A Safety Net That Might Not Hold

By Michelle Andrews

When Betty Hoff moved into an assisted-living facility in Fowler, Calif., two years ago, the 86-year-old thought she didn't have anything to worry about financially. She had a long-term-care insurance policy that would pay up to $3,000 a month for three years of nursing home, assisted living, or home care. Hoff has severe arthritis and can get around only with a walker or cane, which means she could no longer cook, clean, or do the laundry. But her insurer denied the claim. Hoff wasn't cognitively impaired, and the company said she didn't need help with enough "activities of daily living," or ADLs, to qualify for benefits.

Read Article

---

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth

No matter how old you are, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth. When your mouth is healthy, you can eat the foods you need for good nutrition. You will also feel better about smiling, talking, and laughing. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years.

Read Article

---

Stroke

John and Edith were playing cards one night when John asked Edith a question. She tried to answer but couldn't speak. John knew something was very wrong. Could it be a stroke? Without waiting, he called 911. The ambulance took Edith to the hospital. Emergency doctors said it was a stroke - John was right. Because John called for help quickly, Edith got the medical care she needed without delay. She started getting well, her speech came back, and once again she's having long talks with John.

Read Article

---

Smoking: It's Never Too Late to Stop

"I've smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 40 years-what's the use of quitting now?"
If you quit smoking, you are likely to add years to your life, breathe more easily, and have more energy. You will have extra money for spending or saving, and food will taste better. When you quit smoking, you join over a million people who stop smoking each year. Whether you are young or old, you will also:

Read Article

---