April 2022 Newsletter

It happens every year about this time. We talk about the possibilities for a great spring just ahead. This year that rings especially true.

We're moving into the first post-pandemic springtime, and we're ready to enjoy a wonderful new season. Please review this newsletter from American Senior Benefits. Read about a serious disorder (Parkinson's disease) and find some useful tips for spring fitness.

Building Awareness: Parkinson's Disease

April is a great month to get active outdoors. Unfortunately, for people with Parkinson's disease, activities indoors or outdoors may be a challenge. This month is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to understand what people with Parkinson's face on a daily basis, and what can be done to control the effects of the disease.

Parkinson's is well known for creating dementia. Symptoms also include...¹

• Tremors
• Slow Movements
• Rigid muscles
• Loss of balance

Your Medicare covers Parkinson's medically necessary treatments, medications, therapy, and hospital stays.

At this point, Parkinson's is considered incurable, but medications can help control symptoms (New York Times). In some cases, surgery may be advised. Your doctor may recommend changes, such as ongoing aerobic exercise.

1. Parkinson's Disease, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376062#:~:text=Parkinson's%20disease%20can't%20be,changes%2C%20especially%20ongoing%20aerobic%20exercise (accessed March 9, 2022)

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) are seen as separate and distinct conditions. However, some evidence suggests that these disorders share common features and that overlap between the two conditions is extensive (National Library of Medicine).

Preparing for Your Hospital Stay

Do you have a planned hospital stay coming up? Like any other major event, a scheduled hospitalization requires some planning.

Here are some suggestions... ²

• Gather your medications to bring with you.
• Ask a friend to go with you.
• Be prepared to tell hospital staff about any allergies you have.
• Plan ahead for those Medical bills. Keep your Medicare and Medicare Supplement information handy. Have Medicare or supplement questions? Contact me.

2. "Preparing for your Hospital stay", Hospital Leapfrog, https://www.hospitalsafetygrade.org/what-you-can-do-to-stay-safe/preparing-for-your-hospital-stay?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmpyRBhC-ARIsABs2EAqBzczxVOf3AXAEwWcLAM7-ngD0EcnFyJFWv6ek5GUXvadA9C07HaAaAr_NEALw_wcB (accessed March 10, 2022)

The national average for a hospital stay is 4.5 days. (The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.) The average cost is $10,400 per day.

Good Taste, Good Health

Cod and Asparagus Bake

Fresh ingredients make this dish healthy and fun and are, maybe, a harbinger of great outdoor eating ahead. It's also easy, with few ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cod fillets (4 oz each)
• 1 lb fresh thin and trimmed asparagus
• 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1-1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven 375°. Place cod and asparagus in a 15x10x1" baking pan brushed with oil. Add tomatoes — cut side down. Brush fish with lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle fish and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish begins to flake easily with a fork. Remove pan from oven. Preheat boiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4" in from heat until vegetables are lightly browned.

Source: Taste of Home

Spring Fitness

It's time to get outside and get moving. Fine spring weather can just make it seem everything is just right with the world.

Are you ready to roll into Spring 2022?

Here are some suggestions for getting yourself ready to spring into spring.³

• Take a nature walk. It's good for the body and the soul.
• Track your activity levels. Keep on top of your fitness goals and accomplishments.
• Try bicycling or yoga — different, but similarly effective, paths to fitness.
• Start or join a community cleanup.

3. "Spring Exercise Tips for Seniors," MobileHelp, https://www.mobilehelp.com/blogs/health-updates/springtime-exercise-tips-for-seniors (accessed March 8, 2022).

Medicare beneficiaries typically see 7 different physicians from four different practices in a given year. Those with multiple chronic illnesses have even more fragmented care. (HHS Public Access)

Senior Financial Glossary

The Volcker Rule is a federal regulation prohibiting banks from conducting certain investment activities with their own accounts. It limits their dealings with hedge funds and private equity funds.

The volume-weighted average price (VWAP) is a trading tool used by stock traders. It produces the average price a security has traded at throughout the day, based on both volume and price.

A variable annuity is a type of annuity with value that can vary based on the performance of an underlying portfolio of "sub accounts".

Value-added tax (VAT) is a consumption tax on goods and services that is applied at each stage of the supply chain where value is added, from initial production to the point of sale.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Did you know this about April?

• April 12, 1861, U.S. Civil War begins.
• San Francisco earthquake occurs on April 18, 1906
• April 4, 1949, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) formed.
• Sandra Day O'Connor becomes first woman justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, April 3, 1995.
• Birthdays: Eddie Murphy (April 3), Elle Fanning (9), Loretta Lynn (14), John Cena (23)

SOURCE: Famous Birthdays

Quote of the Month

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." - William Shakespeare

Remember, we can provide you with a FREE POLICY REVIEW or retirement review at your convenience!

For information about Medicare or Claiming Social Security, please look around our website. Should you have any questions, please email me at brian.goldman@successfs.com or call 412-897-0760.