Aging ain't for Sissies

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Ever wondered how your adult children impact your life? Join me, as I unravel this complex topic armed only with an iced tea and fresh insights from my recent travels. We'll explore the intricate dance of maintaining a healthy relationship with our grown-up kids, which is both close to my heart and relevant to many of us. Settle in for an episode filled with wisdom, candid conversations, and much love as we navigate this critical chapter of our parenting journey.

I've been on the road again, gathering a wealth of new perspectives that will enrich our discussion. From the beginning of the week to now, I've experienced many emotions and eye-opening revelations. This episode promises to examine these experiences and their implications for our evolving relationships with our adult children. So grab your cup of iced tea, and let's engage in a meaningful chat about the kids we've raised. After all, no matter how old they get, they're always our children, aren't they?

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Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an eighth grader? Join me, your host Marcy Backes, as I chat with my vibrant great-niece, Brooke Johnson. We take a fresh spin on the classic Q&A format, uncovering Brooke's take on school life, her best friend, and what makes for the ultimate gift. 

As the night stretches on, our conversation takes a whimsical turn. We find laughter in the simplest of joys - the companionship of pets, the sweet allure of candies, and the wildest of dreams. Imagine if unusual things could fall from the sky – what would you wish for? Join us for this segment that’s peppered with humor and packed with heartwarming moments. 

We then traverse to a more sobering conversation, reflecting on our aspirations, life skills, and social issues. We consider what it truly means to step into the adult world, arm-in-arm with Brooke as she navigates the complexities of growing up. We contemplate on homelessness and food scarcity and their impact, highlighting the importance of awareness and empathy. Closing with the essence of embracing life and the courage to take risks, we underscore the significance of living with no regrets. So, gather around, lean in, and let’s explore life through the eyes of a young, budding soul.

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Do you know how we often wonder what our lives would have been like if we were born in a different era? My surprise guest, Craig Backhus, and I traveled down the theoretical rabbit hole to explore that idea. Join us as we chat about our dream careers if we were living in the early 1900s, the dreams we would chase if we won the lottery, and the influence of our families and cultures on our personalities. 

Remember your first boss? Or the skill you honed at your first job? Craig and I certainly do. We shared our experiences and reflected on how those early lessons shaped our career paths. From the unique challenges faced by different generations, to the impact of technology and social media on today's youth, our conversation took some interesting turns. Do we think we'd make good politicians? Do we have celebrity lookalikes? Tune in to find out!

This episode is extra special as we mark our one-year anniversary.  As we end, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our listeners and everyone who has been part of this journey. Here's to more exciting conversations and connections ahead!

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Are you feeling the pinch of inflation in your everyday life? I'm Marcy Backhus, your host at the Aging ain't for Sissies Podcast, and this week, we're tackling this prickly subject head-on. I'll share with you what's been up in my household lately, from appliance shopping to church volunteering and even an exciting air show trip! We'll also talk about the future of our podcast and how we plan to take it to the next level.

Ever wondered if there's a smarter way to grocery shop? Hold on to your carts because I'm about to spill some money-saving secrets! From brand bargains to coupon strategies and tips on where and when to shop for the best deals. For travel enthusiasts, I've got a juicy Amtrak discount tip just for you. And yes, there's a reason why they say don't shop when hungry!

Strap in as we journey through a maze of money-saving strategies for travel and home maintenance. Whether it's booking Sunday flights, avoiding sneaky cruise ship charges, or exploring car-sharing services like Zipcar and Touro, we got it covered. Tune in for our pearls of wisdom on vacation home comparison shopping and the perfect timing to purchase airplane tickets. Plus, here are some handy tips on saving money on the road. And oh, did I mention we're having a surprise guest next week? Make sure not to miss out!

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Guess what? Navigating the maze of Medicare Part C just became a whole lot easier! Promising you a wealth of knowledge, this episode features an enlightening discussion with the Medicare Diva herself, Neta Wenrick. Together, we crack the code of Medicare supplement and Advantage plans, distinguishing between Medigap and Advantage plans, explaining premiums, portability, and added bonuses like gym memberships and dental coverage. We also shed light on maximum out-of-pocket costs and the unique benefits some plans offer, such as allowances for healthy food.

Who is the right doctor for your Advantage Plans? It's a question many of us grapple with. This episode emphasizes the vital role a dedicated primary care physician can play, one who not just listens but also respects your opinion. With Neta's guidance, we address the pandemic's impact on specialist wait times and the significance of seeking a second opinion when dissatisfied with the service. 

Can senior health insurance cover hot flashes? We're spilling the beans on this hot topic and more. Learn about the importance of thorough research when deciding on different Medicare plans, as well as the flexibility to change plans if they don't meet your expectations. Voza, the FDA-approved pill, is on the table as well, as we explore its effectiveness in treating menopausal hot flashes. This episode is a must-listen for everyone seeking to stay on top of their Medicare game!

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Let's journey together through an intimate and enlightening exploration of our own breath. This episode, alongside the insightful Sylvia Adler, will reveal the transformative power of breathwork and how it can dramatically influence both our physical and mental wellbeing. We'll uncover techniques to harness the power of our diaphragm muscles, and introduce different types of breaths to maintain calm and tranquility, such as the box breath and the four, seven, eight technique.

In addition to our deep dive into breathwork, this episode is also a celebration of life's big and small moments. From the thrills of my recent Las Vegas trip to the challenges and victories of remodeling my kitchen and bathroom with my architect husband, we'll share stories of personal growth and adventure.  

As we near our one-year anniversary and 52nd episode, we invite you to continue supporting this journey of exploration and discovery. We also encourage our listeners to delve into Sylvia Adler's book recommendation on nutrition and beating cancer. Finally, for more information and updates, feel free to visit my website. Let’s breathe deeply, live fully, and celebrate the power of breath and community together.

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Guess what? My latest adventures took me to Newport Beach, California, where Fourth of July celebrations and beach activities were the order of the day. But life's little surprises meant I had to make an unplanned visit to the hospital back home.  What a roller coaster it was! Remember, it's never a dull moment when it comes to looking after our bodies.

Now, back in Chicago, I'm all set for my next journey. Let's transform your travel experiences as I share some cool tour companies. We'll master the art of incorporating technology into travel, including using Apple Pay and managing electronic boarding passes. If you're over 50 and love to travel, you'll want to hear about some travel companies specifically catering to your needs. Companies like Walking the World, Road Scholar, and Adventures Abroad offer a range of benefits and activities. Let's embrace the excitement and freedom of travel after 50!

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Welcome to a new episode where we explore all things health related - everything from the seemingly mundane to the seriously critical. I'm your host, Marcy Backhus; we're diving headfirst into the importance of proactive healthcare. From the simplicity of a bathroom mirror self-exam to the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, we're focused on empowering you to take control of your health as you age with confidence and grace.

Ready to demystify the world of self-diagnosis? We're covering it all. We'll talk about common health issues - eye, mouth, throat, breast, skin, and hair - and how simple self-check techniques can enable you to catch potential problems early on. We'll also shed light on the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene, how to monitor thyroid issues, and what to look for when it comes to skin and hair problems. All this might sound daunting, but trust me; it's not; it's about understanding our bodies better and becoming our own best health advocates.

But it doesn't stop there. We also delve into the often overlooked yet crucial topic of managing stress as we age. Let me share some valuable insights on how to reduce stress naturally and share my personal stories about navigating the healthcare maze. Plus, we'll touch on the importance of staying on top of your health insurance and being proactive about your healthcare. So grab a cup of coffee, iced tea, or even a diet Coke and join us for this enlightening journey through health and wellbeing.

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