A New Kind of Day Program Comes to Santa Monica

Elder-Well^® Adult Day Program recently opened its doors on Wilshire Boulevard, bringing a warm, home-like environment to older adults in the Westside community. The center offers full- and half-day programs filled with meaningful engagement, social connection, and wellness support — all designed to help participants live each day with purpose and joy.

But Elder-Well is more than just a day program. It’s a lifeline for caregivers, too. For the sons, daughters, and spouses balancing the demands of caring for an aging loved one, Elder-Well provides trusted daytime care and the precious gift of time — to work, rest, or simply breathe.

Inspired by Personal Experience

Elder-Well Santa Monica is led by Mary Anne Roberto, a Certified Dementia Specialist who cared for her own mother through Alzheimer’s. “You don’t know what you’re in for until you’re living it,” Roberto shares. “Families often feel lost, exhausted, and alone. Elder-Well was created to change that — to be a place where caregivers feel supported and their loved ones feel seen and valued.”

After discovering the nationally recognized Elder-Well^® model, Roberto knew she wanted to bring it to Southern California. She is now the first Elder-Well franchisee in the state, and she opened the Santa Monica location in honor of her mother.

Connection, Creativity, and Care

Each day at Elder-Well is carefully designed around the belief that older adults thrive when they stay connected — socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Participants enjoy creative arts, music, games, movement, and sensory experiences tailored to their interests and abilities.

One of the center’s most popular programs, “Wellness Wednesdays,” is held in partnership with the Beauty Bus Foundation and The Memory Connection. Participants enjoy complimentary pampering services such as haircuts, mini-manicures, and facials — creating moments of confidence, joy, and human connection that truly brighten the week.

“We’ve seen incredible transformations,” Roberto says. “Someone who arrives quiet and withdrawn in the morning leaves smiling and engaged. That’s what Elder-Well is all about — restoring dignity and connection.”

A Support System for the Sandwich Generation

Elder-Well’s impact reaches beyond its participants. The center is designed to support the growing “sandwich generation” — adults who are simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents. Flexible schedules and affordable options help families find balance, while knowing their loved one is safe, stimulated, and cared for.

Elder-Well Santa Monica also collaborates with local nonprofits, healthcare professionals, and city partners to ensure older adults and caregivers have access to resources for respite, transportation, and ongoing community engagement.

A Mission Aligned with Alzheimer’s Awareness

With November recognized as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Elder-Well is amplifying its commitment to education, advocacy, and support. The center will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, November 2, alongside local families and community members.

“This month reminds us how important it is to come together,” Roberto says. “There’s strength in community — and hope in every step we take together.”

A Welcoming Home for the Community

Elder-Well Santa Monica invites older adults who may be experiencing memory changes, social isolation, or simply seeking a meaningful place to spend their day. Whether it’s enjoying a home-cooked lunch, painting a canvas, or laughing with new friends, participants find belonging and purpose at Elder-Well.

“Elder-Well was built from love and lived experience,” says Roberto. “We’ve walked this journey ourselves, and we’re here to walk it with others.”

For more information, to schedule a visit, or to participate in Wellness Wednesdays, contact:

Elder-Well Santa Monica
1529 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
310-310-8313
www.elderwelladultday.com

The post Elder-Well Santa Monica: A Lifeline For Families Navigating Memory Loss appeared first on Canyon News.

The Public Pillar: MedicareMedicare is the universal health insurance program that is the basis of Australian healthcare. It makes sure that all citizens and permanent residents can get free or low-cost access to important medical care.

Funding and Access: The government pays for most of Medicare through the Medicare levy and general taxes. This money makes sure that treatment in public hospitals is free for public patients, including lodging, theater fees, and the doctors’ services. Medicare also gives money back for primary care, so visits to a General Practitioner (GP) are either bulk-billed (no out-of-pocket cost) or subsidized. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) also helps pay for many prescription drugs.

Drawbacks: The biggest problem with relying only on the public system is that you don’t have a lot of options and you might have to wait. As a public patient, you can’t pick your own doctor or specialist; you have to see the doctor who is available. For non-emergency or “elective” surgeries, public hospitals often have long waiting lists because they have to put life-saving and urgent procedures first.

The Private Complement: Options and Speed

Private health care, which is made possible by private health insurance, works alongside Medicare to provide services that go beyond what the public safety net offers.

Choice and Speed: The main reason Australians compare health care and get private coverage is to have more control. You can pick your own doctor, surgeon, and private hospital for treatment if you have private health insurance. One of the most important benefits of private insurance is that it gives patients access to much shorter wait times for elective surgeries. This means that patients can schedule procedures at a time that works for them, as long as there is space.

There are two kinds of cover: There are usually two main parts to private health insurance:

Hospital Cover: This pays for some or all of the costs when you go to a private hospital or a public hospital as a private patient.

Extras Cover (also called Ancillary Cover) pays for services that Medicare doesn’t cover, like routine dental, optical, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care.

Money Matters: With private insurance, you have to pay premiums on a regular basis. Medicare pays for 75% of the scheduled fee for in-hospital medical services, but private patients often have to pay extra out of their own pockets, which is called the “gap.” This is the difference between the doctor’s fee and the combined Medicare and insurance benefit. To get Australians to buy private health insurance, the government offers rewards like the Private Health Insurance Rebate and punishments for not having coverage, like the Medicare Levy Surcharge and Lifetime Health Cover loading.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Medicare makes sure that everyone in Australia can get the medical care they need. Then, being able to compare health care options means weighing cost against control. The public system provides free, necessary care, but there may be long waits. The private system, on the other hand, requires a financial investment in exchange for choice, speed, and coverage for non-hospital services like dental check-ups and glasses.

The post Comparing Health Care In Australia: Public vs. Private appeared first on Canyon News.

Backed by breakthrough research, PROVIVA’s patented formula is the only product in the world proven to help you stay slim, stay healthy, and stay protected from chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, and heart disease. PROVIVA isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about keeping it off, for life.

That’s why the breakthrough from McGill University is shaking the entire industry. Out of the noise and nonsense a patented oral formula has emerged, PROVIVA’s PV300. It is the first and only pill demonstrating injectable-level efficacy in a convenient, once a day tablet (taken orally). This isn’t another vitamin blend or caffeine-stuffed thermogenic, it’s a scientifically engineered compound that mimics the dual-action mechanism of GLP-1 and GIP, the same hormonal pathways activated by world-famous injectables like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, but without the needles, side effects, or price tag.

The industry has been chasing this holy grail for years, a safe, stable, oral form of GLP-1/GIP that the body can absorb efficiently without degradation in the stomach. Dozens of pharma giants have tried and failed, losing billions. PROVIVA, in collaboration with McGill University’s Dr. Satya Prakash, cracked the code. Their patented oral delivery platform protects the active compounds through the digestive tract and delivers them intact to the gut’s receptor sites, triggering the same appetite-control and glucose-regulating effects as injectables, but in a shelf-stable capsule you can take with water.

This isn’t just another supplement; it’s the first credible successor to the injectable revolution. While others talk about “supporting metabolism,” PROVIVA’s formula reprograms it. Clinical data show sustained weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and the ability to maintain results long after traditional injectables are stopped. In other words, this isn’t a temporary fix…it’s the first long-term solution for weight control that actually works.

The truth is, losing weight is only half the battle. Keeping it off is where almost everyone fails. The cycle of “yo-yo dieting” is more than discouraging; it’s dangerous. Rapid weight loss followed by rebound gain stresses the heart, spikes blood sugar, weakens immunity, and increases inflammation throughout the body. Studies link weight cycling to higher risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty-liver disease, stroke, and even certain cancers. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about survival.

That’s why PROVIVA was designed not just to lose weight but keep it off…forever! Its dual-pathway formula helps reset the body’s long-term metabolic set point, stabilizing appetite and glucose control even after active dieting ends. This means users aren’t constantly fighting hunger, fatigue, and hormone fluctuations, the very things that cause a relapse. The result is a healthier, leaner, and more stable. Permanently.

PROVIVA’s creators call it the “maintenance miracle”. The first product built for the second phase of weight loss, when people usually fall off the wagon. By reinforcing metabolic balance and maintaining GLP-1/GIP activity naturally, patented PV300 helps users not just look good in the short term but protect their health for life. It reduces risks of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertension, and inflammation, the silent enemies behind most chronic diseases.

Sixty percent of the world’s population, over 8 billion people, are affected by chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Most of these illnesses stem from being overweight. By June 2027, it is estimated that more than one billion people, representing 20 percent of the global population, will be taking PROVIVA daily to stay slim, maintain optimal health, and help prevent chronic diseases worldwide.

In the end, this isn’t about vanity. It’s about vitality. PROVIVA represents a new era in weight management, one focused on staying healthy, staying light, and staying alive.

Real success isn’t losing the weight; it’s never gaining it back.

It is expected that PROVIVA will be available for purchase by February 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in global health and weight management.

Written By John Probandt

The post Of The Millions Of Products To Keep Weight Off, Only One Works appeared first on Canyon News.

I plan to work through January 2026 to help with the transition of my job responsibilities. I am planning to enroll in Medicare Part A and B during my Medicare enrollment time and not delay Part B. I understand that I will be paying for Part B when I don’t need it because I am still working with employer health coverage.

I wanted to make sure that I am enrolled in Medicare Part B before my turning 65 when Medicare Initial Enrollment Period ends. Then I can begin a Plan G Medicare Supplement policy on February 1 when I retire. Looking forward to your guidance.

—Brad from Louisville, Ky.

Hi Brad:

I have good Medicare news for you, because your “turning 65” Medicare Part B will begin February 1, 2026, and you will not have to pay for your Medicare Part B to begin in October, the month that you turn 65. Also, because your Medicare Part B begins on February 1, 2026, your Medicare Supplement Plan G, for medical care, can start February 1 since you are losing your employer group health insurance January 31.

Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month period that occurs 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months after turning 65. (Chapter 1 of my Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition explains enrolling in Medicare in detail.)

You must set up a Social Security account prior to enrolling in Medicare when turning 65 by going to www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

Below is a summary of the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period 7-month timeline schedule:
—If you enroll up to 3 months before turning 65, your Medicare begins on the first day of the month when you turn 65. Since you, Brad, will turn 65 on October 20, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and/or B in July, August, or September (up to 3 months prior) for an October 1 effective date.

—If you enroll in Medicare the month you turn 65 or up to 3 months after, your Medicare Part A will always begin the month you turn 65. (In Brad’s situation, his Medicare Part A will begin October 1 since that is the month he turns 65.)

—If you enroll in the month you turn 65, then Medicare Part B will begin on the first day of the following month. (Brad can choose to enroll in October and his Medicare Part B will begin November 1.)

—If enrolling 1 month after you turn 65, your Medicare Part B will begin the first of the next month. (If Brad enrolls in November, his Medicare Part B will begin December 1.) 

—If enrolling 2 months after you turn 65, your Medicare Part B will begin the first day of the month after that. (If Brad enrolls in December, his Medicare Part B will begin January 1.) 

—If enrolling 3 months after you turn 65, your Medicare will begin the following month. (So, if Brad enrolls in January, 3 months after the month he turns 65, his Medicare Part B will begin February 1, which is exactly when Brad wants his Medicare Part B to begin, and his Medicare Part A is backdated to October 1.)

Brad, had you begun your Medicare Parts A and B with an October 1 effective date, then your Medicare Part B premium would have begun. Waiting until January saves you on paying the “extra” 3 months.

Many Americans are not aware of Medicare’s turning-65 timeline. Thank you, Brad, for asking this important Medicare enrollment question.

Remember … with Medicare, what you don’t know WILL hurt you! Have a Medicare question? email the Toni Says Medicare team at info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664. The Medicare Survival Guide bundle package is available on the tonisays.com website.

The post Knowing Your Medicare Enrollment Options When Turning 65 Can Save You Money! appeared first on Canyon News.

Now, I’m concerned that I could have made a mistake. Should I call and ask if this Medicare service is still available? Thanks, Toni.

–Deidre from Katy, Texas

 Hi Deidre: Don’t stress yourself out, because Medicare is not giving away anything free! This is a new Medicare scam that is targeting America’s Medicare population. Last week, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, emailed an article with a YouTube video to Americans enrolled in Medicare titled, “Never sign anything in exchange for “free” services—it’s a scam!” You can view the Medicare.gov YouTube video at www.youtube.com/shorts/m0ygedIGFiY.

In the email from Medicare.gov, it says… “Note: Hospice care is for people who are terminally ill and is a serious decision made only between you and your doctor.” If you think that you have experienced “fraud,” call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and report your fraud issue to the Medicare agent who answers your call.

Medicare, Social Security and also the IRS will NEVER randomly call your home or cell phone and ask for your personal or banking information. In almost every case, Medicare already has all the information they need about you.  If information is needed, a letter will be sent directing you to the specific government agency you need and telling you to contact them for additional information.

Additional help for Medicare fraud is available at Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which helps those on Medicare learn how to detect fraud and abuse.  To report Medicare Fraud or Abuse call the nationwide SMP toll-free number 877-808-2468 or visit the SMP website at www.smpresource.org to locate the closest SMP office in the state where you live.

The SMP website discusses common Medicare Fraud Schemes such as genetic testing, hospice, Medicare card scams, and the list goes on. Below are a few tips to help protect you against Medicare fraud:

–Have a safety script by your phone or front door for solicitors. Tell anyone, especially scammers, you do not give out personal information to anyone who calls or knocks on your front door. (Get your kids or a friend to help you write your script.) Stick to the script no matter what!

–Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers who call you on the phone or come to your door. Just like you tell your grandkids not to talk to strangers, you need not talk to them either. Play the “Stranger Danger” game.

–As Dr. Oz said, Do NOT accept “free” offers in exchange for your Medicare number. Remember, there is nothing “free.”  They will have Medicare pay for whatever they are offering, and they will use your Medicare number to get it paid for!

Medicare fraud is exploding by the billions of dollars not millions and the only way to stop Medicare fraud is to let your friends know what Dr. Oz said on the Medicare.gov YouTube video. America needs to stand together and stop those who only want to make a “fast dollar” from Medicare, your checking account/credit card and most of all from YOU!

Remember…with Medicare, it’s what you don’t know WILL hurt you! Do you have a Medicare question or want to discuss Toni’s stress-free way to enroll in Medicare? Please email the Toni Says Medicare team at info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664. The Medicare Survival Guide bundle package is also available on the tonisays.com website.

The post America…There Is A New Medicare Scam! appeared first on Canyon News.

Can you please explain what one turning 65 with employer benefits should do?  Thanks, Toni —–Tammy from Clear Lake, Texas

Tammy: I have good news for you, Tammy, because Medicare does allow employees with employer health benefits to delay their (and their spouse’s) Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) enrollment without penalties when you enroll at a later date. Delaying “does” require having employer group health coverage through your or your spouse’s employer. Since you do have employer benefits, Tammy, I would advise terminating your Part B immediately by filing for CMS-1763.

With that in mind, what does Medicare define as employer group health coverage?

Let me explain in simple terms: on page 19 of the 2025 Medicare & You handbook, it explains employer and union health coverage while working full-time for that specific employer qualifies the employee to delay their Medicare.  If you are in this situation, then you can delay Medicare Part A and/or Part B for the working health covered individual and their non-working health covered spouse.

On the other hand, “COBRA and retiree health coverage do not count as current employer coverage,” according to the Medicare handbook. If you have this type of health insurance coverage, you are not going to be able to delay your Medicare Part B. (Chapter 1 of my Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition explains how to enroll in Medicare at the right way at the right time.)

Most individual health plans, such as those through the Health Insurance Marketplace or retiree benefits will not fall under acceptable health insurance coverage. Let me repeat, individual and retirement health insurance plans are not current employer coverage for those who are self-employed or retired.

A Working Spouse: Does It Matter? What if you have a working spouse and receive your health insurance coverage from their employer? If the working spouse is providing health insurance benefits from their employer group health coverage, as I previously mentioned, then one may want to delay enrolling in Medicare Part B, when you or your spouse (who may be the working spouse) retire, to keep from receiving a Medicare penalty when enrolling in Medicare Parts A and/or Part B using the Special Enrollment Period past 65.

You may continue to work either part-time or as a self-employed individual, taking advantage of the coverage provided by your spouse. I want to point out that some companies may ask that you enroll in Medicare once you are eligible, regardless of whether your spouse continues to work for the company. Therefore, it is important to check with your spouse’s Human Resources Department to determine whether, once you’re 65 or older, you are still able to have health coverage after 65 under a working spouse.

Remember…with Medicare, it’s what you don’t know WILL hurt you! Do you have a Medicare question or want to discuss Toni’s stress-free way to enroll in Medicare? Please email the Toni Says Medicare team at info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664.The Medicare Survival Guide bundle package is also available on the tonisays.com website.

The post Turning 65 With Employer Health Insurance…Need Medicare Help! appeared first on Canyon News.

It was not until I went to the doctor and had my claim denied that I discovered the old employer insurance was still listed as primary not Medicare. Now my Medicare nightmare begins!

The insurance company said that I had to call Medicare to change its information and Medicare said it would take 10 business days to update. What do I do? … I have no coverage because the company insurance is still listed as primary and neither Medicare nor my Medicare Supplement Plan G will pay? Please advise me what I should do.

— Debbie from Sugar Land, TX

Debbie: In the past few weeks, the Toni Says Medicare hotline has been receiving questions such as yours from Americans who are having their Medicare claims denied after leaving employer insurance. When Medicare still has an employer group health plan as the primary health insurance, it supersedes Medicare, and the Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan applied for.

There is a process for those leaving employer group health plans, whether you are the employee or the covered spouse and enrolling in Medicare. You need to inform Medicare that Medicare should be primary, and that you or your spouse are no longer covered in an employer group health plan.

The verification process to discover what your primary Medicare insurance is below:

• Visit medicare.gov and register yourself for a Medicare.gov account when you and/or your spouse have a Medicare number on your red, white and blue Medicare card.
• View what is in your and/or your spouse’s Medicare.gov account and verify that the Medicare information is correct. Knowing this information, you will be able to see what Medicare is viewing while you are discussing Medicare issues such as what Medicare plan has been chosen (either Original Medicare with or without a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan), the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan enrolled in, Medicare claims and other Medicare issues.
• If you see that the employer group health plan is still primary after you have enrolled in your and/or your spouse’s Medicare Parts A and B, then call the Medicare Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center at 855-798-2627 which the insurance representative told Debbie to call and follow the prompts. Tell the agent who answers that you and/or your spouse are no longer enrolled in the employer group health plan. The change from group health insurance as primary insurance to Medicare is estimated to take 48 hours. (A Toni Says Medicare client recently called this 800-number, and it took about 20 minutes on the call to finalize the change for her Medicare.gov account.)

We are advising those on Medicare to open a www.mymedicare.gov account when enrolling in Medicare whether you are turning 65 with or without employer group health benefits. Medicare mails out the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) every 90 days or one can view it faster via www.medicare.gov.

Please email the Toni Says Medicare team at info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664 regarding Medicare questions including Toni’s stress-free way to enroll in Medicare. Sign up for the Toni Says newsletter at www.tonisays.com to keep up to date on Medicare changes.

Remember, with Medicare what you don’t know WILL hurt you! Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide bundle package is also available on the tonisays.com website!

The post Help…Medicare Is NOT Paying My Medical Claims! appeared first on Canyon News.

A friend recently gave me Medicare advice that now has me very confused. She told me that some Medicare Plans, such as Plan F, give foreign travel medical coverage, but others such as Plan G, which I have chosen, do not. Is that true?

Do you have any recommendations about how I can get reasonable medical coverage for my trip? Thanks, Toni.

–Lee Anne from Dallas

Lee Anne: Your friend is dead wrong and what she told you is not accurate.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans F and G (as well as C, D, M and N) cover the same limited amount of emergency foreign travel, an added perk that Medicare does not cover. This foreign travel coverage pays for emergency care if it begins during the first 60 days of your trip. It has a $250 deductible, and thereafter the Medicare Supplement plan only pays 80%, up to a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000. You pay 20% and any amounts over the $50,000 lifetime maximum.

Who knows what an air ambulance from Greece will cost? My recommendation to you, Lee Anne, is to talk with your travel or insurance agent or explore online for true travelers’ insurance that will take care of your medical needs in all countries all over the world. Not all travel insurance plans include medical coverage, so it’s important to read the plan’s conditions and restrictions.

Remember that Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans only take care of medical and prescription drug expenses in the United States. So be sure you bring enough of your prescription medication while you are overseas, or you will have to pay out-of-pocket.

Lee Anne, your Plan-F-recommending friend is apparently unaware that the plan is no longer even available for those enrolling in Medicare Part A after January 1, 2020. (Chapter 3 of my book “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced” edition discusses the rules of enrolling in Medicare Supplements.) For those who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Supplement Plan F, their Plan F will be grandfathered. Although “grandfathered” means that they may keep the plan, no one really knows what the future rate increases will be like.

Here is a surprise for your friend; Medicare Supplement Plan G has taken Medicare Plan F’s place. Another plan, called Medicare Plan N, will be the lower-premium plan with higher out-of-pocket costs.

Here are the main differences between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N:

–Plan G offers lower rates and the same Medicare benefits as Plan F except the Medicare Part B deductible is not covered and will be paid for by the enrolled Medicare beneficiary (you) out-of-pocket. The Part B deductible for 2025 is $257.

–Plan N, generally, has lower premiums than Plan G with higher out-of-pocket costs. There is a $20 co-pay for a doctor’s visit and $50 co-pay for the emergency room.  Part B deductible is not covered, and, in addition, Part B excess charges are not paid for by the insurance company (which Plan G covers).

Lee Anne, your friend is giving Medicare advice while having no idea of what a Medicare Supplement covers. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a friend has misled someone over their Medicare option, and it won’t be the last.

Remember, with Medicare what you don’t know WILL hurt you! For guidance choosing which Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan that meets your needs call the Toni Says Medicare team     at 832/519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com. Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide bundle package is also available on the tonisays.com website!

The post Warning: Medicare Advice from Friends Can Be Costly! appeared first on Canyon News.

-Stephanie from Orlando, Fla.

Hi Stephanie: Don’t feel alone, because there is a person entering Medicare every eight seconds every day for approximately the next 10 years. Most Americans feel an urgency to learn their Medicare options and are stressed over getting it right, because they know that one wrong move can jeopardize the retirement savings they worked so hard to build.

Below are some facts that those entering Medicare need to know:

• Enroll on time: The only way Medicare is automatic for someone turning 65 is when they are already receiving a Social Security check. If you are not receiving your Social Security check and not working full-time with employer benefits from either your or your spouse’s work, then you will want to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up Those who are working full-time with employer benefits or are covered under their spouse’s benefits may want to delay enrolling in Medicare Part A (especially if a Health Savings Account (HSA) is an employee benefit; important Medicare rules apply) and Medicare Part B until they retire or lose their benefits for any other reason.
• Medicare is NOT free: Medicare covers a lot and there is a cost associated with Medicare Parts A and B. You have been paying tax dollars for Medicare and the premium for Part A is at no cost. Medicare Part B has a premium that is means-tested depending on how much you have earned for that year. In 2025, an average Medicare beneficiary pays $185 each month for the Part B premium. The 2025 Medicare Part A (hospital) deductible is $1,676 not once a year but every 60 days, or six times a year. The 2025 Medicare Part B deductible is $257 once a year, with Medicare paying 80% of the Medicare approved amount and you paying the remaining 20% (and many individuals purchase insurance to cover this 20% “gap”).
• Learn Medicare’s alphabet soup… Parts A, B, C and D: Medicare Parts A and B cover hospital, medical and provider expenses. Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage plan, is another way of receiving your Medicare benefits. Part D is a Medicare Prescription Drug plan that can be enrolled in as a stand-alone plan with Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement or bundled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Medicare covers plenty: Medicare Part A covers in-patient hospital, skilled nursing facility care, home health and hospice care. Medicare Part B covers physicians’ services, outpatient surgery/services, lab/X-rays, MRIs, durable medical equipment, and preventative services, etc.
• Medicare doesn’t cover everything: Medical services not covered under Medicare include vision, hearing, or dental expenses as well as long-term care.
• There’s no network with Original Medicare (with Medicare Supplement/Medigap): Your health care professional or facility bills Medicare directly.
• Medicare Advantage may be a good option: Know that you can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B), or Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies.
• Medicare also serves Americans under 65: Those under 65 on Social Security Disability or with end stage renal (ESRD) qualify when they meet Medicare’s requirements.

When someone visits www.tonisays.com for a Medicare consultation whether in-person at the Sugar Land office or online via Zoom nationwide, the Toni Says Medicare team advises the client to forget everything they know about their old health insurance plans because Medicare is totally different!

Remember, with Medicare what you don’t know WILL hurt you! Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition is available at www.tonisays.com. Have a Medicare question? Contact the Toni Says Medicare team at info@tonisays.com for assistance or call (832) 519-8664. Toni’s new Medicare Survival Guide bundle package is available on the tonisays.com website!

The post America: Is learning About Medicare’s Options Stressing You? appeared first on Canyon News.

— Devon from Cleveland, Ohio

Hi Devon: Don’t stress yourself about the Medicare Open Enrollment (OEP), aka Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), that begins Oct. 15, because you will be in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is Medicare’s special time for those who are just turning 65. During your IEP, you can pick the Medicare plan that best fits your medical and financial situation, whether it’s Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with Part D included.

Next year’s OEP/AEP (in 2026 for 2027) is when you can make a change to either the Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D, depending on what you enroll in when you turn 65. This year’s OEP/AEP is not for you!

Devon, Medicare’s IEP is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and 3 months after turning 65. If one waits past this 7-month period to enroll then Medicare’s Part B and D, penalties can begin. (My Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition explains enrolling in Medicare in detail for those who are either turning 65 or who are past 65 and leaving an employer health plan, whether retiring or laid off.

Medicare IEP timeline is:

• If you enroll any time during the 3 months before turning 65, Medicare begins the first day of the month when you turn 65. (Devon turns 65 in November and can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B in August, September, or October (3 months prior) for a November 1 effective date.)
• If you enroll the month that you turn 65, then Medicare will begin on the 1^st of next month. (If Devon enrolls in November, his Medicare will begin December 1.)
• If you enroll 1, 2, or 3 months after turning 65, then your Medicare will begin the 1st day of the month following enrollment.

Devon, since you are not receiving your Social Security check, you need to create a My Social Security Account through Social Security’s website at www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up and enroll yourself online. It is not commonly known that Social Security enrolls Americans in Medicare and that Medicare is not involved in this process.

Once your enrollment in Medicare is finalized on the Social Security website, then you will want to view your Benefit Verification Letter. At that time, you can verify your Medicare Part A and B starting dates with your new Medicare number and enroll in whatever Medicare health and prescription drug plans you would choose. Whether you pick a Medicare Supplement with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO plan with prescription drug coverage, find a plan that best fits your medical and financial needs.

Good luck, Devon, with enrolling in Medicare the correct way!!  Remember with Medicare it’s what you don’t know that WILL hurt you!

Have additional Medicare questions? Contact the Toni Says Medicare team at www.tonisays.com for immediate assistance, email info@tonisays.com, or call (832) 519-8664. Toni’s new Medicare Survival Guide bundle package and Confused about Medicare video series are available on the Toni Says website!

The post How Does Medicare’s Fall Enrollment Affect Me? appeared first on Canyon News.

The best thing about our hot season, however, are evenings when most of the earth cools, and that breeze slides in off the mesa and caresses our cheeks. Then it’s time to sit, and laugh, and tell stories and just be with someone we love. Then is the culmination of a day we can be proud of.

Inside each of us, we silently and privately applaud ourselves, because the hot day tried us, but we did it. All day. We made it through the heat today. Made it with our hands today. Made it through to another precious June evening when we can sit on the patio with something cold and someone sweet.

So, it gets hot in the daytime. Okay. But just don’t forget to give us these evenings, these blessed evenings when we can recall what cooler weather felt like.

Without these evenings, it would just be another hot summer day.

By Slim Randles

The post In the Heat of the Day… appeared first on Canyon News.

The social worker at mother’s living facility suggested that I discuss with her Advantage plan to discuss whether there are any house-call physicians who can accept her as a patient.  Is this something that Medicare or her Medicare Advantage plan will pay for?

Should I consider changing my mother from her Medicare Advantage HMO to “Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement” due to her health issues? Thanks for your help.

–Sheila from Little Rock, Ark

Hi Sheila:

Last week Medicare changed the date when “telehealth services” will ONLY be made available locally and in a rural area. From today through September 30, 2025, you can get telehealth services at any location in the U.S., including your home. The Medicare.gov website states, “starting October 1, 2025, you must be in an office or medical facility located in a rural area (in the U.S.) for most telehealth services”.

The Medicare.gov website also states that if you aren’t in a rural health care setting, you can still get certain Medicare telehealth services on or after October 1, including:

• Monthly end-stage renal disease (ESRD) visits for home dialysis
• Services for diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke wherever you are, including in a mobile stroke unit
• Services for the diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a mental and/or behavioral health disorder (including a substance use disorder) in your house

My advice to you, Sheila, is to ask your mother’s primary care physician or specific Medicare Advantage plan’s healthcare provider which house call or Accountable Care Organization (ACO) they are contracted with.

Not only are doctors making house call visits, but dentists, eye doctors and even mobile x-ray/ultra-sound machines with technicians are visiting nursing homes, assisted living facilities and personal care homes, just like these providers were doing before COVID-19.

A house call physician visit can keep those who are having a minor ailment from turning into a major health care issue keeping a frail senior healthy and out of the hospital.

Doctor or medical provider visits by house call services–whether at home or at a long-term care facility such as a nursing home, assisted living facility or personal care home– are being accepted and paid for by Original Medicare, Original Medicare with a Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans (if the house call provider is in the Advantage plan’s network).

Sheila, you are wise to look at all your mother’s options regarding disenrolling from her Medicare Advantage plan with her serious health situations. Many do not realize that they must qualify medically to be approved for a Medicare Supplement, which helps pay the portions that Medicare does not pay. If one is not approved, then they will pay out of their pocket.

Readers, it is important to explore your Medicare plan options, because you never know when your health will deteriorate, becoming too late to change your Medicare plan. Chapter 2 of Toni’s Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition explains Medicare Parts A and B, which can help avoid problems.

Contact the Toni Says Medicare team at www.tonisays.com for immediate assistance or call the Toni Says hotline at (832) 519-8664. The Confused about Medicare online video course is also available through our website, to help America understand the complexities of Medicare enrollment, whether turning 65 or retiring past age 65.

The post Medicare Changes its Telehealth Service Rules appeared first on Canyon News.

The other three days I try to get a good walk in and it’s a decent walk because if your legs burn afterwards that is a good thing for me. That is NOT saying if you walk it should burn, but you want to sweat a little and feel like you’ve done something, if that makes sense. Yes, I do a little weightlifting here and there and some pushups and sit-ups as well because building muscle is indeed important.

With that said, walking is a form of exercise that is free. It does not cost any money for you to exercise. You can walk out of your house and take a stroll around the block. The weather is getting a bit more comfortable if you live in the Midwest and the East coast. Yeah, you’re not taking a walk outside when there’s a ton of snow and it’s -20 degrees below zero. However, when temps get around 40 degrees or higher you can take a brisk walk.

Yeah, you might want the weather to be closer to 50 degrees or higher if you’re going to do a long walk, but at the same time I’m not trying to walk in the sweltering heat either. You can be outdoors for a good hour and get some significant cardio in that helps keep you healthy and active. A walk a day will indeed keep the doctor away, not to mention you can walk during all hours of the day. With the sun coming up by at least seven a.m. and it’s not setting until eight p.m. most days and it will be even longer in the coming months.

I have seen more and more elderly individuals walking at the mall. They have these mall walkers that get to the mall several hours before the actual mall opens and they do several laps and its really good exercise for them and it’s safe and they mingle with others their age and make friends as well in the process.

There is no excuse for Americans not to be out and about to get some form of cardio, you don’t have to go to the gym or purchase a membership to actually exercise. If you have two legs, you can get out and walk the block. You don’t have to walk miles, if you do walk miles, any form of movement is better than none at all, and it’s perhaps the easiest form of movement for the body. It doesn’t require you to do too much. It is just a question of whether you want to do it or not.

Written By Jason Jones

The post Walking Is A Great Form Of Exercise appeared first on Canyon News.

We have heard so much about the dangers of processed foods in recent years, yet if you go to the grocery store that is all you see left and right. Whether in a can, box or bag, if it’s super sweet, salty or fatty it is not best for you to overindulge in those items. However, those are the items that tend to be on sale at the supermarket, it is quick and easy to give to the kiddos and there you go.

It becomes a trend that starts as a kid and becomes a trend as you become an adult that you ultimately pass down to your kids. I want to pat myself on the back for not indulging in any carbonated drinks for almost two years. Yes, two years, no soda, no pop, no overly sugary drinks or excessive carbs and calories that are not good for the body. If people knew how bad soft drinks were, they wouldn’t drink them. This is not me being the soft drink police, I just want to warn individuals of the dangers that not many of them are aware of.

At the same time, I’m learning that if you don’t have the items in the household, you will not be tempted to eat them. Yes, we all want to try to tell ourselves we can resist and we look at it as a badge of honor, but not many can accomplish such a feat.

The bigger push is by NOT having the items in the home, you are not going to eat them and guess what you’re NOT spending money on things that you don’t actually need! That is the thing that I’m beginning to come to terms with. You don’t buy, you won’t eat it and you save a ton of money in the process as well. I probably spend way more on those foods that I should NOT even be eating.

It has taken time for me to realize this, but I am realizing it now, which is key. It is better to learn the hard truth now, than later, when it becomes too late. We have to be sharper and more aware of not buying things that are bad for us and focus the attention on purchasing foods that are actually good for us. I know so many people are thinking fruits and vegetables. No, it’s not just about fruits and vegetables, it also involves grains, wheat, dairy, gluten and so much more.

No, I’m not telling you to run to Whole Foods and purchase all your groceries. Not all Americans can afford to do such a thing, which means the retail chains have to be better at making things affordable. Affordability matters when it comes to food because not all Americans can purchase the healthy items they need to stay healthy.

There are plenty of places in this country that are literal food deserts that have no grocery stores or they are very far and in between. Why is that? I wish I could give you an answer, but sorry America, I’m not able to do so and I wish there is more that is being done. If your kids always want the bad stuff, you have to start to redirect things to the healthy direction versus the not so healthy.

It might not happen over night, it may take a bit of time, but if you start early it helps. As people age, they are able to pick and choose what they eat, but the key is moderation. If you don’t overindulge, if you exercise and stay active that goes a long way for your health.

Written By Davy Jones

The post Taking Control Of What You Eat appeared first on Canyon News.

I see this often when I visit the shopping mall, where you see a lot of older individuals partake in mall walking. What exactly is that? You walk the mall, so it’s not about shopping or spending money it is about walking the perimeter of the mall from one end to the other. I will admit these people push the pedal to the medal and it is quite impressive to say the least.

Guess what? It does NOT cost any money to do it. You don’t have to pay for a gym membership that you never utilize, which I think a lot of Americans encounter quite often. Walking is a free form of exercise. I do a steady walk at least two-three times a week. Most recently I had a fantastic walk that was probably 20-30 minutes. I walked at my pace; the weather was perfect. When I say perfect, I mean just that. It was not too cold, it was not too hot, there was a great breeze and traffic was light outside.

Yeah, sometimes people are not fans of walking if there is just too much going on in your orbit as it can be a distraction. Was I tracking my physical progress as I did it? No. Sometimes I do with my smartwatch if I want to know how many steps I’ve taken in a given day, what my blood pressure is or to monitor some other specific stat when it comes to my health, however, it is not something I feel I HAVE TO DO.

If you’re doing any exercise compared to no exercise, you are doing something good America. However, the greatest benefit I have come to realize from walking is the clarity of mind. I mean I really get to clear my mind and not focus on anything but live in the moment. That was something I never thought about until now. The more I walk, the realization hits me more and more I’m at utter peace. I’m not thinking about anything. No work, no family, no money worries, no housing concerns, no family stressors, absolutely nothing.

Perhaps I’m so focused on living in the moment of walking that nothing matters, and that is a great feeling to have. Where I walk is a bit of a distance from my home, but you don’t have to follow my mantra. People, it is easy you can walk around the block near your neighborhood. If you live close to your local grocer, you can walk there to pick up your items, instead of driving your vehicle.

If you want to do a bit of local shopping why not walk to your destination if possible? If you have dogs, you have to take them for a walk and that is a great form of exercise that you can do multiple times. Point being there is no excuse as to why you cannot exercise, especially when it comes to walking. Long story short, walking is so easy and doesn’t require a ton of physical exertion. It is free and best of all it allows you to decompress, which is something we all need when our lives are super busy.

Written By Davy Jones

The post Walking Is Good Exercise, Clarity Of Mind appeared first on Canyon News.

Well for 2024, the Fourth of July falls on an odd day this year. It falls on a Thursday and I’ve been hearing people chat about having the entire week off, and my response is, “Why? The holiday is on a Thursday?” Are people seriously thinking because the holiday falls on such an odd day that people don’t really want to work. I wish I could enjoy that same sentiment.

I’m working everyday this week including the holiday, which I think so many Americans fail to remember. Not everyone gets a holiday or holidays off from work. There are those industries that operate 24/7, so lucky us right.

With that said, if you are preparing for a cookout it is important to be aware that you want to limit the alcohol consumption. I had no idea that the Fourth of July holiday is one of the most dangerous days for drivers because of the amount of people driving drunk on the roads usually after leaving outings with family or friends.

Look if you plan to have a drink enjoy, but don’t overindulge and plan to get behind the wheel. You will be impaired as a driver even if you think that you will not. Now, let’s talk about the food. The basics you have to have, hot dogs and hamburgers. They’re not as pricey as other cuts of meat and people just expect them. There is nothing like a charcoal grilled hot dog or hamburger. What toppings you select that is completely up to you, but no ketchup please. Not a fan and I don’t place it on hot dogs or hamburgers, I’m a mustard guy.

Now if you’re cooking chicken be careful. That is a protein that must be thoroughly cooked or you will and can get quite ill. Not everyone knows how to cook chicken so if you’re not certain you might want to utilize a thermometer. If you’re cooking red meat like steak, you can go rare, medium rare or well done. For me, I like my steak just about done. I don’t want something bloody red that is not my cup of tea, but do you.

When it comes to ribs if you’ve never cooked them before leave that to the pros or a guest attending who knows what he or she is doing. Not everyone can cook ribs to where they are tasty. Some try to sauce them up and toss on the grill versus grilling and then saucing them up as they cook.

As for the sides, the options are limitless to a degree, you have corn on the cob, the coleslaw and potato salad, the baked beans and the macaroni and cheese. Never hurts to have a fruit salad to cool everyone down and then you can have mini desserts for the kiddos and those wanting something sweet. You could also have ice cream as well.

Last but not least, the fireworks. Ensure an adult who is not inebriated because fireworks are dangerous people. Those sparklers are not as safe as one would like to think, especially for kids. They cannot place that sparkler near their clothing or their body because second- and third-degree burns can happen in a matter of minutes. If you’re lighting bigger spectacles, be sure to have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher close by in case something unexpected transpires. So, however you’re enjoying the holiday, be safe, eat well and have fun.

Written By Davy Jones

The post Fire Up The Grill America appeared first on Canyon News.

Traditional senior housing, which many of us view as sterile and isolating, is (thankfully) no longer the sole option. Now, modern senior living communities – set up more like hotels or country clubs offering amenities, encouraging social connections, and giving residents the choice of a spectrum of care options – make it possible for this generation of older adults to experience a fulfilling and independent retirement. 

For many, this new retirement option is actually more appealing than spending the rest of your days in your own home. 

This shift is driven by a few different factors. The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age, and this demographic has a different vision for their later years – one that prioritizes wellness, engagement, and community.  We also witnessed firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in traditional care facilities, highlighting the need for more flexible and adaptable living arrangements.

Justine Underhill, Chief Marketing Officer at Mirador Living, a company that helps people choose between modern senior living options in their area, emphasizes this changing landscape. 

“We’re seeing a real shift,” she says. “People are living longer, healthier lives, and they don’t want to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to retirement. They want to be a part of a community that caters to their individual needs and interests.”

Beyond the Basics

Modern senior living communities go far beyond offering just a place to take your medicine and rest your head at night. Residents have access to a whole host of amenities, from fitness centers and swimming pools to on-site restaurants and theaters. Activities calendars are packed with options, with many communities providing the likes of art classes, book clubs, lectures, and social events.

“It’s all about creating opportunities for connection and lifelong learning,” explains Underhill. “These living facilities want their residents to feel like every day is an adventure, not a chore.”

This focus on an active lifestyle doesn’t only involve entertainment. Many communities offer wellness programs that help to keep residents physically and mentally stimulated. These can include fitness classes that are tailored for specific age groups and access to on-site healthcare professionals.

Independence with Support

Modern senior living caters to a wide range of abilities, but it also recognizes that a person’s care needs can evolve over time.

Communities typically offer a continuum of care, which means residents can access increasing levels of support as they require it. Support may include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, or even 24/7 skilled nursing care. But there’s a flexibility in the care provided that means residents can still maintain their own independence unless or until they decide that they require additional support. 

“The beauty of this model is that residents can age in place,” says Underhill. “They don’t have to worry about uprooting themselves if their needs change. A great senior living community can provide the right level of care at the right time, ensuring their comfort and well-being.”

The Future of Senior Living

As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that the modern senior living space will see even more innovation that benefits the well-being and enjoyment of residents. We’re not far away from the days of smart accommodations that monitor health vitals, offer well-being-related virtual reality experiences, and adjust lighting for improved sleep.  

“Technology will undoubtedly play a role in personalizing the resident experience,” predicts Underhill. “We’ll see tools that residents can use to manage their health, stay connected with their loved ones, and explore their interests in new ways.”

Is Modern Senior Living Right for You?

It’s clear that modern senior living has a lot going for it. But the decision to move into this kind of community is a personal one. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there’s no right or wrong answer here. But if your retirement goals involve staying active in an engaging and supportive environment, you’ll probably find that modern retirement options are a compelling alternative to traditional models.

Ultimately, modern senior living is about empowering people to live their best lives, regardless of age. It’s the future of retirement in that it offers so much more than traditional senior living –  and thank goodness for that. Suddenly, life after retirement doesn’t seem so daunting. 

The post Is Modern Senior Living The Future Of Retirement? appeared first on Canyon News.

I used to love a donut, a croissant, a Danish, pancakes, pop tarts, a Toaster Strudel or a bowl of cereal. Out of everything I just listed, a bowl of cereal is still something I crave every so often, but I have veered away a bit from the sweet and turned my attention to healthier options like cheerios, and I mean plain cheerios with some strawberries or blueberries.

Being a bit older now, I see myself craving more for savory when it comes to breakfast. I love grits, I mean I absolutely love some grits with a little bit of butter, pepper and cheddar cheese. The key is the grits have to be smooth and creamy without the lumps. Can it be a slight chore cooking grits? Yes, but the end result is so worth it.

Everyone I know loves bacon, but I’m not the biggest bacon lover. I don’t mind it, I cook it on occasion, but I don’t have to have it when it comes to a protein for breakfast. Most people might be thinking the amount of fat or grease that comes with it, no it is the salt. Bacon can be overly salty for me and that is just a taste that I don’t crave.

If I am going for a protein, it is sausage and its spicy breakfast. I crave heat a lot and the taste of a hot pork sausage is beyond craveable it’s just tasty to me. In addition, I don’t have to have a lot, one or two breakfast sausage at most does the trick for me America. However, beyond sausage my favorite protein for breakfast has to be the egg. I love scrambled eggs, but only with cheese. I absolutely cannot and will not eat eggs without cheese. My body cannot stomach it. I tried once it doesn’t work.

Before you start asking, no I don’t eat boiled eggs, unless it’s with a Cobb salad, I don’t eat raw eggs or sunny side up eggs or poached eggs. The idea of a runny egg is such a turn off for me I’m sorry. For those who love it, do you, but for me it doesn’t work. My favorite quick breakfast has to be a bagel sandwich. Usually a plain or everything bagel (must be toasted), with a scrambled egg with cheese and a spicy pork sausage patty does the trick every time.

It doesn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes to do, it’s portable and gives you a little bit of everything to get those fumes in your body working to top speed. If I’m really in a rush, I will settle for a bagel with cream cheese. Yes, there are plenty of variety of bagels, and one of my favorite places is Einstein Bagels, that pretzel and potato bagel is to die for, especially if you add some of their honey almond schmear on it. I wish there was a store that sold that schmear, but you can only get it at this establishment and it quite literally is to die for.

I think I have proven my point, savory is the way to go, despite on weekends, when I cook up some pancakes because I have a bit more free time. We’re not talking just plain pancakes, I’m talking with bananas, apples, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries. Not a big fan of whip cream. I don’t put it on anything, and if you’re asking waffles or pancakes, I never got into pancakes and I don’t think I ever will. They just seem a bit heavy for me when it comes to breakfast and I like something a bit lighter.

Some of us overdo it for breakfast, the goal is to ensure you have enough to get your day going, not to be so satiated that you cannot move. If sweet does the trick, go for it, but for me savory seems to work every time.

Written By Davy Jones

The post The Breakfast Conundrum appeared first on Canyon News.

I don’t think you should have to ever convince people why you do or do not eat something. That is a choice that you have decided to make. Now, if someone is inquiring why and you provide them with the answer, I would hope they accept that answer and just move along, but that is not always the case. For me, one of the big ones is soda, pop, whatever you call it depending on what part of the country you are from.

As of May 2024, I haven’t had an ounce in nearly 19 months. Yes, I am nearing two years in October 2024. It was just a decision I chose to make to limit sugar intake and to curb my intake of caffeine. With that said, I don’t really consume much caffeine on a daily basis. You might think I indulge in coffee, but you would be wrong. I don’t drink that at all. When it comes to tea, I might have it occasionally, but it’s not something I have daily; maybe once or twice a week, if that. So, I was recently out to lunch with some family members, and it became this massive debacle when everyone was ordering soft drinks and I had to ask the restaurant if they had tea or lemonade as an option.

Within seconds, everyone was asking why I wasn’t getting a Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Hey, those tend to be the popular options at most establishments. It is one or the other. Why aren’t you getting what we’re drinking? My response was simple, I don’t drink it. Then you have the follow-up, why? I don’t indulge in the sugary content. Why? It was question after question, and it all came down to sugar content. I explained the amount of sugar in those drinks are way more heightened than people realize. Look at the nutrition label on a pop or soda bottle and if you see 40 to 60 and in some cases 70 plus grams of sugar in a single bottle or serving, that should be scary.

For me, I don’t want that in my body, which some family members understand, others not so much. What I find frustrating is that when a person makes a decision to take healthier approaches to food it is an uproar. You should be eating what I’m eating, but that is a conscious choice I made. I don’t expect everyone else to indulge in what I’m doing. You can do you and I’m not going to shame you for doing it. I just wish I had the same given to me. Don’t shame me for making a choice to be healthier. You might not agree with what I’m doing, but it’s not for you to agree with it. It’s something I’m doing for MY HEALTH.

We should congratulate individuals when we see them making changes in food habits for their overall health. Just because half or more than half of Americans are doing this and that doesn’t mean you have to follow in their tracks. Whatever works for you works for you and if others don’t understand it, that is their problem, plain and simple.

The post Eating Healthy Backlash appeared first on Canyon News.

You don’t just lose 50 pounds overnight and if an everyday person or celebrity thinks that they have to be losing their mind. Look, when it comes to health, what you do with your body is your decision, but when you appear in the public spotlight, you can’t just expect the public not to want answers when they see a vast difference in your appearance.

Yes, this week the talk of the town was singer and talk show host, Kelly Clarkson, who mentioned she is taking a drug/shot that impacted a significant weight loss in recent months. She initially told a publication the weight loss was a result of changes in her diet and walking, but not many believed that. The credibility issue, I don’t care about. My point is either say NOTHING AT ALL, or just tell the truth.

If you’re taking a drug for weight loss so be it; who actually cares. Not many do, people just don’t want you to lie to their face about it. Hell, anyone who watches Bravo knows half of the “Real Housewives” are taking the shot for weight loss; some have even admitted it. That is the trend; if you want to look thin and svelte, you need to take the shot.

Do I think women are being scrutinized harsher than men? Absolutely, and I can tell you there are male celebrities and those in Hollywood who are absolutely taking that shot, they just haven’t been exposed at the current moment. We don’t know the side-effects of taking the drug; no one does. It is something still being explored and examined and like any drug there ae always side-effects. The drugs can’t just be a quick fix to lose weight without having something unexpected happening to your body.

One of my concerns about the weight loss drugs is that the cost are skyrocketing because of its popularity. This just goes to prove my point that pharmaceutical companies are all about one thing: MONEY! They don’t care about helping Americans, they care about helping their pockets and that is with any drugs that are prescribed in this country. The drug has become so costly people who actually need it, like Diabetics, don’t have access to the drug because they can’t afford it. Yes, the drugs were aimed for to assist Diabetics in battling their disease.

Tell me America is that a good thing? Of course not, which means shouldn’t we be doing more to ensure those who NEED these drugs have access to them versus those who don’t because a fad of vanity and looks has become so critical. Look, I get it, people struggle with weight and if this drug can help you shed pounds and become healthier that is a plus. I have the issue when people just want to take the drug because they can and they don’t actually need it.

There is chatter that once you start the drug you must remain on it for the rest of your life or you risk whatever weight was loss can come back. It hasn’t been proven yet, but more research will need to be done and we will have to examine the side effects to prove that theory.

If you want to share your truth do it, but be advised if you’re hiding the truth, dodging the truth people are going to ask questions, especially if you’re in the public sphere. The pharmaceutical companies need to realize just because you can earn a quick buck doesn’t mean you should exploit it to the American public but wait this is the United States where earning a buck seems to be the most important thing for most people, but at what cost?

Written By Davy Jones

The post The Weight Loss Drug Debate appeared first on Canyon News.