Retirement Concerns on Aging ​

Are you getting to that point in life where age has become a concern? Read on!!! # HRC Foundation and SAGE Recognized for LGBTQ+ Aging Advocacy On March 27, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Health & Aging team and SAGE were honored by the American Society on Aging (ASA) for their collaborative work advancing the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ older adults. ## Partnership on Long-Term Care Equality The two organizations have joined forces on a historic initiative to improve how long-term care facilities treat LGBTQ+ residents. Their centerpiece effort is the **Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI)**, the first-ever nationwide assessment designed to evaluate whether long-term care facilities are providing equitable treatment and inclusion for LGBTQ+ older people. ## Addressing a Critical Need The partnership responds to a pressing challenge. A national survey of LGBTQ+ older adults in long-term care facilities found that only 22 percent felt comfortable being open about their LGBTQ+ identities with facility staff, while 89 percent predicted staff would discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, 43 percent reported experiencing mistreatment. ## How the LEI Works The LEI encourages and helps residential long-term care communities adopt policies and best practices that provide culturally competent care to LGBTQ+ older people. Beyond assessment, it provides resources and technical assistance to help facilities implement these changes. Long-term care facilities can participate by signing the "Commitment to Caring" pledge. ## Why This Matters With experts predicting that as many as 4.7 million LGBTQ+ older adults will seek care and services by 2030, ensuring dignified and inclusive treatment in long-term care settings has become increasingly urgent.

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: ### The Enduring Legacy of the Associated Press: From 1846 to Modern Journalism Powerhouse **The Associated Press (AP) stands as a cornerstone of American journalism.** Founded in 1846, this not-for-profit news agency operates as a cooperative, producing reports distributed to thousands of newspapers, broadcasters, and international subscribers.[1] **Headquartered in New York City, AP has a rich history of innovation and growth.** It moved its base multiple times, including to 200 Liberty Street in 2017, and boasts over 240 global bureaus as of 2019, adapting to digital technology for interactive news distribution.[1] **AP's credibility is unmatched, with 59 Pulitzer Prizes since 1917.** This includes 36 for photography, more than any other organization in eligible categories, highlighted by the 2024 Pulitzer for Feature Photography on Central American migration.[1][2] **Member organizations fuel AP's local news engine.** Under cooperative agreements, U.S. members grant automatic permission for AP to share their local reports worldwide, while non-members pay fees for access.[1] **Recent challenges haven't dimmed AP's influence.** In March 2024, Gannett and McClatchy cut some AP content but retained election data services, yet AP draws over 128 million monthly website visits, ranking among the U.S. top 10 news sites.[1] **AP produces staggering volumes of content daily.** Its network delivers 1,260 stories per day, 80,000 videos yearly, 1.27 million photos, and a 2 million video clip archive, covering breaking news across formats.[2] **Commitment to local and state news is intensifying.** In June 2024, AP launched a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aiming to raise $100 million for local coverage; by November 2025, the AP Fund for Journalism secured over $30 million from foundations like Knight and MacArthur to aid nearly 50 nonprofit newsrooms.[1][2] **Breaking coverage showcases AP's rapid response.** In early 2026, AP staff provided round-the-clock reporting on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's largest-ever immigration enforcement in Minnesota.[2] **Legal battles underscore AP's First Amendment defense.** In November 2025, AP argued before a federal appeals court against Trump administration limits on media access, stemming from a Gulf of Mexico renaming dispute.[2] **Expanding Indigenous and specialized coverage reflects core values.** A February 2026 initiative strengthens U.S. state and local Indigenous reporting through global collaboration, as detailed in AP's Definitive Source blog.[4] **AP's governance and election expertise ensure reliability.** An elected board, chaired since 2022 by Gracia C. Martore, oversees operations; AP's VoteCast and local reporter networks deliver verified election results using demographics and official data.[1][2] **From teletype in 1914 to AI-era partnerships, AP evolves ceaselessly.** It serves news outlets, brands, governments, and tech firms, powering platforms like Google News and maintaining its mission of factual, comprehensive reporting.[1][2] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: Lifelong learning activities like reading, writing, and learning new languages can significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study from Rush University Medical Center.[1][2] **Study Highlights Lifelong Cognitive Enrichment** Researchers analyzed data from 1,939 participants with an average age of 80, tracked over nearly eight years as part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project.[1][2] Those with the highest levels of lifelong cognitive enrichment—scored based on activities from childhood through later life—had a **38% lower risk of Alzheimer's** and a **36% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment** compared to those with the lowest levels.[1][2] **Key Activities Across Life Stages** Participants reported habits like being read to as children, having books or newspapers at home, visiting libraries, learning foreign languages, reading books, writing, playing chess, or doing puzzles in midlife and later years.[1][2] **Delayed Onset of Symptoms** High-enrichment individuals developed Alzheimer's at an average age of 94 (vs. 88 for low-enrichment) and mild cognitive impairment at 85 (vs. 78).[1][2] On average, lifelong learning delayed Alzheimer's by five years and mild cognitive impairment by seven years.[1][2] **Brain Protection Evidence** Brain tissue analysis from deceased participants showed that higher childhood enrichment offered protection against Alzheimer's-related protein buildups like amyloid and tau, with better memory and slower decline even amid pathology.[2] **Expert Insights from Lead Researcher** "Our findings suggest that cognitive health in later life is strongly influenced by lifelong exposure to intellectually stimulating environments," said neuropsychologist Andrea Zammit.[1][2] **Broader Implications for Prevention** Consistent mental stimulation throughout life builds cognitive reserve, potentially fending off decline regardless of brain plaques.[2] Public investments in libraries, early education, and reading programs could spark lifelong habits to reduce dementia incidence.[1] **Supporting Research on Specific Activities** Other studies link adult literacy (e.g., writing journals, using computers), active mental pursuits (e.g., crosswords, chess), and creative arts to 9-11% lower dementia risk in older adults.[3] **Practical Tips to Start Today** Challenge your brain with new skills, stay in school or take classes, read daily—especially to children—and engage in puzzles or languages for short- and long-term benefits.[4] This research, published in *Neurology*, underscores simple, accessible habits as powerful tools against Alzheimer's.[1][2] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Breakthrough Research on Levetiracetam and Alzheimer's Prevention** Scientists have discovered that levetiracetam, a common anti-seizure drug, prevents the buildup of harmful amyloid-beta proteins in the brain, offering new hope for stopping Alzheimer's disease before it advances.[4][7] **How Levetiracetam Targets Amyloid Buildup** In lab and animal studies, levetiracetam blocks the production of toxic amyloid-beta peptides by modulating APP processing through the SV2A protein, preserving synapses and reducing plaque formation in Alzheimer's models.[2][3][4][7][8] **Real-World Evidence from Patient Data** Analysis of clinical records from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center shows Alzheimer's patients taking levetiracetam experienced slower disease progression, with a longer interval from diagnosis to death compared to those on other anti-epileptics or none—extending survival by a few years.[2][3][4] **Cognitive Benefits in Specific Alzheimer's Patients** A phase 2a clinical trial found that while low-dose levetiracetam over 4 weeks didn't broadly improve cognition in 34 Alzheimer's patients, it enhanced executive function and spatial memory in those with subclinical epileptiform activity detected via EEG and MEG—about 60% of cases.[1][5] **Potential as a Disease-Modifying Therapy** Researchers propose pairing levetiracetam with plaque-clearing drugs like lecanemab to halt new amyloid formation, and ongoing trials explore its role in preventing seizures and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's linked to Down syndrome.[2][6] **Cautions and Next Steps** Though promising, effects are preclinical or modest, with sex-specific results in animals and needs for human trials on dosing, timing, and long-term outcomes in sporadic Alzheimer's.[1][4] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: ### Revolutionizing Cervical Cancer Screening: Menstrual Blood as a Game-Changer for HPV Detection A groundbreaking study reveals that testing menstrual blood for HPV offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods, with sensitivity rates matching clinician-collected samples.[1][2][3] **High Diagnostic Accuracy Matches Gold Standards** Researchers in China conducted a large cross-sectional study with 3,068 women aged 20-54, comparing menstrual blood collected via a sterile minipad to clinician-collected cervical samples.[2][3] Menstrual blood HPV testing achieved **94.7% sensitivity** for detecting CIN2+ lesions (precancerous cells), closely rivaling the 92.1% from clinician samples.[2][4] Specificity was slightly lower at 89.1% versus 90.0%, but both methods shared a **99.9% negative predictive value**, providing strong reassurance for negative results.[2][3] **Promising Results from Systematic Reviews** A systematic review of five studies, mostly from Asian countries, reported menstrual blood sensitivity ranging from **82.8% to 97.7%** and specificity from **50.0% to 98.0%** for HPV or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia detection.[1] These figures held up against reference tests like Pap smears or HC2, with adjusted values showing 82.8%-83.3% sensitivity and 93.1%-98.0% specificity in key trials.[1] **Ease and Convenience Boost Participation** Menstrual blood samples are collected on a pad, stored in a simple zip-lock bag, and mailed—far simpler than liquid-based self-sampling or clinic visits.[1] This non-invasive approach reduces logistical barriers, especially in rural or underserved areas, and integrates with mobile apps for results and telehealth follow-up.[2] **Women Embrace the Innovation** In one survey, **87% of 4,350 women** preferred menstrual blood sampling over Pap tests, citing comfort and convenience.[1] Authors note its potential to overcome cultural and social hurdles, enhancing screening uptake for cervical cancer prevention.[1][3] **Limitations and the Road Ahead** This method suits menstruating women only, excluding postmenopausal individuals, those with irregular cycles, or hormonal contraceptive users.[3] While observational data is encouraging, experts call for larger, prospective trials across diverse populations before integrating into national guidelines.[1][2] If validated, it could transform patient-centered screening worldwide.[2][3] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9

The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: ### Breakthrough Study: Intermittent Fasting Slashes Crohn's Symptoms by 40% A groundbreaking clinical trial reveals that **intermittent fasting**—limiting meals to an **8-hour daily window**—can dramatically ease **Crohn's disease** symptoms, cut inflammation, and support weight loss without changing calorie intake or food types.[1][2][3] **Crohn's disease basics.** This inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects any part of the digestive tract, causing diarrhea, malnutrition, abdominal pain, cramping, and excess visceral fat that worsens inflammation and treatment response.[1][2] **Study design and participants.** Researchers from the University of Calgary and University of British Columbia recruited 35 overweight or obese adults with Crohn's. Half followed time-restricted eating (16-hour fasts daily, 6 days a week for 12 weeks), while the control group ate normally. No calorie cuts were required.[1][2][3] **Symptom relief highlights.** Fasters saw a **40% drop in disease activity**, including fewer bowel movements and **50% less abdominal pain**. They reported better overall symptoms, suggesting potential for lasting remission.[1][3] **Weight and body composition wins.** The fasting group lost about **5.5 pounds** and reduced **visceral fat** (deep abdominal fat around organs), while controls gained **3.7 pounds**. BMI dropped significantly, with bigger declines linking to better gut health.[1][2][3] **Metabolic and inflammation improvements.** Blood markers for inflammation (like leptin and PAI-1) decreased, alongside healthier shifts in metabolism, immune function, and fat tissue proteins. No diet quality changes explained this—**meal timing** was key.[1][2][3] **Gut microbiome boost.** Fasting increased gut bacteria diversity and short-chain fatty acid production, which supports digestive health. These changes happened despite similar calorie intake.[2] **Expert insights from researchers.** "Time-restricted feeding offers benefits beyond weight loss, like reduced discomfort and inflammation," said senior author Dr. Maitreyi Raman, University of Calgary. Lead investigator Natasha Haskey added, "It's a sustainable, biology-based tool to complement meds."[1][2] **Not a cure, but promising add-on.** Experts stress intermittent fasting isn't a medication replacement and larger, longer trials are needed for safety confirmation. It may help break treatment limits, especially for non-responders.[1][2] **Practical takeaway for Crohn's patients.** If overweight, consider discussing an 8-hour eating window with your doctor—six days weekly—as a low-cost strategy alongside standard care.[2][3] 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 Reach Medicare Customer Service Medicare makes it easy to get help whenever you need it. You can contact a real person by phone or online chat at any time—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—with the only exception being some federal holidays.[7] ## Calling Medicare The main Medicare phone number is **1-800-MEDICARE**, which is the same as **1-800-633-4227**.[7] When you call, you'll reach an automated system that guides you through options, and then you can connect with a live representative who can answer your questions.[1] If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number **1-877-486-2048** to communicate with a representative.[7] ## Why You Might Call There are many reasons to contact Medicare. You can call to check on the status of your claims, ask questions about your premiums and deductibles, get general information about your coverage, and discuss any Medicare-related concerns.[2] Having your Medicare number handy before you call can help speed up the process. ## Alternative Ways to Get Help If you prefer not to talk on the phone, Medicare also offers **live chat service** available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.[4] You can also log into your personal Medicare account online to find answers to common questions and access your own Medicare information.[1] For those who prefer written communication, you can mail Medicare at: Medicare Contact Center Operations, PO Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044.[4] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9