensory input from the soles of the feet and the proprioceptive system instead. A similar process may be at work for people who play ball sports, where the eyes are actively engaged in noticing where the ball is, rather than where the body is, requiring other parts of the balance system to become activated. It is possible that this results in better balance overall.Fun factWhen dancers do spins, they usually pick a single spot to focus on, ensuring their eyes fix on that spot once in each turn. To master balancing poses in yoga, pick a single point to focus on. To make it harder, move your eyes or your head while holding the pose.How good is your balance?If you try standing on one leg youre likely heavily dependent on your vision to maintain your balance. So that may not be an accurate reflection of your actual balance as you move about your daily life. ZIBRIO created a better and safer way to get an objective measure of how well your whole balance system is working. Learn more about the Stability scale here.

When I speak to insurance professionals, many think that a client needs to be seriously ill, or well into their 80s or 90s for a life settlement transaction to take place. As one recent broker said, Lisa, buyers are only looking for clients who have one foot in the grave, and one foot on a banana peel, right? Nothing could be further from the truth! The life settlement market has become much more flexible in terms of the types of clients whose policies are being sold.Traditional thinking is that clients need to be older and sicker to sell their life insurance policy. While it is true that the shorter a clients life expectancy is, the more value that policy will bring in the life settlement market. Generally, the investor groups who buy policies are looking for clients with 10 to 15 years of life expectancy, or less.The older a client is, the healthier they can be to fit into the life expectancy window. You may have seen some advertising that states clients need to be age 70 or older with a $100,000 face value policy or higher to qualify for a life insurance settlement. In reality, there is no minimum age that a client needs to be to qualify. However, the younger a client is, typically, the more health impairments they need to have to fit into the life expectancy window. These guidelines reflect the traditional life settlement market, and to be transparent, this is where the majority of policy sales take place.However, it may surprise you to know that we routinely sell life insurance policies for clients who are in their 60s, and sometimes their 50s. And yes, some of these clients have significant health issues, to fit into the life expectancy window described above. But, many dont, and are fairly healthy. This means that many more of your clients can qualify for life insurance settlements than you may have previously thought.Here are two examples of younger, healthy clients that sold their policies:1) 57 year old man with a $3,000,000 UL policy. There is no cash. He no longer wants the policy and is going to drop it. He rarely goes to the doctor, and the most recent medical records showed him to be healthy. However, he was applying for new coverage and the paramed exam for the new policy showed elevated A1C. That is it. Everything else was perfect. The policy sold for $30,000.2) 61 year old man with a $10,000,000 term policy. This gentleman sold his company and didnt need the key-person policy any longer. He was going to drop it and walk away with nothing. The policy was still convertible. He had minor health issues, and a long life expectancy. The policy sold for $75,000. In addition, the referring advisor retained conversion commission on the converted policy. Yes, in both of these cases the policies did not sell for much, relative to the face value, but at least they sold. The clients are happy. They both were going to walk away from the policies with nothing.As you can see, both of these clients are young for the life settlements market, and more importantly, relatively healthy. The referring insurance agents are also happy. They received commission on the sale, as well as an opportunity for additional product sales to their clients.So, keep your eyes open for younger clients, especially if they have convertible term policies and higher face amounts those over $1,000,000. Most financial and insurance professionals would not think these types of policies could sell, but as stated before, the life settlements market has become more flexible, thanks to more investor money flowing in.The moral of this story is whenever you have a client that no longer wants, needs or can afford their life insurance policy, and they are going to lapse or surrender it, consider a life settlement. True, this is not a solution for clients who are 30 years old and running marathons. But, a life insurance settlement can be a solution for more clients than you may think.

As the the baby boomers age the number of adults over 55 is growing rapidly. They call it The Silver Tsunami Ive worked with aging adults over the last 22 years and there is definitely a shift in mind set in the baby boomer generation. For one, they are more proactive about their health and more likely to participate in exercise and physical activity. This is wonderful but is this age group getting the right kind of physical activity.Drive by any senior living community or suburban neighborhood on a nice day and you will see people out walking. Walking is great exercise, it burns calories, improves aerobic conditioning and its functional.but walking is not enough. The ACSM recommends 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity a day, thats 30 min 5 times a week. They also recommend strength training a minimum of 2 days a week and to also incorporate balance training as well.Benefits of Strength Training for Older AdultsWe begin to lose muscle mass in our 30s and the process only speeds up as we age and more exponentially for those who are sedentary. Strength training has shown to not only help older adults live longer but improve their quality of life as well. With benefits such as:Improved strengthImproved muscle massImproved physical functionImproved management or risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, and osteoporosisManage conditions such as low back pain and obesityHowever some surveys report only 9% of older adults participate in some sort of strength training. And these recommendations are not just for healthy active aging adults, the same hold true for frail adults as well. There is even evidence that improved diet along with strength training can reverse frailty in older adults.What types of Strength Training?The ACSM recommends 8-10 strength training exercise with 10-15 reps per exercise. These exercises should address all the muscle groups. Also to reap the long term benefit for strength training, the program should be progressive. This means you need to make it harder. The last 2-3 reps of each exercise should be somewhat difficult, it you are completing 15 reps easily you need to increase your weight. That means put those 2lb pink weights away!! Strength training can include:Free weights or weight machinesResistance bandsBody weight exercises (good ole counter push ups!!)Is Strength Training OK for Everyone?With a few unusual exceptions, I would say YES!!! Always check with your doctor before starting any kind of new exercise program, and if you have any health conditions, such as arthritis or cardiac conditions, check with your doctor to see if you have any lifting restrictions. However I am here to tell you strength training is beneficial at most any age. I have been working with a client for the past year. She is 95 years old, about 411 and maybe 90 pounds. When we started she could lift a 1 pound weight and needed frequent rest breaks. Today we are using 3 pound weights, shes moved up 3 levels in resistance bands, takes only 2 breaks and her family is even considering traveling with her cross country to visit family because she is functioning so much better. The focus of her program has been strength and balance training. And I dont feel she is an exception, many seniors out there have the same potential given the right guidance.Where to Start?Start with a medical clearance from your doctor to be sure exercise is safe for you. There are actually very few instances where exercise in contraindicated. Once cleared there are several avenues you can take.Check out your local senior center, they often have low cost exercise programs, but make sure you are advancing your weight or resistance to get the most benefit.Youtube has tons and tons of videos of exercise programs and yes, they have videos geared to seniors.Check out your local gym. Most gyms offer a few free sessions with a personal trainer to get you started and make sure you are using proper form.Community and Apartment gyms. The community you live in may have a great fitness facility and maybe even classes.Personal Training. Now as a personal trainer I am biased here. But I do believe its a good investment to make sure you are getting a program thats right for you and that your are progressing appropriately to get the most benefit. Make sure you research the trainer you are considering. Are they Certified by a reputable organization? ACSM, NASM, and ACE are some of your most reputable. Are they experienced in working with adults over 55? Look for certified Senior Fitness Specialist or someone with a proven track record working with seniors. Ask for references specifically from other seniors or family.Strength training should be a corner stone of any fitness program but it is especially important for adults over 55 in order to remain strong and independent as they age.

A common condition that affects many people yet is still under-discussed is sleep apnea. Many people are likely to suffer from sleep apnea as they age. However, children and younger adults can suffer from this sleeping disorder, particularly concerning genetically passed down sleep apnea.What Is sleep apnea?It is a sleeping disorder that affects the quality of your sleep by reducing breathability at night. Although it is a sleeping disorder, sleep apnea features difficulty breathing by temporarily closing the airways when you sleep. Usually, patients with sleep apnea have brief sessions where they stop breathing, lasting anywhere between a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the severing of the disorder.Sleep apnea can be mild or severe, depending on how long you stop breathing. A few seconds of not breathing when you sleep may not affect your health that much. However, sleep apnea can have fatal effects on your health if the breathability is limited for long periods when you sleep.What Causes Sleep Apnea?The type of sleep apnea you have can help determine the cause thereof. Technically, the particular cause of obstructive sleep apnea is the over-relaxation of the throat muscles when you sleep, closing up your airways, and limiting airflow. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, concerns a miscommunication between your brain and your throat muscles. Since you cannot determine the type of sleep apnea you have, you need to visit a sleep center near you for an evaluation to diagnose your condition. Obstructive sleep apnea, however, is the most common type.According to sleep doctors, more than 50% of the causes of obstructive sleep apnea are linked to environmental factors and lifestyle choices that affect the respiratory system. Some risk factors that can cause sleep apnea include:Obesity and being overweightAgingDrug addiction like using opioidCongestive heart problemsGeneticsIs Sleep Apnea Hereditary?A type of sleep apnea called obstructive sleep apnea has been attributed to genetics at a rate of up to 40%. Therefore, it is highly likely that you can suffer from sleep apnea due to inheriting the condition from other family members. It means that the more people in your family have sleep apnea, the higher chances of you getting it.Who Is at High Risk for Hereditary Sleep Apnea?Hereditary sleep apnea is mostly linked to some underlying health conditions. People at a higher risk of hereditary sleep apnea include:Obese or overweight people if your family struggles with obesity, you are at a high risk of inheriting sleep apnea.Having a thicker neck than is average for your statureHaving a small jawboneUnderlying medical issues like lung diseases.Being male men are about three times likely to have sleep apnea than women.How You Can Realize the Symptoms of Sleep ApneaTo think of treatment measures of preventive steps you can take for sleep apnea, you must first identify you have a problem. The following signs can help you discover that you have a sleeping disorder:Snoring loudly at nightDry mouth can make you feel overly thirsty in the morning.Fatigue due to inadequate quality sleepExcessive sleepiness during the dayIrritability and mood swingsTemporarily not breathing when you sleep you may notice this if you often wake up gasping for air at night.Persistent morning headachesDifficulty concentrating that may be accompanied by memory loss.Prevention Measures for Hereditary Sleep ApneaSleep apnea treatment concentrates on managing the symptoms of sleep apnea to improve the quality of your sleep. However, at Taylor Made Sleep, we also champion preventive measures that can help people avoid hereditary sleep apnea. Some of the changes we recommend are:Lose weight either obesity or being overweight.Physical exercise improves circulation of blood in your body and helps maintain a healthy weight.Quit smoking and drinking alcohol or significantly limit the consumption.Avoid taking sedatives or sleeping pills before sleeping as they can cause the over-relaxation of your throat muscles.