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Men’s Health Month and HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! Men Listen TO YOUR BODIES!By Ann Newstead PT, DPT, PhDA wareness: Listen to your body. Each day. More than half of premature deaths among men are preventable. Please do not ignore your aches and pains, and work or play throughyour injuries.Prevention: Daily Exercise and Fitness aremedicine – physical activity is cumulative throughout your daily routine. Besides exercising 30 minutes at least 3 times weekly, eat a high-fiber/low-fat diet, quit smoking, and do monthly self-exams, the most important step you can take is to make a habit of getting regular medical checkups.Wear a seatbelt whenever you’re in the car, and a helmet when on a motorcycle or bicycle.• Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods. Be especially careful to limit cholesterol intake and avoid saturated fats. Maintain a healthy weight.• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.• Limit alcohol to two drinks per day.Did you know? Women make twice as many preventative care visits as menEducation: Be observant for changes in bowel or bladder habits. This can be an indication of prostate or bladder problems. Blood in the urine is a common indicator of kidney problems. If you are over 40, get a baseline PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and monitor this periodically with your doctor.• Persistent backaches, changes in thecolor of urine or stool, obvious changes in warts or moles, unusual lumps, recurrent chest pains or headaches, bleeding that won’t stop, nagging cough, unexplained weight loss, and extreme fatigue can all be symptoms of other serious health problems.• Depression. Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to succeed. Ask for help. Manage your stress.Family: Be proactive. Encourage your son, grandson, husband, or friend to seek help early.Ask for Physical Therapy! Call Today!Reference: https://www. blueprintformenshealth.com/PDF/ Blueprint.pdfAnn H. Newstead, PT, DPT, PhD, GCS, NCS 14418 Old Bandera Road Helotes, TX 78023(210) 833-8336Ahnewphysicaltherapy.comMedicare Advantage vs Original Medicare, What Is The Difference?BMy Mike Sossoost seniors do not realizeMedicare Advantage (or PlanC) is an alternative to Original Medicare and transfers responsibility for your care to private insurance. Advantage plans receive payment when you enroll whether you see them for services or not. To control costs, all plans require preauthorization for services like expensive diagnostics, treatment, or surgery, and can sometimes delay or deny coverage. You can appeal but this takes time and does not guarantee approval. In addition, annual maximum out of pocket exposure on Advantage plans range from $2500 to $12,000 and often limit service to certainproviders.When on Original Medicare, providersbill Medicare directly for services with little to no preauthorization required andallow you to see any provider in the USA accepting Medicare. We recommend adding supplemental coverage (Medigap or Medicare Supplement policy) to provide the best protection. This requires a premium but Medigap Plan G for example reduces maximum out of pocket cost to $240 for all approved services in 2024.Medicare Advantage plans typically have little or no premiums but when serious medical issues arise, Original Medicare with Medigap typically offer greater provider choices, quicker diagnostics, and significantly lower overall out of pocket costs, which could be better. Also, if on an Advantage plan you want to switch back to Original Medicare, you may not be able to secure a Medigap policy if you have health issues that do not pass underwriting. For this reason, I usually recommend OriginalMedicare with Medigap when you first enroll or as soon as you qualify for Medigap. Medigap premiums for a 65-year-old start at $95 - $150 in Helotes/San Antonio area. Premiums often increase over time, but because we are Independent and represent several major carriers, we shop through the years to get clients the best possible rate forthe plan type they desire.Mike Sosso, Helotes resident helpingseniors with Medicare since 2005.Mike SossoFor a no obligation consultation, call(210) 972-9035 or visit www.getinsurancesmart.comWBy Sally Kalosaylon McKenzie is a senior atSandra Day O’Connor HighSchool, actively involved in Track and Field since the 7th grade. His dedication and hard work have led to numerous accomplishments and apromising future.Reflecting on his journey, Waylon shares,“I have been blessed to have many people in my life and opportunities to get me where I am today. From my family and coaches to friends and teachers, I wouldn’t be here today without their help. They inspire me to give my all because they believed in me, and I owe it to them to prove them right.”Waylon’s achievements in Track and Field include being a three-time Discus District Champion, an Area Champion, a Regional Champion, a State Qualifier, and a School Record Holder. In addition to Track and Field, he has participated in Freshmanand JV Football, Agriculture teams, and AG Mechanics.Looking ahead, Waylon is excited to attend college at UTSA, where he will pursue a degree in Business and continue his passion for Track and Field.When asked for advice for his fellow students, Waylon says, “Surround yourself with others who are going to make you a better person. You control how successful you are, so whatever you do, give it one hundred percent so that you look back with zero regrets. Lastly, always follow the word of God, for He has a plan for you.”Waylon’s favorite memory from participating in Track and Field was at the Texas 6A State Track Meet. “My favorite memory was looking into the stands and seeing all my friends and family there supporting me. My coach, Derek Tesch, was also right by my side the entire time, which Icouldn’t be more grateful for,” he recalls. When asked about the characteristics required to be successful in Track and Field, Waylon emphasizes competitiveness and discipline. “It’s always a good thing to go against competition that challenges you to perform at your highest level. You also need to stay disciplined, watch what you are putting in your body, and know that the more work you put in, the more you get out,”he explains.Fun facts about Waylon include his lovefor Lana Del Rey, his favorite singer, and his talent for cooking.Waylon McKenzie’s journey is a testament to hard work, support from loved ones, and unwavering faith, setting an inspiring example for his peers and future athletes.Photo By Kim Bourquin PhotographyOutstanding Athlete: Waylon McKenzieJune 2024www.heloteshighlights.com 7