June 2024 | Howard County Beacon

A passion for keeping healthy

By Robert Friedman

Quick: What’s Maryland’s official exercise?

Columbia resident David R. Conway knows: it’s walking.

Conway, 73, is the new volunteer president of AARP Maryland, which advocates for 850,000 members and their families.

“We are very focused on walking,” he told the Beacon in a recent interview about his priorities there. And he said walking 30 minutes a day is the best way for older adults to stay healthy.

Getting older adults out and about daily has been one of Conway’s major interests since he retired in 2017.

“I’ve always been a fitness kind of guy. I was an athlete growing up and try to stay active. So, I got involved in walking and became a walking advocate,” he told Shawn Perry on “The Senior Zone” radio show in January, when he became volunteer president of AARP Maryland.

As part of the organization’s Executive Council, Conway spearheaded a program that promotes walking as perhaps the key exercise for people over 50.

He also oversaw AARP Maryland’s involvement in the state Department of Transportation’s Walktober events and Howard County’s Streets for All pedestrian safety campaign.

“When people think of Howard County, they often point to all the pretty lakes, trails and scenic rural roads,” Conway wrote in an op-ed published in the Baltimore Sun in 2019, encouraging the county at the time to pass laws to make streets accessible to walkers.

“What they don’t know is that many of our neighborhoods lack safe, accessible and easy ways to get around without a car. In many county neighborhoods, including

in Elkridge, Ellicott City, Clarksville, Jessup, Savage and, yes, even Columbia, too many of our streets are not accessible or safe for walkers, bikers, bus riders or people with disabilities," he said in the op-ed.

Conway’s advocacy worked: The county unanimously passed a Complete Streets Policy five years ago, improving street crossings and upgrading walking paths, and won a perfect score last year from the National Complete Streets Coalition.

Maryland was the first state to designate a state exercise — walking — back in 2008. According to the state’s website,

“The health benefits of walking include improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced risk of developing high blood pressure, and prevention of heart attacks, colon and breast cancer, and osteoporosis.”

Take a bus tour to New York City’s 9/11 Memorial or eat crabs aboard a paddlewheel boat; plus, take archery, dance

Columbia retiree David R. Conway took over as volunteer president of AARP Maryland this year. Volunteering is a full-time job for Conway, a retired sales executive. “It brings me joy,” he said.

I’m not a doctor, but…

I’ve reached the stage in life where I and many of my friends are no longer self-conscious about having an “organ recital” when we get together: you know, a conversation where we eagerly recount our latest physical ailments and medical issues.

It’s not my intention to bore you with one right now (at least not in all its gory detail), but I want to share a few things I’ve learned from experience about coping with medical issues. If you have already come to these conclusions on your own, you can just nod along as I go (and share your story with us afterwards).

up laser treatments, saving my sight.

But post-surgery, I was told to sleep sitting up for a week, and I awoke with terrible back spasms. The first doctor I called prescribed muscle relaxants, which only made me drowsy and loopy while doing nothing to reduce the pain.

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

Go to medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment. But there may be side issues that call for other approaches.

I was in my early 30s, without any symptoms, when my ophthalmologist discovered my left retina was becoming detached. He was an excellent specialist who not only correctly diagnosed my condition but performed the successful operation and follow-

When my wife’s cousin — a practitioner of an acupressure-like healing technique called Jin Shin Jyutsu — heard about my condition, she came right over and offered to help.

She pressed on various spots of my body that would seem to have nothing to do with my back, and after an hour, the spasms relaxed immediately and permanently. A former skeptic about alternative treatments, I became a believer in that one!

If your first diagnosis and treatment go nowhere, it’s probably time for a second opinion.

A few years ago, I started experiencing sciatica — shooting pains down my leg from the hip. I was referred to an orthope-

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Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal

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dist, who ordered an MRI.

The radiologist who read the MRI noticed nothing out of the ordinary for someone my age, so my doctor said a few weeks of physical therapy ought to fix me up.

That actually made things worse. So bad, in fact, that the PT sent me to a pain specialist who, after prescribing pain meds that didn’t stop the pain (but led to swelling in my legs), recommended a cortisone injection. That only magnified the pain!

Finally, I got a referral from several friends to a particular doctor, who took one look at the original MRI and immediately pointed out that a cyst on my spine was most likely the problem. No one before him had ever noticed or mentioned that before.

I now believe I would have avoided weeks of agony and unnecessary (indeed, counterproductive) treatment if I had made more of an effort to find a truly experienced doctor with a good reputation in the first place.

Sometimes it’s the simple, low-tech solution that solves your problem.

After a vacation where I walked miles every day carrying a rather heavy backpack, I developed a painful case of plantar fasciitis in my right foot.

I told my troubles to a retired podiatrist friend, who offered to take a look. After a brief evaluation, in which he uncovered some other sensitivities in my knee and hip, he said it was highly likely that my problem was due to having legs of slightly different length (which, apparently, is rather common).

He inserted a small pad in my left shoe to even out my stance, and the pain and sensitivities went away. I now keep the pads in all my shoes and haven’t had a

problem with my foot (or a twinge in my hip) since.

My friend, it turns out, had written a book about these problems intended both for medical professionals as well as lay people. Unfortunately, it didn’t exactly take the world by storm.

Perhaps this and other solutions proposed in his book were too low-tech and inexpensive to make them worth adopting widely in our current healthcare system.

Don’t dismiss placebos, but don’t use unnecessary meds as one.

Sometimes when I tell my Jin Shin Jyutsu story, people say dismissively, “Oh, that was just the placebo effect.” I like to respond that placebos are nothing to sneeze at.

Even if what gets you the relief is a placebo, that doesn’t mean it didn’t work. The “effect” of the placebo was to solve the problem, so that means it was effective!

On the other hand, doctors often complain that patients won’t leave their office without a prescription, even when the condition is likely to resolve without one.

I suggest you tell your doctors that you will take whatever medicine is truly necessary, but you don’t want to take a drug just for its psychological value.

For such situations, there ought to be a prescription pad that says, “Take two chocolates and call me in the morning.”

For those wanting more info about Jin Shin Jyutsu, read The Touch of Healing For Dr. Stuart Goldman’s book, visit walkingwellagain.com. Both books are available on Amazon.

Dear Editor:

I enjoyed your April “From the publisher” column, “I can see clearly now.”

I am retired and need glasses for reading and TV, but I enjoy my quiet time and ME time. Sitting on my balcony just resting my eyes on the trees on the road, early morning sunrises, birds chirping, etc. brings my life into focus. A trip to a park or a farm is an added gift, [when] one of my children takes me.

Yes, time spent with nature, the gentle breezes of morning clouds and sunrise, awaken the spirit and set life aright.

I’ll be 91 next month, and even though I have many aches, each day is a gift I am grateful for. Just enjoy the beauty of every

moment, sing and eat ice cream!

Rosemarie LoMonaco Via email

Dear Editor:

The April 2024 crossword puzzle clue has an error. The PSAT was created by the College Board and first administered in 1959. I took the PSAT in 1966, so I knew 1971 was wrong!

The National Merit Scholarship Program, a privately funded initiative that began in 1955, adopted the PSAT as its qualifying test in 1971.

So 1971 was something, but not the first year.

S. T. Shapiro Via email

Health

Fitness & Health

TRENDY BEVERAGES

Can soda with mushroom extract or juice with cannabidiol improve your health?

WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

Medicare covers Ozempic and Mounjaro, but only for those with diabetes

WORKING IN WORKOUTS

Stairs, gardening, laundry count towards your daily 20 minutes of exercise

GLOWING SKIN FROM THE INSIDE Foods that are high in antioxidants can help protect and beautify your skin

How much sleep do you actually need?

By Matthew Solan

On average, how many hours do you sleep each night? For most healthy adults, guidelines suggest at least seven hours of slumber. But these are general recommendations and not strict rules.

“Some people need less than seven hours, while others might need more,” said Eric Zhou of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

We get it: You know people who swear they only need five hours of sleep per night, yet you feel foggy unless you log eight to nine hours. The major reason for individual differences is that we often look at sleep the wrong way.

“Instead of focusing exclusively on the number of hours we sleep per night, we should also consider our sleep quality,” Zhou said.

Sleep quality means how well you sleep during the night. Did you sleep straight through? Or did you have periods where you woke up? If so, did it take you a long time to fall asleep? How did you feel when you woke up?

“If you awaken refreshed and feel like you have the energy to get through your day, then I would worry less about the exact number of hours you’re sleeping,” Zhou said.

Sleep quality affects health

Sleep quality is vital for our overall health. Research has shown that people with poor sleep quality are at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

And that’s not all. “Poor sleep also can increase daytime fatigue and make it more difficult to enjoy life,” Zhou said.

Yet it’s normal for people’s sleep patterns to change over time. “Many people are not going to sleep in their 50s and 60s exactly like they did in their 20s,” he said.

Many of these changes are age-related. For instance, your circadian rhythm — which regulates many bodily functions, including our sleep-wake cycle — can naturally get disrupted over time. This means people spend less time each night in restorative slow-wave sleep.

Production of melatonin, the sleep

hormone, also gradually declines with age. “As a result of these changes, when we get older, we may start to wake up earlier than we did when we were younger or wake up more frequently during the night,” Zhou said.

Track your sleep quality

How can you better understand the factors likely contributing to your sleep quality? One way is to keep a sleep diary, where you track and record your sleep.

Every day, record the time you went to bed, how long it took you to fall asleep, whether you had any nighttime awakenings (and if so, how long you were

The science behind trending beverages

By The Associated Press

Functional beverages — or drinks promoted as offering mental or physical benefits beyond hydration — are growing in popularity around the world. Hundreds of companies have jumped into the market, hoping to get some buzz with trendy and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients.

Here are some of the latest ones found in functional beverages and what scientists say about them:

Adaptogens

— What are they? Plants and mushrooms that may help your body respond to

stress, anxiety and fatigue or enhance feelings of well-being. Examples include American and Asian ginseng (an herb), ashwagandha (an evergreen shrub), eleuthero (a shrub), Rhodiola rosea (a flowering plant) and chaga (a mushroom).

— What does the science say? The Cleveland Clinic says adaptogens are known to trigger chemical reactions that can return the body to a more balanced state. Side effects from adaptogens are rare but depend on the plant.

Studies show that adaptogens work best for a short duration (less than six months) because the body can build a resistance to

Also, keep track of how you feel upon awakening and at the end of the day.

them, making them ineffective over time.

Nootropics

— What are they? Also known as “smart drugs,” nootropics are substances that can improve human thinking, learning and memory. Among the most common nootropics are caffeine, L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea), creatine (an amino acid naturally found in meat and fish), Bacopa monnieri (an herb), Gingko biloba (a tree) and lion’s mane (a mushroom). Some adaptogens may also have nootropic properties, like ashwagandha. — What does the science say? In a study

terns that may be affecting your sleep quality, then make adjustments,” Zhou said.

last year in the journal Plants, researchers said that most plant-based nootropics are not immediately effective after a single dose and must be taken for an extended period before any measurable improvement occurs.

One problem in research on these natural substances has been standardizing the form they are taken in, as well as the dosage, the study said.

Side effects are rare and usually mild, but users should consider their overall health and whether nootropics could affect any

awake), and at what time you woke up.

“After a week or two, review the information to see if you can identify certain pat-

For example, if you have trouble falling asleep, go to bed half an hour later than

usual but maintain the same wake-up time.

“It is common for people struggling with their sleep to try to get more sleep by staying in bed longer,” Zhou said, “but this disrupts their sleep patterns and diminishes their sleep quality.”

Three key strategies

Other strategies that can help support good sleep quality include:

• maintaining a consistent wake time, especially on weekends

• limiting daytime naps to 20 to 30 minutes and at least six hours before the desired bedtime

• being physically active

When it comes to sleep quality, consistency is vital.

“People with good sleep quality often have a predictable sleep window where their sleep occurs,” Zhou said. “Good sleepers are likely to sleep around the same number of hours and stay asleep through the night.”

However, it’s unrealistic to expect perfect sleep every night. “If you have trouble sleeping one or two nights during the week, that can be related to the natural ebbs and flows of life,” Zhou said.

“You may have eaten a big meal that day, drank too much alcohol while watching football, or had a stressful argument with someone.

“When tracking sleep quality, look at your overall sleep health week-to-week, not how you slept this Tuesday compared to last Tuesday.”

If you are doing all the right things for your sleep but still do not feel rested upon waking, talk to your doctor. This can help you rule out a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, or another health issue that can interfere with sleep, such as acid reflux or high blood pressure.

Other factors that can affect the quality of your sleep include taking multiple medicines, depression, anxiety, loneliness and environmental changes like temperature, noise and light exposure. Matthew Solan is executive editor at Harvard Men’s Health Watch. ©

4

other medications before ingesting them.

Probiotics and prebiotics

— What are they?

Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria in a person’s gut or other parts of the body. They are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, kombucha and sauerkraut.

Prebiotics are food for the bacteria and other organisms that live in the gut. Prebiotics can be found in whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes.

— What does the science say? The Cleveland Clinic says probiotics, in theory, work alongside the beneficial microbes in the human body to fight off harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.

Researchers know that unhealthy microbiomes can contribute to chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome. They may also influence mood, pain tolerance and fatigue.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

The Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic say there is a lot of active research into the microbiome and the impact of probiotics and prebiotics, but not enough evidence to draw solid conclusions about their effectiveness.

Side effects are rare except for people with weak immune systems, whose bodies might not be able to fight off a probiotic that inadvertently contains harmful microbes.

CBD

— What is it? CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active ingredient in cannabis. While it is one of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD doesn’t cause a high by itself.

CBD has been used to treat epilepsy and may also help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and addiction. Side effects could include nausea, fatigue and irritability.

— What does the science say? In an article published in April, Harvard Medical School said CBD appears to be a helpful, relatively non-toxic option for managing anxiety and other issues. But it said more research is needed to pinpoint effective doses.

MORNING STRETCH (VIRTUAL)

Senior Planet from AARP’s free class guides you through simple stretches and breathing meditations, preparing you for the day. Join the 10 a.m. Zoom meeting Monday through Friday at tinyurl.com/MorningStretchClass or call 1-888-788-0099 and use Meeting ID: 895 2422 1328.

D-DAY VETERANS' EVENT

June 6

Enjoy live music, lawn games and food, and learn about local resources for service members, veterans and their families at this free event on Sat., June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Clover Hill House, Rockburn Branch Park West, 6105 Rockburn Branch Park Rd., Elkridge. For more information and a list of vendors, visit howardcountymd.gov/goodvibes.

MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED

F.A.C.S.

GORDON LUI, M.D.

SCOTT B. BECKER, M.D.

YIYUN ZHOU, M.D.

VANESSA LIMA, M.D. CRISTINA F. ROUILLER,

MAIL OR EMAIL FOR FREE INFORMATION

For free materials on housing communities, just complete and clip this coupon and mail, or take a picture and email it to the Beacon.

Housing Communities

❏ Brooke Grove (see ads on pages 10, 24)

❏ Charlestown (see ad on page 9)

❏ Flats at Sandy Spring (see ad on page 4)

❏ Heartlands Senior Living (see ad on page 3)

❏ Homecrest House (see ad on page 16)

❏ Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant (see ad on page 5)

❏ Park View at Colonial Landing (see ad on page 17)

❏ Park View at Columbia (see ad on page 17)

❏ Park View at Ellicott City (see ad on page 17)

❏ Park View at Emerson (see ad on page 17)

❏ Residences at Vantage Point (see ad on page 1)

(day) (evening)

Check the boxes you’re

Medicare limits coverage for weight loss

Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover any weight-loss treatments for overweight retirees? I just turned 65 and need to lose about 100 pounds and would like to know if Medicare can help.

—Overweight Owen

Dear Owen, Traditional Medicare does cover some weight-loss treatments, like counseling and certain types of surgery for overweight beneficiaries.

To find out your BMI, the CDC has a free calculator that you can access online at bit.ly/CDCBodyMass.

But unfortunately, it doesn’t cover weight-loss programs or medications. Here’s what you should know.

By Jim Miller

Who’s eligible

For beneficiaries to receive available Medicare-covered weight-loss treatments, your body mass index (BMI), which is an estimate of your body fat based on your height and weight, must be 30 or higher.

A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese and increases your risk for many health conditions, such as some cancers, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and sleep apnea.

What’s covered

If you find that your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare Part B will cover up to 12 months of weight-loss counseling conducted by a medical professional in a primary care setting (like a doctor’s office).

Most counseling sessions entail an initial obesity screening, a dietary assessment, and behavioral therapy designed to help you lose weight by focusing on diet and exercise.

Medicare also covers certain types of bariatric and metabolic surgery for morbidly obese beneficiaries who have a BMI of 35 or above and have at least one underlying obesity-related health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.

You must also show that you’ve tried to lose weight in the past through dieting or exercise and have been unsuccessful.

These procedures make changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight

and improve the health of your metabolism.

Some common bariatric surgical procedures covered include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, which reduces the stomach to a small pouch that makes you feel full even following small meals.

Another is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, which inserts an inflatable band that creates a gastric pouch encircling the top of the stomach.

What’s not covered

Unfortunately, original Medicare does not cover weight-loss programs such as fitness or gym memberships, meal delivery services, or popular weight-loss programs such as Jenny Craig, Noom and WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

Medicare also does not cover any weightloss drugs, but it does cover FDA-approved diabetes drugs that have unintentionally become very popular for weight loss.

Medicare Part D plans cover Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes only, not for weight loss. So, your doctor will need to prescribe these medications for diabetes in order to get them covered.

Medicare also does not cover Wegovy or Zepbound because they’re approved only for weight loss.

The reason behind the weight-loss drug omission is the Medicare Modernization

Have confidence in every conversation.

Do you find it difficult to use a standard phone? Do people ask you to repeat yourself during telephone conversations? Do you miss important calls because you can’t hear the phone ring? The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is here to help by giving Maryland residents the opportunity to apply for State-provided telecommunications equipment to independently make and receive calls. Once you qualify, a skilled evaluator meets with you to determine the best device to support your day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a variety of equipment solutions to support clearer communication, including:

• Amplified phones

• Tablets

• Ring signalers

• Phones with large and/or high contrast buttons

• Captioned Telephones

• And more

Act, which specifically excluded them back when the law was written 20 years ago. They also excluded drugs used for cosmetic purposes, fertility, hair growth and erectile dysfunction.

Without insurance, weight-loss medications are expensive, often costing $1,000 to $1,300 a month. To help curb costs, try websites like GoodRX.com or SingleCare.com to find the best retail prices in your area. Or if your income is limited, try patient assistance programs through Eli Lilly (LillyCares.com), which makes Mounjaro and Zepbound, or Novo Nordisk (NovoCare.com), the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy.

Medicare Advantage

If you happen to be enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan, you may have coverage for gym memberships and some weight loss and healthy food delivery programs.

These are considered expanded supplemental benefits and have gradually been added to some plans to provide coverage for nutrition, health and wellness. Contact your plan to see what it provides.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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Foods that can interact with medications

When I visited a nursing home the other day, I realized that everyone there takes so many medications. I’m pretty sure there could be a lot of food-drug interactions going on that no one is aware of.

In the United States, an alarming trend shows that nearly half of us are on prescription medication, raising concerns about potential interactions with everyday dietary choices.

among older adults in long-term care, who may consume up to 15 different medications daily.

As people age, the likelihood of being prescribed multiple medications, a condition known as polypharmacy, dramatically increases. This is particularly prevalent

By Suzy Cohen

Drawing from my sevenyear experience as a consultant pharmacist in such settings, I’ve observed firsthand the significant influence of diet on medication effectiveness and safety, with fruit interactions standing out as a noteworthy concern.

The interaction between our diet and medications can profoundly affect the latter’s safety and efficacy. Food components may alter how our bodies absorb, metabolize or eliminate drugs, leading to reduced

effectiveness or increased side effects. Fruits, with their complex biochemical profiles, are significant contributors to these interactions.

Grapefruit: Caution

Grapefruit and similar citrus fruits, like Seville oranges and pomelos, contain substances that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes in the small intestine. These enzymes are crucial for metabolizing many drugs, including statins, anti-cancer drugs such as tamoxifen, and some blood pressure medications. This inhibition can elevate drug levels in the bloodstream, enhancing the risk of adverse effects, such as muscle pain or damage from statins.

CYP3A4 enzyme, affecting the metabolism of blood pressure medications and statins, and increasing the risk of side effects.

Recommendation: Consult with healthcare providers on whether to moderate or avoid pomegranates based on your medication regimen.

Cranberries: A delicate balance

Cranberries, especially when consumed in large amounts or as juice, can amplify the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner, raising the risk of bleeding.

Recommendation: For warfarin users, moderation in cranberry consumption is safe, but consistency in dietary habits is crucial to avoid medication efficacy issues.

Recommendation: For those on medications affected by grapefruit, complete avoidance is advised due to the long-lasting effect of the interaction, making it insufficient to merely adjust medication timing.

Bananas: Potassium-rich risks

Bananas, high in potassium, can be problematic when consumed with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), leading to hyperkalemia — a condition with potentially severe heart rhythm complications.

Recommendation: Moderation is key when consuming high-potassium foods like bananas, especially for individuals on ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Regular potassium monitoring through blood tests is essential for safe management.

Pomegranates: Sweet but serious

Pomegranates can also inhibit the

With a substantial portion of the U.S. population on prescription drugs, awareness and understanding of potential dietdrug interactions are critical for ensuring medication safety and effectiveness.

When starting new medications, always discuss dietary habits and potential interactions with healthcare providers. Monitoring changes in health or symptoms after dietary adjustments is also vital for maintaining well-being.

I have a longer version of this article with more information. To have it emailed, just sign up for my free weekly newsletter at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe

Shop handmade and sustainable wares by local artisans at the Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln., Columbia. This event takes place on Sat., June 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $3 and includes nature center exhibits and planetarium shows (on a first-come, first-

basis). For more information, call (410) 313-0400.

Ways to make time for aerobic exercise

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I know I need to get more exercise. But my day gets so busy I don’t see how I can find 30 minutes to do it. Suggestions, please.

A: Standard exercise guidelines call for at least 150 minutes per week of moderateintensity aerobic exercise. But like you, many people have trouble reaching this mark.

Often the barrier is thinking these requirements take too much time and effort. In addition, other people don’t enjoy aerobic workouts or have physical or medical issues that make traditional cardio exercise a challenge.

The first step to overcoming these obstacles is to break down the time commitment into manageable segments. For example, 150 minutes is 2.5 hours, which comes to 30 minutes five days a week, or about 20 minutes daily.

And you don’t have to do those 20 to 30 minutes all at once. You can further divide into two or three 10-minute daily segments. Next, change your perception of “moderate intensity.” People automatically feel

overwhelmed because it sounds difficult, but this level of exertion is not as physically demanding as people may think and is quite doable.

A simple measure of moderate-intensity exercise is the “talk test.” You’re at the right level if you’re exercising hard enough to break a sweat but can still comfortably hold a conversation.

Any kind of movement that gets the heart rate up, speeds up your breathing, and makes you sweat a little counts as aerobic exercise.

The best exercise is the one you enjoy. But don’t assume you are limited to traditional activities like running, cycling, swimming, or tennis. There are other options that may better fit your interests, comfort level and ability. Here are some examples:

Brisk walking. Walking at a brisk pace is a simple moderate-intensity workout.

Stair climbing. Set a timer for five to 10 minutes and go up and down stairs at a casual pace.

Treadmill. The trusty treadmill can be an excellent cardio tool, as you can adjust

the incline and speed to reach the required intensity.

Marching in place. You don’t need a lot of space for cardio. For instance, try marching in place when you are on the phone or watching television.

Housework. Many household chores count as moderate-intensity exercises. Examples include mowing the lawn, raking leaves, digging and planting, washing the car, and vacuuming.

Weight training. Guidelines also recom-

mend doing weight training on at least two days of the week to help build and maintain muscle mass. But this also can be a way to add in some moderate-intensity aerobics.

Doing weight training exercises in a circuit fashion, where you move from one exercise to the next with little to no rest, can elevate the heart rate enough to provide cardio benefits.

Almost any kind of movement can qualify if done with enough effort.

© 2024 Harvard University

Primary Care At Home

Providing

•

•

•

•

•Meet

Grilled chicken and asparagus, fruit dessert

By Family Features

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be difficult or require you to take favorite meals off your family’s menu. These cooking tips can help you prepare heart-healthy meals that could help improve cholesterol levels by reducing excess saturated fat and trans fat:

Cook fresh vegetables the hearthealthy way

Roasting, steaming, grilling or baking can help bring out the natural flavors of vegetables. Adding herbs and spices can also help make veggies tastier, including combinations like basil with tomatoes, oregano with zucchini, dill with green beans or rosemary with peas or cauliflower.

Reduce saturated fat in meat and poultry

The amount of saturated fat in meats can vary widely, depending on the cut and how it’s prepared. Opt for poultry and fish over red meat and look for lean cuts of meat with minimal visible fat, which should be trimmed away before cooking.

Also limit processed meats such as sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs, which are often high in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

Use vegetable oils

Some fats are better for you than others. Liquid vegetable oils such as olive oil can often be used instead of solid fats such as butter, lard or shortening.

Here are some healthy recipes, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken

with Grilled Asparagus

Servings: 4

Ingredients

¼ cup tequila or white vinegar

2 teaspoons lime zest

½ cup fresh lime juice

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat discarded nonstick cooking spray

3 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed ¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper, divided

2 tablespoons canola oil, corn oil or olive oil

Directions

In small bowl, stir tequila, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Pour into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and seal bag tightly; turn bag to coat. Refrigerate 2 to 12 hours.

Preheat grill (or stove, if you’re using a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly spray grates with nonstick cooking spray.

In large dish, sprinkle asparagus with salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with oil. Turn asparagus over to coat.

Remove chicken from marinade. Discard marinade and wipe most of it off chicken. Sprinkle chicken with remaining pepper.

Grill 8-12 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Transfer to plate and cover with aluminum foil.

Place asparagus on grill or grill pan, facing opposite direction of grates. Grill 7 minutes, or until tender crisp.

Serve asparagus with chicken.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

Pre-planning a funeral is a great gift, to your family and to you: It relieves the pressure on them to imagine what you might have wanted while they deal with grief and loss. Your funeral service will be exactly as you wish.

Your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing everything has been arranged. If you choose to pre-fund, the cost is fixed and protected from later price change or inflation.

Call us to learn more.

Ask about our price-match guarantee!

Ask for Jim Schwartz or Chris Boggs: 410-747-4770

Ingredients

1 ½ cups 2% low-fat plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons chopped, unsalted almonds

½ cup chopped mango

¼ cup blackberries or raspberries

½ cup blueberries

Directions

In medium bowl, mix yogurt and honey. Line 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Use spatula or knife to spread

yogurt over entire bottom of dish. Sprinkle chopped nuts over yogurt. Use fingers to slightly press into yogurt. Top yogurt with mango, blackberries and blueberries and slightly press into yogurt.

Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer overnight.

To serve: Lift parchment paper from baking dish onto cutting board. Cut bark into triangular or rectangular pieces. Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol.

Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Bark Servings: 8

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years + Recreation &

Parks

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Dance

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

NEW! Beginning Ballet with Kinetics Dance Theatre

This class introduces basic ballet movement to help build strength, flexibility, and coordination. Dancers learn at their own pace in a nurturing and relaxed environment. Leotard and tights are recommended, but form-fitting clothing is also permitted. Ballet shoes or supportive dance shoes required. Classes: 7

RP3562.801Kinetics Dance ThtrJun 253:30-4:30pmTu$89

Beginner/Intermediate Soul Line Dance

This line dance class is fun for all. Line up and learn the step-bystep choreography taught by instructor Jessie Barnes. Multiple dances are performed to great pop and rhythm and blues music. Classes: 6

RP3511.801Harriet Tubman CtrJun 1411am-noonF$59

Dancing for Fun Mixer

Enjoy moving to the music while trying a variety of dance styles. From line dancing to ballroom, swing to Latin, we try them all. This class, which is led by instructor Tom Sellner, gives you the chance to get active and have some fun. No partner necessary. Classes: 4

RP3513.801N Laurel CCJun 610:15-11amTh$45

Encore Adventures

• Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov.

All Encore Adventures programs are currently full, but we encourage you to sign up to be added to the waiting list for any full programs. Registrants sometimes cancel, and people on the waiting list are regularly able to register for previously filled programs!

Scan the QR code or visit the url at the bottom of this page for the full list of 55+ programs and sign up or join a waiting list today. Search “Encore Adventure” for specific programs.

Friends & Family Adventures

Gather your family or small group of friends and discover the basics of a new adventure activity or improve your skills with our certified instructors! Choose from target archery, rock climbing, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, and more. This is a great way to try a new activity in a safe environment tailored just for you. No experience necessary and all equipment is supplied. Target archery adventures may meet the requirement to participate in the HCRP Archery Club. Each section is one registration for up to three people – one or two additional participants may be added for an additional $25 fee. Multiple times available on each date and additional dates available.

Visit www.tinyurl.com/Friendsandfamilyadventures for details. Activities have different minimum age requirements RP9247Various dates and locations

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/activeaging55 for more 55 yrs + programs!

Fitness

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Balance for Active Aging with Kathy Greisman

Lack of balance can cause your vibrant, amazing self to feel less sure. Boost your confidence and experience a newfound feeling of being grounded and empowered. With the help of a chair, learn the basics of balance through exercises that support and improve your balance, flexibility, and posture while reducing your risk of falling. This is not a strength class; weights are occasionally used. Please bring light weights (1-5 pounds) with you to class.

Classes: 10

RP3587.801Belmont ManorJun 2610:10-11:10amW$89

Yin Yoga with Kathy

Greisman

During the Yin Yoga practice, hold gentle stretches for two to four minutes, allowing yourself to release deeper into poses. This facilitates tissue lengthening, hydrating, and pliability. Yin Yoga is a powerful tool to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and lower stress levels while increasing immune function. Bring a yoga mat.

Classes 8No class 7/4

RP3584.801Belmont ManorJun 2711am-noonTh$72

Lifelong Learning

• Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

How to use your Phone/Tablet effectively

Learn how to get more use out of your mobile devices (smartphone, iPad). Discover social media and how to use it to stay in contact with family members, or receive important information automatically. Bring your smart phone, computer or tablet.

Instructor: Constance LoweClasses: 1

RP3523.801Gary J Arthur CC Jun 2610-11amW$25

• Info: Trac a y Adkins, , 4100-3133-7279 or r tadkins@howa d rdccountymd.gov

New York City : 9/11 Memorial Museum

The National Septe b mber 11th M Memo i rial is s a trib t ute tothenearly 3,000people who were lostintheterror

to the nearly 3,000 people who were lost in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. This moving memorial and 110,000-square-foot museum tells the story of 9/11 through interactive technology, archives, personal accounts, narratives, and a collection of artifacts. Visiting Ground Zero and the museum is a sobering and moving experience that is impactful and unforgettable. There is an onsite gift shop. The group will enjoy lunch on their own at a nearby vendor or classic NYC restaurant within a one-block radius of the venue. Lots of walking & standing required.

21 yrs +Bus Provided RP4597.801Jun 77am-7pm F$155

Choptank Cruise and Crab Feast

Join us for a spectacular crab feast lunch prepared by the Suicide Bridge Restaurant aboard the Choptank Riverboat Company’s reproduction of an authentic 80-foot turn-of-thecentury paddle wheeler. Fully enclosed lower deck with air conditioning and stunning views of the Choptank River and Maryland’s Eastern Shore! A perfect summertime event! 21 yrs +Bus Provided RP4545.801Jun 149am-5pmF$219

Join us for this amazing, six-day/five-night excursion. Enjoy accommodations at the beautiful Opryland Resort Hotel, located next door to the Grand Ole Opry. This complex hosts over 20 onsite restaurants, cafés, and lounges. Learn the history of the Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Trip includes a guided tour of Nashville, including Bicentennial Park, Music Row, Historic Downtown, and a stop at The Parthenon and the American Pickers. Lastly, tap your toes to the music of some of the greatest country stars at the Grand Ole Opry. This is a very popular trip destination and will sell out quickly! Lots of walking with opportunities to sit. 21 yrs +Sep 5-10Bus Provided

RP4553.801Single OccupancySep 5-10Th-Tu$1,979

RP4553.802Double OccupancySep 5-10Th-Tu$1,679

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/RPtrips for more trips & tours!

Addressing the role of mental health in elder abuse

On June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) creates opportunities for communities like ours to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic circumstances which are the underlying causes of abuse and neglect. Mental health and substance abuse issues increase the risks.

Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an older person. Family caregivers who lack the knowledge and tools to appropriately care for their loved one and/or are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving may mistreat loved ones. Elder abuse takes many forms, including:

• Neglect or social isolation

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Financial abuse and exploitation

• Emotional or psychological abuse

To promote WEAAD in Howard County, the Offices on Aging and Independence and Consumer Protection, along with AARP will present “Maintaining your Mental Health, One Piece of the Elder Abuse Puzzle,” on Friday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center. Join us for the following insightful presentations:

Caregiver Stress/Burnout and its Relationship to Elder Abuse • 10:05 to 11:15 a.m.

Kathy Wehr, OAI Caregiver Support program manager, and Earnestine Thomas, Caregiver specialist, will discuss the caregiver stress associated with elder abuse. These situations vary based on the caregiver/care recipient relationship and factors that can lead to and exacerbate the abuse.

KEYNOTE: The Interplay of Elder Abuse and Behavioral Health • 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.

Mental health conditions, trauma, substance use disorders, cognitive impairment and/or chronic stress often contribute to elder abuse situations. Kimberly Burton, BA, will explore the interplay of elder abuse and behavioral health and opportunities for intervention to benefit older adults, and their care partners.

Mindfulness Apps • 2 to 3 p.m.

Malarie Burgess, OAI’s digital inclusion specialist, introduces the benefits of mindfulness to reduce anxiety, improve memory and blood pressure. Learn about apps that teach breathing and meditation techniques, as well as new technology like wearable breath monitors and smart yoga mats.

All are invited to attend, but registration is requested at HoCoWEAAD2024.eventbrite.com.

If you need this information in an alternate format or accommodations to participate, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay).

A message from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball

With summer arriving this month, it’s a perfect time to introduce the newest way to get fit outdoors in Howard County! Join me and Age-Friendly Howard County and Recreation and Parks staff to cut the ribbon at Howard County’s first Age-Friendly Fitness Lot at Centennial Park North on Wednesday, June 5 at 11 a.m.

The interactive fitness lot hosts 10 pieces of equipment and exercise diagrams for up to 20 users at a time to boost their fitness while connecting with others in one of our ADA-accessible parks. This completes another Howard County Age-Friendly Action Plan recommendation in the domain of Outdoor Spaces and Buildings.

June is also Elder Abuse Awareness Month. According to Howard County’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI), data suggest that one in 6 older American experiences some type of abuse. Although this is a situation that no family member wants to experience, it is important to understand what it is and to know what resources are available. If you know of, or suspect elder abuse, I urge you to call police, or contact Adult Protective Services at 1-800917-7383 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

For a more complete list of local, state and national resources, visit OAI’s Elder Abuse page at www.howardcountymd.gov/eldersafety. Our older residents deserve our commitment to cultivating an inclusive, safe community where all can thrive.

Asian Brush and Korean Calligraphy Art Show

ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER

June 10, 10 a.m. / A05527.700

T Trrivia Time

EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER

June 11, 2 p.m. / A04709.700

Juneteenth: Freedom Stories NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER

June 12, 11 a.m. / A06710.701 T What Does it Taake to Lose Weight? GLENWOOD 50+

June 13, 11 a.m. / A03150.700

Senior Planeet presents: Senior presents: Smartphone Basics

SAVAVVAAGE UNITED METHODIST CHURC 9050 Baltimore St., Savage 20763 Fridays, June, 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 a.m.

Money Law &

Want to switch Medicare plans? See page 18.

It’s not your parents’ retirement anymore

By Kate Ashford

Now that retirement spans more years than ever, you might need to rethink how you envision that stage of your life.

Although Americans are retiring a little later than they did 30 years ago, they’re also living longer. Retirement isn’t a blip — it’s a significant chunk of time.

While your parents may have retired and never worked another day in their lives, you may find that part-time work when you get older fulfills your mental needs and helps your retirement savings last.

You also may have to be more aggressive with your investments than you expected. And staying healthy is crucial.

“The questions I’m being asked are dif-

ferent, and the conversations clients are bringing to me are different,” said John McGlothlin III, a certified financial planner.

Here are the ways retirement might be shaping up for you:

Keep more money in stocks

People used to enter retirement with a conservative-leaning portfolio that held a solid chunk in bonds and cash alternatives.

Although advisers aren’t suggesting clients throw caution to the wind, they’re tweaking the investing plan at this life stage.

“We may just stay a little more aggressive because the day you retire, you don’t need all this money,” said Jonathan Swanburg, a CFP in Houston. “Some of this

money is for 30 years from now; some of it is for your kids and grandkids because you’re never going to touch it.”

McGlothlin encourages his clients to exit target date funds at retirement because he thinks they get too conservative.

“The moment you hit that retirement date, they all of a sudden go to 50% bonds, and within a few years you’re at 60% and 70% bonds,” he said. “While bond yields are much better than they were a few years ago, I don’t necessarily think I can get clients 20 to 30 years of sustainable withdrawals if I’m that bond-heavy.”

Consider working longer

The number of adults age 65 and older who are working is almost twice the number who were working 35 years ago, according to a 2023 Pew Research report. Consulting or part-time work in retirement allows you to withdraw less from your savings and potentially delay taking Social Security, and your investments have more time to grow.

“It gives us flexibility in our asset spenddown picture,” said Catherine Valega, a CFP in Massachusetts. “The thought of

moving to no more income coming in — that’s really stress-provoking.”

Valega also encourages clients to pursue other activities so they don’t go stircrazy. “You’re going to have 10 hours in the day that you didn’t have before,” she said. “You can exercise, and that’s great and you should, but beyond that, you need some amount of mental stimulation.”

Save for in-home care

Most adults age 55 and older want to age in place, according to a 2023 survey from the McKinsey Health Institute. Eighty percent wish to live in their own homes, and 71% of older adults who aren’t living in their own homes wish they could.

With home health aides having a national median cost of $27 an hour, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care data, planning for in-home care may require working longer to build the nest egg to pay for it or even relocating to a city where home services are cheaper.

Renovations to make a home more accessible or to enable single-story livable

Employers with 3 or more openings, find your next hire at the Virtual Employment Expo!

Employers, do you have thirty minutes on May 30th? Then register today!

How identity thieves try to exploit your trust

By Sandra Block

Con artists are disguising themselves as well-known brands to steal your money and personal information. Want to know what to do about it?

Kiplinger spoke with Doug Shadel, managing director for Fraud Prevention Strategies, LLC, a Seattle-based consulting firm. He served as strategy director for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network for nearly 20 years.

You’ve been on the front line of fighting fraud for more than 30 years. What has changed in that time? Have we become any better at protecting consumers?

There’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that over that 30-year period, fraud has gotten precipitously worse. It’s the new crime of the century.

The good news is that there are a lot of people focusing on fraud prevention. As recently as 10 years ago, it was hard to get law enforcement interested. Now, stopping hackers, phishing and other scams is all anybody is talking about, and a lot of people are paying attention.

One of the most recent trends is imitating trusted brands, such as banks and major retailers, to trick consumers into giving up personal information. Why is that effective?

I’ve interviewed more than two dozen con artists about their strategies, and they all say the same thing: Gain the victim’s trust, get them “under the ether” and create urgency.

Getting them under the ether — a slang term all the con artists use — means getting people into such a heightened emotional state that they’re no longer thinking rationally.

Retirement

From page 16

are also helpful.

“I think the generation that’s retiring right now, they’ve seen their parents or their family members go into nursing facilities or assisted living facilities and are pretty much unanimously like, ‘I really don’t want that,’” McGlothlin said.

You’ll want to stay healthy

The average 35-year-old woman today can expect to live to about age 81 — which means many will live even longer. David Foster, a CFP in St. Louis, now includes articles related to physical fitness and health in his email newsletters to clients.

“That probably just wouldn’t have been on top of people’s minds 30 or 40 years ago because they weren’t likely to live until they were 90,” Foster said.

Although it may feel a long way off, safeguarding your health now can lower medical costs later. That means exercising regularly, eating reasonably healthy foods, and getting enough sleep, among other things.

“You can’t do anything else if you don’t have your health,” Foster said.

It used to be that the number-one tactic was promising wealth. Now, the vast majority use the fear of loss — they’ll try to convince you that somebody hacked into your bank account or got your Social Security number, for example.

If you get a text message or see a social media post that causes you to become anxious or nervous, that’s a red flag.

Who is most vulnerable to fraud?

With some scams, age matters. For older people, it’s tech-support scams because they’re uncertain about how to use their computers.

But I spent 20 years looking for a magic demographic description that makes people vulnerable, and I couldn’t find it. The closest we could come was people who had experienced stressful life events.

Con artists often use social media to scam people. How can we protect

ourselves short of leaving social media altogether?

On Facebook, make sure you’ve adjusted your privacy settings so that only close friends and relatives can see what you’re posting. We’ve surveyed people about whether they’ve changed the privacy settings on their Facebook account, and 40% say, “What’s a privacy setting?”

Lots of people belong to Facebook groups, and you trust people in the group because they’re your peers. That leads to what’s known as affinity fraud.

Anytime somebody reaches out to you out of the blue, whether it’s from your Facebook knitting group or your bank, it’s a red flag.

What are the most effective ways to shield yourself from fraud outside of social media?

If you use a peer-to-peer payment app,

never send money to someone you don’t know.

Update antivirus software on your devices, freeze your credit, and use callblocking tools to prevent scammers from contacting you by phone.

As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, you need to reduce the likelihood you’ll be targeted because AI makes it increasingly difficult to detect who is a fraudster and who isn’t.

AI can make the voice of somebody in the Philippines sound like they are a sheriff in Texas. If scammers using AI this way can’t reach you in the first place, you don’t have to worry about that.

This item first appeared in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301

The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445

Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440

Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344

Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660

Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888

The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000

The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100

The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000

The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988

Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464

Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better

Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665

Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064

Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399

Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118

Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501

Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096

Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322

Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better

Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526

Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

How to leave a Medicare Advantage plan

By Kate Ashford

About half of Medicare Advantage members left their plans by the end of five years, according to a 2023 study from Brown University School of Public Health. Most switched to another Medicare Advantage plan, but not necessarily because they liked Medicare Advantage.

Returning to Original Medicare can be tricky after you first sign up for Medicare Advantage because you may not be able to get a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, known as Medigap.

But for people with serious or chronic health conditions who have Medicare Advantage, limited provider networks and prior authorization requirements may make it difficult or expensive to get the care they need. It’s helpful to understand your options.

When Medicare Advantage isn’t the right plan

Medicare Advantage plans typically require members to get healthcare from doctors and hospitals within a network. Members might have trouble if their doctor falls out of network or they want to see a specialist who doesn’t take their plan.

Medicare Advantage plans also may require you to get approval before they cover some services or medications.

While most Medicare Advantage enrollees

are in plans with a $0 premium, getting medical care costs money, and Medicare Advantage plans can have an annual out-of-pocket maximum as high as $8,850 in 2024.

Joanne Giardini-Russell, owner of the insurance agency Giardini Medicare in Michigan, recalls a client who had a Medicare Advantage plan and got cancer. “He was hitting his max out-of-pocket year after year,” she said. “And then throw in prior authorizations, which he wasn’t a fan of.”

When you can change plans

If you have Medicare Advantage and you want to switch plans or go back to Original Medicare, there are two annual opportunities: Medicare’s fall open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 and Medicare Advantage open enrollment from Jan. 1 to March 31.

However, if you want to return to Original Medicare and you have health issues, you may not qualify for Medigap, which helps keep Original Medicare affordable.

In most states, after Medigap’s initial enrollment period — in which you can buy any plan from any insurer, regardless of health status — companies can decline to cover you.

“Everybody thinks the open enrollment in the fall is going to save them,” Giardini-Russell said, remembering a client with a Medicare Advantage plan who couldn’t qualify for Medigap due to a heart condition.

“She said, ‘I thought in November, you could just change [plans] during open enrollment,’” Giardini-Russell said. “She didn’t have any way to get out.”

What are the exceptions?

There are two “trial rights” scenarios in which someone with Medicare Advantage can switch back to a Medigap plan without a medical exam:

— If you start with a Medicare Advantage plan when you first qualify for Medicare, you have 12 months to go back to Original Medicare with any Medigap plan.

— If you have a Medigap plan and drop it to try a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you have 12 months to return to Original Medicare and the Medigap plan you dropped, as long as the company still sells it.

If you work with an insurance agent, they might also know which Medigap company would approve you based on your health. “There are some that will treat certain conditions differently than others,” said Adam Hyers, an insurance broker and founder of the insurance agency Hyers and Associates in Columbus, Ohio. “We keep a list of who might be more likely to accept a client who is in a gray area.”

In four states, residents have a chance at least once a year to buy a guaranteed-issue Medigap plan: Connecticut, Maine, Massa-

chusetts and New York.

There are also quirky exceptions: In 2022 and 2023, Blue Shield of California allowed California residents to join Medigap Plan G without medical underwriting. [Ed. Note: In Maryland, those who already have a Medigap plan can switch to another company without underwriting during the 30 days after their birthday each year.]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois offers guaranteed-issue Medigap plans to Illinois residents. “Obviously, the premiums are going to be higher because they’re going to have higher claims,” said Cynthia Pruemm, founder and CEO of SIS Financial Group in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

In the worst-case scenario, moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area grants you another chance at guaranteed-issue Medigap.

What if you can’t get Medigap? If it’s not possible to get Medigap, you may have to find the best Medicare Advantage plan for your needs. Don’t get sidetracked by perks; pay attention to doctors and drug coverage.

For guidance, call a broker rather than the providers directly. “You want to talk to somebody who’s independent, that represents all of the companies,” Pruemm said.

—AP/NerdWallet

Arts & Style

The Woodstock Oral History Initiative is collecting stories from people who were there. See story below.

Historians capture voices of Woodstock

By Michael Liedtke

Woodstock didn’t even happen in Woodstock.

The fabled music festival — seen as one of the seminal cultural events of the 1960s — took place 60 miles away in Bethel, New York, an even smaller village than Woodstock. It’s a fitting misnomer for an event that has become as much legend as reality.

An estimated 450,000 people converged on a swath of land owned by dairy farmer Max Yasgur to attend an “Aquarian Exposition” promising “three days of peace, love and music” from August 15 to 17, 1969.

Most were teenagers or young adults — people now approaching the twilight of their lives in an era where only a small portion of the population has memories of the 1960s.

That ticking clock is why the Museum at Bethel Woods, located on the site of the festival, is immersed in a five-year project to sift facts from the legends and collect firsthand Woodstock memories before they fade away.

It’s a quest that has taken museum curators on a cross-country pilgrimage to record and preserve the recollections of those who were there.

“You need to capture the history from the mouths of the people who had the direct experience,” said music journalist Rona Elliot, 77, who has been working as one of the museum’s “community connectors.”

Elliot has her own stories about the fes-

tival. She was there, working with organizers like Michael Lang, who entrusted her with his archives before his death in 2022.

Quest for oral histories

Woodstock attendees have done hundreds of interviews through the decades, particularly on major festival anniversaries.

But the Bethel Woods museum is plunging deeper with a project that began in 2020, relying on techniques similar to those of the late historian Studs Terkel, who produced hundreds of oral histories about what it was like to live through the Great Depression and World War II.

“There is a difference between someone being interviewed for a paper or a documentary, and having an oral history catalogued and preserved in a museum,” said Neal Hitch, senior curator and director of the Museum at Bethel Woods.

“We had to go to people where they are. If you just call someone on the phone, they aren’t quite sure what to say when we ask you to tell us about these personal, private memories from a festival when they may have been 18 or 19.”

To find and meet people willing to tell their Woodstock tales, the museum received grants totaling more than $235,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It was enough money to pay for curators and community connectors such as Elliot to travel the country and record the stories.

The odyssey began in Santa Fe, New

Mexico, home to the Hog Farm that provided hippie volunteers such as Hugh “Wavy Gravy” Romney and Lisa Law to help feed the Woodstock crowd.

The goal is to collect 4,500 oral histories

of Woodstock attendees. Museum curators have traveled to Florida, hopped on a “Flower Power” cruise ship, and visited

PHOTO COURTESY

BETHEL

WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

“Big

Woodstock alumnus George Frankel tells his story to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts’ intern Amelia Deering at the Woodstock Monument site in Bethel, New York, in 2022. Museum researchers are hosting pop-up interviews across the country to capture stories from those who attended the 1969 festival.

Volunteering as a way of life

Conway grew up in a military family, moving frequently during his childhood. He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in communications and media studies.

He went on to spend 43 years in surgical device sales, 23 of them as a senior manager.

A year after Conway retired, he started volunteering full time for AARP Maryland. “It brings me joy and keeps me engaged with my community,” he said.

The organization sponsored his fellowship at America Walks, a national nonprofit

dedicated to improving walkability for all Americans.

Since 2018, Conway has stepped forward to help with many other AARP projects. In addition to co-writing an op-ed for the Sun, he has appeared several times on WBAL-TV on behalf of AARP, speaking about the importance of voting, getting Covid vaccines, and sick leave for family caregivers.

For his dedication, the organization gave him the Communications Volunteer of the Year award in 2021.

In addition to promoting walking for health, he is keen on encouraging others to volunteer — and for the same reason. Volunteering can keep us healthy by giv-

continued from page 23

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ing us a sense of purpose, Conway said.

“A study from Carnegie Mellon showed that adults over age 50 who volunteer regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers. Another study released by Johns Hopkins University in 2009 revealed that volunteers actually increased their brain functioning,” he said.

In addition to his volunteer work for AARP, Conway is a caregiver for his 98year-old mother. He also helps at his church and at the Howard County Arts Council.

Conway said he learned the importance of service from his parents.

“Both my father and my mother were active volunteers, even while in professional careers — his in the U.S. Air Force and hers as a public school teacher,” Conway said.

Key priority: prescription drug costs

Conway began his term as state president in January. AARP said in a press release that Conway “will help shape AARP’s strategic priorities, build community partnerships with key decision makers, and serve as AARP’s principal volunteer spokesperson in Maryland.”

Conway “brings a wealth of experience in team development that will be of great value to AARP as we strategically build out and prepare volunteers throughout the state to improve and enhance the lives of the 50-plus and their families,” said Hank Greenberg, AARP Maryland state director.

“Over the past five years, David has been a trusted advisor and respected volunteer leader at AARP Maryland.”

Among the concerns that AARP Maryland and Conway will be looking into are healthcare costs — particularly the high price of prescription drugs, which in Maryland and most other states are a major problem for older residents.

“The price of prescription drugs is too high because some pharmaceutical companies charge too much,” Conway said. “Many companies spend more on salaries, stock buybacks and advertising than they do on research and development.”

Conway noted that, in 2019, Maryland was the first state to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The board’s stated goal is to help state employees, Medicaid recipients and others afford medications.

In his new position, Conway will also work to combat loneliness in older adults, which can shorten lives. One of the best ways to do this, Conway pointed out, is to get outside and take a walk with friends.

Conway shared a story about one of his friends: One October, Conway encouraged the friend to participate in Walk Maryland Day, just to get out of the house. The friend recruited 10 neighbors to join him, and they formed a walking club that continues today.

For more information, activities and volunteer opportunities with AARP Maryland, visit aarp.org/md.

Columbus, Ohio, before making a California swing earlier this year that included a San Francisco community center located near the former homes of festival performers Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead.

A spiritual event

Woodstock attendee Akinyele Sadiq came to see the curators in San Francisco to excavate his memories of watching the festival from so near the stage that he is visible in photos taken during the performances.

“Before Woodstock, I didn’t have real di-

rection. I basically didn’t have a lot of friends, but I knew I was looking for peace and justice and wanted to be with creative people who were looking to make the world a better place,” Sadiq, now 72, told the Associated Press before having his oral history recorded.

“Before Woodstock, if you were living in a little town, you thought there might be a dozen people out there you might be able to get along with. But then you realized there was at least a half a million of us. It just gave me hope.”

Hitch said curators have heard many life-changing experiences while collecting more than 500 oral histories so far and are convinced they will amass even more dur-

ing the rest of the year.

Community connectors hit Florida earlier this year, Boston in March and New York City in April. That will be followed by return trips to New Mexico and Southern California.

The museum intends to focus on finding and interviewing festival attendees scattered across New York state, where Hitch estimates roughly half the Woodstock crowd still lives.

The museum will spend 2025 combing through the oral histories before turning to special projects such as reuniting friends who attended the festival togeth-

er but now live in different parts of the country.

Elliot is convinced — “both karmically and cosmically” — that the oral history project is something she was meant to do.

“I want this to be a teaching tool,” she said. “I don’t want historians telling the story of a spiritual event that just appeared to be a musical event.”

If you worked at Woodstock, served as a volunteer, or had interactions with any of the organizations there and are willing to be interviewed, visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org/ museum/oral-history-initiative or email OralHistory@BethelWoodsCenter.org.

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Crossword Puzzle

By Stephen Sherr

Across 1. von Bismarck, called “The Iron Chancellor”

5. Snug fit of pants

9. Peters out

13. NCAA basketball coach, Staley

14. “You can’t get there from ___”

15. Target of anticoagulant medicine

16. Biography listed at Legacy.com

17. Like one of a soap opera’s twins

18. Cleaned a fire truck

2. Illicit

3. Bed for an only child

4. Currently available

5. Resin used in both woodworking and candy making

6. Leftward prefix (and an anagram for “LOVE”)

7. Like James Joyce and Bono

8. Donnybrook

9. Rank in society

20. Get edged out

23. Guest on a Sunday morning talk show

24. Achilles’ vulnerability

25. ___ for the faint of heart

26. iPad downloadable

29. Billy goat’s observation

31. Web portal co. that inspired the movie You’ve Got Mail

33. Advice for someone planning to view constellations

40. Lower arm bone

41. Nightmarish street

42. Like some Skittles

43. It might contain an index of weather terms

48. Yuletide beverage

49. Wellness center

50. Casual short sleeve shirt

51. Star of a San Diego Zoo Cam

54. Options on a restaurant payment screen

57. Caribou kin

59. Utah-based musical group

65. One who can’t see distances clearly

66. “When you come to a fork in the ___, take it” (Yogi Berra)

67. On the opposing side

68. Pelvic bones

69. Most of a ballerina costume

70. ___ CALM AND CARRY ON

71. Chemical formula poured all over this puzzle

72. Salsa maneuver

73. Schools of thought

Down

1. Of all cheeses, Vieux-Boulogne’s is the strongest

10. Common interest group

11. Subatomic particle named for Satyendra Nath Bose

12. Dictator’s assistant

19. Insecticide banned since 1972

21. The Bride was in one at the start of Kill Bill

22. Cook with high heat

26. Contents of the Gulf of Mexico

27. Input to a FiveThirtyEight forecast

28. Alphabet quartet, in reverse

30. One of four acting Baldwin brothers

32. Struggle with S and Z sounds

34. Indian flatbread

35. Capital One has one (but it is not a capital)

36. “I ___ hungry as a horse”

37. “Greatest of All Time,” to a sports fan

38. Ginormous

39. Lifeform on Pandora or Endor

44. Imaginary

45. Opposin’

46. Give it some more gas

47. The softest mineral on Earth

51. Sometimes it lets you pick your bill type

52. Ante

53. Deadly virus named for a Congo river

55. Auto repair shop supplies

56. “You look like a talent ___ for a cemetery” (Henny Youngman)

58. Nonchalant-looking trousers

60. Movie with a cast of thousands

61. Past bedtime

62. Last column before the decimal point

63. Part of a collector’s collection

64. Makes jeans more fashionable

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