Caregiver's CornerHome CareIn Home CareManaged Care

CDPAP Does More With Less As It Enrolls Nearly 10,000 Patients Into Personalized Care Programs

Nov 10, 2017

New York’s Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) has enrolled, in its nearly three decades of operation, around 10,000 patients into personalized care programs, generating significant benefits for such individuals and reducing costs typically associated with such services.

Over this period, the program has witnessed significant expansion, eligible to almost anyone who is in need and eligible for Medicaid, and has consequently generated benefits through cost-savings and care-enhancements.  Seeking a more-personal, personal care system in which persons in need of care or their representatives can choose or designate their own care workers, programs such as CDPAP offer a rare combination of improvements in quality and increased fiscal responsibility.

As the Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Associate of New York State (CDPAANYS) has stated, ‘consumer-driven models of financing and delivering services permit the person needing service greater choice and control’ while simultaneously ensuring efficient funding of these patients’ care.

Indeed, due to its unique structure, the CDPAP is not only highly personalized, and in many cases better, care; one of the reasons this program is such a celebrated innovation is because New York’s CDPAP not only does more, but ‘does more with less’.  Within this context, it is important to briefly understand the cost-effectiveness of this program as it accomplishes a rare feat of improving services as well as fiscal responsibility.

How, then, has New York managed to deliver a highly personalized, fiscally-responsible safety net for many disabled or elderly individuals? This program is highly structured and emphasizes a key set of requirements for entrants.  By utilizing federal, state, and local funds and distributing these funds as needed for each case, there have been noted savings to Medicaid funding from this program.

The Department of Health, for instance, estimated the savings in hourly costs for personal care to be $2.16, which obviously adds up quickly.  Furthermore, by eliminating ‘middle men’, ensuring personal care, and orchestrating Medicaid reimbursement, the cost-sharing within CDPAP is equitable, eliminates unnecessary agents, and, thus, benefits all parties involved.

Similarly, the NY Education Department argues that, in addition to the benefits of ‘self-direction’, decreased costs are a leading factor in the increasing emphasis on consumer-directed personal assistance programs, with lower costs per hour of service leading to New York saving Medicaid funds and consequently capable to ensuring adequate coverage across the board.

With a combination of caps on expenditures and costs to Medicaid as well as the ‘slightly lower Medicaid rate payable…than is paid to home care services agencies’, there is no doubt that New York’s CDPAP is among the stand out consumer-directed personal assistance programs in the country.

As a representative of the benefits to be derived from such programs, thus, any understanding of New York’s program can only expand the awareness and utilization of personal care programs.  Whether in New York, California, or Arkansas, consumer-directed programs which ensure personal home care in a cost-effective manner have consistently proven successful.

With growing enrolment and amidst great uncertainty surrounding the continued funding of Medicaid and similar programs, particularly at the federal level, New York’s CDPAP stands out as a distinct safety net for those in need of such personal care.  By developing a cost structure that decreases state, federal, and individual costs, the CDPAP developed by New York is effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible; few programs can claim that and even fewer can say that they, at the same time, improve patients’ quality of care.

Continue reading

0 0
Caregiver's CornerHealthy LivingManaged Care

5 Ways Managed Long-Term Care Can Dramatically Improve Your Life

Nov 08, 2017

Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) is a system that streamlines the delivery of long term services to people who are chronically ill or disabled and who wish to stay in their homes and communities. These services, such as home care, social day care or adult day care, are provided through managed long term care plans that are approved by the New York State Department of Health. The entire array of services to which an enrolled member is entitled can be received through the MLTC plan the member has chosen.

Here are 5 Ways Managed Long-Term Care change your life for the better*:

Invalid slider ID or alias.

 

The services included in your MLTC Plan will vary, depending on your Managed Long-Term Care evaluation.

Content provided in Partnership with:

magellan_alphacare_cmyk_tm

Continue reading

0 0
Featured NewsHealthy Living

NYC Senior Housing To Double To 30,000 Affordable Units According To Mayor de Blasio

Nov 08, 2017

“Seniors First,” 3RD initiative of expanded 300,000-home housing plan, will make 15,000 more homes age-friendly,’ build state-of-the-art senior buildings, protect existing senior developments

NEW YORK––Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced “Seniors First,” a slate of new affordable housing programs that will increase the amount of senior housing across the city. In total, the City will double its commitment to senior housing over the extended 12-year Housing New York plan, serving 30,000 senior households by 2026.

The number of seniors in New York is projected to grow 40 percent by 2040. To meet the housing needs of older New Yorkers on fixed incomes, the City will invest $150 million to make more homes accessible to seniors and people with disabilities; build new 100 percent affordable developments on underused NYCHA, and public and private sites; and preserve aging senior housing built as part of HUD’s 202 program.

As an immediate step, the City will seek proposals for 100-pecent affordable senior buildings totaling 300 new homes on three underused NYCHA sites at Sotomayor, Bushwick II (Group E), and Baruch Houses.

“The federal government has gotten out of the business of building senior housing, so New York City is jumping into it in a big way. We won’t let seniors be pushed out of the neighborhoods they helped build,” said Mayor de Blasio.

Along with the Neighborhood Pillars program and the Mitchell-Lama Reinvestment Program, “Seniors First” is the third new initiative announced as part of the Mayor’s plan to accelerate the creation and preservation of affordable housing across the city by financing 200,000 affordable homes by 2022, and expand that goal to 300,000 affordable homes by 2026 – enough to house the entire population of Boston.

“Seniors First” is needed to address the shortage of affordable housing for low-income seniors, who are the most rent-burdened and more likely to live on fixed-incomes than other New York City populations.

Through a multi-pronged strategy, the City will serve 25,000 senior households—in addition to the 5,000 already reached, through:

15,000 Age-Friendly Homes: The City is making a $150 million new commitment to address the needs of senior residents in buildings preserved over the next eight years. HPD will conduct assessments of the apartments it preserves with residents 62 or older, and make that housing accessible through improvements such as installing lever door handles and shower bars and widening doors to make bathrooms and kitchens wheelchair-friendly. These improvements will ensure seniors can age in place and retain their mobility as they age.

4,000 New Senior Apartments: HPD is committed to developing 4,000 new affordable senior homes through its Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program. Of the total under the Mayor’s housing plan, about 1,000 will now be constructed on a dedicated pipeline of underused NYCHA land. They will be developed in addition to the existing 10,000 affordable apartments already planned through NextGen NYCHA’s 100% affordable program.

6,000 Senior Apartments Protected: For decades, the federal government built hundreds of senior housing developments across the city through the HUD 202 program. These buildings are privately owned and operated, and many face physical deterioration that threatens their continued affordability. The City will target those properties most in need of protection, making repairs and providing long-term financing in exchange for continued affordability.

“As we accelerate and expand our work through Housing New York, we must put our seniors first. Today, we are doubling our initial commitment to senior housing and introducing a three-fold strategy to deliver on this critical priority. Through a new program to make senior homes more accessible in the buildings we rehab across the city, a targeted focus on protecting the existing stock of senior buildings, and a dedicated pipeline of underused NYCHA land for new affordable senior housing, we are operating on all cylinders to serve the seniors who helped build our great city,” said Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer. “I want to thank the Mayor, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye, HDC President Eric Enderlin, and all my colleagues across City government for their partnership to keep our seniors in safe, quality, affordable housing.”

“As New York City’s senior population grows, so must our efforts to ensure no one is left without the dignity of a secure, accessible, and affordable place to live,” said Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin. “With this latest initiative under the Mayor’s housing plan, we are keeping pace with increased demand for affordable housing and directing critical resources to New Yorkers in greatest need.”

“I am so pleased that the administration is two years ahead of schedule on its affordable housing plan, and moving ahead on even more robust plans to construct and preserve affordable housing for seniors,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Donna Corrado. “The demand for affordable senior housing in every community will only grow as New York City’s older adult population is expected to increase by approximately 16.7% over the next decade.”

“Seniors First is an important step in ensuring New York City supports its elderly residents, and NYCHA is proud to play a part in providing seniors an affordable home,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye. “One in five of our residents is over 62, and with NextGen NYCHA, we are making improvements every day to ensure our residents can live safely and comfortably in their homes.”

“I’ve been working with the City and the Mayor on senior housing for the last four years, the most recent in my capacity as Assembly Housing Chair. I’ve been gratified over the past year by the great progress we’ve made in moving our housing agenda forward on the city and state levels to ensure that seniors in Brooklyn and all throughout our city and state are taken care of,” said Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the State Assembly Housing Committee.

“The affordable housing and homelessness crisis in this city touches all areas and all populations. We in city government must ensure that our plan is comprehensive, that no one is left behind. Senior citizens are a population that is often targeted and taken advantage of in housing, and I thank the administration for taking these steps to protect and create affordable housing specifically geared toward these seniors,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams, Chair of the City Council Housing and Buildings Committee.

“Our city’s seniors, the cornerstones of our communities, have earned the dignity and security of an affordable home in the neighborhoods they helped make great, a home they can enjoy well into their golden years. I thank Mayor de Blasio for expanding his administration’s commitment to create and preserve senior housing in Brooklyn. We can and must do more to advance affordability for this priority population,” Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams said.

“At JASA, we know first-hand how important it is to provide New York’s senior residents with an opportunity to age in place in homes of their own choosing,” said Donald Manning, Director of Housing for JASA. “We applaud the ‘Seniors First’ initiative, which will help assure much-needed housing options for the city’s older population now, and in the coming year.”

Continue reading

0 0
Caregiver's CornerManaged Care

NYC Health Insurance: What is an HMO Plan? (Health Maintenance Organization)

Nov 08, 2017

Health Care is extremely important for New York’s seniors right now, which makes it even more important to understand the terminology, in order to be as informed as possible about what the doctor or insurance plan is trying to sell you. This week let’s take a look at understanding the “HMO”.

You might hear people refer to some health plans as HMO, which stands for Health Maintenance Organization. HMOs have their own network of doctors, hospitals and healthcare providers.   These provides have agreed to accept payment at a certain level for any services they provide. This allows the HMO to keep costs in check for its members.

In most HMO Plans, you generally must get your care and services from doctors, other health care providers, or hospitals in the plan’s network. You may also need to get a referral from your primary care doctor.

Can I get my health care from any doctor, other health care provider, or hospital?

In HMO Plans, you generally must get your care and services from doctors, other health care providers, or hospitals in the plan’s network, except:

  • Emergency care
  • Out-of-area urgent care
  • Out-of-area dialysis

In some plans, you may be able to go out-of-network for certain services, but it usually costs less if you get your care from a network provider. This is called an HMO with a point-of-service (POS) option.

Are prescription drugs covered?

In most cases, prescription drugs are covered in HMO Plans. Ask the plan. If you want Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), you must join an HMO Plan that offers prescription drug coverage.

Do I need to choose a primary care doctor?

In most cases, yes, you need to choose a primary care doctor in HMO Plans.

Do I have to get a referral to see a specialist?

In most cases you have to get a referral to see a specialist in HMO Plans. Certain services, like yearly screening mammograms, don’t require a referral.

What else do I need to know about this type of plan?

  • If your doctor or other health care provider leaves the plan, your plan will notify you. You can choose another doctor in the plan.
  • If you get health care outside the plan’s network, you may have to pay the full cost.
  • It’s important that you follow the plan’s rules, like getting prior approval for a certain service when needed.

Contact us to find out which HMOs are endorsed by New York for Seniors.

Original Media Source: NYC Newswire

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Living

Flu Vaccine Available At NYC Hospitals

Oct 21, 2017

NYC Health + Hospitals announced today the availability of flu vaccine at locations across New York City and urges New Yorkers six months and older to get vaccinated early in the season. Protection against the flu is not fully effective for up to 10 days after getting vaccinated, so delaying vaccination until flu season is declared may put individuals and those around them at risk of serious illness.

The flu is a serious, highly contagious, and sometimes deadly disease, and the severity of each season is unpredictable, making annual vaccination the best defense against illness. Flu virus can begin circulating as early as October and can last through May.

One indication that experts use in predicting the upcoming flu season is to look at the Southern Hemisphere, where winter and the flu season has just concluded. In Australia, the number of patients with flu was nearly double that of the preceding winter, making the importance of vaccination here this year greater.

“Thousands of New Yorkers die of flu and pneumonia, which often develops as a complication of the flu, each year,” said Machelle Allen, MD, chief medical officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Vaccination is easy, and it’s the first and best step in helping to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. NYC Health + Hospitals has ample doses of vaccine on hand at locations across the city for our patients, visitors, and staff. And if anyone tells you they caught the flu from the vaccination, it’s just not true. So vaccinate yourself today!”

All NYC Health + Hospitals facilities offer flu vaccination at no charge for patients, visitors, and staff. Find a location near you: http://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations read the healthy system’s five facts on fighting the flu: http://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/flufacts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation’s flu vaccination rate has plateaued for adults and children over the last few seasons. Given the prospects of a possibly bad flu season, this is the year when everyone eligible should get vaccinated, and early.

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Eating

Asian-Inspired Pasta Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Avocado

Oct 17, 2017

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whole-grain fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 medium asparagus spears (trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 6 ounces snow peas (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (lowest sodium available)
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 2 medium green onions (sliced)
  • 1 1/2 medium avocados (halved, pitted, diced)

Directions

  • Prepare the pasta using the package directions, omitting the salt.
  • Two minutes before the pasta is cooked, add the asparagus and snow peas to the boiling water. Transfer the cooked pasta mixture to a colander. Run cold water over the pasta and vegetables to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Stir in the carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and pasta mixture.
  • You can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to chill. If serving immediately, stir in the avocado. If chilling, stir in the avocado just before serving.

From American Heart Association, heart.org/healthyforgood

Continue reading

0 0
BrooklynHealthy Living

PHOTO GALLERY: Wellness and Resource Health Fair in Sunset Park

Oct 16, 2017

Event: Wellness and Resource Series Health Fair

Date: Thursday, September 21st, 2017

Invalid slider ID or alias.

 

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Living

NY AG Eric Schneiderman To Sue Trump On Health Care Subsidy Cuts

Oct 14, 2017

A.G. Schneiderman Leads Coalition Of AGs That Intervened In Defense Of Cost-Sharing Subsidies

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman released the following statement:

“Hundreds of thousands of New York families rely on the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies for their health care – and again and again, President Trump has threatened to cut off these subsidies to undermine our healthcare system and force Congress to the negotiating table. That’s unacceptable. 

“I will not allow President Trump to once again use New York families as political pawns in his dangerous, partisan campaign to eviscerate the Affordable Care Act at any cost.

“This summer, the courts granted our intervention to defend these vital subsidies and the quality, affordable health care they ensure for millions of families across the country. Our coalition of states stands ready to sue if President Trump cuts them off.”

In May, Attorney General Schneiderman and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, leading a coalition of 18 Attorneys General, moved to intervene in House v. Price in order to protect millions of Americans’ access to affordable health care. The DC Circuit granted their intervention in August.

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Living

American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Oct 06, 2017

Every year the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer hosts various walks in an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to save the lives of those with breast cancer. Each event is a noncompetitive walk that provides an opportunity to bring people together and make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. The events raise money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and to help individuals reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it is most treatable.

Walks in the NYC area will take place on Sunday, October 15th at the following locations.

Bronx

Orchard Beach located at 1 Orchard Beach Rd, Bronx, NY

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Marlene Medina, 718-547-5064 x65238, [email protected]

Brooklyn

MCU Stadium, Coney Island Boardwalk located at 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Silvano Cusimano, 347-422-5415, [email protected]

Manhattan

Central Park 72nd Street Bandshell located at East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:00 a.m.

Contact: Jennifer Balka and Sharon Gandolfo, 212-237-3884, [email protected]

Queens

Flushing Meadows Corona Park located at 11101 Corona Avenue, Corona, NY

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Robert Fox, 718-517-3207, [email protected]

Staten Island

Midland Beach located at 714 Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Heather Bajo, 718-987-8872 x114, [email protected]

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Eating

Mint Berry Fruit Salad

Oct 04, 2017

This berry and mint dish is refreshing on a hot day or all year round. You can add citrus fruits as well. Partners well with yogurt and granola or my favorite chia-see Kefir. Also, no problem substituting honey for the cane/coconut sugar.
J. Brittany Ray, Health and Nutrition Educator

Ingredients

  • 1 pint of raspberries
  • 1 pint of blueberries
  • 1 pint of blackberries
  • 1 carton of strawberries, stem removed and sliced
  • 1 lemon
  • 3 oranges
  • 2 teaspoons pure cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • Fresh Mint

Directions

  1. Wash, rinse, and dry the berries. Set aside.
  2. Zest and juice the lemon and oranges into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add berries to the bowl and toss together.
  4. Chop up a handful of mint.
  5. Sprinkle mint and sugar on berries.
  6. Toss and set aside 10 minutes at room temperature.

Continue reading

0 0
BronxHealthy Living

SAVE THE DATE: Wellness and Resource Series Health Fair Is Coming To The Bronx

Sep 29, 2017

On Thursday, October 26th, 2017, the New York for Seniors team, in partnership with AlphaCare and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, are proud to announce the upcoming Wellness Resource Series Health Fair in the Bronx. Developed to provide a holistic approach to serving our New York City Senior population, the event brings over a dozen community organizations together onto one platform. Bronx seniors are able to receive a vast variety of valuable information about services readily available to them as well as take part home free prizes.

Activities Include:

  • Healthy Living Tips
  • ‘Wheel of Health’ Game
  • Free Giveaways for Seniors!
  • Light Refreshments
  • Cooking Demonstrations
  • And much more…

 

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Living

ENY District Leader Nikki Lucas Partners With The Healthy NYC Expo, Presented by ShopRite

Sep 27, 2017

East New York State Committeewoman, Nikki Lucas (District Leader), has joined the Healthy NYC Expo, presented by ShopRite, which is set for Saturday November 4, 2017 at the Brooklyn Sports Club in East New York, Brooklyn.

The Healthy NYC Expo is a full day of healthy living events, activities and panel discussions for the entire family. Lucas, who works closely with the seniors of East Brooklyn, will be partnering specifically on the ‘Senior Center Square’ portion of the event, which is dedicated to the seniors.

Lucas stated, “I am excited to be a partner in the Healthy NYC Expo. It’s great that the organizers decided to launch the expo in my district of East New York. Although the event is open to everyone, I think it’s wonderful that they have an entire section dedicated to the senior population. I totally support the idea of bringing healthy living resources into East New York.  My goal is to connect with all of the seniors and senior centers to make sure they come out to enjoy the giveaways. health screenings, zumba, cooking demonstrations and panel discussions. And I know they’re going to love the free fruit smoothies.”  (Nikki Lucas pictured with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez at the Easter Hat Pageant)

Other ’Senior Center Square’ partners include AlphaCare by Magellan, Dept of Aging, Dept of Finance, Access-A-Ride, and many others.

Vernon Jones Sr, CEO of JIG Media (owners of the Healthy NYC Expo), stated “We are happy to have Nikki Lucas on board with us at this event. Her work within the East New York community has been wonderful. I saw how closely she worked with the seniors to put together the Easter Luncheon and Hat Pageant, and that is what prompted us to call her to ask if she wanted to partner with us on this event.  Nikki genuinely supports the senior population in East Brooklyn.”

Besides the ‘Senior Center Square’, the Healthy NYC Expo will have activities for the entire family, including a 90’s hip hop spin class, Lauren Hill inspired yoga, Zumba, health screenings, cooking demonstrations, a panel discussion on Mental Health Awareness, fresh fruit smoothies, giveaways and more.

This event is open to everyone in New York City who cares about living a healthy lifestyle.

Register Here to attend the event.

For organizations looking to partner or table at the event contact JIG Media at 718-285-9351 or email [email protected].

Continue reading

0 0
Featured News

Elmhurst Hospital Adds 2 New Shuttle Vans With $100K Capital Grant Sponsored by State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky

Sep 20, 2017

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst has added two new shuttle vans to transport patients and staff to and from NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky sponsored a $100,000 grant for capital improvements through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York for the vans, which took their inaugural runs earlier this summer. The new vans make 18 scheduled trips throughout the day between the two hospitals, allowing patients (who receive care at both hospitals) and staff (who work at both locations) to more easily and efficiently move between the two sites.

“We are tremendously grateful for Senator Toby Ann Stavisky’s support for our new shuttles,” said Israel Rocha, chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. “These vehicles will allow us to provide our patients with easier access to medical care and will ensure that we are using our resources in the best way possible.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst plays an important role in serving thousands of people each year with affordable, high-quality care. That is why I felt it necessary to allocate the funds for these shuttles so that patients can be transported to and from treatments they would otherwise be unable to access,” said Senator Stavisky. “I want to thank the staff at Elmhurst for their continued service to Queens. I know these new vehicles will be put to good use.”

On average, the service allows for more than 400 patients and staff to be transported each week. The shuttle service is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, please call 718-334-4000. To learn more about programs and services or to find a physician, please visit nychealthandhospitals.org/Elmhurst.

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Living

NY State of Health Announces Open Enrollment Dates for 2018 Qualified Health Plan Coverage

Sep 16, 2017

ALBANY, NY (September 7, 2017)- NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced that the Open Enrollment Period for 2018 Qualified Health Plan coverage will begin November 1, 2017 and end January 31, 2018. While the federal government has cut the 2018 Open Enrollment Period in half, New York looks to build on its success and is exercising its authority to extend the deadline. A longer enrollment period has been shown to increase enrollment of younger individuals and enables the Marketplace to provide better customer service to New Yorkers.

“Our goal is to ensure that consumers have adequate time to shop for and enroll in the health plan that is best for their family,” said NY State of Health Executive Director, Donna Frescatore. “Since 2013, more than 3.6 million New Yorkers have enrolled in affordable coverage through the Marketplace. As we enter our fifth open enrollment period, New York is more committed than ever to ensuring that core protections of the Affordable Care Act remain intact. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York has taken many steps to ensure that New Yorkers continue to have access to quality, affordable health insurance coverage.”

In the states that use the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov, the federal government has set December 15, 2017, as the end date for open enrollment. Because New York operates its own marketplace, the state has flexibility to set its open enrollment period dates. New York is exercising this authority to meet the needs of consumers by ensuring that they have sufficient time to enroll, and adequate access to enrollment assistance from the Customer Service Center and in-person assistors. Given the volume of calls and appointments during previous open enrollment periods, a shortened Open Enrollment could result in longer consumer wait times.

NY State of Health expects to renew coverage for more than 400,000 households and enroll new people into coverage during the Open Enrollment Period. Data show that younger individuals are more likely to enroll later in the Open Enrollment Period.

Individuals currently enrolled in a plan through NY State of Health will receive notices in October about how to renew their coverage for 2018 directly from the Marketplace.Notices will include information about how to select a plan, if applicable. Consumers whose plans are discontinuing in 2018 – Affinity and CareConnect, which enrolled less than three and five percent of individuals respectively- will have options from other issuers. These insurers participated in New York City and surrounding counties where individuals will have six or more insurer options in 2018.

Details about 2018 plan options will be released in late September.

Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year.

For more information about NY State of Health, visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1-800-662-1220 to find an enrollment assistor.

NOTE FOR SENIORS and  CAREGIVERS: If you are a senior or caregiver for a senior, and you have questions about health insurance or Managed Long Term Care (MLTC), be sure to stop by the ‘Senior Center Square‘ section of the upcoming Healthy NYC Expo at the Brooklyn Sports Center, Saturday November 4, 2017.  Register Here.

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy Eating

10 Health Benefits of Walnuts

Sep 15, 2017

Looking for a quick snack that can help keep your weight down? Try walnuts! Just a handful is all you need. They are high in protein, low in simple carbohydrates, and rich in healthy fats. Walnuts help your body burn excess fat and shed extra pounds.

They are also a great addition to your meal planning. Walnuts are a good snack to keep on hand and can be added to some of your favorite recipes. They are a delicious way to add extra nutrition and flavor to a meal. When consumed in moderation, walnuts also have many other health benefits.

10 Health Benefits of Walnuts

  1. A filling snack that allows for weight loss
  2. Helps fight depression
  3. Improves brain health
  4. Improves heart health
  5. Can help prevent cancer
  6. Improves reproductive health
  7. Aid in growth and development
  8. Improves cholesterol levels
  9. Decreases diabetes risk
  10. Reduces obesity

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy LivingLifestyle

Top 10 Places in NYC to Watch the Leaves Turn

Sep 14, 2017

The city is buzzing with the best Fall events, but for many Gothamites, there’s nothing better than exploring our city’s fall foliage. New York is bursting with vibrant-colored trees. You can see some truly stunning fall foliage in many gardens and NYC parks in the city. We’ve rounded up the top spots, in NYC and New York state, so you can certainly check leaf peeping off your New York bucket list this year.

 

Central Park

1 – Central Park

Start at the Conservatory Water, near the entrance at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street, where you can spot hawthorn trees covered in red berries. Then continue to the 38-acre Ramble in the middle of the park, where you’ll find a large tupelo tree at the southern end of an area known as Tupelo Meadow; the leaves appear in various shades—red, yellow and purple—throughout the season. Continue your nature trek in the North Woods, a rustic landscape alongside the Ravine, featuring brooks, various oaks, elm, red maple and black cherry—enter at the eastern edge of the Pool (between 100th and 103rd Streets) and follow the trails north. Near the Great Hill, look for European beech trees, which has leaves that turn a warm shade of orangey-red.

Fort Tryon Park

2 – Fort Tryon Park

After a stroll into the Heather Garden’s vast swath of perennials and a walk through the Cloisters, hike through the arching trees and take a seat at the Linden Terrace, one of the highest points in Manhattan, where you’ll be able to gaze across the water at the Hudson River Palisades, which has 20 miles of cliffs that will be covered in vivid copper and orange foliage.

 

Prospect Park

3 – Prospect Park

Sugar and red maples—which you can spot around the park’s lake—are the first trees to change, turning orange and red, respectively. The rest of the park’s foliage should follow by late October, with species like elm, sour gum and sassafras all displaying fall colors. Head to the Ravine, a densely wooded area at the center of the park, for the highest concentration of plants. Seen enough trees? Climb the hill behind the Audubon Center; there you’ll find a wildlife garden filled with plants such as holly shrubs, whose berries also transform in cooler weather.

Alley Pond Park

4 – Alley Pond Park

At just over a half-mile long, Tulip Tree Trail is a great place to spot this species. The park is home to what’s purported to be the oldest and largest tulip poplar in the city (called the “Alley Pond Giant”), at a towering 133.8 feet tall. Other varieties that you’ll spot within the Queens green space include white oak, red maple and sassafras trees, which turn yellow and red.

 

 

 

 

 

Greenbelt Nature Center

5 – Greenbelt Nature Center

Consisting of 2,800 acres of interconnected open space in suburban Staten Island, the Greenbelt offers 35 miles of trails through parks and woodland. Start your expedition at the Nature Center, where you can pick up a copy of the trail map (which can also be downloaded from the website) and talk to naturalists. The eight-mile Yellow trail passes the ironically named Moses’ Mountain, which was created from debris from Robert Moses’s nixed plan to construct a highway through the area. From the 260-foot hill, you get a panoramic view of the surrounding treetops—the mix of oaks, sweet gum, tulip, sassafras and red maple provide a blaze of autumnal color. On the other side of the mountain, cross Manor Road and head back into the woods toward the 90-acre High Rock Park, where you’ll glimpse ponds and clusters of red maple.

New York Botanical Garden

6 – New York Botanical Garden

For the best leaf spotting, get lost in the garden’s Thain Family Forest. The 250-acre woodland area is the city’s largest patch of old-growth forest (with some trees dating to the 19th century), and numerous species—including a high concentration of oak, red maple and tulip trees—can be found within the site. Keep an eye out for sweet gums, whose star-shaped leaves turn red and purple as autumn progresses, and scarlet oak trees, which are rich in tannins and display brilliant shades of orange and red. To learn more, head to the garden for two Fall Forest Weekends, which include guided foliage-themed tours, among other activities.

 

 

 

Bloomingdale Park

7 – Bloomingdale Park

This 139-acre park features scores of verdant woodlands and a vast diversity of trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Van Cortlandt Park

8 – Van Cortlandt Park

This enormous Bronx park can overwhelm, with more than 1,000 acres (and an estimated 80,000 trees) within its borders. But that also makes it ideal for leaf peepers, who can see species such as oak, sweet gum and hickory displaying rust and orange leaves. For superlative views, take a stroll along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, a 1.1-mile nature walk built atop a former tunnel that shuttled water from the Croton Reservoir down to New York City. Check out tulip and maple trees in shades of goldenrod and scarlet.

 
Wave Hill

9 – Wave Hill

Vivid foliage is in evidence as soon as you enter the grounds of Wave Hill—look out for a golden larch south of the main entrance. It’s best viewed from beneath its branches on a clear day when the sun shines through the gilded leaves, says horticultural interpreter Charles Day. Take a seat in the open-sided structure to admire the fiery palette of the New Jersey Palisades on the other side of the Hudson—the pristine oak-hickory forest is scattered with maples, sweet and sour gums, black birch and tulip trees, resulting in an impressionist patchwork of rich hues. If you still crave more, venture into Wave Hill’s eight-acre woodland to stroll amid sugar maple and hickory trees.

Sunken Meadow State Park

10 – Sunken Meadow State Park

Though Long Island is better known as a summertime beach destination, there are plenty of reasons to head east after Labor Day. Sunken Meadow State Park (Rte 25A at Sunken Meadow Pkwy, Kings Park, NY; 631-269-4333, nysparks.com) is just 50 miles outside of the city, and offers dazzling views of Long Island Sound and even a slice of Connecticut in the distance. The park’s diverse topography allows you to view the seasonal changes in a variety of settings, from beachfront to bluff top. The fall harvest season is also a great time to make your way to Long Island Wine Country (liwines.com) to visit the tasting rooms of more than three dozen local wineries.

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy EatingHealthy Living

AlphaCare Joins the Healthy NYC Expo as the Official Partner of the ‘Senior Center Square’

Sep 14, 2017

Brooklyn, NY – JIG Media announced today that AlphaCare has come on board, as the official partner of the ‘Senior Center Square’ section of the Healthy NYC Expo Presented by ShopRite. The Senior Square is the section within the Healthy NYC Expo that is dedicated to the senior population. Seniors will be treated to free massages, health screenings, information about freezing their rent, refreshments, Zumba, cooking demonstrations, giveaways and more.

“We are excited that AlphaCare has joined the Healthy NYC Expo as a major supporter of our senior population. There is no way we can have an Healthy NYC Expo without providing special treatment for seniors, who are the backbone of this great city”, stated Vernon Jones, Sr, CEO of JIG Media.

Brian Morgan, Business Leader for MLTC, AlphaCare, stated, “AlphaCare is always interested in supporting seniors when it comes to improving their quality of life and overall health. The health resources and entertainment value of this event satisfies both. We are excited to partner with JIG Media and ShopRite on this incredible event.”

The Healthy NYC Expo is Saturday November 4, 2017, at the Brooklyn Sports Club. The event is open to New Yorkers from every neighborhood and borough, but it is important that you register early in order to guarantee entry.

Seniors, caregivers, and families can register online at healthynyc.com/expo, or they can register by calling 718-285-9351. Senior center directors are encouraged to register groups of seniors.

To schedule Access-A-Ride to transport you to the event call 877-337-2017 toll-free from area codes 212,347, 516, 631,646, 718, 845, 914, and 929.From other area codes, call 718-393-4999. Customers who are deaf/hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or the free 711 relay service.

Continue reading

0 0
Featured News

New ‘Wheel of Health’ Game Aims to Educate Seniors Through Entertainment

Sep 14, 2017

AlphaCare, a Magellan Health company based in Brooklyn, New York, has introduced a new, fun, and entertaining way for New York City’s senior citizens to learn about the resources that are available to them that they might not have otherwise known about. It’s a Spin-wheel game called ‘The Wheel of Health’, and it’s quickly become an event favorite for all attendees.

First, players Spin the ‘Wheel of Health’, and if they land on a Number, then the AlphaCare rep asks the player as question that corresponds to that number. Some examples question would be ‘What is the name of the program that allows a family member to get paid for caring for you?’, and ‘Name one of the many beneficial services that Senior Centers offer for older adults?’. If the player gets the question right, then they receive a Premium Prize, which can vary from a 100% cotton t-shirt, to a full manicure set. In the event that the player does not get the answer correct, the AlphaCare rep explains the answer in full detail and still provides the player with a smaller prize.

There are also 4 Bonus Slots on the ‘Wheel of Health’ that give automatic prizes, which stirs a lot of excitement for the players and spectators. “It’s a fun way to learn about these programs that I should know about. Plus, the prizes are great!” said Thelma Jones, attendee of the recent Wellness Resource Series event at the Brooklyn Sports Club earlier this summer.

If you are interested in playing the ‘Wheel of Health’ game or would like to see it in action, Sign Up for the upcoming Wellness Resource Health Fair at the Sunset Park Recreation Center.

 

Continue reading

0 0
BrooklynFeatured NewsUncategorized

From Crown Heights To Civil Court: An Interview With Brooklyn Civil Court Judge Candidate Ellen Edwards

Aug 23, 2017

(Left to right) Ellen Edwards at the Brooklyn Diabetes Awareness Health Fair with attendee.

This is a condensed version of the full interview. To see the full interview, visit NYCpolitics.com.

What Is Your Background?

I have lived in Brooklyn my entire life — Crown Heights — it used to be Bedford-Stuyvesant and now its Crown Heights. I’ve been on Saint Marks and Bedford Avenue for, basically, my whole life. Before that I was on Bergen Street, which is right around the corner, so, I’ve been in the same neighborhood for quite awhile. I went to school in Brooklyn. I went to P.S. 138 — P.S. 241 — I went to Jackie Robinson Jr High School. I was selected to go to John Dewey High School, which was a specialized high school at the time. John Dewey was kind of like a college, so they let you select your own classes and have free time, et cetera. Then, I went to City College of New York, CCNY. I was in the Urban Legal Studies Program. The great Haywood Burns was the head of that program and they integrated the practice of law into community and activism, et cetera. So, that was part of my training. I went to Emory University School of Law. That’s in Atlanta, Georgia. I went there because they gave me a full academic scholarship for the three years. So, they was paying and I was playing.

I came back to New York. I first worked in a small firm, then I worked for 32BJ Legal Services. I was in their criminal division, so I represented union members who had criminal cases up to E felonies and, thereafter, I’ve been in private practice.So, I’ve been in private practice for 25 years, been practicing for 28 years. So, it’s a quarter of a century having my own office. I’ve been at the same location on Montague Street. I do criminal defense, I do estates, I do real estate, and a part of my practice is to assist the community. So, I do pro-bono cases, meaning I don’t get paid, or I get like a fried chicken retainer or a blunt cake retainer. I’ve been helpful to the community by giving different seminars. Like today (at the Brooklyn Diabetes Awareness Health Fair) I was very pushy about people getting their health care proxy. A lot of us need education and sometimes people only think in terms of lawyers when there are bad things that happen. But, there are a lot of good things that lawyers can do to help facilitate problems — the resolution of problems and the health care proxy is one of those things. So, I’ve seen a lot of people go into the hospital or have a medical emergency and then there is no one specifically designated to make the decision as to what should happen to the person. And, it winds up in a lot of family dissension, confusion, and it’s not helpful to the person that’s sick. So, this is a very small document, it takes less than a minute to fill out, but it’s very helpful. This is a health fair and this is part of your health, having someone designated to help make a decision if you’re unable to do so.

I’m also a guardian ad litem, which means I help people who are somewhat incapacitated. Either they have mental issues or they are seniors who just can’t maneuver and I assist them in housing court, help them get their benefits, help them get arrears and the arrears in their rent resolved, help them get repairs in their apartments done If the landlord previously had not been willing to that, and that’s part of the practice that I do. I also do matrimonial, I do real estate, I’m a real estate broker. So, I‘ve been in most of the courts in Brooklyn and Manhattan, et cetera. I’ve argued the Court of Appeals, I have been an appellate lawyer to write appeals for people who are indigent.

When I was In law school, I was an Intern with the ACLU, which is the American Civil Liberties Union, and I worked on the death penalty case for Janice Buttrum. And thank God, she’s still alive. And that’s based on an issue I worked on with them regarding pretrial publicity. And so, I had to document all of the pre-trial publicity to make the argument that there was excessive pretrial publicity and her case should not have been heard in the same county where the incident occurred. So, that’s one of the constitutional issues that were raised, and that is the only issue that went up to the Supreme Court and was successful in getting her conviction reversed. And, over the years, she had re-hearings, etcetera, and I’m happy to say I spoke to her this year and she’s still alive and she’s getting ready to get released on probation because her sentence was illegal in terms of her sentencing to death because she was a juvenile and you’re not supposed to be able to give juveniles life imprisonment. You’re supposed to give them an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves. So, she and I are the same age. So, at the time, that case was very important to me because I saw a young person my age and they were on death row and it was a very horrible thing that occurred. However, she was a kid, and kids are very impressionable. And the adult that led her into that situation — he committed suicide. And so, there she was left. And she’s still alive, and I’m happy to say I was a part of that and that’s what I’m doing. That’s my background.

Why Are You Running For Civil Court Judge? 

I’ve seen a change in the political climate in the country. I’ve seen a number of tragedies that have occurred, and I feel, given my experience, my commitment to serving the community, and my temperament, I could make a difference. And it’s not my assessment that led me to run, it’s other people asked me, people who’ve seen me in court: court officers, stenographers, and people kept asking me: when are you going to run, how come you aren’t running? And when I saw what happened in January, I decided that I could make a difference. I saw judges stand up and I believe that the judiciary should be a separate branch of the government. Politicians have their place, legislators have their place, and the judiciary has its place And the judiciary should remain impartial and separate, and not be influenced by who you know or who knows you. So, it’s a place that’s necessary for the continuation of our democracy, and to preserve it. And so, when I heard certain pronouncements from the executive, I was like ‘hey, that’s why we’re supposed to be separate, we’re supposed to base our opinions based on the facts and our understanding of the law and not based on someone’s political persuasion.  

— It’s been an interesting running. I’m enjoying the process. I’m a little bit sleepy sometimes, but you know I revive myself, and I think that this is really important (referring to the Health Care Proxy Forms). I’ve done wills for people for many years, and people come in for the interview. And it’s so hard to them to come back because they feel if they fill out a will, they’re going to die. So, this I think is a very good, very useful tool. That and a Power of Attorney, If you give it to the right person. These are very useful, simple tools that can assist you in case you have a problem. I make sure to print these up and I’m even more forceful with people signing these than I am signing my petition because I just don’t want to just ask people for my vote, I want you to come away with something that’s beneficial to you. And that’s what I’ve been all along and I’ve been continuing to do that.   

What Reforms Do You Plan On Bringing To The Civil Court System?

Well, one of the things I think can be done is to have better signage in the courthouse. You come into the courthouse — a lot of people don’t speak English and it’s very hard for you to find where you’re supposed to go, even for me. They change the court parts and you don’t know where you’re going. Imagine you come into the courthouse and you don’t speak the language  and you don’t know where you’re going or how to get there. So, just like in the airports — if they had signage in different languages — it would make it easier for people who have access.

Also, a lot of people who have cases, sometimes going to court means you’re going to lose your job. And, so people don’t show up because they have to go to work. So, I think the courts can accommodate people by having a night court. They have night court in Criminal Court but they don’t use it for people who can’t come during the day. And the same way they have those cases on during the day, they can just take those cases and put it in — you know, people who don’t show up or can’t show up — they can put it in that courtroom that they’re using and it’s under-utilized and people who have their cases done in the evening — not to say that everybody can access that at night, but that would be able to help, particularly people who don’t have means, and sometimes going to court that second or third time may mean the difference between you having a job and losing your job the same way they have in have in Civil Court you have cases going on — you may lose your job. If you have the choice between losing your job so that you can keep your apartment or going to see about your apartment and you can lose your job, that’s a circular thing. So, the courts can do that to make things a little more easier.

How Are You Going To Advocate Senior Rights If You’re Elected?

Well, you can’t be an advocate for seniors when you’re a judge. You have to rule on the facts and the law and that’s what you have to do. But, I have an appreciation for the issues that seniors face. I’ve worked with a lot of seniors and I’m very sensitive to what their needs are. So, in terms of having additional senses, like having a guardian ad litem, I would insist on that. Having translators available for them. I believe if you had more social workers in the courthouse, that would really facilitate a lot of things. Some people have mental disabilities that are undiagnosed, and if we had someone to diagnose them earlier it may facilitate the process moving smoother. So, I think if we could advocate for having more social workers, that would be a tremendous aid. So, that’s what I would be advocating for in my courtroom, to have those ancillary facilities or motives available to people.

Why Should People Vote For You?

Because I’m a great person, and I love people. I don’t have any axes to grind. I’m fair-minded. People say I’m very even-tempered. I’m very respectful of people, of their cultures, of their religious practices, of their gender preferences. That’s why. And I’ll be a fair-minded judge who exercises independent judgment for the betterment of Brooklyn. I mean I’m sure other people have other things but — that’s me, that’s what I am. I’m a Brooklyn girl and I’m here to make things better.

Is There Anything Else You’d Like To Add?

Brooklyn is a great place, and it’s changing. And I think it should change to accommodate people who are coming in and the people who are here already.

Vote for Civil Court Judge on Tuesday, September 12th!

Continue reading

0 0
BrooklynFeatured NewsHealthy Living

Wellness Resource Series Health Fair Coming to Sunset Park

Aug 22, 2017

On Thursday, September 21st, 2017, the New York for Seniors team, in partnership with AlphaCare, are proud to announce the upcoming Wellness Resource Series Health Fair in Sunset Park Brooklyn. Developed to provide a holistic approach to serving our New York City Senior population, the event brings over a dozen community organizations together onto one platform. Brooklyn seniors are able to receive a vast variety of valuable information about services readily available to them as well as take part home free prizes.

Activities Include:

  • Healthy Living Tips
  • ‘Wheel of Health’ Game
  • Free Giveaways for Seniors!
  • Light Refreshments
  • Cooking Demonstrations
  • And much more…

 

Continue reading

0 0
Featured NewsHealthy Living

10 Smoothie Recipes Sure to Beat the NYC Heat

Aug 17, 2017

Fruit smoothies can be an easy way to nourish your body with essential nutrients. The best way to know the exact ingredients in your smoothie is to make them yourself. All you need is a blender, fruit and a base, such as water, milk or yogurt. Making your own smoothies can help prevent fruit from going to waste, while providing benefits that will keep you on the right track towards good health.

Check out these 10 hand-picked recipes that we’ve gathered for you to beat that NYC sun:dreamstime_m_59225596

1. Breakfast Fruit Smoothie

2. Kiwi Mango Lassi Smoothie

3. Mango Apricot Strawberry Smoothie

4. Banana Smoothie

5. Fat-Free Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie

6. Spinach Mango Smoothie

7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Blast Smoothie

8. Blueberry Smoothie

9. Fruit Smoothie Twister

10. Tropical Smoothie

 

Content provided in partnership with AlphaCare

Continue reading

0 0
Featured NewsMAGAZINESSummer 2017

The ‘NY for Seniors Magazine’ Summer Issue is Here!

Aug 07, 2017

As Summer continues to heat up, the New York for Seniors Magazine Summer Edition launches to tackle hot button topics that shape the lives of New York’s senior population.

 

Here’s a preview of what you can find in this issue:

  • Congressman Ed Towns Hosts the Wellness and Resource Series in partnership with AlphaCare
  • Events Calendar for Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx. and Manhattan
  • JASA Celebrates Seniors
  • Parents’ Day Event Celebrates the Chinese Community
  • Bronx “Sip And Chat” Event Encourages Open Conversation About Elder Abuse
  • AlphaCare’s Wellness And Resource Initiative Aims To Keep Seniors Active
  • A Senior’s Guide To Beginners’ Yoga
  • 8 Best Summer Fruits and Veggies

To read the magazine online, go to: https://nycnewsnetwork.com/nyforseniors/magazine/summer-2017/

Hard copies are available at Senior Centers throughout NYC. To request magazines be sent to your local Senior Center, fill out this form.

 

Continue reading

0 0
Healthy LivingMAGAZINESSummer 2017

Top 8 Summer Fruits and Vegetables

Jul 24, 2017
Invalid slider ID or alias.

Content provided in Partnership with:
magellan_alphacare_cmyk_tm

Continue reading

, , , 0 0
You may also like

New York for Seniors Magazine Now Available in Digital 3D

New York For Seniors Magazine Has Officially Launched!
Featured News

Understanding NYC’s Brown Recycle Bins

Jul 18, 2017

If you are one of the millions of New Yorkers who received a new brown recycling bin, then you may have a few questions. Here, we break down why these new recycling bins are necessary, how you use them, and tricks and tips on how to properly recycle food and yard waste.

Why Should we Recycle Food and Yard Waste?

New York City alone produces 12 million tons of garbage a day, with a large portion of that waste being uneaten food and yard waste. This creates a lot of problems. Large amounts of trash fill up landfills that produce methane gas, which contributes to global warming. Instead of taking up space, thrown away food and yard scraps can be composted into soil or used as a renewable energy source. This creates less garbage, which helps the earth, the air, and us.

But, what about the personal effects? Recycling a banana peel or a coffee filter may not seem like it’s making much of a difference in our everyday lives, but it will help households become more aware of how much food and money they’re throwing out on a daily basis. We throw away about 25% of the food we purchase, which can cost us well over $1,000 a year. By being aware of how much food we are recycling, we become aware of what we’re wasting and become more inclined to save.

What You Received

If you live in a single family home or a building with nine or less apartments, your family may have received a brown bin with a starter kit for each household living in the premises. If you have not received a kit, check inside the bin where the starter kits are placed. These kits include a kitchen container, a brochure, a coupon for certified compostable trash bags, and a sticker listing all recyclable material and their proper disposal bins.

What to Recycle  

These bins are specifically for food and yard waste. This includes:

Food Scraps. This includes any leftover, spoiled, or unwanted foods. This does not include liquids!

Food Soiled Paper. This includes tea bags, napkins, paper plates, coffee filters, etc. This does not include clean paper products, which are recycled separately.

Yard Waste. Such as leaves, grass trimmings, plants, etc. For Brooklyn and Queens residents, this does not include wood debris or firewood. Call 311 if you need to dispose of either.

No cartons, plastic, metal, glass, clean paper, cardboard, or trash should ever be thrown out in the brown bins.  

How to start

Learning how to properly dispose of food is essential to preventing odors or unsanitary conditions. It’s no secret that certain foods smell, especially when left sitting in a garbage can, and dumping all your scraps into a single area can elevate that odor. Thankfully, there are ways of combating this.

Use compostable trash bags. These bags are the only commercial bags that food waste can be properly recycled in. Because they break down along with the food, it’s completely safe to use them when depositing food into your bins. Many of these bags also combat against odors, just like many regular garbage cans. When purchasing compostable trash bags, always look for this certification logo.  

compostable-bag-logo

If you don’t have compostable trash bags, brown paper bags will also work fine. If your food and yard waste does not fit in your bin, you can leave the yard waste in a brown paper bag or an open container (not including plastic bags) and put it out next to the bin on pickup days.

Use regular plastic bags to store food until properly disposed of. This will help reduce odor when indoors before the food is deposited into the brown bins. Just make sure not to throw away the plastic bag into the brown bin once it comes time to empty it into the trash. Simply deposit the food into the brown bin and throw away the plastic bag separately.

Use common place products to help reduce odor and absorb moisture in the bins. Sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of your bin will help absorb odors, and using newspaper and cardboard as trash liners help absorb excess moisture and odor.

Regularly rinse out your brown bin. This will prevent any leftover orders.

Know your pickup days. You don’t want to leave a bin full of food outside for too long. If you don’t know your block’s pick up days, call 311 or visit http://www1.nyc.gov/apps/311utils/addressinfo.htm to find out.

If you have room, place your smaller recycle bin in the freezer. This will eliminate the odor.

For more information, check out these links:

www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/zerowaste/residents/organics-collection-brown-bin

materials.bwprronline.org/system/tdf/organics-collection-general-instruction-brochure-for-once-a-week-pickup

www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/

Continue reading

0 0
Manhattan

Parents’ Day Celebrates the Mothers and Fathers of the Chinese Community

Jul 17, 2017

On one of the warmest days of the year to date, Manhattan’s Chinatown was the scene of an authentic program of Chinese culture and tradition, on May 19th.  The venue was the spacious, air-conditioned 300-seat auditorium of the Chinese Community Center at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), an organization founded in 1883 to serve and protect the interests of the Chinese people in the New York metropolitan area. The event was Parents’ Day: a combined springtime tribute to both mothers and fathers, celebrating the elders in the tight-knit community.

After a check presentation by CCBA board members to benefit a local Chinese school and recognition of the participants, a full cultural program was the highlight of the afternoon’s events, and included a myriad of colorful performances by senior community center members. Variety-show style, each act took to the stage accompanied by live or recorded music, engaging the audience with traditional numbers that they all seemed to know, as they sang and clapped along!

Conceived and presented by AlphaCare, in partnership with Lin Sing Association, another one of the oldest Chinese American organizations in existence, the well-attended inaugural event also featured a Wellness & Resource Fair, targeted at the senior guests.

Liz Ho, Community Outreach Manager for AlphaCare, was elated at the overwhelming interest and turnout for the day’s program. “It is an honor to link with an important community fixture like Lin Sing Association, especially for an occasion like Parents’ Day,” she said. “While paying respect to seniors and hard-working immigrant families, AlphaCare was also able to invite many of our hospital and home care agency partners that serve the Asian community.  Together, we present a strong network of resources that support healthy living.”

Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Over a dozen resource partners were in attendance, including Mannings Pharmacy, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Lower Manhattan, Xincon Home Health Care Services, NYC Commission on Human Rights, Fu Generation Foundation, and Asian Americans for Equality (AAE). Guests visited each table to speak to reps about available services, and collected information and free swag, like tote bags, key chains, and more.

Premier Home Health Care Services, one of the larger partner agencies, has a full staff dedicated to outreach in the Asian communities in New York.  A long time AlphaCare partner, Premier is active in the five boroughs, and in addition to accepting all insurances and Medicaid, their staff is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, even Korean. Malily Li, a Premier rep, expressed her gratitude for the event: “This has been a really good experience for me; it’s good to not only meet potential clients, but it’s nice to talk to reps from the other agencies that provide similar services. And I was impressed by the entertainment. I’m looking forward to the next one!”

Continue reading

0 0
Featured News

New York for Seniors Magazine Now Available in Digital 3D

Jul 13, 2017

By popular demand, the New York for Seniors Magazine is now available in a digital 3D version!

Currently, the New York for Seniors Magazine is distributed to senior centers, assisted living facilities, churches, and government offices throughout New York City.

For those interested in reading the magazine, but are not located within the distribution network, the new digital 3D feature provides a simple and effective solution.

Benefits of the new Digital 3D Version include:

  • Ability to click on web links in the Magazine
  • Share with family, friends, and colleagues
  • Read on a smart phone, tablet, or laptop
  • Download the entire magazine for offline reading

About New York for Seniors:

Created to keep NYC’s senior citizens updated and knowledgeable on key resources, health options, healthy living tips and lifestyle activities, that impact their lives, ‘New York for Seniors’ is a movement that galvanizes the community toward improving the quality of life for our NYC senior population.

For more information about the New York for Seniors initiative or if you have any questions regarding the new digital 3D version, send an email to [email protected].

Special thanks to AlphaCare for their continued support of New York City’s senior population.

Continue reading

, 0 0
You may also like

Top 8 Summer Fruits and Vegetables

New York For Seniors Magazine Has Officially Launched!
Partner Resources

Understanding the Types and Symptoms of Arthritis

Jul 10, 2017

Arthritis is the name given to a group of chronic disorders whose symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in one or more joints. Arthritis can effect anyone but is most common in older adults. Arthritis may result from trauma, aging, infection, an auto-immune disease, genetics, or occupational injuries. Treatment options for arthritis include medication, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery. Understanding the various types of arthritis and the symptoms that accompany them can help you communicate with your health care professional to find the best treatment.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by the wearing away of cartilage around the joint, causing bones in the joint to rub together. Although almost everyone will experience some degree of osteoarthritis after the age of 70, people who work in certain physically demanding jobs or play some sports are more susceptible. Osteoarthritis sufferers often experience stiffness (particularly in the morning) and loss of range of motion in addition to pain that is more severe after physical activity or certain types of movement.

Another  common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks healthy cells. Symptoms are usually experienced in the same joint on both sides of the body. The joints most often affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. Pain, swelling, and compromised movement are all common in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as eventual deformity of the affected joints in more severe cases. More women than men have rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs primarily in the joint at the base of the big toe, although it can also occur in the wrists, fingers, knees, and heel. It is cause by excess uric acid in the blood, which is then deposited in joints and surrounding tissues in the form of uric acid crystals. Gout can have various causes, including genetics and trauma, but is often associated with frequent consumption of alcohol and meat. Gout is more prevalent in men than women.

There are many other forms of arthritis, including autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis and scleroderma, and those resulting from infection, like gonococcal arthritis. Although different types of arthritis can be differentiated on the basis of their symptoms, medical testing is usually necessary to conclusively determine the underlying cause

Find the original article here.

Content provided by Edison Home Health Care. Their team of trusted advisors is happy to assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for Parkinson problems. Have questions? Give them a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form.

edison-logo

Continue reading

0 0
BrooklynHealthy LivingMAGAZINESSummer 2017

AlphaCare’s ‘Wellness and Resource’ Initiative Is Keeping Seniors Active In East New York

Jun 29, 2017

On Thursday, June 22nd, AlphaCare continued their Wellness and Resource Series of events with a Diabetes Awareness Health Fair for senior citizens at the Brooklyn Sports Club in East New York, Brooklyn. Joining forces with Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, the purpose of the event was to bring various community resource partners onto one platform in order to increase the awareness of the services available to Seniors throughout Brooklyn. Some of the community partners that AlphaCare collaborated with were Access-A-Ride, Brookdale Hospital, Clear Caption, Department of the Aging, SNAP-Met Council, NYPD Community Affairs, New York for Seniors, New York Life, EPIC, and many others. From 10am to 3pm, the seniors in attendance enjoyed healthy refreshments, cooking demonstrations, Zumba, prize giveaways, live entertainment by the Dancers of BRC, and got a chance to play AlphaCare’s new Wheel of Health game.

“We love arranging these events for seniors in all areas of Brooklyn because it’s important that they are well informed about the right resources.  Not all seniors are digital savvy due to the generation that we live in at this current time,” said Cindy Lai, Director of Communications and Marketing. “We are promoting a healthier lifestyle for seniors so they can live longer for their families but they must remember everything they do affects them as a whole. ”

“I really had a good time at the fair; it was fantastic”, said fellow attendee Michele Brown. “I would like to call myself the dancing machine and the DJ was playing the jams. I had a good time for a great cause”.

To stay up to date with upcoming AlphaCare events throughout New York City, go to nyforseniors.com/things-to-do

Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image
Gallery Image

Continue reading

0 0
Brooklyn

AlphaCare Bringing Wellness & Resource Series To East New York On Thursday, June 22

Jun 08, 2017

 AlphaCare is bringing their citywide Wellness and Resource Series (for seniors) to East New York, Brooklyn, Thursday June 22, 2017, at the Brooklyn Sports Club.

Last month the series kicked off with the Diabetes Awareness Health Fair at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration. The upcoming event in East New York will also be a Diabetes Awareness Health Fair, which is a partnership between AlphaCare and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, who has been a champion in the fight against diabetes.

Former Congressman Ed Towns, from East New York,  was the special guest host and the kickoff event, and he will be the host of the event in East New York as well. Watch the video from last month’s event.

Partners include Brookdale Hospital, Access-A-Ride, New York Life, American Diabetes Association, NYC ID, and more.

What: Diabetes Awareness Health Fair

When: Thursday June 22, 2017

Time: 10am-3pm

Where: Brooklyn Sports Club – 1540 Van Siclen Ave. Brooklyn NY, 11239

Seniors are encouraged to attend this free event.

For more information contact Beatrice Morton of AlphaCare at [email protected].

June 22nd Wellness Resource Series Event Flyer

Continue reading

0 0
BrooklynMAGAZINESSpring 2017

Wellness Fair At Brownsville Recreation Center

Jun 06, 2017

It was a nice midweek reprieve for the seniors who came out for a Senior Fair / Black History Month event at Brownsville Recreation Center (BRC). Guests enjoyed continental breakfast and refreshments as they were entertained by performances by active BRC members. BRC boasts one of the largest senior membership in the five boroughs with over 1,000 regular attendees.

After a welcome address by Recreation Director Vivian Jett-Brown, various senior groups took the floor to impress the audience with their skills. A small Tai Chi class illustrated the graceful movements of the centuries-old, stress-relieving discipline, and the Golden Nugget Seniors Helping Seniors ensemble demonstrated dance routines practiced in their weekly sessions. “These seniors are as young as the spring is long,” said Ms. Jett-Brown, a 19-year veteran of the BRC staff. “We have such a robust offering [of classes] here, including yoga, swimming and ballroom dance. Plus they go on trips and put on plays. They get to stay active and have fun.”

Representatives from SUNY Downstate Medical Center manned a table packed with pamphlets regarding HIV prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, and safe sex practices. Marian Searchwell, Program Coordinator, shared a startling local statistic: in New York City, the rate that seniors (ages 65+) acquire sexually transmitted diseases is at an all-time high. The SUNY program is working with city and state health officials to re-educate seniors, many of whom do not consider themselves an “at-risk” population.

Did you know Internet-enabled caption phones are available free of charge for users with hearing aids? Dorothy Bruns of Clear Captions demonstrated the features of the Ensemble phone, which displays text of conversations in near real-time on a large color touchscreen. The sleek, high tech-looking device is really user-friendly, and compatible with all carriers, in any state. Several seniors spoke with Ms. Bruns about setting up future in-home product demos and installations.

Other senior fair participants included AlphaCare, MTA Access-A-Ride, NYPD Community Affairs, New York Life, FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit, Department of Aging NYC, Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Elmy’s Special Services and Centers Plan for Healthy Living and Department of Health & Mental Hygiene NYC.

Brownsville Recreation Center- (718) 345-2706

1555 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11212

Continue reading

0 0
X
X