Medicare Misty's Let's Talk! Magazine (Fall 2021)

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A FREE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION October is the Start of Medicare EnrollmentWhat You Need to Know Now Gail Raines & Her GigiBeans “Sprouts” Spread Comfort to Many Autumn Health & Safety Tips 13 Non-Candy Halloween Treats Your Trick-orTreaters Are Sure to Love In This Issue SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Dr. Phyllis Miller Healthcare Pioneer & Trailblazer for Women Autumn Recipe DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte FALL 2021 MAGAZINE INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION FOR YOUR LATER YEARS LET’S
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Let’s Talk Medicare

Welcome from misty Bolt

Welcome from Misty Bolt

Dear Reader,

Wow! What a ride it has been to get this first issue of our magazine, “Let’s Talk!” into your hands! What you’re holding is the culmination of many years of hard work in the business of Medicare, a personal passion for serving the senior population and a long-lived dream of bringing you a magazine that would prove to be a valuable resource for you and your family. Look for us to be coming to you each quarter through your mailbox and online (coming soon!). Our vision is to bring you Insights & Inspiration for Your Later Years” with each issue and we welcome your feedback!

It may feel like Summer outside, but those cool, crisp days of Autumn are just around the corner! Most of us would agree that one of the benefits of living in the South is getting to experience four seasons. Of those four seasons, Autumn is my favorite! Nothing beats the change in the air, the vibrant colors in the changing leaves and the sights, sounds and smells of SEC football (Go Vols!), apple cider and pumpkin pie!

Inside this first issue, you’ll find a mix of contributed columns from Tennessee Valley experts on a variety of topics that many of you have told me are important to you - health, business, money, lifestyle, and of course, the ever-evolving and sometimes complex issue of Medicare.

And just like Autumn is my favorite season, October is my FAVORITE MONTH! October

In a column co-authored by Andy Bailey and Jim Coltrin of True North Advisors, Raymond James Financial you’ll find an update on The SECURE Act of 2019. Information in this article may affect you, and we think you need to know about it. On the topic of health - you’ll find an article from the amazing folks behind the seniors’ programming at the YMCA and from our columnist Susan Ross, LNP, an article to help you make sense of alllllll those vitamins and supplements that may be sitting in your medicine cabinet. I could go on, but better for you to start flipping the pages and enjoy all that “Let’s Talk!” has to say for yourself.

is ENROLLMENT MONTH for Medicare! If you’ve never had Medicare or if you want to make changes in your plan for the coming year, NOW is the time! Now is also the time my team goes all out (and I mean literally OUT-on our Medicare Bus!!!) to make sure we’re available to each and every senior adult 65 and over who needs help enrolling in Medicare! We’re sure to be coming to a neighborhood, retail establishment or senior center near you. Follow Medicare Misty’s Medicare Bus on Facebook or call us today at 423-240-0794.

About Medicare Misty

ABOUT MEDICARE MISTY

I’m a native Chattanoogan with a love for life and people. I spent nearly two decades as a single, working mom to my amazing son, Landon Anderson, during which time I also built my individual Medicare broker business into what is now a team of 20 agents across TN, AL and Northwest GA. In 2018, God blessed me by bringing my high school sweetheart, Patrick Bolt, back into my life and we soon married. My family is my #1 priority, yet it’s my clients who have taught me how to be a good agent and I’m grateful daily for their trust placed in me. Best of all, many of them are also my friends and mentors, and they inspire me to keep doing what I do every day. The name “Let’s Talk?” Well, it was the obvious choice for the magazine name! If you know me, then you know I love to talk - it’s what I do! My business is about relationships - and how can we have relationships without conversation? So I suppose that’s just what “Let’s Talk” is - a conversation between you, me and the contributors to this magazine. Feel free to write me at medicaremisty@gmail.com or call me on my mobile at 243-240-0794 with feedback or if I can be a resource for you.

I’m a native Chattanoogan with a love for life and people. I’m a wife to a retired Air Force military sergeant, who inspires me to contin ue to do what I love, a devoted mother and owner of my individual Medicare broker business, now a top agency with a team of 20 agents across TN, AL and Northwest GA. God and my family are my top priorities, in that order; yet it’s my clients who teach me daily how to be a good agent and I’m grateful for their trust placed in me. Best of all, many of them are also my friends and mentors, and they inspire me to keep doing what I do every day. When not with my family or working, I enjoy volunteering for a number of organizations in town for which I’m passionate, among them, The Senior Olympics, The Special Olympics, The Kidney Foundation, Room in the Inn and many more.

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6 10 14 16 LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 4 Autumn Safety for Seniors Let’s Talk Medicare! Medicare Open Enrollment Begins in October UTC Mocs Football Schedule Agent Spotlight: Ali Horton 13 Non-Candy Halloween Treats Your Trick-or-Treaters Are Sure to Love 22 CONTENTS ON THE COVER Dr. Phyllis Miller Healthcare Pioneer & Trailblazer for Women
LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 5 PUBLISHER: Misty Bolt www.medicaremisty.com PRODUCER: Sheri Kamp, The Good Content Agency THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT OF OUR EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE EV ERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PUBLICATION, MEDICARE MISTY’S LET’S TALK ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR RESULTANT CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE RELIANCE ON INFORMA TION IN THIS PUBLICATION. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBIT ED. MEDICARE HAS NEITHER ENDORSED NOR REVIEWED THIS IN FORMATION. NOT CONNECTED OR AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OR STATE AGENCY. 26 28 29 31 Copyright© Medicare Misty 2021 Neighbor Spotlight Gail Raines & Her GigiBeans “Sprouts” Spread Comfort to Many Autumn Recipe DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Let’s Talk in the Kitchen! Medicare Misty Caught on Camera on Newschannel 9 FREE Medicare Seminars and Catch the Medicare Bus

Safety

Autumn Safety for Seniors

There’s much to enjoy about the transition from summer to autumn. The intense heat begins to subside, the leaves change color, and we ready our selves for the holiday season. But like all other seasonal transitions, there’s a tradeoff, and with the positive changes come certain challenges to our health and safety. Seniors, in particular, are at risk around this time of year. Colder temperatures, the presence of influenza, and even fallen leaves can severely threaten seniors’ wellbeing and independence.

Fortunately, by following a few tips and best practices, seniors can stay safe and enjoy everything that the autumn season has to of fer. Here are a few to share with senior clients.

Autumn Safety Tips

Get the influenza vaccine: While the flu may not be as detrimental to the health of younger people, seniors are at risk from flu complications, such as pneumonia and bron chitis. These complications can result in serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. Adding to this, the flu can also worsen pre-existing conditions. Vaccines to consider include Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad and Flublok Quadrivalent – but it’s important to talk to a physician or other healthcare professional about the most appropriate option.

Reduce the risk of influenza: In addition to vaccination, it’s best to take additional steps toward reducing the risk of the flu:

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Safety

✅ Avoid contact with those who are sick

✅ Wash hands with warm water and soap frequently throughout the day, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

✅ Regularly disinfect surfac es that are likely to be con taminated

✅ Improve the immune sys tem through regular ex ercise (with physician ap proval)

Reduce fire risk: As the tempera ture falls, it’s common to start using space heaters or fireplaces to warm up the home. Seniors should ensure that flammable ob jects are kept far away from these types of appliances. It’s also important to inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working condition, and that batteries are replaced in smoke detectors.

Keep warm: While on the sub ject of dropping temperatures, it’s imperative that seniors protect themselves from the cold. Although autumn doesn’t present the same bitter weather as win ter, there’s still a palpable risk. In fact, the National Institutes of

Health reports that hypothermia can develop rather quickly after being exposed to relatively mild cold temperatures. Seniors should venture outside only when abso lutely necessary. When they do, it’s important to dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing.

Clear away the leaves:Though certainly pleasing to the eye, fallen leaves can easily cause se niors to slip and fall. They should be raked away from the driveway and sidewalks. This is especially important once they become slip pery and soggy from the rain.

Comfort Keepers®Can

Help

There’s a lot to enjoy when it comes to autumn. The professional care team at Comfort Keepers®wants to ensure that senior clients have the means to experience all the season has to offer. Our caregivers can help them with the safety tips above. We can also provide com panionship, meal preparation, and mobility assistance – inside and outside the home. And if they aren’t able to drive to their destinations, we can help them get there safely. Contact a Comfort Keepers location near you to learn more about our services.

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Ensuring Optimum Health This Autumn Season!

Along with getting outside and enjoying the crisp autumn air that will soon be here. Here are some health tips to keep us healthy.

�� Get your vaccines.

�� Cold and flu season starts in the fall as children go back to school. With the temperatures dropping and people staying indoors more, viruses have a better chance of growing so get your flu vaccines. Also ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine if you are prone to respiratory infections

LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 8 Health

or have asthma or any other breathing problems.

�� This is the time of year to go to bed earlier and get plenty of sleep. The days are starting to shorten and with the earlier sunset and darker eve nings, most of us go indoors in the evening.

�� Eat healthy and exercise. Here are some indoor healthy ideas https://seniorslifestylemag. com/health-well-being/senior-fun-indoors/

�� Don’t forget to wash your hands!

�� Be careful outdoors. As fall progresses, many of us are outside raking leaves. Surfac es may be wet and slippery. If possible, hire someone to do the yard work.

Dress for success!

�� Layers are your best bet in the fall when the temperature can drop quickly or just as easily warm up.

�� Add or shed layers according to the temperature.

�� Don’t forget your gloves and a hat!

Changing weather can also mean storms and loss of electricity.

�� Stock up on non perishables and water.

�� Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand.

�� A good idea is a crank radio that also includes a flashlight and cell phone charger.

�� Having a phone during a storm is a necessity as you age.

�� Keep in touch with others un til the weather clears.

Make sure your home is ready for the weather

�� Change out any light summer curtains with lined drapes to help keep the heat in.

�� Check on your heating sys tem. Before the weather gets cold, check that your furnace is working. Arrange for any needed maintenance.

�� Caulk old windows and doors. Use weather stripping.

�� If possible, change out any light summer curtains with lined drapes.

How to prepare for the weather around your home

Autumn is a time of renewal and new interests. Prepare yourself for the colder weather and more time spent indoors. Being careful will mean more time to enjoy the season.

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Health

Let’s Talk Medicare

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins in October

When’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Every year, Medicare’s open en rollment period is October 15 - December 7.

What’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year— things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are chang ing, they should make sure their plans will still meet their needs for the following year. If they’re satisfied that their current plans will meet their needs for next year and it’s still being offered, they don’t need to do anything.

When can people get information about next year’s Medicare plans?

Information for next year’s plans will be available beginning in October.

How do people know if they need to change plans?

People in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan should always review the materials their plans send them, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC)

Where can people find Medicare plan information or compare plans? 1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov

CONTACT MEDICARE MISTY AT 423-240-0794 for FREE assistance determining the best plan for you.

�� ��  �� �� �� LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 10
�� �� ��

Enrollment Periods and When Coverage Begins

Individuals eligible for premium-free Part A can enroll in Part A at any time after they are first eligible for the coverage.

Individuals who want premium Part A, Part B or both may only en roll during certain enrollment pe riods that are outlined in law. The following enrollment periods apply to both premium Part A and Part B: ➡ Initial enrollment period

➡ General enrollment period ➡ Special enrollment period for the working aged, the work ing disabled, and internation al volunteers.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The IEP is a 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month a person turns 65 and ends 3 months after the person turns 65. For someone under age 65 who becomes entitled to Medicare based on disability, entitlement begins with the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. For these individuals, the IEP begins 3 months before the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement, in cludes the 25th month, and ends three months after.

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The IEP for people with ESRD and ALS varies based on their situation.

Coverage begins based on when you enroll during the IEP. If a person en rolls in the first 3 months of the IEP, coverage begins the first month the person is eligible for Medicare. If a person enrolls in any other month of the IEP, coverage will be delayed. Disabled individuals are automat ically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B after they have received disability benefits from Social Secu rity for 24 months.

NOTE: In most cases, if someone does not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible, they will have to pay a late enrollment pen alty. The Part B penalty is assessed for as long as the person has Part B. General Enrollment Period (GEP) The GEP takes place from January 1 through March 31 of each year. Part B and Premium Part A cover age begins July 1 of that same year.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Working Aged and Work ing Disabled.

Let’s Talk Medicare

Individuals who do not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible because they were covered under a group health plan based on their own or a spouse's current employment (or the current employment of a family member, if disabled) may enroll during the SEP. The individual can enroll at any time while covered under the group health plan based on current employment, or during the 8-month period that begins the month the employment ends or the group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first.

NOTE: Individuals with ESRD are not eligible to enroll during the SEP.

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For more information call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov. CONTACT MEDICARE MISTY AT 423-240-0794 for FREE assistance determining the best plan for you.
LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 13 At Home with SONIA YOUNG, Chattanooga’s M-F 10-4ET Connect with compassionate, trained, and loving listeners for help, hope, & encouragement. A partnership of The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and Tennessee Baptist Mission Board LONELY? AGE 60+? ARE YOU 844-600-8262
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LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 15

Ali Horton

Owner of AMR Options & CPR Essential

To Ali Horton, being a Medicare agent comes naturally. Ali served as a former elementary school teach er for 18 years, is a mother to three sons and and mother to three sons, having a heart for helping others is just part of who she is. “When Misty asked me to come on board as an agent, I thought I would give it a try,” Ali says, “ and now, nearly two years later, I’m really enjoying it, and the people are all so nice.If you enjoy helping people, this job just comes easily.” Medicare benefits - eligibility, enroll ment, coverages - can definitely be con fusing, and things are always changing. According to Ali, “Sadly, there are a lot of predators out there, people who misrep resent themselves and/or take advan tage of those who are eligible for Medi care. My goal is to simplify the process, and thoroughly inform them of their op tions,” she continued. “We all want the peace of mind that our healthcare needs will be met.”

In addition to her work as a Medicare agent, Ali is a certified CPR trainer with the American Red Cross. Having expe rienced a life-threatening illness, After experiencing a life threatening illness,

Ali wanted to train others in CPR to pre pare them for emergency situations. She became a licensed Trainer in CPR for The American Red Cross. She has taught over 200 courses and certified hundreds of people in CPR. Her company, CPR Es sential, offers certification for healthcare and EMS professionals, and employees and individuals of all ages.

Ali with sons (left to right), Kade, age 22 and in the Coast Guard, Griffin, age 20, college stu dent and Cooper, age 18, high school student. To contact Ali, call 423-714-0300 or email ali.horton@amroptions.com.

Her office is located downtown at 2101 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 Online, visit: www.Amroptions.com or www.Cpressential.com

Agent Spotlight LET’S TALK! SPRING 2021 16
LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 17 LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 29 ACORN APPLE CIDER AUTUMN BONFIRE FAMILY HAYRIDE LEAVES PUMPKIN SCARECROW SMORES TURKEY THANKS AMAX INC. © AutumnWord Search B U G U N T L C Z M A D A O F M Q A E A T Y I Q U R P E A L E T A U H S P S T K P E M G F A C N A N A N U E L O I W N E Y J N Z Y R M I E R L I G F T S K G V O N D C P Y O G Z U A S M X C M Y I D S U X M B V T H Y A K S D S C D A M O S E X J E R Q E H A G B L E P U C U C K G R L R W S I L M A K S W K R U X E J I K K E B V E I J J U M C V V D D C A O Q S P N S T R K A C D P D V T J O S X O O B O N F I R E E L U T A I W E D I R Y A H R S S O M D U

Dr. Phyllis Miller Healthcare Pioneer & Trailblazer for Women

Growing up in a rural area of Pope County, Dr. Phyllis Mill er recalls fond memories of her tight-knit family, a community of caring neighbors and an eager ambition at a young age. Although no one in her immediate family was a doctor, Phyllis knew at a young age what she wanted to be. Her Dad was a farmer who was known for his honesty, integrity and work ethic. “If my father owed someone a penny, he would walk a mile to give it to them,” she shares. Her loving and secure childhood environment played a big role in her future suc cess as a physician, and set the stage for her to pursue medicine, during a time when it wasn’t considered pos sible. While her parents were older,

the age many grandparents might be today, Dr. Miller says their values certainly shaped her own.

After losing both parents in high school, many high school teachers and counselors came together to direct her with financial help, schol arships, and more, so that she could attend college. Phyllis was a great student, and with such a bright future ahead, all rallied around her. One of her high school science teachers planned a field trip to Vanderbilt Uni versity to the Science Building where they were going to a seminar on the heart. Phyllis remembers thinking to herself then, “Wow that is breathtak ing! I’d love to spend the rest of my life in the field of medicine.”

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Spotlight

MEDICAL SCHOOL

Phyllis went to Tennessee Techno logical University, graduated, and was accepted at The University of TN Medical School, Memphis, Tn. During this time, she married her high school sweetheart, Bill. Now the question of how medicine and matrimony would fit into the life they were making for each other. She knew it could work and wanted this in her life. She always felt if you just let things happen, they will happen good or bad. While in medical school there were a lot of individual cases that stood out. At that time, you did not have a choice on rotation, but she really liked OBGYN. She really loved the surgery part, and especial ly emergency surgery. Since there was not a degree in that, delivering babies certainly was exciting and was the way to go for her.

One of her rotations was at St. Jude in Memphis, TN. She recalls what a wonderful experience and she jumped at the opportunity to work there and to experience all kinds of research. They have professions and doctors from all over the world. Dr. Aur, from Brazil, really stood out and always spoke of hope. He welcomed the group to St. Jude’s saying “if you expect this to be a depressing place to work, you’ll be wrong.” “This is a happy place,’ he would say. “Our chil dren come to us with hopeful smiles and are trusting that this place can

Climbing Mountains, Dr. Phyllis Miller’s “Onward, Upward Journey,”by Lynelle Mason. Find it on on Amazon.com, $4.91 Paperback or Kindle versions

be a change for the better in their lives.” She went on to say, “He cer tainly made an impression on me.”

Later, Dr. Miller’s residency was at Er langer in Chattanooga. She and Bill came back to the area she loved. She wasn’t the first female doctor, but she was certainly among the few at that time.

Erlanger was very supportive; she met a lot of great friends who have continued to be colleagues through the years. After her residency, she started her practice in Chattanooga.

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Senior Spotlight
Continues

Senior Spotlight

The miracle of birth while in Haiti!

BALANCING ACT

By this time, she was ready to have a baby, which wasn’t at all on her husband’s agenda. She had lost one baby early into her first pregnancy, and because of this loss wanted to wait awhile, until her training was over, to try again. Thereafter, she became pregnant. She recalls that while taking the board exam, about 5 months into her pregnancy, she thought when asked she would just comment that she was fat. The baby was moving all during her presenta tion, but she got through it without anyone asking a question. She was 31-years-old when Rachel was born, the day after her birthday.

Fast-forward a few years, her mar riage had now come to an end. Although a divorce was very hard, and especially during those days, she always felt accepted as a physician. Fortunately, she had great babysit ters, and if they could not be there, she just took Rachel with her to the Call Room at Erlanger. Dr. Miller says she loved taking her, and the experience created such a bonding with Rachel. For Rachel, seeing her mother demonstrate such compe tency, strength and compassion was a formative experience. Rachel, now a pilot, married Robbie Tester, Direc tor of Life Force at Erlanger Medical Center. They have two wonderful boys, Jaxson, and Max. Phygi, as they call Phyllis, enjoys special times with them and especially the trips to Phyllis’s cabin in Pope County, TN.

HAITI

Phyllis, still having that keen de sire to serve in her senior years, has now found many new ways to do that. She has helped to be a mentor to many now that she is in semi-retirement, and many call on her for advice. Phyllis also has enjoyed medical mission work and spoke of her trip to Haiti. A former classmate had started the Chil dren’s Nutrition Program in Haiti; she was ready at the word “go.” The earthquake in Haiti completely

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Senior Spotlight

changed the mission and the hos pital had closed; so they worked on tables in the nurse’s dorm. Everyone was suffering so much, and there was such a language barrier. This made it so difficult. She quick ly asked the question, “How can I help?” One person at a time was the answer over and over. This was such a valuable experience which allowed her time to reset and see what is important in life. Agencies all over the world were there and there was so much to do. One night she had to do a C section and there was no electricity. Had to have a generator delivered from the Japan group to help for about two hours. She truly knew what no help and no hope really meant.

LEGACY OF SERVICE AND A MOUNTAIN CLIMBED

Phyllis was the first female President of the Chattanooga Hamilton County Medical Society, and later president of the Tennessee Medical Associa tion. She has enjoyed being a part of the Hamilton County Medical Society where she is a part of ASSESS, which ministers to those without insurance, as well as helps with Volunteers in Medicine. One of her proudest ac complishments is the establishment of the Polk County Education Foun dation, which is now in its 17th year and has awarded 33 scholarships to young people interested in further

Dr. Miller at a delivery early in her esteemed career.

ing their education. After an exhilarating year as Presi dent of TN Medical Association, Phyl lis and daughter, Rachel, decided to do something together...something challenging. So, in true “shoot for the stars” fashion, they decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. While there, they found time to visit a local orphanage, and of course spend time with the chil dren. What a breathtaking, and heal ing experience!

Dr. Miller has delivered approximate ly 5,000 babies throughout her ca reer and many of these are leaders in the community. “I have babies all over Chattanooga!”

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13 Non-Candy Halloween Treats Your Trick-or-Treaters Are Sure to Love

Source: Woman’s Day

These candy alternatives can be way better than a handful of sweet stuff. We found all of these items available in bulk, online through Amazon.com, Orien talTrading.com All items or comparable items avail able on Amazon.com, OrientalTrading.com. You can also try your local dollar store!

Even if they didn't dress up like a vampire, it's hard to resist trying out these spooky glowing plastic teeth.

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2. Hair scrunchies Festive and practical, these Halloween hair scrunchies are less than 50 cents a piece.
1. Glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth

4. Plush toys

Not everything about All Hal lows' Eve has to be spooky. Oriental Trading's mini plush Halloween characters, including a pumpkin and a ghost, make for the sweetest keepsakes.

3. Novelty glasses

In six different Halloween-appropriate styles, these glasses are a scream.

6. Bookmarks

Getting a child excited about reading can be difficult, but maybe a cool, festive bookmark would make it just a bit easier.

5. Stampers

It's never too early to get kids interested in arts and crafts, and these Halloween stampers are bound to do just that.

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7. Slinkies

Slinkies are fun for everyone, and Halloween-themed slinkies serve as great candy alternatives for all the kiddos who ring your doorbell on October 31.

8. Mini skateboards

Before the fidget spinner, there was the Tech Deck — the miniature skateboard every single person played with in middle school.

9. Stickers

Speaking of stickers, what kid doesn't love decorating their notebooks with fun adhesives? Sheets of festive stickers make for fun treats that won't weigh down trick-or-treaters' bags.

10. Pencil top erasers

School supplies in fun shapes and patterns give them something to enjoy after Halloween ends.

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12. Temporary tattoos

Halloween-themed tattoos are safe for the kiddos, easy to press on, and they'll have a blast showing them off at school the next day.

11. Bubbles

Pick up Hallow een-themed party-sized bottles or grab packs of plain clear bubble tubes and decorate each with Halloween stickers.

13. Key chains

Whether they slip it around their jeans in the coming days or add it to their backpack, the kids will love bouncing around with a pumpkin, skeleton, or ghost key chain.

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Neighbor Spotlight

Gail Brown Raines

About 7 or 8 years ago, I saw a show on TV about "reborning" dolls, which start ed out taking an old doll, stripping off the old hair, eyes and paint and starting over. "Reborning" eventually evolved into the process of using a vinyl sculpture, paint, hair, eyes and a cloth body to create a doll that looked like a real baby. At the time, I mentally filed that under "some day when I am old" on my bucket list.

Last year, I had a stress fracture in my foot, had to be in a boot and was unable to teach some of my fitness classes for several weeks. So, I start ed seriously researching the reborn process, bid on my first sculpture on eBay, ordered paint, brush es, varnish, glass beads, etc (all

from a variety of suppliers) and over $1,000 and 48 man-hours later my first doll was created and I was fascinated with my new hobby. One day, in search ing online for a different sculptor to use, I read about an artist in England whose dolls were being used with remarkable success on Alzheimer's patients. There were a number of articles written about him and his dolls and how patients were able to come off their anti-anxiety meds, became happier, less lonely, felt produc tive and needed. Some even started re membering things from days when they were young parents and for others it opened doors for improved communication between the patient and caretakers. I immediately contacted several Alzhei mer's residential facilities in the Chat tanooga area to see if the realistic dolls were being used in this way. The typi cal answer was "No, a lot of our residents like to hold dolls, but we don't have a specific therapy or any nice dolls for them-- they mostly bring their own."

Because I knew some one who had the con tact information for

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Neighbor Spotlight

the owners of The Lantern of Morning Pointe, I sent them an email and pictures offering to donate a couple of the dolls I had made, if they would give it a try and let me know the outcome.

They graciously and enthusiastically ac cepted my offer and almost immediately the stories started rolling. These stories were so encouraging I knew I had to find

a way to share them with caretakers and families dealing with this horrible disease. That was the beginning of Gi gibeans Cuddle Sprouts (You can find us on Facebook!) I no longer believe it was a big coincidence the way this all fell into place, but that the hand of God was lead ing me with every step. And the blessings continue to come in with every story and message I receive from all of you.

About the Author

Native Chattanoogan Gail Raines and her GigiBeans “Sprouts” bring joy and comfort to Alzheimer’s patients, and patients battling all kinds of illnesses, with their life like, therapeutic cuddles. Raines’ dolls now travel all over the world and as far as Canada. Raines do nates these dolls at a rate of approximately 12 dolls per year as her way of “giving back.” Vinyl and silicone versions of the dolls are available for sale. Contact Fail at gailraines@epbfi.com

Raines graduated from Hixson High School, MTSU and later Tus

culum University for her graduate degree. She is a former school teacher and has taught in Flor ida and Ohio prior to returning to Chattanooga in recent years. She and her husband Royce have a “big ole blended family” of five children and nine grandchildren.

As a client of Medicare Misty’s: “Go ing on Social Security and Medicare can be very confusing. Misty’s knowl edge and advice was invaluable get ting us through that process. And she has always been quick to respond to any help we have needed over the years since then.”

LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 27

Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients

It’s easy to make your own PSL at home. Here’s a quick explanation of what you will need. The full recipe is below.

Milk — Use dairy or nondairy milk. I love using homemade oat milk, but coconut or almond milk are also delicious.

Pumpkin Puree — You can use canned puree or make your own. Here’s our recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. It’s quite simple to make! We add the pumpkin puree as is, but some of our readers have complained that there is not enough pumpkin flavor in the latte. To battle this, you can simmer puree in a saucepan until it has reduced down by 1/3. This step will intensify the pumpkin flavor.

Sugar — You can use regular sugar, brown sugar, simple syrup, maple syrup or honey! It’s completely up to you.

Vanilla and Pumpkin Pie Spice— A little vanilla extract goes a long way and it makes the latte so tasty. For the spices, use a storebought blend or make your own. Here’s our simple pumpkin pie spice blend.

Hot (or Cold) Coffee — Lattes in coffee shops have espresso added to them, so the coffee is usually a bit stronger. I like brewing my coffee strong for homemade lattes. You can also use cold cof fee or cold brew (for an iced latte).

Whipped Cream — This is completely optional, but I love it!

How to Make It Start by heating the milk, pumpkin pu ree, sugar, pumpkin pie spices, and vanilla extract on the stove. Then mix the pumpkin spice milk with the strong coffee. Divide it between two mugs and add whipped cream. Simple, quick, and no coffee shop lines.

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We couldn’t help but share these FUN photos of our very own, Medicare Misty, caught on camera making Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken with Dawn Lemaitre of “Dishin’ with Dawn” and James Howard of the longtime lifestyle show “This on Channel 9’s “This N That.”

Let’s Talk Cookin’!!!
Tune in each Tuesday at 11:00 AM on Newschannel 9, Chattanooga  ������������ �������������������� LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 29
PRESENTED BY OCTOBER 1 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Calling all Seniors! Join us and go wild at Senior Day at the Chattanooga Zoo! Join us for Senior Day at the Zoo on Thursday, October 1st from 9am - 5pm. This day only all senior citizens (65+) receive FREE zoo admission. Come see our new Makazi ya Twiga exhibit featuring giraffes and blue duikers, swing by to see our white-cheeked gibbons in the Himalayan Passage, observe our beautiful jaguar brothers, and more! TICKET INFORMATION: ALL SENIORS RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION FOR SENIOR DAY AT THE ZOO. All other non-senior guests must pay regular Zoo admission. CHATTANOOGA ZOO 301 North Holtzclaw Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 423-697-1322 SENIOR DAY AT THE ZOO
LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 31 MONDAYS at 1:00 PM Fernando’s Restaurant 5308 Ringgold Road East Ridge, TN 37412 WEDNESDAYS at 10 AM Maple Street Biscuit Company 2114 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 FRIDAYS at 1:oo PM Redstone Estates Senior Community 6653 Palms Court Chattanooga, TN 37421 QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE? Beginning October 15th attend any of our FREE SEMINARS below: In order to provide extra support and resources for seniors, Medicare Misty’s Medicare Bus began rolling in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic. This October the Medicare Bus will be out and about once again! Contact Medicare Misty at 423-2400794 for details. Medicare Misty’s Medicare Bus

Choosing the right health care plan can be daunting for many, but especially for senior citizens. For over 20 years, Misty Bolt and her team have been educating seniors about their personalized options for Medicare. Let MedicareMisty help you understand your insurance options! Simply call today! 423-240-0794 or medicaremisty.com

LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 32 Senior Community Spotlight
YOU NEED, AGENTS YOU CAN COUNT ON.
INSURANCE
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information. Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency. CALL MEDICARE MISTY TODAY! 423-240-0794

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