Karl Bruns-Kyler Archives

What’s in Your Pantry Might Be Hurting Your Brain

Greetings! May this newsletter find you in excellent health with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop? Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

I received a call from Marion in Clearwater asking how Plato is doing back home in the US while Quantz and I are visiting our son overseas.

Let the record so state that, according to our daughter Sus (Plato’s caregiver), the big galute is doing just fine.

It’s been a joy spending time with our Air Force son in Sicily, hanging out, watching Mount Aetna smoking in the distance, and catching up on lost time when he comes home from work.

They sure grow up fast, don’t they?

Nicholas rises early for his work on base. My schedule keeps me up late staying in touch with Medicare clients back home, but we make sure to have dinner together before I get back on the phone.

Sicily has one of the most interesting histories of any place in the world. The island was conquered by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Germans, the French, Spaniards, Austrians, and the finally by the Italians.

As a result, the food is amazing, fresh (and reasonable).

Our biggest take away from visiting a blue zone🌍… do not underestimate the value of eating unprocessed food and walking every day.

Though I have to confess, walking 🪜 five flights of stairs, multiple times a day, did make me wish Nicholas had chosen an apartment with an elevator😆.

Why is eating unprocessed food so important?

According to a ten year study published in the Journal of Neurology:

People who ate the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods had a 53% to 54% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who ate the least😱.
Every 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was linked to a 25% higher risk of dementia🧠.

Remember Marlon Brando/Don Corleone dying of a heart attack in the movie the Godfather? I’m guessing he wasn’t eating enough healthy Sicilian food.

This accordion player played the theme to The Godfather while I did my best to “make him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods So Harmful?

Inflammation: They increase chronic inflammation in the body and brain.
Blood Sugar Spikes: They cause repeated glucose spikes, which harm blood vessels (including in the brain).
Gut Health: They damage the gut microbiome, which affects brain health through the gut-brain axis.
Heart Stiffness: They contribute to arterial stiffness, raising the risk for both heart disease and vascular dementia.

Quantz often accuses me of being a little too theatrical, but hey, paying attention to our diet is one of the few things we can control.

Ultra-Processed foods have been heavily industrially manufactured and include:

Soft drinks (regular and diet sodas)
Packaged snacks (chips, cookies, crackers)
Instant meals (microwave dinners)
Sugary breakfast cereals
Reconstituted meat products (like chicken nuggets, hot dogs)
Sweetened yogurts
Artificially flavored foods

Basically, if any food has a super long list of ingredients, and you can’t pronounce them, you are likely dealing with an ultra-processed product.

I’d like to think anchovy sandwiches aren’t on this list, because I ate them every day.

What did the snail say when he was riding on top of the tortoise?

Wheeeee 😆! Let’s keep learning and laughing.

So here’s the big picture for my fellow Medicarians:

Reducing ultra-processed foods (even by just 10%) could meaningfully lower dementia risk.
Replacing ultra-processed foods with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and whole grains is protective for the brain.

This is not about giving up on living, it’s about helping us all to see the light.

Think about swapping this for that:

Walnuts and almonds for chips and crackers,

Sparkling water for soda.

Grilled chicken or salmon for processed lunch meats.

Homemade pizza for frozen pizza.

Dark chocolate for cookies.

Remember, small, deliberate steps over a long period of time can really help. It’s not about perfection.

I grew this awful pornstache in solidarity with my son. Let’s stay healthy for the people we love.

Keep squeezing the juice🍊 out of life and look for ways to help others!

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.

The canolo whispered… “Eat Me😋.” I Whispered Back… “Just One Bite✨

Happy Mother’s Day …. may this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well, even if you’re not a mother!

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop? Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Remember to hang up 📞 on the big illegal call centers ⚠️ that try to force the wrong plans on consumers. Always use an independent broker.

Well, we finally got to Sicily to spend some time with our Airman Nicholas. After four years in the UK, he is enjoying the warmer weather of the Mediterranean. We are enjoying his company!

What’s my favorite part of Italy? Honestly, it’s the Americanos… hot, black and strong and way less expensive than a Starbuck’s coffee.

When the American GI’s liberated Sicily in 1943, they begged the local baristas to add hot water to the tiny cups of espresso, hence the name!

I also learned that cannoli is plural, the single is cannolo and they are best when the sweet filling is added JUST before they are served. Maybe that’s why I never liked them before.

Whenever we visit a new city, Q always looks for a walking tour… to get the layout of the city, the local history, and the street food recommendations.

It’s easy to fall in love with arancini, deep-fried rice balls, typically stuffed, breaded, and fried to perfection😋.

Arancini means little oranges🍊, because of the arancini’s shape and color. Colonel Sander’s has nothing on this dangerous, delicious little street food.

It should probably be served sprinkled with a cholesterol statin! Man are they addictive!

Fortunately, Sicily is blessed with healthy fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Of course there are also plenty of healthy choices at home in the US, but…

When surrounded by deliciousness… how does anyone stay healthy without missing out?

Here are some simple strategies:

Don’t deprive—sample smartly: Enjoy a few bites instead of a full portion. Share with your travel buddy or wrap up the rest. You don’t have to finish it all.

Balance the day, not every bite: If lunch is indulgent (hello, deep-fried rice balls 😋), go light on dinner with veggies, lean proteins, and water.

Eat local, eat slowly: Take time to enjoy each bite. Mindful eating helps your brain register fullness and satisfaction sooner.

Why is mindful eating the topic this week? Q let me know my shirts appeared to be shrinking since we arrived in Italy🍨🥐😱! Coincidence? I think not! Time for me to get with the program.

Hydration is your secret weapon: Sip water regularly to curb cravings and help your body process salt and sugar… and always listen to your barista☕🍫.

Walk it off: Exploring on foot after a meal helps digestion and glucose control — and in Sicily, every step is a scenic reward.

In places where everyone walks (and Nicholas has no elevator), it’s easy to get in your steps🚶‍♂️.

Build a “core meal” habit: Start your day with something nourishing and fiber-rich (like oatmeal and Greek yogurt) so you’re less tempted to snack impulsively later.

Truthfully, this is the one I struggle with most with on the road, every corner is filled with croissants, cookies, and cakes.

At home, my routine is black coffee and a few nuts. But hey, sometimes you just have to give thanks and keep going. Plus, I’ll be home with Plato shortly.

🍽️ Bottom Line:

You can enjoy life’s delicious moments — like Sicilian street food — or a Mother’s Day Brunch — without derailing your health goals. The key? Intentional indulgence, not accidental overload.

And why should we do any of this? At this point in life, it’s about staying healthy and not being a burden, taking care of family, living a life of service, and annoying our children for as long as humanly possible😆!

As my Dad always said… everything in moderation, even moderation!

Keep squeezing the juice🍊 out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

We survived the earthquake 🌍!

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage? Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Remember to hang up 📞 on the big illegal call centers ⚠️ that try to force the wrong plans on consumers. Always use an independent broker, like The Big 65. That’s why we’re here.

Quantz and I are exploring Istanbul🕌✨, an ancient city where East meets West. It’s a fascinating mix of Europe and Asia and it’s filled with surprises😲.

Like the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world, thousands of shops selling spices, food, and clothing. You can get lost in this place if you don’t use Google maps.

It’s fun to try new things: mulberries, persimmons, even Turkish delight🍬. Of course Q is way more adventurous then I am, but that’s why we have balance in our relationship…

One explorer and one boring insurance dude to keep things on track.

Istanbul is filled with dogs and cats that roam freely and are fed and housed with public funds.

As long as you see a tag in the dog’s ears, or a clipped spot on the cat’s ears, you know they’ve been vaccinated and protected.

On Thursday, as I was walking to meet a friend for coffee, we experienced a 6.2 magnitude earthquake 🌍 that shook for thirteen seconds.

Thousands of people streamed out of every building but there was no major damage, thank goodness😮‍💨!

As Yusuf and I drank Turkish coffee, every member of his family called him to make sure he was OK.

What a great reminder to live every day as if it is your last.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

Aging isn’t the problem—losing curiosity is 🧓💭

Greetings and may this note find you in amazing health, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage? Please email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Well this week, Egypt has been a full-on contrast to our quiet, organized lives back home.

Honestly? It knocked me out of my comfort zone way more than it did Quantz. I guess that’s because she knows how to walk like an Egyptian🌞🐫🤣!

Cairo has more than 22 million people, staggering inflation, it’s surrounded by chaos, there’s constant construction, and super intense heat.

Oh, and did I mention there aren’t ANY traffic lights in Cairo😱?

One of our cab drivers u-turned into three lanes of traffic to find a short cut, it was crazy🚕🙏😩!

And yet… Egypt was exactly what I needed😲?

Yours truly is a Medicare Insurance broker because, just like my German Dad, I DON’T LIKE SURPRISES!

I want everything in order, in writing, the exact opposite of Egypt. Do you see the point?

So it was quite helpful (every time Q reminded me to “lighten up,”), that I had just read Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis.

The book is all about seven levers we can pull to live more boldly and creatively—not just on big trips, but in everyday life.

Visiting a new country gave me the perfect chance to practice what I preach.

Naturally, I didn’t “nail” any of these behaviors, but life is all about trying, right? Plus we got to see the oldest coffee house in Egypt, visited by Napoleon and Morgan Freeman 😎.

Attention

The classic saying, where attention goes, energy flows. It’s our most important resource. That’s why the internet is always trying to steal our attention.

Paying attention to the present is a skill I’m still working on, but Egypt gave me a reason to try harder.

Time

The scale of history here is humbling. These pyramids were already ancient when Alexander the Great arrived in 323 BC.

Standing in front of them reminded us how little time we get—and how important it is to stop wasting it on the wrong things.

Intuition

This wasn’t Yelp-approved dining. We followed a smell of roasted meat, made eye contact with the grill-meister, and said yes. It was one of the best meals we had in Egypt, and it was less than 5 bucks.

Sometimes you don’t need a plan—you just need a feeling. Still learning to trust mine more.

Constraints

Jarvis points out that constraints—whether it’s limited time, energy, or resources—can actually push us to be more creative. That hit home in Egypt.

Play

Play doesn’t come naturally when we’re stressed or tired.

Trying to remember: humor connects, lightness heals, and silliness might be the smartest thing we do all day, even if the sandflies are eating you alive.

Failure

We got lost. Took wrong turns. Felt frustrated. But that quiet guard reminded me: failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the path. As Jarvis says, it’s how we move forward.

Practice

As we get older, it’s easy to slip into routine and stop reaching for what lights us up. Chase Jarvis reminds us that wonder, energy, better relationships with our kids—none of it happens by accident.

If we want more meaning or joy, we have to keep practicing the behaviors that lead us there.

In the end, it’s all about showing up. Egypt reminded me—and Never Play It Safe confirmed it—that we don’t need perfect conditions to live fully.

We’re all still figuring it out. But if we keep showing up, practicing what matters, and being open to surprise…

There’s no telling what we might reel in next, just ask Rich🐟!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

Aging is inevitable—bitterness isn’t 🕊️❤️

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing Easter Bunny health🐰, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working properly.

If you’re having any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Well… after a month of adventures on her own, I finally found Quantz… in Cyprus — a beautiful island in the Mediterranean that’s physically divided but spiritually rich.

On one side, you’ll find Greek Cypriots, churches, and the echoes of Greek Orthodoxy preparing for Easter.

On the other, Turkish Cypriots, mosques, and the rhythms of Ramadan just recently completed. And somewhere in between? A UN-patrolled buffer zone, literal barbed wire, and decades of conflict and misunderstanding.

And yet… everywhere we went, people welcomed us with kindness. Whether it was a café in Nicosia or a bakery in the north, there was hospitality, warmth, and laughter.

It reminded me that, just like Easter and Passover — holidays born from different stories but rooted in renewal, liberation, and hope — we often have more in common than we think.

As we age, it’s easy to get stuck in our ways, our opinions, or our routines. But keeping an open mind — staying curious, choosing connection over conflict — is one of the most powerful ways to stay mentally sharp, emotionally fulfilled, and yes, even physically healthier.

So whether you’re celebrating with matzo or baklava, an egg hunt or a Seder plate, remember this:

Life is too short for walls, build bridges instead.

“There is no them, there is only us.” Plato and Gray both agree.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

🧠💪 Live Longer Without Spending a Dime

Greetings and may this blog find you in stellar health😄, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Spring has finally sprung 🌸 all over our great nation. Are you getting outside?

Sunlight☀️ equals Vitamin D🧴… good for the brain, good for the bones, great for the soul🧿. Most important, it’s free!

If you’re feeling blue or have problems with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Q met this 200 pound beast in Heraklion 🧔‍♂️🐾 (where Hercules was born), on the island of Crete. Don’t worry, she didn’t adopt a new doggy, yet… our doodle Plato is safe, for now🤞.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like every day, I’m bombarded with expensive miracle cures that promise I’ll live to be a thousand if I just give them my credit card.

It’s refreshing to discover that some of the most effective longevity strategies are both simple and free.

Experts and people who live past 100 show that simple, everyday habits—not expensive miracle cures—can help you live a longer, healthier life. I’m guessing Jean does a bunch of these, how about you?

🧭 Find a reason to get up each morning

Whether it’s grandkids, gardening, or helping a neighbor—having a purpose gives you direction, energy, and a reason to smile. It’s like fuel for the soul.

Living a life of service is the foundational cornerstone of my life. When our kids were young, we hosted ten different international exchange students (only one at a time) to live in our home for a year.

Hosting often created extra work but it made our lives (and the lives of our children) better. Now those kids are grown up and we get to visit them all over the world.

Last weekend, I finally got to visit the Pleister family in Germany. It was so much fun to finally meet the parents of Lena and Chris.

🧠 Challenge your brain

Just like your muscles, your brain loves a good workout. Try a puzzle, read a book, learn a new skill—even switching up your routine helps. Little mental stretches every day can keep your mind strong and your memory sharp.

Chris and Lena’s father, Hans, runs a maritime simulator for the University in Bremen.

After brief instruction, I attempted to navigate a 220 meter container ship out of the Elbe river into the North Sea. It was a fascinating experience, but I was unable to avoid being rammed by the ship in the distance🚢🌊😬.

The good news? No maritime job for me. I will continue to be your Medicare broker for a long, long time!

🥗Eat Real Food

Forget the trendy diets and miracle shakes. Stick with the good stuff: colorful veggies, juicy fruits, wholesome beans, and fresh fish. Your body runs best on real, nourishing fuel.

And just like my dad said: Everything in moderation, even moderation🍻😂.

While visiting the Pleisters, we ate a number of delicious vegetarian meals, but that didn’t stop me from having the occasional beer (especially after I sunk the container ship.)

🚶‍♂️Keep moving

You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership. Just move! Walk the dog, stretch toward the sky, or dance while making dinner—anything that gets your body going and your joints smiling.

We had some epic ping pong matches with the entire family. Man was my arm sore the next day, but it sure was fun!

🤝 Stay social

Friendship is powerful medicine. Call an old friend, wave to your neighbor, say yes to that lunch invite. A little laughter and connection can do wonders for your heart, your mood, and your memory.

Over the weekend we did a city tour of Hamburg. Our guide pointed out the clubs where the Beatles got their start and also the barber shop where they got their famous haircuts. Chris and Anja played a wicked air guitar🎸.

As I said goodbye to the Pleisters after a wonderful visit, I was reminded that living well doesn’t require deep pockets—just deep connections.

We didn’t need luxury or lavish plans to create memories, just good conversation, shared meals, and time together.

The article this week echoes that truth: longevity isn’t about miracle cures—it’s about purpose, movement, healthy food, and meaningful relationships. And sometimes, the best medicine is simply being with people who make you laugh. ❤️

Now I have to go find Quantz to make sure she doesn’t come home with a new 200 pound dog!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

Want to stay sharp for years to come🧠?

Greetings! May this blog find you in amazing health😄, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

The Open Election Period has ended, but if you want to review your Med Supp premiums to see if we can lower them💸…

Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar. Med Supp plans can be changed any month of the year… if you are in good health.

Speaking of good health, my little brother Haas was all smiles last Saturday after catching (and releasing) this largemouth baas🎣. Don’t they make quite the pair😀!

Joy is an infectious emotion, in a good way. Plato was super excited when one of our former exchange students showed up from Mexico with his cousin Rafa and his best friend Jose.

It’s always a breath of fresh air to have young’uns in the house. Plus, new interactions sharpen the brain.

Their visit ties in to a great article in The New York Times about brain health.

Now you don’t have to be like Dottie and Eric in Doglick, SC, and adopt the entire litter of miniature poodles to have great brain fitness, but it certainly is an option.

Staying mentally sharp isn’t about doing anything extreme—it’s about small, consistent habits that support your brain over time.

Stay Physically Active:

Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, supporting the growth of new neural connections. Even moderate activities like walking or gardening can make a difference.

You may remember Q has been exploring Greece. She’s been getting in her steps exploring the ancient monasteries.

Engage Your Mind:

Challenging your brain with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, potentially delaying the onset of memory-related issues.

Plato suggests signing up for any type of continuing education class… especially any class that teaches you how to make better dog treats!

Prioritize Social Connections:

Maintaining relationships and engaging in social activities can reduce stress and promote brain health. Consider joining clubs, volunteering, or simply spending time with loved ones.

My older brother Robert’s great joy in life comes from spending time with his granddaughter, but he also includes weightlifting, pickleball and book clubs in his schedule.

How can you build more daily low stakes interactions into your life?

Eat a Balanced Diet:

Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods supports brain health. Diets like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, have been linked to better cognitive function.

According to a study from the University of Massachusetts, a baking soda solution is more effective than vinegar or plain water at removing pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables. We’ve gotten in the habit of soaking our vegetables with baking soda as soon we bring them home.

Get Quality Sleep:

Adequate rest is essential for memory consolidation and overall cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If your mind is racing, try this technique call “the cognitive shuffle.” It works amazingly well!

Implementing these simple strategies can have a profound impact on your cognitive well-being. It’s never too late to start!

Most importantly surround yourself with people and animals you love. Man’s best friend, right Dave?

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

When Grief Knocks, Here’s How to Open the Door 🚪🌅🕊️

Howdy! May this note find you happily above ground🪦😉, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well😄.

The Open Election Period to change Advantage plans ends Monday, thank goodness!

Hopefully, some of the illegal telemarketers📞promising benefits you’re not eligible for will go away… for a while🤞.

Now if your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, or you’d like to shop or review your plan, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Plato would like to remind everyone there is always road work ahead😆and we are happy to help.

Spring🌻has finally sprung in our neck of the woods. The bees 🐝are doing good work.

We’ll be sending honey 🍯 to all those who’ve recently referred friends or have given us a Google review. That includes Susan M, Ann H, Sharon T, Marjorie P, Ted C, Sarah K, and Kathy G.

If we owe you honey for a review or a referral, PLEASE email Gray.

This week, I’m sharing a photo from high school that means the world to me.

It’s a shot of me, my best friend Luke Jr, and our dads, taken during the last week of our Senior year.

After leaving the Shenandoah Valley and building lives in different places, our friendship never faded—and watching our fathers become close was one of life’s unexpected gifts.

This week, I heard about a young’un whose best friend passed away completely unexpectedly. There is nothing sadder than when a young person predeceases his parents.

It reminded me how deeply we can love and how devastating loss can be—no matter your age.

Grief is the price we pay for loving deeply. And it comes in waves, with tears and with laughter.

Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a friend, a parent, a partner, or even a beloved pet, grief has no timetable. Here are a few thoughts that might help:

Acknowledge the pain
Don’t rush to “get over it.” Grief is real and deserves your attention.
Let memories surface
Looking at photos, sharing stories, or simply sitting in silence can be healing.
Connection heals
Talking to others who’ve experienced loss reminds us we’re not alone. Community matters.
Grieve in your own way
There’s no right way to mourn. Cry, write, walk, pray, laugh at old memories—whatever helps.
Time doesn’t heal all—but it softens the edges
Over time, the sharpness of grief dulls, and love takes center stage.
Honor your loved one.
Plant a tree, cook their favorite dish, tell their story. Let their memory keep living through you.

I keep this old photo of my late mother on my desk. Dinner with her on the Queen Mary in Long Beach in the early 1990’s.

This is the ship both she and my dad emigrated to America on separately… dad a week before World War II began from Germany, mom as a college student from the Netherlands to start a new life in 1950s America.

After dinner, we walked the ship and called my curmudgeonly father to celebrate the evening. It’s an evening I’ll never forget.

So this week, I raise a cup of coffee to the bonds that never break—even after we’re gone.

And if you’re carrying the weight of loss, just know: it’s okay to feel it, to talk about it, and to reach out for support.

Let’s be kind to ourselves and to each other and celebrate that we are still above ground.

Congratulations to Tina and Jay on their retirements and the celebration they had with family to mark a new chapter. “May the circle be unbroken.”

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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:

Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival 2025: A Celebration of “Prairie to Peak” Birdwatching

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – As the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival takes flight into 2025, bird enthusiasts from near and far can gear up for another exceptional experience showcasing the rich diversity of bird species along Colorado’s Front Range.

The festival’s motto, “Prairie to Peak,” perfectly captures its unique focus on the incredible habitats that span from the short-grass prairie to the forested foothills of the majestic Pikes Peak region.

The festival weekend coincides with spring migration, a time of surprises and peak birding opportunities. With the Front Range’s blend of short-grass prairies, forested canyons, and lush riparian habitats, the region provides an ideal backdrop for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. These diverse ecosystems support countless bird species, insects, and other wildlife, making the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival a must-attend event.

Over the past eight festivals, participants have seen, heard, and identified an impressive 268 bird species during field trips. This accounts for 51% of the 520 species recorded in Colorado year-round. In 2024 alone, attendees recorded 200 species, representing 74.6% of the festival’s cumulative total. The 2024 festival also welcomed four exciting additions to its checklist: Marbled Godwit, Snow Goose, Clark’s Nutcracker, and Chihuahuan Raven. To date, the festival has recorded 31 warbler species, delighting birders of all experience levels.

The festival has also been host to rarities, including White Ibis, Summer Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Flammulated Owl, Canada Jay, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Field Sparrow. While these species may not appear every year, the possibility of encountering such rare birds makes each festival a thrilling adventure.

Whether you are a seasoned birder or just beginning your journey into birdwatching, the Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival offers something special for everyone. Mark your calendars for May 2025 and join your fellow Colorado birders!

For more information, visit www.pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is the owner of The Big 65, an insurance company that provides Medicare insurance services to Colorado. The Big 65 is based in Highlands Ranch, right outside of Denver, where Karl lives with his family. Karl’s role as a health insurance broker is to match Medicare beneficiaries with the ideal Medicare plan at the lowest price. For more information, visit The Big 65 Colorado.

Think This😃, Not That😫—Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet🫠!

Greetings and may March Madness 🏀 find you in wonderful health with your Medicare insurance🏥working properly😄.

Remember, anytime you see an ad on TV 📺 (or receive an illegal telemarketing call📞) promising a $900 food allowance for Medicare, beware⚠️…

That benefit is ONLY for people on Medicaid with super low incomes.

If your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, or you’d like to shop your coverage, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar. We’re here to help you avoid the swamp monsters🐊☣️.

Remember the opening from the Charles Dicken’s book, A Tale of Two Cities?

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

That’s how I felt when Plato and I stumbled upon a herd of one hundred plus Elk 🦌in the park near our house😱.

Fortunately, Plato came running back to me and he didn’t end up getting in big trouble chasing the wildlife🐾😌🙏.

That moment reminded me how much life is shaped by how we choose to respond.

And that’s exactly the idea behind Dr. Josh Axe’s book, Think This, Not That. It’s all about flipping the script—recognizing we can shift our mindset anytime, even when life throws unexpected surprises at us.

As the world continues to spin out of control, this couldn’t be more important. Whether it’s facing health changes, making Medicare decisions, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, adopting the right mindset can turn “the worst of times” into “the best of times.”

Like when KC decided to try snowboarding…but we took him down the expert side of the mountain😩🙈 (poor guy, he looked like Sasquatch in the snow).

Here are 4 powerful mind shifts from the book that apply to all of us:

1. Think Abundance, Not Scarcity

Too often, we think, “I’m too old to try that” or “It’s too late to change.”

Flip it: There’s still so much time to grow, explore, and live fully.

Try This: Pick one new experience this month—whether it’s a hobby, class, or trip you’ve been putting off. New challenges keep you sharp!

Though we definitely started KC on the wrong side of the mountain🏔️, by the end of the trip, he had learned enough to enjoy the process🏆.

2. Think Confidence, Not Fear

It’s natural to feel uneasy when it comes to health changes, life’s curveballs, or Medicare Choices. But fear keeps us stuck.

Flip it: Replace fear with confidence—remind yourself, “I’ve handled challenges before. I can handle this, too.”

Try This: Take one step toward clarity today—whether it’s scheduling your preventive screenings, facing a challenge, or booking a quick Medicare review with me. Being informed is the fastest path to feeling in control.

Fun fact: After skiing, the left side of the table was drinking wine…for medicinal purposes 🤣 (and sore bodies)🍷!

3. Think Focus🧘, Not Overwhelm

Don’t let everything pile up in your mind.

Flip it: Focus on one small step at a time.

Try This: Set a single wellness goal this week—like a 10-minute walk each day or preparing one healthy meal at home🥗.

Plato told me he felt much more confident about chasing the wild turkeys instead of the Elk, but I kept him on the leash just the same.

4. Think Possibility, Not Limitation

Forget “It’s too late” or “I’m stuck.”

Flip it: Ask yourself, “What’s next for me?”

Try This: Write down a few things you’ve always wanted to do—big or small—and take one step toward making it happen.

My wife Q spent 30 years chained to a corporate desk. When the pandemic hit, and work was miserable, Quantz quit her job and said “we need to change everything.” I still work as much as I ever did, but now, I work virtually. Q has reinvented herself as a traveler and that includes medical missions, like the one she is on in Kenya. Happy wife, happy life!

At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing possibility over limitation. Life’s too short to let fear or doubt hold you back.

Keep asking yourself, “What’s next?”—and take that next step.

Be like my big brother Robert. Despite severing his spinal cord in a bike accident five years ago, he rose from the ashes.

Despite many daily challenges, Robert still practices medicine, plays pickleball, mentors young medical students, and makes the world a better place. He’s the first one to tell you, gettin’ old ain’t for sissies! I am so proud of my brother!

Don’t leave your best song unsung. Your story’s still being written—make it one worth telling.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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: