Author: Sondra Forsyth

Annuities: The Swiss Army Knife of Personal Finance

When I’m asked if an annuity is a good buy, I reply: it all depends on your situation and your goals. Once you’ve settled on what you want to accomplish, you can decide whether an annuity makes sense for you, realizing that different types can help you meet different financial goals. Annuities can’t all be… Continue reading Annuities: The Swiss Army Knife of Personal Finance

How to Support Caregiving From Afar

Many people live far away from their family or friends who need help. If you don’t live nearby, you can still provide support and assistance as a long-distance caregiver. From a distance, you may be able to: Serve as an information coordinator by researching information about relevant health conditions, navigating changing needs, and overseeing insurance… Continue reading How to Support Caregiving From Afar

Who is At Risk for Hypertension, the Medical Term for High Blood Pressure?

Sometimes national statistics are so shocking that people have to stop and take notice. This is certainly the case for high blood pressure, which affects nearly half of all adults in the United States—only a quarter of whom have the condition under control, according to cardiologist Dr. Robert Segal, the founder of Manhattan Cardiology, Medical… Continue reading Who is At Risk for Hypertension, the Medical Term for High Blood Pressure?

Sibling Rivalry: Unresolved Emotions Can Resurface With the Death of a Parent

Given her lifelong inclination towards taking charge, it’s reasonable to speculate that Tamara assumed the responsibility of finding an aide for their mother. She didn’t enlist the help of her brothers and subsequently resented them for leaving it all to her.”  As we continue to speculate about the origins of the siblings’ resentments, it seems… Continue reading Sibling Rivalry: Unresolved Emotions Can Resurface With the Death of a Parent

Design a Deer-Resistant Garden Without the Fence

Deer are common visitors to landscapes even in urban and suburban areas. Fencing is the most effective way to protect your plants but is not always practical or desirable. Your community may have restrictions on fencing, your budget may not support this option, or you prefer not to hide your plantings behind a fence. Growing… Continue reading Design a Deer-Resistant Garden Without the Fence

Drug overdose fatalities among US older adults has quadrupled over 20 years, UCLA research finds

Overdose mortality among people age 65 and older quadrupled over 20 years, suggesting the need for greater mental health and substance use disorder policies addressed at curbing the trend, a new research paper finds. The deaths stemmed from both suicides and accidental overdoses, with nearly three-fourths of the unintended fatalities involving illicit drugs such as… Continue reading Drug overdose fatalities among US older adults has quadrupled over 20 years, UCLA research finds

What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s?

Many studies suggest that our diet may affect the aging brain’s ability to think and remember. These findings have led to research on general eating patterns and whether they might make a difference.  One diet that shows promising evidence of health benefits is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and… Continue reading What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s?

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people have more memory or thinking problems than other people their age. The symptoms of MCI are not as severe as those of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and carry out their normal daily activities. People… Continue reading What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Understanding and Treating Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction to something that has come into contact with the skin. The effects are generally mild and treatable, but avoiding irritants and getting treatment quickly are both important for a quick recovery. Christopher Byrne, PA-C, with Advanced Dermatology PC has experience treating contact dermatitis and is here to share the… Continue reading Understanding and Treating Contact Dermatitis

Physician reassures sufferers of chronic COVID symptoms that relief is possible

Loss or distorted sense of taste and/or smell. Brain fog. Tinnitus. Fatigue. Digestive issues. For millions of COVID survivors, some of the most life-disrupting symptoms didn’t go away after they tested negative. Worse, many are told by their doctors that they’ll never fully recover. However, physician Robert Groysman, MD reassures these COVID long-haulers (AKA long… Continue reading Physician reassures sufferers of chronic COVID symptoms that relief is possible

Screen Time Tied to Suicide Risk for Tweens – But Don’t Panic

No one can blame parents for being spooked by new research finding that tweens’ risk of suicidal behavior increases with their amount of screen time. However, lead researcher Jason Nagata, MD, of UCSF Benioff Children Hospitals, says that caregivers should view these findings mostly as a reminder to ingrain healthy screen use habits in their kids as early… Continue reading Screen Time Tied to Suicide Risk for Tweens – But Don’t Panic

SECURE 2.0 Act Lets Retirees Defer Taxes on Retirement Plan Money Longer

A retirement crisis looms. Americans aren’t saving enough, and the aging of the population may require trimming Social Security benefits eventually. Congress recently passed the SECURE 2.0 Act to help people save more for retirement by boosting tax breaks. It builds on the original SECURE Act. Three provisions will affect the most people. Required minimum… Continue reading SECURE 2.0 Act Lets Retirees Defer Taxes on Retirement Plan Money Longer

Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Are Not the Same Thing

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same thing When it comes to the heart, time is of the essence January 27, 2023 By Chayil Champion 3 min read A heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same, but often people incorrectly assume they are and use the terms interchangeably. But it is important… Continue reading Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Are Not the Same Thing

Long-Term-Care Insurance via an Annuity Has Many Pros, Some Cons

Long-term care–whether at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home, costs a lot—especially if it continues for years. To protect their finances and leave something for their heirs, many people would like to buy long-term-care insurance (LTCI). But LTCI isn’t cheap. And there’s a big drawback. If you buy it and never collect… Continue reading Long-Term-Care Insurance via an Annuity Has Many Pros, Some Cons

What 5.6 million Young Americans Have in Common with Prince Harry – and Why It Matters

Like Prince Harry, one in thirteen US children – 5.6 million, or 7.7% – will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18. This 2022 calculation from the Children’s Bereavement Estimation Model marks an increase of 700,000 since it was first developed in 2018, reflecting higher death rates among people aged 27-46 from multiple… Continue reading What 5.6 million Young Americans Have in Common with Prince Harry – and Why It Matters

Pain Relief Found in The Garden

Look to the garden, farmer’s market, or refrigerator next time you are battling sore muscles, indigestion, and headaches. These five foods fresh from the garden contain powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Mint Infuse mint into your tea or ice water to refresh and rejuvenate. It also helps relieve headaches and general aches and pain. Grow… Continue reading Pain Relief Found in The Garden