UMCU-Parkview

National Nutrition Month is in full swingIt’s never too late to make healthy changes to your diet! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has some great tips for older adults: Vary your protein choices. There are a variety of foods rich in protein, try seafood, nuts, beans, lentils, eggs or lean meats like poultry. Many of these foods are also a source of vitamin B12, which is a nutrient that decreases in absorption as we age or due to some medications. Make at leas...t half your grains whole. Chose breads, cereals, crackers, brown rice and noodles made with 100% wholes grains. Whole grain food typically have more fiber and nutrients than their counterparts. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables can be healthy and very affordable, too! Look for labels with reduced sodium, no salt or packed in water. Stay Hydrated. Water is needed in almost every bodily function and by all organs. Drink plenty of fluid throughout the day.

Free help with your Taxes! Do you need assistance with your taxes, but concerned about costly fees? The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program may have FREE services in your area! Check out their website for site locations, as well as their expanded variety of virtual tax preparation options. https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/

-Drive Safe- Join the Yellow Dot Program: Stay safer on the road with the Yellow Dot Program from PennDOT. Designed to assist drivers and passengers with emergency care following a traffic accident, the Yellow Dot kit alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, seizures, COPD, etc, consider signing up today. Order... a FREE Yellow Dot Kit from PennDOT at https://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/pages/yellow-dot.aspx See more

Personal Medic Alert Systems: Have you seen the TV commercials or ads online for Personal Medic Alert Systems? There are many different brands, manufacturers, and features, but most systems include a wearable device to call 911 or EMS in case of an emergency. A medical emergency can strike at any time, so these devices are more popular than ever! There are affordable options and even FREE options (for Residents at UMCU-Parkview )!!! Give Us a call to Learn More at (412)461-29...93... Do you have a service coordinator through your Community Health Choices health plan? If so, ask your service coordinator for a Personal Medic Alert System.

Another New Year's Resolution: Be More Earth-Friendly! Smart Energy Tips for the New Year... -Turn lights off when you leave a room. -Turn off all appliances like radios and televisions when you leave your apartment.... -Use energy efficient lightbulbs instead of incandescent. -(See if you’re eligible for an energy rebate through LIHEAP or CAP)

***Social Security Increase*** Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will increase 1.3% in 2021. Alongside the increase in Social Security, the standard Medicare Part B Premium will increase to $148.50 in 2021. You will receive a letter soon detailing your new income amount, be sure to save this letter with your important papers- The office will request this letter during your annual recertification. Did you know there are special programs in Pennsylvania to help cover the cost of your Medicare Part B Premium? Contact the Department of Human Services Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 to learn more or to apply!

!!!Fraud and Scams!!!: The Fraud Squad at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office reminds us that holiday scams are on the rise, so use these tips to protect yourself: Don’t answer your phone unless you know the caller. It is best to let it go to voicemail or answering machine. Returning a call? Be sure the number is correct and you’re not calling the scammer without knowing it. Look up the main number first from the phonebook or the internet... The number you see on the caller ID make be fake. Scammers can spoof numbers, making it look like Medicare or Social Security is calling. Always hang up, and call back from the main number. NEVER give out any personal information to anyone who calls you! Remember, Social Security will not call you unless you have requested that they do so.

Voting in 2020: -Oct. 19 2020- Last day to REGISTER TO VOTE before primary -Oct. 27, 2020- Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot -Nov. 3, 2020- Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8 P.M.)... -Nov. 3, 2020- GENERAL PRIMARY Polls are open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. Check out https://www.votespa.com/Pages/default.aspx for all voting resources! You can register to vote, apply for mail-in voting, and even check the status of your recent application. ________________________________________________________ Voting: Frequently Asked Questions: What is the difference between the absentee ballot and the mail-in ballot? Traditionally, absentee ballots were for specific voter circumstances such as illness, disability, deployed armed forces, college students, etc. Now, any voter can request a mail-in ballot. I want to vote by mail-in ballot, what do I do? Firstly, make sure you are registered before October 19th, especially if you have recently moved or have not voted recently. Once you are registered, complete a mail-in ballot application form, and submit. Wait to receive your paper ballot in the mail, mark your vote, and return the ballot in the provided envelope. Check out https://www.votespa.com/Pages/default.aspx for all voting resources!

Do you need a ride, or a home delivered meal, or help around the house? Did you know there is one amazing phone number to call to receive answers quickly? The Area Agency on Aging Senior Line is a highly-skilled, generalist hotline for older adults. Whether you want to receive services in your home, or just want to learn what help may be available, a Senior Line staff member can answer. The Senior Line is available Monday-Friday at 412-350-5460, their areas of expertise... include: care management support for caregivers home delivered meals in-home services transportation pharmaceutical assistance utility assistance property tax and rent rebates See more

Are your internet bills too high? Older adults and low-income households may be eligible to receive substantially discounted internet service through Internet Essentials. Most qualified applicants pay $9.95 (plus fees) for reliable high-speed internet service. To learn more and apply online, visit: https://www.internetessentials.com/ Program Eligibility: Applicants must participate in public assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, HUD Housing Assistance, and others. Additionally, households must live in Comcast’s service area, not have subscribed to Comcast Internet within the last 90 days, and not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than one year old.

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides $24 in vouchers to eligible Allegheny County residents aged 60 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis. The vouchers are redeemable though November at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands for Pennsylvania grown produce. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.alleghenycounty.us//Senior-Farmers-Market-Nutr After applying, you may wait up to 6 weeks to receive your vouchersso get starte...d today! If you visit your local Farmer’s Market, be sure to practice safe social distancing and wear your mask! #pittsburghseniors #seniorliving #seniorapartments