US Federal Reserve Chairman, Bernanke, stated in testimony to Congress yesterday, “The economy has continued to expand, but at a subdued pace,” Mr. Bernanke said at another point. In one rare note of optimism, he revised upward the Fed’s growth estimate for the year and added that consumer spending had somewhat exceeded expectations. “A shinning pebble among an expanse of rocks and no one notices, or is it denial? Read the rest of this entry »

At a time when threatened cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates could make it increasingly difficult for physicians to treat Medicare patients, many doctors are rethinking keeping Medicare patients as part of their practice. There is also a terrible scarcity of geriatricians (doctors that specialize in those over 65). Yet this is a population that deserves to remain active and independent. Read the rest of this entry »

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday. Thought you might find the following facts from the US Census Bureau on the 4th of July interesting:

The Fourth of July: On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.
2.5 million; In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation. Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970

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Humor in Heaven, Guess a Good Laugh was needed there: Dody Goodman and George Carlin

Dody Goodman, the comedian known for her television appearances on Jack Paar’s late-night talk show and as the mother on the show “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” died Sunday at 93. Do you remember Dody? I used to watch her on Jack Paar. She had a unique voice.

George Carlin, who had a history of heart trouble, also died Sunday evening after entering a California Hospital complaining of chest pains. Read the rest of this entry »

Putting Out the Big Secret: Dispelling the myths about sex and older adults

To get the print edition of this Consumer Health Education Newsletter or other copies of our monthly free newsletters, visit www.erichsonhealth.com

Myth: Older adults aren’t having sex.
Fact: The biggest fallacy is that it doesn’t happen. Yes, it does happen, and people are still interested. The interest is less. The activity is less. But it’s still there and shouldn’t be ignored. In fact, 25–55% of those 65-plus reported having sex in the past year.

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Each year, our Congress looks for money to horde into their state so they look good to their constituents. Some of these are worthy, some are questionable; all cost taxpapyers money. Citizens against government waste has produced a book on these, comparing spending state to state, year to year. Read the rest of this entry »

If you want to read the truth, the whole truth about  one person ’s (though I believe this one represents the majority) views on media and election, go to http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2008/05/is-there-a-cand.html  Ronni B. does it again!

Thanks to ResourceShelf yet again, for more information to share here. Looking for great resources for the Memorial Day Holiday? From recipes to boating, swimming, barbecuing safety to various memorial events and statistics on the holiday and veterans. You can find it here at http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Memorial_Day.shtml  Enjoy and have a happy and safe holiday. Be back on Tuesday, May 27.

What do Erickson and Google have in common? Both believe in storing and providing medical record information electronically to allow the individual and/or the provider (hosptial/doctor) access to medical information. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are a boomer or older, you had to remember the Kennedys. Ted Kennedy was no doubt elected to the Senate because of his older brother Jack, then President. He had some rough going in his youth and was known more for his drinking and Chappaquiddick, his escapes from death, more than what he did as a Senator. But he also witnessed the death of 2 older brothers and took on the role of patriarch of a family. Read the rest of this entry »