BUSINESS PROFILE: Bug-Bee Hive Resort Bug-Bee Hive Resort has been creating a buzz on Lake Koronis since 1920   By Scott Thoma Paul and Kella Bugbee have owned and operated Bug-Bee Hive Resort near Paynesville since 2000.  Photo by Scott Thoma Looking for a relaxing place to vacation or hold a family reunion that includes numerous amenities and activities, a place to gather with your extended family or quilting club members where you can showcase each other’s talents, a memor

BUSINESS PROFILE: Windmill Ponds, Alexandria Joyful, worry-free, and safe living at Windmill Ponds By Julie Parent Shirley Jacobs said we “Can’t get along without Chris” Mattson who has been the activities director for approximately 15 years. Photo by Julie Parent   When you walk into Windmill Ponds, you won’t want to leave. The inviting atmosphere inside is warm and welcoming, and outside, the quiet neighborhood setting near Lake Connie is a peaceful place to relax and watch

Answers provided by Lance Bergstrom, M.D. of Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic in Fargo, N.D.  What is Macular Degeneration and is there anything I can do for it? Macular degeneration is a condition that affects more than 20 million people globally and is a leading cause of blindness in the US.  There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry AMD and Wet AMD.  In cases of Wet AMD blood vessels grow in the wrong place and leak, making the macula wet and inflame

Answers by Crystal Marvan, Director of Nursing at Guardian In Home Health in Glencoe, Minn. Crystal Marvan, Director of Nursing at Guardian.  Contributed photo As more seniors choose to remain in their own homes, home care has become an essential support for maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life. Still, many older adults and their families have questions about what home care includes and how it works in Minnesota. Below, a home care expert answers the most fre

Answers by Mitchell Gossman, MD, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud How do I know if I have dry eyes? Let’s start with some background info. The eyes are bathed by tears constantly, but with two systems for the body to deliver tears to your eyes. The most important system is the “accessory lacrimal glands.” There are several of them in the eyelids, and their purpose is to deliver tears continually, all day and all night. The surfac

It is important to have regular screenings for macular degeneration so detection can be caught early. Stock photo Answers by Dr. Mitchell Gossman, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud What are the types of macular degeneration, why are some treated with injections, and why are some not? There are many distinct types of macular degeneration, much like there are dozens of breeds of cats. However, there are two main categories. The firs

Answers by Brooke Steckelberg, Au.D., CCC-A  Legendary comedian George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”  Brooke Steckelberg, Au.D., CCC-A  Contributed photo Some days, of course, that’s easier said than done. I often see patients who are determined to stay healthy and independent, and one key—but often overlooked—factor in aging well is the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in both balance and overall health. As people age,

BUSINESS PROFILE: Breitenfeldt Group Over 150,000 Minnesotans on Medicare will lose their coverage By Jim Palmer After a few fairly stable and uneventful years, many members on Medicare can expect some significant changes to their plans as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches this fall. “Unfortunately, there are big changes on the way, for both health insurance and drug plans,” said Dennis Breitenfeldt, founder of Breitenfeldt Group. “In the Minnesota Medicare market

BUSINESS PROFILE: The Medicare Duo & Brekke Insurance Group Medicare Insurance Advisors help those eligible find the health plan that best fits their needs By Jim Palmer If you are 65 years or older, you are eligible for Medicare. Whether you are eligible for the first time or currently enrolled in Medicare, you should be aware of a couple important things. First, you should be aware that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will be Oct. 15-Dec. 7 this year. This is the time fr

BUSINESS PROFILE: Medicare Insurance Advisors Medicare Insurance Advisors help those eligible find the health plan that best fits their needs By Scott Thoma One of the more confusing and stressful times for seniors is when they approach Medicare eligibility, or those who are already enrolled and need to change their plan. Medicare options are continually changing from year to year. Fortunately, Paul and Patricia Hamilton of Medicare Insurance Advisors in Sartell have extensiv

Answers provided by Megan May, Breitenfeldt Group licensed agent  What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and why is it important? A: The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their coverage. It runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and any updates made during this time go into effect on Jan. 1 of the following year. It’s especially important if your health needs, prescriptions, budget, or current plan selec

Answers by Casandra C. Wahl, Au.D., CCC-A at St. Cloud ENT Question: How has Artificial Intelligence (AI) improved hearing aids? ...

BUSINESS PROFILE:  Realife Cooperative Realife Cooperative offers independent, cooperative living in a peaceful neighborhood  By Scott...

BUSINESS PROFILE: Arabella Manor, Alexandria Arabella Manor celebrates 20 years of worry-free independent living  By Rachel Barduson Joni...

Answers by Dr. Mitchell Gossman, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud Can a stroke affect my...

Answers provided by Alex Cordahl,  Breitenfeldt Group licensed agent  The Medicare Special Enrollment Period gives you a chance to make...

Think estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly? Think again. If you own anything — a home, a car, a savings account, even a pet...

The chances of maintaining good, healthy vision are greatly enhanced by regular monitoring and treatment by a trained professional....

Brooke M. Steckelberg, AuD, CCC-A Contributed photo ASK THE EXPERT Sponsored content by  St. Cloud ENT Answers by Brooke Steckelberg, an...

BUSINESS PROFILE: VOIGT’S BUS SERVICE By Scott Thoma Sadie and Norb Voigt, pictured far left, pose in front of their bus with staff...