Watch out Siri

It is official, google is making a run at Apples's popular voice assistant. The duel began on Monday with the release of a free iPhone and iPad app that features Google Now. Apparently Google Now performs many of the same functions. I haven't tried the new Google, probably out of my loyalty to Apple, but I do use google for this blog and most of my functions outside of World Services. It seems that using the app will require logging in to your Google account and using at least a couple of commands.  Siri is simple, push the home key and speak.

The media reports that Google is luring Apple users away from Apple developed services. This was certainly true with Google maps for iPad. The Apple version was a flop and Google works great. As much as I travel to see clients, Google maps seldom let me down. Rumor has it that once  you sign into your Google account, it will track your preferences and then be able to make suggestions and selections based on your past browsing habits. Personally, I am not sure how I feel about that feature. I envision passing a Baskin Robbins store and Google Now screaming "right turn, right turn!"

Let me know your thoughts!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Terrific Tuesday Ahead

Good morning friends,
The weatherman is promising a beautiful day so I hope each if you will step out and soak up a little vitamin D. Your body needs a little sunshine and it sure beats taking another pill. Speaking of outdoors, our unseasonably warm and wet winter did not freeze the little critters which live outdoors. Ticks and Mosquitos promise to be in abundance this year. Please be sure to bring any bites to your doctor's attention. Tick bites pose serious health risks so please stay vigilant about checking for bites.

If you live in Little Rock, the Farmer's Market opens today. Fresh fruits and vegetables offer many health benefits. Unfortunately, traveling downtown on Tuesday or Saturday morning poses challenges for most of us. We will be looking at healthy alternatives during our upcoming Healthy Habits sessions.

Have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Weekend wrap up

The weekend passed much too quickly but I enjoyed seeing a number of clients. I am pleased to report Les and Sarah are doing well. We all wish Sarah the best of health. Johnye and Bob are my best traveling tech buddies. It is always such fun to see them and the four legged children in their house. Dorothy seems pleased with her new reader. I spoke with Toni and she reminded me that I need to post information about our next event. It will be Saturday, May 18 and the topic is Healthy habits. You do not need your iPad! However, if you need transportation to the meeting please call Krystal at 501-664-7100. This session is for Central Arkansas clients only. Mr. Earl will be driving the bus so sign up early!

Friday's Democrat Gazette had a two page spread on emergency prep. As you recall, that was  our topic a few days ago. Makes me feel psychic! Remember you need at least 72 hours of food, your meds, plenty of water and a source of information.

Live each day not like an ending, but a brand new beginning!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Sunday Sunrise

I am an early riser. I enjoy seeing the day begin and gathering my thoughts with my first cup of coffee. I am truly thankful for all the medical and scientific advancements which have improved the lives of people with visual impairments or blindness. Here is another promising development:

Those in the US suffering from blindness due to retinis pigmentosa (RP) will now be able to regain some vision bionically for the first time ever, thanks to Second Sight's Argus II retinal prosthesis. The device was just approved by the FDA for sale stateside after surmounting the same hurdle in Europe almost two years ago -- though it was first launched long before that. RP is a rare genetic disease that inflicts 100,000 or so Americans, destroying photoreceptors in the eye while leaving other cells intact. By implanting a device on the retina that receives a signal from the eyeglass-mounted camera, those cells can be stimulated as if receiving light, causing them to transmit an image to the brain. Due to the limited number of electrodes, patients would only be able to discern light or dark, but most have reported better functionality with the device -- being able to make out the shape of a curb while walking, or discerning between light, grey or dark colored socks, for instance. The Argus II has been certified by the FDA for "humanitarian use," meaning there's "reasonable assurance" that it's safe, and should start popping up in specialized clinics by the end of the year. (Engadget, February 15, 2013)

"In life you realize there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you.  But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it is worth it." Anonymous

Thanks for making my job the best in the world!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Promising scientific breakthroughs!

Happy weekend everyone,
I was delighted to see an article today that a possible hormone therapy may replace insulin dependency. So far, the trials have been limited to mice but the medical community is buzzing at the prospect! If this works, it is hoped that a monthly shot will create beta cells in the pancreas decreasing and possibly eliminating the need for frequent insulin injections. This would be wonderful news for so many folks. We will track this closely as it moves through the clinical trials stage. Keep your fingers crossed!

A rather odd but useful invention is the HAPIfork (as in happy fork). This gizmo supposedly monitors your food intake and vibrates to indicate that your should slow down or stop eating. This new device can be your for only $99 and has an app to record your dieting progress. I am not sure what I think about that...I have visions of a fork screaming at me!

Finally, John Rogers of the University of Illinois UC has developed an epidermal electronic which is the size of a postage stamp. This device has layers similar to skin made of synthetic material which can track heart and brain activity. The small object attaches like a temporary tattoo and can replace bulky heart monitors and also record vital signs. Wouldn't that beat the cold gel and sticky probes of an EKG?

Don't feel bad that people only think of you when they need something. Instead, feel flattered that you are a candle they light when facing darkness!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Friday Easy Meal

This one sounds really easy and delicious. Our favorite cook Sarah is the official OIB chef but she is under the weather. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her trying our recipes and making suggestions!  Thinking of you Sarah....

Try this with any pasta

Crockpot Italian Chicken: 4 chicken breasts, 1 packet Zesty Italian dressing seasoning, 1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened), 2 cans cream of chicken soup; Cook on low for 4 hours. If sauce is too thick, add a little milk. Serve over pasta and add a little Parmesan cheese!

Have a great Friday and a terrific weekend.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Thursday Tidbits

Hi!
It has been a fast and furious week for me and I am sure most of you feel the same way. While I love the longer days and additional sunshine it really means we work more. Did you know daylight savings time began to assist farmers by giving them more daylight to work in the fields? Today, I feel like the animal pulling the plow! Not only have I gone over the same surface multiple times -- I think I am going in circles!

Johnye continues to rave about EARL. She called and requested the Wall Street Journal and Guideposts. Both were available the next day. That is remarkable service and she has discovered the cost is very affordable. She is getting a ton of magazines and papers for less than $10 per month. I pay almost $20 just for the Democrat Gazette. She definitely has the better financial deal. EARL is just one of many apps available as a reader. If you have one you like, please let us know. Everyone has different tastes and needs so we want to showcase as many as possible.

Everyone knows I am a huge Apple products fan but I promised to branch out and pretend to have an open mind. I will be trying the Chromebook and let you know my findings. I must admit I did love my android phone but I did not use android apps. If you are using an android product, please let me know. The next technology summit will showcase items featuring both android and apple operating systems primarily to show a broader price point.

We demonstrated the Mattingly Mouse at the conference last week. This handheld device is simple to use and offers tremendous magnification options for those who just need the magnification boost. It is affordable, light weight, portable and connects into a TV to allow users a comfortable viewing experience. It is great for reading the bank statement, short passages, looking at pictures or the newspaper. If you or a loved one are having difficulty reading, please give us a call.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Interesting facts on hearing and falling

Hello folks,
This is interesting reading:

The National Council on Aging reports that falling is the most common injury that leads to death in older Americans. Falling threatens a senior’s safety and independence. One-third of Americans aged 65+ falls each year. Falling, with or without an injury, has a significant impact on quality of life. A growing number of older adults are afraid of falling, so they limit their activities and social engagements to prevent this. Avoiding activities and social functions can contribute to depression, feelings of helplessness and physical decline.

Did you know?

*Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29 minutes, an adult dies following a fall.

* People with a mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. The risk is greater with greater hearing loss. When people can’t hear well, they may not have a good awareness of their surroundings, increasing the chance of tripping and falling.

Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of falling:

1. Exercise regularly, especially do exercises that improve balance and coordination.

2. Review your medicines with your healthcare provider – some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.

3. Have your vision checked at least once a year, as poor vision can worsen your risk.

4. Have your hearing tested annually, and use hearing aids when recommended. For information on hearing testing and affordable, high quality, custom-programmed hearing aids: hihealthinnovations.com

Arkansas Aging

Hello everyone,
Dr.Dickerson shared his recent copy of Arkansas Aging with me. It is a great publication designed specifically for those of us in the "senior" category. I was pleased to see it is larger print than a normal newspaper and it covers events of interest state wide. I will summarize a couple of articles for you in the next few days.

The issue has a list of helpful toll free numbers:
Medicare 800-633-4227
Medicaid 800-842-1141
Volunteer Lawyers for the Elderly 800-999-2853
Senior Insurance Network 800-224-6330
Telemarketing Do Not Call List. 888-382-1222
Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Protection  800-482-8982

Have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr.. Janet

Kim Komando article of interest copied from her website

We know that there were 634 million active websites at the end of 2012 -- 51 million more than 2011. Each site might have multiple pages, so experts guess that the Web might have as many as 1 trillion Web pages! That's probably why the world's 2.4 billion Internet users needed to run 1.2 trillion Google searches last year!
Of course, none of this surfing and searching would be possible without something else that often gets taken for granted: the humble Web browser. Many people have misconceptions about browsers. Let's clear them up.
1. A browser is a search provider - When asked what a browser is, it's common for people to start rattling off names like Google, Bing and Yahoo. In the non-digital world, browsing and searching are similar activities. When you're shopping in a store, you "browse" the aisles "searching" for items.
In the digital sense, however, they are two very different things. A search provider is a company, like Google or Yahoo, with a website. When you search, your activity is done on one site.
A browser, on the other hand, is the program you use to access the entire Internet. You can access millions of sites, not just search providers.
Think of your browser like a TV and websites like channels. If someone asks you what kind of TV you have, you would say Sony or Samsung, not Discovery or Disney.
Confusion alert: Most browsers do have a built-in search feature. However, this is just a faster way of visiting a search provider's site and performing a search.
This might seem like I'm splitting hairs, but for us tech people it really is a big deal. You don't know how many people I've tried to help who can't tell me what browser they use. In some cases, it can make all the difference to figuring out the problem.
So, what browser names should you know? There are more than a dozen browsers around, but only a few major ones. These are: Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Opera.
That leads us to the second misconception.
2. Web browsers are all the same - A browser is transparent technology. For the most part, you don't really think about your browser; you just use it. That's how more technology should be!
Of course, at some point you do need to think about your browser. Just like older TVs can't display the newest movies and shows correctly, older browsers have trouble with newer Web standards, like HTML5. That means you aren't seeing newer websites the way you should. In some cases, they won't even show up!
Then there's the security issue. Every day, hackers create thousands of new threats that target your computer, and your browser is a doorway that could let any of them in.
If a hacker can get you to click on the wrong thing or visit the wrong page while you're browsing, your personal information is theirs. That's not a good thought.
Obviously, you want security software installed as defense. You can find plenty of great, free security software here.
However, an up-to-date browser is also a good defense. Newer browsers have security features that older browsers don't, like sandboxing and integration with Windows' latest security systems. Plus, they've fixed the security flaws found in older browsers that hackers like to exploit.
So, for those running Internet Explorer 6, 7 or 8, Firefox 3, or older versions of Chrome, it's time to upgrade. If you don't know what version of your browser you're using, it's usually under Help>>About. You can also visit this website.
Once you upgrade, you'll be in good shape. Newer browsers automatically install updates to stay fast and secure.
So, newer browsers are better than older browsers, but are browser brands different? For example, Windows and OS X come with Internet Explorer and Safari, respectively, installed by default. Is there any reason to replace Internet Explorer with Firefox, Chrome or Opera?
If you're running Windows XP, the answer is a resounding YES! XP can't run any IE version newer than 8, and IE8 is terrible for browsing speed and security.
If you're still using IE8, I strongly recommend you switch to another browser. The latest, safest, fastest versions of Chrome, Firefox and Opera will work in XP.
For those running Windows Vista, 7, 8 or Mac OS X, the difference between browsers isn't so great. If you have the latest version of your browser, they're all similar in performance and security. However, they do have different focuses.
The best part is that they're all free, so you can download and test them out. In fact, you might end up using multiple browsers to deal with multiple tasks.
Firefox is great for people who love to have lots of tabs open at once and like to customize their experience with add-ons. Chrome is geared toward speed and staying out of the way. Opera is a solid all-around browser for speed and features, plus it works the same on every gadget. Internet Explorer 10 is fine for people who don't want to mess around with a third-party browser.
And that brings us to the final misconception.
3. You're stuck with your default mobile browser - On the whole, the default mobile browsers on smartphones and tablets are less than stellar. iOS users get a mobile version of Safari. Android uses a generic Android browser. Windows Phone 8 smartphones and Windows RT tablets have a mobile version of Internet Explorer 10.
As far as speed and features go, these aren't on par with desktop browsers. Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party alternatives that improve speed, security and features.
For example, there's a mobile version of Opera called Opera Mini that is very popular. Google and Mozilla make mobile versions of Chrome and Firefox respectively. If you use the desktop version of the browser, you can even sync your bookmarks.
Then there are browsers that aren't from one of the major companies. Dolphin is a popular Android alternative. There are even browsers like BSecure that offer content filtering for kids.
Again, most of these browsers are free, so you can try them out and see which one you like best.
Copyright 2013, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. To subscribe to Kim's free email newsletters, sign-up at: http://www.komando.com/newsletters.

ACB Convention Wrap up

We enjoyed a great day of speakers, vendors, food and fellowship! A special shout out to everyone who works on these wonderful events. It is a time consuming and thankless task. A few of those responsible are: Mary Ellen, Susie, Rachel, and Nola...thanks ladies for the hard work!

Rebecca and Evan spent the day manning the Nanopac table. It was a great learning experience for them and we appreciate their time and energy! WSB assistive technology  students are a huge asset to our community. We appreciate them for always helping at our OIB events.

I had great company for the drive home. Thanks Dick and Sam for the entertainment!

One take away from the conference: pairing a non apple product with an iPod is problematic. Teresa has a fold up keyboard which we were trying to pair with her iPod. We kept getting a not compatible message. I think the solution is to buy the item and pair it on site. Tech friends, help me out!

I hope everyone has a great evening and better tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Super Saturday with Friends

Good morning from Hot Springs!
The ACB State Convention is in full swing! Everyone is having a great time. I don't have the total number of participants but our meeting room is full and the vendor room is buzzing with excitement. So far, the speakers have been excellent. I will give a full report later.

Friday Yum and Fun

Thanks to all who have requested crockpot recipes. Here is an easy one!



Low-Fat Chicken and Veggie Bake Recipe



This Low-Fat Chicken and Veggie Bake recipe makes 8 servings.

What You Need
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans whole potatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 bottle fat free Italian salad dressing
• 1 package frozen vegetables
• 1 can water chestnuts
• Salt and pepper

What To Do
1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper and garlic.

2. Put chicken in bottom of crockpot. Add remaining ingredients.

3. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.


I love recipes that call for canned potatoes. They are often on sale and very versatile. Water chestnuts are another favorite. The crunch is incredible!  Try this and let me know what you think.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Thunder Thursday

Good morning friends!
As I awoke to the thunder to morning, I realized I can't change the weather, but I can help keep you safe. If you do not have an emergency weather radio please let me know. These simple devices are life savers! I remember how valuable they were during hurricanes and extensive power outages. Those of you reading on an iPad, ipod or iPhone have the same capability with free apps.

I was delighted to hear the comments on the silly science post yesterday. It is always amazing how much we forget as we age. We need to work together to keep our minds sharp. Since you enjoyed those facts, I will try to keep the information flowing.

Have a great day, stay dry and safe!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

ACB Convention update

The bus will leave World Services at 3 on Friday. We will return on Sunday morning. I plan to leave Hot Springs at 10:30. Please schedule your Links pick up for noon on Sunday from the Center. Call, text or post if you have questions or concerns.

The Wednesday post is below.

Wacky Wednesday

Let's challenge our brain cells today and try to recall science class:

• The brain uses over a quarter of the oxygen used by the human body.

• Your heart beats around 100000 times a day, 36500000 times a year and over a billion times if you live beyond 30.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. They are created inside the bone marrow of your bones.
• The colour of a humans skin is determined by the level of pigment melanin that the body produces. Those with small amounts of melanin have light skin while those with large amounts have dark skin. 
• Humans have a stage of sleep that features rapid eye movement (REM). REM sleep makes up around 25% of total sleep time and is often when you have your most vivid dreams. 

• Most adults have 32 teeth. 

• The smallest bone found in the human body is located in the middle ear. The staples (or stirrup) bone is only 2.8 millimetres long. 

• Your nose and ears continue growing throughout your entire life. 

• Infants blink only once or twice a minute while adults average around 10.

• As well as having unique fingerprints, humans also have unique tongue prints.
  
  
  
  
• The left side of your body is controlled by the right side of your brain while the right side of your body is controlled by the left side of your brain.

• Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, they won't help in fighting off a virus.

• It takes the body around 12 hours to completely digest eaten food.

• Your sense of smell is around 10000 times more sensitive than your sense of taste.

Did you learn anything new? I always find these facts very interesting!

Smile at a grouch, it will ruin their day!

Until tomorrow,

Dr. Janet

Tech Tuesday

So much tech and so little time to play and experiment! I was excited to see a new iPad is in production. Apple improves theses products with each new rollout, even if it is processing improvements. I do wish the batteries had a longer life for those nights I forget to charge.

I enjoy reading about technology and my favorites are: CNet, PC Magazine, and the Monday Business section of the Democrat Gazette. The Monday edition features a tech spotlight and a weekly column called "on computers". I especially enjoy this section as it is written by seasoned folks who share our love for tech but have time and money to research it! Today, the article discussed the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the decision to expand domains by adding 1400 new endings. That is right, we will now have to remember .com, .edu, .net and 1400 more endings! Remember when we had to say "www.wsblind.org"? The www designation is now understood. So once again, we will have a learning curve.

I have been trying to learn some of the Google products. I am using google docs and have google email. Now google has a file management called google drive. I just started using it so I really haven't formed an opinion. The purpose is several people can access the same document and make changes plus you can access from anywhere. I will keep you posted. Google is most often associated with the android platform which just isn't as user friendly for folks with visual impairments as Apple products. I would love to buy a new android product and try their version of accessibility. If and when I do, you will hear all about my adventure. Meanwhile, if you are using Andriod items, please let me know what you have discover about their accessibility.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Money Monday

That title grabbed your attention! Today, I want to write about reverse mortgages. This month the AARP bulletin has an excellent article. If you are an AARP member please read the article on line or through an audible source. The idea behind a reverse mortgage is good. Ideally, seniors have a paid off home, need money to remain in the home or to supplement their income. In that case, the mortgage is used to tap a percentage of the equity in the home. Unfortunately, the loans have several stipulations. Reverse mortgages are often a loan of last resort for older retires who worry about outliving their savings. To qualify, borrowers must be 62, own their home outright or carry a mortgage small enough to be paid off with the proceeds. There are no income or credit qualifications but the owner remains responsible for annual taxes, property insurance and maintenance. The loan doesn't have to be repaid until the owner moves or dies. This is where the potential problems start. Remember, all of us are one health event from long term care and most of us can't afford private in home health services.

The loans when handled by reputable lenders provide credit counseling through HUD. However, 1 in 10 of the reverse mortgages are in default.  What happened? Many people took out the loans in a lump sum, relied on the money to meet basic living expenses, used up the equity and had nothing left to pay the mandatory expenses. Another problem is the astronomical fees associated with the origination of these loans. Currently origination fees average $10,000. Solution: HUD is tightening the program which may make it less appealing. Borrowers will no longer be able to take lump sum payout. Money will be placed in escrow to meet taxes and insurance for future years.

A major concern remains the deceptive advertising practices. If you are considering a reverse mortgage be sure you have shopped around.  This can be a good tool but it needs to be a part of your overall retirement plan, not a reaction to a crisis.

Share a smile!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Relocation Resources for Seniors

Hello friends,
Yesterday while visiting clients, I bumped into Ellen with Relocation Resources for Seniors. Ellen offers a valuable service to those who can no longer stay in their own homes. She offers a wide range of services including: sorting and packing, shipping items to various family members, preparing homes for estate sales, setting up new homes and preparing homes for appraisal and sales.
No one wants to think of moving out of their own home but often health issues force difficult decisions. Ellen makes this easier. Imagine if you had a health event and were told you could not return home. Who would take care of your possessions? Personally, I am filing her card with my important papers. She is licensed and bonded which means a lot to me.

You might want to highlight this and file in the contacts on your computer:

Relocation Resources for Seniors
Post Office Box 251175
Little Rock, Arkansas 72225
Phone: (501) 663-2515
Www.RR4Seniors.com       Email: Ellen@RR4Seniors.com

Thanks Ellen for making difficult transitions easier for our seniors.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Bonus post for Saturday

I hope everyone had a great Saturday and enjoyed the nice weather. My personal tale of torture included a trip to the local Wal Mart. Don't you wish you had thought of Mr. Walton's concept? I am convinced most of Pulaski County visits Wal Mart every weekend.  On a positive note, I visited with Ms, Mildred and she mastered the new digital magnifier quickly. Great job, Ms. Mildred! She was reading the paper when I left. Reading is such a precious gift -  I am always pleased when technology will provide the needed assistance.

Update on the Amazon post: the Bounce arrived with an even lower cost! My charge was only $8.66. What a deal! I may spend the evening shopping!

Also, an update on the earlier post: I contacted StandScan and received a personal response back on a Saturday! Great service, so I hope the unit is a hit!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Sunny Saturday

Good morning! I hope everyone will open the door and enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine today!
Johnye found an interesting item yesterday. While using EARL (previous post topic) she ran across the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind. In the magazine was an advertisement for a portable scanner. This particular concept is designed to use any cell phone or iPod with a back facing camera (opposite side from the screen) as the camera and will photograph a document using a flat surface. What makes this special? There are no cords, cards or buttons! This is simply a stand being used as a light box. Once the image is captured, it will be up to the user to move it to a productivity application. The promise is that we can snap, transfer to the productivity app and then have voice over read the document. Will it work? I don't know but....I have ordered one to try and will let you know in a few days. I love the concept so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks Johnye for sending me the link. Anyone else finding promising technology?

Remember it is not what we gather but what we scatter that will be our legacy! Do something good.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

It is Friday! TGIF!!!

Happy Friday! A long week is about to wind down. I  visited with several of you this week and always enjoy our visits. Several client visits are scheduled this weekend but I will find time to research your questions and concerns,

I am trying a new digital magnifier this evening. It is a Smartlux Digital magnifier by Eschenbach. The unit has a liquid crystal display (LCD), photo button, magnifying button and contrast button. You can use the device by holding it in your hand or in the writing position which has a small built in stand. The charging time is approximately 2 hours. This unit has 4 magnification levels 5x, 7x, 9x and 12x. The display modes include: true color, black on white, white on black, black on yellow and yellow on black. With so many selections and magnification sizes this should be an ideal portable magnifier for almost any use. The operating time is approximately 3 hours which is great for any type of digital magnifier.
This unit does not have a handle.

Reader's Digest is one of my favorite publications. This month had the following in their Health Gifts section.

An App to Prevent Medication Mistakes

MediSafe Project is a free app developed by brothers whose father accidentally double dosed on insulin, leading to a medical emergency. Researchers have found that only half of people take their medication as prescribed. This app will keep track of multiple medications and sends a reminder when a dose is due. If the medicine isn't taken, the app notifies a spouse or friend. The app is available in the iTunes Store and at Google Play.
Have a great day and even better tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Comments

The comment link has been activated! Let me hear from you. Have a great day!

Thursday Thoughts

Greetings everyone! Thursday means only one day until Friday in my world. I don't want to wish my life away; but.....I need a weekend! A follow up to my Amazon post: after ordering the bounce fabric softener sheets yesterday, I had a coupon today for Lipton packaged rice or noodles. Being a sucker I couldn't resist checking it out. Amazon marketers love fools like me... I purchased 12 packs of Lipton noodles for 89 cents each. These are $1.25 to $1.50 at local stores plus sales tax. I was proud of my find and savings. I placed the order this morning about 5 and the order is already in the FedX hub and scheduled for delivery tomorrow. That is service!

I visited with Fawnda at the UAMS Low Vision Clinic today. We appreciate Fawnda and her staff. They perform a valuable service to the low vision clients statewide. Partnerships improve the quality of life for everyone.

I also visited with Dr. Carol Chappell. Her son will be joining her practice on September 3rd. It will be great to have two generations in one office. Dr. Chappell is another phenomenal partner. We are very fortunate to have a medical community which works together for the benefit of our clients.

Reminder: the bus will leave WSB at 3 p.m. On Friday, April 19 for Hot Springs. Be sure you have your reservation at the Austin Hotel.

The blog stats show over 30 people are reading the blog daily. Thank you! Please let me know what you like, what you want and even what you dislike.  This blog is for your benefit and I want everyone to enjoy and use the information.

Stay safe from the spring thunderstorms.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Wednesday Wisdom

Our upcoming healthy habits seminars are generating lots of chatter among clients. A basic complaint is transportation for shopping and medical appointments. I can't solve your transportation woes but I would like to give you shopping options!

As a seasoned shopper, I have my favorites. Personally, I enjoy the convenience of the Amazon.com
Subscribe and save program. This program is very simple. You establish an Amazon account, select your items, set a delivery schedule and the items appear on your doorstep! With the subscribe and save option, shipping is free, items are priced competitively and there is no sales tax. This is especially convenient for bulky items such as paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc. All of those things which are cumbersome to place in the cart, drag through the checkout line, transport home and unload.

I usually compare the Amazon price to Wal Mart. For today's example, I chose Bounce Fabric Softener sheets. Wal Mart price for 160 sheets was $6.84. Target had 120 sheets for $6.04. Amazon has 160 sheets for $6.50 or the best buy is 240 sheets from Amazon for $9.68. Wal Mart has a free ship program with a $45 minimum purchase of eligible items. Target has a 5% discount and free shipping with their house brand credit card. Both Wal Mart and Target charge Arkansas sales tax. To my knowledge, Bounce doesn't spoil so I am going with the 240 sheets. The box is only slightly larger thn the 160 count size and stores conveniently with a fold back top.

In the past, I purchased canned goods from Amazon on a regular basis. Today's prices are much higher than my last purchase and I can pick up green beans and carrots at my neighborhood Dollar General for a better price. However, case prices of cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken are competitive and often have coupons for additional discounts on Amazon. The cash saving is great but I really like the fact they are delivered to my door.

Thought for the day from my favorite author, Dr. Seuss:
"Sometimes you will never know the value of something until it becomes a memory"

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Tuesday Tech Tidbit

 The most common complaint from my clients is the inability to read the paper or access information.  One solution is Newsline. This is a free service to qualifying individuals. I have cut and pasted information below from our friends at NFB:

Anyone who cannot read printed newspapers due to vision loss, dyslexia, or a physical disability is eligible to receive NFB-NEWSLINE^®.  Register by calling your state's Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, or by calling the National Federation of the Blind toll-free at 1 (866) 504-7300 to request an application.  You may also download an application or fill out our online application to register. After your registration is processed, you'll receive a letter containing your activation codes and instructions on how to begin reading the newspaper with NFB-NEWSLINE®.

The wonderful folks over at the library will be more than happy to assist you and set up this account. I encourage all of you to take advantage of this service. Also, if you are not taking advantage of the library, please consider doing so. We all feel better when we exercise our mind and our body!

Our Little Rock group is planning a road trip to the public library to learn about electronic access. If you are interested, please let me know.  I am sure we will work in a stop at one of my favorite eateries!

I am working on a Google calendar to record our trainings, outings and my schedule. If you have items to include please email me at: jford@wsblind.org. 

If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world.  If you have money in your wallet and spare change you are among the 8% who are considered wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness you are more blessed than the thousands who will not survive the week. If you can read this you are more fortunate than the three BILLION people who cannot read.

Doesn't that put life in perspective?  Do a good deed and help someone less fortunate-
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Magnificent Monday!

Finally, we had a dry weekend in Central Arkansas! I hope everyone had a chance to step outside and soak up a little vitamin D. Remember the ground is very soggy after the recent rains, walk carefully and use your canes! If you are inclined to work outside, be careful. Working muscles that have slept all winter may result in extreme soreness. Pace yourself!

The Healthy Habits series will begin May 18 at the Center. We will begin with healthy meals. I promise you will enjoy the food, fun and fellowship!

I apologize for missing the Sunday post. I felt a little under the weather, so I hope you will forgive me.

Enjoy the sunshine, mark your calendars for May 18 and start your week with a smile.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Super Saturday!

Thanks to everyone who participated in today's technology training. We had 19 clients working very hard on Apple technology. What a great group! A special shout out to the WSB AT students who gave up their Saturday morning to assist. W appreciate you!

We have 9 of 15 slots filled for our upcoming Healthy Habits Series in Little Rock.  If you are interested, please get your name on the list. I will be posting statewide dates and times soon.

Enjoy the weekend!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Fabulous Friday

Happy Friday! 

I am looking forward to our technology meeting tomorrow and sunshine! Several of you have asked about recipes we will be using in our upcoming training. Here is a taste teaser!

Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy

Ingredients:

1 ½-2 pounds Cube Steak

1 package Brown Gravy Mix

1 package of Au Jus mix

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup, low sodium 

1 Can French Onion Soup, low sodium

1 Can of Water

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine soups and package mixes and mix well. Put cube steak in slow cooker. Pour soup mixture over cube steak. Cover slow cooker and cook steak on low for 6-8 hours.

Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

Until tomorrow, 

Dr. Janet

Technology meeting reminder

Technology clients will meet Saturday, April 6 at the Center in the auditorium. Bring your iPad and your thinking caps. Don't forget to bring your passwords and any questions you need answered. The Assistive Technology students will be assisting us on Saturday. I enjoy having the youthful perspective they bring to our group. Please be on time as we have lots to cover!

Our next series of trainings will address domestic goals. Many Arkansans suffer from food insufficiency or poor nutrition. This is especially harmful to our aging population. We will be preparing fun, nutritious and easy meals. Let me know if you are interested. This will be a limited enrollment course so get your name in early!

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments and dedication to this blog experiment. We hope you will make this part of your daily routine. Please let me know if you have questions, comments or concerns we can address in this forum.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Tuesday Tech Tip

Hope everyone is having a great week. A little sunshine would certainly help my week and disposition! Thanks to Dick for catching my typographical error. I meant to thank Arkansas Council OF the Blind for the generous donation. Auto correct and my bifocals often have a power struggle! Again, thanks to ACB for the generous donation-the supplies have been ordered and many clients are anxious to receive their aids.

My tech tip for the week involves my affinity for Apple products. The magical Apple TV unit is a simple looking 5" square object about one inch thick. Like other Apple products it is AWESOME!
This gizmo connects to your television set using an HDMI port. It wirelessly (without wires or cables) uses your Internet to connect to your other Apple devices. From my iPad, I can mirror my iPad to my television and enlarge web pages. Why you ask? Because low vision clients tire quickly when trying to read enlarged print. This allows the user to more comfortably read and provides the option of using the iPad as a portable magnifier. Bank statements, credit card bills, anything with small print can be viewed on the television screen.

Another bonus to the Apple TV is the ability to watch streaming video. YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and other similar services provide more viewing options. Netflix and Amazon are subscription services. For an small fee, subscribers can select and view movies, documentaries, current and old television shows without commercials. Netflix requires a monthly membership fee of approximately $10 and the Amazon Prime is a yearly fee of $79. I enjoy the Amazon Prime because I prefer to watch old television shows rather than movies. Also with the Amazon Prime, I enjoy free shipping on my Amazon purchases. However, Netflix has committed to audio description which certainly has its' benefits for our clients.

If you feel your television cable bill has become a financial burden, it is possible to purchase an HD antenna from Radio Shack, Best Buy, Wal Mart, or similar retail outlet. A good antenna costs less than $50 and will use the other HDMI port to receive signals. I live in the country and pick up 27 channels including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CW, PBS for free! This with my Apple TV and streaming service provides far more entertainment options than I have time to enjoy! I caution you to consider the increased data usage if you add a streaming service. My plan charged an extra $10 for my overage limit. I was trying several things so I can't say which activity tipped me over the limit. Regardless, between the ability to enlarge my iPad screen, watch uninterrupted shows and movies and see my beautiful twin grandchildren using face time----I am sold on Apple TV.

I will be demonstrating these nifty tricks at our next low vision meeting and sharing more ideas with you. Let me know how you use technology! I would love to hear from you.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Medical breakthrough

I heard about an amazing research project at the Cleveland Clinic on the local news. I have cut and pasted information from the Clinic website below. In short, researchers can detect heart failure using a simple breath test! Many of our diabetic clients are at an increased risk for heart failure. It is very important we stay informed.

Here is the link followed by a portion of the article for your review:
http://www.fiercemedicaldevices.com/story/cleveland-clinic-develops-breath-diagnostic-heart-failure/2013-03-26

As researchers around the world work to develop noninvasive diagnostics to ease patient discomfort, the Cleveland Clinic is testing a diagnostic that can identify heart failure through a simple breath test.

In an early study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers figured how to test patients' unique "breathprints" for volatile organic compounds that signal heart failure, according to the clinic. In a prospective, single-center study of 61 patients, researchers found that patients with acute decompensated heart failure had higher levels of the compounds in their breath, opening the door for a breath-based diagnostic.

"The ability to identify patients with heart failure using a breath test has the potential for broad application due to its noninvasive nature and ease of application," lead investigator Raed Dweik said in a statement. "These exciting new observations may lead to future studies to determine how to best utilize these information to reduce heart failure re-hospitalizations."

Until tomorrow,

Dr. Janet

Monday madness

Good morning! Monday's are always difficult in my world. I never quite finish the weekend to do list and feel rushed on Monday. Today is no exception. As I gave my email the initial quick glance, I remembered a client question. Lonnie asked why his iPad email often looked jammed up and was difficult to read. The answer is because the sender probably cut and pasted from another source. This is especially true if the sender copied from a web site. Try expanding the message to see if that helps. Otherwise, the best option is to follow the link to the original source. I have discovered this problem is less noticeable when emails are viewed on the desktop computer.

Are you using a magnification software? If so, let us know which software you prefer and why. As most of you know, I am a huge Apple products fan. In my opinion, the accessibility just can't be beat! The iPad is portable, has voice over and zoom built in. This makes the unit ideal for low vision or blind users. It does come with a learning curve. I use mine for hours everyday and constantly learn something new. I certainly don't have the knowledge market cornered. Please share your tips and thoughts! I know many of you have discovered tips which work on your iPhone, iPod, and iPad. I would love to hear from you.

Make the day count-do a good deed!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet