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Rules to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation Adopted

[July 29, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD – July 28, 2011. State regulations designed to protect elders from financial exploitation took effect earlier today. They were approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on July 12. The regulations are needed to implement legislation signed last summer by Governor Quinn that required the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to develop training standards to be used by employees of financial institutions who have direct contact with customers. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Community involvement drives diabetes education

[July 29, 2011]  (ARA) - Diabetes is a well-known disease, affecting over 8 percent of the U.S. population. However, many adults are living with type 2 diabetes and are not aware they have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms like frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst often don't appear until after the disease develops. Because of this, frequently a diagnosis isn't made until a serious complication - such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage or nerve damage - has occurred. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Springfield Social Security office to begin closing at 3:30 pm daily

[July 29, 2011]  Congressional Budget Cuts Force Reduced Public Hours

Effective August 15, 2011, the Springfield Social Security office will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Every month is 'National Social Security Online' month 

[July 29, 2011]  Have you ever stopped to appreciate the many celebrations we enjoy in this country? For example, did you know that July is National Baked Beans Month? It’s also National Hot Dog Month. If beans and hot dogs are not on your diet, that’s okay—it’s also National Blueberry Month! (Click here for the rest of the story)

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You and your home: Aging gracefully together

[July 29, 2011]  (ARA) - Aging gracefully is all about taking a proactive approach to your future well-being - you anticipate the inevitable changes and do what's necessary to stay healthy and fit.

The same principles are true for your home. You need to assess the necessary changes that must be made around your home to keep it fit, and you safe, so you and your home can successfully age together. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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More July questions and answers from Social Security

[July 29, 2011]  Question:

How does Social Security decide if I am disabled? 

Answer:

For an adult to be considered disabled, Social Security must determine that you are unable to do the work you did before and, based on your age, education, and work experience, you are unable to adjust to any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Also, your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability (less than a year). For more information, we recommend you read Disability Benefits (SSA Publication No. 05-10029), available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. (Click here for the rest of the story) 

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Helping people who are living with diabetes save on essential medicines and products

[July 29, 2011]  (ARA) - Diabetes is one of the nation's most debilitating and costly conditions. Because symptoms can become severe and even life-threatening, management of this chronic condition is essential.

In fact, many of the nearly 26 million adults living with diabetes can maintain a healthier lifestyle using life-saving medicines and products to monitor and control blood sugar levels. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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July questions and answers from Social Security

[July 29, 2011]  GENERAL --I thought I saw Patty Duke with George Takei in a new video for Social Security. Was that really them? 

Answer:

Yes. Patty Duke joined George Takei to tell Americans to Boldly Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for retirement, disability, Medicare, and so much more. The two celebrities have donated their time for a new campaign promoting Social Security’s online services as an easy and secure way for people to do business with the agency. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov where you also can watch the videos online. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Spend some quality time on Social Security's website 

[July 29, 2011]  Summertime is here, and for many people that means vacation. Some of the best vacations are the ones that allow you to spend time with family who live far away. 

If you’re planning to visit your kids and grandkids this summer, why not make the most of your time with them?  You may know your way around a computer. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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This July, explore Social Security's new frontier 
 

[July 29, 2011]  Americans have been explorers long before we declared our independence on July 4, 1776.

Colonists were brave enough to venture across the seas to settle in the unknown frontier of the New World.  From there, westward expansion eventually took them from the east coast to the west. Then came the space race, and imagined places to explore. Shows like Star Trek called space the final frontier. But we’ve since found new frontiers, such as cyberspace. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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When to get help for painful joints

[July 29, 2011]  (ARA) - If your arm goes numb and your speech is slurred, you know you need to seek immediate medical attention. When you nick yourself shaving, you know you can deal with it yourself. But for the vast number of maladies in between, it can be difficult to know when to go to the doctor and when to deal with it on your own. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Watson's friends help you and Social Security 

[July 29, 2011]  In February 2011, Jeopardy! broadcast its first competition that pit man against machine. Watson, an artificial intelligence computer system developed by IBM, competed against the show’s two most successful champions: Ken Jennings (longest winning streak) and Brad Rutter (biggest money winner). (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Farmers’ markets coupons available for low income seniors

[July 29, 2011]  The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland has announced that persons 60 years of age and older who meet income guidelines are eligible for free coupons to be used to purchase a total of $21.00 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Latham Park and Scully Park Farmers’ Markets. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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The Debt Settlement Company Scam

[July 29, 2011]  Debt settlement companies advertise that they can settle all of your credit card debt in two to three years for only a fraction of what you owe. Do not fall for this come-on.

While a new Illinois law provides consumers with protections against debt settlement scams—including a prohibition on upfront payments—there are better solutions to your financial problems than signing a contract with a debt settlement company. (click here for the rest of the story)

Protect your financial future by thwarting identity theft now
 

[July 29, 2011]  (ARA) - With a combination of good decisions and some luck, you've managed to build a tidy little nest egg for retirement. Having enough saved for retirement can help ensure your golden years are the best they can be. But what are you doing right now to protect the nest egg that's essential to your future financial well-being? (Click here for the rest  of the story)

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