Ordering Glasses Online: Befitting has the Answers

April 7, 2022

Today, you can get almost everything online — even groceries are now ordered online or delivered through an app. So it’s a modern convenience that has made things easier for the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Of course, not everything is like a space-aged blockbuster, and some things still require an in-person visit, like seeing your eye doctor. That is still something that would work best as a hands-on experience for the best results concerning your eye health. But that doesn’t mean you need to stop by the optical on your way out anymore!

You can get $45 Off Your Next Order of $150+ Plus Free Shipping.

Today, you can get almost everything online — even groceries are now ordered online or delivered through an app. So it’s a modern convenience that has made things easier for the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But, of course, not everything is like a space-aged blockbuster, and some things still require an in-person visit, like seeing your eye doctor. That is still something that would work best as a hands-on experience for the best results concerning your eye health. But that doesn’t mean you need to stop by the optical on your way out anymore!

senior records audio content or podcast for his blog a serious adult european man in a baseball cap t20 LXkzY1 — FREE Standard Lenses at BeFitting.com with Code LENS2021

As an online retailer of premium eyewear in the US and Canada, Befitting has all the brands you know with the quality and style you love. Single and progressive lenses, prescription sunglasses, and ultra-lightweight lenses make finding what you need simple. Plus, Befitting leads the pack by being the most trusted optical retailer with the largest insurance providers in the country, such as EyeMed, Davis Vision, Superior Vision, United Healthcare, Spectera, and more, accepting more insurance plans than any other optical retailer.

With that said, many still worry about shopping for something so personal online. So how do you know if the glasses will work for your face shape? Will they be too big? Can I get lenses powerful enough for my prescription? All are valid concerns, and Befitting has the answers to help you decide if shopping online for your new glasses is the right choice.

To start, here are some of the most common questions regarding ordering glasses online:

How do I order my glasses? Once you find the frames you love, click the “Choose lenses” button to add them to your cart. Then, you’ll be prompted to select the type of glasses you want, prescription or no prescription. If you choose a prescription, you’ll then decide what type (Standard vs. Progressive). You’ll select your lenses (Standard, Polycarbonate, Ultra Lightweight, and BluTech), and finally, your lens treatment (None, Standard Anti-Reflective Coating, and Premium Anti-Reflective Coating). Now it’s time to checkout!
When do I submit my prescription? You will be prompted right after you place your order, but if you don’t have your prescription handy at the time of purchase, you can email it as soon as you have it.
What is PD and what if my prescription doesn’t have it? PD is an abbreviation for pupillary distance, which means the distance from the center of one pupil to the center of the other pupil. So why do you need this? Because this measurement helps craft lenses that provide you crystal clear vision. And, if you don’t have it, call your vision care provider to ask for your PD, and write it on the prescription like this: “PD-63” if you are given a single number, or “PD R-32 L-31” if you are given two measurements.
What are the maximum power ranges for eyeglasses? Maximum sphere powers +5.00 and -10.00 / Maximum cylinder power of -4.00 / Prism corrections: maximum of 2.0 (per eye) / Progressive add power: +0.75 to +3.00
How is sizing determined? Befitting has developed an exceptional tool to help you find the right frames for your style and fit. The soon-to-be-unveiled Befitting Virtual Stylist tool is an actual AI experience that intelligently identifies the shopper’s style preferences and maps their face through over 2000 points to determine the perfect fit. The Befitting opticians have created a general sizing chart to help you narrow your search.
Will my glasses need to be adjusted to fit me? As with any day-to-day wear item, small adjustments will need to be made to ensure your Befitting frames’ proper fit and comfort. Befitting’s optical experts prepare these recommendations for adjustments you can make at home.

And, if something doesn’t work out, you can return your glasses without worry within 30 days from receiving them. Befitting will be happy to assist you with the return and, as needed, email you a prepaid return shipping label.

So, step into the 21st century of frame shopping and head to Befitting to buy your next pair online. Not only will you have an array of colorful, on-trend collections to browse, but Befitting tackles even more tough questions to help you find the right frames to fit your personality and compliment your unique style.

Enjoy a 30 Day Risk-Free Purchase.

Start Shopping!

Is Medicare Plan F Going Away?

Greg Wilson, Founder

April 6, 2022

The question of whether Medicare Supplement Plan F is still available or not has been flooding the internet for some time. Unfortunately, many think it doesn’t exist anymore, whereas some think it’s still available.

This article seeks to address this heart-lingering question. Read on!

What is Medicare Plan F?

Medicare Supplement Plan F is one of the ten standardized Medicare supplemental insurance plans that give the most comprehensive coverage among the Medicare plans, making it the most popular.

There are two types of Medicare Plan F. They are:

Standard Medicare Plan F is the option that requires a monthly premium, just like any other supplement insurance plan. Private insurance companies set the premiums; costs vary based on your age, gender, tobacco use, state of residence, and how the plan is rated.
High-Deductible Medicare Plan F – This plan has a high deductible with a lower monthly premium. You must pay your entire amount before the plan covers any other costs with this option.

Are Medicare Plan F Rates Changing?

The deductible for the high-deductible plan goes up every year; The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services explained that the increasing amount is determined by the Social Security Act. That amount from 2020 to 2021 was 2.5%, which makes the 2022 deductible for Plans F, G, and J $2,490.

The standard and high-deductible plans include a $250 annual deductible for foreign travel emergency healthcare coverage.

Benefits of Medicare Plan F

Medicare Plan F offers several benefits, but we will highlight a few.

The most comprehensive plan covers 100% of the available benefits of the plan.
It covers inpatient hospital costs and coinsurance after the Medicare coverage expires for the following year.
It covers the cost of a skilled nursing care facility.
It covers the cost of the doctor’s charges.
It pays for emergency medical treatment overseas.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan F No Longer Available?

Medicare Plan F hasn’t been discontinued, but you can only sign up for it if you were previously eligible to join on January 1, 2020.
Once enrolled in a Medicare supplement plan, you are guaranteed renewable coverage if you don’t choose a different plan and continue paying your premiums.
You can still enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F if you were newly eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. You may be subject to late enrollment penalties for Part A and Part B, which you must pay in addition to your plan’s premium. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B to join a Medicare Supplement Plan.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners explains this amendment is part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), made law in 2015. This law prevented the sale of any Medigap policies that covered Part B deductibles for newly eligible individuals after January 1, 2020

What Will Replace Medicare Plan F?

Unfortunately, no plan completely replaces Medicare Plan F, but another plan closely substitutes these plans and offers similar benefits, which is Medicare Supplement Plan G.

Medicare Supplement Plan G is a great plan to consider because it offers similar benefits to Plan F. Plan G covers 100% of many benefits, including:

Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
Part B copays/coinsurance (not deductibles)
Three initial pints of blood
Part A hospice
Skilled nursing facility
Part A deductible
Part B excess charges

Plan G also covers 80% of foreign travel emergency healthcare after you meet a $250 yearly deductible. The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan G does not cover a Part B deductible.

Conclusion

A Medicare Supplement Plan helps to reduce hospital costs by a considerably low amount and covers expenses which original Medicare doesn’t cover.

To register for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you need to be first enrolled on an Original Medicare.

Medicare Plan F is available but not to everyone, but other plans like Plan G can compare to it.

References

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services | F, G & J Deductible Announcements
Medicare | Find a Medigap policy that works for you
Medicare | Part A late-enrollment penalty
Medicare | Part B late enrollment penalty
Medicare | What’s Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?
Medicare | Costs of Medigap policies
National Association of Insurance Commissioners | Medicare Supplement Enforcement – Implementing MACRA Amendments

Medicare Preventive Benefits Guide 2026

Greg Wilson, Founder

April 5, 2022

This-Weeks-Top-Stories-About-Medicare-Covers-Free-At-home-Covid-19-Tests.

Medicare covers a wide range of free preventive benefits designed to help seniors stay healthy and catch health issues early. In 2026, Medicare beneficiaries have access to more preventive services than ever before — at no cost when you see a participating provider.

What Are Medicare Preventive Benefits?

Medicare preventive benefits are covered services aimed at preventing illness or detecting health problems at an early stage. Under the Affordable Care Act, most preventive services are covered at 100% — meaning $0 out-of-pocket for you when you use a Medicare-participating provider.

Free Preventive Services Covered by Medicare in 2026

1. Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)

Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you’re entitled to a free Annual Wellness Visit. This is not a physical exam — it’s a personalized prevention plan where your doctor reviews your health history, updates your medical record, and helps you prevent disease.

Cost: $0 with Medicare Part B
Frequency: Once per year
What it includes: Blood pressure check, height/weight, depression screening, cognitive assessment, medication review

2. Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers several cancer screenings at no cost:

Mammogram (breast cancer): Once per year for women 40+
Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer): Every 10 years (or every 2 years if high risk)
Pap smear & pelvic exam (cervical cancer): Once every 24 months
Prostate cancer screening (PSA test): Once per year for men 50+
Lung cancer screening: Annually for adults 50–77 who smoke or recently quit

3. Cardiovascular Screenings

Medicare covers cardiovascular screening blood tests every 5 years — including cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride testing. These help assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.

4. Diabetes Screening & Self-Management

If you’re at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers up to 2 fasting blood glucose tests per year. If you’re already diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare also covers diabetes self-management training and supplies.

5. Vaccines & Immunizations

Medicare covers several important vaccines at no cost:

Flu vaccine: Once per flu season
COVID-19 vaccine: Covered vaccines and boosters
Pneumococcal vaccine: Up to 2 shots (different types)
Hepatitis B vaccine: If you’re at medium or high risk
RSV vaccine: One-time dose for adults 60+

6. Bone Mass Measurement (Osteoporosis)

Medicare covers bone density tests every 24 months for people at risk for osteoporosis. Women over 65 and men over 70 are considered at elevated risk.

7. Depression Screening

Medicare covers one depression screening per year in a primary care setting. Depression is common among seniors but highly treatable — early detection matters.

8. Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling

Medicare covers annual screenings for alcohol misuse and up to 4 brief counseling sessions per year if you’re found to be misusing alcohol.

9. Obesity Counseling

If your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare covers up to 22 intensive behavioral therapy sessions per year for obesity, including diet counseling.

10. “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit

Within the first 12 months of having Medicare Part B, you’re entitled to a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit. This is your chance to review your health and establish a prevention plan with your doctor — at no cost to you.

How to Use Your Medicare Preventive Benefits

To take advantage of these free services:

Choose a Medicare-participating provider — this ensures the $0 cost benefit applies
Tell your doctor you want to use your Medicare preventive benefits
Keep track of which screenings you’ve had and when you’re due for the next one
Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to confirm claims were processed correctly

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all preventive services free under Medicare?

Most preventive services covered by Medicare Part B are free when you use a participating provider. However, if your preventive visit turns into a diagnostic visit (e.g., your doctor finds something and treats it), you may pay a copay for that portion.

Does Medicare Advantage cover preventive benefits?

Yes — Medicare Advantage plans must cover all Medicare-approved preventive services at no cost. Many Advantage plans offer additional preventive benefits like dental, vision, and hearing that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Can I get COVID tests through Medicare?

Medicare covers COVID-19 lab-based diagnostic tests (PCR/antigen) ordered by a doctor at no cost. Coverage for at-home OTC COVID tests through Medicare has varied by program year — check medicare.gov for current coverage details.

Make the Most of Your Medicare Benefits

Many seniors don’t take advantage of all the free preventive benefits available to them. Don’t leave these benefits on the table. Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, stay current on screenings, and use Medicare’s preventive care program to protect your health — at no cost.

For the most current list of Medicare-covered preventive services, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

How to Recognize High Blood Pressure and Its Symptoms

Greg Wilson, Founder

April 5, 2022

How to Recognize High Blood Pressure and Its Symptoms

High blood pressure is often considered a silent or invisible condition because its symptoms are very mild. But don’t let this fool you.

Even though it may feel like you don’t have a problem due to this ‘lack’ of symptoms, this doesn’t mean it can’t cause serious damage to your health.

On the contrary, the damage can be quite extensive, especially if you don’t recognize that you have high blood pressure in a timely fashion.

Learning the most common symptoms of high blood pressure can help you identify them more easily when they do make themselves known, which means you can start treatment as early as possible.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is also called hypertension. It’s a condition that typically results in damaged or blocked arteries, which reduces how efficiently blood is able to circulate through your body. With elevated blood pressure, more wear and tear is placed on your arteries and heart.

High blood pressure can be dangerous because it restricts blood and oxygen supply to different parts of your body. This taxes your body and may lead to organ failure if it’s not appropriately managed, though most cases of hypertension don’t progress this far.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure is a measure of the force with which your blood cells press against the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s measured as one number over another.

You’ve probably heard your doctor say your blood pressure this way, but you might not have known exactly what it meant.

The first number represents your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure on your artery walls at the time the heart is contracting and squeezing blood out through the arteries. The second is your diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.

Either number being too high can indicate a problem, but it’s best to find out what the average blood pressure is over a period of time before considering further treatment.

Healthy Blood Pressure Measurements

If your blood pressure doesn’t fall into the healthy range, it needs to be investigated further. A normal systolic blood pressure reading is 120 mm Hg, while diastolic blood pressure is normally about 80 mm Hg.

Blood pressure is generally considered elevated if it’s above 140 systolic and 90 diastolic. If your blood pressure reading spikes up to levels of 180 systolic or 120 diastolic, you should seek medical attention right away.

Oftentimes, the best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to test it. You can purchase a monitor that you can use to measure your blood pressure at home or schedule an annual physical with your regular doctor.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Symptoms aren’t always present when your blood pressure is elevated, but it’s important to pay attention to them when they are. Keep a lookout for any of the following abnormalities:

Fatigue
Confusion
More frequent or severe headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Rapid heartbeat
Nosebleeds
Chest pain
Vision problems
Blood in your urine

You’ll notice that many of these symptoms are nonspecific and could apply to a number of different conditions. This is why it’s so important to have your blood pressure tested so you can know for sure why these issues may be occurring.

High Blood Pressure Treatment for Invisible Symptoms

Many people don’t realize that they have high blood pressure because their symptoms can be overlooked. They often don’t interfere with normal activity, but the problem is that the high blood pressure is still doing damage to your body.

Even though the symptoms can be somewhat invisible, high blood pressure can have very serious effects. By the time you begin to notice these effects, often, much damage has already been caused by the ongoing high blood pressure. Thus, it’s important to do all you can to normalize your blood pressure at an early stage of the diagnosis.

Most routine physicals involve checking your blood pressure. If your doctor is concerned, don’t ignore it. Simple lifestyle changes like eating better and getting more exercise can go a long way toward reducing hypertension.

Final Thoughts

Regular check-ups will help to reduce your risk of damage to your body from uncontrolled high blood pressure. The sooner you make a change to more healthy habits, the sooner you’ll see improvements in your blood pressure.

Over time, you’ll start to feel better too. The only way to get proper treatment for your high blood pressure is by seeing your doctor or healthcare provider. Be sure to do your part in identifying whether or not the condition exists.

What Are the Most Common Arthritis Types People Can Have?

Greg Wilson, Founder

April 3, 2022

What Are the Most Common Arthritis Types People Can Have

Arthritis isn’t only a pain in the backside. It’s a painful inflammation that surrounds the joints in your body. Many people suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis type, but there are more than 100 other types of arthritis.

The first certainty about arthritis is that it’s misunderstood. The term ‘arthritis’ actually refers to a collection of diseased, degenerated, or painfully inflamed joints. The second certainty is that it reduces your quality of life.

Before you can learn how to manage arthritis naturally, you’ll need to learn about the seven arthritis variants that affect people globally.

Seven Main Arthritis Variants

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared the current statistics for Americans, and 54 million people suffer from some form of arthritis, while 24 million of these people have a lower quality of life.

Losing the ability to be active and fully functional is emotionally debilitating. Start understanding your variant of arthritis to manage it on your terms.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

This type of arthritis doubles as a tongue twister. Ankylosing spondylitis is a debilitating type of arthritis that affects the spine. It most commonly affects the lower spinal vertebrae that connect to the pelvic area.

Spondylitis means inflammation, and ankylosing means fused joints. The tissues between your joints wear down, and the bones fuse into an immovable joint. The bones involved are the vertebrae, and the tissues between them are known as discs.

Over time, the inflammation surrounding the discs will wear them to a non-functioning state, which causes a condition referred to as bamboo spine. Men are more likely to suffer from AS, and it’s also genetically inherited with the human leukocyte antigen B27 protein.

Having the B27 protein doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop AS, and some patients can develop AS even though they don’t have the B27 genetic marker. AS can also be caused by autoimmune dysfunction.

Gout

Gout is more common than AS, and it normally affects one joint at a time, often starting in the big toe. It’s caused by inflammation, crystallization of high levels of uric acid, or both. Unfortunately, it’s also extremely painful.

Repeated flares are a sign that the condition isn’t simply temporary but, instead, has evolved into inflammatory gouty arthritis.

It’s quite intriguing to think how common gout is in patients when you consider that it’s one of the easiest to manage and can often be prevented. It’s best to make use of nutritional and lifestyle changes and leave medication as a last resort.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is a broad-spectrum term used to cover arthritis in children. Yes, even children can suffer from arthritis. It’s either genetic, the result of an injury, or inflammation from a continuing autoimmune phenomenon.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is called the degenerative type because it often comes with age and the wear and tear you experience in life. Its main targets are the hips, knees, and hands. Risk factors for developing this type are overusing joints, sedentary behavior, old injuries, and obesity.

Age and gender also play a role, and genetics and ethnicity are also determining risk factors. Asian cultures have a lower risk of developing it. Fortunately, OA can be easily managed with a proactive lifestyle.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis typically affects people with skin conditions like psoriasis. People often don’t realize how an infection in the body or on the skin can impact their bone and tissue health.

Reactive Arthritis

This is another type of arthritis that develops after having an infection, most commonly food poisoning or sexually transmitted infections. It affects the feet, hips, toes, ankles, and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type. It normally develops when the body’s self-defense system becomes self-destructive, attacking the body instead of defending it.

RA is an autoimmune disorder that commonly affects the hands and feet, but it can also harm your organs. RA can be managed effectively with the same lifestyle changes as most arthritis variants.

Final Thoughts

Knowing more about the type of arthritis you’re experiencing is the starting point, but you must also learn about what causes it. With this knowledge, you can manage your condition much better.

Arthritis Variants Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions people ask.

References

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis#:~:text=Degenerative%20Arthritis,and%20pain%20may%20become%20chronic.

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm#:~:text=Fast%20Facts,arthritis%20report%20severe%20joint%20pain.

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/juvenile-arthritis#:~:text=Juvenile%20arthritis%20is%20the%20term,is%20usually%20an%20autoimmune%20disorder

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reactive-arthritis/

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%2023%25%20of%20all%20adults%2C%20or,%2C%20rheumatoid%20arthritis%2C%20and%20lupus

The Complete Hearing Solution That’s Changing An Industry

Greg Wilson, Founder

March 31, 2022

THE COMPLETE HEARING SOLUTION THAT’S CHANGING AN INDUSTRY

Lexie Hearing^® is an innovative game-changer in the US hearing aid market. We’re on a mission to make better hearing accessible for everyone with a reliable, affordable hearing care solution: the Lexie Lumen hearing aid.

The Lexie Hearing team is passionate about helping you enjoy healthy hearing without the need to spend thousands of dollars on hearing aids.

Why? Because too many people who would benefit from wearing hearing aids don’t have them because they’re simply too expensive. That’s why Lexie Hearing^® is changing the industry. We’re helping people hear the life they love with real, digital hearing aids, a customer care program, and an easy-to-use mobile app that gives them control of their hearing health. All this at a price they can afford.

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Do I Have Neuropathy: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Greg Wilson, Founder

March 31, 2022

Do I Have Neuropathy, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As we slowly and gracefully navigate through our Golden Years, life continues to present unpleasant surprise twists and turns with declining health. So one day, you feel pretty good, and the next day you don’t.

Take Ms. Ruthie, a 64-year-old Hairstylist with type 2 diabetes. Her once vibrant and successful 35-year career in hair care resulted in forced retirement due to symptoms related to Neuropathy. She started experiencing short periods of weakness and pain with walking and standing because of swollen legs and feet. Later, she began feeling dizzy and weak. She ignored these symptoms by attributing them to her age, diabetes, and work-related stress.

Do I Have Neuropathy. The Good the Bad and the Ugly 1

As the pain and weakness continued, she found it difficult to perform simple daily tasks around the salon. These unwelcome and unexpected problems were affecting her mobility more and more. To alleviate her discomfort, Ms. Ruthie decided to hire a part-time Hairstylist, purchase a walking cane for balance, and a pair of quality comfortable shoes. This was a short-term solution that worked well until the numbness in her hands flared up months later. She simply described her hands as feeling as if they were inside a bag of sand. This prompted her to make a doctor’s appointment, and she was immediately referred to a Neurologist for further examination. Ms. Ruthie was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Pronounced as noo–rop–uh-thee, Neuropathy is defined as nerve damage and nerve pain.

Neuropathy Symptoms

Common symptoms include a frequent feeling of “pins and needles” in the leg, feet, and hands. Persistent tingling of the extremities with stabbing pains often shooting down to the feet. Bare feet feel covered up. Insomnia occurs due to constant pain. There’s excessive sweating or inability to sweat. Muscle weakness, dizziness, loss of balance, and lack of coordination are possible. You may experience sensitivity to the slightest touch as well as intolerance to heat and cold.

Neuropathy Types Defined

There are four known types of Neuropathy: Peripheral, Autonomic, Focal, and Proximal.

Peripheral Neuropathy is nerve damage, dysfunction, and pain to parts of your nervous system like your peripheral nerves. It can develop from a brain injury, stroke, alcohol abuse, or other medical conditions like diabetes, a leading cause of chronic pain. Symptoms can worsen and tend to flare up due to triggers related to inflammation, infection, swelling, and physical pressure on the nerve.

Autonomic Neuropathy affects the involuntary nerves that control the organs of your body. These nerves control heart rate, heart contraction strength, blood pressure, urination, intestine movements like diarrhea and constipation.

Focal Neuropathy is common. It includes conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome caused by compression of hand and wrist nerves. Compression can occur due to pressure from prolonged positions or from overusing a limb in a manner that causes inflammation.

Proximal Neuropathy is less common than other neuropathy types. It affects nerves of the limbs such as the thighs, upper arm, or shoulders. It is common to occur along with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Causes of Neuropathy

A number of factors can lead to a neuropathy diagnosis. Diabetes is the main cause where you experience pain, burning, and loss of sensation in the feet and hands. For example, deficiency in vitamins B1, B6, B12, E, and Niacin can harm nerve function. Excessive alcohol consumption causes low levels of Thiamine which is vital for proper nerve function. Nerve damage can occur because of injuries or intense physical activities that compress the nerves. Normal oxygen levels due to vascular disorders that reduce blood flow to the extremities, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases can also cause Neuropathy. Other diseases such as kidney and liver disorders, tumors, myeloma, and lymphoma are also known triggers.

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Senior Living Communities Defined and Choosing What’s Best

Greg Wilson, Founder

March 28, 2022

Senior Living Communities Defined and Choosing What’s Best

We know growing old gracefully has its challenges. A major one involves the elderly being forced to alter their current living arrangements and move to a senior-assisted facility. In most situations, this is due to physical disabilities or other unusual and questionable behavior, it gradually or suddenly becomes necessary. The decision is often made by the person’s family member, guardian, or another concerned individual. This possibly involves the senior facing the grim reality of choosing to leave the comfort of their home where children and pets were raised, dinner parties were held and many other loving memories were made. The best living lifestyle depends on which individual services are needed. The level of quality care required with daily health, safety, and maintenance needs should be considered.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of people age 65 or older, require long-term care services. Although most people believe long-term care affects only those in their senior years, 40% of individuals currently receiving these services are under the age of 64.

Knowing the differences in making the best choice on your senior living arrangements does not have to be complicated, frightening, and/or expensive. Here is what’s offered and the differences between Assisted, Supportive, and Independent Living communities.

Assisted Living

Most Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) also known as retirement homes, residential care, or long-term facilities primarily help residents with minor medical services. The goal is to treat each resident like family and provide personalized care in maintaining or regaining their independence. Currently, over 800,000 Americans currently reside in assisted living facilities, with just over half of the residents being aged 85 years and older.

Choosing assisted living vs. living at home greatly enhances the quality of life and improves health and safety. At a minimum, the apartments offer one unfurnished room, a private wheelchair-accessible bathroom, and a kitchenette. At-home maintenance is provided when needed and to make the resident’s life easy, a registered nurse and experienced care team are on-site around the clock. They assist with first-aid wound care, bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management, and physical, speech, and occupational therapies.

In addition, most ALFs have an on-site fitness center with a personal trainer, wellness center, 24/7 security, and emergency call system. Scheduled transportation is arranged to assist with medical appointments or shopping. There are three delicious and nutritious chef-prepared meals to enjoy every day. To stay sharp and fit, a monthly calendar of events is planned to encourage participation in social, spiritual, recreational, cultural, and educational programs on-site.

Care.com allows you to search for and connect with caregivers and senior living communities in your area.

The size of the facility, type of services included, and the number of services required all impact monthly fees. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living in 2020 was $4,300 per month or $51,600 annually. Costs vary by state. A Florida resident’s daily rent cost $122 (average $3,700 monthly) for a one-bedroom apartment while in New Jersey the cost is $219 (average $6,650 monthly).

Supportive Living

Supportive living communities provide personal care, daily socialization, and educational activities in a comfortable, home-like setting. Residents enjoy private apartment homes (either studio, one or two rooms), and depending on their chosen community may have access to relaxing outdoor spaces, recreational rooms, and beauty or barber services.

In contrast to assisted living, these services are provided in supportive living at a reduced or subsidized cost. Also unlike in assisted living, if a resident becomes unable to pay for the care, they are not required to move from their apartment. These financial safety nets are why supportive living communities are such an asset to seniors, their families, and communities.

For example, in 2019 my 77-year-old family member had enjoyed living in an independent senior building for many years. The camaraderie and family-like environment greatly enriched her quality of life as a senior. She was involved in coordinating various social events and made many friendships. Due to a debilitating medical diagnosis, she suddenly needed assistance with housekeeping, personal care, and more. She was faced with moving into a supportive living community. Prior to moving in, proof of income and other items were required.

Documents Needed for Supporting Living

Birth certificate and social security card
Medicare and/or Medicaid Insurance
Primary physician’s name, address, and phone number
Life insurance policies including cash surrender value
Irrevocable Trust State showing a funeral home as Trustee
Funeral home’s financial worksheet
Maximum of $2,000 in total assets
List of properties sold, transferred, or given away in the last 5 years
Financial accounts; checking, savings, 401K, trust, IRA, investments, life insurance, etc. (closed or cashed in the last 5 years)
Car ownership within the last 5 years
Any Power of Attorney (POA) for Health Care and financial property

With supportive living, rent cost is determined by personal income. She received social security insurance benefits, therefore, after the monthly rent was withdrawn this left her with a $90 monthly allowance.

Just like other senior living opportunities, services and amenities can vary from community to community. In Illinois, the minimum services required in supportive living communities include:

24/7 Nursing assistances (CNAs)
Assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication management
Three meals a day
Housekeeping and laundry service
Social, educational, and wellness activities
Arranged transportation for appointments
Wheel-chair accessible kitchenette with microwave
Wheel-chair accessible bathroom with walk-in shower
Wall-mounted TV and basic cable services
24/7 Security and Emergency Call Systems
On-site activity room, library, beauty and barber salon, fitness center and more
Social programs and activities

happy doctor and patient together at nursing home 2021 08 26 19 58 19 utc

Independent Living

Most Independent Living communities are also known as retirement communities, senior living communities, or independent retirement communities. Residents are typically 55 years and older and are mentally and physically capable of living alone without assistance with day-to-day activities. Some residents may need assistance with a few activities of daily living and can obtain various outside home health care services.

Seniors who wish to downsize or travel freely without the burden of managing a home may benefit from residing here. There is less home upkeep and increased access to nutritious meals, social interaction, physical and mental stimulation.

The most significant difference between assisted living and independent senior living is the care provided. Residents of a purpose-built independent senior living complex have taken an active decision to improve their quality of life by living in a secure, low-maintenance apartment, cottage, or home.

Independent senior living residents are able to live on their own with limited assistance and without around-the-clock supervision. Neither assisted living nor senior independent living communities offer 24/7 skilled nursing that is provided at nursing homes.

A few amenities of most independent living facilities include:

Housekeeping and laundry service
Stove, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator
On-site activity room, library, beauty and barber salon, fitness center, and more
Social programs coordinated by residents and staff
Transportation to appointments and shopping
24/7 Security and Emergency Call System
Low-income residents are also accepted at most
Small pets are welcome (in some communities)

Conclusion

Choosing to live in a senior-assisted community is possible as we grow older. Assisted Living assists you with around-the-clock minor medical needs whereas Supportive Living is based on reduced and subsidized costs and provides a few useful daily care amenities. Independent Living is for the active senior who does not require 24/7 assistance.

Moving to a senior living community can be the perfect solution. if you are struggling with making a decision, please keep in mind it’s based primarily on your physical condition and income. If you are unable to completely care for yourself, physically get around your home or community as before, it may be time to seek assistance and advice.

For more information, start with consulting with your physician, a family member, a close friend, and the Department of Health and Human Services to see the various providers and facilities. Go online for senior living communities in your area. Be it independent, supportive, or assisted living, I sincerely wish you all the best in reaching a comfortable living arrangement in improving your quality of life and fitting your needs.

Aviron Rower Review

Greg Wilson, Founder

March 27, 2022

Even if you’re not a gamer, you can likely get addicted to arcade-style games on Aviron like Row Breaker, inspired by the Atari classic Breakout, allowing you to zone out and get your full-body workout as you lose track of time.

Work up a nice sweat as you participate in games, competitions, guided workouts, and scenic virtual rows on a 22-inch display.

The Aviron rower is priced at $2,199, buying one of the most engaging smart home gym machines.

Find yourself working out longer as you swim from sharks, break down walls of bricks, shoot flying bugs, run from zombies, race Olympians, and compete against other community members.

What’s unique about this rower compared to other options in this category, like the NordicTrack RW900, is the smooth and comfortable ride, dual-resistance system, featuring a higher seat, making it easier to get on and off.

Aviron Tough vs Impact Series

The two rower models offered by Aviron are the $2,499 Tough Series and the $2,199 Impact Series. The hardware is slightly different, but the software and internal components are the same.

Both Models Feature:

Monorail design with steel/aluminum frame.
22-inch HD touch screen Android-powered with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 2MP camera, Microphone, Dual 2-watt speakers, 4GB of memory, and 32GB of storage.
16 levels of magnetic and air resistance
Nylon belt
Adjustable Footpads for different show sizes.
20-inch high seat

You can perform bicep curls, back rows, and tricep extensions to improve strength. The resistance tops out at 100 pounds when set at its highest level, which allows you to pull up to 100+ lbs with each stroke. In addition, Aviron recommends levels 1 to 10 for cardio and levels 11 to 16 for strength training moves. The rowers will automatically adjust the resistance, also available on the $1,499 NordicTrack RW900, but you can still manually adjust it with buttons on the console.

NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower ARMS 1 — NordicTrack RW900

Aviron is the only rower with integrated Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. Unlike the NordicTrack RW900, Cityrow Go Max, or Hydrow, the display tilts up and down but does not rotate side to side, making it a little harder to view all the angles when following along with the mat-based workout videos in the streaming services.

The more durable of the two models is the Tough series; it has extra steel reinforcement on the rail with commercial-grade bearings and double-width rollers and can support riders up to 507 pounds; the Impact series only supports 397 pounds. The huge benefit of going with the Tough is the ability to adjust the width between your feet, not just the length of the footpad, a feature not found on other smart rowing machines, helpful for tall, short, or heavyset riders. The footpads are 4.6 inches apart on the Impact series, and you can adjust the width.

Other models like the Ergatta have the footpads close together, for some can be problematic.

You can also use a separate sold lumbar support kit for $249 with the Tough series, which could help older adults and those with lower back issues.

With the dimensions at 95 by 21 by 43 inches (LWH), the Aviron Impact Series is about 10 inches longer than other rowing machines in its category. They are made for riders up to 6’7″ with a 38-inch inseam; the Tough series is an inch taller and longer, allowing riders up to 6’8″, so make sure you measure your room to make sure it’s going to fit!

You can fold up the Impact series when it’s not in use; when folded, it measures 54 by 21 by 62 inches (LWH) and stands upright on its own with no need for a wall mount. The Tough series does not fold, you’ll need a dedicated exercise space for this equipment, or it may not be a good fit. The Impact series is easier to move around if you need it and is slightly lighter than the Tough series (97 pounds vs. 125 pounds).

NordicTrack RW900 Smart Rower WOMAN 1 — Aviron Impact Series

Both models can be plugged into a standard power outlet and require a Wi-Fi or internet connection to access the interactive workouts.

Since the machines download the workout content to the hard drive instead of streaming it, you don’t need a fast connection and shouldn’t have buffer issues.

The machine has a nylon belt that hardly makes any noise, but the seat does while it moves along the rail, quieter than a washer machine.

Pros vs Joes

Aviron Price and Member Fees

The price starts at $2,199, so it’s certainly a high-end smart rowing machine, but it’s comparable to the other models like the Cityrow Go Max, Ergatta, and Hydrow. So you can take advantage of financing through Affirm, which starts at $62 a month for 36 months with a possible 0 down with 0% APR.

Aviron offers a 30-day trial to send it back in the original box within a month of purchase for a full refund and no restocking or return shipping fees. Their rowers feature a 10-year frame warranty and a 2-year moving parts warranty.

It would be best if you prepare to have someone assemble it for you, although Aviron says it should only take an hour to put it together yourself, attaching the rail and screen.

Aviron lumbar Support kit 1 — Lumbar Support Kit $249 for Tough Series Rower

Like most smart workout machines, there is an extra charge for the membership, which gives you access to all the games, challenges, programs, virtual rows, and the ability to stream Youtube, Netflix, and Disney+ on the built-in display. The monthly cost is $29 a month or $299 a year. You can set up multiple user profiles so everyone in the house can use it and track their individual stats.

Power Play

Even if you choose not to subscribe to the membership, you can still monitor your metrics (strokes, stroke rate, calories, pace, output, watts, distance, and elapsed time) as you row; you can track your workout stats over time and make friends on the platform.

On the bottom of the display, there is a button you can use to navigate and manually adjust the resistance levels with a headphone jack; you’ll find a camera and microphone located at the center of the top. You can also control the volume and turn the display on and off.

Aviron Streaming Services

There Are Eight Ways to Workout

Games – Outrun hungry wolves and escape from zombies.
Streaming – Netflix, YouTube, Disney+
Coached Programs: Personal trainer and rowing coach Austin Hendrickson helps with strength training, stretching, and core work.
Power Play – Combining games and guide programs to create visual excitement, motivating and pushing you.
Virtual Rowing: Experience the world’s most scenic destinations.
Competition – Compete with the community.
Guided Programs – Pro trainers and athletes designed these to give you an activity off the machine for a full-body workout.
Pros vs. Joes – Compete against professional athletes and Olympians.

Aviron rower mat 1 — Aviron Rower Mat $89

Invite your friends to work out alongside you and explore the many animated games and races. For example, Aviron makes it easy to stay engaged with the community by using leaderboards, challenges, achievement badges, matchmaking, group workouts, and private rooms.

You can read great customer reviews on the Aviron website.

How Lighting Can Improve Safety in Your Home Environment

Greg Wilson, Founder

March 27, 2022

How Lighting Can Improve Safety in Your Home Environment — Image courtesy of Unsplash

When you think of a safe home environment, good lighting probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, whether you hope to age in place or could use help navigating your home, lighting improvements can be a boon in many circumstances. Read on for vital advice to ensure your home is adequately lit for comfort and independence.

Consideration for Aging Eyes

Our vision changes substantially as we grow older. Some experts feel that in our mid-40s, it’s typical for eyesight to begin a steady decline, which accelerates in our 60s, leaving us less able to distinguish details and contrasts. Glare becomes more bothersome, it’s harder to tell colors apart, and our eyes take longer to adjust to changes in brightness. These vision changes can leave seniors at an increased risk for falls. With that in mind, HomeAdvisor recommends lighting modifications aimed at fall prevention. Examine areas of the home that tend to be particularly dim, especially transitional spaces such as hallways and staircases. It’s easier to get off-kilter because you might be moving from a bright room into a darker area. So, find ways to even out the lighting by choosing different light bulbs or adding more fixtures.

Low-Vision Essentials

If you’re someone living with low vision, there are several tricks for improving the lighting in your home environment. For instance, dimmer switches can help with adjusting ambient lighting. Also, make sure light switches are either lit or contrast strongly with the wall color, making them easier to see. Another recommendation is to use ample task lighting and set your lamps exactly where you need them, directing the light toward your project.

Bright Ideas for the Bath

Bathrooms naturally lend themselves to trouble. With all the slick surfaces, shifting positions, grooming gadgets, and soapy water, it’s easy to understand how being able to see correctly can be an asset. With that in mind, assess your bathroom lighting. Is there sufficient brightness where you use the mirror? Do you have proper lighting in the shower and bath areas for safe transitioning? Is natural light allowed in, and if so, is it pleasant, or is there so much you’re experiencing glare? Be sure to make adjustments for comfort and safety. You can get a quote for a bathroom remodel and compare offers by entering your zip code.

Kitchen Concepts

Although the kitchen is the heart of the home, without proper lighting, it can quickly become a danger zone. Sharp blades, hot surfaces, and whirring equipment can mean potentially severe injuries if you can’t see well. One suggestion is to layer the lights throughout the space when upgrading kitchen lighting. By including multiple sources in various positions, you reduce both glare and shadows, evening the light and brightening the room as a whole. Avoid using shades, including some task lights in your work areas. Older homes often have fluorescent lightboxes with poor light quality, but you can replace them with options like track lighting, recessed lighting, or undercabinet lights.

Love Your Living Room

There are several important considerations for living room lighting. First, it’s another room where layered lighting can improve comfort, such as table lamps where you read, bright ambient lighting, and added floor lamps in dim corners. Another aspect to consider is that watching TV in the dark can strain your eyes, so make sure you flip on some lights.

Add Some Technology

CBS News explains important ways smart home technology can improve your lighting situation. For rooms that are tough to navigate, lights with motion or voice activation can ease your comings and goings, or you might want to set up lights to come on simultaneously every day. Another plus is turning on lights from your phone, as it can save you from coming home to a dark house if you’re out and about longer than expected.

Philips Hue offers a premium experience via Bluetooth connectivity. You can control your lights from your mobile device. For $199, you can get a starter kit with 4 LED bulbs with ambiance adjustments to set the mood.

philips hue LED starter kit — Philips Hue LED Starter Kit

Being unable to see well can make your home environment challenging. Thankfully through, well-chosen lighting can often improve conditions. Assess your situation, and look for ways to stay safe and sound at home.

Senior affair

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Assisted Living

Supportive Living

Documents Needed for Supporting Living

Independent Living

Conclusion

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Aviron Tough vs Impact Series

Both Models Feature:

Aviron Price and Member Fees

There Are Eight Ways to Workout

You may also like

Consideration for Aging Eyes

Low-Vision Essentials

Bright Ideas for the Bath

Kitchen Concepts

Love Your Living Room

Add Some Technology

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