KIG Senior Solutions by Kristina Cheranko

As a dedicated Medicare broker and a devoted wife and mother, I am passionate about providing personalized assistance to individuals navigating the complexities of Medicare.

06/09/2026

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which is the perfect reminder to show our minds some love. While we often think about physical fitness as we age, keeping our brains active and engaged is just as important for our independence and well-being.

The great news is that brain-healthy habits are simple and fun to build into your daily routine. You can challenge your mind by picking up a new hobby, working on a crossword puzzle, reading a great book, or playing strategy games with friends.

Eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of good sleep, and staying socially connected also give your brain a massive boost. Let’s make June the month we focus on keeping our minds sharp and vibrant!

What is your favorite way to challenge your mind? Are you a sudoku fan, a book lover, or a jigsaw puzzle champion?

06/05/2026

As we keep rolling through June, let's talk about a simple step that makes a massive difference for your heart. When it comes to preventing heart disease as we age, your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are like the dashboard of your car. They tell you exactly how things are running under the hood!

Many times, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol don't have any obvious symptoms. That's why doctors call them silent numbers. Getting them checked regularly gives you a baseline so you and your doctor can spot any changes early on.

It is much easier to make small, gentle tweaks to your routine now than to deal with a big surprise later. If it has been a while since you had these basic numbers checked, make it a priority this month. Your heart will thank you!

Do you know your current baseline numbers, or is it time to schedule a quick screening?

06/02/2026

Happy June! This month is National Men’s Health Month, and it is a topic that is very close to my heart. We all have those incredible men in our lives, whether it is a husband, a dad, a brother, or a son. We know they are strong, but sometimes they can be a little stubborn when it comes to visiting the doctor!

Routine screenings and checkups are not about being sick. They are about catching the little things before they become big problems. From blood pressure checks to routine screenings, these simple visits are the ultimate tool for prevention.

Let's use this month as a gentle reminder to encourage the men we love to get their annual appointments on the calendar. After all, taking care of your health is a true sign of strength.

Is there a special guy in your life who needs a little nudge to schedule his checkup this month?

05/27/2026

As we head into the sunny season, I want to make sure you aren't leaving money on the table. Many 2026 plans include an Over the Counter (OTC) benefit. This is a specific dollar amount you get every month or quarter to spend on health items you use every day.

Think of it as a gift card for your wellness. You can often use it for:

☀️ Sunscreen and bug spray for those May garden walks.
☀️ First aid supplies like bandages and antibiotic ointment.
☀️ Vitamins and minerals to keep your energy up.
☀️ Dental care like toothpaste and mouthwash.

Most of these benefits do not roll over to the next month or quarter. If you don’t use that balance, it’s gone! If you aren’t sure how to check your balance or where you can shop, give me a shout. I’m happy to help you find your catalog or look up your card balance so you can stock up for the summer.

What is the one thing you always forget to grab at the pharmacy? Maybe your OTC benefit can cover it this month!

05/25/2026

Now that the sun is out and we are spending more time in our gardens, it is a great time to talk about skin health. Many of my neighbors are surprised to learn that a routine "skin screening" is not a standard preventive benefit under Medicare.

However, there is an important rule to remember. If you find a mole that is changing, a spot that is bleeding, or a freckle that concerns you, that visit is generally considered "medically necessary." In those cases, Medicare Part B typically helps cover the cost of the exam because it is diagnostic rather than just a routine checkup.

If you have a history of skin issues or find something new, do not wait. It is always better to have a professional take a look.

Are you a "hat and long sleeves" gardener or do you rely on a high SPF sunscreen to stay safe?

05/23/2026

Are you heading out of town for Memorial Day? Whether you're visiting grandkids or hitting the coast, it is important to know how your coverage travels with you.

If you have a minor injury or a sudden "not-so-serious" illness while you're away, look for an Urgent Care center instead of the Emergency Room. Most plans consider Urgent Care a much more affordable "out-of-network" or "travel" cost than an ER visit. You will likely face a smaller copay and a much shorter wait time.

Of course, if you're dealing with something serious like chest pain or a major injury, always head to the nearest ER or call 911. But for those "oops" moments like a minor sprain or a nasty sinus infection, Urgent Care is your best friend.

Do you have any big travel plans for the holiday weekend, or are you staying local for a backyard BBQ?

05/20/2026

Spring is officially here and so are the allergies! If you are reaching for the tissues, it is helpful to know how your coverage works for relief.

Generally speaking, Medicare Part D plans focus on medications that require a prescription from your doctor. If you use a specific nasal spray or eye drop that is only available behind the pharmacy counter, that is usually where your drug plan kicks in.

However, if you prefer the allergy pills or sprays found right on the store shelves, those are often considered "over the counter." While your drug plan might not cover those directly, many of the 2026 plans I see include a separate allowance for these types of items. It is always a good idea to check if your plan has a catalog or a benefit card that could help you pick up those supplies at no extra cost to you.

Are you a "natural remedies" person or do you head straight for the allergy meds when the pollen starts flying?

05/18/2026

Have you ever wished you could skip the drive and the waiting room for a simple follow-up visit? One of the biggest changes we have seen lately is the way virtual care has become a staple of our healthcare system.

For 2026, many services that used to require an in-person visit are now officially permanent options for telehealth. This is especially helpful for things like:

Consultations with specialists who might be across the state.
Regular sessions with a mental health counselor or therapist.
Quick check-ins to review lab results or adjust medications.

It is a fantastic way to save time and stay in the comfort of your own home while still getting top-tier care. If you have questions about how virtual visits work or if they are right for you, I'm always here to help you navigate those conversations.

Have you tried a video or phone visit with your doctor yet, or do you still prefer to see them in person?

05/14/2026

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Since nearly half of all adults have high blood pressure, it’s one of the most important things to track for your heart health.

A lot of my neighbors ask if Medicare will pay for a home blood pressure cuff. While they don't usually cover a standard "over the counter" monitor, they do cover something called an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) once a year.

This is a special device you wear for 24 to 48 hours that tracks your pressure while you go about your normal day. Doctors use this to see if your blood pressure is truly high or if it’s just spiking because you’re at the clinic. If your doctor suspects "White Coat Hypertension" or "Masked Hypertension," they can order this test under Medicare Part B.

It’s a great way to get an accurate picture of your health without the guesswork!

Do you track your blood pressure at home, or do you wait until you're at the doctor's office to get a reading?

05/12/2026

Happy National Physical Fitness Month! I'm so excited to see everyone getting outside now that the weather's finally behaving. Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your energy up and your joints moving.

If you're looking for simple ways to add more movement to your day, here are a few ideas that don't require a gym:

🌷 Garden therapy: Pulling weeds and planting flowers is great for your flexibility and strength.
👟 Neighborhood strolls: A fifteen minute walk with a friend is perfect for your heart and your mood.
☕️ Kitchen counter stretches: You can do calf raises or gentle leg lifts while you wait for your coffee to brew.

The goal is just to keep moving. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be you!

What's your favorite way to get some fresh air and exercise this time of year?

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