Medicare Advantage, or MA plans, have been growing steadily in popularity over the last ten years. In essence, these are private health plans offered as an alternative to Original Medicare. Designed to provide more personalized care and additional services, Medicare Advantage has been attracting enrollees at an unprecedented rate. This post explores the reasons behind this trend and aims to shed light on what it means for beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and the future of Medicare.
A Look at the Numbers
Statistics indicate that the number of Medicare Advantage plans has seen a considerable uptick over the past decade. In 2010, only about 24% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Fast forward to 2021, and this percentage increased to nearly 40%. Moreover, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported an increase in the number of available Medicare Advantage plans, from approximately 2,700 in 2017 to around 3,550 in 2021.
Reasons Behind the Growth
1. Enhanced Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans often offer benefits not covered by Original Medicare. This can include dental care, vision exams, hearing aids, and sometimes even gym memberships. As more beneficiaries become aware of these advantages, the demand for these plans increases.
2. More Choices, More Flexibility
Medicare Advantage plans come in various shapes and sizes, like HMOs, PPOs, and more. This diversity allows beneficiaries to choose a plan that suits their needs and lifestyle best. More options mean more enrollees.
3. Financial Predictability
Many Medicare Advantage plans have a lower premium than Original Medicare and often have out-of-pocket maximums. This can make healthcare costs more predictable and manageable, making these plans more attractive to beneficiaries on a budget.
4. Streamlined Services
Medicare Advantage often provides a more integrated approach to healthcare. Many plans offer coordinated care between specialists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers, leading to better patient outcomes.
5. Provider Competition
The increase in the number of providers offering Medicare Advantage plans has resulted in competitive pricing and more plan options. More competition often translates into better services and pricing for beneficiaries.
6. Policy Support
Federal policies, including legislation like the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), have promoted the use of Medicare Advantage plans by incentivizing quality over quantity in healthcare services.
7. Marketing and Outreach
Aggressive marketing strategies, including targeted advertising and community outreach, have made more people aware of the benefits that Medicare Advantage plans offer.
The Flip Side
While Medicare Advantage plans offer many benefits, it’s essential to remember that they are not suitable for everyone. Limitations in provider networks, additional costs like copayments and premiums, and specific coverage rules are factors that potential enrollees should consider.
Conclusion
The steady growth in the number of Medicare Advantage plans over the past decade reflects broader changes in the healthcare landscape. The trend is driven by a myriad of factors including enhanced benefits, financial predictability, and policy support. However, beneficiaries should carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if a Medicare Advantage plan is right for them.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the role of Medicare Advantage plans changes and what it means for the future of healthcare in America.
With the exception of Paul Rudd and Keanu Reeves, all of us are getting older and dealing with everything that comes along with aging – more wrinkles, a slower metabolism, lower testosterone and creaking joints.
While most of us can’t tap into the secrets of immortality like Hollywood’s leading men have, there are a few tricks we can start incorporating into our lives to ensure we look as young as we feel.
Drink Less/Drink More
A glass of Cab with dinner or an icy cold beer at a ballgame are great and in the case of red wine, might even be beneficial but drinking in excess is doing more harm than you might realize.
The Center for Disease Control defines heavy drinking as 15 or more drinks a week for men.
In addition to being dehydrating and damaging to the skin which makes you look older, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease and according to Stanford University researchers Edith V. Sullivan and Adolf Pfefferbaum, excessive drinking increases the risk of cognitive and neurological issues like dementia.
Put down the cocktail and pick up a water bottle.
We all know drinking water is vital to daily functioning but staying adequately hydrated might help slow down the aging process and prolong a disease-free life, according to research from the National Institutes of Health.
Around 13 cups a day (or 104 oz) is recommended for men – more if you work outside, are physically active or live in a warm climate like South Florida.
Better Living Through Chemistry
Testosterone levels decline at a rate of 1% annually after the age of 30. This can mean anything from a decrease in muscle mass to a lower sex drive to hair loss to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
“Declining hormone levels are a natural part of life,” said Dr. Saulis Banionis (pictured above) of Palm Beach Antiaging and Regenerative Medicine. “However, just because it is natural – there are still steps we can take to restore hormonal balance.”
“My practice uses Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. These hormones are identical in molecular structure to those produced by your body,” said Dr. Banionis. “Every patient that comes in for this treatment gets a comprehensive evaluation and unlike conventional hormone replacement therapy, our BHRT treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s unique hormone profile. In addition to serving the patient’s hormonal needs, BHRT has been associated with potential long-term health benefits, such as reduced risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and cognitive decline.”
If planning on utilizing HRT, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Mind-Body Connection
It’s no secret that staying active is the key to living a healthier and longer life. Aerobic exercise can improve the circulation and cardiac health as well as boost the immune system and strength training not only maintains muscle mass but also improves bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis – a symptom of low testosterone.
However, more and more research is showing a connection between glucocorticoids and speeding up the aging process.
Also known as the stress hormone, the glucocorticoid cortisol is a steroid hormone produced and released by your adrenal glands and helps regulate everything from your blood sugar to your metabolism to your sleep cycle to inflammation in your body.
It is also known as the “Fight or Flight” hormone and regulates your body’s response to stress causing an elevated heart rate, muscle tenseness and the constriction of blood vessels. While in a moment of real or perceived danger, this can be life-saving – a constant state of stress and elevated cortisol levels in the bloodstream can be detrimental.
UCLA researcher Dr. Helen Lavretsky and Director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Paul A. Newhouse state that sustained elevated levels of glucocorticoids can present serious health risks including hypertension and hippocampal atrophy – one of the markers for Alzheimer’s Disease.
The mind-body connection is crucial to anti-aging and researchers state that practicing low impact forms of exercise such as yoga and pairing it with mindfulness and meditation can lead to a decrease in the cortisol-driven stress response in both mind and body.
Eat This, Not That
American eating habits have long been the source of both concern and mockery across the globe. We are, after all, the country that deep fried butter and served it with chocolate-covered bacon at the OC Fair.
We owe it to ourselves and our bodies to eat a well-rounded diet that suits our needs.
Superfoods like goji berries and wheatgrass line grocery store shelves across the country but most medical professionals will state that there is no one magical elixir to promote anti-aging and that you’re better off eating foods from the MIND Diet.
Developed by Dr. Martha Clare Morris and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet not only targets neurological health but also features foods high in antioxidant properties and heart-healthy foods such as lean proteins like chicken and fish, lentils and leafy green vegetables.
And it makes small allowances for processed foods, so if you’re craving it, get the ribs and fries from Flanigans tonight but maybe have a salad for dinner tomorrow.
Slather Up
Everyone looks better with a tan, right?
Wrong.
Now that we know more about the damage that UV rays can cause, we’re all a lot more cognizant about protecting ourselves from the sun.
“Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself,” said Dr. Banionis.
He encourages everyone to slather up on SPF and to make it a part of your daily routine, same as washing your face and brushing your teeth.
“A new study from Queensland, Australia actually found that regular sunscreen use protects against the effects of photoaging like wrinkling, spotting and loss of elasticity,” he said. “People who wear sunscreen daily were 24% less likely to show increased signs of aging.”
It’s about more than just looking better and aging well. Increased unprotected UV exposure will also increase your risk of skin cancer. Living in South Florida, consistent sun protection is crucial. Especially when you consider that having five or more sunburns doubles your rate for melanoma.
“Although melanoma only accounts for 1% of skin cancers, it causes the largest proportion of skin cancer deaths. With early detection, the five year survival rate for melanoma is 99%,” said Dr. Banionis.
“So, my advice to you? Exercise regularly, eat a varied and nutritious diet, manage your stress and come and see me if you’re interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy,” he said. “But above all, trust me on the sunscreen.”
***
About Dr. Banionis
Saulis Banionis, M.D. is board certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and was trained extensively in aesthetic and regenerative medicine to become an expert in anti-aging medicine. He incorporates state-of-the-art regenerative techniques, such as stem cell therapy and PRP, which help to restore function and repair damaged tissues. He is an expert in minimally invasive techniques using live imaging, such as fluoroscopy and ultrasound-directed needle guidance, to deliver biological products to areas of tissue damage precisely. Dr. Banionis is one of a select few physicians in South Florida to be certified and fellowship-trained in Stem Cell therapy, a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and certified by the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. He has also worked as a Medical Expert for the Florida Board of Medicine.
The blistering sun was beating down on me. Sweat was running down my brow clouding my vision. Was this the end of the corn maze or the end of me? Dehydration was setting in, giving me false hopes of a maze completed. Were those my kids or were the corn stalks shifting in the bearly detectable breeze to create shadows and illusions to trick me into following the wrong path to certain death? Haha… drama much? What can I say I have a flair for the dramatic.
Four o’clock in the afternoon in South Florida can be brutal but for Pete’s sake, it’s fall! Yeah, if you haven’t figured it out yet, Florida ignores autumn. We trade golden-tinged leaves, crisp temperatures, and apple cider for those lovely Facebook posts of our families frolicking in the ocean in the dead of winter. My opinion? It’s a good trade but if you are feeling the Fall blues here’s a way to get your fix. Check out the Fall Festival at Bedner’s Farm on 441 in Boynton Beach.
This year it’s a one-price admission and everything is included – pumpkin patch, Animal Edventure, Tractor Rides, Corn Maze, Sunflower Field, Butterfly, and Lady Bug Farm. Kids of all ages will enjoy themselves. This is a real working farm so after all the fall shenanigans are over stop back by to pick strawberries, peppers, or tomatoes.
We go to the Fall Festival almost every year and every year I kid myself into thinking that the kids and I will be able to solve the corn maze in a matter of minutes. And every year we forget to bring water or to apply extra sunscreen. I swear, one of these years I’ll learn… perhaps this is the year? Nah, probably not. Maybe I should stick to the Sunflower Field? It’s a family holiday card photo-op paradise. But then again, we’ll probably get lost in that too. The good thing about sticking to the Pumpkin Patch (besides the kids picking out their pumpkins and again another Fall photo op) is that everything is low to the ground. I mean sure it’s large pumpkins as far as the eye can see but I’m taller than a pumpkin and if I get worn out I can flag one of the nice farmers over to put me in the wheel barrel and wheel me out. Is this the rural version of calling an Uber?
The Fall Festival begins September 23rd and goes until October 30th. They are open almost everyday, except Tuesday with the last admission being at 5:00 pm. Weekend admission is $25.99 and Weekday admission is $20.99. Kids under two are free. They are located on 441 in Boynton Beach. The address is 10066 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, FL. They are on the same road as the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Preserve (another one of my favorite places). If you have any questions check out their website at Bedners.com
Either way, you won’t regret going to Bedner’s. So get over there for your Fall fix but make sure you take extra water and sunscreen for the corn maze. I can’t have you dehydrated in the corn maze or pumpkin patch calling for a rural Uber.
(Delray Beach, FL – September 28, 2023) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced the nonprofit organization is launching a new theatre season with another thought-provoking, community driven, and socially relevant production from a contemporary cutting-edge playwright.
November 5 (Sunday) at 7 pm
A Mile in My Shoes
Written by and starring Kathryn Taylor Smith
Presented in collaboration with the Delray Beach Initiative to End Homelessness, A Mile in My Shoes is a mix of poetry, drama and comedy in “consciousness raising theatre,” inspired by the playwright’s research and personal interviews with past and present members of the homeless community in LA, as well as those who advocate for them
Masterfully directed by Zadia Ife, the one-woman play follows “Ester”, an omniscient shoe whisperer as she walks through a day in her life on Skid Row connecting with a transgender teen, a young mom, a mentally ill substance abuser, a high school valedictorian, a police officer, and a variety of concerned citizens at a city council meeting.
Raw, uncensored, and unapologetic, A Mile in MY Shoes compels people to do more, do better, and act kinder to the homeless, all under the rubric of “There but for the grace of God, go I.”
Special Notes:
+ During the show, guests are encouraged to bring shoes and toiletry items that not only serve as set pieces for the show but are later donated to the homeless. In addition, audience members are encouraged to bring a donation of NEW men’s underwear to be collected that night by the InterFaith Committee.
+ The performance will be followed by a brief presentation from and Q&A with Ariana Cianco, Service Population Advocate for the Delray Beach Police Department; Ezra Krieg, Chair of the Delray Beach Initiative to End Homelessness; and playwright Kathryn Taylor Smith.
+ Relevant community service organizations will have information tables set-up in Arts Garage that evening.
How to Purchase Tickets to A Mile in My Shoes:
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling 561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.
About the Delray Beach Initiative to End Homelessness:
Launched in 2016 by the Delray Beach Police Department and the City of Delray Beach staff, the DBIEH has grown to include more than 100 members, including social services agencies, the Delray Beach Police Department, health care agencies, and more. Members believe that homelessness is not a crime or a disease or a place of shame. Individuals face homelessness for a wide variety of reasons, from job loss to addiction or mental health. Yet, each individual in this situation deserves the dignity, support and services of a caring community.
Other areas in the United States, like Delray Beach, have found success in working together to lift people up and out of the streets into safe shelter. With the shared goal to end homelessness in Delray Beach, members of the DBIEH are hopeful that this coordinated approach will result in finding shelter and services for those in need. For more information, please visit: https://www.delraybeachinitiativetoendhomelessness.org.
About Arts Garage:
Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.
Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444). For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.
WELLINGTON, FL – This October, The Mall at Wellington Green is hosting several exciting events, catering to all ages. Come shop, attend, and enjoy.
Fifth Annual Pink PartyandZumba Dance Party
October 7
1-3pm
Free
Grand Court
The Mall at Wellington Green is pleased to host its annual Pink Party in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Highlights will include student performances, bra decorating, face painting and airbrush tattoos, and a lively Zumba master class (a $10 donation will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk). Participants will hear inspiring stories from survivors and thrivers and learn about early breast cancer detection and prevention from Wellington Regional Medical Center and the American Cancer Society.
OneBlood Blood Drive
October 13, 14, and 15
11am-6pm
East Parking Lot
The Big Red Bus will be parked in the East Parking Lot and will be accepting blood donations on these three dates from 11am to 6pm. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save three lives, and all donors will receive a Chick-fil-A gift card. For more information, visit oneblood.org.
Asphalt Angels Classic Car Show
October 14
10am-2pm
Free
East Parking Lot
Every car lover’s dream, the Asphalt Angels Classic Car Show is coming to Wellington. The family-friendly extravaganza provides a unique opportunity to see impressive classic cars, muscle cars, and other special vehicles.
Classics Horror Tour
Starting October 15
Price: $5.99 per ticket
CMX Wellington
Watch your favorite horror movie classics throughout October at CMX Wellington! Enjoy heart-pumping flicks like Poltergeist (October 15 & 18), Beetlejuice (October 22 & 25), and The Shining (October 29 & 31).
Kids Club Mall-O-Ween Costume Party & Magic Show
Friday, October 20
6-8pm
Free
Grand Court
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Mall-O-Ween Costume Party & Magic Show! The event will include a magic demonstration, photo ops with the Hocus Pocus witches, holiday candy, and additional surprises. Costumes encouraged.
Kids Club Mommy & Me Costume Party
October 25
10:30am-12pm
Free
The District at Wellington Green
This fun-filled Halloween event is perfect for children under five years old. Attendees will enjoy music, costume parade, Halloween bingo, and pumpkin crafts. Yummy treats will be served.
Trick-or-Treat
October 31
5-7pm
Free
Mall wide
Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Celebrate a spooky Halloween with the kids and enjoy free treats from participating retailers.
Halloween Zumba Dance Party with Jaime
Every Saturday
10:30–11:30am
Free
The District at Wellington Green
Livin’ La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Mall at Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and features over 160 stores and a children’s indoor playground. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and CMX Wellington. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
Wellington is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This prestigious designation acknowledges Wellington’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for community members and visitors, especially those with sensory needs or sensitivities and individuals on the autism spectrum. To achieve this designation, Wellington has trained at least 80% of designated staff to effectively communicate and respond to the unique needs of these individuals and their families.
The Certified Autism Center™ designation is awarded to organizations that have successfully completed a comprehensive training and certification process aimed at better understanding and serving autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Several Wellington departments have participated in this initiative, including Parks and Recreation, Code Compliance, Customer Service, Cultural Programs and Facilities, and Human Resources. Notably, Human Resources staff have been recognized as Certified Neurodiversity Professionals (CNPs) as part of this credentialing program.
“Every day, we strive to make Wellington an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable place for people. I’m proud of the work our staff has done to be trained to better understand and serve members of our community. We are excited to continue expanding our offerings and options to serve Wellington’s diverse population,” said Village Manager, Jim Barnes.
In addition to earning the Certified Autism Center™ designation, Wellington’s commitment to inclusivity extends to various programming, events, and services tailored to sensory-sensitive individuals. Many Wellington staff members are certified through KultureCity, an organization dedicated to ensuring the inclusion of all guests, regardless of the event they are attending.
At events such as the Fourth of July Celebration and Fall Festival, designated “KultureCity” areas provide quieter and more secure environments for those who need them. Sensory bags filled with items to reduce sensory overload are made available at no extra cost. Furthermore, autism-friendly/sensory-friendly inflatables, specially designed for a more accessible experience, are featured during events. These inflatables are staffed by trained professionals who have undergone autism-centered training to enhance understanding and sensitivity. An ultra-quiet generator is used to accommodate those with noise sensitivities.
Wellington also has accessible parks, with Scott’s Place Barrier-Free Playground being a standout example. This playground is designed to cater to the needs of both able-bodied and disabled children, featuring accessible equipment, sensory items, shades, slides, swings, and wheelchair ramps.
Annually, in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, Wellington hosts the annual “A Day for Autism” event at Village Park. This event is aimed at building a crucial relationship between law enforcement and the autism community, offering a variety of family-friendly activities.
To further demonstrate its support for the autism community, Wellington has officially declared April each year as “National Autism Acceptance Month.”
Wellington is committed to continuing its efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming Village for all its residents and visitors, setting an example for communities across the nation.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter. # # #
The 64 quarterfinalists for the Yass Prize were just announced and three of the organizations are located right here in our own backyard! The Yass Prize is considered the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation,” and along with the STOP Awards (standing for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless education), will distribute nearly $13 million to these winners.
West Palm Beach based The Career Academy of the Palm Beaches (managed by Gulfstream Goodwill Industries), The Center for Creative Education, and G-Star School of the Arts were chosen out of 2,000 applicants as quarterfinalists and all received $100,000 each as they vie for the $1 million prize. The 32 semifinalists will be announced on October 10, and on December 13 the nine finalists are announced along with the grand prize winner.
“At The Career Academy of the Palm Beaches, we help young adults with a barrier to employment discover their capabilities, rather than focus on their disabilities,” said Dr. Shannon McGhee, Vice President of Education and Development at Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. “We provide education, training, and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence. When people think about Goodwill, they often think of our retail stores rather than the dollars needed to operate our programs. As a quarterfinalist of the Yass Prize, the $100,000 will start us on the path to expanding to the Treasure Coast. We can now begin laying the groundwork, through securing statewide accreditation, that is necessary to expand to a second location in Fort Pierce. It is our hope that we will be selected as a Yass Prize finalist, so that we will be able to help more students with disabilities that would normally not have the chance or opportunity to succeed.”
“Like many other non-profits, we work tirelessly to ensure that The Center for Creative Education’s mission provides a meaningful solution to a really big issue: the education crisis,” said Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla, Chief Advancement Officer at The Center for Creative Education. “The Yass Prize would be a generous, transformative investment and would help propel our model of teaching and learning within The Foundations School at The Center for Creative Education towards a scalable solution to any educational environment far beyond our campus. Being recognized among so many applicants who work alongside us in what the Yass Prize & STOP Award Initiative defines as ‘sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless education’ gives credibility to our work. This recognition is a significant milestone on our journey to creating a stronger education system, better opportunities for students, and more vibrant communities all across the country. We’re optimistic that this recognition will inspire others to get involved and help us change the world, one student at a time.”
WASHINGTON – Sixty-four education providers, including a diverse array of schools, community organizations and education technology providers, were named Quarterfinalists for the 2023 Yass Prize today during a live event from Washington, DC. The prestigious $1 million Yass Prize is considered the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation,” and along with the STOP Awards, standing for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless education, will distribute nearly $13 million to these winners.“Each year we are amazed by the breadth and depth of the innovators that step forward and do the hard work to apply and go through the process. I’m just incredibly proud of this new cohort of 64 who together will address every sort of student and family, every kind of terrain, community and challenge,” said Janine Yass, Founder of The Yass Prize. Thirty-one states are represented among the 64 awardees who were evaluated in an intensive, 3-tier process. This year’s Yass Prize Quarterfinalists represent a microcosm of 21st century, personalized approaches that better educate students, pre-K and beyond. They include in-person, hybrid and online approaches, and some schools that offer all three; educational metaverses and AI-driven organizations adding important dimensions to address individualized student needs and education technology organizations with substantive solutions to declining student achievement.
The 64 awardees trend toward serving special populations, including incarcerated and many marginalized student groups, in addition to accelerated workforce and higher education solutions tied to the secondary level.
“They are not only unconventional in their ethos and work, but they share a passion and commitment to defying educational malaise,” said Jeanne Allen, director of the Yass Foundation for Education and Founder & CEO of the Center for Education Reform which manages the effort.“Altogether 213,736 students will be impacted in 2023 and 227,018 in 2024, not including students reached by National Ed Tech providers in the cohort, and we anticipate that number will multiply exponentially with expansion plans enabled by the Yass Prize and STOP Awards Initiative,” added Allen.
This year’s cohort includes more non-providers than in years past, groups that offer a variety of other solutions that can complement and draw on comprehensive full-time education, such as leadership and educator recruitment focused on underrepresented populations, civics programming, parent empowerment, mental health and supports to expand education opportunity to more students. Other important details about the 64 Yass Prize Quarterfinalists:Economically disadvantaged students:40 of the top 64 organizations (62.5%) have at least half of their student population characterized as low-income. Of those 40, 31 organizations (77%) serve at least 80% economically disadvantaged students and a quarter serve exclusively economically disadvantaged students.
Students of color:Similarly, 41 of the top 64 organizations serve a student population of at least 50% students of color. Of those 41 organizations, 32 serve at least 80% students of color, while almost a third serve exclusively students of color.All 64 awardees are listed on the Yass Prize website at YassPrize.org/Awardees. For general non-press inquiries, please write info@yassprize.org.
Dreams have captivated the human imagination for ages, filling our nights with thoughts of adventure and randomness. But what about our pets? Do they embark on journeys while they’re sleeping? The answer? Yes. Just like us, dogs and cats experience the mysterious realm of dreams.
Much like humans, both dogs and cats undergo distinct sleep cycles. They experience the same stages of deep sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep that we do.
The evidence of dreaming is unmistakable in dogs. When a dog is in REM sleep, you might notice some intriguing behaviors. Their paws may twitch, their legs may move as if they’re running, they may seem to snarl and move their mouth, and sometimes they even make soft barks or whimpers. These are strong indicators that dogs are in fact dreaming.
But what do they dream about? We obviously can’t ask or tap into their subconscious minds, but it’s reasonable to assume that their dreams might involve familiar activities. A dog that loves to play fetch might dream of chasing a ball, while one who likes treats might be dreaming of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
What about cats? They also enter the world of dreams and go through the same cycles of REM and deep sleep. Sometimes you might even witness your feline friend twitching their whiskers or subtly meowing or purring while they are in dreamland.
Like dogs, the subject of a cat’s dreams are a mystery. Perhaps they’re reliving their most daring escapades or imagining a world filled with an endless supply of catnip. The truth is, we can only guess.
What science tells us is that the notion of dreaming in dogs and cats is supported. EEG recordings have shown patterns in their brain activity during REM sleep that closely resemble the patterns seen in humans. The evidence strongly suggests that both dogs and cats are indeed experiencing dreams during this phase of sleep.
As pet owners, it’s important to recognize and respect our pets’ sleep cycles and their dream-filled adventures. If you notice your pet dreaming, try not to disturb them. Just like humans, dogs and cats need uninterrupted sleep to ensure their overall well-being. We’d appreciate it if they let us sleep, so we should do the same for them.
Founded in 2011, Cruizin’ for Crime Stoppers is the sought after motorcycle ride in Palm Beach County. A 100 mile, fully escorted motorcycle ride takes riders along a relaxing, scenic tour throughout Palm Beach County.
From the start, Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County has been hosting the event to raise money for the Operational Fund and build community awareness.
With almost 4,000 attendees this event doesn’t disappoint. This event prides itself on making the rider happy. When you show up on event day, you are greeted with music along with free coffee, soft drinks and snacks. During the rest stop you are also given soft drinks and snacks and at the end, we serve a lunch and soft drinks and have live music!
This event always rounds out the afternoon with great live music, raffles, and a great crowd.
The Center returns with popular fall events and seasonal offerings
(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – Crisp autumn days are here again at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA)! Experience family fun events, seasonal libations, and some scares in the months ahead that are sure to leave guests fulfilled.
On Thursday, September 21, celebrate the start of harvest with a beer in hand at “Science on Tap” at Grandview Public Market (1401 Clare Ave, West Palm Beach). Attendees will enjoy this equally educational and entertaining event at the price of a cup of coffee, a quality craft beer, or a smooth glass of wine and anyone can come to discuss the latest trends in science and technology with a world-class scientist. With the motto to ‘drink up – get smart,’ you know you are in for a casual education session for guests to have fun while learning a little bit more about everyday curiosities. The evening topic will be “Stealing Sharks and Ravaging Rays: A scientific delve into their impacts on Florida fisheries,” with speaker, Dr. Matt Ajemian. Dr. Ajemian brings a wealth of knowledge as the associate research professor and the director of the Fish Ecology and Conservation Lab at FAU’s Harbor Branch.
Then on Saturday, October 14, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., make it a household outing at the Annual Fall Family Fun Fest! In partnership with A.D. Henderson Foundation, PNC Grow Up Great and Dreher Trail Neighborhood Association, families can experience a day of live entertainment, outdoor games, a mini petting zoo, fall and science-themed crafts, free mini-golf and face painting! Food and drinks will also be onsite for purchase to keep you in the center of the fun. It’s a family affair you won’t want to miss with paid admission to visit all the exhibits inside the facility. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/fall-family-fun-fest.
Continue your life-long learning – even as a teacher! On Friday, October 13 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the CSCA invites its community teachers for an exciting professional development day of STEM education and exploration. The School District of Palm Beach County and community STEM organizations will host workshops and vendor booths covering a variety of STEM programming with over 100 STEM exhibits! All PBCSD K-12 educators with a current valid teacher I.D. are welcome. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/STEM-open-house.
During the spookiest season of the year, maximize your Halloween spirit with the CSCA’s Spooky Science Laser Lights & Bites! On Friday, October 27 between 6 and 9 p.m., have a terrifying good time with smashing pumpkin demonstrations, exploring an Eerie Abyss and get a sugar rush at the many treat giveaway stations. Also, don’t miss the main event – the Halloween-themed laser concert at 8:20 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the door. More information can be found at coxsciencecenter.org/event/spooky-science.
“This is my favorite time of year, and it’s more special with our guests along for the fun,” said CSCA President and CEO, Kate Arrizza. “We have something that speaks to every age group and leaves them walking away with cozy fall memories.”
Also, thinking of day camps for fall breaks? Consider the CSCA’s science and tech camps for your curious and hands-on kiddos. Now until February 19, parents and guardians can register children between the ages of 5 and 12 to participate in camp sessions ranging from Swashbuckling Science to becoming a Junior Master Gardener! Camps run between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with late fees after 4:30 p.m. The CSCA offers scholarships for Title 1 Students in Palm Beach County thanks to Kids’ Dreams. To register, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/camps.
Finally, on Thursday, November 16, between 6 and 9 p.m., guests 21 and older can unpack all flavor profiles and chemical reactions behind their favorite cocktails at MolecuBar during the CSCA’s after hours. Explore interactive mixology demos, sample bites with local flare and be the judge at the molecular gastronomy competition! Between the evening’s activities, take a look inside the latest Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition where guests can experience the real stories of heroism, love, fear, and impossible decisions in the face of the “unsinkable” ocean liner meeting its fate. Advance tickets are $23 and $28 at the door; VIP tickets are $50. Member discounts will be honored at all times. To register for MolecuBar, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/molecubar.
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed mini-golf course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows, and special event programming. The Science Center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers, Howard and Wendy Cox, to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going in the ground late fall 2023, with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.
General admission for adults is $24, $20 for children ages 3-12, $22 for seniors ages 60 & older, free for children under 3 years of age and CSCA members.
