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Protect Your Brain: Wear a HelmetAnd Avoid Head InjuryMarch is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Why Wearing a Helmet is Crucial for Your Brain’s HealthBLy Ann Newstead PT, DPT, PhDisten! Protecting your brain is crucial for maintaining good health and cognitive function. One of themost effective ways to do this is by wearing a helmet. A helmet can help prevent concussions and other head injuries, which can have serious long-term effects.It’s important to remember that you only have one brain, and it’s worth protecting. So, the next time you go out for a bike ride or engage in any activity with a head injury risk, make sure to wear a helmet.While there is no concussion-proof helmet, a bike helmet can protect your child or teen from a serious brain or head injury. The helmets have been vastly improved for skiing, baseball, and football to absorb shock.The new E-Bikes are fast and fun! But worse injuries may occur at the higher speeds. Learn to ride these from an expert. And avoid highways.Falls can also result in a concussion and often go unnoticed.Protecting yourself or a loved one from a fall is paramount for reduced risk of a concussion. When a fall occurs, we often notice the obvious – a fracture or broken bone. But if someone hits hard, the head may impact the ground. The result is a concussion or worse yet a brain bleed. The individual may not remember the fall. Observe for changes in speech, cognition, memory and take action if you notice changes in the ability to move.Practicing balance, and walking activities may help to reduce the risk of aAuthor - continued from page 4the Gothic-architecture campus. His mother, Sally Hallahan Buckley, was a homemaker who managed her brood with military efficiency, still encouraging her children to explore the craggy outdoors where streams could ice up in winter.“I have always loved history, especially of the Highlands region, including its geology, also discussed in the book,” Buckley said.Edited by a former West Point neighbor Bill Patterson, the book was still a local production. Marshall High School graduate and a former editor at the San Antonio Express-News Cathy Smith offered a voluntary assist reading the manuscript and UTSA graduate and graphic artist Kaylin Jones designed the cover.“In 2026, this country will mark 250 years of nationhood, “Buckley said. “Our small part in noting West Point’s role in the Continental Army-turned-U.S. Army and foundation of this country’s global security is an honor.The 195-page Amazon book is available in an e-book format for $2.99 and paperback for $15.March 20245 Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantagefall and a concussion. Strengthening arms, core, and leg muscles may provide a stable base to keep moving and active.Prevention is paramount...Safety first!Everyone of all ages is at risk. Wear a helmet. Be cautious climbing ladders or stairs. Most emergency room visits are for young children or older adults.It’s important whatever the age, that you check out your condition after a blow to your head and make sure that you are monitored closely following a concussion.For more information about cycling helmets and fall prevention call (210) 833- 8336.Ann H. Newstead, PT,DPT, PhD, GCS, NCS14418 Old Bandera RoadHelotes, TX 78023 Ahnewphysicaltherapy.comA Helotes-area resident, Lesli Hicks is an assistant History professor at UTSA. She reviewed the book’s draft contents and later wrote the Foreword.By Mike Sosso1) Original Medicare with a supplement, or Medigap has higher premiums but very low out of pocket costs for services (only $240 per year on Plan G). Medicare Advantage has lower premiums but higher out of pocket costs for services with annual maximums ranging from $2,500–$12,000.2) Original Medicare pays providers directly for services while Medicare Advantage transfers all payment responsibility to private insurance.3) Original Medicare allows you to choose any doctor or provider that takes Medicare. You don’t need approval for a second opinion or to see a specialist. Alternatively, Medicare Advantage limits and directs provider choices.4) Original Medicare does not require preauthorization for services while Medicare Advantage does. Preauthorization means your doctor must get approval for many services like expensive diagnostics, testing, or surgery. This takes time and, if services are denied, you can appeal but approval is not guaranteed.5) Original Medicare paired with Medigap is a lifelong plan and won’t change unless you change your gap coverage. Medicare Advantage is written and changes annually.Remember if you develop serious health issues while on Advantage and want back on Original Medicare, you can switch but may not qualify for a supplement. For this reason, I typically recommend Original Medicare with a supplement when you qualify.Because Medicare Advantage is analternative to Original Medicare, you can switch to Original Medicare two times a year: October 15th–December 7th and January 1st–March 31st (right now.) If you’re on Medicare Advantage and want to see if Original Medicare is best for you, we can review your situation, see if you qualify for Medigap, and make recommendations that meet your needs and budget. Also, if you’re on Original Medicare and supplemental premiums have increased, let us shop to find you equal or better coverage at a lower cost.Mike Sosso, a Helotes resident since 1996, has been helping seniors understand and enroll in Medicare since 2005.Mike SossoFor a no obligation consultation call(210) 972-9035 or visit www.getinsurancesmart.comSSt. Patrick’s Day Party Pointerst. Patrick’s Day is a beloved holiday, and that popularity is reflected in celebrations that take place acrossthe globe. According to World Population Review, more than 200 countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.Russia, Singapore and Japan are among the nations that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each March, proving that proximity to Ireland is not a prerequisite for partying on March 17. With that in mind, anyone in the mood to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day need not hesitate to plan a party this March. The following St. Patrick’s Day party pointers can make the festivities even more fun this year. • Go green. It goes without saying that green is the color of St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland, a country known for its rolling green hills. Hosts can decorate party spaces in green, hanging green streamers and green balloons. Encourage guests to wear green and keep the theme going with the menu, serving green baked goods and beverages. • Curate a St. Patrick’s Day playlist. Inaddition to its rolling green hills, Ireland is known for music. It’s hard to find a pub anywhere on the Emerald Isle without a local musician playing traditional IrishSt. Patrick’s - continued on page 11 7www.heloteshighlights.com