The weekend is over!

Friends,
Would someone tell me why the 48 hours from Friday to Sunday fly by? My to do list keeps growing and time keeps moving. I have worked on paperwork all afternoon preparing for the MSU audit. Remember you may receive a call. This doesn't end Your involvement in the program. The MSU folks are simply following up to be sure we are doing a good job!

Take care and enjoy this cooler weather.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Sunday reflection

"7%" Written by a 90 year old

This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!! Make sure you read to the end!!!!!! 

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Its estimated 93% won't share this. 

I'm in the 7%.

Friends are the family that we choose.

Thanks Johnye for this tidbit!

Feature Writer Terri Winaught - Introducing VoicePod HouseLogix, an Allentown, Pennsylvania based company that provides hardware and software to the home automation industry, recently released a product they call VoicePod. Because of VoicePod's embedded speaker independent and voice recognition technologies, this device requires no computer or Internet access to be connected. The speech recognition component enables users to achieve hands free home control. For example, individuals can voice commands like: "Turn on the TV," "Lock the door," and "Turn on the radio. Along with the tasks just mentioned, product owners can also use just their voices to control cameras, door locks, shading, thermostats, and specific TV channels. As if the above uses weren't enough, you can also ask VoicePod about temperatures and other weather conditions. Due to its small size and embedded speakers, VoicePod can be placed on a table, mounted on a wall or be connected in a way that conceals its speakers and microphones. If a person has more than one VoicePod, they can interact with each other. These devices also "know" to which device the speaker is closer, and it is the closer VoicePod that will execute the voice commands. To learn more about VoicePod and HouseLogix's other products, visitwww.houselogix.com. By visiting the above site, persons in business or wishing to start a business can learn how to become VoicePod dealers. You can also write to Houselogix at: 1015 South Cedar Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103. You can also call 1-610-928-3695. If E-mail is your preference, send a message to: info@houselogix.com.

Credit to NFB Newsline

Great insomnia article by Dr. Rachel Johnson

Unrelenting insomnia has become a part of my life. Colleagues joke about my 3 a.m. e-mails; my husband groans at my late-night online shopping. (He knows I’ve had a bad stretch when packages pile up at the door.) There are weeks when I’d give just about anything for a good night’s sleep. I also know that I’m not alone.
Fifty to 70 million Americans suffer from insomnia. It’s more common among women (I know the hot flashes keeping me awake are caused by declining estrogen and hopefully will pass as my hormones even out). It is also common among people who are obese or have high blood pressure, anxiety or depression. And more and more studies are linking weight gain with sleep loss. A new study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that adults should sleep eight to nine hours per night to help maintain a healthy weight. One theory is that lack of sleep disrupts hormones, such as leptin and insulin, which regulate appetite and body weight. Another explanation is that sleep deprivation leaves us too tired for exercise. And since losing sleep can also make us moody, we may turn to food to cheer us up.
I could take one of the many sleep medications touted on TV, but I’d rather not; their long-term use can lead to headaches and possible dependency. Instead, I’m channeling my late-night energy into researching the science behind some common advice.
Drink some warm milk before bedtime.
Decades ago, scientists looked into this folk remedy and posited that tryptophan, an amino acid in milk (and turkey), might be responsible for its supposed sleep-inducing effects. Earlier research had shown that when tryptophan is released into the brain, it produces serotonin—a serenity-boosting neurotransmitter. But when milk (and other tryptophan-rich foods) were tested, they failed to affect sleep patterns. “Tryptophan-containing foods don’t produce the hypnotic effects pure tryptophan does, because other amino acids in those foods compete to get into the brain,” explains Art Spielman, M.D., an insomnia expert and professor of psychology at the City University of New York. Warm milk at bedtime may be comforting, but it won’t boost sleep-promoting serotonin.
Have a bedtime snack.
A light bedtime snack can stave off hunger, a known sleep robber. But eating high-glycemic-index (GI) carbohydrates—hours earlier at dinner—might also help. (High-GI foods cause a greater rise in blood sugar and insulin than do lower-GI foods.) A recent paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when healthy sleepers ate carbohydrate-rich suppers of veggies and tomato sauce over rice, they fell asleep significantly faster at bedtime if the meal included high-GI jasmine rice rather than lower-GI long-grain rice. While the authors aren’t sure how it happened, they speculated that the greater amounts of insulin triggered by the high-GI meals increased the ratio of tryptophan relative to other amino acids in the blood, allowing proportionately more to get into the brain. Save high-GI carbs for dinnertime, when their side effect—drowsiness—is a plus.
Drink herbal tea.
Chamomile, lemon balm, hops and passionflower are all touted for their sleep-promoting properties. You’ll often find them in “sleep-formula” tea blends, but unfortunately their effectiveness hasn’t been proven in clinical studies, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “I don’t doubt these teas work for some. A warm liquid before bed may produce sleepiness by generating body heat,” speculates Spielman. Beware: drinking liquids close to bedtime can mean nocturnal trips to the bathroom. A cup of “sleep-time” tea might be worth a try…if you have a strong bladder.
Take a ‘sleep supplement.’Shelves in supplement stores are stacked with sleep formulas. According to one NIH survey conducted in 2002, 1.6 million people tried complementary or alternative therapies like these, and over half of them reported their insomnia improved “a great deal.” However, those glowing anecdotes haven’t been backed up by rigorous scientific study; evaluations of most nutritional supplements haven’t shown any effects whatsoever. The one exception is valerian root, which seemed to help improve sleep with rare, and mild, side effects, such as stomach upset. But finding an effective formulation of valerian root is tricky, since the FDA doesn’t regulate herbal supplements. Don’t waste your money on sleep supplements; hold off on using valerian until standardized formulations become available.
Have a nightcap.
Though a glass of wine may help you fall asleep, excessive alcohol use can make you wake up in the night. One theory is that alcohol suppresses the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep state that’s critical to a good night’s sleep, says Spielman. “One of my insomnia patients became remarkably better when he reduced his alcohol intake from 20 to three drinks per week.” Drink moderately, if at all; avoid drinking within a few hours of bedtime.

Summertime smoothies

Folks,
The sweet smoothie listed below really is a great substitute for ice cream! Adding the yogurt, honey and vanilla makes this a healthy alternative to my favorite summer snack. You could use strawberries and change the flavor if you prefer an alternate flavor.

Keep cool and take care of one another!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

A sweet smoothie - better than. Ice cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups Ice
• ¾ cup Blueberries
• 2 small bananas
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 T honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Wednesday whine

Good morning everyone,
I know it is hard to believe I am speechless but.....I really don't have any profound thoughts for today. The recipes didn't sound appealing this early, the apps didn't live up to their hype, the science news was un eventful so I am really just a boring blog today!
Try to stay cool and I will hope for more inspiration tomorrow. Let me hear from you!
Help someone today!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Tuesday tips

Good morning all,
Now that summer is officially here, we can all look forward to higher electrical bills. According to Entergy we can help reduce them a tad. They suggest keeping the temperature constant. Determine your comfort level and leave the thermostat alone. If you can stand 78 and use a ceiling or floor fan, it will seem cooler. Keep shades, curtains or blinds closed to reduce sunlight entering your home. This one is hard for me, I like the light. Use ceiling fans to circulate air. If you have a fan, use it. The fan makes the most noticeable difference.
Stay cool and hydrated.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Merry Monday

Good morning friends,
The weatherman promises another warm day. Please stay cool and hydrated. We can become dehydrated quickly in the heat and humidity. This is especially true since we went from nice weather to hot almost overnight.

There is a lot of diabetes news this week. I have several research  articles bookmarked to read and will report as soon as I can.

If any of you have migraines the medical community has made remarkable strides  in discovering the cause. Research indicates they have pinpointed the affected regions of the brain. Hopefully a cure will be found soon!

Enjoy the smoothies as an ice cream alternative. I have been having a smoothie every evening instead of my usual summertime ice cream! So far, I have been strong but I know if I pass a Braums store the urge for black walnut ice cream will win!

Take care, stay cool and think happy thoughts!
Until  tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Warm Sunday

Summer has arrived in Central Arkansas complete with humidity! Personally, I can take the heat but the humidity is a killer! It takes gallons of tea just to survive the day!

I loved all the comments, texts, and emails about yesterday's post. I have no idea why Tide laundry detergent is becoming a drug currency but maybe the drug dealers and users have discovered the benefits of clean living? Seriously, it is because it is something every person needs from cradle to grave and it is not regulated. There are no red flags if you stockpile 10 gallons of Tide but if you were a drug dealer and stashed large sums of cash it becomes subject to seizure if you were arrested. Some drug dealers are very smart and avoid prosecution.

Stay cool and enjoy the sunshine!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Bizarre trend

Strange news for Saturday!
According to the Fox affiliate in Los Angles, California TIDE laundry detergent is the new drug currency. Drug dealers trade TIDE for crack cocaine and pot! Supermarkets are reporting thefts totaling hundreds of dollars per week from the laundry detergent aisle.

Lock your doors and guard the laundry detergent!
Smile until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Easy food for summer time....scroll all the way down

Chicken Crescent Rolls

2 cans of low fat refrigerator crescents

1 can of healthy low sodium cream of chicken soup (26oz)

1 cup fat free cheddar cheese

2 boneless skinless chicken breast

I boil my chicken breast then shred, roll out each individual crescent, place about a Tbsp of shredded chicken in center and roll it up.

Bake on 350 for about 5 minutes until just starting to turn golden. Pour Cream of chicken over the top bake an additional 10 min top with cheddar cheese and bake for 10 more minutes.

Berries and Cream: frozen mixed berries, a tub of Cool Whip, a container of yogurt, and cheesecake pudding mix. Mix together and chill before serving… this stuff is so yummy it should be illegal

Summer food ideas for Thursday and Friday

Lazy Cake Cookies -

1 box of yellow or white cake mix, 2 eggs beaten, 1 stick melted butter, 2C chocolate chips. Mix together and bake in 9X13 pan on 350 for 20 min. When cooled, cut into squares. Spray the pan with cooking spray for easy cutting and clean up. I used Butter Flavored Pam

Crockpot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Ingredients

1/4 pound bacon, diced – I bake it first in the oven so that it is “done” and browned then I dice it and place in the crock pot.

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or if you use a new potato or Yukon gold then halve)

1/2 pound cheddar cheese, thinly sliced (shredded is fine)

salt and pepper

butter

Green Onions (optional)

Instructions

Line crockpot with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished – this will help to not stick and to steam the potatoes – also to keep them from getting discolored or mushy.

Layer half each of the bacon, onions and potatoes in the crockpot.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and dot with (real) butter.

Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter.

Cover with remaining foil.

Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours (check at 4 hours – depending on your crock pot).

Add cheese for the last 20 – 30 minutes and enjoy!

Where's my calendar!

Okay groupies, someone must find me an app that tells me what day it is!  This is embarrassing that I can't keep my days straight! I just realized today is Wednesday, not Tuesday....sorry for my brain lapse.

Had a note from Dick today. Happy to report he sounds great! I will drop by and see how he is doing later in the week. Spoke with Sandy, she reports Mary Ellen was very moved by the generosity of the blind community and outpouring of love. Thank you all for supporting each other in the times of crisis. That is the true definition of a family.

Johyne is keeping busy finding great items for our blog and I really appreciate all the help.

Support one another. Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Happy Tuesday!

Good morning everyone!
We had a great time in Paragould yesterday. Lots of great food and fun. The Senior Center was very gracious and allowed us to use their facility. The folks in Paragould are anxious to host a technology weekend. Ms. Bonnie has offered her church as a training center and 10 people have signed up! We will get this on the calendar and let everyone know our date.

The weatherman is predicting a warm day. Stay cool!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

I'm back.......

Greetings everyone!
The babies were adorable, the service was beautiful, inspirational and the kids were fine also. We enjoyed lots of hugs, baby kisses, good food and fun with our children and extended family. But there is still no place like home! I just like to sleep in my own bed with the snoring bulldog!

Margaret promises a packed house tomorrow so Mr. Earl, Ms. Helen and I will be up early to visit Paragould. I will provide an update when we return. Let's hope they enjoy the healthy habits session as much as the local folks did.
Stay cool!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Scroll down to catch all the news

Everyone,
I will be out until Monday evening getting my grandbabies fix! Johnye and Sarah graciously provided info for the Saturday and Sunday blog. I also have a blog about Leroy's passing below their entries. I will be back in town Monday and off to see Margaret and the folks in Paragould on Tuesday very early! Thanks for everyone who calls and writes when I am off line! It really makes me feel loved!
Have a great weekend, stay safe, stay cool and be thankful!
Dr. Janet

Sarah's tip

Got this idea from one of my recipe writers. I think it's a neat idea. Sure seams like a quick and fast idea when you want a smoothies in a hurry and not having to get everything out at one time. 

She wanted to share the tip for those who would like make smoothies faster and easier.

Three one pound bags of frozen fruit of your choice, and four bananas. Divide the frozen fruit up into 8 bags, and place half of a peeled banana in each bag as well. Seal them up tight and toss them into the freezer. When you’re ready to make your delicious smoothie, place the frozen fruit in the blender, add milk (or soy or almond milk), and whatever else you want and press go! No more hauling ten ingredients out of the freezer every time you want to make one smoothie. Just grab one bag and add a liquid. It only takes about 5 minutes to make all 8 packs.

Sent from my iPad

Johnye's Chicken Salad

CHICKEN SALAD 

2 small cans water packed chunk chicken,  3 heaping tbs miracle whip,  large slice of onion chopped,  25 to 30 seedless white grapes cut in half,  1/4 cup pecan pieces,  3 tsps. pickle relish, one medium to large apple peeled and cut up,  1 large or 2 small tomatoes, cut up,  one fair size celery stalk cut up, 2 chopped boiled egg whites (optional.)  

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Weekend substitutes

I am off to Nashville to hug the twins! Thankfully, Johnye and Sarah have stepped in with a couple of great posts for your weekend enjoyment. Remember to keep Mary Ellen and the family in your prayers. Life is so fragile please cherish every moment!
Dr. Janet

Leroy Johnson

I am sad to report that we lost one of our own this evening. Leroy passed away about 5 p.m. He had been very active in ACB and the blind community for many years. We have all been impacted by his dedication and efforts. As a community, we have lost a friend, mentor and great leader.

I don't know details of arrangements but I will pass the information on as it becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ellen and the family at this time. We know our loss is heaven's gain but that doesn't dull the pain. Please keep them in your prayers
Dr. Janet

SmartphoneTradeIn.com

SmartphoneTradeIn.com gives you cash for your old smart phone. It won't be much but most of us have a drawer full of old phones. For every device SmartphoneTradeIn.com receives, the company donates $5 to Operation Gratitude which sends care packages to soldiers, veterans, and children.
This sounds like a worthy cause and a great way to clean out old electronics.

Check it out and let me know what you think.
Have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Thursday things

Good morning friends,
The heat indicates summer has arrived even though the calendar says we have a few days before the true start of summer. Please be sure you are hydrating your body during these super hot days!

Thanks for the comments about the crockpot meals. I know most are poultry based and this is intentional. Remember chicken is usually more affordable and better for us. I am trying to be sneaky about encouraging healthy eating.

A study released this week says that a short walk after meals will help regulate blood sugar levels. It doesn't have to be much, the recommended time was 15 minutes. This is doable folks. Lets get moving and enjoy life!

Have a great day and leave a positive footprint!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken

Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken & Rice

1 - pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 - cup chopped onion

1 - 8 oz package Zatarain's New Orleans Yellow Rice, cooked according to directions

1 - cup Mexican cheese blend or cheddar Cheese

1 - 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup

1 -15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained

3 - tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Add the chopped onion and spoon the soup on top of the chicken.

Cook on low 7 to 8 hours or high 3 to 4 hours. At the end of the cooking time, open the crock pot and break the chicken up in to small pieces. 

Add the cooked rice, cheese, corn and melted butter to the crock pot. Stir until all is combined.

Put the lid back on and allow the crock pot to cook for about 10 to 15 more minutes until mixture is heated through and the cheese has melted.

Cook's Note: To add a little bit of a kick, add one 11- ounce can drained Mexicorn in place of regular corn.  

Happy Birthday to the ZIP Code

Trivia for Tuesday,
Did you know it has been 50 years since the post office introduced the Zoning Improvement Plan or ZIP code? I remember learning about zip codes in the weekly readers series. Does that date me?
Anyway, the zip code is a five digit code meant to help sort mail for delivery to specific locations. Each digit has a meaning. The first three digits define the region or city. As in 722 means Little Rock. The last two digits refer to a post office, delivery area or neighborhood. Remember a few years ago, the post office had a campaign which was "zip plus four". The idea is the first two digits following the dash represent a sector or series of street block. The last two digits are a segment of a street or a particular side of the street.
Quick, can you think of why the zip plus four went by the wayside? The decline in mail due to the Internet use!
Now the post office bleeds money every month. The problem is really not so much a lack of mail but a government requirement regarding their pension funds. I can't tell that I receive any less junk mail, but I don't get magazines in the mail anymore. I just download them and read wherever I am.
Keep smiling!
Until  tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Sunday wrap up

Everyone,
I need your help to identify a couple of potential clients. I have had reports of 2 individuals who live or shop near the Wal Mart on Baseline. One is an older white man with long gray hair who is a cane user. The other is reported to be a black woman who was seen using a blue broomstick as a cane. The gentleman reportedly stepped into traffic at the Geyer Springs and Baseline intersection which resulted in lots of tire squealing. Apparently someone called 911 but by the time the officer arrived the gentleman had arrived at his destination and couldn't be found.
The woman obviously may be in need of a cane. Put on your thinking hats and if you can help identify these folks, please let me know. We want everyone to be safe and we must look out for one another.
Isn't it great that people know to call us when they have potential clients? The word is getting out!
Have a great evening and a super Monday!
Dr. Janet

Hungry adults

According to a recent article in the Democrat Gazette and a federally funded study, Arkansas rates third in the nation in terms of nutrition insufficiency in adults over the age of 55. This can be from lack of food, lack of proper nutrition, inability to obtain and/or prepare meals. Everyone knows this is a cornerstone  of our OIB Healthy Habits. Please let me know if you or someone eligible for our program may be in need of food or nutritional counseling.

We can only help those we know about. All inquiries are confidential.
Dr. Janet

Weekend has arrived!

The weekend is here! I am anxious to tackle all the projects on my to do list. We all have more things to do than time but let's try to take a little time for ourselves. Our own mental health and well being is critical to long term health. Update on smoothies: I am trying very hard to have one smoothie a day. It is easy to have one in the evening, I just pretend it is a milkshake! The blueberry and banana combination is still my favorite. I tried substituting  the spinach for kale when my local Wal Mart was out of kale; it wasn't quite as good in my opinion.

Let me know what you are eating healthy during the summer heat!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Update on Dick

I saw Dick today. He is at Chenal Rehab on Bowman Road. He is doing well, looks great and was very chipper. It sounds like he will go home next week. I am sure he would love to hear from everyone!

Remember, Healthy Habits will hit the road for a trip to Paragould on June 18! Mr. Earl will be driving the bus so everyone North of Pulaski County needs to let me know if you want ride up for a fun filled day with Margaret and her group.

I enjoyed seeing Sandy at her office today. That phone never stops! She is one busy gal 8 to 5!

Quazar chapter of ACB meets this Saturday at 10. If you are local please plan to attend. The volunteer activity will be providing cookies for the Red Cross. Dolly will deliver them for us.

Happy Friday!
Dr. Janet

Apologies

Sorry everyone, my boys have been here for a few days and Mom mode and blog just don't mix! I certainly can't keep up with them and a four year old grandson. When did I become so old and decrepate? I have literally lost a day this week so my apologies and I will peddle faster tomorrow to catch up!

Now for my depressing news of the day. I found this tidbit on the Fidelity website:

One gauge of whether or not you are ready to retire is the amount you have saved as a multiple of your income. According to Fidelity Investments, you should have saved at least eight times your pre-retirement income by age 67 to ensure a secure retirement. If you want to retire earlier than that, you should probably shoot for more.

Tidbits and. Clarifications

Happy Tuesday all!
First tidbit, we have bad weather approaching Arkansas again! Keep your electronics charged and be prepared to take safety precautions. Make a safety plan before you need it and let's all stay safe.

Clarification: the changes discussed are for Medicare not Medicaid. If you are covered under Arkansas Medicaid, you follow different guidelines. I am not aware of changes to Medicaid at this time. The government is trying to be efficient and frugal by accepting bids. It is a change in policy but should result in lower co-pays and overall charges.

Reminder, Mississippi State University will begin calling clients for the 2013 OIB satisfaction survey. If you received services since last July, you may receive a call. The calls are two-fold. They will ask you questions about the Older Blind Program and will also ask you additional questions for research they are conducting. If you have questions or concerns just give me a call.

Until tomorrow stay safe!
Dr. Janet

Durable medical equipment and supplies update

Most of you have or will receive a print brochure from Medicare outlining upcoming changes. The brochure outlines the reason for the changes. Basically, Medicare sent out a request for bids and has contracted with the lowest cost provider. Arkansas is in the competitive bid zone. If you are using any rented equipment (beds, nebulizer, CPAP machines, oxygen machine, etc) you will need to contact your provider this month and ask if they are grandfathered in or if you will need to find another supplier. You must ask about charges! Under the new system, you must use a supplier who has agreed to accept the lower payment. Co-pays could be hefty if you are not proactive!

Clear as mud? Bottom line: if you have any equipment provided by Medicare, YOU must be proactive and ask questions. You may have received print copies of documents from your supplier. Be sure you are checking your mail, reading all documents and staying alert.

Call me if you have any questions or need help!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Taco casserole for a Monday

Taco Casserole

1 7oz. bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

1 lb. hamburger, browned

1 pkg. taco seasoning, mixed according to directions

1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese

1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese

Shredded Lettuce

Sliced tomato

Layer ingredients in 9 x 13 pan as listed - crushed chips, meat and seasonings, 2/3 of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Alternative: substitute: rice tortilla chips, quinoa and black beans mixed with seasoning and salsa, shredded lettuce and tomato with no cheese for vegan and gluten free!

Cutting the cable from USA today

A house without cable TV would have seemed unthinkable just 10 years ago. But as more TV watchers subscribe to Netflix, Hulu Plus and other streaming services, the small group of "zero TV" houses grows steadily every year.

So are we ready to live in a cable-free world? Reviewed.com's Ben Keough looked at both sides of the issue:

Streaming: Netflix and Hulu Plus both cost $7.99 per month. Amazon's Prime video service runs $79 per year. All three together add up to an average monthly cable bill of $22.50, much lower than the average $86 monthly cable bill.

Cable: Cable companies have exclusive rights to sports coverage and premium channels such as HBO. Streaming boxes often are hindered by licensing restrictions.

Personal note: we had this discussion in an earlier post but I was delighted to see the mainstream media address the same issue. As you know, I have one TV devoted to 'no cable' and it works well for my needs. Hubby can't give up the satellite but I can find plenty of options using my iPad, Apple TV and amazon! Just saying if you want to save money it is possible!

Until tomorrow,

Dr. Janet

Saturday, June 1

Good morning friends!
I hope everyone is safe after another night of turbulent weather. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted. Moore and Oklahoma City have certainly had their share of bad weather in the past few days. I see quite a bit of tree debris in my neighborhood. Looks like I will have  plenty of yard work for my afternoon entertainment!
The Maumelle area sustained damage so we hope Dorothy and her family are safe.
I can't stress enough the importance of having a weather radio or app to keep you informed.
Have a great day!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet