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Being a Welcoming Neighbor Can Pay Dividends: Family Adopts Local as “Honorary Grandpa”

Isaiah on October 12, 2023

When Wilson and Sharaine Caraballo and their six children moved to Texas from the East Coast, they were looking forward to moving into their new home. Little did they expect that soon they’d be “adopting” a new member to their family.

Sharaine and Wilson were apprehensive when they moved into the new neighborhood. Sharaine, who is originally from Pawtucket, New England, said, “One of my biggest fears was meeting our new neighbors. I was wondering who they were going to be and what they were going to be like. When Paul welcomed us into the neighborhood I knew I had made the right choice.”

But one of the first people to welcome the Caraballos to the neighborhood in March 2022 was 82-year-old Paul Callahan. Callahan’s warm welcome helped put them at ease. He offered helpful advice to the new homeowners and assistance with issues and concerns about their new home.

“He was coming over with tools. He’d bring screwdrivers and teach Wilson how to fix up the garage and Wilson followed all his advice,” explained Sharaine.

The family of eight quickly bonded with Callahan and, to everyone’s delight, Paul took on the role of de-facto grandpa.

The Caraballos and Paul now see each other every other day. They invite him to all family cookouts, and spend every holiday together, and this Father’s Day, Paul received a new outfit from the family as a present.

The warmth is mutual. “He’s always coming over with little trinkets for the kids,” Sharaine continues, “They play with him a lot and call him Uncle Paul. He’s got stories for days.”

Sharaine’s kids love Paul as much as she does. Likewise, the older man does what he can to contribute to making them feel at home too. As much as Paul helps the family, Sharaine knows her family plays an important role in keeping Paul feeling social and vital.

“I asked what drew him to us and he said he was a very social person and that he grew up around lots of kids,” she said. “‘That’s how I grew up, my house was always where everybody hung out.’

Staying social and feeling like you’re contributing to making others feel better is important throughout our lives, and especially as we get older. NCRGEA provides many opportunities to rub elbows with peers. Everything from association meetings to volunteering opportunities to group travel. There’s no reason to go it alone. Join the group! Visit ncrgea.com/membership or call 800-956-1228 to learn about membership and social options and enjoy being among friends.

Source: https://mymodernmet.com/widower-adopted-by-family-sharaine-caraballo/

True Life Lassie Rescues Owner in Lake Tahoe

Isaiah on October 9, 2023

Saul isn’t only a good boy– he’s also an excellent rescuer. Saul is a border collie who led a search-and-rescue team directly to his injured owner.

The 53-year-old Nevadan had plunged 70 feet down a steep slope in the Tahoe Forest. The fall broke the man’s hip and some ribs. The next day, he managed to crawl his way to a patch of cell service and call for help.

Search and Rescue pinged the location of his last call, while a friend of the victim advised them, “Look for Saul.”

As it turns out, Saul would’ve been hard for the rescuers to miss. While searching the remote country, the black and white border collie ran up to them and began jumping up and down and spinning around in circles.

Saul had run about 200 yards away through the woods to find the Search and Rescue team. And, just like Lassie, led them to his owner. Saul’s rescue of his owner was so quick that the man was airlifted to a hospital within eight hours of when he first called 911.

According to Sgt. Dennis Haack of the Nevada Country Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, “At first, we didn’t believe it because it sounded like a movie. When they came back and described it to us, the reality was that they had followed the dog directly to the victim.” With a smile, Haack adds, “Great work and skill by all involved.”

The team got a helicopter to the scene and transported the man to a hospital for his traumatic injuries. While his owner received treatment, Saul was taken to the nearby town of Grass Valley where he “was given lots of treats and a well-deserved dinner,” Haack said.

Saul was reunited with his very grateful owner the following day.

While Saul’s efforts to aid rescuers to save his owner are invaluable, the expense of emergency medical transportation can still cost thousands of dollars. A Medical Air Services Association (MASA) plan can protect you from catastrophic financial loss when emergencies arise at home or while traveling by covering your ambulance or airlift, regardless of your age or medical condition. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. MASA provides coverage in all 50 states and Canada. NCRGEA and AMBA make getting a MASA plan easy. You can even sign up online. Learn more at www.ambamedtransport.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-18/dog-leads-rescue-team-to-injured-owner-in-tahoe forest#:~:text=Saul%20eventually%20led%20them%20to,in%20the%20Tahoe%20National%20Forest.

Is Root Beer A Better Option for Dental Health?

Isaiah on October 4, 2023

Two words that are rarely found side by side are “healthy” and “soda”. You were probably told time and time again as a child (and have gone on to tell your children and maybe grandchildren) that sodas aren’t the best things to consume for your dental health. These beverages, and other high sugar drinks, are certainly tasty and refreshing, but can have a harmful effect for waistlines or teeth, especially if enjoyed daily.

But there’s good news! According to recent studies, root beer is the least harmful soda when it comes to your teeth. One of the most prevalent myths surrounding tooth decay is that sugar causes it. While sugar does play a role in the formation of cavities, it’s not the sugar itself that leads to decay.

Yes, regularly consuming soda can cause dental erosion, as well as enamel loss. However, the real reason is that most sodas contain acids, most notably citric and phosphoric acid. In fact, some of the most popular sodas have an acidity ranking higher than battery acid! Battery acid has a pH level of 1.0, while some soft drinks ranked as high as 2.52.

Not only should you feel concerned with drinking sodas, but carbonated drinks in general. Sparkling water is a huge hit in the market right now. Would you be surprised to learn that may of the most popular brands of sparkling water have a pH between 3 and 4?

Is Root Beer Healthy for Teeth?

Although root beer is widely grouped in with other sodas, it has a significant difference: it rarely has any traces of citric or phosphoric acid. This makes root beer healthier for teeth when compared to typical colas. Root beer acidity is also much lower than other sodas on the market. It generally has a pH between 4.03 to 4.75 which is far less acidic than other types of sodas. With a lower acidic content, less harm occurs to the enamel. However, just like dark colas, root beer can still cause tooth staining.

Sipping sodas throughout the day is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. If you can’t give up sodas or other sugary drinks entirely, try to limit them to mealtimes and finish them in one sitting. Following up with a glass of water will help neutralize some of the acids.

Some believe switching to diet or sugar-free sodas is the solution to saving their teeth. However, these alternatives come with their own dangers. They contain acids that erode teeth at the same rate as regular sodas. Sports drinks and juices contain sugar and acids that make them problematic as well. However, soft drinks are ten times more erosive than fruit juices.

Of course, the food and beverages you eat are only part of maintaining a healthy mouth and smile. As the saying goes, “everything in moderation”. Your oral health will probably be fine if you enjoy a soda every once in a while but routine/daily consumption can cause problems.

Along with a twice-daily brushing and routine flossing, to keep your teeth healthy, you need routine professional care. NCRGEA and AMBA offer an excellent Dental Plan with access to any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network. You also get comprehensive coverage with low deductibles, high maximums, and NO WAITING PERIOD for covered services. Sign up now at www.ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070320191048.htm

Getting Older? So Are Your Eyes. Look Out for These Common Vision Problems.

Isaiah on October 2, 2023

As we get older, it’s normal to notice some vision problems. Issues like difficulty telling colors apart and taking more time to adapt to changes in the amount of light are all too common. Daily activities like looking at a computer screen or exchanging text messages on your phone or spending time outside without protective sunglasses can increase risks for eyestrain and vision problems.

Aging Vision Means Common Vision Problems

As the years tick by, it’s common to have more problems regarding your vision. Many older people find themselves having increased difficulty seeing things up close, distinguishing between colors and noticing more sensitivity to glare and needing more light for specific tasks.

A lot of the problems you might encounter with aging eyes stem from specific conditions. Here are some to keep on your radar.

Presbyopia 

Have you noticed you’re squinting at menus or turning up the brightness to try and read texts on your phone? You might have presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness.

After age 40, most people will deal with some level of gradual loss of their eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for correcting this issue, from eyeglasses and contacts to surgical solutions.

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision problems, including vision loss, in people over 50. This condition affects your central vision but leaves your peripheral vision unchanged. You get AMD when your macula, a key part of your retina, changes. Most people get dry AMD, which causes you to lose your central vision slowly over time.

Dry eyes 

Dry eyes don’t just cause redness, a stinging sensation, and discomfort. The condition can also blur your vision. People of all ages deal with dry eyes, but the issue is most frequent for older people. This is because our bodies make fewer tears as we get older. After age 65, it’s highly likely for people to have some dry eye symptoms.

Fortunately, over-the-counter artificial tears are an easy solution for many people.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a blanket term for a variety of conditions related to damage to the optic nerve that can cause serious vision problems. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, usually doesn’t cause symptoms at first, but slowly deteriorates the peripheral vision. Without treatment to relieve the pressure on the optic nerve and prevent further vision loss, the condition can eventually lead to total blindness. 

Cataracts 

More than 50% of Americans over the age of 80 either have cataracts or have had them removed. 

Cataracts are caused by the proteins in the eye start to break down and clump together. Over time, this causes visible cloudiness in the eye and makes vision fuzzy, causes colors to look faded and diminishes night vision.

While different eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions can help, many eye doctors eventually recommend surgery to remove the cataract. 

Common Vision Problems and Solutions

Aging eyes can mean problems down the road, but with regular eye checkups, your chances of catching problems early on are far greater. 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 thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at www.ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea#vision or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma

How to Help Loved Ones Lower Their Risk of Breast Cancer

Isaiah on October 1, 2023

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. In 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer. In 2022, approximately 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, living a healthy lifestyle may lower the risk.

  1. There is a clear link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer. Having even one alcoholic drink a day may increase risk by 7% to 10%. Two to three drinks have about a 20% higher risk. Though it is best not to drink alcohol, women who do drink should limit and moderate their consumption.
  2. Being overweight or obese after menopause increases breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout your life and avoiding excess weight gain is another important step that can help reduced the risk of developing breast cancer. Limit foods and drinks that are high in calories, fat, and/or added sugars, and that provide few nutrients.
  3. Evidence is growing that inactivity increases breast cancer risk, especially in women past menopause. It is recommended that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these). Getting to or going over the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal. Limit the time you spend sitting, lying down, watching TV, and looking at your phone or computer. Doing some physical activity on top of your usual activities, no matter what your level of activity, can have many health benefits.

Other factors

Other areas that may potentially increase the risk of breast cancer include the following: not having children, not breastfeeding, birth control methods that utilize hormones, menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen (often combined with progesterone), and breast implants. 

Approximately 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. It’s just one more good reason to be ready with a Cancer plan from NCRGEA and AMBA. It can help cover the cost of treatments and related expenses like travel and other out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about Cancer Insurance, contact AMBA at 800-956-1228 or request more information at www.amba-review.com/NCRGEA

Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/body-weight-and-cancer-risk/acs-recommendations.html#:~:text=To%20help%20lower%20your%20risk%20of%20cancer,-As%20part%20of&text=The%20best%20way%20to%20stay,more%20calories%20through%20physical%20activity

Want a More Serene – and Safer – Home? Check Out Our Fabulous 5 Tips to Declutter Your Home

Isaiah on August 30, 2023

Many of us are familiar with Marie Kondo’s philosophy of our homes should be filled with only things that “spark joy”. While that is an admirable ambition, it’s also not 100% realistic: only a handful of people feel a sense of joy about their soup strainer. Still, every household should have things that are needed as well as wanted. But when does enough become too much? What are the serious signs it’s time to declutter your home?

Clutter has a strange way of accumulating under the radar: one day everything seems fine, then suddenly you realize your home is in complete disarray. If you recognize any of the signs listed below, it’s time to be proactive and get yourself – and your home – to an organized placed and defeat clutter once and for all.

Excessive clutter can lead to inadequate cleaning and health risks, including trips and falls, increased fire hazard risk and other dangers.

Ways to Recognize it’s Time to Declutter Your Home

  • 1) You Can’t Find Things

Misplacing items occasionally is one thing, but constantly not being able to find things you need is a surefire sign it’s time to do a deep cleaning.

Deep cleanings don’t need to seem daunting. Take it one step at a time: instead of trying to tackle every room, surface, and shelf all at once, dedicate a few hours each day to one single area of your home. Start with the most problematic places, for example the kitchen drawers or the coatrack closest to the entryway. 

Start by getting rid of the things you don’t use or want anymore. The next step is to categorize like-items and assign them to a specific location. That way, you’ll know exactly where to find things going forwards, saving you precious time and unnecessary stress.

  • 2) When “Out of Sight, Out of Mind “Becomes “Out of Space”

Closets, cabinets, and drawers are frequently the worst areas for clutter. The old saying “Out of sight, out of mind” applies here. Two of the most obvious signs you’ve allowed your storage past the point of capacity is if you’re constantly running out of hangers for your closets and/or the doors won’t close for any of these storage spaces.

If there’s an overflowing jumble in your hideaway spaces, it’s likely that many of the things that are in there can be trashed, recycled, or rehomed. The next step organizing these spaces with dividers and neatly arranging what’s left.

  • 3) It Takes a Long Time to Clean and Tidy

 Whether it’s cleaning the kitchen, organizing the living room, or sorting laundry, no one wants to spend all day maintaining their home. If completing these chores is taking too long, it’s time to cut back. 

The fewer things you have, the simpler and easier it is to clean and organize. Decluttering regularly is one of the best ways to keep on top of tidiness.

  • 4) You Worry About Inviting People Over

Is inviting friends or family over a cause for excitement or stress? Do you find it easier to just not invite people over at all? If you find yourself your overly cluttered home. It’s exhausting. So much so, that it’s probably easier to just not host at all, right? 

Wanting a welcoming home for guests is an excellent motivator to declutter! It’s also an affective tactic to motivate yourself to not only present your home at its best, but also where the problem areas are. When you imagine yourself as a guest and examine your home with a fresh set of eyes, seeing where you could and should clear things up is easier.

  • 5) You Feel Drained When You’re at Home

Your home should be your oasis. If you walk through the door and feel agitated by all the ‘stuff’ lying around, rather than calm and happy with the serene space you’ve created for yourself, it’s a sign that decluttering really is in order.

As well as being difficult to live with physically, dealing with clutter on a regular basis can be very draining on an emotional level, too. Even the simplest of tasks become hard work.

Getting frustrated when you’re trying to leave the house because you’ve misplaced the keys again? Are you not able to enjoy a relaxing night in because you can’t locate the TV remote? These are clear signs it’s time to take back control and make your home the serene abode you deserve.

Clutter Can Be Frustrating And Dangerous

Clutter isn’t only emotionally draining, it can be physically dangerous. If you have a lot of stuff on the floor, especially in walkways or in other areas where you walk, there’s a greater chance you’ll trip and fall. Loose rugs, cords and other objects on the floor can become tripping hazards, which can lead to potentially serious injury that can result in a need for emergency medical transport.

Protecting your health with simple, commonsense measures is important. So is protecting your savings. Getting a Medical Air Services Association (MASA) plan can prove to be one of the smartest things you ever do. MASA can protect you from catastrophic financial loss when emergencies arise at home or while traveling by covering your ambulance or airlift, regardless of your age or medical condition. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. MASA provides coverage in all 50 states and Canada. NCRGEA and AMBA make getting a MASA plan easy. You can even sign up online. Learn more at www.AMBAmedtransport.com or call 877-290-3170.

3 Reasons Why the Dog Days of Summer Can Be Hard on Your Teeth

Isaiah on August 17, 2023

Summertime can be a time of great enjoyment. Many of us enjoy outdoor activities like bike rides, hiking, and trips to the beach. However, while getting the most out of the season can improve your state of mind and physical fitness, it can be bad for your dental health.

3 reasons why summertime can pose risks for your teeth:

1 – Dehydration Can Damage Your Teeth

Under normal conditions, salivation moisturizes and protects your teeth and gums. Saliva has antibacterial properties, which helps control the bacteria that attack your teeth and gums. But the summertime heat can leave your body – and mouth – dehydrated. Especially if you’re working out, playing sports, or just working in the garden, if your saliva levels decrease, it can leave your mouth vulnerable.

Even more concerning, when you get dehydrated, saliva can turn acidic and lead to increased risk of tooth damage. Saliva also contains minerals that help restore your teeth and helps maintain a neutral pH in your mouth.

Especially in the summertime, make sure you drink plenty of water every day. This will help ensure bacteria is washing away from your teeth enough throughout the day. If you enjoy sports drinks, be aware they contain a lot of sugars and are frequently very acidic. At the very least, consider getting the sugar-free options so you don’t coat your teeth in sugar.

2 – Sugary and Acidic Summer Drinks

Speaking of sugary and acidic drinks: while there’s nothing like enjoying a cool glass of iced tea or lemonade in the summertime, be aware these refreshments tend to have a lot of sugars and are highly acidic. Unfortunately, the same can be said for a cold beer, a glass of wine, or many other drinks. The sugar and acids in these options can leave a coating of bacteria that will cause cavities and gum disease as well as eat away at your teeth’s enamel. Limit the number of these drinks and rinse them down with lots of water. Adding an additional tooth brushing during the summer can also help.

3 – Swimming Pools and Teeth

Since water is so good for your teeth, then a dip in the swimming pool can only be good for them, right? Unfortunately, chlorine can damage your oral health. Most pools have a pH between 7.2 and 7.8, but often drop below these levels which means the water is acidic. When pool water gets in your mouth the acid from the chlorinated water can wear away your enamel and cause tooth discoloration. 

Keep Your Teeth Healthy with a Dental Plan from NCRGEA and AMBA

You can enjoy great oral health for many summers to come by taking care of your mouth. With smart preventative oral care including getting checkups 2x a year with your dentist, you can significantly reduce the risks to your teeth and can help you keep your mouth healthy. Exams every six months give your dentist a chance to provide advice on caring for your teeth and allows them to detect oral health problems early, when they’re most treatable.

NCRGEA and AMBA offer excellent Dental Plans with low deductibles, high maximums, and no waiting period. This plan gives you coverage with over 400,000 in-network providers nationwide and includes savings on twice yearly checkups, fillings, and many procedures. Sign up now at www.ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.washingtonian.com/2011/05/24/how-swimming-pools-can-hurt-your-teeth/

Can Technology Bridge the Social Isolation/Loneliness Gap Among Older Americans?

Isaiah on August 14, 2023

In 2018, Great Britain made history by appointing a Minister of Loneliness. The objective for the role was to study how the effects of chronic loneliness effect the 7.1% percent of British citizens who suffer from it and how to reduce those numbers.

The United States faces its own battle against the same issue. In America an epidemic of loneliness is an “under-appreciated public health crisis,” according to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, almost 50% of adults in the United States reported measurable levels of loneliness.

Studies have shown that the condition can affect mental and physical health, with heightened risks for catching a cold, having a stroke or heart disease, slipping into early cognitive decline, and developing depression.

Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Americans

Isolation and loneliness are different experiences. There are many people who are socially isolated who don’t experience loneliness. Likewise, there are also many people who experience loneliness despite being surrounded with others, including friends and family.

So, which causes health problems, especially as we age: social isolation or loneliness?

As it turns out, both.

Even for those who prefer solitude and have a more introverted personality, interaction with others turns out to help keep our minds and bodies more active and engaged and helps ward off depression and loneliness.

Although technology is no substitute for our need for more face-to-face contact with others, it can serve an important role to bridge the gap and help find likeminded people.

  • Find People with Similar Interests

No matter how obscure or specialized the subject, from the best diners along Route 66 to Big Band Jazz, online social media is filled with active and enthusiastic communities. Some may be local to you and have in-person meet-ups and others may hold regularly scheduled online video discussions through Skype or Zoom.

Finding those with similar experiences and interests can help you form bonds that grow into real-world friendships. That’s important: one survey found that 46% of those who become personal friends with “online acquaintances” are less likely to be lonely than those who maintain online-only relationships.

  • Convenient Rides Help More Social Activities

One reason for social isolation among older Americans is their inability or concern to drive at night or in heavy traffic. Apps like Uber and Lyft can be a game-changer, helping people to get out and socialize with friends.

  • Play Online Games

One of the best ways to keep the aging brain nimble and active is to play games. Online games like Words with Friends (a game much very similar to Scrabble) let people play in real time with friends gathered from social media and their phone contacts. Many of these games include built-in chat functions, so the experience of online game play can feel more like sitting across the table from each other, with opportunities for crosstalk, off-topic banter, and “real” conversation between turns.

  • Virtual Education and Clubs

Virtual book clubs, movie clubs, spirituality and religious groups, and even world-class education courses can be delivered over phones, tablets, or internet-connected televisions. Related discussion groups can provide structured activities that help build relationships.

Finally, take heart. Making new friends may seem daunting, but studies reveal that adults only need to spend approximately 90 minutes in each other’s presence to become friends, while close friendships seem to form over a course of about 200 hours.

Another excellent source to meet like-minded people and potential friends is through your very own association. Everything from association meetings to volunteering opportunities to group travel. There’s no reason to go it alone. Join the group!

Local Events with NCRGEA

Source: https://time.com/5248016/tracey-crouch-uk-loneliness-minister/

http://news.ku.edu/2023/02/01/just-one-quality-conversation-friend-boosts-daily-well-being-0

Back-to-School Savings Are Just Ahead with AMBA Discounts

Isaiah on August 11, 2023

September is a great time to begin to pursue educational opportunities in the things you’ve always wanted. From learning a foreign language to discovering how to code, to the tech equipment you and your loved ones need, with AMBA Discounts you can get all the best gear at the best prices!

Learn a Foreign Language

Babbel is a language app that boasts over 10 million downloads from users around the world. Babbel’s current roster of languages include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Polish, Russian, Dutch, Turkish, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Indonesian, and more.  Babbel’s series of activities help you improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It features high-quality content, a sleek design, and excellent speech-recognition technology. If you’ve been wanting to learn a foreign language or meaning to sharpen your skills, Babbel is perfect!

AMBA Discounts offer: 55% off new subscriptions!

Develop Your Skills as A Developer

Educative is a hands-on learning platform for software developers of all levels. Their interactive, text-based courses are built from the ground up to teach you today’s most in-demand and important skills. Tools like in-browser coding environments and interview-focused assessments help you practice as you learn. Educative’s lessons are simple, straight to the point, and let you practice with it everywhere, even from your phone.

AMBA Discounts offer: Save 20% on one-year and two-year unlimited subscriptions for standard and premium plans.

The Tools for Success

Of course, you need the gear to make the most of your studies. And Samsung Galaxy Chromebook computers, Android phones, and Galaxy tablets offer some of the best technology available today.

AMBA Discounts offer: savings up to 25% and more on PCs, tablets, televisions, digital imaging and audio/video products.

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, your AMBA Discounts membership is absolutely FREE to all NCRGEA members!

Browse for discounts by visiting www.passportcorporate.com.

Want to Keep Feeling Young at Heart? Check These Boxes!

Isaiah on August 9, 2023

Maintaining good health is important throughout our lives. As we age, it’s more vital than ever to keep living a happy and active life. While genetics or family history contribute to our own health risks, there are things you can do to help prevent chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Here’s a quick checklist to help maintain good health as you age.

  • Eat a heart healthy diet

Taking care of your heart should be among everyone’s top priorities. Eating a heart healthy diet – such as lowering your saturated fats and sodium intake, reducing cholesterol, and getting the nutrients your body needs to continue working properly as you age – can help you stay healthy. Even if you’ve had a heart attack, it’s never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes and take steps to improve your overall health.

  • Exercise and stay active

As you get older, many people claim they just don’t have the energy to exercise. And while our exercise routines need to evolve as we age, people who start exercising again frequently soon report increased energy and an improved quality of life. Studies prove that exercise can not only help your body stay fit, but also improve your mood.

  • Make sure your hearing is loud and clear

Hearing loss is all too frequently part of aging. If you have a persistent ringing in your ears or sometimes have difficulty understanding what people are saying even though you can hear them, or others tell you that you have the TV volume up too high, you might have some hearing loss or a related condition called tinnitus.  

  • Maintaining an active lifestyle starts at your feet

Because we rely on them so much and they literally carry the weight of our entire bodies, our feet and ankles are constantly at risk for inflammation, pain, and limited movement and flexibility. Wear appropriate and comfortable footwear that is right for your foot type. For example, if you are flat-footed, make sure you wear shoes with appropriate cushioning. Flexible shoes that bend too readily often cause people to twist their foot or ankle and fall. Hard, sturdy soles are more slip-resistant than lightweight, flexible shoes. Choose shoes that have a good tread and get rid of shoes that have worn out tread.

  • Keep your medications organized and safe

As we age, we frequently have more medications to manage different health conditions. It’s important to review your medications regularly with your pharmacist and your health care provider to make sure everything is necessary and to identify possible interactions. One of the best ways to make sure you take your daily medications is with a color-coded pill organizer.

  •  Get your beauty rest

As we age, losing sleep at night can also lead to other health concerns, like an increased risk of falling and daytime fatigue. People over age 65 should get at least seven-to-eight hours of sleep every night. That’s because getting the rest you need can help you stay both physically and mentally well as you age.

Following the checklist above can help you to stay healthy and active throughout your entire life. Another list to check is making sure you have all the coverage you need. From Vision and Dental to other important insurance coverage, a FREE Benefits Review with an AMBA field agent can help make sure you and your family can enjoy peace of mind. Request a Review now at www.amba-review.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm EST. It’s nice to know that anytime you have questions about your insurance benefits, someone is ready to assist.

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