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Scams Targeting Seniors
Treating the Sniffles
Organizing Tip
Riddles for Kids
Beating the Winter
Blahs
Theo's Corner
Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year!
May God Bless You with Love, Health and Happiness!
 Seniors
are often contacted by companies or individuals offering services and support.
While many of these are legitimate, it is important to be aware of scams
targeting seniors. Many of these scammers call themselves "senior specialists."
They claim expertise in providing financial services to those 55 years and
older. Often they will offer seminars where they review seniors' assets and
suggest alternatives to the investments currently held by those individuals.
If you or a loved one is approached by a "senior
specialist," be cautious. Ask to see their credentials or license. You should
also never make an investment decision if you feel pressured to act quickly.
Always review paperwork before signing anything. If you are unsure of the
legitimacy of the person or company that contacted you, get a second opinion
from a trusted financial advisor. If you have any doubt, be sure to contact the
Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if there have been complaints against
the company.
Finally, if you are having difficulty understanding your
financial situation, get the assistance of a trusted friend or family member.
Have them review all of your information and help you keep track of your assets,
investments, and accounts.
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 Everyone
would love a miracle cure for the common cold. Many remedies are touted as
helpful, including echinacea, zinc, vitamin C, and other supplements. But are
they really doing the job? Research has found that echinacea does not prevent or
help cold symptoms, as reported in a recent study in The New England Journal of
Medicine. In fact, in study after study, it has been found that no supplement
can prevent or cure a cold.
There are some studies that show there is a reduction in
some cold symptoms with the use of zinc and vitamin C, however. But these
benefits are limited and do not reduce the severity or duration of colds more
than 20 percent. And taking too much of a supplement can cause problems of its
own, including an actual suppression of the immune system and gastrointestinal
distress.
So what should you do to help with your cold symptoms or
even prevent a cold? Your best line of defense against the cold virus is to wash
your hands often with soap and water, and to get an annual flu shot. Avoid
overexercising during the winter months or lack of sleep, both of which can
lower your immune system response. If you do come down with a cold, get plenty
of rest and drink lots of fluids, especially warm liquids like tea and chicken
soup. Antihistamines may alleviate some symptoms, but they are not effective in
reducing the duration of your cold. With or without treatment, your cold will
probably run five to seven days and should clear up on its own.
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To make storing Christmas decorations easier, get some
empty liquor boxes with the partitions in them. Wrap each ornament from your
tree in tissue paper and place it into the partitioned compartment. Each
compartment will hold several ornaments. To store strands of lights, use a
cardboard paper towel roll or a wrapping paper roll. Insert the end of the
strand into the tube and then wrap the rest around the roll. This will help keep
the strands from tangling.
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 Q:
Where does a snowman keep his money?
A: In a snowbank!
Q: What do you call a snowman in the summer?
A: A puddle!
Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
A: Frosted Flakes!
Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman and a
vampire?
A: Frostbite!
Q: What do snowmen wear on their heads?
A: Ice caps!
Q: What does Frosty's wife put on her face at night?
A: Cold cream!
Q: What did Jack Frost say to Frosty the Snowman?
A: Have an ice day!
Q: What does a snowman take when he gets sick?
A: A chill pill!
Q: Where do snowmen go to dance?
A: A snowball!
Q: How does a snowman get to work?
A: By icicle!
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Do you feel sluggish, have an increased appetite, weight
gain, and a craving for carbohydrates? You may be suffering from the winter
blahs. While you are waiting for the sun to break through, consider these
suggestions to help chase those blahs away.
- Spend as much time outdoors as possible.
- Get plenty of exercise.
- Vary your routine each day.
- Get enough rest and avoid caffeine.
- Try to include laughter in your day.
- Make time for friends and family.
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How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
The American Humane Association estimates that up to 60
percent of dogs put down in their shelters were abandoned due to behavioral
problems with which their owners could not cope. However, something as simple as
daily exercise could have prevented many of these problems. Besides reducing
misbehavior, daily exercise also improves overall health in dogs just as it does
in humans.
Before you drag your pooch out the door for a long walk,
however, you must evaluate just how much exercise is appropriate. This depends
on your dog's size, breed, age, personality, and general health. For instance,
dogs in the sporting, hound, and working categories will need more exercise than
other breeds. Likewise, younger puppies cannot tolerate long walks as well as
full grown adult dogs. Older dogs may also need to slow down, as their health
and energy levels decline.
Before embarking on a new exercise program, you will
want to consult with your veterinarian to ensure your canine is up to the
challenge. Dogs with chronic conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or heart
and respiratory ailments may need special consideration. It is important to know
your dog well and to listen to the signals he may be giving you, including
limping, reluctance to go outside with you, or excessive panting. To overcome
these challenges, focus on gradually reducing the intensity of your dog's
workout, while still maintaining a regular schedule of exercise.
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