Medicare Misty's Let's Talk Magazine Winter Love Issue 2023

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

"There is always a light at the end of the tunnel as long as we keep a positive mind and attitude "

THE FACTS ABOUT WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE

(Source: American Heart Association)

ENDLESS LOVE IS AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT ENDLESS LOVE IS AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO CARE, HONOR, AND CHERISH ANOTHER, TO CARE, HONOR, AND CHERISH ANOTHER, THROUGH EVERY MOMENT AND ALL ETERNITY. THROUGH EVERY MOMENT AND ALL ETERNITY.

Misty Bolt is an accomplished and dynamic businesswoman who is the proud owner and CEO of MedicareMisty. As a wife to a retired Air Force military sergeant, Misty has always been driven by her passion for caring for others, especially children and older individuals. This passion has driven her to achieve great success in her career and has led her to where she is today.

With almost 20 years of experience in the industry, Misty has established herself as a respected and successful business owner. She not only runs her own company, but she has also di ifi d h i t t by launching her own wine and cigar podcast, publishing a magazine, d even having her own TV show. Her urial spirit have made her a wellmunity.

ing a positive impact in the lives of er business ventures. She actively charitable organizations in the city, mpics, the Special Olympics, and the lso serves on the board of the Cancer king for new ways to give back to her ing a race car driver to supporting a nues to show Chattanooga just how he can be.

ication to helping others are what ients inspire her to be a better agent y day. She has a deep love for God has propelled her to achieve so much history of helping those in need nages in Africa, Nepal, and Thailand ol in Guatemala to ensure that the o walk for two hours to get to school.

st rewarding part of her job is, Misty Helping people's dreams come true." positive impact in the lives of others is s what has made her one of the most businesswomen in the community.

love with her work, Misty Bolt is a true ound her.

LADY

This Valentine’s issue is dedicated to Chattanooga’s beloved, Sonia Young, better known as "The Purple Lady, ” Sonia was an advocate and encourager of our vision to bring this magazine to life for area seniors.

She kindly gifted us with her time and was featured on the cover of our inaugural issue in Spring 2021 Issue. As quoted in the Times Free Press recently, “(Sonia) was a colorful fixture in Chattanooga and an advocate for animals, the arts, education, children and so much more.

She is remembered as a passionate advocate for the city she loved.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

MY NAME IS ESTELA PRESTON.

I was born in Cambara, ParanaBrazil. When I was 16 months old my parents took me to a church event.

While there, I and the other children were exposed to something that made us sick. I had an extremely high temperature and was shaking uncontrollably.

At the time the townspeople went to the local pharmacy for evaluations because the main hospital was 249 miles away. While there, the pharmacist diagnosed me with severe flu and sent us home with medication.

The medication the pharmacists sent us home with did not help, and the next morning I was unable to walk. My mom and I traveled to San Paulo, Brazil where I was diagnosed with Polio. I was placed in isolation and put on a breathing machine called the Iron Lung. I was only able to see my mom through a glass window. The hospital staff asked my mom not to visit because I would become very emotional and distraught. I stayed at the hospital for about 40 days and was finally sent home.

Around a year later, I started walking again but my right leg was not developing as fast as my left leg. My right leg was shorter and curving to the side. Before I could have corrective surgery the doctors wanted to see if I was going to develop any other problems from the disease. It was when I was around six years old that I became eligible for surgery.

I remember when my mother dropped me off at the hospital. She told me she was going to wait outside. The nurse changed my clothes into white polka-dotted pajamas. My mother never came back and the next day I was prepped for surgery. In the pre-op, there was a little girl crying. I remember telling her; “Don’t worry it’s not going to hurt.” At the time, I think I was more scared than she was. But with five older brothers, I was taught to be tough.

I do not remember waking up from the surgery, but remember my parents still not being there for me. I remember being in pain and feeling very lonely. When it was time for visitation, the nurses put me in a wheelchair and took me to the visitor’s room. All the other children had visitors except me and I just felt more abandoned than ever. When the hospital staff learned of the situation, the doctors would come in and visit with me. My favorite was Dr. Fish who was from the United States. Every time he would visit me, he would ask, “Where’s my little girl,” and ask me to sing for him. Since that encounter, all I dreamt about was going to the United States.

I was a child and didn’t understand the situation, but the thought of not being with my family was unbearable. I always tried to keep a positive and uplifting attitude and didn’t want anyone to know how I was really feeling inside. There were so many other children that were worse than I was.

At night when they would turn the lights off, I would quietly cry myself to sleep. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I was able to forgive my mom for not being with me during this time. It felt so good to release the resentment and move on. I never resented my father because I knew he had to work and provide for the family. My lifestyle is still affected by the disease, but I am now a proud U.S. citizen. I first moved to Sarasota, FL, and worked at an assisted living facility for seven years. I have resided in Cleveland TN since 1996 and currently work in the Medicare field.

A g g , w w y p at the Miller Brothers department store in Chattanooga. In 1958, a friend asked if I had seen the “hot” new elevator operator. I took many trips on that elevator, not realizing this would change both of our lives. Marge and I had many ups and downs until she left for x-ray technician training at Erlanger Hospital.

Having no car, I had to ride a bus downtown and walk up a long hill to see her. We would walk back down the mountain for a movie, then back up the hill with her in high heels. I soon realized this would not work, so I talked my Dad into helping me purchase my first car. We dated until our marriage in 1961.

We spent our wedding night at the Teddy Bear Hotel in Cleveland, TN, but the owner refused to give us a room until our marriage license was signed. I had to leave Marge there, drive 30 miles to the minister's house, and speed back to Cleveland, arriving at 2 am. What a thrilling start to our marriage!

Three years later, our first son Jeff was born, followed by Greg 17 months later. Jeff is now a contracting officer at NASA and Greg is a West Point graduate. They have married amazing women and together, they have given us four wonderful grandchildren.

Marge stayed at home with our sons until they reached high school, and at the age of 40, she went back to Nursing School, earned her LPN, and worked as a nurse for a gynecologist until her retirement in 1993. I retired from Combustion Engineering/Alstom after 43 years. Our lives together have been more complete than we could have ever imagined. We have shared many adventures, including 21 cruises and 20 bus tours, and these years have been an indescribable blessing.

We wouldn't change a thing and are still happily in love after 61 years together.

Loveisnotjustafeelingof happiness,it'sachoiceto committoanotherperson's well-beingnomatter whatthefutureholds,for itisanendlessactofthe heart.

THEFACTSABOUT WOMENAND HEARTDISEASE

(SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION)

FACT #1

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. It’s a third of our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more.

FACT #2

The cardiovascular disease impacts some women at higher rates than others, but the simple truth is that most cardiovascular diseases can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes.

FACT #3

Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age, making it vital for all women to understand their personal risk factors and family history. Women can also experience unique life events that can impact their risk, including pregnancy and menopause. Furthermore, research shows that stress may impact health, making it important for women to understand the mind-body connection and how to focus on improving both their physical health and mental well-being.

FACT #4

Losing even one woman to cardiovascular disease is too much.

FACTS TO KNOW:

Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but the approach of menopause marks a point in midlife when women ' s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making the increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage crucial.

Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.

Monitoring blood pressure is important. 51.9% of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” occur in women.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure. Speak with your doctor regarding what you can do to achieve optimal cardiac wellness, regardless of your age or condition.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement was launched in 2004 with the goal of raising awareness and fighting a woman ’ s greatest health threat — cardiovascular disease.

Today, Go Red for Women not only advocates for the health of all women, funds lifesaving research, and educates women across the United States and around the world but is committed to removing the unique barriers women face to experiencing better health and well-being.

The power of the human heart is immeasurable. It has the capacity to love deeply, to heal, to forgive, and to inspire.

During American Heart Month in February, let us take a moment to appreciate the vital role this organ plays in our lives and make a conscious effort to keep it healthy.

RecipeTime

Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love and what better way to do that than with a sweet treat that is both indulgent and romantic?

This Valentine's chocolate mousse recipe is a decadent dessert that is perfect for sharing with your sweetheart.

The smooth, velvety texture and rich, chocolaty flavor of this mousse will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling completely satisfied. Whether you serve it in elegant glasses or simply spoon it into bowls, this Valentine's chocolate mousse is sure to impress your loved one and make this day even more special.

So, let's get cooking and celebrate the season of love with this delicious and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream

2/3 cup half and half divided into two bowls

1/3 cup of white chocolate chips

1/3 cup of milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips Raspberries, and cocoa powder for dusting.

Procedures

Whip the heavy whipping cream and set it in the refrigerator. Heat the half and half in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Split evenly into two bowls. Put the chocolate chips in one bowl and the white chocolate chips in the other bowl. Mix until

The chips are melted.

You may need to get them again for 30 seconds if they are not completely melted. Cool slightly and then fold half of the whipping cream into each bowl of chocolate.

Refrigerate for 30 min. Layer the mouse in a glass and top

For delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, contact Dawn Lemaitre at (706) 618-4969 or email her at dlemaitre7@gmail com

She's passionate about cooking and provides mouth-watering dishes that are sure to impress

IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH! February!

FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH!

Get the Facts. Know Your Numbers.

February is American Heart Month, a time to pay special attention to understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease – the leading cause of death in the nation and the #1 killer among women, above and beyond all forms of cancer. This February, the 58th American Heart Month, the AHA is urging people all over the country to "reclaim your rhythm."

And the AHA’s Go Red for Women Initiative is all about spreading the word to women everywhere that getting the facts, and knowing their numbers, is vital to living life without the threat of a cardiac event.

When it comes to heart diseases and cardiac events, such as a heart attack or stroke, women experience different symptoms than men, and those symptoms can often fall under the radar. Victims can look and feel healthy until a cardiac event occurs; which is what has given heart disease its well-earned name, the silent killer.

According to the American Heart Association, one in three women die of a heart-related condition annually, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. With these alarming statistics, AHA also reports that 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. And here at home in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Health reported earlier this month that heart disease is the state’s #1 cause of death.

Chattanooga resident, Kim Lewis, is one of many local survivors of a cardiac event. Her story is an inspiring one. 20 years ago, at the young age of 33, Kim was diagnosed with heart failure and given six years to live. After dealing with chronic illness for many months, the doctors overlooked her heart, thinking she was too young at the time for heart disease to be the culprit.

When Kim was diagnosed and told she had only a few months to live, she was in shock. Fortunately, for her, it wasn’t too late. With medical intervention and immediate lifestyle changes, Kim was able to reverse her condition and is now thriving as a certified CPR teacher and volunteer for the local chapter of the Heart Association.

What can you do to reclaim your health, and prevent a cardiac event? Below are some recommendations:

Exercise for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week - whether walking or just in a chair, moving your arms and legs!

Eating healthy - (the AHA's Heart-Check mark on many pantry items can guide you in the grocery store)

Not smoking or vaping

Maintaining a healthy weight

Controlling blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Getting regular checkups

Learning Hands-Only CPR

Finding ways to relax and ease your mind, such as meditation

I do the Heart walk every year with my husband, and my cousins Josh and Andrea,” said Kim Lewis, a heart disease survivor “Josh's father almost died of a heart attack but because of CPR is still here today. He watched the doctor doing CPR on his father, my uncle. I love meeting other survivors and getting them involved

For nearly a century, the AHA has worked to encourage people to live healthier and longer, free of heart disease and stroke. But the first American Heart Month didn't come until 1964. President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who'd had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation for American Heart Month in 1964 to spotlight heart disease. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared the federally designated event for February.

WHAT IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH?

During American Heart Month each February, the nation comes together to ignite a wave of red from coast to coast. From landmarks to news anchors to neighborhoods to online communities, this annual groundswell unites millions of people with a common goal: to end heart disease and stroke.

KIM LEWIS AT CHATTANOOGA'S HEART WALK

HEART ATTACK SIGNS IN WOMEN FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

As with men, women ’ s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

A heart attack can strike without warning, but quick action can make all the difference. Trust your instincts, seek medical attention right away, and remember that every moment counts in the fight against heart disease.

STROKE SIGNS IN WOMEN FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience sudden symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or a severe headache, call 911 immediately. Time is critical in the treatment of stroke, and prompt action can mean the difference between life and death.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, CALL 911 AND GET TO A HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY

BEST CHAIR EXERCISES BEST CHAIR EXERCISES FOR SENIORS FOR SENIORS

SEATED MARCHING:

March your legs up and down while seated to improve circulation and flexibility.

SHOULDER ROLLS:

Roll your shoulders forward and back to improve your range of motion.

ARM RAISES:

Raise and lower your arms to strengthen the muscles in your shoulders and upper back.

SEATED YOGA POSES:

Try simple seated yoga poses, such as the seated forward bend or seated spinal twist, to improve flexibility, balance, and mobility.

SEATED BICEP CURLS: Hold weights and curl your arms to strengthen your biceps and forearms.

SEATED CALF RAISES: Raise and lower your heels to strengthen your calf muscles and improve balance.

SEATED KNEE LIFTS: Lift one knee at a time toward your chest to strengthen your abdominal muscles.

SEATED LEG EXTENSIONS: Extend your legs while seated to strengthen your quadriceps and improve balance.

Loveisnotjustafeelingof happiness,it'sachoicetocommit toanotherperson'swell-beingno matterwhatthefutureholds, foritisanendlessactofthe heart.