Welcome February

For a short month, February is a busy one. We celebrate Presidents Day, remember the importance of love on Valentine's Day and do our best to keep Americans informed of the dangers of heart disease. We're all looking forward to the fresh spring weather and the end of COVID-19. Please enjoy the articles below and if you need assistance with health and retirement issues, American Senior Benefits is here to help.

Get in Touch

[[SPONSOR_IMAGE]]

[[SPONSOR_FIRST_NAME]] [[SPONSOR_LAST_NAME]]

If I can help you with any insurance needs, please call [[SPONSOR_PHONE]] or send an email to [[SPONSOR_EMAIL]] to get started.

Your Heart and Your Age

Heart disease is frequently linked to age. Seniors are more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack, or to develop coronary heart disease. ¹

Heart disease can take away the opportunity to enjoy activities you once loved. One thing that can help is knowledge of heart health.

February is American Heart Month. This Valentines Day, show your heart some love, learn more about the symptoms and dangers of heart disease and what you can do to reduce the chances you will be affected.

Talk to your doctor. Talk to your family. Make the most of American Heart Month.

1. "Heart Health and Aging," National Institute on Aging, NIA.NIH.gov, (accessed December 26, 2020)

Senior Giving

Many people associate seniors with receiving assistance in terms of money, health, and daily care. But everyone should remember that Seniors give back, too.

Seniors mentor children, care for animals, provide support to other seniors, and much more.

A positive thing about giving back is that it can be good for your health! ²

For example, volunteering can keep your mind active which can positively contribute to cognitive health. According to the National Institute on Aging, those who contribute to society in meaningful ways can lower their risk of dementia and other health problems.

Tim Appelo, "Can Volunteering Fight Dementia?" AARP, AARP.org" (accessed January 12, 2020)

A recent report found that 5.3 million seniors, or 7.3% of the senior population, were "food insecure."
^{(Feeding America)}

Good Taste, Good Health

Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta

Try out this recipe on a cool winter's evening. Ginger and chicken make this recipe truly outstanding.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups uncooked brown rice elbow pasta
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 small red onion (sliced)
• 2 tsp ginger paste
• 2 tsp garlic paste
• 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup chopped red cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 medium chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground ancho chili pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 1 rotisserie chicken — skin removed and shredded
• 2 chopped green onions

DIRECTIONS:

In Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions. In large skillet, heat coconut oil over med heat. Add red onion, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Sauté 2 min. Stir in next 7 ingredients. Cook until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add chicken. Heat through.

Drain pasta. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Return pasta to Dutch oven. Add vegetable mixture. Toss to coat. Add enough reserved pasta water to moisten pasta. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Source: Taste of Home

What is Senior Independent Living?

Housing choices for seniors continue to expand. One getting attention is Independent living.

These are age-restricted communities that accept only those age 55+. They offer a variety of housing types. Typically, they DO NOT OFFER CARE, making them a better choice for those who do not have major health issues.

Recreational centers or clubhouses are often available to help you connect with others and participate in community activities such as arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, continuing education classes, or movie nights.

Social Security benefit payments are deposited on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birthday.

Senior Financial Glossary

A Vested Benefit is a financial package given to employees who have met the term of service required to receive a full benefit.

"Vintage Year." This refers to the "milestone year" in which the first injection of investment money is given to a project or company.

Visible Supply is the amount of a product currently being stored or transported that is available to be bought or sold.

SOURCE: Investopedia Dictionary

Did you know this about February?

Presidents Day (third Monday of February) honors the birthdays of Presidents George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and the achievements of all U.S. Presidents.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month.

The war between the U.S. and Mexico ended February 2, 1848.

On February 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn was first American launched into orbit of the Earth.

February Celebrity Birthdays: Rosa Parks (February 4), Babe Ruth (6), Frederick Douglass (14), Cindy Crawford (20).

Quote of the Month

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." ³
- President Abraham Lincoln

3. BrainyQuote

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]].