(NewsUSA) - Medicare’s open enrollment period ends on December 7, and an estimated 31.8 million seniors and Americans with disabilities will choose a Medicare Advantage plan for their health coverage in the coming year, according to data from the federal government.

What is Medicare Advantage? For Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, it is an increasingly popular health coverage option within the Medicare program, in which plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies in partnership with the federal government, who sets the rules for the plan. Beneficiaries who choose a Medicare Advantage Plan still have Medicare, but their care is covered by their health plan of choice rather than by traditional Fee-for-Service Medicare.

Since 2006, the number of seniors picking Medicare Advantage has more than doubled and today 48 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage plan – a percentage that is expected to continue growing in coming years. A big reason may be the substantial cost savings Medicare Advantage beneficiaries enjoy.

Medicare Advantage premiums continue to fall, and average premiums for 2023 are down nearly 8 percent from 2022. Additional research finds that seniors who choose Medicare Advantage save nearly $2,000 on average per year compared to traditional Medicare.

Mary Beth Donahue, President & CEO of Better Medicare Alliance, a nonprofit research and advocacy coalition supporting Medicare Advantage, says the program is helping seniors save money on health care at a time when costs of living have risen sharply and weigh heavily on seniors’ fixed-income budgets.

“Medicare Advantage is once again meeting the moment with lower costs, added benefits, and a superior health care experience,” Donahue said. “With the lowest average monthly premiums in 16 years, and separate data showing that Medicare Advantage saves seniors nearly $2,000 per year on total health expenditures, Medicare Advantage is poised to bring meaningful health and financial security to millions of seniors in 2023.”

Beyond Medicare Advantage’s ability to save seniors money, nearly every Medicare Advantage plan covers extra “supplemental” benefits not included in traditional Medicare, such as dental and vision care, in-home health and wellness services, nutrition and meal delivery services and other valuable resources.

Notably, polling finds that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have a 94 percent satisfaction rate with their plans, while 95 percent report that they are satisfied with their provider network. 

The deadline to sign up for Medicare Advantage is December 7 but enrollment could be extended until 2023.

(NewsUSA) - The holiday season is coming, and with the return to in-person events, everyone wants to look their best. But many people who might consider a skin-tightening treatment shy away from needles, and have concerns about fillers and chemicals. Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine offers an alternative.     

Some forms of regenerative medicine involve using the body’s own cells, taking cells from one part of the body and using them to promote healing and rejuvenation where it is needed. This type of regenerative medicine has become a standard option in treating sports injuries, and recent advances have allowed the field to expand to aesthetics, specifically skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.     

The EmFace procedure harnesses the body’s own regenerative and healing ability for individuals who want to improve their appearance without surgery. EmFace uses radio frequency to heat up the skin and promote collagen and elastin regrowth. It also uses a patented technology called Hi-Fes which causes a supramaximal contraction of the facial muscles, allowing them to build back.     

EmFace is a non-invasive procedure that promotes smoother, tighter skin without needles, fillers, or toxins.     For example, EmFace can be used to create a “lateral brow lift” that raises the eyelids for a more energized appearance. The muscle- contracting technology also can improve the appearance of a sagging jawline by strengthening and toning the facial muscles that have weakened over time.     

EmFace can also be used concurrently with Botox and fillers as part of a facial rejuvenation plan.     

“EmFace is complementary to injectables but many people won’t need injectables or need less” says Dr. Daniel Savarino, director of the Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine in Tinton Falls, N.J., which was the first practice in New Jersey to offer the EmFace procedure.     

“During your consultation, we will go over the best path forward for you,” he adds.     Advantages of EmFace include:     

- Short and sweet. Each EmFace treatment takes 20 minutes, so patients can fit in appointments during a lunch break.     

- Simple and safe. No pre-treatment preparations are needed, and there is no post-procedure downtime.     

- Speedy results. Data show improvements after four EmFace sessions, and optimal results are evident at 10-12 weeks after the final session.     

- Safe and Effective. 20-minute treatments provide an average of 40% wrinkle reduction, 25% lift and 30% rebuilding of the facial muscles.     

The noninvasive aspect makes EmFace especially appealing for the holiday season, when no one wants the inconvenience of post-procedure downtime. “Our motto is ‘Don’t Operate . . . Regenerate,” says Dr. Savarino.     

For more information, visit regeneratenj.com/emface.

(NewsUSA) - “This is a work of fiction -- really.” It’s hard for poet Pasquale Trozzolo to convince us that his brilliant “UN/Reconciled:” (Kelsay Books) is not intended to portray any person, or combination of persons living or dead. Attribute that to the passion dripping from each vignette in this marvelous collection of 29 poems on a journey to the center of that most complex human experience: romantic love gone off.  

The collection reminds couples that relationships take work, even when in a powerful love. It is essential to capture the magnetic tension experienced in the first weeks and months of the relationship and find ways to keep discovering it, even as the mundane of ordinary life interferes.  

“I’m hoping this little story will remind people that all love stories have happy starts filled with excitement and that positive tension that is hard to describe,” Trozzolo says. “We need to continue to work to find ways to capture that excitement, even when 50 years go by. Not every relationship is worth saving, but some are. And all of them are worth remembering.”  

Trozzolo is an entrepreneur and founder of Trozzolo Communications Group, one of the Midwest’s leading advertising and public relations firms. He also has spent time as a racecar driver and grad school professor. Then, just before the pandemic, he found himself semi-retired and with what he says was too much time on his hands.  

“I began living out as many retirement clichés as possible,” he recalls. “Why not try poetry? The problem is, after a lifetime of ignoring it -- I fell in love. I hit the books to learn, and read several textbooks with words like villanelle, pantoum and sestina. And I enrolled in online poetry classes at Oxford University and Stanford.”  

Here’s an example of feelings conveyed in one of the poems from “UN/Reconciled:”  

Our third anniversary -- you greeted me at the door.    

How Was Your Day?    

All I hear are low notes and misery.
Tell me instead of boats and clouds,
of speed and sex and dreams and bad ideas.
Tell me without the clutter. Be impersonal.
Shocking. Off-kilter. Abduct me with a dangerous tale.
Tell me you like the way I hold my drink.
Touch my hand. Whisper something stirring.  
Make me nervous. Be my stranger.  
Just for tonight.  

Writes Shawn Aveningo Sanders, author of “What She Was Wearing,” “Like a siren’s sultry song haunts the sailor, a mysterious woman floats in and out of the speaker’s life. Trozzolo takes us on a poetic journey through a salacious love affair that has such a hold on him that he still sees her everywhere … The poem vignettes deftly echo the brief, dangerous moments the two lovers shared.”  

Marcela Sulak, author of “City of Skypapers” and “Mouth Full of Seeds,” describes the work as “equal measures sly and sincere, impenitent and indulgent. This paean to passion will charm with bittersweet delight.”  

Setting it all up in the book’s preface, Trozzolo writes, “What started quickly turned into -- well, I don’t know how to describe it. All I know is that I’ve been writing poems about you for decades—still, not sure if I’ll ever be able to stop or forget. And the truth -- I don’t want to stop -- or forget.”

To learn more, visit pasqualetrozzolo.com.

To purchase the book, go to https://amzn.to/3SHBUIB.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Dancing in the River”
by George Lee    

Drawing on his own life experiences, George Lee has fashioned an unforgettable coming-of-age story about fate and faith, the power of imagination and storytelling, and the wonder of English literature.  

Growing up in a small, riverside town, Little Bright is thrust into the political whirlwinds along with his family during China’s Cultural Revolution. When a reversal of the winds of reform blows through the land, however, he learns the once-forbidden tongue: English. At college, he adopts a new English name, Victor, and begins to place himself under the tutelage of Pavlov, Sherlock Holmes and Shakespeare.  

When the story unravels, however, Victor’s un-Chinese passion and tension threaten to topple his moral world and mental universe. Now, he must wade into an uncharted journey to unlock the dilemma and to unearth his destiny.

Purchase at bit.ly/3KBGTIr.

“Old Paradigms Die Hard”
by Jamil Hasan  

In the face of war with Russia, Ukraine has built a sovereign digital economy, or a national “State in a Smartphone,” by leveraging digital technologies, cryptocurrencies, and digitized artwork, to rebuild their financial system and fund their government and military.    

This book sheds light on how Ukraine has built this “State in a Smartphone,” a brand-new paradigm, and how other nations around the world could do the same, especially when faced with extreme adversity. This book demonstrates Ukraine’s incredible resilience through Crypto Hipster podcast interviews with founders, artists and government officials in Ukraine from February to May 2022. Jamil Hasan, host of the Crypto Hipster Podcast, is a six-time author in blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Purchase at http://bit.ly/3UzBsxZ.

“It's A Very If Not You Then Who? Christmas!”
by David and Emberli Pridham  

It’s Christmas time at the Fairley house, and that means it’s time for Christmas traditions! Whether it’s decorating the tree, hanging lights, or watching Christmas movies, everyone has a favorite. But Brooke thinks it’s time to invent a new tradition, maybe something frozen and frosty and fun.  

If you like fun, informative, and factual kid’s books such as “The Magic School Bus,” then you’ll love the new STEM series “If Not You, Then Who?” The book, geared for children ages 4 to 9, aims to teach children about the inventions and patents in everyday life and inspire them to create their own. This series aims to show that no dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small to succeed.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3zL85RO.

“Giggles Galore”
by Carole P. Roman  

Treat yourself and your child to this fun-filled book of jokes, riddles and exciting bits of information. Entertain your friends and family with a wide variety of jokes that include funny foods, animal antics, jolly jungles, farcical farms, dizzy dinosaurs, hilarious holidays and a host of humor from all over our wacky world.  

Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book. There’s even a section where budding comedians can learn to create new jokes. And join the author’s beloved character, Susanna Maya Logan, for a short story about why we must use humor wisely, or it may not be considered funny by everyone.  

A great tool to help a reluctant reader, “Giggles Galore” is the perfect way to practice social skills and develop friendships.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ePolZA.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The holiday season is here, and people are eager for some well-earned self-indulgence.

Custom jewelry is an ideal way to honor yourself or someone you love with something truly special that lasts a lifetime.     

Custom jewelry, such as the handcrafted items from Scottsdale, Arizona-based Cornelis Hollander, has several advantages over standard-issue pieces that make for memorable gifts.     

- Showcase your style. Go bold, go traditional; with a custom jeweler, the options are limitless. Custom jewelry lets you add a touch of elegance or make a bold statement. Combine elements to create something uniquely yours. Choose from one of the award-winning designs in the Cornelis Hollander signature collection, or take inspiration from their bold yet elegant options, and create something uniquely yours.     

- Reimagine your heirlooms. Cornelis Hollander encourages clients to think outside the box, the jewelry box, that is. For example, if you have a diamond ring from your grandmother with multiple stones, you can turn it into a pendant and earrings with settings that reflect your style and honor your family.     

“Whether transforming heirloom pieces into something new, upgrading to something more impressive or finding that first heart-stopping ring, we are honored to help you bring your vision to life,” according to Walter Hollander, who inherited the company from his father. “Your jewelry is a showpiece for your personal style, and we want to help you shine.”     

The experts at Cornelis Hollander work with you each step of the way to craft your jewelry. After an initial consultation, the team creates a 3D rendering so you can see and approve your piece from every angle. Next, you receive a 3D printed version, so you can hold a model in your hand and propose any final changes. Once approved, the piece is cast, and the gemstones are set according to your design.     

Cornelis Hollander, a native of the Netherlands, refined his jewelry design skills at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag, Holland. He eventually settled in Arizona, and his unique and award-winning designs for diamond engagement rings and other custom jewelry combine classic training and modern innovation. The company remains in the hands of the Hollander family, and all designs are manufactured by skilled craftsmen in the Scottsdale, Arizona, studio.     

Visit cornelishollander.com for more details.

(NewsUSA) - This holiday season, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program celebrates its 75th year of delivering hope and joy to children in need across the Nation. Marines and volunteers are busy engaging with local businesses, media and community leaders to collect new, unwrapped toys to ensure that every child in need in their community has a present to open on Christmas morning.     

As the 2022 campaign season hits the halfway mark, Toys for Tots is asking for support from the American public now more than ever. Families across the Nation continue to deal with the continuing rise of inflation and other economic challenges. When families are struggling to make financial ends meet, giving their children a Merry Christmas can feel entirely out of their reach.       

That’s where you can help! Marine Toys for Tots encourages the American public to consider donating on November 29, which is globally known as Giving Tuesday -- but at Toys for Tots it’s Giving TOYSday! Every Giving TOYSday gift will deliver the joy of a new toy, book, or game at Christmastime to our Nation’s less fortunate children.     

“Since Marine Toys for Tots Program’s inception in 1947 with a single hand-crafted doll, we have distributed 627 million toys to over 281 million children in need over seven decades. We’ve adapted and overcome many challenges, but always accomplished the mission,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.     

“Today’s children are tomorrow’s future, and Marine Toys for Tots is dedicated to ensuring a brighter future for children living in challenging circumstances,” he adds. “Your Giving TOYSday gift is urgently needed to help us ensure that no child wakes up brokenhearted on Christmas morning.”     

Our Coordinators and volunteers are working around the clock to collect and sort toys that are generously donated across local campaigns. The gifts that our donors give can be the reason a child and their family believe in the magic of Christmas again -- and Coordinators can work until the last minute to ensure that “Santa” visits each house. Like our Coordinator Robert, who was making his last toy delivery of the day. He was approached by a local police officer, who mentioned that there was one more child in need who could use a Christmas miracle.     

Robert traveled to the home of the child, and a young boy answered the door with his mother. To Robert’s surprise, there were no Christmas decorations, no tree -- nothing representing the holiday season. The mother simply couldn’t afford it. But thanks to our loyal supporters, the boy and his mother received a Merry Christmas. Robert returned from his car with a bag full of Christmas gifts for the young boy. These gifts were made possible by our faithful donors -- they saved Christmas for this family.     

Toys for Tots needs your help to deliver the same magic that Robert delivered, to even more children in need across the Nation. Your gift can be the reason that a child and their family believe in the holiday magic again. Visit toysfortots.org to donate on Giving TOYSday, or visit your local campaign website to find other ways to donate this giving season -- and remember that anyone can be Santa! 

(NewsUSA) - Caribbean travel is back, and many favorite spots are expanding their offerings to meet a greater range of tastes and interests. If you or your travel companions are vegan, for example, you can find many more opportunities to relax and indulge.     

In particular, options for vegan dining have come into their own. The Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia, now offers an all-vegan dinner option.     

Some examples from the menu: Yellow Split Pea Soup with Sweet Potato, Tempura Cauliflower Bites, Sesame Braised Eggplant, Pan Seared Tofu, Vegetable Stroganoff, and Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple. A vegan dinner at Calabash Cove also includes a bottle of Prosecco. The resort’s flagship Windsong Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the culinary team can accommodate any guest’s special dietary needs or personal requests. For example, the popular daily special lobster dish with roasted Cinderella pumpkin can be made with tofu. The eclectic menu is inspired by Asian cuisine and features fresh, local ingredients in every dish.     

The island of Saint Lucia offers visitors a glimpse of a rich culture and heritage influenced by different periods of history, when it had strategic importance in wars between England and France. The arrival of West Africans in the 18th and 19th centuries added Creole culture to the mix.     

Calabash Cove’s property features not only a private beach, but also a nearby coral reef, tropical gardens, and architecture designed to promote relaxation and enhance the sunset views.     

The resort is an elegant escape where adults can slow down to “island time,” and tradewinds keep the heat at bay. Calabash Cove accommodations include not only luxury suites with ocean views, but also unique Water’s Edge cottages, built for two, with their own plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, jacuzzis, and hammocks. The Swim-Up Suites place you a few strokes away from the swim-up bar at an oceanfront pool with a striking 40-foot infinity edge.     

A range of promotional packages make for even easier travel planning for vegans and nonvegans alike. The unconditional all-inclusive option provides not only fine dining, but also live music and top shelf liquors, along with the luxury accommodations in an intimate setting.     

For more information and the latest travel package options, visit www.calabashcove.com.

(NewsUSA) - Amanda Given, an author, speech language pathologist, yogi, mother, mental health advocate and child at heart, has given us a charming story with colorful and playful illustrations that will help any child, young or old, open up and learn to deal with their feelings, all by learning about Balloon Breath.  

This obviously is an important topic for children and their parents or guardians. So much has been written about the difficulty of young children to understand and control their emotions, with strategies from learned scholars and therapists on how to cope. Yet sometimes, it’s the simplest of stories to which children can best connect, putting them in a position to learn and grow.  

That’s why “BALLOON BREATH” does such an impressive job of helping children open up and deal with their feelings. The book, geared primarily to pre-schoolers in the 2-to-5 age range, is a simple tale in which Lonnie is frustrated with the behavior of his brother, Curly, who has taken his blanket, and dominated the channels on the TV set to his own liking and without consideration of his brother. Lonnie feels like he is going to explode with anger.  

Fortunately, his favorite babysitter, Scarlett, comes over and tries to instill happiness into the atmosphere with fun activities, by eating, pretending to be lions, going to the upbeat sunroom -- anything to create a cheerful mood. Finally, Scarlett explains what she does when she gets mad: “Sit criss-cross applesauce. Take a DEEP breath in. That’s it. Now exhale all the air out.”  

The babysitter extends her ritual to what she calls Balloon Breath, allowing Lonnie to take deep breaths into a balloon and blow the mad thoughts right into it. “Let the air out of your balloon and say goodbye to all those yucky, icky thoughts,” Scarlett says. The exercise leaves Lonnie with nothing but happy thoughts. Scarlett has effectively saved the day.

A NEW FAVORITE OF YOUNG READERS

The author’s own 10-year personal journey with depression helped her find purpose in writing and teaching yoga/meditation to children. Amanda is a child at heart with a grownup soul. She has playful energy that is shared when she teaches children fun and creative yoga poses.  

“I wrote my book to help children and their caregivers manage their big emotions,” says the author, whose story is complemented with marvelous illustrations by Polina Hrytskova. The book also includes fun and easy activities for parents, adult guardians, teachers and children to reinforce the message.  

Reviewers say their children loved the book, found it easy to understand and couldn’t get enough of it.   “I have read this book a few times already to my preschool class (three-year-olds), and they love it! The illustrations are colorful, and the storyline is simple enough for little ones to follow. I also enjoy that this book has a little lesson plan/activity guide at the end of the book to extend the lesson,” says Amazon reviewer Brianna.  

For a delightful book with a simple yet valuable message, pick up a copy of Balloon Breath for your children. As Given says, “Kindness is always inside of us. I hope Lonnie finds a happy, cozy and safe place in your heart. He’s always there to remind you to inhale and exhale.”

Learn more at www.amandagiven.com.

(NewsUSA) - Put the fun in your fundraising efforts with the power of coffee, a user-friendly website and the business acumen of a veteran-led nonprofit company that has been building donor trust since 2016.     

The Coffee Platoon will help raise funds for any school, organizational group, sports team, non-profit organization, or any programs, activities, and services in need of funds anywhere in the United States.     

Inflation is hitting everyone this year, and online fundraising offers a simple and cost-effective way to raise funds with no initial cost, no managing of inventory and no need to collect money in person. You can raise funds by providing your supporters with two things nearly half the population of the United States enjoys every day -- 100% Arabica coffee freshly ground and delicious hot chocolate -- for your campaign.      

“We have created an easy, fun way for all types of organizations to earn much-needed revenue to sustain programs, services and improvements,” says Mike Ferraro, founder of Bridging the Gap for Veterans, a nonprofit veteran-founded and -led organization that works to support career transitions for veterans to assist with hiring.     Bridging the Gap’s missions include career transition programs and coaching, educational scholarships, service animal programs, offering free professional business attire to veterans and online coffee fundraising.   

 “Our delicious coffee and hot chocolate products are sure to be a hit,” Ferraro adds.     

Getting started couldn’t be easier. Sign up through The Coffee Platoon online portal. This process generates a unique and customized link for your fundraiser.     

Share the link with friends, family, listservs, club memberships or anyone you want to reach with your fundraiser. Share the link in an email, or post on social media.     

The benefits are instant -- you can start earning on the first day! Contributors follow the link, select their coffee and submit their orders. Coffee flavors range from mild to dark, with blends inspired by the U.S. military. Check your progress throughout your campaign via a real-time running tally of all sales and purchase recipients on an easy-to-read, data-capturing spreadsheet.     

Mission accomplished! The orders are delivered, your supporters enjoy their coffee, and your organization benefits. Fundraising groups are paid immediately upon conclusion of the campaign, which can go for any duration -- most are four to six weeks.     

Two separate goals -- one mission -- to help others! Giving Tuesday is coming up, so it’s a great time to assess your fundraising needs for the holiday season and also to give your own support to the Coffee Platoon --  a victory for everyone involved.     

Visit thecoffeeplatoon.com for more information. 

(NewsUSA) - Finding a rewarding career that offers growth potential, work-life balance and the satisfaction of helping others is a key priority for many job seekers. With those goals in mind, a career in financial planning should be a top contender, whether you are just starting out or looking to make a career change.     But once you have decided that financial planning is the field for you, how do you get started? Here are three resources that can help you launch a successful financial planning career.     

1. Guide to Careers in Financial Planning. Based on interviews with leading financial services firms, this guide introduces you to the wide range of career opportunities in the financial planning profession. It identifies typical entry points and career tracks, explores the types of companies that hire financial planners and provides information on how to find financial planning career opportunities. It also includes resources such as a list of recommended questions to ask in a job interview.     

2. Scholarship Programs. Dozens of scholarship programs are available to support you on your professional journey. Some are offered directly through colleges and universities that have financial planning degree and certificate programs. Others are available through nonprofits and organizations like the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, which administers 16 scholarship programs that help pay for the education and exam requirements to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional. Financial services firms may offer scholarships or tuition reimbursements to employees to cover the costs of obtaining professional designations and credentials such as CFP® certification --  some of which may be required to advance within the company.     

3. Career Fairs. In-person and virtual career fairs provide valuable opportunities to connect with prospective employers. CFP Board’s spring and fall career fairs are some of the most popular hiring events in the profession, with dozens of firms participating in these online exhibitions. Job seekers can visit employers’ virtual exhibit booths and view open jobs and internships, apply for open positions and interact with employers through one-on-one video meetings and messaging. You can also visit the CFP Board Career Center to browse current job and internship opportunities in financial planning, as well as a collection of articles providing career guidance.     

Other top resources include career offices at your college or university, financial services companies’ career websites and professional organizations that may have a local chapter near you.     

Making the most of these resources will not only help you find a financial planning job, but also support your growth and development as a future financial planning professional. To learn more about CFP® certification, visit the CFP Board website.