March 2022 Newsletter

Heart Disease Status

February was American Heart Month. It is a good time to discover the dangers heart disease presents to all of us.

Reports show the number of people dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been on the rise. It accounted for one-third of all deaths around the world as recently as 2019.¹

It is deemed likely to remain the No. 1 killer in the U.S. "indefinitely". (American Heart Association Newsroom)

Remember, you can keep a step ahead of heart disease with proper diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor about your exercise and diet and the threat heart disease poses to your health.

Your Medicare covers a cardiovascular disease screening every 5 years at no cost to you. The preventative heart screening includes tests to help detect early heart disease and more.

1. Dana Kauffman, "Cardiovascular Disease Burden, Deaths Are Rising Around the Worlds." American College of Cardiology, https://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2020/12/09/18/30/cvd-burden-and-deaths-rising-around-the-world (accessed January 6, 2022)

What is a Tablet Computer?

A type of computer getting much attention from seniors is the Tablet(or tablet computer).² The Tablet features a mobile operating system and touchscreen processing circuitry—much like a smartphone.

Why do seniors like tablets?

Possible reasons may include Tablets having no physical keyboard or mouse. So, they are fairly easy to hold in your hand.

Tablets allow seniors to stay connected with long-distance family and friends via video chat apps and social media. "Apps" are available to help seniors and their caregivers keep track of medications and health goals.

Information and reviews on all types of computers, including Tablets, are readily available online.

2. "21 Senior Technology Statistics", California Mobility, https://californiamobility.com/21-senior-technology-statistics/ (accessed January 7, 2022)

Medicare Part D Star ratings

Medicare helps you choose Part D (Prescription Drug Plans) through its "Star Ratings" program.

Part D plans are evaluated on how well they perform in four categories. These include...

Prescription plan customer service
Number of member complaints, any problems getting services, and choosing to leave the plan.
Member experience with the drug plan
Pricing and patient safety

Part D can be critical to helping you control your prescription drug costs. Contact me for help choosing the prescription plan that's right for you.

Good Taste, Good Health

Try this on a winter's night (there are only a few left!). It's a tasty pasta salad that comes in at 270 calories per serving.

Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups uncooked brown rice elbow pasta
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 small sliced red onion
2 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp garlic paste
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh Brussels sprouts
1/2 cup chopped red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 med chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground ancho chili pepper
1/4 tsp coarsely ground pepper
1 rotisserie chicken — skin removed and shredded
2 chopped green onions

DIRECTIONS: In Dutch Oven (large pot) cook pasta according to package directions. In large skillet, heat coconut oil over med heat. Add red onion, ginger paste and garlic paste. Saute 2 minutes. Stir in next 7 ingredients. Cook until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add chicken and heat through.

Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Return pasta to Dutch Oven. Add vegetable mixture. Toss to coat, adding enough reserve pasta water to moisten pasta. Sprinkle with green onions before serving. Serves 8.

Did you know that with a UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICY you may be able to change your premium amount? Contact me to get details on that and more.

Senior Financial Glossary

A White Squire is an investor or company that buys a stake in a target company to prevent a hostile takeover.

A single loan issued to a borrower is called a Whole Loan.

Working Control happens when a minority shareholder, or a group of them, has the voting power to influence corporate policy.

A "Widow Maker" is an investment that results in large, potentially devastating losses.

SOURCE: Investopedia

February Facts

February is national age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low-vision awareness month. Low vision affects millions of Americans, especially older adults — making it hard for them to do things they enjoy. Medicare may provide some benefits for people facing this condition.

Did You Know?

Presidents' Day honors all presidents. This month Presidents' Day falls on February 21, which is George Washington's birthday.
On February 6, 1788, Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution by a vote of 187 to 168.
Nelson Mandela was released from prison in South Africa on February 11, 1990.

February Celebrity Birthdays: Rosa Parks (February 4), Garth Brooks (7), Jennifer Aniston (11), Abraham Lincoln (12), George Washington (21)

SOURCE: Famous Birthdays

Quote of the Month

"The West of the old times, with its strong characters, its stern battles and its tremendous stretches of loneliness, can never be blotted from my mind."