CONTENTS

If web addresses do not show as links, copy and paste them into the "go to" line of your browser.

Get your own no-cost subscription at http://www.seniorresource.com/ezine.htm

If you are planning to change your email address
please visit: http://www.seniorresource.com/ezine.htm
to re-sign up and continue receiving your copy of the Ezine.

To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders),
please add seniorresource@mail.vresp.com to your address book.

return to top

A1. NEVER LOSE HOPE IN DEALING WITH YOUR FEARS AND DEPRESSION
by: Stanley Popovich

When your fears and depression have the best of you, it is easy to feel that things will not get any better. This is not true. There is much help available in today’s society, and the best way to deal with your fears is to find effective ways to overcome them. As a result, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears and anxieties.

You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. Even if the thing that you feared does happen, there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage. These factors can change everything. Remember: we may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is that one percent to make a world of difference.

Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you feel 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 at 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 take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, or do an 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.

Be smart in how you deal with your fears and anxieties. Do not try to tackle everything all at once. When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.

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. He or she 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 themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their 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 fears and depression. However, your best bet is to get some help from a professional and not to lose hope. Eventually you will find the answers you are looking for.

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 which are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com

Find books to learn more on this subject–visit our Senior Bazaar. http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm

return to top

A2. IS IT YOUR TIME FOR MEDICARE?

Congratulations! If it's time for you to begin receiving Medicare benefits it means you’re getting healthcare that America's seniors are grateful for. Yes, it is a government-run healthcare program. Yes, you've already paid for it.

There are some details to understand about "Parts A, B, C, and D," and there may be some shared expenses. There is an automatic enrollment, and you’ll find it easy to use, widely accepted, even if not accepted by every doctor (though most doctors and hospitals do accept it, and valuable. These benefits are available to you beginning the month in which you turn 65 years of age, unless you were born on the first day of the month. Then you’re eligibility begins a month earlier than everyone else's. Best of all, you don’t have to do anything to get your Medicare card… Uncle Sam will mail it to you about three months before you’re eligible.

To find out if you are eligible for Medicare, go here:
http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp

There are four parts to Medicare: Part A, for hospitalization, home healthcare, and hospice care, but not for “long term care.” Part B is for medical care and preventive services, Part C is for Medicare Advantage plans such as an HMO or a PPO, and Part D is for prescription drug benefits.

Part B has a monthly premium, currently less than $100, although if you're a high-income earner, premiums may be more. This premium is automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security check or automatic deposit. Part D requires you join a medical plan like an HMO or PPO to employ your benefits. Be sure to look up your eligibility online, and you can call a telephone number for information also: (800) 633-4267. You should also take a look at www.socialsecurity.gov

There are resources to help you pay for premiums, and prescription drug costs, too. SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and the first site will refer you to an agency and a person to call in your city, as well as to other agencies that may be able to help you.

https://www.shiptalk.org/Public/home.aspx
http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx

The latter site gives you references to free health-benefit counseling services for Medicare beneficiaries and their families and caregivers.

What if you sign up and later need to make changes in your medical plans? No problem. Medicare allows changes to drug plans between November 15th and December 31st each year. Medical Advantage Plan changes are available between January 1 and March 31st of each year.

Be prepared, check out your eligibility and options, and take advantage of some great healthcare benefits – you’ve earned them!

Additional insurance information may be found at: http://www.seniorresource.com/insur.htm

B. DID YOU KNOW...?

1. Johns Hopkins Guide to Memory Loss and Aging
Have you had a “senior moment” or two? Here’s a guide to discover the difference between normal memory lapses that increase with age, and serious dementia.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Memory Loss and Aging is designed with YOU in mind, to give you a basic overview of the reasons why memory loss often occurs as we age, and what you can do to prevent it. You'll also learn about the other possible reasons for memory loss that have nothing to do with Alzheimer's disease. The guide provides treatment options for safe, effective relief of the symptoms You will also find some of the more common reasons for memory loss, including depression.

Find more Senior-related books at http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm#books

2. Women Veterans Study
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehensive study of female veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War. The study will explore the effects of their military service on their mental and physical health.

The VA recognizes that women veterans require specialized programs, and this study will help VA provide high-quality care for female veterans of the Vietnam era. The study, which will last for four years, will contact approximately 10,000 women in a mailed survey, telephone interview, and a review of their medical records.

As women Vietnam veterans approach their mid-sixties, it is important to understand the impact of wartime deployment on their health and mental outcomes nearly 40 years later. The study will assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical health conditions for women Vietnam Veterans, and explore the relationship between PTSD and other conditions.

The study is managed by VA’s Cooperative Studies Program. Learn more at http://www.research.va.gov/programs/csrd/csp.cfm

return to top

C. THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH

We present here some words from those with a birthday this month.

More "Thoughts" at: http://www.seniorresource.com/thought.htm

return to top

D. SPECIAL SURFING SITES

1. Hometown Newspapers (thanks to BK, Del Mar, CA)
So you haven’t seen or read your hometown newspaper in a long time? Then here is the site to visit. http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash

The Newseum displays numerous daily newspapers’ front pages in their original unedited form. Just put your mouse on a city anywhere in the world and the newspaper headlines pop up! Each paper is a link to their website for more complete information.

2. Alzheimer's Disease Information
The Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center compiles, archives, and disseminates information concerning Alzheimer's disease. The ADEAR Center is operated as a service of the National Institute on Aging. The center has a staff of information specialists available to assist you with:

• Answers to your specific questions about AD
• Free publications about AD symptoms, diagnosis, related disorders, risk factors, treatment, care giving tips, home safety tips, and research
• Referrals to local supportive services and AD Centers that specialize in research and diagnosis
• Spanish language resources
• Clinical trials information
• Literature database searches for further research and reading
• Training materials, guidelines, and a newsletter for health care and care giving professionals

Visit ADEAR at http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/AlzheimersInformation/AboutUs.htm

return to top

E. OH MY AGING FUNNY BONE

1. More Useless Facts

• No words in the English language rhyme with month, orange, silver, and purple.
• The word "samba" means "to rub navels together."
• Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny) was allergic to carrots.
• The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
• More people are killed annually by donkeys than in airplane crashes.

2. Military Guidance from Military Manuals

• Aim towards the Enemy
• When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not your friend.
• Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs are guaranteed to always hit the ground.
• If the enemy is in range, so are you.
• It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.

Some cheer for your Valentine at http://www.seniorresource.com/SRBaz.htm#gsenior

SPONSOR AN ISSUE

This issue has been edited by Betsy Day (betsyjday@aol.com).

Copyright 2010 seniorresource.com, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products, service and companies named herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders and are solely responsible for the content of their articles. Articles are included for informational purposes and are not an endorsement.