Insurance Tips with Sandy
The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN), which provides information on Original Medicare Claims, is one of the key tools that the SMP program uses for catching fraud, errors, and abuse.
Reviewing and understanding MSNs is crucial for both Medicare beneficiaries and for SMPs. Go to tutorial reviews the basics of how to read your MSN.
If you’ve got questions, the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance program has answers. They don’t sell Medicare plans—they just help you understand them. Their local, certified counselors are here to guide you. They offer personal assistance at no charge. Let them be your guide to maximize your benefits and savings.
Call 1-800-803-7174 to speak to a counselor in your area. Or visit Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)
5 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease & Stroke
Adults should eat more plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and whole grains,
and choose fish, lean vegetable or lean animal proteins. Minimize processed meat and sweetened
drinks.
Exercise
Each week, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of a moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk
walking, or at least 75 minutes of a vigorous activity, such as jogging.
Tobacco
At each health care visit, providers should ask whether patients have smoked any tobacco product in the
previous month – and if so, help them create a plan to quit.
Social Determinants
Doctors should look at health from a patient’s perspective, taking into account elements such as
housing, food security, transportation, self-image and culture.
Aspirin
Because of the risks of bleeding, doctors shouldn’t prescribe aspirin for prevention, except in carefully
selected patients.
Dietary Digest with Amy
Change Is the Only Constant
What habits do you want to change?
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Do you drink too much sugary soda?
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Do you get less than a half hour of physical activity every day?
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Do you watch more than one hour of television?
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Do you sleep enough?
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Do you eat mindlessly?
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Do you work in an environment that makes healthy living difficult?
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Do you eat to deal with emotions?
Success breeds success. Make small goals. Be patient with yourself and find supportive friends. Write down your health goals, date them and update them as you progress.
Date: I will walk 5,000 steps a day.
Date: I will buy more vegetables.
Date: I will notice my breathing every time the phone rings.
After some progress
Date: I will walk 10,000 steps a day.
Date: I will cut vegetables and fruit so I am always ready with a healthy snack.
Date: I will write down three things I am thankful for every day.
To stay on this route to health and well-being, you need to wake up from your autopilot mode. You have to live deeply and with more awareness so that you can be attentive to each moment.
