April 2021 Newsletter
Dear Clients,
You may have heard that I went on trial for stealing someone’s luggage.
Don’t worry - they let me go. It was a brief case.
April Fools!
The corny jokes are back and so are my in-person appointments. My parents, and mother-in-law, are fully vaccinated. I had my first Moderna shot last week. The porch and patio office have opened for Spring. In early May 2021, I will resume in home visits for those that have also been fully vaccinated. However, for those that prefer, I am always available by phone or email.
My wife Amy and I met 17 years ago today. It’s also 22 years ago today that she started her massage business, the Healing Touch Wellness Center, LLC.
For the months of April, through September, I was able to obtain for you a $15 discount for a one hour massage. Just call her office at (203)261-8348 and mention "Michael’s Client April Newsletter Discount" when you schedule your appointment.
While you are on premises, you can check out my porch and patio office, too.
Happy Spring,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has recently increased the Medicare reimbursement rate for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to accelerate the rollout.
On March 15, 2021, the rate for a single dose has risen from $28-$40 and from $45 to $80 for the administration of COVID -19 vaccines requiring two doses. Your cost should remain at $0.
Ask An Expert: Amy Okrepkie
Massage Therapy Benefits for Seniors
Did you know that massage therapy for seniors has been proven to have positive effects on the following conditions?
Pain due to osteoarthritis - A study showed that seniors who utilized massage as part of their treatment for osteoarthritis had less pain and stiffness and improved physical function over the course of a few months.
Sleep habits and quality of sleep - Seniors who receive weekly massages report that they are sleeping more deeply and for longer lengths of time. This results in an overall feeling of better health as the body is being allowed more time to repair itself.
Agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease - Studies have shown that slow-stroke back massage on Alzheimer’s patients helps alleviate some of the agitation expressions that come with the disease, like wandering, pacing and resisting.
Alleviating depression - Touch has been proven to provide comfort to the elderly- especially since so many are deprived of it- which can help improve mental health.
Physical and mental relaxation - Massage has been shown to decrease the unhealthy buildup of cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” in the body, allowing the body to enter a rest and rejuvenation period.
Amy Okrepkie
Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master/Teacher and Owner of Healing Touch Wellness Center, LLC
Trumbull, Connecticut
Increase Circulation - Massage increases blood circulation, calms the nerves and nervous system and increases over all well being.
Quicker healing from injuries or illnesses - As we age, our joints and muscles tend to tighten, which can make it more difficult to heal from an injury because our range of motion is restricted. Massage therapy keeps muscles, connective tissues, joints, tendons and ligaments more fluid and even less injury-prone in the long run.
Try incorporating massage into your healthcare routine to see what benefits and relief you begin to experience yourself!
Important Dates
Today is opening day of the baseball season. It makes me think that things are heading back to normal or at least a new normal.
Don’t forget to file your income tax return. It has been extended from Thursday April 15, 2021 to Monday May 17, 2021.
Birthday Shout-outs:
Stella W. recently became my second-ever client to reach age 100. Happy Birthday Stella! I hope many more of you become centenarians in the future.