Medicare Part B Patients Should Get A Premium Rebate

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Advocates for participants in Medicare Part B such as AARP are arguing that they should be seeing a premium rebate this year, although it’s unlikely that this will happen.  The reason:  the fund has a large surplus after adding on $21.60/month, a record price increase.  It’s estimated that roughly $10/month to cover the cost of the new Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm.  The annual cost of the drug was $28,200 but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) refused to cover it even though it received FDA approval and the drug was pulled from the market.  “It is unconscionable for a single outrageously priced drug to drive up premiums for all Medicare beneficiaries,†sadid Nancy LeaMond, AARP chief advocacy and engagement officer.  She ways savings from Aduhelm should be swiftly returned to Medicare Part B users.

Take Your Pills On A Set Schedule, Research Shows

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The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article recently on the fact that since our physiology and biochemistry change dramatically through the course of each day, that medicines are more effective when taken on a set schedule.  The term for this is chronopharmacology which states that medications and treatments should be taken on a set schedule when they are proven to be most effective.  This is especially important in the case of heart attacks and strokes, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S., responsible for almost 900K deaths annually.

Reduce Weight And Cut Your Cardiovascular risk Factors

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Obesity is a huge problem in our country, and can lead to heart attack, stroke , high blood pressure and many other negative health impacts.  Lowering your cholesterol and limiting alcohol can also reduce your risk of a major cardiovascular event like a heart attack.  The odds of getting cardiovascular disease in our 60’s are high.  77.5% of males and 75.4% of females between the ages of 60 to 79 have it, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).  Common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, feeling faint or weak, and pain in your jaw, neck, back arms or shoulders.  Other signs include unexplained fatigue, nausea, vomiting and light-headedness.  “Even as little as a 5 to 10 percent decrease in your body weight can have a huge effect on your blood pressure and other risk factors,†Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, president of the AHA, told AARP Bulletin (August-September Issue, page 51).

Monterey, CA New Biotech Partnership To Fight Alzheimer’s

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Biotech startup Cervance Inc. could earn more than $1 billion via a collaboration with drugmaker Merck & Company to research potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. This a fledgling sector.  Although victims of the disease are growing quickly, there have been no effective new treatments that have come to market in more than a decade.  “Hopefully the tide is turning,†Cerevance CEO Craig Thompson, told the Wall Street Journal.  Cerevance gathers brain tissue from brain banks, or centers that obtain brains from organ donors.  It then examines brain tissue to identify brain diseases and metrics such as what genes are over- or under-active.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and my grandmother had this debilitating disease when they passed away.  There are some great people at the Monterey Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch, or you can call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-272-3900.

Monterey, CA Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities Struggle To Hire Staff

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It should come as no surprise that nursing home staff shrunk dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.  According to a new study and federal data, most facilities lost more than half their nurses and aides in the past year.  The study found that facilities have struggled to refill openings, particularly certified nursing assistants or CNA’s.  Unfortunately, health care companies and hospitals are also suffering from staffing shortages so it’s unclear how quickly these assisted living facilities will be able to replace their staff.

Key To Being Centenarian Not Necessarily Good Eating And Exercising

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Want to live to be 100?  Many people believe that eating healthy such as a Mediterranean diet and getting the proper amount of exercise are the keys to longevity.  Although they help, part of it is in the genes and women have a much better chance of hitting this milestone.  Men in their 60’s have a 3.4 chance of making it to 100 compared to 6.5% for women.  But your genes also play a big part.  The New England Centenarian Study found 281 genetic markers that predict with 61% accuracy who will reach their 100th birthday.  Interestingly, about 85% of centenarians live in cities where there is better access to medical care, social networks, culturally stimulating and transportation systems.  Social interaction is also important.  A study from United Healthcare found that 87% of centenarians communicated nearly every day with a friend or family member.  Attending religious services also has an impact.  Going to church four times per month has been linked to a four to 14 year increase in life expectance (AARP Bulletin August/September, page 47).

AARP The Magazine Offers Suggestions For Free TV

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AARP The Magazine is great for coming up with money-saving ideas, and their latest study (August/September 2022 Issue, page 16) focuses on dropping cable or satellite in favor of free options called FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV).  They recommend trying the following options:

Freevee

This is Amazon’s new free TV service with an average of six to seven minutes per hour, and shows like Hollywood Houselift With Jeff Lewis and Bosch: Legacy.

Roku Channel

 

Highlights include Emeril Tailgates, shows by Martha Stewart and Christopher Kimball as well as 3,000 older episodes of their shows.

 

Peacock

Shows include Downton Abbey, the first five seasons of The Office and all episodes of Saturday Night Live.

 

Pluto TV

This includes a plethora of shows from A&E, AMC, CBS, CNN and Paramount plus game shows like Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and Let’s Make A Deal.

 

Tubi

Shows include The Freak Brothers, The Masked Singer and TMZ.

More Voices Come Out Against Aspirin For Heart Attack And Stroke Prevention

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In the old days, it was thought by many medical professionals that a daily dose of aspirin could ward off heart disease.  In recent years, more and more studies have turned the tide away from the popularity of recommending a daily dose of aspirin.  This year, the United States Preventing Services Task Force (USPSTF) came out strongly against those over 60 years old who have not had a heart attack or stroke, specifically citing the risks of internal bleeding which would outweigh any benefit.  Adults who have a stent or have had a previous heart attack or stroke should not stop taking aspirin.

Monterey, CA Seniors Need To Stick To A Healthy Diet Or Risk Alzheimer’s, Dementia

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We all know that processed foods aren’t good for you.  More proof of this come from the Alzheimer’s Association, which did a presentation at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego to show the audience proof from various studies which showed that food like instant noodles, sugary drinks and frozen meals all play a role in cognitive decline.  “It’s no secret that physical and mental cognitive health are intimately involved with each other, so it’s no surprise that this latest research suggests brain impairment too,†Rafael Perez-Escamilla, a professor of public health at Yale University, told the audience.  “Just 100 calories of processed foods can affect your physical health.  So, that’s two cookies,†he continued.  Other research has linked ultra-processed food consumption to health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers.  Try the Mediterranean Diet, it’s great for your health and delicious.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  If you need information or just someone to talk to, there are some wonderful people at the Monterey branch of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-272-3900.

Castroville, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available : Set Your Own Hours: $2/Hour Extra On The Weekends CNA or HHA Designation A Plus

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Castroville, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available : Set Your Own Hours: $2/Hour Extra On The Weekends CNA or HHA Designation A Plus (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Corral-de-tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside & Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County over the past decade and have recently expanded into Santa Cruz County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey and Santa Cruz is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.