February 2023 Newsletter

February brings challenging weather, patriotic holidays (President's Day), and causes well worth supporting (American Heart Month). Be on the lookout for Heart Month information and events — help yourself and your loved ones avoid heart disease.

American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month 2023, a month dedicated to helping Americans avoid one of the biggest threats to their lives.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States (CDC).

The fact is, almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the Unites States every year.

And though generally considered to be a disease for "older people", heart disease is a threat to everyone.

It's worth knowing more about heart disease.

‍Know the risk factors, which include:

high blood pressure
high low-density lipoprotein ("bad") cholesterol
diabetes
smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
obesity
unhealthy diet
physical inactivity

(CDC)

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What is a stroke?

Stroke, like heart attack, is a cardiovascular condition. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen.

The results can be devastating. One in six deaths from cardiovascular disease result from stroke (Harvard Health)

Steps to lowering your chances of having a stroke include:

Lower your blood pressure.
Lose weight.
Exercise more.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Treat diabetes and atrial fibrillation.

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Who runs Your Medicare Part D prescription Drug Plan?

While Medicare Part D plans carry the Medicare name, they are not run by the government (as is Original Medicare).

Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government.

It's important to remember that Part D plans can make changes to their coverage from year to year. So, plans may cover a given drug one year, but leave it uncovered the next year. (They are required to provide drugs in six "protected" classes.)

Want to know more about Medicare Part D? Contact me at any time.

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Good Taste, Good Health

Chicken Avocado Wraps

Here's a dish that's light, easy to make, and delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

2 chicken leg quarters, skin removed
1 tbsp canola oil
14-1/2 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp salt
dash of cayenne pepper
1/2 med ripe avocado
2 tbsp lime juice
4 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed
Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

DIRECTIONS: In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil. Stir in the tomatoes, onion, cumin, salt and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 180°, stirring occasionally, 25-30 min.

Remove chicken. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones. Discard bones. Shred meat with 2 forks. Return to skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thickened.

Peel and slice avocado. Drizzle with lime juice. Spoon 1/2 cup chicken mixture over each tortilla. Top with avocado and, if desired, cilantro; roll up.

Source: Taste of Home

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Can You Take Annuity Withdraws without a Penalty?

You may be able to withdraw without penalty.

For example, most deferred annuities offer a penalty-free withdrawal of up to 10% annually. On the other hand, if you have an annuity funded with pre-tax money, (IRA), you are required to take a required minimum distribution when you reach the age of 72.

For information on all types of annuities, please contact me.

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Senior Financial Glossary

Unit sales: On a balance sheet, unit sales represent the total sales of a product in a given period.

What is a Unitholder? A unitholder is an investor who owns one or more units in an investment trust.

Unisex Legislation: This term refers to laws and legal decisions that made it illegal for insurance companies to charge different rates to men and women within certain types of insurance.

What is Universal Default? This means a credit card company is permitted to increase the interest rate on the credit card if the cardholder fails to make their minimum monthly payment.