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Calaveras County News Briefs
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Posted: Friday, March 9, 2007 12:50 PM CST
Enterprise report
Medicare Part B deadline approaching
People who did not sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when they first became eligible for Medicare now have an opportunity to apply, but time is running out. The deadline for applying is March 31, 2007. Those who miss the deadline will have to wait until 2008 to apply.
Medicare Part B deadline approaching
People who did not sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when they first became eligible for Medicare now have an opportunity to apply, but time is running out. The deadline for applying is March 31, 2007. Those who miss the deadline will have to wait until 2008 to apply.
Medicare Part B covers some medical expenses not covered by Medicare Part A such as doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits and other medical supplies and services that are not covered by Medicare Part A.
When a patient first becomes eligible for hospital insurance (Part A), he or she has a seven-month initial enrollment period in which to sign up for medical insurance (Part B). After that, the patient will have to pay a higher premium unless covered through an employer's group health plan or a group health plan based on a spouse's employment. Another opportunity to enroll in Part B is given during the general enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31 of each year. For each 12-month period that a patient is eligible for Medicare Part B and does not sign up, the amount of the monthly premium increases by 10 percent.
More information about Medicare can be found by reading the electronic booklet, Medicare at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask for a copy, by visiting www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
When a patient first becomes eligible for hospital insurance (Part A), he or she has a seven-month initial enrollment period in which to sign up for medical insurance (Part B). After that, the patient will have to pay a higher premium unless covered through an employer's group health plan or a group health plan based on a spouse's employment. Another opportunity to enroll in Part B is given during the general enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31 of each year. For each 12-month period that a patient is eligible for Medicare Part B and does not sign up, the amount of the monthly premium increases by 10 percent.
More information about Medicare can be found by reading the electronic booklet, Medicare at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask for a copy, by visiting www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Energy experts to hold Angels workshop
Prudential California Realty and Danielsen Fine Homes have created an alliance to form a community outreach program designed to bring industry leaders and experts to Angels Camp to educate local community members on topics important to the enjoyment and well being of their daily lives. An energy savings workshop will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at the new Prudential office locate at Highways 4 and 49.
These energy experts will educate homeowners on ways they can save on energy costs in their homes or offices while creating a safe and comfortable environment to live and work in. With today's technology, in-home testing and the products available, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to control energy costs up to 50 percent, or higher in many cases.
Rich Chitwood, BSME, will be the main speaker at the workshop. Chitwood, the owner of Chitwood Energy Management, is an energy consultant, building tester and trainer. He has 25 years of energy conservation experience.
To ensure space for everyone, R.S.V.P. to vivian@pcr1.com or call 736-9497.
ADA cautions consumers about fad diets
Prudential California Realty and Danielsen Fine Homes have created an alliance to form a community outreach program designed to bring industry leaders and experts to Angels Camp to educate local community members on topics important to the enjoyment and well being of their daily lives. An energy savings workshop will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at the new Prudential office locate at Highways 4 and 49.
These energy experts will educate homeowners on ways they can save on energy costs in their homes or offices while creating a safe and comfortable environment to live and work in. With today's technology, in-home testing and the products available, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to control energy costs up to 50 percent, or higher in many cases.
Rich Chitwood, BSME, will be the main speaker at the workshop. Chitwood, the owner of Chitwood Energy Management, is an energy consultant, building tester and trainer. He has 25 years of energy conservation experience.
To ensure space for everyone, R.S.V.P. to vivian@pcr1.com or call 736-9497.
ADA cautions consumers about fad diets
The month of March is National Nutrition Month. The American Dietetic Association says the most effective long-term way to achieve a healthful lifestyle is to be “100 percent fad free,” which is the theme for National Nutrition Month 2007.
The ADA defines food fads as “unreasonable or exaggerated beliefs that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or combinations of certain foods may cure disease, convey special health benefits or offer quick weight loss.”
Most fad diets do not teach new eating habits and because many require giving up favorite foods, people usually don’t stick with them. Any diet that requires participants to give up whole categories of foods and to take supplements to replace their nutrients is, by definition, unbalanced.
If it sounds too good to be true it is, especially if the diet or product offers a “quick fix”. Avoid products offering a guaranteed cure or which promote “limited-time offers.” Watch out for products that describe certain foods as “good” or “bad.” Is the source of the information, such as a book author, also trying to sell a product like supplements?
The ADA defines food fads as “unreasonable or exaggerated beliefs that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or combinations of certain foods may cure disease, convey special health benefits or offer quick weight loss.”
Most fad diets do not teach new eating habits and because many require giving up favorite foods, people usually don’t stick with them. Any diet that requires participants to give up whole categories of foods and to take supplements to replace their nutrients is, by definition, unbalanced.
If it sounds too good to be true it is, especially if the diet or product offers a “quick fix”. Avoid products offering a guaranteed cure or which promote “limited-time offers.” Watch out for products that describe certain foods as “good” or “bad.” Is the source of the information, such as a book author, also trying to sell a product like supplements?
Consumers can do so much to help themselves avoid food and nutrition misinformation. Pay special attention to a product’s claim and information sources. Remember that people fought hard for the right to know what is in their food. Reading food labels is a very powerful tool in making good nutrition choices.
Find a balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is so important for overall health and fitness, and it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well being and reduces the risk of chronic disease.
Find a balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is so important for overall health and fitness, and it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well being and reduces the risk of chronic disease.
Hodgson is new face at Bank of Rio Vista
The Bank of Rio Vista has announced the hiring of Nick Hodgson as the assistant vice president and assistant manager of the Valley Springs branch. The Bank of Rio Vista expanded its operations into Calaveras County in January 2006 with the opening of their Valley Springs full-service branch.
The Bank of Rio Vista has announced the hiring of Nick Hodgson as the assistant vice president and assistant manager of the Valley Springs branch. The Bank of Rio Vista expanded its operations into Calaveras County in January 2006 with the opening of their Valley Springs full-service branch.
Nick Hodgson, a specialist in residential and commercial real estate financing, has over 10 years of banking experience.
“We believe Nick Hodgson will be instrumental in helping the bank expand its client base in the greater Calaveras County region,” said Noella Erichson, vice president and branch manager. “His background and experience as a loan officer will enable him to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. I am extremely pleased to have Nick join our Valley Springs team and look forward to continuing the bank’s commitment to serving the local communities through our synergistic collaboration.
“We believe Nick Hodgson will be instrumental in helping the bank expand its client base in the greater Calaveras County region,” said Noella Erichson, vice president and branch manager. “His background and experience as a loan officer will enable him to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. I am extremely pleased to have Nick join our Valley Springs team and look forward to continuing the bank’s commitment to serving the local communities through our synergistic collaboration.
“I am extremely pleased to have this unique opportunity,” Hodgson said. “Bank of Rio Vista is a special organization because of its outstanding customer service and strong commitment to the community.”
Hodgson served as a board member for the Calaveras County Water District in 1993. He helped establish the West Calaveras Rotary Club, and he served as club president during the 2003-2004 term. Hodgson is currently a board member of the Calaveras Community Foundation and coaches the boy’s basketball team at Valley Springs Elementary School. He is a fourth-generation resident of Calaveras County and has been a business owner and banker for the past 16 years in the Valley Springs area. He and his wife, Shari, have one daughter and three sons.
Hodgson served as a board member for the Calaveras County Water District in 1993. He helped establish the West Calaveras Rotary Club, and he served as club president during the 2003-2004 term. Hodgson is currently a board member of the Calaveras Community Foundation and coaches the boy’s basketball team at Valley Springs Elementary School. He is a fourth-generation resident of Calaveras County and has been a business owner and banker for the past 16 years in the Valley Springs area. He and his wife, Shari, have one daughter and three sons.
Comment (1 comment(s))
Lee Rolnick wrote on Mar 12, 2007 12:17 PM:
" If you suspect a food allergy, you can get tested... Cell Science Systems providers of the Alcat� Test for food and chemical sensitivity recently reported significant results from a 100 patient survey that indicates an 80% improvement for the alleviation of fatigue and IBS after patients implemented dietary changes indicated by results of the ALCAT food panel test. "
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