Mount Etna Greetings … may this blog find you well, with your Medicare insurance coverage not causing any eruptions🌋.
Book a time on my calendar or email Gray@TheBig65.com if you or your friends need help reviewing coverage or setting up new plans.
After almost three months at home in Colorado, it was time to visit our Air Force son in Sicilia.
Being a soldier is not all song and dance, but living on an island with such a rich history has its rewards.
Greeks, Romans, Normans, Byzantines, French, Spanish, Germans, and others have left their mark on this island that still today barely acknowledges the Italian mainland.
The result? Smoky Sicilian street-roasted artichokes, grilled over open flame and finished with olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
It’s an island filled with delicious surprises, if you are willing to try new things.
For me, it’s all about a good Caffè Americano and a Cipollina (an onion puff pastry) from Salvatore around the corner then back to our son’s apartment for a secure internet connection.
Since the time difference is six to nine hours, my work day begins in the afternoon and then ends after midnight. At home, I’m in bed by nine and usually up early so switching to a new time zone takes some effort. First world problem, right?
For a little bit of effort, we often reap great rewards (like dining with your son, just like the old days).
And according to neurologists, nearly 45% of dementia cases may be delayed or prevented by simple, everyday habits like the ones this article shares.
Why not take five minutes and find out which efforts you can add to your daily routine?
-
🪖 Protect your head: Wear a helmet when biking, skiing, or riding a motorcycle. Head injuries increase dementia risk.
-
🎧 Protect your hearing: Use earplugs around loud noise and don’t delay hearing aids — even mild hearing loss matters.
-
👓 Check your vision: Untreated vision loss is linked to cognitive decline. Use it or lose it.
-
🚶 Move daily: A short walk helps brain blood flow. Sitting less matters too.
-
🪑 Sit less, stand more: Break up long sitting with standing or walking every 20 minutes.
Over the weekend we visited this 13th century castello in Augusta. I guarantee we got our steps in here!
-
❤️ Manage cholesterol: Healthy arteries mean better blood flow to the brain.
-
🦷 Floss daily: Gum disease and oral infections are linked to dementia risk.
-
📚 Stay social: Book clubs, gardening groups, or regular dinners protect brain health.
Yes, we are eating fried seafood, but, your honor, we are participating in “Dry January” (no easy thing in Italy). Plus, we doused everything in olive oil.
-
😷 Protect against air pollution: Wear a mask on smoky or smoggy days.
-
💤 Sleep well: Sleep clears brain “waste” and strengthens memory.
These small habits help you think clearly, stay independent, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline — without needing to change your whole life.
Back home in Colorado, Quantz and Miti remind me I could have been practicing these habits with them — but they’re bundled up for winter while I’m soaking in Mediterranean air. I’ll take the win… this time 😄🧠❄️☀️.
Keep asking, “What’s the next big thing?”
If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.
If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.
Medicare questions or problems?
Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.
Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).
Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.
Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
