Retirement Concerns on Aging ​

Are you getting to that point in life where age has become a concern? Read on!!! ### Recognition by American Society on Aging On March 27, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Health & Aging team and SAGE received recognition from the American Society on Aging (ASA) for their collaborative efforts.[1] ### Historic Partnership and Long-Term Care Equality Index This acknowledgment highlights the ongoing impact of HRC Foundation and SAGE's partnership, launched in 2019 at the ASA Conference in New Orleans, to improve long-term care for LGBTQ older adults. A key initiative is the **Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)**, the first nationwide assessment of how care facilities treat LGBTQ residents, building on HRC's **Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)**.[1][2][4] ### Addressing Critical Needs The partnership addresses invisibility and discrimination faced by LGBTQ elders in care settings, where a national survey found only 22% felt open about their identities, 89% expected staff discrimination, and 43% reported mistreatment. With projections of 4.7 million LGBTQ elders needing care by 2030, efforts include the “Commitment to Caring” pledge—signed first by ASA—and SAGECare training for inclusive, person-centered care.[1][2][3] ### Broader Impact and Resources SAGE's SAGECare provides workforce education, consulting, on-demand modules, and state-required training that aligns with LEI and HEI standards, fostering equitable services amid health disparities.[2][3][4]

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol Top the List of Dementia Risks You Can Control** High blood pressure, heart disease, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) stand out as leading modifiable factors linked to dementia risk, according to mounting evidence from recent studies[1][2]. **Mounting Evidence Points to Prevention Potential** Research builds on the 2024 Lancet Commission report, which identified 14 modifiable risk factors potentially preventing 45% of global dementia cases, now expanded in some analyses to include overlooked drivers like poverty and HIV, pushing preventability up to 65%[1][4][6]. **Shared Risks Across Brain Conditions** A Mass General Brigham study highlights 17 modifiable factors overlapping stroke, dementia, and late-life depression, including blood pressure, kidney disease, cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, physical activity, sleep, smoking, and stress, with high blood pressure and severe kidney disease showing the biggest impact[2]. **Vascular Health Takes Center Stage** In midlife, modifiable risks from the 2020 Lancet Commission—like hypertension, obesity, alcohol, hearing impairment, and head injuries—strongly link to cerebral small vessel disease, a key dementia contributor, especially in those without the APOE4 gene[3]. **Lifelong Actions for Brain Protection** Experts emphasize tackling these factors across life stages: avoid smoking and excess alcohol, maintain hearing and vision, build social networks, exercise your brain through learning, and prioritize physical activity to potentially delay dementia onset[4][5]. **Why It Matters Now** With dementia rates rising in aging populations but current Canadian cases lower than predicted due to better risk management, simple lifestyle tweaks offer real hope—consult professionals to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health today[4]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest from Medicare

Welcome to our article summary! In this concise overview, we will distill the key points and insights from the original piece, providing you with a clear understanding of the main themes and arguments. Whether you're looking for a quick recap or a deeper insight into the topic, this summary will highlight the essential information you need to know. Let's dive in! # How to Contact Medicare Medicare offers customer support around the clock. You can reach a real person by phone or online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the only exceptions being some federal holidays.[7] The main phone number to call is 1-800-MEDICARE, which is 1-800-633-4227.[7] If you're a TTY user, you can call 1-877-486-2048 instead.[7] When you call, you'll reach an automated system first that walks you through some options.[4] After that, you can either get the information you need from the automated system or speak with a live agent who can help answer your specific questions.[4] Besides calling, Medicare also has a live online chat service available 24/7.[6] This lets you get help in text format if you prefer not to make a phone call. If you prefer to write, you can mail Medicare at: Medicare Contact Center Operations PO Box 1270 Lawrence, KS 66044[2] It's a good idea to call when you're in a comfortable position and have time to wait on hold if needed, since the lines can get busy.[1] Once you're connected with someone, write down their name and the time of your call so you have a record of when you spoke with them.[1] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: # Cancer: 30 Preventable Risk Factors Account for 40% of Cases A landmark analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has revealed that **nearly 4 in 10 new cancer cases globally could be prevented**[2][3]. Released ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, the study examined approximately 18.7 million new cancer diagnoses from 2022 across 185 countries and 36 cancer types[2][3]. ## The Scale of Preventable Cancer The analysis found that about **37.8% of new cancer cases globally—approximately 7.1 million cases—are attributable to modifiable risk factors**[1][2]. This underscores the substantial preventive potential available through lifestyle changes and public health interventions[3]. ## The 30 Preventable Risk Factors The study identifies 30 modifiable risk factors that contribute to cancer development[1]. These include: - **Behavioral factors:** smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity - **Environmental exposures:** air pollution and ultraviolet radiation - **Metabolic factors:** high body mass index - **Occupational exposures:** 13 occupational hazards - **Infectious agents:** 9 cancer-causing infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and Helicobacter pylori[1][4] ## Leading Risk Factors The most common modifiable risk factors driving cancer burden are **smoking (15.1%), infections (10.2%), and alcohol consumption (3.2%)**[2]. Together, lung, stomach, and cervical cancers account for almost half of all preventable cancers[2]. ## Significant Gender Differences The burden of preventable cancer is substantially higher in men than in women[1][4]. In 2022, **45.4% of new cancer cases in men were attributable to modifiable risk factors compared with 29.7% in women**[1][2]. In men, smoking accounted for an estimated 23% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections at 9% and alcohol at 4%[4]. Among women, infections accounted for 11% of all new cancer cases, followed by smoking at 6% and high body mass index at 3%[4]. ## Regional Variations Preventable cancer burden varies significantly by region and gender[1][3]. Among women, the highest burden was observed in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly four in 10 new cancer diagnoses (38.2%) were attributable to modifiable risk factors[3]. In men, East Asia had the highest burden at 57.2%—nearly six in 10 cases[3]. ## Key Recommendations The analysis emphasizes that **cancer can be prevented, and addressing modifiable risk factors represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce global cancer burden**[5]. Recommended strategies include strong tobacco control measures, alcohol regulation, vaccination against cancer-causing infections such as HPV, and context-specific prevention approaches tailored to regional risk profiles[4][5]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Men's Hearts at Risk Earlier: New Study Reveals a 7-Year Gap in Cardiovascular Disease Onset** New research from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study shows men develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) about seven years earlier than women, reaching a 5% cumulative incidence at age 50.5 compared to 57.5 for women.[1][2][3] **The Gap Starts Surprisingly Early – Around Age 35** The divergence in CVD risk between men and women begins around age 35, with men's 10-year risk rising faster through midlife.[1][2][4][5] This challenges traditional screening that often starts after 40, suggesting men need proactive checks in their 30s.[1][4] **Coronary Heart Disease Drives the Difference** The largest disparity is in coronary heart disease (CHD), where men hit a 2% incidence roughly 10 years before women.[1][2][3] Stroke rates remain similar between sexes in early adulthood, while heart failure differences appear later, around age 60.[1][2] **Traditional Risk Factors Don't Fully Explain It** Even after adjusting for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, BMI, smoking, diet, and activity – per American Heart Association guidelines – the gap persists.[1][2][3] Hormonal, genetic, or vascular factors likely contribute beyond lifestyle.[1][2][4] **Implications for Screening and Prevention** Experts recommend more intensive screening for men starting in their third decade, using tools like the AHA's PREVENT equations from age 30.[2][4] Plaque buildup begins young, so baselines in the 30s enable early intervention.[1] **Women Aren't Immune – Risks Rise Post-Menopause** Women face later onset but steeper climbs after menopause; the same biomarkers help both sexes stay ahead.[1] Preventive care is uneven, with women more likely to get checkups via routine visits.[4] **Take Action Now for Heart Health** This study, spanning 35 years with over 5,000 participants, underscores starting heart health seriously in young adulthood – don't wait for symptoms.[1][2][3] Small lifestyle tweaks in your 20s and 30s can slash long-term risks.[7] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Breakthrough in Tagatose Production: A Sweeter, Healthier Future?** Engineers at Tufts University have developed a groundbreaking biosynthetic method to produce tagatose, a rare sugar that mimics table sugar's taste with far fewer calories and health risks.[1][3][4] This innovation uses genetically engineered E. coli bacteria as tiny factories to convert abundant glucose into tagatose, achieving yields up to 95%—a huge leap from traditional methods' 40-77% efficiency.[1] **Cheaper and More Efficient Manufacturing** Previous tagatose production relied on scarce, expensive galactose or complex lactose extraction, driving up costs and limiting supply.[1][2] The new process incorporates a slime mold enzyme called galactose-1-phosphate-selective phosphatase (Gal1P), which lets bacteria generate galactose from glucose, followed by conversion to tagatose via arabinose isomerase.[1] Tufts researcher Nik Nair noted this reverses a natural pathway, making tagatose economically viable for widespread use.[1][3] **Tagatose Matches Sugar's Sweetness and Functionality** Tagatose provides 92% of sucrose's sweetness but with about 60% fewer calories, and it's FDA-classified as "generally recognized as safe" like salt or vinegar.[1][2][3] Unlike high-intensity sweeteners, it acts as a bulk sweetener, browning like sugar in baking and offering similar flavor, mouthfeel, and texture.[1][3][4] **Minimal Impact on Blood Sugar and Potential Health Perks** Tagatose has low glycemic impact, raising blood glucose and insulin far less than regular sugar, making it ideal for diabetes management.[1][2][3] Studies link it to benefits like reduced tooth decay risk, better gut health as a prebiotic, and lower heart disease odds, with no major adverse effects reported.[1][2] The market, valued at $203.77 million in 2025, is projected to hit $282.67 million by 2031 at a 5.6% CAGR, driven by diabetes prevalence and health trends.[2] **Caveats: Digestive Sensitivity and Scaling Hurdles** Some with sensitivities to poorly absorbed carbs may face mild digestive discomfort at high doses, per dietitians and studies.[3] Despite high lab yields, researchers stress needs for optimization in productivity, scale-up, purification, and further testing before mass production.[1][3] **Why Tagatose Could Transform Food and Beyond** North America leads demand for clean-label, low-glycemic options, with tagatose's versatility spanning foods, beverages, cosmetics, and supplements.[2] This Tufts advance could slash costs tied to dairy fluctuations, boosting availability and challenging other sweeteners.[1][2] As consumer awareness grows, tagatose stands out as a rare sugar promising real taste without the usual downsides.[1][2][3] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

Retirement Concerns on Aging ​

Are you getting to that point in life where age has become a concern? Read on!!! ### Recognition by American Society on Aging On March 27, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Health & Aging team and SAGE received recognition from the American Society on Aging (ASA).[1] ### Historic Partnership for LGBTQ+ Elders This acknowledgment highlights their ongoing collaboration, including the 2019 announcement of a partnership between HRC Foundation and SAGE to improve long-term care for LGBTQ+ older adults through the **Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)**—the first nationwide assessment of facilities' treatment of LGBTQ+ residents. The LEI builds on HRC's **Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)**, with facilities encouraged to sign the “Commitment to Caring” pledge; ASA was the first signatory at their New Orleans conference.[1] ### Addressing Key Challenges The initiative tackles issues like only 22% of LGBTQ+ elders feeling open about their identities in facilities, 89% fearing discrimination, and 43% experiencing mistreatment, especially compounded for Black and Latinx individuals. HRC President Chad Griffin and SAGE CEO Michael Adams emphasized the urgency, projecting 4.7 million LGBTQ+ elders needing care by 2030.[1] ### Ongoing SAGECare Support SAGE's SAGECare provides LGBTQ+ competency training, consulting, and on-demand modules for aging services, qualifying for HEI and LEI standards to ensure person-centered, affirming care.[2]