The Big 65 Archives

Screen Time and the Pursuit of Happiness

Greetings from Valparaiso.

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Well, the Bruns-Kylers are continuing their adventure in South America. You know I encourage each of you to seek out your own adventures, whether at home or abroad, so I’m doing my best to live by these words.

But don’t worry, I work from wherever we are exploring.

Remember, if you’re having problems with your coverage, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated. We’ll get it fixed, I promise.

Before leaving Bogota, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Flo, the daughter of Quantz’s French cousin who lived with us in Denver last year. She is studying Spanish and volunteering before starting grad school next year. What a surprise to see her in Colombia.

Sadly, we finally had to say “Adios” to our Air Force son, Nicholas. He returned to his base in Britain last Friday and we already miss him. I hope you’re keeping all our soldiers in your prayers, it’s a crazy world out there!

But kids grow up and we have to move on. We have to keep asking, what’s the next big thing?

Each of us will have a different answer so I’m no help here, but…

I can tell you the next small thing to avoid, and that is too much screen time ‍📱😵‍💻.

In the United States, we average about 7 hours daily staring at screens 😱!

Of course this number is increasing every year and we don’t even notice. We are like frogs in a pot of water slowly getting warmer 🐸🍲🔥. One day it will boil.

Let’s not negate the many positives of screens: we can stay connected to others, it’s easy to share pictures of the ones we love, and some apps can absolutely save us time and money. I love face timing with family and friends.

But on average, we spend 44% of our time awake staring at screens and that may not be making us healthier or happier.

Some of the physical risks of using a phone too much include cyber sickness, text claw, eye strain, and fatigue.

Excessive screen time can increase the risk of depression. Limiting time engaged in social media to 30 minutes daily may improve well-being.

The great news is small changes can reduce your screen time and increase your well-being.

Put your phone away during meals and keep it out of the bedroom. If you’re on your phone, set a timer and take a break every 30 minutes, rest your eyes, move around, and stretch.

I just learned about this really cool technology… books. Most of the US has amazing libraries and if you haven’t visited one recently, I promise you’ll be amazed.

Remember, we can’t be perfect. I am as guilty as everyone of overusing my screens 😇😈, but with a little attention, we can improve our lives and our health. As James Clear says, 1% every day. Keep going 🌟😊👍!

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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

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.

Changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for 2024

Greetings and may this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly. Today, I want to discuss changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for 2024. But first …

If you’re having problems, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated.

Don’t you love the smile on this guy’s face? He’s enjoying the day tooling around the old town sharing his city with travelers in this classic car.

That’s the way I’d like to feel every day.

My reality is a little closer to this old tortoise who sleeps behind the planters in this old hotel.

Every morning, getting up and out is a little harder. I’m a little achier and often a little grumpier, but, a good cup of coffee makes all the difference in the world.

Once we get up and out, there are adventures waiting, especially when Quantz twists my arm and gets me to do something I’d enjoy but wouldn’t do on my own.

If it weren’t for her, I’d work more and enjoy less. Traveling with Q pushes my comfort zone.

This is an old German freighter off the coast of Aruba. Instead of letting it fall into Allied hands in 1942, the captain chose to sink her himself by flooding the boiler room and causing the engine to explode. I’m glad I wasn’t on board.

Our daughter Sus had to return to her home in Colorado because she had a burst pipe. As you can tell, Plato was happy to see her but he’s still mad at us for leaving him at home with her boyfriend.

Now Quantz, our Air Force son Nicholas, and I have moved on to explore Colombia.

Thanks to Tim in Firestone, Colorado for sharing an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about drug trends for Medicare. Here’s the gist:

In 2024, Medicare Part D plans will have a ceiling of $8,000 for how much they and consumers (combined) will pay out of pocket.

Changes brought about by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act mean that people on Part D plans will pay no more than roughly $3,300 on drugs annually (subject to variation based on brand or generic medications).

In 2025, the cap will change to a flat $2,000.

The 5% coinsurance that patients had to pay after reaching the “catastrophic” spending threshold has been eliminated. This change is expected to offer significant savings to approximately 1.5 million people.

The cap on drug costs will force insurers and drugmakers to cover a larger part of the cost.

Potential downsides for Medicare patients include higher premiums and more complicated paperwork.

The changes represent a significant makeover to the Part D prescription-drug benefit.

Cancer drugs in pill form can be costly for people on Part D plans, and these changes are expected to provide substantial savings for patients with expensive medications.

Despite all the good news, drug costs seems to be one of the biggest frustrations everyone has.

Remember the following strategies when filling a prescription:

Often, physicians will prescribe a brand name medication without taking into consideration a client’s financial situation. Check with the doctor’s office to see if they can provide you with a sample before you shell out your own money.

If you are a prescribed a brand name drug, check with your pharmacist and find out if there is a generic alternative.

A single medication is always easier but sometimes, a combination of drugs can be used successfully and perhaps keep down your costs. Every situation is different so do your homework.

Before filling the prescription through your drug plan, ask the pharmacist if they have a cash price that is lower than your copay.

If you get into the catastrophic phase every year (which means the total cost of your drugs {paid by you and the drug plan, $8,000 for 2024} then you may want to run all of your drugs through plan but…

If you barely reach the donut hole each year ($5,030 paid by you and the drug plan) or never reach the donut hole, paying the cash price or using a third party tool like GoodRx, Amazon, or Cost Plus Drugs might save you some serious coin.

Life continues to be filled with a million moving pieces but if you take thirty minutes and make a few calls and check a few websites, it might really save you some money.

Please know that even though we are traveling, I have slots open every week if you need me.

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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:

Please don’t ever pay your bill immediately!

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

If you changed plans in the fall, you should have received your new ID cards by now.

If you haven’t, or if you’re having a carrier issue (and you’ve already spoken to the carrier), reach out to Gray and he’ll get you squared away.

In talking with clients this week, I’m hearing a lot about issues with billing.

According to this article, up to 80% of all medical bills have at least one error.

Client Stan tells me he’s pulled out most of his hair trying to get a shingles vaccine bill properly coded and submitted. He received incorrect information from the doctor and from Medicare ☹. Stan is a retired engineer so if someone as logical as he is can’t get the right answer, it sure is frustrating.

I wish I could tell you there was a single step you could take to avoid billing issues, but complicated problems are never solved that easily.

However, if you have a Medicare Supplement, Plan G, your only out-of-pocket for Medicare approved services (excluding drugs, dental, and vision) is $240.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the summary of benefits should you provide you with exact costs for deductibles, copays and the maximum out of pocket each year.

Nevertheless, here are some suggestions to help you avoid over paying:

Check Your Information:

Billing errors can happen due to small mistakes on your insurance claim form.
Even a single missing digit in your insurance ID or a misspelled name can lead to denied claims and premature billing.
Verify that your insurance details on the bill are accurate and have been processed by your insurance company.

Compare to EOB:

After your health insurance processes claims, you’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Compare your medical bill to the EOB to ensure the amount on the invoice matches what your insurance says you owe.

Beware of Aggressive Billing:

Some providers may send bills while your insurance is still processing your claim.
Don’t pay these bills without checking with your insurance company.
Look for phrases like “Due Now,” “Estimated Amount Due,” or “Amount You May Owe.”

Request an Itemized Statement:

Medical bills often lack a detailed breakdown of charges.
Ask for an itemized statement to ensure you’re only paying for services and items you received.

Check Billing Codes:

Each medical procedure has a billing code (HCPS/CPT), and there are diagnosis codes (ICD-10) for medical conditions.
Review these codes to ensure they’re correct.
Mistakes in codes can lead to claim denials or unjustified procedures.
Research codes independently and take action if there’s an issue.

Negotiate a Reduction:

If your bill is more than you can afford, negotiate with the provider.
Find resources online to determine fair service costs.
Make your financial constraints known and ask for a discount or a payment plan.
Paying a lump sum may increase your chances of getting a discount.
Ask for zero interest on a payment plan.

Act Quickly:

Address your medical bills promptly to avoid collection agency involvement.
Hospitals must wait six months before reporting to credit bureaus, but late reporting can affect your credit for years.
Taking quick action can prevent future financial issues like higher interest rates or difficulty securing loans.

The bottom line: be slow and extra careful BEFORE you remit any payment to healthcare providers and call the insurance company for help as well. This process will not eliminate the number of mistakes, but hopefully it will reduce them.

In case you couldn’t tell, the Bruns-Kyler family is celebrating their first vacation as a family together in almost three years. We finally got our Air Force son together with the rest of the family at the same time. We are giving thanks for warm weather and this time together in Aruba. Can you tell Q was happy to see our son?

Remember, life is short. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted!

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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:

Prepare to be amazed!

Happy New Year! Prepare to be amazed!

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Is your 2024 off to a good start?

Q wasted no time getting Max and me to take down the Christmas tree while she packed up the ornaments.

It’s actually nice to have the open space again and Plato doesn’t seem to mind.

Hopefully your Medicare coverage is in good shape for 2024 but feel free to book a time on my calendar if you need help or reach out to my admin, Gray.

Just be sure to avoid all the Medicare commercials and the call centers. Remember, that’s why I’m here!

Despite a chilly winter here in Colorado, the bees have been incredibly busy. I had to refill both sugar boards and add new pollen paddies to the hives. Keep your fingers crossed the girls make it through the winter!

Bob and Sue tell me they’re counting on more honey for next year as well!

My favorite part of the holidays is always spending time with family and friends. We had a great time with Jeff and Vicki’s grand varmints playing spirited games of Jenga that always ended in glorious destruction.

So now that we have a few months of cold and dark to get through before spring, I’d like to remind you why life has never been better!

Now before you shout “not true,” let me absolutely confirm there are plenty of problems, but according to most measurable metrics, life on the planet is improving in dozens of measurable ways.

Remember, the media makes its money making us angry, interested, and upset and not by pointing out what’s going well. Therefore, it’s up to each of us to look for and build on the good every day.

Here are just a few of the remarkable accomplishments this year has seen.

Global health: numerous countries achieved disease elimination milestones. Egypt eradicated hepatitis C, formerly the world’s highest-burdened country. The Maldives triumphed over leprosy, while Bangladesh conquered both black fever and elephantiasis.

Niger led the way in Africa by eliminating river blindness, joined by Benin, Mali, and Iraq in eliminating trachoma. Timor-Leste, Bhutan, and North Korea celebrated the eradication of rubella, and Ghana achieved victory over sleeping sickness. Additionally, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Belize successfully eliminated malaria.”

(Lest we forget the small things, Deb spent time with her amazing son 😊)

In 2023, European cancer deaths dropped by 6.5% for men and 3.7% for women compared to 2018.

The United States saw a one-third reduction in cancer deaths over three decades.

Australia reported fewer skin cancers among those under 40. Promising advances were made in treating colon, skin, bladder, and cervical cancer.

Pfizer pledged to provide patented cancer drugs at cost to 1.2 billion people in low-income countries.

(And equally amazing, Italy allows dogs in the grocery stores 😲🌟!)

Obesity affects over 70% of US adults and more than half of Europe. New treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy not only promote substantial weight loss but also lower the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. This year’s breakthrough confirms that these drugs can indeed protect the health of people with obesity.

(Partially amazing? My little brother is still taking ice baths through the winter ❄️😱!)

UNICEF says there are 50 million more girls in school today compared to 2015. Completion rates for girls have also gone up, from 86% to 89% in primary school and from 54% to 61% in high school. Additionally, five million more girls now complete all levels of education each year compared to seven years ago.

(Impressively, Karin and Ken celebrated 45 years together, well done 🎉🥳🎈!)

Something good for everyone:

Early data shows a remarkable 13% drop in murder rates for 2023, one of the biggest annual declines ever. Almost every major crime category, except auto theft, has also decreased. Violent crime is now at its lowest point in over 50 years, while property crime is at its lowest since the 1960s. Additionally, the country’s prison population is down 25% from its 2009 peak, with many states, including New Jersey and New York, reducing their prison populations by over 50% in the past decade.

What’s the most amazing fact of all?

Steve and Jo celebrating 51 and half years together (plus they’ve visited over 50 National Parks) and they were kind enough to share their adventure with all of us. Through thick and thin they continue to be there for each other 🎉🥳🎈!

So remember the next time your phone or the TV tries to make you angry, look for the good, be kind to someone else, and give thanks for being above ground!

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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:

Good News for 2024!

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

Can you believe the year is almost over? That’s what happens when you blink, life just keeps on zipping by!

Hopefully you are in good shape for 2024 but feel free to book a time on my calendar if you need help or reach out to my admin Gray.

Talk about time flying, Q and I celebrated 35 years of marriage this week, no attorneys required, thank goodness. Some of you certainly have us beat so send a picture and the number of years. Longest married (with a picture) wins a prize!

We celebrated with breakfast at Snooze and they even threw in complimentary anniversary pancakes! The funniest part? The bill was exactly $35 bucks, go figure.

I almost missed the fancy card and the quality control survey Quantz put on my napkin. Of course I gave her five stars.

Apparently we weren’t the only ones celebrating this week. Joe’s sister in North Carolina sent this affectionate display to celebrate her brother’s birthday: Bikes, booze, barbecue and of course his wife Becky!

Are you preparing to make 2024 the most joyous year ever? Here are some ideas that could be helpful in making the New Year even more meaningful. They come from Japan.

Ikigai, find purpose in your life. Pursue activities that align with your passions, talents, and reasons for being alive. Whether that means taking care of your family, sharing your faith, sharing your home, working, or volunteering, tapping into your purpose, your reason for remaining above ground will make the world better and bring a smile to your face.

My Ikigai is to help others, to take care of family, and to try to produce more than I consume. If I can put a smile on another person’s face, then it is double plus good.

Kaizen, small, continuous improvements in various aspects of our lives.

We are a culture obsessed with the pursuit of massive gains, but real change typically involves small simple actions over a long period of time, not dramatic shifts.

A few extra steps every day, substituting oatmeal for Krispy Kreme doughnuts, practicing your balance while brushing your teeth… aim for gradual and sustainable progress over time. One percent better over time can produce profound results.

Our daughter Sus applies Kaizen to her hobbies. This winter she learned to make light box frames and gave us one for Xmas. I admire her ability to never give up and to always be learning new things. Of course she may need to apply Kaizen to her garage!

Hara Hachi Bu, don’t over fill yourself with food. We are blessed with an abundance of food at this time of year and I love to make Momofuku Bo Ssaam (Korean Pork Shoulder with sauces) and cheese fondue, my ultimate comfort foods.

“Hara hachi bu” is a Japanese concept that encourages people to eat until they are 80% full, promoting mindful and moderate eating for better health and longevity.

Of course we should enjoy our time with family and friends, and breaking bread together is one of life’s greatest joys, but… if we can catch ourselves before we are completely full, we can enjoy all of the benefits of food and companionship without the regret.

I definitely overate several times this holiday. That’s why I share these ideas. They are helpful reminders for me!

Shoshin, approach every task as a beginner.

Whether it’s a board game (like the totally inappropriate but fun game “Cards Against Humanity”) or trying to resolve a Medicare issue, Shoshin emphasizes the attitude of approaching things with openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceptions, allowing for continuous learning and growth.

A few weeks ago, I put my foot in my mouth with a close friend. A beginner’s mind would have helped so much. All we can do is learn, ask for forgiveness, and learn to laugh at ourselves. As Adam Grant so poignantly writes:

And best of all and perhaps the most challenging, Wabi-Sabi, embracing imperfection.

We are imperfect at best and that’s what makes us human and loveable. Accept that nothing is perfect, and appreciate the beauty in flaws, whether in objects, people, or situations.

Holidays give us a chance to connect with the important people in our lives. We can focus on the flaws or we can focus on the connections. The easy part is finding what’s wrong, the secret is remembering what is right. Some days easy, some days hard. All we can do is keep going.

Just remember to be like Mary Beth; she could’ve driven past the stray dog on the highway and cursed at the folly of humans for not taking care of their commitments.

Instead, she stopped, backed up, and took action. Clara Bell is now the joy of her life and the world is a better place. Well done Mary Beth.

Last week, I took Plato to Ace Hardware to run an errand (Plato loves to go shopping). While in the checkout line, I heard a woman behind me comment, “what a big dog.” Remarkably (and I owe it ALL to blueberries), I recognized the woman’s voice (though we’d never met in person).

“Gigi?” I asked. She was shocked and I introduced myself, “I’m Karl from the Big 65 and we spoke a few weeks ago on the phone” (Gigi has a very distinct voice). It was so much fun to connect with her and her son and to learn about the service work she does as a volunteer helping immigrants.

That’s the great thing about Plato, he always helps me to connect with others. This is him eight years ago next to our daughter’s favorite stuffed animal.

So before the year ends, make it a mission to reach out to someone you love and remind them how important they are to you. Every moment, every connection is an opportunity to make things better. The choice is ours, now get busy! Happy New Year!

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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:

Think before you speak!

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Thank goodness the Annual Election Period (AEP) is over. I am so grateful to have connected with so many of you over the past three months, but I have to confess…

Plato and I celebrated when things finally finished. Don’t worry if we didn’t speak during AEP.

Book a time on my calendar if we need to catch up.

Our rock climbing daughter Sus came down from Fort Collins to help decorate the tree (you know I’m not going up that ladder). Max helped us cut and decorate the tree (he’s a climber too).

The tree only fell twice (I’m guilty as charged) and they did manage to bolt it to the wall … live and learn, right?

Plato’s been loving the season, mainly because Q got him an Advent Calendar filled with treats – wait for it!!!

Now that things have calmed down with Medicare, I’m taking care of all those things you should be taking care of. I checked in with my Eye Doctor, Dr. Jacobs. My glasses are up to date, check!

I visited Erin at Costco and updated my hearing aids, check! I also made an appointment to get my teeth cleaned.

Remember, if you have an Advantage plan, the benefits don’t roll over into the new calendar year so be sure to use any benefits before they go away

It’s been great to get back out for longer walks so Plato can check in with all his friends and all our amazing neighbors. Checking in with friends just makes you feel better.

Client Cinda and her husband Brad hosted the annual Sherriff’s Department’s volunteer appreciation dinner (where Q volunteers). It was so much fun to meet all the different volunteers and to meet the Sherriff of Douglas County. Don’t worry, I really was on my best behavior. Too bad they weren’t passing out “Get out of Jail free” cards. Maybe next year.

Arizona residents Jay and Tina took time earlier this month to explore some of our amazing National Parks, including Antelope Canyon. It’s still on our bucket list of places to see.

Thanks to Rose for sending this, do you know about the four agreements?

It is such a helpful reminder, great rules to live by and especially helpful when we spend time with friends and family.

Yours truly, broke number three over Thanksgiving with friends and had to ask for forgiveness. Fortunately my friends have big hearts and they did forgive me. Let’s all do our best to be impeccable with our words, to not take anything personally, to not make assumptions, and to always do our best.

All we can do is try.

One of the best ways to make these holidays even more meaningful is to reach out and reconnect with the important people in our lives.

I first met Marcos 40 years ago as student in Bolivia. Now he’s an engineer in Chicago.

We stay in touch but we hadn’t spoken in months so I just called him on the fly.

Turns out he was back in Bolivia visiting family and we had a delightful time face timing and reminiscing on all our old adventures, good for the heart, good for the soul.

Feed your soul, help others, laugh as much as you can, forgive everyone, do your best, enjoy the holiday the lights, and remember that life is short, even if we live to be a hundred, it’ll be gone in the blink of an eye.

All we have is this day, this moment, this one chance to live well, to love others, and to learn. Take nothing for granted and do your best. Plato is counting on you!

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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 wake up your doctor!

May this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Are you getting ready for the holidays?

The Annual Election Period is over 🎉🙏🎉! It was so much fun catching up with so many of you from all over the country. Most people kept their plans but some made changes.

If we didn’t speak and you aren’t happy with your Advantage coverage, don’t worry.

You have until the end of March to make one change if you need to. Most people don’t need to do anything, but if you’re unsure, book a time in January to make sure.

If Plato looks warn out above, that’s because he played hard all day. Say hello to “Suki,” our newest house guest and Plato’s new pal.

Suki and his boss Max arrived this morning to live with us for a while and we immediately drafted them to help us cut down a Christmas tree up in the Rockies.

After ten weeks of ten hour days (including most weekends), it was a pleasure to get out of the house and up into the snow in the Arapahoe National Forest.

Plato was even gladder than me to be out of the house and doing something new with Suki.

I was so tempted to spend the day vegging, but I followed James Clear’s advice and we had a great afternoon hunting the perfect tree (plus the permit to cut a tree was only $20).

Every time we do something new, our brains make new connections and it strengthens our bodies, our minds, and our souls.

Listen to this three minute Ted Talk on how a group of nuns avoided the pitfalls of dementia just by doing new things.

We cut down this 18 footer and carried her out of the forest through deep snow, strapped her on top of the car, and drove down the mountain. It was exhilarating to do something new.

On the way down I caught up with our daughter Sus and she sent pics from the Ugly Sweater Party at work. I guess that’s way computer coders like to have fun.

Before heading up the mountain, I spent an hour on the phone with Nathan Jenkins, a Physician’s Assistant and a retired Navy Veteran. He now works for a company that does in-home health assessments and I learned so many interesting things about the state of medical care in America.

His best piece of advice: every time you go to the doctor, throw ALL OF YOUR MEDICATIONS in a large plastic bag and put them on the table in front of the doctor and have them confirm that you still need to be taking each medicine.

Nathan said most doctors are great at beginning the healing process but they are not always great at formulating an end game to treatment. Many patients continue to take a medicine to treat a specific condition (like situational depression) long after the condition has subsided. Be sure to review your prescriptions with EVERY DOCTOR you see.

By the way, if you take a statin, watch this video a cardiologist posted on the pros and the cons of taking this medication.

Q had a birthday in early December – 29, again 😶🤫. We celebrated with great friends that I plan to see more often because life is incredibly short and we never know when it will end.

Two weeks ago, Frank and Brigitte were driving to Costco, a regular Saturday morning. As Frank looked ahead, he suddenly saw a car out of control heading straight at them at break neck speed. “Gina, hold on, we’re gonna roll.” To avoid the head on collision, he swerved and the car flipped down the embankment.

When the paramedics came with jaws of life, they expected to find two lifeless bodies. No one could survive such a devastating crash.

Miraculously, Frank and Brigette were standing beside their 1950 Oldsmobile Ricket 88 completely unharmed.

The officer said if it hadn’t been made of solid steel (and if the both hadn’t been in such excellent physical shape), they would have gone through the windshield and been nothing more than a statistic.

What’s even more impressive? One year ago, I visited Frank in his home and he was bedridden, slowly recovering from an extremely difficult surgery. This is one of the most amazing couples I’ve ever met. Their love for each other, their work ethic, and their faith make them a living miracle, and a treasure.

Never give up, never surrender. As Winnie the Pooh said famously:

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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’s eating you?

Greetings. May this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Plato is all smiles since Quantz returned home from a visit to her family in South Carolina. Same goes for me. Absence does make the ❤️ grow fonder.

Just a couple of days left in the Annual Election Period which ends December 7th.

I guarantee I’ll be celebrating in the snow with Plato come December 8th⛄.

If you need to make a change, Book a time here or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com and he’ll squeeze you on to my calendar, promise.

It’s been so much fun catching up with so many different clients, like Darlene…

And Rosemary…

And Judith! Congrats to ALL the contest winners.

If you won honey and you haven’t received it yet, PLEASE email me.

While Q was out of town, I had the pleasure of dining with neighbors and friends. I feel so fortunate to be part of a community.

The holidays are filled with great food and that’s a great time to reflect on ways to stay healthy.

Enjoy the season, just remember small changes in diet can have a hugely beneficial effect on long term health. Here are three ideas you may already know.

Garlic can help lower the risk of stomach cancer because it contains special compounds like allicin that can stop cancer cells from growing. It also has antioxidants that protect the stomach and reduce inflammation. Including more fresh garlic in your diet might be a good way to lower your chances of getting stomach cancer.

Just make sure everyone eats garlic together or you’ll be in trouble!

Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation. These fruits have anthocyanins and flavonoids that can help with inflammation. Inflammation can lead to health problems like heart disease and diabetes, so eating these berries is a tasty way to stay healthy.

Consider throwing a few frozen blueberries and cranberries into your smoothie.

Walnuts are great for your colon. These tree nuts have fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants which promote gut health and aid the microbiome . Walnuts reduce the risk of colon-related issues, such as inflammation and colorectal cancer. Adding them to salads and baked goods is an easy to get them into your diet.

Dennis and Lynn have been clients for over a decade, super people who never stop moving. They love to travel. Let me know where they are and you’ll be entered in random drawing for another jar of honey!

Of course Plato is happy Q is home, but I’m sure the Christmas advent calendar with dog treats has NOTHING to do with his seasonal happiness.

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

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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.

As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

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 a grip!

Happy Thanksgiving …

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Still a couple of weeks left till the end of the Annual Election Period.

Remember to ignore the noise. If ANY call center calls you without your permission, they are breaking the law. Book a time here if we still need to speak.

And if you can’t find a time that works? Email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com and he’ll squeeze you on to my calendar.

Apologies on the late honey deliveries. I’ve been swamped catching up with everyone this year. Q mailed the honey yesterday to all the winners. Keep an eye on your mailbox.

Bryan in Florida said it is delicious and hopefully worth the wait! Nice to have third party confirmation.

Many of the Colorado resorts have opened so last Sunday, I snuck up to get some time on the slopes.

It was a delight to get out in the sun and the snow and away from the computer.

I forgot how heavy the boots and all the equipment were as I lugged them back to the car. But it reminded me of a topic Q told me to share:

The Surprising Link Between Grip Strength and Your Overall Health.

When you think about staying healthy, we already know eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are important. But did you know that the strength of your grip can also tell a lot about your overall health?

Grip strength can be a useful indicator of your well-being. Here’s why grip strength matters and how to improve it.

Why Grip Strength Matters:

Muscle Health: Your grip strength is closely related to the health of your muscles. With strong muscles, you’re better able to perform daily tasks: groceries, lifting grandvarmints, or even opening a jar. Weak grip strength may indicate muscle weakness elsewhere in your body.

Bone Health: Strong grip can be a sign of good bone health. As we age, our bones can become weaker, leading to conditions like osteoporosis. Grip strength can be an early warning sign of bone issues.

Overall Fitness: Good grip strength often goes hand-in-hand (pun intended) with overall physical fitness.

It can indicate that you’re active and engaged in regular physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

How to Improve Your Grip Strength:

Regular Exercise: Weight lifting, resistance band exercises, and using hand grippers can help build hand and forearm muscles.

Hand and Finger Exercises: Try squeezing a stress ball, doing finger curls with small weights, or practicing piano or guitar to improve finger strength.

Nutrition: A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D, can support bone and muscle health.

Don’t forget the importance of rest and recovery. Muscles need time to heal and grow stronger after exercise. Sleep is your best friend.

Consider cutting back on smoking and moderating alcohol intake. Life is all about moderation and this may improve your overall health, including grip strength.

At your next checkup, arm wrestle your doctor ! Of course I’m joking, but do ask them to assess your grip strength. The goal is to identify any underlying health issues that may need attention.

If you’re looking for an alternative side to make this Thanksgiving, try making delicata squash. My brother Rob made it for us and now I’m addicted.

Slice the squash in quarter inch slices and don’t remove the seeds! Coat with soy sauce and olive oil, heat the oven to 400, cook for 20 minutes, flip the slices and cook another 20 minutes or until slightly charred and serve (feel free to add your own spices). Easy and delicious.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life!

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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
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

Are you Type 3?

Happy Veterans Day,

May this note find you in great health during the madness of the Medicare Annual Election Period. Book a time here if we still need to speak.

Despite all the noise out there distracting everybody, we have so many reasons to give thanks for all those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.

Airman Nicholas doesn’t fly these bad boys. He works on the equipment that makes sure they are able to take off and land safely. He just returned from deployment in a hot spot back to his base in the UK.

He and his buddies were so excited to be photographed inside the aircraft they help keep in the skies. I sure hope you find a way to honor a Veteran in your life.

This is my busiest time of the year, but no matter what, I force myself to get outside every single day to stay grounded. I met retired cross country coach Lori on the trails behind our house.

Such an impressive woman because she never stops. Lori said she doesn’t run as much as she used to and she gives herself permission to walk for parts of her run.

Adapt, modify, improvise, that’s one of the secrets to aging well.

One of the things I absolutely had to do between client calls was to prep the bee hives for winter: ten pounds of sugar, two cups of water, and a couple of pollen paddies for good measure. The hole on top allows air to circulate through the hive.

Of course, like an idiot, I didn’t quite get the neck of my suit completely zipped. This was going to be a fun video, instead I got a Darwin award running away and about 20 bee stings. Thank goodness I’m not allergic.

Wish I had the patience and the knowledge of client Phil in Ohio, teaching his grand varmint how to capture a swarm of bees.

Life’s great joy is interacting with the young’uns. Are you finding ways to connect with young people? That’s another secret to aging well.

Of course the greatest reward of keeping bees, is honey. Congrats to Jo, Anju, Melissa, and Rosemary for correctly naming the movie and the characters our daughter and her friends dressed as for Halloween. Your honey is on the way!

We visited Sus this weekend in Fort Collins and also dropped off honey to a couple of clients. It’s always fun to see people face to face.

Honey is healthier than sugar, no doubt, but it also needs to be consumed in moderation. The topic of sugar got me reading up about diabetes.

What’s more, did you know that Alzheimer’s is sometimes referred to as Type 3 Diabetes?

While Alzheimer’s may not involve elevated blood sugar levels like traditional diabetes, research has uncovered compelling links between insulin resistance and the development of Alzheimer’s.

This emerging concept suggests that the brain’s impaired ability to respond to insulin may contribute to the accumulation of toxic proteins and inflammation, ultimately leading to cognitive decline.

Understanding Alzheimer’s as Type 3 Diabetes highlights the importance of lifestyle choices and proactive measures to protect brain health.

Eat healthy foods.
Stay active.
Manage stress.
Get enough sleep.
Keep your mind busy.
Watch your weight.
Stay social.

These steps can help protect your brain from Alzheimer’s (Type 3 Diabetes).

Of course, everything in moderation, right?

Keep squeezing the juice out of life!

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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.

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: