Topics include:

That 70’s show - This Is Your Life

Retiree Health Insurance - Here today, gone tomorrow

Just because we approved your treatment last time does not mean we will approve it again . . .

Don’t let sciatica take you down

How are your B12 levels? Take this self check.

Have you ever seen a bear wave back?

Lost dog makes his way back home after 7 months

Like having the family Bible, but this is online

Who says you need bread? From my house to yours . . .

Some changes in your 70s are universal, because they’re the result of the way your body works. Experts sometimes call this “pure aging.” These shifts happen in everyone who lives long enough. You can’t avoid them, but you can prepare if you know what to expect.

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-what-to-expect-in-your-70s

. . . is mostly a thing of the past. Don’t hang your hat on employer funded health insurance being around as long as you are.

IBM retirees have been forced to pay for some medical expenses out of their own pockets as a result of the IT giant's handling of their healthcare funding

https://www.theregister.com/2023/02/09/ibm_heath_benefits_plan_transition/

Morales-Ferrer has focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease that results in scarring in the parts of the kidneys that filter blood. Even with treatment, many FSGS patients eventually progress to kidney failure and need dialysis or transplants. Recurrence is common after transplants.

Until a few weeks ago, things were looking even more dire. Morales-Ferrer’s insurance company was refusing to pay for the same infusion medication, Rituxan, that it had covered during her first bout of FSGS, one that her doctor credited with sending her disease into remission for years. She wrangled with them for weeks, facing down three separate denials, one of which forced her to cancel an important infusion. Her story offers a window into the confounding, seemingly irrational world of insurance coverage, one that’s given rise to a network of billing gurus dedicated to helping patients fight denials.

“The medication is right there,” she said. “My doctor is ready to offer it to me, but they’re blocking it. It’s mind-boggling.”

This is what can happen when you have a managed care PPO or HMO plan.

https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/02/bcbsma-rituximab-insurance-coverage-denial

Sciatica is pain or numbness anywhere along the sciatic nerve — which runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and down the backs of the legs — caused by compression of the nerve.

The pain of sciatica can range from mild to excruciating, but in most cases it’s self-limiting, meaning it goes away on its own. Of course, while you have it, it feels like it’ll never go away.

What are some common myths about sciatica? And what’s the truth of the matter?

https://www.everydayhealth.com/sciatica/myths-facts

Do your hands, feet, or legs feel like they’re on “pins and needles”?

Are your hands and feet cold?

Are you depressed, confused or forgetful?

Signs you are running low on vitamin B12 and how to correct the deficiency.

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-signs-lack-vitamin-b12

For seven months, Dora the German Shepherd was missing while her human frantically searched for her. He never gave up hope and did everything he could, but he couldn’t find his beloved dog.

Miraculously, Dora was found as a stray and her emotional reunion with her family was caught on camera. Just watch what she does, but make sure you have a tissue handy!

https://www.reshareworthy.com/lost-dog-dora-reunited-with-family

While doing a story on my grandparents I found a site that revealed a wealth of information about spouses, siblings, marriages and more.

Find the graves of ancestors, create virtual memorials or add photos, virtual flowers and a note to a loved one's memorial. Search or browse cemeteries and grave records for every-day and famous people from around the world.

https://www.findagrave.com/

Crustless Pizza That Actually Tastes Good

This crustless pizza is the ultimate low carb comfort that has all the best parts of a pizza, minus the crust! Cheesy, meaty, and easy to customize, it’s made in just ONE skillet and takes 15 minutes to make.

Rachel loved it . . . so did I

https://thebigmansworld.com/crustless-pizza/

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bob