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Just Say “No” to Telemarketers

[January 23, 2012]  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

[January 23, 2012]  (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

[January 23, 2012]  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

[January 23, 2012]  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 

[January 23, 2012]  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

[January 23, 2012]  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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Patty Duke turns 65, applies online for Social Security and Medicare benefits

[January 23, 2012]  After years of telling people they can apply online for Social Security in their pajamas, Patty Duke has taken her own advice.  Duke, who turns 65 today, applied online for retirement and Medicare benefits from home at www.socialsecurity.gov. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Social Security is home for the holidays

[January 23, 2012]  It’s the holiday season. That means time to do the holiday shopping, prepare the festive dinner, decorate the house, invite the guests, wrap the gifts, write and send the holiday greetings. Not to mention, it also means the usual time-consumers, like working, taking care of the family, and doing all of the daily chores. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Fighting arthritis? Exercise tips for all ability levels

[January 23, 2012]  (ARA) - When it comes to fighting arthritis, there's no arguing with the axiom "move it or lose it." Movement and physical activity have been proven effective in relieving arthritis pain and, in some cases, delaying the onset of symptoms. But if you've been recently diagnosed with arthritis, or have been battling the disorder without much success, you may be unsure just what, or how much, physical activity will help you. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Save some time during the holidays -- online 

[January 23, 2012]  The holidays are here and that means busy days ahead for families across the nation:  gift shopping, preparing for guests, sending out holiday greetings, looking up recipes for favorite traditional dishes, checking those credit card and bank account balances. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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The twelve sites of Social Security 

[January 23, 2012]  During the holiday season, it’s hard to walk in a public place without hearing a Christmas carol or two. One of the most popular traditional songs is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It’s been a holiday favorite since it was published in 1780. Here’s our take on the song: “The Twelve Sites of Social Security.”  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Gift of a good retirement 

[January 23, 2012]  When the holidays come, the money goes — usually for presents and parties, greeting cards and traveling to see family. Before you spend that last holiday buck, make sure you set some cash aside for retirement as a gift to yourself. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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No need to hang up the cape 

[January 23, 2012]  Some of the strongest and most youthful superheroes to jump from the pages of comic books to the silver screen in recent years are old enough to be receiving full Social Security retirement benefits. Whether standing before the bat-computer or going online at the fortress of solitude, these guys were certainly wise enough to apply for retirement benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Archived articles

Archived articles