As a senior how much do you know about Medicare? Medicare, a national health insurance program for the elderly and disabled, was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of the Social Security Act. The history dates back further, with earlier proposals and discussions surrounding national health insurance going back to the…
Author: Carol Ann Heath, Ed.D.
How Musical Preferences Evolve Over Time
Musical preferences can be well defined and enduring. Early musical preferences are usually reflective of one’s peer group and reflect contemporary popular styles. Two exceptions of note include family exposure to a specific genre and individual musical talent. As we change through life experiences and maturity, our choices are influenced by peers and exposure. Our…
Phoebe the Dog: Observations in a Bird-filled World
She sits in my lap, looking so calm, snuggling into me so cuddly and warm. Our views are of mountains and the west-setting sun. Phoebe, her name is, but she doesn’t know she is a dog. As she sees the birds, she sits upright and starts to flap her paws. The ravens fly to their…
Which Generation Are You?
The Greatest Generation (born 1901–1927) This term was popularized by Tom Brokaw in his book of the same name. They came of age during the Great Depression and World War II. The Silent Generation (born 1928–1945) Traditionalists are known as the “silent generation” because children of this era were expected to be seen and not heard.…
Managing Stress Before Outpatient Surgery and Need for Medical Pain Management
Preparing for surgery, even outpatient office procedures, can be stressful, to the point of not talking or sleeping, and moodiness. Today’s procedure was painful to watch, and the aftermath has been miserable for my spouse. Details aren’t really relevant but it was one of those “private” parts. The information sheet was vague but acknowledged “some…
Why Surgery for Pinched Nerves May Not Be the Best Option
Aging brings with it a series of physical and mental challenges. Yesterday, my very best friend went to the last of three doctors, up the medical chain, to obtain relief from a pinched nerve. She was shocked when he prescribed Tramadol and refused her surgery, without explanation. I asked AI why? “It points out that…
Embracing Retirement: The Gift of Time
Going out in the real world entails dealing with people, shoppers, drivers, store clerks, and parking. I used to be conscious of time and the use of it. While I still list-make and value time, I am able to step back and ease into most life situations. So many people are rushing around and making…
Energy Level
xer10,000 v 7500 steps a day???? Almost every day, medical advice is updated, and we have to decide what information we will implement. I walk 30 minutes each morning, early, since I live in one of the hottest areas of the country. Some days I walk a bit longer, some a bit shorter. Some days…
Monday Motivation
“Take joy in the process, because the process is the only thing you have control over.” I have always loved writing, generally to no substantive result. I have diaries from when I was a child with one-sentence entries. As I got older, I collected letters from middle and high school. These letters were either exchanged…
What Now?
Life is at a crucial point for older Americans. Will we continue to get Social Security? Will Medicare still exist to provide quality health care for citizens over 65? These past 100-plus days have taken a toll on older Americans, instilling a pervasive fear of watching the news or reading our papers. When texting about…
