I hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July, the summer is flying right on by. This warm weather makes me think of wonderful, healthy meals using fresh ingredients so I’m focusing on that for this column.
Written by By Catherine Field | Humana Medicare President in Washington
What is happening:
To combat identity theft, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be changing the format of all Medicare numbers, which means that every existing Medicare beneficiary will get an updated Medicare Card that lists their new Medicare number.
Now that the warm weather has returned many of you may be jump starting your exercise routines. This may trigger aches and pains in your body. This can be mild, moderate or even severe pain in which the body remains in an activated state for months or even years without significant relief. Having pain everyday can take a toll on a person’s physical energy and emotional well-being. Chronic pain can present itself as headaches, joint pain, neck pain, back pain, or even elsewhere like the abdomen or pelvis. Other side effects from constant pain can result in fatigue, lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, anger, or irritability.
Summer is upon us and it is a great time to enjoy all of the activities available to us in the Pacific Northwest. I encourage you to get outside and exercise to your full potential. It is always good to talk with a doctor to find out what kind of exercise is safe and healthy for your heart and body.
The best type of exercise to build up your cardiovascular health is anything that gets the heart pumping. The heart is a big muscle and the more heart pumping exercise you do, the stronger it will get. How do you know if you are getting a good cardio workout? Most people cannot carry on a conversation during the efficient cardio workout zone, for example while they are running or biking or doing an exercise class. Cardiovascular exercise is also good for weight loss, detoxification and it is the number one antioxidant activity activator (think anti-aging to the maximum!). Running is good for building leg muscles and core strength, but this kind of weight bearing exercise may not be right for people with osteoarthritis in the knees, hips or ankles. Weight bearing exercise like hiking, running and weight lifting is good for people with low bone density, to help rebuild healthy bones.
Depressive disorders don’t take holidays. Stress management can be key to maintaining mental health.
It is no secret that the holiday season can be a stressful time. With family gatherings, office parties, gift exchanges, and other demands on our time and attention, the final month of the year can be a trying time for even the most optimistic and enthusiastic people.
