Santa Money

Once upon a time, Americans used more than 8,000 kinds of money. Any bank could issue notes. One $5 example from the 1880s just sold at auction for over $100,000. 

This Huff Post item links to a wild and crazy slide show of old currency, including the Confederate variety. Check out this Howard Bank note with a vignette of Santa Claus. 

Six must-follow tips to avoid identity theft during the holidays

(BPT) - While you're celebrating the season shopping for gifts, decorating your home and hosting festive parties, are thieves having their own celebration with your credit card and identity without you knowing it? The spirit of the holiday season can quickly be dampened if you become a victim of identity theft, but a few precautions can help keep your information safe.

You can enjoy this special time of year and still protect your personal information by following these six important tips for avoiding identity theft:

Make security part of your holiday decor
Many people host holiday gatherings at home this time of year. While you trim the tree and prepare the menu, take time to secure your home and any personal documents. While it's hard to imagine that someone you know (or hired, if you're bringing in help) would steal from you, a bank statement on your desk or a checkbook in the top drawer leaves you vulnerable to crime. Keep your holiday merry and be proactive in protecting your home and items - shred personal documents and securely store other personal information in a safe or locked drawer.

Say "bah humbug" to in-store credit card offers
While it may be tempting to sign up for a store credit card in order to get a discount during checkout, it's wise to avoid these offers. The casual environment of a retail checkout counter is not a good place to share your most important financial and personal information. You don't know anything about the security of the application process, the clerk's integrity, or who is standing behind you in Iine just waiting to covertly snap a picture of your completed application.

Lighten your holiday load and leave extra info at home
As you shop for the perfect gifts, no doubt your wallet will get quite a workout. It can also be a goldmine for identity thieves if it's lost or stolen. Start by only carrying what you really need, such as one credit card and your license - leave the extra cards and other financial information at home. If you carry a purse, consider leaving it in the trunk or at home since a purse is easier to steal. Just carry your wallet in a front pocket close to your body, and you'll reduce the chances of theft.

Who's been naughty or nice? Check your statements twice
Most Americans increase their spending during the holiday season, so extra charges at stores you typically don't visit will likely populate your financial statements. It can be easy to overlook odd charges as simple holiday purchases, when in reality it's an identity thief using your hard earned money to fund their merry holiday. Make sure to save every receipt from purchases you or other account members make, and check every statement diligently, staying alert for any peculiar charges.

Give yourself the gift of identity protection
In addition to staying on top of your credit card statements, keeping a keen eye on your credit report and spending is a wise decision also. Consider giving yourself peace of mind by getting a membership to ProtectMyID, a comprehensive identity theft detection, protection and resolution organization. Visit www.protectmyid.com to learn about memberships that include daily digital scans and alerts, $1 Million Identity Theft Insurance, and resolution assistance if needed.

Be a tech-savvy elf and shop smart online
Shopping online can be a smart way to get your holiday goods without leaving the house, but make sure you take a few steps to protect yourself. First, check to make sure the site you purchase from is secure, indicated by a URL that starts with "https" at checkout along with an image of a lock. Always use a credit card or secure payment option such as PayPal, which offers better consumer protection than debit cards. Finally, never give out your Social Security number when making a purchase, it simply isn't necessary and no reputable retail site will require it.

At the end of the day, protecting your identity means making smart financial choices. Damage to your credit report, whether from identity theft or simply spending beyond your means, lasts much longer than the holiday season. Stay merry now and well into 2013 by spending smart and protecting your identity.

A poem in tribute to the young victims in Newtown

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious; their laughter filled the air,
...they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say,
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy, "We’re spending Christmas at
God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same,
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
As they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
As if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below,
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools",
"I'm taking back my nation, I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound,
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT

One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the son of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter's shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he became a wandering preacher.
He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He never visited a big city. He never travelled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of those things one usually associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but himself.
He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through a mockery of a trial. He was executed by the state. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind's progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that One Solitary Life.

Homemade Gifts for Everyone on Your List

This holiday season, make these easy, personalized handmade gifts for your loved ones.

Chocolate-dipped pretzels

Everyone loves these sweet and salty treats, and they're extra festive when coated with holiday-colored sprinkles. Package your finished pretzels up in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon.Read More.

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Brubeck and Desmond: the "Take Five" Bequest

Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond,
October 8, 1954

Dave Brubeck's most memorable hit was"Take Five." Taylor Ho Bynum reminds us that the tune became a significant charitable bequest.

...like the partnership between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, [the collaboration between Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond] was a relationship of matched brilliance. And like Ellington’s “Take the A Train,” actually penned by Strayhorn, Brubeck’s signature tune “Take Five” was composed by Desmond.

In the month post-Sandy, we should also remember that when Desmond died, in 1977, he bequeathed the royalties to “Take Five” to the American Red Cross, bringing the organization close to six million dollars. With that composition sure to receive a flurry of performances after Brubeck’s death, it will likely bring in tens of thousands of dollars more to disaster relief at a time when it is sorely needed.

From hydrotherapy to massage, home therapies can help ease arthritis pain

 (BPT) - About one out of every five American adults has been diagnosed with arthritis, and it is the most common cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The pain and stiffness caused by arthritis - and the high cost of arthritis medications - prompt many people to seek effective home therapies.

 

  

While you should always work with your doctor to manage your arthritis, you can also do a lot at home to help minimize symptoms. Home remedies like hydrotherapy, massage and simple exercise have been shown to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with multiple forms of arthritis.

Here are some common home therapies to discuss with your health care provider:
Massage - Recent studies indicate that massage can help people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation reports on its website ArthritisToday.org. Simple massage of painful joints such as in the hands, elbows or knees, may help your arthritis pain. You don't need to pay for a professional massage to find relief. Talk to your health care provider for simple tips on self-massage. Besides pain relief, massage offers another benefit that may be particularly helpful to people living with chronic pain: relaxation.
Hydrotherapy - Soaking in warm water has been a viable home therapy for muscle and joint aches for centuries. Your arthritis may also cause mobility issues, making you wary about climbing in and out of a traditional soaking tub. A walk-in tub may be a viable alternative. Premier Care in Bathing, makers of walk-in tubs, offers its Hydrovescent Therapy system designed to help ease aches and pains but with gentler water motion than you would find in a traditional jetted tub. The company has earned the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use commendation for its easy-to-enter tubs that feature extra-wide, low-level entry, left or right-hand door openings, contoured and slip-resistant seats and backrests, and leak-free design. Remember to consult your doctor before beginning any home therapy, as hydrotherapy may not be appropriate for all types of arthritis or with other health conditions.
Lifestyle - As important as it is to work with your doctor to manage your arthritis, self-management is also essential. Lifestyle habits such as staying active and watching your weight can help reduce the pain of arthritis and improve function, according to the CDC. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week; it's OK to break that time into 10-minute intervals, the CDC says. Carrying excess weight can make your arthritis worse, and losing just 11 pounds can improve mobility and reduce pain. It's important to manage your weight as part of your overall arthritis treatment.
The CDC estimates that the number of people with arthritis will increase to 67 million by 2030. As more people struggle with arthritis' debilitating effects, simple, cost-effective home therapies may help millions more find relief.
For a free brochure including more information about walk-in bathtubs and other solutions for making living at home more convenient, visit premiercarebathing.com/saferbathing, or call 888-378-7953.

Demystifying Medicare Part D enrollment

(BPT) - With so many options based on where you live and what prescriptions you need, selecting a Medicare Part D Plan can be complicated and time consuming. However, every American 65 and older or Medicare disabled who wishes to enroll must enroll in a plan for 2013 no later than Dec. 7, 2012.
Alexis Abramson, Ph.D, a gerontologist and leading advocate for health and wellness issues affecting baby boomers and seniors, offers five simple tips to guide you through the process during this year's registration window.

1. Sign up for Medicare Part D - no matter what.

Even if you currently don't take any prescription medications, you should still consider signing up for a Medicare Part D Plan. If you enroll late or when you are in need of drug coverage, you could pay much higher premiums. The only exceptions to this rule are seniors with equivalent or creditable drug coverage from an employer's health care plan, retiree health plan or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. You can get Part D two ways, but PDPs are a more affordable option.

Your first option is to buy Part D coverage as part of a private Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) that is based on the drugs you take. Your second option is to sign up for Medicare Advantage, a Medicare HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) that also includes Medicare Part A and Part B (hospital and medical). According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a majority of Medicare Part D enrollees opt for private PDPs.-


3. Plans change annually so take your time to research.

Assessing all your options isn't easy. You must weigh short-term savings in monthly premiums against long-term costs from co-payments or limited overall benefits. Consider your developing health concerns and how easily a plan will allow you access to your favorite doctor or specialist and medications you may be taking.

4. Preferred pharmacies matter.

Once you've found a plan that fits your budget and medication needs, don't forget about convenience when filling your prescriptions. A pharmacy accepted as 'preferred' by a Medicare Part D Plan is a network pharmacy that offers covered drugs to plan members at lower out-of-pocket costs than what the member would pay at a non-preferred network pharmacy.

5. Medicare plan finders are your friend.

There are so many options out there, so it can be hard to keep them all straight. Try one of the simple online search tools that source the most cost-effective plan for you.

What am I paying for in the price of a gallon of gasoline?

I’m asked this question a lot. And I know a lot of drivers ask themselves this question when they pull up to the pump.
The answer is based on the economics of supply and demand and how products are manufactured and sold – along with what the government takes in taxes. Let’s take a look, based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s breakdown of the estimated average price of a gallon of gas in December 2011, which was $3.27.


Raw materials = $2.62
The cost of the raw materials used to make a product has a major impact on the final product price. The raw material for gasoline is crude oil. The price of crude oil is set by global markets, where buyers and sellers constantly react to supply and demand factors. Oil is just one of many commodities traded every day in the global market. Others are the corn that affects the price of food and the cotton that affects the price of clothing. Read More.

Dredge Currituck: the little Corps vessel with a huge maritime mission

Now in use dredging the Housatonic River. See earlier post.--TG

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – From Florida to Maine, one unique vessel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ maritime fleet earns its “indispensable” reputation 363 days a year by dredging dangerous shoaling in shallow draft federal channel inlets: hopper dredge Currituck.
The Currituck recently spent three days dredging the federal channel at Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, Va., and removed more than 7,700 cubic yards of shoaling sand. The Currituck hopper dredge then transported the fine sand, offloading it along the Virginia Beach coastline to replenish the city’s beachfront erosion.
Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed the maintenance project as part of their overall operations mission to ensure safe transiting of maritime traffic. Two Corps interns, Michael Weber and Bryan Hakey, spent a day on the Currituck.
“As a mechanical engineer, it was very cool to see up close how this tremendous crew and piece of machinery works and benefits the communities it serves,” Weber said. “The highlight of the day was getting to operate the Currituck.”
The Currituck is assigned to the Corps’ Wilmington District in North Carolina. It’s the only special-purpose type of hopper dredge in the United States that works the same projects as larger sidecasting dredges, only on a smaller scale. It features a self-propelled split hull and is equipped with a self-leveling deck-house located at the stern, where all controls and machinery are housed. The Currituck is hinged above the main deck so that the hull can open from bow to stern by means of hydraulic cylinders located in compartments forward and aft of the hopper section.
The Currituck operator steers the vessel through the shoal areas of the channel. The dredge pumps, located in the compartments on each side of the hull, then pumps material through trailing dragarms into the hopper section.

The Currituck’s lone hopper section has a maximum capacity of 315 cubic yards and during operation the hopper section is clearly visible to the operators in the pilot house, making production monitoring an easy task, said Joen Petersen, Currituck first mate.
“During our dredging operation here, we limited our capacity to between 200-225 cubic yards. With the fine material in Rudee Inlet and the disposal site so close, it was more efficient and productive to take smaller loads,” Petersen added.
The Currituck crew is comprised of highly trained professionals whose backgrounds and experience range from prior service with the U.S. Army, Coast Guard and Navy, to a graduate of the Maine Maritime Academy, who is now serving on another Wilmington District vessel.
Petersen, a retired U.S. Army chief warrant officer, has been with the Currituck crew for nearly three years. He said unusual items are recovered by Currituck dredging operations: “Tires, spear guns, swim suits, towels, more than 100 Frisbees on one project, 500 golf balls on another.”
The Currituck and its two crews work 12-hour daily shifts, year-around: eight days on, six days off, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. ”I believe the Currituck dredges more days each year than any other dredging vessel in the Corps fleet,” Petersen said.
Although the Currituck crew is called upon to work long hours, the great support they receive from the Corps districts they serve is indispensable, said Capt. Donnie Potter, Currituck skipper.
“Norfolk District has always gone the extra mile to ensure our dredging mission here is a success,” Potter said. “Their great logistical, survey and operational support provides the Currituck crew more time to concentrate on removing dangerous shoal areas that limit safe maritime navigation for local users.”
The Currituck’s next federal channel dredging project is the Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, followed by a real hardship mission -- Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Corps of Engineers-owned special-purpose dredge, CURRITUCK, visits New England, as it does almost every year. The CURRITUCK is a self-propelled, self-contained, split-hull hopper dredge, based out of the Corps' Wilmington District. The 150-feet long, 25-feet wide vessel has a bin capacity of 300 cubic yards, and is economical, safe to operate, and easy to maintain. Its shallow draft and ability to withstand sea conditions other types of dredges cannot make it a valuable resource in dredging shallow draft inlets, like those found in New England, in a timely and cost effective manner.

Housatonic River Dredging Underway

If you have been along the shore in Stratford or near the mouth of the Housatonic River in the last few days or nights you may have noticed an unusual looking ship plying the waters. Here is what you saw.--TG

 

   

 

Editor's note: This article originally appeared on Stratford Patch on Oct. 26. The dredging was pushed back from Monday to Wednesday as Superstorn Sandy impacted the area.
A project 13 years in the making began last week as the dredging process to deepen the Housatonic River to a minimum depth of 14 feet started at the mouth of the waterway.
It'll take about 27 days to remove some 50,000 cubic yards of silt from the shallowest parts of the boat channel leading up to the Devon Bridge, according Bill Rock, chairman of the town's Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission.
Rock said though most of the boat channel between Stratford and Milford has a depth of 18 feet or more, there are spots where the depth has decreased to two or three feet and these areas have created "a menace" for boaters. Read More

Hepburn house in Old Saybrook fares better in Sandy than hurricane of 1938

Katharine Hepburn was so used to flooding at her seaside estate in Fenwick that the two refrigerators in her kitchen were on 16-inch tile platforms.

Katharine Hepburn’s former home in Fenwick wasn’t flooded during Sandy. Courant File Photo/Richard Messina

But the flooding that devastated much of Connecticut’s shoreline in the wake of Sandy didn’t touch Hepburn’s renovated mansion, on the market since last year, in the borough of Old Saybrook.
“It was on the yard, absolutely,” said Colette Harron, of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Essex, who has the listing. “But it didn’t come into the house.” Read More.

Fall-prevention strategies boomers can fall in love with

 

(BPT) - You're only as old as you feel, which is great news for today's baby boomers, as 61 percent report they feel younger than their true age. But despite feeling great, the reality is that adults may need to make minor changes to their homes and lifestyles to ensure they can continue to enjoy safe, healthy and independent lives.

If you are part of this demographic, you're likely thinking, 'Not me. Not yet.' But did you know that one in three older Americans falls every year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65 and older.-
Don't worry - protecting yourself from falls does not mean using a walker or wearing an alert siren. Try these simple tips to protect yourself from becoming a fall statistic, while improving your home and lifestyle.
Get moving
 It's no wonder that 50-years-plus is the fastest growing segment of the fitness population. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise improves your leg strength and balance - both of which arimportant in reducing falls. Experts at the National Institute of Health recommend that seniors enjoy a combination of four types of exercises: endurance, such as walking, cycling or swimming; flexibility, which includes stretching before and after endurance workouts; balance, such as walking on a line or stepping over small objects, and strength, which is using resistance or weights to target core muscles.
Prepare your home
According to the Home Safety Council, more falls occur in the bathroom than any other room in the home. But don't fear, adding safety to your bathroom can add exquisite styling as well.
Grab bars are the most common bath safety product installed, and brands such as Moen Home Care offer stylish Designer Grab Bars with Accessories, which combine the safety benefits of a grab bar with common bath essentials. Options include a towel bar, a paper holder, a straight shelf and a corner shelf, making each item functional and fashionable. Plus, each is available in popular finishes such as Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Old World Bronze, to coordinate with the rest of your bath.
Next, add style and peace of mind in the shower by adding a Fold-Down Shower Seat. Unlike traditional bath seats that can be intrusive, this wall-mount design from Moen Home Care folds down for a comfortable and secure shower seat to avoid slips and falls - yet folds up for a thin, compact profile when not in use. Plus, the teak wood and stylish metal trim will accentuate the look of even the most upscale shower. For more information about Moen Home Care products, visit www.moen.com/homecare.
For the final step to your safety-upgraded bathroom, increase the amount of lighting. Researchers have found that by the time a person is 60 years old, he or she needs up to 15 times more light than when that person was 10 years old. Add higher-wattage bulbs or even additional lamps to the room for improved illumination.
Assess your medications
Since boomers buy 77 percent of all prescription drugs sold, chances are that you take more than one medication daily. However, these remedies may have been prescribed by different doctors - and could unknowingly cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls. Speak with your physician to ensure that your medications will not interact with other drugs. Programmed pill boxes are also a great idea to keep your prescriptions organized and help you remember what to take and when.
Eat right
You are what you eat ... which is why a healthy diet is very important to older adults. In fact, healthy eating can reduce the risk for many conditions, including anemia, confusion, hip fractures, hypotension and wounds. Experts note that older adults generally require fewer calories in their diet than other age groups - but need more nutrition.
Especially important to reduce falls is to increase foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk and dairy, which help keep bones strong. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper eating is also essential, as added weight can cause instability, leading to falls.
With these few simple updates to your home and lifestyle, you'll soon feel better about yourself and your home - and can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you're doing the best to reduce the risk of becoming a fall statistic.

When Parents Move in With Kids

You hear a lot about parents taking in adult children who are out of work. What's much less noticed is the opposite trend — adult children taking in parents who find it hard to make it on their own.

Their numbers are rising dramatically. In 2008, 4.05 million parents were living with an adult child. By the end of 2011, the number had risen to 4.6 million — a 13.7 percent increase. (I was one of those adult children: My late mother-in-law lived with us for nine years.)

Most parents give up their own households reluctantly — usually because of frailty or loneliness after the loss of a spouse. Increasingly, however, older people are going broke. They might have lost a job in their late 50s or early 60s and run through their savings. And their children are their safety net.

Still, "it's not a decision to make quickly or in crisis," says Gregory French, president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. "Having good visits with your children doesn't necessarily promise a good co-living arrangement."

If you're thinking of moving in with one of your children, for whatever reason, what are the rules of the road? Three issues are paramount: financial arrangements, duties and privacy.

You will probably want to contribute something toward family expenses, so discuss what's best. If you n
Everything should be talked through and written down, to avoid misunderstandings, French says. Your child might be embarrassed to ask for a written agreement, so bring up the subject yourself. Read More.

Even in the Autumn the San Francisco Giants Are Partial to Senior Citizens Who Shag Fouls

SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Giants have fielded their top talent for the Major League Baseball playoffs this week, but even some of their most elite have made errors.
There was, for example, veteran George Zarzana's blooper in Sunday's opener in the National League Championship Series. Mr. Zarzana suited up for the game against the St. Louis Cardinals, jogged confidently onto the field and settled into his position.

While most baseball clubs use ballboys or ballgirls to shag foul balls, the San Francisco Giants use balldudes and balldudettes, whose average age is over 50. WSJ's Jim Carlton reports from AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Then he promptly fell off the stool.
Mr. Zarzana's position was next to the dugout behind first base, and he would be called a ball boy if he were a little younger. At age 72, he last played baseball when Jimmy Carter was president, and that makes him a balldude in Giants parlance.
He is in good company in this club. Most Major League teams field the familiar teenage ball boys and ball girls to shag fouls outside the outfield foul lines. The Giants are partial to a cadre of foul-chasers mostly over the age of 60. Read More.

Tips for hiring an in-home caregiver

Editor’s note: This article gives some good insights and tips with regard to hiring a senior caregiver. It includes an excellent checklist that you can follow when you are looking for such a caregiver. A very basic rule that should always be followed is never to hire unlicensed caregivers. It’s one thing to have a family remember or close friend helping with your care, but when you start bringing unlicensed, and usually unsupervised, strangers into your home, you take on great risk to your well-being. Don’t let the temptation of seemingly lower hourly and day rates cloud your good sense. The adage that you get what you pay for applies here very well.  TG

SAN DIEGO, September 17, 2012 – Choosing a caregiver for an aging family member may be one of the most critically important decisions you ever make. Many times family members will choose to hire an outside person to be a caregiver.  This is often a need born of necessity, when a senior requires around-the-clock care or develops memory loss.
We all want someone compassionate, patient, and loving. The kind of person who can help your loved ones maintain their independence, making it possible for them to continue to live in their own homes long after mental or physical frailties have begun to take a toll. We must also trust this individual will not take advantage of the circumstances by stealing, through neglect, or worst of all by committing elder abuse.
A report released in April 2011 by the California State Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes in April shows how seniors can be put at risk when hiring caregivers through private ads.
Investigators contacted individuals who posted ads on Craigslist for in-home care providers. According to the report, five individuals offering services had extensive criminal records including convictions for drug trafficking, major theft, burglary and prostitution. The report also found that 27 percent of caregivers in 64 recent criminal cases involving seniors had previous convictions on their criminal record. Read More.

Medicare for senior citizens can be daunting task: Tips and tricks on how to use health system best

The fall is the time to reflect on the new year ahead - and to make critical decisions that will affect your health and your pocketbook.
For seniors aged 65 and above, Medicare's annual open enrollment period is around the corner. If you are enrolled in Medicare, this is your chance to make unrestricted changes to your coverage options.
Do you want to stick with Original Medicare? Would you prefer to switch to a private Medicare Advantage Plan? If so, which one should you choose? Would your needs be better served by dropping your current drug plan and switching to another? Read More.

Expect small '13 Social Security benefit increase

WASHINGTON — Social Security recipients shouldn't expect a big increase in monthly benefits come January.
Preliminary figures show the annual benefit boost will be between 1 percent and 2 percent, which would be among the lowest since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975. Monthly benefits for retired workers now average $1,237, meaning the typical retiree can expect a raise of between $12 and $24 a month.
The size of the increase will be made official Tuesday, when the government releases inflation figures for September. The announcement is unlikely to please a big group of voters — 56 million people get benefits — just three weeks before elections for president and Congress.
The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is tied to a government measure of inflation adopted by Congress in the 1970s. It shows that consumer prices have gone up by less than 2 percent in the past year.
"Basically, for the past 12 months, prices did not go up as rapidly as they did the year before," said Polina Vlasenko, an economist at the American Institute for Economic Research, based in Great Barrington, Mass.
This year, Social Security recipients received a 3.6 percent increase in benefits after getting no increase the previous two years.
Some of next year's raise could be wiped out by higher Medicare premiums, which are deducted from Social Security payments. The Medicare Part B premium, which covers doctor visits, is expected to rise by about $7 per month for 2013, according to government projections. Read More.

Why does hydrogen peroxide foam when you put it on a cut?

Hydrogen peroxide does not foam in the bottle or on your skin because there is no catalase to help the reaction to occur.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is something you can buy at the drug store. What you are buying is a 3-percent solution, meaning the bottle contains 97-percent water and 3-percent hydrogen peroxide. Most people use it as an antiseptic. It turns out that it is not very good as an antiseptic, but it is not bad for washing cuts and scrapes and the foaming looks cool.
The reason why it foams is because blood and cells contain an enzyme called catalase. Since a cut or scrape contains both blood and damaged cells, there is lots of catalase floating around. Read More.

Home security updates for aging-in-place remodeling

 (ARA) - It's hard to think about getting older, but it's even harder to think about having to move out of the comfort of a beloved home when advanced age makes it difficult to get around your space easily and safely. But with today's technologies, it's easier to update your home in ways that make it possible for you or a loved one to age in place gracefully, without being forced to make major changes in the home's structure or decor.

Aging-in-place remodeling - adapting a home to live in it safely, comfortably and independently regardless of age or accessibility level - is becoming more prevalent as the population matures, and seniors overwhelmingly prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. Indeed, we are at the dawn of a new day: The number of adults age 65 and older is expected to nearly double over the next 20 years, and more than a third of American households already include one or more residents over the age of 60, according to AARP and the U.S. Census Bureau.
In addition, many in the 76-million member baby boomer generation are not only thinking ahead for their own future housing needs, but more than 60 percent are providing some kind of support for their parents. This can be especially challenging, given the current housing market and the fact that many seniors are either living on fixed incomes or delaying retirement to make ends meet.
The good news is that there are many easy-to-install, personalized products that can be incorporated into a very subtle remodel that fits the way people want to live now as well as later in life. Today's tech-savvy seniors are increasingly embracing new technologies, enabling greater independence.
Here are some tips for incorporating technology updates into an aging-in-place remodel:
Install easy-access locks
Doorknobs and house keys can be difficult to grasp and turn for people with arthritis or limited dexterity, so install door locks that provide easier access. For example, Schlage offers electronic keypad lever and deadbolt locks that deliver an easier, secure and flexible solution. To enter the house, simply enter a unique four-digit access code on the touch keypad, then press down the lever to open the door.
For added convenience, the keypad locks have backlit keypads, making them easy to see in the dark. They come in attractive styles and finishes, blend beautifully with a variety of design motifs, and can be installed easily with just a screwdriver.
Increase home security
Another easy upgrade to consider is an alarmed lock, a cost-effective way to detect activity at the door. An alarmed lock will sound an alert if someone starts to exit the home unattended. This can be a great help to those who not only need to look after their parents, but their grandchildren, too. Alarmed locks can also sound alerts for a variety of activities at the door, to increase overall home security. For example, the alarmed lock from Schlage will sound three distinct alarms to alert to various activities:
1. When a door is accessed, such as someone leaving the house
2. If someone is tampering with the lock
3. If someone is kicking or putting undue pressure on the door in an attempt to break-in
The easy-to-install alarmed lock is battery-operated, requires no wiring, and can be retrofitted to fit an existing door.
Monitor for safety using technology 
One of the challenges being alone at home is the possibility that something will happen without anyone knowing or being able to help. For added peace of mind, a Nexia(TM) Home Intelligence system makes it easy for someone such as a relative or caregiver to check in or monitor home functions from anywhere, using a smartphone or Web-enabled computer.
Nexia System users can lock and unlock doors; create temporary or scheduled entry codes for someone needing limited access, such as a care attendant or visiting nurse; adjust heating and cooling with a Trane thermostat; turn lights on and off at different times; open or close window shades for privacy; and view any activity around the home via indoor and outdoor cameras. They can even receive a text alert when a window/door sensor or motion detector identifies a situation at home that needs attention. Visit www.nexiahome.com or more information.

Seniors face double-digit premium hikes in most Medicare prescription drug plans

WASHINGTON — Seniors enrolled in seven of the 10 most popular Medicare prescription drug plans will be hit with double-digit premium hikes next year if they don't shop for a better deal, says a private firm that analyzes the highly competitive market.
The report Monday by Avalere Health is a reality check on the Obama's administration's upbeat pronouncements. Back in August, officials had announced that the average premium for basic prescription drug coverage will stay the same in 2013, at $30 a month.
The administration's number is accurate as an overall indicator for the entire market, but not very helpful to consumers individually since it doesn't reflect price swings in the real world.
"The average senior is going to benefit by carefully scrutinizing their situation, because every year the market changes," Avalere President Dan Mendelson said. Avalere crunched the numbers based on bid documents that the plans submitted to Medicare.
The report found premium increases for all top 10 prescription drug plans, known as PDPs. However, the most popular plan — AARP MedicareRx Preferred — is only going up 57 cents per month nationally, to $40.42 from the current $39.85. Read More

BBB on Seniors: Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage open enrollment rolls around again

From the Better Business Bureau

It's that time of year again, open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans takes place Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Because it is so important to review your Medicare Part D plans and your Medicare Advantage plan (if you have one) every year, I am repeating the information from last year.
This is your opportunity to review your current health needs and make adjustments based on your needs and your health-care costs.
It also is an opportunity for scam artists and unscrupulous people to take advantage of you, so here are some pointers about what you should and should not do. Read More.

Circus and the City: New York City 1793-2010

“Circus and the City: New York 1793-2010” opens on Friday at the Bard Graduate Center Galleries.(18 West 86th Street, NY, NY) Glenn Collins writes that the exhibition “chronicles the rise, triumph and ultimate fragmentation of the circus through the lens of the city, making the case that the circus transformed entertainment, media and advertising and that the city itself played an important role in the evolution of the American circus.”

Some of the items on display are from the Barnum Museum of Bridgeport which is still recovering from the damage caused by a tornedo in 2010. The Barnum Museum is now open two days a week.

Click here  to see some items on display.

Phineas Taylor Barnum
Phineas Taylor Barnum photo by Mathew Brady, c.1860
Born	Phineas Taylor Barnum July 5, 1810 Bethel, Connecticut
Died	April 7, 1891 (aged 80) Bridgeport, Connecticut
Resting place	Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport
Known for	Opening the "Barnum and Bailey Circus"
Political party	Democratic (1824–54) Republican (1854–91)
Religion	Universalist
Signature

Detective Work: The False Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Plenty of health issues mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including some that physicians don't think to check for. Some are even treatable, once they are properly diagnosed. Melinda Beck has details on Lunch Break. Photo: David R. Lutman for The Wall Street Journal.

Family members of J.D. "Jasper" Cain suspected he had Alzheimer's disease as they watched the once fun-loving father and husband struggle with memory and movement. Three doctors thought he had Parkinson's disease and kept raising his medication dose when he didn't improve.
At his daughter's suggestion, Mr. Cain, of Bedford, Ind., saw a neurologist last year who did an MRI, then a spinal tap. He found that Mr. Cain had a buildup of fluid in the brain called normal pressure hydrocephalus. The fluid was drained with a surgically implanted shunt. Now, 13 years after his symptoms began Mr. Cain, 70, is walking, joking and matching wits with TV's "Jeopardy" again. "It was just like getting my life back," he says. Read More.

If cats could talk, what would they tell us?

By Wendy Diamond

 

(ARA) - In 2005, a group of French archaeologists discovered the remains of an 8-month-old cat buried with its human owner at a Neolithic site in Cyprus, leading some to believe cats may have been domesticated as far back as 10,000 years ago. While I'm no archaeologist, I'm certain that cats were as much of a mystery back then as they are today. We think we know everything there is to know about cats, but we really don't - and what we don't know can hurt them, including the dangers of flea infestations.

If cats could talk, they would set the record straight about the Top 10 Cat Myths. But they can't talk, which is why Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division's Advantage(R) II for cats asked me and my "side cat," Pasha, to speak up for them, since we're the "Cat Myth Busters!"

While we take care of busting the myths, Bayer's Advantage II takes care of killing fleas. Lucky for Pasha, Advantage II kills through contact, so fleas don't have to bite to die.

Myth #1: There are more dogs as pets, than cats.
Fact: According to the Humane Society of the U.S., Americans have 86 million cat pets, versus 78 million dog pets - so cats rule!

Myth #2: Cats who don't scratch more than usual don't have fleas.
Fact: Even if cats don't itch or scratch more than normal, they may still have fleas. In fact, some cats tolerate fleas in their fur. What may look like a cat's normal nibbling could actually be their reaction to irritating fleas. And fleas can cause more than just itching; in fact, constant scratching from flea infestations can lead to hair loss and other skin issues. Additionally, fleas can cause secondary allergic reactions and problems such as tapeworm infections, cat scratch disease and anemia.

Myth #3: Cats are cold and aloof, so they don't make good pets.
Fact: Cats can be just as social and affectionate as dogs. For instance, if your cat's ears and tail are standing up - even if she's not slobbering all over your face like Fido - she's probably glad to see you!

Myth #4: A purring cat is a happy cat.
Fact: Cats purr, not only when they are happy, but also when they feel uncomfortable, like when they are recovering from an injury.

Myth #5: Keeping cats indoors prevents them from getting fleas.
Fact: Indoor cats may be at risk for fleas. In fact, fleas can be brought into the home by other pets without you even realizing it.

And remember, the minute you let your indoor cat outside - even for only a few moments and even on a leash - your "indoor" cat becomes an "outdoor" cat, potentially exposed to fleas.

Myth #6: Cats only smell with their noses.
Fact: Cats smell with their noses and also with their mouths. So when a cat appears to be smiling, she may just be opening her mouth slightly so that she can better sniff out the situation!

Myth #7: Cats take care of themselves, and so are low maintenance.
Fact: Cats may seem like they groom themselves more and complain less than dogs, but they need just as much healthcare as dogs, including application of a flea preventive once a month, 12 months a year, and at least an annual check-up by your vet. The Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study revealed forty percent of cats have not been to the vet in the last year, which is especially harmful for older cats since they are more prone to diabetes, kidney failure and cancer.

Myth #8: Cats only need flea prevention during the summer months.
Fact: Since fleas in virtually any weather can pose problems to your cat, the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends providing pets with year-round flea control.

Myth #9: Cats and dogs are arch-enemies.
Fact: "Fighting like cats and dogs" is an old cat's tale! Cats and dogs can be buddies if they're introduced to each other gradually, allowing them to get familiar with each other. Spaying or neutering cat and dog pets may limit aggressive tendencies.

Myth #10: Milk is good for cats.
Fact: Many cats are lactose intolerant, so even if a cat enjoys milk, it may be hard for her to digest.

Pasha and I have come up with a "win-win" game plan for you to learn more about protecting your cats against fleas, while protecting cats in shelters, too. And it's easy! Visit CatMythBusters.com to play our myth game and join the PetParents.com community, which gives you access to helpful tips and resources. For every new PetParents.com member, a donation of Bayer's Advantage II for cats will be made to AdoptaPet.com, a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free.

Ten cat myths busted: mission accomplished! Until next time, this is Wendy Diamond and Pasha reminding you to love your cat and treat her monthly with a flea preventive like Bayer's Advantage II for cats!

Wendy Diamond is America's foremost pet lifestyle expert and a frequent contributor to the Today Show, Good Morning America and other national media outlets. Pasha is a Russian Blue cat with his paw on the pulse of the top feline trends. Together, this dynamic duo is known as the "Cat Myth Busters!" For more information on Bayer's Advantage II for cats, visit CatMythBusters.com.

Social Security recipients embrace electronic payments, give high marks to Treasury-recommended prepaid card

(ARA) - If you receive one of the 6 million paper checks for your monthly Social Security or other federal benefit, the time has come to switch to the safety and convenience of electronic payments.

With less than one year until the March 1, 2013, deadline for all federal benefit recipients to switch from paper checks to electronic payments, a new U.S. Department of the Treasury study has found overwhelming support for its recommended Direct Express(R) Debit MasterCard(R) card. According to a cardholder survey, 95 percent of individuals who use the Direct Express(R) card to receive monthly Social Security payments are satisfied with the card, and 93 percent also report they are likely to recommend the card to others.

"We hope that hearing about the extremely high satisfaction with the Direct Express(R) card will encourage check recipients to make the switch to the card or direct deposit as soon as possible," says David Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. "This card helps senior citizens, people with disabilities and others who lack access to traditional banking services to pay bills, withdraw cash and make purchases without worrying about their paper checks being lost or stolen or paying check-cashing fees."

Easy and safe to use

Introduced in June 2008, the Direct Express(R) card has helped more than 3 million Americans to safely and easily access their federal benefit payments. The card, which can be used with no or low fees, provides a more convenient way for all Americans to access their federal benefits, while also improving government efficiency and delivering more than $1 billion in savings. Federal benefit recipients also can choose to have their benefit payments deposited directly into their bank or credit union account.

The Treasury Department published a final rule in December 2010 to gradually eliminate paper checks for federal benefit payments.

Since May 1, 2011, anyone applying for new federal benefits, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits and other non-tax payments, have had to choose direct deposit or a Direct Express(R) card when they sign up for the benefit. For those who began receiving benefits earlier, March 1, 2013 is the final deadline, and all remaining federal benefit check recipients must start receiving their money electronically.

Learn more about electronic payments

The Treasury Department's Go Direct(R) public education campaign is working with more than 1,800 partner organizations nationwide to spread the message about the electronic payment rule and to educate federal benefit recipients about their options. The campaign recently introduced a new public service announcement as well as a series of educational videos and print materials that explain how electronic payments work and how to use the Direct Express(R) card. The videos and materials are available on the Go Direct campaign website at www.GoDirect.org.

Make the switch today

Federal benefit recipients can switch to electronic payments online at www.GoDirect.org or through the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center toll-free at 1-800-333-1795. It's free to switch and takes less than 10 minutes.

Go paperless today and enjoy electronic benefits for many years to come.

The preceding information has been provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service.

The cardholder survey was conducted by KRC Research and commissioned by MasterCard Worldwide on behalf of the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service.

The Go Direct(R) campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks. The Direct Express(R) logo, Go Direct(R) and Direct Express(R) are registered service marks, and the Go Direct(SM) logo is a service mark, of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service. The Direct Express(R) Debit MasterCard(R) card is issued by Comerica Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard(R) and the MasterCard(R) Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

Tips for seniors on managing health care costs

(ARA) - Finding the Medicare coverage that best fits their needs and their pocketbooks is challenging for many seniors. Health care plans make changes to their coverage. People’s health conditions change. Not keeping on top of these changes can mean problems. Suddenly seniors may find they don’t have needed coverage, their doctor no longer takes their plan, or they face steep medical or prescription drug costs.
That’s why it’s essential to review Medicare coverage and individual needs each year, and to use the Medicare annual open enrollment period to make changes to coverage. Medicare annual open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with new benefit choices effective the following Jan. 1.
“Getting started early is key,” says Mary Dale Walters, senior vice president of the Allsup Medicare Advisor, a Medicare plan selection service. “Choosing Medicare coverage is complicated, even when you have lots of information on the Web. It can be difficult to get current plan information and to get an apples-to-apples comparison of plans.”
Walters offers these tips for seniors to manage and lower their health care costs.
1. Be an informed consumer. Millions of seniors, their families and caregivers will be pleased to know that for the third straight year the average basic Medicare prescription drug premiums will remain steady.
Since enacted, the Affordable Care Act has helped more than 5.4 million people with Medicare save more than $4.1 billion in out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses. These are significant results as the law closes the Medicare Part D donut hole coverage gap, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Seniors can capitalize on those savings by knowing exactly what they are paying for — shop around for better prescription prices and ask about costs. For additional savings, use generic medications. Take advantage of Medicare preventive services, including many types of screenings, tests, shots, counseling, training and supplies now offered without co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs.
2. Ask for help. In addition to guidance on retirement, estate and long-term care planning, seniors can rely on professionals to help them with health care choices. Walters points out this can include Medicare specialists such as Allsup or financial planners who often consult Medicare experts.
“Health care planning is a quality of life and a financial issue,” Walters says. “If you need assistance sorting through the overwhelming number of options, it’ s important to know that help is out there for you — don’t be afraid to ask.”
Grace Hercules used Allsup to research her Medicare needs and found she could save more than $1,000 a year by switching drug plans. “I thought a mail-order prescription plan was best for me, but their specialists proved me wrong about this — and I am so happy,” she says.
“People can probably do their own taxes, but when they pay a tax adviser they get better returns,” Hercules adds. “It’s getting the mindset that good help is available. It’s really worth getting expert help and not having the aggravation.”
3. Be proactive. Having known and been around seniors, Hercules says she is saddened that so many settle for high costs or keep the same Medicare plan year after year because of a lack of understanding.
Just as seniors review their finances or taxes each year, Medicare annual enrollment is the ideal time to review health care coverage, Walters says. “It’s OK to admit it’s confusing and that help will be valuable. Look at all your Medicare options and take charge of your health care.”
In addition to annual Medicare enrollment, special enrollment periods happen throughout the year for specific situations. For an evaluation of Medicare options, call an Allsup Medicare Advisor specialist at 866-521-7655, or go to medicare.allsup.com.

If you have ever wanted to spend your retirerment years on your own private island, here's your chance

Heiress Puts Two Thimble Islands Up For Sale

By Kenneth R. Gosselin On August 28, 2012 ·

A wealthy heiress who has spent $35 million since the late 1990s amassing a collection of nine of the Thimble Islands off Branford is now putting two of them up for sale.
Christine Svenningsen late Monday listed Jepson Island and the larger Belden Island for sale — the first time an entire island in the Thimbles has been for sale in at least the past five years, agents at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Madison, which has the listing, told me.
Island ownership isn’t for everyone, and these will certainly cost you.
Jepson Island — about a third of an acre with a 1,000-square-foot, contemporary-style house — carries an asking price of just under $2 million. The house has extensive decking wrapped around the house and clamming beds that go with the property. Svenningsen paid $1.4 million for the island in 2003, property records show.

Belden Island in the Thimbles off Branford is for sale with an asking price of $3.9 million. Photo Courtesy of Shoreline aerial photography.

Slightly to the west, Belden Island, at just over an acre, features a 4-bedroom, 2-bath colonial built in 1912 that includes original board and batten wainscotted walls and ceilings and gas lights. The house also has wraparound porches; the grounds have a new dock. Read More.

History of the Tootsie Roll

The Tootsie Roll story began in 1896, when Austrian-born Leo Hirshfield opened a tiny candy shop in New York City. Taking full advantage of his confectioner’s background, Hirshfield hand-crafted a variety of products, including an individually wrapped, oblong, chewy, chocolate candy that quickly became a customer favorite. Sold at a penny apiece and affectionately named after Hirshfield’s five-year old daughter, Clara, whose nickname was “Tootsie,” Tootsie Rolls propelled Hirshfield’s modest corner store into burgeoning candy enterprise that has evolved in little more than a century into the multinational corporation, Tootsie Roll Industries.
Strongly adhering to Hirshfield’s original recipe, Tootsie Roll Industries today produces more than 62 million Tootsie Roll candies each day, the majority from its Chicago headquarters. Building on the success of Tootsie Roll and its early offspring (the company launched Tootsie Pops, the world’s number one-selling lollipop, in 1931), the company has expanded over the years and now includes 22 of the world’s favorite candy brands within its confectionery lineup.
With annual sales approaching nearly half-a-billion dollars, Tootsie Roll Industries is recognized as one of the world’s largest candy producers. Its 100-plus years of unprecedented growth and expansion is a direct result of a keen focus on the basic fundamentals that launched Tootsie Roll into a worldwide success among every age group, culture, and demographic: relentless hard work; an unyielding commitment to quality; and a humble, socially responsible, family-run corporate culture.

The 116-year-old company is run by one of America's oldest CEOs,  Melvin Gordon, a bespectacled man in his 90s who has headed the company for 50 years. He runs it with his 80-year-old wife, Ellen.

 Learn more about Tootsie Roll Industries  Read More

Protecting and enhancing your vision with internal sunglasses

(ARA) - As we age, the quality of our vision can change, and for most of us that entails wearing glasses, contacts or maybe even undergoing surgical procedures. But did you know that your vision can improve through nutrition and supplementation?

The back of the eye contains a film called macular pigment. This film is made up of two pigments: zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and lutein (loo-teen). These macular pigments function like "internal sunglasses" that protect and enhance vision. The beautiful thing about internal sunglasses is that you can build them by eating a lot of the right fruits and vegetables or by supplementing your diet with eye vitamins.

Thicker macular pigment offers protection of the photoreceptors that are responsible for vision. Remember in science class when you learned about rods and cones? Rods are responsible for peripheral vision, and cones are responsible for central vision. Unfortunately, harmful blue light comprises visible light waves that can damage these photoreceptors in the back of the eye, as opposed to the ultra-violet (UV) range of the light spectrum, which can affect the cornea, or the front of the eye. And even though the eye contains millions of rods and cones, they don't replenish themselves once they die. So, it is smart to be proactive about healthy vision and protect what you already have.

Dense macular pigment can also improve your vision - from driving a car to reading to playing tennis. Science supports that higher amounts of zeaxanthin and lutein can improve the ability to see fine details, decrease sensitivity to bright light, increase recovery time from glare and enhance contrast sensitivity - the ability to see objects that may not be outlined or stand out clearly from the background. Contrast sensitivity declines with age - this important function helps people clearly recognize steps and other obstacles. Improving this condition alone becomes very important as one-third to one-half of the elder population falls at least once per year, and the risk of falling increases with age.

Baby boomers are aging at a rapid pace, but the way they are aging is unprecedented. Older Americans are working longer, staying more active, engaging in more hobbies and interests and value their independence like no generation before them. So, if you have difficulty adjusting to bright light, reading in dim light or driving a car at night, increasing your macular pigment or internal sunglasses might be just what the doctor ordered - literally.

Eight milligrams of dietary zeaxanthin per day improved vision in 60 veterans with early Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), according to Stuart Richer, a doctor of optometry and leading expert on nutrition and eye health, who recently published the results in the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function (ZVF) Trial, and follow-up clinical paper, "Macular Re-pigmentation Enhances Driving Vision in Elderly Adult Males with Macular Degeneration." These patients experienced an 8.5 letter improvement on an eye chart, improved ability to discern between shapes, blind spots were eliminated and a significant percentage experienced improved driving vision.

While lutein is readily available in many fruits and vegetables, zeaxanthin is much more difficult to obtain in the average U.S. daily diet. Zeaxanthin is found at a natural two-to-one ratio to lutein in the center of the macula (the fovea) where the cones responsible for central vision are located. To protect and enhance these photoreceptors, macular pigment can be increased by eating vegetables like kale and corn, but currently less than 10 percent of calories on average are derived from fruits and vegetables while the recommended amount is 50 percent. One would have to consume approximately 20 ears of corn per day to equal the amount of dietary zeaxanthin found in eye vitamins like the EyePromise brand of nutraceuticals.

Next time you experience discomfort from night driving, bright light, reading in dim light or an activity that encompasses fine detail, think about your internal sunglasses. Zeaxanthin and lutein make up your macular pigment, so give your eyes what they need most through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables including spinach, kale, corn and peppers. If you cannot consume enough fruits and vegetables, consider taking an all natural supplement containing high levels of dietary zeaxanthin and lutein.