🩺 Medicare Counselors Are Backed Up, Flu Is Starting Early and One Ashwagandha Bottle to Toss: Your Healthy Valley Report

Or: Call About Your Plan Before the Line Gets Longer, Roll Up a Sleeve and Check the Cabinet

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, November 5, 2026

Good afternoon, Valley. The National Weather Service has us under a sunny, dry stretch — high near 72 today, then cooler through the weekend with lows around 34 Saturday and Sunday nights. That first chilly dip is a good reminder to check on an older neighbor’s heat. While the sun is out, three practical health chores are on the porch:

First, Medicare open enrollment runs through Monday, Dec. 7, and Tennessee’s free counselors say they’re backed up. Second, the CDC’s latest FluView says flu is ahead of its usual early-season pace, so a shot still makes sense. Third, one lot of a popular ashwagandha capsule sold at Whole Foods and on Amazon is recalled for possible Salmonella. And a same-day note: tonight is the Sequatchie County Food Bank’s first Thursday evening hours, 4 to 6 p.m., at 103 Heard St.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• 📋 Medicare changes by Dec. 7. TN SHIP call-backs are taking about 7 to 10 business days, and in-person open-enrollment appointments are full. For a drug-plan comparison now, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
• 💉 Flu is starting early. CDC estimates at least 1 million illnesses so far this season. If you haven’t had a shot, get one. Medicare Part B usually covers it at no cost when the provider accepts assignment.
• 🧴 Cabinet check: Toss 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha, 120-count, lot 2025-26227 (expiration 10/13/2028). Refund at Whole Foods.
• 🥫 Tonight: Food bank open 4 to 6 p.m. at 103 Heard St. Bring a photo ID.

📋 Still Sorting Medicare? Start Sooner — Free Counselors Are Taking Longer to Call Back

This is statewide Tennessee guidance from TN SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (often called open enrollment) lets you review and change Medicare health or prescription drug coverage for 2027. Changes made now generally take effect January 1, 2027. The deadline is Monday, December 7, 2026.

TN SHIP offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. It does not sell insurance. Right now the program has posted a clear heads-up:

• There are a significant number of changes to Medicare plans for 2027, so request volume is high.
• All appointments for scheduled in-person AEP events this year are currently full.
• Counselor call-backs are taking about 7 to 10 business days. Same-day return calls are not guaranteed.

TN SHIP’s own advice for people who need a drug plan comparison right away: call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also compare plans yourself with the official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov. To reach TN SHIP when you can wait for a callback: 1-877-801-0044 or dda.ship@tn.gov.

Even if this year’s plan worked fine, next year’s costs, drug lists and provider networks can change. A calm review now beats a scramble on Dec. 6.

What it means for you: Think of open enrollment like checking the fuel and oil before a long winter trip. You don’t have to tear the engine apart — you just want to know the gauges still match the road ahead. Put Dec. 7 on the fridge. Gather a list of your medicines, doses, pharmacy and doctors. If Grandma needs help comparing plans, start the call this week, not the last week of November. You do not have to switch plans just because enrollment is open — but confirming the coverage still fits is worth an hour on the porch with a notepad.

👉 Read more (TN SHIP: free Medicare counseling) · Medicare.gov Plan Finder · Daily615: five things to review before Dec. 7

💉 Flu Is Ahead of Schedule — A Shot Still Counts as Good Neighbor Sense

This is national surveillance from the CDC’s FluView report for Week 42 (week ending Oct. 24, 2026), published Oct. 30. Seasonal flu activity is still low nationally, but it is increasing earlier than usual. An early rise does not automatically mean a worse peak later — CDC says that clearly — but it does mean the virus is already moving through communities.

From the latest FluView:

• CDC estimates at least 1 million illnesses, 16,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths from flu so far this season.
• The weekly hospitalization rate for mid-October was the highest for that week since the 2010–11 season (after accounting for reporting delays).
• Nearly all subtyped influenza A samples were H1N1 (about 99% in Week 42).
• The first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2026–27 season was reported.
• CDC still recommends annual flu vaccination for people ages 6 months and older (with limited exceptions).

Tennessee’s big free Fight Flu Day on Oct. 20 has passed, but shots are still available at many pharmacies, doctors’ offices and local health departments. Medicare Part B covers the seasonal flu vaccine; you usually pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment. This season’s vaccine is a trivalent shot that protects against three flu viruses.

What it means for you: Getting a flu shot in November is a lot like putting the storm windows up after the first cold night — a little late on the calendar, still plenty useful. If you haven’t had one, ask at your pharmacy this week, or call the Sequatchie County Health Department at 16939 Rankin Ave. N., (423) 949-3619, and ask when shots are available. Wash hands, cover coughs and stay home when you’re sick. If you’re at higher risk (older adults, young children, pregnant people, chronic conditions) and you get flu-like symptoms, call your doctor early — antivirals work best when started soon.

👉 Read more (CDC FluView Week 42) · Medicare.gov: flu vaccine coverage · TDH Southeast Region health departments

🧴 One Bottle to Toss: 365 Whole Foods Ashwagandha Capsules Recalled for Possible Salmonella

This is a nationwide FDA recall. The product was sold at Whole Foods Market stores and on Amazon, so some Valley households that shop in Chattanooga or online may have a bottle. Vitality Works Inc. of Albuquerque is recalling one lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120 count, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

• Lot number: 2025-26227 (printed on the bottom of the bottle)
• Expiration date: 10/13/2028
• UPC: 9948252099
• Sold: Nov. 24, 2025, through Oct. 20, 2026, at Whole Foods stores nationwide and on Amazon.com
• Illnesses reported to date: none, according to the company announcement FDA posted

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. It can be more serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The company says: do not take the recalled capsules. Discard them — do not return the bottle to the store. Refunds are available at any Whole Foods Market. Questions: Vitality Works, (505) 268-9950, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mountain Time.

What it means for you: This is a one-lot check, not a panic. Flip the bottle, match the lot, and if it matches, toss it like a jar with a cracked seal. If your bottle has a different lot, you’re fine. Feeling sick after taking a supplement? Call your doctor or pharmacist and mention the product name.

👉 Read more (FDA: 365 Ashwagandha capsule recall) · FDA recalls list

🥫 Same-Day Reminder: Food Bank Open Tonight, 4 to 6 p.m.

This is local Sequatchie County news we first shared yesterday from the Dunlap-Tribune calendar. Starting today, Thursday, Nov. 5, the Sequatchie County Food Bank adds evening hours for working families:

• Monday: 9 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday: 1 to 4 p.m.
• NEW — Thursday: 4 to 6 p.m. (tonight)

Location: 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Bring a photo ID; income requirements apply. Phone: (423) 949-7716. Evening hours run through the holidays and may become permanent if people use them.

What it means for you: If a day shift has kept you from the weekday windows, tonight is your new door. Pass the word to a coworker. A steady pantry is the bottom rung of the health ladder.

👉 Read more (Dunlap-Tribune: food bank evening hours) · Help4TN: Sequatchie County Food Bank

📅 This Week’s Sticky Notes (all times Central unless noted)

• Today, Thu., Nov. 5: Sunny, high near 72. First Thursday evening food bank hours, 4 to 6 p.m., 103 Heard St.
• Fri., Nov. 6: Sunny, high near 69. Parkridge Medical Center’s new patient tower opens in Chattanooga (2833 McCallie Ave.).
• Sat., Nov. 7: Veterans Breakfast, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., The Vine, 79 Cherry St., Dunlap. Sunny, high near 60, then a low around 34 Saturday night.
• Sun., Nov. 8: Sunny, high near 65, and another low around 34. Check on an older neighbor.
• Thu., Nov. 12: UT Extension “Food for All” class for older adults, 5 to 6 p.m., 170 Church St., Dunlap. Only 10 seats — call 423-949-2611.
• Fri., Nov. 13: Dunlap blood drive honoring Bella Cooper, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Citizens Tri-County Bank, 15699 Rankin Ave.
• Sat., Nov. 14: CHI Memorial lung CT bus at Nutrition World, Chattanooga, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. our time (423-495-5864).
• Thu., Nov. 19: Great American Smokeout. 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
• Mon., Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends. Tue., Dec. 15: Marketplace deadline for Jan. 1 coverage.

✅ Your Healthy Valley Checklist

• ☐ Circle Monday, Dec. 7 on the calendar for Medicare open enrollment.
• ☐ Make a one-page list of your medicines, doses, pharmacy and doctors before you compare plans.
• ☐ If you need a drug-plan comparison soon, call 1-800-MEDICARE. For TN SHIP counseling, call 1-877-801-0044 and expect a 7–10 business-day callback.
• ☐ If you haven’t had a flu shot this season, ask at a pharmacy or call the health department at (423) 949-3619.
• ☐ Flip any 365 Ashwagandha bottle in the cabinet. Lot 2025-26227 goes in the trash; refund at Whole Foods.
• ☐ Working days? Stop by the food bank tonight, 4 to 6 p.m., 103 Heard St., with a photo ID — or tell a coworker.
• ☐ Saturday and Sunday nights dip to about 34. Confirm an older neighbor’s heat is working before the cold nights.

Practical rule: start the Medicare call early, get the flu shot while you’re out and toss the recalled bottle the same day you find it.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or health department about your own situation. In an emergency, call 911.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Health Glossary

• Medicare open enrollment (AEP): The yearly window, Oct. 15–Dec. 7, when most people with Medicare can review and change health or drug plans for the next year.
• TN SHIP: Tennessee’s free, unbiased Medicare counseling program. It does not sell insurance.
• Plan Finder: Medicare’s official online tool to compare plans by ZIP code, drugs and pharmacies.
• FluView: The CDC’s weekly report on how much flu is circulating in the United States.
• Trivalent flu vaccine: A flu shot that protects against three flu viruses in one dose.
• Assignment (Medicare): When a provider accepts Medicare’s approved amount as full payment for a covered service.
• Salmonella: A germ that can cause foodborne illness with fever, diarrhea and stomach pain.
• Ashwagandha: An herbal supplement sold in capsules, powders and teas. Supplements are not the same as prescription medicines.
• Lot number: A code on a bottle or package that identifies a specific batch of product.
• Food bank: A local place that gives free groceries to households that qualify, usually based on income.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When does Medicare open enrollment end?

Monday, December 7, 2026. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1, 2027.

Why are TN SHIP counselors so hard to reach right now?

TN SHIP says there are a significant number of Medicare plan changes for 2027, so request volume is unusually high. In-person open-enrollment event appointments are full, and call-backs are taking about 7 to 10 business days.

I need a drug plan comparison this week. Who should I call?

TN SHIP recommends calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for immediate drug-plan comparison help. You can also use the Plan Finder at medicare.gov.

Is it too late for a flu shot?

No. CDC still encourages people who haven’t been vaccinated this season to get a shot now. Flu activity is increasing earlier than usual, but vaccination can still reduce the risk of illness and serious complications.

Does Medicare cover the flu shot?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers the seasonal flu vaccine. You usually pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment.

Which ashwagandha bottle is recalled?

Only one lot of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120 count: lot 2025-26227, expiration 10/13/2028, UPC 9948252099. Discard it and get a refund at Whole Foods. Other lots are not part of this recall.

Is the food bank really open tonight?

Yes. Thursday, Nov. 5, is the first evening window: 4 to 6 p.m. at 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Bring a photo ID. Call (423) 949-7716 with questions.

🔗 Other Resources

• TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044 · dda.ship@tn.gov
• Medicare.gov (Plan Finder) · 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• Medicare.gov: flu vaccine coverage
• CDC FluView Week 42
• TDH Southeast Region health departments: Sequatchie County, (423) 949-3619
• FDA: 365 Ashwagandha capsule recall (Vitality Works: 505-268-9950)
• FDA recalls list: 1-888-463-6332
• Dunlap-Tribune: food bank evening hours
• Sequatchie County Food Bank: 103 Heard St., Dunlap, (423) 949-7716
• National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988

🌻 A Steady Call, a Rolled-Up Sleeve and a Clear Cabinet

Nothing here needs panic. It needs a phone call started early, a flu shot while you’re already at the store, one bottle flipped in the cabinet and — if it helps — a stop at Heard Street tonight. Little porch-step chores, done before the cold nights settle in, are how the Valley stays calm and ready.

For more calm, useful news for the Sequatchie Valley every morning, read Dunlap.Today. To find local clinics, pharmacies and businesses, visit Dunlap.Directory.