(Mark Gibbons, President/CEO of RetireSafe) - With the start of Medicare’s open enrollment period, it’s important that older Americans explore their healthcare options to make the best choice for their unique needs.

Seniors eligible for Medicare benefits have the choice of enrolling in traditional Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) or selecting a plan from Medicare Advantage (MA), which provides coverage through private health plans approved by Medicare. In recent years MA plans—or Medicare Part C—have become increasingly preferred among beneficiaries.

“We’ve seen Medicare Advantage become a popular alternative to traditional Medicare among older Americans over the last several years. The flexibility and cost savings associated with MA make these plans an attractive choice,” notes Mark Gibbons, President and CEO of RetireSafe, a non-profit dedicated to educating and advocating on behalf of older Americans.

Compared to traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are typically associated with:

• Lower costs and greater predictability. Most MA plans offer lower out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, and all MA plans are required to cap the amount you spend on healthcare annually. On average, beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans save $2,500 per year on premiums and OOP costs.
• More coordinated and consistent access to care. Unlike traditional Medicare, where individuals pay separate monthly premiums for hospital visits, outpatient services, and prescription drugs, Medicare Advantage bundles these services into a single monthly premium. It’s why MA plans are better suited to offer coordinated care to patients, which is particularly important for those living with chronic conditions or seniors who see multiple healthcare providers.
• Coverage of supplemental benefits and prescription drugs. MA plans offer supplemental benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, telehealth, transportation, nutrition and wellness services. Additionally, while traditional Medicare requires beneficiaries to purchase a separate plan for prescription drug coverage, MA plans often cover prescriptions under the same plan.

Due to the cost, coverage, care, and accessibility benefits associated with Medicare Advantage, beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans report better health outcomes, on average, across a range of metrics. Those enrolled in MA are more likely to have a usual source of care and to report receiving routine healthcare screenings and preventive services,

Seniors should take the time to review their current coverage and consider whether Medicare Advantage might be right for their unique needs.

(NewsUSA) - The challenges of military life don't always end when the mission does. For many in our military community – both active duty and veterans alike – there's an ongoing, often silent struggle with mental health. This fall, as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month in October and honor our service members in November, Blue Star Families is bringing this critical issue to the forefront.

As the nation's largest Chapter-based support organization for military and Veteran families, Blue Star Families has launched the Combat the Silence campaign. This initiative goes beyond raising awareness – it provides real, tangible support to those serving, those who have served, and the families standing beside them. Recognizing that mental health challenges can arise at any point in a military career or beyond, Blue Star Families offers crucial support for every stage of military life, from the stresses of active duty to the complexities of civilian reintegration.

"Our military families face unique challenges that often go unseen, reaching far beyond the battlefield," says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Through Combat the Silence, we're creating a network of support that catches our heroes before they fall. It's not just about awareness – it's about action, connection, and saving lives."

At the heart of the Combat Silence campaign are the innovative Blue Star Support Circles. These non-clinical, peer-oriented groups empower family members and friends to recognize potential mental health issues and provide crucial support to veterans and service members before crises occur. By fostering these supportive networks, BSF aims to significantly reduce suicide rates within the military community.

Complementing these efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting "Check On Your Buddy Week" from October 21-25. This initiative dovetails perfectly with Combat the Silence, reinforcing the vital role of peer support in addressing mental health challenges among veterans and active-duty personnel.

Blue Star Families extends a heartfelt invitation to all members of the military community to engage with an upcoming Support Circle cohort and actively participate in “Check On Your Buddy Week.”  By taking these simple yet powerful steps, we can collectively break the silence surrounding mental health and ensure that no one in our military family feels alone in their struggles.

Join the movement to Combat the Silence. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient military community.
Immediate Help and Support Resources

For those in immediate crisis, support is always available through the Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans) or visit 988lifeline.org. For ongoing community support and resources, individuals can register at www.combatthesilence.org.

(NewsUSA) - Life is uncertain, and there is no time like the present to be sure that you have life insurance in place. A life insurance plan provides affordable and lasting financial protection for you and your loved ones, and it does not have to be expensive.

Budget-friendly options make life insurance accessible to everyone and provide peace of mind for financial security in the event of an untimely loss of life.

"Whole life insurance is designed to offer peace of mind at a price that fits within most budgets," according to Christopher Flint, President of Kemper Life, the national life insurance brand specializing in providing life insurance coverage to budget-conscious individuals. "It’s a manageable way to protect your loved ones while also building cash value over time.”

A life insurance policy with a low initial face value (known as a low-face life insurance option) still offers many benefits often associated with larger or more expensive policies.

These benefits include affordable premiums that allow you to maintain a policy without breaking your budget. These premiums are fixed at the same amount each month and do not increase over time, which makes financial planning easier. As long as you pay your premiums, affordable policies will cover you for life.

Other benefits include cash value accumulation, meaning that a low-face policy still builds cash value over time, and may be accessed throughout your lifetime through loans or withdrawals.

When exploring whole life insurance, keep these tips in mind:

Evaluate Your Coverage Needs: Review your expenses, debts, and other obligations to help determine how much coverage you need.

Shop Around: Compare different life insurance policies to find one that offers the right balance of protection, cash value growth, and affordability.

Seek Professional Advice: If you are unsure, talk to an insurance agent who can help you select a life insurance policy that fits your needs.

Update and Adapt: Regularly review your policy to ensure that it continues to meet your needs as your life changes, and adjust as needed.

Don’t discount the value of whole life insurance to provide financial protection for your family.

Visit Kemper Life for more information.

(Jeffrey Pohn) - Over the years, service dogs have become an increasingly familiar sight on trains, planes and buses; in restaurants, nail salons and shopping malls, and even at the beach, diligently escorting and protecting their human charges through blindness, hearing loss, ambulatory limitations and even mental-health challenges—there are now half a million service dogs at work in this country. I’ve come to marvel at these fantastic beasts, the organizations and volunteers who train them and the Americans with Disabilities Act that provides a protective infrastructure. These four-legged friends are heroes. Heroes, one and all.

This week, I discovered that September is National Service Dog Month, and it occurred to me that I have been living with one of these heroes - albeit a non-credentialed one - for the past eight years. 

When my wife and I rescued Baby, a fifteen-pound terry-poo with a rasta-like coat and a slight underbite, she had been found on the streets of Tijuana, emaciated, and obviously abused. Baby immediately bonded with my wife, but every time I entered the room, she would shake violently. I finally suggested to my wife that we should take Baby back, it was hard living with someone who hated me. After my wife nixed that idea, I found myself tiptoeing around our home, in the most unthreatening way possible. Eventually, Baby came to at least tolerate me.

Then came Covid. My wife, Baby’s north star, decided to travel to England, to wait it out with her family. She never returned. Suddenly, it was just me and Baby, who was shattered by the disappearance of her ‘mommy’. Baby went on a hunger strike, and constantly gave me the stink-eye, blaming me for her heartbreaking loss. It destroyed my appetite, too, and ruined my sleep. I became a wreck. As a recovering alcoholic with bipolar disorder, and now utterly isolated and wifeless, with my only personal contact a dog who actively resented me, I was not exactly a ‘vision for you’. 

Over time, Baby mellowed and began to display affection for me. Perhaps that’s because she realized I was the sole provider of her food and walks, but I like to think it was more than that. We became inseparable, velcroed together. On the rare occasion that I left our house, Baby welcomed me home as if I was returning from the war. She started to sleep on the pillow next to mine, and the moment my eyes opened, I was the recipient of a thorough tongue bath. 

Baby became my own personal, emotional service dog; a daily calming presence, a reliable rock of support who demanded my attention 24/7, effectively yanking me out of myself by encouraging me to stroke, scratch, massage, and play with her. She was a nonstop source of activity, humor, and love, a furry anti-depressant, instrumental in my struggle to maintain my sanity. Having to focus on Baby’s care, feeding and happiness, I became largely freed from the bondage of crippling self-concern.

Even before Covid, I had been experiencing debilitating panic attacks, mostly in public, and, I was on the verge of becoming agoraphobic. But Baby coerced her couch potato master into taking her on walks more adventurous than our usual spin around the block. On these outings, she walked me. During a time when everyone else was retreating into their homes, my dog was leading me back into the world I had fled from; she took me to dog parks where she networked, and I got to enjoy distanced interactions with other humans. We became regulars at a nearby beach where she chased birds she would never catch, and insisted I join her, running on the sand, and frolicking in the surf. I think I became her new (less incandescent) north star.

Suffering from Covid Brain, I began talking to Baby all day long. My ridiculous longing for her to respond verbally was, of course, never requited. At the time, I was dying to write my second novel, but was unable to find a subject matter compelling enough to sustain the few years it would take to write. One night, when Baby and I were lying in bed, I leaned over to give her a goodnight kiss on the nose. She sneezed into my face, and it hit me, the idea for a new book to write - a tale about an isolated man and his talking dog. A couple of years later, fueled by love for and from a dog, and wish fulfillment, I published the book, HOUNDED: A LOVE STORY.

My rescue dog rescued me.

Having had the profound privilege of being serviced and saved by a dog, now, during National Service Dog Month, I salute all service dogs, credentialed and non-credentialed. I acknowledge their noble and necessary service to us humans. And to all of our heroic service dogs, with love and gratitude, I proclaim…Thank you for your service.

Purchase the book at amzn.to/4e0LyBv

Jeffrey Pohn, a screenwriter, published author, and avid dog-lover, lives with his beloved pooch, Baby, in Oxnard Shores, California. As of now, Baby has not uttered a single word.

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to installing a pool, spring and summer are the seasons that logically come to mind. But the best time to add a pool to your backyard is actually in the fall. There are definite advantages to installing later in the year that can make the process smoother, more cost-effective and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

1. Contractor availability – By waiting until the weather is cooling, you miss the height of pool-building season and have a better chance of finding a contractor without a lot of other jobs to divert their attention. With fewer projects to juggle, contractors may also be able to offer shortened installation timelines. This is especially true for fiberglass pools, which can be delivered and installed quickly and, depending on the location, even enjoyed before winter arrives.
    
2. Construction-friendly climate – The moderate temperatures of fall lend themselves well to working outside. Fall weather is more predictable than other seasons, which can help reduce setbacks during construction. The ground is typically dry and hard after the summer, making it easier for construction, and minimal rain allows builders to get more done in a shorter amount of time.
    
3. Natural nurturing – No doubt you’ll want to do some landscaping around your new pool. Fall is the best time of year to plant trees and flower bulbs. Over the winter months, new plantings will have the opportunity to take root and mature while the ground recovers from construction disruption. When you’re ready to take that first dip of the season, you’ll have a yard that looks fully finished.
    
4. Off-season savings – As the height of pool season winds down and dealers begin looking at their year-end numbers, you may be able to negotiate better prices or take advantage of overstocked inventory. This can free up funds for other fun additions, like a diving board, slide, water feature or spa. Installing a pool in fall also allows you to break up construction costs for the pool and any decking or hardscaping you plan to add and take advantage of tax benefits over two years.
    
5. Tax benefits – Yes, a pool is not only a major purchase but is also considered a home improvement that can be claimed on your tax return. Imagine opening your pool in the spring and then opening your mailbox to a nice tax refund. Talk about a win-win!

To learn more about Latham pools, visit www.lathampool.com.

Photo caption: Ocean Breeze fiberglass pool and Placid spill over spa by Latham, The Pool Company. Photo Credit: Sun and Fun Pools in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

(NewsUSA) - Individuals in India seeking life-saving bone marrow transplants have a new source of hope. Dr. Bart S. Fisher, Chairman of the Give Life Foundation, twice Nobel Prize nominee in Peace and Medicine, and patron member of the National Press Club, is set to launch the India Marrow Registry the largest in the world, along with a powerful awareness campaign. The launch will take place through a series of events in October 2024, culminating in a prestigious ceremony with the diplomatic community in Delhi in October. Dr. Fisher has been recognized globally for his efforts to establish marrow registries and advance healthcare.

The Give Life Foundation, a leading non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving healthcare access worldwide. In collaboration with PACT (Par Anand Charitable Trust), the Foundation is establishing the world's largest bone marrow registry to serve the critical needs of patients in India, where the demand for bone marrow transplants far exceeds the current donor pool. The Foundation's efforts will also support the H2OMovement, promoting sustainability and clean water access for all.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Give Life Marrow Transplant Registry in India,” Dr. Fisher shared. “This initiative represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide accessible and effective healthcare solutions for those in need."

The need for bone marrow transplants is urgent. In India, an estimated 12,000 children are born each year with thalassemia major, requiring bone marrow transplants. Additionally, 10% of the 16,000 individuals diagnosed annually with leukemia also need transplants. Unfortunately, only 10%-20% of these patients find matches through current registries.

The Give Life Foundation also will sponsor several 5K Run/Walk events across India in October. These events, known as the March for Marrow, aim to raise awareness for the Swab for Life campaign, which encourages donor registration and highlights how simple it is to participate and potentially save lives. With a mission to recruit over 50 million voluntary donors, the new registry will collaborate with existing registries in India.

The H2O Movement Walk for Water Walk for Life Campaign another key focus of the Give Life Foundation, aims to raise awareness and funds for clean and accessible water.  "With every step we take, we walk towards a world where no one has to struggle for clean water," said Sanjana Jon, a prominent advocate for humanitarian causes and Chair of Give Life India.  PACT and the Give Life Foundation will work together in both marrow transplant and clean water efforts.

To learn more, visit www.give-lifefoundation.org.

(NewsUSA) - From classic shapes to modern technologies, the progression of eyewear continues to see advancements, driven by the desire for improved comfort, durability, and style. Frames were often heavy and uncomfortable, but over the decades, eyewear has transformed significantly, influenced by technological advancements, and changing consumer demands.

As the eyewear journey continues to evolve, more attention is put on versatility in eyewear – innovative designs, improved materials, comfort, and style. Initially, frames were constructed from materials like bone and wood. While functional, frames were heavy and often lacked comfort. Today more brands, like Flexon Eyewear are developing innovative ways to utilize materials like memory metal to create comfortable eyewear.

Flexon Eyewear, a Marchon Eyewear proprietary brand known for its memory metal and durability, launched in 1988. With over 30 years of experience utilizing its durable technology and innovation, Flexon frames provide premium comfort designed for everyday wear. Each frame is constructed from a titanium-based alloy that allows them to be flexed, bent, and twisted without breaking, and they return to their original shape. Displayed in the latest Evolution and Heritage collections, flexibility and versatility make these frames exceptionally durable and able to seamlessly fit into daily tasks outside of work and new hobbies.

Flexon eyewear’s timeless design, durability, and sleek look allows these masculine optical styles to adjust seamlessly to various occasions. Whether enjoying a new adventure with the kids, taking on a new DIY project, or exploring the world outdoors, the brand showcases its continued commitment to durability and versatility with the creation of each frame. Flexon frames are crafted with technologically advanced memory metal in the bridge and/or temples allowing them to be flexed, bent, or twisted to ensure they can return to their original condition.

The journey of eyewear innovation doesn’t stop here. Brands like Flexon are at the front of eyewear innovation, continuously pushing the envelope of what functional eyewear can be. As technology advances, the future of eyewear promises even more exciting developments, blending fashion with function and durability in increasingly sophisticated ways. To learn more about Flexon Eyewear and stay up to date with recent collections, visit flexon.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Cutting back on single-use plastic is trending across America. A recent Ipsos survey indicates that 81 percent of American consumers support the increase of reusable packaging and that trend is increasingly more prevalent among grocery shoppers.

DS Smith, a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, has introduced a new line of boxes for everyday grocery shopping that can replace plastic bags still used in many stores.

Data from the U.S. International Trade Commission show that Americans use 102 billion plastic bags per year, and few are recycled. DS Smith, in partnership with its customers, works to support the transition to a circular economy that helps eliminate waste and pollution by design. Creating 100% recyclable or reusable packaging and encouraging consumers to phase out plastics, the company keeps materials in use for longer periods.

The Shop.able Carriers from DS Smith are 100% recyclable and reusable, and feature patented food-safe and water-resistant Greencoat coating technology. The durable, stackable boxes are made from renewable resources as well. Consumer surveys suggest that shoppers who purchase groceries online are interested in deliveries with less packaging and more sustainable material.

“The Shop.able Carrier product line gives consumers the ability to potentially remove the billions plastic bags used across the United States each year while at the same time delivering convenience and sustainability to consumers’ day-to-day shopping experience,” according to DS Smith Managing Director, Packaging, Steven Rose. “This kind of innovative, sustainable packing solution will help communities move away from single-use plastic bags.”

Supermarkets can use Shop.able to create custom branded boxes and incorporate sponsored logos and messaging from other partner brands. Individual Shop.able Carrier boxes sell for prices similar to reusable totes, and each box can replace between 5 and 7 plastic bags. Supermarkets can sell the boxes at checkout and use them as a loyalty program benefit in online curbside pick-up orders. Other key features include a modular design for smooth stacking and ergonomic handles for easy carrying.

Visit dssmith.com/us to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. So far, this has held true with storms Beryl and Debby already making landfall. Hurricanes can be catastrophic for any business, but particularly for rural small businesses. While there are many things that need to be done to be prepared for hurricanes, one important item is ensuring connectivity. In the aftermath of these storms, infrastructure is frequently damaged, and internet access is unavailable. One connectivity option is satellite internet service. Its reliability can provide backup communications, ensuring optimal operations and connectivity after even the most severe storms.

All businesses can benefit from satellite internet, however, rurally located small businesses have the most to gain in terms of connectivity and communication during hurricane season. Fortunately, a proper satellite internet connection can equip them with disaster and emergency communication capabilities, as well as reliable business continuity.

Disaster and Emergency Communication

In the aftermath of severe weather, businesses can provide necessary products and services if they are able to open their doors and complete transactions. Reliable satellite internet allows businesses to get connected, open their doors, and mitigate the trauma associated with severe weather events. In addition to processing transactions, the business can also become an information hub for the local community, providing updated information and other communication services.

Emergency response teams depend on communication to know where they need to deploy their resources. A business that has reliable connectivity can be of great help to these dedicated professionals who are coming to the aid of the community.

Back Up and Running

For most businesses, when internet service goes down, so do operations. Which is why relying on a single form of connectivity can create challenges in communication. When severe weather events occur, traditional communication networks can be unreliable, isolating impacted areas. In these situations, satellite internet is an ideal backup connectivity option and can restore operations in even the most hard-to-reach areas.

Despite internet outages that may exist from damaged wirelines, businesses utilizing satellite internet preserve the ability to process online transactions, accept payment via credit cards, respond to customers, monitor security, and many other critical operations.

To prepare for any weather event, including hurricane season, small businesses should consider a reliable and flexible backup solution. Hughesnet Internet Continuity seamlessly delivers broadband internet when primary service fails, preventing costly, frustrating, and even dangerous outages. Ensuring small businesses are well-prepared for hurricane season will minimize disruptions, safeguard customers and employees, and keep business on track.

(NewsUSA) - State fairs are an opportunity for families, friends and communities to celebrate on an annual basis. Along with the yearly tradition, the state fair is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role U.S. agriculture plays in the global economy. The state fair is a place for young farmers to showcase their expertise in the food and farm industry while also learning the value and role of risk management.

At this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions, CME Group presented each of the nine champion livestock exhibitors with $5,000 scholarships that will be used to advance their education. This was the ninth year CME Group has provided scholarships at the Illinois State Fair, bringing total contributions to over $500,000. CME Group also purchased the Grand Champion Barrow at the Governor’s Sale of Champions, which was exhibited by Olivia Shike.

 Recipients of the 2024 CME Group scholarships included: Bryce Clayton (Scott County); Kade Gensini (Putnam County); Nora Hoge (McDonough County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Karly Reel (LaSalle County); Chase Riley (Grundy County); Olivia Shike (Champaign County); Chesney Thorton (Piatt County); Oakley Yard (McDonough County).   

“We are proud to support scholarship programs that help the next generation of agriculture leaders to pursue their education,” said John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agriculture, CME Group. “The agriculture industry has not evaded the uncertainty faced within the global economy. It is as important as ever for the future leaders of agriculture to find new and innovative ways to continue feeding the world. We applaud all the scholarship recipients and are excited to see what their futures have in store.”

CME Group sponsored this year’s 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest at the fair. Nine 4-H members from across Illinois have competed in this year’s skillathon and have engaged in hands-on challenges in livestock management, livestock marketing and hedging, breed identification and use, quality assurance and equipment identification and use.  The contest promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry.

The nine skillathon champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. The 2024 scholarship recipients were: Ryker Beckmier (Christian County); Kaylee Blackford (Vermilion County);  Morgan Crouch (Macon County); Taylor Crouch (Macon County); Gwen Hall (Ogle County); Blaine Homann (Coles County); Kadie Hummel (Ford County); Molly McCalla (Madison County); Hayden Miller (Livingston County).