Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, October 21, 2023

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 21, 2023 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS

DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL ASSISTED 

LIVING COMMUNITY WITH SAFE PATH 
FOR SENIORS

Are you or a loved one considering senior living? Safe Path 
for Seniors offers a FREE service to simplify your search. 
Our expert advisor will provide per-sonalized guidance, 
connecting you with the perfect assisted living community 
tailored to your needs and budget. With an extensive 
network and cost-effective options, we ensure peace of 
mind during this transition.

Why Safe Path for Seniors?

*Personalized Support: We understand unique requirements. * Extensive Network: Find communities that 
suit your preferences. *Budget-Friendly: Discover cost-effective solutions. * Streamlined Process: Save time 
with our seamless placement. *Compassion and Care: Your well-being is our priority.

 Let us be your trusted partner. Call (626) 999-6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for a FREE consultation. 
Begin a comfortable, fulfilling senior living journey with Safe Path for Seniors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …October Birthdays*

Janda Ferris, Darlene Traxler, Margit Johnson, Sole Krieg, Dick Anderson, 
Eva Poet, Mary Jane Baker, Dixie Coutant, Jill Franks, Cathleen Cremins, 
Adie Marshall, Darlene Crook, Susan Gallagher, Maggie Ellis, Gloria 
Giersbach, Ellen O’Leary, Jenny Piangenti, Anita Thompson, Linda Boehm 
and Angela Stella * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the 
paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required


SENIOR CLUB Every Saturday at Noon Hart Park House

Open to all seniors 50+ Fun - Games - And More! Call Mark at 626-355-3951 


MISLEADING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ADS: 

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR


Dear Savvy Senior:

I’m currently enrolled in original Medicare but have 
been thinking about switching to a Medi-care Advantage 
plan during the open enrollment period. Many of 
the Medicare Advantage ads I’ve seen offer lots of extra 
benefits beyond what traditional Medicare offers 
and no monthly premiums. What are your thoughts?

Considering a Switch

 

Dear Considering: Be very leery of the Medicare 
Advantage ads on TV, radio, social media and that 
come in the mail. While many of these ads may tout 
free vision, hearing, dental and other benefits with 
zero monthly premiums, they aren’t always what 
they claim to be.

 

Advantage Basics

Medicare Advantage or MA plans (also known as 
Medicare Part C) are government ap-proved health 
plans sold by private insurance companies that you 
can choose in place of original Medicare. The vast 
majority of Advantage plans are managed-care policies 
such as HMOs or PPOs that require you to get 
your care within a network of doctors in a geograph-
ic area. You can sign up for one of them during open-
enrollment season from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

 

MA plans have exploded in popularity in recent 
years as insurers have flooded the airways with advertisements, 
often by celebrity pitchmen, that promote 
low-cost options with lots of extra benefits.

 

But be aware that the Federal government has 
deemed many claims in MA ads fraudulent and 
misleading. Some ads imply that the Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services en-dorses or prefers 
a specific plan. Others promise more cost savings 
than you really get. And if you choose the 
wrong plan, your doctor may not be a member of 
that plan’s net-work, or you may end up paying out-
of-pocket for medically necessary care.

 

This past September, the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services began cracking down on these 
ads, but you still need to practice self-defense. Here 
are some tips to help you make a good decision.

 

Cover your needs: When evaluating MA plans, make 
sure the one’s you’re considering cover the doctors 
you like and the health care facilities you normally 
go to. Also, make sure all of the prescription medica

tions you take are on the drug plan’s formulary.

 

To help you compare plans, a good first step is to call 
the office managers of the doctors you use and find 
out which Advantage plans they accept, and which 
ones they recommend. Then go to the Medicare 
Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov/plan-compare to 
compare plans in your area.

 

Understand the details: Some MA plans promote 
no monthly premiums, but the reality is that you are 
still responsible for your original Medicare costs including 
your Part B premi-um and deductibles and 
copays for covered services. Moreover, you may have 
to pay more out-of-pocket if you see a doctor outside 
the network. Also, if the plan is an HMO, it general-
ly doesn’t cover non-emergency care out of network, 
so an individual may be responsible for full costs. 
A PPO on the other hand, allows people to go out 
of network, but they gener-ally have to pay more to 
do so.

 

Do some digging: Many MA plans tout free vision, 
hearing and dental benefits that are not covered by 
traditional Medicare, but these benefits are often 
limited. For example, a plan that offers free dental 
coverage may cover only cleanings and x-rays. 
Extensive proce-dures such as root canals or caps 
may not be covered, or the plan may limit the dollar 
amount it pays. Find out the coverage details so 
you’re not surprised later.

 

Get help: Reach out to your local State Health Insurance 
Assistance Program (SHIP) at ShipHelp.org 
or call 877-839-2775. These are nonprofit programs 
that provide unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling 
and assistance.

 

You can also report any misleading MA claims to 
the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Cen-ter at 
SMPResource.org or by calling 800-447-8477.

 

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.


GYM MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR 
BETTER RESULTS by Michele Silence


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 
professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes and a weight management support group. 
If you have questions or ideas for this column 

contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.com. 

Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


Many gym-goers are eager to make progress and push 
their limits. However, several common errors can 
hinder results or even lead to injuries. Are you making 
any of these common gym mistakes?

 Lifting Weights That Are Too Heavy. One of 
the top missteps is attempting to lift weights that are 
far too heavy for your current fitness level. While it's 
natural to want to challenge yourself, lifting excessive 
weights can have serious consequences. It not only increases 
the risk of injury but also compromises form, 
making the exercise less effective. To avoid this mistake, 
start with weights you can comfortably manage 
and gradually increase the load as your strength and 
technique improve. Remember, slow and steady progress 
is more sustainable than rushing to lift the heaviest 
weights in the gym.

 Using Momentum. Observing people swinging weights or using momentum to complete repetitions 
is a frequent sight at many gyms. However, this practice shifts the focus away from the targeted 
muscles, reducing the overall effectiveness of your workout. Instead, concentrate on using controlled 
movements that maintain tension on the muscles throughout the entire range of motion. This deliberate 
approach not only helps build strength but also ensures that your muscles are working as efficiently as 
possible.

 Poor Form. Using improper technique during exercises is a critical mistake that can lead to 
injuries and suboptimal results. It's crucial to learn the correct form for each exercise you undertake; 
otherwise, you'll increase the risk of injury and limit muscle engagement, negating the very purpose of 
your workout. Seek guidance from a trainer to make technique a top priority in your routine.

 Locking Joints. Locking your joints, especially during exercises like squats and leg presses, is a 
common but risky error. Doing so can place excessive strain on your joints, potentially leading to long-
term damage. Instead, maintain a slight bend in your joints, which not only protects them but also ensures 
that the muscles, rather than the joints, bear the load of the exercise.

 Not Using a Full Range of Motion. Engaging in partial repetitions or neglecting to use a full range 
of motion during exercises is a widespread blunder. Completing full movement of the joint (such as all the 
way up and down for a bicep curl) is critical for maximizing muscle engagement and growth. When you 
use a full range of motion, you're not only working the targeted muscle group more effectively but also 
minimizing the risk of muscle imbalances that can lead to injury.

 Excessive Speed. It may be tempting to rush through repetitions in pursuit of a faster workout, 
but controlled and deliberate movements are more effective for building muscle. Slowing down the pace 
of your movements and focusing on each repetition's quality, rather than quantity, is key. This approach 
ensures proper form and maximizes muscle activation and growth.

 Pushing Through Pain. The adage "no pain, no gain" is outdated. Pushing through sharp or persistent 
pain during workouts is dangerous. While some muscle fatigue and discomfort is normal, sharp 
pain signals trouble. Ignoring it can lead to injuries or worsen existing ones. Listen to your body, rest 
when necessary, and consult a healthcare professional for persistent pain or discomfort during workouts.

 Working Select Muscles and Ignoring Others. Prioritizing specific muscle groups while neglecting 
others is common and can lead to muscle imbalances and injuries. A popular strategy is overworking 
the upper body while doing little for the lower body. Although it may seem attractive to walk around 
with buffed arms, remember that the legs need to have equal strength to carry around and support that 
extra muscle. Ensure your workout routine targets all major muscle groups for balanced strength and 
aesthetics. A well-rounded approach will enhance your overall physique and reduce the risk of injuries 
stemming from muscular imbalances.

 Using Only Machines. Exercise machines are great, but relying solely on them can limit functional 
strength and muscle engagement. Machines provide support and stabilization, which can benefit 
beginners and those with specific needs. However, free weights and bodyweight exercises challenge stabilizer 
muscles, providing a more comprehensive workout. 

 Copying Others. Mimicking others' exercises is common, but blindly copying movements can be 
a mistake. What works for one person may not be suitable for you, and the person you're imitating may 
not be knowledgeable. Fitness goals, fitness levels, and body types vary widely. Consult a fitness professional 
for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

A successful strength training program hinges on consistency, patience, and proper technique. Whether 
you're a seasoned gym-goer or a beginner, following these principles will set you on the right path to 
achieving your health and fitness goals.

I THEN THOUGHT OF CHOCOLATE

Everybody has their own 
comfort food. I have a long list 
of comfort food, and Apple 
Fritter is at the top. Nothing 
comforts me quite like a fresh 
Apple Fritter.

 The other day I needed some comfort 
food. After all, life can be rather stressful, and 
you either deal with the stress or let it deal with 
you.

 The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
planned to spend the day thrift store shopping 
with one of our daughters. Thus, I had a 
whole day to deal with my stress.

 The first thing I did was go where I 
usually get my Apple Fritter. I was quite excited 
on my way there, knowing I would have all day 
to enjoy my favorite comfort food. Even thinking 
about it caused me to lose a lot of my stress.

 Then the unthinkable happened. I got 
to the place to purchase my Apple Fritter and 
was shocked to find they had no Apple Fritters 
in stock. They were out and did not know when 
any would be available.

 If I had stress at the beginning of the 
day, it was nothing compared to the stress I was 
now expe-riencing. How can any store run out 
of the most important food item in the world?

Staring at the cashier, I said, "Could you check 
your inventory to see if maybe there’s one you 
missed?"

 She did, and much to my chagrin, there 
was none to be found. I staggered outside, as 
stressed as I've ever been in my life. What in the 
world am I going to do without an Apple Fritter? 
Especially at a time when I can sneak one 
behind the back of The Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage.

 As I drove home, I didn't know what to 
do. I spent the whole day trying to figure this 
out, and if my luck is as it usually is, I will discover 
a solution three minutes before The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage walks in the 
door.

 As I walked into the house thinking 
about this, I got a fresh cup of coffee, went to 
my easy chair, and tried to think through this 
problem.

 No comfort food qualifies for my stress 
situation at this time. I did not want to sit with 
my stress all day. It’s usually bad company. I 
had to come up with a solution. My wife is the 
one who al-ways comes up with solutions, but 
I'm sure she would not volunteer any solution 
on this subject.

 Sitting in my chair sipping coffee, trying 
to figure out what to do, I then thought of 
chocolate. Next to an Apple Fritter, a piece of 
chocolate is on my list of comfort foods. We 
are not allowed to have chocolate in our house 
because, according to The Gracious Mistress of 
the Parsonage, chocolate gives her headaches.

I must say I'm a little bit jealous. I thought I was 
the only one giving her headaches, and now 
she's cheating on me with chocolate headaches. 
They give her headaches instead of me? How 
dare they?

 I knew we had none in the house, so 
I had to go out somewhere and get some delicious 
choco-late before she got home.

It didn't take long to get to the store, where I 
knew they had some nice chocolate candy. I 
went in, bought some, and headed for my vehicle 
to go home. I was so happy that my stress 
was al-most gone before I took a bite of that 
chocolate.

 I got home, got another fresh cup of 
coffee, sat in my easy chair and slowly opened 
this delicious chocolate candy bar. I looked at 
it very deliciously and reverently bowed to take 
my first bite.

 I barely started to chew when all of the 
stress in my life ran for cover. I slowly chewed 
and chewed and chewed, and before I knew it, 
that chocolate bar disappeared. But so did my 
stress. Isn't it wonderful when you can deal 
with a problem so quickly?

Later that day, I heard The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage pull into the driveway. Soon, 
she was at the door and walked in. As usual, she 
came over to kiss me, and I welcomed her back 
home.

 Then she stopped, turned around, and 
looked at me with one of her looks. That kind of 
look told me I was in some trouble. I could not 
figure out the trouble, but there it was.

"Oh my," she groaned as she stared at me. "I'm 
starting to get a headache. You did not have any 
chocolate candy today, did you?"

"What makes you say that?" I said as nicely as 
possible.

 "When I kissed you I tasted chocolate. 
Did you have a chocolate bar while I was gone?"

All the stress I got rid of with my chocolate bar 
is now back because of that chocolate bar. For 
the life of me, I certainly cannot sort this out.

I then thought of one of my favorite scriptures. 
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by 
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let 
your requests be made known unto God. And 
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
shall keep your hearts and minds 
through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Comfort food is temporary, but "the peace of 
God" endures forever. When I give my stress to 
God, He is dependable and will watch over my 
heart and mind.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com