Medication Management Program for Seniors

The National Council on Aging has partnered with CVS /Pharmacy to create "Pack Your Bag" outreach programs at senior centers. These programs ask seniors to bring their prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements to be reviewed by a pharmacist. The pharmacist checks for possible drug interactions, checks for expired medications, and also informs the senior about the availability of cheaper generic versions of their prescriptions. If a "Pack Your Bag" program is not being given in your neighborhood, you can arrange to have a personal consultation with a local CVS pharmacist.

Tai Chi Program at New River Library March 28th at 10:30am

Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that originated in China. It is composed of slow stretches and movements that blend together. According to the Mayo Clinic, this form of exercise has the following benefits:

• it improves muscle tone
• it improves flexibility
• it increases energy
• it reduces stress

More information about Tai Chi from the Mayo Clinic can be found here. New River Library will be hosting an introductory class on Tai Chi on March 28that 10:30am.

[The Pasco Library System strongly recommends consulting a physician before beginning any exercise program.]

New River Library
34043 S. R. 54
Zephyrhills, FL 33543
(813)788-6375

Scam Alert!

There is a new scam which targets grandparents. The scammer calls someone and pretends to be their grandchild. They may know the names of family members or they may trick the grandparent into saying the name of the grandchild. The scammer then pretends that he is on trouble. For example, he or she may say that their car broke down, they are stuck in a foreign country, or that they need bail money to get out of jail. Then, they ask their "grandparent" to wire them money, but not to tell their parents.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that if you get such a call, you should not act immediately and send the money. Instead, take the time to verify the caller's identity by asking them questions to which only family members know the answer. In addition, try to reach the parents of the grandchild to find out if this is a hoax. If you can't reach a family member to verify the story, the FTC recommends that you contact your local police on their non-emergency line and ask for their assistance. You can call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 to report possible fraud.

The FTC has more information about this scam here.

Are You interested in Preventing Identity Theft?

One type of identity theft is when someone uses your identity to apply for credit cards and loans. Then the thief maxes out the credit card or never pays back the loan. The victim is blamed for the credit card debt or for defaulting on a loan that they know nothing about. Identity fraud can ruin a person's credit rating.

You can learn techniques to keep your identity safe and to protect your credit rating at an Identity Theft Workshop on March 19th at 2:00pm at Land O'Lakes Library.

(No registration is required for this program.)

Land O'Lakes Branch Library
2818 Collier Parkway -Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
Phone number: (813)929-1214.

Social Security Facts 2008

The AARP has published "Quick Fact Sheets" about Social Security for each of the 50 states. Some Florida facts are:

• 17% of Florida's population is 65 and above.
• by 2030, 27% of Florida's population will be 65 and above.
• one out of every five Florida residents receive Social Security.
• Social Security supplies over 38 Billion dollars to Florida's economy.
  

More Social Security facts about Florida can be found here.

Social Security Quick Fact Sheets for other states can be found here.