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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.

Motion is Lotion: How Exercise Can Help Mitigate and Prevent Joint Pain

Isaiah on August 7, 2023

Joint pain can make even the simplest tasks difficult. Even making a fist or climbing stairs can become challenging. Frequently, many people mistakenly believe that physical activity has become too difficult and could cause the pain to become even worse. However, sometimes the opposite is true. The more your joints move, the more natural lubrication they receive to remain healthy and cause you less pain.

Of course, some exercises are better for joint pain than others. For example, long runs will likely cause wear and tear to your joints. But low-impact exercises like walking and swimming are a win-win: not only will you be able to remain active and alleviate pain, but also improve the lubrication of your joints.

For most people who live with joint pain, these low-impact exercises are smart, proven options. You can also check out Humana Neighborhood Centers or your local Senior Centers.

Biking

Biking – either indoor or outdoor – is an excellent exercise for those who suffer from joint pain or want to avoid developing it. This activity is low impact (meaning, less stress on the joints) and can also stimulate the muscles. This can help to decrease pain while stimulating motion and mobility. Biking can help build up your quadriceps, which can help alleviate pressure and pain if you have bad knees. Start out slow and eventually work your way up to 30-minute sessions on the bike.

Strength Training

One of the goals of exercising when you have joint pain is to build up the muscles around those joints. Strength training can help increase the capacity of the muscles surrounding the joints and stabilize them which can result in less pain. Talk to your doctor or a trainer or physical therapist before starting and ask them what the most appropriate training routine will be for you.

Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines are a low-impact alternative to running and jogging.

They provide both high intensity interval training and steady-state cardio workouts. These aerobic workouts can strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles which can help build your stamina and endurance. Ellipticals go easy on your joints, and simultaneously build muscles in your legs, which can help lower knee and ankle pain.

While taking steps to improve your health, it’s also a good idea to protect your loved ones. NCRGEA and AMBA have an excellent Whole Life policy that guarantees acceptance – even if you smoke or have weight issues. There isn’t even a health exam! Joining is easy: you can purchase your policy online. Sign up now for a Whole Life Policy through NCRGEA and AMBA at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com/NCRGEA or call (800)-956-1228.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27386811/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/elliptical-machines/faq-20058294#:~:text=Using%20an%20elliptical%20machine%20is,joint%20pain%20due%20to%20arthritis.

Osteoporosis Disease Affects 10,000,000 Americans — Many Don’t Even Know It

Isaiah on August 4, 2023

You know that old saying when your intuition is telling you something is wrong, “I can feel it in my bones”? All too frequently, when it comes to osteoporosis disease, many people aren’t even aware of the problem until they suffer an injury.

Osteoporosis: “The Silent Disease”

It is known as a “silent disease” because it’s common for people to be unaware of their bones getting weaker and to not suffer any symptoms until they break a bone in an unusual way, such as a minor fall, lifting something, or even coughing or sneezing.

Osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens the bones, affects approximately 10 million Americans aged 50 and up. Women are four times more likely than men to be afflicted by it. According to researchers, about 2 million broken bones every year are caused because of the disease.

A similar but less severe disease known as osteopenia affects 43 million Americans. This condition occurs when the body has a lower-than-normal volume of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. As a result, their bodies are unable to make new bone as quickly as it reabsorbs old bone. Although people with osteopenia still have enough bone density that the condition won’t cause fractures or breaks, the condition can progress to osteoporosis.

To keep bones strong and reduce the risks of weakening:

  • Eat a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D
  • Get regular aerobic exercise such as walking, hiking, and stair climbing
  • Engage in additional anaerobic exercises like light weightlifting to strengthen muscles as well as balance exercises including Pilates or yoga
  • Don’t smoke

Unfortunately, if you do have osteoporosis, an injury can happen anytime, anywhere. You could break a bone at home in your kitchen while getting off a step stool, while you’re enjoying a walk with friends in your neighborhood, or while you’re away on vacation by lifting a suitcase. But you may need immediate emergency medical transportation to the emergency room, and an emergency ambulance or airlift can cost thousands of dollars.

It’s smart to be prepared. Whether you’re home or away, Medical Air Services Association (MASA) covers emergency medical transportation. MASA will cover your ambulance or emergency airlift, and services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. NCRGEA and AMBA make getting a MASA plan easy. Learn more at ambamedtransport.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia

Face It: Find the Most Flattering Frames Based on Your Face Shape

McKenzie Lyman on August 3, 2023

Selecting the perfect frames when you’re shopping for your next pair of eyeglasses comes with a variety of factors to be considered. Color, size, and what kind of statement you want your eyewear to make perhaps all come into consideration. There’s also an important additional factor to consider: What eyewear will be most flattering for your face shape. 

Knowing your face shape and what frames work best can help you choose the glasses that most suit you. Some frames can accentuate the features you most want to highlight and help create a well-balanced look.

Define Your Face Shape

Oval: An oval face is proportionally balanced with a slightly curved jawline that is somewhat narrower than the forehead, allowing for the most flexibility in frame options.

Recommended Frames: Most styles look good on oval faces. These recommendations will add structure to the softer oval shape.

Round: Characteristically, round faces lack prominent cheekbones and are typically as wide as it is long.

Recommended Frames: For men with round faces, rectangle and square frames create a more masculine appearance. For women, large and bold styles help draw attention to the eyes and make the face appear smaller.

Square: A square face is typically anchored by a wide, angular jawline and a similarly broad forehead.

Heart-Shaped: Broader foreheads and prominent cheekbones along with a narrower chin are the characteristics of heart-shaped faces. Rectangle frames can add balance, while round frames can soften the more angular shape.

Pear-Shaped: The broader jawlines and chins of pear-shaped faces also tend to have narrower foreheads and less prominent cheekbones. Browline frames bring more balance to a narrow forehead, but anyone can opt for the universally flattering aviator.

Diamond: A diamond face combines an angular jawline and prominent cheekbones with a narrower forehead. Men might opt for round or browline frames to balance facial features. For women, round and oval frames add softness to angular features, while cat-eye frames can add volume around narrow cheekbones.

One thing that always looks good: big savings on your next pair of glasses. NCRGEA and AMBA have a Vision Plan that can help you get the eyeglasses and the prescription that’s just right for you at great discounted rates. Our plan includes an annual WellVision checkup and coverage on a large selection of designer eyewear. Sign up now at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.

Got a Holiday Dessert Recipe to Share?

Patti Dukes on August 2, 2023

Our NCRGEA members have such great talents, and we want to showcase them in an upcoming free digital recipe book of holiday desserts. Here’s how you can participate:

  • Fill in the online submission form before October 25, 2023
  • Choose one of the 4 food categories (you can submit as many different recipes as you’d like!)
  • Write a brief story about what the recipe means to you as an Intro to the recipe!
  • Provide ingredients and cooking instructions and serving size for your recipe
  • Upload a quality image of the dessert under 25mb (optional)
  • Click Send button~ then, set your timers!
  • Digital release of the compiled cookbook will be on our website for free download by November 3, 2023. This is a digital cookbook; NCRGEA will not be providing printed copies

Any questions? Please email info@NCRGEA.com for further information.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT RECIPE

Our New Dental Plan Gives Our Members a Lot to Smile About

McKenzie Lyman on August 1, 2023

Enroll Online
Enroll by Phone
See upcoming events to learn more >

Enjoying good times is what retirement is all about. NCRGEA knows your golden years should be all about showing off those pearly whites. That’s why we’ve worked hard with our partner AMBA to provide new features on our acclaimed Dental Plans for NCGREA members like you and your family.

That’s right, our great Dental Plans just got even better! For starters, whether you choose the Choice or Freedom Plan, you access comprehensive benefits at our group rates. Plus, you can enroll in either of these plans at any time. There is NO limited open enrollment period. And not only that, but these plans feature NO WAITING PERIOD on covered services. You can get access right away!

Best of all, you can enroll anytime on this plan. There is NO limited open enrollment period.

Benefits Provided By AMBA

We made sure our improved Dental Plans were designed around you and your unique needs and wants. For instance, not only do our plans provide coverage for services like implants and dentures, but they also feature access to rollover unused maximum dollars.

Note: there is NO change in NCRGEA’s Vision Plan: same rates, same plan, same network!

Compare Our Plans

Both of our plans let you see any dentist you want, with bigger savings with In-Network providers. You can keep your dentist or save up to 50% with one of our 550,000 practitioners nationwide (and 15,000 in North Carolina!)!

Plus, our Dental Plans give you freedom to choose! Select the plan that’s right for you: The Choice Plan provides coverage on basic services with an increased annual maximum of $1200 while the premium Freedom Plan gives you more coverage with an annual maximum of $2,000. Both plans offer increased co-insurance over time so long as you see your dentist at least once a year for a covered service.

Along with twice annual dental cleanings and checkups, our covered services include fillings, scaling, root canals, periodontal surgery, bridges, dentures, crowns, and exclusively for Freedom Plan enrollees, implants. Please see the policy for full information regarding covered services.

How much do the Dental Plans cost?

Reward Yourself with Dental Rewards

And with Dental Rewards, Dental Plan participants can carryover unused dollars into the next year. Accumulated rewards up to the maximum carryover can be used for covered dental procedures. See the below chart for how Max builder works.

Remember, if you’re currently enrolled in one of our Dental Plans and do not wish to make any changes, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED. You can relax, knowing you can keep enjoying your benefits.

Ready to enroll? You can enroll securely online by going to ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea or you can call us at 833-605-0727 and an AMBA benefits representative will assist you over the phone.

Note: there is NO change in NCRGEA’s Vision Plan: same rates, same plan, same network!

Click here Sign up for a FREE Benefits Review

New to our Dental & Vision Plans? Here’s how to enroll:

Online:

You can enroll securely online by going to ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea.

Enroll Now

Phone:

Call 833.605.0727 & an AMBA benefits representative will assist you in enrolling over the phone

Call Now
See upcoming events to learn more >

New members & new retirees who retired in the past year will receive an enrollment packet by mail. NCRGEA members with the current Dental and/or Vision coverage will receive a letter & change forms. Remember, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED if you are currently enrolled in these plans & do not wish to make any changes.

At NCRGEA, we are always looking for ways to provide members even more value. Watch for new enhancements that will be added to your dental plan in January!

NCRGEA Welcomes 388 New Members in July!

Patti Dukes on August 1, 2023

We have a louder voice in the NC legislature, thanks to our supportive members! We welcome our newest members who joined this July 2023. Feel free to contact us with any questions at our NCRGEA office: 919.834.4652 or 800.356.1190.

August’s Reader Recipe: Dijon Crab Spaghetti

Isaiah on August 1, 2023

As we get through the Dog Days of Summer, this recipe provides a refreshing flavor, healthy nutrients, and a creamy, balanced sauce. The secret weapons that make this dish unique are the teaspoon of Dijon added to the sauce and the juicy segments of tangerine. Thai chili brings a touch of heat, while The fresh crab is augmented with mint, basil, and parsley. Depending on your palate, the Thai chili can bring just the right amount of spiciness.

You can add a crispy bread crumb mixture to go on top, made of bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and lemon zest.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fresh jumbo lump crabmeat
  • 1/2 cup tangerine segments
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 cups cooked spaghetti (from 3 ounces uncooked spaghetti), chilled
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 1 small fresh Thai chili, minced
  • 1/4 cup trout roe (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk Dijon, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, sherry vinegar, and salt in a large bowl until creamy.
  2. Add spaghetti, basil, parsley, mint, and Thai chili to vinaigrette. Stir until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
  3. Add crabmeat and tangerine segments. Gently stir until well combined.
  4. Cover and chill 10 minutes.
  5. (Optional) Garnish with trout roe.

Have a recipe you’d like to share?

NCRGEA is compiling a Digital Holiday Dessert collection of recipes for 2023! If you have a dessert recipe you’d like to share, Submit A Dessert here by October 10, 2023.

All Ages, All Stages NC- invitation to join the effort!

Patti Dukes on July 6, 2023

Posted on behalf of Joyce Massey-Smith, Director, NCDHHS Division of Aging and Adult Services

All Ages, All Stages NC logo
Dear partners, 
 
By now many of you have heard about Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 280, NC’s Commitment to Building an Age-Friendly State, which calls upon NC DHHS to develop a multisector plan for aging (MPA). A MPA kick-off event was held June 5th and we thank all who participated! During this event, we unveiled NC’s MPA: All Ages, All Stages NC and encouraged all interested people to join our effort. 
 
We are excited to announce we are now accepting members to our stakeholder workgroups! The stakeholder workgroups will meet monthly to identify key issues and develop recommendations. We are seeking diverse membership to ensure all voices are heard throughout this process. It is not necessary that you be a subject-matter expert in a specific area, but rather that you bring your enthusiasm and ideas. We are also looking for a few more people to join the All Ages, All Stages NC steering committee. 
 
To join a workgroup or to apply to be considered as a member of the steering committee, click HERE by Monday, July 10th. 
 
To learn more about this initiative, please visit our All Ages, All Stages NC webpage, where you can find slides from the kick-off event, a timeline, and much more. Feel free to forward this email as appropriate. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
 
Sincerely,
 
Joyce Massey-Smith, MPA
Director
 
Cell: 919-855-3400
 
693 Palmer Drive, Taylor Hall
2101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2101
 
 

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