sponsored by Friendship Manor

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Watch out for Green Dot scam

[June 06, 2011]  A woman in Springfield was approached by this “Green Dot” card scam. Please keep in mind that there are legitimate Green Dot Cards, but con artists have picked up on this system to fraud people.

“Green Dot Cards are re-loadable debit cards that can be purchased at almost every convenience store. The Green Dot re-loadable debit cards are the latest scam for con artists working a well known type of grant scam. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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June questions and answers from Social Security

[June 06, 2011]  Question:

Is it true I must now receive my benefits through direct deposit? 

Answer:

Anyone applying for benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will be required to receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch by March 1, 2013. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Important links to protect senior citizens

[June 06, 2011]  As the elderly population grows in Illinois and across our nation, protecting older citizens continues to be one of the most important responsibilities of the Attorney General’s office. Far too often, scam artists perceive senior citizens as vulnerable and relatively wealthy due to their ability to access retirement accounts and pensions. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Could CT scans for lung cancer save lives?

[June 06, 2011]  (ARA) - Lung cancer kills more people each year than any other form of cancer. However, a recent medical study found that one screening procedure for those who are at the most risk for lung cancer could be helpful in catching lung cancer in its early stages. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Most Americans unaware of gout risk factors
 

[June 06, 2011]  (ARA) - Most Americans need to know more about the risk factors for gout, according to the findings of a new consumer survey. Gout, sometimes called gouty arthritis, is chronic and painful. If left untreated, it can become disabling. It now affects an estimated 8.3 million Americans. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Social Security: Make sure you get the right amount 

[June 06, 2011]  At Social Security, our goal is to make sure you are paid the correct amount, on time, every month. 

Some things have made that job easier over our more than 70 years of paying benefits, such as direct deposit and electronic application systems. But some of the factors that determine your payment amount still depend on good old fashioned human intervention. And in some cases, getting the correct payment amount depends on you. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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You can rely on electronic payments

[June 06, 2011]  You probably don’t need a reminder that natural disasters lurk around the corner when we least expect it.  

Many natural disasters force people to leave their homes.  The last thing a person who falls victim to this kind of devastation needs to worry about is how they’re going to get their next Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Grandpa John's lesson

By Mike Fak

[June 06, 2011]  Like many of us, I have fond memories of grandparents. My grandpa John and Grandma Mary gave me a lifetime of treasured memories but none as important to me as this story I am about to tell. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Social Security Board of Trustees: Projected Trust Fund Exhaustion One Year Sooner

[June 06, 2011]  The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2036, (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Two stray cats and an old man

By Mike Fak

[June 06, 2011]  We currently have two cats in our family. Smirky is fifteen years old and Jackson is almost six. The family doesn't have anything against dogs but with our families being up north we take frequent weekend trips away from the house and that wouldn't be fair to either a dog's bladder or our rugs. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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May questions and answers from Social Security

[June 06, 2011]  Question: I can’t seem to find my Social Security card. Do I need to get a replacement? 
Answer:

In most cases, knowing your Social Security number is enough.  But if you do apply for and receive a replacement card, do not carry that card with you.  Keep it with your important papers. For more information about your Social Security card and number and for information about how to apply for a replacement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. If you believe you’re the victim of identity theft, read our publication Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html.  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Travel tips for seniors looking for a hassle-free vacation
 

[June 06, 2011]  (ARA) - Statistics are proving that age 70 really is the new 50. According to the U.S. Travel Association, mature travelers ages 65 or older represented 21 percent of all leisure travelers in 2010. From taking a trip with their grandchildren across country, to living out dreams in far, exotic destinations, today's seniors are choosing to enjoy their golden years traveling. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Connecting to older Americans  

[June 06, 2011]  Older Americans Month is an occasion to show appreciation and support for our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. This May, the theme — Older Americans: Connecting the Community — pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities and highlights how technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Archived articles

Archived articles