These are notes to be used for speaking with senior citizens groups whose members probably do not use computers or have Internet access. Most of this information has been taken from the booklet: AgePage prepared by the National Institute on Aging and from notes in my TRIAD files.
Health Scams
Ads for "Smart" Drugs
a. "Arthritis pains disappear like magic"
b. "This treatment cured my cancer in one week"
These ads usually target diseases that now have no or rare cures, such as: diabetes, arthritis, cancer or Alzheimers.
Anti-aging medications. (Probably do not work at all.)
Instead: stop smoking; eat a healthy diet; get regular exercise.
Arthritis remedies. Magnets; copper bracelets; chemicals; special diets; radiation treatments.
(There is no cure for most forms of arthritis.)
Instead: Rest; exercise; heat; some drugs.. may relieve symptoms, but nothing cures it as of yet.
Cancer cures. Low protein diet; Laetrile, etc. (There is no one treatment that cures all types of cancer.)
Do not waste time.. talk to a respected oncologist as soon as cancer is suspected.
Memory aids. "Smart pills"; removal of certain dental fillings; some unproven brain retraining exercises.
Get advice from a respected medical doctor.
Dietary supplements. Over-the-counter vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and enzymes.
(These normally do not undergo Governmment safety tests, and some may interact unfavorably with your prescription medication.)
Watch out.. especially if the advertiser claims that his supplement can shrink tumors, solve impotence, or cure Alzheimer's disease. Talk to a reputable medical doctor and/or pharmacist before adding a new supplement to your diet.
Health Insurance. Some companies target those who cannot get health insurance.. mainly those with pre-existing conditions.
Watch out.. companies often promise more that they intend to give out. Make sure the company and agent are licensed in your State. Maryland has an office that can help you free of charge. Also, the new Health Insurance Law mandates coverage by insurers for those with pre-existing conditions.
Bottom Line!
Be careful! If it sounds too good to be true.. it probably is. Find out about a product before you buy it. Watch out for fast-talking salespersons. Here are some "RED FLAGS" to look for in ads:
We promise a quick or painless cure.
Our product is made from a special, secret or ancient formula.
Check these statements from satisfied clients.
Our product cures a wide range of ailments.
We offer a "no-risk", "money-back" guarantee.
We offer a free special promotional gift if you purchase today.
We require advance payment because of the limited supply of our product.
This product is available only by mail and only from our company.
If you spot any of these statements, take care in accessing the products that are offered. If you want to be sure that you are not going to be smammed.. you can call the National Instititute on Aging Information Center on 1-800-222-2225 (toll free) or 1-800-222-4225 (TTY and toll free).
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
TRIAD/SALT Tips for the Carroll County Chapter .. June 2011
At the quarterly meeting in Annapolis in June 2011, I wrote these idea notes based on what other TRIAD/SALT groups are doing. Perhaps some of this information will trigger ways to increase senior involvement (through TRIAD) in learning how to avoid crime.
01. Have TRIAD meetings at assisted living places.
02. Have TRIAD meetings at various Senior Activity Centers.
03. Have telephone numbers and email addresses for individula TRIAD groups.
04. Arrange for water bottles with the TRIAD logo.. to give out at functions.
05. Make comfort dolls for children in traumatic situations.
06. Make blankets for victims in traumatic situations.
07. Investigate Project Lifesaver. (?)
08. Sponsor a Homeless Day.
09. Pass out candy with ads.
10. Provide doughnuts at meetings.
11. Develop bank teller training. (Bank of America would help.)
12. Hold Elder Abuse training.
13. Partner with Civic Groups.
14. Collect cell phones at land fills.
15. Advertise cell phone collection.
16. Consider the GRC recycling instead of 911 Cell Bank? (http://www.grcrecycling.com/)
17. Participate in World Elder Abuse Days (next: June 15th)
(PEACE: Protect Elders from Abusive CircumstancEs?)
18. Build a relationship with SHIP.
19. Expand the TRIAD Blog.
20. Ann Arundel County would work with Carroll County on TRIAD issues.
21. Visit court rooms for financial exploitation cases. Learning experience.
22. Send TRIAD information to local groups such as Kiwanis, etc.
23. Sponsor talks on Driver Safety.. with AARP.
24. Sponsor talks on Emergency Preparation.. with CC folks.
25. Interact with the CLV radio group.
26. Interact with the Bureau of Aging and Disability (Patty Whitson).
27. Sponsor talk for the BOAD on Elder Abuse.
28. Consider these notes for SSAA.. interaction with TRIAD?
29. Post TRIAD info to different organizations' websites. SSAA/MSCHF/NARFE/etc
30. Participate in the 4H Fair.
31. Participate in the local Health Fair.
32. Put out a newsletter.
33. TWITTER account.
34. FACEBOOK Account.
35. Expand this blog.
36. Relate to crimesolvers groups in other counties.
37. Post a calendar of TRIAD related stuff.
38. Put on some Road Shows.
39. Visit churches.
40. Place brochures.. everywhere.
41. Produce humorous flyers for individual events.
42. Provide items for Headstart.
43. Help the Ombudsman at Nursing Homes.
44. Give out some awards.
45 Provide refreshments to organizations and facilities.
46. Step up liaison with the States Attorney's office.
47. Relate to Adult Protective Services.
48. Check out St. Mary's County's humorous brochures.
49. Reach out to "loners" in the County.
50. Relate to Meals on Wheels.. for info delivery with meals.
51. Check out SPIN.
52. Take some seniors to lunch.
53. Review the TRIAD videos that I have. Appropriate for viewing today?
54. Provide for TRIAD email.
55. Help train seniors on computers.
56. Help to target scammers.. check Bowie Police.
57. Arrange a tour of the Sheriff's office.
58. Arrange for caregivers' training.
59. Alert folks to scams.. such as the flowers scam.
60. Advise folks to use cash in restaurants.. not credit cards that can be copied.
61. Advice: do not give your security 3 digit ID number unless it is absolutely necessary.
62. Advise everyone to get caller ID and an answering machine.
63. Advice: put a credit limit on ID card.. any purchase over an amount (like $25).
64. Advice: look at your monthly credit card statements.
65. Advice: remember the guy sitting next to you may be checking out your credit card numbers.
66. Advice: do not give your telephone numbers to companies asking for it at checkout time.
67. Advice: it is not against the law to hang up!
.....................................................................................................................................................
01. Have TRIAD meetings at assisted living places.
02. Have TRIAD meetings at various Senior Activity Centers.
03. Have telephone numbers and email addresses for individula TRIAD groups.
04. Arrange for water bottles with the TRIAD logo.. to give out at functions.
05. Make comfort dolls for children in traumatic situations.
06. Make blankets for victims in traumatic situations.
07. Investigate Project Lifesaver. (?)
08. Sponsor a Homeless Day.
09. Pass out candy with ads.
10. Provide doughnuts at meetings.
11. Develop bank teller training. (Bank of America would help.)
12. Hold Elder Abuse training.
13. Partner with Civic Groups.
14. Collect cell phones at land fills.
15. Advertise cell phone collection.
16. Consider the GRC recycling instead of 911 Cell Bank? (http://www.grcrecycling.com/)
17. Participate in World Elder Abuse Days (next: June 15th)
(PEACE: Protect Elders from Abusive CircumstancEs?)
18. Build a relationship with SHIP.
19. Expand the TRIAD Blog.
20. Ann Arundel County would work with Carroll County on TRIAD issues.
21. Visit court rooms for financial exploitation cases. Learning experience.
22. Send TRIAD information to local groups such as Kiwanis, etc.
23. Sponsor talks on Driver Safety.. with AARP.
24. Sponsor talks on Emergency Preparation.. with CC folks.
25. Interact with the CLV radio group.
26. Interact with the Bureau of Aging and Disability (Patty Whitson).
27. Sponsor talk for the BOAD on Elder Abuse.
28. Consider these notes for SSAA.. interaction with TRIAD?
29. Post TRIAD info to different organizations' websites. SSAA/MSCHF/NARFE/etc
30. Participate in the 4H Fair.
31. Participate in the local Health Fair.
32. Put out a newsletter.
33. TWITTER account.
34. FACEBOOK Account.
35. Expand this blog.
36. Relate to crimesolvers groups in other counties.
37. Post a calendar of TRIAD related stuff.
38. Put on some Road Shows.
39. Visit churches.
40. Place brochures.. everywhere.
41. Produce humorous flyers for individual events.
42. Provide items for Headstart.
43. Help the Ombudsman at Nursing Homes.
44. Give out some awards.
45 Provide refreshments to organizations and facilities.
46. Step up liaison with the States Attorney's office.
47. Relate to Adult Protective Services.
48. Check out St. Mary's County's humorous brochures.
49. Reach out to "loners" in the County.
50. Relate to Meals on Wheels.. for info delivery with meals.
51. Check out SPIN.
52. Take some seniors to lunch.
53. Review the TRIAD videos that I have. Appropriate for viewing today?
54. Provide for TRIAD email.
55. Help train seniors on computers.
56. Help to target scammers.. check Bowie Police.
57. Arrange a tour of the Sheriff's office.
58. Arrange for caregivers' training.
59. Alert folks to scams.. such as the flowers scam.
60. Advise folks to use cash in restaurants.. not credit cards that can be copied.
61. Advice: do not give your security 3 digit ID number unless it is absolutely necessary.
62. Advise everyone to get caller ID and an answering machine.
63. Advice: put a credit limit on ID card.. any purchase over an amount (like $25).
64. Advice: look at your monthly credit card statements.
65. Advice: remember the guy sitting next to you may be checking out your credit card numbers.
66. Advice: do not give your telephone numbers to companies asking for it at checkout time.
67. Advice: it is not against the law to hang up!
.....................................................................................................................................................
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