Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol

Enjoying an egg a day can be part of a healthy diet

[February 13, 2012]  (ARA) -- When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

New CMS durable medical equipment demonstration

[February 13, 2012]  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be implementing a new demonstration project in 7 states (including Illinois) that will require physicians and medical equipment companies to submit prior authorization requests to Medicare when ordering a Power Mobility Device (PMD). (Power Mobility Devices are scooters and electric wheelchairs.) (Click here for the rest of the story.)

Tips on reading your 'Medicare Summary Notice'

[February 13, 2012]  The Illinois SMP program has received multiple complaints this week* from Medicare beneficiaries who have noticed claims on their Medicare Summary Notice that were inappropriate. In one case, an Illinois resident was billed for services she did not receive at a hospital that is in another state. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision

(ARA) -- While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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7 mistakes retirees make repeatedly

CHICAGO (AP) -- Despite the best of intentions, retirees tend to make the same money mistakes over and over and over again. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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In retirement, how will you use your nest egg?

(ARA) -- You've waited your whole working life and now it is finally here: retirement. Savings, 401(k)s, investments: you did what you needed to get to the finish line. So now what? (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Just say 'no' to telemarketers

The Illinois SMP Program has received multiple reports in the last couple of weeks from consumers who gave their Medicare numbers to people who contacted them on the phone. These callers often offer “free” services or equipment, such as diabetic supplies. We have a very simple rule for calls like this -- just say no. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Winter weather especially harsh for those with diabetes

(ARA) -- Trekking through the mall on holiday shopping excursions, shoveling out the driveway and playing in the snow with the kids - every winter, your feet log some long, chilly hours. For people with health issues like diabetes, foot health is especially important when the weather turns cold, as the disease can affect your body's circulation even more so during the winter months. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Social Security resolutions

Happy 2012 from Social Security! With the new year, many people put together lists of goals and resolutions. Allow us to share with you some new year's resolutions that you may find worth keeping. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Planning tips for multi-generational family travel

(ARA) -- No matter how strong the familial bonds, traveling with multiple generations of family members can be a challenge. Perhaps Grandpa loves visiting historic sites, while his toddler granddaughter prefers amusement parks. Grandma relishes museum hopping while Mom wants to shop the day away. And the only thing they all agree on is the need for an afternoon nap. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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All about retirement 

Social Security is as American as baseball and apple pie. Not everyone likes apples or baseball games, but almost every American who reaches retirement age will receive Social Security retirement benefits. In fact, 96 percent of Americans are covered by Social Security. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Dept. on Aging offers tips to help seniors prepare for winter

SPRINGFIELD -- To mark the first official week of winter, Illinois Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., reminded older adults and their families to get ready for the cold weather. Some to do items include things to protect their homes and their health like having the furnace checked and getting a flu shot. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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