Building a North Carolina for the Future

Tracie Eubank on October 8, 2023

LivingPower September/October 2023

By Tim O’Connell


Much of this legislative season has focused on a few key policy areas but none more than healthcare and education. As the debate on various bills related to these topics filled the lawmakers’ calendars, North Carolina received the nation’s topic ranking for its business climate by CNBC for the second year in a row. This pinnacle of recognition provides a vantage point to look back to understand how we earned this ranking and simultaneously look forward to how we must use it to shape our future — a future that includes a dramatic change in our population.

The NC Office of State Budget and Management data shows that over the next 15 years, the population of those over 65 will swell to 2.7 million. That is 1 million more than the current number in this age group. To give context to this number, imagine every single person living in Cumberland County, Mecklenburg County, and Wake County as 65 or older. Returning to the state’s top business ranking, there are many to thank for this status: our lawmakers over the decades, entrepreneurial innovators, small business owners, and you, as a retired government employee, who laid the foundation during your working career. The roads you built, the students you educated, the communities you protected, the workforce training programs you delivered, the parks and recreation programs you provided, the economic development you fostered, the healthcare services you administered, the building permits you issued, and on and on, making North Carolina an attractive option for businesses to thrive.

In his book North Carolina Beyond the Connected Age: The Tarheel State in 2050, economist Mike Walden provides a budgetarily descriptive view of a potential “generational clash” between funding education for our youth and funding the healthcare needed to serve the increased demand for North Carolina’s over-65 population. Clearly, as successful as North Carolina is in business, it has the opportunity to lead the nation in successfully educating its younger people and successfully providing care for its older population. We are fortunate to live in a state where leading industries are healthcare, pharmaceutical research, education, and technology — giving our political leaders, government entities, and business communities a head start in bringing resources together to address this future, with much less chance of a “clash” if we so choose.

You now have an important role in advocating for this future with your elected leaders and potential supporting agencies. I encourage you all to familiarize yourself and get involved with the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services’ comprehensive initiative called All Ages, All Stages NC: A Roadmap for Aging and Living Well. Key areas of the plan include Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime, Optimizing Healthcare, Supporting Older Adults and Their Families, and Affording Aging. All of these areas are ones that NCRGEA directly or indirectly supports and lobbies for on your behalf at the legislature.

I invite you to visit the website for All Ages, All Stages NC to find more details, including how to easily fill out an online form to join a stakeholder workgroup.

You were an integral part of building North Carolina into what it is today. Now you have an opportunity to continue that building by contributing your wisdom and expertise as you advocate for North Carolina’s future.

NCDHHS Joins Allies Nationwide in Acknowledgement of Ageism Awareness Day

Tracie Eubank on October 6, 2023

Press Release/ October 2023

All Ages, All Stages NC logo

For the first time, North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services is joining with the American Society on Aging to acknowledge the newly established Ageism Awareness Day on Oct. 7, 2023. Modeled after the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons, Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.

NCDHHS is hosting a virtual webinar event on Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. to help bring attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society. To learn how to reframe aging in our communities, join the virtual Zoom event online.

The most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”

“Ageism hurts us all. Getting older is something to celebrate — we have to learn to find joy in every stage of our lives,” said Joyce Massey-Smith, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “Older people are one of North Carolina’s greatest natural resources, and we are one of the most age-friendly states in the country. We are committed to honoring people of all ages through initiatives such as All Ages, All Stages NC and through our collective efforts, we will continue to stand up for older North Carolinians in the face of ageism.”

North Carolina has seen significant demographic changes in the 21st century, with a national ranking of 9th in population aged 65 and older. In 2021, one in six people in North Carolina were over the age of 65. That number represents 1.8 million adults, or 17% of the total population, in North Carolina. By 2031, there will be more individuals aged 65 and older than children under 18 in the state, according to the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.

“We live in an aging society, which is a wonderful, remarkable thing,” says ASA’s Interim President Leanne Clark-Shirley. “But too many of us view aging with fear, denial and even hostility. We are all growing older. We can’t afford to limit ourselves and other people with such negative and harmful views, and why would we want to? Let’s lean into the opportunities, diversity and full range of experiences that come with aging.”

Evidence shows ageism is widespread in society and can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see on TV, advertising and in the media:

  • There are many forms of ageism, including internalized, cultural, implicit and benevolent
  • Ageism decreases quality of life and can shorten lifespan by 7.5 years
  • Although it is universal, people do not always take ageism as seriously as they do other forms of inequity
  • Ageism intersects with, and exacerbates, all other discriminatory “isms”
  • In the media, underrepresented older adults most often reflect negative stereotypes
  • According to the United Nations, on a global scale, one in two people are ageist

Is Root Beer A Better Option for Dental Health?

Isaiah on October 4, 2023

Two words that are rarely found side by side are “healthy” and “soda”. You were probably told time and time again as a child (and have gone on to tell your children and maybe grandchildren) that sodas aren’t the best things to consume for your dental health. These beverages, and other high sugar drinks, are certainly tasty and refreshing, but can have a harmful effect for waistlines or teeth, especially if enjoyed daily.

But there’s good news! According to recent studies, root beer is the least harmful soda when it comes to your teeth. One of the most prevalent myths surrounding tooth decay is that sugar causes it. While sugar does play a role in the formation of cavities, it’s not the sugar itself that leads to decay.

Yes, regularly consuming soda can cause dental erosion, as well as enamel loss. However, the real reason is that most sodas contain acids, most notably citric and phosphoric acid. In fact, some of the most popular sodas have an acidity ranking higher than battery acid! Battery acid has a pH level of 1.0, while some soft drinks ranked as high as 2.52.

Not only should you feel concerned with drinking sodas, but carbonated drinks in general. Sparkling water is a huge hit in the market right now. Would you be surprised to learn that may of the most popular brands of sparkling water have a pH between 3 and 4?

Is Root Beer Healthy for Teeth?

Although root beer is widely grouped in with other sodas, it has a significant difference: it rarely has any traces of citric or phosphoric acid. This makes root beer healthier for teeth when compared to typical colas. Root beer acidity is also much lower than other sodas on the market. It generally has a pH between 4.03 to 4.75 which is far less acidic than other types of sodas. With a lower acidic content, less harm occurs to the enamel. However, just like dark colas, root beer can still cause tooth staining.

Sipping sodas throughout the day is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. If you can’t give up sodas or other sugary drinks entirely, try to limit them to mealtimes and finish them in one sitting. Following up with a glass of water will help neutralize some of the acids.

Some believe switching to diet or sugar-free sodas is the solution to saving their teeth. However, these alternatives come with their own dangers. They contain acids that erode teeth at the same rate as regular sodas. Sports drinks and juices contain sugar and acids that make them problematic as well. However, soft drinks are ten times more erosive than fruit juices.

Of course, the food and beverages you eat are only part of maintaining a healthy mouth and smile. As the saying goes, “everything in moderation”. Your oral health will probably be fine if you enjoy a soda every once in a while but routine/daily consumption can cause problems.

Along with a twice-daily brushing and routine flossing, to keep your teeth healthy, you need routine professional care. NCRGEA and AMBA offer an excellent Dental Plan with access to any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network. You also get comprehensive coverage with low deductibles, high maximums, and NO WAITING PERIOD for covered services. Sign up now at www.ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070320191048.htm

Lake Case Update: Overview 2023

Tracie Eubank on October 2, 2023

June 15, 2023

NCRGEA continues its work to advance, promote, and protect the benefits, interests, and well-being of North Carolina’s retired state and local public servants in the Lake Case. Click the video at left to hear a report from ABC11 News in Raleigh.

As Executive Director Tim O’Connell explains in this video: “To take care of them in the retirement years, based upon a contractual promise, is being a good steward for North Carolina.”

Getting Older? So Are Your Eyes. Look Out for These Common Vision Problems.

Isaiah on October 2, 2023

As we get older, it’s normal to notice some vision problems. Issues like difficulty telling colors apart and taking more time to adapt to changes in the amount of light are all too common. Daily activities like looking at a computer screen or exchanging text messages on your phone or spending time outside without protective sunglasses can increase risks for eyestrain and vision problems.

Aging Vision Means Common Vision Problems

As the years tick by, it’s common to have more problems regarding your vision. Many older people find themselves having increased difficulty seeing things up close, distinguishing between colors and noticing more sensitivity to glare and needing more light for specific tasks.

A lot of the problems you might encounter with aging eyes stem from specific conditions. Here are some to keep on your radar.

Presbyopia 

Have you noticed you’re squinting at menus or turning up the brightness to try and read texts on your phone? You might have presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness.

After age 40, most people will deal with some level of gradual loss of their eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for correcting this issue, from eyeglasses and contacts to surgical solutions.

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision problems, including vision loss, in people over 50. This condition affects your central vision but leaves your peripheral vision unchanged. You get AMD when your macula, a key part of your retina, changes. Most people get dry AMD, which causes you to lose your central vision slowly over time.

Dry eyes 

Dry eyes don’t just cause redness, a stinging sensation, and discomfort. The condition can also blur your vision. People of all ages deal with dry eyes, but the issue is most frequent for older people. This is because our bodies make fewer tears as we get older. After age 65, it’s highly likely for people to have some dry eye symptoms.

Fortunately, over-the-counter artificial tears are an easy solution for many people.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a blanket term for a variety of conditions related to damage to the optic nerve that can cause serious vision problems. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, usually doesn’t cause symptoms at first, but slowly deteriorates the peripheral vision. Without treatment to relieve the pressure on the optic nerve and prevent further vision loss, the condition can eventually lead to total blindness. 

Cataracts 

More than 50% of Americans over the age of 80 either have cataracts or have had them removed. 

Cataracts are caused by the proteins in the eye start to break down and clump together. Over time, this causes visible cloudiness in the eye and makes vision fuzzy, causes colors to look faded and diminishes night vision.

While different eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions can help, many eye doctors eventually recommend surgery to remove the cataract. 

Common Vision Problems and Solutions

Aging eyes can mean problems down the road, but with regular eye checkups, your chances of catching problems early on are far greater. A good eye doctor can evaluate your eyes and catch issues early when they’re easiest to treat.  That’s why the Vision Plan from NCRGEA and AMBA is so important. The plan covers annual WellVision exams, 100% coverage for most lenses, even progressives, and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at www.ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea#vision or call 800-956-1228.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma

2023 Legislative Goals Update

Tracie Eubank on October 2, 2023

LivingPower September/October 2023

District 94 Representative Jeffrey Elmore, right, and NCRGEA’s Executive Director, Tim O’Connell, discuss the importance of a defined benefits plan for retirees and its value in attracting and retaining our current public service workforce. Elmore serves as a member of the House’s Pensions and Retirement Committee and also happens to be a public-school teacher. Meetings like these with legislators are just one of the ways NCRGEA advocates for state and local government retirees.

Representing our state’s more than 357,000 state and local retirees, your NCRGEA board of directors, executive director, and government relations team create a series of legislative goals that best addresses the quality of life for North Carolina’s government retirees. These goals are developed to align with the legislative biennium, a two-year session consisting of one long and one short session, beginning in each odd-number year.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our country, there was a dramatic shift in the quality of life for everyone, including our members and all in retirement. NCRGEA worked to address this with more holistic and expansive legislative goals focusing on healthcare, telehealth, and broadband.

Our focus to keep our state’s pension system healthy and productive for you and generations of retirees remains steadfast. In this new age, job vacancies in all industries have increased substantially. This is especially true in government, where roughly 30 percent of public sector openings remain unfilled. Why does this matter to you? All public sector employees contribute to their respective pension systems. When vacancies are high, less employee and employer revenue is contributed to the pension systems.

Here’s a status report of 2023-2024 biennium legislative goals:

  1. Advocate for annual cost of living adjustments for all government retirees.
    While the budget remains unfinished at press time, your NCRGEA government relations team has tirelessly pursued additional money for state and local retirees. Local retirees can only receive a bonus or COLA with approval by the Local Government Retirement System Board of Trustees. Such a vote will likely occur in January 2024. On our website, you can learn more about the Local Government Trustees and statutes relating to Local Government COLA processes. For state government retirees and retired teachers, bonus or COLA money is expected in the final state budget. We will send a legislative update to all members by email when the biennium budget is approved.
  2. Strengthen the state’s defined benefit plan to attract and retain the best and brightest public servants.
    Efforts to increase salaries for teachers and state government professionals are well underway, and such raises will be released when the state house and senate agree on a tax package as well as salary pay for active employees.
  3. Ensure the State of North Carolina will continue to fulfill its constitutional requirement to fully fund North Carolina Retirement Systems and the State Health Plan.
    The State of North Carolina is bound by the North Carolina Constitution and case law to guarantee pensioners’ benefits. The state will fully fund both the pension system and State Health Plan this biennium.
  4. Increase in-person and telehealth access, improving health outcomes for retirees.
    Healthcare for all North Carolinians has been a battleground in the General Assembly. The largest has been a shift in legislative opinion regarding Medicaid expansion. At the same time, significant legislation on how hospitals are approved and managed, along with bills focused on improving health outcomes for the elderly and children, have been debated.
  5. Expand first, middle, and last-mile broadband opportunities to provide increased, dependable, affordable access to broadband.
    Six broadband bills were introduced for the 2023 long session, many including expanded access in rural areas. An existing effort, the GREAT grant act, has included stepped-up funding since the pandemic.
  6. Expand the Bailey tax exemption for state and local retirees and pursue other tax exemption opportunities.
    Tax exemption bills for government retirees were filed in both the House and Senate. It appears future discussion of this type of legislation may roll into next year’s short session.

More details on the status of bills related to NCRGEA legislative’s agenda can be found on NCRGEA’s FastDemocracy Bill Tracker, that is available to you on our website.

How to Help Loved Ones Lower Their Risk of Breast Cancer

Isaiah on October 1, 2023

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. In 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer. In 2022, approximately 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Although there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, living a healthy lifestyle may lower the risk.

  1. There is a clear link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer. Having even one alcoholic drink a day may increase risk by 7% to 10%. Two to three drinks have about a 20% higher risk. Though it is best not to drink alcohol, women who do drink should limit and moderate their consumption.
  2. Being overweight or obese after menopause increases breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout your life and avoiding excess weight gain is another important step that can help reduced the risk of developing breast cancer. Limit foods and drinks that are high in calories, fat, and/or added sugars, and that provide few nutrients.
  3. Evidence is growing that inactivity increases breast cancer risk, especially in women past menopause. It is recommended that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these). Getting to or going over the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal. Limit the time you spend sitting, lying down, watching TV, and looking at your phone or computer. Doing some physical activity on top of your usual activities, no matter what your level of activity, can have many health benefits.

Other factors

Other areas that may potentially increase the risk of breast cancer include the following: not having children, not breastfeeding, birth control methods that utilize hormones, menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen (often combined with progesterone), and breast implants. 

Approximately 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. It’s just one more good reason to be ready with a Cancer plan from NCRGEA and AMBA. It can help cover the cost of treatments and related expenses like travel and other out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about Cancer Insurance, contact AMBA at 800-956-1228 or request more information at www.amba-review.com/NCRGEA

Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/body-weight-and-cancer-risk/acs-recommendations.html#:~:text=To%20help%20lower%20your%20risk%20of%20cancer,-As%20part%20of&text=The%20best%20way%20to%20stay,more%20calories%20through%20physical%20activity

Statement on Budget from NCRGEA Executive Director Tim O’Connell

Tracie Eubank on September 21, 2023

September 20, 2023

Tuesday night, legislative leadership from both the House and Senate chambers announced that they had reached a $30 billion budget agreement after a weeks-long stalemate between the two chambers. The budget includes a 4 percent bonus for retired teachers and state government employees. This 4 percent bonus will be distributed in November 2023. Retirees may receive an additional bonus or a cost-of-living adjustment next year in the 2024 legislative short session. The 2020-2022 biennium budget included bonuses totaling 6 percent for state employees, including the additional 4% awarded in the legislature’s short session last year.

The executive leadership and board of NCRGEA wish to thank the legislature for its work to provide inflation-negating money for our state’s deserving retirees. We also want to thank the many legislative champions who fought determinedly on behalf of more than 250,000 state retirees who taught, served, or protected the people of North Carolina and continue to contribute to society and their local economies in meaningful ways. While it looks like this chapter is successfully ending, our work for local government retirees continues in conjunction with the Local Government Employees’ Trustees Board and related organizations. We will never cease to strongly advocate for all government retirees in North Carolina.

Click here to view Legislative Update on the Budget

September’s Recipe: The Best Turkey Chili You’ll Ever Eat

McKenzie Lyman on September 13, 2023

This hearty recipe is from a reader in North Carolina. It’s a great recipe to welcome in the autumn – it’s perfectly spiced, packed with plenty of protein and fiber, and has a truly addicting flavor. This healthy recipe’s ingredients include lean ground turkey so is a healthier alternative to a ground beef version but loses none of the deliciousness!

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 chopped yellow onion
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 chopped medium red bell pepper
  • 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
  • For topping: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream

Stovetop Instructions

  1. Place oil in a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add in onion, garlic and red pepper and saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. 
  2. Add in ground turkey and break up the meat; cooking until no longer pink. Next add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt; stir for about 20 seconds.
  3. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary. 
  4. Garnish with anything you’d like. 

Makes 6 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each.

NCRGEA is compiling a Digital Holiday Dessert collection of recipes for 2023! If you have a dessert recipe you’d like to share, Submit A Dessert here by October 10, 2023.