Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, November 4, 2023

13

 Mountain Views News November 4, 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! …November Birthdays*

Flo Mankin, Alberta Curran, Carmela Frontino, Kathy Wood, Lena Zate, 
Joe Pergola, Janice Kacer, Valerie Howard, Lois Stueck, Jean Wood, Shirley 
Yergeau, Pat Krok, Irene Nakagawa, Anna Ross, Mary Steinberg, Mary 
Bowser, Susan Clifton, Mary Higgins, Kim Buchanan, Leigh Thach, Sue 
Quinn, Jill Girod, Jeanne Martin. * 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 Medicare 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 approved 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 geographic 
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 endorses 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 network, 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 medications 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 premium 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 generally 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 generally 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 procedures 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 Center 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.


BALANCE AND STABILITY

 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.

Did you know that every year, over 800,000 people are hospitalized 
due to falls in the United States alone? Most of 
these lead to a head injury or hip fracture. In older people, 
at least 300,000 are treated for hip fractures. Deaths due 
to unintentional falls are a leading cause of unintentional 
injury deaths among adults aged 65 and over (CDC). 
Those are staggering statistics that highlight the often underestimated 
significance of balance and stability. 

Falls leading to hospitalizations are a significant public 
health concern, especially among older adults, but they 
can affect people of all ages. Many factors contribute to 
the high number of fall-related hospital admissions each 
year. But balance and stability exercises can help. Practiced 
regularly they can reduce many of these risk factors 
that may apply to you:

Age-Related Decline. As people age, physical capabilities, 
including strength, balance, and coordination, tend to decline. 
This can make them more susceptible to falls, and 
when they do fall, the injuries can be more severe.

Chronic Health Conditions. Many chronic health conditions, 
such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and neurological 
disorders, can increase the risk of falls. These conditions 
affect bone density, joint mobility, and muscle strength.

Medications. Some drugs, especially those with side effects 
like dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure, 
can increase the likelihood of falls. Examples are 
sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, 
blood pressure medications, diuretics, narcotics, anti-
anxiety drugs and antihistamines.

Environmental Hazards. This includes a wide array of 
risks related to physical surroundings. Unsafe living environments, 
clutter, poor lighting, slippery floors, and inadequate 
handrails or grab bars can all contribute to falls.

Lifestyle Factors. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as sedentary 
behavior, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol 
consumption, and poor nutrition, can weaken the 
body and affect balance and stability.

Impaired Hearing. Everyday sounds, such as alarms, 
sirens, horns, and shouts, provide critical information 
about safety and urgency. Hearing-impaired individuals 
may miss these sounds, compromising the ability to react 
appropriately in emergency situations. 

Vision Problems. Impaired vision, whether due to age-
related changes, eye diseases, or the incorrect prescription 
of eyeglasses, can lead to misjudging distances and 
tripping hazards. There are many other ways vision can 
lead to falls as it affects spatial relationships, walking 
speed, depth perception, peripheral vision and adapting 
to changes in lighting. If you experience dizziness, imbalance, 
or vertigo, know that it can affect physical stability.

Cognitive Impairment. A decline in cognitive function 
encompassing memory, problem-solving, attention, and 
reasoning significantly impacts a person's ability to process 
information and make decisions. This impairment 
can be particularly distressing when it results from conditions 
like dementia, which not only affects mental capacity 
but also leads to emotional and psychological challenges 
for individuals and their loved ones.

Acute Health Events. Sudden illnesses, infections, or acute 
medical events like heart attacks or strokes, can have profound 
consequences on physical well-being. These events 
often result in weakness or dizziness, which can greatly 
increase the risk of falls. This risk extends to the recovery 
process which can also pose challenges, making it essential 
to address both short-term and long-term fall prevention 
strategies.

Lack of Awareness. Some individuals underestimate the 
potential risks of falling or fail to recognize their own 
physical limitations. Overconfidence can lead to risky behavior 
and disregard for precautionary measures, thereby 
increasing the odds of accidents. 

Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle can have harmful effects 
on musculoskeletal health. Weakened muscles and decreased 
bone density resulting from inactivity are established 
risk factors for falls. Regular physical activity not 
only helps maintain muscle strength and bone density but 
also improves balance and coordination, thus reducing 
the chance of falling.

Fear of Falling. This is a complex issue that can be both a 
cause and a consequence of falls. When frightened of falling, 
movements and physical activity are altered to avoid 
perceived risks. So, this fear of falling itself can lead to 
inactivity, muscle weakness, and an elevated likelihood 
of experiencing a fall. Basically a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Social Isolation. A multifaceted issue that goes beyond 
the emotional toll it takes on individuals. Loneliness and 
social isolation can lead to depression, decreased motivation, 
and neglect of one's physical health. These factors 
make it challenging for individuals to access the support 
and resources needed to prevent falls. Therefore, combating 
social isolation can help instill a sense of purpose, motivation, 
and an enhanced awareness of well-being.

Preventing falls involves addressing these risk factors. 
Awareness and taking proactive measures can significantly 
decrease the chance that you could fall and be hospitalized. 
Consult with healthcare professionals to create 
your own personalized strategy for fall prevention. For 
information on regular structured Balance and Stability 
Classes, contact me through my Facebook page.

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


I DON'T BELIEVE IN SUPERSTITION....BUT

I don’t believe in any of the superstitious 
nonsense that seems 
to be going around these days. 
Some people have a fear of numbers 
like 13 and 666. What in the 
world does a number have to do with anything?

When I am around people who are superstitious 
like that, I’m afraid I lean toward the naughty 
side and harass them a little bit. It’s not my fault 
they’re afraid of some number. But I believe I do 
have a responsibility to myself to take advantage 
of situations like that.

Not being superstitious, there are times I am 
slightly confused about life. Something happens 
that I don’t feel I’m in charge of. I won’t go to the 
superstitious side of the road because I don’t believe 
in that. But sometimes, things happen that I 
really can’t explain.

For example, the other morning, The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage entered the living 
room, where I was sitting on my easy chair drinking 
coffee. With a huge smile, she said, “I got you 
an Apple Fritter for this morning.” And she gave 
it to me, smiled at me, and then walked away.

Now, I’m supposed to accept this as normal? Absolutely 
not. There is no reason why she would 
bring me an Apple Fritter without something attached 
to it. For the life of me, I could not figure 
out what was behind this Apple Fritter. There had 
to be something because The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage never does anything without 
some reasoning behind it.

Not knowing what to do, I took a little bite of the 
Apple Fritter, which brought me to a wonderful 
place of enjoyment. I drank my coffee and ate my 
Apple Fritter, and my life seemed to be very spectacular 
at that time.

When I finished the Apple Fritter, I returned to 
normality and tried to figure out what was behind 
all of this. There had to be something behind 
it, and I could not figure it out.

At my stage in life, I wouldn’t ask any questions 
because I never got the answer I wanted. I just decided 
to accept it and move on with the day.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage went 
about the day as though nothing strange had 
happened. I decided to go along with her on that. 
After all, I don’t know what is behind this.

The following day, I got up and got my coffee, 
went out to my easy chair in the living room, and 
started to sip it very carefully. Every morning 
starts great with a cup of coffee.

As I was getting situated, The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage walked in, and I saw in her hand 
another Apple Fritter. “Here, my dear, is an Apple 
Fritter. I think you’ll enjoy this today.”

I possibly could process yesterday’s Apple Fritter, 
but two days in a row was beyond my processing 
ability. Something is going on, and I have no idea 
what it is. Being that as it is, I enjoyed that Apple 
Fritter to the last delicious crumb.

Again, nothing was said to indicate what was behind 
this Apple Fritter. I was getting a little itchy, 
and I wanted to find out what was going on. But I 
didn’t want to sabotage my situation at this time. 
After all, an Apple Fritter is worth the pain.

The day went normal, and she never mentioned 
the Apple Fritter.

By the time we came to go to bed, nothing was 
said concerning that. It was just a coincidence, 
and I could not explain it satisfactorily.

Again, I got up the following day, went and got 
my coffee, and sat in my easy chair. In a few moments, 
in walks The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, 
and in her hand is another Apple Fritter. 
Obviously, I did not get up this morning and was 
still in bed, sleeping and dreaming. This does not 
happen in real life. I was afraid to do anything for 
fear of waking up out of this dreamland.

“Here’s an Apple Fritter for you this morning. 
I think you’ll enjoy it today.” She smiled at me, 
turned around, and returned to the kitchen.

I held that Apple Fritter in my hand for a few moments, 
basking in its deliciousness, and then began 
to eat it slowly and enjoyably.

Three Apple Fritters in a row has to be some record. 
It’s not that I can’t handle an Apple Fritter 
because I can. It’s the fact that someone is bringing 
these Apple Fritters to me who does not like 
Apple Fritters. Something is happening behind 
the scenes, and I’m anxious to find out.

The next day, the same thing happened. To have 
four Apple Fritters in a row is okay with me, but 
now I’m getting to be suspicious. What in the 
world am I missing here?

Not wanting to sabotage my good luck the last 
four days, I kept silent and enjoyed the Apple 
Fritter. Whatever is behind this, I may never 
know, but I will enjoy it for whatever it is worth.

I’m expecting the day when The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage will say, “Remember those 
Apple Fritters I gave you?”

I couldn’t help thinking of a Bible verse, “And let 
us not be weary in well doing: for in due season 
we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

Sometimes, the best thing to do is NOTHING 
and let God have it.

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