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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 16, 2024 Page 19 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Sponsors Free Bluebikes Day Passes on “Mindful Mondays” during National Wellness Month Massachusetts’ largest health plan creates opportunities for physical exercise via Metro Boston’s public bike share system to boost mental wellbeing every Monday in August B OSTON (August 1, 2024) — In recognition of National Wellness Month, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) is launching its fourth annual “Mindful Mondays” initiative by off ering free Bluebikes Day Passes every Monday in August, starting August 5. This initiative aims to highlight the positive impact mindfulness activities like biking can have on one’s overall health and wellbeing. The free Day Passes are accessible across Bluebikes’ 13 municipalities, including Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville, and Watertown. As the title sponsor of Bluebikes, Blue Cross is dedicated to fostering community well-being and mental health. The system is municipally owned and operated under contract by Lyft. Riders can take advantage of free Day Passes on each “Mindful Monday” by entering the appliBHRC | FROM PAGE 17 ing food waste remains an unrealized opportunity toward that goal. We urge state policymakers to take on reduction of food waste as a top priority. We have a menu of strategies to do just that.” ---Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG on the group’s new report “How to Reduce Food Waste in Massachusetts." The report says that despite significant progress in reducing it, food waste still accounts for about 22 percent of Massachusetts’ trash, with nearly one million tons of food waste sent to landfi lls and incinerators each year. “Jobs are a great way for young people to learn skills and improve their communities, and it is essential that employers provide safe and healthy work environment. I am proud of the work my offi ce has done to uplift and protect our youth in the workplace, and we will continue to protect them by ensuring that companies are complying with our child labor laws.” --- Attorney General Andrea Campbell highlighting more than $4.1 million in penalties and restitution against Massachusetts employers that have violated Massachusetts’ child labor cable code on the Bluebikes App. Each code will unlock one free Day Pass, which includes unlimited complimentary two-hour pedal bike rides during a 24-hour period, and free ebike unlocks. Riders can also upgrade to ebike rides for an additional per minute fee. The codes for each Monday are as follows: - August 19: BLUECROSS19 - August 26: BLUECROSS26 Research underscores the mental health benefi ts of biking. A Healthline report highlights that biking fosters stable mindfulness and alleviates stress, depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) reveals that outdoor biking enhances cognitive functioning and overall well-being, particularly among older adults. “This National Wellness Month, we emphasize the critical role of mental health in overall well-being,” said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citilaws. “These newly approved loans and grants demonstrate the Trust’s strong commitment to ensuring low-cost financing for water projects throughout our state. Safe and reliable water infrastructure is essential for healthy communities, and we will continue to leverage this funding for the cities and towns that need it.” --- Deb Goldberg, State Treasurer and chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, announcing $60.4 million in new low-interest loans and grants to help communities build or replace water infrastructure, ensure the safety of drinking water and protect public health. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough zenship and public aff airs at Blue Cross. “For the fourth consecutive year, our ‘Mindful Mondays’ initiative is committed to nurturing both mental and physical health across Greater Boston. We encourage residents and visitors to harness the benefi ts of a Bluebikes ride and enhance their health by getting outdoors.” Blue Cross has served as Bluebikes’ title sponsor since May 2018 and remains committed to supporting and extending public bike sharing in Greater Boston as a safe, sustainable and accessible public transportation option through its partnership with the municipal owners of Bluebikes and Lyft. In the six years of Blue Cross’ sponsorship, the system has doubled in size, adding more than 200 stations, 400 pedal bikes and, most recently, 750 next-generation ebikes to its fl eet. Last December, Blue Cross announced its title sponsorship extension through 2031. to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of August 5-9. the House met for a total of one hour and two minutes and the Senate met for a total of 55 minutes. Mon. August 5 House11:01 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. Senate 11:06 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Tues.August 6 No House session No Senate session. Wed. August 7 No House session No Senate session Thurs. August 8 House11:02 a.m. to 11:52a.m. Senate 11:08 a.m. to 11:49a.m. Fri. August 9 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. avy eniior avvy S iorn oro a y avvyavy iori by Jim Miller How to Choose a Walk-In Bathtub Dear Savvy Senior, Because of my back pain and mobility problems, I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub that’s safe and easy to get in and out of. What all can you tell me about walk-in tubs, and can you recommend some top options? Old and Achy Dear Old, For mobility challenged seniors, a walk-in bathtub can be a terrifi c option to consider because they’re much easier to get into and out of than a standard tub, which also helps prevent falls. Here’s what you should know, along with a reliable resource to help you choose one. Age-Friendly Tubs Walk-in bathtubs are uniquely designed tubs that have a watertight, hinged door built into the side of the tub that provides a much lower threshold to step over (usually 3 to 7 inches) versus a standard tub that’s around 15 inches. Most walk-in tubs have high sidewalls, usually between three and four feet high, and are between 28 and 32 inches wide, but will fi t into the same 60-inch-long space as your standard tub without having to reconfi gure the room. In addition to the low threshold, most walk-in tubs also have a built-in seat, grab bars, anti-slip fl oors and anti-scald valves. Some tubs also come with handheld showerheads and quick drains (that drain the tub in under a minute), and many higher-end models offer therapeutic spa-like features that are great for seniors with arthritis and other ailments. The best kind of tub for you will depend on your needs, preferences and budget, and the size and layout of your bathroom. But be aware that walk-in bathtubs are not cheap. Prices range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more for the tub and installation costs. Insurance and Aid Because walk-in tubs are not considered durable medical equipment, original Medicare does not typically cover them nor do Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies, but some Medicare Advantage plans may help pay. If you’re receiving Medicaid, many states have Home and Community Based Services that may provide some assistance. Or, if you’re a disabled veteran, the VA has some home modifi cation grants that may help pay. There are also grants and loans available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that help elderly, low-income residents of rural areas make home modifi cations, which may be used to pay for a walk-in bathtub. And, depending on where you live, there may be local programs that can help like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together. To fi nd out if these options are available in your area, contact your Area Aging Agency (call 800-677-1116) or nearby center for independent living (see ilru.org). If, however, you can’t locate any fi nancial assistance and you can’t aff ord to pay upfront for a walk-in tub, most manufacturers off er fi - nancing so you can make monthly payments. You should also know that if you’re using a walk-in tub for a specifi c medical condition, you may also be able to deduct the costs of the tub from your taxes as a medical expense (see irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf). Best Walk-In Bathtubs To help you choose a walk-in bathtub the National Council on Aging, which is a national nonprofi t organization that advocates for older Americans, put together a review team to research the diff erent companies and tubs. Their list of best walk-in bathtubs of 2024 includes: • Best Walk-in Tub Overall: Ella Ultimate Walk-In Tub • Best Walk-in Tub with Shower: Kohler Walk-In Tub with Shower Package • Most Aff ordable Walk-in Tub: Ariel Walkin 3052 Soaker • Best Soaking Tub: American Standard Gelcoat Entry Series • Best Wheelchair-Accessible Tub: Ella Transfer • Best Walk-in Tub for Small Spaces: AmeriGlide Sanctuary 2646 WIT See NCOA.org/adviser/walk-in-tubs/best-walk-in-tubs for detailed reviews and product links. To get started, you should contact a few walk-in bathtub retailers who can send a professional to your home to assess your bathroom and give you product options and estimates. Lowe’s and Home Depot also off er free evaluations and a wide range of walk-in tub options. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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