June 2023 Newsletter

June is a month that brings warm weather and a lot of sun. With the summer season now in full swing, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and travel.

Cataract Awareness Month

More than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). The CDC states that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. A few of the factors for cataracts include:

Age
Long term exposure to UV rays from the sun
Hereditary influences
Eye injuries

Luckily, there are medical options available to treat cataracts. Surgeries for cataracts are extremely common in the United States, with 9 out of 10 patients reporting that they can see better after the operation, according to preventblindness.org. This month we encourage everyone to learn more about the facts of cataracts and what steps can be taken to treat this common issue.

SOURCE: preventblindness.org

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment in the world, they affect more than 250 million people worldwide.

Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults

Hot weather safety is especially important for seniors. Some heat related illnesses to be aware of are heat syncope, cramps, and exhaustion. Always make sure to check with your doctor before starting new outdoor activities during the summer. Some tips for staying safe in the hot summer weather include:

Drink plenty of liquids
Take breaks in an area with air conditioning or a fan
Wear sunscreen

SOURCE: nih.gov

Heat Syncope is a type of fainting that occurs when the body loses too much blood volume due to sweating. This can happen when you are in a hot environment and your body temperature rises. If you begin to feel dizzy in hot conditions, make sure to get to a place to cool down and drink plenty of water!

Sunscreen Tips

Spending time outside is a great way for older Americans to stay active, reduce stress, and get some exercise. When spending time outside it's important to be aware of the risks of sun exposure and know how to protect your skin from the sun. Here are some tips for sun safety:

Check the UV exposure for the day. The higher the exposure, the more protection should be used.
Get some shade. Use an umbrella, or take a break in a shaded area.
Wear clothing that protects your skin, like long-sleeved shirts and pants. Light colors are best.
Use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher.

SOURCE: cdc.org

Safe Travel Tips

Traveling can be a great way to get a mental health break and learn more about new places, but it's important to always travel safely. Here are some tips for traveling safely during the summer:

Plan ahead. Choose a hotel that will meet all of your needs.
Know the TSA rules. If you are 75 and older, TSA usually allows you to use the pre check line, which means you don't need to remove your shoes or separate electronics in your carry on.
Keep your important documents like your passport, drivers license and credit cards in a safe and secure place.

SOURCE: ncoa.org

Good Taste, Good Health

Mexican Fiesta Bowl

Build your own mexican fiesta bowl!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup brown rice cooked
1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
12 ounces grilled chicken chopped
2 cups bell peppers chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1 avocado

Pico

2 plum tomatoes
1/2 lime Freshly squeezed lime juice
1 red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Sauté peppers, onion, and garlic in olive oil.
Combine sautéed veggies with rice, black beans, and grilled chicken.
Fresh Pico: Chop tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze onion. Mix well.
Top with 1/3 avocado per bowl
Divide mixture into 3 servings

SOURCE: healthystepsnutrition.com

Senior Financial Glossary

Bull Market - A condition of the market during which time the price of securities are increasing or expected to increase.

Elder Law - Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice, covering estate planning, wills, trusts, arrangements for care, social security and retirement benefits, protection against elder abuse (physical, emotional, and financial), and other involving older people.

Hybrid Fund - A hybrid fund is a category of mutual funds that is characterized by a portfolio that is made up of a mix of stocks and bonds, which can vary proportionally over time or remain fixed.

Keogh Plan - A retirement plan set up by self-employed people and for their employers as an opportunity to save for retirement with a tax-deferred plan.

SOURCE: seniorfinanceadvisor.com

Did you know this about June?

June 21st marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere.

The full moon in June, also known as the Strawberry Full Moon, has its own name because of the plentiful fruit harvest that occurs during this time of year.

Two flowers are born in June. The birth flowers for June are the Rose and the Honeysuckle. Both flowers stand for everything that is associated with affection, love, desire, and generosity.

Every year, millions of viewers tune in to watch Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the sport. The oldest Grand Slam competition in Wimbledon. It was established in 1877, and the US Open followed in 1881.

SOURCE: www.coolkidfacts.com

Famous Birthdays: Tom Holland (Actor, June 1st), Johnny Depp (Actor, June 9th), Elon Musk (Entrepreneur, June 28th), Michael Phelps (Swimmer, June 30th).

SOURCE: https://nationaltoday.com

Quote of the Month

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
- Henry David Thoreau