Mel's Insurance Services, Inc

09/05/2026

You wake up feeling fine. Then you check your sleep score, see a 62, and suddenly the whole day feels heavier.

Sleep researchers have a name for this. In a 2017 paper, clinicians described patients so focused on improving their tracker data that the effort was making their sleep worse. They called it orthosomnia.

Here is the catch. Your wrist device measures movement and heart rate, then estimates the rest. It is reasonably good at total sleep time and much less reliable at telling you how much deep or REM sleep you got. Two devices will give you two different answers about the same night.

There is also research showing that people told they slept poorly performed worse on attention tasks, regardless of how they actually slept. The belief did real work.

If you want to keep tracking, read trends over weeks instead of grading individual nights. And notice how you feel before you look at a number.

The basics still do the heavy lifting. Same wake time, morning daylight, cool dark room.

Do you check your sleep score every morning? Be honest. 😅
Curious whether your plan covers a sleep evaluation? Give us a call.

09/03/2026

Medicare and Skin Cancer Prevention: What Screenings Are Covered?

Learn what Medicare covers for skin cancer screenings, dermatologist visits, biopsies, and treatment, plus tips for prevention and early detection.

09/01/2026

What summer memory still makes you smile?

08/30/2026

These bacon-wrapped hot dogs add pizazz to summer BBQs or nights at home watching baseball.

8 beef hot dogs, hot dog buns, and slices of center-cut bacon.
1/2 tsp. garlic powder, optional
1/2 tsp. chili powder, optional
Pickled jalapeño slices, for garnish
Chopped red onion, for garnish

Wrap one piece of bacon around each hot dog and secure the bacon with a wooden pick at each end. Sprinkle both sides of the bacon-wrapped hot dog with garlic powder and chili powder, if you like.

These hot dogs can be baked in the oven at 375° for 25 minutes, or grilled for 10-12 minutes. Turn the hot dogs over halfway through the cooking time to ensure the bacon is evenly crispy.

Add the bacon wrapped hot dogs to the buns with jalapeño, red onion, and other condiments that you like.

08/29/2026

We’re going to need stronger evidence than this. 🚲

08/27/2026

🦷 A wise dentist once said: "You only have to take care of the teeth you want to keep." Dental care matters for more than just your smile. It's essential to your overall health.

Here's something a lot of people don't realize: most health insurance and Medicare plans don't include routine dental coverage, or they cover very little. A standalone dental plan can make preventive care like exams, cleanings, and x-rays more affordable, and depending on the plan, it may also help with fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, and more. There are a few types to choose from, so the right fit depends on your budget and the care you expect to need.

Been meaning to look into dental coverage? We're happy to help you compare options or start a quote. Just reach out.

08/20/2026

How to Get Financial Help for Medicare

Struggling with Medicare costs? Learn about Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, and other programs that can lower your premiums and drug costs in 2026.

08/18/2026

Smart Home Tech for Seniors: What Helps at Home and What Medicare May Cover

See how smart lighting, robot vacuums, stove shut-offs, medication reminders, and fall monitors can help seniors at home, plus what Medicare and Medigap do and do not cover.

08/15/2026

Watermelon Limeade is a perfect refresher to go with your summer parties or evenings at home.

- Freeze 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon.

- Make a simple syrup: Bring 3/4 cup each sugar and water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold.

- Puree 4 more cups cubed seedless watermelon; strain into the pitcher.

- Stir in 1 cup lime juice and 2 cups cold seltzer. Add the frozen watermelon and some lime slices.

Enjoy!

08/13/2026

🫑 Easy Summer Ratatouille 🍅

Celebrate the best of summer with this colorful, rustic French vegetable dish. Packed with fresh garden vegetables and fragrant herbs, ratatouille is delicious on its own or served alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or crusty bread.

🫑 Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Herbs de Provence
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 375°F.

2) In a large bowl, toss the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, bell pepper, and garlic with the olive oil, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper.

3) Spread the vegetables evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

Serve warm with fresh crusty bread or over rice, pasta, or quinoa.