Health + Wellness
Recent articles, advice, and money-saving strategies
The Many Health Benefits of Meditation
What if someone told you they had a pill that would reduce stress, improve mood, increase energy, make you more creative, increase patience, and extend your life? Would you take it? The effects listed are the tip of the iceberg of the health benefits of meditation for older adults. Let’s take a closer look at…
The Negative Effects of Stress
Stress is a commonly discussed topic, so most people know it doesn’t do the body any favors. However, it can be hard to understand what qualifies as stress and precisely what you’re supposed to do to combat it. This is important because the negative effects of stress are profound. In this article, we’ll unpack what…
Social Lives & Senior Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said that loneliness is linked to serious health conditions. What’s most surprising is how much these issues affect older adults. In fact, a recent study found that more than one-fourth of adults aged 65 or older are socially isolated.1 That’s because they commonly find themselves living…
Health benefits of massages
Getting a massage is often thought of as nothing more than a luxury. While it’s ok to spoil yourself occasionally, you might find it difficult to justify the expense of a massage on a regular basis. If that’s the case, we have news for you — massages are actually good for your health! Sometimes they…
Celebrate National Men’s Health Week
Each year, the week leading up to Fathers’ Day marks National Men’s Health Week. So let’s talk about men’s health and how you can keep it in focus not just this week, but every week! Men’s health is so much more than a yearly physical and the occasional trip to the gym. In fact, there…
National Gardening Exercise Day
Calling all green thumbs! June 6 is National Gardening Exercise Day. This fun holiday celebrates the labor of love we give to our plants. Gardening is an enjoyable, relaxing, even creative outlet for many people. But it’s hard work! Many gardens require hours of manual labor tilling, digging, planting, weeding, trimming, watering, and picking. Not…
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
A lot can be said about our ears. These amazing organs are a key part of our lives: they allow us to easily communicate, can alert us to danger, and even bring us joy. Anyone lucky enough to have hearing should do everything they can to preserve it. Understanding Hearing Loss There are 3 kinds…
National Senior Health and Fitness Day
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated each year on the last Wednesday of May. Advocated by multiple organizations, this holiday encourages older Americans to start and keep healthy habits. National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated in over 1200 locations across the country, including senior centers, recreation centers, health clubs, retirement communities,…
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day
May 21 is Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day! These power foods are rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fibers. It’s recommended that older adults eat 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables a day, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found that only 1 in 10…
The importance of being your own mental health advocate
According to the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20% of people over 55 suffer from some type of mental health concern. As health care professionals increasingly take a holistic approach to health, mental health should be as prioritized as physical health. That’s why the Mental Health Foundation started National Mental Health Awareness Week. Celebrated in…
Understand the Symptoms of Melanoma
A holiday called “Melanoma Monday” might not sound like a ton of fun, but it might just save your life! Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and it affects 1 in every 50 Americans. The American Academy of Dermatology established Melanoma Monday on the first Monday of every May to encourage melanoma prevention.…
4 Facts about tobacco use & Medicare
Do you use tobacco products? Though it’s only one check box in a line of health questions, your answer can greatly affect your Medicare Supplement premiums. Typically, carriers are looking at tobacco use in the 12 months prior to application for coverage. Please note that tobacco use does not affect the amounts you pay for…
National Vitamin C Day
April 4 is National Vitamin C Day! A special day designated to celebrate this incredible vitamin and encourage people to get more of it! Possible benefits of Vitamin C According to WebMD, science is still learning all the benefits of this powerful vitamin. So far, we’ve learned: Vitamin C helps us ward off colds and…
Spring Cleaning Can Improve Your Mental Health
Do you often feel overwhelmed and stressed out while trying to relax at home? It might be your clutter’s fault. Studies show that our mental health can be directly affected by the space around us. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your health and overall well-being, it’s time to tackle your Spring Cleaning.…
How sleep affects your health
There’s no question: sleep affects your health. You can feel it every day you don’t get enough sleep. But besides just feeling groggy for a day, a poor sleep schedule can have long-term effects on your physical and mental health. In order to highlight the importance of good sleep habits, the National Sleep Foundation created…
February: American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month! While your cardiovascular health is always important, this is a great reminder to evaluate your habits to stay happy and healthy! Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have hypertension (high blood pressure), but only 25% actually take steps to keep it under control. Hypertension drastically increases your chances of…
Happy Holidays from UMA
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our United Medicare Advisors clients! We are so thankful for you and proud to be your chosen Medicare resource this year and every year. Don’t forget, you get a complimentary Annual Policy Review every year to ensure your Medicare Supplement plan continues to be a good fit for…
Medicare Supplemental Dental Insurance
Medicare alone does not cover dental care. Since oral health is vital to your overall well-being, you may want to consider buying supplemental dental insurance to help cover the costs. Dental costs can get out of hand quickly. You don’t want to be stuck paying out-of-pocket, especially if you need a procedure like a root…
Medicare Supplement Costs
Comparing the costs of Medicare Supplement plans Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, helps reduce some of the costs and expenses of healthcare that would other-wise be paid out-of-pocket (like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles). Before you decide if a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is right for you, you should understand what they cost and what they…
Does Medicare Cover Prescriptions?
Finding a health care plan that will cover your prescriptions is a key factor in preparing for retirement. Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) cover a wide variety of prescriptions, including drugs in certain protected classes, those that treat cancer, and those that treat HIV/AIDs. Each Part D plan has its own formulary, which provides…
When Does Medicare Coverage Start?
While there are some instances where Medicare coverage can start earlier, the majority of Americans become eligible at age 65. Medicare enrollment starts with your Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP. This is the seven-month period around your 65th birthday. You can start the enrollment process three months before you turn 65. Example: If your birthday…
Does Medicare cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, the questions on everyone’s minds are, “How can I get one?” and “How much will it cost?” For Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom are considered to be at greater risk for serious illness when exposed to the virus, quick access to the vaccine is key. You’ll be happy…
What does Medicare cover for Diabetics?
Diabetes is one of the largest health risks for Americans, affecting more than 10% of the country’s population. According to the CDC, 25% of adults 65 and older have diabetes, which means that coverage for insulin and diabetic testing supplies is a top consideration for many adults shopping for Medicare. Expenses can be covered by…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to education about the most common type of cancer found in women. Women over age 60 represent nearly half of new breast cancer cases, with an additional 20% of cases affecting women over the age of 70. Medicare now covers certain preventative screenings like mammograms, which…
Seven questions to ask before Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period
United Medicare Advisors helps you compare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans over 20 carriers to find benefits that work for your needs and budget. Our team of Licensed Insurance Advisors, along with our numerous online resources are your personal Medicare resource to help explain everything. Our goal is to be your trusted Medicare guide through every…
A Look at Men’s Health Over 65
Strategies for Men over 65 to understand health risks and stay healthy Numerous studies have shown that men avoid visiting their doctor and often ignore health issues. As we age these seemingly small issues that were previously overlooked start taking a toll. Understanding how aging affects your body can offer simple solutions to maintaining your…
Recognizing and Dealing with Stress for Adults 65+
Stress is fact of life. At some point, we all experience challenges. And while experience can help us be better prepared when a difficult situation arises — our ability to respond and recover have some surprising connections to our age. How stress affects the body A strong emotional response is just one of the ways…
How to Protect Yourself from Airborne Viruses
As we age, our immune systems have a harder time recognizing and mobilizing against viruses. This is especially true for adults over 50. In fact, more than half the people hospitalized for influenza-related illnesses are 65 and older. While nothing can guarantee we won’t get sick, there are some simple strategies for reducing our chances…
Will Medicare Cover My Dental, Vision, and Hearing Needs?
Original Medicare Does Not Cover Basic Services for Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Did you know that Original Medicare doesn’t include routine dental, vision, or hearing care? Just as some employers ask employees to elect dental or vision coverage as a separate line item, Original Medicare works in a similar way. If you’ve ever awoken to…
3 recommended immunizations for seniors
As we age, our bodies are less able to protect themselves against common diseases, such as the flu or shingles. As part of National Immunization Awareness Month (and as we close in on flu season), our health care experts researched what immunizations seniors should get, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and…
Where to start: Yoga for seniors
While the traditional image of someone who practices yoga may be a young person with long limbs and innate flexibility, yoga can be tailored to any body type and age. In fact, most seniors have the ability to do every yoga pose, from restorative child’s pose to even the most challenging headstand — all it…
Seniors & Allergies: How seasonal allergies affect adults 65+
Spring is here — and that means pesky seasonal allergies are too. According to the CDC, every year more than 50 million Americans experience allergies, which are the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the nation. And in seniors, allergies pose a more significant risk; seasonal pollens can further aggravate existing heart conditions and other…
Diabetes: Finding an insurance plan
Today, the American Diabetes Association estimates that nearly 30 million people in the United States have diabetes. Specifically for older adults, around 25% of seniors (or about 12 million people) have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The World Health Organization expects diabetes to be the seventh leading cause of death worldwide by…
Aging and dietary changes
As we age, our dietary needs change. The foods that make up a healthy diet of a younger individual may not work as well for older adults and vice versa. By remaining up-to-date with trends and research, seniors can get ahead of the curve and stay healthy for years to come. Here are a few…
Age in place: Prevent in-home falls
According to LongTermCare.gov, average costs for long-term care is growing; for a semi-private room in a nursing home, seniors and their families should expect to pay an average of $6,844 per month. For a private room, that number jumps to $7,698. To mitigate these high costs, many seniors choose the option to age-in-place. Aging in…
