Boomers | Disabilities and Aging

Oxidative Stress

Foods high in antioxidants are believed to fight oxidative stress. But what is oxidative stress? Two scientists from a recent NYAS conference break it down and discuss whether antioxidants have superpowers.

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Filed Under: Anti-aging

Eat Your Way to Happiness

By Disabilities and Aging

Elizabeth Somer – Nutritionist and author of Eat Your Way To Happiness discusses mood and food. [Read more...]

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Filed Under: Boomers

Preventing Macular Degeneration

By Disabilities and Aging

Certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration are associated with aging. Macula is the tissue just inside the back of your eyeball — and if you have macular degeneration, it begins to slowly deteriorate, greatly affecting your central vision.

While this disease doesn’t result in a complete loss of vision, your lifestyle may go through drastic changes. Such changes might include inability to drive a car because you have a blind spot in your vision which prevents you from seeing “the whole picture.”

Although increasing age is the main cause of macular degeneration, people who smoke, drink alcohol in excess and those who are obese or have a family history of the disease means that you’re more at risk. Other risk factors are gender (women are at greater risk than men), high blood pressure, race and a lack of leafy, green vegetables in your diet.

There are lifestyle changes you can make that will help you avoid macular degeneration, including:

Get eye-screenings and exams on a regular basis – Getting regular eye exams is essential to detect macular degeneration. Get an exam every two to four years if you’re over 40 years of age and if you’re over 60, get one every year.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with macular degeneration, your doctor will likely ask you to check your vision at home using a method called “Amsler grid.” It’s an easy way to screen your vision and you can report any changes to your doctor.

Diet – Foods containing antioxidants such as vegetables (leafy green vegetables are especially high in antioxidants) and those foods rich in vitamins A, C and E may lower your chances of developing macular degeneration.

Foods that contain lutein and zeaxanthin are great for preventing vision problems. This includes corn, spinach and egg yolks. Fish and some types of nuts that contain Omega-3 fatty acids are also “eyesight” foods. If you don’t get enough of these vitamin rich foods, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.

Control cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure – If you take medication for these two diseases, be sure and take them regularly and as your health care provider prescribes.

Living a healthy lifestyle is a good idea no matter what disease you may have or be at risk for. Stopping bad habits such as smoking and too much alcohol consumption will increase your chances to grow old living a disease-free life and to keep devastating conditions such as macular degeneration from destroying your lifestyle.

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Filed Under: Boomers

Protect Your Assets Before Applying for Medicaid

By Disabilities and Aging

Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people who can’t afford medical care on their own. Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid because it is only available to people on a limited income. Each state has different rules and regulations for these benefits, so check with your state to find out what is needed to qualify.

One thing you should be aware of before applying for Medicaid is how to protect your assets. Because Medicaid is based on need, assets are considered into the equation. Medicaid can not insist you sell your home, however if your home equity is too high, you might not qualify for Medicaid, especially if you are looking to qualify for nursing home benefits.

There are other assets to consider, such as, stocks and bonds, vehicles, and personal items. Even a life insurance policy, with a cash value, could cause a problem. What types of assets you can have depends on what group you are in. For example, if you are pregnant, that falls under one type group, and if you are disabled, or blind, there are other qualifications to consider.

Some people think that if they hide, or give away some of their assets to a friend or relative, that they will be able to receive Medicaid benefits. This is not always true, in fact, you could end up having to pay back money for benefits you took that you were not entitled to.

Medicaid has what they call the “look back” period. It can be anywhere from three to five years, depending on the date that people got rid of their assets. People used to think they could just put their savings in a relatives bank account, but Medicaid has gotten wise to that. Now they actually check out what assets you have, what assets you have sold, and when.

This rule doesn’t mean you can’t transfer your assets it just means that transfers need to be done years in advance. Also there are some instances where the family home can be kept, regardless of its value. The important thing is to get all your facts about Medicaid before applying, and look to someone who knows what all the rules and regulations are.

K. Gabriel Heiser, is someone who can guide you into the Medicaid program with ease and understanding. He is an attorney and expert in Medicaid. Mr. Heiser knows how to help you protect your assets and get medical relief at the same time. For more answers about how to qualify and apply for Medicaid, get your information from one who knows, and someone has your best interest at heart.