I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of Americans turning 65 this coming year. These baby boomers, including myself, are entitled to Medicare coverage.
I have tons of questions that the government site doesn't answer or answers in government-speak. So I found this book - Medicare For Dummies
- published in October 2013 and endorsed by AARP.
I've already got a plan for when to apply and the best way to apply (at least for me) based on the information in this book. Note that I bought the paperback version because I wanted to mark it up. I can tell you right now you have to be careful to apply on time else you end up paying penalties.
No, you do NOT have to get this book - but so far, it's been a big help. More on this info as I keep perusing the book.
You can rely on the experience of applicant friends you know or educate yourself for your unique circumstances. I'm obviously recommending the book and will continue to comment on it in this blog. There's more about my use of the book here.
Buy the paperback version by clicking the picture below:
OR
Buy the Kindle version by clicking the picture below:
OK - maybe you're NOT a fat baby boomer. Maybe you're a boomer who wants to know the magic formula for how to get in shape this year.
Wake UP! There is no magic formula to get in shape.
It's Simple Math - exercise more, eat right.
If you think you don't have time to exercise or can't be bothered to figure out how to eat right,
then GUESS WHAT! You won't make time to exercise and you won't worry about eating better.
And then, at the end of this year, when you wonder how to get in shape in the next year, you'll be repeating these same excuses.
Take a breather and read about these two people and how one needs to get in shape and the other got in shape this year.
Two Things Happened This Year #1 A relative (younger than myself) got one of those wake up calls - what appeared to be a heart attack, but turned out to be a case of prolonged high blood pressure causing congestive heart failure symptoms. A renal stent and meds was the immediate solution.
The long-term solution - lose weight, stop smoking, and pay attention to his health!
#2 On Christmas Day, I heard Anita's story - she lost 45 pounds this year AND stopped smoking. She had some interesting observations about how to get in shape - these guidelines worked for her:
Do aerobics AND resistance training. Aerobics helps you lose weight all over and strength training produces muscle to accelerate weight loss and shape your body.
Drink lots of water. Drink even more than the recommended 8 glasses. It flushes out all the toxins you've accumulated.
Keep a food diary for a month. You'll find out what you need to cut out of your diet - some people have no idea how much or little they eat every day.
Stay away from sugar, salt, and flour. Remember that you can't lose weight unless you take in less calories than you expend.
HELP To Get In Shape
I've complied a list of tips for getting in shape on this blog. Click Weight Loss Success for the free articles.
If you're just starting out, you could try the easy stuff:
AND
Start Today! What have you got to lose but the fat around your waist?
Because . . .That's not how to get in shape for most of us baby boomers - do you have access to a personal trainer 24 hours a day and do you have time to work out 8 hours a day?
The Time Is Now - NO Excuses.
Whatever your reason for failing to get in shape in the past, you'll have no excuse this year if you pick walking as your primary exercise! You do not need a trainer at your side nor do you need a great deal of time.
Okay, so before you say "I'm not walking outside in 20 degree weather," who said anything about OUTDOORS?
What Kind Of Walking Can You Do Indoors?
The kind that starts slowing, with a mile or two (for us BIG boys and girls) and then gradually builds up to longer and longer "walks."
I walked a mile - Leslie's way - with a heart monitor. Now, I realize I'm not the youngest boomer, but if you follow her lead, varying the walking in place, you can get your heart rate in the cardio range. Next, I tried the same mile with a light dumbbells. Even more of a workout!
Now you know how to get in shape this year - a mile takes a whole 10 - 15 min right in your own home, doesn't require equipment (unless you use dumbbells), and Leslie is your ever-present personal trainer.
What have you got to lose but the fat around your waist?
- published in October 2013 and endorsed by AARP.
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