Carol Burnett Or Watching the Hilarious Videos We Share on Page 19, We Had Countless Opportunities to Share Some Laughs
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4 RECIPES: EAT FRESH Carol PAGE 20 Burnett The Queen of Comedy on health, happiness and laughing through MEDICATION the hard times PAGE 12 MUST-DOS 5 ways to get organized 10 Winter THINGS Greens TO DO Worth BEFORE Trying 10 A.M. PAGE 8 GROUP FITNESS Stay in Resolution shape and Reboot get social New Year, New You with Renew PAGE 10 { Welcome Letter } Life with Laughter Putting together every issue of Renew magazine is fun — but this time it was also funny. Whether it was chatting with comedic legend Carol Burnett or watching the hilarious videos we share on page 19, we had countless opportunities to share some laughs. Even better? All that chuckling may give us a health boost. As you will read on page 16, humor can do much more than merely create endearing smile lines. In short, humor can play a role in maintaining a healthier lifestyle. And that’s precisely what we’re committed to helping you achieve: a healthier, vibrant life filled with both physical and emotional wellness. This issue even includes a special booklet with ideas and activities to help you live a happier and healthier life. As you page through this issue, we hope you get inspired to eat better (check out the delicious veggie recipes on page 20), stay committed to your health goals and make the most of your health care plan. And we hope you enjoy a few laughs along the way. Because when it comes COVER STORY to your overall wellness, it’s time to get serious about lightening up and enjoying life. As the The Queen saying goes, a dose of laughter may be one of the of Comedy best medicines. Carol Burnett on how laughter has been a part of her life. page 12 Photo by George Brich / Associated Press Brich / Associated George by Photo 2 | “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” —Steve Martin We’re just a phone call away. Your happiness and satisfaction with your plan are important to us. We want to make sure you get the information you need. Feel free to reach out to us directly if you ever have questions, want help scheduling a doctor’s appointment or need help with your plan. Just call the number on the back of your member ID card to speak with one of our friendly UnitedHealthcare® Customer Service Advocates. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. Or log in to myAARPMedicare.com. Do we have the right address, phone number and email address for you? If not, please let us know by calling Customer Service so we can keep you informed about your plan. ! We want to Carol Burnett taping hear from you. her final show of Share your feedback about The Carol Burnett Renew or article ideas at Show in 1978. renewfeedback.com/aarp. Or write us at: UnitedHealthcare Renew P.O. Box 410018 Kansas City, MO 64141-0018 Photo by George Brich / Associated Press Brich / Associated George by Photo by UnitedHealthcare | 3 Contents | WINTER 2017 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 16 10 Renew by The Healing UnitedHealthcare Reach your New Year’s Power of resolutions Humor Finding humor and 26 Family Matters laughter in our lives Communication styles may lead to a healthier by generation body and mind. 28 Health Check Minding your medications 29 Keep Moving Group exercise 20 Eat Fresh! Getting in your daily dose of veggies doesn’t need to be boring with these creative dishes. PLUS 5 Live•Laugh•Learn 25 Brain Booster 31 The Doctor Is In t Look for this symbol to find simple tips on becoming your own health advocate and helping to improve your quality of life. 4 | “Time is a precious thing. Never waste it.” —Gene Wilder live•laugh•learn LIFE-BOOSTING TIPS & IDEAS The Power of Color Try this experiment: Visit your local hardware store and leaf through the paint chip cards. Do the blue shades calm you down? Are you warmed and energized by reds? Do you gravitate toward greens? We are incredibly sensitive to color. In fact, the human eye can detect seven million unique variations, according to a 2014 study published in SAGE Journal, and we’re also sensitive to the mood and feelings that colors can create. Psychologist Ayben Ertem, who researches the effects of color on human behavior, says pink has been shown to be soothing and relaxing. To encourage deeper conversations, she suggests using orange in the dining room. Want to fall asleep more easily? Paint your bedroom pink or purple because those colors have a relaxing effect. Of course, your best bet may be to forget about the color “rules” and simply surround yourself with the shades and hues you enjoy most. Turn the page for simple ideas on how to infuse color into Photo by Richard Westley Wong, Styling Bartus Sara by Wong, Westley Richard by Photo your own home. by UnitedHealthcare | 5 live•laugh•learn HOME HUES Make the Most of Your Plan No need to get out the ladder We think your health care plan should feel simple and rewarding, and we and drop cloths to paint an entire want to help you make this your most rewarding year yet. Our Customer room. Here are some easy ways Service Advocates are dedicated to delivering you personal attention and to incorporate pops of color into service and helping you make the most of your plan. So we’ll be here with you your living spaces and still feel their every step of the way as you navigate your plan based on your current health mood-boosting benefits: needs, and potential health needs in the future. Health care needs may change throughout the year, and we’re here to help you navigate your plan to help address your changing circumstances. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a health condition, our Customer Service Advocates can suggest possible programs and resources to help manage your condition. If you need to see a specialist, we can help you find one. And if you’re prescribed a new medication, we can help you determine if your drug is on the drug list or if there’s a lower-cost drug alternative (if your plan has prescription drug coverage). p Pillow talk: Buy inexpensive throw pillows in hues you love Here are just a few things you can count on when you call the Customer to bring life to a neutral space. Service number on the back of your member ID card: You can even change them out depending on the season. A caring approach that educates, guides and supports. Coordinated care, social support and personalized service. Accent the positive: Paint a small Help finding a Primary Care Provider that fits your unique needs; area — a door, a piece of furniture we’ll even help schedule your appointments. or a small area on a wall — to quickly add a splash of color. We want you to be happy with your plan now and in the future. After all, your health care coverage is so much more than a Medicare plan — it’s about your Windows on the world: Hang health, happiness and satisfaction. And we’re with you every step of the way. colorful sheers or curtains to frame up your favorite view. Get artsy: You don’t need to How Are We Doing? spend big bucks at a gallery — visit At UnitedHealthcare, our mission is to secondhand and big box retailers help you live a healthier life by providing for artwork that puts your go-to easy access to care, predictable expenses, color on full display. excellent customer service and reliable savings. We want your health care experience to be second to none. Go natural: Love yellow? Keep a Throughout the year you may get surveys asking you about your glass bowl filled with lemons on your experience with UnitedHealthcare. We hope you participate! Your kitchen counter. Dig orange? Treat feedback will help us learn what we’re doing well for you and how yourself to a fresh vase of gerbera we could be even better. Our goal is to provide you with a health care daisies. These small splashes of experience that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. We color (and texture) add visual interest value your membership and will listen closely to what you have to say. and bring a little joy to any space. After all, we’re not satisfied until you’re satisfied. 6 | “There are no mistakes. Only opportunities.” —Tina Fey 10 Things to Do Before 10 a.m. “If it has to happen, then it has to happen first,” says Laura Vanderkam, author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast. Start your day right and you may see positive effects all day long. 1 MAKE YOUR BED 4 In The Power of Habit, BREATHE DEEPLY author Charles Duhigg Just five minutes of says this tidy chore is linked morning meditation can to increased productivity help you stay focused throughout the day. all day long. Practicing meditation may be helpful for conditions such as 2 anxiety, according to FUEL UP a 2014 study in JAMA 8 Aim for a breakfast that Internal Medicine. WRITE IT DOWN includes protein, healthy Try beginning each day fats, vegetables and fruit. with stream-of- Protein in the morning may consciousness writing. help you consume fewer Use longhand and go for calories throughout the day. up to three pages. This practice helps get you in a creative and problem- 3 solving mindset for the day. MOVE AROUND Move in a way you enjoy to help you stick to a morning 5 9 exercise routine.