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Greetings!,
Did you know November is mental health awareness month?
If you were like me, for so long it was something I paid a small interest in. I know I've had family members with mental health issues, but like so many of us, nothing was ever going to happen to me or my family. I certainly was wrong!
As you may know, I had 2 very minor strokes earlier this year following a fall. I have made a full recovery and the strokes had no lasting impact on my mental health, but it was a scare for sure! It also highlighted to me how quickly our health can change. In an instant, I had a whole new set of medical issues.
This also gave me a new perspective on the need for strategies for covering the cost long-term care. Because of the expense of this service, many people have turned to various types of insurance; hybrid investments, self-funding, and lastly, hoping for the best that they will not need it. There is also a misconception that Medicare will cover the cost, but this coverage is only for a short period and is for convalescent care.
This also made me curious as to what conditions long-term care is needed. I had incorrectly thought of it as a place for "old folks," or those who suffer from a form of dementia. However, as you can see in the article below, the top seven reasons for long-term care are:
1) Stroke
2) Cancer
3) Injury induced by a fall or other activity
4) Mental illness
5) Diabetes
6) Obesity
7) Nervous system disorders
To learn more visit Needing Long Term Care.
Looking at the list above, it seems some of these reasons can be mitigated. My doctor preaches diet and exercise as a way to keep a healthy body and mind. In addition to physical exercise there are mental workouts we can do as well. Courtesy of Hartford Funds, here is a link to activities you can do to stimulate your brain:
10 Brain Tips
I hope you take the time and look at these tips and find something in there you enjoy. Like all things, my fear is that if you don't use it you will lose it.
As always, thanks for reading.
Bernie & Chad
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