Avoiding Dangers of the Flu for Older Adults

Avoiding Dangers of the Flu for Older Adults (395) (NewsUSA) - It's the time of year everyone dreads: flu season. Last season, more than 900,000 people were hospitalized due to the flu or flu complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People over the age of 65 are at greater risk for these complications, making up about 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and hospitalizations last year. Experts say nearly half (48.5 percent) of senior hospitalizations could, in fact, be avoided if proper preventative steps are taken, according to research from Home Instead, Inc. Here are tips to avoid the dangers of the flu: * Consider a flu vaccine for your loved one. If you choose to get the flu shot, the best time to get one is before flu season is in full swing. For the best protection, the vaccine should not be limited to just older adults. Caregivers and family members also need to stay healthy to protect older loved ones. * Take daily preventative measures. It might sound simple, but washing your hands and avoiding those who are sick can go a long way. The CDC lists seven healthy habits to stop germs, including not touching your eyes, nose or mouth and sanitizing properly. * Encourage physical activity for those who are able. Moderate exercise boosts the immune system and can reduce the risk of a cold, according to Harvard Health. Even in frigid winter temperatures, activities such as a walk at a community recreation center or simple strength training exercises at home, using household items and body weight, can boost immunity.   * Pay attention to the signs and symptoms. Frequently check in on loved ones. Pay close attention to symptoms and changes in their appearance or demeanor. Encourage regular doctor visits to help keep minor symptoms from turning into more serious issues. And it's important to know all symptoms of the flu and get treatment as soon as possible. * Take extra precautions to prevent hospitalizations. Simple steps, such as acknowledging symptoms of illness when they first appear, reducing risks of falls around the home and maintaining a healthy diet can all have a substantial impact on protecting older adults from hospitalization and further infection. For more information on staying healthy this flu season, including the "5 Ways to Prevent Senior Hospitalizations" guide, visit www.preventseniorhospitalizations.com, or find a Home Instead office near you at www.homeinstead.com/state.

Medicare Plans Offer More Health And Wellness Benefits for 2019 Share|

Medicare Plans Offer More Health And Wellness Benefits for 2019 (496) (NewsUSA) - Beginning next year, Medicare Advantage plans will be allowed to cover a broader array of health-related services that may help people with Medicare improve their health. Starting in January 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded the health-related benefits that insurers are allowed to include in their Medicare Advantage plans. Rides to the gym and in-home safety measures such as bathroom grab bars are among the new benefits added to certain Medicare Advantage plans for 2019. Original Medicare combines Medicare Part A, which helps cover hospital and other types of inpatient care, and Medicare Part B, which helps cover doctor visits, outpatient and preventive care. Original Medicare does not include coverage for most prescriptions. Medicare Advantage plans cover everything that Original Medicare covers and may include extra benefits, services and often prescription drug coverage through a private insurer such as Humana. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer extra coverage and services, such as vision, hearing and dental benefits, health and wellness programs, and a 24-hour nurse advice line. And most include Medicare prescription drug coverage. Health and wellness benefits often include fitness programs and gym memberships, and transportation to medical appointments. For 2019, Medicare Advantage plans provide members access to an expanded choice of over-the-counter personal care items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, pill boxes, cough and cold medicines, eye drops, vitamins, heating pads, compression stockings and other supplies for diabetics, plastic bandages and other first aid items. The new Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits approved by CMS for 2019 also include virtual medical visits and virtual psychiatry, in-home support services and caregiver support. People with Medicare can see which new health and wellness benefits are being offered for 2019 on Medicare Advantage plans in their neighborhood by going online to the Medicare Plan Finder, or for Humana Medicare Advantage plans at www.humana.com/Medicare. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (or TTY: 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call Humana at 1-877-877-0714 (TTY use 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., local time, seven days a week. The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period takes place from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2018 for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1, 2019.   Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization, and stand-alone prescription drug plan, with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on plan renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-877-877-0714 (TTY use 711) for more information.   Telepsychiatry services are currently available to Humana Medicare Advantage members at selected locations. Limitations on health care and prescription services delivered via virtual visits and communications options vary by state. Virtual visit services are not a substitute for emergency care and are not intended to replace your primary care provider or other providers in your network. This material is provided for informational use only and should not be construed as medical advice or used in place of consulting a licensed medical professional. Y0040_GHHKBSPEN_M

How to Keep Your Health in Check This Holiday Season

How to Keep Your Health in Check This Holiday Season (442) (NewsUSA) - The holidays are known for taking a toll on our bodies . Between the chilly temperatures, onset of flu season and the overabundance of sweet treats at every turn, it's easy for physical health to fall to the wayside. And, with the excitement of the holidays many forget to take into account the emotional and mental toll that the winter season's stressors can have on our overall wellness. One way to manage and keep track of your health during this time of year is through wearable devices and engaging with wellness programs, which may offer members a way to earn rewards with healthy activities. Through apps like Go365 by Humana, which is available to employers and groups across the country, rewards can be redeemed to purchase e-gift cards, fitness devices, apparel, charitable donations and product discounts. As the holidays kick into full gear, it's important to prioritize your health so you can start 2019 off in health and happiness. Below are our top three tips to help you stay well this winter. 1. Stay current on your exams, screenings and vaccinations. Ask your doctor what exams and vaccinations you need and when to get them - and make time to do so. A rewards program can help incentivize and drive you to stay up-to-date on these important appointments. In addition to getting your screenings and vaccines, wash your hands often to help avoid the spread of germs. 2. Manage stress. Support your mental health through exercises that help relieve anxiety and worry, such as mindfulness, meditation and journaling. Many wellness rewards apps offer personalized meditation, mindfulness experiences and journaling exercises, which are designed to help improve your mental and emotional well-being. 3. Eat well and stay active. It's easy to overindulge during the holidays, but try to limit unhealthy foods as best you can: eating nutrient-rich foods can help you manage your energy levels and boost your mood. And don't forget to stay active throughout the holiday season. Step challenges with family and friends can help you stay on track and connect socially with others who are working towards the same goal. The holidays are a perfect time of year to enjoy time with friends and loved ones. But they are also a great time to celebrate and protect your well-being. Improving and maintaining your health is a journey, and Humana and Go365 aim to support members in reaching their goals, no matter the time of year. To learn more about how Go365 guides individuals on their journey toward better well-being, go to go365.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and Facebook.

Millennials Seek Mindfulness as a Fix for Their High Stress Levels Share|

Millennials Seek Mindfulness as a Fix for Their High Stress Levels (135) (NewsUSA) - Call them "Generation Stressed."  Millions of Americans just made their New Year's resolutions, and - while eliminating stress tops the list for many of them - it's especially important to Millennials. Nearly half of them say they're stressed all the time over everything from money to work, according to a recent survey, and even spending time around "anxious" people can set them off.  That same survey also found that Millennials are overwhelmingly looking for an easy solution. One possible answer? Incorporating Japanese Green Tea into one's daily routine, since it naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine that can help elevate moods and calm worried minds. (Hey, it's steeped in Zen tradition.) See the full-sized image here to also learn which hours stress Millennials out most.

Junior Achievement Celebrates 100 Years

Junior Achievement Celebrates 100 Years (486) (NewsUSA) - Ask any young person what they want to be when they grow up and you most likely will get lofty answers, such as a pro-football player or a You Tube star. While admirable, it may be worthwhile to temper these expectations and get kids thinking about a Plan B that incorporates their dreams into the real world. Enter Junior Achievement (JA), a non-profit organization that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Since 1919, JA has made it its mission to prepare youth for future jobs by helping young people understand business and finance so that they are "work-force ready." Currently, the JA network reaches approximately 5 million students a year in the United States, and 10 million students in total in more than 100 countries. To understand its current mission, we have to look at the organization's history, which began as the Boys' and Girls' Bureau of the Eastern States League, founded by AT&T chairman Theodore Vail, Strathmore Paper Company founder Horace Moses, and Massachusetts Senator Murray Crane. Today, JA aims to educate youth with the knowledge and skills to achieve economic success in a variety of ways, whether that means going to college, starting a business, or learning a trade. JA programs are taught by volunteers whose goal is to help students make smart academic and economic choices as they plan for their futures. According to the organization, "Junior Achievement's programs - in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy - ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century." JA began in 1919 with a focus on younger students, but shifted focus to after-school programs for high-schoolers who were encouraged to start student-run businesses with guidance from volunteer business advisors in the community. However, JA expanded its reach to include younger children in financial education in the 1970s. Project Business, a program aimed at teaching business concepts to middle-schoolers during in-classroom sessions, and Business Basics, a program for elementary school children taught by volunteers from the high school programs, were introduced. By the 1990s, JA had developed in-school programs for grades K-12 in the United States. JA's international expansion began in the 1950s with the opening of an office in Canada, followed by the first overseas Junior Achievement-affiliated organization, Young Enterprise (YE), in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. JA Worldwide currently provides volunteer-run programs in countries throughout the world. "Today, JA is pushing the education envelope with the implementation of blended-learning, augmented reality and project-based programs," according to a company statement. Current programs include simulations in which elementary and middle school students have the opportunity to test out making adult financial decisions or manage a town. In addition, high school students have opportunities through JA to shadow professionals on the job in a variety of fields. Visit JA.org to get more information about the programs, to donate, or to volunteer.

The Gift That Tops Parents' Holiday Wish Lists May Surprise You

The Gift That Tops Parents' Holiday Wish Lists May Surprise You (168) (NewsUSA) - The one gift that may secretly top most parents' holiday wish lists? Help with paying college costs for their kids.  A whopping 84 percent of parents surveyed said they'd "welcome" contributions to their 529 college savings accounts in lieu of other traditional presents, according to new data from Fidelity Investments. However, only 29 percent had actually asked for such assistance.  What's holding parents back? Well, maybe they still believe in Santa - good luck with that - or maybe they haven't heard about programs like the free online one at Fidelity that lets friends and family easily chip in to lessen the burden.  And quite a burden it is, given that the College Board's Trends in College Pricing 2017 listed the average total annual charges (tuition, fees, room and board) of a private four-year college at $50,900, an in-state public four-year college at $25,290, and an out-of-state public four-year college at $40,940.  See full-sized image here.

Why Your New Year's Resolution Should Be to Eat More Fiber

Why Your New Year's Resolution Should Be to Eat More Fiber (645) (NewsUSA) - The start of a new year is a great time to check in with yourself and think about how you want to improve for the year ahead. But unfortunately, many New Year's resolutions aren't realistic and wind up lasting just two to three weeks. Here's a resolution that's easy to stick to and can also make a big difference in your overall health and wellness: eat more fiber. Fiber can play an important role in reaching your health and wellness goals in 2019. It's probably best known for its ability to help keep your digestive system moving, but there are other benefits as well - like helping to promote a feeling of fullness. Even with fiber's well-known health benefits, nine out of 10 Americans aren't getting enough in their daily diet, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016. Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN thinks she knows why. "Fiber can be confusing," Harris-Pincus explains. "I think many people have experienced tummy trouble when they ate too much fiber and it overwhelmed their digestive system. With a simple strategy of introducing fiber slowly, they can receive all the health benefits without any discomfort." The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that women get 25 grams and men get 38 grams of fiber every day, but most only average 15 grams. Instead of aiming for 25-38 grams on day one, Harris-Pincus has some tips on how you can make this resolution stick: * Only increase your fiber intake by three to five grams each day. That way, you give your body time to adjust. * Mix in high-fiber foods with your regular diet. As you're ramping up your fiber intake, start by adding fiber to foods you already eat. It could be as simple as adding a high-fiber cereal to a yogurt parfait or adding nuts and berries to your salad. * Drink more water. Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in water, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids to help carry the fiber through your body. By eating more fiber and drinking more water, you're helping your digestive system do its job more efficiently. * Find a great-tasting fiber you love. Instead of viewing fiber as a chore, or something you "have to" eat, find a high-fiber option that you can look forward to eating. "I think everyone has this idea of fiber as bland and boring," Harris-Pincus says. "But what people don't realize is that there are tons of great-tasting, high-fiber foods. The easiest place to start is with your morning cereal." Fiber One recently introduced a new fiber-rich cereal that, well, doesn't taste like a fiber-rich cereal. Fiber One Strawberries and Vanilla Clusters is made with real strawberries and sweet vanilla clusters, but still contains 35 percent of the Daily Value of fiber in every one-cup serving. No pills, nothing to stir, just real food that makes fiber something you can enjoy eating. And for when you're ready to increase your fiber intake even more, Fiber One Honey Clusters has 40 percent of the Daily Value of fiber, and Fiber One Original Bran has 55 percent. Beyond cereal, Harris-Pincus recommends eating whole fruits and vegetables, leaving the skin on things like apples and potatoes. Beans and legumes are another excellent source of fiber, so don't shy away from the black beans in your fajitas. For easy snacks, popcorn is another fiber-rich option with four grams of fiber in just three cups of popcorn. "Fiber really is overlooked, which is a shame because it can be this great-tasting, powerhouse nutrient," Harris-Pincus explains. "New Year's resolutions are usually all about cutting calories or increasing protein, when in reality fiber can do all these amazing things for your body. You just have to start eating more of it to realize the benefits."

Why Motorcycling May Be the Answer to Lowering Stress Levels

Why Motorcycling May Be the Answer to Lowering Stress Levels (151) (NewsUSA) - Turns out motorcyclists may get more than a glorious sense of freedom from riding. A pioneering new study conducted by researchers at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior found that motorcycling can also provide a number of mental and physical benefits. Stress-related hormonal biomarkers decreased by 28 percent among participating riders, to name one thing. And motoring along on the open road for just 20 minutes increased their heart rates an average of 11 percent and their adrenaline levels by 27 percent - similar to light exercise, though a lot more fun - to name another. Come to think of it, with stress levels on the rise - especially among young adults - anyone looking for that same "glorious sense of freedom" might want to check out the New Rider Course offered at select Harley-Davidson dealers. See full-sized image here.

Move Over Meat - Vegetables are taking center stage on your plate

Move Over Meat - Vegetables are taking center stage on your plate (702) (NewsUSA) - Historically, American dinner plates have featured meat as its mainstay/star, with vegetables as tepid, secondary supporting players. Now, the balance of power on the plate is shifting as fresh, homegrown vegetables take center stage. Recent "food trend" studies show that more people are making vegetables the main course of their meals. Although the interest in healthy eating extends to all age groups, millennials seem to be driving this healthful food trend. Data from the NPD Group suggests that people younger than 40 are eating 52 percent more fresh vegetables compared with young adults 10 years ago, and that preference is likely to continue as they age. In support of this trend, professional chefs, bloggers, restaurants and home cooks are embracing the flavors of a vast variety of vegetables, from common to exotic. Episodes of the popular "Iron Chef" television show feature vegetable-centric meals and a recent article in New York magazine noted, "Simply put, the once-meat-obsessed populace is realizing that vegetables actually taste good. Especially when fresh, in season, and carefully prepared." You'll see that many restaurants now offer vegetable-based entrees that have inspired home cooks to explore the healthy and delicious potential of making fresh vegetables a main course. Some reasons driving the shift in popularity of vegetables over meat include: - Vine-Ripened, great taste. Homegrown vegetables have a home field advantage when it comes to flavor because they stay on the vine to fully ripen and are harvested just before eating. Store bought veggies are often harvested before they're fully ripe, so they don't spoil on the journey to the store. Once picked from the vine, sugars begin to turn to starch-and that homegrown sweetness dissipates. - Good health. Everyone knows that vegetables are good for you, but research backs it up. In a study of over 130,000, in the Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine, consumption of plant protein is associated with longer life compared with animal protein consumption. - Good stewardship. Eating more vegetables and less meat can have a positive effect on the environment. Data from the University of Oxford, England, suggests that eating more vegetables could have a greater impact on reducing one's carbon footprint than giving up a car! As vegetables grow in popularity and push meat from the center of the plate, more people are interested not only in eating more vegetables, but eating locally grown vegetables - hey, what's more local than growing your own veggies at home? Growing vegetables at home is convenient, satisfying, a money-saver in the produce aisle, and they'll taste better, too! Fortunately for the home gardener, professional growers make it easy to grow nutritious and delicious vegetables at home. Bonnie Plants, for example, is a greenhouse grower offering more than 250 varieties of vegetable, herb, and fruit plants, ranging from traditional favorites to new and different choices. Some easy-to-grow options for your veggie main course include hearty tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and zucchini. Bonnie Plants operates more than 70 greenhouse facilities in 48 states and trucks fresh plants from greenhouses to retailers near you, so they're ready for planting upon purchase, and you'll harvest six weeks sooner than if you grow from seed. Plus, the plants are grown a truck-ride away from the retailers that sell them. Don't worry if you have little outdoor space, patio-ready caged varieties and combo pots are available as great options for small spaces. Curious home gardeners interested in healthy eating can enjoy experimenting with vegetables to replace meat. For a new take on burgers, try substituting squash. Veggie burgers, like their meat-based counterparts, can be made in advance, frozen in patties, and pulled out for easy reheating as a healthy burger choice on a busy night. Try putting a new spin on salad, substituting Swiss chard for a fresh, peppy taste in lieu of such standbys as lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Time to season your homegrown veggies? Bonnie Plants also offers herb plants, so fresh seasoning is only a snip away with a quick trip to your garden plot or pot. Visit bonnieplants.com for more information on varieties along with planting tips, tending, troubleshooting, harvesting, and a plethora of delicious recipes to try!

Artificial Intelligence Platform Music to Producers' Ears

Artificial Intelligence Platform Music to Producers' Ears (378) (NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, and more markets recognize AI's potential to help businesses achieve greater results in less time. The music industry in particular is embracing how AI can help increase productivity and foster creativity. DigiTrax Entertainment is one company on the forefront of the AI in music movement, using AI and machine learning to analyze and create new music. The DigiTrax flagship program, Music Builder, has proven so popular that company leaders will participate in the highly exclusive National Association of Music Merchandiser trade show in Nashville, TN this summer after winning the semifinal round of the 2018 InnoSTARS Competition in Atlanta. "We are thrilled that the discerning panel of judges at InnoSTARS agreed that our artificial intelligence music technology represents a paradigm shift in the way we create and enjoy music," says Joseph Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax. "We understand the underlying technology that drives the music industry," Vangieri says. "We have an expert AI system for music creation, and we recognized the incredible potential for the 15-billion-dollar music production industry," he explains. DigiTrax boasts a music catalog of more than 15,000 songs, and delivers music to major distribution platforms including YouTube, Google Play, and iTunes, as well as third-party software partners such as Yamaha Music Soft. The ultimate goal for DigiTrax is to change the music industry in the way that CGI (computer-generated imagery) changed the movie industry, says Vangieri. Challenges facing the music production industry are time, money, and the need for an extensive production team that could include composers, arrangers, and musicians. The Music Builder program addresses all three of these challenges, and allows users to create more musical content in less time without the need for specialized staff. The music professionals at DigiTrax are experts in producing, licensing, marketing and distributing music. In addition, their AI technology allows them to offer a service for musicians to quickly and easily compare songs if they suspect their original work has been copied by someone else. "We believe our AI Platform, The Music Builder, will impact almost every area of music, and our seven granted patents will help protect our intellectual property," Vangieri emphasizes. Visit themusicbuilder.com for more information about how DigiTrax plans to turn the music industry on its ears.