Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results. Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results. Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results.
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Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation. Harmarville • Sewickley • Kennedy
Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation.
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Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
Regaining your quality of life begins when you CHOOSE exceptional results in rehabilitation.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results.
For those recovering from a stroke, injury or illness, regaining your best quality of life begins with your ability to choose. Choose Encompass Health for exceptional results.
Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation. Harmarville • Sewickley • Kennedy
Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation.
Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation.
Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation.
Talk to your medical professionals about choosing Encompass Health for rehabilitation.
encompasshealth.com/pitt sburghrehab
encompasshealth.com/pittsburghrehab
encompasshealth.com/pittsburghrehab
encompasshealth.com/pittsburghrehab
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Medicare’s 2025 Overhaul: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Medicare is set to implement several changes in 2025 aimed at reducing outof-pocket costs, expanding benefits, and making Medicare Advantage plans more transparent and equitable for its beneficiaries. These reforms are part of broader policy adjustments to address
the needs of seniors and disabled individuals, offering new financial relief and coverage enhancements.
1. New $2,000 Cap on Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs
The centerpiece of the 2025 Medicare
reforms is the introduction of a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare Part D enrollees. Currently, beneficiaries can face unlimited outof-pocket costs after hitting the catastrophic coverage phase, which creates financial hardships for those relying on
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expensive medications. The new limit will significantly reduce the burden for seniors with high drug costs, ensuring no one pays more than $2,000 a year for prescription medications under Medicare Part D.
2. Capped Insulin Prices
Medicare’s efforts to control prescription costs will also include a continued focus on insulin affordability. In 2025, beneficiaries will see a capped monthly price of $35 for insulin, a policy that builds on measures first introduced in 2023. This move is expected to benefit millions of Medicare enrollees who rely on insulin to manage diabetes, offering predictable and significantly reduced costs for this essential medication.
3. Changes to Medicare Advantage Plans
The new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for Part D drugs will also impact Medicare Advantage plans, which include drug coverage. Some plans may have a deductible for certain tiers of medications, while others may not. With tighter limits on what beneficiaries can be charged, some insurers may change formularies, adjust premiums, or even reduce benefits in response to anticipated revenue impacts. This means beneficiaries should be particularly vigilant during the 2025 open enrollment
period to ensure they understand any new costs or coverage adjustments under their plans.
4. Expansion of Mental Health Services
As the need for mental health support continues to grow among the Medicare population, the program will expand coverage for behavioral health services in 2025. This includes increased access to outpatient therapy, counseling, and substance abuse treatment, as well as screenings for depression and anxiety. This move reflects a broader push to ensure that beneficiaries have comprehensive mental health support, addressing a critical component of overall health.
5. Health Equity Initiatives
Inan effort to reduce disparities in care, Medicare will implement new health equity initiatives targeting underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities, and low-income individuals. This includes expanding language services, improving outreach efforts, and enhancing data collection to better identify and address gaps in care.
6. What to Expect During Open Enrollment
The 2025 changes underscore the importance of carefully reviewing plan
options during the annual open enrollment period. With Medicare Advantage plans adjusting their offerings in response to new regulations, beneficiaries may find changes to premiums, copays, and even the availability of certain covered drugs. To make the most informed decisions, beneficiaries should compare plans, consider switching providers if necessary, and stay alert to any notices of changes from their current plan.
The 2025 Medicare reforms represent a substantial step forward in making healthcare more affordable and accessible for America’s seniors and disabled individuals. By introducing an out-of-pocket cap, expanding behavioral health services, and promoting health equity, these changes reflect a comprehensive effort to modernize the program and protect beneficiaries from rising healthcare costs. As these new policies take effect, Medicare enrollees will need to stay informed and proactive to ensure they maximize the benefits available to them.
For more information and guidance on how to navigate the upcoming changes, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website and consult with their local healthcare providers.
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Do you know the di erence between Medicare supplements and the Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Plans: What’s right for you?
With the annual enrollment period for M edicare quickly approaching it’s important that indi viduals understand what their options are.
October 15th thru December 7th Medicare recipients may choose to do nothing and let the i r p l an rollover into 2025 or switch plans.
Year to year Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans can change. Your medical condition and outlook can change as well as your prescription utilization. During this period Medicare recipients may change their Medicare Advantage plan or prescription plan without any medical underwriting.
The main exception to plan changes during the Annual Enrollment Period is Supplemental coverage which in
most cases requires completion of an application which is medically underwritten. If you currently have supplemental coverage it is advisable to get updated quotes on your coverage to see if you can lower your premiums. Supplemental to supplemental changes can be made anytime during the year.
Understanding the complexities of coverage is confusing to most individuals. From understanding the provider networks, HMO vs. PPO, drug formularies, plan coverages, copayments and out of pocket exposure are a few of the issues that affect one’s choice of plan.
Supplemental Coverage: Secondary coverage leaving Medicare as primary coverage. Doesn’t include prescription coverage so a standalone Part D (Rx) plan is generally required.
Network – National Provider Network.
Medicare Advantage Coverage: Private insurers replacing Medicare as primary insurer.
Network – HMO, PPO plans are the most popular in Western Pennsylvania. Most plans include prescription coverage.
How do individuals navigate Medicare?
Having a good Broker that specializes in Medicare can save time and energy when determining what plan meets your needs.
Your Medicare plan choice should be an individual choice. Your spouses and friends may say they are on the greatest plan, that plan maybe a poor decision for you. One medication can be the difference of hundreds of dollars a month a poor plan choice.
The most important and basic decision an individual has to make and understand is the differences between Supplemental coverage versus Advantage plans.
Find a good Broker who represents all or a majority of the carriers. A Broker should work for you not the carrier. Ask friends on Medicare if they have a Broker they recommend.
A lot of Medicare recipients attend the yearly carrier meetings. This is a great opportunity to understand “their” plans. In Western Pennsylvania we have over thirty Medicare Advantage plans available, take time to look at all your options to determine which plan meets “your” needs for 2025.
Planning for long-term care
Long-term care is an important component of financial and personal wellness planning. Planning for long-term-care can help aging individuals maintain their independence and quality of life into their golden years.
According to the National Institute on Aging, long-term care (LTC) involves a variety of services that accommodate a person's health or personal care needs when they can no longer perform everyday tasks on their own. LTC can help people with chronic illnesses, disabilities or other conditions. LTC can be expensive, but planning for such needs can help families avoid financial strain and stress, and also provide peace of mind.
Types of care
One of the initial steps when planning for LTC is to identify the available options. LTC is multi-faceted and can come in a variety of forms. LTC can involve in-home care, with a care provider coming into an individual's home to offer services like housekeeping and assistance with personal care. In addi-
tion, LTC can take place in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Adult daycare facilities also may be considered part of LTC.
Payment options
It's important that families recognize that traditional health insurance does not cover the costs associated with LTC. In addition, Medicare cannot be used for LTC in most cases in the United States. It is essential to earmark funds or find alternatives to cover these costs.
According to Medicare.gov, some insurance companies will enable people to use life insurance policies to pay for LTC. Long-term care insurance also merits consideration. This insurance may cover LTC facilities or even home care and medical equipment. Families can explore all their options and find a policy that aligns with their needs and budgets.
Additional financial tools to consider are a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allow for
tax-advantaged savings specifically for health care expenses. Those with limited income can be eligible for Medicaid in the U.S., which can pay for nursing home care. However, it is important to research which homes accept Medicaid as a form of payment.
Further estate planning
People can work with licensed professionals to solidify long-term care and financial plans. An estate attorney can help create a durable power of attorney and a living will to ensure that health care and financial decisions are managed according to a person's wishes if he or she becomes unable to do so. An irrevocable trust also could be beneficial in managing assets and potentially shielding families from LTC costs. Families should discuss health care wishes and other financial plans as they pertain to long-term care. Early planning can help families navigate caring for aging individuals. ◆
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Prolific writer and Brownsville native publishes 50th novel
By Jill Thurston
While Brownsville native Linda Rettstatt is best known by her fans as an award-winning author of 50 novels, she is also a devoted member of a religious order of women dedicated to service. She returned to her Mon Valley hometown on August 19 to launch "A Well-Imagined LIfe" at the Peter J. Daley Cultural Center, 119 Brownsville Ave. A book signing followed a discussion with the author.
Rettstatt, 75, now retired and living in Moon Township, worked by day as a social worker while penning novels. She’s been a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, a Catholic religious order of women dedicated to service, since the age of 30.
While part of a music ministry in Uniontown in 1977, she was introduced to the Sisters of St. Joseph. “Their mission appealed to me and two years later I asked to join them,” she said.
Until now, the two facets of her life, writing and her vows, have been kept separate.
“My friends know, of course. I haven’t connected the two because I felt like that it was going to create an idea in people’s minds of what my writing was.” Rettstatt
writes women’s fiction, suspense, romance, light paranormal and mystery.
“Now, I think with 50 books out there under my belt, it’s safe to say they should know now what I write,” Rettstatt said.
Her latest novel is the story of a woman’s reevaluation of her life following a tragic loss.
Two of her novels, “Ladies in Waiting” (2006) and “Love, Sam” (2012), won the Epic eBook Award, and four other novels have been finalists.
After high school, Rettstatt worked at the Brownsville Telegraph for a year han dling classified ads, but negotiated her first byline when no one wanted to cover and review a com munity theater performance. The city editor was looking for a volunteer.
“I raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll do it … if you give me a byline.'”
Rettstatt became a 10-year member of a semi-pro fessional folk music group after an ad for a folk
guitarist crossed her desk at the paper and she auditioned.
Once a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Rettstatt earned her undergraduate and master’s degree and several years later moved to Mississippi to begin a counseling program at Sacred Heart Mission.
Her writing career began there as well.
“I was sitting in my office complaining because nobody wanted to come to their appointment. It was an ugly January day andist said, ‘Why don’t you go back to that computer and write that book you’re always talking about?’ So I went back to the computer and
Author and Brownsville native Linda Rettstatt has written her 50th novel.
A LIFE OF YOUR OWN
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This friendly, vibrant community is created through Community LIFE’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as they welcome seniors from all walks of life to join their program. They offer a complete network of medical specialists to cover the full spectrum of medical and health care needs, from diseases like dementia to physical disabilities. Comprehensive health care teams help coordinate care with access to physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more.
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just started.
“It was like taking a bottle of champagne and shaking it up and popping the cork. The words just flew,” she said. Her first book, “And the Truth Will Set You Free,” tells the story of a woman who finds second chances after a forced early retirement.
While she said New York publishers told her “it’s not what we are looking for,” Wings ePress, one of the first electronic presses, offered her a contract.
Her hands-down favorite book? “‘Ladies in Waiting,’ no hesitation,” she said. The book follows a group of mid-life women visiting a retreat center, each dealing with a secret.’
Her ideas come from “everywhere,” she says. “But it’s always a question of ‘what if,'” she explains. “‘What if’ this happened to the character, at this time. It just spins out from ‘what if.'”
Rettstatt said she is always working on
Looking back, she believes it was a blessing that she had no knowledge of professional writing and publishing. “I knew grammar, punctuation and spelling and that’s it. As soon as I went out and bought all of the ‘how-to’ books, I froze.” She began self-publishing in 2014.
two to three books at a time, and tries to keep research to a minimum in order to concentrate on writing.
“Union Station,” set in her beloved hometown of Brownsville, required the most research. Set between 1929 and the 1970s, the book is a collection of fictional stories about the train station before the building was shut down.
With her 50th book launched, her 51st is not far behind, and is titled “Saved by Sophie,” and she has some ideas about what will be coming next.
For more information, visit her website at www.authorlindarettstatt.com. ◆
Historical marker on W&J campus commemorates Washington Civil War veteran
By Jon Andreassi
Though the process has taken a while, Civil War veteran Andrew Gardner Happer was recognized with a Pennsylvania Historical Marker at Washington & Jefferson College during a dedication ceremony on Saturday, Septemner 21.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) announced the marker had been approved in December 2022. In addition to being a major in the Civil War, Happer sold insurance and real estate in the Washington area. He was also a founding investor in Citizens National Bank.
The marker was erected Tuesday near the W&J Admission House at 130 E. Wheeling St., which was originally built as a home for Happer.
The marker may never have made it to the college’s campus if it were not for Jim Douglas, who in 2015 published a book titled, “Born to Serve: The Major A.G. Happer Story.”
He described a lengthy process with getting the application approved by PHMC. After it was approved in
Workers install the historical marker near the Admissions House of Washington & Jefferson College.
2022, it took even longer to iron out the specific details.
“We argued for four months over the text on the marker,” Douglas said.
Douglas collects and colorizes Civil War images. He grew an interest in Happer after finding a picture of him at an antiques store.
“I research these people. I started researching him. I went down a rabbit hole and couldn’t stop. I kept finding more interesting things,” Douglas said. “Nobody in Washington ever heard of this guy.”
According to Douglas, Saturday’s dedication will be “short and sweet.”
He expects Civil War reenactors to provide a rifle salute.
Douglas hopes the marker will go even a small way toward helping people learn about Happer.
“I wanted him to be remembered,” Douglas said. “He did so much, and he never put his name on anything.” ◆
An image of Andrew Gardner Happer colorized by Jim Douglas.
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Have a heart for caregivers
Survivors of heart attacks or strokes may have additional health and personal care needs, often relying on a family member or close friend to help. While caregivers take on a valuable role, they also pay unique physical and emotional tolls.
In fact, a growing body of scientific research shows people who serve as unpaid caregivers may not get the care they need to live longer, healthier lives, according to the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service.
Caregiving typically involves a range of duties from providing health care services, such as changing bandages and giving medications, to helping with personal needs like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Administrative tasks like scheduling medical appointments, filing insurance claims and paying household bills may also be necessary.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1 in 5 U.S. adults provides some form of regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability; 58% are women and nearly one-third provide care for at least 20 hours per week.
“The typical caregiver likely has an ever-growing and changing to-do list and most of them probably do not add ‘take care of myself’ to that list,” said American Heart Association volunteer Lisa Kitko, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of the Uni-
versity of Rochester Medical Center.
“While caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, it can also take a huge physical and mental toll on even the strongest person.”
Prioritizing your own physical, mental and emotional health allows you to better help your loved one, Kitko said. Consider her tips for caregivers to care for themselves:
• Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about your loved one’s condition.
• Set boundaries. Say “no” when it’s appropriate, don’t dwell on what you can’t change and recognize you’re trying your best.
• Maintain a healthy diet, limit caffeine and get adequate rest.
• Stay current with your own medical and dental appointments. Inform your health care provider if you’re experiencing any signs of depression.
• Find a support system. Share your feelings with someone who wants to listen or understands what you’re feeling, like the American Heart Association’s online Support Network, which includes a section just for caregivers.
• Nurture your spiritual life and focus on things you’re grateful for each day.
• Make time for yourself and friends. Participate in activities you enjoy, including regular physical activity.
• Be prepared for possible medical emergencies. If you’re caring for someone at risk for heart attack or stroke, recognize the warning signs and call 911 if he or she experiences any. Learn Hands-Only CPR; research shows most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home. Be ready to save a life by calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
“‘Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,’ are definitely words to live by for caregivers – everyone tells you that and it certainly makes sense, but it’s hard,” Kitko said. “There is a lot of stress associated with knowing someone is depending on you … That is why taking care of yourself really should be the first item on your caregiver checklist.”
Learn more about caregiving and cardiovascular disease at heart.org. ◆
Cheryl Hopper, left, of East Washington, hosts mahjong twice a month, with friends and fellow players, clockwise, Carolyn Carson, Perri Slosky, and Helene Schroder attending.
Centuries of fun: Mahjong growing in popularity
By Karen Mansfield
A clacking sound filled the dining room of Cheryl Hopper’s East Washington home as she and three friends swirled mahjong tiles on a table.
Every other Tuesday, the women assemble there to play Mahjong, a centuries-old game that has become downright trendy.
“I love playing. It’s like a shot in the arm for me, it’s so much fun,” said Hopper, who learned to play about a year-and-a-half ago after a longtime friend invited her to tag along to a Mon Valley restaurant where a group plays every other Friday. “I’ve known
about mahjong for years and I’ve always wanted to learn how to play, but for a long while I couldn’t find anybody who played. Now, there are several groups.”
Likened to the card game rummy, mahjong (sometimes spelled mah jongg and pronounced MAH-jaang), is a four-person tile game in which each person tries to be the first to make a winning combination of sets and pairs.
In American mahjong, each player is dealt a hand of 13 tiles – engraved with Chinese characters and symbols from different suits (bam, dots and craks) as well as wind,
flower and dragon tiles.
Each player takes turns drawing and discarding tiles until one player completes a hand and calls out “mahjong.”
Oh, but if it were that easy.
Mahjong is a game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck – you may never get that tile you need to complete the hand you’ve carefully cultivated on the rack before you, said Kathy Jones, who along with Mary Ann Sember started a mahjong club at the Jewish Community Center – South Hills in Scott Township in 2022.
Since Jones and Sember taught mahjong classes (four-week long, two-hour sessions), the club has grown from three members to 70.
They taught classes for 60 straight weeks because so many people wanted to learn how to play.
“It’s a great game. I like that it challenges your brain, and I like the camaraderie and the friendships that you build,” said Sember. “As a matter of fact, I knew none of the people here when we started the club, and after the first year, three of us went on a cruise, and we played mahjong onboard.”
Michael and Colleen Brennan of Peters Township picked up the game two years ago – Jones taught them at Monday’s Brewing Company in Peters Township – and the couple plays two times a week, at the JCC on Tuesdays and at the Galleria on Thursday nights.
Brennan said she enjoys the social aspect.
There are so many people you meet here. Look how many groups are here,” she said, as she glanced around the JCC, where 14 tables were filled with mahjong players. “It’s a cognitive game that keeps your brain stimulated, and I do like that, too.”
The Jewish community, in particular, has played a large role in popularizing mahjong.
Mahjong has made appearances in television shows and movies, including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “Driving Miss Daisy.”
The game also has found new popularity among young people.
Each year, the National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card full of new combinations, and players must match one of those combinations. This year, the league celebrates its 87th anniversary.
For Michael Brennan, the game “was overwhelming to start.”
“It was very hard to pick up on. It’s not the way I think. I think very linearly, which is different from the card patterns we follow,” said Brennan, an engineer. “And it’s kind of like baseball – you’re not going to win every game and you’re not going to get a hit every at-bat. You’re going to lose a lot of games, so don’t get frustrated with that.”
Helene Schroder, who plays with Hopper’s Tuesday group, grew up playing mahjong with her family in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York.
“My mother taught me when I was 9 years old. It’s a very Jewish game that my mom played, that’s how I learned. It has now become more mainstream, but when I was growing up, it was something the Jewish community played,” said Schroder.
Mahjong has also become a staple at Eva K. Bowlby Library in Waynesburg, Greene County, where players gather on Wednesday afternoons.
At a recent get-together, a group of regulars – Greene County residents Barb Creighton, Suzanne Cole, Sandy Whetsell, Jo Hoy and Nancy Oja – taught first-time player Jane Headlee, of Waynesburg, the basics of the game.
The group loves the concentration, the (mostly) friendly competition, and the connections the game provides.
Some of the players at the library – a dozen or more at times – have been friends for years while others have just recently met, and they come from all walks of life.
“We have a good time,” said Hoy, who started playing about a year ago after she saw mahjong lessons advertised at the li-
The Jewish Community Center - South Hills hosts mahjong weekly. About 70 people are members of the JCC’s mahjong club.
brary – and nearly quit after the first lesson.
“I remember after the first day I played, I thought, ‘I’m never going back because I’ll never get this because my brain can’t handle it. But after I went home and thought about it, I said, ‘Challenge yourself,'” said Hoy, laughing. “I’m so glad I went back. I really like it. It’s challenging in a good way.”
Hopper’s Tuesday group met through an advertisement she placed in a mahjong site where you can meet fellow mahjong players.
“I serendipitously found this group, and I’m over here every other Tuesday to play. It’s a smart group of women,” said Carolyn Carson of Collier Township, who plays in other mahjong circles, too. “We’re chatty. It is challenging and a whole lot of fun.”
To meet the demand of people wanting to learn how to play, local players, including Jones and Hopper, have offered to provide instruction to teach future mahjong players the ins-and-outs of the game.
There are several mahjong books and online apps for players to sharpen their skills, but the best way to learn is to play.
Joan Charlson of Canonsburg, who won two games on Tuesday after a drought of several weeks, attempted to learn how to play for two years before she met Jones, who offered to teach her.
“I tried learning over and over. I gave up. I took lessons, I paid for lessons, I had a book, I just couldn’t get it. Then I met Kathy and
we started talking and she said, ‘I’ll teach you to play,’ and the rest is history. Here I am,” said Charlson, who also plays at the Galleria and with another small group and was wearing a mahjong dragon bracelet for good luck.
Charlson was a willing student, once bringing the mahjong card in a plastic bag that she propped against a water bottle and studied with Jones while they treaded in deep water in the JCC pool.
“She lets out a little shriek of joy every time she wins, and I’m so tickled,” said Jones. “I dearly love her. She tried so many times, and now she’s the resident expert.”
At the JCC, players usually bring their own mahjong sets. The tile sets can range in price from affordable (if you’re just dipping your toe into mahjong waters, you can find sets on Amazon or Mac.Bid), to quite expensive, depending on the material, craftsmanship, and brand.
Margie Simons, a regular player at JCC whose parents, grandparents, aunts and other relatives played mahjong while she was growing up, owns three sets that were passed down to her: two were made in the 1950s and one, from her godmother, dates back to 1918.
She plays mahjong on those antique boards every Monday for five hours with three childhood friends – Jones, who lived two doors down when they were kids, and sisters Elaine Goldblum and Marcia Cantor.
“We play without fail. How cool is that, that we’ve known each other all our lives and we get together to play?” said Simons, noting the group starts around noon and plays until about 5 p.m. They play at least five games an hour.
Games can take as little as 15 minutes to complete, so players can squeeze in several games during an hour.
“Some people can play a gazillion games in an hour and love it, and other people like to play three or four games in an hour, and laugh and talk,” said Sember. “There’s something for everyone in this game. I’m always happy to play.” ◆
A New Role: Caregiver
A new dementia diagnosis for a loved one is a shock. It means your life will be different than what you thought it would be. Now, in addition to being a wife, husband, son, or daughter, you are a caregiver for someone with an unpredictable, progressive disease. Or maybe the diagnosis was made a while ago, but lately, it seems that they need more help from you than they did last year, last week, or even yesterday.
Here are some strategies for managing the role of Caregiver:
Take a Break from Caregiving
This isn’t sel sh; it’s needed for your own well-being. You need to stay healthy— physically and mentally—to be an effective caregiver. Adult Day provides caregivers time for errands and self-care while providing an appropriately stimulating experience for the person living with dementia.
Nourish Your Relationships
Take time to be the husband, the wife, the daughter, the son, the friend you always were. For your well-being, and the well-being of the person for whom you are caring, maintain social connections. They still need you, they need emotional connections, and they need to feel loved and know that they still matter.
Create a Routine
As dementia progresses, the familiarity of a routine will help them be as independent with care as possible for as long as possible.
Join a Support Group
Caregiving can be isolating, and being with others in similar situations is a great way to receive support and validation, and to realize you are not alone.
Other Things to Remember
When you’re frustrated, step away for a moment, calm down, and then try again. Let people in your life know what you need from them—don’t make them guess, tell them.
Learn as much as you can about the disease, what to expect, and what your family member needs from you.
Adult Day Program: Woodside Place of Washington
954 Redstone Road, Washington, PA 15301
• Enrichment programs for people living with dementia
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Safe and secure setting
• Rest for the caregiver
To learn more: Call 724.250.4981 or visit SrCare.org/WashingtonAdultDay
Donna and Rick Eicher operate Seams Like Home Bed & Breakfast and Quilting Retreat in Vanderbilt. It’s an extension of their sewing and alteration businesses.
Sew Special brings classic skill to Fayette County
By Melissa Gibson
In 1993, Donna Eicher’s husband Rick lost his job due to downsizing and like most families with four young sons and a tough situation, Donna started looking for ways to help make ends meet.
For her, it was taking on sewing clients.
“I knew how to do it and I enjoyed it. I’d do alterations, and we bought a commercial embroidery machine,” Donna said. “In 1997, we purchased a building in downtown Uniontown, and the alteration shop (at 73 W. Main St.) is still there.”
By 2000, due to high demand, they became Husqvarna Viking and PFAFF sewing machine retailers, and Rick went to school to learn how to repair the machines.
Customers began asking for fabric when the local fabric and craft store closed, so the couple brought in fabric inventory. By 2018, they opened a new location in the Westland Plaza at 688 W. Main St.
“We needed more room and better parking, so we left the alteration shop at the original location and created the quilt shop and fabric store in the plaza,” Donna said.
Finding a seamstress can be difficult, Don-
na noted, so the skill is in demand.
“We’re swamped during prom season. We do military patches and the patches for our local correction officers. There’s so much hemming and tailoring to be done for prom dresses and wedding dresses, and when it’s time for new school clothes, everyone orders them online, and they’re not going to fit perfectly,” she said.
In a day and age where families are looking for cost effective solutions, such as planting a garden, canning for the winter and more, Donna is willing to support fellow seamstresses and crafters and teach others how to sew and hem their own clothing too.
She’s been active in 4-H sewing clubs, judging sewing entries at local county fairs and speaking at quilt guilds and sewing groups over the years.
Not only can customers take classes on sewing machine skills and quilting demos at the store, in 2010, the Eichers opened Seams Like Home Bed & Breakfast and Quilting Retreat in Vanderbilt.
“We can accommodate up to 10 people with five rooms, and we have a lot of quilting and scrapbooking groups come in,” Donna said. “We’re also three miles from the Connellsville trailhead on the Allegheny Passage. We offer a service for cyclists. We’ll pick them up, bring them to
the B&B for an overnight, breakfast in the morning, and then drop them back off at the trailhead.”
It’s safe to say in 1993, the Eichers would have never dreamed of where they are now.
“It was all very organic. We didn’t start out with this in mind, but we didn’t want to leave the area. We had four young children at home and our families were here. We didn’t want to uproot everyone so we made do with what we could, and we feel very blessed today,” Eicher said.
For more information, visit www.sew-special. biz or www.seamslikehomeretreat.com. ◆
Vintage ‘base ball’ games at Meadowcroft turn the clock back to the 1860s
By Brad Hundt
Monday through Friday, Alex Schreckengost handles financial issues at an insurance agency.
On select weekends, though, he becomes “Wheels” Schreckengost and chases balls in the outfield as a member of the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder, a “base ball” squad that turns back the clock to the infancy of what we now know as baseball and plays by rules that were hatched in the 1860s.
“It’s competitive, but it’s friendly,” Schreckengost said. “There are different strategies compared to traditional baseball.”
Schreckengost and his teammates in the Frosty Sons of Thunder were at the Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village for three vintage “base ball” games, along with the Canal Fulton Mules of Ohio and the Mountain Stars of Addison. The games unfolded just two weeks before the Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival, which will see 25 vintage “base ball” teams converge on the Ohio History Center in Columbus for two days of contests.
The 1860s rules of “base ball” have players catching and throwing balls without gloves.
Players were also referred to as “ballists” 160 years ago; a batter was called a “striker,” and a fly ball caught after one bounce resulted in the “striker” being called out.
“Base ball” games have been happening every summer at Meadowcroft for at least the last 10 years, according to Dave Scofield, director of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. He explained that Meadowcroft’s mission is to tell the
Jayson Bell gets ready to catch a ball. Bell is a member of the Addison Mountain Stars, a vintage baseball team.
story of what has happened in the area over the last 19,000 years, and recreation is a part of that story.
Ned Williams, a Washington resident and baseball enthusiast, was there for the first game on Saturday.
“It’s just a remarkable thing,” Williams said. “Baseball is such an interesting game … It really touches some deep roots in people.” ◆
Kacie’s Sports Café in Uniontown serving up comfort food with a smile
By Melissa Gibson
When the opportunity arose to open a restaurant in Uniontown, Tom Vernon was uniquely suited for the job.
For over 30 years, Vernon, the owner of Kacie’s Sports Café, had worked as a district manager for US Foods. The food distributor serviced restaurants and other food service operators across the country.
“I think part of the success, in addition to having a wonderful staff, is I know what products to buy for the freshest ingredients and best quality,” he said, noting he opened Kacie’s because he missed the food business.
Vernon opened his first location on Leba-
non Avenue in Uniontown, but five years later, what he thought would be a little diner grew. He had an obvious need for more space.
He and his wife Carla purchased property at 243 S. Mount Vernon Ave. and built a new location from scratch. They also brought daughters Ashley and Jessica in on the family business.
Vernon’s grandchildren are also involved in Kacie’s, even if only by name at the moment.
“It’s the first initial of each of my grandkids. The ‘K’ is for Kaleb, ‘A’ is for Addison and Alana, ‘C’ is for Carson, ‘I’ is for Ian, ‘E’ is for Eli and Emma and the ‘S’ is for our dog Scout,” Vernon said. “Seven grandkids,
and we get to see them nearly every day.”
From the strong family connections, the classic comfort food and Vernon’s feeling that he has “the best staff in Uniontown,” it’s not hard to see why residents in Fayette County and beyond get the feeling of home when they walk through the door.
“I have T-shirts that say Kacie’s Est. 2013 on the front and on the back, it says, ‘Everyone knows your name,’ because here, you know everyone and if you don’t, be prepared to meet someone new,” Vernon said. “I think people like the atmosphere and the food.”
The menu includes some favorites, including the Garbage Plate, made up of all your favorite breakfast foods and topped with
At Kacie’s Sports Café, the staff goes above and beyond to make customers feel welcome, said owner Tom Vernon.
Kacie’s Sports Café is located at 243 S. Mount Vernon Ave., Uniontown.
country gravy. The chicken and biscuits is also a popular one, and in the evening, patrons can try the steak or chicken parmesan.
“We have a special every afternoon, and we post that on social media,” Vernon said.
They offer a sweet treat for those celebrating too.
Vernon works in the South Union Township office with a woman who bakes homemade cupcakes, and he puts them to good use. The staff will sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to celebrate along with patrons who come to the café for their special day.
You won’t see Vernon behind the stove though. He is officially in charge of public relations.
“I talk to people. I ask about their food and if they need anything. My entire staff is good to people, and we really enjoy it,” Vernon said.
Visit Kacie’s Sports Café on Facebook for specials and up to date information. They also offer delivery service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. ◆
stacey.bortz@pennsummit.net
In addition to a menu of savory food, Kacie’s Sports Café offers cupcakes to help patrons celebrate a special occasion.
How to protect your hearing over the long haul
Hearing loss is often seen as an inevitable part of aging. However, data from the National Institutes of Health indicates one in two people over the age of 85 has hearing loss, which suggests half of all individuals in that age bracket have no such issue. That should be encouraging to individuals concerned by the prospect of losing their hearing in their golden years.
The American Academy of Audiology notes that age-related hearing loss is
known as presbycusis. Presbycusis can develop due to a combination of variables, including changes to blood flow and the structures of the inner ear as the body ages and shifts in how the brain processes speech and sounds. Certain medications and medical issues, including diabetes and poor circulation, also can exacerbate age-related hearing loss.
Though some hearing loss as individuals grow older may be related to age, Father
Time cannot bear all the blame when individuals begin to lose their hearing. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, using data from the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, notes that roughly 5 percent of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 have disabling hearing loss. Such losses are unlikely to be a byproduct of aging, and more likely indicative that individual behaviors
can affect the degree to which a person loses or maintains his or her hearing.
Preventive health care is vital to protecting the body long-term, and such maintenance can include steps to safeguard hearing over the long haul. The Hearing Health Foundation notes the following are some simple ways individuals can protect their hearing in the years to come.
· Keep the volume down. The HHF advises individuals listen to personal audio devices at 50 to 60 percent of maximum audio level. Some smartphones are pre-programmed to alert users when they attempt to exceed these levels, and users are urged to heed these warnings when adjusting the volume on their devices.
· Lower the volume the longer you listen. Prolonged listening at high volumes can be especially harmful to hearing, even if users are listening at 50 to 60 percent of the maximum audio level. If you intend to listen for a long period of time, lower the volume even further.
· Take listening breaks. The HHF recommends routine listening breaks from personal audio devices. Individuals who listen to personal devices throughout a workday are urged to take breaks at least once every hour.
· Wear over-the-ear headphones. The HHF recommends individuals choose over-the-ear, noise-cancelling headphones over earbuds. Over-the-ear headphones are more effective at creating a seal that blocks out ambient sounds, which means users are less likely to turn up the volume on their headphones than they might be when using earbuds.
Routine hearing examinations are an effective way to monitor hearing, and individuals are urged to make them part of their preventive health care regimen. When measures are taken to protect long-term hearing, individuals may find it easier to manage age-related hearing loss if they experience it. ◆
Thoughtful gifts for aging parents
Children typically want to treat their parents to something special during the holiday season. Parents do a lot for their children, and when those kids become adults, a desire to express their appreciation for Mom and Dad grows.
According to The Wrap Up: Snappy's 2022 Holiday Gift Report, the majority of Americans (64.2 percent) report they need help when it comes to holiday gifting. They may want to carefully consider a recipient's in-
terests, as the report also discovered more than half of all Americans want a gift that reflects their personal interests and hobbies. When shopping for elderly parents, it may not be as simple as identifying interests, particularly if Mom and Dad are experiencing age-related health issues. Consider these gift ideas that may be ideal for the aging adults in your life.
· Cozy blanket: Older adults may have trouble regulating their body tempera-
tures, which can translate to feeling cold a lot of the time. A new blanket or throw for a bed or to cuddle up with in a favorite recliner might be the perfect gift.
· Family history book: Budding writers can interview their aging parents and jot down family stories. Those stories and anecdotes can be compiled into a book and combined with photos to make a family history log, which can be gifted back to the interviewee.
· Gripping slippers: Slips and falls can injure aging adults and put them out of commission for quite some time. Sturdy and secure slippers with anti-slip soles are good for getting around the house and making quick trips to take out the trash or get the mail.
· Robotic vacuum: Keeping up with the household chores is easier with a robotic vacuum that automatically scours carpets and hard-surface floors. This eliminates having to wrestle with a cumbersome vacuum.
· Key finder: A key finder can help adults find their keys if they are misplaced. Some employ radio frequency, while others utilize Bluetooth technology and can be paired to a smartphone.
· Magnifying light: Older parents who like to do puzzles or close-up work like knitting or stitching can benefit from an LED lamp that also has a magnifying glass built right in.
· E-reader: Avid readers may enjoy an e-reader because they don't have to find spots to store even more books in their homes. E-readers can be customized so the print is the right size for the reader's needs. Also, the devices are lightweight and easy to stow in a bag.
· Automatic card shuffler: Parents who are known card sharks around the community can use an automatic card shuffler to make card play even easier.
· Resistance bands: Resistance bands are like large rubber bands that exert force to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. They can help aging adults stay in shape in a low-impact way.
· Dining gift cards: When parents do not want to spend additional time in the kitchen, they may opt to visit a favorite restaurant. A combination of a gift card to a favorite establishment as well as prepaid taxi or ride share service ensures a good meal and a safe ride home.
Although they seem to have everything, aging parents still can benefit from some thoughtful gifts. ◆
What to know about exercise and dementia risk
Three seconds go by in a flash, but that's enough time for another person to join the masses already diagnosed with dementia. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, a condition that more than 55 million people were living with in 2020.
The World Health Organization notes that various diseases and injuries that affect the brain can contribute to dementia. As menacing a threat as dementia presents, individuals are not helpless against it. In fact, exercise, which can help lower risk for heart disease, stroke and various other conditions, can be a valuable ally against dementia as well.
What is the link between exercise and dementia?
Dementia remains something of a mystery, but the Alzheimer's Society notes that evidence is now strong enough to support the assertion that lack of physical exercise increases a person's risk of developing dementia. The Alzheimer's Society also notes that researchers have discovered improvements in thinking and memory and reduced rates of dementia among middle-aged and older adults who exercised compared to those that did not.
Is cardio the most effective exercise at lowering dementia risk?
Speaking with CNBC, Silky Singh Pahlajani, a clinical professor of behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted that cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as cardio, can provide the biggest benefit for brain health
of any form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can increase heart rate, which helps deliver oxygen cells to the brain. The National Institutes of Health notes that oxygen shortages prevent the brain from working as well as it should, and a 2023 study published in the journal Redox Biology found that oxygen abnormality plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How should aging adults approach exercise if they have been largely sedentary?
Middle-aged and older adults who have not been physically active throughout their adult life but want to begin incorporating exercise into their daily routines are urged to speak with their physicians prior to beginning a fitness regimen. Preexisting
conditions may make it difficult, if not impossible, to engage in certain forms of exercise. A personal physician can consider a patient's unique medical history and then recommend certain exercises that won't put him or her in jeopardy of suffering an injury or illness. A gradual approach to exercising is typically best for individuals who have lived a sedentary lifestyle. Starting off slowly with a short walk or light physical activity like gardening can help the body acclimate to physical activity at a safe pace. As adults bodies' become more accustomed to exercise, men and women can then gradually increase the intensity of their workouts, switching from walking to jogging on a treadmill when possible.
There is no cure for dementia, but adults are not helpless against the various forms of the condition. Researchers have discovered that preventive measures like routine exercise can be an effective way to reduce dementia risk. ◆
Courtesy of Metro Creative
KNOW THE RED FLAGS If anyone insists on payment by a wire transfer or gift card, it’s a scam. Hang up or delete!
VERIFY TO CLARIFY Be suspicious of emails, texts or calls that create a sense of urgency and require you to give your credit card number or bank account information. Hang up or walk away and contact a trusted source to verify the legitimacy of the request.
WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT Links and online advertising are the easiest way for cyber criminals to get your sensitive information. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything you were not expecting.
KEEP A CLEAN MACHINE Keep all software on all Internetconnected devices current. These updates not only improve the security of your device, but also improve its functionality.
LOCK YOUR DEVICES Use a passcode to unlock your phone.
MAKE A LONG, UNIQUE PASSPHRASE A strong passphrase is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus on things you like and are easy to remember.
SHARE WITH CARE Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social media.
PERSONAL INFORMATION IS LIKE MONEY. VALUE IT. PROTECT IT.
Stay safe when using the Internet with these tips from StaySafeOnline.org:
The link between sleep and healthy aging
A good night's rest can be just what the body needs to feel revitalized and ready to tackle a new day. Indeed, rest is important for people of all ages, including seniors.
The National Council on Aging notes the brain needs sleep to regulate the body, restore energy and repair damage. Recognition of that is vital for aging men and women, some of whom may be more vulnerable to sleeping problems than they realize. In addition to being more vulnerable to age-related health problems that can interrupt their sleep, thus affecting its quality, aging men and women may find their sleep routines change over time. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal BMC Geriatrics found that active elderly people reported it took them longer to fall asleep as they got older.
The NCOA says it's a misconception that older adults need more sleep than younger people, noting adults of all ages require the same amount of nightly rest. However, things may change for seniors in regard to how much time they need to spend in bed. The NCOA notes this is because adults may be more likely to experience poor sleep quality and continuity. When that occurs, adults still need the recommended minimum of seven hours of nightly sleep, but they may need to spend more time in bed since it's taking them longer to fall asleep.
It's important that aging adults recognize that they can spend too much time sleeping as well. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that too much sleep is linked to the
same health problems as too little sleep, issues that include an elevated risk for heart disease and falls.
Sleep issues affecting older adults also may be a byproduct of various contributing factors. The NCOA notes that frequent contributors to sleep concerns include:
· Pain that affects the back, neck, or joints
· Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression
· Neurodegenerative disorders that are more frequent among aging populations, such as dementia and Alzheimer's
· Sleep apnea or disordered breathing at night
Restless leg syndrome, a condition that tends to worsen with age and is character-
ized by an urge to move limbs often
· Nocturia, a condition marked by a need to urinate at night
· Stimulating medications or medication interactions
· Decreased exposure to sunlight
· Sedentary lifestyle
Aging men and women who are experiencing difficulty sleeping should know that such issues are treatable and not something that needs to be accepted as a normal part of growing older. For example, individuals whose sleep is routinely interrupted by a need to urinate can avoid certain beverages, including alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Sleep and healthy aging go hand in hand. Aging adults experiencing difficulty sleeping can consult their physicians and visit ncoa.org to learn more about overcoming sleep-related issues. ◆
Courtesy of Metro Creative
Aging individuals' calorie needs affected by their activity levels
Healthy aging is a multifaceted process that involves an array of variables. Diet and exercise are two such variables, and each are intertwined. According to the National Institute on Aging, the amount of calories individuals over 60 need each day depends on their physical activity levels. Though all adults should aspire to be physically active each day, some aging adults may experience mobility issues that make it hard to move around. But activity levels can serve as a measuring stick for daily calorie intake. The NIA notes that the more active men and women over 60 are, the more calories they will need to consume.
· Inactive: The NIA recommends that women over 60 who are not physically active consume 1,600 calories per day. Men over 60 who are not physically active are
urged to consume between 2,000 and 2,200 calories each day.
· Moderately active: What qualifies as moderate physical activity is best defined by an individual's physician, who may recommend various exercises or activities based on each person's condition. Daily walks may qualify as moderate physical activity, but aging adults are urged to keep track of the length and intensity of such walks so they can work with their physicians to determine how they might affect their daily caloric intake. Women over 60 who engage in moderate physical activity each day are urged to consume 1,800 calories per day, while men in that category should consume between 2,200 and 2,400 calories.
· Very active: Aging men and women can probably determine on their own if their lifestyle can be described as very physically active. Women over 60 who qualify as very active should consume between 2,000 and 2,200 calories per day, while the NIA advises very active men to consume between 2,400 and 2,600 calories per day.
Of course, it's important that men and women over 60 choose the right foods each day as well. The NIA advises against choosing foods that have a lot of sugar, saturated fat and sodium. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are examples of healthy foods that can help aging individuals reach recommended daily calorie intake without compromising their overall health. ◆
A healthy heart is vital to a long life. Aging individuals recognize that link, and many take steps to protect their heart health, which may include changing their diets or exercising with greater frequency.
Recognizing certain threats to heart health is another important step individuals of all ages can take as they seek to live long, healthy lives. One such threat is atrial fibrillation, which is often referred to as "AFib."
Johns Hopkins medicine notes AFib is a type of abnormal heartbeat caused by extremely fast and irregular beats from the upper chambers of the heart. Johns Hopkins notes a person with AFib may have a heart that beats more than 400 times per minute, which is caused by faulty electrical signals that make the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) contract much faster than normal.
The American Heart Association reports
Risk factors for AFib
that AFib increases the risk of heart-related death and stroke. But individuals may be curious about their risk for AFib. Though some of the risks for AFib, such as family history, may be beyond an individual's control, others can be managed with the goal of reducing the likelihood of developing the condition. The AHA notes that people who have one or more of the following conditions are typically at higher risk for AFib.
Age: Age is a significant risk factor for AFib. Johns Hopkins notes that adults older than 50 are at elevated risk for AFib. In addition, the AHA reports that medical researchers suspect the number of AFib cases will rise considerably in the coming years as people are living longer. Recognition of age as a significant risk factor for AFib might compel more individuals to take additional risk factors for the condition more seriously.
High blood pressure: The AHA reports that longstanding, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase a person's risk for AFib. This link between AFib and high blood pressure underscores the need for annual health examinations, which often uncover the condition known as "the silent killer" due to the fact that it does not necessarily produce noticeable symptoms.
Existing heart conditions: Heart valve problems; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is marked by a thickening of the walls of the heart chamber; acute coronary syndrome, an umbrella term used to refer to conditions in which blood supplies to the heart are suddenly blocked; and a history of heart attack are just some of the heart conditions that increase a person's risk for AFib. Anyone with a personal or family history of these and other heart conditions is urged to discuss AFib
with their physicians.
Alcohol consumption: Binge drinking increases risk for AFib, according to the AHA. The organization defines binge drinking as five drinks in two hours for men and four drinks in two hours for women. If individuals want to consume alcohol, Johns Hopkins emphasizes the need for moderate consumption, which is defined as one drink or less per day for women or two drinks or fewer per day for men.
· Activity levels: Though physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, the AHA notes that AFib is common in athletes. The condition can be triggered by a rapid heart rate known as a supraventricular tachycardia, which can be a byproduct of exercise.
AFib can pose a serious threat to individuals from all walks of life. Recognition of that threat and how to reduce AFib risk can be part of anyone's long-term health regimen. ◆ Courtesy of Metro Creative
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