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Staying on track: 3 ways to kickstart a healthy fall

2019-08-31T08:23:00

(BPT) – Lacking culinary inspiration as grilling season ends? Keep telling yourself that you will start going to the gym next week? Binge-watching TV rather than tackling a crossword puzzle?

We can often be our own biggest hurdle when it comes to making healthy decisions. But sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge from a friend or a fun new idea to spark your motivation. Below, find three simple ideas to help you live your best life and boost your mental and physical health.

Staying active: Push-ups

While the thought of doing push-ups might be intimidating, there are plenty of ways to make the exercise simpler while still gaining strength in your arms, chest and back. Try a modification on the classic push-up that could even be done on a secure countertop in the convenience of your home.

1. Place your hands on top of a countertop or other firm surface. Make sure to spread your fingers wide.

2. As you lower yourself toward your hands, keep your shoulder blades down and back.

3. Once you have gone as low as you can, come back up and repeat.

To take a more active role in your health, some health plans, including UnitedHealthcare, offer gym memberships at no additional cost. To learn more, visit UHCMedicarePlans.com. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

Staying healthy: Walk-in-the-park wraps

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Pack these protein-rich wraps for a picnic and marvel at the fall colors. Not a fan of pesto? No problem. Hummus and seasoned cream cheese are equally flavorful spreads.

Servings: Makes 2 wraps

Ingredients:

2 whole grain tortillas, 8”

2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto

1 cup spinach leaves

4-6 thin slices tomato

1/2 avocado, cut into 6 slices

4 slices turkey breast

2 slices mozzarella cheese, cut into 3 pieces

Directions:

1. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the center of each tortilla.

2. Layer each with the spinach, sliced tomato and avocado, and then the turkey and cheese.

3. Roll the tortilla into a snug roll and wrap with parchment paper (wax paper works, too).

4. Tie each end with string before cutting in half diagonally to serve.

Health facts: calories: 462; total fat: 20.8g; saturated fat: 0g; cholesterol: 33.4mg; sodium: 178.1mg; carbs: 48.8g; dietary fiber: 8.1g; sugar: 5.3g; protein: 23.7g

Staying mindful: Brain quiz

Keeping your mind active and engaged is a good way to help fend off memory loss. Brain games, like trivia, are fun ways to help keep your memory sharp.

1. Which is the biggest part of your brain? a) Cerebrum b) Cerebellum c) Brainstem

2. How much does the average adult human brain weigh? a) 1 pound b) 3 pounds c) 6 pounds

3. Which part of the brain plays an important role in long-term memory and spatial navigation? a) Hippocampus b) Hypothalamus c) Basal Ganglia

Find more simple ways to help enhance your mental and physical health at newsroom.uhc.com.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.


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Planning to retire on your 65th birthday? We didn’t think so

2019-08-31T08:29:00

(BPT) – The traditional notion of retirement — a switch from full-time work to full-time leisure — is becoming a thing of the past for millions of Americans. In fact, according to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey (conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of UnitedHealthcare) of 1,000 nationally representative Americans 62 and older, 24% of those who did retire chose to re-enter the workforce.

Delaying retirement or returning to work may influence your Medicare decisions. Here are some points to keep in mind if you plan to continue working past your 65th birthday or return to work.

Why enroll in Medicare at 65?

Timing matters when it comes to signing up for Medicare. If you’re about to turn 65, you have a seven-month window called an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). That includes the month of your birthday, the three months before and the three months after.

If your 65th birthday is on June 15, your IEP starts March 1 and ends Sept. 30.

If you don’t have health insurance through your employer, your IEP is the time to figure out which Medicare coverage would work best for you.

If you have coverage through your employer and plan to keep working, check with your HR department or benefits administrator to see how Medicare might work with your employer coverage. Many sign up for Medicare Part A at age 65 either way since most get it without paying a monthly premium.

How Social Security benefits can affect your Medicare enrollment

If you already receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), and your Medicare card will arrive before your 65th birthday.

Your Part B premium will be automatically deducted from your Social Security payments. If you don’t want Medicare Part B, notify Medicare to opt out.

Many wait to claim Social Security until their 66th birthday or later to increase their monthly payments. If you fall into this group but still want Medicare coverage when you turn 65, it’s up to you to enroll because it won’t happen automatically.

Penalties for delaying Medicare enrollment

If you’re planning to work beyond 65, you may be able to wait until you retire to enroll in Medicare. For many, that’s the right choice, as their employer coverage is more robust. But consider your prescription drug coverage, and when you’re ready to retire, be aware of the enrollment windows to avoid penalties.

If your employer plan doesn’t offer prescription drug coverage, or if the coverage isn’t as good as Medicare, consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. That’s because Medicare imposes a permanent late enrollment penalty that will increase your monthly premium if you later decide to sign up for a Part D plan. You must be enrolled in Part A and/or Part B of Medicare before you can enroll in Part D.

When you retire or lose your employer coverage, you’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You can enroll in Parts A and/or B for up to eight months after the month you retire or your employer health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first. But if you delay beyond eight months, you could pay more for your Part B premium — for as long as you have Part B.

For each year you delay enrollment in Part B, an extra 10% is added to your premium.

Want Medicare Advantage or Part D when you retire? Your enrollment window is shorter.

When people sign up for Medicare, many also choose to enroll in a private Medicare plan — either a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).

Many Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits beyond those of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), such as dental, hearing and vision coverage. Most plans also bundle in prescription drug coverage and fitness or gym programs.

But the window to sign up for these plans is shorter than for Part B — only two months. To avoid a lapse in coverage, time your enrollment accordingly.

Bottom line

Just because you delay your retirement doesn’t mean you should delay your Medicare enrollment. Talk to your HR or benefits coordinator at work to get personalized advice based on your needs.

Visit Medicare.gov or www.ssa.gov for more information.

You can find additional resources on MedicareMadeClear.com.


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Let’s Talk: How to Encourage Your Child to Open Up About School

2019-08-30T13:35:00

(BPT) – It can be hard to get more than a one-word response when asking kids about school. Many kids don’t want to talk about their day — or don’t know how to. Sometimes they have a hard time recognizing when they’re anxious or worried and putting those feelings into words. But your child’s behavior can give you hints. Be observant and recognize when they seem out of sorts. Open-ended questions like “Did anything worry you today?” can encourage kids to communicate their feelings.

“The goal is to establish open communication with your child so you can know how to best support them during the school year,” says Ellen Braaten, Ph.D., an expert for Understood. Braaten is the director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) and co-director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, both at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Below are a few ways to help your child open up and share their day with you.

Ease Into It

Breaking the ice with a bit of humor can be a nice way to start the conversation. Questions like “What was the funniest thing that happened today?” can help your child feel comfortable. It opens the door for hearing about the other kids at school, getting feedback about the teacher, and hopefully having some much-needed laughs with your child.

Asking “Who did you play with at recess?” or “Did you meet anyone at lunch?” can also help you learn about the kids they like to hang with. Kids often have a hard time making new friends, particularly if they just moved to a new school or struggle with social skills. Talking about classmates can help you brainstorm new ways to talk to other kids.

Praise Their Growth

It’s important to recognize your child’s hard work at school. Asking “Can you show me something you learned today?” can start an engaging conversation about classes. Depending on your child’s age, this could be a great way to spark a conversation with some simple show-and-tell. It also could jump-start a discussion about where your child struggled and may need additional time for homework. If kids are having trouble with certain subjects, families can find more information about how to work with teachers on websites like Understood.org.

Listen to Their Opinions

Once you’ve settled into the school year routine, check in with your child and see how the transition to the new classroom or school is going. Simple questions like “If there’s one thing you could change about your school, what would it be?” can help you understand what’s on your child’s mind.

It’s important for kids to have a support network, particularly when they have a tough day at school. Kids need someone they trust and can talk with in both good times and bad.

See How You Can Help

Let your child know that it’s OK to ask for help. This is especially true for kids who may be struggling with reading, writing, math or staying organized. Broad questions like “Is there anything about school this year that you might need help with?” allow them to decide how they want to be supported. It may be helpful to take notes during these conversations with your child and share your findings with their teacher.

For more resources and information on how you can help your kids with school, visit Understood.org.


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Survey: Nearly 80% of Women Avoid Intimacy Due to this Common Infection

2019-08-30T14:19:01

(BPT) – Sexual intimacy can be an important part of life and healthy relationships. However, many women tend to avoid intimacy due to uncomfortable or embarrassing symptoms when they get a vaginal infection, which can cause a woman’s sexual self-esteem and health to suffer.[1] During Sexual Health Month in September, it’s important to understand the impact that vaginal health can have on a woman’s sexual well-being.

According to a recent poll, nearly 80% of women surveyed have avoided sex with a partner due to the most common vaginal infection for women[2],[3] called bacterial vaginosis (BV). It impacts more than 21 million women in the U.S. each year[2] and it can cause unwanted and sometimes unpleasant symptoms. These include a foul or “fishy” vaginal odor, itching or vaginal pain, burning during urination and thin, white or gray discharge.[4]

A healthy vagina has a natural balance of good and bad bacteria, maintained by an acidic environment.[5] But a variety of factors can tip the scales, causing an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina, which causes BV. This bacterial imbalance can happen when the vagina’s pH level (level of acidity) is disturbed by menstruation, use of tampons, sexual activity, douching, use of scented or vaginal soaps, and other factors.[5],[6] Many women with BV report feeling embarrassed, self-conscious and uncomfortable about intimacy and sexual activity as a result of the condition.[1]

Over half the women surveyed tried to self-treat their symptoms before seeing a healthcare provider.[3]

“When BV occurs, women want to get back to feeling like themselves and that can include resuming intimacy with their partner(s). It’s very common for women to self-evaluate their symptoms and try over-the-counter products or home remedies thinking they can’t hurt. But in fact, many over-the-counter and “natural” home remedies including yeast infection products and essential oils can sometimes make BV worse and delay intimacy even further,” said Brooke Faught, DNP, WHNP-BC, NCMP, IF. “BV is a bacterial infection that requires treatment with a prescription antibiotic. It’s critical that women who suspect they have a vaginal infection see an appropriate healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare provider can discuss available treatment options including oral pills and granules, and vaginal creams, gels, and suppositories that will best fit into a woman’s lifestyle.”

Untreated BV can increase a woman’s risk for adverse health effects and complications like sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease – which can increase a woman’s risk of infertility – and pregnancy complications like premature birth or low birth weight,[7] a key reason why an accurate diagnosis and treatment are critical.

If you suspect BV, see a healthcare provider right away. Be honest about your current and past sexual practices so that your provider can best treat you and prevent recurrence of BV. You may want to avoid sex for 24 hours before seeing a doctor and wait until he or she recommends resuming sexual activity.

Don’t ignore the symptoms of BV and don’t try to self-treat. Lynn Barclay, president and CEO of the American Sexual Health Association, says, “A key message for women with discharge is not to assume it’s a yeast infection that can be taken care of with over-the-counter remedies. Don’t be shy about having a health care provider help you sort things out to find an effective treatment option.” While seeking medical care is important, Barclay knows it’s not always easy. “Providers and patients alike are often reluctant to discuss BV and we need to make these conversations normal and routine. There’s no stigma around yeast infections or how they develop, for example, and the same should be true with BV.”

For more information about bacterial vaginosis as well as tips for talking to your partner about BV, visit KeepHerAwesome.com. This article and the KeepHerAwesome.com website are resources provided by Lupin Pharmaceuticals.


[1] Bilardi JE, Walker S, Temple-Smith M, McNair R, Mooney-Somers J, et al. (2013) The Burden of Bacterial Vaginosis: Women’s Experience of the Physical, Emotional, Sexual and Social Impact of Living with Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis. PLoS ONE 8(9): e74378. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074378.

[2] Koumans EH, Sternberg M, Bruce C, McQuillan G, Kendrick J, Sutton M, Markowitz LE. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the United States, 2001-2004; associations with symptoms, sexual behaviors, and reproductive health. Sex Transm Dis. 2007 Nov;34(11):864-9.

[3] Bacterial Vaginosis Survey – Patients & Healthcare Professionals, Harris Insights & Analytics. Survey conducted September 14-29, 2017.

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm. Accessed June 20, 2019.

[5] Lewis FM, Bernstein KT, Aral SO. Vaginal microbiome and its relationship to behavior, sexual health, and sexually transmitted diseases. Obstet Gynecol. 2017(4);129:643-654. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001932.

[6] Kumar N, Behera B, Sagiri SS, Pal K, Ray SS, Roy S. Bacterial vaginosis: etiology and modalities of treatment—a brief note. J Pharm Bioallied Sci.2011;3(4):496-503. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.90102.

[7] Mayo Clinic. Bacterial vaginosis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279. Accessed June 20, 2019.


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3 reasons why a bank account is important to financial health

2019-08-30T13:06:22

(BPT) – A bank account is the start to truly be in charge of your finances. If you’ve never had a bank account before, or you’ve struggled with keeping one in the past, you have options.

Here are three reasons why having a bank account is so important:

Saving on fees

When you get a check, is it a pain to cash it? Whether the money is from a relative or an employer, if you don’t have a bank account, you probably have to take extra steps and pay fees to cash it. With a bank account, you can easily cash your check without the extra fees and can even take advantage of direct and mobile deposit, so your check automatically goes into your account without having to visit a branch. It’s not only convenient, but you’ll save money because you won’t have fees stacking up with each check when you get paid. That can amount to hundreds of dollars per year!

Paying bills

Another issue people without bank accounts face is how to pay their bills. It’s difficult and even risky to carry around large amounts of cash for things like rent, groceries and child care. In addition, electronic and digital payments are increasingly preferred by many, and are a more secure alternative to paying with cash.

A bank account that has a debit card allows you to easily pay your bills virtually anywhere at any time. Setting up rent or your utilities bill to be automatically paid electronically at the start of the month helps you eliminate costly late fees. Pay in one swipe at the store for easy and fast checkout.

Staying on budget

Overspending can often trigger overdraft fees. However, some accounts do not charge overdraft fees. These accounts make it easier to stick to your budget and avoid overspending altogether.

One example to consider is Chase Secure Banking, a simple and low-cost alternative to a standard checking account. With no minimum deposit to open and no paper checks, the account is designed to ensure you only spend what’s available, so you’ll never be charged overdraft fees. No more worries about if a check will go through or bounce. You only spend what you have, making staying on budget simple.

Chase Secure Banking comes with all the benefits and perks of being a Chase customer, like fast access to thousands of fee-free ATMs, the mobile app, the ability to send and receive money and support from bankers in person or over the phone. Learn more at www.chase.com/SecureBanking.

Bottom line

Getting a bank account can help you gain money confidence and take more control of what you earn and spend. You can use your money like you want to, without extra steps, hassles or unnecessary fees. Take control of your finances and consider your options today.


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High-protein options: Tips for choosing the best beef

2019-08-30T13:22:49

(BPT) – You know protein is essential to a balanced diet and maintaining energy and many products are now boasting protein content, but do you know what foods are healthful high sources of protein? And do you know how much protein you really need?

How much protein do you need?

With 18 grams of protein per serving, beef is high in protein, easy to prepare and can support a healthy diet. However, only 62% of American beef consumers consider ground beef to be high in protein and just 70% of them consider beef cuts to be high in protein, according to a recent consumer study conducted by Cargill.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate site outlines the amount of protein in various sources. Common portions of beef, such as a small steak or lean hamburger, have more protein than most other options in the food group, like pork, chicken, nuts, seeds, beans and peas.

According to the USDA Dietary Reference, people should be consuming about 0.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight as part of a balanced diet. So, someone who weighs 150 pounds needs 60 grams of protein each day.

Why is it important to achieve a substantial daily consumption of protein? Protein helps repair cells, boosts energy and keeps us satiated longer. It sustains you through a long work day, boosts your stamina for exercise and ensures you don’t get hungry again soon after eating a meal.

People are also increasingly interested in consuming more healthy fats with their protein. Beef is packed with Omega-3 healthy fats that help prevent the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. In addition to the nutritional value and protein content, this cost-effective option delivers flavor, convenience and cooking versatility.

How to choose the right beef

Even consumers who regularly buy beef struggle with selecting the best cuts for their purpose, and many of them lack an understanding of how to use the USDA grading system as a guide when purchasing beef.

At the grocery store, consumers should look for the USDA grades on packaging. Choosing USDA Select grade beef offers a leaner protein source with slight amounts of fat and marbling. For a high-quality cut of meat for a special occasion, a Prime cut of beef offers abundant marbling and flavor, but it is not considered lean. The Choice grade of beef offers moderate marbling and flavor and is a little less lean than Select cuts.

When choosing ground beef, each cut is an excellent source or protein and is similar in flavor and tenderness, but varies in fat content:

  • Ground beef — 73% lean, 27% fat
  • Ground chuck — 80% lean, 20% fat
  • Ground sirloin — 85% lean, 15% fat
  • Ground round — 90% lean, 10% fat

Among the five food groups, protein provides consumers with nutritional benefits and the affordability of beef makes it a clear-cut selection as part of a balanced diet.


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3 Tips for how to change the way you see Polycythemia Vera (PV) – a rare blood cancer

2019-08-30T08:31:00

(BPT) – When you’re living with a rare, chronic blood cancer like polycythemia vera, or PV, you might look good on the outside even when you don’t feel good on the inside. That’s because for some people with PV, their symptoms may not be visible to others, despite having a serious impact on their lives.

This is the case with Julie, who has been living with PV for over 15 years and says that people often don’t understand how much the disease impacts her daily life because her symptoms aren’t visible.

“On the outside, people think I look great and have even questioned why I’m in a cancer center,” said Julie. “They don’t see that I’m often dealing with fatigue, bone pain and itching, among other symptoms, which can make navigating daily life extremely challenging.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with PV, you may be aware that it is a progressive disease — meaning that symptoms can worsen over time. Being able to recognize and carefully track your symptoms can be essential to getting the care you need. It can change the way you see PV.

1. Take a closer look at PV symptoms

In PV, the body creates too many blood cells, which can lead to thicker blood, reduced blood flow and an increased risk of blood clots and other serious complications. This may also cause people to experience troubling symptoms such as headaches or “brain fog.”

PV can also cause the spleen to grow and enlarge, which can lead to symptoms of feeling full when you haven’t eaten (or have eaten very little) and abdominal pain and discomfort. Other PV symptoms include fatigue, itching and night sweats, which can occur due to an overproduction of certain proteins that cause inflammation.

Every person with PV is unique and may experience different symptoms, making it even more critical that you talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing.

2. Watch for signs that your PV may be changing

Not only can your PV symptoms become more severe over time, they can also change so slowly that you might not even notice them; however, changes in the frequency or severity of your symptoms can be a sign of disease progression.

If you’re living with PV, it’s important for you to track and monitor your blood counts and discuss any new or changing symptoms with your doctor. Registering for this tool at www.voicesofmpn.com/mpn-tracker-tools.aspx can make it easier for you to track your symptoms, and may reveal insights about your condition that can help ensure you have informed and productive conversations with your doctor.

3. Have the right discussions with your doctor

When you have a chronic condition like PV, it is vital to play an active role in your care.

“Having the ‘right’ discussions with your doctor may not always be easy, but coming prepared with questions and having productive conversations has been essential in getting the care I need,” Julie explains.

Ahead of your next appointment, download and complete this discussion guide at www.voicesofmpn.com/pdf/polycythemia-vera-discussion-guide.pdf to help guide the discussion with your doctor and ensure you’re asking the right questions. You can also visit VoicesofMPN.com for more information about PV so that you are better equipped to discuss how your disease may be affecting you with your doctor.

© 2019, Incyte Corporation. MAT-HEM-01127 08/19


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Preparing for disaster: 9 things you can do now

2019-08-30T00:01:00

(BPT) – Are you prepared if a disaster were to hit? If you aren’t, making sure to prioritize this initiative for you and your family is smart. Disasters don’t plan ahead, but you can.

Here are nine things you can do now to ensure you are prepared:

  1. Sign up for alerts and warnings. Utilizing your mobile device or computer, you are able to download weather apps that alert you each time there is an emergency in your area.
  2. Build a personal and family plan. Communicate with your family the importance of a plan in the case of a disaster. Ready.gov has a template for you to get started, such as, practicing family drills (how to escape your home if there was a fire) and establishing a reunification point (where to meet up if you get separated).
  3. Touch base with neighbors. Involve your close neighbors in your family and disaster plan. Discuss the skills you may have that would help in an emergency and help one another by sharing resources and ways you can support each other.
  4. Gather supplies, also known as a go-bag, which has emergency items that could potentially save your life in an emergency.
  5. Safeguard documents. Ensure that all important and critical documents are kept safe in a waterproof and fire prevention safe. Scan or take pictures of important documents and email them to yourself for safekeeping in an email folder or in a cloud account. Documents such as your Social Security card, driver’s license, medical insurance card, homeowners or rental insurance policy should be put away for safety.
  6. Participate in a preparedness class. FEMA has disaster preparation courses that are available online and in a location near you. Visit the FEMA website to find more information on these courses.
  7. Check your insurance policy. Review your coverage and talk to your insurance provider if you have any questions beforehand.
  8. Make sure your property is safe. Check your property for any improvements that can be made to reduce potential injury or property damage. Ensure all outdoor furniture is moved to a safe area and that you take the proper precautions based on the type of weather.
  9. Be aware of fraud. Unfortunately, there are fraudsters taking advantage of disasters to prey on those in need. Some of the most common approaches include rehab scams, FEMA support scams or an increase in phishing emails. Stay aware and check out FEMA’s website for more information.

For more on ways you can prepare visit USAA.com/help.


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Active aging: 5 important questions to ask to help prevent falls

2019-08-29T11:29:00

(BPT) – Despite the common belief, falls are not a normal part of aging, and they are largely preventable. In fact, the best way to prevent falls is with a proactive, team approach.

Be empowered and engage your health care professionals, community providers and family by asking these five important questions recommended by the National Council on Aging.

1. What are my chances of falling?

When you visit your doctor, you likely bring up concerns about how your body feels physically. Be sure to also ask about your risk of falling — especially if you have fallen, have a fear of falling or are unsteady on your feet. By asking your doctor to assess your risk, you’ll learn more about what you can do to prevent an injury. These can include physical activity, medications and proper footwear. A doctor can help you understand any concerns and provide helpful advice.

2. What home updates can I make to help prevent falls?

Most falls happen at home, but there are simple changes you can make to reduce your risk. Increase lighting in dark locations, particularly at the top and bottom of stairs, bathrooms and walkways from the bedroom to the bathroom. For stairs, install a railing on both sides for balance. Many falls occur in bathrooms, so install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. For even greater safety, consider using a shower chair and hand­held shower. Ask family or friends to assist with home modifications or consult with an occupational therapist who can do a home safety assessment. NCOA provides 18 steps to fall-proofing your home.

3. Do the medications I take impact my likelihood to fall?

The next time you pick up your medicines, take time to discuss the possible side effects with your pharmacist. Ask which ones might increase your risk of falling and what you can do to prevent accidents. Side effects to look for include dizziness, drowsiness, blurry vision and even confusion. Keep in mind, it’s not just prescription medications that can impact your fall risk. Other medicines, such as over-the-counter sleep aids, can make you drowsy or dizzy during the day, which can increase your likelihood of a fall. Keep a record of your medications and take the list with you when you visit your doctors and pharmacist.

4. When was my last eye checkup?

Your vision is essential to keeping your balance and preventing falls. That’s why it’s important to have your eyes checked every year. If you wear glasses, remember that tint-changing lenses can be hazardous when going from bright sun into darkened buildings. A simple strategy is to change glasses upon entry or stop until your lenses adjust. Bifocals also can be problematic on stairs, so it’s important to be cautious. Eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma can increase risk for falling, too. Talk with your eye doctor about these concerns.

5. How can I improve my balance and strength?

Ask your family physician about exercise programs that can help you build stability, strength and flexibility. While some exercises can be done at home, consider signing up for a local program. Joining an exercise group is a lot of fun and a great way to meet new friends. Some exercise programs, like Tai Chi and EnhanceFitness, have been shown to improve balance and strength and reduce falls. Contact your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging for more information.

September is a great time to make a plan to prevent falls. Every year on the first day of fall — this year, Monday, Sept. 23 — NCOA leads Falls Prevention Awareness Day to spread the word about staying safe. This year, Centene Corporation serves as the national sponsor of the event. To see what’s happening in your community, contact your state falls prevention coalition.

By being proactive, you can reduce your risk of falling and maintain your independence now and in the future. Learn more at www.ncoa.org/FallsTips.


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3 ways to refresh your household routine at back-to-school time

2019-08-29T13:01:00

(BPT) – Each year as summer ends, teachers, parents and students alike all begin their back-to-school preparations. Fall is a great time to start fresh, establish new and better routines, and to set family schedules that fit both your needs and the needs of your growing kids.

Below are 3 tips to help get your family geared up for a successful school year.

1. Post a central calendar

You may be using mostly digital calendars to keep track of your work and personal appointments, but having a physical, centrally located calendar in your home is helpful to show what to expect on a daily basis. It will not only help keep everyone organized, but it also allows kids to add items.

Find a visible area, like your refrigerator or kitchen wall, to post a large, easy-to-use calendar that uses erasable markers for easy edits. Then, show your kids how to post things like field trips, sports or band practice, appointments and even fun things like birthday parties and holidays. You can also make a spot to post the school-day schedule, too, so it’s clear when everyone needs to wake up, get dressed, do homework and all the important tools for a successful day.

For very young children, use pictures to represent calendar items along with words for a great early literacy tool. Even if you’ve never used this type of calendar before, fall is the perfect time to start.

2. Set a chore schedule

Whether you use a “chore wheel” or just assign chores to each family member, if a chore schedule is clear and in writing, everyone is more likely to follow it. While chores can be assigned to anyone in the home, just remember to find age-appropriate tasks and make sure to demonstrate how to complete them correctly. Most kids are able to do some household chores at any age, even if it’s just tidying up their room, feeding a pet or helping out with laundry.

While manual chores like washing dishes most immediately come to mind, having the right appliances to complete some tasks are essential. For example, LG Electronics offers front load washer models with TurboWash 360 Technology, which uses five powerful jets that help detergent penetrate deep into fabrics for a complete clean in under 30 minutes. This makes laundry a much easier task, especially if your kids have sports uniforms with grass and dirt stains that need to be cleaned quickly for the next day’s game or practice. These units are also compatible with the LG SideKick pedestal washer that can wash smaller loads at the same time or independently.

For even more convenience, if you need to check on laundry or get it started while on the go, you can use the LG SmartThinQ mobile app to start up a load, check on laundry status or be notified when clothes are clean.

3. Plan for each day the night before

Set aside time right after dinner to plan ahead for the next day. This may seem like a tough task to carve out time for, but it helps save time down the line. Have kids check for permission slips or other important school information, make lunches and set out the next day’s clean clothes before it’s too late to throw in an extra load if needed.

Check for unfinished homework or upcoming projects that need a little more planning or supplies to get done. If you make this “next day check” into a daily routine, your kids will eventually start doing it without the need to prompt them.

You’ve probably heard that kids need and appreciate structure in their day, but if it’s been tough to set up a routine before, don’t worry — each school year provides a new beginning, a fresh start to improve the way everyone gets through the day and takes care of what needs to be done.

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