Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-06-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – As you approach the Medicare golden age of 65, the pressure to choose the right Medicare coverage is a real concern. So many things to keep in mind when choosing a plan. Will your doctors take it? Are your prescriptions covered? What will the copays be? It’s enough to make you want to scream!

We asked five top Medicare insurance agents at ClearMatch™ Medicare which mistakes their new-to-Medicare clients may have made … if they didn’t intervene.

1. My family member/friend told me their plan is the best plan.

“Don’t enroll in a plan because your friend or family member says that they have the plan, and it is the best plan. The plan may work tremendously for that individual who recommended it, but it may not meet what you are looking for,” says licensed Medicare agent Lawrence Yi. He’s been selling Medicare plans at ClearMatch Medicare since early 2020 and relates that no two people’s needs are alike. You need to shop and compare different plans to find the plan that is right for you — not your friend.

2. I don’t need to sign up for a Part D prescription plan.

“I always tell my clients they must get a separate plan for prescription drugs. Original Medicare does not cover drugs,” says Malba Wynn, licensed Medicare insurance agent with ClearMatch Medicare for over eight years. And while enrollment in a Part D plan is not required, you will face a penalty for the amount of time you went without prescription drug coverage for the rest of your life. So, long story short — you must enroll in a Part D prescription plan when you become eligible.

3. I’m not retiring yet, so I’ll stay in my employer plan.

“You should always do a comparison of your group coverage and Medicare,” Iris Nelson advises. Nelson knows all about Medicare plans and has been a licensed insurance agent at ClearMatch Medicare for over five years. “About 70% of the time, Original Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement plan can provide more coverage at a lower cost than what you have through your employer. ” In this economic climate, not everyone can afford to retire at 65. But staying on your employer plan can cost you more in the long run.

4. Not knowing about a plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.

“When enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, be aware of the maximum out-of-pocket for the plan. That is the most you will pay in copays for hospital and medical expenses for the year,” notes Marcy LePage, ClearMatch Medicare licensed insurance agent for over 4 years. “It’s important that you know the max money you will pay if you are having a bad health year.” For example, if a plan’s out-of-pocket maximum is $6,000, you will need to spend that much in copays, deductibles and coinsurance for covered services before the plan pays 100% for costs for covered benefits. Just a side note: there is no maximum out-of-pocket with Original Medicare.

5. I can find a Medicare plan without anyone’s help.

“Many people try to learn Medicare on their own, which is great. But you should go over all your Medicare options with a licensed agent whose expertise is in Medicare,” says Joellen Ampagoomian, licensed Medicare agent at ClearMatch Medicare for eight years. “There are so many types of Medicare coverage: Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, drug plans, dental, cancer, etc. Not all plans are made for everyone. It’s important to know all of your options when you are first enrolling, since your flexibility to make changes in the future may be limited.”

If you are new to Medicare, or just want to speak to someone about your Medicare options, the caring and knowledgeable agents at ClearMatch Medicare are licensed to sell plans from most of the top carriers in the U.S. Give them a call toll-free 1-888-921-1288/TTY: 711, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (EST). You can also visit www.clearmatchmedicare.com 24/7 and compare plans online.

2023-06-05T15:01:42

(BPT) – Most people know that fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet, but they may not know exactly how many, and the amounts, they should be eating daily. Some may believe they are on the right track but are surprised to learn they are underestimating the amount needed to meet nutrition recommendations.

A survey conducted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) confirms that Americans are largely underestimating how many fruits and vegetables they need to eat each day. Consumers surveyed estimate the daily number of recommended servings to be 3-4, short of the actual recommended 5 servings per day defined by the World Health Organization.

According to experts at IFPA’s Foundation for Fresh Produce’s fruitsandveggies.org, incorrect information online and during the shopping experience contributes to Americans’ confusion over what, and how much, they are supposed to eat. Products across the marketplace can be marketed to make food and beverages appear more healthful than they are by depicting images of fruits and vegetables despite containing no or minimal amounts of them.

“Consumers constantly face an overwhelming amount of information online and in stores, whether the information is correct or not,” said Emily Holdorf, a registered dietitian at the foundation. “When people hear conflicting messages of ‘eat this’ and ‘don’t eat that,’ they become understandably frustrated. By instead sharing a more inclusive approach to eating nutritious foods, consumers will feel empowered to choose fruits and vegetables at more meals and snacks throughout the day.”

IFPA and the foundation are working with the fresh produce industry and influential nutrition educators to help eliminate all barriers to consumption, including tackling misinformation.

“We are dedicated to finding solutions that make accurate nutrition recommendations easily accessible no matter what zip code an American resides in,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “We are exploring initiatives like providing dietary guidelines to shoppers in the store and asking the government to crack down on deceptive nutrition labeling. These are places where we can make a real impact on how consumers think about their own nutrition and ultimately achieve a positive change at kitchen tables across America.”

According to WHO, eating the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet improves overall health and reduces risk of certain diseases including cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

Many fruits and vegetables are plentiful in soluble fiber, which can lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

Even the colors of fruits and vegetables play a key role in health. The variety of colors within produce are known as “phytochemicals” that have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

“Diet-related diseases including heart disease, diabetes and hypertension add $1.4 trillion to the nation’s debt to treat annually, yet even with more than a trillion dollars going toward treatment, these diseases are still among the leading causes of death in the U.S.,” said Burns. “Fortunately, each of these can be prevented by having a healthier diet.”

Here are three tips for getting started:

1. Start small – Don’t bite off more than you can chew with an extremely aspirational goal. Stir fruit into cereal or yogurt, add bagged salad to pizza night, top sandwiches with extra veggies, throw greens into your favorite pasta dish. Small wins build momentum and positive habits.
2. Make it easy – Cut and prep fruits and vegetables up right away so they are quick to grab. Keep all forms of produce on hand for low- and no-cook ways to add fruits and vegetables to the meals and snacks you already have planned. The easier it is, the more likely it will get eaten.
3. Focus on the flavor – When something makes you feel good, you want to do it again. When something tastes good, you want to eat it again. Utilize dips, herbs, spices and juices to add flavor and enjoyment to fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring!

“There are countless eating occasions that occur throughout our days, weeks, months. Asking, ‘What fruit or veggie can I add to this?’ is a great first step to adding more, one bite at a time,” said Holdorf.

2023-06-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – For millions of Americans, finding the right gift for Father’s Day is really hard. Especially if your Dad loves fishing — what do you get for a guy who seems to own every fishing lure under the sun?

Well, the fishing folks at Rapala lures understand this dilemma all too well. So, they’ve combined their shared wisdom to offer some ideas that kids and grandkids of all ages can use to make this the best Father’s Day ever.

1. Ask your dad for advice – Dads love to be asked for advice. For example, ask your fish-loving dad his advice for the best bass-catchin’ fishing lures, or what type of presentation you should use for mid-summer walleyes.

2. Take your dad fishing – Dads always have to ask their kids or grandkids whether they’d like to go fishing. This Father’s Day, turn the tables on Dad. Ask him to go fishing and plan the entire day.

3. Surprise him with a gift he really wants – Necktie? Coffee mug? Forget about it. Get Dad what he really wants such as a really well-made fishing lure, like an OG Rocco 5 crankbait, designed by Ott DeFoe, one of the nation’s top pro bass anglers, and a handmade card. You got this.

4. Get on the water – Spending time on the water fishing with Dad is quality time. Don’t own a boat? No worries. You can rent a boat. Borrow a friend’s canoe. Buy or rent a couple of kayaks. Or head to the nearest beach, river or stream and cast a line out from a pier or shore.

5. Post a selfie with your dad – This Father’s Day, show how proud you are of your dad by taking a selfie of you fishing with him and post it on one of your social media pages. When you take a photo, make sure he holds his big catch out to make his catch look as big as possible in the photo.

6. Learn a new skill – Dads love it when you learn a practical skill that you can use for a lifetime, such as learning to back a trailer or boat up or replacing old fishing line with newer fishing line on his favorite fishing reels.

7. Look out for your dad when he doesn’t know how to look out for himself – Dads think they know a lot, but they often have a blind spot for taking care of themselves. Case in point — wearing protective clothing when they’re outside in the sun. Get your dad a good hat, some cool sunglasses and a protective, long-sleeve shirt with UPF 50+ UV protection.

8. More time fishing, less time organizing – Help Dad catch more fish by helping him reorganize his fishing gear. There are numerous ways to organize gear, starting with the Rapala SmartHub System, that allows anglers to better organize their fishing gear in the boat, in the garage or basement and in an ice fishing house.

9. Laugh at his dad jokes – Spending time with dear ol’ Dad means listening to his dad jokes. You might want to bring a couple of fish counters to compare the number of fish caught to the number of jokes told.

10. Teach the next generation – Spending time with Dad on Father’s Day is great, but what will probably bring the biggest smile to his face is bringing along a new angler to the party and allowing Dad to show your kids how to catch fish. Dads love to teach kids how to fish, remove hooks and safely handle fish.

2023-06-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – There’s been a resurgence of interest in supporting local businesses lately as more consumers realize the crucial role these businesses play within their communities — and the valuable personal connections gained from patronizing smaller, sometimes family-owned companies. This is especially true for your neighborhood pet store, where the staff and owners get to know you and your pets, providing a unique level of connection and care for your pet’s health.

Here are the four main reasons to support your local businesses — especially neighborhood pet stores — and what you (and your furry friend) gain in return.

1. Neighborhood pet stores help foster connection

What better place to chat about your pet’s quirks, charms and needs than at your neighborhood pet store? Many pet store owners, staff and shoppers are fellow pet parents, and understand the raw, unadulterated love we all share with our pets, providing a real sense of connection, comradery and mutual support. You can lean on this community to care for your pet like you do, because they know that choosing the best nutritional options for your pets is how you show your furry friends you care.

2. Your neighborhood pet store cares about you

Shopping at your neighborhood pet stores means that the staff can get to know your pet and their unique needs, therefore ensuring you find the exact products to help them thrive. Many neighborhood pet stores are founded by people committed to providing the highest quality products and services for their own pets and are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. They hire and train people who are equally compassionate and educated on the products they carry, as well as the basic welfare of animals, and they make a point of carrying high-quality food and well-crafted pet products.

3. Shopping local for pet food provides great perks and rewards

Shopping local for your pets can reap benefits! For example, when you shop for Stella & Chewy’s high-quality raw and real pet food at participating local pet stores, you can enter their new Petfluencer Contest for the chance to win a year’s supply of Stella & Chewy’s products and have your pet’s picture on billboards across the nation. Entering is easy! From June 5th through July 23rd, pet parents across the U.S. and Canada can visit participating stores nationwide and enter by scanning the in-store QR code to submit a photo of their dog or cat. Four semi-finalists will be selected to receive a special prize pack, and one grand prize winner will receive a photoshoot of their pet to appear on Stella & Chewy’s billboards to celebrate the raw love we share with our pets, plus a year’s supply of Stella & Chewy’s products and more. A longstanding partner to neighborhood pet stores, Stella & Chewy’s is excited to work with them to find their first-ever Petfluencer!

To learn more about Stella & Chewy’s Petfluencer Contest and find a participating local neighborhood pet store, visit StellaAndChewys.com/petfluencer-contest-info.

4. Local stores are committed to your community

Beyond providing jobs for local residents, keeping tax dollars within the community and offering a convenient shopping venue for the area, neighborhood stores have an ongoing interest in the continued well-being and growth of their communities. They often get involved in local events and support area organizations. For example, many neighborhood pet stores help support local animal rescues and shelters by participating in pet food drives, fundraisers, adoption events and more. Because they understand the needs of their communities, they are in a unique position to offer their help. Supporting local businesses also ensures that new products and services will continue to be available to you and your neighbors.

2023-06-02T15:21:00

(BPT) – For many of us, warmer weather means more time outside. It’s also the time invasive species, known as “Hungry Pests,” emerge and attack the trees and crops we depend on. These invasive insects and plant diseases cost our nation about $40 billion each year. If left unchecked, they can devastate agricultural industries, causing job losses, crop scarcity and increased food prices.

Invasive pests are natural hitchhikers. People can unknowingly spread them on items they move, like cars, camping gear and outdoor furniture — or in or on fruit, vegetables, plants and firewood. And while the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is hard at work protecting our natural resources from invasive pests, they need the public’s help to detect new threats early and reduce the spread of hitchhiking pests that are already here.

Luckily, many people are already doing their part. According to a 2021 study published in Conservation Science and Practice journal, at least a quarter of all new invasive pests found were initially reported by members of the public, like homeowners, landscapers and gardeners. Early detection helps prevent damaging pests from becoming established and is critical to protecting America’s natural resources.

You can make all the difference by knowing the risks in your area. A homeowner in Long Island, New York, reported finding Asian longhorned beetles on her property before regulators detected it. Her early detection saved millions of dollars in eradication costs and protected countless trees in her community.

You too can play a role in slowing the spread of damaging pests. Here are a few simple tips:

• Don’t move firewood. Invasive pests can hide in wood. Buy heat-treated firewood or responsibly gather or purchase firewood where you plan to burn it.
• Keep it clean. Check items stored outside for insects and egg masses and remove them before traveling with outdoor items.
• Plant responsibly. Purchase your plants from U.S. sources or learn how to legally import them. Don’t assume the item you find online is legal to purchase and ship to your home. If you buy it online, you are responsible for finding out where the plants and seeds are coming from and importing plants and agricultural products from overseas legally.
• Cooperate with quarantines. Visit HungryPests.com and click on the “Pest Tracker” to learn about federal quarantines that apply to your area. If you live in a quarantine area, don’t move regulated items out of the quarantine area.
• Declare agricultural goods. When traveling abroad, declare agricultural products at the border. You could save an orchard or a forest by declaring your fruit and handicrafts at the border.

By working together, we can make a difference for our ecosystem and our economy. To learn more about invasive pests and what you can do to reduce their spread, visit HungryPests.com.

2023-06-01T17:23:00

(BPT) – By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer of BILL

As a business owner, keeping your finances thriving is critical, especially if you’re looking to do more with less as many small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are. Having your finances in shape can open the door to new markets, products and services, customers, and expanded advertising and hiring.

Staying organized — especially with cashflow records — is one of the best ways to ensure your business continues to succeed. If you want to manage and optimize your finances and ensure your business finances are in good shape, follow these five simple, effective steps.

1. Go paperless

Drowning in paper? Opting out of reconciling credit cards and bank statements on paper and transitioning your accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) to a digital system can easily declutter your finances. By switching your payables and receivables over to a digital system, you’ll virtually eliminate the need for managing everything on paper.

You can save money and time by sending payments with just a few clicks and automating recurring payments. Also, automation can optimize approval and review workflows, and reduce human error and time spent on routine tasks. With smart, AI driven software, getting started can be as easy as taking a picture of your next bill. And it continues to pay off with peace of mind and improved efficiency in the future.

2. Secure and organize financial documents

Without so much paper, you may find it easier to keep all your financial records organized, secure and easily accessible. For example, when customer Mount Tamalpais College adopted BILL, they were able to more easily adapt to hybrid work (physically working on site and virtually), streamline AP and spend far less time shepherding documents for signatures and approvals. If they go through an audit, they’ll have all their important documents stored in one convenient, accessible place.

3. Take a financial inventory

Another helpful step is to take a financial inventory and review your business spending habits. The goal is to gain more comfort and clarity over your finances and to use this information to make more informed financial decisions. This can be even easier if you’re using financial automation software that provides visibility into your cash flow and lets you generate reports. You should review to see if:

• You can cut back or reallocate funds to better align with your goals.
• Your cash flow is consistently challenged, and if you can implement strategies to improve it.
• Your business has any outstanding debt and if you can pay off or consolidate debt.
• You can negotiate vendor contracts for better terms or switch to more cost-effective vendors.

4. Make it easier to pay and get paid

According to a study by PYMNTS, 49% of invoices become overdue. Since getting paid on time is essential to your company’s financial health, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and do a deep clean of your AR.

Use your reporting system to pull up all your unpaid invoices. This will quickly give insights into which clients owe you money and if some regularly take too long to pay. If you use BILL, you can set up auto reminders to let clients know when payments are due or if anything is overdue.

Take control of your cash flow and avoid late payments by making your payment process easier. You can do so by expanding payment options, such as accepting credit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayPal and more, so your clients can have more options to pay you. You can also consider using an online portal to enable customers to pay invoices online and set up autopay and flexible payment plans to improve your cash flow.

5. Set new goals and plan

If you’ve reached your initial business goals, it doesn’t mean you should sit on your laurels. It’s essential to spend a little time planning the future of your business. This could include setting aside funds for future investments, building an emergency fund, preparing for potential market changes, or even succession planning and contributing more to your personal retirement accounts.

By going paperless, organizing your financial documents, doing a thorough financial inventory, reviewing unpaid invoices and planning for the future, you can ensure that your business is on the right path to meet its financial goals and thrive this year and beyond.

Financial automation does not have to be hard, complicated, or reactive. At BILL, we can help take proactive action to you get your business finances in shape by streamlining your AP and AR workflows for better visibility and control of your cash flows. To see how it works, visit Bill.com/Signup to start your risk-free trial.

2023-06-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – High prices continue to be a concern for many Americans, especially when it comes to driving and automotive decisions. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans say that current gas prices — which tend to rise even higher during the summer months — have a major-to-moderate impact on their daily driving habits, according to Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey.

But what can be done about it? While Hankook found that half (49%) of Americans have driven less in the last 30 days due to inflation, that’s not always realistic. Here are a few ways to help ease the effect of high prices, not just on our wallets, but also on our odometers:

1. Find alternate routes.

Some Americans are turning to alternate modes of getting around, such as public transportation. However, the Gauge found that while younger drivers are more inclined to do so (19% of Gen Z and 17% of Millennials have taken public transportation to offset higher prices), older generations are less likely (7% of Gen X and 2% of Boomers). This could be due to any number of factors — location, mobility or simply preference. For those who regularly get behind the wheel, seek out alternate routes that are more direct or have fewer stoplights. This could increase fuel efficiency, and in turn save money at the pump.

2. Be mindful about maintenance.

While financial concerns are high, conducting routine vehicle maintenance can help avoid more costly repairs down the road. Fortunately, most of us aren’t avoiding maintenance appointments. Hankook found 80% of drivers are keeping their routine maintenance appointments despite the increased price of such services.

3. Take note of your tires.

Be sure to consider your tires, too. Maintaining tires with proper inflation and regular rotation can help them last longer, safely. When the time does come to replace them, look at your mileage warranty and see if you qualify for any savings. And when purchasing, consider a tire with low rolling resistance to help with overall fuel efficiency.

4. Hit the road, not the skies.

With the summer travel season upon us, it’s no secret that taking a vacation isn’t always friendly on the wallet. In fact, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) have delayed or canceled travel plans due to inflation and the increased price of travel. However, you don’t have to scrap your summer getaway altogether! In the spirit of seeking alternative routes, consider taking a road trip instead of a flight, which offers more control over cost, not to mention destination.

5. Steer towards savings.

When prices are high, the first thing many do is avoid large purchases. Car buying is a prime example: currently, only 25% of Americans consider themselves very-to-extremely likely to purchase or lease a new vehicle in the next six months. But many large purchases also come with opportunities to save. Whether you’re in the market for a whole new vehicle, or simply need to buy new tires, keep an eye out for rebates, sales, and other opportunities to lower the cost, especially for purchases that are needed now.

There are many ways to minimize the impact of high prices when it comes to your vehicle. Think smarter, not harder, about when and where you’re going, as well as the purchases you need to make to get there.

2023-06-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Meet Amanda, a New Jersey resident and lifelong hockey fan who has a passion for volunteering and advocacy that — almost — parallels her love for the New York Rangers. Much of Amanda’s day-to-day looks like that of other people, but what many don’t know about Amanda is that she has been living with IgA nephropathy, a form of rare kidney disease (RKD), for more than 15 years.

RKD can present with no symptoms or a range of unique symptoms that are not always visible to others. So, while people living with RKD may appear outwardly healthy, young and active, they may be coping daily with the challenges of managing their disease.

Amanda said, “You don’t see my RKD and how it affects me just by looking at me,” and as a result, people often do not realize the different ways her RKD impacts her daily life. Amanda supports others with IgA nephropathy by sharing her own story to educate the public and help create more understanding of what it is like to live with RKD.

Here are two things that people living with RKD face that may be invisible to others:

1. Rare kidney disease intersects with everyday life, but expectation-setting helps with balance

Maintaining a balance between medical needs and life’s other commitments is a juggling act for people living with RKD — and missed workdays, lab visits, special meal planning, dietary restrictions and an ever-changing appointment schedule can present unique challenges.

Even the seemingly simple task of choosing to attend social gatherings and group dinners may require careful consideration. “There have been times I have decided to skip social events because I didn’t want to inconvenience the hosts with my special RKD dietary needs,” said Amanda.

However, Amanda has discovered that finding balance is possible by setting realistic expectations and practicing open communication. “I’ve learned to set clear boundaries in my personal and professional lives to accommodate my RKD. By finding a supportive work environment and being open with my loved ones, I’ve been able to prioritize my health without sacrificing other important areas of my life,” she said.

2. Living with a rare form of a widespread condition can be isolating, but community can be a shining North Star

Due to the low public awareness of rare kidney disease, people living with RKD can face challenges in getting diagnosed and finding support. Furthermore, the significant impact that RKD has on people’s lives is frequently not recognized by others.

Throughout her journey, Amanda has found immense purpose in advocating for herself and others living with RKD. She actively volunteers as a leader for the IgA Nephropathy Foundation supporting people diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. She is also helping bring visibility to rare kidney disease through RKD & Me, a campaign co-created by the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, NephCure, and Travere Therapeutics that aims to drive awareness of rare kidney disease through the real stories of people living with RKD, told through letters written to their younger selves.

Sharing her story with the public and connecting with others in the RKD community has been inspiring for Amanda. “I want people living with RKD and their loved ones to know they are not alone. You are stronger than you’ll ever know,” she said.

If you have rare kidney disease or want to learn more about the experiences of people living with RKD, visit RKDandMe.com or follow #RKDandMe on social media.

2023-06-01T06:01:01

(BPT) – Summer is here and, for many people, it’s a time to kick back, relax and enjoy some much-needed vacation time — and pneumococcal pneumonia shouldn’t stand in your way of enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening. And you’re at increased risk if you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease.

People often think that pneumococcal pneumonia can only be caught in the winter or during flu season, but it can strike any time of year.

Vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, and is available all year round, so now is the time to get vaccinated and have one less thing to think about when you’re enjoying warmer weather and longer days — whether it’s gardening, beach-time or trying out that new grill.

Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination against it for additional protection.

So, in addition to sunscreen and staying hydrated, another preventative health step you can take this summer is to ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

2023-05-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – By Dr. Philip Painter, CMO, United Healthcare Medicare & Retirement

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness of the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s and to educate people about brain health, including risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.

More than 6.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s — a number now projected to increase to 13 million by 2050.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and one of the deadliest diseases in the country. In fact, someone in the United States develops the disease every 65 seconds, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

It is more important than ever to learn about this disease along with these five simple steps that can help improve (or support) brain health, reduce risk of disease, and help delay the potential onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

1. Use it or lose it. Whether it’s crossword puzzles, reading or painting, keeping your brain mentally stimulated may help keep it young.

2. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to problems with memory and cognitive abilities. Sleep is essential for brain maintenance, like removing built-up toxins in your brain.

3. Stay social. A study found memory declined at half the rate for social adults. Isolation or loneliness in older adults is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 26% increased risk of all-cause mortality, according to the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

4. Make healthier lifestyle choices. Studies show moderate exercise can help improve brain function, especially in the areas responsible for learning and memory. Improving these parts of the brain may fight pre-Alzheimer’s changes often seen in midlife. Talk to your health plan about fitness programs that may be available at no additional cost like UnitedHealthcare’s RenewActive.*

Lifestyle choices that help reduce cardiovascular risk, like exercise, a healthy diet, low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, and not smoking, appear to also slow brain aging.

5. Managing chronic illnesses. Common diseases in older adults, such as diabetes and heart disease, may affect brain function. Talk with your health care provider about treatment plans and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

In addition to these five steps, it is important to have a memory screening done each year. Having a record can help your health care practitioner’s ability to diagnose memory disorders earlier.

Memory screenings can be performed during your Annual Wellness Visit, which is available at no cost to anyone on Medicare. Make sure to ask your physician to perform a memory evaluation the next time you visit the doctor’s office.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members can take advantage of the HouseCalls program, which brings a yearly health and wellness visit to the convenience and privacy of home, at no additional cost. A HouseCalls licensed practitioner can conduct a memory screening and refer you to additional care, if needed.**

If you feel like you or a loved one is suffering from serious memory loss, contact your health care provider.

* The information provided through Renew Active is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine. [The Renew Active program varies by plan/area.]

** HouseCalls may not be available in all areas.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated

companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the

plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Y0066_210602_115553_M