The Big 65 Archives

An apple a day ain’t a bad idea

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

The Annual Election Period is under three weeks away. Part D drugs are going to be a pain in the… see Q’s friend below.

Fancy/schmancy drugs are going to require your attention👁️!

Have you received the Annual Notice of Changes by email or mail? Please take a moment to review it.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Plans will have changes to premiums and drug tiers, while others will stay the same or be discontinued.

For some, no action is needed, others may need to make changes. Hopefully, we won’t need a priest!

October 14th till December 7th, that’s when we can understand and change coverage.

Please book a time on my calendar if you need me.

If we have your drug list, don’t fill out a new one, please email Gray@TheBig65.com an updated list.

You should receive a jar opener and a letter next week.

ANYONE calling without your permission is an illegal telemarketer🚫🤥📱. Watch out for Medicare scammers like these baboons. Took us all week to get Bob’s scammer’s mistakes resolved.

Yeah, it’s true, Medicare and Elections are a pain in the … but, let’s not forget all we have to be thankful for.

Props to Bill in Durango for guessing my wife Q’s current country, Ethiopia.

Last week, rebels captured the UNESCO castles near Gondar and Q was forced to return to Addis Ababa.

Good news, the rebels retreated, the army regained control, and Q was able to make new friends and see the castles.

See all the other tourists? That’s because there aren’t any. Q was the only non soldier at her hotel.

Imagine if you were living in a civil war?

America is imperfect at best and it is still the most amazing country. As an old classmate’s Lebanese grandfather said, “the US is the land of milk and honey.”

Our home is the land of one gallon of milk and one hundred sixty four pounds of honey🍯from our two hives🐝. Last year, we harvested sixty eight. Plato was proud.

Neighbor Jeff’s been out of our honey for a while. He likes to put it in his oatmeal in the winter.

According to our bees, it’s gonna be a hard winter in Colorado.

Of course we can’t live on honey alone. Fortunately, there are other superfoods in the kitchen🍎.

Here are highlights of a recent article on apples and Plato hopes you wait for it.

Good for Your Gut: Apples are full of fiber, feeding healthy bacteria, the microbiome. These bacteria can improve your health, lowering cancer risk and boosting mood.

Coffee is packed with antioxidants and can boost heart health, improve mood, and even lower the risk of certain diseases. Why not coffee and apples?

Heart Helpers: Apples have a fiber called pectin that can lower cholesterol. One study showed eating apples every day dropped bad LDL cholesterol! Apples also have polyphenols that help lower blood pressure.

Fight Inflammation: Apples reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of diseases like COPD. Even eating half an apple a day can make a difference!

I’m guessing the original stone masons suffered from a lot of inflammation. This is Lalibela, home to the largest monolithic church in the world, a series of five interconnected churches carved from solid rock in the twelfth and thirteenth century.

Don’t Skip the Skin: The apple’s skin has most of the fiber and health-boosting polyphenols. Darker apples usually have more, but try different varieties for the best benefits!

And do try to buy your produce at a local farmer’s market.

Regardless of where you buy, wash all fruits and vegetables with baking soda.

So despite all the noise here and abroad, remember…

We do live in the land of milk and honey…and apples. Give thanks, help others.

There is no “them” there is only us.

And Happy Anniversary 🎉❤️🥂 to Becky and Joe, 36 and counting…well done!

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 Big 65: The Health Screening You Can’t Forget

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:

Does Medicare Cover Travel?

Greetings and may this note 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.

Here are the responses to the contest: Where in the world is Quantz?

Jeanne posted Iceland. Joel posited Africa and South America. Susan wondered about Tibet, Greenland, or Norway. Peg & Will suggested Germany or Poland. Jan pictured Mongolia, Venezuela, or Sudan. Sharon guessed China.

I’m happily home in Colorado with Sus and Plato, Q went to…

Madagascar (an island as large as France). This country has been on her bucket list for as long as we’ve been married (and that, my friend, is a long, long time.)

Congratulations to each of you who guessed, you’ll be receiving a Starbucks card this afternoon!

Which brings us to today’s topic, Medicare and travel. What coverage do you need when traveling in the US and Overseas?

Whether you have a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan, emergency medical services are covered anywhere inside the United States. If you think you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, you know what to dial. You will be covered.

What happens if you find yourself in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the middle of nowhere Madagascar and the lemurs haven’t completed med school?

Original Medicare coverage outside of the US is limited (see this chart).

Let’s break down how Medicare Supplement Coverage (Med Supp Plans) and Medicare Advantage Plans, (MAPD Plans) cover emergencies overseas.

First of all, there are no emergency evacuation services covered.

According to the 2024 Choosing a Medigap Policy published by CMS: “Some Medigap policies cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like emergency medical care when you travel outside the U.S. (foreign travel emergency care).”

As seen in the chart above and below, many Medicare Supplement plans will pay “80% to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 (less a deductible of $250.)” This is only for emergency care, not preventive care.

Consumers will then pay “20% until the lifetime maximum and then all costs.” This does not include evacuation services, this is emergency medical care only.

According to Medical News Today, “Medicare Advantage plans do not usually cover medical treatment needed when traveling internationally. However, plans may include coverage for emergency care.”

The most typical coverage I see in MAPD plans is something along the lines of an emergency allowance ranging from $150,000-$250,000, depending on the plan. Every plan is different.

If you want to know the exact amount of your MAPD plan’s international emergency benefit, call member services on the back of your card or shoot an email to Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com, and he’ll look it up for you.

Also keep in mind, if you’re outside of the US for more than 60 days consecutively, the insurance company may say that you are living abroad, not traveling, and benefits may not apply.

So what does that mean about your next trip abroad? Do you need to get extra coverage?

Every situation is different. Keep in mind that in most countries, the cost of emergency medical care is significantly less expensive than in the US.

Recent clients travelled to Mexico with some serious health problems.

Though their existing coverage probably would have covered the costs of an emergency, it gave them peace of mind to set up a Geo Blue International Plan that covered:

Pre-existing conditions
Accidents
Medical evacuation
Dental Care Required Due to an injury

If you’re traveling overseas, here are the details of that plan. I’m happy to review your situation if you’re thinking of travelling.

If you just want trip cancellation insurance, check out Squaremouth Travel Insurance, they do a great job of brokering all the options. I’m really hoping that Quantz never needs either, but, you never know!

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:

Protect Your Identity with These Simple Steps

Greetings and may this note 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.

The country of Georgia is the birthplace of wine 🍾 and this wine jar is 8,000 years old, making it the oldest known wine jar in the world.

You may want to grab a glass of 🍷, a seat, and a notepad before we talk about today’s topic.

As a Certified Senior Advisor who helps consumers shop for Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and other types of insurance coverage, I have a fiduciary responsibility to help you avoid irreversible mistakes.

Earlier this week, the breach of National Public Data was reported. Hackers potentially accessed the personal information of millions, including Social Security numbers 😱.

While the details are still murky, one thing is clear: we need to stay vigilant about protecting our credit and personal information.

Now before you follow Frank Sinatra’s advice about a second glass below, here are some practical ideas on how to protect your data and how to make sure this breach doesn’t cause you a financial hangover‍ 😵‍💫💸.

First off, take a deep breath 😮‍💨🧘‍♂️.

Not every piece of stolen data gets used. Sometimes, it just sits in the hands of thieves who don’t know what to do with it. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here’s something you can do immediately to protect your finances.

Freeze Your Credit

One of the best defenses against identity theft is to freeze your credit with the big three credit reporting agencies:

Equifax: Visit www.equifax.com or call 1-800-685-1111.
Experian: Go to www.experian.com or call 1-888-397-3742.
TransUnion: Access www.transunion.com or call 1-888-909-8872.

Each website provides detailed instructions for managing your credit, including how to freeze or unfreeze your credit reports.

This stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. Just don’t forget your PINs for thawing your credit when you need to open a new account!

(We met Donnie and Linda in Tbilisi, Georgia on the last day of their trip. Their daughter and her new husband had their wedding in the mountains of Georgia, near Russia. These two are adventurous!)

Additional Steps to Protect Yourself

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Set Up Account Alerts: Keep tabs on any suspicious activity by setting alerts for charges outside your home country or transactions over a certain amount.

Watch Out for Phishing Scams: If you get an alert, avoid clicking links or calling numbers provided. Instead, log into your account directly to check for issues.

It’s a bit of a hassle, but it may be worth the peace of mind.

Commercial Tools to Consider

If you want even more protection, consider investing in tools like:

Identity Theft Protection Services (e.g., LifeLock, IdentityForce) that offer monitoring and recovery services.

Credit Monitoring Services (e.g., Credit Karma, Experian) to keep an eye on your credit report for any unusual activity.

Just like Q’s salad, you don’t have to take these steps, but they are options 😂.

While we can’t always prevent these breaches, we can make it as difficult as possible for thieves to mess with our lives.

The key to life is NOT what happens to us but how we choose to respond. Be like Becky and go pick some blueberries in Michigan. They are great for the brain and being outside is good for the soul.

My brother’s neighbor adopted a pair of orphaned opossums. Hopefully my wife Q doesn’t volunteer to rescue them. Our dog Plato would be totally jealous.

We had wonderful adventure this summer exploring the world, but yours truly is ready to get home. The Annual Election Period is now eight weeks away and I have to get ready for the Medicare madness 🤪.

Based on my certification trainings, there may be significant changes to Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans for 2025. Keep an eye out for the “Annual Notice of Changes” you should be receiving in late September.

If you’ve had changes in medications or your doctors, please update them with Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com. That way, we’ll be ready if we need to review your coverage in the fall.

I can’t wait to get home, but Q, the love of my life, isn’t quite ready. She still has to make up for her thirty years of corporate slavery. Georgia was her 79th country. That’s why she said “goodbye” to me on Monday .

Bet you can’t guess where she’s goin’ next?

The first five people who guess right get a Starbucks card☕(hint: they have lousy Wi-Fi so I couldn’t go!). You can guess up to three countries to make it easier! I’ll be at home playing with Plato and my bees❤️. Let me know if you need me.

And do 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:

You asked for balance and here it is!

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

If 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.

You already know my mantra: getting old ain’t for sisses!

Q saw this woman climbing these ancient steps in Croatia. Isn’t she inspiring? I love to be reminded that “the world makes a way for a person who knows where they are going.”

My mom climbed steps every day until the day she died and we three brothers are convinced that’s what kept her going (plus a glass of wine and lots of love from her cats 🐱🍷❤️!)

Aging well is all about mobility and balance ⚖️ and the foundation of mobility is in our feet and ankles 👣. That’s why I am super excited to share this balance and mobility webinar we created exclusively for readers of the The Big 65’s newsletter.

Cate Reade, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist. She is the founder and CEO of MoveMor™, a company that focuses on improving functional mobility and reducing fall risks in older adults.

I met Cate at one of her mobility workshops at our local rec center. Her work and mission, helping people maintain and restore mobility, is so inspiring that I felt compelled to share her tools and techniques in this webinar.

Click on the picture below for this 20 minute webinar.

Statistics show that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. According to the CDC, one out of five (senior) falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. (My wife Q was recreating a ritual Roman animal sacrifice in Zadar. Thanks for the illustration honey!)

These injuries can significantly impact our ability to live independently and may even shorten our life expectancy. As Q and I explore the world, I am constantly reminded that we are only one step away from a tumble. It can happen to anyone at any time.

Loss of foot muscle strength (not lifting your toes high enough) and ankle mobility will greatly increase our chances of falling.

In addition to strengthening specific muscles, improving overall mobility is essential.

Regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or tai chi, can help maintain flexibility, strength, and coordination. These activities not only improve physical health but also enhance mental well-being, which is crucial for overall quality of life.

Remember small steps, repeated consistently, will have a huge impact. Here’s a shout out to Cheryl. She had knee replacement surgery earlier this month and she is being extra diligent doing her physical therapy. I know your husband is proud of you!

I hope you will watch the webinar because none of us ever want to be a burden to our families. The older we get, the greater our desire to maintain our independence. If you watch till the end, you’ll see Cate has a special offer just for readers of our blog!

I received a lot of positive feedback about last week’s blog, the importance of having your medical info available to first responders. Hats off (and a Starbucks card) to Jean in North Georgia showing us she is prepared. Well done Jean!

This week, we’ve been exploring the Dalmatian Coast, the Game of Thrones locales here in Croatia. Check out the caper plants growing out of the walls. The area is beautiful but I recommend NEVER coming here in summer! It’s too hot and there are too many people.

The locals tell us the best times to be here are late April/early May or late September, after the kids are back in school. Lesson learned.

In Split, we listened to a rehearsal of the opera Aida (by Giuseppe Verdi, first performed in Cairo in honor of the opening of the Suez Canal).

There’s a 3600 year old sphinx the Roman Emperor Diocletian took from Egypt and placed in this castle 1800 years ago. He was the only Emperor to ever retire and he got 10 good years in his hometown living in this remarkable place.

Our guide described him as a combination of Bill Gates and Vladimir Putin. I guess the world has always been on fire, carpe diem.

While hiking, we met a Polish guy with this number “32” shaved into the side of his head. I thought it was his favorite soccer player’s number. Turns out he was celebrating his 32nd wedding anniversary 😊❤️. Now that’s true love, right?

If you’ve every done this, send us a picture for the newsletter.

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.