Medicare Insurance Broker Archives

Here’s How to Maximize Your Medicare💪🩺!

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

We’re now into the Annual Election Period and it’s sticky business🍯, yes-siree!

I sure hope you’re ignoring the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading Facebook/TV ads that promise free money. I talked with two clients who were totally lead astray.

Just like marriage, and honey production🍯🐻, Medicare is a team effort.

If you want us to give your plan the once over BEFORE setting an appointment, shoot us an email and I’ll let you know if you actually need to book a time. We’re working through a bunch of those and we will get them ALL answered.

If you have a pressing issue that needs immediate attention, please use this email link and Gray will make sure we get it done.

If your drugs, doctors, or your plan have changed significantly, book a time on my calendar here 🗓️. No need to fill out a new drug list.

Thanks to Q, lots of honey went out this week. If you’d like some, feel free to leave us a review on Google or Facebook.

Our daughter Sus came down last weekend to celebrate my birthday and it sure was fun to carve pumpkins, reminisce, and spend time together. Remember when your varmints were small?

Life’s great joys come from spending time with the ones you love, so it’s important to do everything we can to stay healthy…for their sake! Nobody wants to be a burden.

Unfortunately, our healthcare system often focuses on treating the symptoms… after the problem, instead of before.

The good news is Medicare (both Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans) covers a wide range of preventive services to help us remain healthy. Many of these services come at no additional cost to you, so why not take advantage of them?

Each year, you’re entitled to a wellness visit where you can discuss your health and set up a personalized prevention plan. This is a great time to talk with your doctor about any screenings or vaccines you might need.

Speaking of need, one thing I don’t need is rock climbing😨! But you can see (up high) that Sus is a fan!

Consider Flu shots as we head into the colder months. Medicare covers these shots along with others like the pneumonia and hepatitis B vaccines.

Surprisingly, flu vaccinations were associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia. Staying vaccinated also helps prevent serious illnesses that could lead to hospital visits.

Sus surprised us with tickets to see the musical “Hamilton.” It was incredible and none of us got the flu🙂🤞.

Medicare offers several free cancer screenings, including mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies. Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to treatment, so be sure to schedule your screenings.

Don’t these two look like they’re ready for a Hollywood screening!

Keeping track of your cholesterol and blood pressure is key to heart health. Medicare covers cardiovascular screenings that can detect conditions early before they become serious problems.

Plato and I may need a statin after Q prepared this lemon pound cake for the Big 64! It was delicious.

If you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes, Medicare covers a diabetes prevention program, which includes lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset of diabetes.

If you test your blood sugar at home, the company Advanced Diabetes Supplies (ADS) will set up for home delivery of your diabetic supplies, at NO ADDITIONAL cost! Here is a link to their website.

My little brother Haas and I compete to stay healthy. I’m convinced part of the reason he does so well is because he catches, hunts, and grows most of the things he eats.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, Medicare covers counseling sessions to help you kick the habit for good. This benefit is available whether or not you’ve shown signs of tobacco-related disease.

By taking advantage of these free services, you can catch health problems early, stay on top of chronic conditions, and prevent future issues. These preventive services are part of Medicare’s commitment to helping you live a healthier, fuller life. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your health!

And do remember to keep moving just like my buddies Jason and Cary. We do power yoga at 5:30 AM during the week in room that’s over 100 degrees. That’s gotta be good for something, right?

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.

The AEP Countdown: 5 Steps to Prepare Now

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly. Big prayers 🙏 to everyone in North Carolina experiencing the floods.

Remember, the Annual Election Period doesn’t begin until October 15th. Please don’t book a time BEFORE October 15th. Otherwise, Quantz and her friends in Ethiopia will be very put out.

You should have received our letter and the QR code on a jar opener like this to book a time for after October 15th. Here’s the link just in case.

If you’d like a small jar of honey🍯(smaller than Emerson’s cause he gets our mail), anyone with a Gmail address who writes a Google review with this link will get a jar. We have 297 and we’re trying to break 300 reviews!

If you don’t have a Gmail account, please leave a review on Facebook. That’ll be good for a jar of honey🍯 as well.

If you’ve already booked a time, Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com, or I will be calling to update your drugs and perhaps reschedule for later in October.

Don’t worry, we won’t give you any lip if you booked early😂.

From October 15th till December 7th, my mission is to get you out of any tight spots if:

Your plan was dropped😱.
Your drugs changed 💊.
Plan premiums went up 💵.
You’ve added or changed doctors👩‍⚕️.
You would like to make sure everything is ok 😬.

Here is my motto for the Annual Election Period:

I suspect Art and Esther’s new 5 month old Red Labrador Ruby will be well taken care of, too. Hopefully their Boxer Stella is on board with the project.

For those of you who are curious, Q did make it successfully out of Africa.

She had the trip of a lifetime, seeing extraordinary religious festivals like Meskel, commemorating the discovery of the Cross by Empress Helena (Constantine’s mother) in the 4th century. Ethiopia is a very religious country.

Q visited many different tribes and saw coming of age rituals (like this boy becoming a man jumping over the six white bulls).

I was tempted to join her in Madagascar and Ethiopia but even though Gray is available…

As your broker, I will only visit countries with excellent internet 💻📱so that you can always get a hold of me if you need me.

But after seven weeks apart, I couldn’t take it any more so…

I surprised her for a few days in this European capital famous for Mermaids…

Viking ships…

And excellent internet (which I used into the wee hours every night I was here). By the time you read this…I’ll already be back in Denver, ready for the busy season.

And though I’m back home, ready to catch up with everyone who needs me, Q is still exploring. She’s the one who inspired the motto at the end of every newsletter. That’s why I love her❤️.

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:

Here’s a preventive screening most folks forget about

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing 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.

We’re just weeks away from the Annual Election Period. Keep an eye on your mailbox for a letter from me at the end of the month.

ANYONE calling without your permission is an illegal telemarketer 🚫🤥📱. Watch out for Medicare scammers.

This week I spoke with a guy in Michigan. An agent LIED to him and now he’s in a tight spot 😱😡. I’m hoping we can fix his situation, but DON’T let this happen to you, OK?

The last thing you want is to have your feet swept out from underneath you and no recourse.

These are my legs during an exercise class at Red Rocks Amphitheater last Saturday. My wife Q signed me up for the cardio class and I almost coughed up a lung (thanks honey❤️).

As your Medicare insurance broker, you’ve inspired me to stay in peak health. Really truly, I work out daily, eat well, stay connected to family, practice gratitude, and do my best to learn something new every day.

This week I learned something from my amazing brother, Dr. Robert Kyler (seen here with his daughter Jordan). He’s a Radiation Oncologist in Virginia and he asked me to share this with all my Medicare insurance clients.

Getting regular lung cancer screenings for those at risk can make all the difference in the world.

Did you know that lung cancer is often diagnosed too late? According to the American Lung Association, only about 26% of lung cancers are found in the early stages. According to Robert, that’s when treatment is most effective.

For high-risk groups—like long-term smokers between 50 and 80—regular lung cancer screening can make all the difference.

Fortunately, my little brother Haas is addicted to trout fishing🐟, not tobacco🚬😂🚭.

Low-dose CT scans (LDCT) are key, reducing lung cancer deaths by up to 20%. The best part? Many of you may qualify for free annual screenings through your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.

If you or someone you know has a history of smoking, or being around second hand smoke, it’s worth chatting with your doctor about getting screened. It’s painless, takes only a few minutes, and could catch something before it becomes serious.

Remember, Medicare often covers these screenings, so there’s no reason to delay! Early detection is vital, and it could save your life. Like Adrienne, there may be people and doodles, like Winston, counting on you.

For those of you who are curious, my wife Quantz left Madagascar and is now exploring her 81st country. She had to force this street vendor to smile. She was the only tourist.

Why was she the ONLY tourist? That’s because Q arrived in the capital city of this civil war torn country despite my protests. She is a very independent woman.

The people in this country are very religious and they have 180 mandatory fasting days for lay people, and up to 252 days of fasting for the clergy and the particularly observant. Fasting may keep you healthy but it doesn’t sound like fun!

This country has one lake that is a source of the Nile. While travelling to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site castle, she and her guide were stopped by government soldiers and told to return to the capital immediately. Apparently the area she was planning to visit had been taken over by a rebel army.

Me, I would’ve turned tail and like this monkey – split! Q just pivoted and went to another part of the country that is, hopefully, a little more stable.

Can you guess where she is? The first three correct answers will get a Starbucks card, (new winners only, please).

Meanwhile, Plato and I are back home, working with clients and hanging out at the Bark Park. We ran into an old friend, Phyllis. I admire Phyllis so much because she personifies my favorite saying: gettin’ old ain’t for sissies.

Despite challenges, Phyllis keeps going and still visits the dog park, long after her favorite pet has passed. Plato is always glad to see her. Never stop, never give up, always keep going!

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:

It’s time to sharpen that saw

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

We’re four weeks away from the Annual Election Period. If you want to know how to get ready, check out this link. Just remember to avoid all the illegal telemarketers.

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

In the meantime, Plato is loving the autumn weather here in Colorado: sunny, cool and delightful. He never met a patch of grass that he didn’t love.

My wife Q is still in Madagascar, making as many new friends as possible and seeing as much she can.

She’s the most adventurous person I know and that’s what I love about her. Travel is a great way to keep your mind sharp.

Seeing new things, getting out of your comfort zone, and experiencing different cultures are great ways to grow new synapses.

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain our physical and our mental well-being. Of course you can travel and play with spiders if you want.

Fortunately, there are lots of small, daily habits we can do at home that will make a big difference in how well your brain functions.

Here are some easy ways to keep our minds active and healthy. And don’t worry, they don’t include public speaking to 150 retirees like I did this week in Highlands Ranch!

Exercise Your Brain with Puzzles

Puzzles are a fantastic way to engage the mind. Whether it’s a crossword, Sudoku, a jigsaw puzzle, or Wordle, these activities challenge your brain by stretching your memory and problem-solving skills.

Of course you can do puzzles on your phone, but don’t discount the neuro-cognitive value of doing puzzles with pen and paper.

Here’s a puzzle for you: why did I spend $20 on fox urine to try to protect my 5 peaches from the local racoons? Of course the racoons ate four of them. That makes this a $20 dollar peach😳!

Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Good sleep is essential for a healthy mind and one of the greatest ways to protect our brains. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine allows your brain to rest and rejuvenate. Everyone’s sleep needs vary, but if you often feel tired or sluggish, it may be a sign that you need to improve your sleep habits.

I’m a big believer in the coffee nap: if you’re feeling tired in the early afternoon, down a cup of joe, set timer for 20 minutes, cover your eyes and snooze. The alarm will ring just as the caffeine is kicking in.

Studies have shown that regular short naps can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Plato thinks paddleboarding reduces the risk of having to walk too much😉. After feeding him on the paddleboard all last week, I’m happy to report he jumped right on!

I fell in twice, he never left the board. Turns out you can teach old dogs new tricks.

Stay Social and Connect with Others

You know I’m a broken record but human connection is vital for brain health.

Regular social interactions can help prevent cognitive decline. Simple activities like a quick phone call, video chat, or an in-person meet-up can boost your mental well-being.

Plato and I got a surprise visit from our daughter Sus and it sure brightened up a quiet weekend. If nobody’s visiting you, go say hello to a neighbor. You’ll be glad you did. Sus is testing out The Big 65 jar openers you’ll be receiving at the end of this month.

Of course it’s challenging to get out, especially for those with mobility issues, but technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected. Set aside time to catch up with family or friends a few times a week—these conversations not only brighten your day but also stimulate your brain.

I try to get on facetime with my brothers at least once a week. My brother Rabbit sometimes gripes that l call too much. Hey, that’s just the way I roll. What can I say. I love my brothers and I will never take them for granted. Who do you need to call?

Explore New Experiences for Sensory Stimulation

Engaging all your senses is another way to keep your mind sharp. This could be something as simple as trying a new recipe, attending a local event, or taking up a new hobby like painting or gardening. By exposing yourself to new sights, sounds, and experiences, you’re stimulating different parts of your brain.

This week, my friend Shava helped me harvest the beehives under our grape vines. The Japanese beetles and the raccoons harvested most of the grapes🦝😡!

Shava is a professional beekeeper and she was pretty excited about the flavor of our honey. It’s getting bottled and now we’re getting the bees ready for winter.

Maintaining a sharp mind as you age doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By incorporating simple habits—puzzles, good sleep, socializing, and new experiences—you can keep your brain engaged and functioning well for years to come.

Plato said he would like to have a new sensory experience with honeycombs, but he knows better, right Plato? If Plato doesn’t eat all the honey, I promise to share a few bottles.

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:

Get ready for the (Medicare) Fall

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

Q sends her greetings from Madagascar where she’s still exploring and making up for thirty plus years of working way too hard. Me? I am happily back home getting ready for the busy season, yikes!

We’re five weeks away from the Annual Election Period and I’m starting to feel a little bit like how this chameleon looks.

Changes are definitely coming. Even this lemur is curious.

If you have a Medicare Supplement (plan G, plan N, etc.), the changes will not be significant. If you’ve been in your plan for more than two years, and you are in decent health, it’s probably a good idea for us to shop the rates.

Medigap/Medicare Supplemental plans can be shopped any month of the year, so feel free to book a time in September if you like.

If you have a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan, here’s what to do to prevent sticker shock in January.

When “the Annual Notice of Changes” arrives, please open it and look at the costs, the benefits, and your drugs.

Reading through the changes will take less time than it took me to refinish these barrels (Plato refused to help).

Some Part D drug plans and some specific Medicare Advantage plans may be going away entirely😱 .

Some plans may have significant price increases 😡.

Some drugs may no longer be covered 😨.

Some drugs may be less expensive😊.

Some people won’t need to make any changes at all.

Please don’t stick out your tongue and forget about it.

If we’ve been working together, then I have a copy of your medications and your doctors.

You’ll get a letter from me at the end of the month telling you it’s time for us to chat, including this fancy schmancy jar opener/mouse pad.

After you book an appointment, please email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com, and tell him you would like to update your medications before we speak.

Gray will send you a link with your current medications. You can update them yourself or chat with him on the phone and he will help you. October 15th till December 7th is when we can make changes.

Jeanne and Vincent should be back from their adventures in Scotland by then and I’ll have plenty of slots open if we need to speak.

Q tells me she should be home by then… assuming she learns how to cook onions, cassava, and salt.

Congrats Jim in Illinois, Betsy in Denver, Louie in Pennsylvania for guessing the mountains in this picture. The answer is Maroon Bells.

Thanks again to client Mike in Atlanta for the painting. He is getting a Starbucks card as well!

This week’s “don’t be a hero” award goes to neighbor John. John is one of the amazing guys who never stops hustling. Though retired, he still teaches part time, travels, has a yard way nicer than mine, and he loves to play pickleball.

That’s what got him in trouble…trying a little too hard to make the point… and then continuing to play after he was injured. The good news, he is definitely on the mend.

Everyone, repeat after John, “don’t be a hero ‍⚕️😊🎾👨‍⚕️!”

We got great news from our Air Force son in Britain. Knock on wood, come December, he’ll be deployed in Italy. We’re very proud of this young rascal and we can’t wait to visit. You know we love to travel.

In the meantime, Plato and I have decided to learn a new hobby, paddleboarding. Don’t worry, we’ll do our best not to be heroes.

Plato is a rule follower and he was exhausted after sanding the barrels.

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 that preventive screening?

As they say in Georgia, გამარჯობა gamarjoba. May this blog find you in amazing 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.

No, my wife Q and I are not in Atlanta. Instead, I’m working from Tbilisi, Georgia, the oldest Christian country in the world, half way round the world.

Here in Liberty Square, there used to be a statue of Lenin. When the people threw off the communist yolk, the citizens replaced him with a statue of St. George (and the Dragon), the patron saint of the nation.

Georgians trace their lineage back to Kartlos, who is considered a great-grandson of Noah. It’s a fascinating place.

So after helping Medicare clients all over the US, I then love to walk this 1,600 year old city late at night in search of local food, like this khachapuri, cheese bread, yummy and inexpensive.

If you ever see a Georgian restaurant or food truck, try the khinkali, soup filled meat dumplings that are addictive and delicious.

What surprised us most about Tbilisi? The food️ 🍽️, the wine 🍷, the buildings️ 🏛️?

Actually, it was all the well-kept street dogs 🐶😲! Even on the Peace Bridge in the middle of the night, the dogs were everywhere.

This is so different from the way we keep our dogs in the US. See Stevie below, the amazing rescue Huskey who loves to watch TV animal shows (and is spoiled by clients’ Ron and Karen in northern California).

These Georgia dogs (not to be confused with my Georgia College football Bulldawgs in Athens) live outside on the streets as protected mascots of the city.

They are chipped, spayed, or neutered, and receive food, vet care, and vaccinations to keep them healthy.

Which brings us to today’s topic: preventive health screenings.

Whether you have a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan, preventive health screenings are an essential part of wellness.

Appropriate preventive screenings track health risks, manage chronic health issues, and reduce the risk of an acute visit to the Emergency Room.

That’s the upside of preventive screenings. A recent article questions whether American health consumers are being screened too often for certain cancers.

In 2021, the United States spent $43 billion on screening for five types of cancer—breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate—according to a study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine. This figure represents a significant portion of the annual expenditure on cancer care, which likely exceeds $250 billion.

Colonoscopies, my least favorite procedure, account for 55% of the total screening expenditures.

This dog, next to Q, slept like a rock, until lunch was served, then suddenly he was awake. Coincidence?

Despite the high costs of screenings, experts argue colonoscopies are valuable as they can both detect and prevent cancer by allowing surgeons to act quickly.

These old stairs in the back streets of Tbilisi made me think of a colonoscopy or maybe an Escher drawing! Better be friends with your neighbors here.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force supports screening for four of the five cancers studied, particularly highlighting its effectiveness for cervical and colorectal cancer. However, the benefits for prostate cancer remain inconclusive, and the task force is currently updating its guidelines.

As a Medicare Insurance broker, I hear from you daily on the successes and the frustrations of navigating the healthcare system. It’s challenging to know the right thing to do, isn’t it?

Perhaps some contemplation and prayer in the Sioni Cathedral, built in the 7th century? It certainly couldn’t hurt.

Now, experts are advocating for a more nuanced discussion on the true value of cancer screening.

While screening does have benefits, its impact on overall mortality is often modest, suggesting that other factors, such as improved treatments and lifestyle changes, also play crucial roles in reducing cancer death rates.

So what should we do as consumers when it comes to preventive screening?

Well, you could ask our tour guide Giorgi (one out of every 12 Georgian men is named Giorgi!), but I don’t think he would know. Here’s our advice:

The next time you get a notification to have a preventive screening, talk to your doctor.

If you’re in an actual appointment, get your healthcare practitioner to look up from his or her dadburn screen and say:

“Hey Doc, if you were in my situation, or, if it was your mom or dad in this situation, would you have them complete this preventive screening? What would you do, really?”

You might be surprised by their response. The bottom line: every Medicare consumer needs to self advocate. Challenge the system and ask good questions. Don’t be shy. Get your provider to slow down and treat you like a human.

That’s how the Georgians threw off the commies (maybe not exactly, but you get my drift). I’m rooting for them and their freedom and you know I’m rooting for you and your health!

In the meantime, wake up and smell the flowers, life is short!

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:

We went to the wrong city 40 years too late and this is what we learned

Hello and may this blog find you in amazing 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.

Are you watching the Summer Olympics in Paris?

Q and I were hoping to compete in the bobsled competition. Turns out we went to the wrong city, for the wrong Olympics, and we were forty years too late.

Sarajevo (in the former Yugoslavia) hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984. Do you remember watching the bobsled races?

This bobsled track was once a site of glory but fell into ruin and disrepair due to war and neglect. During the war, it was used by the Serbs as a bunker from which to attack the Bosnians. After the war, the graffiti artists took over.

Our health is like a track, if we don’t take care of it, it will break down.

In the book “Good Energy,” author Dr. Casey Means explains the importance of metabolic health, how everyday choices affect our health and energy levels.

According to the book, 93% of Americans have poor metabolic health, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and chronic illnesses.

The good news is that, just as a war torn country in the Balkans can mend, focusing on small steps will increase energy levels, improve mood, and raise our overall well-being.

In the picture below, yours truly is standing in the footsteps of the assassin who shot the Austrian Arch Duke triggering World War I. Thanks goodness our former President wasn’t assassinated. That would not have been good for our country.

Here are the key take aways:

Foundations of Health: Dr. Means emphasizes the importance of foundational health practices such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.

This is the bridge of Mostar, bombed during the Yugoslavian war in the early 1990’s, now fully restored. It is now a symbol of peace and hope.

Nutrition and Energy: The book delves into how different foods impact energy levels, with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods that stabilize blood sugar and support metabolic health.

If you ever get to the Balkans, the vegetables and the olives are amazing. I’m not sure that beer is a vegetable (flexible mind, right 😉😂).

Gut Health: Gut health is highlighted as a cornerstone of overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to mental clarity and immune function.

Burek is a savory pastry made of thin, flaky dough layers. It is typically filled with beef or lamb, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. I can’t comment on its healthiness, but it is the ultimate Balkan comfort food.

As we always say at The Big 65, everything in moderation, even moderation 😊.

Mind-Body Connection: “Good Energy” also explores the intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being, offering strategies to enhance both through mindful practices and positive lifestyle changes.

My German dad was a chess fanatic so it was great fun watching these fellows in the square playing every day. They had a great time yelling, playing, and giving each other smack. I loved it. As my father always said, “they would’ve killed me like a chicken.”

For Medicare clients, understanding the holistic approach advocated by Dr. Means aligns with the wellness themes we frequently discuss in our blog (yes, like my wife Q says, I am a broken record 😊).

Here are the simple steps (and check out the chair yoga below).

Eat Real Food: Fill your plate with colorful vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats.

Move Daily: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day.

Prioritize Sleep: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you get better sleep.

Manage Stress: Find activities that relax you, whether it’s reading, gardening, or practicing mindfulness.

Don’t close the door on good health. In the old days, a strong metal door could have been the difference between life and death.

You should also watch the webinar we created on balance and mobility. These tools are the bedrock of wellness just like the pillars of health in Dr. Means’ book.

As we travel through Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina, again and again, we see the resilience of the human spirit and it gives us hope that these countries can continue to heal and improve the lives of all their inhabitants.

Despite hardship and challenge, it’s never too late for any of us to change our world or our health. Don’t ignore fires on the horizon (like this one in the hills of Mostar). If you do, you will get burned.

And in the meantime, 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:

Here’s how to prepare for any emergency

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

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

I usually work late at night with clients when we are overseas, so I was a little groggy when we took this early morning tour of a Roman arena in Pula, Croatia.

Remember how Wiley Coyote could walk off a cliff into thin air in the Roadrunner cartoons, beep beep? It never ended well, did it?

Emergencies can strike unexpectedly, and when they do, seconds count.

First responders must gather critical information swiftly in chaotic situations.

Here’s a crucial tip paramedics shared in an article that could potentially save your life: make sure your medical information is easily accessible, at home and on the road!

Seconds Count: Why Preparation Matters

Time spent searching for medical details like allergies, meds, and existing conditions could mean the difference between life and death.

During emergencies like heart attacks or strokes, swift action can prevent irreversible brain damage.

Step 1: Document Your Details. Start by writing down essential information on a piece of paper:

Your name and date of birth
Medical history and existing conditions
Emergency contact number
Current meds, dosages, and any allergies

Include details like your blood type just in case you need a blood transfusion.

Step 2: Make It Accessible. Once you’ve compiled this info:

Wallet: Keep a smaller version in your wallet for immediate access.
Home: Place a larger copy on the fridge or near your front door, where paramedics are likely to look if you’re not able to communicate.

This simple step ensures that paramedics can quickly retrieve vital info without delay, potentially saving valuable time in critical situations.

Step 3: Use Technology to Your Advantage. In addition to physical copies, consider setting up your medical ID on your smartphone:

iPhone or Android: Enter your health details in the Medical ID section, accessible even without unlocking your phone. This feature can provide paramedics with crucial information at their fingertips.

We watched Euro Cup finals in the square, Spain vs. England. Ian was so happy when England tied the score, I thought he was going to have a heart attack! Sadly for him, Spain won!

Additional Tips for Emergency Preparedness. While having your medical information handy, paramedics also emphasize a few other practical tips:

Unlock Doors: If you’ve called 911, ensure your doors are unlocked to allow paramedics quick access.

Secure Pets: Keep pets safely contained during emergencies to avoid additional hazards.

Prepping for emergencies is a proactive step that could save your life. In emergencies, every second truly counts.

Whether you’re on the road or at home, making sure your medical information is readily available could be the most important gift you give your loved ones.

We don’t want them to have to ring the church bells for you!

Let me know if this tip was helpful. The first ten clients to send a picture of themselves and their medical info attached to the fridge will get a Starbucks card☕!

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:

Paddle Taps: The Ultimate Pickleball Experience

The Big 65 is excited to be sponsoring Paddle Taps, the Midwest’s premier climate-controlled pickleball facility located in Worthington, Ohio.

This partnership marks a significant commitment by The Big 65 to promote active lifestyles and community wellness initiatives in central Ohio.

“I’ve been helping Medicare recipients for over 20 years and I’ve never seen anything that matches the excitement and enthusiasm generated by pickleball” said Karl Bruns-Kyler, founder and owner of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services.

“Pickleball is a great way to stay active, especially for seniors. And just as importantly, it’s a great way to meet people of all different ages” said Karl.

The Paddle Taps facility, based in Worthington, Ohio, offers 17 indoor courts and features a restaurant, bar, and pro shop for pickleball players of all levels.

The Big 65 is now the primary sponsor of Paddle Taps’ Silver Sneaker and Renew Active Open play.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is the owner of The Big 65, an insurance company that provides Medicare insurance services to thirty-one states around the country, including Ohio. Karl’s role as a health insurance broker is to match Medicare beneficiaries with the right Medicare plan at the lowest price. For more information, visit www.TheBig65.com.

Ignoring these health signals might kill you!

Hello! Hope you are surviving the summer heat in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 properly.

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

You know the saying, “when mama’s happy, everybody’s happy!” I do my best not to anger Quantz, but if you’re married for more than a few decades, it’s going to happen from time to time.

Of course when it happens, she’s certain to pull out the sword and slay the angry beast.

We’re soaking in the rich history and culture of Austria. We’ve visited some incredible historical sites, including this fascinating armory (32,000 sets of armor) and exhibits on the plague (it was bad). It’s been an enriching experience, especially since we were joined by our son Nicholas, who recently returned to England and is back to work on the Air Force flight line.

I’m doing my best here to emulate the panther of Graz, Austria, symbol of the city, and also Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hometown.

What makes me angry enough to look like the panther of Graz?

Well, when I hear from clients and friends and learn they’ve ignored serious health warning signs, that makes me growl🦁😠. Here are some warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Swelling in the leg, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, redness, and warmth, could be a sign of a blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

If you’re super healthy you may be more likely to ignore this, but do so at your own peril. Seek medical attention immediately.

A sudden, severe headache could be more than just a migraine. (Note: know when that headache comes from drinking beer while watching Euro Cup! Both my teams, Netherlands and Germany, lost 😢)

A sudden, severe headache might indicate a stroke, aneurysm, or other serious conditions. If your headache is accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, vision problems, difficulty speaking, or numbness, it’s crucial to get to a hospital right away.

Chest pain or discomfort can signal a heart attack, especially if it spreads to your arm, back, neck, or jaw. Other accompanying symptoms might include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness. Time is of the essence with heart-related issues, so don’t hesitate to call emergency services.

As they say, “slow you blow, fast you last!” Consider carrying aspirin in your purse or your wallet.

Unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it comes on suddenly, can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or even a severe asthma attack. I was definitely out of breath climbing to the top of the Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s mountain retreat), but this shortness of breath was earned honestly.

Any unexplainable difficulty breathing should be evaluated by a healthcare professional without delay.

If you experience sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, it could indicate a stroke. Strokes can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly. Look out for other stroke symptoms such as trouble speaking, dizziness, or loss of coordination.

Here’s a quick primer on stroke symptoms. Memorize the “Fast” warning signs!

Unexpected bruising or bleeding. This is a picture of Nicholas after he tried to take a selfie sitting on the top of a fence in Salzburg. He fell over backwards and rolled half way down the hill😂. Of course, as a healthy young’un, he was fine. If it had been me, I would’ve been in a world of hurt. He’s seen here recovering his earbuds.

If unexpected bruising or bleeding happens easily or for no apparent reason, it could indicate a blood disorder, infection, or other medical conditions. It’s important to get this checked out to rule out any serious underlying issues. Remember, don’t be a hero!

Understanding and recognizing these warning signs can save your life or the life of someone you love. During our travels, we’re reminded of the fragility of health and the importance of staying vigilant. Be proactive! (And watch your step when walking on stone steps!)

If you’re ever in doubt about a symptom, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and being attentive to your body’s signals are key to maintaining good health, especially as we age.

Take it from my big brother Dr. Rob (seen here diggin’ on his grandvarmint Nel): life is precious, take care of yourself and take care of others. We only get one shot at this life!

And please 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: