2019
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PLANNING GUIDE
For your family - For you!
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CONTENTS
and
HEALTH & WEALTH PLANNING GUIDE 2019
2019
PLANNING GU
IDE
For your family - For you!
Published by the
is a product of the
Benefits of aquatic therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Reduce accident pain and heal with chiropractic care . . . . . 8 Five ways travel improves mood and personal health . . . . 10
11 Means Drive, P.O. Box 500 Platteville, WI 53818 (608) 348-2374 or 1-800-236-2537 Advertising and Marketing Manager Kathy Neumeister Advertising Consultants: Pam Heins, Lead Jared Baker Lisa Banfield Kathie Bartels Kim Custer Tiffany Gardner
A little exercise, a lot of benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Take a holistic approach to self-care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Smart financial moves for every stage of life . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Navigating the waters of funeral trusts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Tax-advantaged investing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Advantages to working with a financial planner . . . . . . . 12 How to finance long-term care needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
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Page 3 ď ´ 2019 Health & Wealth Planning Guide ď ´ June 25
Smart financial moves for every stage of life WEALTH
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Regardless of what stage of life you're in, you must make financial and investment decisions that will be with you for the remainder of your years. But the moves you make when Bob Allbright you’re just starting out in your career may be quite different from when you’re retired. So, let’s look at some of these moves, stretched out across your lifetime. In your 20s and 30s: During this period, you should strive to place yourself on a sound financial footing by taking steps such as reducing, and hopefully eliminating, your student loans and embarking on saving for retirement through investments such as a 401(k) and IRA. You also might buy a home, which offers some financial benefits, but be careful not to become “house poor” by devoting too much of your monthly income to mortgage payments. If you have young children, you might also want to start saving for college, possibly through a 529 plan, which offers tax benefits, high contribution limits and the ability to switch
beneficiaries, as needed. And if you do have a family, you’ll certainly need to maintain adequate life insurance. Also, since you’re at the early stages of your working life, you should chart a longterm financial and investment strategy with the help of a financial professional. Your strategy should encompass your important goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. And you’ll want to revisit your strategy regularly to accommodate changes in your life and financial situation. In your 40s and 50s: These are the years in which your career advances, leading to bigger salaries. The more you earn, the more you should be putting away in your 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan, along with your IRA. During the middle-to-end of this particular period, you might finish helping pay for your child’s higher education – which should free up even more money to put away for retirement. You also may want to consider long-term care insurance, which can help protect you against the devastating costs of an extended stay in a nursing home. In your 60s, 70s … and beyond: Once you’re in this age range, chances are pretty good that you’ll either retire soon or are already retired. (Although,
of course, you may well want to work part-time or do some consulting.) However, you certainly haven’t “retired” the need to make financial and investment decisions, because you’ll have plenty, including these: When should I take Social Security? Will my investment portfolio provide me with enough income to help keep me ahead of inflation? How much can I afford to withdraw each year from my retirement accounts without outliving my resources? Again, a financial professional can help you deal with these and other issues. Also, if you haven’t done so, now is the time to draw up your estate plans, so you can leave the type of legacy you desire – one that provides for the next generation (or two) and the charitable organizations you support. You’ll need to work with a legal professional to create estate planning documents and arrangements appropriate for your needs. You will spend a lifetime making financial and investment decisions – so put in the time and effort, and get the help you need, to make the best decisions you can. For more information contact Bob Allbright, Edward Jones, 113 N. Iowa Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533, (608) 935-9299.
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Navigating the waters of funeral trusts WEALTH
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Discussing end-of-life issues can be an emotional experience. Making decisions upon the death of a loved one can be challenging, especially if the wishes of the deceased are murky or unknown. Funeral trusts often help families avoid making decisions at times when their emotions may make such decisions more difficult. What is preplanning a funeral? Preplanning a funeral can save family and friends from having to make difficult decisions. It also enables people to choose their burial space, services and transportation. Preplanning also allows people to pay for or arrange payment for their funeral costs ahead of time. According to Consumer Protection Ontario, a person can pre-plan a funeral without prepaying. However, many people prefer to have all financial components in place as well for maximum convenience. What is a funeral trust? Funeral trust can be a smart investment for people who have not spelled out their wishes in a will or conveyed them in writing to someone who will be managing their estate. Funeral trusts may be referred to as revocable or irrevocable. An irrevocable funeral trust, or IFT, is a tool people who are facing the high cost of skilled nursing care can consider. An IFT establishes an account into which money for funeral expenses is deposited. The money cannot be withdrawn or refunded, and funds must be used for funeral expenses. In the United States, an IFT is often considered an eligible expense during the social services spend-down process. That means the money deposited in the trust is exempt as a countable asset from any financial look-back period that helps determine eligibility for government healthcare services, such as Medicaid. Revocable funeral trusts can be cancelled. According to the National Care Planning Council, a revocable trust can be created by anyone and, at a later date, can be dissolved by the person who
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originally created it. Various organizations oversee the investment and management of prepaid funeral trust accounts. When is a trust unnecessary? In certain instances, a funeral trust will not be needed. Those who have the means to fund long-term care services and will not need assistance later in life may not want their money locked up in a trust. Others opt for life insurance policies to pay for funeral needs. Assistance with funeral trusts Funeral homes may work directly with companies that manage funeral funds. Speak with a funeral director if you want to learn more about trusts. Trusts also can be established by working with an elder care attorney or with a funeral trust agency. Taking care of funeral planning in advance can relieve families of the stress of making funeral decisions in the wake of a loved one's death.
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Benefits of aquatic therapy HEALTH
Author: Nate Christopher is a physical therapist at Upland Hills Health, helping patients with muscle, bone, and joint conditions. He will serve as the certified aquatic therapist at the Mineral Point Therapy Center when it opens in August of 2019
Many of us think of using a pool for recreation to play in the water or to cool off on a hot summer day, but did you know that exercise in water can be therapeutic? Exercising in water may help you get stronger, relieve pain, improve your balance and decrease your risk of falls. Upland Hills Health will soon be opening a therapy clinic in Mineral Point, and this facility will include a therapy pool. Why aquatic therapy? Aquatic therapy uses the properties of water to make exercise easier and more comfortable. These properties include: Buoyancy: Did you know that when you are in water up to your chest, you are only holding up 30% of your body weight? If the water is up to your neck you are only holding up 10% of your weight. By decreasing the amount of weight on your legs, you may be able to walk and perform exercise better and with less pain than when exercising on land. This is often helpful when people are recovering from broken bones, or when they need to get stronger. Athletes can use the water to get back to their sport faster by safely exercising injured muscles and joints. Viscosity: Water is thicker than air. Moving against the resis-
Coming September 2019: Mineral Point Therapy Center
tance of water helps you grow stronger. Special equipment can be used to make the work easier or harder. When you work on balance in the water, you have more time to react and correct your balance, so the exercise is more comfortable. Hydrostatic pressure: This is water pressing against your body. Hydrostatic pressure supports your body, increases blood flow to injured tissues, and promotes healing. Temperature: The warmth of the water helps you relax muscles that may be tight, tense, and painful. Who can benefit from aquatic therapy? People of all ages may benefit from aquatic therapy, especially if
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experiencing the following: Difficulty walking: if you need assistance to walk, or if you use a cane or walker Inability to stand on one leg: you may need to improve your balance and strength Weakness: if you that have difficulty getting up from chairs, going up and down stairs or have to take one stair at a time, you may benefit by increasing muscle strength Pain: If you have tried land-based therapy or exercise and had too much pain to continue, the pool may offer a gentle, less painful way to exercise muscles and joints. Water therapy may help these common diagnoses or conditions: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, injuries of the muscles, bones, or joints, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, and those at risk of falls. Many people can benefit from aquatic therapy, from high level athletes to elderly population. Walking for exercise: When the pool is not being used for therapy, it will be open to the public for walking. Up to four walkers can be accommodated at a time. Walkers will need to have a brief evaluation to determine treadmill speed and tolerance to walking in the pool. There will be a fee to use the pool (to be announced). If you’d like to schedule your evaluation to be added as a walker when the pool opens, please call the Therapy and Wellness Center at 608.930.7147. What will our pool have to offer? Our pool is state of the art. It is the same model used by many professional and college sports teams. The pool is 8 x 12 feet in size.
It will be a “zero entry pool.” This means the floor of the pool raises and lowers so that you can walk directly from the pool deck on to the pool floor and be comfortably lowered into the water. We will have a wheelchair that can be submerged into the water, if needed. The pool floor is also a treadmill that can go from 0 to 8.5 miles per hour, so you may improve your ability to stand and walk. The pool is equipped with underwater cameras and a television on the pool deck so you may see yourself as you perform your exercises. The water will be kept at a comfortable 92 degree temperature. If you feel that you may benefit from aquatic therapy, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription. Our new Mineral Point Therapy Center will be open by September, 2019. We are excited to help you achieve your highest level of function. To see a video of the pool in action and learn more about the Mineral Point Therapy Center, check out uplandhillshealth.org/ mptherapy.
in water may help “youExercising get stronger, relieve pain, improve your balance and decrease your risk of falls. Nate Christopher
’’
of Upland Hills Health
Brain Health Programs offered in conjunction with
Memory Café
Memory Café is a social gathering where people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s, or other dementias can come together. Family and friends are also encouraged to join! In this relaxed environment, participants can visit, share interests, and enjoy refreshments. A unique program or activity is offered each month. Join us the last Thursday of each month, 1–2:30 p.m.
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Reduce accident pain and heal with chiropractic care
their time together.
HEALTH
Your community, your hospice.
www.metrocreativeconnection.com
Providing end of life care for all residents of Grant County What services are provided? Grant County Hospice unites your primary physician, nurses, home health aides, social workers, spiritual counselors and trained volunteers into care teams. We work together with patients and families to identify priorities and goals, and bring dignity and well-being to anyone affected by illness and loss.
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Did you know that automotive accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries? In 2012, more than 5.6 million car accidents were reported to law enforcement and car insurance companies, and the numbers keep growing. The attorney referral service and legal information resource Find Law says the economic cost of car accidents is estimated at $277 billion each year. In addition to causing property damage and damage to the vehicle, car accidents can result in various bodily injuries that may impact a person's ability to function and work. Some of the more common injuries include trauma to the head, back and neck. Many different treatments can help people who have been involved in auto accidents. Including chiropractic care in treatment plans may help people decrease their pain and improve their mobility. It is important for people involved in auto accidents to seek medical care immediately even if the need for medical attention doesn't seem readily apparent. Adrenaline can staunch symptoms, and a person may exacerbate an injury if he or she hasn't undergone a medical exam after a car accident. Persons involved in auto accidents can visit chiropractors as part of their post-accident treatment plans. Chiropractors can perform various services to help people overcome their injuries. · Assess invisible injuries. Whiplash can produce symptoms hours or even days after an accident. Soreness, dizziness and pain may not register on X-rays or imaging tests. However, a chiropractor may have the tools to assess injuries that result from tension, misalignment and micro-tears in ligaments and muscles. · Reduce inflammation. Chambers Medical Group says that spinal manipulations and pressure release techniques can realign the spinal column and help release an anti-inflammatory substance through the body that can lower pain and inflammation. · Improve pressure. Manipulations also can reduce pressure in the neck area, which in turn may ease the pain of headaches, stiffness, dizziness, and even ringing in the ears, according to the chiropractors at Pain Stop Clinics. Chiropractic care may be used alone or in concert with other treatment options. Medical professionals can work together to provide a regimen that will ease pain and help patients get on the road to recovery.
Page 8 2019 Health & Wealth Planning Guide June 25
Tax-advantaged investing WEALTH
www.metrocreativeconnection.com
Investing has always been a means for people to grow their wealth and make their money work for them. Investors know that protecting investment earnings is important, and that often can be achieved through tax-advantaged investments. Tax-advantaged investing, also called tax-efficient investing, allows investors to maximize the profits they can keep after taxes are filed. Investment selection and asset allocation are important factors affecting returns, but minimizing taxes and other costs is also crucial, according to the Schwab Center for Financial Research. There are some ways for investors to keep more of their assets. A qualified financial advisor can help navigate the waters of the best tax-advantaged options. When investing on an annual basis, there are some general accounts people can use to their advantages. A 401(k) or 403(b): These accounts are an ideal way to get "free" money. Funds in these accounts are put away pre-tax. Because your adjusted gross income is lowered, so is your federally taxable income. In addition, some employers may match contributions up to a certain percentage. Companies also may offer Roth 401(k) plans, which differ from traditional plans in regard to when you pay taxes. With Roth plans, you pay taxes up front. When the money is eventually withdrawn, those withdrawals are tax-free.
IRAs: Individual retirement accounts are similar to 401(k) plans in that they're tax-deferred. However, they generally offer greater freedom in investment choices. Roth IRAs, like the Roth 401(k) plans, must be paid with after-tax dollars. But the advantages are higher contribution amounts, withdrawals that are tax-free and no mandatory withdrawals when a person reaches a certain age. Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA): Canadian investors can explore TFSAs. These are accounts that do not tax any contributions, interest earned, dividends, or capital gains, and can be withdrawn tax-free. It is available to individuals ages 18 and older in Canada and can be used for any purpose. College savings accounts: Investing in a 529 plan can be wise for parents. While money is invested after tax, it is tax-free when withdrawn for qualified higher education purposes. Health savings accounts: To get a tax deduction on health expenses, an HSA is the way to go. HSAs are linked to high-deductible health plans and allow account holders to use the funds for qualified spending. Working with a financial planner can help investors maximize their investments to be as tax-efficient as possible. They understand funding limits and the timeline in which to invest for tax advantages.
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Five ways travel improves mood and personal health HEALTH
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Did you know? When feeling stressed, people may want to reach for a cup of tea. Research conducted by psychologists at the City University London found that a cup of tea reduces stress, not just by drinking it, but also because of the calming effect of putting the tea kettle on. Furthermore, decaffeinated green tea also can calm a person and encourage sleep. In a 2017 study published in the journal Nutrients, participants were able to fall asleep much more easily when drinking decaffeinated green tea. Also, they reported feeling much less stressed out over the course of the one-week experiment. Even black tea has been found to relieve stress by lowering cortisol levels when a person is faced with stressful situations. According to the herbal remedy site Herbwisdom.com, chamomile tea is an age-old medicinal herb that has been used as a remedy for numerous conditions, including asthma, nervousness, sleep, and stomach ailments and as a treatment for colds. It, too, many help reduce stress. Tea has many benefits for the body, and helping to tame stress may be one of them.
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Vacations can be great ways to see the world, soak up some culture and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But traveling can have benefits that last longer than a one- or two-week vacation. Traveling can have a positive effect on personal health and wellbeing, as various studies point to how travel can boost one's state of mind and overall mood. The following are five ways that traveling can positively affect travelers' mood and health. 1. Increases happiness: People are happiest when they have a trip coming up, according to researchers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. A 2014 study from researchers at Cornell University confirms the findings, noting people get more happiness from anticipating a travel experience than from an object they can acquire. 2. Enhances creativity: The brain is influenced by new environments and experiences, which is the hallmark of travel. Researchers at the Columbia Business School found that travel can encourage people to embrace different ways of living and influence their outlook on life. 3. Stress relief: Travel is a great way to get away from obligations at home and at work, allowing the mind to reset without having to make decisions beyond figuring out which activities to do during the day or which foods to grab along the way. The mental wellness site Psych Central adds that vacations take people away from the places and activities that contribute to their stress levels. 4. Fosters change: Remembering pleasurable experiences from vacations when one returns home can be a positive behavioral intervention. Dr. Tamara McClintock Greenberg, a San Franciscobased clinical psychologist, says you can incorporate those feelings into daily life by recreating food or experiences at home. 5. Encourages exercise: Vacations can be full of swimming, walking, sightseeing, or participating in other fitness pursuits. According to the World Heart Federation, moderate exercise lowers risk of heart attack by 30 to 50 percent, suggesting that traveling is good for the mind and the body. Exercise also has been shown to combat depression and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Page 10 2019 Health & Wealth Planning Guide June 25
A little exercise, a lot of benefit HEALTH
Submitted by Cindy Natvig, Marketing Coordinator, ElderSpan Management, LLC
We all know that exercise is good for us. It can control our weight, combat certain diseases, and help boost our energy. But recent studies are proving the benefits of exercise are greater than we ever imagined – especially as we age. It can be one of the best things to do for our brains.
In recent studies done at the University of British Columbia and the University of Illinois, researchers found regular, moderate aerobic exercise appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Why? Directly it stimulates chemicals in the brain that affect the health and growth of brain cells. Indirectly it improves mood and sleep and reduces stress and anxiety, all of which have been found to contribute to brain impairment. It can help you avoid becoming disabled.
In a study published in April by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, researchers found one hour per week – less than 10 minutes a day – of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity allowed older adults to maintain their ability to perform daily tasks like getting dressed or crossing a street before a traffic light changed. That’s a small investment for a potentially large return!
Taylor Buckmaster, wellness instructor at Park Place Senior Living in Platteville, agrees with these findings. “Bone density and muscle mass drops rapidly after age 50, so it’s vital for all of us to get moving in whatever way we can!” Buckmaster said the wellness classes at Park Place offer both weight-bearing exercises and yoga. “Yoga has been found to help seniors improve their physical and mental wellbeing and it’s easily adapted to accommodate different abilities. Combining these two types of exercise can help a person stay strong, increase their lung capacity and improve their outlook on life.” The wellness classes at Park Place Senior Living are open to all those 55 and better and the cost is $60 for a three-month membership. Each session averages over 100 classes. For more information, contact Taylor Buckmaster at taylorbuckmaster@ yahoo.com or call Park Place Apartments Property Manager Lu Ann Bowman at (608) 348-5312. Information is also available at parkplaceplatteville.com.
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Page 11 2019 Health & Wealth Planning Guide June 25
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Advantages to working with a financial planner WEALTH
www.metrocreativeconnection.com
Explaining financial plans and why you need one A clear understanding of personal expenditures and savings rates is essential for securing a strong financial future. A financial plan can help everyone from the extraordinarily wealthy to those struggling to make ends meet. The Financial Planning Association says a financial plan identifies goals and objectives that take finances to achieve and creates a plan for making those things happen. A financial plan can serve as a road map that people can look to for years to come as they work toward securing their financial futures. Whether you aim to retire by age 50 or to reduce your debt, a financial plan can be just what you need to turn your dreams into a reality. Here are some steps for devising a financial plan. 1. Identify what you want. You must identify what you want to achieve. Goals may include buying a home, retiring early, providing for a child's education, or having more time and money for travel. Putting your goals on paper may inspire you to pursue them more vigorously. 2. Audit your finances. Conduct an audit of your finances so you can get a clear grasp of your current situation. Make a list of all of your assets, and then subtract existing debts to figure out your net worth. While you're tabulating, find out how much you bring in and spend each month so you can get a clear picture of your spending habits. This will help you make smart choices in regard to spending and saving. 3. Eradicate existing debt. One of the key parts of a financial plan is to pay down high-interest debt to free up money for the future. Focus on paying off credit card balances, high-interest loans or balances for other accounts where interest is high. A debt consolidation loan may be worth exploring if you're having trouble paying down highinterest debt. 4. Start saving. Building savings is essential to reaching many goals. It also is key to help avoid financial ruin during emergency situations, such as home or car repairs, disability that takes you out of work, etc. Start small by having a certain percentage of money deposited into a separate account automatically. Then watch it grow. Investing in the right products also can help you grow your savings.
Investing requires some measure of risk. Risk understandably makes people nervous, especially in regard to their finances. Investing is an important component of securing your financial future, and the risk involved with investing should never prevent you from putting your money to work. Many people, including both novice and experienced investors, overcome their fears about investing and risk by working with certified financial planners, who can do a lot more than make suggestions. Financial planners can make sense of complex products. Financial jargon can be hard to understand for those who do not work in finance. Financial planners simplify the complex array of products available to their clients, helping them understand each of their options as well as which of those options is best for them. Financial planners can expand your investment options. Financial planners sometimes have access to products that are not directly available to everyone. Some financial product providers work exclusively through intermediaries (i.e., planners), so working with a financial planner can give investors more options in regard to how to invest their money. Financial planners do the legwork. Even seasoned investors with a firm grasp of financial products and services may not have the time to stay up on all the latest investment options. Financial planners do so for a living. A good planner will inform his or clients of the latest products available and then help clients decide if such products are right for them. That's a lot of work that busy professionals often do not have the time to do on their own. Financial planners are certified. Investors should only work with certified financial planners. Certification standards vary by country, but certified planners have been vetted by third party organizations and have met rigorous professional standards. In addition, to maintain their certification, certified planners are required to provide their clients with straightforward advice and put clients' needs ahead of their own. Those that don't could be held financially accountable for providing misinformation or bad advice to clients. Investing is complicated, and many investors find working with certified financial planners is an effective way to secure their financial futures.
Page 12 2019 Health & Wealth Planning Guide June 25
How to finance long-term care needs WEALTH
www.metrocreativeconnection.com
Failing to plan for long-term care expenses may leave aging men and women with little or no assets late in life. AARP says that the cost of longterm care continues to rise and the array of options can make it difficult for families to find the best, most affordable care. The median monthly costs for a semi-private room in a U.S. nursing facility hovered around $6,800 in 2016, according to The Genworth Cost of Care Survey. That adds up to roughly $82,000 per year. Individuals who only anticipate hiring a home health aide should know that such options cost an average $3,800 per month. Retirement savings can quickly dry up when long-term care is required. Individuals need to keep in mind that, in 2014, the Social Security Administration said the average month retirement income from Social Security was just $1,294. The National Care Planning Council says that at least 60 percent of all individuals will need extended help during their lifetimes. Ongoing care can last for many months or years. Long-term care needs, including assisted living and nursing home stays beyond a few months, may not be covered by federal health insurance programs, such as Medicare. As a result, it is up to individuals to find ways to finance their care. Long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance is one of the ways to offset costs of care for
later in life. But many people are unaware that this type of insurance exists. A survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association found that 74 percent of respondents said they haven't included provisions for long-term care in their retirement plans. Long-term care insurance is a safety precaution that can be purchased early in life to plan to help pay for expenses aging men and women may incur in their golden years. New York Life Insurance says that policy holders will be reimbursed for qualified long-term care costs up to a maximum daily benefit amount. Coverage varies, but policy premiums generally increase with the age of applicant. Government aid Government aid is available for U.S. and Canadian residents but qualifications vary and it is usually limited to those with financial hardships. Medicaid pays for the largest share of long-term care services in the United States, according to the Administration on Aging. But to qualify, one's income must be below a certain level and the person must meet minimum state eligibility requirements. Financing long-term care is something individuals must consider as they make their plans for the future. It is a large expense that cannot go unaddressed even though the need for care might be in the distant future.
St. Dominic Villa 2375 Sinsinawa Road | Hazel Green, WI (608) 748-9814 | www.sinsinawa.org
Services offered at St. Dominic Villa include the following: • Continuous licensed nursing care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Physical, occupational, and speech therapies • Medication management • Oxygen, respiratory, and intravenous therapies • Pharmacy, podiatry, radiology, laboratory, psychology services • Nutritious meals and snacks • Special diets supervised by a registered dietician • Social services/community referrals/discharge planning • Recreational activities • Beauty shop • Hospice care • Volunteer programs • Appointment/transportation coordinators, 24-hour pastoral services • Private rooms
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is a skilled nursing facility which provides a loving, supportive environment for community life, nursing, and restorative care. People who live here experience the presence of the Sacred in the continuum of life and relationships among care partners.
Take a holistic approach to self-care HEALTH
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Remember annual check-ups. It may be tempting to skip out on a routine check-up if you’re feeling well, but regular appointments with your health care providers can ensure consistent health and even help catch potential concerns in the early stages before they become bigger issues. Regular check-ins with your primary care physicians can help keep a consistent tracker on your health, allowing them to better provide for you and your health care needs. Standard insurance sometimes doesn’t include dental or vision care, so read about programs designed for your specific needs like the AARP MyVision Care provided through EyeMed, which includes coverage for services like diabetic vision exams every six months and loss of sight benefits. Don’t forget to treat yourself. A life well-lived deserves a bit of a reward now and again. Whether you need a bit of a pick-meup or a “just because” incentive, add a touch of joy to your life by treating yourself to small things such as flowers or a special meal. You can make your money go further with various discounts and coupons for items like flowers, gifts and more. Find more tips and resources for making your health a priority at AARP.org/benefits.
2019
Neighbors caring for neighbors
- Manual and Instrument Techniques - Rehabilitative Care - Sports Injuries & Exercise Rehab - Nutritional Counseling & Supplements - Low Level Light Therapy
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Complete Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Associates of Platteville
470 S. Water St. | 608.348.3156 | Platteville chiropracticassociatesofplatteville.com
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(Family Features) While you aim to live a full, happy life, achieving it starts with protecting your most valuable asset: your health. Though the pace of life and other external variables can hinder you from putting your health first, self-care should not be ignored. Proactively taking care of your physical and mental health is one of the best ways to ensure a longer, healthier life. Take charge of your overall well-being and make your health a priority through preventative measures that focus on both your body and mind. Practice relaxation techniques. Certain levels of stress in everyday life are normal, but high levels of stress over an extended period of time can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing, impacting your health and overall mood. There’s no onesize-fits-all solution to managing stress, but finding an activity that promotes relaxation and allows you to free your mind is a good place to start. Activities to consider include yoga, meditation, journaling or reading. Stay up-to-date on prescriptions. For many adults, prescription medication is a part of everyday life. Not only is it vital to remember to take your medication as prescribed each day, it’s also important to monitor your prescriptions and get refills in a timely manner so you don’t find yourself without a dose on any given day. If you’re beginning to find that refills are taking a toll on your wallet, look into discount programs in addition to prescription insurance, such as AARP Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx, which let members save an average of 61% on approved prescriptions not covered by their current insurance. Eat well. Even if you consistently maintain a healthy weight, it’s good to pair it with a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables to ensure your body is receiving an ample supply of vitamins and nutrients. Try balancing each meal by including moderately portioned foods from each food group. Don’t forget to keep tabs on your water consumption as staying hydrated has numerous health benefits for your body, including keeping your skin moisturized and aiding in proper digestion.
Our Primary Care Providers in Dodgeville Are Accepting New Patients Same-D Appointm ay en Available ts
Selecting the right primary care provider is one of
patients and offering same-day appointments. We’re dedicated to providing an exceptional health care experience, and we’re proud to offer it to you right here at the SSM Health Dean Medical Group location in Dodgeville. Schedule an appointment today by calling 608-935-3301. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com/HealthyWI
833 S. Iowa St., Suite 102 Dodgeville, WI 53533
©2019 SSM Health. All rights reserved. MG-WI-18-465270 R01 6/19
the best things you can do for your health and right now we have several local providers accepting new
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Coping with stress starts with a conversation.
DR. JAMES WENGER Acupuncture
KELLY MICHEK Massage Therapist
JESSICA KRAMER Massage Therapist
Talk to the acupuncture, massage and fitness experts at the Therapy & Wellness Center in Dodgeville. A healthy body is more resilient to stress. Exercise, acupuncture and massage stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal and restore. ur herapy ellness Center oers acupuncture, massage, tness classes and a Fitness Center to help you manage the stress in your life. Schedule an appointment or sign up for a membership to the Therapy & Wellness Center by calling 608-930-7147. Learn more at uplandhillshealth.org
uplandhillshealth.org • 608.930.8000 • Dodgeville
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SARA THAYER Personal Trainer