Daily Preparedness

It is the time of year when the call of new yellow pencils, notebooks, pens, erasers and a long laundry list of supplies is haunting your mind as you prepare for the return of the school year. Nearly everyone returning to school will include in their shopping list a backpack. For most students, the foremost criteria for choosing a backpack is how attractive, ‘in’ or ‘cool’ the backpack looks. But, it is becomingly increasingly common for students (and not just students) of all ages to incur a variety of injuries, pain and damage due to improperly designed, fitted, loaded and carried backpacks. How do you choose and use a backpack so that it is a help not a hindrance? And what added items should you include to promote a safe school year?

First, let’s go shopping!

• Don’t fail to look at sporting goods and outdoor outfitters (such as LL Bean) for high quality, durable and well made backpacks. A few extra dollars now and a bit of care along the way may prove your best investment.
• If you are carrying a laptop or netbook, be certain that the backpack has, or will hold, a protective sleeve for your electronics.
• Choose a backpack with wide, padded and adjustable straps. Be certain that the wearer can adjust the pack so that the majority of the weight is carried along the back of the shoulder line.

• If the pack is going to weigh more than a few pounds (less than 7% of the wearer’s weight), choose a backpack with a waist belt which will help equalize the pressure on the spine, shoulders and neck.
• Purchase or add reflective tape so that the wearer is more easily seen in the dark.
• Look for a backpack with easy to reach pockets, especially for small items that the wearer may want to access without taking off the backpack.
• An ergonomically designed backpack will conform the proper alignment of the spine.

Now that you have purchased a great, back-saving backpack, let’s pack it up!

• Do not fill the backpack to more than 15% of the wearer’s body weight.
• Keep identifying information inside the backpack. If the design is a common one and you want to easily identify your backpack, personalize it with a charm, patch or other identifier that does not include your name or other personal information.
• Distribute items so that the weight is evenly distributed. Falls occur frequently when backpack wearers are ‘out of balance’ due to shifting or unevenly distributed loads
• Be certain to include an ID card in the backpack. Include name, emergency contact info, important health information, etc. Place this card INSIDE the backpack where it is not easily seen.
• Pack sharp objects, even sharpened pencils, where they will not weaken the fabric or seams.
• Periodically clean out the backpack and be certain you are not carrying items you do not need.
• For YOUNG CHILDREN, you might want to have a specially marked pocket for papers you need to read, sign, etc.
• Older students, if allowed, might carry a small power bar, granola bar or other ‘emergency food’, water & a tiny flashlight. College students and commuters may want to carry water, a bit of money in small bills, a small flashlight and necessary medications.

You are packed up and ready to go…time to lift and carry that backpack properly!

• Learn to pick up your backpack as you would any heavy object. Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back.
• Do not ’sling’ your backpack onto your back. It is not good for you and you may hit someone behind or beside you!
• Carefully put on one shoulder strap on at a time. Be certain the straps are adjusted so that the majority of the weight is on your upper back—just below the shoulder line. It may look cool to have your backpack slung low on your back, but you are causing harm to yourself!
• If you have to stoop over with the weight of the backpack in order to carry it, that backpack is TOO heavy!
• NEVER NEVER carry your backpack on one shoulder. Doing so not only causes your spine to be at an unnatural angle, you may unevenly develop muscles in your shoulders and chest. This uneven distribution of muscle mass can become unsightly AND pull other parts of your body out of whack.
• Carrying your backpack on your front is not better for your back than carrying it on the back. Either way, the backpack needs to be aligned, packed and carried appropriately.
• Fasten the waist buckle, especially if the backpack is 15% of your body weight! Let your entire torso share in carrying the load.
• While carrying your backpack, walk with good posture! Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
• If someone should grab your backpack, immediately ask them to stop. Injuries occur when friends or others jokingly add their own weight to that of your backpack.
• If at all possible, remove the backpack near a surface about table level. With your back to the table, remove one shoulder strap at a time and lower the backpack down your back to the table.
• When you get home, keep your backpack off of kitchen counters or other surfaces where food is prepared or served.

The essence of provident living is to always live today while preparing for whatever tomorrow brings. Preventing, rather than treating, injuries is the best way to be prepared everyday!

Comment from a physician: The really sad part is the failure rate for back surgeries. I’ve seen a lot of patients with multiple surgeries, no relief from the pain, and even some who got worse after the surgery. There’s even a specific diagnostic code for ‘failed back surgery’ cause it’s that common. Good advice to review!

Tim

For thousands and thousands of young adults, the end of summer heralds the beginning of their life as a college student. Whether you are a student or the parent of a student, take a few minutes to think through and prepare for this important and challenging time of life. In addition to tuition, housing, books and challenge of potentially living independently for the first time in their lives, college bound students should also consider a few ‘provident pointers’ of their own:

• Cell phone: Everyone seems to have one and they can be a true life line. Before purchasing a new phone or plan, be certain that the phone is usable/has coverage on the college campus. It is often wise to include the student’s phone in the family plan so that the student can call family members frequently.
• Banking: Open accounts that are convenient for the student and possibly the parents. Every student should be familiar with ATM safety and the safe guarding of personal information. A small personal shredder is a wise investment.
• Medical care: Find out now if your family health insurance covers the student away from home. Before signing up for student health insurance, be certain to read the fine print. Students might want to signing a medical power of attorney naming granting both parents the right to speak to medical providers concerning their care. Without such paperwork, providers are not legally allowed to discuss the student’s condition with anyone. Students should have a written copy of their medical history and current medications. For any ongoing medical issue, locate a physician near the college campus that will provide continuity of care.
• Personal safety. Many young adults are still in the ‘invincible’ phase of life. Others are trusting or believe that if they are headed to a religiously oriented school ‘all is well’. Review the importance of personal safety, including your photo & personal identity! Be self-confident, but aware. “The Gift Of Fear” is great pre-college reading for everyone.  Shred documents with personal information, safeguard belongings and avoid leaving expensive items unprotected. Be cautious about what you post online–never give your real name, make of car, schedule, school name, dorm name, etc. Predators will watch social networking sites and gather such information. Be smart!!
• Cars. If taking a car to school, be certain that their is adequate and well lit parking available. Obtain necessary parking permits, insurance coverage, a spare key, documents and emergency supplies for the car. Never overload a car or loan it to friends.
• Be space conscious. When planning what to take to that first dorm room, be certain that you know the capacity of the room! If possible, coordinate what will be brought with future room mates. Most dorm rooms are sadly lacking in space!
• Emergency preparedness. Pack a mini-72 hour kit for your dorm room. Be certain to have some well hidden cash, power bars, water, first aid supplies and basic medications.
• Debt. Remember that loans must be paid back. Review the true cost of credit and to limit their use student loans to absolutely necessary EDUCATIONAL expenses. Many college students are flooded with credit card offers and find themselves graduating with staggering debt loads.
• Life Skills. Every student should know the basics of laundry, healthy eating, financial record keeping, smart shopping, cooking, first aid and cleaning before heading off to college.
• Textbooks. Before shelling out a small fortune for textbooks, check carefully for used books. Check online sources for cheaper books–the savings can be substantial. Keep receipts for all books you purchase in case you drop a class! Keep your books in good condition and sell them back at the first opportunity (or sell them privately).
• Hand Washing & Health. Get in the habit of washing your hands often and well. This is your best defense about a wide variety of ailments. Take good care of your body–get enough sleep, eat well and sleep an adequate amount.
• Conflict. Learn how to peacefully resolve conflict–whether it is with your room mate, study group, classmates or friends.
• Stay connected. Stay connected with your family, life long friends and church. Though college is a time to begin ‘adult life,’ the anchors that have kept you steady are a source of strength, guidance and wisdom that you will need more than ever.

The college years are exciting and challenging. Good decisions, wise planning and some self-discipline will pave the way for success now and in the future!

One of the most common medical errors that can lead to serious illness or even death is one that you can help prevent. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are injured annually due to errors in the administration of medications. Though many of these errors occur in hospital settings, many occur in our own homes. The vast majority of these errors can be prevented by YOU and those you love. What can you do to protect yourself?

1. Know that the elderly and chronically ill are the most likely to be victims of medication errors. Both groups are most likely to have a larger than average number of prescription medications prescribed for them.

2. Children may be at a higher risk because their smaller body size makes it more likely that a dosing or drug interaction error will cause serious harm or death.

3. FULLY UNDERSTAND that medication errors can be fatal.

4. When prescribed a medication, be certain that the doctor explains why you are being prescribed this medication, what the medication should do for you, what the side effects are and how you should take the medication. For instance, should it be taken with meals, before a meal, at bedtime, etc.

5. Always provide every health care professional (including the pharmacist) with a complete list of ALL prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbal products, homeopathic remedies and vitamins that you take. Include the name of the medication, the dosage, how long you have been taking it and the medication’s use.

6. Understand that there is limited, peer-reviewed science based research into the interaction of herbal products, supplements and homepathic remedies. Most of these substances are NOT tested by independent peer-reviewed research nor their quality and potency regulated. Be certain that you fully research any ‘natural’ product that is recommended to you. Many of these products are the ‘natural’ version of powerful prescription medications. For instance, foxglove is merely natural digitalis, which can alter heart rhythms. Echinacea can lead to permanent liver damage, especially if used in combination with other medications/supplements. Prescription medications can interact with a wide range of products and there is, again, limited knowledge as to the interaction of prescription (or over-the-counter medications) and ‘alternative therapies’. Even simple vitamins can lead to overdoses and drug interactions.

7. Before taking a new medication, know how the drug is supposed to help you and all possible side effects.

8. Know what your medications look like. If you receive a new prescription and the medication looks different, do not take it until you speak with a pharmacist. Preferably, the pharmacy will have alerted you to a change in the appearance of your medication.

9. If hospitalized, ask what each medication you are being given is and what it is for. Competent staff will tell you the name of the medication before giving it to you. If they do not, be extra cautious. Again, if the medication looks different than what you normally see, ask!! Know what the dosage prescribed is. If something seems ‘off’, stop and ask to speak to a supervisor. My daughter was nearly killed in a hospital when a nurse attempted to administer 100 times the prescribed dose of a pain killer. The nurse had ‘misread’ where the decimal point was.

10. If the dosage and frequency of taking a medication is different than your physician told you, ASK questions!

11. Be certain that you are taking your medications exactly as prescribed. Regularly review the instructions on your prescription bottles!

12. If you take multiple medications, or care for someone who does, consider using a medication minder container. Many types are available at a variety of price points. These specially designed containers can be a great help in being certain that you are taking your medications as prescribed. This is vitally important for the elderly or anyone who may have memory issues.

13. Periodically review with your physician the medications you are taking. Each office visit should include a review of your medication, including when you need a new prescription written. Again, the elderly are most likely to have too many medications prescribed for them, often creating secondary problems. If a new symptom appears, ask the pharmacist if this could be a reaction to a medication.

14. When prescribed a medication, ask if there is a generic alternative which may save you money. Often, prescribers will merely write for the newest medication when an older, proven medication may work just as well. Also ask if there is an alternative to medication. Could you achieve the same results through lifestyle or diet changes?

15. Choose carefully and use one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions. Some points to consider when choosing a pharmacy:

• Is there a pharmacist available to answer all of your questions?
• Know the role of pharmacy technicians. Though they may perform many tasks within a pharmacy, including accepting prescriptions from you, they should not be answering questions about your medication’s interactions, uses and side effects.
• Does the pharmacist have time to talk to you in person or on the phone? If not, they may be over-worked which leads to more errors. Some pharmacies evaluate pharmacists on the number or prescriptions they fill per hour, not the number of customers they serve.
• Does the pharmacist answer your questions about drug interactions? If you are on medications for serious pain, heart problems, liver disease or kidney disease (or other serious long-term illnesses), be certain that you ask the pharmacist before taking over-the-counter, herbal or supplement preparations. Pharmacists should be able to answer your questions, with the exception of some herbal & ‘natural’ remedies that have not been well researched.
• Is the pharmacy efficient? Are prescriptions filled when they say they will be? An efficient pharmacy should be able to estimate when your prescription will be ready and alert you to possible delays. If they are chronically misrepresenting the time it will take to fill a prescription, they may be over-worked, under-staffed and more prone to errors.
• Can you understand the pharmacist? You should be able to freely communicate with this important member of your health care team!
• Be certain that the pharmacy has up-to-date software that warns of drug interactions, low/high dose alerts, LASA error checking (Look alike/sound alike) and patient allergies. Be certain that the pharmacist is aware of your drug and food allergies. Some food allergies can significantly impact the medications you can be prescribed.
• Is the pharmacy concerned with your privacy? Pharmacy staff should never announce the medication they are filling for you in a way that others might over hear.
• Does the pharmacy alert you when the appearance of your medication has changed?
• Does the pharmacy provide you with an information sheet that describes the appearance of your medication, possible side effects and uses of the medication?
• Does your pharmacy communicate efficiently with your physician’s office? Some communication errors are due to delays in the doctor’s office, but pharmacy staff should be able to up date you on their progress.
• Does your pharmacist relay information to you effectively? If they say they will get back to you, do they? Do they call you if there is a problem with a refill?
• Will your pharmacist attempt to answer your questions with research? We have had multiple times where a great pharmacist will go to extraordinary lengths to be certain that a medication is safe. This has included the pharmacist calling the pharmaceutical company for further information. This type of dedication can, literally, safe your life and you SHOULD EXPECT IT!
• Remember that the pharmacist is your safe guard when it comes to medications! They should have the most up-to-date and effective means by which you can be protected from possible allergic reactions or drug interactions. They are the trained professional when it comes to medication management!

16. Keep your medication information confidential and safe. Remove prescription labels from empty bottles before discarding. Likewise, shred information sheets or other paperwork that details what medications are in your home. Do not discuss publicly or post online medications you take. Theft of prescription drugs is on the rise.

17. Teach your children to never take medication (again, including ‘natural’ products) from someone other than you or a licensed health care professional.

18. Discard of out dated medications safely. Be especially vigilant about medications you may not take regularly, such as epi-pens or inhalers. Check their expiration date and get refills when needed.

19. Store your medicaitons safely. Know if the medication needs to be refrigerated. In general, most medications need to be protected from moisture, light and extremes in temperature.

20. Don’t run out! Be certain to carry vital medications with you and refill your prescriptions BEFORE you run out. Most insurers will allow you to refill a prescription seven days prior to the day you will run out.

21. KEEP YOUR MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE HANDS OF CHILDREN! Keep all medications, including vitamins, away from children. Be certain that visitors to your home safe guard any medication they have. Many children suffer overdoses while exploring Grandma’s luggage or purse.

Though there are many medical errors we cannot prevent, medication errors can often be prevented through our own vigilance, common sense and just a bit of time. Be wise, be cautious and be healthy!

The images coming out of Haiti are heart-breaking and as generous souls, we all want to do our part to alleviate the catastrophic suffering we see on a daily basis. As with all modern disasters, the Haiti earthquake has unleashed a secondary storm of disaster–the charity scammers. Within hours of a major disaster, fake charities, websites and phone solicitors arise from the ashes to ply us with pleas for assistance. Sometimes sounding like recognized charities, or ‘collecting’ in their name, these scamming vultures move quickly and effectively. They want your money and in the latest schemes, your identity, computer files and credit card information.

In order to protect yourself from these unscrupulous vultures, follow these suggestions:

• Never link through an unsolicited charity email. Go to the charity’s own website from your own web browser. Be certain that the site is legitimate.
• The newest scams involve virus-laden websites that infect your computer with a virus and then cause a virus alert message to appear. It then tries to sell you virus protection software, which is actually malware. These sites will pop up if you search for Haiti and earthquake.
• Before giving to any charity, know what percentage of your donation will go to aid, what percentage may be diverted to other causes and what percentage is for ‘overhead’.
• Know that in most cases, the best thing you can give after a disaster is cash. Truckloads of clothing, furniture & bedding are often left to rot because there is no mechanism to distribute it after a large disaster.
• If you have goods that can be sold, sell them and donate the cash to a reputable charity.
• Do not respond to unsolicited phone calls pleading for money.
• Do not give cash to individuals coming to your home, place of business or in public asking for donations in the name of a charity. Instead, give directly to the charity.
• Ask if the charity is a 501c3. Ask to see their annual report. Ask for contact information for the headquarters. If they refuse to answer your questions, don’t donate.
• Beware of text message donations. You will most likely be paying the texting charges and fighting a fraudulent charge may be difficult. Also, do not text credit card or other personal information.
• If donating online, do so only through reputable charities’ websites and only those that begin with https
• The safest way to make a donation is with a check made out to the charity. You will then have a ready-made receipt for tax purposes.
• Ask the charity what help they are currently providing in the area. How many people are they currently serving? What other organizations are they working with?
• Do an internet search for the charity in question. Look for independent news reports of aid they are currently providing in the area they claim to be serving.
• Ask the charity what will happen to excess funds collected. How will they use them?
• Never give out your credit card or bank information over the phone, especially when the phone call is unsolicited.
• With any phone solicitation, ask the caller to send written materials. Do not donate unless they do so. Even then, be cautious.
• Know that countless ‘charities’ and ‘foundations’ prey on the elderly. They send statements that look like bills, rely on their instinctive generosity and employ a variety of other unsavory techniques. If you have elderly family members, watch their bank accounts for such donations. Some frauds include using the information on checks sent in to set up automatic electronic withdrawals.
• Avoid giving to newly established charities, especially after a major disaster.
• Every state attorney general’s office will have information on legitimate and fraudulent charities. If you believe that you have encountered a fraudulent charity, contact the AG office immediately.
• Decide what you can reasonably afford to donate and donate it to a legitimate charity of your choice. When you are asked for donations by others, simply say, “We’ve already donated.”

One of the most effective and fast-responding charities is LDS Humanitarian Services. 100% of your donation will go to assist others, not only in times of disaster but with a wide range of truly wonderful programs. A link to a rapid donation form is available at www.lds.org. For further information about other ways you can support worthwhile efforts around the world, go to http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/

Do not become a secondary casuality of disaster. Be wise in your charitable giving and be certain that your generosity goes to those you wish to aid!

In recognition of National Preparedness Month here in the U.S. (the rest of the world is welcome to join), it is time for a challenge! You can do it! With just over 100 days left in 2009, it is time to buckle down, dedicate yourself and set aside just 10 minutes or less per day. Yes, in less than 10 minutes a day and nearly no money at all, you can improve your preparedness status by leaps and bounds.

The extra days in 2009 can be set aside for holidays, vacations or, even better, utilized to do a more-than-ten-minute job. However you use the days, use them well!

Ready? Set? Go! Here it is, the first installment of 100 things you can do in 10 minutes or less:

1. Program your cell phone phone book with the word ICE (stands for In Case of Emergency). Under that listing, include the name & phone numbers for the person you want to have contacted first in case of an emergency. First Responders and ER personnel know to check your cell phone for this listing.

2. Check your car’s glove compartment and be certain that you have a current registration, inspection receipt, insurance card and insurance contact information.

3. Write down all of your family’s prescription drugs, their RX number, refill date, name of medicine, instructions and the pharmacy phone number. Make a copy for your 72-hour kit.

4. Write out a card for each child’s car restraint seat. Include child’s name, your contact info, another relative’s contact information, child’s pediatrician and important medical history. Attach to the bottom or back right rear of the seat.

5. Schedule your yearly health maintenance check-ups such as mammograms, pap smears, physical exams and immunization review.

6. Place water leak alarms near washing machine, hot water heater and any other area likely to suffer a leak.

7. Wash the dryer lint trap under hot water until water runs freely.

8. Check the tire pressure and tread depth on your tires.

9. Clean out your medicine cabinet and dispose of out-dated medications.

10. Test your smoke detectors & change batteries as needed.

11. Set up a spot for your perpetual grocery list. Let your family know where it is!

12. Photocopy your credit cards & ID. Place copy in your “What If?” Notebook.

13. Check the outside dryer vent. Be certain that vent flaps open freely. Remove any visible lint.

14. Clean the inside of your car windshield. “Stuff” gathers on the inside of the windshield and can cause complete ‘white out’ when you are driving towards the sun.

15. Clean one pantry shelf. Move older food to the front.

16. Write down neighbor’s phone number, doctor’s phone numbers, family contact numbers and place inside a cabinet near the phone.

17. Add at least one long-term storage food to your grocery list. Consider rice, dry beans, sugar, oatmeal.

18. Check outside lights. Replace burned out bulbs.

19. Check your supply of flashlights. Do they work? Do you have batteries for them? One for each room of your house?

20. Clean the trash out of your car.

21. Cook a double entree and freeze the extra one.

22. Make a list of everyone you plan to purchase Christmas gifts for.

23. Pick up Christmas Cards at a discounter or dollar store before the inexpensive ones are sold out.

24. Replace filters in your HVAC system. Write the date you replaced it on the filter. Mark your calendar for the next change date.

25. See what Christmas gifts you may already have on hand. Plan which ones you are going to make.

26. Do a quick comparison of current prices for internet providers. Do you need to change?

27. Clean out one kitchen drawer.

28. Have little ones at home or due to visit? Check childproofing & poison control.

29. Check 401K & pension plan balances. Do you need to save more for retirement?

30. Purchase at least one item for long-term storage.

31. Treat sink & tub drains with baking soda and vinegar.

32. Check children’s toys. Throw out broken ones.

33. Set budget for holiday gift giving. Do you need to save some money?

34. Check nightlights. Do they illuminate areas that need light? Do they work?

35. Find a backpack, tote or other container that can store items in your car.

36. Add jumper cables to your car pack

37. Put some bottled water in your car pack.

38. Put some long-term food such as granola bars in your car pack.

39. Put several ’space’ blankets or wool blankets in your car pack.

40. Add some matches and a candle to your car pack. Pack candle in an empty vegetable can and cover top with aluminum foil.

41. Add an all-in-one screwdriver to your car pack.

42. Add an ‘emergency’ flag to your car pack. This can simply be a piece of bright orange or red fabric.

43. Add a first aid kit to your car pack.

44. Stick a set of fuses in your car pack.

45. Put a flashlight in your car pack. Package the batteries outside of the flashlight.

46. Add a flare to your car pack.

47. Add a can of Fix-a-flat to your car pack.

48. Check your spare tire & tire iron.

49. Check the fluid levels in your car.

50. Put some paper and a pen in your glove compartment.

51. Check your gutters to see if they are running well.

52. Look at your roof from across the street. Does it look solid?

53. Add your doctor’s voice & fax numbers to your cell phone directory.

54. Add a worthwhile item to your 72-hour kit.

55. Grab some 3×5 cards. Write out personal information for each person & add to 72-hour kit. Include out of state contacts, medical information, etc.

56. Check the caulk around the doors and windows of your home. Note which ones need repair.

57. Add some cash and quarters to your glove compartment. An empty prescription bottle or tube from mini-M&M’s work well.

58. Check outdoor walkways. Are they clear? Free from tripping hazards? Cracks?

59. Add one item to your food storage.

60. Gather up your candles and see if you have enough to provide some light for 7-days. Store some matches (more than you think you need) with the candles.

61. Refill BBQ propane tanks if you have them.

62. Clean one pantry shelf. Move older food to the front.

63. Clean out your refrigerator. Discard old food and mark food that needs to be eaten up.

64. Do you need to have your chimney cleaned?

65. Read about one way to cook food without power. Order or gather supplies you would need.

66. Program your pharmacy’s phone number into your cell phone.

67. Check your computer’s firewall and anti-virus strength.

68. Do a quick comparison of auto insurance rates and coverage.

69. Set aside ingredients for a ‘no time to cook’ dinner.

70. Add one item to your two week supply of food that you could eat without cooking.

71. Store some water.

72. Plan holiday meals. Watch for ingredients to go on sale. Don’t forget potluck dinners, treats for neighbors, etc.

73. Do you need to have your furnace checked?

74. Check appliances for frayed cords.

75. Do you have de-icer in your windshield washer fluid?

76. Ice scrapers in each car….unless you live where it never gets cold!

77. Clean out one pantry shelf. Discard out of date food. Move older food to the front.

78. Try a new recipe that utilizes at least two items from your long-term storage.

79. Check supply of over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines, antidiarrheal, pain killers & anti-inflammatories.

80. Check the caulk around tubs, showers and toilets. Repair or replace as needed.

81. Check your credit cards? Current? Do you have too many?

82. Check your credit report for errors.

83. Be certain your are shredding documents with personal information such as insurance numbers, birthdates, account numbers, social security numbers.

84. Google your name to make sure someone is using it online or writing about you in an unfavorable way.

85. Buy or obtain a free (try freecycle) transistor am/fm radio.

86. Clean out one closet.

87. Add one item to your food storage.

88. Check your doors and windows for air leaks.

89. Make certain that shrubbery around your house does not obscure windows. (burglars love it when they can hide behind a bush while they break your window)

90. Make a place for end of year tax information.

91. Try a recipe utilizing one or two items from your long-term storage.

92. Check your cell phone contract. If out of contract, compare rates.

93. Add a small flashlight to your glove compartment.

94. Check cash supply at home. Be certain you have bills in $20 or less denominations

95. Mail holiday gifts early to avoid paying express shipping charges.

96. Do you need de-icer for walk ways and driveway?

97. Collect loose change and establish place to store it.

98. Add one item to your 2 week supply of foods you could eat without cooking.

99. Add one item to your 72-hour kit.

100. Cook a double entree and freeze the extra!

See, you can do this!!! It is inexpensive, fast and all things YOU can do with little time and money.

Don’t worry, we’ll remind you periodically. Now, get to it! And good luck.

Okay, so I just opened an email account and there were (no kidding here) 525 pieces of spam email. FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE! Thankfully, my fifth grade teacher had the foresight to teach me to speed read. 525! ! !

Most of you aren’t going to see that much spam in a month, but I seemed to have hit the Spam-o-rama Sweepstakes. How does all of that spam propogate?

One of the easiest ways to Spam-a-friend is to send everyone you know the latest touching story, beautiful graphic or ’sure to be true’ urban legend. You hit the forward button and then dump load your entire address book into the ’send to’ box, hit send and know that you have enlightened half of the civilized world. But wait, have you really? Most likely no!

First, check out any ‘fact’ with snopes.com or other site that tracks the latest ‘Bill Gates is going to pay you to send emails’ or ‘Aliens really did land in NYC’ postings. If the information is truly valid and you are certain your friends can’t live without it, DO NOT SIMPLY forward the email. Many of these emails are sent out by spammers who can ‘collect’ every email address you pass on. Yep, they really, really can. And then your friends can thank you when their in box is filled with offers for things they never needed to know exist, obscenities and all other manner of unsightly spam!

Instead, if you really want to pass on information to a friend, copy only the contents of the email. DO NOT include any previous email addresses. ‘Paste’ the information into a new email and send it to your friends. But, first, ask yourself if your ‘friend’ will appreciate the mail.

SCAMS: Email in-boxes are overflowing everyday with urgent messages from banks, mortgage lenders, insurance companies and government agencies urging the recipient to click on the handy dandy imbedded hyperlink which leads straight to their website where your attention is urgently needed. Once at the website, you will merely enter your account information, password and then save yourself from certain doom. Right? WRONG! ! ! The vast majority of these are ‘phishing’ emails which hope you will follow their dim-witted instructions, provide your account information and then sit happily by while your identity, funds, accounts, etc. are pilfered by the highway bandits of the information highway.

How then do you tell which emails are legit and which aren’t? The first rule of thumb is; if in doubt, don’t!  Look for mis-spelled words, logos that are slightly off, emails from banks you don’t even have accounts with and a sense of supreme urgency that you act NOW!

The second rule is; DO NOT use a hyperlink in an email. A hyperlink is the ‘click here’ type button or highlighted word that takes you from the email to a website. If you believe the email may be legitimate (from a company you know that you have provided your email address to), simply close down your email program. Open a new browser window and type in the web address of the company that you have used previously. DO NOT use the web address provided in the email. Or better yet, pull out your ‘What If’ notebook, look up the company’s phone number and call them. (AGAIN, DO NOT call a number provided within the email!) Let them know that you have received an email claiming to be from them, what it says and have a customer service rep check on the status of your account.

Most large companies have fraud departments and they may want you to forward the email to them. If requested, do so as soon as possible. eBay and Amazon both have established ’spoof’ addresses which you can send suspicious email to.

Beyond the nuisance factor of in-boxes polluted with nonsense, computer virus’ which can do significant damage are often passed by email. Unsuspecting ‘friends’ pass on a lovely image, touching attachment or serious warning hoping to protect their friends. Instead of helping, they pass on a virus which can wipe out their hard drive, fry the entire system or ’spy’ on them in order to retrieve valuable information. Why take the risk? (To knowingly pass on a virus is a serious crime.)

Do everyone you know a favor, practice safe email sending! Let’s not waste each other’s precious time, risk forwarding a virus or provide ‘phishers’ with one more email address that they can hope to victimize. Email is truly a miracle form of communication—use it wisely and well!

P.S. Linda, our every-faithful reader forwarded a few more hints to me that are too good not to include:

1. If you are sending an email to more than one person, always use the BCC option. This hides the additional emails from the group.

2. Ever get those emails urging you to sign an ‘online’ petition? DON’T! ! The completed petition’s only value is to a professional spammer who will pay bucks to harvest all of those lovely email addresses. Not only will the spammer reap the addresses, he/she will know which cause is important to you. If you want to have your voice heard, write a letter, send an email, shoot off a fax or simply call the group you are trying to impress. A big list of email addresses will NOT impress an elected official, corporation or civic entity.

3. Remember that every address you receive or send an email to is most likely stored. When you simply hit ‘forward’ every email address listed in that email is going to be stored. All it takes is one individual computer getting a virus and then sending it out to ALL of those stored addresses.

4. Again, before forwarding the latest urban legend, AMBER alert, virus alert, etc. check it out on snopes.com. They are pretty up to date and accurate!

Thanks again, Linda, you are a great reader and contributor

It is definitely the time of year when even certified ‘Hate To Shop-phobics’ find themselves heading to the mall, super store or to an online merchant to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Also heading to all of those locations are those who find their Christmas cheer by stealing yours (along with your wallet, money, ID, purchases & possibly your physical well being)! Thieves, pickpockets, scam artists and other unsavory sorts prey on all of those harried, distracted and thoughtful shoppers. Before you head out to shop, remember these tips gathered from multiple safety sites:

‘Brick and Mortar Stores’

1. Leave the purse at home or locked in the car. No matter how cute it is, a purse increases your chances of meeting one of those stealing, purse-snatching grinches. Should you meet one, relinquish your purse. There is NOTHING in there worth dying for. Report incident to the police and immediately cancel all credit cards that were stolen. Replace your driver’s license and be extra cautious at home.

2. Keep your valuables in your pockets—preferably the front pockets of your pants. Spread your cash (a moderate amount), one credit card and your ID into multiple pockets.

3. Have a cell phone handy at all times.

4. Shop during daylight hours. If you must shop at night, always shop with a companion (and small children don’t count as companions). At night, park only in lots that have adequate lighting.

5. Never hesitate to ask for a Public Safety escort to your car. All shopping centers, reputable stores and malls have them available.

6. Do not allow yourself to become over burdened with packages which limit your ability to see, move or be aware of your surroundings.

7. Always lock your car – when you are in it and out of it.

8. Have your keys ready before you leave the store.

9. Make certain no one is hiding in your car before you enter. The best way to do this is to approach it from the back as though you are going to walk past your car to another one. Look in each window as you pass. Only place your key in the door when you are certain the car is empty.

10. Stay alert to your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable, seek out assistance immediately! Be aware that con artists use a multitude of tactics to distract you so that you can be more easily robbed. Some thieves work in pairs, with one distracting you and the other robbing you.

11. Wherever possible, shop at stores that allow you to run your credit card through the reader yourself. If you must hand over your credit card, watch as it is processed. There are few merchants that still use carbon copies, but if a small business does, take the carbons with you.

12. Do not keep packages in plain view in your car. Lock in the trunk.

13. Use ATMs in secure locations. Do not count cash in open view. If anyone is lurking near the ATM, either on foot or in a car, move onto to another one. Better yet, prepare now – get the cash you will need and store it at home in a safe location.

14. Make sure that you have a record of all credit cards, their numbers and the phone number to call if one is lost. Keep this at home in your ‘What If’ notebook.

15. Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

16. If at all possible, shop without small children during the busiest shopping times. If you must bring a small child with you, be aware that they are a built-in distraction as well as a safety hazard. Keep your child with you AT ALL times. Remember to strap them into the stroller or shopping cart. Put identifying information into one of their pockets (refer to the CHAD posting) just in case they become separated from you. Be certain to teach your child to look for a store employee or a ‘Grandma’ if they get lost. Many young children simply hide if lost and don’t know who to go to for help.

Online Merchants:

1. Only purchase from sites that display https in the web address, have the closed lock or unbroken key to signify a secure website. If the lock is displayed as open or the key broken, the site is compromised.

2. Do not respond to emails from PayPal, your bank, your credit card company, mortgage company, eBay, Amazon or any other merchant that asks you to click on a portion of the email (a hyperlink) to reinstate your account, up date your information or asks for your log in information. If you think the email may be legitimate, close the email, log out of the email program and then go to the web address that you have used previously for that merchant. DO NOT USE THE WEB ADDRESS given in the email. Look for the link to the company’s fraud department and report the email you have received. Many companies can also accept forwarded emails to, for instance, ‘spoof@paypal.com’ or ‘spoof@ebay.com’. The company will then research the email.

3. Only provide credit card or bank information through a secured website. Do not include the information in an email.

4. Be very aware that the incidence of fraud, abuse, etc. increases greatly during the holidays. Ebay has its highest rate of seller fraud during the holidays. Only purchase items from sellers with a good track rating and preferably ones that will accept credit cards through PayPal. You are much safer using an established merchant such as Amazon (though not necessarily a private seller that advertises through Amazon) or the online version of brick and mortar stores (such as target.com or toysrus.com) than purchasing items through an auction.

5. Be certain that you are aware of return policies before purchasing. Brick and mortar stores will often accept returns from their internet counterparts.

6. Immediately report any suspected case of fraud to the company and to your local police department.

No matter where you shop, shop smartly. Keep track of your purchases and be certain to carefully check your credit card and bank statements.

Happy shopping!!

Using ‘plastic’ money can be a great way to track expenses and consolidate your bill paying, but that plastic should come with a bit of a warning label. Credit card fraud is on the rise, as is the fraudulent use of checking accounts. Common sense and a healthy dose of forewarning are your best protections! Keep these pointers in mind and you will be spared the agony accompanying the all-too common crime of credit card fraud:

1. Don’t let your credit card out of your sight.

2. Shield your credit card number from onlookers. A new version of credit card thief is utilizing the cameras on cell phones to capture images of credit card numbers used by others in public settings such as stores.

3. Don’t process a credit card, debit card or check transaction with a clerk that is talking on the phone, particularly in a language you do not understand. This is one of the newest ways to steal your information!  Hold your card until the clerk is done or ask for the phone call to be terminated.  Better yet, shop at stores that allow you to retain custody of your card and swipe it yourself.

4. Never provide your credit card number or the cvi code on the back of the card to someone that calls you or emails you. A common scam is to inform you through a call or email that a problem has arisen with your account and they need to verify your information. NEVER utilize a link provided in an email to verify your personal information.

5. Never provide your credit card or other personal information on a website that is not a secure site.

6. Sign credit cards as soon as you receive them.

7. Shred all credit card applications you receive. Shred expired credit cards and any piece of paper with credit card information.

8. Never leave credit cards or receipts with your credit card information lying around.  Shred them!

9. In a secure place, keep a copy of all your credit cards and numbers with the phone numbers for customer service.

10. Check your monthly statements carefully. IMMEDIATELY report any charges that appear fraudulent.

11. If you even suspect that your credit card has been out of your control for any length of time, call your credit card company. Their security department should quickly verify all activity on the card, close that account and issue new cards to you.

12. Carry only the number of credit cards that you absolutely need. When traveling, it is a good idea to carry a back up card in a location other than your wallet. When traveling with another family member, have them carry a different card than you. If one is lost, you still have one between the two of you to use until the lost one can be replaced.

13. Never sign a blank or partially filled in receipt. If there are lines for tips, etc, make certain you have filled them out appropriately and put a correct total on the bottom line.

14. Carbon paper receipts are rarely used. If you do happen across a merchant still using carbon paper, ask for the carbon and then destroy it.

15. It is often best to avoid writing checks at retail establishments or to merchants you do not know. With your routing number and checking account number it is quite easy for thieves to tap into your bank account.

16. Be particularly careful with debit cards. Most debit cards do not have the same level of protection that a credit card does.

17. Periodically, get a copy of your credit bureau report. You are entitled to a yearly free copy.

18. Ask to have passwords placed on all of your accounts. This password will be required to make any changes to your account and protect you from the address being changed without you knowing it.

19. Never lend your credit card to someone else.

20. Notify your credit card in advance of any change in your address or phone numbers.  If you do not move often, periodically check to make certain that your credit card company has your correct address and phone number.  This is particularly true if you rely on electronic statements.

21. Some credit card issuers will refuse charges from little known internet sellers or unusual spending patterns. If you are planning to make a sizable purchase on a card that you do not use often for that sort of purchase, contact your credit card company in advance.

22. Before traveling overseas, ask your credit card issuer what their charges for currency exchange are as well as your protection should your card be used fraudulently outside the U.S.

23. If your credit card is lost, IMMEDIATELY contact the provider of the card. According to federal law, you are not responsible for any charges made after you have notified the issuer of the card. (This may not apply to debit cards!) Your maximum liability according to U.S. law is $50 per credit card and some issuers will waive that for good customers.

Following these guidelines will go a long way in preventing the headaches and potential of identity theft associated with check, debit card and credit card fraud.

The concept of being prepared daily is to prepare today for not matter what tomorrow brings. This process of living often includes the concept of visualizing “What-If this..or that…happens?” We can never visualize all possibilities, but being prepared will allow us to face challenges and overcome them! Although it is important to prepare with commodities such as food, water, sanitary needs, etc, it is also critical that we become ‘paper prepared.’ Everyone has accounts, statements, certificates and other items that we may need to refer to at a moment’s notice. This may be nothing more serious than needing to call the cable company because our TV isn’t receiving a signal. Or it may be as serious as a mandatory evacuation or the death of a loved one.

No matter the scenario, having our ‘paper’ world organized is critical to achieving a state of daily preparedness. The first, and probably one of the most vital, steps in becoming ‘paper prepared’ is to organize and maintain a ‘What-If’ Notebook.

A ‘What-If’ Notebook houses copies of all of the information you need to have at your finger tips. And completing it is really easy! Just follow this simple ‘recipe’:

Ingredients:

A 3-ring notebook marked on binding with the words “What IF?”

Some page protectors

Access to a photocopy machine

Blank pieces of paper

Pen

Gather the following documents and place in notebook with page protectors, which will protect the pages and make them easier to access and allow you to quickly add items as you receive them. Your notebook should contain these documents:

1. Important ‘certificates’—birth, death, marriage, diploma, divorce papers, titles, Social Security statements, disability, custody agreements

2. Insurance policies—at least front page of each. You can also simply add a bill for the insurance, so long as the statement includes policy number, contact information for the insurance company and type of insurance.

3. Location of will or trust papers. Contact information for trustee or attorney.

4. As bills come in, simply photocopy each of the following and place in notebook (or place an original bill): insurance, utilities, phone, credit cards, mortgage, loans, cable, ‘easy pass’, anything you or someone else might have to shut off, change or refer to.

5. Driver’s license and other important IDs, including passport. Photocopy in B&W at a different size than normal.

6. Names (and relationship), addresses, phone numbers, email addresses of close friends and relatives. . (a friend told me that after they went through a hurricane, she couldn’t remember her own mother’s phone number!)

7. Letter authorizing a trusted relative to discuss your medical care with a healthcare professional.

8. Advanced directive for medical care. Have this notarized!

9. Names & contact information for doctors.

10. Prescription drugs, including dosage, pharmacy & physician. You can ask your pharmacist to print this information out for you. Slip a small photocopy of this into your wallet!

11. Important medical history and allergy information.

12. Who should be contacted in case of an emergency13. Name, phone, address, and email of out-of-state contact persons.

14. Inventory of household goods, especially valuables.

15. Blank paper & pencil

16. Anything else you think you might need to refer to if your entire home were lost, you had to evacuate or face a life-altering change.

As you work on this notebook, keep it in one location. Near where you pay your bills is a great location as you can easily slip in statements and bills as they arrive. Make a note of the location of your notebook and attach the note to your 72-hour kit. That way, you will know where it is and grab it should you have to evacuate. Also let your grown children or other trusted family member know where you keep the notebook.

Your ‘What-If’ Notebook is a recipe for paper preparedness that will make your everyday ‘normal’ life easier, less stressful and more organized!

We have all heard the horror stories of thieves stealing an individual’s credit identity to rack up bills that result in a host of nightmares for the victim. But, have you considered the possibility that the same sort of criminal may be targeting your medical identification?

Alarmingly, there has been an increase of cases involving criminals who use the ‘medical identity’ of another to receive medical care in someone else’s name. The victim of the fraud ends up with bills for medical care they did not receive and, in some instances, diagnosis and treatments listed in databases that do not belong to them. The financial cost can be overwhelming and the possibility of malpractice frightening.

What can you do to safeguard your medical identity? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Treat your medical insurance card like you would a credit card. If lost, report it immediately to your insurance company. Don’t show your insurance card to or loan it to anyone other than trusted healthcare providers. At the medical facility, do not stand at the counter and rattle off insurance information that includes the numbers, social security number or birth date.

2. Read those EOBs! Insurance companies issue Explanation of Benefits when a provider is paid in your name. Look over those EOBs and quickly report mistakes to your insurance company. Shred EOBs if they include policy number, etc. Check that procedures billed to insurance company are accurate. Fraud schemes include providers billing for more expensive procedures, procedures not performed, charges for a specialist that wasn’t seen, ‘nurse’ visits when a trip to the lab would do, equipment not used and ‘splitting’ one procedure into multiple procedures in order to bill at a higher rate.

3. Check out benefits paid every year. Do a yearly check up on claims paid on your behalf. Quickly report any that you do not recognize. Make sure that your address or other contact information is accurate.

4. Watch out for scams! Clinics and physicians have been prosecuted for filing false bills covering tests and procedures that have never been performed. To avoid being a victim, avoid clinics that waive co-pays, offer ‘free’ tests, exams, transportation, etc. Again, check those EOBs for errors! I recently found an $11,000 error.

5. Check your credit rating. If someone has run up medical bills in your name, especially with false address, etc. you may likely find claims from credit agencies on your credit rating.

6. Ask for an accounting of disclosures. You have the right under HIPAA to get this document from every health care provider you visit. This document will let you know to whom information was released, when it was released and what information the provider received. As some medical databases are not interconnected, this is another way to track errors in your medical history.

7. If you find errors, what should you do? First, contact the provider and your insurance company. It may simply be a ‘coding’ error or honest mistake on the provider’s part. If it is not an error or you suspect fraud, contact your insurance, and keep records of who you speak to. Most insurance companies will aggressively pursue cases of suspected fraud. Report the fraud to your police department and receive a copy of the report. Other agencies will also investigate medical fraud. These include:

· City, County, State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
· Justice Department through the Assistant
· U.S. Attorney General’s Office
· Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
· Postal Inspectors
· Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
· Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
· Offices of Inspectors General (OIG)
· U.S. Department of Labor

For more information, check out these websites:

www.WorldPrivacyForum.org
www.BCBS.com/AntiFraud/
www.Consumer.gov/IDTheft/