TO EVERYONE ON AIDPAGE , I WISH A HAPPY , MERRY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR.
I had extensive surgery on November 9th and I have not been able to work on a Christmas page this year. I am still on the path back to health and hopefully , much more energy again. I am posting the archives listing all past Christmas pages here . Much of the information is correct , just go to the pages and see what updates the Christmas organizations may have.
As soon as I am off pain meds ( which muddle my brain greatly on top of my Fibromyalgia) , I will be racing through answering questions and updating pages. However , for now , I have at least a couple more weeks of down time.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE !
* "What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb, If I were a wise man I would do my part Yet what can I give Him? Give my heart."
First , I apologize for all the messages that I haven't gotten back to . I will try to get them all answered tonight.
My computer is still with a friend who is trying to fix it for me. The longer he has it the less hope I have , but my daughter says that is just the way he is. He means well though.
Monday November 9 I will be going in for an extensive hysterectomy . There are lot's of complications , so those of you who are prayers PRAY HARD ! O.K. ? Of course I appreciate anyones kind thoughts coming my way too.
According to the surgeons , I will be out of commission for 10 weeks. I am hoping to rig something up while I am in bed after I get home from the hospital so that I can work on Aidpages. Helping my fellow travellers in this life is the most important thing to me and I really want to update and add more information as soon as I can.
So , that is a short update . I would love to vent , but it would go on and on and on : o )
I had to come on quickly and excerpt this . Those of us with chronic ilnesses have enough stress already without shouldering the blame for medical costs rising.
"The issue boils down to this: Are those with chronic conditions one of the primary causes of an almost unfathomable increase in healthcare costs and the corresponding jumps in health insurance costs? "
"Too, why must drugs be so expensive in the U.S.? I understand the need for R&D(research and development), but I ask Big Pharma not to hide behind R&D as to why they charge high prices for their drugs. One reason is the outrageous amount of money spent on promotion for drugs we usually don't need for conditions we never knew that we had and probably could survive without knowing that we did have them. Pharmaceutical companies spend nearly double on promotion than that of R&D. Let me repeat that: for every dollar of R&D money spent, Pharma spends almost two dollars on marketing. Yet, for those wearing the Scarlet letter for whatever chronic illness they have, rest assured you are not the sole or even primary cause for the astronomical cost of care."
-excerpted and edited from :
Guilt By Association: Who Is To Blame For Rising Healthcare Costs?
Let us all remember who is responsible for healthcare costs being astronomical . Keep fighting. If we are not part of the solution , we are part of the problem -soulight
Nanna Bachcha (Urdu Roman script for"baby") is sick . She is the wonderful little notebook computer given to me by a generous anonymous donor(s) from Aidpage. Her C-drive crashed. So , until I get a new one , I am back to short bouts of time on Aidpage. I apologize for any people who have been waiting a while and haven't gotten a reply yet.
Update on my personal health : Minor toe surgery on 3 toes in October , then a radical hysterectomy in November. Details provided by IM for those who are brave enough for them : )
As usual , prayers and thoughts are appreciated for my sick Nanna Bachcha and my poor body which is sick and tired of being sick and tired !
I will be getting back to all people and continue updates as soon as I can in little spurts of energy and on-line time on my daughters' computer.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nearly 45,000 people die in the United States each year -- one every 12 minutes -- in large part because they lack health insurance and can not get good care, Harvard Medical School researchers found in an analysis released on Thursday.
"We're losing more Americans every day because of inaction ... than drunk driving and homicide combined," Dr. David Himmelstein, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard, said in an interview with Reuters.
"Proposal for a Community First Choice (CFC) Medicaid State Option for Inclusion in Health Care Reform
The core elements of the Community Choice Act (found in Section 101 of the bill) would be structured as an option for states to include in their Medicaid State Plans.The Community First Choice (CFC) Option would provide individuals with disabilities who are eligible for nursing homes and other institutional settings with options to receive community-based services.CFC would support the Olmstead decision by giving people the choice to leave facilities and institutions for their own homes and communities with appropriate, cost effective services and supports.It would also help address state waiting lists for services by providing access to a community-based benefit within Medicaid.The option would not allow caps on the number of individuals served, nor allow waiting lists for these services. A significant enhanced FMAP would be provided, depending on cost, to encourage states to select this option.
Summary of Core Provisions – This is a summary of core provisions that should be included.The complete language should be drawn from S. 683/H.R. 1670.Detailed language can be provided.
•Amend Medicaid to allow state Medicaid plan coverage of community-based attendant services and supports for certain Medicaid-eligible individuals.
•Services under this option would include services to assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and health-related tasks through hands-on assistance, supervision, or cueing.ADLs include eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing, and transferring.IADLs include meal planning and preparation; managing finances; shopping for food, clothing, and other essential items; performing essential household chores; communicating by phone and other media; and traveling around and participating in the community.Health-related tasks are defined as those tasks that can be delegated or assigned by licensed health-care professionals under state law to be performed by an attendant.Services also include assistance in learning the skills necessary for the individual to accomplish these tasks him/herself; back-up systems; and voluntary training on selection and management of attendants.Certain expenditures would be excluded, including room and board; services provided under IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act; assistive technology devices and services; durable medical equipment; and home modifications.
•Services must be provided in a home or community setting based on a written plan.
•Services must be made available statewide and must be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate for the individual.
•Services must be provided regardless of age, disability, or type of services needed.
•States will establish and maintain a comprehensive, continuous quality assurance system, including development of requirements for service delivery models; quality assurance to maximize consumer independence and consumer control; and external monitoring; along with other critical state and federal responsibilities/requirements included in S. 683/H.R. 1670.
•Service delivery models must include consumer directed, agency-based, and other models, along with requirements to comply with all federal and state labor laws.
•States would be required to establish a Development and Implementation Council to work with the state in developing and implementing the state plan amendment necessary in order to provide the services.The majority of Council members must be individuals with disabilities, elderly individuals, and representatives of such individuals, and must collaborate with, among others, providers and advocates.
•States would cooperate in reporting to Congress.
•CFC services would not affect the states’ ability to provide such services under other Medicaid provisions.
8-31-09"
WHAT CAN WE DO? CALL THE NUMBER BELOW :
[If asked what the amendment does, here is more information] “The amendment would give states increased federal Medicaid matching funds for providing attendant services and supports as an alternative to nursing facilities and institutions.”
You can call the Senate switchboard using this toll-free number: 866-324-0787.A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN SAY IF YOU CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING FEEL FREE TO SAY IT THE WAY YOU WANT TO:
“I am calling because New York Senator Schumer just introduced the Community First Choice amendment to the Senate’s health care bill, and I want Senator [name] to help pass this amendment!Everyone should have a choice to get home care and not be stuck in a nursing or residential care facility.”
Advocate for yourself and all of us who are disabled and demand choices in our care !
People do help , but it usually not with money . The reason is that some people ( who I know personally) have helped with money and then found out that they had been scammed. I am not saying that you are a scammer ! I just am trying to explain how it is here.
If you look around , there are people who can direct you to other people and organizations that will help you in ways other than money . If you put my Aidpage name into the search engine at the top of the page, there are many links that you will find for people and others that will try to help.
Don't even get me started about the SSA ! What a mess !
Anyway , I have had problems with mold also and I found this "recipe" for combating mold that has helped me. The poster has said to freely share it. I hope this may help at least in some areas.
Oh , keep on trying with the SSA they don't like sqeeky wheels !
soulight
The recipe :
Whenever you are dealing with mold, you should wear a mask. I recently read a study that found that 80% of the evaluated sinus infections were actually fungal in origin, which was why antibiotics were useless against them.
Bleach doesn’t destroy the mold’s little roots, where it hangs on to the thing it’s growing on.
Now, in an empty spray bottle (such as can be found at any dollar store) combine one part rubbing alcohol with two parts hydrogen peroxide. Obviously, it doesn't need to be exact.
Spray the surface to thoroughly wet it – Really soak it. Let it sit for five minutes to really work, then scrub the mold with one of those green pot scrubbers to remove it from the surface.
If you don’t deal with the moisture problem, the mold will keep coming back. Sometimes, the drywall or plaster will need to be replaced entirely to get rid of the problem. If there’s not an obvious moisture problem, increasing ventilation in the area will often help
People do care and so does God. I care. It is hard to wonder why we suffer so much in this world . God does not like to see us suffer and He suffers right along with you.
Why is there suffering in the world ? That would take a long religious disscusion , but if you believe in Adam and Eve and the fall of man , that is where it all started. The fact is , there is evil in the world that God hates . He is against all hate and pain and suffering . It is not Him that is causing it. He is for you 100% never forget that.
Please know that you are a precious human and that all of the people on this earth are so precious in the eyes of God. He loves you and always will no matter what.
Also , please do not list your last name and phone number. I know that you want someone to talk to , but some people will call you that you may not want to get to know ( it's that nasty part of the world again). Please stay safe and write to people here by public post and if you start to trust them , maybe give more information by private message. But please be careful and stay safe.
I am on your side and I know that you can make it. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss and that you are hurting from your tooth problem. Have any of the resources on this page or my other dental pages helped you find a place to go to get your tooth fixed ?
in response to soulight...I am bumping this page up so that those of us with disabilities can see the new information about an online job fair on September 28th. sl
I am dumbstruck by the state of the government in the US and what they come up with. How much more idiocracy can we stand ? How can a person pay a fine that large if they can't pay for their medical care ????
Does anyone have any comments about this mess? I would love to hear from you . Both sides of course . No judgements , I just want to try and make some kind of sense from this confusion. Maybe there is no sense to be found. -sl.
I didn't think that I was that out of touch . In fact , I like to think because of my research on the subject , I would have know about the SHIP program before today . Have you heard of it ?
WHAT SHIP IS :
What Are SHIPs?
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide accurate, understandable, and objective information, counseling, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on a wide range of health insurance issues, including Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, and prescription drugs.*So , after doing more research about SHIP , it seems that most offices are through senior service programs although SHIP claims to be for helping ALL people on Medicare/Medicaid. I guess it is all about personal contact. Get in touch with your local SHIP and ask what they have to offer you in your situation.-sl.
SHIPs may be known by different names in each state, such as HICAP, SHINE, and SHEBA. Please refer to the SHIP enabling statute which explains their function and the services they provide to Medicare beneficiaries.
How Do SHIPs Work?
Dedicated volunteers, many of whom are retired professionals, provide much of the one-on-one, objective counseling for which SHIPs are known. Essentially, SHIPs operate through “neighbors helping neighbors” and “each one teach one” to help Medicare beneficiaries understand an increasingly complex health care system.
Why Are SHIPs Important
Beneficiaries are trying to navigate a health care system that is growing more complex each year. Recent changes within the mega structure of American health care-- including changes to Medicare, employer-subsidized retiree health care, and state Medicaid programs-- and the inter-relationship of these programs are particularly bewildering for seniors and people with disabilities. These changes contribute to what one commentator has called, “the profusion of confusion.” (That is an understatement!)-sl
Interesting . After posting all this information and going to the SHIP location finder , the map does not work ( at least for me) . I am not sure what this means , but maybe we could all type ________________(our state) SHIP program in our search engine and see what happens. I hope it works !-sl.
HERE IS A BETTER LINK SITE TO FIND SHIP IN YOUR AREA :
You are right , of course ! There are many social workers who really do care and try so hard to help their clients. After having gone through 7 social workers myself , I feel like my current worker is a winner. My last worker wanted me to call her Mrs.___________ , yet she called me by my first name. This was a little strange as I was 20 years older than she was. This new worker calls me Ms. ____________ . To me this makes a lot of difference as it shows respect.
One of my dearest friends is a co-worker that works for a national organization in my area. She also cares.
So, it isn't right to group all workers together . I hope that the one's that need some work follow the good examples set by the others !
I am sorry but this page is not about donations. Most people who come for help at Aidpage get that help through referals to organizations that can help their families. Have you gone to any local organizations like United Way for help ?
How many legislators have actually read the bill ? The following article points out some points that we should all know about the bill and also has a link where you can go to read the complete bill. Yes, it will take some time. However , those of us who have already waited YEARS to recieve healthcare , it will be a short time indeed to read the bill !
Go here for more important information and crucial points about the bill :
The swine flu is expected to make it's rounds again this fall and winter . In order to be covered for the flu , you need to get the vaccine at least 2 weeks before flu season starts ( usually in November) .
If you are a health worker , or work around children , you definitely need to think about the vaccine. There are more people that should also consider the shot. Go to this site to find out more. Also remember that if you are already have a condition where your immune system might be weakened ( seniors , those with chronic diseases and illnesses ) you should ask your provider about getting the vaccine. If you have a relative that works with children , you should remember that they could carry the flu to you , so they need to get the vaccine too.
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Feel free to participate in this public group space.
Two easy ways to do this:
Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
Or, if you want to start a sepa...see full post
Note: This aidpage was started as a comment on "Home page of sl or soulight , (my page for single moms)"Hi Kandikane !
It's so great to hear from you !
It sounds like you are doing really well. I ...see full post
Note: This aidpage was started as a comment on "Home page of sl or soulight , (my page for single moms)"Are Your finances tight because of the new 'mortgage meltdowns' ?
Some people are paying 30%...see full post
Note: This aidpage was started as a comment on "Home page of sl or soulight , (my page for single moms)"Hi Tamr
My page for scholarships for people with disabilities has lot's of information , but ...see full post
Note: This aidpage was started as a comment on "Home page of sl or soulight , (my page for single moms)"To all Aidmates that I have been helping personally :
Please know that I haven't forgotten yo...see full post
Note: This aidpage was started as a comment on "Home page of sl or soulight , (my page for single moms)"Now your yelling at me Hondamatic ? My note wasn't offensive to you. I was just supporting a fri...see full post
-just a heads up from soulight 
