Did You Know…?

            Fraudulent suppliers need your Medicare number before they can submit a false claim. 

Here are a few schemes they might use to try to trick you out of your number:

• A person asks you to provide your Medicare number in exchange for money or gifts.

• A person offers you money in exchange for visiting a doctor’s office.

• A person offers you free medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number.

• Know the services your doctor has ordered.

• Ask questions about the services you receive.

• Report suspected cases of Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse to Med$ave at 1-800-994-9422.

            A study published in the journal Chest, found that nighttime heartburn was decreased with less soda pop during the day.  Potentially more   serious than daytime heartburn, nocturnal reflux not only interferes with sleep, but also causes more damage to the esophagus and is more    likely to lead to esophageal cancer.

            The researchers found that those who consumed one or more carbonated drinks daily were more likely to have nocturnal reflux.

            The researchers also added that heartburn sufferers should also avoid foods that promote the opening of the esophageal sphincter, thus increasing acid reflux.  These include coffee, chocolate, whole milk, peppermint, spearmint, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.  Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding a prone position for several hours after a meal can also help.  Also, avoid clothing to tight around the waist, and avoid fatty and spicy foods.

                                                From the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter

            The health of your heart and blood vessels affects your mind and brain.

            The thief of memory, Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia increases after age 60, but eventually afflicting just under half of those who reach age 85.  However, there is growing evidence that you might be able to push it back with the same steps that help protect you from a heart attack or stroke.

            In other words, improving blood flow to the brain and working to prevent strokes may maintain memory well into old age.

o       Exercise is good, but the variety of exercise is just as important and how much or how hard you exercise to keep your mind healthy. 

o       Untreated high blood pressure also speeds age-related memory decay.

o       Dietary Fat is also important.  Eating a lot of saturated and trans fat may promote dementia.  Omega-3 fats may protect against the buildup of sticky beta-amyloid clumps in the brain.  Omega-3 fats may also be a good way to prevent depression.  Good sources of these healthful fats include salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other cold water fish, as well as walnuts, almonds, canola oil and flaxseed.

                                                                                                                                                 From the Harvard Heart Letter  

            Our lungs do more that just breathe for us.

            Lungs not only supply oxygen to the body, they also remove wastes and toxins, and they defend against harmful intruders.  We take these          functions for granted until something goes wrong. The lungs are exposed to external factors such as dust, pollen, bacteria, and pollutants      with each breathe we take. 

A Healthy Lifestyle can be a formidable defender against this daily barrage.

                                                            From Environmental Nutrition Newsletter

“To prevent weight gain, walk 2000 more steps

and eat 100 fewer calories each day.”

- Adrienne Forman , MS , RD