Senior Expo - November 2022

than

years,

has

expos in the Tucson and Phoenix metro areas. Each year, thousands of those enjoying life after 50 attend our events to become more familiar with products and services in their community. If you would like to become an exhibitor at one of our future expos, please get your application by contacting our expo coordinator.

• A/C Experts

• Aesthetic Family Dental Care

• Aetna Medicare Solutions

• Alignment Health Care

• American Vision Windows Doors And Baths

• Angels Cremation & Burial

• Archwell Health

• Arizona Corporation Commission - Securities Division

• Arizona Liver Health

• Arizona Medicare & Insurance Solutions

• Banner Medicare Advantage

• Bill Simplicity

• Bingo Reverse Mortgage

• Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation

• CBD American Shaman

• Cigna - Shannon Farquharson

• Comprehensive Interventional Care Centers

• Edward Jones

Senior Expo Program & Resource Guide

2022 Exhibitors

• Equity Home Lending

• Faith Hospice

• Fellowship Square - Historic Mesa

• Fieldwork Phoenix

• For Energy

• Granite Transformations North Phoenix

• Happy Ears Hearing Center (Mesa, Peoria and Surprise)

• Home Concepts Custom Remodeling

• Hospice of the Valley

• Humana MarketPoint - Anchor Center 1

• Integrity Chiropractic - Dr. Shapiro

• Jacuzzi Bath Remodel of Arizona

• Midwestern University Body Donation Program

• Miracle Ear Hearing Center

• Oak Street Health

• On Broadway Dentistry

• Optum Primary Care

• OptumCare Medical Group

• Organ Stop Pizza

• OrthoArizona Bone & Joint, OrthoArizona Canyon Ortho

• Pellegrini & Associates

• Presley General Insurance

• Quincy Bioscience - Prevagen/ Tatanka Media Group

• Renewal by Andersen - Angela Leimer

• Revel Scottsdale c/o The James Agency

• Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

• Spotlight Senior Services & Living OptionsCustomized Marketing Solutions LLC

• The Mint Dispensary

• Thrive Regenerative Medicine

• U.S. Securities & Exchange

• United Health Care- Israel Padilla

• V*JUV

• Western State Bank c/o Kelner Communications

Choosing a doctor doesn’t have to be a prickly subject

healthcare professionals are here to help

like you get the most out of life at one of our new Phoenix centers.

provide transportation assistance to and from appointments if needed, same-day appointments, telehealth visits and more.

truly a one-stop shop for all your primary care needs.

Humor Ahoy!

Host Sean Hoy brings his talents to the Expos

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Sean Hoy likes to say he has three talents: humoring, cartooning and interviewing.

“When I was younger, I always had little talk shows,” he says with a laugh. “I’d even interview myself—‘What do you think about that, Sean?’ ‘I think that’s great, Sean!’ ‘What’s a great idea, Sean!’”

When he hosts the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos, he incorporates the skill set.

“I love doing those,” Hoy says.

“I have such a free rein of just being me and bringing my personality. I just love it. I’ve been doing it now for three years. It’s neat that I get to see the same people I’ve befriended. It’s such a neat thing.”

A multitalent, Hoy hosts his Hoylarious podcast and he recently exhibited his artwork at The Wayne Smith in Tempe. An avid canine lover, Hoy works with the Arizona Humane Society. Visit hoylarious.com for more information.

His cartooning skills came into play when he painted murals at the bird-themed Perch Brewery, 232 S. Wall Street in Downtown Chandler.

“I’ve done placemats, too, along with discount cards, gift

cards and a pedicab,” he says. “I did a mural about how beer is made. It’s ‘Hoy style’ with birds. It takes you from how beer is made through serving beer. It’s 15 feet long and that was really fun.”

The two murals on the upper level of The Perch have a whimsical feel.

Sean Hoy has hosted several LLAF expos. (File photos)

Sean Hoy...continued on page 10

Services for Seniors

A directory of programs and services for senior residents in the Phoenix and Tucson areas

GENERAL INFORMATION

Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America 602-322-0100

Arizona Department of Health Services 602-542-1000

Arizona Health Care Association 602-265-5331

Arizona Hospice & Palliative Care Organization 480-967-9424

Benevilla 623-584-4999

Community Services Administration 602-542-6600

Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106

Foundation for Senior Living 602-285-1800

Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging 602-542-4710

Information and Referral Services Phoenix: 602-263-8856 Tucson: 520-325-1303

Long Term Care Ombudsman 602-542-4446

OASIS 520-795-3950 x 2113

Office of Aging and Adult Administration 602-542-4446

Senior Help Line 602-264-4357

Volunteers for Hospice 623-583-4490

HEALTH SERVICES

Alzheimer’s Association 602-528-0550

American Cancer Association 602-224-0524

American Heart Association 602-414-5353

American Lung Association 602-258-7505

American Parkinson Disease Association 800-908-2732

American Red Cross 602-366-6660

Arthritis Foundation 602-264-7679

Easter Seal Society of Arizona – Stroke Club 602-252-6061

EMPACT Suicide Prevention Center Phoenix: 480-784-1500 Statewide, toll-free: 866-205-5229

Phillip’s Lifeline 520-465-4111

Tucson Medical Center’s Seniors Program 520-324-1960

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING

Maricopa County: 602-264-2255 Pima County: 520-790-7262 Gila, Pinal County: 520-836-2758

ARIZONA LONG-TERM CARE Glendale: 602-417-6000 Phoenix: 602-417-6600 Mesa: 602-417-6400 Tucson: 520-205-8600

CASE MANAGEMENT PROVIDERS

Senior Adult Independent Living – Help Line Maricopa County: 602-264-2255

Adult Protective Services – AZ 877-815-8390

Our Family Services 520-323-1708

Jewish Family & Children Services 520-795-0300

City of Phoenix Community Services 602-262-6631

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Arizona Veterans Service Phoenix: 602-627-3261 Tucson: 520-207-4968

Catholic Social Services Phoenix: 602-997-6105 Tucson: 520-623-0344

Arizona Department of Economic Security Phoenix: 800-352-8168 Tucson: 800-835-2100

Medicare/Social Security 800-772-1213

Medicaid (AHCCCS)

Phoenix: 602-417-4000 Tucson: 520-205-8600

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 800-772-1213

Hoy has worked with The Arc of Tempe, which promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full in clusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

“I’ve spent the last year doing all of their events,” Hoy says. “I’ve hosted them. I met them through improv comedy, a vol unteer program I did.

“I revamped their website, too. It was so much run. We do about 12 to 14 events a month. We do all sorts of art and dif ferent things. I also take them downtown.”

Hoy was born in Alexandria, Virginia. His father was the White House photographer for The Washington Post from 1963 to 1972. His mother worked there as well.

“He has pictures of Kennedy, Nixon and Johnson,” he says. “He has pictures of him and Johnson shaking hands and talking. He earned a doctorate and taught at Syracuse, before coming here to help start the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with the man he called ‘Wally.’

“Photojournalism was his thing at ASU. I was the State Press cartoonist for three and a half years and he mentored photog raphers. We were very close.”

Hoy has worked with underprivileged children, and also does corporate training.

“I go to different companies and teach the staff how to com

municate better with improv techniques,” Hoy says. “I don’t like to say ‘comedy,’ because people will think it’s dirty.”

He’s not one to take any of his talents for granted.

“Every day, I am grateful for all my talents,” he says. “I want to use them to the best of my abilities. I want people to smile. I don’t need a belly laugh.

“When people say, ‘You’re a breath of fresh air,’ that’s the best compliment in the world. If I made you smile or made your dog wag his tail, that’s my day. I’m done. Drop the mic.”

Sean Hoy poses with some of the murals he created at Perch Brewery.

seCurities Division

investment Fraud prevention Checklist

investment Fraud prevention Checklist

Require written documentation of all agreements and transactions.

Avoid companies lacking audited financials and a verifiable business history.

Avoid companies lacking audited financials and a verifiable business history.

investment Fraud prevention Checklist

Avoid companies lacking audited financials and a verifiable business history.

Contact an objective third party that you trust. Verify the facts.

Contact an objective third party that you trust. Verify the facts.

If you don’t understand the contract terms, don’t invest.

Contact an objective third party that you trust. Verify the facts.

Require written documentation of all agreements and transactions.

Take notes on all telephone conversations. Ask questions.

Require written documentation of all agreements and transactions.

If you don’t understand the contract terms, don’t invest.

Verify licensure status of the promoter and product.

Require written documentation of all agreements and transactions.

If you don’t understand the contract terms, don’t invest.

Take notes on all telephone conversations. Ask questions.

If you don’t understand the contract terms, don’t invest.

feel pressured to invest

Take notes on all telephone conversations. Ask questions.

Verify licensure status of the promoter and product.

Verify licensure status of the promoter and product. Don’t feel pressured to invest NOW!

too good to be true?

probably is.

Take notes on all telephone conversations.

too good to be true? It probably is.

Improved

BY GREG DILL

Just a reminder that Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs through December 7.

This is the time of year when you can change how you get your Medicare coverage, switch health and drug plans, and add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage. So, it’s important that you review your current coverage. Check your current enrollment at medicare.gov/find-a-plan/enrollment/check-enrollment.aspx.

If you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, you don’t need to do a thing during open enrollment. But people often find they can save money or find a plan that better meets their health needs by shopping around.

To help you shop for 2023 Medicare health and drug plans, we’ve just introduced an improved version of our popular Medicare Plan Finder, at medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?year=2023.

The redesigned Medicare Plan Finder makes it easier than ever to compare coverage options, shop for plans, and feel confident in your choice. This tool now works on your smartphone, tablet and desktop computer.

With Medicare Plan Finder you can:

plans

helps you choose

-Compare up to three health or drug plans side-by-side;

-Get plan costs and benefits, including which Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits;

-Build a personal drug list and find a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) that best meets your needs. We’ll start by suggesting prescriptions that you filled within the last 12 months. And when you search for a brand name drug, we’ll show it along with any lower-cost generic alternatives.

If you’re new to Medicare, you’ll need to decide upfront how you get your Medicare coverage. Medicare Plan Finder can help with this, too. By selecting “Learn more about Medicare options before I see plans,” you can compare the different ways you can Medicare coverage—through Original Medicare (with or without extra coverage) or a Medicare Advantage plan.

For a more personalized experience, you can also create your own Medicare account at MyMedicare.gov. Among other things, this account allows you to print a new Medicare card if you lose yours.

About 10,000 people enroll in Medicare each day, and we’re

improving our online tools to meet the needs of a growing number of tech-savvy beneficiaries.

But you don’t need a computer to get information on your Medicare benefits.

If you have any questions, you can always call Medicare’s tollfree number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Customer service representatives are available 24/7.

There’s also the “Medicare & You” handbook, mailed to every Medicare household in the country each fall. The handbook is available online at www.medicare.gov/medicare-you-handbook.

And let me also recommend the excellent, free counseling you can get from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP.

SHIP is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides personalized counseling to people with Medicare. You can make an appointment to speak with a SHIP counselor in-person or over the phone.

SHIP counselors are well-trained volunteers who often are enrolled in Medicare themselves, so they know the ropes. They can help you sort through different health and drug plans and help find one that’s right for you. They’re not trying to sell you any particular product.

To contact your local SHIP office, go to Shiptacenter.org.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan this fall but you’re not satisfied with it, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare between January 1 and March 31.

If you return to Original Medicare, you can also buy a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) during this period.

Having trouble paying for your prescription drug plan (Part D)? You may be eligible for the Extra Help program, which helps cover your premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

Medicare beneficiaries typically save $4,900 annually with Extra Help.

For more information, go to SSA.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Paci c Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

HMOs Which Assume Responsibility for Medicare Coverage

COMPANY

Premium or Subscription Charges

Registration or Policy Fee

Pre-existing Health Conditions

Costs on Entry to Hospital

Maximum Period of Coverage for Any One Benefit

Skilled Nursing Facility

Medical Coverage for Part B

Outpatient Care

Physician care for hospital or office services, surgery, anesthesia, X-ray, laboratory, injections, splints, casts, dressings, physical and speech therapy, radiology, ambulance, prosthetics, etc.

United HealthCare AARP MedicareComplete Plan 2 (HMO-POS) H0609-027

(Plan 2 & 3 Available in Maricopa and Pinal Counties)

$0

Premium

Outpatient Prescription Drugs

United HealthCare AARP MedicareComplete Plan 3 (HMO-POS) H0609-044

(Plan 2 & 3 Available in Maricopa and Pinal Counties)

$30

Premium

$175.00 days 1-7 $145.00 days 1-7

Hospital - unlimited number of authorized, medically necessary days. Other limitations may apply for other benefits

$0.00 days 1-20/ $196.00 days 21-33/ $0.00 days 34-100

Covered in full after applicable copayments/coinsurance.

$0 Preventative Screenings. $0 copay for PCP and $10 for special ist. ER Copay $90, waived if admitted, DME 20%. Ambulance - air and land copay $1950. Outpatient surgery at hospital/$175 and outpatient surgery at ASC is $75. Lab copay $0. Xray copay $15. Copays and coinsurance count toward the out of pocket max of $2,500.

Hospital - unlimited number of authorized, medically necessary days. Other limitations may apply for other benefits

$0.00 days 1-20/ $196.00 days 21-33/ $0.00 days 34-100

Covered in full after applicable copayments/coinsurance.

$0 Preventative Screenings. $0 copay for PCP and $10 for specialist. Emergency care/$90, waived if admitted. DME/20%. Ambulance - air and land copay $210. Outpatient surgery: at hospital/$145 at ASC/$50. Lab copay $0. Xray copay $15. Copays and coinsurance count toward the out of pocket max of $2,500. NO REFERRALS NEEDED FROM PCP TO SEE A SPECIALIST WITHIN THEIR CHOSEN NETWORK

*NO PART D Deductibles and Tier 1/2 drug coverage in the gap. Plan allows for 100 day Rx fill. $35 monthly insulin copay max*

Tier 1 is $0 copay, Tier 2 is $8, Tier 3 is $45, Tier 4 $95, and Tier 5 is 33% to the initial coverage limit of $4660. Coverage for Tiers 1 and 2 in the gap. Remaining tiers are paid by the member until out of pocket costs equal $7400. Castastropic level applies after $7400 and member would pay 5% or $3.60 for Generic and Preferred Brand, All other 5% or $8.95.

*NO PART D Deductibles and Tier 1/2 drug coverage in the gap. Plan allows for 100 day Rx fill. $35 monthly insulin copay max*

Tier 1 is $0 copay, Tier 2 is $8, Tier 3 is $45, Tier 4 $95, and Tier 5 is 33% to the initial coverage limit of $4430 . No coverage after $4430 until out of pocket costs equal to $7050. Then 5% or $3.60 for Generic and Preferred Brand, All other 5% or $8.95.

Out of Area Worldwide coverage for emergency with a $90 copay (waived if admitted to hospital). Routine & preventive care is covered out of member’s residence county w/Passport Benefit.

Major Options Available from Company

A.M. Best Company Rating

For More Information

Plan includes: Fitness benefits, routine eye exam and hardware, routine podiatry visits, hearing aid coverage, OTC, improved dental coverage, and a large network of Providers

Worldwide coverage for emergency with a $90 copay (waived if admitted to hospital). Routine & preventive care is covered out of member’s residence county w/Passport Benefit.

Plan includes: Fitness benefits, routine eye exam and hardware, routine podiatry visits, hearing aid coverage, OTC, improved dental coverage, and a large network of Providers

1-800-547-5514 TTY 712 including additional plan options (PPO) www.aarpmedicareplans.com

1-800-547-5514 TTY 712 including additional plan options (PPO) www.aarpmedicareplans.com

HMOs Which Assume Responsibility for Medicare Coverage

COMPANY

Premium or Subscription Charges

Registration or Policy Fee

Blue Medicare Advantage Classic (HMO)

(Maricopa and Pinal Counties)

$0 monthly premium

Blue Medicare Advantage Plus (HMO) (Maricopa and Pinal Counties)

monthly premium

Pre-existing Health Conditions - - - - -

Costs on Entry to Hospital

Days 1-6 $250 per day

Days 1-6 $225 per day

Maximum Period of Coverage for Any One Benefit 364 days in a calendar year 364 days in a calendar year

Skilled Nursing Facility

Medical Coverage for Part B

Outpatient Care

Physician care for hospital or office services, surgery, anesthesia, X-ray, laboratory, injections, splints, casts, dressings, physical and speech therapy, radiology, ambulance, prosthetics, etc.

Outpatient Prescription Drugs

Days 1-20 $0/Day; Days 21-40 $196/Day Days 41-100 $0/day

Covered in full after applicable copayments/coinsurance

$0 Primary Care, $35 Specialist Copay, $35 Urgent care, $20 Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 Lab copay, $20 most x-rays, $200 ASC, $275 Ground Ambulance

T1 Preferred Generic $0, T2 Generic $9

Extended Day supply for T1/ T2 100 days for one copay; T3 Preferred Brand $ 47; T4 Non Preferred Brand $100; T5 Speciality 33%; T6 Part D Vaccines $0 Network Pharmacies nationwide.

Renewability of Contract Renewable annually

Travel Restrictions Out of Area

Coverage throughout the United States and its Territories for emergency and Urgently needed care only; WorldWide: Covered outside of the United States: Emergency Care, Urgent Care and/ or Emergency ambulance transportation from the scene of an emergency to the nearest medical treatment facility. Transporta tion back to the United States from another country is not covered. Copay/Benefit Limits apply.

Days 1-20 $0/Day; Days 21-40 $196/Day Days 41-100 $0/day

Covered in full after applicable copayments/coinsurance

$0 Primary Care, $25 Specialist Copay, $25 Urgent care, $10 Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 Lab copay, $10 most x-rays, $150 ASC, $275 Ground Ambulance

T1 Preferred Generic $0, T2 Generic $9 Extended Day supply for T1/ T2 100 days for one copay; T3 Preferred Brand $ 47; T4 Non Preferred Brand $100; T5 Speciality 33% ; T6 Part D Vaccines $0 Network Pharmacies nationwide.

Renewable annually

Coverage throughout the United States and its Territories for emergency and Urgently needed care only; WorldWide: Covered outside of the United States: Emergency Care, Urgent Care and/ or Emergency ambulance transportation from the scene of an emergency to the nearest medical treatment facility. Transporta tion back to the United States from another country is not covered.

Copay/Benefit Limits apply.

Major Options Available from Company

A.M. Best Company Rating

For More Information

Silver&Fit, over-the-counter allowance, No charge upgrade to rechargeable hearing aids, eyewear allowance, 30 visits for Complementary Medicine (Chiro/ Acupuncture/Therapeutic Massage) using preferred network providers, Coverage Limitations apply; Preventive/Comprehensive Dental $2,000 max. benefit

Medicare STAR ratings released in October

For more information about all of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Medicare Advantage plans or to register for a seminar please call 1-888-273-4093, TTY:711.

Daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Oct 1 - Mar 31. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.8:00p.m. April 1 - Sept 30.

Silver&Fit, over-the-counter allowance, No charge upgrade to rechargeable hearing aids, eyewear allowance, 30 visits for Complementary Medicine (Chiro/ Acupuncture/Therapeutic Massage) using preferred network providers, Coverage Limitations apply; Preventive/Comprehensive Dental $3,000 max. benefit

Medicare STAR ratings released in October

For more information about all of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Medicare Advantage plans or to register for a seminar please call 1-888-273-4093, TTY:711.

Daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Oct 1 - Mar 31. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.8:00p.m. April 1 - Sept 30.

Angels

& Burial

HMOs Which Assume Responsibility for Medicare Coverage

COMPANY

Premium or Subscription Charges

Registration or Policy Fee

Pre-existing Health Conditions

Costs on Entry to Hospital

Plan 2

$0 monthly premium

Days 1-6 $200 per day

Maximum Period of Coverage for Any One Benefit 364 days in a calendar year

Skilled Nursing Facility Days 1-20 $0/Day; Days 21-40 $196/Day Days 41-100 $0/day

Medical Coverage for Part B

Outpatient Care

Physician care for hospital or office services, surgery, anesthesia, X-ray, laboratory, injections, splints, casts, dressings, physical and speech therapy, radiology, ambulance, prosthetics, etc.

Outpatient Prescription Drugs

Covered in full after applicable copayments/coinsurance

$0 Primary Care, $35 Specialist Copay, $35 Urgent care, $10 Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 Lab copay, $10 most x-rays, $150 ASC, $275 Ground Ambulance

T1 Preferred Generic $0, T2 Generic $7 Extended Day supply for T1/ T2 100 days for one copay; T3 Preferred Brand $ 47; T4 Non Preferred Brand $100; T5 Speciality 33%; T6 Part D Vaccines $0 Network Pharmacies nationwide.

Renewability of Contract Renewable annually

Travel Restrictions Out of Area

Coverage throughout the United States and its Territories for emergency and Urgently needed care only; WorldWide: Covered outside of the United States: Emergency Care, Urgent Care and/or Emergency ambu lance transportation from the scene of an emergency to the nearest medical treatment facility. Transportation back to the United States from another country is not covered. Copay/Benefit Limits apply.

Major Options Available from Company

A.M. Best Company Rating

Silver&Fit, over-the-counter allowance, No charge upgrade to rechargeable hearing aids, eyewear allowance, 30 visits for Complementary Medicine (Chiro/ Acupuncture/Therapeutic Massage) using preferred network providers, Coverage Limitations apply; Preventive/Comprehensive Dental $2,000 max. benefit

Medicare STAR ratings released in October

For More Information

For more information about all of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Medicare Advantage plans or to register for a seminar please call 1-888-273-4093, TTY:711.

Daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Oct 1 - Mar 31. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 8:00p.m. April 1 - Sept 30.

casts, dressings, physical and speech therapy, radiology, ambulance, prosthetics, etc.

Outpatient Prescription Drugs

$0 (INN), $30 (OON) Primary Care, $30 (INN) $50 (OON) Specialist Copay, $30 (INN) $30 (OON) Urgent care, $40 (INN) 40% (OON) Copay Physical/ Speech/ Occupational Therapy, $0 (INN) 40% (OON) Lab copay, $0 (INN) 40% (OON) most x-rays, $200 (INN) 40% (OON) ASC, $275 (INN) 40% (OON) Ground Ambulance

T1 Preferred Generic $0, T2 Generic $9 Extended Day supply for T1/ T2 100 days for one copay; T3 Preferred Brand $ 47; T4 Non Preferred Brand $100; T5 Speciality 33%; T6 Part D Vaccines $0 Network Pharmacies nationwide.

Renewability of Contract Renewable annually

Travel Restrictions Out of Area

Coverage throughout the United States and its Territories for emergency and Urgently needed care only; WorldWide: Covered outside of the United States: Emergency Care, Urgent Care and/or Emergency ambulance transportation from the scene of an emergency to the nearest medical treatment facility. Transportation back to the United States from another country is not covered. Copay/Benefit Limits apply.

Major Options Available from Company

A.M. Best Company Rating

Silver&Fit, over-the-counter allowance, No charge upgrade to rechargeable hearing aids, eyewear allowance, 30 visits for Complementary Medicine (Chiro/ Acupuncture/Therapeutic Massage) using preferred network providers, Coverage Limitations apply; Preventive/Comprehensive Dental $3,000 max. benefit

STAR ratings released in October

For More Information

For more information about all of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Medicare Advantage plans or to register for a seminar please call 1-888-273-4093, TTY:711.

Daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Oct 1 - Mar 31. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 8:00p.m. April 1 - Sept 30.

Missy Shy needs to get her mojo back

BY MARISA PEER

QDear Marisa:

After five years being single, I am in such a good place and recently decided to start dating again as while I am perfectly happy on my own, I would love someone to share my time with.

At first I was worried it would be a bit of a minefield at my age (I’m 56), but I have met the most wonderful man who makes me feel alive and like I’m 25 again! We have so much in common and have been on several dates now. While we are taking things slowly, I can really see myself with him long term and we have agreed that we are now exclusive.

I couldn’t be happier, but now that we have agreed we are committed to only dating each other, I have started to get panicked about progressing our relationship to the next level — because while we have kissed and cuddled, we haven’t been intimate yet.

We are really open with each other — which is so refreshing — and have discussed this. He has reassured me that there’s no rush and he is happy to just go with the flow when I’m ready, but I feel so stressed out, because while I want to be physical with him, I am so self-conscious about my body and terrified of getting naked in front of him.

I’m not overweight, but just very conscious of how my body looks, particularly as I haven’t been with someone sexually for so long.

My new partner tells me all the time that I am beautiful and he finds me sexy, but when I look in the mirror all I see is an average looking middle-aged woman looking back. It’s crazy because I would describe myself as a confident woman, but when it comes to seeing myself as a sexual being again, I am struggling to get my mojo back!

Please help, Marisa!

Missy Shy, Mesa

ADear Missy Shy,

I am delighted to hear that your dating experience has been a good one! Clearly, you took the time to work on yourself and are in a great place to begin a new relationship now.

After five years of being single, of course, it’s going to be an adjustment being with someone again, and you are likely to be apprehensive at first — but your new partner is being supportive and isn’t pressuring you, which is great to hear.

It’s also a good sign that you already seem to have clear lines of communication with one another — which is so im-

more support. That’s why

help keep you healthy. They’re designed to

you need on top of your other health benefits.

to find out if this plan is right for you.

Call today.

A licensed agent will answer your call. 1-844-404-6878 (TTY: 711)

8 AM–8 PM, 7 days a week, from October 1 to March 31

8 AM–5 PM, Monday - Friday, from April 1 - Setpember 30

Visit us online. aet.na/veterans

Learn more about our plans.

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex and does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. If you speak a language other than English, free language assistance services are available. Visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or the phone number on your benefit ID card. In addition, our health plan provides auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, when necessary, to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to communicate effectively with us. Our health plan also provides language assistance services, free of charge, for people with limited English proficiency. If you need these services, visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or on your benefit ID card. If you believe that we have failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with our Grievance Department (write to the address listed in your Evidence of Coverage). You can also file a grievance by phone by calling the Customer Service phone number listed on your benefit ID card (TTY: 711). If you need help filing a grievance, call Customer Service Department at the phone number on your benefit ID card. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/cp/complaint_frontpage.jsf. ESPAÑOL (SPANISH): Si habla un idioma que no sea inglés, se encuentran disponibles servicios gratuitos de asistencia de idiomas. Visite nuestro sitio web o llame al número de teléfono que figura en este documento.

Grandparents can guard themselves against catching kids’ colds

BY FRED CICETTI

Question: Since I started being a baby-sitting grandparent, I seem to be getting more colds. I must be catching germs from the kids, right?

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports that schoolchildren get as many as 12 colds a year. Put those kids near their grandparents and it doesn’t take a scientist to know that those colds are going to spread.

My personal physician -- also a grandfather -- says that one of the problems is that these walking petri dishes come home from school with new germs for which older people haven’t developed antibodies.

Any grandparent will tell you that being around their little trea sures has made them sick. My seven grandchildren are generous with all the viruses they get from their school chums.

What are you supposed to do when one of the darlings comes up to you with a runny nose and asks for a hug? Well, if you understand the hazards, perhaps you can formulate a plan that works for you around the miraculous children of your children.

Obviously, the best course of action is to stay away from grand

children when they have colds, but any grandparent knows that’s next to impossible.

There are two ways you can catch a cold:

1. Inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air.

2. Touching a surface that has cold germs and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

So, avoid close facial contact with your ailing grandchildren. Use some restraint. If the child needs comfort, limit yourself to hugs that don’t put you in the position of inhaling their germs.

Washing your hands thoroughly and often is important. Washing with soap and water doesn’t kill the cold virus, but removes it. The scrubbing is more important than the soap. Also, if you can, try to avoid touching your face after you have been around a child with a cold.

Rhinoviruses can live up to three hours on your skin, and on ob jects such as telephones and stair railings. Cleaning environmental surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant might help prevent the spread of infection.

Where are these viruses found most often? No, not in the bath room. The worst room in the house for germs is the kitchen. And the greatest concentration is found in sponges and dishcloths.

Laundering a dishcloth doesn’t eliminate germs. And putting a sponge through the dishwasher makes it look clean but doesn’t remove the infection. Instead, moisten the sponge or dishcloth and microwave it for two minutes. Then you’ll have safe, germ-free tools to use.

These tips will help, but the reality is that you’re going to catch some colds. They’re the price of being a caregiver. It’s the price you paid as a parent. Now you’re having a second chance for all that love... and all those germs.

Shingles: No laughing matter

Question: I heard a comedian make a humorous reference to “shingles.” I had shingles and I didn’t find any humor in the experience. Am I missing something?

Shingles is a painful skin disease caused by the chickenpox virus awakening from a dormant state to attack your body again. Some people report fever and weakness when the disease starts. Within two to three days, a red, blotchy rash develops. The rash erupts into small blisters that look like chickenpox. And it’s very painful.

Does this sound funny? I don’t think so.

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. Half of all Americans will get shingles by the time they are 80. Shingles occur in people of all ages, but it is most common in people between 60 and 80. Each year, about one million Americans are diagnosed with shingles.

The virus that causes chickenpox and shingles remains in your body for life. It stays inactive until a period when your immunity is down. And, when you’re older, your defenses ain’t what they used to be.

The inactive virus rests in nerve cells near the spine. When it reactivates, it follows a single nerve path to the skin. The shingles rash helps with its diagnosis; the rash erupts in a belt-like pattern on only one side of the body, or it appears on one side of the face. It usually begins as a patch of red dots which become blisters.

Physicians treat shingles with antiviral and pain medications. The antivirals don’t cure shingles, but they weaken the virus, reduce the pain and accelerate healing. The antiviral medications work faster if they are started early (within 72 hours of the appearance of the rash).

The disease’s name comes from the Latin word cingulum, which means “belt.” The virus that causes shingles is varicella-zoster, which combines the Latin word for “little pox” with the Greek word for “girdle.” In Italy, shingles is often called St. Anthony’s Fire.

If you have had chickenpox, shingles is not contagious. If you have never had chickenpox, you can catch the virus from coming into contact with the fluid in shingles blisters. However, you will not get shingles, but you could get chickenpox.

The pain of shingles can be severe. If it is strong and lasts for months or years, it is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Persistent pain is a common symptom in people over 60. However, most victims of shingles overcome their symptoms in about a month. And the odds are against them getting shingles again.

One care team, everything you need

BY OPTUM

At Optum, you get a primary care doctor and a dedicated care team. They work with your doctor to care for the “whole you.”

Primary care made easy

Primary care is the gateway to better health. You’ll find more than 80 primary care providers at 20-plus Optum Primary Care clinics across the Phoenix metro area. Plus have access to more than 600 additional providers, 2,200 specialists, and 33 hospitals through the Optum network.

Our doctors specialize in everyday health needs, from regular checkups to caring for you when you’re injured or ill. Your doctor will get to know you, answer your questions and help you reach health care goals that are important to you.

If you ever need more than primary care, your doctor will direct you to the right specialists and services. Your doctor will also work closely with your entire care team and stay on top of all your care.

Virtual care

Get care when and where you need it. All it takes is a computer,

smartphone or tablet. Getting the right care anywhere is easier than ever.

Community centers

Optum Care Community Centers offer a welcoming place to get active and stay healthy. We offer no-cost classes and events to help improve physical, mental and emotional health. Programming centered for people ages 55 and older.

Cameo Foundation aids domestic violence shelters

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When Herme Sherry was named Ms. Senior Arizona in 2004, she was asked what she planned to do during her reigning year. “I said, ‘I want to help somebody,’” Sherry says. She, in turn, created the Cameo Foundation, the beneficiary of the Ms. Senior Arizona Pageant. The Cameo Foundation originally raised funds for Alzheimer’s disease organizations, but Sherry has since changed her focus to domestic violence shelters because, she says, the need is greater there.

“We felt that cancer and heart disease and Alzheimer’s get national help, but domestic violence does not,” Sherry says. Sherry says now is the time to start talking openly about domestic violence.

“When I grew up, it was a secret,” she says. “You didn’t talk about it. It still is, to a certain degree. Ladies need to know that they do have an option. They don’t have to stay. The children are frozen in fear. And shelters are struggling for funds to keep the doors open.”

The Cameo Foundation hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise monies for those shelters. Keep tabs on cameofoundation.org for a list of those events. The next Ms. Senior

Arizona Pageant is tentatively scheduled for March at Valley Vista Performing Arts Center in Surprise. For more information, call 602-788-9556.

Ken and Herme Sherry, Ms. Senior Arizona 2004, run The Cameo Foundation. (Photo special to LLAF)

the

Donna Pettman

MISTER.

from MASTER

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank quares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

SCRAMBLERS

the

to form the

the

which

the

DIFFICULTY THIS MONTH H H H Moderate HH Difficult HHH GO FIGURE!

Patient discovers his purpose: Lego

BY LIN SUE FLOOD

Forget bingo. Forget “old movies.” Ron Parmley has no interest in the activities his housemates enjoy at Lincoln Heights, an assisted living home in Phoenix. “I’ve always liked to work with my hands,” the 82-year-old explains.

Ron used to build coffee tables, end tables, pool tables and shuffleboard tables in his woodshop — and that was just as a hobby. When his health declined, his three doting daughters put their heads together to figure out what could replace woodworking. “We thought, ‘Maybe he’d like Lego.’ So we got him the Lego kit for the Golden Gate Bridge,” Robin Parmley recalls. It was the first of more than 40 elaborate sets that now adorn the living room of Lincoln Heights, where he is known as the “Lego Master,” no relation to the Fox TV show. They include the Taj Mahal, White House, Disney Castle, Ice Castle, Hogwarts Castle, a three-floor police station, Barcelona’s Camp Nou soccer stadium, Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” and a 10,000-piece masterpiece called the Haunted House.

“It’s not that difficult if you just follow directions,” says Ron, who calls The Lego Store his happy place.

But a few weeks ago, Robin wondered if her father would ever complete another Lego project.

“We were taking Dad to the ER a lot and knew he needed more care, so we called Hospice of the Valley. Like a lot of people, we felt like we were giving up,” she shares. “But

we don’t feel that way anymore. In fact, it’s just the opposite. They have been so attentive to his needs — physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s been amazing. I feel that we are a team with a common goal.”

The goal: to help Ron regain his energy and appetite. His family believes the personalized care and 24/7 support have allowed him to bounce back. “Once we called at 2 in the morning and a nurse came out. Having constant access is very comforting,” Robin says.

Hospice of the Valley social worker Cathy Jacobsen couldn’t help but notice Ron’s Lego projects while visiting her other patients at the group home. Now that she is part of his care team, she loves watching him build each set from scratch, sometimes in a matter of days.

“What he does is so unique, we had to tell his story. I knew it would boost his spirits,” she says. “I’m very happy that more people will be inspired by his Lego creations.”

So now, when Robin visits Ron and sees him working on his latest Lego project, “I see a lot more than a toy. I see progress,” she says. “Our family knows hospice was the right decision, and that’s a great feeling.”

What’s next for Ron? “He’s waiting for Lego to come up with a kit for the Arizona Cardinals stadium,” Robin says with a laugh. “I hope they realize how therapeutic Legos are for grown-ups.”

Lin Sue Flood is director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley. To learn more about services and programs, call 602-530-6900 or visit hov.org.

Ron Parmley pictured with his daughter, Robin. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

Ron Parmley has built over 40 Lego sets. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

portant when building a healthy, happy relationship. If you feel comfortable and haven’t already, why not tell your partner about how you are anxious about moving to a physical relationship.

You say that he tells you that he finds you desirable but that you don’t have that belief in yourself, so here’s what we need to work on!

When you’re next looking in the mirror, take a moment to notice your thoughts — what is that little voice inside your head saying to you? For example, if you are looking in the mirror and it’s saying you are old and ugly — ask yourself, is that fact or fiction? (It’s always the latter.) But it’s these stories we tell ourselves each day that hugely impact our lives, beliefs and confidence.

However, when we stop to observe our thoughts, we find that most of the time, these are actually untruths — a habitual story we tell ourselves — but when we challenge it, we can start to develop better patterns of thought and habit. I write about this in my latest book, “Tell Yourself a Better Lie.”

So instead of honing in on what you perceive as unattractive, take some time and focus on parts of your body and features you like most. Silence that inner critic and call on your inner cheerleader — who tells you that you are beautiful, shouts about how strong and amazing you are, and how that has reflected out into the universe and drawn a wonderful new partner to you. Then, over time, watch how your viewpoint and feelings change. When we care for someone, they are beautiful to us, and your man is not looking for a perfect body; he is looking for a warm lovely authentic woman and that’s who you are. I work with many women with perfect bodies whose relationships don’t work out as that is not what we want.

It is very important to work on body confidence. If you are still struggling with it, I recommend checking out my I Am Enough program. It can help you understand the root cause of this issue and rewire your thinking to leave you with an unshakable certainty and conviction that you are enough and will always be enough.

Finally, take your time, talk about your concerns and relax! Why not plan a weekend away together, buy some new clothes and lingerie which make you feel good? Make it special, ease the pressure, let it flow, and most of all, enjoy it!

You’ve got this, beautiful lady!

Lots of love, Marisa x

Send your questions to media@marisapeer.com, and keep up with her online at marisapeer.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“Tell Yourself a Better Lie: Use the Power of Rapid Transformational Therapy to Edit Your Story and Rewrite Your Life” is available on Amazon. For more information about I Am Enough, visit shop.marisapeer.com

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