More Humor and the Senior Citizen - Risque Content

A travel agent looked up from his desk and saw an older lady and an older gentleman peering into the shop window, where there were posters of glamorous destinations around the world. The agent had had a good week, and the dejected couple looking in the window gave him a rare feeling of generosity.

He called them into his shop. "I know that on your pension you could never hope to have a holiday, so I am sending you to a fabulous resort at my expense, and I won't take no for an answer." He took them inside and asked his secretary to write two flight tickets and book a room in a five-star hotel.

The older lady and gentleman, as could be expected, gladly accepted and were off! About a month later, the little lady came in to the travel agency. "And how did you like your holiday?" the agent asked eagerly.

"The flight was exciting, and the room was lovely," she said. "I've come to thank you. But, one thing puzzled me. Who was that old guy I had to share the room with?"
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Joke 2:There was a priest who went into the country to pay a visit to a 92-year-old church member. She welcomed him into the parlor. While she made tea, he looked around and saw a beautiful oak pump organ with a cut glass bowl sitting on top of it.

The bowl was half filled with water and a condom was floating on top of it. He dare not say anything.

After tea, curiosity got the best of him and the priest asked her about it.

She replied, "While in town I found a little foil package on the sidewalk and took it home. The directions on the back said 'keep wet and put on your organ to prevent disease.' And you know, I think it works! I haven't had a cold all winter!"
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Joke 3: The ninety-five year old woman at the nursing home received a visit from one of her fellow church members. "How are you feeling?" the visitor asked.

"Oh," said the lady, "I'm just worried sick!"

"What are you worried about, dear?" her friend asked. "You look like you're in good health. They are taking care of you, aren't they?"

"Yes, they are taking very good care of me."

"Are you in any pain?" she asked.

"No, I have never had a pain in my life."

"Well, what are you worried about?" her friend asked again.

The lady leaned back in her rocking chair and slowly explained her major worry. "Every close friend I ever had has already died and gone on to heaven. I'm afraid they're all wondering where I went."
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Joke 4: A young man was walking through a super market to pick up a few things when he noticed an old lady following him. "Pardon me," she said. "I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you look just like my son, who died recently."

"I'm very sorry," replied the young man, "is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes," she said, "as I'm leaving, would you say 'Goodbye, mother?' It would make me feel so much better."

"Sure," answered the young man.

As the old woman was leaving, he called out, "Goodbye, Mother!" Then, as he stepped up to the checkout counter, he saw that his total was $127.00. "How can that be?" he asked. "I only purchased a few things!"

The clerk replied, "Your mother said you'd pay for her."


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Many Seniors with Hypertension

50% of senior citizens may have hypertension
Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the force generated as the heart pumps blood in the blood vessels.

The two values measured by the sphygmomanometer or blood pressure apparatus are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures which represent heart’s contraction and relaxation, respectively.

Hypertension is defined as a condition where sustained systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 millimeter mercury (mmHg) and/or the diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90 millimeter mercury (mmHg) by the Joint National Committee on Detection and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Based on the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology in 2008, hypertension was found to be common among the elderly, affecting about 5 in every 10.

Most elderly with elevated high blood pressure have the so called “isolated” hypertension, a common form of hypertension among elderly.

Isolated hypertension is defined as systolic BP above 140 mmHg and diastolic BP below 90 mmHg, where there is a significant increase of collagen deposition and cross-linking, degeneration of elastin fibers, atherosclerotic changes, and age-related endothelial dysfunction, according to the Merck Manual of Geriatrics in 2005.

Isolated hypertension was evident among those 60 years and older in the recent FNRI-DOST survey, wherein the systolic BP increased rapidly while there was a declined in the diastolic BP towards that age group.

The FNRI-DOST survey further revealed that elderly people were 12 times more at-risk of developing hypertension compared to younger individuals based on the study led by Duante in 2001.

Comparing the prevalence of hypertension from 2003 to 2008, there was an increase in the proportion of elderly 60- 69 years identified with hypertension from 45.8 percent in 2003 to 48.9 percent in 2008. The prevalence of hypertension among the 70 years and over elderly adults decreased from 56.0 percent in 2003 to 53.5 percent in 2008.

Meanwhile, the 2003 NNS considered previous medical diagnosis of hypertension by a doctor or a nurse or whether the subjects were taking anti-hypertensive medications or not during the time of survey. This is because subjects may have normal BP measurements when they are taking anti-hypertensive drugs.

The results showed that hypertension was prevalent among elderly women 60 years and older than elderly male counterparts, affecting about 57 percent and 50 percent respectively.

The report implies that elderly people need proper care and attention in as much as prevention is important to curtail the development of chronic degenerative diseases later in life.*

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Air Travel Costs Are Down If You Are Flexible

The air-fares offered by most airlines today are influenced by scores of factors. But, saving on air-travel is easy, provided you are ready to devote a little more time and efforts.

Points Worth Remembering

1 Try to book a ticket in its country of origin. For instance, if you're planning a one-way flight from Paris to Rome, a France-based travel agency will probably offer the lowest fares.

2 Look into courier flights, where companies hire a courier (you) and use your excess baggage allowance for their time-sensitive business cargo.

3 Lowest-price fares often require one to three weeks' advance purchase, are nonrefundable, require a certain length of stay, and carry stiff penalties for changing dates and destinations.

4 Stay with the same airline during your entire trip to receive round-trip or connecting fare discounts. Whether you are traveling for leisure or for business, here are 10 handy tips that could guide you to get the best bargains on your air travel and ensure that you make the most of your hard earned mullah.

1. Where All Should You Look?
Start by checking and compare the fares offered by all possible on-line travel providers, aggregator sites and consolidators.

This should give you a fair idea of the general range between which your air ticket should be priced. Booking sites also have alert features to inform you of any drop in air fare.

Equipped with this knowledge, you can now visit travel agencies to know about their offers. Since these agencies buy tickets in bulk and can forgo a part of their commission, the fares offered by them are much lower.

They could also provide you an entire package including return fares, accommodation and transfers at a much lower rate.

Don’t forget to check with airlines before taking the plunge. A few airlines offer their discounted fares on their web sites alone.

You could also check with the airlines for their packages if they are offering any. These packages could help save money on transfers and accommodation.

2. Check Budget Airlines
Flying one of the budget airlines can help save heaps. The budget or discount airlines that have mushroomed in recent times, offer some great discounts on air travel. They have their fares mentioned on highly frequented travel portals and booking sites.

Also remember to check the web sites of these airlines as they often offer special discounted fares.

3. Check for Special Round Trip Fares
Many airlines often offer special fares when itinerary includes many destinations and back. This is called a round trip.

Consider booking return journey in advance. This can go a long way in helping you save.

4. When to Stop Looking?
Before making the final decision, check sites such as Kayak.com, that offer predictions on whether the air fare for a particular itinerary is on upward or a downward trend.

They also predict the general price range within which your ticket should be priced given the time and destination of travel.

5. Be Flexible with Time and Date
The mantra to finding the best air fare is being flexible with respect to the time and date of your travel.

Often, a minor change in dates or time of travel can translate into huge savings. Flying in mid week or during off hours could also save you loads of dollars.

The most attractive deals are offered by airlines on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, when they announce their new ticket pricing. So, booking a flight on Monday could leave you fist clenching and exasperated.

Try to avoid traveling during season time. Also, don’t forget to check on standby fares. But availing standby fares during the peak season could leave you hunting for spare seat on the airline.

It would, however be best if you could wait and cash upon until a price war erupts between airlines.

6. Plan Your Travel Ahead of Time
Airlines price their tickets in accordance with the number of days left for travel. Hence, for domestic flights, they typically raise the ticket price 21 days, 14 days, 7 days and 3 days prior to departure.

The simple rule of thumb for air travel is - the sooner you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they tend to be. So, if you wish to do some savings, plan your travel much ahead of time.

In case you plan to fly international, you bookings have to be done much earlier, say about 6 to 7 months prior to your intended date of departure, in order to be able to save some money.

7. Last Minute Bookings
Last minute flying plans need not necessarily mean paying from your nose. In fact, it could some times be good news and get you some of the best bargains on air fare ever.

You could also check out web sites that specialize in last minute travel such as LastMinuteTravel.com.

For domestic travel you could also consider late night flights (Usually International Flights with a couple of stop-overs) called red-eye if the flight is a hopping one and stops at the destination of your choice.

If you decide to fly on the eleventh hour, you could go to the airport and inquire if a flight that is about to take off within the next couple of hours has any extra seats left. If you are lucky you could get them dirt-cheap.

8. Avail an Air Pass When Possible
When traveling to international destinations, remember to check about air pass. Many countries offer air passes on their national carriers, with an aim to promote tourism to specific destinations in their country.

If you plan extensive travel in a certain country, these air passes could help you save heaps.

9. Redeem Your Frequent Flier Miles
If you are a frequent flier with a specific or a few airlines, you could consider redeeming your frequent flier points now.

This is a good way of making your travel free. Sometimes your accumulated points should be enough to include the travel tickets of your entire family.

However, it would be prudent on your part to first check the availability of seats because a limited number of seats are assigned by each airline for such award travel, which sell off quickly.

10. Check Special Deals Wherever Possible
The key to saving money is to ask for something more, and more often you will get it. Find out about special deals for senior citizens, children, spouse, etc whenever applicable.

Have you ever tried ‘name-your-own-price’ tickets? Although there is a fair amount of risk in that as they reveal your exact airline, flight times and routes, they can save about 40 percent of your travel expenses.

You could also try to getting refund to an already purchased air ticket, the prices of which have subsequently gone down.

Here’s wishing you a bon voyage!

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Jane Fonda Back Again with Senior Exercise Videos

Jane Fonda's new workout for the elderly

Tuesday, 14 September , 2010, 13:34

Veteran actress and fitness expert Jane Fonda has released two new exercise videos aimed at elderly people.

Both the videos - Walk Out and Fit and Strong will be released in November, and promise to help seniors lose weight and build strength through low impact exercise, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"I'm very excited to be back in the fitness business. I know from experience and from my research how critical it is for seniors to be physically active. Even if they've never exercised in their lives, now is the time and my programs are a good, safe way to do it," said Fonda.

The 72-year-old is herself hale and hearty all thanks to a healthy lifestyle.

"If I don't stay active my body stops functioning. I'm careful about how I eat. I stay active. I walk a lot. I have good genes - and money," she said.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Wii Bowling for Seniors is Exercise

BRIGANTINE-- With both matching shirts and their game faces on The "Hot Pins" are here to win. "We've got a good team of players, a lot of good players," said bowler Ruth Martin.

The two teams of four senior citizens were all business as they grabbed their controllers and took aim in a Nintendo Wii bowling competition at the Brigantine Civic Center.

"We think we're doing really well and they take it very seriously. We did a whole bunch of practice weeks to start," said Linda Nace, Senior Site Manager. It's all to prepare for a contest sponsored by the National Senior League. However, before the team could compete they said they had some learning to do.

"We seem to know which buttons to push now which we didn't know in the beginning," said Nace. Part of the preparation, before taking to the virtual lanes, was to create their own Nintendo Wii characters.

"They made mine up. I have little blonde hair and a little face," said bowler Laura Bauder. It looks like a lot of fun but it's all-apart of a competition with 300 sites competing in 24 states. This team even has a coach.

"I keep track of the scores, strikes, spares during the competition. I had to help them learn the game," said coach, and high school freshman, Joe DiBuonaventura.

Once a week the team's coach will keep scores and submit them online. The competition is in its third week and runs for close to 2 months. While the "Hot Pins" say competition heats up, it's actually all just about staying active. "Its exercise, you're moving your arms," said Bauder.

They say there is no "I" in this team, and support every bowler. "One doesn't do good the next time they do better," Bauder. The "Hot Pins" maybe on a hot streak they say they are also having some fun.

"We have a great time yeah. Especially when we make a strike, everybody dances," said Bauder. "They're all thinking they are getting a banquet at the end and I am sure we'll set something up," said Nace.

The teams at the Brigantine Civic Center are the only Atlantic County contestants. They're playing competitors from as far away as Florida and California. The top teams from each conference will advance to the Open Bowl playoffs.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Company Announces Parkinson's Breakthrough

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals.Rexahn’s goal is to be a world-class biopharmaceutical company developing and delivering novel cures for cancer and disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) to patients worldwide. Leveraging a powerful, multi-faceted discovery engine consisting of small signaling molecule discovery, computational modeling and nanotechnology-based drug targeting and delivery, we believe that we are well on our way to achieving our goal.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ANLAYSIS OF REXAHN PHARMACEUTICALS
Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Rexahn says study shows neuroprotective effects of clavulanic acid, main ingredient in Seradaxin drug

Clinical stage pharma company Rexahn Pharmaceuticals (NYSE Amex: RNN) said Tuesday that a published Drug Development Research article indicates that clavulanic acid, the active ingredient of the company's lead central nervous system drug Seradaxin, protects neurons from brain damage associated with neurodegnerative disease.

In the study, rodents that were exposed to different neurotoxins, were administered with clavulanic acid, which protected neurons in the hippocampus and dopaminergic regions of the brain that are critical in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, respectively.

"The exciting neuronal protective properties of clavulanic acid make it a highly promising treatment for neuronal cell death diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's," said Rexahn CEO Chang Ahn.

Parkinson's disease afflicts five million people worldwide, and with the aging of the baby boom generation, that population is expected to double by 2030.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, by 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's is projected to reach between 11 million and 16 million, unless medical breakthroughs can prevent or more effectively treat the disease.

Currently, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's therapies only provide symptomatic relief.

"Clavulanic acid has breakthrough potential of shielding the brain cell survival mechanisms, rather than fighting one-by-one the multitude of triggers that can activate the cell death mechanisms common in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's," added Ahn.

Alzheimer's has at least five major triggers, while Parkinson's has three major dysfunctioning mechanisms. Rather than intercepting and fighting each trigger, clavulanic acid has shown to broadly protect brain cell mechanisms.

Rexahn develops and commercializes therapeutics for cancer, CNS disorders, sexual dysfunction and other unmet medical needs. The company currently has three drug candidates in Phase II clinical trials, including Archexin, Serdaxin, and Zoraxel.

The company rallied more than 3% Tuesday morning, to trade at $1.24 on NYSE Amex Exchange.

THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY OR SELL THIS STOCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Free Alzheimer's Guide from Johns Hopkins

Yours FREE: The Johns Hopkins
Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease


It happens to us all. You're in the middle of a conversation about a book when you realize that you can't remember the title or the author's name. You start to introduce a friend to an acquaintance and suddenly can't remember either name. You find yourself standing in front of the refrigerator wondering exactly why you opened the door.

We KNOW what you're thinking:

Is it Alzheimer's disease?

Or another form of dementia?


In your FREE copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease you'll discover the difference between normal memory lapses that increase with age and serious dementia.

If you're concerned about memory loss and what you can do to preserve your memory well into your senior years, you need reliable, accurate information. Where better to turn for the most cutting-edge research on memory loss than Johns Hopkins, ranked #1 of America's Best Hospitals?

Simply type in your email address below and in minutes you'll be able to download your FREE copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease is designed with YOU in mind to give you a basic overview of Alzheimer's Disease.

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Alzheimer's disease is certainly a worrying condition for most of us as we age, especially since our average life span is now potentially much higher than ever before. The good news is that new information about Alzheimer's and memory loss is emerging all the time.

For almost a decade, the quarterly Johns Hopkin Memory Bulletin has been bringing you the latest cutting-edge research and findings on memory loss, Alzheimer's, and other dementias.

Your free copy of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease comes from the editors of The Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin, so you can be sure you're getting the best, most accurate and reliable information, so you can make the most informed choices possible about your health care.

In all of the Johns Hopkins publications, our leading specialists summarize what you need to know about the results of the most important research studies and their outcomes.

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The Memory Health Alerts—delivered via email at least once a month—are packed with the latest news on Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss, including tips on how to preserve your memory for as long as possible.

Learn how to regain control of your life and manage your self-care better if you've been facing the challenges of memory loss for some time but have not yet sought treatment because you think nothing can be done.

There's so much new in the world of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia that, almost every day, you hear of some new drug, promising treatment, or alternative remedy to try.

All of the Johns Hopkins publications help you sort out helpful information from hype, fact from fiction: the monthly newsletter Health After 50, the quarterly Johns Hopkins Memory Bulletin, and the annual Johns Hopkins White Paper: Memory.

Age-related memory loss can be a challenge, but educating yourself with The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease will provide you with practical advice and peace of mind. As you age, you need to stay informed about the latest breakthroughs in preventing memory loss in order to make the best choices for your treatment.

The most important thing is acting upon the best knowledge and information regarding what is safe and sensible for both short- and long-term relief of your memory loss.

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Few institutions have done more to research and combat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia depression than the doctors and scientists at Johns Hopkins. Years of research have revealed new theories as to the causes of Alzheimer's disease, leading to the development of new medications and new treatments to help preserve cognitive function for as long as possible despite our age.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Understanding Alzheimer's Disease is Johns Hopkins' way of reaching as many people as we can with the kind of cutting-edge information you need to make the right choices about how to preserve your memory well into your later years. Or what to do if you suspect a loved one might be suffering from memory loss, or perhaps even dementia.

Take control of your health—NOW!

Because you're reading this, it's probably safe to assume that you or someone you care about isn't feeling or acting quite the same. Perhaps they're more forgetful than usual. Millions of Americans have the same health concerns, especially since we're living longer than ever before.

You, however, stand out from the vast majority because you're actively seeking answers and making a serious effort to learn as much as you can about Alzheimer's Disease in order to try to prevent any mental decline or try to be an effective caregiver for a loved one.

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Democrats Trying to Sway Senior Voters

The Associated Press: Democrats, "running scared in an election year," are hopeful that a $250 check - to help seniors afford prescription drugs - will turn the tide of public opinion. "Democrats ... are trying to overcome older people's mistrust of the new health care law, which expands coverage for younger generations by cutting Medicare payments to hospitals and insurers. … Behind the hoopla, the reality is modest.

"The $250 check, for example, is just a fraction of what many people in the prescription coverage gap have to pay. The gap starts after Medicare beneficiaries and their insurance plan have spent $2,830 on medications. Once total spending reaches $6,440, Medicare's catastrophic coverage kicks in, and people pay only a small amount. That means the 'doughnut hole' is $3,610 this year. ... . A previous Congress, led by Republicans, came up with the idea to control costs. It's never been popular" (Alonso-Zaldivar, 8/16).

The Hill reports that administration is acting on other fronts: "Stephanie Cutter, assistant to the president for special projects, took to the White House blog Friday to lambaste Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal to turn Medicare into a voucher program. … 'Under the Ryan plan, the Medicare seniors know and trust would disappear,' Cutter writes. 'In its place, seniors would receive a voucher to buy insurance on the private market.' Ryan argues that the current system, even taking into account the healthcare reform law, is 'on course to collapse'" (Pecquet, 8/14).

In the meantime, outside groups are hoping to bolster Democrats' political fortunes.

Roll Call: "Americans United for Change is dispatching staff and resources to battleground states in what appears to be a shoestring effort to paint Republicans as seeking to destroy Social Security and Medicare. … To prove their claims that Republicans are targeting Social Security and Medicare, Democrats and activist groups like the AUFC cite Wisconsin GOP Rep. Paul Ryan's 'Roadmap for America's Future,' which proposes to overhaul the two programs to ensure they remain solvent without eating up more of the federal budget. ... Republicans contend that Democrats are trying to scare voters" (Drucker, 8/14).

The Seattle Times: In addition, advocacy groups are protesting the presence of lobbyists at the gathering this week of state insurance regulators. "Health-care-reform activists sported surgical gowns and masks as they chanted and handed out packets that offered to 'disinfect' the gathering from a 'lobbyist pandemic.' The packets included soap, a hand wipe, a clothespin and a face mask to protect against 'lobbyist lies ... lobbyist germs ... and lobbyist stench' — underscoring that emotions over health-care reform haven't entirely subsided since President Obama signed a historic reform law in March. … The protest was organized by Washington state Health Care for America Now" (


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Don't Eat These 7 Unhealthy Pizzas

Worst Pizzas in America
By David Zinczenko

Sep 20, 2010

Eat This, Not That
by David Zinczenko

When pizza was first invented, back in some long forgotten Italian village, it was a nearly perfect slice of nutrition: A thin crust of carbohydrates for energy, slathered with tomato sauce for vitamins and minerals, and topped with calcium-rich, protein-boosting mozzarella. It was like a food pyramid in pie form!

So what happened? How did this healthy Italian invention acquire a reputation for being so terribly unhealthy? Well, to start, American food manufacturers got their greedy little hands on it. As we began researching the Eat This, Not That! book series, we discovered marketers were up to all sorts of mischief that has made it easier for Americans to gain weight—doing creepy things like loading the top up with fatty meats, infusing the crust with hidden cheeses, and otherwise turning the healthy pizza pie into a Big Mac with crust. Mama Mia!

It’s too bad, too, because pizza is a staple of American life. During last year’s Super Bowl, Papa Johns sold more pies than there are people in Delaware. And it’s only the third-biggest pizza chain (Papa Johns, not Delaware). So if you want the best of both worlds—the health benefits of the Italian style and the football-rooting fun of the American way of life, then you need to know which pizzas should be showing up at your door at halftime—and which should get called for a 15-pound penalty. (And for more of the best health, fitness, nutrition and weight-loss tips that will improve your life instantly, make sure you follow me here on Twitter.)


#7: Worst Supermarket Pizza
DiGiorno For One Traditional Crust Supreme Pizza
790 calories
36 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fats)
1,460 mg sodium

No, it’s not delivery, but it is dangerous. This is how DiGiorno handles the personal pie: with 60 percent of your day’s sodium, 70 percent of your saturated fat, and more trans fat than you should consume in an entire day. If your heart had a voice box, it would be screaming in outrage.

Eat This Instead!
Stouffer’s French Bread Deluxe Pizza (1 pizza)
430 calories
21 g fat (7 g saturated)
820 mg sodium


#6: Worst Multi-National Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen Tostada Pizza with Grilled Steak (1/2 pie)
840 calories
16 g saturated fat
1,649 mg sodium


With a caloric heft like this, you’d expect this Tex-Mex pie to be massively portioned. It’s not. The big fatty price tag draws not from size, but from the combo effect of tortilla chips and ranch dressing. Switch to the equally interesting Four Seasons Pizza, which carries artichoke hearts, salami, mushroom, tomatoes, onions, and two cheeses, and you drop nearly 400 calories per half-pie serving.

Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Four Seasons Pizza
480 calories
9 g saturated fat
1,567 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Take a look at the weapons of mass inflation being whipped up in the labs of the mad fast-food scientists: The 20 Scariest New Restaurant Foods! Be afraid—be very afraid!


#5: Worst Single Slice
Sbarro Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza
960 calories
42 g fat
3,200 mg sodium

Sbarro serves up elephantine slices, so you should know better than to order one that essentially consists of two of those slices folded one atop another. In this one wedge of pizza, Sbarro manages to pack in nearly as many calories as you’d find in four pepperoni slices from Pizza Hut! You want to survive the Sbarro super-slice challenge? Stick to a regular pie, nix the pepperoni and sausage, and limit yourself to one slice.

Eat This Instead!
Fresh Tomato Pizza
450 calories
14 g fat
1,040 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Sure, pizza has the potential to inflate, but it’s certainly not the only food to cause widespread weight gain. Case in point: The 15 Worst Burgers in America. You'll also learn which burgers to eat instead, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and still lose weight—without ever dieting.


#4: Worst Specialty Crust Pizza
Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Meat Lover’s Pizza (2 slices, 14” pie)
960 calories
52 g fat (24 g saturated, 1 g trans)
2,780 mg sodium

Around the perimeter of this pie is what essentially amounts to a hula-hoop ring of cheese. Gross, right? But it's not just cheese. Also inside that ring: two types of sausage, ham, beef, and bacon. The impact of all those salt-cured meats is more than a day’s worth of sodium in each two-slice serving—oh, and as much saturated fat as a dozen Extra Crispy Drumsticks from KFC! Here’s a simple mnemonic device: Stuffed pizza = stuffed potbelly. Stick to thin crust and lean meats and you’ll live to eat well another day.

Eat This Instead!
2 Slices Thin ‘N Crispy Ham & Pineapple Pizza (2 slices, 12'' pie)
360 calories
12 g fat (6 g saturated)
1,080 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: To see more proof of how wayward beverages can utterly destroy your diet, check out the 20 Worst Drinks in America. Many of these disastrous drinks contain more than a day's worth of calories, sugar, and fat!


#3: Worst Flatbread
Cosi Chicken Gorgonzola with Fig Flatbread with Traditional Crust
1,073 calories
41 g fat (9 g saturated)
1,057 mg sodium

At first blush, flatbread seems like a healthy version of pizza—especially when it comes adorned with fanciful toppings like Gorgonzola and figs. But let this be a lesson: Just because it’s fancy doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Cosi’s traditional crust is essentially the same carpet of bread you might find underneath a circular pie. The rules of pizza selection apply to flatbreads as well: Lean toppings, light cheese, and thin crust.

Eat This Instead!
Margherita Flatbread with Thin Crust
451 calories
26 g fat (13 g saturated)
328 mg sodium


#2: Worst Thin Crust Pizza
Domino’s Brooklyn Style ExtravaganZZa Feast Pizza (2 slices 16” pie)
1,180 calories
60 g fat (27 g saturated)
3,420 mg sodium

To be fair, Domino’s Brooklyn Style isn’t promoted as thin crust, but it was created with fold-ability in mind. That requires slices that are soft, thin, and—in Domino’s case—massive. The typical Domino’s pie comes sliced into eighths, but order the Brooklyn-inspired pie and you’ll get only six slices. What happened to the other two slices? They were absorbed—along with their calories, fat, and sodium—into the other slices. Your better option is to build your own pie on a legitimate thin crust. Top that pie chicken and chorizo and you cut out 730 calories. Do that a couple times a week and you’ll cut close to two pounds of flab per month.

Eat This Instead!
Thin Crust Grilled Chicken and Chorizo (2 slices, 14” pie)
450 calories
20 g fat (7 g saturated)
1,030 mg sodium

Bonus Tip: Eating healthy on the go is far easier than it sounds. Check out these 9 Ways to Lose Weight Eating Fast-Food for body slimming tips that don’t cost a minute of your time.


#1: Worst Pizza in America
Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza (Individual)
2,310 calories
162 g fat (54 g saturated fat)
4,920 mg sodium

Wait, wait, wait. This is a one-person pizza? Yup. All 2,310 calories are destined for one soon-to-be expanding belly. This pie has been a perennial pick for us over the past three years, and the reason is simple: No other personal pizza in the country even begins to approach these numbers. It breaks every single caloric recommendation on the books, and it does it under the guise of a must-have “classic” dish. With the country being plagued by obesity, Uno should have the decency to banish—or significantly improve—this dish.

Eat This Instead!
Cheese and Tomato Thin Crust Pizza (Individual)
840 calories
33 g fat (15 g saturated fat)
1,770 mg sodium

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

We Need Bills to Freeze Elderly Property Taxes

Bill Would Freeze Property Taxes for PA Elderly

Many Pennsylvanians 65 years or older would be exempt from future property tax increases under a bill being introduced in the State Senate.
Democratic Senator Lisa Boscola of Northampton County says her Senior Citizens’ Property Tax Freeze Act would hold tax rates steady for those who have lived in their home for five years or longer and earn less than $65,000 per year.
Boscola says the individuals have earned a tax break and school districts and municipalities would need to adjust to the change.

“I like bills that have been introduced by other Senators who have said, ‘Maybe we should consolidate some of the administrative costs of our school districts.’ There’s ways to cut, we just have to do it responsibly.”

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

It's Almost $20,000 a Year for Seniors to Live

September 15, 2010
By Ashley Gebb/Appeal-Democrat

Rising costs and fixed incomes are an incompatible combination — yet it is one senior citizens face every day.

Seniors, no matter their source of income, often struggle to make ends meet in Yuba and Sutter counties, according to standards released Wednesday by UCLA and the Insight Center for Community Development.

The standards calculate for each county the minimum income necessary to cover an older adult's basic expenses and estimate the number of senior citizens who have — or do not have — that income.

A local senior citizen would need a minimum income of $19,629 a year to meet their basic needs — housing, food, medical care and transportation, according to those standards.

Using that data, the Area 4 Agency on Aging estimates 4,432 seniors in Sutter County and 2,847 seniors in Yuba County fall in the eligibility gap, said Planner Will Tift. Those citizens are above the federal poverty level but still don't earn enough for their basic needs.

"That's a substantial percentage," he said. "Somewhere between a third and a half of seniors in both counties do not have enough money to make ends meet."

Some accumulate debt, others turn to family and friends to help them out and others go without.

"They may not be going to doctor's appointments or dental appointments or having their vision checked because they can't afford to do those things," Tift said. "Some may drive without insurance because they can't afford it."

The greatest challenge is not fixed incomes but rising costs, said Yuba City resident Norman Walker, 80.

"They are nickel-and-diming us to death," he said.

Every expense continues to rise, from groceries to utility bills, taxes to dog food, medical care and license plate fees, he said.

"You name something that hasn't gone up," he said. "It's stressful, when you sit back and watch your bills come in and think about what you make."

He retired in 1993 after working for more than 50 years. At the time he had several hundred thousand dollars saved in the bank, plus his pension. That's what has helped him hold on all these years.

"I don't know how people live on Social Security," Walker said.

He's also fortunate because he does not have a house payment to make, he said. He knows other seniors who have had to sell their homes or move in with their children.

But finances have not been easy for Walker, despite how well he planned. Every year he has to dip into his savings, and there is only about $90,000 left, he said.

"If I live to be 100, I'll be on welfare," he said.

Yuba City resident Joe Thordsen, 80, retired in 1992. This year was the first time in 18 years he did not receive an increase in his Social Security payment, and the house he bought six years ago has declined in value by $33,000, he said.

His pockets have felt the hit, and so he continues to pinch pennies anywhere he can. This means clipping coupons, searching out freebies and drinking water instead of coffee or other costly drinks when he goes out to eat.

"It gets a little tough, but we adjust as we go along," he said.

Thordsen knows how to live on a tight budget. As a child of the Great Depression, he remembers his parents standing in soup lines to get a hot meal.

That's the point many seniors are almost pushed into today, he said.

"They say it's a recession, but if you're not working, it's a depression," he said.

The battle between rising costs and fixed incomes has always existed but the current recession has exacerbated the problem, Tift said.

"We definitely need to be looking at all kinds of solutions," he said.

The standards released by UCLA and the Insight Center are a valuable tool that can be used in planning, advocacy and general education about the financial struggles seniors are facing.

"It's the first step in quantifying the issue," he said. "It puts it into real terms and numbers people can see and deal with."

Meanwhile, seniors get by however they can and combat the stress and depression caused by financial strain with inexpensive fun. For Walker and Thordsen, that means frequent billiards sessions with their buddies at the Yuba City Senior Center.

"We pay $33 a year, and we get to shoot pool all day long," Walker said

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Throw Out Old Medications

Monday, September 20, 2010

If your household is like most in America, you could be unwittingly contributing to accidental poisonings, drug overdoses, and drug abuse, simply by keeping unused, outdated, or expired pharmaceuticals in your medicine cabinet.

That’s why the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES) recommends regular medicine cabinet cleanouts. The changes of season, and the times of year when you reset your clocks, also are good times to clean out your medicine cabinet, according to NJPIES

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Targeting the Finances of Seniors

BY BRIAN L. HUCHEL
Commercial-News Sun Sep 12, 2010, 12:21 AM CDT

DANVILLE — Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Bill Hurt has worked elder abuse cases for four years. In that time, he’s seen instances where as much as $100,000 was stolen from a senior citizen.

Hurt said he’s now seeing a change among both seniors and their family members about the potentials for financial exploitation abuse.

“They’re catching on,” he said.

As a growing percentage of the population hits its senior years, elder abuse is becoming a bigger and bigger issue.

According to data from the Illinois Department on Aging, 20 percent of the more than 10,000 cases reported in 2008 were reported by family members. Senior victims themselves accounted for another 10 percent of the case reports across Illinois.

Aside from telephone scams that target the elderly, Hurt said senior citizens are often victimized by family members who access the senior’s bank accounts through false pretenses, trickery or downright forgery.

Although the action of the abuser is usually the indicator of abuse taking place, there are other specific signs when it comes to determining the existence of financial exploitation.

Susan Real, planning and programs manager at the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, said there are a number of red flags to look for.

“All of a sudden the elder is withdrawing a lot of money from a savings or checking account,” she said. “They seem to have an adequate amount of finances and then not be able to pay a bill or be evicted from their apartment.”

She said caregivers will start digging and see there is a family member who is requesting money or is running up credit card bills and the victim is paying those off.

Almost a quarter of the elder abuse victims in 2008 were 86 years old or older. Real said the older and more frail a senior becomes, the more family interests start to play a role in financial exploitation, as well.

“When the family dynamics come into play, children get involved in powers of attorney or health care,” she said. “They start thinking in terms of inheritances and ‘We’re due this money.’”

Tips for avoiding financial exploitation include:

■Be suspicious if a deal seems too good to be true.
■Do not give out personal information to phone solicitors. Protect your credit cards, Social Security and ATM information.
■Get estimates before doing renovations. Do not pay for work in advance. Check insurance references and credentials.
■Do not sign a power of attorney or any other document that allows another person to act on your behalf unless you have a complete understanding of the actions he or she can take using your name and assets.
■Use good financial practices. Sign up for direct deposit. Do not sign blank checks. Never leave money lying around. Shred credit card offers.
■Maintain a network of friends and professionals.
Mike O’Donnell, executive director of the ECIAAA, said older adults become vulnerable if they become reclusive and don’t have family or friends to advise them.

Currently, state law deems a number of professions as mandated reporters, ranging from law enforcement and social services to religious representatives and a variety of different medical professionals.

A new law signed into effect earlier this year now adds banking officials to the list. O’Donnell said the law is an attempt to train the workers in a “pre-emptive manner to notify and educate the public.”

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Medical Records: What Are My Rights?

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS REGARDING MY MEDICAL RECORDS?
HOW DO I GET MY MEDICAL RECORDS FROM FORMER DOCTORS?


Question: I used to go to a doctor in Colorado, but then I moved to California and went to
another doctor. I signed a release for the California doctor to obtain records from the one in Colorado. Later on, I had to go to yet another doctor, who asked me for all pertinent past records. To get the ball in motion, I sent a certified letter to the California doctor and asked for the records she had obtained from the Colorado doctor. She sent a certified letter back saying that she was prohibited by law from giving me these records and that I had to go directly to the Colorado doctor to obtain them. I do not want her to keep these records, and I need them for my new physician. Is it true that the law forbids her from turning my own medical records over to me or a new doctor of my choice?


Answer: Legally, you have a right to a copy of your medical records. But it is also true that you will have to go back to the original doctor that you saw for many types of medical records. Your new doc should have no problem getting records from both of the old docs with nothing more than your signed consent form. But all evaluations and test results must come from the original source, and you, the former patient, must ask for them directly. Another person can procure those records for you only if you have given him or her a medical power of attorney. You shouldn't be charged more than a nominal fee for staff time and copying, and you should receive the information within the week.
For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Do I Need a Durable Power of Attorney

IF I BECOME ILL OR INCAPACITATED, WILL I NEED A DURABLE
POWER OF ATTORNEY IF I ALREADY HAVE A LIVING TRUST?

Question: I have a living trust that designates a successor trustee to manage the trust in case I become incapacitated. Do I also need a durable power of attorney?

Answer: You should still have a durable power of attorney for finances. Think of your successor trustee as reigning over a limited kingdom - your living trust, with whatever property you have put into it. If you become incapacitated, your trustee will have power over all this property and be able to use it for your needs - but that's where the power ends. Your successor trustee has no power over property outside the kingdom walls. And most people transfer into a living trust only assets that are too expensive to put through probate, such as real estate and valuable securities; few transfer all their property to a living trust.

Personal checking accounts, for example, are rarely transferred to a living trust - and most people want someone to be able to make deposits and pay bills from these accounts. You can grant this power to an "attorney-in-fact," or agent, using a durable power of attorney for finances. Also, under a durable power of attorney, you can give your attorney-in-fact the authority to handle tasks such as collecting government benefits, filing tax returns, handling legal actions, and dealing with many other matters that are also outside the boundaries of your living trust.

You may even want to empower your attorney-in-fact to transfer into your living trust any property that becomes yours after you become incapacitated. Only a durable power of attorney for finances can grant that authority.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What Is A Coronary Calcium Scan??

What Is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
A coronary calcium scan is a test that can help show whether you have coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease. CHD is the most common type of heart disease in both men and women.

In CHD, a substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside your coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

Plaque narrows your coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. It also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your coronary arteries. Blood clots can partly or completely block blood flow to part of your heart muscle. This can cause chest pain or discomfort called angina (an-JI-nuh or AN-juh-nuh) or a heart attack.

CHD also can lead to heart failure or arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs). Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat.

Overview
A coronary calcium scan looks for specks of calcium (called calcifications) in the walls of the coronary arteries. Calcifications are an early sign of CHD. The test can show whether you're at increased risk for a heart attack or other heart problems before other signs and symptoms occur.

Two machines can show calcium in the coronary arteries—electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Both use an x-ray machine to make detailed pictures of your heart. Doctors study the pictures to see whether you're at risk for heart problems in the next 2 to 10 years.

A coronary calcium scan is simple and easy for the patient, who lies quietly in the scanner machine for about 10 minutes. The scanner takes pictures of the heart that show whether the coronary arteries have calcifications.

Coronary Calcium Scan

Figure A shows the position of the heart in the body and the location and angle of the coronary calcium scan image. Figure B is the coronary calcium scan image, which shows calcification in a coronary artery.

Outlook
A coronary calcium scan is most useful for people who are at moderate risk for a heart attack. You or your doctor can calculate your 10-year risk using the Risk Assessment Tool from the National Cholesterol Education Program.

People who are at moderate risk have a 10–20 percent chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. The coronary calcium scan may help doctors decide who within this group needs treatment.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Heart Attack Symptoms Are Different for Women

By Mayo Clinic staff

Typical heart attack symptoms:

Symptom Description

Chest discomfort or pain This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.

Upper body pain Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.

Stomach pain Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.

Shortness of breath You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort.

Anxiety You may feel a sense of doom or feel as if you're having a panic attack for no apparent reason.

Lightheadedness You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.

Sweating You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.

Nausea and vomiting You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest pain while someone else has excruciating pain.

One thing applies to everyone, though: If you suspect you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don't waste time trying to diagnose heart attack symptoms yourself.

Additional heart attack symptoms in women:

Women may have all, none, many or a few of the typical heart attack symptoms. For women, the most common heart attack symptom is still some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But women are more likely than are men to also have heart attack symptoms without chest pain, such as:

■Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
■Shortness of breath
■Nausea or vomiting
■Abdominal pain or "heartburn"
■Sweating
■Lightheadedness or dizziness
■Unusual or unexplained fatigue

Heart attack symptoms demand emergency help
Most heart attacks begin with much more subtle symptoms — with only mild pain or discomfort. And your symptoms may come and go. Don't be tempted to downplay your symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety.

Getting heart attack treatment quickly improves your chance of survival and minimizes damage to your heart. Don't "tough out" these symptoms for more than five minutes. Call 911 or other emergency medical services for help. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options.


For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Alzheimer's Disease: 10 Warning Signs

10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

New problems with words in speaking or writing

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

Decreased or poor judgment

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

What Happened to Our 2010 C.O.L.A.?

The cost of living adjustment for social security benefits did not occur in 2010. How does the lack of a 2010 social security cost of living raise affect seniors and will it happen again?

United States citizens who get social security or social security disability benefits received a surprise at the end of 2009. The Social Security Administration announced on October 15, 2009 that there would be no cost of living adjustment or COLA for 2010. How did the government come to this decision and what impact did this have for social security benefit recipients?

What Is COLA?

COLA, also known as the cost of living raise, helps to bridge the gap for those receiving social security benefits during periods of inflation. COLA became part of the 1972 Social Security Amendments enacted by Congress. Since then, COLA has existed as an annual occurrence each January, however in 2009, the US Government announced that a 2010 Social Security cost of living raise would not occur leaving many people concerned.

How is COLA Determined?

The 2010 social security cost of living raise has been determined the same way since 1972. COLA is based upon the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W). The measurement is calculated by comparing the third quarter of the previous year to the third quarter of the current year in order to predict if a COLA will occur for the following year. If there is a percentage increase of at least 0.05 percent there will be an increase in the cost of living allowance. If there is no wage earner increase based on the CPI or if it is less than 0.05 percent, no COLA is offered.

What Happened to the 2010 COLA?

In 2010, the cost of living raise was determined from comparing the average CPI for wage earnings from the third quarter 2008 and the third quarter 2009. The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the 2008 third quarter CPI wage average was 215.495 while 2009's third quarter CPI wage average was 211.001, meaning year 2009 was less than year 2008. Since there was no increase in CPI average wages between 2008 and 2009, the 2010 social security cost of living raise did not occur.

2010 COLA and Medicare Part B

Seniors felt the lack of a 2010 COLA increase through Medicare Part B premium increases that affected 7% of people receiving social security benefits. Medicare Part B premiums are not determined through the Consumer Price Index and increase each year regardless of a COLA increase or decrease. However, there is a "hold harmless” provision in the Social Security Act that protects 93% of social security beneficiaries from having to pay the increased premium.

While Medicare Part B did not negatively affect a majority of social security beneficiaries, other factors outside of the social security administration's reach still lurk behind the scenes. The lack of a 2010 social security cost of living raise did not prevent property owners from raising rents each year, for example. With the 2009 Credit Reform Act, credit card companies began increasing and implementing fees to pass on to cardholders before the act went into effect in February 2010.

Therefore, even though the average price of groceries and gas did not increase, other areas such as housing did rise. Which means a COLA would be needed for some individuals to help hedge these increases. Doris Bias, age 52 from Maryland, receives social security disability and was dismayed there was no increase but thankful that her landlord decided not to raise her rent in 2010.

"I know I would have found some way to manage if the rent did increase, but at least now I can continue on with my normal budget," explained Ms. Bias.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/money/personal-finance/articles/69916.aspx#ixzz0mlwzQw3K

Can This Happen Again?

It is possible for there to be no COLA just as there was in 2010? If there is no change or a decrease in the CPI wage earnings average from year to year, a COLA will not occur. Be advised that special circumstances occurred in 2008 and 2009 that directly affected why there was no social security 2010 cost of living raise. As with other global governments, the United States was in an economic downturn during this period meaning consumers had less money to spend due to high unemployment rates. This in turn, drove prices down to encourage increased spending. Should another economic situation similar or worse than that which occurred in 2008 were to happen, the chances are likely there would not be a COLA.

The 2010 COLA Aftermath

No 2010 social security cost of living raise was a shock to social security beneficiaries across the nation. Seniors and other beneficiaries will have to tighten their budgets a little more if housing and utility costs continue to rise. No COLA for 2010 served a reminder that this cost of living raise is not guaranteed to occur every year. When the government determines there will be no cost of living allowance, it can also affect the Consumer Confidence Index or CCI. Ways to combat any unexpected surprises should this happen again include:

•Tightening your monthly budget by trimming down to your necessities.
•Start saving a little extra money for a rainy day to help out in a crunch, if possible.
•Do not expect a COLA each year. If it happens, use that extra savings to your advantage.
For more information on the social security cost of living raise, visit the Social Security Administration's website and be sure to read the FAQ section and current press releases.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/money/personal-finance/articles/69916.aspx?p=2#ixzz0mlwnpQyf

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524

Scholarships For Seniors Going to College

Most high school students headed for earning a college degree learn to search for scholarships if they need financial aid. However, senior citizens may not realize there are ways they can also cut costs if they would like a college education. here are some good ideas for earning a college degree at any age.

Senior Citizens College Scholarships

Senior citizens can search for college scholarships offered just for them. Some businesses and universities, for example, offer special scholarships for seniors. beyond scholarship money designated for senior citizens, one can look into awards offered to all adults. it is wise to keep in mind that beyond tuition there will be other fees, supplies, and books for which you will need to pay. Often students apply for and are awarded multiple types of money for school.

Discounts and Financial Aid for Mature Adults

Often, public colleges will waive tuition for senior citizens. a number of states have statewide public college tuition waiver programs for senior citizens. Some offer discounts to senior citizens. many community colleges also waive tuition for senior citizens or charge reduced rates. one should also ask about these deals and for life experience degree credits.

Alternative Education ideas for Seniors

If one does not need a college degree, but simply wishes to learn, senior citizens may be able to audit classes for free or at reduced prices. When auditing a class, the student has the choice of taking or not taking exams, writing papers, or doing other class work.

Another choice is taking continuing education classes exclusively for “mature” adults (often 50 and older). these types of classes generally run four to eight weeks and may or may not offer credits. these courses can also be a good way to meet new friends with similar ages and interests.

Many programs for senior citizens are not well known or publicized, so it is always a good idea to call around or search online.

Online Degree Programs and Courses

There are many college and university online bachelors degree programs and other classes available on the web. For Internet-savvy or homebound seniors (or even for those hoping to save on gasoline costs, etc.), this can be a viable option. Scholarships, grants, discounts, college loans, or other financial aid may still apply. Today, complete online bachelor degree programs and graduate degree programs are offered online. When searching for online degree programs, one should find out if the college or university is accredited.

Other Savings ideas for College Courses

Most colleges and universities offer many student services. these may include free or very low cost medical visits and student dental care, free cultural events, childcare, mental health counseling, free advising, and many more services.

Senior citizens wishing to extend their knowledge or skills should try not to let money be a barrier. there are plenty of options for those who do their “homework” to earn a college degree

For more information contact Senior Solutions at (954) 456-8984 or toll free at 1-800-213-3524