SPECIAL EDITION Social Security

EngAGING NH is a bipartisan organization representing all points of view. However, there are some issues that evoke a dominant perspective. Such is the case with our concern over proposals to privatize Social Security.
• 17% of NH residents (226,313 people) receive Social Security benefits.
• The average benefit is $1,119.60 which brings $2.9 billion dollars to NH’s economy
• Privatization could cut up to $235, 000 from the average lifetime benefit
• 39,000 seniors could be vulnerable to poverty.
Many of our readers rely on the security of a timely payment, as well as a predictable amount, to manage more than just their budgets. It is this consistency that builds confidence that individuals have some level of control. ENH believes that there is a connection between having control and overall well being. And it effects the strength and health of our communities.
ENH is pleased to announce its support for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. We cosponsored a kickoff event, held October 8, 2008 in the lobby of the Legislative Office Building in Concord. It featured speakers John S. Glaser of the national committee, “Maggie” Wood Hassan NH Senate President Pro Tem, and James H. Schulz, PhD Emeritus Professor of Economics at Brandeis. In addition, a panel of people representing a range of benefit types (a disabled head of household, a retiree and a survivor) participated. Special thanks go to ENH board members Marge McClellan, a panelist and John Heinis, who coordinated this event.
A key issue was identified: The linking of Medicare and Social Security as entitlement programs that are too expensive is, as best, misleading. These programs are separate and should be assessed and managed accordingly. Social Security, backed by bonds, is perhaps more easily adjusted than the health care cost crisis that affects Medicare. Lumping the programs together gives the appearance that Social Security has a more serious problem than it actually does.
There was a brief question and answer session following the presentations. The entire event was recorded.
The National Committee will edit the recorded material and make it available to interested groups and individuals. ENH has agreed to assist not only in the distribution, but is exploring ways in which we can assist in creating opportunities for the DVD to be used as an educational tool.
We all need to understand these important issues and have the opportunity to discuss the facts. We expect this bipartisan DVD to become available shortly. We will be alerting you by email, to let you know how you can obtain a copy. We’ll also be looking for people who can help by distributing the DVDs within their communities, including delivering copies to their local community television stations, ServiceLinks and senior centers. Copies are also available for you to share with friends. Please let us know if you can help us with this important project.




Since our last issue, we have not received any updates from our congressional delegates on the home heating fuel situation. However given the recent events, they have focused on the economic crisis. We will continue to monitor their activities and input.
Before our attention shifted to the economy, several things occurred: Our NH legislature passed a bill to appropriate $10 Million to increase the funds available through the fuel assistance program and to help bring their funds up to the level of last year’s federal funding. Also appropriated was $2M for weatherization. These funds are from the state’s budget fund, and will be replaced by federal dollars, as appropriated. Since passage, the federal funds have been increased.
Also of Interest:
Understanding your Energy Suppliers:
• Pre-buy fuel contracts are not eligible for rebated/cost reductions to reflect the current drop in market oil prices unless you purchased a protection plan.
• Some banks are offering low interest loans for energy efficiency purposes. NH banks are not as adversely affected as some others, so check around.
• Some electric companies are offering rebates for thermo-heat pumps.
• Electric companies are offering a variety of programs for assistance.
• Budget Plans are being offered to assist.
• Paid up customers can not be shut off.
• Your local oil dealers also face economic issues. Payments from automatic deliveries and budget plans provide a cash flow to enable them to purchase oil from their suppliers.
Help in Your Community:
• Fire departments will help with chimney safety.
• Some communities are providing a “warm place” for people to stay in an emergency.
Around Your Home:
• DO NOT put more than one electrical heater on any individual circuit.
• Caulk your windows. Be sure storm doors and windows are tight. Use weather stripping and seal off doors that you might not use in winter. Seal windows without storms with plastic and consider closing off rooms. Keep safety in mind!
• Separate more commonly used spaces by hanging curtains in doorways.
• Remove and store air conditioner units.
(source: The Exchange NHPR 9/24)


Cheaper Gas?
Are you considering a gasoline rewards card?
Some service stations are offering rewards cards that allow you to accumulate points towards a cash-back on purchases. The savings typically offer from 3 to 5 percent of your gas purchase.
As with any credit card, terms and conditions vary, so read the fine print. Such cards may offer benefits such as locking in prices, automatically crediting your account, and giving you a rebate on items you would purchase anyway.
But there can also be issues. The credit might be available only after you have accumulated a certain amount of purchases over a year. Interest rates on carried balances could end up costing you more.
In addition to reading the fine print, you might want to shop around for other cards with similar or better benefits. Discover Card, for example, offers a universal gas card. www.Bankrate.com can help you compare.
(source: Boston Globe)

Food Stamp Program Changes Coming
Effective October 1, 2008, several Food Stamp Program changes will increase eligibility and ease of applying. Changes include a higher minimum benefit, increased allowance in the household deduction standard, elimination of a cap on the deduction for dependent care expenses in eligible households, and adjustments for cost of living increases. This program supports independence and health by helping people buy nutritious food. For more info call your local DHHS office at 1-800-852-3345-ext. 4238 or ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412 (toll free).


Arthritis drugs must carry stern warnings: Arthritis and autoimmune drugs marketed by Amgen Inc., Wyeth, and Johnson & Johnson must carry stronger warnings about fungal infections tied to more than 45 deaths, US regulators said.
The regulations posted by the Food & Drug Administration also apply to Humira (Abbott Laboratories), and Climzia (UCBSa). Market-leading Enbrel, (Amgen and Wyeth), and J&J’s Remicade and Humira were among the 25 biggest drugs sold worldwide last year, with a combined sales of $13.5 Billion.
Over 240 patients developed histoplasmosis, an infection caused by a fungus found in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys. Forty-five died, including 12 who had delayed treatment because doctors did not recognize their symptoms.
These drugs are also commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn's disease.
(Source: Boston Globe)
Yoga stretches mind & body for Alzheimer’s patients
Patrice Flesch of Jamaica Plain, MA has been holding yoga classes for patients with Alzheimer’s and other related memory loss conditions.
Her thinking: By stretching the body, you relax the mind, which in turn makes it easier to concentrate and remember tasks at hand. The class also serves as a social gathering, providing a place to meet other patients, even if they may not remember one another.
Although variations of yoga have been used to relax the sick and frail, Flesch’s holistic approach is unique. She treats her students in a way that lends them grace, dignity, and a sense of control over a disease that can often make them feel powerless.
A study released last year during the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference on the Prevention of Dementia in Washington DC found that regular meditation (including yoga) can bolster cognitive function for people with memory loss.
(source: Boston Globe 9/30)
Before you dump those drugs down the drain--
US hospitals and long term care facilities annually flush millions of pounds of unused pharmaceuticals down the drain, pumping contaminants into America’s drinking water, according to an ongoing Associated Press investigation.
In tests of wastewater retrieved near some European hospitals and one in Davis County, Utah, scientists linked drug dumping to virulent antibiotic resistant germs and genetic mutations that may promote cancers, according to scientific studies.
While the EPA is considering whether to impose the first national standard for how much drug waste may be released into waterways by the medical services industries, we can all work on local levels. Call the Northern New England Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222 for directions on the safest way to dispose of any specific drug.
Do you see what I see?
Recent studies of perception indicate that what we see may depend on our states of mind! When people are stressed or worried, they can even begin to suspect that others around them are engaged in some form of conspiracy.
In tests, individuals were shown pictures of “snowy” swirls hiding true images that were easily recognized by those individuals who felt in control. However, when others were exposed to conditions that eroded their sense of control, they “saw” definite images in “snowy pictures with no hiden objects.
In these times of confusion, uncertainty, and daily doses of frightening economic news, we need to be mindful of this natural tendency. In particular, old fears from the Depression may be rekindled. Research shows that when people have opportunities to talk about fears and anxiety, they learn that they are not alone, that they can do things to help, and their sense of being in control increases.
BOARD NOTES
"It’s common to say that trees come from seeds. But how could a tiny seed create a huge tree? Seeds do not contain the resources to grow a tree. These must come from the medium or environment within which the tree grows. But the seed does provide something that is crucial: a place where the whole of the tree starts to form. As resources such as water and nutrients are drawn in, the seed is a gateway through which the future possibility of the living tree emerges.”
PRESENCE
An Exploration of Profound Change in People, Organizations, and Society
The Board met on October 1, 2008 in a work session to begin the development of a strategic plan that incorporates immediate issues, as well as short and long term goals as outlined in the August Newsletter. (To be really, really current we could say strategy and tactics, but we don’t want to get political.)
What we did want to do is create that environment in which the tree can grow. We also reviewed the plan within the context of our mission and vision statements to insure that each component consistently builds on our values.
Our current political issues include the home heating fuel cost crisis, privatizing Social Security, and monitoring the implementation of presumptive eligibility for people applying for Home and Community Based Care waiver (Medicaid) services.
Our short-term goals for building infrastructure includes identifying potential partners to begin developing needed relationships.
The Social Security issue presented an opportunity for us to become active on a current issue and develop a partnership potential. We were approached by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security (NCPSS) and Medicare and asked to support a rally effort. After reviewing the criteria for potential partners, we agreed that we would co-sponsor this event. (See article, page 1)
NCPSS has twenty-five years of experience in advocacy for older Americans. They are interested in our efforts to build a bottom-up, statewide organization that supports creating opportunities for seniors to purposefully engage. We share similar values, and look forward to building a relationship that will strengthen ENH’s mission.
Our next Board meeting is scheduled for October 22. However, in the interim we will be emailing and canvassing--looking for those of you who can help us distribute DVDs within their communities. Please let us know how you can help.

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lcamst38@peoplepc.com
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