Medicare Advantage: Giving the People What they Want

varicose veins tampa west florida vein center

Health insurance can be complicated, and many details of health care and health insurance are lost on the public. Who likes to read an insurance policy? No one!

When our representatives in congress fail to live up to their promises with health care and support programs that aren’t working, these are the things NOT lost on us. We want our representatives to tell us why or why not proposals are good or bad ideas and offer alternatives.

Overall, everyone wants the same thing: affordable health insurance and lower health care costs.

In 1995, health care in the United States was 13% of GDP. In 2014, it was 17% of GDP. We spend more than any other nation in the World on health care. This is “Big” business. President Trump recently got the Senators together at the White House told them (and us) that he expected the Senate bill to be, “a phenomenal Bill for the people of our Country.” He was hoping it would be a bill that is, “generous, kind and with heart.” President Trump said the Senate is going to, “come out with a, “Real bill – not Obamacare!” The Democrats continue to resist any changes to Obamacare. Fortunately for them, the actual Senate draft bill was an adjustment to ACA – Obamacare, and its later version that I call the “Obamacare Dark”.

We hope the Democrats will embrace the idea of promoting Medicare Part C – as the Medicare Buy-In program that Hillary Clinton has been promoting and come to a compromise that will give Republicans some tax relief on and greater control over future health care costs. Democrats can take credit for coming up with the Medicare Part C Plan, that will include competitive benefit plans to attract new members, adequate premium subsidies and tax credits, more affordable plans for the needy, protection for pre-existing conditions, more uninsured voters signing up for coverage and more influence over the programs design. T

Democrats need to step up for their party to protect the interests of the people they represent and insist on the elements of the plan that will appeal to their base and participate in this solution. Medicare Part C is a start! I have made it abundantly that the federal government knows how to successfully structure health insurance programs. They are supervising several of them and they cover tens of thousands of people. The Senators and Representatives are all very smart, many of them millionaires, many of them know how to fix problems like this, but they can’t fix this problem purely because of politics. If you are as frustrated as I am with this situation, we can truthfully lay the blame squarely on many of our Congressional Representatives of both parties in Washington, D.C. They are “NOT” acting like Statesmen and Stateswomen and they are “Not” acting in our BEST interest. T

Every member of Congress and the Trump Administration should be aware that the federal government is already doing a great job providing essentially the things that everybody wants. Ask the more than 55 million Americans covered by Medicare A and B or the 17 million Americans covered by Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans how they feel about their health plans? They will ALL tell you they are happy to have them. Without them, they would be worried about how they were going to pay their bills, if they get sick.

Want to help support Medicare Advantage for All? To support and join this movement, you can download our Medicare Advantage Membership Application and complete it with your contact information and send it to us with your financial support or just complete the Pay Pal Credit card authorization on the About and Become A Supporter Pages on our web site.

For more information on the Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan and the movement, visit our Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan page or our Medicare Advantage Facebook page, call us at 1-888-683-3719 or contact our email us at: contact@medicare-advantage-for-all.com.

 

The post Medicare Advantage: Giving the People What they Want appeared first on Medicare News Advocate.

How to Fix Health Care with Medicare Advantage

varicose veins tampa west florida vein center

As Americans, we need some form of health insurance, because it is too expensive for many of us to afford without help. The challenge for the American federal government is to curb the tremendous increases in the cost of health care and at the same time give those people, who are not insured, access to affordable health insurance – this is what Obamacare is and was supposed to do, but that is not what is happening.

Obamacare was successful in increasing the number of people signing up for Medicaid by 11 million. The way Affordable Care Act (ACA) did that was easy. The federal government agreed to pay the states 100% (gradually reducing to 90% in 2020) of the cost of raising the eligibility for qualified citizens to sign up for the program. It was like signing people up for a free lunch.

Our focus on health insurance may cause us to forget that the federal government does have other national priorities, including a crushing trillion-dollar national debt and a multiple billion-dollar annual budget deficit. We can’t keep throwing money at every problem we have, without having some rational plan to handle the risks. How do we fix ACA (Obamacare) so that this time we get it right, without having to pay for a government takeover of the entire health care system – a move that will certainly and severely damage our quality of health care?

We have approximately 43 million citizens that need help from the government. These people include the ACA enrollees (9 Million), the low-wage uninsured and unemployed workers (28 million), and segments of the Medicaid eligible population (5 million). In order to “fix” the problems, we must figure out an economical way to help about 10%  to 13% of our total population. The problem is manageable.

The FIRST thing that Congress needs to understand is that the ONLY way they can lower the cost of health insurance, without doing anything about the health of the population, is to use the power of leverage in a REAL insurance plan! President Trump told the Senators, he wants, “a REAL bill – NOT Obamacare.” Congress must stop throwing good money after bad and make it possible to use the power of leverage in a “REAL” actuarially underwritten insurance contract. The power of leverage in health insurance, is the ability for health insurance carriers and HMOs to charge a low premium rate (less than one would normally have to pay on their own) to a large number of people and when the little premiums are all added together, the total amounts to enough money to pay for the health care expenses of those few in the group that actually get sick.

The only other “real” actuarially underwritten federally sponsored health insurance program (besides FEHB) that covers “We the People” is our Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage. The Medicare Part C operates under the principals of “REAL” insurance. Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage programs cover approximately 17 million of our most vulnerable elderly citizens. The program’s popularity has increased due to ACA. For the participants in Medicare Part C, the federal government does an annual evaluation on the actuarial equivalency of cost for Original Medicare. This means that they determine how much the government would have to pay an insurance carrier if they were going to produce an insurance program that was actuarially equivalent to the traditional Medicare program in a particular county. Therefore, CMS annually determines what capitation fee the federal government is willing to pay for health insurance in each county in the United States. The health insurance carriers and health maintenance organizations take these rates and design health insurance benefits programs, with CMS approval, to cover the participants within the margin of the prospectively determined capitation (per person dollar amount) rate. The federal government agrees to pay that rate and the insurers (insurers and/or health care providers) take the risk and assume the responsibility of administering the programs. There is no confusion about how much the carriers are to be paid. There are certain requirements that the insurers must meet to satisfy the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and these are met in strict but collaborative and rational interactions characteristic of this successful Public-Private Partnership. This is the way it should be done and is unlike the turmoil that ACA has created in some markets.

Like the sound of Medicare Advantage for All? Support it!

To support and join this movement, you can download our Medicare Advantage Membership Application and complete it with your contact information and send it to us with your financial support or just complete the Pay Pal Credit card authorization on the About and Become A Supporter Pages on our web site.

For more information on the Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan and the movement, visit our Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan page or our Medicare Advantage Facebook page, call us at 1-888-683-3719 or contact our email us at: contact@medicare-advantage-for-all.com.

The post How to Fix Health Care with Medicare Advantage appeared first on Medicare News Advocate.

Using HGH to Slow and Even Reverse The Signs of Aging

Aging-Fort-Myers-somaderm-gel-hgh-800x531

Aging-Fort-Myers-somaderm-gel-hgh-800x531If you are over the age of 30 you are likely starting to see and feel the effects of aging.

Both women and men will begin to experience subtle signs up age such as weight gain even though they have done nothing different in their diet and exercise routines. This is due to decreased stamina as well as lower energy levels.

Up until recent years, there wasn’t an answer. But now, thanks to New U Life, in conjunction with Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. we can help you get back to feeling like yourself again. We offer Somaderm Gel – a transdermal application gel that is a pure scientific breakthrough with all of the power of HGH.

HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a well documented and highly studied naturally occurring hormone. As we get older the amount of HGH our bodies produce, declines.

Somaderm Gel is applied to the thinnest areas of the skin such as the inner arms for best absorption rate transporting it directly into your bloodstream.

When it comes to hormone replacement therapy sprays and pills simply don’t work as well. The potency is broken down by the body and it renders them somewhat ineffective. There are of course also injectable forms of HGH but these may come with serious side effects as well as being expensive and invasive.

You no longer have to simply accept the onslaught of symptoms that come with aging. You can recapture your youth. Somaderm Gel has become the ageless standard.

Thankfully the transdermal formulation offered by Somaderm Gel has now become available to the general public. It works by slowly elevating HGH levels in the body, naturally.

Interested in learning more and possibly trying Somaderm Gel for yourself?
We would love to talk more about it with you.
Give our office a call today at 239-332-2555.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Treat Your Vein Issues This Winter!

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Vein-treatment-west-florida-vein-center-Dr-mark-zuzga

You shouldn’t have to suffer from painful embarrassing vein problems. Nor should you have to cover up and feel self-conscious.

This winter be kind to yourself. It is the perfect time to stop putting off vein treatment and get back to feeling like yourself again!

If you are dealing with venous insufficiency issues you know that having varicose, spider or other vein problems can wear you down. They can make you self conscious and can be painful on a daily basis. Many patients give up on summer and wear long pants year round making hotter months far less comfortable.

If you’ve made the decision to treat your varicose or spider veins this winter, the West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor of Tampa, Florida can provide you the treatments you need. We offer a wide selection including minimally invasive treatments: ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation, and endovenous laser ablation. Browse our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the options we offer. Give us a call to schedule a screening today!

TREATING VEINS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAKES THE HEALING TIME EASIER!

The Cold Helps You to Avoid Pain and Irritation

If you have varicose veins, you are more likely to experience pain and irritation during the winter season due to being less active. Pain and irritation are also common during the warmer months, but constant physical outdoor activity can help ease some of the irritation. Many consider having vein treatment at the beginning of the winter season allowing treatment of the problem before it has a chance to cause you any more discomfort.

Treated Areas are Less Likely to be Exposed to the Sun

When receiving vein treatment one side effect to watch for is discoloration. Discoloration is common when the areas are exposed to direct sunlight. Doctors recommend that patients cover up the treated areas for the first few weeks following therapy. In the winter we naturally tend to wear more clothing anyway, allowing less sun exposure while still remaining comfortable.

Compression Stockings Are More Comfortable During the Winter

Compression stockings can help you find relief both before and after your vein treatment. Compression socks are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, many patients feel uncomfortably hot wearing them during the warmer months of the year. Also if style is a concern, compression socks and shorts likely aren’t going to be your ideal combination.

Give Yourself Time to Heal Before Spring

Receiving vein treatment during the winter is ideal as it allows plenty of time to heal and recover, giving you the freedom of wearing whatever you want when spring and summer finally arrive!

The Time Is Now!

If you’re ready to finally stop the pain and discomfort that has kept you from living your life to its full potential, Dr. Mark Zuzga can provide you with the vein treatment you deserve at the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor located in Tampa Bay, Florida. www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

The Right Cold Medicine for High Blood Pressure

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardio

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardioThe temperatures are dropping fast. With the sudden change in weather, our bodies sometimes don’t fully adjust right away. This can put a dent in our immunity and leave us exposed to potential cold and flu viruses going around.

While there is still no cure for the common cold or the flu, millions of Americans seek relief through over the counter medicines which can help shorten the duration of the illness as well as mask symptoms and help you cope with the bugs and feel a little better temporarily allowing you to get through your days.

These medicines work very well for most people. If you happen to have problems with your heart health though you need to be aware of potential complications and side effects even over the counter remedies may provoke.

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension (High blood pressure), heart disease, or heart failure, common decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can be a danger. They are both vasoconstrictors, meaning they constrict blood vessels in the sinus and nasal passages which helps with drainage and swelling – making it easier for you to breathe. The problem is because they are taken orally the effects don’t just take place in the sinuses and nose. They can make your heart work harder than it needs to and that can spell trouble for some.

Safer Alternatives that Still Work

Nasal Decongestant Sprays – This helps minimize the cardiovascular effect because of the direct delivery system. Please use no more than twice daily and only as directed.

Neti Pot – A neti pot is a small plastic pot that holds (non-tap) water, lukewarm, mixed with salt (the salts come with the pots in small pre-measured packages). Mix and rinse one side of the nose at a time. They are great for clearing out dust, pollen, dander, air pollutants, viruses, bacteria and more from your sinus cavities and have no side effects. They are free to be used with any medications.

Hot compress – holding a heating pad or hot compress against your face not only feels good, but it also helps loosen and release sinus pain and pressure allowing the mucus to drain more easily.

Antihistamines – these may be a safe alternative. Antihistamines can help dry up nasal mucosa. Just be aware they may cause drowsiness.

Steam – Be it a wet sauna, a hot shower, or a bowl of boiled water with a towel, the fact is steam loosens up sinuses and helps them to drain. All of these are great helpers.

When choosing a product, always read the label carefully.

  1. Look at both the “active” and “inactive” ingredients. Many contain multiple active ingredients that could affect your cardiovascular health, interact with your cardiovascular medications, and cause side effects.
  2. Decongestants and antihistamines come in extended-release meaning that you take them less frequently. Always read the directions on the label and consult your pharmacist or doctor with any questions.

For more heart-healthy advice visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM OR CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT  813-975-2800.

Whiplash – The Most Common Car Accident Injury

whiplash-fort-myers-dr-kaster-auto-accident-injury-pip

whiplash-fort-myers-dr-kaster-auto-accident-injury-pipAre You Experiencing Neck Pain After an Auto Accident?

If following an auto crash you have neck pain it needs to be checked by a chiropractor to make sure you do not have whiplash. The injury known as whiplash happens when force is applied to your neck causing it to extend past the normal range of motion. The result is injured soft tissue in the neck – this can include tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Though it cannot be seen visibly on an X-ray it is a very real and painful injury.

Whiplash is the number one most common injury to happen in auto accidents. The amount of physical damage the car sustains may not directly correlate to the severity of the neck injury. Crashes at speeds as low as just 10-15 miles per hour can produce enough force to cause whiplash in automobile accident victims. The wearing of seatbelts did not cause a drastic difference in whether whiplash was sustained.

Though whiplash is primarily an auto accident injury it can also happen under other circumstances including contact sports, blows to the head due to a falling object or physical assault. Repetitive stress or strain involving the neck (such as holding the phone between your neck and chin) are also common, non-acute causes.

Treatment is essential to recovery. Get Whiplash Treatment As Soon As Possible 

( initiated in 24-72 hours is optimal)


At the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C., Dr. Kaster has years of experience and specializes in whiplash and auto injury. The office also has onsite massage therapist Christine Wigglesworth, L.M.T. Together, they make a dynamic healing team achieving fast relief and long-term success.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

The Benefits of visiting your Chiropractor after an Accident

car-accident-injury-dr-jason-kaster-fort-myers

car-accident-injury-dr-jason-kaster-fort-myersChiropractic and Car accident healing go together like peanut butter and jelly.

I know that’s a weird analogy, but I just want to closely link the two in your mind. If you have been in even just a minor fender bender, it is vital to go see your chiropractor as well as get checked out in the ER.

While the Emergency Room is fantastic at diagnosing and treating cuts, scrapes, abrasions, broken bones, and internal injuries – they do not deal with misalignments (subluxations) nor do they find or do anything to help with soft tissue injury. Both of these can not only be incredibly painful, but they can also lead to chronic long term health issues and pain down the road.

Why Chiropractic Works:

1. Inflammation Reduction: Microtears happen in the muscles and ligaments, an X-ray will not see them. These tears are the cause of waking up in pain and not understanding why because the imaging looked normal. Chiropractic uses spinal manipulations to realign the spinal cord causing your body to release anti-inflammatory substances into the brain.

2.Non-obvious injuries: While broken bones and bruises may be obvious after a crash other injuries like whiplash and soft tissue injury are not visible or even apparent directly following the accident itself.

3. Pain Relief without Drugs: People take pain medication believing it will heal them. It does make you feel better for a short time. Drugs are only masking the symptoms they are not healing. This can lead to a cycle of addiction in order to avoid pain.

4. Scar Tissue Build Up Reduction: Scar tissue build in order to try and heal the injuries. It causes stiffness and pain. Chiropractic can help break up the scar tissue as it forms allowing the body to heal properly with a full range of movement.

5. Range of Motion:

If you suffer an injury during a car wreck, the inflammation often causes even more problems.

Your blood and nutrients will not be able to circulate to the areas it needs to go because the inflammation will slow the healing process. In receiving chiropractic adjustments, it will mobilize your spine, restoring range of motion and allowing the body to begin the natural healing process at a much faster rate.

Along with these reasons chiropractic can also help you avoid pain long term. Untreated pain can continue for years if not a lifetime. Documented soft tissue injuries also can help your medical and legal claims in a suit. You will need proper documentation to get your medical bills covered.

If you are in the SWFL Fort Myers area we would love to see you in our office. We specialize in car accident injury. Call the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. today at 239-332-2555. You may also visit www.drkasters.com to learn more about the practice. Feel free to call with any questions you may have! We look forward to seeing you.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Varicose and Spider Veins – What’s the Difference?

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varicose-veins-spider-veins-tampa-cardioPeople often incorrectly use the terms “spider veins” and “varicose veins” interchangeably, and it’s important to understand that these are two very different conditions.

While one is a simple cosmetic problem, that while causing embarrassment and discomfort poses no real medical threat, the other can not only be very painful but also present physical signs of some very serious underlying conditions. Understanding the difference between these venous disorders can make all the difference in what kind of treatment a patient seeks, and whether they find it necessary to seek treatment at all.

 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves within veins weaken, and a portion of the blood that is meant to be pumped back to the heart instead leaks back into the vein and collects, causing the veins to enlarge and bulge past the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can appear red, blue, or flesh-colored, are twisted or ropey in appearance, and can be found throughout the body, though most commonly in the legs where the force of gravity is greatest. Varicose veins are a condition in themselves that can be quite painful and uncomfortable, often causing aching, swelling, itching, burning, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. If ignored, varicose veins can result in skin ulcers that sometimes bleed and are very hard to heal. In the most extreme cases, varicose veins can lead to a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is present when a blood clot forms in a deeper vein. If one of these blood clots breaks off and travels to the lungs, the results can potentially be fatal.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused by a back up of blood in the veins and appear very close to the surface of the skin in sunburst or spider web patterns, hence their name. Spider veins are typically quite small, but can appear in a variety of locations on the body, most commonly on the legs but also on the arms and even on the face. These red or blue veins can be brought about by hormone changes, injury, or sun exposure, and treatments are available to remove them if the patient so desires. Fortunately, while spider veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, they are typically not causing alarm and only present a cosmetic problem for the patient.

If a condition or ailment appearing on your body concerns you, it is always wise to seek the advice of a medical professional.

While most spider veins are harmless and not all varicose veins lead to more serious conditions, only a medical professional can decide whether your personal condition calls for further action. Treatments for both spider veins and varicose veins are readily available, and because varicose veins are considered a health condition, their treatment or removal is covered by most insurance policies, making their treatment affordable as well.

If you are in any way concerned about the health of your veins, please visit the Vein Center at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates to speak with a certified vein specialist. www.tampacardio.com (813) 975-2800. 

Vein Disease Worsened By the Habit of Smoking

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The fact is that smoking cigarettes does direct damage to your circulatory system and if you have venous disease already it will exacerbate it. 

smoking-veins-west-florida-vein-center-tampa-floridaThe damage done to the circulatory system is most noticeable in the form of surface-level varicose and spider veins. Vein disease often causes pain on top of cosmetic embarrassment, but the true damage and potential for life-threatening issues occur internally.

The full damage cannot be fully viewed without an examination by a vein specialist. One of the more serious conditions that can come from venous disease is DVT deep vein thrombosis. DVT is a condition that occurs when blood clots form within the deep veins.

Deep vein thrombosis can cause the life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms can occur when a blood clot started by DVT breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and becomes stuck in the lungs. This clot can block and prevent blood flow, and even result in death. Smokers are 50% more likely to develop DVT than are non-smokers.

How exactly does smoking affect a person’s vascular system?

The toxic chemicals which are added to cigarettes wreak havoc on the body’s circulatory system. Nicotine causes arteries to narrow and harden, greatly increasing the risk for the formation of blood clots. Other chemical compounds found in cigarettes thicken blood reducing the oxygen flow. This slows the blood flow. With both of these factors combined,  it’s easy to understand that smoking thickens the blood and at the same time narrows the path that it has to travel through. This can lead to some very serious health conditions.

The best solution for preventing smoking-related venous disease is to never start smoking. For those who already smoke, the best advice is to stop smoking immediately.

The damage done from smoking is not completely irreversible. Quitting can greatly reduce the risks of cigarette-related venous disease, as well as reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. If you choose to keep smoking being a lifetime smoker almost guarantees a vascular surgery in their future.

Many vein conditions are now easily treatable with minimally invasive techniques and procedures, with many patients reporting little to no pain as well as almost immediate relief of their symptoms. Contact our staff today to learn about the many options available to you and to schedule an appointment at our state of the art Tampa vein center. The West Florida Vein Center looks forward to serving you. www.westfloridaveincenter.com

(727) 712-3233.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15th to October 15th, 2019

This time every year is dedicated to acknowledging the Hispanic heritage contributions that have helped to make America the wonderful melting pot that it is. Hispanic and Latino Americans have had a profound positive effect on their communities and because of this our country.

This influence comes through character, the practice of traditions, faith, dedication to family, and hard work and service in their chosen fields. They have helped to shape our national character with traditions that reflect the multicultural customs of their community.

The roots of this month-long tradition of recognition known as Hispanic Heritage Month began back in1968. Each year the celebration begins on the anniversary of the independence of the Latin American Countries: Chile, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

The term Hispanic or Latino refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin. Today, 57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are Hispanic or Latino. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.

While there are too many to mention in a single blog we wanted to call attention to three very notable and influential Hispanic Americans who have and continue to make a big impact in the world today.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor – Mrs. Sotomayor was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican-born parents. Sotomayor was in the majority in two major Supreme Court landmark rulings in the last term: King v. Burwell and Obergefell v. Hodges.

Justice Sotomayor was on the board of directors of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and an instructor at New York University School of Law and Columbia Law School.

She was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009 by President Obama.

James Edward Olmos – Nicknamed “Olivier of the Latino world,” Edward James Olmos is a talented creative individual. Back in April of 1999, he launched a project called Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. It was to be a celebration of Latino culture through photography, film, music, and writing. The project was co-sponsored by Time Warner Inc. and designed to inspire Latino pride and to build bridges among Latinos and other Americans. Olmos speaks at an average of 150 institutions each year and participates in a multitude of humanitarian efforts.

He is the executive director of a national gang prevention program called the Lives In Hazard Educational Project. This program is funded by the US Department of Justice.

Carlos Santana – Though mainly known as one of the world’s most phenomenal musicians with a huge track record emblazed in music history he is also a major humanitarian philanthropist.

Carlos and his wife Deborah Santana founded the Milagro Foundation established in 1998 www.milagrofoundation.org, which helps disadvantaged youth with grants personally as well as collecting donations of money and instruments for students in groups like Little Kids Rock. Over 7.5 million dollars has been distributed to date.

These are just three examples of a tight nit amazing community which makes our country better on an ongoing basis. Share in this annual tribute month by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

First Pawn Jewelry and Loan Celebrates proudly National Hispanic Heritage Month. All Latin style jewelry and musical instruments are now on sale! Come check out our selection!

889 Airport Road South, Naples, Fl 34104 | 239-434-7296

1331 Homestead Rd N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 | 239-369-2274