Spring Fitness Plan

Finally, spring is here! Hopefully, this year will offer plenty of opportunities for indoor, outdoor and even group activities.

Spring is a great time of year to get in shape. Need some ideas to help? Consider these¹: (Be sure to check with your doctor first.)

Yoga

Yoga can help enhance overall endurance, strengthen muscles and joints, and increase balance. If an away-from-home class doesn't work for you, there are many options available online.

Tai Chi

This can put participants in a relaxed state while they make slow fluid movements. It's low-impact and can increase balance, flexibility, and strength.

Backyard games

Horseshoes and crochet involve the use of your arms and upper body and some cardio exercise while walking from one location to the next. Even a simple game of "catch" can increase your hand-eye coordination.

1. Jennifer Thompson, "5 Fun exercises for the elderly," Home Care Assistance, Home Care Assistance" (accessed March 14, 2021)

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Parkinson's Disease is a serious nervous system disorder. It can't be cured but can be managed ^{(Mayo Clinic)}. It is often diagnosed in people over 60.

Healthy Sleep: What is "REM" sleep?

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is a stage of sleep when the eyes move rapidly while closed and dreams occur. REM sleep is the lightest stage of sleep, during which you may wake easily.2

If you have a REM sleep disorder you may "act out" vivid dreams both physically and vocally. (Mayo Clinic)

If you experience this, you may want to consult with your Doctor who may suggest specialized sleep treatment. Medicare covers sleep tests and treatment.

2. "REM Sleep," National Cancer Institute," Canccer.gov (accessed March 16, 2021)

Do you know the difference between a doctor who's an "MD" and one who's a "DO"? An MD earns a "traditional" medical degree. A DO — doctor of osteopathy — is said to take a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach to care ^{(Medical News Today)}.

Good Taste, Good Health

Cod and Asparagus Bake

Seafood and veggies, exactly right for this time of year.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cod fillets (4 oz)
• 1-pint halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1-1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375°. Place cod and asparagus in a 15x10x1" baking pan brushed with oil. Add tomatoes — cut sides down.

Brush fish with lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle fish and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork.

Remove pan from oven. Preheat broiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4" from heat until vegetables are lightly browned. Only 141 calories per serving.

Source: Taste of Home

Reports say that of people turning age 65, almost 70% can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. ^{(Wall Street Journal)} Contact me anytime to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to review the available options.

Senior Financial Glossary

A Volume Discount is an incentive to encourage individuals or businesses to purchase goods in large quantities.

A Voluntary Bankruptcy occurs when a debtor chooses to go to court over bankruptcy versus being forced to do so.

Voluntary Compliance refers to the principle that citizens will cooperate with their government by filing honest and accurate annual returns.

"Voodoo Accounting" refers to a creative, (but unethical), method of accounting that artificially inflates figures found on a company's financial statements.

SOURCE: Investopedia

Did you know this about April?

The American Revolution Started on April 19, 1775

Earth Day is April 22.

Easter, April 4 this year, is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full Moon that occurs on or just after the spring equinox ^{(Farmer's Almanac)}. The date is different in the Eastern Orthodox Church Calendar.

The Deepwater Horizon explosion happened April 20, 2010.

Birthdays ⁽³⁾: Eddie Murphy (April 3), Tiny Tim (12) Queen Elizabeth II (21) Barbra Streisand (24)

3. April birthdays, Famous Birthdays, accessed March 10, 2021.

Quote of the Month

"Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success." ⁽⁴⁾
- Chis Rock

For information about Medicare or Claiming Social Security, please visit [[SPONSOR_URL]]. Should you have any questions, please email me at [[SPONSOR_EMAIL]] or call [[SPONSOR_PHONE]].