Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine • Winter 2022/23 issue

Tricks

Dr. Bridget Chufo

PO Box 425 Mars, PA 16046 Phone: 724 -940 -2444 Email: info@PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com

Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC is to connect the people of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest senior publication, Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, health, and recreational needs of seniors in our area.

Tricks of the Trade for WEIGHT LOSS

Dr. Bridget Chufo

To lose weight or not to lose weight? Oh, if only it were that easy to lose those extra pounds. If it only required no commitment, self-discipline or better food choices, we’d all be healthier. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple, but perhaps there are some “tricks of the trade” that make losing weight more manageable and actually possible.

First, we must get the idea of “diet” out of our vocabulary and change it to “lifestyle change.” Why? The word “diet” implies that it is something temporary, something “to go on and off of.” There is nothing permanent in the word “diet.” Therefore, that means the weight will come right back on. It’s only a matter of time. Changing our concept of changing our eating patterns to a “lifestyle change” means our choices become part of our everyday life and will remain our new habits to maintain forever.

Most of the people who I have helped lose weight and change their eating lifestyle over the past 43 years have many similarities. They want to lose weight in order to move better, feel better, and act better. Did you know that for every excess pound put on our knees, hips, and back, it is actually four pounds of pressure on these areas. The body was not made to carry all that weight. That’s why we have movement issues, have moderate to severe pain, and feel this “getting older” isn’t for lightweights—no pun intended.

One of the most common complaints to physicians of their patients in later years is back pain. Much of these aches and pains can be diminished by eliminating the extra weight one is carrying. Arthritis and joint issues can also be modified if food choices are changed. In fact, certain foods even increase pain and discomfort. Even many cancers thrive on certain foods and can be affected by the food choices we make.

After more than four decades of being in this field, our knowledge of how to eat better and even lose weight has changed. We counted calories, but then learned that all calories are not the same. Then, we thought fat alone was the issue. So, we started counting fat grams. Then, we thought one meal a day was the answer, but we learned that wasn’t doing the job when people were fainting or passing out. After all these years, I believe we have finally found the culprit.

It is sugar. But, not just that fine, white granulated stuff we put in coffee or the stuff in sweets and baked goods. Sugar actually comes in four forms—starches, alcohol, dairy, and sweets. I like to call them SADS!

These SADS create havoc in our bodies and manifest as not only aches and pains, but also fogginess in the brain, trouble focusing, lower self-esteem, and self-worth.

We weren’t meant to have all that processed sugars from the factories…ever! Think about it. It was in the 1950s that processed foods started to hit our grocery stores and continued escalating until now most of the stores are inundated with factory foods. Traditionally, most of “God food,” the stuff not made in factories but actually from the ground or the birds, animals, and fish is how we are really meant to eat. Our ancestors, the cave men, foraged and hunted for the food they ate, and they didn’t overindulge. They literally ate to fuel the body, not for taste. In addition, their stress levels were at an even keel. Either the lion ate them, or they got the lion. Either way, their stress peaked and was gone quickly. This is not how our stress levels are in today’s world. For many of us our stress levels remain high with our cortisol (stress hormone) levels being out of sight. We were not meant to live in a highly stressed way. Increased stress contributes to heart disease, lung disease, cancers, and overall general bad health, let alone what it does to our mental psyche. I have seen numerous people whose stress levels are off the charts have trouble losing weight, even when they are eating well. I saw this with my clients during the pandemic who were physicians and nurses. They were just unable to lose weight. Only after their stress levels came down did the excess weight come off.

Something I often hear from my clients over the years is, I made healthier choices so why aren’t I losing weight? What I hear is I eat sweet potatoes, not white potatoes. I

eat yogurt for the probiotics (good bacteria of the body) and get only the Greek yogurt. That’s okay, right? I only eat brown rice, not white rice. That’s good, yes? I eat high fiber cereal, not the sugary kids’ stuff. I eat only keto-friendly foods. That’s great, isn’t it? My snacks are generally baked chips, not fried. I even eat dark bread, again, not the white breads. I eat wraps. Better than a sandwich, right? I eat low-fat cheese. I eat reduced fat ice cream. I eat light salad dressings. I heard that dressings that end in a “ette” like a vinegarette has high fiber corn syrup in it. Is that true? That’s pure sugar, right? I eat reduced fat cookies. That’s good, yes?

If the factory manufacturers reduce the amount of fat in food, they add sugars. Two things make food taste good sugar and fat. If one is reduced, the other is added. Remember, the goal of a food manufacturer is to sell more. In order to sell more, it must taste good, or you won’t buy it again. And those marketing people are geniuses. They know just how to stay in the gray lines of the advertising

The word “diet” implies that it is something temporary, something to “go on and off of.”

rules and the labels to incite us to think these foods are good for us. What we have to do is read the ingredients in the smallest print of the label. The first five ingredients are generally what the food is made of. Don’t be persuaded by the larger print of the label that tells you it’s a great food low in sugar and low in calories. Look at the first five ingredients. Remember, corn starch, high fructose, sugar alcohol, erythritol, sucrose, fructose, and many more are simply another name for sugar. They all have the carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen molecules, which is what a sugar is comprised of, just in varying amounts. There are over 64 synonyms for sugar that you should be aware of. Shockingly, over 70% of barcoded food products sold in the U.S. contain added sweeteners and are labeled as “natural” or “healthy.” They’re only healthy for the financial gains of the manufacturer.

Understanding that sugar is not our friend will help us to be much more aware of the foods and drinks that we are putting in our bodies.

Diabetics, whether type 1 or 2, generally know that sugar is not our friend. Yet, diabetes is on the upsurge in our society. It is because of all these “fake” sugars, so to speak, confuses the vast majority of us. Learn, be aware, and do not trust the manufacturers’ words. If it tastes too good to be true, well, you know the rest.

A crucial part of not only losing weight but also staying healthy is to eat protein every 3-4 hours on a consistent basis. Protein takes 3-4 hours to metabolize. As protein

metabolizes, blood sugar levels remain stable. When our blood sugar levels remain constant, we don’t get the “cravings” for SADS (starches, alcohol, dairy, and sweets). Our blood sugar levels do not have high highs nor low lows, which we don’t want. Non-starchy vegetables generally take 2-2 ½ hours to metabolize and fruits take ½-1 hour to metabolize. You can eat these natural foods as long as you have your protein consistently. Because fruits are God’s natural sugar, we must be careful not to overindulge. Generally, a rule of thumb is stick to 2 fruits a day.

Non-starchy vegetables are a great source of fiber. Fiber keeps everything in the body “moving” through the bowels. The majority of Americans do not eat enough daily fiber. Eating fiber in the form of green, leafy veggies can help you manage your cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight and protect you from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers. Eating fiber is one of the easiest things you can do to boost your health, lose weight, and prevent disease. Produce gets you full; protein keeps you full. So, eat asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, eggplant, zucchini, lettuce, peppers, without hesitation, and eat unlimited amounts.

What I do in my program is keep things simple. There is no counting, weighing, measuring. One of my clients said recently that this is program is for those averse to exercise. This is a program for all involved in the family. There are no special meals. All benefits come from eating in a healthier manner. Many clients eat out 75% of the time due to their lifestyle…easy! This is a “live-it” program that can be done for the remainder of one’s years.

And a final question always asked is, “Where does all that fat go?” Well, 84% leaves the body through breathing, 13% leaves through perspiration, and the last 3% leaves in the bathroom. Surprised, aren’t you? Most people think the bathroom is much higher.

The most common “excuse” to changing eating habits is “I can’t live without my carbs.” You’d be amazed that once the first 72 hours pass without SADS, the body no longer has the intense cravings for sugars. The program incorporates nutritional supplements that act as “will power in a capsule;” they take away cravings, reduce inflammation (sugar attracts inflammation and inflammation attracts sugar), decrease stress, toxins, and help sleep—a wonderful benefit to many.

Try it for a month. What do you have to lose? Probably 10-15 pounds, fewer aches and pains, better self-worth, much better sleep, and so much more. n

To see if Dr. Chufo’s Weight Loss and Wellness Program is a good fit for you, call 1-800-900-THIN , go to Dr. Chufo’s web site at dbcweightloss.com or visit Facebook, Dr. Chufosweightlossandwellness.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

By Sofya Stearns

Ilove winter, its crisp air, snow, tree branches covered with icicles; it is truly the most magical time of the year. The way snow falls is just so enchanting, slowly and steady, no interruptions, and when it lands and stays there, it turns into crystals. Snow always brings great memories of sledding and of the one and only, hot chocolate. Growing up in Russia, there were definitely no marshmallows, but rest assure, I did make up for the lack of them when I moved to United States. And now that I have a child of my own, I always make sure every snow day, every sledding session is followed by hot cocoa with those wonderful airy marshmallows.

As I started this column, I had a handful of nanas contacting me wondering if I could share a few recipes with them so they could make homemade treats with their little ones in their leisure time. So, I say a snow day is the day to do just that! Warm scones with a dollop of butter and jam is just the thing. Or maybe homemade brigadeiro, Brazilian homemade truffles, which melt in your mouth as they land on your tongue. One of my child’s most favorite treats are english cucumber sandwiches. Izabella inherited the love for them from her step-grandpa, my stepdad, Tony, who was born and raised in England. And as for me, my most fave - a savory, warm and crispy stuffed croissant with melted Brie, and if you want to be adventurous, sneak a slice of apple in there.

So, don’t worry about the flour all over your kitchen. Don’t worry about sugar consumption. Simply enjoy that priceless and magical quality time with your loved ones. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

“La Dolce Vita!” n

English Cucumber Sandwiches

Brigadeiros

The Show Continues to Go On

By Janice Lane Palko

The motto of the Sassy Seniors of Pittsburgh, a local entertainment troupe, is “It’s not the years in your life but the life in your years.” The Better Than Ever Independents, more commonly known as the Sassy Seniors of Pittsburgh, can be found singing, dancing, acting, and performing comedy skits.

“We are similar to a traveling vaudeville troupe,” said Patsy Taylor-Moore of Ross Township, who is the assistant director and choreographer. “We welcome anyone with an interest in theatre, music or live entertainment, and anyone who wants to be on stage or help behind the scenes.”

The Sassy Seniors can be found livening up the lives of others at a variety of venues around the Pittsburgh

area including senior independent and assisted living residences, nursing homes, church socials, private parties, business functions, reunions, AARP meetings and libraries.

The troop creates two different performances every year and works on these shows every month except January and February. Each summer season has a different theme. The Golden Age of Broadway Musicals was the 2022 theme. The winter season features a Christmas/ Holiday-themed show.

Most of the show numbers the Sassy Seniors perform are very familiar to the audiences. The Sassies love to see the smiles, toe tapping and even audience members singing along.

The idea for the group originated in 1990 at what is now Robert Morris University. Back then, the group was called the Robert Morris College Independents. In 1997, the independents split into two separate entities and the core group was renamed The Better Than Ever Independents. Along the way, the nickname, Sassy Seniors, was used and the membership age was lowered to 50 to include Baby Boomers.

Currently, the troupe has 20 members, hailing from all parts of the Pittsburgh region. Their most senior member is 88 years young. Also in the current member-

ship is the daughter of one of the original members, three siblings and two married couples.

The group rehearses in Coraopolis, and rehearsals for the summer show usually begin in February with performances beginning in May. Rehearsals begin in September for the holiday show, which is performed in November and December.

If you would like to schedule a performance, you can call Ken McCloskey, Sassy Senior President, at (412) 882-5997. The Sassy Seniors is a nonprofit organization. There is a small fee for the shows, which helps to underwrite the production costs, keeping in mind that the performers are all volunteers.

If you are interested in becoming a Sassy Senior, call Regina Anesin, director, at (412) 318-4867 or Patsy Taylor Moore, assistant director, at (717) 582-6002 (email bmwmotormaid@yahoo.com) or Jan Wire, at (412) 489- 5436 (email jangary2@ hotmail.com).

Auditions for new members are not required. You can find out more about the Sassy Seniors on Facebook (Sassy Seniors of Pittsburgh) and there are videos of a 2019 Sassy performance on YouTube. n

Waldman Holdings

By Janice Lane Palko

We all know there’s no place like home, but when you can’t stay there, you want to reside somewhere that is the next best thing. Waldman Holdings, which operates three personal care homes and memory care facilities in Western Pennsylvania, provides just that.

“We are family-owned and focus on patient care, and we pride ourselves on providing affordable, quality care and services in a safe, comfortable environment,” said President Kelly Waldman, who has 10 years of expertise in healthcare.

Waldman Holdings owns Norbert Personal Care in Overbrook, The Seasons of Saxonburg and Magnolia Place of Saxonburg. In addition to personal care, The Seasons and Magnolia Place offer Memory Care.

Waldman Holdings is the 12th largest elder care provider in the Pittsburgh area, and the 4th Largest Family-Owned Senior Care Operator in

the region. It was founded 40 years ago, by Kelly’s father, Hal Waldman, when he opened Norbert Personal Care.

“One of the benefits of being a resident at one of our facilities is that if a family has a need, they can easily get in touch with our leadership team to address it promptly unlike when you have to get in touch with an out-of-state corporation that manages a personal care home,” said Kelly.

“Mr. Waldman has always believed that the residents should feel that the staff is advocating for them,” said Kasandra Leighland, Waldman’s Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. “He, as well as the rest of the management team, want the residents and families that we serve to feel that this is their home and that we are their family.”

“We roughly have 45-90 residents at each of our facilities, and we focus on building a community,” said Kelly, who says we have a nice diverse resident population ranging from younger folks who have suffered traumatic injuries to residents that are 100 years old.

All three of their facilities have been recently renovated or are slated to be, so that residents enjoy attractive, warm surroundings. Their staff from RNs, LPNs to the housekeeping and activities director all strive to embody the Waldman Holdings values of Compassion, Dignity, Service, Integrity, Respect, Trust, Honesty, and Community.

If you are interested in learning more about Waldman Holdings and their residential communities, simply reach out to Kasandra at: 412-889-1903 or visit the website at: https://waldman-holdings.com/. n

Making Waves For 175 Years... The Story of Two Radio Milestones

By Mark Peterson

Western Pennsylvania is rich in history. From making the steel that went into buildings, bridges, automobiles and ships, to pioneering medical discoveries that changed the future. It happened here. From sports and culture to industry and entertainment, many of the iconic creations that came forth from the industrious people who called this area home are worthy of note.

Certainly all of these amazing achievements are more than just coincidence. How could so many amazing things originate from the same community? Maybe there was something in the water. Perhaps it was more likely something in the air, or should we say “on the air.”

It turns out there was something in the air. Radio waves to be exact. Pittsburgh was home to some of the earliest, groundbreaking radio broadcasts that go back as far as 1917. The fact is, by the early thirties there were five radio stations on the air and thriving in the city. Among those original five stations was

WJAS. On August 4, 1922, WJAS engineers turned on the transmitter for the first time. To this day, a full 100 years later, area residents are still enjoying the radio waves that carry the programs aired at 1320 A.M. and now also on 99.1 F.M. WJAS was founded by a company called Pittsburgh Radio Supply House and is now part of the St. Barnabas Radio Network.

Another one of those five original stations to “make waves” in Pittsburgh was WWSW. WWSW was a very well run radio station primarily because it was owned and operated by people with a great deal of media experience, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette. The “waves”

that WWSW made on the air and in the business community can easily be attributed to the strong leadership provided by one of its early managers, Frank Smith.

Following World War II, The Federal Communications Commission decided to make hundreds of additional broadcasting licenses available. The idea was to expand coverage into suburban and rural areas. One of the new licenses that became available at this time was for a radio station designated for Beaver County, Pa. The proposed station would broadcast at 1230 A.M. and serve the local, surrounding area. The aforementioned Frank Smith caught wind of this amazing opportunity and submitted an application to acquire the license for this new station. Smith then recruited two co-workers, Tom Price and Charles Onderka, to partner with him in this new venture.

The Federal Communications liked what they saw

from Smith and his cohorts and awarded the new license allocation to the trio. After about a year of preparation, the station now known as 1230 WBVP in Beaver Falls, PA began broadcasting on May 25, 1948. WBVP, along with fellow Beaver County station, WMBA, are also part of the St. Barnabas Radio Network. The Beaver County radio cluster these days also includes 99.3 F.M. and 95.7 F.M. This spring, WBVP will celebrate 75 Years of “making waves.” WJAS and WBVP have combined for 175 years of “making waves” and are each celebrating prominent anniversaries at this time. St. Barnabas Broadcasting also proved that it was not afraid to make “waves” in the business community, when it acquired both WJAS and WBVP in 2021. The stations are part of a sixstation network operated by St. Barnabas that covers the entire western Pennsylvania area on the air, and worldwide online. St. Barnabas Broadcasting is part of St. Barnabas Health System and the company is led CEO, and radio veteran, Mr. William Day.

For more information visit 1320WJAS.com or beavercountyradio.com. n

GETTING READY TO LIST YOUR HOME?

Preparing a home for sale is always a significant undertaking.

For seniors, in particular, the pre-listing process can feel overwhelming. An agent who has earned their Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation can guide your efforts and help make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

You can trust your SRES® designee to help you:

1. Map out a plan.

An SRES® understands that each client faces different circumstances and challenges. They can advise you on a sequence of steps tailored to your situation. And they’ll guide you through the process at whatever pace suits your needs. Your SRES® will take a no-pressure approach and look for ways to make your move more manageable and less stressful.

2. Set priorities.

Please don’t assume that every aspect of your home has to appear picture-perfect before listing it for sale. Your SRES® understands what matters most to buyers in your market and can help you focus on the most critical projects. The top priorities are often decluttering living spaces and cleaning your home thoroughly, immediately before it is listed.

3. Evaluate renovations.

Is it essential to update your flooring, paint your walls, or replace your appliances? Your SRES® knows local buyers’ top priorities and understands which renovations offer the biggest bang for the buck. They’ll explain your options, but it’s up to you to decide if you want to add these projects to your list.

MAP OUT A PLAN

SET PRIORITIES

EVALUATE RENOVATIONS SUGGEST TRUSTED RESOURCES

DISCUSS STAGING OPTIONS

4. Suggest trusted resources.

If you need help with any aspect of your move, your SRES® can provide suggestions. They’ve already vetted related service professionals that understand seniors’ concerns and can assist in decluttering, packing, renovating, and more. The choice is always yours, but it’s nice knowing you can turn to these trusted resources.

5. Discuss staging options.

Many sellers assume they need to stage their home before listing it. Again, this depends on your local real estate market and your personal situation. Often, staging isn’t mandatory. Today’s property marketing options include virtual staging techniques, which might be a good alternative. Your SRES® can discuss your options and offer recommendations tailored to your concerns.

Regardless of when and where you are moving, you’ll have a better experience if you work with an agent who has earned the SRES® designation—someone who is committed to helping seniors navigate their housing transitions successfully.

Deb Walton, SRES®

Caring for the Caregiver

UPMC Senior Services

What is the definition of a caregiver? Would you consider yourself to be one? Maybe? Think about this definition: any relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who has both a significant personal relationship and provides a broad range of assistance to someone who has considerable physical or mental health needs. The assistance does not need to be medical tasks; it could help with chores around the house, driving, or food shopping to name a few. What about now? Would you call yourself a caregiver?

The ability to provide continuous care and support for an aging loved one relies on the sustainable health and well-being of the caregiver. All too often, caregivers exert so much time and energy to care for their loved one(s) that they neglect to maintain the activities that promote their own personal health and emotional well-being. Sometimes, we forget or do not recognize how vital this is. If caregivers do not give back to themselves, the physical and emotional stress from caregiving could place a person at an increased risk of developing major health problems. As a result, this threatens their ability to continue to care for their loved one.

Caregivers need to take good care of themselves to be able to continue caring for their loved ones. This kind of care could include:

• Getting adequate amounts of sleep on a regular basis

• Eating a balanced diet

• Getting regular exercise

• Having regular medical exams

• Taking advantage of social and emotional support

• Scheduling time for reflection and relaxation

At a time when the need for social and emotional support is the greatest, caregivers often face feelings of isolation that jeopardize their health and well-being. Social interaction plays an important role in maintaining a caregiver’s health by providing an opportunity for communication that offers an outlet for emotional expression. A caregiver needs someone to talk to and express themselves openly. In some cases, confiding to family and friends can increase their support and provide opportunities for temporary periods of relief from caregiving demands. Sources of support could include family, friends, mental health services, support groups, and religious organizations.

If you are not a caregiver but have loved ones who are, think about occasions where you could offer to listen. Consider telling the caregiver that you can be a listening

board. Think about whether there might be something that you can do to help. Are you able to watch their loved one for an hour or so while the caregiver goes grocery shopping or can have some time to him- or herself? This might be a small amount of time to you, but this respite could truly be recharging for the caregiver. Another task that could take a load off of the caregiver’s responsibility is helping to look for sources of support.

Remember, not every caregiver’s experience is the same. If you are a caregiver, you are certainly not alone. If you are a loved one or friend of a caregiver, consider being one source of support.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh Regional Dementia Caregiver Training and Employment Program was awarded a grant through the Henry L. Hillman Foundation as a part of its Healthy Aging Challenge. The University of Pittsburgh will offer free trainings for family caregivers, professionals, and intergenerational champions. Training sessions will provide new ways of interacting and supporting individuals living with dementia. Activities will include role-playing and videotaped interactions. UPMC Senior Services will partner with the University of Pittsburgh for this project. If you would like to learn more about this upcoming opportunity, please reach out to our office.

If you have questions about community resources, please reach out to Education and Consultative Services of UPMC Senior Services. Our phone number is 866-430-8742, our e-mail is UPMCSeniorServices@ UPMC.edu, and our website is SeniorServices.UPMC. com. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ UPMCSeniorServices. Please note that we are not a crisis or emergency line. n

WPENNLAW PLLC on Estate Planning

By Janice Lane Palko

“In the United States, half of the people have a will and the other half don’t,” said David Nagel, founding member of WPENNLAW PLLC., which has offices at 100 W. Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh. “We find that as the older one gets, the more likely a person is to have a will. For example, by the time someone is 75 years old, 75% of people have a will. Conversely, of those who are 35 years old, only 25% of them have a will. And that decreases incrementally the younger a person is,” said Nagel.

Most people begin to think about obtaining a will when they have children or after they have accumulated some assets. “Your estate is the bounty of your assets and that includes the things you own such as your car, home, other real estate, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, investments, life insurance and personal possessions,” said Nagel.

But estate planning entails much more than drafting a will; it can include naming guardians for young children, establishing Powers of Attorney for healthcare decision as well as Powers of Attorney for Businesses and providing a Living Will—an advanced directive for life-threatening medical conditions. “Some people get very specific when it comes to their death, spelling out exactly how they’d like their remains to be handled, what services they want,

of priority. “When you have a will, you have control, but if you die intestate, you lose control,” said Nagel.

Another aspect of estate planning is establishing beneficiaries and considering tax implications. If someone dies, their possessions pass to a spouse or from a parent to child under 21 with 0% inheritance tax. Direct lineal descendants inherit at 4.5%, and siblings incur a 12% tax. Any other familial heirs inherit at 15%.

what funeral home to use and some even plan down to the music,” said Nagel, who can advise clients to make sure that their wishes are carried out.

“Many people avoid thinking about estate planning because we are touching upon two taboo subjects—finances and their death but having an estate plan gives you greater control over what happens upon your death,” said Nagel.

Unless you have a Trust or all of your assets are “nonprobate” assets (meaning they transfer automatically by rights of joint survivorship, or via a beneficiary designation), whether you have a will or not when you die, your estate will go through Probate, the legal process that “examines” and distributes your estate. If you have a will, you are said to have “died testate.” If you don’t have a will you are said to have “died intestate.”

Testate is term that means you have a properly written, executed and witnessed will presumed valid in Probate court. The executor of the will makes sure that creditors are paid, taxes are paid, and then they distribute the estate to designated beneficiaries.

When someone dies without a will or “intestate” in Pennsylvania, state law kicks in, and an administrator is appointed and distributes the estate according to those laws

For some a Trust may be a better option. In Pennsylvania probate is a public process and those who die with or without a will have their estate go through probate, but a Trust is private. “There are generally two types of Trusts, revocable or irrevocable,” said Nagel. “A trust places all your assets in a legal entity that has directions on how your estate will be distributed and how your assets can be used. Revocable trusts can be changed, whereas an irrevocable trusts can’t be changed.” If irrevocable, there is no inheritance tax, and Medicaid imposes a five-year lookback for purposes of long-term care eligibility requirements.”

It can be confusing figuring out what your best estate plan should look like, and that’s where professionals like Dave Nagel come in. “Estate planning is client-specific dependent upon their interests and family dynamics. Like many things in life, if you avoid the costs up front, you may wind up paying more in the end. At your demise, you may not have the control of how you want your death to be handled, and your heirs may end up paying more in taxes,” said Nagel.

“We pride ourselves on client service. We aim to be a trusted resource and become your family attorney. No one likes to think about their death, but there is peace in knowing that your estate is cared for in event of your death,” said Nagel, who urges those who need help planning their estate to contact him at: dnagel@wpennlaw.com or by calling (412) 778-7377. Nagel regularly makes house visits throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area to assess a family’s needs. n

Contact David at dnagel@wpennlaw.com or by calling (412) 778-7377.

David Nagel

“Many people avoid thinking about estate planning… but having an estate plan gives you greater control over what happens upon your death.”

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ended December 7th – Now what?

By Crystal Manning

The Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period (AEP) – the period during which individuals with Medicare can make coverage choices for the coming year – ended December 7th. During this time, people can enroll in, switch, or get out of Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription drug plans. They can also retain, or leave an MA plan, and enroll in traditional Medicare. Elections made during the period will be effective January 1st.

People who begin 2023 enrolled in an MA plan have an additional opportunity to switch MA plans or disenroll from an MA plan and return to traditional Medicare with a Part D plan during the first three months of the calendar year. This enrollment opportunity, called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

(MA-OEP), is not available to individuals who are in traditional Medicare and enrolled in a stand-alone Part D plan. After March 31, the only opportunities to change plans are if you qualify for Special election period exception or enroll in a five-star plan.

most generic medications and $10.35 for other drugs or 5%.

Reminder: You enter the Donut Hole or Coverage Gap based on the retail value of your formulary drug purchases.

If you receive Medicare Part D Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), then you will never enter the 2023 Donut Hole, and the cost of your prescriptions will remain constant until you reach the Catastrophic Coverage portion of your Medicare Part D plan, where your drug costs may be reduced depending on your financial resources.

And if you are qualified for your state’s Medicaid program, you are automatically qualified for Extra Help.

2023

Changes to the Medicare Advantage plans for

The maximum out-of-pocket limit will be $8,300 for in-network services and $12,450 for in- and out-of-network combined. Plans can set any limit up to that maximum.

Part D prescription drug coverage: Whether you have a standalone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, there are some costs.

The base beneficiary premium will be $32.74. No one pays this amount; rather it is the basis of the Part D late enrollment penalty and other drug costs.

The standard deductible will be $505. Plans can charge any amount, up to the set limit.

The Coverage gap or sometimes referred to as the “donut hole” begins when the total drug costs of prescription reach $4,660. For example, after you spend over $7,400 out-of-pocket in 2023, you will meet your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan’s out-ofpocket spending limit (TrOOP), exit the Coverage Gap or Donut Hole phase of your Medicare drug plan, and enter the Catastrophic Coverage phase - you will stay in this final part of your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan coverage for the remainder of the year (through December 31).

Cost-sharing in Catastrophic Coverage will be the greater of $4.15 for

Medicare Advantage’s Value Programs

If you believe TV commercials, Medicare Advantage (MA) programs are fantastic. For no additional cost, and in some cases for a reduction in Medicare premiums, beneficiaries get their Medicare benefits and other health perks. Those perks include free vision and hearing care, including eyeglasses and over-the-counter medications and supplies for some.

How do MA programs work with Medicare and provide more benefits? Medicare Advantage programs, sometimes referred to as Part “C” receive payments from Medicare to cover all the costs incurred by their beneficiaries over the year. Of course, payments are based on the beneficiary’s underlying medical needs and risk; the insurers receive greater payments for those that have more comorbidities and illnesses. Many companies will evaluate members by conducting a risk analysis on new members to assist them with their needs to monitor and establish a wellness program.

Choosing the right insurance plan is one of the most important decisions to make for your future health. As a licensed Medicare Advisor, Crystal Manning can assist with many options that are the best for you. Please contact her at: 412-716-4942 or crystalmanning33@gmail.com. n

Old-Timey Words

By Janice Lane Palko

As a writer, I’ve always had a thing for words, and to some degree language. Sometimes, the words we use can change over time. Have you ever called something a record and had a younger person look at you askance? Or maybe you said the word boom box? What about a Walkman?

Growing up, we used to laugh about what my grandfather called cars. If we were playing near the road, he’d yell at us, “Get away from the street. You’re going to get hit by a machine!” I had visions of a rogue sewing machine or lawn mower engine barreling down our street aiming for us kids. Some research reveals that back at the turn of the last century, automobiles were often called machines.

My grandfather wasn’t the only one who liked to use out-of-date words. My great-grandmother lived until I was 15, and she used to come out with some archaic words. When it rained, she whipped the plastic rain bonnet out of her “pocketbook,” not her purse or handbag. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word pocketbook appeared in 1617 and was initially a small folder for holding money that could easily be carried in a pocket or handbag. Eventually, it would change to become not the item to be carried, but the carrier or purse itself.

Another of Grandma’s odd expressions was “night work.” She never asked if we had homework after school; she always inquired if we had “night work.” Describing it as night work seemed much more serious, and I often wondered if when she did homework back in the day if she sat with a visor shading her eyes under a lamp with garters holding up her sleeves like some childhood Bob Cratchit poring over her schoolwork.

If you’ve lived long enough and seen enough changes, it’s easy to use terms that younger people find strange. Recently, my brother-in-law asked my sister if his slacks needed to be ironed. She burst into laughter. “I’ll check,” she said smartly, “right after I get off the davenport.” Very few people today call pants slacks, and I’ve learned that davenport became a genericized trademark. The A. H. Davenport and Company of Massachusetts made so many sofas that the term davenport became synonymous with couch or sofa.

So, while it’s easy to poke fun at others if they use yesterday’s terms, don’t become too cocky. Time marches on and so does our language, and if you don’t pay attention, you may be caught saying something that is antiquated. n

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Step Back Into...1943

Recovering from the Great Depression General Eisenhower is selected to command the Allied armies in Europe

By Paula Green

President Roosevelt freezes prices, salaries and wages to prevent inflation. Babies born during this tumultuous time commonly had the name James or Mary. The steel pennies were made with low-grade steel and coated zinc. There were about 40 copper pennies that were created by accident in 1943 which have become some the most valuable and sought-after coins by collectors. The image of “Rosie the Riveter” reflected reality; around two million American women were working in war-related industries in 1943.

Average

The average income was $2,000. Cost of a new home $3,600, and the average monthly rent was $40 per month. The cost of a new car was $900. Gasoline was 15 cents a gallon. A bottle of Coca Cola cost 5 cents. Bread sold for 10 cents a loaf, and milk was 62 cents for a gallon.

Army Doctor/ Nurses Kits sold for $1.98. A firstclass stamp was 3 cents.

Firsts

Chicago got a subway for the first time.

Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice was introduced.

Selman Waksman discovers streptomycin and coins the term “antibiotic.”

Doctors begin to use the Pap test to detect cervical cancer.

First woman in the Marine Corps, the first missing person telecast, the first jet fighter tested, the first use of refillable aerosol spray, and the first use of the word autism.

U.S. Events

The world’s largest office building, the US Pentagon, was dedicated on January 15 in Arlington, Virginia.

The Jefferson Memorial was dedicated on April 13, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth.

On Aug. 2, future President, Lt. John F. Kennedy’s commands the PT-109, which was sunk in the Solomon Islands by a Japanese destroyer.

Meat became scarce and Tuesdays and Fridays became meatless days.

World News

The United States and United Kingdom give up territorial rights in China.

Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt hold the Casablanca Conference.

Italian Prime Minister, Benito Mussolini is deposed and placed under arrest.

People lived under the shadow of Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goering’s advancing Luftwaffe.

Entertainment

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma opens and changes American musical theatre by combining entertainment and serious subjects. Popular films include: For Whom the

Bell Tolls, Heaven Can Wait (starring Don Ameche and Gene Tierney), Lassie Come Home and Titanic. A young Frank Sinatra became popular with the bobby-soxers.

Radio & TV

The radio classic Amos ‘n’ Andy is canceled after 15 years and more than 4,000 consecutive shows. Popular radio programs – The Judy Canova Show, Archie Andrews, and Breakfast in Hollywood. Popular TV – Truth or Consequences. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) was formed. Many of Hollywood’s and radio’s best volunteered their time for USO tours. Many were led by Bob Hope.

Songs

The Glenn Miller Orchestra provided the popular music of the time. Popular songs – Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin,’ Oklahoma, Sentimental Lady, Paper Doll, I Heard That Song Before, Taking a Chance on Love, As Time Goes By, In the Blues of the Evening, That Old Black Magic, Sunday, Monday or Always, and Stormy Weather.

Publishing

These Happy Golden Years, The Little Prince, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Johnny Tremain, Bedknob

and Broomstick, Perelandra, Being and Nothingness and The Secret of the Unicorn.

Sports

NFL Championship

the Chicago Bears beat the Washington Redskins. MLB - the New York Yankees defeat the St. Louis Cardinals. Stanley Cup, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Boston Bruins. NCAA Basketball Wyoming defeats Georgetown. The first game of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is played, a precursor of professional women’s sports in the U.S.

Politics

President: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Vice President: Henry A. Wallace.

Quotes:

“Victory in this is war is the first and greatest goal before us. Victory in the peace is the next.”

– President Franklin D. Roosevelt, State of the Union Address, January 7, 1943

“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

– Charles Coburn as Benjamin Dingle in The More the Merrier

“There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne.”

– Bette Davis as Kit Marlowe in Old Acquaintance

Sources: www.thepeoplehistory.com/1943. html, www.infoplease.com/year/1943, www. historic-newspapers/1943-newspapers/, history.house.gov/Collection/Listing/PA2011/ PA2011-07-0020/, www.filmsite.org/moments000.html, americantvdatabase.com, old-time/com/ halper/halper43.html, takemeback.to, www. goodreads.com/list/show/19402.Best_ Books_of_1943, playback.fm

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception”

By Paula Green

Where were you on December 23, 1972? Did you shelve the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to tune in to the Steelers in action? Or were you lucky enough to have a seat at Three Rivers Stadium and see football at its finest? There were 50,350 in attendance on the North Shore on that historical date who witnessed in-person the famous “Immaculate Reception.” The renowned touchdown is No. 1 on the “NFL 100 Greatest” ranking of the top 100 plays in NFL history.

The regular season had ended, and The Pittsburgh Steelers were playing their arch-rivals, the Oakland Raiders, in the AFC Divisional Playoff game. With the Steelers trailing the Raiders 7-6, the pressure was on, and the clock was ticking down with only

22 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Pittsburgh faced a fourth and ten from its 40-yard line. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw a pass attempt to John “Frenchy” Fuqua. The ball bounced off the hands of Raiders safety Jack Tatum, and, as it fell towards the ground,

Steelers running back Franco Harris scooped it up and ran for a game-winning touchdown.

The Steelers won the game and Harris, the 22-year-old rookie, launched himself into the history books as a football hero. After the game, Harris referred to the play as a “Christmas miracle.” The magical touchdown not only advanced Pittsburgh into the playoffs, but it was also the catalyst that launched the Steelers dynasty. From its inception in 1933 to 1971, the team posted seven winning records and no playoff victories. But, two years after the Immaculate Reception, the Steelers won their first of six Super Bowl victories.

Pittsburgh’s radio sports broadcaster, Myron Cope, is the first person to use the phrase “Immaculate Reception” on the air. In December 2012, an Immaculate Reception monument was erected to preserve the memory of this historical play. The marker is located at the exact spot where the famous catch took place at the site of the old Three Rivers Stadium between Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. If you fly through

Pittsburgh International Airport, you can check out the Immaculate Reception statue near the baggage claim.

As much as we were celebrating the spectacular play in Pittsburgh, on the west coast, Oakland Raider fans were bitter and felt that the touchdown shouldn’t have counted. The critical question: Who did the football touch in the Fuqua/ Tatum collision? Harris’s reception was illegal if it bounced off Fuqua without ever touching Tatum. If the ball bounced off only Tatum or both Fuqua and Tatum (in any order), then the reception was legal. According to Raiders defensive back George Atkinson, the play is known by the Raiders and their fans as the “Immaculate Deception” because “the public was deceived, the officials were deceived, and we got deceived.” Fortunately, for the black and gold, the play did stand.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the play with an Immaculate Celebration on December 24, during the team’s Christmas Eve game with a rematch against the Raiders. In addition, Hall of Famer Franco Harris will officially have his No. 32 retired during halftime, becoming only the third player in Steelers history to have their number retired. Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. n

Sources: profootballhof.com/news, referee. com/immaculate-reception, www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-immaculate-receptionmonument-pittsburgh-pennsylvania, www. visitpittsburgh.com/blog/steelers-nationlets-bring-it-in/, www.history.com/news/ immaculate-reception, www.wikipedia.com

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