By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Most baby boomers aren’t aware that their vision could be severely damaged or they could lose their vision due to age-related eye diseases and conditions.

Only 18 percent of Americans know that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older, and less than a quarter of all Americans understand the effects of glaucoma, according to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association. For example, 89 percent of Americans incorrectly believe that glaucoma is preventable, when in fact it’s only treatable if caught early.

When left undetected and untreated, many age-related eye diseases can damage your vision permanently.

Age-related vision disorders baby boomers should be aware of include:

Age-related macular degeneration – an eye disease that causes loss of central vision. Activities like reading, driving, watching television, and recognizing faces require clear central vision.

Diabetic retinopathy – a condition occurring in people with diabetes, which causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness.

Cataracts – a cloudy or opaque area in the clear lens of the eye. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. Cataracts can cause a decrease in contrast sensitivity, a dulling of colors, and increased sensitivity to glare.

Glaucoma – a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in peripheral vision loss. People at higher risk of developing glaucoma include those with a family history of the disease, older adults, African-Americans, and Hispanics.

Dry eye – a condition where there is an insufficient amount of tears or a poor quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears contribute to clear vision and the health of the front surface of the eye.

Retinal detachment – tearing or separation of the retina from the underlying tissue. This can be caused by trauma to the eye or head, health problems due to advanced diabetes, and inflammatory disorders of the eye.

The association’s survey showed that 92 percent of those responding understood that visiting an eye doctor on a regular basis for an eye exam can help reduce the risk of developing age-related vision problems. However, the respondents were less aware that avoiding smoking – 40 percent – and eating a low-fat, low-salt diet – 30 percent – can also reduce age-related vision problems.

Adding certain nutrients to your diet every day – either through foods or supplements – can help preserve vision and prevent age-related eye diseases. The association recommends the following eye-healthy nutrients and foods:

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines.

Essential fatty acids: Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or herring; whole-grain foods; chicken and eggs.

Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes.

Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil; almonds and pecans; sweet potatoes and sunflower seeds.

Zinc: Extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver.

In addition to a healthy diet, regular eye examinations are important in midlife when more Americans develop age-related conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. Mark Wilkinson, O.D., chair of the association’s Vision Rehabilitation Section, said:

Some common warning signs of age-related vision problems include fluctuating vision, seeing floaters or flashes of light, loss of side vision. However, often patients with eye diseases do not have recognizable symptoms until the conditions are quite advanced, so regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for baby boomers…

The association recommends that adults over age 60 have an eye examination once a year or more frequently if a doctor recommends it.

To find an optometrist, also called a doctor of optometry or O.D., in your area, visit the Web site of the American Optometric Association.

An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry degree and is licensed to practice optometry. The practice of optometry involves examining the eyes to prescribe and dispense corrective lenses, screen vision to detect certain eye abnormalities, and prescribe medications for certain eye diseases.

An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide a range of eye care services, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 – the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the screening, an ophthalmologist will determine a schedule for follow-up exams.

For individuals at any age with symptoms of or at risk for eye disease, such as those with a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, the academy recommends that they see their ophthalmologist to determine how frequently their eyes should be examined.

To find an ophthalmologist in your area, visit the Web site of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

A survey by the academy also found that most Americans are unaware of the risks associated with age-related eye disease, despite a projected 65 percent spike in those conditions by the year 2020.

Popularity: 5% [?]

By Rita R. Robison, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are one of the largest generations in U.S. history.

What are the latest statistics on the Boomer Nation?

The U.S. Census Bureau has just released a complication of information from 2006 on baby boomers. In 2006, boomers were ages 42 to 60.

Number of baby boomers

In 1970, there were 72.4 million boomers with the number growing to 78 million in 2006. That was more than 25 percent of the population in 2006. By 2003, the number of boomers is estimated to be 57.8 million.

Boomers by region

South – 28.1 million

Midwest – 17.6 million

West – 17.4 million

Northeast – 14.9 million

Top five boomer states by population

California – 9 million

Texas – 5.7 million

New York – 5.11 million

Florida – 4.7 million

Pennsylvania – 3.4 million

Top five boomer states by percentage

Vermont – 30.1 percent

Maine – 29.8 percent

New Hampshire – 29.7 percent

Montana – 28.7 percent

Connecticut – 28.1 percent

Percentage of boomers in the nation

In 2006, boomers made up 26.1 percent of the population compared to: older adults ages 61-plus, 16 percent; younger adults ages 18-41, 33.3 percent; and children ages 0-17 years, 24.6 percent.

In the same year, the sex ratio for boomers was 96.4. That means there were about 96 male boomers per 100 female boomers.

The ethnic background of boomers

Among boomers in 2006, 82.2 percent were white, 11.6 percent were black, 10.3 percent were Hispanic, 4.3 percent were Asian, .9 were American Indian, .9 were two or more races, and .1 were Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders.

The marital status of boomers

In 2006, 65.6 percent of boomers were married, with 17 percent divorced, 11.7 percent never married, 3 percent separated, and 2.7 widowed.

Educational status of boomers

Boomers in 2006 had the following education: 29.8 percent high school graduate; 28.9 percent some college; 28.8 percent bachelor’s degree or higher; and 12.5 percent less than a high school graduate.

Place of birth of boomers

In 2006, 85.7 percent of boomers were born in the U.S. and 14.3 percent were born in another country.

The number of boomers with disabilities

Among boomers, 83.3 percent were not disabled and 16.7 percent had a disability.

The number of boomer veterans

In 2006, 10.9 percent of boomers were veterans.

The employment status of boomers

The percentage of boomers employed in 2006 was 74.1 percent, with 22.4 percent not in the labor force, 3.3 percent unemployed, and .1 percent in the armed forces.

Boomers and poverty

Among boomers, 8.9 percent were living in poverty in 2006.

Boomers and housing

In 2006, 75 percent of boomers were homeowners, while 25 percent were renters.

Popularity: 10% [?]

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

As you’ve probably noticed, if you a credit card holder, credit card companies are jacking up interest rates, penalties, and fees before a new law of reforms becomes effective in February 2010.

A new study, “Still Waiting: ‘Unfair or Deceptive’ Credit Card Practices Continue as Americans Wait for New Reforms to Take Effect,” shows credit card issuers are gouging consumers.

The Pew Health Group examined credit cards offered by the 12 largest banks and found the following:

• 99.7 percent of bank cards allowed the issuer to raise interest rates on outstanding balances by changing the account agreement unilaterally – up from 93 percent in December 2008.

• 95 percent of bank cards allowed issuers to apply payments in a manner that the Federal Reserve found likely to cause substantial monetary injury to consumers.

• 90 percent of bank cards had penalty interest rates that could be triggered by late payments or overlimit transactions. All but 10 percent of these cards had penalty repricing terms that would qualify as “hair trigger” under Federal Reserve guidelines – triggers of one or two late payments in 12 months.

• 99 percent of bank cards included a late fee – median $39.

• 80 percent of bank cards included an overlimit fee – median $39.

• The median bank penalty interest rate was 28.99 percent. Most – 90 percent – penalty rate increases could continue indefinitely even if the cardholder resumes on-time payments.

As of July, interest rates spiked an average of 20 percent across the board from December of 2008 with some issuers jacking up rates 30 percent and in at least one case 50 percent – even on their best customers.

The Pew study also found that the 12 largest credit unions offered significantly lower advertised rates compared to bank credit cards, with penalty fees that were half the cost of comparable bank fees, and fewer dangers associated with “unfair or deceptive” practices.

An article in The Wall Street Journal, “Credit-Card Countdown: Higher Rates Abound,” describes further credit card rate and fee increases that have occurred since the Pew study was published.

If you want to take action against the way banks are operating, Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, is organizing a protest at Goldman Sachs in Washington, D.C., Monday, Nov. 16 at noon.

If you can’t make the gathering, see the Public Citizen Web site to find out about other ways you can take action on banking reform.

For baby boomer consumers facing problems on what to do about rising credit card debt, consider consumer credit counseling. For information on how to select an organization to help you see the article “Consumer Credit Counseling Offers Help to Baby Boomers Facing Financial, Mortgage Woes.”

Be sure to be an informed boomer consumer before you choose someone to help you. Scam artists abound in this recession and are bilking financially strapped consumers out of what money they have and putting them into an even more precarious financial situation.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Stop The Swine Flu H1N1 Virus
Dr.Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practised (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt)… *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under $15. I take the sinus rinse into the shower with me to use.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating

13 Ways to Stay Healthy During The H1N1 Flu Season

Yes it is in the news, but you can help protect yourself by doing a few of these natural things.

1. Eat those fruits and veggies.

2. Get plenty of rest. We are not that far from our cave dwelling ancestors that rested most of the winter. Be sure to get those zzzzz’s – 8 to 10 hours a night. This is not the time to cut your sleep time.

3. Eliminate stress as much as possible. I know the holidays are coming and I will be sending you tips on how to survive them, but remember stress lowers your immune system.

4. If you are ill – stay home. Yes, you have work that MUST get done – but is it really worth it to spread those germs around? Stay home and rest. We all thank you.

5. Take your vitamins – they really can help. I also take a natural flu prevention drop that I got from my homeopathic doctor. Also, Elderberry syrup may help with immune protection.

6. Exercise! Get out in the fresh air. Take a walk. If the weather is crummy, go to the gym, swim, something.

7. Read a self-help book. It’s a good time to work on your inner self.

8. Avoid the news. The news can depress you bringing you down.

9. Laugh. Laughter is a great energy boost and helps the immune system.

10. End your warm bath or shower with a cool rinse. Yes, you are all nice and warm and don’t really want to get cold, but it helps your immune system. Also, avoid bathing too much as it dries out the skin and removes that natural layer of protection. Option for just washing up those private areas a couple of times a week.

11. Even those these darker cooler days seem to call for sweet foods – avoid them. Instead of reaching for a cookie, eat some almonds or walnuts, or an apple or pear. Chew gum if you must, but don’t go toward that cookie. In fact, don’t even buy them.

12. De-clutter your house. Yup! Clutter can have dust and germs. It also is a stressor.

13. Yes, wash your hands – a lot – with plain soap and water – but then use hand lotion. Having dry skin can cause cuts in the skin which allow bacteria and germs in. Keep your skin moisturized.

I wish you a happy, healthy fall and winter 2009/2010.
Blessings,
Judith
Wise Heart Coaching

Judith

Popularity: 2% [?]

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

For 10 years, DiversityInc has complied a list of the top 50 companies in the United Stated based on their policies on diversity.

About 1,000 companies were sent a detailed survey of more than 200 questions. The overall intent is to draw an accurate picture of a company’s culture.

Each company that enters receives a report card based on four areas that are measured: CEO commitment, human capital, corporate and organizational communications, and supplier diversity plus a total point score.

A company must have at least 1,000 U.S. employees to take part in the survey. In 2009, 401 companies participated.

DiversityInc, located in Newark, N.J., is a consulting firm that specializes in diversity information and management.

Here are the top 50 American companies for diversity, according to the DiversityInc survey:

No. 1 Johnson & Johnson
No. 2 AT&T
No. 3 Ernst & Young
No. 4 Marriott International
No. 5 PricewaterhouseCoopers
No. 6 Sodexo
No. 7 Kaiser Permanente
No. 8 Merck & Co.
No. 9 The Coca-Cola Co.
No. 10 IBM Corp.
No. 11 Procter & Gamble
No. 12 Verizon Communications
No. 13 American Express Co.
No. 14 Bank of America
No. 15 JPMorgan Chase
No. 16 Abbott
No. 17 Cox Communications
No. 18 Pepsi Bottling Group
No. 19 MGM MIRAGE
No. 20 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
No. 21 KPMG
No. 22 Health Care Service Corp.
No. 23 Accenture
No. 24 PepsiCo
No. 25 Capital One Financial Corp.
No. 26 Henry Ford Health System
No. 27 Colgate-Palmolive
No. 28 Ford Motor Co.
No. 29 The Walt Disney Co.
No. 30 Comerica
No. 31 Wells Fargo & Co.
No. 32 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
No. 33 Deloitte
No. 34 HSBC – North America
No. 35 Xerox Corp.
No. 36 Monsanto Co.
No. 37 AARP
No. 38 Time Warner Cable
No. 39 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
No. 40 Toyota Motor North America
No. 41 MasterCard Worldwide
No. 42 Cummins
No. 43 MetLife
No. 44 WellPoint
No. 45 Prudential Financial
No. 46 SC Johnson
No. 47 General Mills
No. 48 Aetna
No. 49 CSX
No. 50 KeyBank

Popularity: 3% [?]