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A. HEALTHCARE COVERAGE A REAL PLUS
A recent study funded by the Commonwealth Fund and
published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) http://jama.ama-assn.org
concludes that seniors without access to healthcare live better once they
achieve coverage from Medicare. In a 12-year study, individuals, some
of who had insurance coverage over the entire period and others with little
or no coverage during the period, those without coverage cited health
improvements after gaining access to Medicare, while the continuously
insured did not report any major improvement after enrolling in Medicare.
This study comes to similar conclusions as a July 2007 study published
in the New England Journal of Medicine. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/357/2/143
At first blush, the conclusion seems obvious. However
it has larger political implications, especially since some healthcare
experts have questioned that the insured have improved health, and the
current presidential candidates address the heath care issue.
Recently the mainstream media has been focused on
the wave of childhood obesity sweeping the nation, and the efforts to
provide coverage to poor children. The rate of Type II diabetes is growing
among school children, potentially robbing the nation of its future workers
and threatening to bankrupt Medicare in the future. Some have opined there
is a de facto competition for government assistance between the young
and the baby boom generation.
This report shows that the nation has a real need
to provide healthcare to seniors and uninsured adults who are not yet
elderly as well as children. With the explosion in the cost of healthcare
access sapping the American pocketbook in the midst of a recession, we
all need affordable health insurance to keep our economy strong and to
live more satisfying lives.
When older Americans gained health insurance, their
health improved measurably. "Health improves when people gain insurance
coverage," said the study's senior author, Dr. John Ayanian. The
study finds that for every 100 uninsured people who contracted heart disease
or diabetes before age 65, those with Medicare coverage had 10 fewer major
cardiac complications than expected by age 72.
Uninsured adults who are not yet elderly will use
more Medicare services after age 65 than their peers who are currently
insured. This drives up demand for the taxpayer funded health services
Medicare provides. Uninsured Americans with diabetes who suffer a stroke,
or who have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, are most
likely to see a benefit to their health upon gaining Medicare coverage.
As weight-related diabetes is surging among young Americans, this study's
conclusions are evermore significant as we look to the future of healthcare
funding, and access to healthcare.
For more information on these illnesses check out
these links for combating diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease:
Diabetes:
http://www.govtech.com/gt/93224
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/5622/1/Fighting-Diabetes-Mellitus.html
High blood pressure:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE4D6173CF937A35756C0A96F958260
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/hypertension_stroke/
JohnsHopkinsHypertensionandStrokeHealthAlert_51-1.html
Heart disease:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200247&division=NEA110
http://healthletter.tufts.edu/issues/2003-01/heart_disease.html
Additional health-related information for seniors can also be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/health.htm
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B. MARKETS FLUCTUATE; DON'T PANIC... Get Professional
Advice and Dollar-Cost Average
"The market is up." "The market is down." Where
are you? Probably, you're sitting in your home as you read this.
What's our point? What matters is YOUR finances - not the global investor's.
Do you own stocks? If not, you've got little to worry about. In fact,
with consumer interest rates now declining as the Federal Reserve Bank
lowers the rate charged to lenders for short-term borrowing, you may even
be ahead of the game!
If you do own stocks, take a refreshing glance at this 100-year historical
chart of the Dow Jones Industrial Average: http://stockcharts.com/charts/historical/djia1900.html
With all dividends reinvested, it has averaged roughly 9% since 1900.
The Standard and Poor's Index has averaged roughly 10.5% annually since
its inception in 1923. Because an investor is more likely to succeed by
being invested over time, rather than by timing investments with market
fluctuation, the age of an investor is a key factor in a professional's
advice to him or her. It is also why portfolios of senior citizens are
typically well diversified with fixed income investments to offset fluctuations
in equity investments.
The most important thing to do if you think you may be affected by stock
market fluctuations is to speak with a professional about your particular
situation. Such a professional will need to know your needs and goals
in life - whatever they may be. They will ask about your income level,
income sources, and investments in securities, insurance, and real estate.
They'll ask you about your investment experience.
Based upon your age and life expectancy, income, net worth, investment
mix, family goals, health, and risk tolerance an investment professional
will make a series of recommendations. This is why it is also important
to speak with your family, if you haven't before, about inheritance, estate
planning, and your retirement financing plans. If you know what your family's
needs and goals are when you invest, you'll be able to plan for them.
Otherwise you are just guessing in the dark.
If you own equity mutual funds, one of those pieces of advice may be
to invest more every month, starting now. "Invest when the market
is dropping? Are you nuts?" That is sometimes the reaction investment
professionals get from clients at such advice. Mathematically, it works
wonders. It is called "dollar cost averaging." If you invest
the same dollar amount every month into a mutual fund, you'll always be
purchasing the fewest shares at the higher prices, and the most shares
at the lowest prices. This creates an average cost per share over time.
When the market rebounds, you have more shares purchased at the most effective
price. The risk protection results can be dramatic. Here's an example:
http://beginnersinvest.about.com/cs/newinvestors/a/041901a.htm
Remember: Don't panic. Speak to a professional and be forthcoming with
your answers to their fact-finding questions. Speak with your family,
if you haven't before, about inheritance, estate planning, and your retirement
financing plans. Then take action in confidence.
Additional financial information for seniors can also be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/finance.htm
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C. REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING YOUR DEPRESSION
By Stanley Popovich
Some people have a difficult time managing their depression. Sometimes
their depression and fears can get best of them. Here is a short list
of techniques that a person can use to help manage his or her depression.
One way is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements
and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful
or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that
will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, you're afraid
that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck in your
job forever. This depresses you. However, your thinking in this situation
is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of
jobs available, and just because you don't get THIS job promotion doesn't
mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all
the time, and you always have that option of going elsewhere if you are
unhappy at your present location.
Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed
in the mornings. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath
and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem.
A person could determine to take a walk, listen to some music, read the
newspaper, or do another activity that will give them a fresh perspective
on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give
you confidence to do other things. And it will get you out of that bed!
Sometimes we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform
in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task
in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship
volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days.
Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind.
Imagine that you're playing in front of a large audience. By playing the
game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when
the time comes. Self-visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and
stress of a coming situation.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of
positive statements or affirmations that make you feel good. Whenever
you come across an affirmation that makes you feel positive or just plain
better, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with
you. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read
those statements.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible,
talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties.
They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on
how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a
person will be helping himself in the long run, because he will become
better able to deal with these problems in the future. Managing your fears
and anxieties takes practice. The more you practice, the better you will
become.
The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage
your depression; however your best bet is to get some help from a professional.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear
Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods"- an easy-to-read
book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective
in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information
go to: http://www.managingfear.com
Additional health-related information for seniors can also be found at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/health.htm
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D. DID YOU KNOW...?
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center
The center will be located underground, striking a balance with the three-acre
Vietnam Veterans Memorial site nearby. The underground location protects
the visual integrity of the National Mall, while enhancing the experience
of visiting The Wall. The center, which has been authorized by Congress,
is working with Memorial Fund officials in partnership with the National
Park Service, which will operate it.
The Center will help visitors learn the importance of the Memorial Wall,
its role in helping to remember those who served, and the vital part it
played in helping to heal the deep societal divisions resulting from the
Vietnam War. The Memorial Fund hopes the Center will encourage citizenship
and an appreciation of those who have served and continue to serve in
America's armed forces.
While the design approval, fundraising and building schedule for the
Memorial Center is not fully fixed at the moment, groundbreaking is expected
in 2010, with the Center being completed within 18 months after that.
Learn more at http://www.vvmf.org/
Safe Driving Saves Money
For seniors, one of the best ways to reduce high auto insurance
cost is to avoid accidents. No surprise there! Here are some tips that
may keep the wrecker (and the insurance agent) away.
A. Slow Driving: Drive at the right speed. Driving too slowly can be
as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting freeways.
It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in other drivers.
B. Intersection Confusion: Many seniors' car accidents happen at intersections.
- Traffic is often shuttled into dedicated lanes; hence scan ahead
to allow plenty of time to change lanes.
- Look for protected left-turn lanes with their own arrows.
- Keep your tires pointed straight while stopped, so that a rear-end
accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.
C. Yield right-of-way: Violations include improper turning or incorrect
lane changes, so keep current on new traffic design rules.
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E. THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH
We present here some words from those with a birthday this month.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee -- "It is better to look ahead and prepare
than to look back and regret."
Knute Rockne -- "Build up your weaknesses until they become your
strong points."
Chastity Bono -- "I don't look at sexual orientation as that big
of a deal. It's just an orientation."
Rex Harrison -- "I'm at the age where I've got to prove that I'm
just as good as I never was."
Miriam Makeba -- "Age is…wisdom, if one has lived one's life
properly."
More "Thoughts" at: http://www.seniorresource.com/thought.htm
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F. SPECIAL OCCASIONS THIS MONTH
1. Red Cross Month
Every year the President of the United States proclaims March to be "Red
Cross Month," giving the American Red Cross an opportunity to promote
its services and celebrate its successes in serving communities across
the U.S. The March celebration began as a way for the public to learn
more about the organization and support it through donations and volunteerism.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first "March is Red Cross
Month" proclamation in 1943. For the first 25 years of its existence,
the Red Cross held no regular fund-raising drives. But the success of
this war-time special-need fundraiser caused the Red Cross to decide to
repeat the March drive during the remaining years of the war, and then
to make it the occasion of its annual membership and fund-raising efforts
ever since. Learn more and make your donations at http://www.redcross.org
2. Irish-American Heritage Month
The histories of Ireland and the United States are deeply intertwined.
For generations, the sons and daughters of Ireland have come to America
with a spirit of determination and optimism that has strengthened our
nation's character and enriched our history. During Irish-American Heritage
Month, we celebrate Irish Americans and the significant contributions
they have made to our country. Find your local Irish American organization
and celebrate with them. (Be sure to enjoy St. Patrick's Day this month!)
3. March 2008 National Women’s History Month
Generations of Women Moving History Forward 
Each year, March is designated as National Women's History Month to ensure
that the history of American women will be recognized and celebrated in
schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the country. The stories
of women's historic achievements present an expanded view of the complexity
and contradiction of living a full and purposeful life. The knowledge
of women's history provides a more expansive vision of what woman are
capable of doing. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think
larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller understanding of
the female experience. Learn more at http://www.nwhp.org/
Visit the Senior Bazaar, http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm
for some well written feminist history books.
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G.SPECIAL SURFING SITES
Get Caught Up on Coupons
CouponMom.com
catalogues the coupons that appear in newspapers and other circulars
over time. Perhaps you were out of town and missed last month's papers
and the accompanying coupons. Print them out at this site and save money
on groceries.
Patient Safety
The National Patient Safety Foundation is an independent
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been diligently pursuing
one mission since its founding in 1997 - to improve the safety of patients.
A decade later, NPSF remains the sole organization in the field with
this singular focus.
NPSF also occupies a unique position in this field
by virtue of its inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach. From the composition
of its board to the structure of its programs, NPSF fosters collaboration
on the issue of patient safety.
The foundation provides timely and important information
on patient safety implementation strategies, along with practical tools
to facilitate the incorporation of patient safety into the hospital
culture and enhance existing safety and quality programs. Learn more
at http://www.npsf.org/
Junk Email Strategy
The downside of many of many great online offers is registration. Avoid
clogging your email with many unwanted ads that will follow, but having
a free "junk" email. When that email gets too loaded with
unwanted solicitations, abandon it and select a new "junk"
email address.
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H. OH MY AGING FUNNY BONE
An Irish View
Father Murphy walks into a pub
in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, "Do you want to
go to heaven?"
The man says, "I do, Father."
The priest says, "Then stand over there against the wall."
Then the priest asks the second man, "Do you want to go to heaven?"
"Certainly, Father," is the man's reply.
"Then stand over there against the wall," says the priest.
Then Father Murphy walks up to O'Toole and asks, "Do you want to
go to heaven?"
O'Toole said, "No, I don't, Father."
The priest says, "I don't believe this. You mean to tell me that
when you die you don't want to go to heaven?"
O'Toole said, "Oh, when I die-yes. I thought you were getting a
group together to go right now."
Things to Ponder
- thanks to I.J. Hart
If you eat pasta and anti-pasta,
do they cancel each other out?
Do infants have as much fun with infancy as adults have with adultery?
Is there any such thing as tomorrow?
If you can't get enough, stop before you have too much!
One way to begin is to start a revolution!
Pizza is pretty good either hot or cold. To the person who ate my last
piece, revenge is best served cold!
Visit 1000's of jokes of interest to people who have lived a long and
rich life
"Oh My Aging Funny Bone" is at:
http://www.seniorresource.com/jokes.htm
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This issue has been edited by Betsy Day (Betsyjday@aol.com).
Copyright 2008 seniorresource.com, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Information in
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