Medicare Fraud: Beware of Scammers Offering Older Americans In-Home Perks By Family Features September 19, 2024 Share Every day, criminals target older Americans with one goal - to steal their Medicare numbers and other protected health information. To fraudsters, this information is just as valuable as credit card information. These criminals steal Medicare numbers and unlawfully bill Medicare for medical services that were never provided to the patient or overbill for provided services. When criminals commit fraud, and falsely bill Medicare, people's medical records may become inaccurate and they can suffer delayed or even be denied care. In the end, Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Each dollar lost to fraud takes away resources intended for people with Medicare. Protect Yourself Fraudsters are getting creative and new scams are continually emerging. The best thing you can do is beware of people who contact you for your Medicare number or other personal information. You may be contacted by phone, text or email by someone posing as a Medicare representative, a health care provider or even a medical equipment company. If someone you don't know asks for your Medicare number, hang up or delete the message - this is a scam. Consider these tips to help protect yourself against Medicare fraud and stay one step ahead of fraudsters: • Guard your Medicare card & information just like your Social Security card and credit card. • Only share your Medicare information with your trusted health care providers. • Be skeptical of free gifts, free medical services, discount packages or any offer that sounds too good to be true. • Always check your Medicare claims statements to make sure they are accurate. Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you suspect you or Medicare has been billed for a service you did not receive. Watch Out for Medicare Hospice Fraud Beware of scammers offering older Americans in-home perks, like free cooking, cleaning and home health services, while they are unknowingly being signed up for hospice services. The scammers then unlawfully bill Medicare for these services in your name. Criminals are using every avenue they can to sign you up including door-to-door visits, false advertising, phone, text and email. Hospice care is for people who are terminally ill and only you and your doctor can make this serious decision if you need end-of-life care. Remember this advice to avoid hospice scams: • Your doctor is the only one who can certify you're terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less). If you are not terminally ill, you should not receive hospice care. • Never accept perks or gifts in return for signing up for hospice services. • Medicare will never provide "free" services like housekeeping. • Be suspicious if someone offers you free services like housekeeping or cooking in return for your Medicare number. • Medicare will never come to your home. Report Medicare Fraud Reporting Medicare fraud protects you and millions of other people with Medicare and those with disabilities. If you or someone you know has experienced Medicare fraud or suspect an offer you've received is a scam, report it as soon as possible. You will never be in trouble for reporting fraud. To learn more, visit: www.Medicare.gov/fraud - To report potential fraud, call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). < Previous News Next News >

Feeling Overwhelmed Fri Mar 22 2024 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

FREE Microchips Available: This Could Mean The Difference For You & Your Pet Thu Oct 20 2022 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sweet Family Favorites To Celebrate Lent By Family Features March 21, 2024 Share If you're in search of a meatless meal - whether you're observing Lent or simply adhering to your own dietary restrictions - remember you don't have to sacrifice on taste. Enjoying a delicious dish without the meat can be an easy feat with just a few everyday ingredients. Start with the craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples - a leading Apple variety - that provide balanced sweetness with flesh that remains white longer, even after cutting. While they're often best served fresh or paired with Cheese Boards, Sandwiches or Mocktails, their sweetness also helps play up meatless favorites like Seared Salmon with Apple Slaw. The Flaky Baked Fish is complemented perfectly by Asian-Style Barbecue Sauce and Fresh Herbs then paired with a Sweet Homemade Apple Slaw for a Classic Lenten Dish with a tangy twist. For a family meal that doubles down on freshness, try pairing with Roasted Broccolini or a Light Salad. Firing up the grill isn't only for Beef, Chicken and Pork - you can prepare a tasty recipe over an open flame while skipping the meat with Grilled Apple Portobello Burgers. Simply substitute Beef with Thick Portobello Mushrooms and naturally White Envy Apple Slices that maintain their beauty while cooking so your finished "Burgers" look as delicious as they taste. These Plant-Forward Meals featuring the uplifting aroma and flavor of Apples offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table and can help you celebrate Lent and beyond with an ultimate Apple experience that introduces your loved ones to new ways to rethink weekly favorites. Seared Salmon with Apple Slaw Servings: 4 • 4 Portions of Boneless Salmon • 4 Tablespoons of Asian-Style Barbecue Sauce • 2 Envy Apples, cored and sliced into matchsticks or julienned • 1 Cup of Sliced or Shredded Red Cabbage • 1 Cup of Sliced or Shredded White Cabbage • 1 Celery Stick, finely sliced • 1/2 Red Onion, finely sliced • 1/4 Cup of Mayonnaise • 1 Tablespoon chopped Fresh Herbs such as: Dill, Parsley or Cilantro • 1 Lime, Juice and Zest only • 1 Tablespoon of Toasted White Sesame Seeds, plus additional for Garnish • 1 Teaspoon of Black Sesame Seeds, plus additional for Garnish Preheat the oven to 375 F using the grill or broil setting and line the baking tray with cooking paper. Arrange the Salmon Portions on the paper and spread the Barbecue Sauce over each portion. Bake it for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness and size, or until just cooked in the center and caramelized on top. In a bowl, combine the Sliced Apple Sticks, the Cabbage, the Celery and the Red Onion Slices and toss them lightly. In a separate bowl, whisk the Mayonnaise, the Herbs, the Lime Juice and the Lime Zest. Fold the Dressing and the Sesame Seeds into the Slaw and toss them together. Divide the Apple Slaw between the serving plates and top them with the Glazed Salmon and sprinkle them with the extra Sesame Seeds. Grilled Apple Portobello "Burgers" • 1 Envy Apple • 2 Portobello Mushrooms • 1/4 Cup of Olive Oil, divided • 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced • 1 Teaspoon of Oregano • 1 Teaspoon of Salt • 1/2 Cup of Herbed Goat Cheese • 2 Brioche Buns • 2 Large pieces of Butter Lettuce • 2 Tablespoons of Mayonnaise Heat the grill to medium heat. Slice the Apples horizontally into thick round wedges and remove the Seeds using a fork. Remove the Portobello Stems. In a small bowl, combine 1/8 of a Cup of Olive Oil, the Lemon Juice, the Garlic, the Oregano and the Salt. Using a basting brush, coat the Portobellos on both sides with the Olive Oil Mixture. Grill the Portobellos stem sides down for 2 minutes then flip them over. Add the Goat Cheese to the Portobellos and grill them for another 2-3 minutes until the Goat Cheese is melted and then remove them from the grill. Use the remaining Olive Oil to coat the Apple Rounds. Grill the Apple Rounds for 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char them. Serve portobellos with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise. Find more meatless meal inspirations by visiting: www.EnvyApple.com < Previous News Next News >

Why Your CoQ10 Level Matters - Five Trends in Heart Health Among Younger Adults By Feature Impact Apr 16, 2026 Heart Disease Is Something Many Adults Push To The Back Of Their Minds If They Are Not Experiencing Symptoms; A Concern For "Later" In Life. However, That Mindset May Be Changing. New Research Suggests Younger Generations Are Thinking About Their Cardiovascular Health Earlier And With Greater Urgency. They're right to be thinking about it, too. Data from the American Heart Association shows heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of Americans. In fact, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, Diabetes, and Kidney Disease are on the rise, too. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (47%), and obesity (42%), and more than half (57%) have Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes. Despite growing concern about heart health, many adults remain unclear about their personal risk. In fact, a majority of respondents (62%) in a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Doctor's Best said they don't know their current risk for Heart Disease. To provide context on these findings and highlight emerging heart health trends, Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine, offers some insights. Feeling Fatigue In the study, only 50% of respondents reported feeling energetic on a daily basis. Among those who reported feeling fatigued, 46% listed stress as their top perceived contributor, followed by insufficient sleep (38%), both of which are closely tied to cardiovascular health. Troubling Symptoms Among Gen Z respondents, 25% reported having shortness of breath during activity or while lying down, compared to just 16% of Baby Boomers, which is commonly associated with compromised heart health. Statins and Youth Statins, which help address cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in America, with more than 92 million Americans currently taking them, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although most survey respondents (76%) aren't currently taking a statin, 17% of adults ages 25-34 reported using statin therapy, which is an unexpectedly high proportion given their age and the group's low anticipated risk of Cardiovascular Disease. Side Effects of Statins Among those taking statins, which are considered a first-line treatment for treating high cholesterol and reducing Heart Disease risk, 54% reported experiencing side effects, particularly muscle pain (23%) and fatigue (31%). However, taking statins can also affect levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which supports cellular energy and cardiovascular function. All About CoQ10 Cells use CoQ10 to produce energy and detoxify. Studies have shown people with heart failure who took CoQ10 had around a 50% reduction in mortality. Despite this, awareness is low. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents had never heard of CoQ10 and that number jumps to 76% of adults ages 25-34. Additionally, only a small percentage of respondents (8%) who were on a statin reported having their CoQ10 level tested. "We have a real opportunity to help younger adults take a more proactive approach to heart health," Elliott said. "CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production and heart muscle function, and it can decline with age and statin use." If you're among the 71% of survey respondents who expressed a willingness to learn more about improving your heart health, talk with your health care provider and visit: DoctorsBest.com to learn more. Strategies to Support Heart Health While some risk factors for Heart Disease, like age and family history, are out of your control, you can make lifestyle changes to help lower your risk: Eat Whole Foods: A heart-healthy eating plan includes plenty of lean proteins as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and foods high in omega-3s, such as salmon, nuts and plant oils. Know Your CoQ10 Levels: If you're low, look for a high-quality, bioavailable formula, like Doctor's Best High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine, which supports energy production and muscle function. Get Moving: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week to help control weight and lower the risk for conditions that negatively impact the heart. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman with hand over chest) Source: Doctor's Best Previous Next

Through New Eyes Wed Jan 05 2022 08:30:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees - The Drifters And The Lovin' Spoonful At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Wed Jan 29 2025 07:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

French Chic Wines For Less: Climate Change Can Help You Find Better And Cheaper Wine July 18, 2024 Share Life is expensive and, as much as we can not escape this fact, we often need to try to save money where possible. An occasional indulgence like a glass of fine wine helps to keep us going. The good news is that there are a few secrets that consumers can use to find high quality French wines for less. Business remodeling, climate change and technique can be used to allow you and your loved ones to indulge more often in French Varietals without spending more than you want. Seeking out producers who are changing their business model is the first way to find chic French wines without the prix élevés. The cooperative is a ubiquitous part of the French wine landscape with some 619 Cooperatives across France are responsible for making 51% of all French wine. Cooperatives are businesses that operate under shared ownership, with growers pooling their vineyard holdings to gain access to expertise in winemaking and marketing and to lower the costs of production and cultivation. Over time, the price of grapes in some regions like Burgundy have risen substantially. The increase in value has made it tempting for cooperative members with vineyards of high quality potential to leave the cooperative and produce their own wine for a greater share of the spoils. Yet when they first withdraw from the cooperative, the now freestanding producer has limited brand awareness and no market presence beyond their cellar door. This results in price being a key selling point until the brand establishes a following and press reviews that will support price increases. Seeking out producers who have recently withdrawn from cooperatives is a great way to both try great wine at bargain prices but to also support small operations when they need it most. The Macon wines of Jean Manciat are a good example of this. A lot of column inches are currently devoted to the threat posed by climate change. While there is no denying the fact that the climate is changing, the lesser known fact is that climate change can help you find better, and cheaper wine. You just need to know where to look. The Bordeaux region of Moulis-en-Médoc is a prime example. Large parts of Moulis-en-Médoc lie on outcrops of gravel based soils that mimic those of the best producers in the more prestigious appellations of Pauillac and Saint Julien. The free draining nature of these gravel soils make them perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, considered to be the grape with the highest quality potential on the Médoc peninsula. Despite this natural advantage, the inland location of Moulis-en-Médoc, away from the moderating influence of the Garonne river, was always cooler and its Cabernet Sauvignon struggled to achieve the same degree of ripeness as the warmer riverside appellations with the lesser quality reflected in lower prices. Today, the prices for Moulis-en-Médoc wines are still low, but the warming climate now means that Cabernet Sauvignon is now ripening perfectly and producing charming, classically styled, Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux wines that reach their peak around 10 to 15 years from vintage. Château Anthonic is just one of the many producers worth seeking out. The third way to find high quality wines on a shoestring is to look at technical wine styles where the method of production, in contrast to the origin of the grapes, plays a large part in establishing the quality, and style, of the final wine. Champagne is one such technical wine style with the global icon of sparkling wine being made by a process known as the traditional method. The same method is used in many other wine regions of northern France, such as Burgundy and the Loire Valley to produce sparkling wines that are known as Cremant. The combination of a cooler climate, frequent use of similar grape varieties, and an identical production method means that Cremants are often excellent facsimiles of many entry level styles of Champagne. Although similar in the glass, the lower cost of land and grapes outside of Champagne, along with smaller marketing budgets, means that Cremants are available at prices that are very friendly for everyday drinking at around the $15 mark, making them the perfect choice for quiet luxury. The wines of Langlois-Chateau are but a starting point. In an era of rising prices, the wines of the historic—and always en vogue—regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux, along with facsimiles of Champagne, are still available on a budget. Consumers can use business remodeling, climate change, and technical production methods to guide themselves toward the best deals. The only question is which region to start with. < Previous News Next News >

A Transformative Educational Experience - A New Platform Connects American Jewish Students with World-Class Israeli Universities Jewish Connection News Feb 12, 2026 A Compelling New Initiative Is Opening Life-Changing Pathways For American Jewish Students To Access World-Class Higher Education In Israel, Addressing The Growing Demand As Applications Jump From American Students Seeking Academic Excellence In A Supportive Jewish Environment. TheFutureIsCalling.org , launched by the Tzemach David Educational Foundation, provides families with comprehensive resources to navigate Israel's premier university system, where students can earn globally recognized degrees at a fraction of U.S. costs. According to: EducationData.org , Americans pay 5.5 times more at public universities compared to Israeli universities' international rates. Unprecedented Opportunities Await The initiative connects students with some of Israel's most prestigious institutions, including Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, known as "Israel's MIT," where a remarkable 67% of Israel's Nasdaq-listed companies have been founded or led by Technion graduates. Students can also explore Tel Aviv University, which is leading breakthrough research in spinal cord engineering and medical innovation, or Hebrew University of Jerusalem, home to world-renowned research and Nobel Prize winners. Bar-Ilan University offers access to award-winning researchers in cutting-edge fields like marine virology, while Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Jerusalem College of Technology provide additional pathways to academic excellence. Transformative Benefits for American Students There is an exception to every rule and "you get what you pay for" is NOT true for Higher Education in Israel. American students gain access to globally-ranked universities at 60% to 75% less cost compared to comparable U.S. institutions, with over 100 degree programs taught entirely in English. These universities have collectively produced 9 Nobel Prize winners and hold more than 10,000 patents from their affiliated research institutions. Beyond academics, students experience vibrant Jewish campus life with diverse Orthodox-friendly options and comprehensive transitional programs designed to support academic, social, and emotional adaptation from day one. Meeting Growing Demand The Orthodox Union has documented a dramatic increase in American Jewish students applying to Israeli universities—from just 2-2.5% eight years ago to nearly 20% today. This surge reflects students' desire for academic excellence in environments that embrace Jewish identity and values. "By coming to Israel for their education, students don't just earn a degree—they join a network of peers, mentors, and opportunities that will carry them forward for life," explains the Tzemach David Educational Foundation. "Through TheFutureIsCalling.org , families gain peace of mind, students step into their futures with confidence, and Israeli universities gain a generation of leaders with deep ties to Israel." Comprehensive Support System The platform addresses the informational, emotional, and practical gaps that previously made studying in Israel seem daunting for American families. Students receive clear, reliable information about university programs and campus life, along with transitional support programs designed to ensure successful adaptation. The initiative provides guidance on Orthodox-friendly campus environments and facilitates connections to student communities and established support networks, ensuring students can thrive from their very first year abroad. About The Tzemach David Foundation The Tzemach David Foundation goal is to open new doors in education and opportunities in Israel. Our entry point has been supporting olim—helping families integrate and thrive in Israel's schools. Today, that mission has taken on a new focus: helping students and families see Israel itself as a first-choice destination for higher education. This campaign is at the heart of that work—bringing together parents, students, and universities to imagine a future where Israel is not only the homeland, but a place of world-class learning, belonging, and growth. Choosing Israel opens doors that last a lifetime—opportunities for networking, professional development, and friendships that root students both in the Israeli and global community. For more information, visit: TheFutureIsCalling.org . Previous Next

The Heart-Body Connection - How Other Organ Systems Affect Heart Health By Family Features Mar 26, 2026 Heart Health Is About More Than Just The Heart Itself. It's A Two-Way Street Between The Heart And The Rest Of The Body. However, Many U.S. Adults Aren't Aware Of The Connection Between Organs. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems. Health issues in other organ systems, like the Kidneys or Metabolic System - which includes how the body manages weight and Blood Glucose - can lead to Heart trouble. The close relationship between Heart Health, Kidney health and Metabolic health is known as Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic health, or CKM Health, and it is the focus of an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness of how the systems function together. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse - creating a condition called CKM Syndrome. Close to 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM Syndrome, according to a study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Components include High Blood Pressure, abnormal Cholesterol or other Lipids, High Blood Glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced Kidney Function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for Heart Attack, Stroke and Heart Failure more than any one of them alone. The survey also found that while only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM Health or CKM Syndrome, 72% said they're interested in learning more and 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM Health. "What we want people to know is it's really common to have Heart Disease, Diabetes or Metabolic Disease and reduced Kidney Function at the same time," said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's Chief Medical Officer for prevention. "It's reassuring to hear that once the CKM Connection was defined around three-quarters of respondents understood that it was important and wanted to learn more." Highlighting the two-way street of the heart-body connection, the "2 Truths and No Lie" video offers a simplified visual: 1. The heart pumps blood to the body. 2. The Metabolic System turns Glucose (sugar) in the blood into energy. 3. The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood. 4. The Kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with Blood Pressure. 5. Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood to the body. While providing resources to help people understand how heart, Kidney and Metabolic Health are connected, the American Heart Association's CKM Health Initiative is also working with health care teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. Better awareness and improved screening can help people take action early to prevent a Heart Attack, Heart Failure or Stroke. The initiative is made possible by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita. Learn more about CKM health by visiting: www.heart.org/myCKMhealth . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Source: American Heart Association Previous Next

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE: The Ghost-With-The-Most Is Coming To South Florida Thu Apr 06 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Artis Fine Arts Opens in Downtown Hollywood February 3, 2022 Share Miguel Reinfeld is an artist at heart. He got his Bachelors of Fine Arts in sculpture, but life got in the way and he never got to live his dream. Until now. After more than 20 years in property management, Reinfeld got together with an old friend, Former Art Journalist Marby Hurst and the pair opened Artis Fine Arts, 2132 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. The art gallery, billed as a space to find "One-of-a-kind Fine Art for Collectors & Decorators," will be showcasing artists who create in many different media and disciplines, while giving Reinfeld a studio space where he can finally do his own art. “We plan to show contemporary art from all over the world; Good art, from interesting, established contemporary artists that we think are worth supporting." The Artis Fine Arts space is bright and well-lit, a perfect canvas for the paintings, sculptures, textiles, digital and other art shown in the gallery. "We also will work closely to connect our artists with architects, decorators and collectors and focus on commissions to create art for specific residential and commercial spaces," explained Hurst. Hollywood resident Reinfeld was very happy to have found this space, which he said had really good potential to do what he wanted to do with very few changes, this close — biking distance, he said — to home. The next exhibition at Artis Fine Arts will open at the end of February. In between shows, the front of the gallery will remain open as a retail space with new pieces continually being added. Artis Fine Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m. and any time by appointment. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information or an appointment, visit: www.artisfinearts.com . Call: (954) 842-4151. Or e-mail at: info@artisfinearts.com . They’re also on Instagram at: Artis_Fine_Arts. Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour. Municipal garage locations are 251 South 20th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street) and 251 North 19th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 (between Tyler Street and Polk Street). For more information about redevelopment projects, businesses and events in Hollywood's Downtown and Beach Districts, call the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at: (954) 924-2980. Or visit: www.HollywoodCRA.org < Previous News Next News >