MEMORY AND OLD PEOPLE

Benefits of being distracted Published November 29, 2016.  

Most people are more easily distracted as they get older. There might be a benefit to that. Research is finding that greater distractibility and a reduced ability to focus-what scientists call decreased cognitive control-is often associated with greater creativity in problem solving. It also can facilitate learning new information, according to a review of more than 100 studies.  "There are things that people learn faster and remember better when they are not exercising careful control over what they're doing," says Lynn Hasher, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto and senior author of the study. "Younger adults are focused on their goal and they're missing all this other information. Reduced cognitive control is generally associated with older people and children. Most of Dr. Hasher's research has focused on older adults, between the ages of 60 and 75. Some of the studies she reviewed also found a decline in cognitive control in people in their 50s. It isn't clear how young adults who get easily distracted might differ from others in their same age group. In one set of experiments, Dr. Hasher and colleagues tested different age groups on face recognition. One group of 20 people was between 16 and 29 years old; the other group, of the same size, was 60 to 79. The participants were shown faces, on which was written a name that they were told to ignore. In subsequent testing, the older participants performed better at matching the faces and names than the younger ones.  "Older adults are experts at picking up information and using it in new situations to improve their performance," Dr. Hasher says. "They're picking up all this information about the behavior of other people and who they are and what they're saying and doing, which contributes to wisdom. 

PORTION SIZES-HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH

5 real portion sizes that will blow your mind By Tanya Zuckerbrot Published November 29, 2016.  

Portion distortion in America is one of the main reasons why 70 percent of our country is considered overweight or obese. A review published in the Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition showed that when people are presented with larger portions, they consumed more despite hunger levels and what their bodies actually needed for nourishment. All foods (even the healthy ones), when eaten in excess, will cause weight gain. The odds, and pancakes, are certainly stacked against us. The good news: We can learn the right portions and how to eyeball them, despite what restaurants are serving up. Here are the top 5 foods that we are eating totally wrong and how to eat them right: 1. Protein Most people consider an 8-ounce petit filet mignon to be just that, petite. In reality, the proper portion of proteins like meat, fish, or poultry is only 3-4 ounces, which is equivalent in size to a deck of playing cards or the palm and thickness of your hand. The type of protein is important to take into consideration too. Lean proteins like 90 percent lean ground beef, poultry without skin, egg whites, and shellfish are much less caloric per ounce than medium-fat proteins (think poultry with skin, pork cutlet, whole eggs, meat loaf, and regular cheeses) and high-fat proteins (bacon, certain cheeses like cheddar and brie, hot dogs, sparerib, and chorizo sausage). Protein should not be the main star of your plate. At your next meal, stick with leaner proteins, and fill only a fourth to a third of your plate with it, enjoy alongside salad, cooked veggies, and whole grains. 2. Avocado Avocado is becoming a staple at the brunch table and although perceived as health food, portions are way out of control. Avocado is considered a fat, and while it may be a "healthy fat" it is still a more concentrated source of calories when compared to protein and carbohydrates. In fact, fats contain 9 calories per gram, which is more than double the 4 calories per gram that protein and carbs have. What does this mean for you? It means your beloved avocado toast which packs an entire avocado atop a thick slice of bread may not be as appropriate for weight loss as you may think. A serving of avocado is one fifth of an avocado, or about a 50-calorie portion--not a whole avocado. So that avocado toast comes in at around 400 calories and that's not including the mimosa or whatever else you are consuming during that brunch. The main thing to keep in mind here is there is a difference between healthy and healthy for weight loss; and for weight loss you should be sticking to that one-fifth serving size. Next brunch outing, swap your avocado toast for scrambled egg whites with spinach and low-fat cheese and one serving of avocado on top of whole wheat toast or high fiber crackers. 3. Rice When perusing a menu, even seasoned dieters tend towards kale and quinoa bowls. And, when they are trying to be "good" with their diets, will eat foods like sushi, which certainly feels like a lighter option. However, grains like rice and quinoa may not be as innocent as they appear. The serving size for both rice (whether it be brown or white) and quinoa is 1/3 'cup'. 1/3 'cup' is equivalent in grams of carbohydrates (and energy) to one slice of bread. Translation: a quinoa bowl (which typically contains 2 'cup's of quinoa) has the equivalent carbs of 6 SLICES OF WHITE BREAD, and that's before adding the chickpeas. At the sushi bar, that small 6-piece maki order is equivalent to almost 3 slices of bread! Make that a meal with two rolls and some edamame and you are approaching 7 slices of bread in carbs. Try a Naruto Roll for sushi or limiting yourself to one roll plus extra sashimi. And when it comes to the quinoa bowl, turn it into two meals or ask for half the grain, double the green. 4. Fruit Because fruits are touted for their positive health benefits, people often feel they can eat unlimited amounts, even for if they're watching their weight. However, as delicious and undoubtedly nutritious as fruits may be, they do contain a fair amount of carbohydrates and sugar. This is problematic for the weight conscious because any carbohydrate (whether an apple, a French baguette or a donut) eaten in excess of what the body can store will get converted into fat. One serving of fruit is 15g of carbohydrates, so in terms of bananas, that's a half of a small one, in terms of grapes, that's about 17. The visual cues are tough with fruits, 1 large medjool date, 1 'cup' of raspberries and 1 'cup' of watermelon are all each 1 serving of fruit (and thus contain 15g carbohydrates). An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but more than one apple, a banana, some grapes, a little papaya and a melon to top it all off, and you're looking at whole lot more sugar than you probably bargained for. Keep your carbohydrates in check and stick to 2 servings of fruit per day. Not to be pessimistic, but when it comes to proper portions of fruit juices, the glass is literally and figuratively half empty. That's because the serving size for most juices is a 1/2 'cup'. An average American drinking glass is 12 oz, so that's only 1/3 of the glass! Moreover, drinking does not have the same effect on satiety that eating does, so it's unlikely that guzzling those extra calories and carbohydrates will even do much to fill you up. Bottom line, whether you're choosing between orange juice vs a whole orange, or apple juice versus an apple, the whole fruit is always your best bet. 5. Bagels Fun fact : The proper serving size of a bagel is 2 ounces. Scary fact : A New York style bagel is 6-7 ounces. Sad fact : a proper serving of a New York City bagel would mean you're splitting your bagel with two friends. To put this into perspective, that 2-ounce portion is the equivalent of two slices of bread or about 160 calories. So if you eat the whole New-york style bagel you are getting the equivalent of 6-7 slices of bread or 560 calories before the cream cheese, and a whole wheat bagel is no better in terms of carbs and calories. To stick to the 2 ounce serving, start with a half of a bagel and scoop out the majority to a thin shell. Or better yet skip the bagel altogether and opt for one slice of high fiber, thinly sliced toast, and schmear however you wish. Tanya Zuckerbrot MS, RD , is a Registered Dietitian in New York City and the author of two bestselling diet books: The F-Factor Diet and The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear - with Fiber . 

HAVE YOU TAKEN A FALL YET?

What causes falls in the elderly? By Rachael Rettner Senior Writer Published November 22, 2016.  .  

It's known that several health conditions can affect a person's risk of falling, and in many cases, more than one underlying condition or risk factor causes a person to fall, according to the National Institutes of Health. "There's usually not just one thing that's causing the problem," said Dr. Tanya Gure, a specialist in geriatric medicine at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "[Falls] are often a sign of a medical condition, or several things that may have run amok," she said. Each year, more than one in four U.S. adults ages 65 years and older experiences a fall, and about one in five falls results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head injury according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 2.8 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for falls each year, the CDC says. More than half of adults have experienced a fall by the time they are 70, Gure said.  According to the NIH, conditions that can increase the risk of falls include: Muscle weakness, particularly in the lower body Balance problems, which could be related to a lack of exercise, or conditions such as arthritis or neurological problems A drop in blood pressure when you stand up. This condition is called postural hypotension, and is linked to diabetes, Parkinson's disease, infections and certain medications. Sensory problems, such has numbness in the feet, can make people less aware of their environment or where they are stepping Vision problems, such as poor depth perception, cataracts and glaucoma can contribute to falls. People may also not be able to see well when their eyes are adjusting between darkness and light. Certain medications, such as tranquilizers, sedatives or antidepressants, can also increase the risk of falls, because they cause side effects like dizziness and confusion, the NIH says. Doctors may need to speak with patients about decreasing or stopping certain medications, if possible, if the medications are contributing to falls, Gure said. People who fall should speak with their doctor because it could be a sign of a new medical problem that needs treatment, such as an infection or heart problem, the NIH says. However, studies have found that less than half of older adults tell their health care provider about a fall. "There's definitely an issue with older adults minimizing [falls] and not wanting to draw attention to that issue," Gure said. "Anytime that that's happening, that's something that worth bringing to the attention of health care provider," Gure said. "There are so many different levels that we can work to prevent falls. If an older person hits his or her head during a fall, they should go to the emergency room or see their health care provider right away, because they may have a head injury, Gure said. Head injuries can result in bleeding in the brain, but symptoms of this injury - such as changes in consciousness - may take several hours to appear, Gure said. About 10 to 15 percent of falls result in a bone fracture and 5 percent result in serious soft-tissue injury or head trauma, according to a 2008 study. If there are no injuries after a fall, older adults should still tell their health care provider about it. Gure suggested notifying the patient's clinic and scheduling an appointment, usually within a week of the fall. Of course, not all falls are caused by a medical condition. Factors in the home, including lose rugs, clutter on stairs or lack of a stair rail, can also contribute to falls, the NIH says. To prevent falls, the CDC recommends speaking with a health care provider who can evaluate your risk of falls, doing strength and balance exercises, having your eyes checked and making the home safer, for example, by adding bars to hold on to in the shower and next to the toilet, putting railings on the stairs and making sure the home has lots of light. Gure said she also asks her patients about when and where a fall occurred, to figure out how to prevent future falls. For example, if a person falls at night while on the way to the bathroom, changes such as moving the toilet closer to the bedroom and having the lights on, could reduce fall risk, Gure said. "I try to problem solve with my patients when it gets down to the details of what are the particular triggers for falls," Gure said. A 2014 study of men ages 70 and older found that those who swam for exercise, as opposed to taking walks or playing golf, were less likely to fall. 

REMINDER FOR MEDICAL INSURANCE DEADLINES

Time to Check Your Health Insurance 

 

Why is now a good time to take a closer look at your health care needs and options?

 

2017 Open Enrollment November 1, 2016 open enrollment begins   December 15, 2016 enroll before this date to have coverage January 1, 2017   January 31, 2017 open enrollment ends

If you're uninsured or looking for more affordable health insurance, the “open enrollment” period is the time to visit healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange. During “open enrollment”, private health insurance options can be reviewed and coverage can be purchased. People with low and moderate incomes may be able to get financial help to pay for health insurance coverage. Assistance to pay for premiums and other cost-sharing may be available for individuals and families, depending on which plan is purchased. If you get health insurance through your employer, Medicaid or Medicare, you are not eligible for this assistance. You can also sign up for insurance outside of the open enrollment period, if you lost your job, married, divorced or had a baby. 

 

You may enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time, year round.Certain requirements must be met to qualify for these public programs. Medicaid provides long-term services and supports to people with disabilities.

 

Do you already have health insurance through the Marketplace? 

 

It is also important to update your income and household information in the Marketplace to make sure you get the assistance that is available.

 

• This is a good time to check your health insurance coverage and see if it still meets your healthcare needs.

• You may enroll in a different plan each year or you will be automatically re-enrolled in your current plan or a similar one by December 15, 2016.

• If a new plan does not cover your providers or services, seek more information about transition rights.

• You should carefully read all health insurance notices and updates.

 

Why should you check your coverage?

 

• Even if you like your current health plan, new plans may be available and premiums or cost sharing may have changed since last year.

• Even if your income has not changed, you could be eligible for more financial assistance.

• If your income has increased, updating your information with the Marketplace will help avoid paying future penalties.

 

If you have a disability or a health condition, pay attention to details or possible changes: 

 

• Are a broad range of health care providers included in the health plan’s network of providers?

• Are there enough medical specialists in the network to meet your needs?

• Are needed medications included in the plan’s list of covered drugs?

• Is there adequate access to non-clinical, disability-specific services and supports?

• Does the plan have service limits, such as caps or limits on the number of office visits for therapy services?

• Are mental health services covered to the same extent that other “physical” health benefits are covered?

 

Are you or your family members uninsured?

 

Most individuals will be able to get health insurance coverage regardless of pre-existing health conditions or prior denial of coverage. Interested individuals can go online, enter information and review insurance options. Information on monthly premiums, deductible costs, doctors, hospitals and which drugs are covered by a plan should be available. Enrollment is limited to individuals who live in the United States, are U.S. citizens, nationals, or non-citizens who are lawfully present, and not currently incarcerated.

 

If you have not signed up for an insurance plan, it is important to note that you may be subject to a fee for not having health care coverage. If you or your dependents do not have insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage for tax year 2016, you may have to pay either 2.5 percent of your household income with a maximum of what the national average premium is for a bronze plan, or a flat fee of $695 per uncovered adult and $347.50 per child under 18, with a maximum of $2085 -- whichever is higher.

 

Where to get help?

 

Purchasing health insurance can be complicated. If you or your family member needs assistance with understanding the options, healthcare.govcan help. This website has information about seeking assistance in local communities, explanations of health insurance terms, enrollment information, assistance with out-of-pocket cost estimation and much more. There is also a 24-hour phone line for consumer assistance at 1-800-318-2596 to call for help.

 

In addition, each state has health insurance “navigators” to assist individuals with enrollment in health insurance plans. Individual health plan information should be available in late October 2016 on the website. If you would like more information on specific topics, the National Disability Navigator Resource Collaborative(http://www.nationaldisabilitynavigator.org/) has a comprehensive set of materials available on disability issues and the Affordable Care Act.

 

Website:  www.healthcare.gov

 

Phone:  1-800-318-2596 (Available 24/7 with access to 150 languages)

 

TTY:   1-855-889-4325

 

In-Person Assistance Resources: localhelp.healthcare.gov

1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200 • Washington, DC  20036 • PH 202/783-2229 •FAX 202/534-3731 • Info@c-c-d.org • www.c-c-d.org

 

GOT SOME LEFT OVER TURKEY?

What to do with Thanks Giving left overs.

Thanksgiving Sandwich 

1/2 'cup' mayonnaise 1 tablespoon chopped sage 8 slices whole-grain bread 3/4 'cup' Cranberry Sauce. 

1 pound sliced turkey Lettuce, as needed Sliced tomatoes, as needed Crisp bacon slices, optional In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sage. To assemble the sandwiches, spread 4 of the slices of bread with the mayonnaise mixture, add a layer of cranberry sauce, and top with the turkey, lettuce and tomato. Spread the remaining four slices of bread with cranberry sauce and place on top of the turkey. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve. Makes 4 servings. Variation: Make this a Turkey Club Sandwich by adding another slice of bread and another layer of cranberry sauce, turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato.  

A LITTLE THANKSGIVING HISTORY

The first national holiday will celebrate it’s 227th anniversary this year. 

It was declared by President George Washington by Presidential proclamation

on November 29, 1789 as Thanksgiving Day.

Both houses of Congress, by their joint committee, had requested him to 

recommend “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer,” to be observed by

acknowledging with grateful hearts the man and signal favors of Almighty 

God, especially by affording them an opportunity to peaceably establish 

a form of government for their safety and happiness.

President Abraham Lincoln changed the date of the holiday to the last 

Thursday in November in 1863.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the fourth Thursday

in November where we celebrate it today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Here’s hoping you all have a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving.  We hope you will all take just a few moments and give thanks for the many blessings of life, not the least of which is living here in these United States.  We have much to thank God for.

 

Bob and Johnye

A LITTLE HUMOR MIXED WITH SOME THANKFULLNESS

An Ode To Thanksgiving 
May your stuffing be tasty. 
May your turkey be plump, 
May your potatoes and gravy 
Have nary a lump. 
May your yams be delicious 
And your pies take the prize, 
And may your Thanksgiving dinner 
Stay off your thighs! 

How To Observe Thanksgiving 

1. Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
2. Count your gains instead of your losses.
3. Count your joys instead of your woes.
4. Count your friends instead of your foes.
5. Count your smiles instead of your tears.
6. Count your courage instead of your fears.
7. Count your full years instead of your lean.
8. Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
9. Count your health instead of your wealth.
10. Count on God instead of yourself.

Turkey Q&A 

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?  The outside. 

Be Thankful... 

• Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
• Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
• Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
• Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
• Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
• Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
• Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
• It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
• Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL-INTERESTING THOUGH

Who Knew? Body Gunk, Explained BY KELSEY KLOSS.  

IN EARS Cerumen, or earwax, is a combination of hair, dead skin, oil, and sweat that cleans and lubricates the ear canal. Skip the cotton swabs-earwax flakes and falls out as you chew and talk. IN ZITS A popped pimple is a dermatological danger zone: Zits hold puss made up of oil and bacteria, which contaminates surrounding pores when it oozes over the skin. UNDER NAILS The grime is a combination of keratin, skin cells, personal- care products, and dirt-plus you can even carry harmful bacteria from poor bathroom hygiene or raw foods under your nails. IN EYES Mucus (see below), skin cells, oil, and dust collect in the corners of your eyes. During the day, blinking flushes the crud out. When you sleep, it isn't washed out and gets crusty. IN SINUSES Made of water, dead white blood cells, salts, and proteins, mucus protects you by trapping bacteria that enter the body. IN BELLY BUTTON When Austrian researchers analyzed belly button lint (yes, really!) , they discovered it consists of clothing fabric, dead skin, dust, sweat, and fat. Hair spirals around the belly button, directing debris inward. UNDER BLISTERS The clear fluid, or serum, that accumulates in a blister protects the irritated tissue as it heals. White or yellow fluid could signal infection. 

OVER THE COUNTER PAIN MEDS-WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

5 dangerous mistakes you make with your over-the-counter painkillers By Markham Heid Published November 21, 2016.  

More than 9 out of every 10 Americans use over-the-counter meds to manage pain, a new survey from the U.S. Pain Foundation found. If you take them correctly, OTC painkillers are generally safe and effective, says Charles Vega, M.D., a clinical professor of health sciences at the University of California at Irvine. But too many people don't take the pills seriously-and skip the fine print on the bottle as a result, says Charles Vega, M.D., a clinical professor of health sciences at the University of California at Irvine. "These are real medicines with real consequences," Dr. Vega says.  Here are 5 common mistakes you might be making with your painkillers-and what might happen as a result. PAINKILLER MISTAKE #1: YOU TAKE TOO MANY PILLS A lot of people assume that by doubling the dosage, they'll double the pill's effectiveness. But you're probably just increasing your chances of side effects or even poisoning without getting any additional pain relief, Dr. Vega says.  Scary Side Effects Of Popular Meds Lots of people learn this lesson the hard way. For example, taking too much acetaminophen-the active ingredient in Tylenol and many other OTC meds-is one of the most common causes of poisoning worldwide, the National Institutes of Health says. "These OTC painkillers are shown to be effective at the dosage listed on the label," Dr. Vega says. For acetaminophen, that's 4,000 milligrams (mg)-or 8 tablets of Tylenol Extra Strength-per day, max. Pop two or three times the dosage of any painkiller, and you run the risk of nausea or an upset stomach, heartburn, rashes, or even liver or kidney damage, he says. PAINKILLER MISTAKE #2: YOU TAKE PAIN MEDS TOO OFTEN Unless you're following a doctor's instructions, you shouldn't be taking OTC pain pills more than one or two days per month, Dr. Vega says. For example, taking acetaminophen on a daily or weekly basis could raise your risk of liver failure or even death, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And while A Daily Low-Dose Aspirin Can Help Your Heart if you're already at risk of heart disease, it can also eat away at the lining of your stomach and gut. In fact, daily aspirin may raise your risk of serious internal bleeding by 55 percent, a study in JAMA found.  So if you need painkillers on a daily or weekly basis-whether for joint pain, headaches, or something other chronic issue-see your doctor to identify your underlying problem and the best solution to actually treat it, Dr. Vega says. PAINKILLER MISTAKE #3: YOU ASSUME ALL OTC PAIN MEDS ARE THE SAME The active ingredient in Tylenol is different from the active ingredient in Advil (or Aleve, or Bayer). You should take each painkiller's specific method of action into account when choosing a pain reliever-rather than just popping whatever you have in your medicine cabinet, Dr. Vega says. For example, ibuprofen-the active ingredient in Motrin IB or Advil-works by lowering your levels of certain inflammation-causing hormones. That makes it a great option for arthritis pain or swelling, but it might not be as effective at knocking out a headache. In that case, acetaminophen might be your best bet, since it works by interfering with your brain's pain receptors.  What's more, different painkillers have different side effects. Depending on your personal health history-like if you have high blood pressure or you're a heavy drinker-you may want to avoid certain meds, Dr. Vega explains. Heavy drinkers may want to steer clear of acetaminophen, which may raise their risk of kidney disease. And taking naproxen (like Aleve) or ibuprofen (like Motrin) if you have high BP may increase your risk for heart disease or stroke, Dr. Vega says. Your best bet? Talk with your drugstore pharmacist before you check out. "They're great sources of info on side effects and proper usage," he adds. PAINKILLER MISTAKE #4: YOU MIX OTC PAIN DRUGS WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDS When shopping for pain relievers, 45 percent of people don't consider the prescription meds they're taking, the U.S. Pain Foundation survey found. But many prescription medications-like Oxycodone, Vicodin, and Percocet-also include acetaminophen. "So if you're not paying attention and you take Tylenol with those, you can get into trouble," Dr. Vega says. Too much acetaminophen can cause liver or kidney damage, Dr. Vega says. What's more, mixing prescription drugs like blood thinners, beta-blockers, or antidepressants with ibuprofen or naproxen could raise your risk for kidney problems, heart attack, or other serious health complications. PAINKILLER MISTAKE #5: YOU MIX DIFFERENT OTC MEDS The majority of painkiller users-65 percent-don't consider how their pain pills may interact with other OTC drugs, the survey shows. But many over-the-counter meds contain the same active ingredients as pain relievers, even if they aren't specifically marketed to ease your aches, Dr. Vega says. One common scenario: A guy's taking a low-dose aspirin per his doctor's instructions to lower his risk for heart trouble. He gets sick, and buys an OTC cold medicine without thinking to check if it also contains aspirin-many do. All that aspirin could lead to stomach problems or even life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, Dr. Vega says.  Similar double-dipping can occur if you're taking Tylenol regularly, and then add in meds like Alka-Seltzer Plus or Mucinex Fast-Max for a cold or cough-both of which also contain acetaminophen. That can raise your risk of liver issues or kidney damage.

WISDOM TO LIVE BY FROM A 90 YEAR OLD

Wisdom to live by, my friends.

 

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 sex 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."

A FEW MORE LAUGHS

Watcha Talk? 

An Englishman, a Frenchman, a Spaniard and a German are all watching a street performer do some excellent juggling. The juggler notices that the four gentlemen have a poor view, so he stand on a large box and asks, "Can you all see me now?" They respond, "Yes." "Oui." "Si." "Ja." (Hint: Say it out loud.) 

Riddle 

Question: Who is bigger? Mr. Bigger or Mr. Bigger's baby? 

Answer: Mr. Bigger's baby because he is a little Bigger! 

Sacked! 

One night a burglar, needing money to pay his taxes, decided to burgle a safe in a mom and pop grocery store. On the safe door was a note that read "Please don't use dynamite. The safe is not locked. Just turn the handle." He was quite pleased with this turn of events so he followed the instructions. Instantly a heavy sandbag fell on him, the entire store was floodlighted, and alarms started sounding. As the police carried him out on a stretcher, he was heard moaning: "My confidence in human nature has been terribly shaken." 

What A Comfort 

Mary hated the idea of surgery. So she was very upset when the doctor informed her that she needed a tonsillectomy. Mary after much deliberation, decided to go ahead and have the procedure. While she and the nurse were filling out an admission form, she was so nervous she couldn't think straight or hardly speak. The nurse, being a compassionate sort, patted her hand and said, "Don't worry. This is a simple medical procedure, and a problem that can easily be fixed." "I am sure you are right. I'm being silly," Mary said, "Please continue." "Good," the nurse went on, "Now, do you have a living will?" 

Working Out 

New to town, I was eager to meet people and make friends. So one day I struck up a conversation with the only other woman in the gym. Pointing to two men playing racquetball in a nearby court, I said to her, "There's my husband." Then I added, "The thin one — not the fat one." After a slightly uncomfortable silence, she replied, "And that's my husband — the fat one."

COMING UPDATE IOS 10.2-WHAT TO LOOK FOR

What's new in iOS 10.2? The best new features coming to your iPhone and iPad in December with Apple's latest iOS update in December. by Vanessa Hand Orellana @vanehand / November 13 2016.

Apple may not unleash its latest iOS 10.2 update until December, but their second developer's beta gives us a glimpse of the new features and bug fixes coming to iOS devices. Here's seven that will make it worth the upgrade. 1. New emojis Your iPhone or iPad keyboards will be getting 72 new emojis with the upgrade to iOS 10.2 because we clearly haven't reached the peak of emoji communication yet. This includes notable smiley and sick faces, new professions that include both men and women, more food essentials and a selfie arm to name a few.  2. Preserve camera settings Instead of defaulting to the original camera settings every time you launch the app, you will soon be able to choose what mode or filter to open on. To access scroll down to the new Preserve Settings option under Photos and Camera in the Settings and select which ones you want to preserve including the live photos features. 3. Emergency SOS The emergency feature that first appeared on the Apple Watch will be available on iOS devices with this new update. In the event of an emergency this feature will allow you to call the authorities without having to take the phone out of your pocket. Press the on/off button five times in a row to initiate a three second countdown that will connect you to the emergency services in one of the 14 participating countries which include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, UK, and US. If you've set up emergency contacts in your health app, it also let's you alert them that a call has been placed along with information about your location. The feature is activated by default on the beta version, but can be easily deactivated from the Settings menu under General. 4. Resume your text from a quick response Ever lost what you were writing in the quick response bubble when you switch to fullscreen in Messages mid sentence? This annoying bug has been fixed in iOS 10.2, meaning you can pick off where you left off in your text when you click to open the full screen message from the lock screen or preview. 5. Celebration Message Screen There's also a new Celebration screen filter in the Messages app on iOS 10.2. To access, long press or 3D touch the arrow on the chat bubble next to your message, toggle to screen, and swipe to the last option. The Sparkler animation come complete with haptic feedback to help you get your celebration message across. 6. Wallpaper 7 and 7 Plus . If you have and iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, you will soon have three new wallpaper options to chose from for your background and lock screen. The options include three water droplets in blue, pink and yellow, that move with the phone when you chose the "perspective" option. 7. TV app . The new TV app Apple demoed in their latest keynote is coming to iOS devices with iOS 10.2 and is already available to some users on the developer's beta program. We updated three different devices and were still unable to get the app, but it should automatically load on your device when it launches in December. The TV is meant to be a central hub for TV content and video subscriptions that will curate content for you and suggest new shows based on your preferences like the For You section in Apple Music .

REMINDER OF MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINES

Time to Check Your Health Insurance 

 

Why is now a good time to take a closer look at your health care needs and options?

 

2017 Open Enrollment November 1, 2016 open enrollment begins   December 15, 2016 enroll before this date to have coverage January 1, 2017   January 31, 2017 open enrollment ends

If you're uninsured or looking for more affordable health insurance, the “open enrollment” period is the time to visit healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange. During “open enrollment”, private health insurance options can be reviewed and coverage can be purchased. People with low and moderate incomes may be able to get financial help to pay for health insurance coverage. Assistance to pay for premiums and other cost-sharing may be available for individuals and families, depending on which plan is purchased. If you get health insurance through your employer, Medicaid or Medicare, you are not eligible for this assistance. You can also sign up for insurance outside of the open enrollment period, if you lost your job, married, divorced or had a baby. 

 

You may enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time, year round.Certain requirements must be met to qualify for these public programs. Medicaid provides long-term services and supports to people with disabilities.

 

Do you already have health insurance through the Marketplace? 

 

It is also important to update your income and household information in the Marketplace to make sure you get the assistance that is available.

 

• This is a good time to check your health insurance coverage and see if it still meets your healthcare needs.

• You may enroll in a different plan each year or you will be automatically re-enrolled in your current plan or a similar one by December 15, 2016.

• If a new plan does not cover your providers or services, seek more information about transition rights.

• You should carefully read all health insurance notices and updates.

 

Why should you check your coverage?

 

• Even if you like your current health plan, new plans may be available and premiums or cost sharing may have changed since last year.

• Even if your income has not changed, you could be eligible for more financial assistance.

• If your income has increased, updating your information with the Marketplace will help avoid paying future penalties.

 

If you have a disability or a health condition, pay attention to details or possible changes: 

 

• Are a broad range of health care providers included in the health plan’s network of providers?

• Are there enough medical specialists in the network to meet your needs?

• Are needed medications included in the plan’s list of covered drugs?

• Is there adequate access to non-clinical, disability-specific services and supports?

• Does the plan have service limits, such as caps or limits on the number of office visits for therapy services?

• Are mental health services covered to the same extent that other “physical” health benefits are covered?

 

Are you or your family members uninsured?

 

Most individuals will be able to get health insurance coverage regardless of pre-existing health conditions or prior denial of coverage. Interested individuals can go online, enter information and review insurance options. Information on monthly premiums, deductible costs, doctors, hospitals and which drugs are covered by a plan should be available. Enrollment is limited to individuals who live in the United States, are U.S. citizens, nationals, or non-citizens who are lawfully present, and not currently incarcerated.

 

If you have not signed up for an insurance plan, it is important to note that you may be subject to a fee for not having health care coverage. If you or your dependents do not have insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage for tax year 2016, you may have to pay either 2.5 percent of your household income with a maximum of what the national average premium is for a bronze plan, or a flat fee of $695 per uncovered adult and $347.50 per child under 18, with a maximum of $2085 -- whichever is higher.

 

Where to get help?

 

Purchasing health insurance can be complicated. If you or your family member needs assistance with understanding the options, healthcare.govcan help. This website has information about seeking assistance in local communities, explanations of health insurance terms, enrollment information, assistance with out-of-pocket cost estimation and much more. There is also a 24-hour phone line for consumer assistance at 1-800-318-2596 to call for help.

 

In addition, each state has health insurance “navigators” to assist individuals with enrollment in health insurance plans. Individual health plan information should be available in late October 2016 on the website. If you would like more information on specific topics, the National Disability Navigator Resource Collaborative(http://www.nationaldisabilitynavigator.org/) has a comprehensive set of materials available on disability issues and the Affordable Care Act.

 

Website:  www.healthcare.gov

 

Phone:  1-800-318-2596 (Available 24/7 with access to 150 languages)

 

TTY:   1-855-889-4325

 

In-Person Assistance Resources: localhelp.healthcare.gov

1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200 • Washington, DC  20036 • PH 202/783-2229 •FAX 202/534-3731 • Info@c-c-d.org • www.c-c-d.org

 

DO YOU BATTLE WITH CANKER SORES

How to get rid of canker sores and prevent them from coming back By Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa Published November 12, 2016.  

Canker sores are frustrating and painful. If you find you're getting canker sores often, the solution may be as simple as avoiding spicy foods or acidic fruits, which can irritate the mouth. Also, try brushing and flossing right after meals to help remove food particles stuck between your teeth. And stop using any toothpastes or mouth rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a chemical that can be harsh on soft tissue, potentially causing canker sores.  If you have stubborn sores, you could be deficient in certain nutrients, such as folate, iron, or vitamin B12. Make sure you're eating a well-balanced diet (you can get folate from beans and vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, and iron and B12 from tuna and eggs, among other foods). Consult your doctor if you think you need a supplement. Stress can also trigger the sores, so getting plenty of sleep and finding ways to tame tension may help prevent them. Less frequently, canker sores can be linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) and HIV. So if lifestyle adjustments don't make a difference, it's worth seeing a doctor.  Notice a canker sore developing? Try gargling with salt water. You can also apply an over-the-counter topical ointment directly on the sore to ease pain. Usually canker sores hurt for only a few days and go away completely in a week or two. But if you have a severe, painful one, your doctor may prescribe a special mouth rinse or corticosteroid ointment.