Health Tips to Detect Breast Cancer Early By Dr. Pablo Prichard
4 Steps to Follow If Confronted with An Unexpected Early Retirement By Renee A. Hanson, Private Wealth Advisor Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
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arly retirement is a concept that, at one point in your working life, may have seemed like a dream. Yet many Americans who have retired early have done so not by choice, but because of circumstances out of their control. For some people, it may be an injury or an accident that has short-circuited their ability to keep working. For others, perhaps the economic conditions have required their employer to reduce its workforce or close entirely. If any of these describe your situation, you may be confronted with the urgent need to get your retirement finances in order. Here are four steps you should consider as you prepare for the onset of retirement:
#1 ASSESS ALL YOUR AVAILABLE ASSETS A starting point is to take inventory of all available assets. This will help you determine whether you really have enough money on hand to meet your income needs – not just for the immediate future, but throughout your retirement. If you have accounts with different financial institutions or retirement plans with previous employers, you may want to consolidate them with a single provider.
ongoing work, perhaps with the help of a professional career consultant. #3 CHECK INTO YOUR HEALTH CARE OPTIONS If you are 65 or older, you have the option to enroll in Medicare. If not, you’ll need to consider other options. See if your employer will consider extending health care coverage for a period of time, or you have an option to pay to maintain that coverage. Alternatively, if you are married, you may be able to be added to your spouse’s coverage. If those choices aren’t available, you can look into an individual health care policy, utilizing the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. #4 POSITION YOUR INVESTMENTS PROPERLY As you enter retirement, make sure your savings are appropriately invested. You may need to reduce your risk profile. If you are invested too aggressively, a sudden downturn in the markets could result in a major setback for your nest egg that may be difficult to overcome. Stocks should continue to be part of your asset mix. Keep in mind that money needed as income for the next two-to-three years should be held in relatively safe investments like cash or short-term bonds. The transition to retirement is one of the most important financial periods of your life. Be sure to call on the help of your financial advisor to guide you through this time.
#2 DETERMINE IF YOU STILL NEED OR WANT TO WORK Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFATM, CFS®, As you review your assets, consider whether starting to BFA®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, tap into your retirement savings today will put an undue Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in fee-based financial planning strain on your long-term financial security. If that’s the and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 29 years. To contact her visit www.affinitywealthadvisor.com or call (602) 923-9800. case, you may need to continue to generate income Her office is located at 7010 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite #200, Phoenix, through work. That could come through employment fullAZ 85054-3115. Investment products andyou services made available through time, part-time or potentially by becoming a consultant. Putting the needs of clients first is the approach I believe in.advisory I’ll work with to are find Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC., a registered investment adviser. rightconsideration financial solutions to you helpare you planready for yourAmeriprise uniqueFinancial goals.Services, And together, we’ll Anthe added is whether really LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. progress over adjusting your plan way Financial, to helpInc. getAllyou © 2020the Ameriprise rightswhere reserved. totrack retire.your If not, it is time to time, explore your options for along you want to go. Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC®, APMA® Private Wealth Advisor Affinity Wealth Advisory Group A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
602.923.9800 7010 E. Chauncey Ln Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85054 renee.a.hanson@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisor.com
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
16 • October 2020 • THE SCOTTSDALE STANDARD
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reast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States with more than 250,000 diagnosed with an invasive form each year. The causes of breast cancer are complex and multifactorial, including genetic, hormone related, and environmental, but learning about potential risks and how to detect it early can prepare you to see warning signs when it is most treatable and curable. KNOW THE RISK FACTORS While most breast cancer cases can’t be linked to a specific cause, there are a few known risk factors to be aware of. • Age: As you get older, your risk of breast cancer increases. Most cases are found in women over the age of 50. However, we are seeing breast cancer more and more in younger women. • Personal History: If you have had breast cancer in the past, your chances of developing cancer again are higher. • Family History: If a direct relative like a mother, sister or daughter has developed breast cancer, or other type of cancer, this increases your risk. • Genetic Factors: The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are genetic mutations that greatly increase the chance of developing breast cancer. There are other genes as well that increase your risk, so if you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may be indicated. EARLY DETECTION IS KEY As with any cancer, early detection greatly increases the chance of beating cancer. There are a few different methods that, when done in combination, are the best tools to see early stages of cancer. Regularly examining your breast is a great place to start. While examining, look for any swelling, soreness, lumps or changes in the shape or size. Anything abnormal should be brought to your doctor’s
attention for further examination. The most important findings are hard, immobile masses, and indentations of the skin. Also examine yourself standing, laying, and leaning over forward, as skin retraction can be more prominent in one position vs. another. Mammograms are one of the most important screening methods for women over the age of 40 as it can detect signs of cancer up to two years before a tumor can be felt. The X-ray can see tiny white dots, or micro-calcifications, which can be a sign of breast cancer. Another technique that works well for younger women with more dense breasts or implants employs quantitative transmission ultrasound, also known as a QT Ultrasound. It provides a much clearer view and provides images more like an MRI. Women at high risk should consider yearly mammograms along with ultrasounds starting at 30. TECHNIQUES ARE IMPROVING If you do develop breast cancer, take heart that treatment technologies and techniques have greatly advanced over the years. Even options for breast reconstruction have advanced like using your own tissue rather than a traditional implant which can improve the feel and shape of the breast. Your plastic surgeon can work closely with you to determine the best option for you. Often, an oncoplastic reconstruction can improve the appearance of the breast. Breast Cancer Awareness month is a great time to educate yourself and make breast health a priority. Consider creating standing annual appointments for the appropriate screening procedures and monthly reminders for self-examination; your body will thank you. Pablo Prichard, M.D., is former Chief of Plastic Surgery at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Hospital for 14 years, Medical Director for Plastic Surgery and is Senior Partner at Advanced Aesthetics Associates. For more information, visit drprichard.com and follow on Instagram @pabloprichard. myhyperlocalnews.com
