Month: February 2021

2021-02-17T13:17:01

(BPT) – As we move away from a year unlike any other, Americans have developed a newfound tolerance for uncertainty—and the need to prepare for it. The start of a new year is a time for resolutions, especially financial ones. As part of this process, it is essential to review your insurance coverage across the board—from health insurance, to life insurance, and other related products.

The number of available options can make the process opaque: premiums, deductibles, and coverage levels all play a role in decision making. Consumers need to know what to look for and assess what new products could enhance their existing coverage and make their finances more secure throughout 2021 and beyond.

This doesn’t need to be a painful process, and AARP members have access to a variety resources and benefits that can help. Options from AARP^® Annuity Marketplace powered by Blueprint Income can provide you with an online marketplace of annuities that offer a guaranteed return or income from highly-rated insurers. These tools can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re getting access to a number of available options before you make crucial insurance decisions.

Below are some key considerations when reviewing insurance coverage and policies in a variety of areas for the New Year.

Homeowners Insurance

Home ownership is on the rise in the United States, and with it the need for tailored homeowner’s insurance. To get the best deal, consumers need to assess policy coverage level, flexibility, and price before they commit, particularly as a premium can change from year to year. The AARP^® Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford offers members customized solutions to both owners and renters so they can protect their homes and property at a price that fits their budget.

Heading into 2021, make sure your policy covers your unique needs. If you own a mobile home, for example, explore your options with the AARP^® Mobile Home Insurance Program from Foremost^®, which offers AARP members specialized protection designed for nearly every type of mobile and manufactured home. Specialized insurance policies from Foremost are designed to complement your lifestyle so you can find the best fit for you.

Auto Insurance

The current environment has led to an increase in car sales, both new and used, and auto insurance options are expected to become even more numerous in 2021. Look for plans that offer multiple ways to lower your costs while still providing quality coverage and great service.

If you’re a safe and experienced driver, you could save hundreds on car insurance with the AARP^® Auto Insurance Program From The Hartford. Ask about additional benefits that can help you reduce out-of-pocket expenses if you do get into an accident, such as first accident forgiveness, a disappearing deductible, or a new car replacement benefit.

Motorcycle owners can also explore their insurance options with The AARP^® Motorcycle Insurance Program from Foremost^®. It offers members discounts and specialized coverage for their bike, equipment and safety apparel, plus roadside assistance specific for motorcycles.

Life Insurance

Many consumers are looking for added peace of mind to ensure those they are closest to are properly taken care of. But, they don’t know where to start in assessing their life insurance needs.

Valuable coverage is available through the AARP Life Insurance Program from New York Life. The program offers AARP members level benefit term life as well as permanent life insurance. No medical exam is required, just health information.

Annuities

Another great resource for AARP members is a retirement product offered through Blueprint Income. AARP^® Annuity Marketplace powered by Blueprint Income is an online marketplace of annuities that offer guaranteed return or income from highly-rated insurers. These products can give you peace of mind in retirement, and shopping in a marketplace enables you to compare a number of available options before you make crucial insurance decisions.

As we have now entered a new year, savvy consumers are reviewing all available options and making sure they get the best options that secure all aspects of their lives, particularly given the uncertainty that has continued into 2021. The best coverage takes into account the needs of Americans who are 50 plus and makes the policy fit around you, not the other way around. Consider reviewing if you have any insurance-related concerns on your 2021 checklist.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers. For more information, please visit https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/campaigns/finance/.

2021-02-16T15:51:00

(BPT) – “You are what you eat” is a phrase you probably heard growing up, and while it’s a broad statement, the overall sentiment holds true: The foods you ingest have the ability to support or detract from your overall health. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to completely overhaul your nutrition. You can make a positive impact to your wellness with some easy updates to how you eat and prepare foods.

Step 1: Wash up every time

Before preparing any food make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds — approximately the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Or, go for a line from Queen three times: “We will, we will rock you (rock you).” What’s more, if you’re preparing any fresh produce, make sure it’s been rinsed and washed appropriately. Washing hands and fresh foods helps eliminate dirt, bacteria and germs. That way what you eat is fueling your body with nutrients rather than potentially challenging your immune system.

Step 2: Make healthful food swaps

“The foods we eat fuel our bodies and can support the immune system, so it’s more important than ever to make healthful, wholesome choices,” says Dr. John La Puma, co-founder of ChefMD. “Consider making simple swaps to your everyday diet that will help you prioritize overall wellness and a strong immune system.” For example, Dr. La Puma recommends the following:

* Instead of buying bread or processed snack items, look for whole nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds to boost your fiber and zinc intake.
* Instead of using only salt to season foods, experiment with dried or fresh herbs or even citrus juice and zest from a lemon or orange.
* If you want to sweeten your tea or coffee, try a touch of honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
* Choose heart-healthy oils when needed in recipes, such as extra virgin olive oil.
* Use half the sugar called for in most baking recipes — most are overly sweet.

Dr. La Puma says not to overthink it — something as seemingly simple as the eggs you choose can make a big difference, too. He suggests Eggland’s Best eggs, because compared to ordinary eggs, EB contains more than double the omega-3s and vitamin B12, 10 times more vitamin E and six times more vitamin D. Vitamin B12 is vital to immune cell function and response, and vitamin D helps support a healthy immune system by fighting off harmful bacteria.

Step 3: Drink up with healthy hydration

Nutrients are delivered throughout your body through your bloodstream. Blood is made mostly of water, which is one of the reasons why proper hydration is key for overall wellness and a strong immune system. It can be easy to forget to drink up throughout the day, so try to make a habit of keeping a glass of water nearby as a visual reminder.

Bored with plain water? Don’t be tempted by sugary drinks. Add in some healthy flavor by tossing in some sliced orange, lemon, lime, apple, cucumber or a few berries for a customized drink that is healthy and hydrating. The more frequently you drink water or water-based drinks the less your mind will crave soda and other sugar-packed alternatives.

Step 4: Try new recipes

Trying new recipes keeps healthy eating fresh and interesting, so this is the time to deploy your culinary skills and incorporate new recipes into your meal planning. Need inspiration? Check out this delicious recipe created by Dr. La Puma, packed with nutritious ingredients that support a healthy immune system:

Shiitake Mushroom & Red Bell Pepper Frittata with Smoked Salmon

Ingredients

6 large Eggland’s Best eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 ounces shiitake mushrooms stems minced fine, caps sliced 1/4” wide

6 ounces red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

3 tablespoons milk, preferably almond or oat milk

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, divided

¹/₄ teaspoon salt

¹/₄ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces smoked salmon, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

Instructions

Heat a 10-inch skillet with sloped sides over medium heat. Add olive oil; after 30 seconds, add mushroom caps and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preheat broiler. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, 1 tablespoon of the thyme, and the salt and pepper. Stir in smoked salmon. Set aside.

Add turmeric and black pepper to the skillet, stirring for a few seconds.

Stop stirring and pour egg mixture into skillet over vegetables; mix well. With a spatula, press vegetables down into an even layer under the egg mixture. Cook without stirring until eggs are set on bottom, about 5 minutes. (Center will be wet.)

Transfer to broiler; broil 4 to 5 inches from heat source 2 minutes or until eggs are set. Cut into wedges. Drop on spoonfuls of yogurt and sprinkle remaining one tablespoon thyme over frittata before serving.

For additional recipe inspiration visit www.egglandsbest.com/recipes.

2021-02-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Month serves as an important reminder for people to stay on top of their eye health. AMD is one of the most common causes of vision loss later in life, affecting millions of Americans.

We talked to Dr. David Eichenbaum, an ophthalmologist at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida in Tampa, FL, about what people should know about AMD and ways people can preserve their vision.

Nice to meet you, Dr. Eichenbaum. First off, can you tell us more about what AMD is?

Definitely, thank you for having me here to talk about this very important and timely subject. AMD is a disease that impacts the retina — the part of the eye that gives you sharp, central vision — and it’s a leading cause of blindness in people 60 and over.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. While most people start off with dry AMD, about 10-15% of them progress to wet AMD, which can then lead to more rapid and severe vision loss. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels can form under the retina and leak blood or fluid out, causing swelling and damage.¹

Approximately 11 million Americans have AMD, and about 1.1 million of those are affected by wet AMD.²

What are some of the signs and symptoms of wet AMD to pay attention to?³

In the early stages of AMD, people may not notice any visual symptoms; however, the symptoms and signs of wet AMD conversion can sometimes come on quite suddenly and quickly. That’s why I recommend annual dilated eye exams with your eye doctor or ophthalmologist. Common wet AMD symptoms include sudden blurred vision, blind spots in the middle of the field of vision, difficulty distinguishing colors and edges or lines appearing wavy.

What are the risk factors for developing wet AMD?⁴

The risk for developing AMD tends to increase with age, especially once you’re 60 or older. The risk is also higher for women, as well as people with high blood pressure, or people who smoke or are overweight. There’s also a genetic component, as wet AMD can run in families. People with any one or combination of these risk factors should definitely ask their eye doctor about their likelihood of developing either dry or wet AMD.

How is wet AMD treated?¹

Early detection is the number one thing you can do to prevent vision loss from AMD. It’s important for everyone to visit their ophthalmologist at least once each year for an eye exam. They have tools they can use to keep track of any vision changes you have or problems inside the eye, in order to help preserve your eye health. Establishing a healthy lifestyle — for example, eating well and getting regular exercise — can not only help prevent AMD but a number of other health issues, too. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of AMD. Of course, if you’re noticing any changes in your vision or have any of the symptoms, see your ophthalmologist immediately.

If you do develop wet AMD, there are treatments available that can help prevent vision loss, and in some cases, even restore vision. People with wet AMD should speak to their ophthalmologist to determine what the right treatment option is for them. Again, for all types of AMD, time is of the essence — I highly recommend taking any vision changes seriously and speaking with a professional sooner rather than later.

How has COVID-19 impacted people getting treated for wet AMD?

It has definitely been more challenging. The current standard of care for wet AMD requires doctor visits for monitoring and treatment as often as every month, which has been difficult for patients during the pandemic. While safety concerns are certainly understandable, it’s still very important for patients with wet AMD to maintain appointments with their ophthalmologists when possible in order to preserve their vision.

It’s important to note that physicians are taking safety precautions very seriously for necessary in-person eye appointments. There are also remote telehealth appointment options for some conditions. Patients should speak with their ophthalmologists about express or online services and ask them what their safety procedures are for in-office visits if they have any hesitations about going to important checkups.

Where should people go for more information on wet AMD?

For more information on wet AMD, I encourage my patients to visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart website, www.geteyesmart.org.

1 National Eye Institute. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration. Accessed January 13, 2021.

2 BrightFocus Foundation. Macular Degeneration Prevention and Risk Factors. Available at: http://www.brightfocus.org/macular/prevention-and-risk-factors. Accessed January 13, 2021.

3 National Eye Institute. Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration. Accessed January 13, 2021.

4 BrightFocus Foundation. Macular Degeneration Prevention and Risk Factors. Available at: http://www.brightfocus.org/macular/prevention-and-risk-factors. Accessed January 13, 2021.

2021-02-16T13:11:00

(BPT) – As social distance practicing extends through the winter, children are spending more time indoors, where they could be spending extra time locked in on their gaming systems and personal devices.

According to market research by NPD, video game sales approached $1.6 billion in March 2020, the start of the COVID-19 restrictions. That reflects a 35% year-over-year increase, which points to gaming becoming a go-to solution to pass the extra time at home.

It’s important to understand how extensive playing can take its toll on the body. For example, you may have heard of gamer’s thumb. This occurs when rapid, repetitive thumb movements on a controller lead to pain in the hands and wrist. For that reason, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is addressing common hand and wrist injuries as part of its “Prevent Injuries, America!” campaign.

“Gamer’s thumb, also known as Dequervain’s tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and a sensation of pain with thumb and wrist motion,” says AAOS spokesperson and orthopaedic hand surgeon Julie Adams, MD, FAAOS. “Symptoms may show up after extensive use of the hand and wrist, and patients may have swelling or a tender lump at the thumb side of the wrist. Another condition, trigger finger, involves a catching, popping or locking sensation with finger movement accompanied by pain or a tender spot in the palm.”

To steer clear of gamer’s thumb and other injuries that come from hours of sitting and slouching, orthopaedic surgeons with AAOS offer the following safety tips.

Take a break: Setting and enforcing screen time limits is a smart first step. To make this transition easier, help your child come up with a list of other things they can do during their free time. Encourage them to pursue other interests and hobbies, whether it’s perfecting their jump shot or reading an interesting book. Think of things you can do as a family, like preparing a meal together, playing games or letting them help you plan this summer’s garden.

Promote good posture: Slouching on the couch feels relaxing, but in the long run, it can cause aches and pains in the back, neck and arms. During game time, remind your child to keep their back in a normal, slightly arched posture. Even better, provide a chair that supports the lower back and keeps the head and shoulders erect.

Get active: At a time when sports and physical education classes are curtailed or limited, it’s important to encourage kids to find activities that get them moving. It is also important to exercise the upper body and core. Strengthening these areas can reduce lower backaches and take the strain off the smaller muscles of the hand and arm. Make time for getting outside and contact your child’s coach or physical education teacher for ideas and resources for exercising at home.

When in pain, quit the game: When your child or teen complains of pain in the thumb or hand, it’s time to put down the device and the game controller to avoid further aggravation of the tendons. Try having them wear a splint at night. This can keep the affected thumb or finger in a straight position and prevent further injury.

Kids and teens are not too young to experience repetitive strain injuries in the hand. Now that you know the importance of pain prevention, read up on causes and treatment at orthoinfo.org.

2021-02-13T08:01:01

(BPT) – Higher education has become synonymous with debt. The Federal Reserve reported more than $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loans as of Q4 2020 while nearly $120 billion in student loans were in default, according to Statista. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or returning as an adult student, nobody wants to graduate owing more than they can afford to repay — and run the risk of becoming yet another cautionary tale.

Instead, you’re forced to make sacrifices to make college happen. You opt for a less expensive school that offers you the best possible financial aid package, even though it might not be your top choice. You may eventually abandon your dream career in favor of a more lucrative course of study. Maybe you even decide college isn’t worth it.

Don’t give up just yet. There’s a program that can give you the freedom to invest in yourself.

Help with repaying student loans

To help students and their parents overcome both the fear and burden of student loan debt, Ardeo Education Solutions has collaborated with over 200 colleges and universities nationwide to offer students the protection of its Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), at no cost to the student. LRAP awards can help you and your family repay your student loans after graduation. LRAPs have been providing a financial safety net to students for more than 30 years, with over 20,000 students covered by Ardeo’s program.

The program makes college possible for students across the country and helps the schools offering it improve access to education on their campus.

“LRAP awards provide students with peace of mind by reassuring them that debt won’t hold them back after graduation,” said Josh David, Vice President of Student Service, Ardeo Education Solutions. “Our financial safety net is especially impactful for students who pursue service-oriented careers, such as working for a nonprofit, which positively impact society but don’t typically provide a large paycheck.”

How LRAPs work

A growing number of colleges and universities nationwide are using LRAPs to reinforce their commitment to improve access to higher education, student success and graduate outcomes. By committing their own resources, these colleges and universities are putting their own “skin in the game” to ensure their students have successful outcomes. LRAPs cover federal student, private alternative and parent PLUS loans. Students must graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the school where they received their LRAP Award.

If your income is modest — typically less than $45,000-$50,000 — an LRAP will help you and your family repay your loans until your income exceeds the threshold or the loans are paid off entirely.

LRAPs provide 3 primary benefits to students:

• School choice: Students can attend their preferred college or university, because they are able to focus less on cost and more on the value of their education.
• Graduation rate: Students covered by an LRAP may be more likely to graduate, because they know they’ll have help repaying loans once they do.
• Career path: Thanks to having an LRAP, students feel empowered to follow their dreams. With an LRAP to help when they graduate, they can follow their passions rather than a paycheck.

Assistance for parents

For parents who take out parent PLUS loans or for co-signers of student loans, an LRAP will help repay those loans based solely on the graduate’s income, not yours.

Want to learn more? Talk to your admissions office or financial aid counselor to find out if an LRAP is an option for you.