“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.  We can help write that story by setting goals.”  ~Melody Beattie

Dear Mary,

Greetings! This time of year tends to be so busy with many of us running just a bit short of time so I appreciate that you are taking a moment to read my newsletter.  Whether you greet this season with anticipation and excitement, or apprehension, it comes this time every year and before you know it, it’ll be gone and we’ll soon be celebrating a new year.  I’m looking forward to 2016 and all it has to offer!

I’ve included a couple of articles which I hope you’ll find interesting, from tips for staying healthy and how to travel safely to websites launched by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to help consumers compare hospitals and physicians.  Where would we be without the infinite amount of information available via the internet?

If your New Year’s resolutions include planning for the future, please keep me in mind and share your plans with your family and friends.  Life and long-term care planning should not be a secret.  Having a plan is the best way to stay in the present!  Perhaps you can inspire others with your planning as well.  There have been a lot of changes in the industry so if you have any last minute questions as you prepare for 2016, feel free to call or email me.  Please visit my website for more information on what I have to offer!  Remember, I’m always available for you.

Take care and be well!

Warmest regards,

Mary Rockwell

The highest compliment you can pay me is to recommend my service to your friends and associates

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Twelve Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season

Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority.  Take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy – and ready to enjoy the holidays.  Click here to read what to do!

Air Travel Tips for the Holidays

The TSA has provided some tips for travelers ahead of what is expected to be a very busy holiday travel season nationwide.   AAA projects the number of year-end travelers will top 100 million for the first time on record!  Driving may remain the most popular mode of travel but it’s estimated that 5.8 million Americans will be flying to their holiday destinations.   Click here for tips to make airline travel more efficient.

CMS Expands Quality Data to Help Consumers Choose Health Care Providers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to providing current quality performance data to the consumer.

“Consumers want trustworthy, reliable and understandable information about the quality of health care delivered by providers,” said CMS Deputy Administrator and Chief Medical Officer Patrick Conway, M.D., MSc.  “Both Physician Compare and Hospital Compare show consumers that they have a choice.  This large release of quality measures for hospitals and physicians empowers consumers with information to make more informed health care decisions, encourages helath care professionals to strive for higher levels of quality, and drives overall health system improvement.  Click here to read more about the quality measures which have been added.

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Happy New Year

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” ~Tom Peters