Greasy Spoons in the Garden State: Couple Visiting Every Diner in New Jersey

Any diner devotee knows New Jersey is the diner capital of the world. There are over 400 greasy spoons across the state. One couple embarked on a mission to eat at every single one within state lines.

In 2015, Jon and Karri Ricklin began their journey to eat at every diner in the Garden State. “We just thought it would be cool to drive around the state and sample and eat at every one of them,” says Jon. “It’s turning out to be a bigger quest than we originally anticipated!

What Inspired Their Adventure? 

“You gotta eat!” says Karri.

The quip is funny, but there’s more to the backstory. One day while eating at a local diner, Karri took out her phone to take a picture of her husband while he was holding the menu. Jokingly, he said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we took this same exact picture at every diner in New Jersey?”

At the time, he was unaware of the quantity of diners across New Jersey and the challenge they’d set for themselves. New Jersey is particularly known for its diners, of which there are approximately 425, the most of any state. Various foods invented in the state, such as the pork roll, and saltwater taffy, remain popular there today. How do they keep up? “I have a database and I try to keep up with it as best I can,” says Jon.

So far, the couple have visited nearly half. Does being able to make it to the remaining locations seem daunting?

“Nah,” says Karri. “It’s a piece of cake – or maybe I should say key lime pie!”

At every location, Karri takes a picture of Jon holding up a menu that they post on their social media.

Another highlight of their road trips for Jon? “Talking to some of the waitresses is great! They’ll call you “hon”.

Road Trips Are Great, But Be Prepared

Accidents and health issues are always a possibility while driving long distances on highways (and who’s to say a pork roll might not agree with your stomach?). A ground ambulance or air transport could cost thousands of dollars. Medicare may not cover this. It’s important to protect yourself. Medical Air Services Association (MASA) provides the MASA Emergency Shield Plan for lifesaving emergency transportation services. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. Whether you’re home or traveling, MASA Emergency Shield covers your ambulance or airlift, regardless of your age or medical condition. Plus, you can get your plan through a trusted source: NCRGEA and AMBA. Get your plan now at www.AMBAmedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://abc7ny.com/new-jersey-diner-couple-visits-every/13304251/

5 Tips to Keep Your Oral Health in Tip-Top Shape This Winter

Winter is here and with it comes the drastic change of weather. The cold temperatures can be fun – who doesn’t love a great sleigh ride and hot cocoa on the porch watching the snow fall? But the winter season can take a hefty toll on your oral health.

Cold Weather Brings an Array of Health Issues

Wintertime is known for causing issues like dry skin and irritated throats. But the problems don’t stop there. Your oral health is also affected by the change of weather. Want to keep your oral health in perfect condition this winter season? Follow these tips!

5 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health in the Winter

Tooth Tip #1 –Sensitivity

During cold temperatures, many find that they experience increased tooth sensitivity. This can not only come from foods, but the chilly air outside too! If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are several solutions to relieve discomfort, including using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or rising out your mouth with salt water.

Tooth Tip #2 – Cold Sores

The cold weather frequently can cause a weakened immune system. This can lead to cold sores. To prevent a cold sore breakout, start by washing your hands frequently to reduce any germs on them. And remember to keep your hands off of your face and especially your mouth area. If you do feel a cold sore is coming, apply a topical treatment to the area to stop the infection as soon as possible.

Tooth Tip #3 – Exposed Dentin

The enamel is the outside layer of your teeth. If your enamel has started to wear away (which happens normally as we age, and can be exasperated by issues such as teeth grinding), the dentin below can become very sensitive. Without the protection of your enamel, the nerves inside your tooth are more exposed to the elements, putting your oral health at risk.

Tooth Tip #4 – Chapped Lips

One of the most common ailments of the winter season is chapped lips. To protect yourself from painful cracked lips this season, invest in a lip salve with SPF+. In addition, don’t forget that your body moisturizes from the inside out. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day for your lip – and overall – health!

Tooth Tip #5 – Cavity Care

Hands down, the best part of the winter season is all the delicious food. From hot chocolate to candies, winter is the perfect time to enjoy sweets and sugary treats. It’s fine to give into temptation and indulge but remember to brush and floss afterwards to avoid cavities. In addition, always remember to drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If possible, substitute dental-friendly foods into your winter diet to help with cavity prevention. Foods such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, and other choices high in calcium, are all perfect for keeping your teeth and gums healthy this winter.

Taking care of your oral health is important. That’s why NCRGEA and AMBA want to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape this season. Our Dental Plan provides coverage for twice annual cleanings, as well as access for any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network, and – best of all – NO WAITING PERIOD on covered services. Visit www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228 to enroll today.

Source: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/wellness/conditions-and-treatments/articles/tooth-sensitivity-in-cold-weather.html#:~:text=Exposed%20dentin,more%20exposed%20to%20the%20elements

Please Mind the Age Gap: Planning for Couples with a Significant Difference in Age

Financial planning always has complexities, but couples with a significant age gap face additional concerns. Issues like differences in retirement eligibility dates, life expectancies, health issues, income needs, and more.

Strategies for Couples with a Significant Age Gap

  • Staggered Retirement Dates

Couples with a significant age gap may find themselves juggling different retirement dates. The older spouse may be ready to retire while the younger spouse is still enjoying prime earning years.

From a financial perspective, there can be significant advantages to staggering your retirement dates. For example, the working spouse may be able to maintain employer-sponsored health insurance until their own retirement. And the income they continue to bring into the household can reduce the need to draw from retirement assets, preserving retirement savings.

Of course, if the lifestyle challenges of one working spouse and one retired spouse prove too complex, consider a compromise. Perhaps the older spouse takes a part-time job for a few years and the younger spouse joins their partner in retirement a few years earlier than originally planned.

  • Timing Social Security

Properly planning for Social Security is critical for couples with an age gap because the younger spouse has the potential to live significantly longer than the older spouse. This means the younger spouse may need to rely on a survivor benefit for an extended period.

If the older spouse is the primary earner, consider the viability of delaying taking benefits until 70 or later. Doing so allows the Social Security benefits to grow by approximately 8% each year, which can also provide a higher survivor benefit for the younger spouse. 

  • Pension Payments

If the older spouse is eligible to receive pension payments, it may make sense to elect a joint-and-survivor payout option. While this choice typically reduces the amount of the household’s monthly payment, it also helps ensure the younger spouse can continue receiving payments for the rest of their life, even after the older spouse passes away.

  • Estate Planning

Estate planning for couples with an age gap is especially important. Take steps to ensure the younger spouse will remain financially secure for their entire lifetime. Make sure all documents are up to date, from your will to old 401ks that you may have assigned a Transfer On Death to a previous beneficiary, and other matters like financial and healthcare powers of attorney.

Another Important Step

It also makes sense for the older spouse to have a life insurance policy so each person can have peace of mind. If you’ve attempted to purchase life insurance in the past but were turned down due to lifestyle or health issues, NCRGEA and AMBA have good news. The Whole Life policy available through NCRGEA and AMBA guarantees acceptance if you’re between the ages of 45 to 85. No exams, no tests, no questions. Plus, premiums are set at a fixed rate – and as long as they are paid, you’ll never be dropped for any reason! This plan even features a no-obligation 60-day return policy. You can now purchase your Whole Life Insurance Policy online. Learn more at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/t037-s004-retirement-planning-wrinkles-couples-with-age-gaps/index.html

Be on the Lookout for These Gender-Specific Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Early intervention can make a significant difference in heart attack outcomes. Half of those who suffer cardiac arrest experience a symptom 24 hours before the incident. However, new findings indicate the warning symptoms can be different for women and men.

Sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital has a ~90% mortality rate. Likewise, approximately half of the individuals who endure cardiac arrest experience at least one telltale symptom before the incident. Recognizing early warning signs can literally save lives.

A recent study highlights that heart-related symptoms might manifest differently in men and women. For medical practitioners, this news was pretty much expected. Men and women have differences in their anatomy and physiology, from the lungs and brain to muscles and joints. Similarly, men and women have differences in their cardiovascular systems. For example, women have smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels.

When it comes to cardiac arrest, both genders experience sweating and seizure-like activity. However, in addition to those symptoms, there can be significant differences in what men and women experience.

Gender-Specific Warning Signs

MenSymptomWomen
Chest Pain
Shortness of Breath
Nausea and Sweating
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, abdomen, or back
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders

For both patients and medical practitioners, identifying gender-specific symptoms that precede such a critical event has notable implications for the future of public health. If these findings can be used in clinical practice, the research can contribute to improved patient outcomes.

In addition to understanding symptoms, patients should understand the risk factors for heart disease. These include family history, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of physical exercise, and smoking.

While doing your best to limit or avoid these risk factors, it also makes sense to be prepared. We all have a risk of having a health issue, whether it be a heart attack, a stroke, or even cancer. A Cancer/Heart/Stroke policy from NCRGEA and AMBA is a smart investment. This plan pays money directly to you in one lump sum payment upon diagnosis of internal cancer or malignant melanoma, heart attack, or stroke. Use the money to cover the costs of hospital care, travel, out-of-pocket expenses, or however you want. To learn more call AMBA at 800-956-1228 or click to request a free Benefits Review.

Source: https://give.brighamandwomens.org/7-differences-between-men-and-women/#:~:text=Keep%20in%20mind%20that%20heart,symptoms%2C%20contact%20your%20healthcare%20provider

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm

Santa Is Coming Down the Chimney. With AMBA Discounts, Prices Are Coming Down Too!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and with AMBA Discounts, it’s even more wonderful! Getting into the fun and spirit of the gift-giving season is even more jolly when you can take advantage of all the thoughtful savings available through NCRGEA and AMBA. Get ready to save a Ho Ho Whole lot of money!

Electronics – The latest tech can be expensive, but not with AMBA Discounts on your side! We’ve got all the biggest and best brands, including Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and Dell. We also offer big savings with Anker, the maker of the industry’s best chargers, power banks, and cables.

Curated Gifts – Our new partner Knack has the perfect gift for all your loved ones. One of our favorites from them is the “A Cold Winter’s Night” set. This gift set includes a cozy fringe throw blanket, super-warm (and soft!) socks, and a Swiss Cocoa Mug Candle. And that’s only one of their holiday-themed offerings. Snuggle up to 15% off your order with AMBA Discounts!

Family Vacations – Nothing brings us together like getting away together. There’s no better way to create lifetime memories and bond with the whole family than with a family vacation. AMBA Discounts partners include Adventures by Disney (AMBA Discounts members earn 4% cash back on your ultimate family enrichment vacation), Villas of Distinction (which gives members 2.5% cash back and $100 credit at hundreds of luxury vacation villas worldwide), and Bellagio Las Vegas (with up to 20% off room rates), and so many more options.

There are so many more savings to explore, including car rentals, hotels, clothing, dining, and more. AMBA Discounts provides great savings for the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday wish list.

Best of all, your membership is absolutely FREE! Start saving today!

Members, if you don’t have your activation code, please call our office at 919-834-4652 or 800-356-1190.

Using AI and the Eyes to Achieve Insights into Alzheimer’s

What if you could detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease 20 years before symptoms develop? With an incredible innovation harnessing Artificial Intelligence, researchers say they could unlock a new era in the diagnosis of this neurological disease that afflicts more than seven million Americans.

That number is predicted to rise, mainly because one of the biggest risk factors for dementia is age. For example, most people who develop dementia are over the age of 65. Dementia will become more common as the “baby boomer” generation ages into their 80s and 90s.

Researchers have studied individual hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, including brain inflammation and neurodegeneration, but the exact causes of the disease remain elusive. While there’s still a significant amount that remains to be understood about the brain and how it works, the power of AI can help connect the dots.

How AI Can Recognize Alzheimer’s Disease

One possible solution is to use machine learning to develop retinal scans and blood tests to identify people at risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The AI model analyzes eye scans for anomalies like the buildup of certain proteins or blood vessels with a twisted shape, that are associated with Alzheimer’s.

Currently, medical professionals typically use diagnostic tools like PET scans or spinal taps to help detect early signs of Alzheimer’s. However, these diagnostic tools can be invasive and expensive.

With AI, not only can the process of getting a diagnosis be sped up, but it can also be made non-invasive and significantly cheaper.

The AI reads scans from a camera that can be attached to machines already available in most optometrists’ offices. The optometrist would instruct the patient where to look and scan four or five images in each eye.

The camera measures a wider range of the spectrum than the human eye can see, allowing the AI to detect unique optical signatures that correspond with the presence of amyloid in the brain. In a recent study, the model delivered impressive results in seconds: an 80% accuracy in detecting signatures of Alzheimer’s.

AI and the Future of Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis 🤖

However, there are still obstacles to overcome. The more information AI has, the more powerful it becomes. Medical data is comparatively scarce with a more limited sample to learn from. That means AI’s results can be easily thrown off. The goal would be to make the procedure part of an optometrist’s routine eye exam. And though the future will reap the benefits of this research, taking care of our eyes today is still essential. A good eye doctor can evaluate your eyes and catch issues early when they’re easiest to treat.  That’s why the Vision Plan from NCRGEA and AMBA is so important. The plan covers annual WellVision exams, 100% coverage for most lenses (even progressives!), and has thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/ai/is-the-eye-the-window-to-alzheimers-11696934785822.html

December’s Recipe  – Ho Ho Ho! Healthier, Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies

With all that traveling, everyone knows Santa and his reindeer work up quite an appetite. These healthy Homemade Sandwich Cookies will satisfy Santa’s – and your – sweet tooth!  They’re chocolatey and sweet and 100% delicious and addicting. But these cookies only taste naughty – this recipe is sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!

Yup, that means no artificial flavorings, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no refined white flour!

Ingredients for Cookies

Wafers

  • 1⅓ cup of Oat Flour
  • ½ cup Granulated Erythritol 
  • ½ cup Unsweetened Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder
  • 1 tsp Double-Acting Baking Powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ cup Coconut Oil (melted)
  • ¼ cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 4 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Liquid Stevia Extract 

Filling:

  • 1½ cups Powdered Erythritol 
  • 3 tbs Water
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Paste 

Instructions for Sandwich Cookies

For the Wafers

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oat flour, erythritol, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a stand mixer bowl with beater attachment, add the coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and stevia extract.  Mix on low speed until completely mixed.
  • Dump the dry ingredients into the stand mixer and mix until completely mixed.  Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Roll ⅓ of the dough in between two silicone baking sheets until ~⅛” thick.  Use a 2″ circle cookie cutter to punch circles into the dough.  Peel away the dough surrounding the circle shapes, putting the dough back into the stand mixer bowl, and transfer the silicone sheet with the circles onto a cookie tray.
  • Bake for 12 minutes.  Carefully transfer the silicone sheet onto your counter or a wire cooling rack to cool completely.  Keep re-rolling the dough and baking until all the dough is used up.

For the Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the erythritol, water, and vanilla paste, until you get a frosting-like texture.
  • Scoop the frosting onto half of the wafer cookies, then gently press the remaining wafer cookies on top to make sandwich cookies.  Serve and enjoy!

RECIPE NOTES

Only frost and sandwich the cookies the day you serve them.  While they last about a week in the fridge, the filling softens the cookies over time.

We encourage you to check out our Digital Holiday Dessert Cook Book

From Box Office to Basketball, AMBA Discounts Is a Slam Dunk of Savings

Have you discovered the amazing discounts waiting for you through AMBA Discounts? From movie tickets to sporting events and more, you can take advantage of incredible savings on your favorite entertainment every day.

This fall sees many long-awaited blockbusters hitting the theaters. From the latest installment of your favorite action and adventure franchises to Oscar-bound dramas and romances, there are plenty of reasons to get to your local cinema. Additionally, you have an even better reason to reserve your tickets: AMBA Discounts offers up to 40% savings on tickets at nationwide theaters like AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Entertainment Group!

AMBA Discounts is your MVP to get you the best prices to cheer on your favorite team in the stands! Through special deals with the website Tickets at Work, we give you access to get to the game for your favorite teams and enjoy every play – including NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, MLB Baseball, Major League Soccer. We even have huge discounts for Golf, Tennis, and NASCAR events! With AMBA Discounts, you’ve already placed a winning bet with up to 40% off at many of these events!

Want to play as well as watch? AMBA Discounts can save you on your next round of golf with waived reservation fees through GolfNow. And of course, we’ve got you covered for your clothes and accessories with big savings on big names like Adidas, Ray-Ban, Garmin, GoPro, and Thule!

And that’s just the start! Certainly, there’s a whole world of additional savings for you to enjoy, including, dining, hotels, car rentals, electronics and more! Ready to explore the perks of joining my AMBA Passport?

Start Saving Today!

These are just some of the amazing offers currently available. There are so many more savings to explore, like luxury travel, shopping, and car rentals. Best of all, as a member of NCRGEA, your Passport Savings account is absolutely FREE! Contact our office for your AMBA Discounts secret activation code now by calling 800-356-1190. Already have an account? Start browsing by visiting www.passportcorporate.com.

October’s Recipe: Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Sausage & Cranberries

Welcome to October! For foodies, this is one of the best months of the year. Fall produce is in full swing, farmers markets are overflowing with autumn’s best flavors, from cauliflower to apples and pumpkins, and hearty, satisfying foods and flavors are in full effect.

This recipe has it all: comforting roasted winter veggies, lean protein from the chicken sausage, fiber from the quinoa, leafy greens, and a little pop of sweetness from the cranberries. It is a crowd pleaser and is perfect as a main or side dish!

Ingredients

  • 3 small butternut squash
  • 1 lb ground chicken sausage
  • 3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
  • 1¼ cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups kale (stems removed)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with foil and preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut each butternut squash lengthwise in half. Scoop out all the seeds from inside with a spoon. Drizzle olive oil on the cut side of each squash and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. 
  3. Place the squash cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast for approximately 30 minutes or until you can easily stick a knife all the way through.
  4. While the squash is cooking, make the filling. Start by rinsing the quinoa with cold water in a fine mesh strainer. Then in a medium sized pot, combine the quinoa and broth. Put the pot over high heat until you bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. 
  5. Next, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan. Add the chicken sausage, season with salt and pepper, and use a wooden spoon to stir occasionally until the meat is brown and cooked through. Once brown, drain off any excess oil or liquid from the meat, then add the kale. Stir frequently for about 1-2 minutes, until the kale is wilted. 
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the cranberries.
  7. Once the quinoa is done and all the liquid is absorbed, then add the quinoa to the sausage mixture and stir it all together. 
  8. Once the butternut has cooked and cooled for a few minutes, it is time to assemble the meal. Before I transferred the filling, I scooped a little bit of the inside of the butternut out so that I would have more room for filling, then saved the rest for a later meal, but that step is optional. 
  9. To assemble, spoon the quinoa mixture into each butternut squash until they are full. You will have some mixture left over to save for later. 

Plate each butternut, serve and enjoy!

Want to Take Control of Healthier Aging? These Are the Essential Five Steps 

As we age, we become aware that our physical and mental health, as well as dietary and social needs, changes over time. We can maintain control of our health by making the appropriate adjustments.

5 Steps for Healthier Aging

If you’re ready to take charge of your well-being, these easy to accomplish steps can help you keep your body and mind healthy as you age.

1. Get moving

Maintaining regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
  • Beginning physical activity can be as easy as walking for 10 to 15 minutes for three to four days per week and increasing as you go.
  • Make your physical activity FUN and something you enjoy doing! If making it social will keep you motivated, ask a friend to be your workout buddy.

2. Maintain a healthy diet

Eating right can help you stave off major health issues like obesity and the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

  • Eat appropriate portion sizes.
  • Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and have them make up half of your plate.
  • Avoid excessively processed, especially ultra-processed foods.
  • Stay hydrated- adults should drink between 10-16 cups of water per day, depending on gender, living environment, and activity level.

3. Stay social

Along with increasing cognitive function, and boosting self-confidence and mood, healthy social connections as we get older also improves (and can help even prevent!) symptoms of anxiety and depression.

– Take advantage of technological innovations like attending online or in-person classes (employing appropriate safeguards) that interest you.

– Use Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp, text messaging, and even a good old-fashioned phone call to stay in touch with friends and family.

– Stay in contact with family and friends through in-person meet-ups.

4. Balance your body and mind

Regular exercise for older adults can not only improve overall fitness levels and quality of life, it also reduce the risk of disability or chronic conditions. Participating in regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive effect on both physical and mental well-being for seniors. 

– Maintain a positive attitude.

– Keep your mind active by reading, doing puzzles or other mentally stimulating actions.

– Keep your body active through mindfulness, stretches, yoga and similar pursuits.

5. Be proactive

Receive regular medical, dental, and vision checkups. Many diseases and health issues can be prevented when caught early.

Healthier Aging Starts with Peace of Mind

Life Insurance is the safest path you can take and is something you should have to protect the ones you love. Get a Whole Life policy today to make sure your loved ones are taken care of. You’re guaranteed acceptance, even if you smoke or have weight issues. Plans are available from your very own association and its trusted partner AMBA. Joining is easy: you can purchase your policy online right now. It even includes a no-obligation 60-day return policy. Learn more about a Whole Life Policy through NCRGEA and AMBA at www.ambalifeinsurance.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/stillgoingstrong/index.html