Summer Health Reminders

As we enter the middle of the summer season, our hope is that things will continue to change for the better. Please take a look at the health reminders below. As always, we're fully focused on your health, security, and retirement.

What is Your "Core?" Why it's important.

Something you hear a lot about in relation to health and fitness is your body's core. This is a complex series of muscles that include your abdominal muscles, lower back and much more. It's sometimes called your body's "central hub."

The core is especially important to seniors, and not just for building flashy abs (abdominal muscles).

A strong core stabilizes your entire body, giving you better balance and better posture. A strong core can even help prevent falls. (1) Naturally, exercise is key to strong body core maintenance.

Walking is seen as a great way to build up your core. Also helpful are "plank" exercises and "chair" exercises (ask a fitness instructor about these).

1. Ben Kissam, "3 Perfect Core Exercises for Seniors," Warrior Made, https://www.warriormade.com/content/exercise/core-exercises-for-seniors/ (accessed June 4, 2021)

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Remember that Medicare-covered "e-visits" allow you to talk to your doctor online without leaving your home.

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Medicare covers Prostate Cancer Screenings

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men (other than skin cancer). Expectations for 2021 call for about 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer.

The good news is Medicare is doing its best to help fight this disease. Medicare covers a (prostate specific) digital antigen test and a rectal exam for men over 50 once a year.

You pay nothing for the digital test. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the rectal exam, the Part B deductible and a copayment in a hospital setting.

2. "Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer," American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html (accessed June 4, 2021)

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IMPORTANT: If you start collecting reduced Social Security benefits early, your payments will not automatically increase when you reach full retirement age. Contact me at American Senior Benefits for details.

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Fighting Memory Loss; Improving Brain Power

For seniors, age-related memory loss can be a top concern. Even if it's not particularly serious, it can be inconvenient and embarrassing.

But can you do anything to improve your memory and brain power? Some reports suggest you may be able to prompt some improvements.

One idea is to play "thinking games" — crossword puzzles and chess are great examples. If you don't have anyone to play with, there are many games available to play online so you can socialize and keep your mind sharp at the same time!

Or learn a new skill, like woodworking, music or a new language. These activities are said to help keep your mind active and boost self-esteem.