Karl Bruns-Kyler Archives

Never go to the Emergency Room alone😱!

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

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

The official start of summer is just a week away and we’re doing our best to get out and enjoy the local sights before the hottest weather begins. Do you have a botanical nearby? My wife Q loves flowers!

Everyone knows that getting outside is good for the body and the soul, but what happens if something goes wrong and you need to visit the Emergency Room?

Client Pam, a professional caregiver for seniors in South Carolina, reminded me of the cardinal rule everyone of us should follow and be prepared for: Never go to the Emergency Room Alone!

Emergencies are stressful enough without facing them alone. Here’s why you should always have someone with you in the ER and how to ensure you have support when you need it most.

Pitfalls of Going to the ER Alone

1. When you’re in pain or distress, making important decisions can be hard. A trusted person can help you make the right choices.

2. It can be tough to describe symptoms and understand medical terms. A companion can help you communicate better with doctors.

3. Handling paperwork and getting home can be overwhelming. A friend or family member can assist with these tasks.

4. The ER can be scary. Having someone with you provides comfort and reduces stress.

Strategies to Ensure You’re Never Alone

1. Build a Support Network: Make a list of friends, family, and neighbors who can help in an emergency.

2. Emergency Contacts: Always carry a list of emergency contacts with you.

3. Use Technology: Use apps and devices that alert loved ones if you have an emergency.

4. Plan Ahead: Share your medical preferences and needs with your support network. Here’s a link to a past blog with tools and docs.

5. Regular Check-Ins: Have daily check-ins with someone to ensure your well-being.

6. Medical Information: Carry a card with your health info, conditions, medications, and emergency contacts.

By planning ahead and creating a robust support network, you can ensure that you always have someone by your side in times of need. Thank goodness my big brother Dr. Rob was prepared for a surprise he didn’t expect. Now he’s back home and back at work treating patients. Keep going brother!

I also love this pic of Gina with four generations of her family: her mom, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Life is beautiful!

Too many people are counting on you, too, so have a plan and be ready!

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
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.

Ready to Take the Pressure Off Your Heart❤️?

Hello and may may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well. Are you getting through the summer heat?

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

It was over 90 degrees this week so Quantz decided we needed to visit the mountains to try to climb Mount Bierstadt, one of the many fourteen footers (mountains over 14,000 feet) here in Colorado. Now that is what we call “Rocky Mountain High!”

Fortunately, we are still in good health, but it is important to remember: visiting high altitudes can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure, especially those with severe heart conditions. So today, let’s talk about high blood pressure and how to manage this condition.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects about half of adults in the United States. It’s known as the “silent killer” because it often doesn’t show symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the heart.

A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. While medications can help, there are also various lifestyle changes you can make to reduce high blood pressure.

Start an Exercise Routine

• Staying active is key!
• Exercise helps lower blood pressure, boosts mood, strength, and balance.
• Reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Start slow if you’ve been inactive and gradually increase activity.
• Not a gym fan? Walk, jog, swim, or try YouTube exercise routines. Chair and low-impact exercises are great too.
• Include muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

Follow the DASH Diet

• The DASH diet can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg.
• Focus on:
o Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
o Low-fat dairy, lean meats, fish, and nuts.
o Limit high-fat foods, processed items, and sweetened beverages.
• Small tweaks to your diet can make a big difference.

Even though it is June, there was still a bunch of snow on the mountain. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring crampons to make it up the final section. So we only made it up to 13,500 feet. My type A wife was a little disappointed, but that was plenty high enough for me. It’s all about the journey, right?

Limit Salt

• Reducing sodium is vital for lowering blood pressure.
• Limit sodium intake to 1,500-2,300 mg per day (about 1 teaspoon of salt).
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt.
• Check food labels and choose low-sodium alternatives.

Last time we climbed this peak was in July a few years back. A month makes a huge difference in the amount of wildflowers you see, but we did see some wildlife on this hike.

Maintain a Moderate Weight

• Losing just 10 pounds can help lower blood pressure.
• Keep an eye on waist measurements: less than 40 inches for males, 35 inches for females.
• Talk to a healthcare professional about safe weight loss methods.

We saw marmots, ptarmigans, and quite a few ravens.

• Quit Smoking
o Smoking raises blood pressure and increases heart disease risk.
o Quitting improves overall health and lowers blood pressure.

• Limit Alcohol
o Men: up to 2 drinks/day. Women: up to 1 drink/day.
o 1 drink = 12 oz beer, 4 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor.
o Excessive drinking can worsen blood pressure and medication effectiveness.

You don’t actually have to climb a mountain to the see the mountain goats. Just ask the locals in Georgetown and they’ll tell you where you can see them.

Practice Relaxation
• Stress raises blood pressure.
• Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Find and address stress triggers to manage pressure.

Definitely, DO NOT do ice bathing if you have blood pressure issues. Boy was that water cold!

Why It Matters

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious issues like stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. Regular check-ups and monitoring at home can help manage it. Consult your doctor for a tailored treatment plan.

Stay active, eat well, and take care of your heart! We got in over 25,000 steps and now it’s back to the normal stuff, painting the boxes for our bee hives. Plato was glad we made it back safely.

I keep hearing good things from clients about drug savings. Before filling an expensive refill, reach out to Cori at the Canadian Med Store in Florida (yes, in Florida). No guarantees, but it’s always worth a second look to shop your drug costs.

It was a great adventure, but it’s always great to be home. This weekend, we will be taking it easy… or at least until Q tells me what we’re doing next! Stay curious!

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:

You need to get out now🫠!

Ni hao and may may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working well. Did you have a great Memorial Day Weekend?

For questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

It’s great to be home again in Colorado with Quantz. This is a picture of her, 40 years ago, when she spent a year in China. It was one of the most unique experiences she had as a student.

After studying in Guilin for a semester, Quantz was invited by the Chinese Communist government to stay for another semester and to teach English to Medical students. Naturally, Quantz jumped at the chance to have an adventure.

Fast forward forty years and this week, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Ma Ping Ke, aka Patrick (his name in her English class), one of her favorite students back in the day. Patrick flew to Colorado just to visit us.

When was the last time you visited a local museum or toured the botanical garden in your town? Often, we overlook the treasures in our own backyard, reserving these activities for when guests visit. But what if we took the time to explore these local gems ourselves?

We took Patrick to the Incline at Manitou Springs, Colorado and climbed 2,788 train ties to the top.

Walking or hiking can provide a moderate level of physical activity, which is great for maintaining mobility and overall fitness. While seeing something new, we can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance balance and coordination, all crucial for aging well. Thank goodness we survived!

Engaging with your community and interacting with others in local spaces can foster a sense of belonging and connection. We took advantage of Memorial Day Weekend to host a barbecue introducing Patrick to our neighbors and also to say goodbye to Max.

Max has been living with us for the last six months and has now taken the next steps in his life. We were happy to have him in our home and we’re also happy to be empty nesters again.

Social interactions can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common as we age. Sharing experiences with others, whether friends, family, or even fellow visitors, can enrich your social life and emotional well-being.

Having guests from other countries also causes you to appreciate the things you do have when you share them with others, like making your own pizzas.

Patrick wasn’t a fan of the Mexican food we ate but he loved making his own pizza.

Exploring local museums, galleries, and historical sites can deepen your appreciation for your community’s heritage and culture. This cultural enrichment can be both educational and inspiring, offering new perspectives and sparking creativity.

At first Patrick was pretty nervous about Plato, but by the end of the week, they became great pals.

Tips for Local Adventures:

• Make a List: Identify local attractions, parks, restaurants, and events you’ve been meaning to visit.

• Set a Schedule: Dedicate a day each week or month to explore a new place.

• Invite Friends or Family: Share the experience with loved ones for added enjoyment.

• Stay Curious: Approach each visit with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Speaking of curiosity, our daughter Sus was traveling this week so we took care of her cat, Kali (that’s the Indian name for the Goddess of Destruction). Kali definitely fits the bill and we enjoy her just the same. Sus takes care of Plato when we travel so it’s a pretty good deal.

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:

What Are Medicare Coffee Connections?

Hello and may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working well this Memorial Day Weekend.

For questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

While my wife, Quantz, was visiting her dad in the low country of South Carolina, our daughter Susanna and I visited my brothers where I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

When Robert, Haas, and I get together, one thing is certain, there will be chess.

Dad once claimed he’d played Bobby Fisher in New York in the late fifties.

True or not, Chess was our religion, and Bobby Fisher, our hero. We three boys watched on our black and white TV, cheering as Fisher defeated Spassky the Russian in twenty-one games to become world champion.

As many chess games as we could get in with Dad before Mom made us clear the pieces and set the dinner table. Dad, spotting us a glass of beer and his queen, placed two minutes on his chess clock and eight minutes on ours, decimating us with time to spare.

None of us brothers ever rose above amateur. Yet, we retain a love of the game, and through this old chess board and the pieces, a connection to our father’s love. The ghost of Rinehart remains in those pieces.

Never underestimate the mental and physical benefits of social connections between you, your family, and your community.

Maintaining strong social ties can significantly enhance mood, health, and quality of life. A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that older adults who engage in regular social activities are less likely to experience depression.

Social interactions provide emotional support, which can help individuals manage stress and anxiety more effectively. After dinner, we did a stroll around the old city of Staunton. If you ever visit, check out the Shakespeare Theater and take a walk up onto the hill at Mary Baldwin College. You can also visit Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace.

Engaging with family and friends can also help keep the mind sharp. Research indicates that social interactions stimulate cognitive functions, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.

A study in the American Journal of Public Health documented seniors with strong social networks had a 70% reduced risk of cognitive decline compared to those who were less socially active.

Maintaining social connections often encourages more physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk with a friend or participating in group activities. The CDC notes that physical activity can help manage chronic conditions, improve balance and coordination, and enhance overall physical health.

Haas lives about twenty minutes south of Robert on his farm in Spottswood and he spends as much time outside hunting, fishing, and farming as he possibly can. Do me a favor and stay out of the trees and off of your own roof, please!

Being connected to family and friends provides a sense of belonging and purpose, which is crucial for a fulfilling life. This sense of community can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development has shown that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives. I’m so glad Sus came along on this trip to reconnect with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Don’t forget about loving on animals as well.

We took a quick trip down to Charlottesville with Aunt Cristi to see cousin Mia right after Mia finished her first semester as a graduate student studying physics at UVA. Both Sus and Mia got our dad’s red hair and his deep love of learning. I guess it skipped a generation.

There is also evidence to suggest that strong social ties can lead to a longer life. A meta-analysis published in PLoS Medicine found that individuals with strong social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker social connections.

Quantz’s dad is proof of this. He still volunteers weekly at Brookgreen gardens, walks daily to check out the birds at Huntington State Park, and hangs out with his coffee klatch buddies causing plenty of general mayhem. He’s proof of aging well by staying connected and repeating my favorite adage, “getting old ain’t for sissies!”

Some of the different ways to stay connected include participating in local clubs, volunteering, or attending community events. Video calls, social media, and messaging apps can also be great tools when physical distance is an issue.

By embracing the power of social connections, you can enhance your well-being and make the most of every day. Keep reaching out, stay active in your community, and cherish the bonds that bring joy and health into your life.

Or you can keep it simple and do like Buddy does: fish, laugh with friends, and love on Puff, the noisiest, sweetest Javanese I have ever met.

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:

How Not To Drive Each Other Crazy

Hello and may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage working properly.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

Lynne sent this picture of Mike in North Carolina to confirm they received the last of our honey. These two have been pulling an RV for years and when Mike and I aren’t talking about college football (or Medicare), he’s telling me about their adventures and what’s up with friends.

It’s a privilege to interact with clients like Mike and Lynne who really are squeezing the juice out of life. I don’t mean to suggest their lives are perfect, yet they’ve found a way to enjoy retirement together. My perception is they are still rooting for each other, even after many years.

We know that “getting old ain’t for sissies.” This blog is about the challenges all couples face in not driving each other crazy. Are you ready for this journey through the “Heart of Darkness😄?”

For years, most of us dream of crossing the retirement line and entering the promised land and having control of our time. But after we get what we think we want, things change, right?

When the retirement honeymoon ends, the joy of time freedom can fade and the new reality of life sets in.

According to this article, many couples struggle to find relationship equilibrium in retirement. Divorces are rising as boomers seek self actualization and re-evaluate our lives and our marriages.

This isn’t always an easy transition and it sometimes requires purposeful navigation through new and surprisingly uncertain waters.

Retirement can cause an identity crisis for those who were very involved in their careers. Without the daily distractions of work, deeper marital problems can become more obvious.

Couples often face financial worries, with different attitudes towards spending and saving becoming more pronounced.

Many couples then struggle with the changed dynamics. Getting used to spending much more time together in the same space requires adjustment. Are you hiding the sharp objects 😄?

These new paradigms can strain marriages unless couples actively work on adapting and supporting each other’s new roles and interests. So there is hope!

Here are some ideas:

• Communicate Openly: Talk honestly about feelings and expectations.

• Enjoy Activities Together: Share hobbies and interests to stay connected.

• Maintain Independence: Support each other’s need for personal space and solo activities. (Guess who went to a Long Term Care conference without Q?)

Other steps to consider:

• Adjust Roles: Discuss and adopt new household roles and responsibilities together.

• Plan Finances Together: Manage money jointly to avoid stress.

• Provide Emotional Support: Be there for each other during emotional ups and downs.

• Stay Socially Active: Keep up with friends and make new ones.

• Consider Counseling: Seek professional help if needed to resolve conflicts.

• Stay Active: Engage in physical activities together for better health.

• Set New Goals: Plan for future projects and dreams together.

Small adjustments over a long period of time lead to amazing results. Nothing happens overnight. Just like Bobby’s eggplants, good things take time, right?

I’ve heard from several clients that they’ve found a bit of help with their medication costs after emailing Cori at The Canadian Medstore in Florida.

If your drugs are getting pricey, do click on this link to send her an email. Add your prescription name, dosage, and how many you take daily and they may be able to help. For some, it’s been no help, for others, it has saved them some money.

After the Long Term Care insurance conference, I had the pleasure of visiting Marcos, a life long friend that makes me better. It’s always good to see people you love and stay connected.

Equally fun, I spent time with our niece Lisle in Chicago. It’s so fun to see the young uns growing up. Who do you need to connect with next? Please don’t wait, the clock is ticking.

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:

Two out of three is bad!

Hello and may this note find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working properly.

Are you about to hit the donut hole with your medication costs? Before you do, click on this link to send an email to Cori at The Canadian Medstore in Florida. Add your prescription name, dosage, and how many you take daily and they may be able to help. No guarantees, but it’s always worth shopping.

Remember, if you have a Medicare question, email Gray@TheBig65.com. If there’s a big problem with your coverage or you want to shop your premiums, please book a time on my calendar and we’ll do our best to get it sorted, promise.

Last Saturday gifted us with four inches of snow, not what you normally expect in late April. Life’s like that, right? Surprises are the norm.

Fortunately, Plato is a very flexible beast and it didn’t bother him a bit. He let me know that snow is a good thing, just to watch out for the yellow spots.

Colorado has three hundred plus days of sun each year so the snow disappeared fast. We ran into a gaggle of doodles, the perfect illustration for today’s message on:

Preparing for the unexpected.

If you’re over 65, the odds of needing Long Term Care are over 70%. That means two of every three of us may need care at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home.

And before you say, “It’ll never happen to me,” 40% of all claims happen to people well under 70 and they are caused by accidents:

• Slipping
• Tripping
• Falling
• Car Wrecks

Just like a surprise snow, we never know what can happen.

On average, women need long-term care for about 3.7 years, while men typically need care for about 2.2 years (A Place for Mom).

The costs can be steep, with a private nursing home room averaging over $108,000 a year. In 2023, long-term care insurers paid out a hefty $14.1 billion in benefits, showing just how critical these policies are for many families.

To avoid depleting your savings due to long-term care costs, book a time on my calendar to see what options are available.

Long Term Care Insurance is not appropriate for everyone, but for some it can make a world of difference and you can ask about the newest alternative care plans that may be just the thing for you. Remember, Samson (above) doesn’t want to be an orphan.

Sadly, I just shipped out the last of the The Big 65 honey. Mike & Lynne promised to share it with all their friends in North Carolina. If you are near Boone, keep an eye out for Mike, he’s a big dude! Also, keep your fingers crossed our bees do well again this year.

Congrats to Tina in Tucson for overcoming a broken wrist back in January and returning to competitive pickleball. Repeat after me everyone:

“Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies!”

And finally, Happy Birthday to client/neighbor Becky. Her husband Joe continues to be a very lucky man.

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
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Big Mountain Drugs Review: Is It a Legit Pharmacy?

Buona giornata and may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

Well, Q took this picture while I was working and even though this looks like Venice, we are far from Italy.

We’re not in France either. We drove about 900 miles to attend a conference, guess where?

That’s right, viva Las Vegas! This was our first visit in almost 30 years. Don’t worry, I didn’t spend a single dollar gambling. As soon as the conference ended, we got the heck out of Vegas!

Most importantly, I learned a ton about upcoming changes in Medicare and some great ways to save money on medications.

Finding affordable prescription drugs is one of the most challenging issues Medicare consumers face.

Whether you are in a Stand Alone Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage, here are some steps you need to take to make sure you aren’t being over-prescribed and over-charged so you don’t fall off a cliff in Utah:

• Every time you go to your doctor, grab a ziplock bag with EVERY ONE of your medications.

• In your appointment, pull out all of your medications in front of the doctor.

• One by one, have your doctor confirm that you still need to be taking them all.

• According to a recent article, many Americans are taking more than five prescription drugs and this can lead to complications.

If you are prescribed a new medication or need to refill an existing one, take the following steps:

• Make sure you visit a preferred network pharmacy.

• Ask your pharmacist if there is a generic alternative.

• Compare the cash price (what the pharmacy would charge w/o insurance) versus how much you would pay if you used your insurance.

• Check the cost of the medication using GoodRx, Amazon, and Cost Plus Drugs.

You have to be a savvy shopper or you will get lost in the wilderness.

Now it’s possible you’ll do everything right and your drugs will still be obscenely priced. While at the conference, I learned about a company that might be able to help us reduce the cost for some medications.

Meet Cori Allen, Regional Manager for the Canadian Medstore… based in Temple Terrace, Florida. This is an American Company that helps consumers legally source prescriptions domestically and internationally.

This will NOT replace your prescription drug coverage and you need to do your own due diligence, but it may be a helpful tool to reduce the cost of some of your prescriptions drugs (Sally, this means you).

So, if you are in a tight spot with your medications and you’ve tried everything else…

You can click on this link to send an email to Cori. Add your prescription name, dosage, and how many you take daily and they may be able to help.

Be sure to deal directly with Cori and please let me know if you have any success.

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:

Do you really need to take a statin?

Greetings and may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working properly.

Remember, if there’s a big problem with your coverage, please book a time on my calendar. If it’s a quick question, email Gray@TheBig65.com and we’ll do our best to get it sorted, promise ☎️.

Well, it’s a wet, windy day here in Colorado. Plato was in desperate need of a grooming session. Q said he was bringing in too much debris every time he went outside so off to the groomer he went.

I prefer him with long hair, but life’s all about compromises, right?

I’m not a big fan of going to the doctor (or the groomer), but I am a total believer in preventive medicine, stopping small problems from becoming big ones. Clip the hair before it becomes knotted, visit your primary before uncontrolled cholesterol sends you to the Emergency Room.

Today, let’s dig in on cholesterol and statins.

According to this article, roughly one in four Americans over the age of 40 are prescribed a statin to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Many patients hesitate to take statins due to potential side effects like muscle pain or diabetes risk, leading them to seek over-the-counter supplements like plant stanols/sterols, red yeast rice, niacin, fiber, and fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids (see Jason’s freshly caught fish above).

Now you can live a healthy life, like my little brother Haas, and go out into the Shenandoah Valley and hunt your own Morel mushroom (just remember the leading cause of death to mushroom hunters is poisonous mushrooms). Morel mushrooms do have compounds that may reduce the oxidation of cholesterol. Sadly, mushrooms alone may not be enough.

Research indicates that while some supplements may slightly reduce cholesterol, they’re not as effective as statins and lack evidence in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A study in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that statins reduce LDL cholesterol by 38% on average, whereas the most effective supplement, red yeast rice, only reduced LDL by about 7%.

Of course, I still have a cognitive bias about raw honey. Some studies say it may slightly improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Regardless, be sure to have a heart to heart with your Primary Care provider.

You may remember that last week we split the hives and sent the Queens north to start new hives (this is done so that the existing hive doesn’t grow too big and swarm to a new location.) Once the Queen is removed, the hive gets busy creating Queen cells to produce a new Queen

I’m happy to report the hives are looking good and we should have new Queens shortly, We hope to have even more honey to share with clients this September, keep your fingers crossed! No prescription required.

I had to laugh at this picture of our Air Force son Nicholas from years gone by when he was still a twerpasaur. We’d been on a road trip somewhere in the Midwest when he picked up this moustache at some novelty store. He thought it was the coolest thing.

Fast forward eighteen years and Nicholas texts us this picture of himself working on the flightline at 3:00 AM on a US base in Britain, with the same dang moustache. No matter what you do, the young uns grow up and do what they gotta do.

Remember all of our soldiers in your prayers. They are working hard to protect our freedom.

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:

Top Conway Medicare Insurance Agency Near Me

Greetings and may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage working 🏥.

Problems, questions? Please shoot an email to Gray@TheBig65.com. If it’s serious, book a time on my calendar. We’ll do our best, promise 😊☎️.

Did you see the eclipse?

Plato and I didn’t see squat of the eclipse here in Colorado, but it did give him an excuse go next door and to say “hey” to Sally.

Meanwhile, Shava and I were out back checking the health of 60,000 of our dearest friends. The bees thrived this winter so we’re splitting the hives, sending the established queens to the country and making space for the new queens.

When you remove the Queen, the hive has to get their act together to produce a new Queen quickly. I so appreciate Beekeeper Shava’s guidance to make sure I don’t screw things up…with the hives, or elsewhere.

Fortunately, my Queen bee Quantz is fearless and she keeps me connected. Which brings us to today’s blog – watch out for loneliness.

Bees have a built-in community, but for us humans, loneliness is an epidemic. Left untreated, it can seriously harm our health.

Studies suggest loneliness can change how the brain and body respond to stress, rewards, and social cues, potentially leading to long-term health problems like dementia.

These are actionable steps we can take to combat loneliness:

• Ask for Help: Don’t be shy to reach out to friends when feeling lonely.

• Be Social: Join community events or groups to meet people.

• Get Moving: Exercise can boost your mood and is a chance to socialize.

• Think Positive: Try to see social situations in a good light.

• Seek Support: If loneliness feels overwhelming, consider talking to a professional.

• Stay Connected: Use calls or video chats to keep in touch with loved ones.

• Find Your Crowd: Look for groups that share your interests.

• Embrace New Friendships: Be open to making new friends wherever you go.

These are things my buddy Marcel did and it made a world of difference.

Marcel lost his partner of 45 years on April 8, 2022. This year, he decided to celebrate the memory of the passing by travelling from the Netherlands to the US (with a group of strangers) to see the eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Marcel’s group of Dutch & Belgians flew to Texas just to see the eclipse. Because of weather forecasts, they traveled over eight hundred miles through New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, finally to Conway, Arkansas to fulfill their goal.

Thank goodness they had a plan and their persistence was rewarded. It was only afterwards that Marcel told the group how he honored his spouse by coming for the eclipse. What a great way to celebrate a loss and to create new friendships and adventure.

I was proud of Marcel for getting out of his comfort zone and doing something new. Is there something new you can do to make your life better?

Colorado’s next full eclipse will occur in 2045. Marcel says he coming. Will you be here? If you stay connected to others, you’ll definitely increase your chances of attending.

How I do to stay connected? How about a beer with my buddy Gerry, but just one🍺😉, right? Everything in moderation, even moderation 😂.

Getting old ain’t for sissies, and sometimes we will feel like crying. Nothing wrong with that. But after we pick ourselves up, my goal is to be like Maddy. This is what her owner says:

“There’s no stick too big for Maddy.”

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

Refer a Friend

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:

Have a little heart

Greetings and may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare coverage 🏥 working properly. How was your week?

Any problems with your coverage? If so, book a time on my calendar or shoot an email to my admin Gray@TheBig65.com. Let us know 😊☎️.

Plato, Q and I had a quiet Easter Sunday at home in Colorado. Sometimes it’s just nice to relax, isn’t it?

We rose early and breakfasted at The Original Pancake House, our favorite national breakfast chain. Be sure to save up your statins if you order the apple pancakes and the bacon, but man oh man, it’s worth it, three meals from one order. I don’t like their coffee, but we love their pancakes.

Which brings us to today’s topic, heart health.

You don’t have to be a doctor to know that moderation is the secret to good living. Paying better attention to our health is an important part of aging well.

Here are some helpful ideas backed by studies to promote heart health.

Stay Active:

• Engage in regular physical activity tailored to your abilities. Even gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can significantly benefit heart health. How about polishing the silverware?

• According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease in older adults by 25%.

Manage Stress:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.

• A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that stress management techniques can lead to significant improvements in heart health among seniors.

Every time I bike the bluffs, I try to drop a rock on this cairn.

Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels:

• Regularly check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as per your doctor’s recommendations.

• Research has shown that maintaining optimal blood pressure and cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults.

Stay Socially Connected:

• Maintain strong social connections with friends, family, and community groups. Social isolation has been associated with an elevated risk of heart disease and mortality. Tina and her sisters take a weekend trip together every year.

• According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, seniors who actively engage in social activities have better heart health outcomes. For Luke and Carmen, that means travelling forty three hours from Virginia to Jakarta to spend time with their grandvarmints.

Get Sufficient Sleep:

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep patterns have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

• A study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that older adults who consistently get enough sleep have healthier hearts compared to those who experience sleep disturbances.

Marcel just arrived in the US from the Netherlands to watch the Solar Eclipse. Will you get to see it?

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:

• Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

• Research from the American Heart Association suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of heart disease among older individuals by up to 30%.

• My little brother Haas grows a lot of food on his farm in the Shenandoah Valley. This weekend, he’ll be hunting for Morell mushrooms, if the deer and the gobblers don’t get to them first.

Caring for your heart is a lifelong endeavor, and we can take proactive steps to safeguard our cardiovascular health. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your heart health!

As the famous saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Let’s start nurturing our hearts today for a healthier tomorrow.

Great news! Due to your responses, Exercise Physiologist and Registered Dietician Cate Reade has agreed to create a wellness webinar on balance for The Big 65. We’ll announce the dates next Saturday. See how excited my brother Rob is 😉😂.

Please email the questions or topics you’d like Cate to address.

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: