Money Matters |
5 ways to prepare for out-of-pocket healthcare costs

BPT - According to McKinsey & Co., 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a top priority, with more than half saying they prioritize it more than they did a year ago. However, rising healthcare costs pose significant challenges to consumers, and an unpredictable healthcare payment landscape can leave them with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

These expenses can force people to forgo the care they want or need, leading to poorer health outcomes.

Photo: PEXELS/Pixabay

Given these realities, it's important to consider the following steps to inform financial decisions about potential out-of-pocket health and wellness costs.

1. Research the cost of your procedures or services in advance. Many websites provide estimated costs of various procedures by region or provider. You can also get estimates by calling your insurance company or the provider directly in advance of your appointment

2. Check if you qualify for subsidized coverage or financial assistance. People with incomes below certain levels may be eligible for health coverage at reduced or no cost. Hospitals may offer free or discounted care, known as charity care, to people not able to pay.

3. Confirm with your provider and insurance company that you are maximizing health plan coverage. Take advantage of your annual benefits, including getting recommended preventive screenings and visiting in-network providers that usually cost less than those who are out-of-network.

4. Enroll in an employer-based program that uses pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Spending Accounts (HSA) allow employees to set aside money from their pay for qualified medical expenses.

5. Consider promotional financing options. Health and wellness credit cards, such as CareCredit, that offer deferred interest financing, enable you to pay for care over time with the opportunity to avoid interest charges, making out-of-pocket costs more manageable. Here are a few things about deferred interest financing to consider:

Deferred interest: No interest is assessed if the balance is paid in full by the end of the promotional period.
How deferred interest promotional financing works. Deferred interest financing allows consumers to avoid interest charges on larger expenses if they are paid off before the promotional period ends. If you don't pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends, you will have to pay interest that has accrued as of the transaction date.
The required minimum monthly payments. Understand the required minimum monthly payments and if those payments will pay the balance off in time. Online calculators, such as CareCredit's payment calculator, are a valuable resource to estimate possible monthly payments needed to pay off the balance within a given promotional period. Those payments may be more than the lender's monthly minimum payment requirement.
Mark your calendar for when the promotional period ends. It is important to track and pay the balance of the purchase before the end of the promotional period to avoid paying the deferred interest that has accrued on the purchase.

In the end, it's important that people have access to health and wellness care for themselves, their family and pets. As healthcare costs continue to rise, it is critical consumers be aware of the various benefit programs and payment options to plan for health and wellness costs. Financial literacy is key!

Guest Commentary |
Cars, hamburgers, schools, and ice cream: Competition and the freedom to choose

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

In 1975, I bought a four-cylinder Chevrolet Monza. In my opinion in was a terrible buy and a lousy car. There was one episode after another of maintenance issues and the four-cylinder engine was just a piece of junk.

I survived that car long enough to trade it in on a Toyota Celica. I felt like I had gone from the bottom to the top in the world of driving. The ride was so smooth and the acceleration was sweet in comparison to what I had been driving. I drove that car about eight years and never had an issue.

That was way back then. Today is different in America. Overall, our cars are better, safer, more powerful, and more efficient than ever before. We have come a long way in our auto industry and we can be thankful for one thing – competition. Germany, Japan and China have put us on our toes the last 50 years and the competition has simply made us work harder to deliver a competitive product. We do have a choice and choices are good.

Don’t get upset if someone starts a private school in your county. When I was a child, we had one choice for elementary and high school.

I grew up in Appalachia. We only had one doctor in our county seat town. I can remember my mother and I sitting for two hours waiting to see Dr. Ford in Inez, Kentucky. We desperately needed a couple more doctors for the sake of the community and for the sake of Dr. Ford. A second doctor down the street would have helped. Today, the town has more access to doctors which is good for everyone.

Can you imagine if McDonalds was the only fast-food hamburger chain? In some communities, it may be. However, in many communities there is a McDonalds, a Burger King, and a Hardees often all within a block or two. Seems to me like they all do well even though there is competition.

What if you only had one gasoline station in town? Or, what if one gasoline distributor owns all the local gasoline stations? Then the price of gas would be very high. In some communities, people are struggling with this exact scenario. Gas is outrageous partly because there isn’t enough competition. Don’t knock those who are trying out electric cars as it brings another level of competition to the playing field.

Don’t get upset if someone starts a private school in your county. When I was a child, we had one choice for elementary and high school. In 1964, our county (Martin county Kentucky) was said to be the poorest county in the United States. President Lyndon Johnson even began his campaign on poverty there. We didn’t know we were poor but we were either very poor or marginally poor. My dad had a coal mining job. We always had food to eat but there was no way he could have paid tuition for a private elementary or high school. It wouldn’t have mattered because there wasn’t a choice.

I loved my schools and loved my friends from those days, but we didn’t have much. The public school made it possible for us to receive an education. I can remember having two terrible teachers in those days who slept through many of our classes. They should have been retired or fired many years prior. They were good people, and they were loved, but their days of teaching and handling a class had long passed. Obviously, this can happen in many places. Children rarely recuperate from what was supposed to be taught during that formative period.

A private school in town could take money from the public school if the tax money follows the student to the private school or even to another district. It might even be home school. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have at least one private school choice program.

This aggravates and terrifies some school boards and administrators. Why be afraid of competition? I don’t think very many people want to pay extra money to send their kids to a private elementary or high school. There is almost always extra tuition and fees to pay even if the tax money follows the student.

There will always be a few who choose the private school. Let them do it and don’t worry about it. Just be a great public school with zero tolerance for bullying. Expect respect and work from the students. Support the teachers and expect them to do their jobs. Give the students all the support and love they deserve. Thus, you won’t have to worry much about local competitors.

Most every town has the Baptist, Methodist, Catholic churches, and more. You can be one of these or nothing at all. You have a choice.

I recently went into an ice cream shop that had over 100 flavors. The decision was tough but black cherry won over all the other flavors. The competition was fierce, but I’m so glad I had a choice.

He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Diet program showed remarkable weight loss success

SNS - University of Illinois researchers found that flexible, personalized diet plans were crucial for weight loss in a regimen high in protein and fiber. Participants in a 25-month study within a self-directed dietary education program achieved the most success when they devised their own plans.

An ideal addition to your diet if you are trying to lose weight is raw pears because they are high in fiber. An average, medium-sized piece usually contains about 5.5 grams of dietary fiber.

Photo: David Trinks/Unsplash

At the one-year mark, successful dieters — 41% of participants — had shed 12.9% of their body weight, compared with the remainder of the study sample, which lost slightly more than 2% of their starting weight, according to a paper published in Obesity Science and Practice.

The dieters were enrolled in the Individualized Diet Improvement Program (iDip), which employs data visualization tools and intensive dietary education sessions to enhance participants' understanding of essential nutrients. This approach allows them to create personalized, safe, and effective weight-loss plans, said Manabu T. Nakamura, a professor in Nutrition Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the study's leader.

The main goal of the iDip program is centered around boosting protein and fiber intake while consuming 1,500 calories or less daily.

The iDip team created a one-of-a-kind, two-dimensional quantitative data visualization tool that plots foods’ protein and fiber densities per calorie and provides a target range for each meal. Starting with foods they usually ate, the dieters created an individualized plan, increasing their protein intake to as much as 80 grams and their fiber intake to close to 20 grams daily.

A total of 22 people finished the program, including nine men and 13 women. Most of them were between 30 and 64 years old. They said they had tried to lose weight at least twice before. Many of the participants had other health problems—54% had high cholesterol, 50% had bone or joint issues, and 36% had high blood pressure or sleep problems. Some of them also had suffered from diabetes, liver disease, cancer, or depression.

Throughout the program, participants experienced significant body transformations. They reduced their fat mass from an average of 42.6 kilograms to 35.7 kilograms after 15 months. Additionally, their waistlines shrank by about 7 centimeters after six months and a total of 9 centimeters after 15 months.

Tracking participants' protein and fiber intake, the team identified a strong link between higher consumption of these nutrients and weight loss at three and 12 months.

"Flexibility and personalization are key in creating programs that optimize dieters’ success at losing weight and keeping it off," Nakamura said. "Sustainable dietary change, which varies from person to person, must be achieved to maintain a healthy weight. The iDip approach allows participants to experiment with various dietary iterations, and the knowledge and skills they develop while losing weight serve as the foundation for sustainable maintenance."

Illinois soccer team secures 2-1 victory over DePaul

CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois soccer team secured another victory, scoring a goal in each half to hand DePaul a 2-1 loss at Demirjian Park on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to the go-ahead score from Lia Howard with seven minutes left in regulation, the Fighting Illini marked their fifth consecutive season with a 2-0 start.

Ashley Stellon opened the scoring in the 44th minute from the penalty spot, marking her first goal of the season. Stellon stepped up and smashed the spot kick into the top-left corner of the goal, giving Illinois a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

At halftime, Illinois held a 1-0 advantage and an 8-4 lead in shots, with both goalkeepers making two saves apiece.

The teams struggled to generate momentum for the first 15 minutes of the second half.

DePaul's Mya Gardner converted a free kick, with Lea Eisenring credited for the assist at the 69-minute mark, knotting the score at 1-all.

The Illinois women’s squad responded with increased offensive pressure, forcing the Blue Demons onto the defensive. After several attempts, their elevated intensity paid off. Sydney Stephens lobbed the ball to Howard, who fought for position and fired the winning shot into the net.

Howard, who led the Orange & Blue's offensive effort, was credited with three shots in her 32-minutes. The team finished with 15 shots on goal and registered two assists.

With a 2-1 lead, the Orange and Blue maintained control for the final seven minutes, denying the Blue Demons any further scoring opportunities.

Keeper Izzy Lee went the distance for the Illini, giving up the solo second-half shot and logging three saves.

Illinois continues its five-match homestand on Thursday with a Braggin' Rights showdown against Missouri at 7 p.m.

The Fighting Illini opened their season with a 6-0 shutout over Wright State last Thursday.

East Central Illinois plumber wins international title

SNS — In a remarkable achievement just five years into his plumbing career, Andrew Hall, a resident of East Central Illinois, has been recognized as one of the best in the industry after clinching the union’s International Apprentice Contest.

Hall, a member of United Association Local 149, triumphed over competitors from the U.S., Canada, and Australia last week, marking the first international title in Local 149's history. His victory came after a grueling week of written tests, hands-on projects, and interviews with top international leaders in the field. Previously, Hall had already secured victories in local, state, and district competitions, which were open to over 50,000 apprentices.

Andrew Hall (second from the left) poses for photo with (left to right) United Association's Assistant General President Michael Pleasant, General President Mark McManus, and General Secretary-Treasurer Derrick Kualapai. Hall, a member of Local 149, is the first-ever local apprentice to earn success at the international level.

Photo provided

"When they called my name, it was loud and everyone was clapping, so I thought maybe I heard it wrong – then I was in disbelief,” Hall recounted. "The guys I competed against were the best of the best and we all got along so well; nobody would’ve been mad if someone else won. But it wasn’t about beating anyone out; what we went through together was really the rewarding part. I mean, it still hasn’t really hit me that I won."

Now in his fifth year with Local 149, Hall graduated from the union’s apprentice training program in June. Each apprentice dedicates 240 hours in the classroom and 1,700 hours in the field to earn the title of journeyman. A Montrose native and graduate of Dieterich High School, Hall previously worked at United Mechanical in Champaign before embarking on a journey as a traveling plumber earlier this year, taking on various construction projects across the nation.

During the intense five-day competition in Ann Arbor, MI, Hall and his fellow finalists underwent rigorous evaluations, engaging in both theoretical and practical assessments that included solving complex plumbing scenarios. All finalists were awarded silver rings for their efforts, while Hall will receive a gold ring later this year to commemorate his achievement.

Currently residing in Indiana with his wife, Shelly, and their five-month-old daughter, Ronny Louella, Hall is set to work for two more weeks before they visit family. Following that, the family plans to travel to Oregon for several months of work on a significant construction project, a prospect Hall is eagerly anticipating.

"Shelly has been at every competition and been my biggest supporter through all of this," he said. "It puts everything in perspective that if you’re scared of everything in life, you never really get to experience anything. You just need to take that leap."

Cybercriminals are targeting rural communities, more cybersecurity pros needed

Illustration: HarshAhars/Pixabay

BrandPoint - Cybercriminals are increasingly attacking rural hospitals across America, posing a direct threat to patients. For many Americans living in rural areas, the nearest emergency room may be miles and miles away – and in an emergency, every second counts. Cyberattacks can disrupt the essential operations of hospitals, leaving people at risk.

These attacks are increasing in number: In 2023, the healthcare sector reported more ransomware attacks than any other critical infrastructure sector, and attacks involving ransomware against the healthcare sector were up nearly 130%.

Cybercriminals are also increasingly targeting rural communities, where digital defenses may not be as robust due to resource constraints. These attacks can be devastating, particularly to smaller, independent hospitals with limited means of protecting themselves.

When a rural hospital falls victim to a cyberattack, it’s not just the institution that suffers; the entire community feels the ripple effect. Just last year, an Illinois hospital permanently shut its doors partly due to a devastating ransomware attack. NBC News reported that because of the hospital closure, some residents are now more than thirty minutes away from emergency services.

Here are three ways people in rural communities can help:

1. Strengthen rural hospital cybersecurity

Hospitals need tools to protect themselves. That’s why the White House along with cybersecurity experts like Microsoft, are providing free and low-cost resources available to every rural hospital across the nation. This includes advanced security products along with free cybersecurity assessments and free training for frontline and IT staff. Rural hospitals can sign up for the program or learn more at nonprofits.TSI.microsoft.com/security-program-for-rural-hospitals.

2. Explore a cybersecurity career

America is facing a cybersecurity skills crisis. There simply aren’t enough people with the skills to defend against cybersecurity attacks: There are nearly half a million job openings requesting cybersecurity skills, but there are only 85 cybersecurity workers available for every 100 cybersecurity jobs demanded by employers, according to Cyberseek.

Anyone, anywhere can take advantage of the opportunity and start a career in cybersecurity. Building the skills necessary is easier than ever, especially given the free classes and tools available. For example, the Career Essentials in Cybersecurity learning path from LinkedIn and Microsoft allows you to earn professional certification in the field.

3. Protect yourself

Rural communities can protect themselves by strengthening vital infrastructure and hiring cybersecurity professionals, but the most important step is personal. Whether you work in a hospital or elsewhere, it’s critical to understand cybersecurity threats and prepare yourself.

Cyberscams are a pervasive threat in our increasingly connected world, and no one is immune to their risk. These scams, often disguised as tech support, prey on the unsuspecting, exploiting trust and causing harm. It’s essential to be vigilant and informed to protect yourself and your loved ones on how you can identify these online con artists. By staying aware and cautious, you can defend against the tactics of cybercriminals and keep your digital life secure.

Learn more about the threats to rural hospitals at nonprofits.TSI.microsoft.com/security-program-for-rural-hospitals.

Can an AI therapist help you through the day?

by Ben Rein

Would you let an AI chatbot be your therapist?

A recent study wanted to know if this would work, so they asked AI about 200 questions from the “Ask the Doctors” page on Reddit. Then they put those answers next to responses from real human doctors and asked healthcare providers to judge which was better, without knowing which one was AI. What do you think happened? They rated the chatbot’s answers as better 78% of the time and found that they were more likely to be empathetic.

But this raises a key point: empathy.

Everybody knows that ChatGPT can’t feel emotions. Therefore, it’s not capable of empathy, because it can’t really understand what you feel. And some scientists think that this is where AI loses: Chatbots will never work as therapists because humans won’t accept or appreciate empathy from a robot.

@dr.brein Can an AI chatbot really be your therapist? ________ This video was supported by the Pulitzer Center through the Truth Decay Grant Initiative, in collaboration with OpenMind Magazine. To read more about this topic, check out the accompanying article on OpenMind’s website, found in my bio 🔗. #PulitzerCenter #neuroscience #AI #therapy #empathy ♬ Mysterious and sad BGM(1120058) - S and N

When a real company, Koko, tried using chatbots, it didn’t work because people knew they were chatbots. The patients didn’t care when the chatbot said, “I understand how you’re feeling” because they knew it was an empty, emotionless statement.

But it makes me wonder, if chatbots continue gaining in use and acceptance, and we come to respect them more, this could change. And I’m curious how you’d feel about that.

If 100 years from now, AI chatbots are considered trained psychiatrists, would this be good or bad for society? It might seem ridiculous, but it’s real life. Right now, we essentially hold that decision in our hands. We are the first humans to coexist with these large language models, and we actively vote as consumers—with our clicks and our wallets—to determine the future of AI. In what capacity will we come to embrace AI? Where do we draw the line? It’s something to think about as we navigate this new virtual world. Thank you for your interest, and please follow for more science.

This story originally appeared on OpenMind, a digital magazine tackling science controversies and deceptions.

Back-to-school illnesses, kids need their immunizations

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

A return to school comes with a return to activities.

But no matter if it’s fall sports, extracurricular activities, or just hanging out with friends, there comes the increase spread of viruses, according to Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

Photo provided

Dr. Doug Kasper

“Not only are children, but the family unit as a whole is starting to do much more. They’re going to be exposed to each other much more than they have been over the next few months,” Dr. Kasper says.

The three main viruses remain the same as the past few years: Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But others will arise as well, including adenovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus (common cold) and more.

When viruses tend to peak

“Influenza in Central Illinois starts to appear around November, and peaks in January,” Dr. Kasper says. “RSV, particularly in young children, starts to show up in September or October. COVID-19 has been a bit more seasonal each year, but we start to predict peaks in October. What you’ll notice is that all of those will start to overlap.”

How vaccinations play a role

As millions of kids are returning to school, Dr. Kasper says it’s time to start scheduling checkups with their pediatrician and discussing back-to-school vaccinations.

“Vaccination now has more of an effect of protecting the individual so they can remain in their activities, school or job as long as possible,” Dr. Kasper says. “We know in most situations there is more than one person in the household and more than one child at home. It's also helping decrease spread within the family unit when these things are brought home."

The flu vaccine, Dr. Kasper says, is recommended for anyone 6 months or older. Whereas the RSV vaccine is only available to certain people.

"RSV is most severe in our younger populations, ages 2 or younger, or in those 60 and older. While vaccination is only offered in select age groups, including pregnant women, there is still benefit to the family unit for the family to make sure those who can be vaccinated against RSV do get those at the appropriate time,” Dr. Kasper says.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have come and gone, but the recommendation for yearly vaccination is starting to resemble the same strategy as the flu vaccine.

"COVID-19 guidance will be a little different,” Dr. Kasper adds. “We're expecting an updated vaccine that will come out in the fall, probably October. We'll have unique recommendations for different age groups or those with medical conditions. But I'd expect the recommendation of one additional COVID-19 vaccine or booster for the fall into winter season.”

Respiratory virus symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a dozen symptoms you may potentially experience if you become sick with one of the abovementioned viruses.

Fever
Chills
Fatigue (tiredness)
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Decrease in appetite
Sore throat
Vomiting
New loss of taste or smell
Headache, muscle or body aches
Diarrhea
Weakness

If you have trouble breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.

The CDC’s current recommendation is to stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free, and your symptoms are improving. Remember to wash your hands and improve airflow by opening windows and bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or spending time outdoors. Make sure to routinely change your central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system filters every few months.

Illini soccer team opens season with a shutout

CHAMPAIGN - Demirjian Park lit up on Thursday night as the Illinois women's soccer squad surged to a commanding 6-0 victory over Wright State in their 2024 season opener. The Orange & Blue showcased their depth with six different players finding the net, while a total of 11 contributed either primary or secondary assists.

Midfielders Sarah Foley and Sarah Hiestand set the tone early with goals just minutes apart in the first half, propelling Illinois to a 2-0 halftime lead while outshooting their opponents 11-6.

The Illini left no doubt on the field, dominating every facet of the game with a staggering 24-6 shot advantage, including 13 shots on goal to Wright State's 3, and earning 14 corner kicks compared to just 3 for the visitors. Their defensive prowess shone brightly, holding Wright State without a single shot in the second half.

Foley led the charge with a match-high four shots on goal, supported by Hiestand's three attempts during their 60-minute stints.

Early in the second half, Kennedy Berschel broke through, kick the first of four goals in the final period for the Illini. Alyssa Weede, stepping off the bench, added another goal midway through the half.

Lauren Seppi then notched her first goal of the season, extending Illinois' lead to 5-0. Emma Persson sealed the deal with a final goal, securing a commanding 6-0 victory for Illinois.

The triumph marks Illinois' sixth consecutive season opener win and their third straight home opener victory at Demirjian Park. The six-goal tally stands as their highest since an 8-0 rout against Northern Illinois in August 2018.

Next up, Illinois continues their five-match homestand with a clash against DePaul on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, promising more exhilarating action from Demirjian Park.

Ranked #4 in the nation, Scott Aikman has sights set at Cincy tennis invite

Champaign tennis veteran Scott Aikman poses for a photo at Atkins Tennis Center on Tuesday. He and doubles partner Terry Warner are ranked #4 in the nation. The pair will play at the home of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday and Monday in an invitational tournament with 15 other top doubles competitors in the 70+ age group.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGN - As the summer sun sets over Mason, Ohio, one of America's oldest tennis tournaments—the Cincinnati Open is in full swing. First held in 1899, this storied event is not just a footnote in tennis history; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the dreams and triumphs of countless athletes. Now, as it embarks on its 125th year in 2024, the Cincinnati Open is poised for a renaissance, returning to its original name and solidifying its status with a bold 25-year commitment from Beemok Capital to keep the ATP Masters 1000 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

This Sunday and Monday, Champaign's Scott Aikman will play on the same courts Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime posted wins earlier today for a shot at the Grand Prix Masters doubles title in the 70+ division on Monday. He hopes that area tennis fans and players who will attend Sunday's semifinal and Monday's pro finals will stop by to cheer him on in his bid for another tennis title.

Aikman, who is 77 years old and stands at an impressive 6'4", embodies the spirit of a seasoned tennis competitor. He used to run a restaurant but retired seven years ago. Aikman has spent decades traveling the world, chasing tennis balls across various locations such as the sun-soaked courts of South Africa, the bustling streets of Mexico City, and the iconic avenues of Paris and Barcelona. To Aikman, a tennis racquet is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a passport to adventure.

Recounting stories of spontaneous matches with newfound friends in foreign lands. “I’ve even bought a racquet just to play while I’m traveling—there’s always someone looking to hit.”

Aikman’s journey into the world of tennis began at the age of 12 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

“There wasn’t much to do as a kid,” he recalls, his eyes lighting up at the memory. “The junior high school had tennis courts, and we spent all day playing.” That passion has only grown over the decades, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

“I’ll be turning 78 this November,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “That gives me one more year in the 75s before I move up to the 80s. I’m looking forward to it!”

While many may shy away from the physical demands of the sport, Aikman thrives on it. “I love the activity,” he said with a smile. “Running around, reaching for balls—that’s what keeps me young.”

Aikman hasn't the faintest urge to make the switch to pickleball. “I have absolutely no interest in that. They just stand there,” he laughed.

With 65 years of experience, Aikman has a wealth of knowledge to share with younger players. “Keep hitting the ball, have fun, and treat each point like it’s a new one,” he advises. “I’ve seen players get down on themselves after losing a point. If you lose a few, just let it go and move on to the next.”

Aikman will team up with Terry Warner, from Saline, MI, for the invitation-only tournament this weekend.

"We met at a tennis tournament and played together," explaining how the two joined up to become a formidable doubles pair. "We played well together during that and decided we would play again."

The duo, who have won titles or placed in the top three in a half dozen tournaments, are ranked #4 Nationally in 75s. They teamed up, playing their last three tournaments together on clay courts in Pinehurst and Virginia Beach.