Medicare Misty’s Let’s Talk! Magazine Fall Issue 2021

INSIGHTS & INSPIRATION FOR YOUR LATER YEARS

MAGAZINE FALL 2021

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Dr. Phyllis Miller

Healthcare Pioneer & Trailblazer for Women

Autumn Recipe

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

In This Issue October is the Start of Medicare Enrollment - What You Need to Know Now

Autumn Health & Safety Tips

Gail Raines & Her GigiBeans “Sprouts” Spread Comfort to Many

A FREE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION

INSURANCE YOU NEED, AGENTS YOU CAN COUNT ON.

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

CALL MEDICAREMISTY CALL MEDICARE MISTY TODAY! 423-240-0794 423-240-0794 Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.

Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency.

Let’s Talk Medicare Welcome from misty Bolt Reader, Misty Bolt WelcomeDearfrom

Wow! What a ride it has been to get this first issue of our magazine, “Let’s Talk!” into your hands! What you’re It may feel like Summer is ENROLLMENT for holding outside, is the culmination of many years MONTH of hard work the business Medicare, aIfpersonal for but those cool, incrisp days of of Medicare! you’ve passion never had serving the senior population and a long-lived dream Autumn are justof bringing around you thea magazine Medicarethat or would if you prove want to to make be a corner! of us changes plan for the valuableMost resource for would you andagree your family.

Look forinusyour to be coming to you each quarter through your mailbox and online (coming soon!).

Our vision that one of the benefits of living in coming year, NOW is the time! is to bring you Insights & Inspiration for Your Later Years” with each issue the South is getting tofeedback! experience Now is also the time my team and we welcome your

four seasons. Of those four goes all out (and I mean literally Inside this first issue, find a OUT-on mix of contributed columnsBus!!!) from seasons, Autumn is myyou’ll favorite! our Medicare Tennessee Valley experts on a variety of topics that many of you have told Nothing the change the air, to make we’re me are beats important to you - in health, business, money,sure lifestyle, and ofavailable course, thevibrant ever-evolving sometimes complex issue of Medicare. the colors and in the changing to anyone in the area who is leaves and the sights, sounds and eligible for Medicare. We’re sure In a column co-authored by Andy Bailey and Jim Coltrin of True North smells of SEC football (GoFinancial Vols!), you’ll to be coming to a on neighborhood, Advisors, Raymond James find an update The SECURE Act of 2019.

Information in this article may affect you, and we think you apple cider and pumpkin pie! retail establishment or senior need to know about it. On the topic of health - you’ll find an article from center near at the you.YMCAFollow the amazing folks behind the seniors’ programming and And like Autumn is my MedicareMisty’s from just our columnist Susan Ross, LNP, an article to help youMedicare make senseBus of alllllll those vitamins and supplements that may be sitting in your medicine favorite season, October is my on Facebook or call us today at cabinet. I could go on, but better for you to start flipping the pages and FAVORITE 423-240-0794. enjoy all thatMONTH! “Let’s Talk!” October has to say for yourself.

About

ABOUT MEDICARE MISTY I’m with a love for life I spentI’m nearly two I’maanative nativeChattanoogan Chattanoogan with a love forand lifepeople. and people. a wife decades as a single, working mom to my amazing son, Landon Anderson, to a retired Air Force military sergeant, who inspires me to continduring which time I also built my individual Medicare broker business into ue toisdo what I love, a devoted mother andand owner of myGA. individual what now a team of 20 agents across TN, AL Northwest In 2018, Medicare broker business, now a top agency with a team ofback 20 God blessed me by bringing my high school sweetheart, Patrick Bolt, into my across life andTN, weAL soon My family is my #1my priority, yetare it’smy my agents andmarried.

Northwest GA. God and family clients who haveintaught me howyet to be good agentwho and teach I’m grateful daily top priorities, that order; it’samy clients me daily for their trust placed in me. Best of all, many of them are also my friends how to be a good agent and I’m grateful for their trust placed in and mentors, and they inspire me to keep doing what I do every day. The me. Best ofTalk?” all, many are also my friends andmagazine mentors,name! and name “Let’s Well,of it them was the obvious choice for the they inspire me to keep doing what I do every day.

When not with If you know me, then you know I love to talk - it’s what I do! My business is and how can we have without myabout familyrelationships or working,- I enjoy volunteering for arelationships number of organiconversation?

So for I suppose just what “Let’s Talk”them, is - a conversation zations in town which that’s I’m passionate, among The Senior between you, me and the contributors to this magazine. Feel free to write Olympics, The Special Olympics, The Kidney Foundation, Room in me at medicaremisty@gmail.com or call me on my mobile at 243-240-0794 the Inn and many with feedback or if I more. can be a resource for you.

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ON THE COVER

Dr. Phyllis Miller Healthcare Pioneer & Trailblazer for Women

CONTENTS 6

Autumn Safety for Seniors

10

Let’s Talk Medicare!

14

UTC Mocs Football Schedule

16

Agent Spotlight: Ali Horton

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Let’s Talk Health!

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins in October

Autumn Recipe

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

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Neighbor Spotlight

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Let’s Talk in the Kitchen!

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The Medicare Bus Brings Free Seminars to You

Gail Raines & Her GigiBeans “Sprouts” Spread Comfort to Many MedicareMisty Caught on Camera on Newschannel 9

PUBLISHER: Misty Bolt www.medicaremisty.com PRODUCER: Sheri Kamp, The Good Content Agency Copyright© Medicare Misty 2021

THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT OF OUR EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE EVERY 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 INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. MEDICARE HAS NEITHER ENDORSED NOR REVIEWED THIS INFORMATION. NOT CONNECTED OR AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OR STATE AGENCY. LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 5

Safety

Autumn Safety for Seniors

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here’s much to enjoy about Autumn Safety Tips the transition from sum- Get the influenza vaccine: mer to autumn. The intense While the flu may not be as heat begins to subside, the leaves detrimental to the health of change color, and we ready ouryounger people, seniors are selves for the holiday season. But at risk from flu complications, like all other seasonal transitions, such as pneumonia and bronthere’s a tradeoff, and with the chitis. These complications can positive changes come certain result in serious illness, hoschallenges to our health and safepitalization, and even death. ty. Seniors, in particular, are at risk Adding to this, the flu can also around this time of year. Colder worsen pre-existing conditions. temperatures, the presence of Vaccines to consider include influenza, and even fallen leaves Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad and can severely threaten seniors’ Flublok Quadrivalent – but it’s wellbeing and independence. important to talk to a physician or other healthcare professionFortunately, by following a few al about the most appropriate tips and best practices, seniors option. can stay safe and enjoy everything Reduce the risk of influenza: In that the autumn season has to ofaddition to vaccination, it’s best fer. Here are a few to share with to take additional steps toward senior clients. reducing the risk of the flu:

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Safety

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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 surfaces that are likely to be contaminated

Improve the immune system through regular exercise (with physician approval)

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Reduce fire risk: As the temperature falls, it’s common to start using space heaters or fireplaces to warm up the home. Seniors should ensure that flammable objects 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.

Health reports that hypothermia can develop rather quickly after being exposed to relatively mild cold temperatures. Seniors should venture outside only when absolutely 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 seniors to slip and fall. They should be raked away from the driveway and sidewalks. This is especially important once they become slippery 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 comKeep warm: While on the sub- panionship, meal preparation, and ject of dropping temperatures, mobility assistance – inside and it’s imperative that seniors pro- outside the home. And if they artect themselves from the cold. en’t able to drive to their destinaAlthough autumn doesn’t present tions, we can help them get there the same bitter weather as win- safely. Contact a Comfort Keepers ter, there’s still a palpable risk. location near you to learn more In fact, the National Institutes of about our services.

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Health

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

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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 evenings, 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. Surfaces may be wet and slippery. If possible, hire someone to do the yard work.

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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!

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How to prepare for the weather around your home

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 until the weather clears.

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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 system. 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.

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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Let’s Talk Medicare

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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins in October When’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Every year, Medicare’s open enrollment 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.

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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)

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and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If their plans are changing, 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.

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.

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Let’s Talk Medicare

Enrollment Periods and When Coverage Begins

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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.

Individuals who want premium For someone under age 65 who Part A, Part B or both may only en- becomes entitled to Medicare roll during certain enrollment pe- based on disability, entitlement riods that are outlined in law. The begins with the 25th month of following enrollment periods apply disability benefit entitlement. For to both premium Part A and Part B: these individuals, the IEP begins 3 Initial enrollment period months before the 25th month of General enrollment period disability benefit entitlement, in Special enrollment period for cludes the 25th month, and ends the working aged, the work- three months after. ing disabled, and international volunteers.

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

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Let’s Talk Medicare The IEP for people with ESRD and ALS varies based on their situation.

Individuals who do not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible because they were Coverage begins based on when you covered under a group health enroll during the IEP. If a person en- plan based on their own or a rolls in the first 3 months of the IEP, spouse's current employment (or coverage begins the first month the the current employment of a famperson is eligible for Medicare. If a ily member, if disabled) may enroll person enrolls in any other month during the SEP. The individual can of the IEP, coverage will be delayed. enroll at any time while covered Disabled individuals are automat- under the group health plan based ically enrolled in Medicare Part A on current employment, or during and Part B after they have received the 8-month period that begins disability benefits from Social Secu- the month the employment ends rity for 24 months. or the group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first.

NOTE: In most cases, if someone does not enroll in Part B or premium NOTE: Individuals with ESRD are Part A when first eligible, they will not eligible to enroll during the have to pay a late enrollment pen- SEP. alty. The Part B penalty is assessed for as long as the person has Part B. For more information call General Enrollment Period (GEP) 1-800-MEDICARE or visit The GEP takes place from January www.Medicare.gov.

1 through March 31 of each year.

Part B and Premium Part A cover- CONTACT MEDICAREMISTY AT age begins July 1 of that same year. 423-240-0794 for FREE assistance determining the best plan for you.

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

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At Home with SONIA YOUNG, Chattanooga’s

Connect with compassionate, trained, and loving listeners for help, hope, & encouragement.

ARE YOU

LONELY? AGE 60+?

M-F 10-4ET

844-600-8262 A partnership of The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and Tennessee Baptist Mission Board

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LET’S TALK! FALL 2021 15

Agent Spotlight

Ali Horton Owner of AMR Options & CPR Essential

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o Ali Horton, being a Medicare agent comes naturally. Ali served as a former elementary school teacher for 18 years, and is a 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, enrollment, coverages - can definitely be confusing, and things are always changing. According to Ali, “Sadly, there are a lot of predators out there, people who misrepresent themselves and/or take advantage of those who are eligible for Medicare. My goal is to simplify the process, and thoroughly inform them of their options,” 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. After experiencing a life threatening illness, Ali wanted to train others in CPR to prepare them

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for emergency situations. She has taught over 200 courses and certified hundreds of people in CPR. Her company, CPR Essential, 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 student 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

Autumn Word Search B M E A Y S S H J C K J S O W

U Q T C J K M Y E K R U T O E

G A A N N G X A R G U M R B D

U E U A Z V C K Q R X C K O I

N A H N Y O M S E L E V A N R

T T S A R N Y D H R J V C F Y

L Y P N M D I S A W I D D I A

C I S U I C D C G S K D P R H

Z Q T E E P S D B I K C D E R

M U K L R Y U A L L E A V E S

A R P O L O X M E M B O T L S

D P E I I G M O P A V Q J U O

A E M W G Z B S U K E S O T M

O A G N F U V E C S I P S A D

ACORN

FAMILY

SCARECROW

APPLE CIDER

HAYRIDE

SMORES

AUTUMN

LEAVES

TURKEY

BONFIRE

PUMPKIN

THANKS

F L F E T A T X U W J N X I U

AMAX INC. ©

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Senior Spotlight

Dr. Phyllis Miller Healthcare Pioneer & Trailblazer for Women

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Written by Phyllis Nicholson

rowing up in a rural area of Polk County, Dr. Phyllis Miller 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 success as a physician, and set the stage for her to pursue medicine, during a time when it wasn’t considered possible. While her parents were older,

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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, scholarships, 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 University to the Science Building where they were going to a seminar on the heart. Phyllis remembers thinking to herself then, “Wow that is breathtaking! I’d love to spend the rest of my life in the field of medicine.”

Senior Spotlight MEDICAL SCHOOL Phyllis went to Tennessee Technological 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 especially 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 children 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 certainly made an impression on me.”

Later, Dr. Miller’s residency was at Erlanger 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

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 presentation, but she got through it without anyone asking a question. She was 31-years-old when Rachel was born, the day after her birthday.

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Fast-forward a few years, her marriage 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 babysitters, 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 competency, strength and compassion was a formative experience. Rachel, now a pilot, married Robbie Tester, Director 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 desire 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 Children’s Nutrition Program in Haiti; she was ready at the word “go.”

The earthquake in Haiti completely

Senior Spotlight changed the mission and the hospital 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 quickly 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 Association. 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 accomplishments is the establishment of the Polk County Education Foundation, 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 President of TN Medical Association, Phyllis 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 children. What a breathtaking, and healing experience!

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

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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 P ie 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.

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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 coffee 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 puree, 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.

Neighbor Spotlight

Gail Brown Raines Contributed by Gail Brown Raines

About 7 or 8 years ago, I saw a show on TV about "reborning" dolls, which started 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 "someday 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 started seriously researching the reborn process, bid on my first sculpture on eBay, ordered paint, brushes, 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 searching 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 productive and needed. Some even started remembering 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 Alzheimer's residential facilities in the Chattanooga area to see if the realistic dolls were being used in this way. The typical 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 someone who had the contact 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 accepted 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 c a r e t a k e r s and families dealing with this horrible disease. That was the beginning of Gigibeans 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 leading 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 lifelike, therapeutic cuddles. Raines’ dolls now travel all over the world and as far as Canada. Raines donates 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-

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culum University for her graduate degree. She is a former school teacher and has taught in Florida 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: “Going on Social Security and Medicare can be very confusing. Misty’s knowledge and advice was invaluable getting us through that process. And she has always been quick to respond to any help we have needed over the years since then.”

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Let's Talk in the Kitchen!

Tune in each Tuesday at 11:00 AM on Newschannel 9, Chattanooga

We couldn’t help but share photos of our very own “MedicareMisty,” Misty Bolt, caught on camera on “Dishin’ with Dawn” on NewsChannel9!

Pictured from left to right are Dawn Lemaitre, Misty and James Howard of “This N That.”

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SENIOR DAY AT THE ZOO

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.

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CHATTANOOGA ZOO 301 North Holtzclaw Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 423-697-1322

MedicareMisty’s Medicare Bus In order to provide extra support and resources for seniors, MedicareMisty’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 MedicareMisty at 423240-0794 for details.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE? Beginning October 15th attend any of our FREE SEMINARS below: 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

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INSURANCE YOU NEED, AGENTS YOU CAN COUNT ON. 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

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CALL MISTY CALLMEDICARE MEDICAREMISTY TODAY! TODAY!423-240-0794 423-240-0794

Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information. Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency.