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            Olympians of Social Security By 
			Becky Whitlow, Social Security district manager in Springfield 
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            [February 
			11, 2014] 
            SPRINGFIELD — While the eyes of 
			the world focus on the XXII Winter Olympics in the resort town of 
			Sochi, Russia, this month, the Social Security Administration brings 
			your attention to another worthy focal point: Internet safety. 
			(Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) | 
		
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			Can word games make us smarter? 
			Award-winning author shares three ways to teach kids language skills 
			and keep elderly minds sharp 
			When older generations complain about 
			reading and writing skills among today's youth, they point 
			accusingly at technological advances, says award-winning author and 
			college teacher Daniel L. Wick. 
			(Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
			Peripheral artery disease: Screening and early treatment can save 
			your legs and your life 
			
(BPT) — Frequent leg cramps, leg pain when walking 
			and slow-to-heal sores on your feet are annoying, but did you know 
			they can also be symptoms of a serious disease?  
			(Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
			Alzheimer's caregivers: Tips to take care of yourself, too 
(BPT) — Taking care of an ill loved one is never 
			easy, but for the 15 million Americans who provide care for someone 
			with Alzheimer's disease, the emotional and financial toll of 
			caregiving can be overwhelming. Last year, caregivers provided more 
			than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for Alzheimer's disease 
			patients, amounting to $216 billion of care, according to the 
			Alzheimer's Association. They often experience emotional stress, 
			depression, health problems of their own and a loss of wages, the 
			association reports. 
			(Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
			Three New Year's resolutions that will enrich your retirement Financial 
			adviser shares steps everyone should take in 2014 
			For many baby boomers looking to 
			retire in the next few years, the biggest worry is not whether or 
			not they can retire, but if they'll outlive their savings. 
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			here for the rest of the story.) 
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			SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN 
			Ring in the new year with a COLA By Becky 
			Whitlow, Social Security district manager in 
			Springfield 
			SPRINGFIELD — Many people ring in the 
			new year with Champagne. People who receive Social Security or 
			Supplemental Security Income get to ring it in with a COLA. This 
			year, more than 60 million Americans are receiving a 1.5 percent 
			cost-of-living adjustment, known as a COLA, in their monthly benefit 
			payment.  (Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
            Are you prepared for what you'll find when you visit your parents 
			this holiday season? Warning 
			signs that a person needs daily assistance & tips for planning for 
			it 
			The holidays and their aftermath 
			are the busiest time of year for long-term care admissions, says 
			expert Chris Orestis.  (Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) 
 
            In observance of Caregivers Awareness Month, state reminds families 
			about resources to assist them 
			Department on Aging administers the Family Caregiver Support Program
			 
			SPRINGFIELD — Increasing numbers 
			in the aging population have led to an increased need for 
			caregivers. The term "caregiver" refers to anyone who provides 
			assistance to someone else who needs it. Though a caregiver can be 
			anyone, it is often a family member who steps in to provide extra 
			support and attention for an elderly loved one. 
			(Click 
			here for the rest of the story.) 
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