Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 30, 2013

14

THE GOOD LIFE

 Mountain Views News Saturday, March 30, 2013 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HOW TO CHOOSE A MEDIGAP SUPPLEMENTAL POLICY

Dear Savvy Senior: I’ll be 65 in a few months – Medicare 
enrollment age – and am thinking about getting 
a Medicare supplemental policy to help cover things 
outside of Medicare. Can you give me some advice on 
choosing a plan? Shopping Sam

Dear Sam:

If you’re planning to choose original Medicare for 
your health coverage, getting a supplemental policy 
too (also known as Medigap insurance) is a good idea if you can afford it, because it will help pay for 
things that aren’t covered by Medicare like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Here are some tips 
and tools to help you choose an appropriate plan for you.

Medigap Plans

Medigap policies, which are sold by private health insurers, come in 10 standardized benefit packages 
labeled as the letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. 

Plan F is the most popular, followed by plan C because they provide the most comprehensive coverage. 
Plans M and N, the two newest options, are cost sharing plans that have cheaper premiums which make 
them appealing to healthier retirees who don’t use as much health care.

If, however, you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota or Wisconsin you have different standardized Medigap 
plans that you can buy. For more information on the different types of plans, call Medicare at 800-
633-4227 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “Choosing a Medigap Policy” guide (publication 
02110), or see medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/02110.pdf.

How to Choose

To choose a policy, consider your health status and family medical history. The differences among plans 
can be small and rather confusing so you’ll need to do some homework to pick a plan that works best 
for you. 

To help you choose, use the Medigap online search tool at medicare.gov, and click on “Supplements 
& Other Insurance” at the top of the page, then on “How to Compare Medigap Policies.” This tool will 
breakdown what each plan covers along with premium cost ranges, and lists the companies that offer 
them in your area. 

Since all Medigap policies with the same letter must cover the exact same benefits, you should shop for 
the cheapest policy. 

You’ll get the best price if you sign up within six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B. During this 
open-enrollment period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a policy or charge you more because of 
your health.

You also need to be aware of the three pricing methods which will affect your costs. Medigap policies 
are usually sold as either “attained-age” policies which are premiums that start low but increase as you 
get older. “Issue-age” policies that increase prices due to inflation, not age. These policies may start out 
a little more expensive than attained-age policies but generally have few rate increases over time. And 
“community-rate” policies, where everyone in an area is charged the same premium regardless of age. 
Issue-age and community-rated policies will usually save you money in the long-run.

No Drug Coverage

You also need to know that Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs, so if you don’t have drug 
coverage, you need to consider buying a separate Medicare Part D drug plan too. You can compare plans 
and cost at medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Also note that Medigap plans do not cover vision or dental care, 
hearing aids or long-term care, either.

Alternative Option

Instead of getting original Medicare, plus a Medigap policy and a separate Part D drug plan, you could 
sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that provides all-in-one coverage. These plans, which are sold by 
insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs. To find and compare Advantage 
plans visit medicare.gov/find-a-plan. 

If you need help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free 
Medicare counseling. See shiptalk.org, or call 800-677-1116 to locate a counselor in your area. 

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.

 
By Pat Birdsall

FYI - According to AARP, if each American cut their salt intake by 1 teaspoon (3g) a day, 
there would be 120,000 fewer strokes, 99,000 fewer heart attacks and 92,000 fewer deaths this year. 
And from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)…The vast majority of sodium consumed is from 
processed and restaurant foods: only a small portion is used in cooking or added at the table. If you 
are in the following population groups, you should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium 
per day: 1) You are 51 years of age or older. 2) You are African American. 3) You have high blood 
pressure. 4) You have diabetes. 5) You have chronic kidney disease. The 1,500 mg recommendation 
applies to about half of the U.S. population overall and the majority of adults

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HELPFUL HINT: Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to clean your old cookie 
sheets. No scrubbing! Don’t throw those single serving gelatin plastic cups away; make your own 
single servings. Place the cups in a muffin holder, fill the cups and place in the refrigerator. It only 
takes a few minutes and no mess.

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE 

 “I’m a Yankees fan,” a first-grade teacher explains to her class. “Who likes the Yankees?” Everyone 
raises a hand except one little girl. “Janie,” the teacher says, surprised. “Why didn’t you raise your 
hand?” “I’m not a Yankees fan.” “Well, if you are not a Yankees fan, then what team do you like?” 
“The Red Sox,” Janie answers. “Why in the world are you a Red Sox fan?” “Because my mom and 
dad are Red Sox fans.” “That’s no reason to be a Red Sox fan,” the teacher replies annoyed. “You don’t 
always have to be just like your parents. What if your mom and dad were morons? What would you 
be then? “A Yankees fan.”

 

True Definitions:

Egotist: Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation.

Tomorrow: One of the greatest labor saving devises of today.

 ~ ~ ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … March Birthdays…

 

 Sally Contreras, Karen Blachly, Carla Duplex, Ella Guttman, Viky Tchatlian, Mary Cooper, 
Georgina “Snooky” Greger, Sun Liu, Helen Wallis, Joan Crow, Nancy Fox, Nan Carlton, 
Martha Cassara, Carol Cerrina and Amy Putnam. *To add your name to this distinguished 
list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required.

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Quote of the Week: April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. ~WilliamShakespeare

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ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park 
House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: 

Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon

 (Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.) 

 All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 
for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is 
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256

 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: On the 2nd Tuesday of the month 1:00 am-12:00 pm: A nurse from 
Methodist Hospital, Arcadia volunteers to do the readings. No appointment necessary.

 

Bingo: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm Cards are only .25c each! 

Free Chair Yoga: Every Wednesday morning from 11:00 am-11:45 am Volunteer Teryl Willis 
offers this class that focuses on senior yoga techniques. It is geared toward gentle movements, 
breathing techniques and balance improvement. No reservations are necessary.

Free Legal Consultation: Pasadena attorney Geoffrey Chin volunteers on the 2nd Wednesday of 
the month. He focuses on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, conservatorships and business 
law. *Appointments are a must! Please call: 626.355.7394 to make yours* Conflicting court 
schedules can occasionally cause cancellations.

Free Income Tax Assistance: Wednesdays through April 10th from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm. Don 
Brunner is available to all seniors for income tax consultation. Appointments are a must- Call 
(626) 355-7394 to make yours.

 

Birthday Celebrations: The 2nd Thursday of the month the Senior Center celebrates the birthdays 
of our patrons at 12:30 pm. Please join us for free cake and ice cream and “celebration.” (The 
cakes are provided due to a generous donation from the Sierra Madre Civic Club.)

Game Day: Every Thursday at 1:00pm. Poker is usually the game of choice, or should I say 
chance? Board games and other card games are also available. Outside, on the patio, a beautiful, 
one-of-a-kind chess table is anxious for players.

 

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 1:00 pm -1:45 pm Conducted by long-time 
volunteer, Lisa Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low-impact resistance training. 
Weights are provided by the Sierra Madre Senior Center. It’s a great way to stay in shape and to

 socialize with your peers. (Gossip included)

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House (Senior Center). Brown bag lunch at 
11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo 12:30- 3:30 pm. Only .25c per card… For more information 
call Pat Birdsall at 626.355.7290.

Lunch & Learn: Wednesday, April 24, 2013- 12:15 – 1:15

Topic: Collecting, Cluttering, Hoarding. The items that gather, as we age, often mean more than 
just the objects alone could to anyone else. These objects represent memories, travels, friends, love 
and more. Join the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) as they provide 
an informative presentation on hoarding. LACDMH staff will distinguish between collecting, 
cluttering and hoarding, and emphasize the need for treatment for those who have a significant 
problem.

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:

Palm Springs Follies Palm Springs, California

Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013

 Time: 8:30 am-6:00 pm

 Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center

 Cost: $63.00 (does not include lunch)

Upon arrival in Palm Springs participants can shop and lunch at nearby stores and restaurants all 
within walking distance of the theater. The Palm Springs Follies is a Broadway-caliber celebration 
of the music, dance and comedy of the 40s, 50s, and 60s with a cast old enough to have lived it! The 
performance begins at 1:30 pm and is approximately 2 1/2 hours in length. Excursion price includes 
transportation, driver’s tip and a ticket to the Follies. Participants are asked to bring additional 
money for shopping and lunch. Some walking is involved.

Save the Dates!

Friday, May 17, 2013. California Science Center Los Angeles, Ca. 

Friday, June 28, 2013- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Friday, July 12, 2013- Pageant of the Masters (evening excursion)

*Registering for Excursions can be done in person at the Hart Park House Senior Center and the 
Community Recreation Center or online at www.cityofsierramadre.com Cash, checks, and credit 
cards are accepted. Make checks payable “City of Sierra Madre”. Payment must be made at the time 
of reservation.

 ………………..

Senior Movie Program: FREE movies are shown on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The 
films, one contemporary and one vintage, are chosen by the seniors themselves. 

April’s selections are:

April 3- Splash (1985) Directed by Ron Howard

A man is reunited with a mermaid who saves him from drowning as a boy and falls in love not 
knowing who or what she is. Starring Tom Hanks & Daryl Hannah- Rated PG Start time: 1:00pm, 
run time: 111 minutes.

April 17- Mildred Pierce (1945)

After her cheating husband leaves her, Mildred Pierce proves she can become independent and 
successful, but can’t win the approval of her spoiled daughter. Starring-Joan Crawford. Not rated. 
Run time is 111minutes.

Start time: 1:00 PM in Sierra Madre’s City Council Chambers, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., SM

 
I have a wonderful life and 
absolutely nothing to complain 
about. However, I didn’t realize 
my 30th birthday would mark 
the decline of my health, as 
I knew it. Let me restate, I 
truly have nothing to complain 
about. This Sunday I’ll celebrate, as always, my 
unmerited salvation, the thing that matters most 
in life. Also, I daily thank God for my family, 
His provision for me, and the overall health He’s 
blessed me with.

 Although I recognize my health is comparably 
great, I miss the level of fitness I enjoyed just over 
a month ago. My ailments started on Wednesday, 
February 6th (Ash Wednesday), when I was 
running down Baldwin Ave. I didn’t realize it at 
the time, but in hindsight I must’ve smashed my 
right ankle in my descent. Being a “push through 
the pain” kind of person, I’d abused my ankle for an 
additional three days before I was literally unable 
to run on it anymore. Excuse the melodrama, but 
it was dramatically tragic for me.

 I finally succumbed to an ankle brace. Nothing 
says “gimp” more than a big, black strappy support 
encasing one of your joints. The extra time I gained 
due to my inability to run was of little comfort. 
Hmm... How shall I spend this extra hour that I 
would’ve ordinarily used for running? Maybe I’ll 
clean, (you can imagine how long I entertained 
that idea.) In the end, I mostly just moped about, 
trying to avoid any internet/magazine articles on 
running or fitness in general.

 Sure, I could’ve taken up another physical activity, 
like swimming, biking, or some organized sport, 
but I’m limited by the fact that I’m totally unskilled 
in most areas of athletics. That’s what’s beautiful 
about running. You don’t have to interpret or 
respond to a teammate’s signals. You don’t have 
to possess any physical finesse. You only have to 
move in one direction.

 Little did I know that a mild ankle injury would 
set me back in so many areas of my life. First there 
was the hint of a sore throat. Thank God, I’ve 
enjoyed many years of good health, avoiding colds 
and other ailments while 
my friends have been out 
of commission for weeks at 
a time. After a few weeks, 
I realized the effects that an 
injured ankle had on my 
overall health.

 My sore throat progressed 
to a chronic cough, which 
led to a strained, breathy 
voice. My eyes pulled a 
surprise assault by swelling 
into reddened masses, 
excreting an ominous 
white, sticky fluid. Those 
faint of stomach should 
stop reading now.

 The swollen, stickiness 
attacking my eyes was 
followed by a bloody stain 
engulfing my left eye. By 
then, the inflammation 
and stickiness had left, 
thank God, but I was left with a grotesquely bloody 
eyeball. I reminded myself of “the old man’s vulture 
eye” in Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” (although I’m 
not particularly a fan of his.) I considered that this 
illness was probably just the tip of the iceberg in 
a long line of ailments. Part of the “Forks Over 
Knives” film had focused on the importance of 
physical fitness in the body’s general well being. 
I grimly remembered the computerized graphic 
illustrating the way oxygen-rich blood rejuvenates 
damaged cells. “Well,” I thought, “I guess my cells 
are just going to be oxygen-depleted until who-
knows-when.”

 Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to be 
ambulatory and to have fairly good health! It’s just 
kind of a drag to give up something you’ve enjoyed 
that was actually good for you (how often does that 
happen?) Well, with Easter upon us, I wish you 
good health. And may you fully appreciate all the 
physical capabilities you’ve been gifted with. Take 
care!

.


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DIGESTIVE DISORDERS AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

Arcadia Senior Services is holding a health education workshop, “Digestive Disorders and Natural Solutions” 
at the Community Center, 365 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 on Monday, April 8 from 1-2pm. 
Attendees will learn about digestion practices of the body and natural treatment methods to take advantage 
of. Dr. Brad Miller is the speaker, and has been practicing Chiropractic care and overall wellness 
for his patients in Arcadia for the past 26 years. For more information or to register, call 626.574.5130.