MEDICARE Q&A: TIPS TO HELP MAKE MEDICARE ENROLLMENT EASY

So you are turning 65...congratulations! It is time to start taking advantage of your Medicare benefits. How do you do that?

First, a quick overview of the benefits. Medicare Part A pays for hospitalization, and many eligible people don't have to pay premiums for it. Part B covers doctor's fees, outpatient care, home health care, screenings fro cancer, glaucoma, diabetes and other disease, and other medical services. Part B has a monthly premium, which for most beneficiaries is $115.40 in 2011. Part C is Medicare managed care and Part D is prescription drug coverage.

In most cases, if you're already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you'll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65.

You'll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you do not want Part B, follow the instructions that come with the card, and send the card back. If you keep the card, you keep Part B and will pay Part B premiums.

If you are not getting Social Security or RRB benefits, you will need to sign up for Part A and Part B. It is easy to do. You can sign up by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you are 65 or older, you can also apply online for Part A and Part B at www.socialsecurity.gov/retirement. The whole process can take less than 10 minutes.

You can sign up when you are first eligible for Part B. If you are eligible for Part B when you turn 65, you have a seven-month window that begins three months before the month you turn 65,, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. Make sure you sign up early! That way you will avoid any delay in getting your benefits. The best time is the three monts before you turn 65. Then you will get coverage the month you actually hit your 65th birthday.

If you wait until the last four months of your Initial Enrollment Period, your start date for coverage may be delayed for as long as three months. You may also face a penalty in the form of a higher Part B premium.

If you didn't enroll in Part A and/or Part B when you were first eligible because you were employed and covered under a group health plan based onthat employment, you have a Special Enrollment Period. That means you can sign up any time while you or your spouse are working and you have employer or union group coverage. Or you can enroll during the eight-month period that begins after your employment ends or your group health coverage ends, whichever happens first. Usually, you don't pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period. But, here is an important point: If you have COBRA coverage or a retiree health plan, you don't have coverage based on current employment. You are not eligible for a special enrollment period when that coverage ends.

For more information about enrolling in Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility. You can also get free, personalized counseling from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program(SHIP). Call 1-800-MEDICARE to get a number for your state's SHIP, or to ask other questions about Medicare.

source: www.gvnews.com/lifestyle

TIPS FOR GOING GLUTEN FREE Many products on the store shelves today carry the words "gluten free" on them. But just what does that mean, and why is it there? The label means plenty! In a nutshell, it means avoiding wheat, spelt, barley and rye, and a variety of other grain-based ingredients. Gluten-free foods are being sought out by many people, including the over 3 million people who have celiac disease, as well as millions more who have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity. The good news is that while it may seem like going gluten free is a daunting task, it is actually not all that difficult. Going gluten free sometimes seems like an uphill battle, but that is mainly because it is a new concept. There are a few things to keep in mind to help keep going gluten free easier and more successful, including: -Change your mindset - it is about taking charge of your health. The first thing that needs to change isn't your diet, it's your thinking! Getting used to the idea that your dietary habits need to change because they are making you sick. Recognize that making the necessary changes will greatly improve how you feel. -Clean out the cupboards. If you live alone, clean out all of the items in your pantry that contain gluten. Either give them away or toss them out. If you share a kitchen with others, create a separate place for the ingredients and foods that you can eat. This will help prevent cross-contamination. -Start reading labels. While becoming gluten free, always take time to read food labels carefully. Once you know what items are gluten free, your grocery shopping will be quicker and easier. -Prepare ahead. If you are planning to dine out, you will need to do some investigating ahead of time. Find out what foods will be served or what gluten-free items are available on the menu. When attending a party, you can always bring a dish of your own. -Get support. If you are going gluten-free, get the support you need to get started and see it through. This can be done by working with a dietitian, nutritionist, or even hooking up with others who have gone gluten free. There are support groups, both online and in person that can help you navigate the new terrain. -Be consistent. To reap the benefits of imporved health and well-being that come with being gluten free, you must stick with it. It can take a month or more of consistent gluten-free eating to begin to feel the health benefits. The longer you stick with being gluten-free, the easier and more second nature it will become.

TOP REASONS FOR CHOOSING HOME HEALTH CARE

• Home care is delivered at home. When we are not feeling well, most of us ask to be at home. We enjoy the sanctity of our residences and the joy of being with our loved ones. When our loved ones are ill we try to get them home and out of the hospital as soon as possible.


• Home care keeps families together. This is particularly important in times of illness. The ties of responsibility and caring can be severed by hospitalization.


• Home care prevents or postpones institutionalization.


• Home care promotes healing. There is scientific evidence tha many patients heal faster at home.


• Home care is safe. Many risks, such as infection, are eliminated or minimized when care is given at home.


• Home care allows for the maximum amount of freedom for the individual. Patients at home remain as engaged with their usual daily activities as their health permits.


• Home care promotes continuity. The patient's own physician continues to oversee his or her care.


• Home care is personalized and tailored to the needs of each individual. Patients receive one-on-one care and attention.


• Home care is less expensive than other forms of care, especially lengthy inpatient hospitalization.


• Home care is the form of care preferred by the American public.


• Home care can prevent rehospitalization and decrease the need for urgent care.

source: http://www.santacruzvna.org/

SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP AVOID FALLS AT HOME





Did you know that one out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year, putting themselves at risk for injury and even broken bones? Rates of fall-related fractures among older women are more than twice those for men. With a few simple steps, you can help make sure your house is safer. Making changes in your bathroom, living room and kitchen - such as removing throw rugs - can make a big difference. Also, staying alert and focused, remember to wear well-fitting shoes with good treads and using night-lights are all easy ways you lower your chances of falling.

BATHROOM:

• Install grab bars



• Use nonskid bath mats and remove throw rugs



• Use night-lights

LIVING ROOM:

• Keep floors free of clutter



• Avoid cords



• Be sure all carpets and area rugs have skidproof backing or are tacked to the floor

KITCHEN/LAUNDRY ROOM:

• Clean up spills immediately



• Put away dryer sheets



• Avoid climbing on counters to reach items at the back of a cabinet
  
  

SENIOR CITIZEN SAFETY AND HEALTH TIPS

If you want to have more energy for the things that you love to do and reduce your odds of getting diseases like diabetes, colon cancer and osteoporosis then all you need are exercise, physical activity and a balanced diet to start living a better life. Being physically active can actually help you cut your risk of depression and improve your outlook on life too. No matter how old you are you can start right now improving your health and extending your lifespan and health span. To have a really healthy body try all four types of exercise on a regular basis. The 4 key areas are: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, and Balance.

FLEXIBILITY - stretching is a great way to improve your flexibility

• Never force yourself into an uncomfortable position when stretching.



• Avoid jerky movements that may cause strains.



• Don't try to stretch too fast or too far.



• If it has been awhile since you have done any stretching take it easy on your body and slowly increase your flexibility over time.

STRENGTH - You can improve your muscular strength with basic calisthenics and light weight lifting

• Before you begin any type of exercise program you should always check with your doctor first. Get a complete check out and tell your doctor that you're planning to start working out. You want to make sure that you don't have any pre-existing medical conditions that may be aggravated by a new diet or strenuous exercise.

ENDURANCE - Get into some activity that causes your heart to beat faster and your lungs to work harder for about 30 minutes at a time.

• Find activities like biking, walking, jogging or swimming that you enjoy.



• Get active at least 3 times a week and every day if possible.



• If 30 minutes all at once is too much for you, break it into shorter periods of time.

BALANCE - Balance is extremely important for senior citizens. Many seniors become severely injured because of falling due to lack of balance

• One way you can improve your balance is by standing on one foot for a few seconds at a time.



• You may want to hold onto some furniture the first time you try it.



• If your health is not so great you should only try this when you're with somebody who can help you in case you fall.

Regardless of your age you can benefit from regular physical exercise. Even if you have some medical condition, there are always thngs you can do to remain physically active. Talk to medical professionals like your doctor or physical therapist for custom exercises that take into account your existing state of health.

When exercising always make sure that you have plenty of fluids. Some older people have a poor sense of how dehydrated they are, so make sure that you drink fluids on a regular basis whether or not you feel thirsty. Ease your way into physical activity slowly. Better to make slow and steady progress rather than to rush and hurt yourself. Think safety first.

source: naturalhealthezine.com

TIPS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT

Each year some 10 million Americans are victims of identity theft. Though the amount of damage can vary widely, the crime can haunt victims for years. There are several steps consumers can take to protect themselves. Many are common sense precautions, and all are based on the idea of being careful about your information. Here are tips on preventing or catching identity theft:

• Check your credit reports every year. Under federal law, you are entitled each year to see your three credit files, which are held by credit bureaus Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.




• Check your earnings statements. Reviewing this document can help red-flag labor related ID theft.




• Be wary of tax filing services. Tax refund identity theft is on the rise.




• Guard sensitive documents. Sensitive documents include credit card offers, Social Security information, driver's license information and medical information. Dispose carefully of anything you don't need. Consider shredding waste.




• Computer security. Strengthen your online passwords. Make sure your computer's anti-virus software is up to date.




• Clean your wallet. Try not to carry extra credit cards or other sensitive documents on a daily basis unless you really need them.




• Watch out for scams. They can take many forms, especially by telephone, email or through classified listing sites like Craigslist. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.




• Get a copy of your health care file. In case you are ever the victim of medical identity theft.

source:www.gosanangelo.com

SIX TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART



When you are busy balancing work, your family, friends and a personal life, it is easy to forget how important heart-health is to your overall well-being. Now is a good time to look at ways to lower your risk for heart disease, heart attack, diabetes or stroke. Here are six tips to keep your heart healthy.

1. Load up on fruits and veggies: They are low in calories and high in heart-healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber. Get your daily fix by eating four to five servings a day.

2. Choose whole grains: They are naturally low-fat, high in fiber and full of vitamins and minerals that help regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol. As little as three servings per day can reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

3. Do some aerobic exercise: Walking, biking, swimming, running and dancing make your heart and lungs stronger, improve stamina, and get your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers down.

4. Get some sleep: Aim to get around eight hours of sleep nightly to protect your heart, stabilize blood sugar and stay trim.

5. Drink more water: Dehydration and lack of water can cause blood to thicken, forcing your heart to work harder to pump it throughout your body. Drinking plenty of water each day will help regulate blood flow so your most important organ is not strained.

6. Quit smoking: Nicotine increases your cardiac muscle's need for blood and decreases the amount of blood that can flow through your blood vessels. Carbon monoxide bumps oxygen molecules off your red blood cells, which limits the amount of oxygen reaching your heart.

source: www.Livestrong.com

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEARING AID

One in every 10 Americans has hearing loss. Yet research indicates that most wait up to ten years before seeking help. While 95 percent of Americans with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 22 percent currently use them.

Often neglected due to the stigma associated with the condition, hearing loss can create social and emotional barriers for the individuals living with it, or the families of those it affects.

When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to reduced earning power, disruptions in family life and can cause a wide range of other psychological problems.

If it is time to improve your hearing with a hearing aid, or you need to upgrade to new one, here are three easy steps to choosing the one that's right for you.

Step 1: Consult with a hearing health professional or an ear, nose and throat doctor. When deciding what hearing aid is best for you, it is important to consider the degree of hearing loss you have, the shape of your ear canals, you personal needs, your taste and your budget.

Step 2: Have your hearing aids fitted. Your hearing health professional will adjust your hearing aid to your hearing loss and your hearing preferences. Over the first few days, you should wear it for a few hours per day to familiarize yourself with it. Take note on how you feel in different hearing situations. Additional fine tuning might be necessary after your initial fitting.

Step 3: Using your new hearing aids. Just like glasses or contact lenses, a hearing aid can feel strange at first. This will change. Give yourself a little time to get used to it. You will learn how to make the best use of your hearing aid and will soon be enjoying all the benefits it has to offer.

source: http://www.tmcnet.com/

National Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month - March

Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue of six months or longer duration that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. The cause or causes of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic tests are available. Increasing activity and physical exercise have been reported to help ease the symptoms of fatigue in some patients with CFS, inmpoving their quality of life and ability to function. Patients with CFS are sometimes treated with immune therapy, corticosteroids, antidepressants and other pharmacological agents or supplements, and complementary therapies.

source: www.medterms.com

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - March

Colon Cancer At A Glance :

• Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.
• Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males, fourth in females in the U.S.
• Risk factors for colorectal cancer include heredity, colon polyps, and long standing ulcerative colitis.
• Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Therefore regular screening is important.
• Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer tissue.
• Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the age and health of the patient.
• Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.

source: http://www.medicinenet.com/

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS





Deep vein thrombosis or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body. A blood clot in a deep vein can break off and travel through the bloodstream. The loose clot is called an embolus. When the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, the condition is called pulmonary embolism, or PE. PE is a very serious condition. It can damage the lungs and other organs in the body and cause death. The symptoms of DVT are related to obstruction of blood returning to the heart and causing a backup of blood in the leg. The symptoms include: pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.

NATIONAL MS AWARENESS - MARCH

Multiple Sclerosis(abbreviated MS) is a disease of the central nervous system marked by numbness, weakness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks myelin, a key substance that serves as a nerve insulator and helps in the transmission of nerve signals. The progress, severity and specific symptoms in MS are unpredictable. Most people with MS are between the ages of 20 and 40 at the time of diagnosis. About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians as in any other group. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by multiple sclerosis earlier in life. The term "multiple" refers to the multiple places in the central nervous system that are affected and to the multiple relapses and remissions characteristic of MS.

source: www.medterms.com

CAFFEINE







Caffeine is a bitter substance found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, kola nuts, and certain medicines. It has many effects on the body's metabolism, including stimulating the central nervous system. This can make you more alert and give you a boost of energy.







For most people, the amount of caffeine in two to four cups of coffee a day is not harmful. However, too much caffeine can make you restless, anxious, and irritable. It may also keep you from sleeping well and cause headaches, abnormal heart rhythms, or other problems. If you stop using caffeine, you could get withdrawl symptoms.







Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. They should limit their use of caffeine. Certain drugs and supplements may interact with caffeine. If you have questions about whether caffeine is safe for you, talk with your health care provider.







source:www.medlineplus.com

FLU PREVENTION

American Red Cross Month - March







A Brief History: Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. The purpose of the organization includes giving relief to and serving as a medium of communication between members of the American armed forces and their families and providing national and international disaster relief and mitigation. The Red Cross is an independent, volunteer-led organization financially supported by voluntary public contributions and cost-reimbursement charges. The American Red Cross joins more than 175 other national societies in bringing aid to victims of disasters throughout the world. For more information please visit http://www.redcross.org/.