Thursday, October 22, 2009

Thoughts and Musings on the Health Care Debate

With all of the talk about health care and the battling propositions, there are a few points I'd like to make.

First, as I say this, I am not commenting as someone who is FOR or AGAINST the administration's proposal, but as a concerned citizen who sees some serious issues with the process.

The first point is that I am VERY concerned over the fact that any new changes in the health care system would EXEMPT the Congress, the very people that are debating this issue for us. It comes across as elitist in nature. I am sure that any Congressman's reaction would be ,'We are already covered by a great plan'.

To this I have a few reactions:

1) If what Congress has is so great, then why aren't you proposing that for the rest of the United States.

2) If what you are proposing for the rest of us is so great, then how come you are not willing to go into that plan yourself?

The other point that is concerning to me is that the debates on this issue going on right now are 'closed door'. For an administration that has stated its goal is to be the most transparent administration in US history this is a troubling and concerning development, especially in light of the fact that it was the lack of transparency that killed the Clinton administration's attempts to reform health care in the early 1990's.

But the most concerning part about this is that for people like me, this lack of information leads to all sorts of rumor mongering about what the final bill will look like. I wonder if anyone really knows?

Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Prescription Drug Program

We have come across a new, reliable prescription drug program.

The prices are extremely competitive, and the customer service and delivery is exceptional. However, he feels the best part is that every prescription is thoroughly reviewed before it is shipped. This ensures your peace-of-mind, and ours, in every transaction. If there is any question as to the accuracy of the prescription, the company will actually go over it with the doctor and the patient. I just changed over to this pharmacy plan. I feel that this plan fills all of my needs.

Contact us at info@FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com to get all the details and all the savings.

Warm Regards,


Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com


A VirtueMart To Benefit ALL

We are announcing the opening of our VirtueMart on FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com. This VirtueMart will feature products that are designed to save people money, especially in these difficult economiv times.

Also, if you have a product that can provide greater value for less money that we can pass along to our members please reach out to us.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Another Take On The Health Care Debate

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you realize that there is a major debate regarding health care in this country. And while everyone is putting their ‘two cents’ into the debate regarding Medicare, Medicaid and Tort Reform, we feel that there is one topic that isn’t being adequately addressed.

This is the fact that we all need to take personal responsibility for our health.

Our society is the richest and most prosperous in the history of the world, and as a result the ‘affluent’ diseases of coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer have far more prevalence in our society than in other areas of the world. These diseases, which are for the most part lifestyle motivated, cost the US health care system tens of billions of year. This is wasted money, as the diseases are so easily preventable before they occur.

If we take personal responsibility for our health, stay active and eat right, these diseases of affluence would be greatly reduced in this country, and as a result billions of dollars would be saved.

So in the debate regarding health care, would we be better to focus on the prevention of disease and wellness campaigns to get people in better shape so that these diseases would be reduced in our society? Your thoughts and feedback would be appreciated.



Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Solving Everyone’s Dilemma With The Click of a Mouse

To all of our fellow bloggers and readers, we want to expose all of our networkers to a fantastic business idea that we have just developed and put live. A place where so little from your wallet can mean so much in your loved one’s heart. Come join us and please read on.

Solving Everyone’s Dilemma With The Click of a Mouse

“It’s what everyone needs for their loved one. A fabulous tribute of their love and devotion”

This is the ultimate gift with the smallest price tag. No candy, no cards, no clothes shopping, no jewelry. Your sweetheart doesn’t need another gift. Your sweetheart needs a tribute, a tribute that keeps on giving forever in their memory.

When flowers wilt, when clothes wear out, when candy is finished and cards are lost, this will last forever in their heart.

How will your sweetheart feel and react the next time they are with their friends and RAVE about, not a gift, but a tribute from you.

You can use this for any occasion, or no occasion at all.

This is why we created http://www.TenMillionDollarSweetheart.com, to enable you to pay this type of tribute to that special person in your life.

Don’t wait for Christmas, an anniversary or a birthday. Your tribute will be up for five years but we will only be accepting ads until the homepage fills up.

Once again, thank you to our friends from Blogger.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

My Reflections

The other day while relaxing I started reflecting on the almost six decades that I have lived through. From what I remember of my first ten years, life was all very new and exciting. Everything I saw and did was a new learning experience. When I reached ten years of age, I felt like I was a grown up and a very important person. During my second ten years of life, I met many new people. And was able to make more of my own decisions and to interact with many of my newfound friends.

At the age of 20, I was a grown up. At this point, I had been in the military and I was married to the most wonderful girl in the world. Life was bringing me new challenges and new learning experiences all the time. And with it, I was still amazed by the world around me. No question about it, at this point I was finally an adult.

My third decade was amazing. My two wonderful boys were born and my life really changed. I now had a great responsibility, caring for them and I started to think of something I never had thought of before, the future. I was all grown up but still learning. I had now reached my fourth decade. And was even given a party for doing so…WOW.

To say that I was working hard was putting it mildly. If my memory serves me correctly, I spent more time working than being at home. My sons went through college and to say I was proud of them is not enough; I was in heaven. During this time a great new lesson was learned: how to love your family more than yourself. Now I was a full fledged grown man. To my utter astonishment, I woke one day and I was in my fifth decade. Could this possible be?

My sons were married and the family was growing. During this time, I was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Being a grandparent is one of the most wonderful experiences that life has to offer. I am still amazed by life and continue to learn every day. I hope to be able to continue my journey into the future and report back my experiences. What I have definitely figured out is that without the wonderful girl I married 39 years ago I would never have gotten this far. I will always love you B.



Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Social Security Crunch Coming Faster Than Expected

By Bill Fleckenstein of MSN Money

The debate over health care has captured everyone's attention, but it appears the next big government program that needs to be addressed will be Social Security. That's the focus of the July 30 article "The next great bailout: Social Security" by Allan Sloan, Fortune's senior editor at large.

Those who've been paying attention have long known there is no money in the Social Security Trust Fund -- it's all been spent. Thus, former Vice President Al Gore's famous assessment that Social Security receipts should be placed in a "lockbox" was actually correct.

Given that so few people really understand the Ponzi nature of the current Social Security financing scheme -- created in 1983 by a commission chaired by none other than the world's greatest serial blower of bubbles, Alan Greenspan -- I decided to reprise Sloan's article. (The Social Security problem is especially important because it likely will put additional pressure on the dollar and on bonds, and exacerbate the funding crisis down the road.)

The story begins: "In Washington these days, the only topics of discussion seem to be how many trillions to throw at health care and the recession, and whom on Wall Street to pillory next. But watch out. Lurking just below the surface is a bailout candidate that may soon emerge like the great white shark in 'Jaws': Social Security.

"Perhaps as early as this year, Social Security, at $680 billion the nation's biggest social program, will be transformed from an operation that's helped finance the rest of the government for 25 years into a cash drain that will need money from the Treasury. In other words, a bailout."

Could Social Security's number be up?

As I've already noted, there is no money in the Social Security Trust Fund -- just IOUs from the government to itself. What is liable to spark debate and grab headlines is that instead of producing its biggest surplus ever in 2009-10, the trust fund could start running deficits in the next year, primarily because the weak economy is generating less tax revenue.

That's years earlier than expected. Social Security wasn't supposed to go into the red until around 2015.

Past projections were for a cash-flow surplus of about $87 billion this year and $88 billion next year. But new projections show those figures may drop to around $18 billion or $19 billion, which could easily go negative. And once the red ink starts spilling (a temporary bounce into the black in the next couple of years notwithstanding), that deficit will grow for the next 20 or so years unless something is done to halt it.

In order to better illuminate what has transpired and how misleading government accounting is, I would like to use the example from Sloan's article to explain what has happened: "The cash that Social Security has collected from my wife and me and our employers isn't sitting at Social Security. It's gone. Some went to pay benefits, some to fund the rest of the government. Since 1983, when it suffered a cash crisis, Social Security has been collecting more in taxes each year than it has paid out in benefits. It has used the excess to buy the Treasury securities that go into the trust fund, reducing the Treasury's need to raise money from investors."

In other words, the government spent it. Throughout all those years in the 1980s and 1990s, when folks worried about the budget deficit, it was reported to be lower than it would have been had the Social Security Trust Fund's money not been going into government coffers, thereby reducing the size of the deficit. Also untenable is the projected worker-to-retiree ratio, which will jump from 30 Social Security recipients per 100 workers in 1990 to 46 per 100 in the next 20 years.

The next (orthopedic) shoe to drop?

And Social Security funding isn't the only time bomb. Sloan notes that "when it comes to problems, Medicare makes Social Security look like a walk in the park, even though at about $510 billion this year, it's far smaller. Not only are Medicare's financial woes much larger than Social Security's, but they're also much more complicated. . . . Medicare is more convoluted, because the health-care system is much more complex than Social Security. Which, when you think about it, involves only money."

Summing up, Sloan cautions: "Social Security may not make it onto the agenda until next year. But it's going to show up sooner or later, and probably sooner, because the numbers are so bad that something's got to be done."

All of these future funding issues will come under scrutiny in the next couple of years as the budget deficit explodes and worries about how it will all be financed take center stage.

A Fed follow-up

Turning to last week's main event, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee meeting, here's what I wrote ahead of the release: "There is just too much pressure on the Fed (not the least of which is Bernanke's view of the 1930s) for it to do anything that even remotely resembles tightening."

The Fed did not contradict me, as it chose to continue pursuing the policies it had previously articulated. That must have put a smile on the face of Paul McCulley of Pimco, who recently stated in an interview on Bubblevision that he wanted the Fed to avoid raising interest rates too soon and that the economy needed to see more inflation.

That, ladies and gentlemen, coming from the country's largest holder of bonds. In the old days, bondholders were thought to be inflation vigilantes. But as we can see from McCulley's statements, they are now really just liquidity hogs.

Commodities primed for higher prices?

As for the ramifications of all the money printing the feds are doing and the recent growth spurt in China, it's worth passing along the conclusions reached by "Government Sachs" in a report headlined "Commodities in the Crosshairs" (not available online to the public). That report described the moves we've seen so far this year in commodity prices as "just the beginning" of a new bull market that "ultimately would likely be even more extreme" than what we saw in prior commodity rallies.

Goldman Sachs (GS, news, msgs) noted: "The reality is that the commodity problem is one of supply shortage due to years of under-investment. . . . This chronic problem has been exacerbated during the financial crisis by tight credit conditions and large price declines, which impact producers."

Goldman says that when the global economy recovers, we're likely to see severe price constraints and some wild action, just as we did in mid-2008.

I pass that along as food for thought, and it jibes with the view of a friend of mine that I find intriguing: that as crazy as commodity prices seemed to be last year, they could get even crazier, just as tech stocks' wild ride from 1995 to 1998 paled in comparison to what occurred in 1999-2000. I'm not saying that's going to happen, but given the amount of money printing that has gone on (and will go on), anything is possible.

Housekeeping

I was interviewed last week by Eric King (again) of King World News. It was another excellent, wide-ranging conversation, in my opinion. Click here to watch it and decide for yourself

I pass that along as food for thought, and it jibes with the view of a friend of mine that I find intriguing: that as crazy as commodity prices seemed to be last year, they could get even crazier, just as tech stocks' wild ride from 1995 to 1998 paled in comparison to what occurred in 1999-2000. I'm not saying that's going to happen, but given the amount of money printing that has gone on (and will go on), anything is possible.

Housekeeping

I was interviewed last week by Eric King (again) of King World News. It was another excellent, wide-ranging conversation, in my opinion. Click here to watch it and decide for yourself.

t/"eqotion: underline; ">Click here to watch it and decide for yourself.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

You can use this for any occasion, or no occasion at all.

You can use this for any occasion, or no occasion at all.

We have developed a great business model that we are ready to launch. We did a ‘pre-test’ and before the website is up we already have 100 tributes ordered.

http://www.TenMillionDollarSweetheart.com is a tribute site for the loved ones in our lives, whether your sweetheart would be a person, your car, your pet or anything else you consider to be the thing you love the most.

This is the ultimate gift with the smallest price tag. No candy, no cards, no clothes shopping, no jewelry. Your sweetheart doesn’t need another gift. Your sweetheart needs a tribute, a tribute that keeps on giving forever in their memory.

When flowers wilt, when clothes wear out, when candy is finished and cards are lost, this will last forever in their heart.

This is the first press release going out and you will see many more in the days ahead that will reach millions. We are seeking US and international representatives where you would get your own domain name and the opportunity to market this unique business idea from the ground floor. After extensive research and pre-testing, we have come to the conclusion this is an opportunity for us to mutually benefit from a great idea. Now to further advance this idea, we are doing an enormous amount of press releases to insure its success. We are looking for partners who are willing to put in the same amount of effort in marketing the idea as we did in developing it so we can all achieve the level of success we are looking for.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Music From a By-Gone Era

Billy Joel come said that he once heard that justice was blind. He just hoped it wasn’t deaf.

Listening to the radio these days, a lot of us wish we were deaf. When music just consists of ‘techno-rifs’ generated by computers and singers that lip-synch and don’t play their own instruments, it leaves many of us boomers yearning for music from the Woodstock days, when music was REAL!!!!

That’s why the new music page on http://www.FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com will be such a welcome change from the ‘music’ that gets played on the airways these days. It is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of when you never trusted anyone over 30.



Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Monday, July 13, 2009

Health Overhaul

This is a recent news article relating to the administration's attempt to overhaul the nations health care system. We want to hear from your thoughts on the debate at:

info@freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com


WASHINGTON – Lawmakers from both parties are telling the White House they will go on vacation next month and leave behind — and incomplete — President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.


White House officials sought a massive reworking of the nation's health care system before Congress left on August recess, but key lawmakers signaled on Sunday the administration would be disappointed. Work was set to continue Monday on the Senate's version, although officials acknowledge they are far from finished with a plan that could cost taxpayers trillions over the next decade and reshape how Americans receive care.

"Well, we don't expect it to be signed into law by the August recess," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "But we expect the House and Senate to have passed bills, yes."

The same bill? Unlikely.

The White House's strategy to leave the legislative back-and-forth to Congress has produced varying and sometimes contradictory versions of health care legislation — along with delays. As the Senate turns its attention to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, the focus on that side of the Capitol will turn away from Obama's top domestic priority.

The administration's Democratic partners in Congress hinted they would not deliver legislation before leaving town for an August recess.Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said Obama should be pleased with lawmakers' progress; Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said "there really is plenty of time."

The delay would be a blow to the White House and to Democrats' electoral prospects.

The House and Senate are working toward legislation that would deliver on Obama's popular goals from his presidential campaign, but they are hardly in unison. House Democrats have proposed raising taxes on wealthy Americans to pay for the plan. Democratic leaders, meanwhile, have tried to calm moderate and conservative lawmakers about a proposal that could guarantee tough re-election bids.

Republicans, seizing on an issue that affects all Americans and has shown a glimmer of hope for an out-of-power political party, have lambasted the proposals as rash and irresponsible. They also see the issue as a way to win House and Senate seats in the 2010 midterm elections.

"There is no chance that it's going to be done by August," said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. "President Obama was right about one thing: He said if it's not done quickly, it won't be done at all. Why did he say that? Because the longer it hangs out there, the more the American people are skeptical, anxious and even in opposition to it."

Obama's Health and Human Services secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, tried to calm fears Democrats would tax some employer-provided health care benefits as income. She said the details are far from finished.

"Well, the House has a version," she said, discounting any version as final. "There are a couple of different proposals being worked on in the Senate."

Schumer appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press." Stabenow, Conrad and Sebelius spoke with CNN's "State of the Union." Kyl appeared on ABC's "This Week."


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Friday, July 10, 2009

Overlooking the largest group in history

I feel with all the other things going on in the world we are overlooking a huge impending group we need to reach out to. This huge group is our baby boomers with one hundred million strong.

This huge group of us needs to see how our aging at this time will affect everything in our country in the near future. I could fill a page with these effects; however it is ALL across the board. Thus I have started www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com and will make sure I stand up for the one largest group in our history. I believe we need a sub group to address this situation and I would love to continue my efforts. Please give me any and all of your feedback which will let me keep going on this tremendous undertaking.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@freescs.com

And on the lighter side of things.....

No Cost-of-Living Raise?!?!?!? We want your feedback

NO COST-OF-LIVING RAISE? IS IT AN OUTRAGE?

Here is a sample of the outrage over word that, for the first time, there won't be a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a raise, in Social Security benefits for the next two years - January 2010 and 2011 - because the cost of living isn't rising.

George Billy of Massapequa: "Are they kidding or what about zero inflation? Where are they getting their data from - Mars?"

James C. Nicholas, Diamond, Ohio: "Everything has gone up in the last year. What about gas increasing, insurance increasing until we are almost forced to cancel? Prescription drugs increasing? This makes me sick."

Charlie and Peg Firth, of Vero Beach, Fla.: "The cost of everything we need to buy has gone up, food, gas, electric, rent, home insurance. Congress spends billions on bailouts but the senior citizen who worked gets nothing."

The subject has been debated in Congress and among economists almost since 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed the law providing for an automatic COLA each year, based on the rate of inflation. That made Social Security the only defined benefit pension with inflation protection. Now, beneficiaries are questioning that protection. Let me explain what's happened.
The official measure of inflation comes from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And based on the CPI, the COLA has given Social Security beneficiaries yearly raises averaging 2.5 percent for the past 10 years, ranging from a low of 1.4 percent in 2002 to a record 5.8 percent last year, starting this past January, which was greeted with cheers.

Actually there are three different CPIs:

The CPI-U, for urban consumers, the CPI-W (which is the one that is used for all wage earners and clerical workers) and the CPI-E, which stands for "experimental." Many think it stands for "elder" because it's limited to people 62 and older and was designed to see if their costs of living differed from other wage earners.

The Consumer Expenditure Survey, from which the CPIs are compiled, monitors a vast array of prices for food, transportation, medical care, education, utilities and virtually every other service. Each category is weighted for each group; medical care is weighted heavily for older people; education costs for younger wage earners who likely have children in school.

According to Social Security, a COLA "is equal to the percentage increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next." Last year, with the onset of the recession, when some prices went down, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that inflation, overall, was so minimal there would be no COLA this January or next (see ssa.gov/OACT/COLA).

But the "overall" inflation rates may be flawed, said Shawn McMahon, a researcher on the subject for the nonpartisan Wider Opportunities for Women. During this past quarter, he said, "Food, housing and medical costs have all increased by approximately 4 percent. Elders are correctly seeing continued increases in their most basic expenses. The costs elders face are also dependent on where they live, their housing status and their health."

Some elder organizations have lobbied for the bureau to use the CPI-E, which they believe is weighted toward the more typical spending among older people for health care and food. But over a 25-year-period, the bureau says, there was little difference between the CPI-E, which rose at 3.3 percent, and the increases of 3.1 percent and 3 percent, for the CPI-U and CPI-W, respectively.

But the tables from 1983 through 2007 show several years in which the CPI-E had the highest cost increases but none where it was the lowest. Moreover, there were more years when the costs of food, medicine and health care were considerably higher than other costs.
McMahon said the bureau "uses the same stores, the same goods, the same prices for all inflation measures. These may not represent elder consumption patterns as well as they should." But the bureau counters that the CPI-E sample, limited to people over 62, is too small to be accurate and should be used "with caution."

Senior advocates and lawmakers have suggested changing the bureau's methods; many federal poverty programs depend on the CPI. McMahon's group, advocates on women's economic issues, has created an "elder index," which, he says, monitors actual costs at local levels, along with the CPI data. Their aim is to get Congress to adopt a true "economic security index" for all families, including the elderly. See wowonline.org /ourprograms/fess. Meanwhile, with the prices of fuel and medicines rising again, the outrage among older consumers continues.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

I feel with all the other things going on in the world....

I feel with all the other things going on in the world we are overlooking a huge impending group we need to reach out to....

I feel with all the other things going on in the world we are overlooking a huge impending group we need to reach out to. This huge group is the baby boomers, one hundred million strong.

This massive group needs to see how our aging at this time will affect everything in our country in the near future. I could fill a page with these effects; however it is ALL across the board, from Social Security and Medicare to local housing and caregiving issues.

This is why I have just started http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com and will make sure I STAND UP for the largest group of people in the history of our world. I believe we need a sub group to address this situation and I would love to continue my efforts and discussions there.

Please give me any and all of your feedback which will enable me to continue this noble undertaking.

‘Yesterday's just a memory, tomorrow is never what it's supposed to be’-Bob Dylan

We want to hear your thoughts regarding our feelings. Please contact us with your feedback.


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Saturday, July 4, 2009

The REAL meaning of the 4th of July

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Friday, June 12, 2009

Caregiving Tips for Boomers: 5 Tips for Decreasing the Cost of Caring for Elderly Parents

Caregiving Tips for Boomers: 5 Tips for Decreasing the Cost of Caring for Elderly Parents
by: Vicki Rackner MD


Over 30 million Baby Boomers provide countless hours of assistance to elderly parents at no charge. It is estimated that, using average hourly wages, the total amount of this uncompensated care is comparable to the entire Medicare budget. For the estimated 7 million Boomers who provide long distance care, actual out of pocket expenses amount to almost $5,000 per month. For caregivers who have, or are considering leaving the workforce to care for an ailing parent, the costs are even greater over $650,000 in forfeited salaries, benefits and pensions.

This stark economic reality shows only one dimension of the price caregivers pay for this act of love.

Caregivers pay with losses that extend well beyond their bank accounts. They often forego the activities that bring joy and richness to their lives, like meeting friends for dinner, or going out to the movies or taking family vacations. They pay with their time, the loss of professional opportunities and the erosion of personal relationships that result in isolation.

Sometimes, otherwise healthy loved ones need a short dose of care as they recover from an acute medical episode like a broken leg. Usually loved ones are on a path of steady decline with cascading assistance needs. Some caregivers sacrifice large chunks of their own lives as they help their parents and other family members and friends peacefully make their transitions. Caregivers can pay with their own health and well-being. In fact, we have evidence that some caregivers pay for their acts of care with their very lives.

You can decrease the personal and economic costs of caregiving. This means proactive planning rather than reactive responding. Planning saves money. You know this as you reflect upon your experiences of going to the grocery store with and without a shopping list. Planning also minimizes personal wear and tear and decreases stress. You will feel much better when you know your options and develop back-up plans before you jump into a challenging project.

5 Tips to Decrease the Cost of Caregiving:

1. Begin the conversation today. We have tremendous cultural resistance to the recognition of aging, disability and death. Just as the first few steps uphill are the hardest, so, too, you may meet the greatest resistance simply starting the conversation about their possible need for care. Say today, Mom and Dad, it would be great if you lived forever, but the discovery for the fountain of youth is nowhere on the horizon. What thoughts and plans do you have about enjoying your golden years?

2. Create a plan. Talk with your parents about their ideal plan if they are no longer able to care for themselves. Then, start to work toward that proactively. Investigate long-term care insurance. Draw up the appropriate legal documents. Find out who would make medical choices if they were not able to make them on their own, along with some guiding principles for the choices. You can anticipate and limit parental resistance by saying, Mom and Dad, I just got back from the lawyer’s office signing my will and durable medical power of attorney. I’ve asked Mitch to make my medical choices if I cannot make them myself. Just so you know, if I were in vegetative state, I wouldn’t want to be maintained on a machine. You probably already planned ahead too, right?

3. Use personal and community resources. Make caregiving a family job to which each member contributes. Even children can make grandmas life special with drawings and phone calls. Identify services that make your job as a caregiver easier. If you and your parents live in the same community, check with friends and neighbors and local organizations to learn about services and resources that will make your job easier. You say, Mom has just moved in with us, and she wants to find a card game with the girls. Do you know of any senior centers that have social events? How about transportation?

We’re a mobile society and millions of caregivers live more than an hour away from their parents. Executive William Gillis learned from his own personal experience how challenging it is to identify community resources from afar. As he was carving the path that ultimately led his on-line portfolio management service, he became the caregiver for his father. Talk about mixed emotions! Professionally, he was introducing a service that let millions manage their investments with one click of a computer mouse. Personally, he was investing untold hours just to find one bit of information to help his dad.

As with so many innovators, he used his personal and professional experience to launch Parent Care (www.parents-care.com), a service that he wished would have made his life as a caregiver-at-a-distance easier.

4. Gather cost-savings tips. This might mean something as simple as ordering generic medication or regularly inquiring about senior discounts. But, most cost savings opportunities aren’t as obvious. Mr. Gillis found, for example, that some states will pay for phones for hearing, visually or mobility limited seniors or fund home safety improvements. He said, we’ve invested heavily to locate time and money saving resources that most would have difficulty finding. I made it a personal mission to help other caregivers avoid some of the costs and frustration I encountered. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel. Tap into the resources others have collected.

5. Take care of yourself. You will be able to provide the best care as a caregiver when you’re at your best. Get good nutrition, enough sleep and regular exercise. Manage your stress and do a little something every day to nurture your soul. Understand that you are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and weakening your immune system. Talk to your doctor if you see worrisome signs such as problems sleeping, changes in appetite or loss of interest in activities you enjoy.

Despite the costs, most caregivers say that they received much more than they gave. Most say they would do it again, and many do.
Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Exercises For Better Sex

FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com

Mission Statement:
To be a free resource for Senior Citizens regarding Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap policies, Discounts for Senior Citizens and other essential information for independent living.

Exercise For Better Sex

Do you get winded by simply walking up a flight of stairs? Are you straining to pick up a gallon of milk? Do you crawl into bed shortly after arriving home from work? If so, you shouldn't expect to have the energy for a sexual marathon. But with proper exercise, one can get on the right track to feeling young and energetic in bed again.

At Ask UncleTerry.com we regularly have people emailing us - asking how they can improve their sexual stamina, get better aroused, last longer in bed and enjoy better enjoy sex. One of the best ways to achieve all of these desires and a whole lot more is exercise. Unless you're a cold fish, there's a great deal of body movement during sex. Together as a couple, go running or bike riding. This is a great way to spend quality time together while building physical endurance.

Having healthier arteries will allow the blood to flow better to the genitals. With a healthier blood flow, men will develop a harder erection, and women will be more easily aroused.
With a conditioned body, one is able to last longer in bed and have sex numerous times. After climaxing once, break the habit of falling asleep afterward. Pleasure your mate for a while, instead. When the blood gets flowing again, "round two" can commence. This will keep both of you interested, and make your mate go wild with anticipation during intermission.
With endless positions to choose from during intercourse such as those found at AskUncleTerry.com, don't stick to the same routine. If you work your upper body, it will be easier to grab your mate with authority and try a new position. Different positions will keep the spark alive. Use each muscle. Guys, this doesn't mean you should just lay back and let the woman do all the work. You need to be engaged, as well. Sexual energy will increase exponentially if both bodies thrust towards one another. Exercising your legs, arms and chest is great, but working the hidden muscles will help build stamina, as well.

Kegel exercises work for both men, and women. This exercise will thoroughly help each partner to gain control of his or her body. To do Kegel exercises, participants must tighten the muscle as if they are holding back urine. This is not about squeezing your stomach, or rear end. Next time you are going the bathroom, try holding back the stream. This should give you a feel of where that muscle is. Once you have found it, try working the muscle with reps of about 10 to 30 times. Then try repeating this at least 50 times a day. Once you are able to do 50, step it up to 30 reps at 200 times a day. It may seem like a lot of work, but you can do these while reading the paper or typing on the computer. If you are faithful to the routine, you should feel results within a month. A woman who does Kegel exercises can control and tighten her vagina. To help stimulate the male, she can use this muscle to get a firmer grab on the penis. Men who are going to climax should tighten their pubococcygeal (PC) muscle and release as desired. This will help them develop a skill to control ejaculation. Every time you hold back an orgasm, try to last a little longer than the previous one. Remember, practice makes perfect and the ladies love a man who can hold his own.

Climb the stairs to your bedroom without feeling exhausted. Pick up that gallon of milk after a glorious morning of sex. After work, you should plan on another sexual marathon. Sex is a great stress reliever and an amazing way to show the teamwork of a couple. Although exercising may seem hard at times, your body and your spouse will thank you.

Writer Terrance Lile brings you Ask Uncle Terry & ForumErotica, the fastest growing sexual education experience in cyberspace. Through a blend of morality, sincerity and humor this website provides sexual information for the enjoyment of diverse and safe sexual practices, while at the same time encouraging abstinence until in a committed relationship. http://www.askuncleterry.com/


Warm Regards,

Mark A. Bowman

President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Friday, June 5, 2009

Updating FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com

We are so excited to let you know about the changes and improvements we have made with http://www.FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com.

First of all, we have just completed a major optimization of our website, resulting in a Google PageRank of 5 and greatly increased traffic. This is why we haven’t posted here in a bit. But now that the optimization is underway we will put a renewed focus to our Yahoo Group.

We are asking for people to go to the site and give us your feedback. Let us know how we can continue to improve the site.

Secondly, we wanted to announce that we will shortly be sending our free eBooks on topics that will be important and relevant to the senior community, and these eBooks will be exclusively for members of our Yahoo Group, so stay tuned for the emails which will detail where to get these free eBooks. If you have a special interest, let us know and we will create an ebook just for you.

And finally, I just wanted to say that in the next week I’ll be expecting my 4th grandchild. Name and pictures will be coming soon.

Mark A. Bowman
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

NeedyMeds Discount Card

In our affiliation with NeedyMeds.org, members of FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com now have access to a drug discount card that is free and accepted at over 50,000 pharmacies nationwide. We would encourage everyone to visit NeedyMeds to get more information regarding the discount card.

Warm Regards,
Mark A. Bowman
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Thursday, May 14, 2009

FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions Helps Seniors Re-Enter The Workforce

FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com is proud to announce their recent affiliation with RetiredBrains.com, an organization devoted to helping elder Americans get back into the workforce after retirement.

“In this economy, many seniors who were retired are being forced back into the workforce. These seniors are energetic, hard-working and can be a valuable resource for companies in these turbulent times.” states Mark Bowman, President of FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com. “As a boomer myself, I know firsthand the struggles that many seniors experience living on a fixed budget. And with our partnership with RetiredBrains.com, we will have the ability to provide our members with the resources and told they need to equip themselves to re-enter the workforce.”

For more information regarding this business partnership, as well as information regarding Charities, Other Discounted Services For Seniors, Medicare, or just for a laugh at our Jokes pages, go to http://www.FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com.

Warm Regards,


Mark A. Bowman
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Friday, May 8, 2009

Announcing our new affiliation

FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com is proud to announce their recent affiliation with NeedyMeds.org, an organization devoted to helping Americans of all ages get access to the prescription drugs they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

“This partnership will allow the members of FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com to have access to all of the most recent information regarding Patient Assistance Programs, Low Cost Drug Cards and government programs that can allow low-income senior citizens to get access to the prescription drugs they desperately need” states Mark Bowman, President of FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com.

“As a boomer myself, I know firsthand the struggles that many seniors experience living on a fixed budget. And when the unexpected costs of health care do occur, it can put a severe strain on our resources. This partnership with NeedyMeds.org will enhance our position of being able to provide the essential information that senior citizens need to live independently and enjoy their golden years.”

For more information regarding this business partnership, as well as information regarding Charities, Other Discounted Services For Seniors, Medicare, or just for a laugh at our Jokes pages, go to http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/


Warm Regards,
Mark A. Bowman,
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

New site rollout

We would like to take a moment to announce that our website, http://www.FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com has been re-designed after receiving feedback from our members. Here are some of the improvements:

First of all, while we will continue to bring you the most complete information regarding Medicare and the other essential services that seniors need, we realize that seniors need to have fun. That is why we have ‘Senior Jokes By Joan’, eight full WebPages (and growing) of jokes, pictures and videos to bring a smile to your face.

Secondly, to help seniors deal with the current economic conditions, we will be establishing a ‘Coupons and Rebates’ section to our website within the next few days. This information will help all of us save money on the items that we use daily.

And finally, we will be set to launch by the end of the month a dedicated travel section which will feature great ideas for vacations, travel tips, discounts on hotels, airfare and car rentals. We are also finalizing an exclusive agreement with AvisBudget to give our members discounts on car rentals worldwide.

And finally, if you would like to recommend a topic to us, feel free to do so by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ link on our homepage, or emailing us at info@FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com.

Warm Regards,
Mark A. Bowman,
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A growing entity--FreeSCS.com

FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com

Mission Statement:
To be a free resource for Senior Citizens regarding Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap policies, Discounts for Senior Citizens and other essential information for independent living.

I have to say that we are starting to see a ‘spark’ with FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com. In addition to working with Goodwill International, we are beginning partnerships with:

Caregivers Marketplace-the nation's first cash back program for anyone who gives, gets or needs care. You can receive cash back on eligible products that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare – no matter where you buy them. The program is free and your information is always kept confidential.

HearingLoss.org-the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. In the United States, 31.5 million people (one in ten) have a hearing loss making it a public health issue third in line after heart disease and arthritis.

What these affiliations symbolize is the fact that our business model is viable and needed for a senior population that will be growing for the next 25 years.

And even though our business is in its infancy, receiving the level of positive feedback that we have is a fantastic motivator for us to move ahead and help those who need it.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Feeding An AD Patient

Eating can be a challenge. Some people with AD want to eat all the time, while others have to be encouraged to maintain a good diet.

· View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction and success for the person with AD. Try to be patient and avoid rushing, and be sensitive to confusion and anxiety.
· Aim for a quiet, calm, reassuring mealtime atmosphere by limiting noise and other distractions.
· Maintain familiar mealtime routines, but adapt to the person’s changing needs.
· Give the person food choices, but limit the number of choices. Try to offer appealing foods that have familiar flavors, varied textures, and different colors.
· Serve small portions or several small meals throughout the day. Make healthy snacks, finger foods, and shakes available. In the earlier stages of dementia, be aware of the possibility of overeating.
· Choose dishes and eating tools that promote independence. If the person has trouble using utensils, use a bowl instead of a plate, or offer utensils with large or built-up handles. Use straws or cups with lids to make drinking easier.
· Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
· As the disease progresses, be aware of the increased risk of choking because of chewing and swallowing problems.
· Maintain routine dental checkups and daily oral health care to keep the mouth and teeth healthy.

Warm Regards,
Mark A. Bowman,
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Tips on Bathing An AD Patient

While some people with AD don’t mind bathing, for others it is a frightening, confusing experience. Advance planning can help make bath time better for both of you.

· Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.
· Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with AD. Be gentle and respectful. Be patient and calm.
· Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.
· Prepare in advance. Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning. Draw the bath ahead of time.
· Be sensitive to the temperature. Warm up the room beforehand if necessary and keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.
· Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bath mats. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.
· Try a sponge bath. Bathing may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.

Warm Regards,
Mark A. Bowman,
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSCS.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Communicating With A Patient Suffering From AD

Trying to communicate with a person who has AD can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.

· Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.
· Avoid talking to the person with AD like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren’t there.
· Minimize distractions and noise—such as the television or radio—to help the person focus on what you are saying.
· Call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.
· Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.
· If the person with AD is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.
· Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

How To Deal With The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. As you begin to take stock of the situation, here are some tips that may help:

A Guide For The Caregiver

· Ask the doctor any questions you have about AD. Find out what treatments might work best to alleviate symptoms or address behavior problems.

· Contact organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer ’s disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center for more information about the disease, treatment options, and caregiving resources. Some community groups may offer classes to teach caregiving, problem-solving, and management skills.

· Find a support group where you can share your feelings and concerns. Members of support groups often have helpful ideas or know of useful resources based on their own experiences. Online support groups make it possible for caregivers to receive support without having to leave home.



· Study your day to see if you can develop a routine that makes things go more smoothly. If there are times of day when the person with AD is less confused or more cooperative, plan your routine to make the most of those moments. Keep in mind that the way the person functions may change from day to day, so try to be flexible and adapt your routine as needed.

· Consider using adult day care or respite services to ease the day-to-day demands of caregiving. These services allow you to have a break while knowing that the person with AD is being well cared for.

· Begin to plan for the future. This may include getting financial and legal documents in order, investigating long-term care options, and determining what services are covered by health insurance and Medicare.

Warm Regards,
Mark A. Bowman,
President
FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com
By Baby Boomers…For Baby Boomers
http://www.freeseniorcitizenssolutions.com/
mark@FreeSeniorCitizensSolutions.com