Beware of Credit-Card Skimmers

A new warning has been issued by the Federal Trade Commission to beware of credit-card skimmers. Skimmers are relatively new devices that use a new technique to capture data on ATM and credit cards, ripping off their victims. A skimmer is a small device that affixes to a card reader, most commonly put on ATMs…

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Scam Alert – Nothing is Ever Free

Women are being scammed by fake ads that use well-known royalty or performers to trick you into thinking they are promoting the product. Especially vulnerable are women who are always on the lookout for a new beauty product, like a facial cream that will “take years off.” The thinking goes like this:  If this well-known…

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Help Seniors Beat the Heat

With increasing summer temperatures, helping seniors beat the heat is critical. Heat can be deadly to seniors, in fact, nearly 400 Americans die from heat waves each year and most of them are elderly people. When in heated conditions, people often do not realize when they are overheating and in danger. Older people can’t handle…

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Non-surgical Knee Procedure

  “Cooled radio frequency ablation” is a new non-surgical knee procedure that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not for everybody, but this option is for people who cannot have surgery or are not yet ready to have a knee replacement. The marketing name is “Coolief” and it eases pain rather…

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The Danger of PPIs for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus, which causes heartburn. Treating acid reflux with PPIs or H2 blockers is a common practice, with approximately 15 million Americans taking PPIs. In the past few months two studies have found that PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) may be linked…

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PTSD in Older Individuals

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that “posttraumatic stress symptoms can emerge or re-emerge late in life,” as age-related factors affect preexisting mental health issues or lead to the development of new ones. Up to 15% of older adults may experience and struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and reasons for…

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The PSA Test for Prostate Cancer

Five years ago, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against routine blood tests to measure your level of prostate-specific antigens – the PSA test. The task force now recommends men 55 to 69 should talk with their doctor about whether to have the test. Following are highlights from an interview with Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Senior…

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