Single and Ready to Mingle?

Kid time or quiet time? Know before you go.

Single and ready to mingle you say? Cruise lines hear your call. If you’ve ever travelled alone on a cruise, then you know a thing or two about unfair supplemental fees. Not a couple? You still have to pay like one and solo travellers have had a enough. Several cruise ships are now offering single cabins and eliminating the discriminatory “single” fee.

The cruise liner Epic is one of the first to introduce this single option and their 128 singles cabins sold old almost immediately upon release. Thought about a cruise lately as a way to meet someone special? Perhaps you should. This type of cruising may be just the way to relax, enjoy yourself, and meet a companion in the process.

See AARP’s cruise vacation tips here:

http://www.aarp.org/travel/cruises/info-04-2011/greenberg-video-cruises-singles.html

Excuse me doctor, did you say YOGA?

So, you went for a routine doctor’s appointment with all the typical aches and ailments generated by your aging body and the doc said something you didnt expect. Perhaps you should Practice Yoga. You must admit, you were slightly bewildered and moderately confused. What happened to the 4 advil and a glass of water prescription? You’ve heard of this yoga business, but certainly never thought at your age that you should or even could start legitimately practicing…or could you?

Yoga is an ancient healing practice that has, within the last 100 years, become westernized and used in many ways within modern society. Yoga can often be “interpreted” by excercise enthusiasts looking to rev up its intensity, it can also be a free flowing spiritual experience, or even in some cases find its roots in the ancient mood lifting practices of its originators. Regardless of the type, yoga itself can in fact be a powerful tool to help keep you young, and maintain your overall health and well-being. Yoga has been proven to lower blood-pressure, reduce stress, ease pain, and improve balance. Its worth a shot and with the proper teaching, yoga can benefit you no matter how old you “think” you are.

Here are some tips for your yoga endeavor…whether you are starting on your own (which you absolutely should) or whether its just what the doctor ordered:

1: Yoga can be good medicine: Yoga offers main health benefits including, but not limited to, improving sleep, lowering blood pressure, reducing pain, and increases overall mental health.

2: Yoga is not just for the fit and flexible: Yoga is not just for those that can seemingly twist their bodies into pretzels. Yoga is for everyone and has a extremely diverse range of participants from all age brackets to prove it. The only requirement for a yoga class is the ability to breathe.

3: You dont have to stand on your head: Ive been doing yoga for 5 years and have yet to stand on my head. Yoga isnt about getting to the most extreme point possible…its about allowing your body to flow to its own measure of extreme…regardless of what anyone else is doing around you. Its your practice, your body, and your mind. Its so important to find a yoga class that fits your level such as a yoga for beginners class with a well trained instructor.

4: There are many styles of yoga, from “hot” to gentle: For example, ashtanga yoga is very athletic, while kripalu yoga tends to be gentler and viniyoga is generally done one-on-one in a therapeutic setting. Most western yoga is based off of something called “Hatha” yoga…which is a series of postures being held for 3o seconds to 1 minute. It is designed to balance the mind, body, and spirit while strengthening week muscles and stretching tight ones.

5: Yoga should never hurt: If it hurts…YOU’VE GONE TOO FAR! And any good yoga instructor should tell you that. Yoga is meant to strenghten and calm. In each posture you should find yourself pleasantly stretched. Its not to say you shouldnt push yourself to try to achieve new things each class, you should always listen to your body, and your breath, and if its too much then just stop. Pain is not a part of the gain in yoga.

6: Yoga is not ONLY a workout: Yoga is a powerful tool for mind-body medicine by creating a holistic approach to excercise. Yoga is about recognizing that your physical ailments are about more than the feeling of pain, but generally have emotional and spiritual connections as well. Yoga taps into that and offers medicine for the physical, emotional AND spiritual.

7: Ask for help for a smooth start: Dont be afraid to ask for help when beginning a new practice. Let the instructor know its your first time and when you sign up at a studio, be very clear about intentions, your level of yogi spirit, and your doubts and inihibitions. The best instructors will work with you to develop your practice and find a place that’s comfortable and effective for you.

Utilize these tips and remember to choose a reputable studio in your area. If you can take the heat, hot yoga is a great way to instantly loosen your muscles and find a little more ease in your postures. If you the heat is too much to stand, head to a studio with a large variety of class offerings and good reviews. Ask a lot of questions and make sure the instructors are receptive to you. Most importantly embrace your yoga adventure and open your mind to a life changing experience!!

-Professional Medical Team

The Boomer’s Guide to Medicare.

AARP has posted the top 8 “Do’s and Dont’s” when it comes to Medicare. Make sure you are not only aware…but truly in the know when it comes to the future of your health care.

Here’s what you should know…

1. Do give yourself time to learn about Medicare: It’s a system with many choices and deadlines. Being informed is the best way to avoid mistakes that cost money.

2. Don’t expect to be notified when it’s time to sign up: Unless you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you must apply for Medicare. But you won’t get any official notice on when or how to enroll.

3. Do enroll when you’re supposed to: To avoid permanent late penalties, enroll at age 65 if you’re not working, don’t have employer insurance or live abroad; or, beyond 65, enroll within eight months of stopping work — even if you continue to receive COBRA or retiree health benefits from an employer.

4. Don’t despair if you haven’t worked long enough to qualify: You may qualify for Medicare on your current or former spouse’s work record. Or you may be able to buy into the program.

5. Don’t worry that poor health will affect your coverage: If you qualify for Medicare, you receive full benefits. You can’t be denied coverage or charged higher premiums because of current or past health problems.

6. Do remember that Medicare is not free: You pay premiums for coverage and copayments for most services, unless you qualify for a low-income program or have other, extra insurance.

7. Don’t assume that Medicare covers everything: It covers a wide range of health services (including expensive ones like organ transplants), prescription drugs and medical equipment. But there are gaps.

8. Don’t expect Medicare to cover your dependents: Nobody can get Medicare under age 65, except those who qualify through disability. Medicare has no family coverage.

For a complete Medicare starter kit, head to http://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-04-2011/medicare-starter-guide.html.