Raised and educated in Waltham, David is a young man of integrity and character. While in high school, he was an outstanding student (National Honor Society) and an exceptional athlete in both football and lacrosse. His fellow athletes recognized his qualities by electing him Captain of the football team his senior year. His leadership and unselfishness were exemplified when he changed positions his senior year to benefit his team.

After WHS he entered Boston University where he obtained a degree in Physical Therapy. His interest in an area such a PT is no surprise. He has always displayed caring and empathy for others. He has established his own business and has served many of his former classmates, teammates and teachers, such as Paul Mayberry his football coach; a mentor he remembers with fondness. It is his way of saying THANK YOU.

Submitted by Paul McGovern

Article from Beltone and shared from Norm MacDonald

In recent years, the connection between hearing loss and dementia has presented itself in numerous ways to hearing care and healthcare professionals. While they may seem unrelated at first glance, research suggests a compelling relationship that points to the importance of addressing hearing health for overall cognitive well-being.

The Overall Picture
Studies have consistently shown a correlation between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline, including conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanisms behind this connection are still being explored, but several compelling theories shed light on the intricate relationship between our ears and our brain.

Below, we’ve shared three theories at the forefront of current research:

1. Cognitive Load and Social Isolation:
Hearing loss places an additional cognitive load on the brain as it struggles to interpret incomplete or distorted auditory signals. This increased cognitive effort may divert resources from other cognitive functions, potentially contributing to cognitive decline over time.

Moreover, untreated hearing loss often leads to social isolation, another factor linked to an elevated risk of dementia.

2. Brain Atrophy:
Some studies suggest that the brain may undergo structural changes in response to untreated hearing loss. The auditory cortex, responsible for processing sound, may experience atrophy when deprived of regular stimulation. This neural shrinkage could potentially contribute to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

3. Shared Neural Pathways:
The auditory system and certain parts of the brain associated with memory and cognition share neural pathways. It’s hypothesized that the decline in auditory input due to hearing loss may negatively impact these shared pathways, influencing cognitive functions and potentially contributing to the development of dementia.

The Importance of Early Intervention
Recognizing and addressing hearing loss in its early stages may play a crucial role in mitigating the associated risks of cognitive decline. Annual hearing check-ups, along with the use of hearing aids when needed, can provide the auditory stimulation necessary to maintain neural connections and reduce the cognitive load on the brain. 

The City of Waltham Open Enrollment period is held the first two weeks of May.  Monthly premium rate changes are effective in June for coverage starting July 1st.

Our Health Insurance Plans and Monthly Premium Rates are available on the City of Waltham website under Human Resources Department/Insurance

https://www.city.waltham.ma.us/human-resources-department/pages/insurance-0

      Main Line: 781-314-3270         email - Benefits@city.waltham.ma.us

You may want to update the information under Social Security.  Retirees located outside of Waltham are often referred to the Social Security Office Locator to find their local office.  Many retirees are Medicare primary and may find it helpful to have the site and phone number listed as well.     www.ssa.gov 

Search Social Security Office Locator
1-800-772-1213 

Social Security, Waltham Office
135 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA 02452
1-877-457-1737

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To ask Medicare specific questions please contact Medicare directly at:

www.medicare.gov  1-800-633-4227

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A great resource we have at the City of Waltham Council on Aging is the SHINE program.
SHINE counselors are available to help with Medicare and health care insurance options.
To schedule appointments in Waltham
1- 781-314-3499

or SHINE Counselors Massachusetts     shinema.org

shine@state.ma.us 1-800-243-4636

Contact Catrina Rueckwald in the Treasurer’s/Payroll Department  if you have any questions or would like additional information to help keep our retirees current on our information.

Direct: 781-314-3268 Benefits/Health Insurance: 781-314-3270

Health Insurance and Allstate Cancer and Perm Life Insurance Open Enrollment period will be held May 1st – 17th. 

Representatives from our insurance carriers will be available to answer questions regarding plans offered to City of Waltham Employees.

Thursday, May 2nd
10:00am – 4:00pm

 Arthur J. Clark Government Center Auditorium

119 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451

 Blue Cross Blue Shield

Tufts Health Plan

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Delta Dental of Massachusetts

Life Plus Insurance – Allstate Cancer and Perm Life Insurance

Plan information & enrollment forms will be updated and available  on the City of Waltham website by May 1st.

All fully completed enrollment forms and required documentation must be submitted by Friday, May 12th.

Social Security Numbers for all members must be listed on the enrollment forms.

 Tufts and Harvard require Primary Care Physicians to be listed for all members on the enrollment form and you must also submit a separate Delta Dental enrollment form.

City Employees and Retirees must send fully completed enrollment forms and documentation to the City Payroll Department located in the Treasurer’s Department at City Hall. 

School employees must send fully completed enrollment forms and documentation to the School Payroll Office.

Deductions will begin in June for coverage starting July 1st.

For additional questions please email benefits@city.waltham.ma.us
or call 781-314-3270