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Do Sunglasses Really Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy?

Isaiah on July 3, 2023

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. What many people don’t realize or neglect to do is to take an equal amount of precaution to protect their eyes. Sunglasses are more than just a cool fashion statement or way to keep the sun out of your eyes on bright days.

Four Reasons To Wear Sunglasses More Often

1) You Immediately See the Difference

From the moment you put them on, sunglasses provide instant relief from the sun’s brightness and glare. Polarized lenses cut down on the sun’s harsh glare.

And it’s not just the sun’s intense rays that sunglasses protect your eyes from. As a physical barrier, sunglasses protect from wind, blowing dust, sand, and other airborne debris that could irritate your eyes and even scratch the cornea, which could cause permanent damage.

2) Protection Against Ultra-Violet Rays

In rain or shine, the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays are always present every day of the year. In fact, water, snow, and car windshields can reflect light into the eyes. So, if you’re in a car, on a boat, or around snow you’re getting a double dose of UV rays on a sunny day – the direct exposure from the sun and a second exposure from the reflected light.

It doesn’t matter how dark or the color of the lenses of the sunglasses. The most important thing is that they block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. A pair of high-quality sunglasses t can make the difference between enjoying a pleasant outdoor activity or damaging your eyes.

3) Prevent Sun-Related Eye Disease

Daily exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays over the course of years will significantly increase your risk for developing cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions. The sun’s rays can also cause eye cancer and a condition called pterygium, a growth of excess tissue on the eyeball. Fortunately, there’s a simple, convenient way to reduce the risk whenever you’re outside: wear sunglasses.

4) Avoid Headaches or Migraines

The sun’s bright light can trigger people who suffer from migraines or painful headaches. Wearing a high-quality pair of sunglasses that blocks out the sun’s light and protects your eyes is an effective, proven deterrent.

Select sunglasses with dark, high-quality lenses if you’re prone to such headaches.

How To Look and See Your Best

Sunglasses are an essential part of summer and lifelong health! If you need a new pair, then the Vision Plan from NCRGEA and AMBA is perfect for you. The plan has so many benefits for members, including coverage for a wide variety of sunglasses that look great and offer all of the protective elements you need to keep seeing your best for years to come! The plan covers an annual WellVision exam, 100% coverage for most lenses, even progressives, and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Plus, the plan has NO WAITING PERIOD for covered services. Members, sign up today – www.AMBAdentalvision.com/ncrgea#vision or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24798334/

https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2266015

Bizarre Dental Injuries That Happened to the Rich and Famous

Isaiah on July 3, 2023

Action film stars are no strangers to physical injuries. From minor slips to severe injuries, even the best precautions aren’t always able to prevent an accident. Still, these examples of the rich and famous losing their teeth can be a healthy reminder that accidents and injuries can happen to all of us, and dental emergencies can occur suddenly when you least expect it.

In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen played Aragorn. While filming a fight scene for The Two Towers, Mortensen was hit in the face with a poorly aimed sword. His front tooth cracked. However, being a consummate professional, he simply picked the piece up and asked the crew to superglue it back into his mouth. He then continued with the scene.

Daniel Craig had two of his front teeth knocked out while filming Casino Royale, his first James Bond movie. Of course, the legendary James Bond can’t have a gap in his front teeth, so they flew Craig’s dentist in from London to replace Craig’s teeth as soon as possible.

Charlize Theron cracked two of her back teeth when training for her role in Atomic Blonde. According to her, the teeth cracked because she was clenching them while she was fighting, and the injury required surgery before shooting could start.

Perhaps the most bizarre example of all is when, during the filming of the 1972 classic Deliverance (1972), screenwriter James Dickey and film director John Boorman got into an on-set fistfight. Dickey broke Boorman’s nose and knocked out some of his teeth.

What Should You Do If You Knock Out a Tooth?

Having a tooth knocked out of your mouth can be a serious injury. For one thing, the sockets will all require a root canal since the nerves and blood vessels cannot be restored. However, the teeth can reattach to the bone when you put them back in.

Although it’s easier to save a tooth for children than adults, it’s still possible.

If you should have a tooth knocked out, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid potential additional damage.

Follow these tips to increase the chances of saving a tooth:

  • When handling the tooth, avoid getting your hands on the part of the tooth that would normally be under the gum because it can be very fragile and break.
    • To make sure the tooth stays clean, rinse it with milk or water.
    • It is important to keep the tooth wet. If you can’t place it in milk, you can place it between your cheek and gum.
    • Sometimes, the tooth can be slipped back into its socket. Make sure it’s facing the right way. If it doesn’t fit, be sure not to force it.
    • No matter what, get to the dentist as soon as you can!

A tooth cracking or getting knocked out can hurt, but frequently the expense of a dental procedure is just as painful. Fortunately, NCRGEA and AMBA offer an excellent Dental Plan that covers many procedures and features low deductibles and high maximums. This plan lets you see out-of-network providers and gives even bigger savings when you see one of our 400,000+ nationwide in-network providers. Sign up as a Member today – No Open Enrollment Period, benefits at Signup.  www.AMBAdentalvision.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Heading for the Great Outdoors? Get In On Savings 💰 with AMBA Discounts

Isaiah on July 3, 2023

Summertime health and fitness is synonymous with outdoor pursuits like golfing, cycling, or hiking. From great gear to wearable tech, AMBA Discounts has you covered with amazing discounts and promotions.

Hurley Bikes

Hurley understands that, for many, biking is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life. That’s why the team at Hurley is committed to providing customers with the best possible products to enhance their passion and excitement for cycling. Whether you’re looking for a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid bike, Hurley has the perfect option for you. Plus, they also carry biking accessories including helmets, gloves, and bike locks, to ensure that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable ride.

AMBA Discounts offer: 30% off plus free shipping.

Garmin

From the driving range to the final putt, Garmin has made groundbreaking advances in the game of golf. Garmin’s devices include Golf Watches, Launch Monitors, and Simulators, and Range Finders. Whether you’re just enjoying the game or want to shave strokes from your handicap, Garmin’s devices will put you on course for new lows with the insights and data you need to play your best – no matter your age or skill level.

AMBA Discounts offer: 20% off select Garmin wearables and accessories.

Adidas

Adidas’s mission is to be the best sports brand in the world. Their hiking boots and shoes provide the fit, traction and comfort needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other all day long. No matter if you’re climbing to the summit or taking a leisurely hike, Adidas has the perfect hiking shoes – including the award-winning Terrex line – as well as clothes and accessories to crush every hike.

There are so many more savings to explore, like clothing, entertainment, shopping, and car rentals. Best of all, your membership is absolutely FREE. Register for your AMBA Discounts secret activation code now. Already have an account? Start browsing by visiting www.passportcorporate.com.

Celebrate Summer with our Peach Blueberry Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Isaiah on July 3, 2023

If your summers are loaded with BBQ’s, get-togethers, and a little over-indulging, you probably need to add more nutrition to your diet. Smoothies are a great way to start every day. They’re not only delicious, but also a quick and easy way to ensure you get the recommended daily fruit and veggies and are packed with extra vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.

This Peach Blueberry Smoothie Bowl is the perfect combo! It’s simple to make yet has a complex flavor and it includes local peaches!! Plus, it’s vegan, and allergy friendly. (If you have a nut allergy, simply remove the nut butter or substitute with your favorite nut-substitute option). This recipe is for one serving.

Ingredients

Servings

  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 2 fresh peaches
  • 2 tablespoons nut butter 
  • 1⁄4 cup coconut milk
  • 1 banana 
  • 1⁄4 cup granola 
  • Add ½ tsp of flax seed which may improve cardiovascular health, support digestive health, and support weight management

Instructions

  1. Blend blueberries, 1/4 of the banana, nut butter, 1 peach, and coconut in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and well mixed.
  2. Slice the remaining banana and dice extra peach.
  3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Top with banana, peach, and granola.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

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 September 30, 2023.

Sandy and Ellie’s Excellent Adventure: Two 81-Year-Olds Travel the World in 80 Days

Isaiah on July 3, 2023

Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hambry wanted to do something special to celebrate their 80th birthdays. When Sandy proposed a unique adventure for their milestones, her friend was immediately thrilled with the idea: to travel the world in 80 days for their 80th birthday.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have stalled the two friends’ whirlwind trip, but only briefly. After all, the two met in Zambia 23 years ago while on a medical mission and have been sharing journeys and adventures ever since.

Starting Their Journey

So, on January 11, 2023, at the age of 81 years old, the pair departed their Dallas, Texas homes and began their journey. First stop: Antarctica.

In a mere 80 days, their itinerary allowed the two to experience the northern lights of Lapland at the North Pole, a sleigh ride pulled by huskies in Finland, a hot air balloon ride in Egypt, camel rides in the deserts of Africa, the awesome ancient structures of Rome, a two-day ship ride across the treacherous Drake Passage, where 20-foot waves rocked their boat, and searching for wallabies in Australia.

The two documented their journey on their social media platforms and quickly gained thousands of affectionate and amazed followers. Many – including a fan in Rwanda and another in Colorado – invited them to visit them and stay at their homes. As the Rwandan wrote, “You 2 are amazing!”

Hazelip laughs when recalling her family’s reaction to their social media popularity. Her grandchildren would comment on her social media updates, “There’s my grandmother having fun!”

“We’re not wanting our comfort zone. We’re wanting an adventure,” Hamby explained. “We were together 80 days 24/7, and it’s just really made us even closer than we were.”

In fact, the two enjoyed their travels so much their even planning another! Hazelip revealed, “We are planning another trip! Something when we’re 82 in 2024. We’ve got some ideas about where we’re going and what we’re going to do, so you just need to stay tuned for the next adventure because it’s going to happen!”

Whether you plan on taking on an adventure and traveling the world or staying close to home, getting a Medical Air Services Association (MASA) plan is a smart idea. All too frequently, people are shocked when they receive huge bills for emergency medical transportation. 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 global coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 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.

Tips to Prevent Accidents at Home

Isaiah on July 3, 2023

Getting older brings many things. Wisdom, memories, and experience are good examples. Unfortunately, getting older also brings increased risk of accidents and injuries, even in the supposed safety of our homes. Falling is a common cause of injury among older Americans, resulting in over 8 million trips to the emergency room for nonfatal injuries.

Recognizing and taking steps to identify areas that may pose a risk – such as sharp edges on furniture, slippery floors or rugs, or phone chargers that could cause a fall – is important can help keep you safe.

Preventing Everyday Accidents at Home

For starters, make sure that all areas of your home are well-lit. Poor visibility can lead to slips or falls on stairs, in hallways or on other items lying around which could be tripped over. Make sure all areas of the home have adequate lighting so potential hazards can be more easily seen.

Next, review if your stairs may have any uneven steps, railings, or even loose carpeting. Even though you may walk up and down the stairs multiple times a day, these tripping hazards are an accident waiting to happen.

Likewise, make sure rugs aren’t loose to prevent slipping or falling on Use double-sided tape to keep rugs in place.

Also be sure to clean all the clutter from the floor. Electrical cords, dangling phone chargers, or other wires are obvious examples, but so are items like shoes and bags. Make sure all items are kept neat and orderly.

And, just like you don’t want too many things on the floor, make sure your most used items aren’t too high. Keep these things items in a low, easy-to-reach place so you don’t have to use step stools as often. 

In Case of Emergency

Even if you follow all these tips, accidents can happen. In the event of a fall or an injury, an emergency room visit might be necessary. Even if there’s no external injury, you want to be sure there’s no internal bleeding or trauma, especially if you’ve hit your head.

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. If you require emergency medical transportation, an ambulance ride or air emergency transportation can cost thousands. With a MASA plan, you can focus on healing from your injury and not worry about the unexpected expense of your ride. MASA is available through NCRGEA and AMBA. Learn more by visiting www.ambamedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call 877-290-3170.

Sources:

https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/how-prevent-most-common-household-accident

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Home-Accidents

Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has developed a draft five-year plan outlining how the agency will invest BEAD funding across North Carolina.

Patti Dukes on June 28, 2023

June 26, 2023

Excerpted from Press Release, Office of the Governor of North Carolina

Governor Cooper Announces North Carolina Will Receive More Than $1.5 Billion in Federal Funding to Expand High-Speed Internet Access Across the State

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded North Carolina more than $1.5 billion to fund high-speed internet infrastructure under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded North Carolina more than $1.5 billion to fund high-speed internet infrastructure under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

“State and federal partnerships are critical to helping us close the digital divide and we are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for this historic investment to expand high-speed Internet access in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “Through this program, we will continue to make tremendous progress in making sure every household and business in our state is connected.”

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT’s) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has developed a draft five-year plan outlining how the agency will invest BEAD funding across North Carolina. The draft plan has been posted online and is available for public comment via email to NCDITpartnerfeedback@nc.gov until Monday, July 17 at 5 p.m. The division will submit the five-year plan to NTIA by July 29 as part of the process for North Carolina to access its allocated BEAD funding.

“We continue to work tirelessly to achieve the best return on our investment as we allocate federal resources to address unserved and underserved locations across North Carolina,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Jim Weaver. “We appreciate the strong partnerships that have helped us identify needs throughout the state so that we can take strategic steps to reach every North Carolinian.”

The broadband division recently announced that its challenges to the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map aided in surfacing 115,000 additional North Carolina homes and businesses that do not have access to high-speed internet, adding more new unserved locations to the map through this process than any other state. These additions increased North Carolina’s funding allocation from the BEAD program.

The BEAD program received funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet For All initiative. More information about the initiative and the state’s other Internet For All funding can be found on this fact sheet.

To learn more about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and Governor Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide in North Carolina, please visit www.ncbroadband.gov.

NCRGEA invited to NC Superior Court Judges Conference in Asheville

Patti Dukes on June 23, 2023

June 22, 2023

NCRGEA Executive Director Tim O’Connell was invited to speak and share information on the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System at the NC Superior Court Judges Conference in Asheville this week. Thanks for the invite and the opportunity to share information on NC retirees of local and state government!

Tim O'Connell at NC Sup Court Judge conference

Changing the General Assembly Takes Time and Patience: How You Can Help

Patti Dukes on June 22, 2023

NC Legislative Building
The General Assembly meets biennially and all members are elected for two-year terms. The House consists of 120 members and the Senate has 50 members. It meets in the North Carolina Legislative Building, shown here, located at 16 West Jones St., in Raleigh.

Congratulations! You are a member of the largest association of retired government professionals in the United States. Now more than a half century old, we were then, and are today, the primary voice and advocate for North Carolina’s local and state governmental retired public servants.

As you may well remember, when we founded in 1972, our country was headed into troublesome times. Gas prices and inflation were gearing up for history making highs, we were fiercely engaged in the Cold War, and societal unease was tense across the country. Yet we remained focused on our purpose: you.

Fast forward to today, and while the past may be prologue, our focus remains the same: you.

What does that mean for you? In addition to our life impacting benefits, we have a daily presence at the North Carolina General Assembly, boards of trustees overseeing our retirement systems, and other bodies relevant to retiree matters. Our bipartisan, four member lobbyist team and NCRGEA executive leadership work with elected and appointed officials, fighting to protect the quality of life that you rightfully earned.

As our purpose is you, you are what matters most to our elected officials. You are the constituent, the fellow church member, the neighbor our elected officials are charged to serve. You are also the women and men who are the girders of a safe, well educated, prosperous, and clean North Carolina. You kept our roads maintained, educated our children, put the bad guys away, helped people in perilous times, and made our environment safe. You are, truly, the backbone of what is today one of the most desirous states to live, work, and play.

With the NCRGEA, you have a family of almost 67,000 fellow retired public servants. We are mighty in scope and in size, and can have a unified, bellowing voice with our elected officials. We look forward to continuing to serve you and fight for your quality of life.

Our elected officials need to know you. Here is how you can better engage in the legislative process as a retiree advocate; click below to download or enlarge the infographic:

2023 Retiree Advocacy Steps

Lake Case Update: June 2023

Patti Dukes on June 16, 2023

June 15, 2023

NCRGEA continues its work to advance, promote, and protect the benefits, interests, and well-being of North Carolina’s retired state and local public servants in the Lake Case. Click the video at left to hear a report from ABC11 News in Raleigh.

As Executive Director Tim O’Connell explains in this video: “To take care of them in the retirement years, based upon a contractual promise, is being a good steward for North Carolina.”

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