Ready to fight off the next virus? – 2020

We’ve all seen plenty of TV shows talking about unique herbs and exotic concoctions to help your immune system. While there is no magic ‘pill,’ a stronger immune system isn’t important just for the current pandemic; it helps fight diseases as well as the common cold or flu. Start with a visit to your doctor. You may also want to check your Vitamin D levels. A supplement may be ordered by your doctor if levels are low.

Here are 5 steps you can take:

1. Eat more orange foods like sweet potatoes and carrots. The Beta Carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which protects against infections.
2. Quit Smoking. Weakened lungs is a Covid 19 risk factor.
3. Cut back on alcohol. While currently there is no link to Covid 19, abuse of alcohol can cause lung damage, which, again, is a risk factor.
4. Get more sleep. Our T-cells do a better job of fighting ‘invaders’ when you’re well-rested.
5. Stay up to date with vaccines. As of yet, there is no ‘proven’ Covid vaccine or treatment, but other vaccines can help. For people over 50, the Centers for Disease Control recommends getting vaccines to prevent pneumonia, shingles, and seasonal flu.

You may want to visit your doctor to discuss building your immune system as well as current vaccines. Please stay safe and be well.
Source: Medical News Today / Web MD / MDVIP

It’s Hot! – 2020

So, while we are all trying to handle the challenge of Covid 19, we’re also aware of the excessive heat we are all experiencing here in AZ. We have even broken all records for the number of 110° days! That brings us to an important fact…

Water! Are you drinking enough water? Water is one of the most important substances on earth. All plants, animals, and living beings must have water to survive. 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water, with our oceans holding approximately 96.5% of all earth’s water. If there was no water, there would be no life on earth. Our brains and bodies need water to function properly. Stress is at an all-time high with what we’re facing, water becomes even more critical to our health. We can go for weeks without food, but only 3 days without water.

So, how much should I drink? First, you should be drinking consistently, and I am talking about water! You should have water even if you feel you are not thirsty. Drink water before you go to bed; yes, before you go to bed. Our body refuels and mends itself while we sleep and water enables this to occur.

RULE OF THUMB: Everybody is different, but we often are told we need to drink at least eight 8-oz of water every day. New stats suggest half our body weight in ounces daily.

Stay safe and drink plenty of water!

Source: Mayo Clinic. Noahsarkvet.com. National Institute of Health.

Sunscreen! – 2020

Home sweet home – 2020

Who would believe that as our July newsletter goes to print, most of us are still at home, finding safety, solace, and security in our homes. I’ve always loved my home, but now I genuinely appreciate and cherish it. I am still having my early morning coffee in my front yard and saying ‘Good Morning’ to neighbors who are walking, jogging, or walking their dog. We social distance and take all the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Now the priority is not TP, it’s hand sanitizer. But everyone exchanges that information.

So, the “health” tip this month is taking care of ourselves. It’s a new type of “Chicken Soup for the Soul”.

Some of the ladies have started a “sewing” circle as we literally gather in our cul-de-sac. But this is a special sewing circle. The fabric we use are our memories of things and people gone too soon from our lives. Each person takes a turn and tells stories of loved ones, events, problems, worries, joys, victories, and accomplishments. We laugh. We cry, but we do it together with a new understanding of each person. People can relate as many stories as they choose. When they are finished with sharing their stories, it now comes time to weave their memories all together with a special “thread”. It’s very interesting what each person chooses as their “thread” to weave their life’s memories together. Some choose their mother’s love, their father’s strength, the birth of their children/grandchildren, or marriage to their spouses. When I was asked what was the one thing I missed most about my husband, I realized it wasn’t “one” thing, it was a myriad of wonderful memories. My “thread” to weave it all together was his humor. This becomes your “comforter” which you wrap yourselves up at any time, anywhere, and which cannot be diminished by the world’s troubles.

So, when someone asks you what you miss the most or what you remember the most, maybe it doesn’t come down to that “one” thing. Maybe you can start your own family “sewing circle”. Even if there are sad things, when we make them live again in our memories, I believe we can find a hidden gem to carry on. What a great way to pass along memories from generation to generation before they are lost or forgotten in the busyness of our lives when it returns to “normal”.

Once again, we at American Retirement Advisors pray this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Know that we, too, are saddened for any loss. Know also that we sincerely care about you.

So, Until the Next Time, Remember This Time!”

Stay at home! – 2020

I hope as you read this, that you and your families are well. As we all are aware, this virus, and our isolation, is “unprecedented” in our American history. We are all “lonely or depressed” at some level. Especially if we are living alone. We all are needing that physical touch, handshake, or hug. Now that we cannot physically touch, it is our voices that are “rays of sunshine” and medicine to others. Let them be kind. Let them be sincere.

I have lived in the same house, in the same neighborhood since 1996. I have seen neighbors move in and move out. However, I can now say I know the names of all the children and their dogs in my area. I’m an early riser (about 5:30 a.m.). I take my patio chair to the front yard of my house and drink my coffee. It is wonderful how many people wave, say hello, or just stop and chat (keeping social distances). This has not happened before. Maybe we all see how truly valuable it is to even say a simple “hello” and smile. It seems everyone “cares” and takes time to “care and socialize” like never before. Kind of reminds you of “front porches” back in the 50s and 60s. There was an “art” to our conversations as we visited across those porches. Neighbors stop and ask if I have enough TP or need anything. Amazing!!!

I can only clean out my closets, drawers, and alphabetize my spices so many times. I’m on my 2nd go around in case I’ve missed some junk to throw out. I have washed my car four times now, even though it’s always been in my garage. I am trying my best to stay safe, not only for myself but for everyone else out there. I do wear my mask and gloves when out in public, like going to the grocery store. My mom would be happy about the “gloves” thing, as every-one wore them to church or whenever we would go out. Anyone remember? I sanitize and wash my hands frequently and I don’t touch my face when out in public. It does seem like my face starts itching no matter what. I find I am riding my bicycle and going for more walks, which I believe we all are doing. I’ve rediscovered star-studded night skies and soft evening breezes.

But seriously, we all have many friends and family we are including in our daily prayers as well as doctors, nurses, first responders. We at American Retirement Advisors sincerely hope you and your loved ones are well. This is a storm we all are facing. We can only get through it, together! Be safe, be well! Until the “next” time, remember “this” time.

Dementia and Alzheimer – 2020

These are some things to do to help ward off brain decline.

*Prevention starts with food choices. What you eat is critical for brain health. Studies of people who ate a Western diet vs. those on a Mediterranean diet are striking. Western diets have much higher amyloid protein deposits (that collect in brains of Alzheimer patients), while Mediterranean diets do not. Foods linked to dementia: Processed cheeses, including American cheese, mozzarella sticks, Cheez Whiz, and Laughing Cow. Processed meats such as bacon, smoked turkey from the deli, and ham. White foods including pastas, cakes, white sugar, white rice, and white bread.

*Good food choices: Raw leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, blueberries, nuts (walnuts), fish (salmon, mackerel), whole grains, poultry, beans (lentils and chickpeas), and olive oil.

*Vitamins you should be taking: Vit E, C, B1, B12, Folic Acid, Omega 3 fatty acids.

*Connect socially. Do not stay in isolation. Join a nurturing and strong social network. Texting does not give you the greater benefits of a face-to-face connection. Hugs are always beneficial.

*Start exercising and get moving. Regular exercise can reduce your risk by up to 50% according to Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation. Aim for 30 to 40 minutes, three to four days/week. Did you know that most Medicare plans have free gym memberships? This not only gives you the ‘exercise’ benefit but also helps connecting socially as well as ‘learning new things’.

*Get plenty of sleep. 7 to 8 hours per night. Harvard Health reports this helps protect your brain against decline.

*Keep a healthy weight.

*Learn new things. Try crossword puzzles, Sudoku, take new classes of any type to work our “little gray cells”.

*Manage your blood pressure. This is not only good for your brain, but very good for your heart health as well.

*Quit smoking. Whether cigarettes or cigars, please stop smoking. There is smoking cessation help for people on Medicare plans. Please check this out on your plan.

*Drink less alcohol.

Most of us understand that traumatic brain injuries and some hereditary types of dementia cannot be avoided, but this article is aimed at healthy things we all can do.

“One day… or ...day one…you decide.”

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety”

Content sourced from: webmd.com /verywellhealth.com/ vida.co.uk/Chatelaine.com

COVID-19 Just the Facts – 2020

Wash hands often

Use hand sanitizers

Social distancing

Stay home

Use good judgement

Ranitidine Recalled – 2020

Veggie Flush – 2020

7 Medicare benefits you shouldn’t pass up. – 2019