THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT FEBRUARY.

Welcome to the shortest and sweetest month of all! When you think of this month, you may think of Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents’ Day. Well, there’s even more to discover about February. Get ready to party “hearty” by learning about American Heart Month, how drinking water could be the key to a healthier you, how to make a heart-healthy soup, some interesting historical facts about February, and so much more!

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February Is American Heart Month.

American Heart Month has been commemorated each February since 1964. It’s a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Throughout this month, the American Heart Association aims to raise awareness and support for research efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier lives. In many cases, heart disease is preventable when people treat high blood pressure, exercise moderately, refrain from smoking, control blood sugar and cholesterol, and get regular physical exams.

SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Heart Association

If You Want Predictable Out-Of-Pocket Costs, Consider A Medicare Supplement Plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans — also known as Medigap — help fill the coverage gaps left by Medicare. There are multiple benefits to having a Medicare Supplement Plan, but one big reason is that your out-of-pocket costs will be much more predictable and easier to budget. You won’t need to worry about how much you’ll owe every time you go to the doctor or are hospitalized.

There are even more reasons to choose a Medicare Supplement Plan. I can fill you in and set you up with a plan that fits your personal needs. Reach out any time by phone or by clicking “reply” on this e-mail to send me a note.

SOURCES: Medicare.gov and Forbes Health

Learn The Many Reasons Why Drinking Water Matters!

Have you been thinking about some ways you can be healthier in the new year? According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, a great, easy way to boost your health is to drink more water. The study finds that well-hydrated adults have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases and may live longer than people who do not get enough fluids. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration, lubricate your joints, maintain a normal body temperature, regulate blood pressure, and even ease constipation. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults over age 50 drink about 91 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men. If you take medications that affect fluid balance, check with your doctor about the optimal amount of water to drink each day.

SOURCES: eBioMedicine and AARP

Life Insurance Can Be About So Much More Than Funeral Expenses.

Yes, covering funeral expenses is among the most popular reasons that people buy life insurance. However, it’s important to know that life insurance can have a myriad of other benefits. Life insurance can help protect your family’s future by replacing income and paying off debts like auto loans, mortgage, and credit cards. It can also fund continuing education for a loved one or be used to provide a legacy for your favorite charity. Plus, life insurance can build cash value over time. For example, every time you make a premium payment on a permanent life insurance policy, part of that amount goes into a cash value account. That account can be accessed during your lifetime, if you need it, through withdrawals or borrowing against it. Bottom line: While covering funeral expenses can certainly be a significant reason to have life insurance, it’s not all there is.

Want to talk about all the benefits of life insurance and what type of policy is best for your personal needs? Simply reply to this e-mail or give me a call any time.

SOURCE: Policygenius and New York Life

Good Taste, Good Health

FOR A COZY, HEART-HEALTHY MEAL, TRY THIS

CARROT SOUP WITH CORIANDER

This delicious soup delivers comfort without compromising your heart health! It’s the perfect belly warmer for a February night; yet, it can also be served cold, if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, plus ¼ teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 pound of carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup of fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup of fat-free sour cream
• 1 tablespoon of chopped, fresh cilantro
• ⅛ teaspoon of salt
• 2½ cups of water

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom.
2. Cook the onion and garlic for three to four minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in one tablespoon of coriander. Stir in the carrots, water, orange juice, and salt. Reduce the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and remaining ⅛ teaspoon of coriander. Set aside.
4. In a food processor or blender (vent the blender lid), process the soup in batches until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice.
5. Top each serving with a dollop of the sour cream mixture and a sprinkle of cilantro. Makes four servings.
6. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days.

SOURCE: American Heart Association

Be In The Know With These February Facts.

February 3, 1913  –  The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting Congress the authority to collect income taxes.

February 6, 1933  –  The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted. It set the date for the Presidential Inauguration as January 20, instead of the previous date of March 4. It also set January 3 as the official opening date of Congress.

February 8, 1910  –  The Boy Scouts of America was founded by William Boyce in Washington, D.C., modeled after the British Boy Scouts.

February 13, 1635  –  Boston Latin School, the first public school in America, was established in Boston, Massachusetts.

February 20, 1962  –  Astronaut John Glenn became the first American launched into orbit. Traveling aboard the “Friendship 7” spacecraft, Glenn completed three successful orbits in a flight lasting just under five hours.

SOURCE: The History Place

FEBRUARY CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS: Joe Pesci (February 9), Jennifer Aniston (February 11), John Travolta (February 18), Charles Barkley (February 20), Drew Barrymore (February 22)

SOURCE: Holiday Insights

Check Out This Month’s Senior Financial Glossary.

The 183-DAY RULE is a common global standard used to determine tax residency, marking the period of physical presence required in a nation within a calendar year. Many countries, including the United States, consider a person to be a tax resident after this period of time.

DEMAND is a consumer’s desire to purchase goods and services, and willingness to pay a specific price at a specific time. It can refer to either market demand for a specific good or aggregate demand for the total of all goods in an economy.

ONLINE BANKING lets you manage your finances anywhere you have a computer or laptop and an internet connection. Online banking enables 24/7 access to your financial accounts — including checking balances, transferring funds, and paying bills — without requiring a visit to a physical branch. Online banking is done from a desktop or laptop, while mobile banking takes place on devices like smartphones and tablets.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Quote of the Month

“Justice is the loveliest and health is the best, but the sweetest to obtain is the heart’s desire.”
– Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher and scientist

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View Last Month’s answers

SOURCE: BrainyQuote©