Haywood Regional announced the launch of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget while also keeping in-network access to the doctors and hospital services they trust.
The new toll-free helpline, run by MedicareCompareUSA, connects callers with local licensed agents who can assist in comparing Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected.
Through this program, it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is in-network with Haywood Regional and its affiliated doctors. Patients can access the helpline through a link on the hospital’s website MyHaywoodRegional.com/Medicare or by calling 855-582-5181.


“Seniors are bombarded with confusing messages from competing health plans and options, and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Rod Harkleroad, CEO, Haywood Regional. “This helpline is a one-stop resource for insurance information, so seniors can be confident in the selections they make.”
In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s annual enrollment period.
Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget while retaining continuity of care with their providers.
Harkleroad points out that Haywood Regional is not in-network with all insurance options or health plans, and contractual relationships may change on an annual basis.
If a patient enrolls with a health plan with which Haywood Regional does not have a contract, they may experience increased out-of-pocket expenses for receiving care from the doctors they know and trust.
Haywood Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, is located in Haywood County and offers a comprehensive array of services, including orthopedics, spine services, cardiology, general surgery, women's care, emergency medicine, behavioral health and includes 12 multi-specialty physician clinics.

While most people think about preparation and what to do during an emergency, few people consider what needs to be done after a disaster occurs. The fact is, once an emergency has passed, the danger is not necessarily over. First, you need to survey your property for hazards and secure it right away to help prevent injuries or further property damage. This can help to expedite the rebuilding process. The following tips can help with your recovery following an emergency event.

• Make sure everyone is safe. Stay tuned to local authorities until an official "all clear" is given. If you were evacuated, return only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
• Look for broken glass and sharp objects, and avoid downed power lines. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or puddles that may be near the downed lines.
• If warranted, have a qualified individual check for gas leaks or electrical system damage. Report any problems to the applicable utility companies right away.
• Protect your property from further damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs. Board up broken windows to help protect against vandalism or additional weather damage. Take photos of the damage and save all bills and materials receipts. Do not make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has reviewed the damage.
• Throw out questionable food. Discard any food that has come in contact with contaminants, such as flood water. If the power is out, make sure to leave the freezer and refrigerator closed to keep food cold for as long as possible.
• Report your claim immediately. The sooner you call your insurance carrier, the sooner they can respond. Be sure to speak to a claim professional before hiring a contractor to make permanent repairs. When choosing a contractor, select one who is licensed.
• Refuel portable generators with caution. Turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

General Hurricane Preparation Tips

• Prepare a survival kit that includes items such as water and non-perishable food for everyone, including your pets; medications; a portable radio; flashlights; batteries; and battery chargers for your cell phones and other portable electronic devices, which can be powered by your car.
• Plan your evacuation route and leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued. Also, fuel up your car before you leave.
• Build a content inventory of the items in your home or at your business.
• Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside. Close your home’s storm shutters and board up windows and glass doors as appropriate.
• If possible, bring in gas or charcoal grills, but do not use them indoors. Also, do not store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Chain propane tanks in an upright position to a secure object away from your home.
• Secure your boat or move it to a safer place.
• Fill your emergency generator fuel tank, if you have one, and have spare fuel on hand. Store generator fuel in an approved container in a garage or shed, away from open flames, heat sources and appliances such as natural gas appliances.

We are proud to support Patrick Fitzsimmons in Buncombe County's next election for County Commissioner. He has been a valuable asset to the Asheville community and would continue to serve us well! 
For more on his vision click on this Mtn Xpress article. 

​Thank you Patrick!

10,000 Steps- About 5 miles, can feel like a hefty goal. So we've compiled this list of some Asheville locations to help bring us closer to that daily goal. Incorporating a few extra miles into your daily routine can help make a healthier + happier you! And if you've ever worn a FitBit, you know that all these steps definitely add up! 

1. Amboy/ Carrier Loop: 2.24 miles. Okay this is actually closer to 5,000 steps, but its proximity to Asheville makes this path convenient enough to do it twice in a day. Park at Amboy Road River Park: 180 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 and follow the French Broad River up the road to Carrier Park where you will loop around its recreational perimeter and return the same way.
2. Dupont State Forest Waterfall Hike: Follow these directions for a gorgeous hike out near Brevard that is about 4.5 miles long. FIVE waterfalls make it perfect for warmer weather…
3. Downtown Asheville Public Art Walk: This will get you about 3,500 steps closer to a 10K goal but with 30 pieces of public sculpture along the way, you’ll hardly realize you’re clocking them! View the map for this urban trail here.
4. Hard Times Trail + Lake Powhatan: Park at the Hard Times Trailhead near Bent Creek and start down the gravel road. If you turn right at the first intersection it will lead you to Lake Powhatan where you can follow a trail around the lake. You can design your favorite length and path around here- and bank over 12,500 steps if you take the Hard Times Road Trail.  And only 15 min from Asheville!
5. Beaver Lake Loop: Walk around the entire lake for a quick 3,500 steps in a convenient North Asheville location… not only is the lake beautiful but you’ll want to keep a lookout for the many kinds of migratory birds that fly through here!

Where are your favorite places to walk in Asheville? We’d love to know!
​Comment below! :)

1. Bubble Blowing: There is nothing like having a wand up your sleeve to whip out when boredom strikes! Bubbles are especially great for the really little ones. Cheap and widely available, stash some bubbles in your car and on the back porch...   
2. Sidewalk Chalk: It’s always fun to draw big! Not only is a bucket of chalk cheap but the older kids can take it a step further by creating elaborate hopscotch games.
3. Baking in the Kitchen: Grandma or Grandpa, save a recipe such as oatmeal raisin cookies made with applesauce for a rainy day. It’s never too early to start teaching kids their way around in the kitchen. And if you have any special family recipes, that’s even better! They will cherish the memories you make today when they enjoy those foods in the future.
4. ​Planting Seeds: Permission to get muddy makes this one fun! Whether it’s out in the garden or in a kitchen pot, pick out some flowers or vegetables that you can plant together. They’ll love coming back and checking on them whenever they see you. The garden is a great place for telling stories about when you were a kid too.  
5. Building Forts: Storm the linen closet! It’s time to gather your blankets & sheets to create indoor forts. Put chairs together back to back and provide a few flashlights so they can keep a good lookout.
6. Dress Up: Have a basket or trunk that is full of costume clothes. Save pieces from Halloween costumes here and pick things up at thrift stores when you see them. Fun items include cowboy hats, capes, crowns, eye patches, big glasses, wigs, a cane, an old trench coat, wands and fake swords. Encourage them to have a short skit ready for after dinner (even if it’s a one-act!).

Thanks for reading! Now good luck keeping up with them! ;)