February 23, 2010

Dear Friends:

 

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New Credit Card Laws Take Effect

Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act in May 2009. While some of the changes became effective last fall, the majority started February 22, 2010, with others not effective until August 2010. The new credit card law addresses interest rate increases, penalties, and fees.

The new credit card law will implement the following changes:

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• The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on existing balances cannot be increased for one year after opening the account. The APR may be increased sooner if the credit issuer informed you at the time the account was opened, the card is a variable rate card, meaning the APR is linked to a specific published index, if the minimum payment on the card is not made within 60 days, and if the card holder had a debt reduction or concession agreement (meaning the card holder had a special circumstance agreement with the credit issuers) and did not meet the requirements of the agreement.
• At the end of the first year, the credit issuer can increase the card holder’s APR, but only on new purchases and must be within the potential rate increase information already provided to the card holder.
• The credit issuer must now provide 45 days notice to changes that will be made to the card holder account. The credit card holder will also be allowed to cancel their credit card prior to new changes taking effect, without having to immediately repay the outstanding balance. The outstanding balance would be repaid at the old rate.
• Credit card companies will still be allowed to offer teaser rates or low introductory offers, but the rate cannot increase until after the advertised period which must be at least six months. Credit card companies must be clear in disclosing information about the teaser rate.
• Credit card holder will now receive their monthly statement 21 days prior to the due date. This is an increase from 14 days.
• If you have a credit card with multiple interest rates, for example a specific interest rate for balance transfers and a different rate for new purchases, any payment over the minimum monthly payment must be applied to the highest interest rate balances first.
• Two-cycle billing will be prohibited. Double cycle billing is when the credit issuer uses both the current balance on the credit and the average daily balance from the previous period (even if a portion was paid) to calculate interest charges.
• You must now opt-in or tell your credit card company if you want to allow over-the-limit transactions. If you allow over-the-limit transactions the credit issuer can only charge one fee per billing cycle.

Perhaps the most notably change to many consumers, will be the change in their monthly credit card statement. The monthly credit card statement will now include information on how much the credit holder has paid in interest and fees during the current year. Furthermore, the credit card company must now provide the consumer with how long it will take to pay off the card, making the minimum monthly payment. Additionally, the card issuer must provide the minimum monthly payment required to pay off the credit card within 36 months. This information should help cardholders budget to be able to pay their card off more quickly. The credit card company must also provide the due date for the current statement, as well as the amount of late fees or penalties charged if the payment is late. Additional information on the new credit card laws, as credit card information in general is available from the FDIC at www.mymoney.gov, and the Federal Reserve Board’s Consumer Guide to Credit Cards. If you are looking for additional money tips, educational materials may be found on Moneywise. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Sincerely,
Maryellen Garrison

Henry County Extension Agent
For Family and Consumer Sciences

An Introduction to the 2010 Census
Counting Everyone Once — and Only Once — and In the Right Place

The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years.

The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $4 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more.

Reaching an Increasingly Diverse Population

The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in any of its surveys and census programs. To help ensure the nation’s increasingly diverse population can answer the questionnaire accurately and completely, about 13 million bilingual Spanish/English forms will be mailed to housing units in neighborhoods identified as requiring high levels of Spanish assistance. Additionally, questionnaires in Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Vietnamese and Russian as well as language guides in 59 languages will be available on request.

10 Questions, 10 Minutes to Complete

With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10 minutes for the average household to complete. Questions about how we live as a nation our diversity, education, housing, jobs and more are now covered in the American Community Survey, which is conducted every year throughout the decade and replaces the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire. Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. For more information, visit the 2010 Census Web site at <http://www.census.gov/2010>.

1/21/10

Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ Online Challenge Press Release

Just in time to keep those New Year’s resolutions to improve health and personal finances, Rutgers Cooperative Extension is launching its new online Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ (SSHW) Challenge Web site with “SSHW Worldwide Challenge 2010.” This free six-week program, open to anyone who enrolls online, will be held from Sunday, January 17, through Saturday, February 27. Prizes will be awarded for participants who report the highest point totals.

To sign up for the SSHW Challenge, follow the “Challenges” link on the Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ Web site at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/. Set up a user name and password and download a simple one-page user’s guide with instructions about how to proceed. Enroll in the Challenge titled “SSHW Worldwide Challenge 2010.”

The SSHW Challenge is part of Small Steps to Health and Wealth™, a national Cooperative Extension program developed to motivate Americans to take action to simultaneously improve their health and personal finances. SSHW was built around a framework of 25 research-based behavior change strategies. The Challenge was originally developed in a “paper and pencil” format with printed worksheets and is now available online.

It has been well documented that, when people monitor their behavior and measure their how they’re doing, they are often inspired to do better and achieve positive results. Participants in a SSHW Challenge are “on their honor” to report their activities accurately. If they “cheat” on reporting their points, they are only cheating themselves by not following the recommended daily practices.

The SSHW Challenge is based on the performance of ten recommended practices on a daily basis: five that involve health and nutrition and five that involve financial management. Ten points are given for performing each one for a maximum of 700 points per week and 4,200 points for the entire challenge. “The Challenge is a great way to convert ambitious New Year’s resolutions, like losing weight and saving money, into daily action steps,” noted Barbara O’Neill, Extension Specialist in Financial Resource Management for Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

The five daily health and nutrition practices are: eat at least 4 cups of fruits and vegetables; get at least 30 minutes of exercise; drink water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages; walk 10,000 or more steps with a pedometer; and learn something new about health and nutrition.

The five daily financial management practices included in the SSHW Challenge are: save a $1 bill (or more) and/or pocket change; invest $5 or more per day (including automated retirement savings plan deposits); track money spent throughout the day; eat lunch prepared at home; and learn something new about personal finance. The latter activity, for both health and personal finances, can be accomplished by visiting Web sites, attending seminars, or by reading, listening to, or viewing media reports.

As participants enter their personal data, they will see their point totals for each day of the week and for each of the ten activities described above. They’ll also see a bar graph that compares their personal progress to the average scores of everyone else participating in the Challenge. Daily motivational messages will also be provided to participants. Paper tracking forms can be downloaded to keep track of daily activities until they are entered online.

Doing even one of the ten recommended daily practices is a great way to get started on the path to better health and improved financial security. The more SSHW Challenge activities that are performed by participants, the better. To sign up for “SSHW Worldwide Challenge 2010,” visit http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/. If you are not on-line and would like a hard copy of the Small Steps book we have several here at the office that will be offered free on a first come first served basis. Call to reserve your copy and then simply stop by to pick it up.

1/14/10

9/10/09

Physical activity is beneficial

Recent reports in the media question the effectiveness of exercise for weight loss and weight management. However, physical activity and exercise do provide many benefits for individuals including lower disease risks, mental health improvements and weight control.

Numerous studies show exercise and physical activity help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes. Also, people who exercise generally feel better mentally. This is because during exercise your brain releases endorphins, hormone-like substances that are the body’s own “natural pain-killers.” This release can help prevent and treat mild cases of anxiety and depression. In fact, research shows regular moderate exercise to be as effective in treating moderate depression as antidepressant medication.

The problem is most of us don’t get enough exercise and physical activity every day. In 1973, Americans could eat around 2000 calories per day and still maintain their weight. However, from 1973 to 2003, Americans decreased their daily amount of physical activity by 25 percent, which would mean it takes 500 calories less to maintain weight! During the same time, the amount of calories we consumed rose by 300 calories a day. Those two numbers combined show many Americans consume an excess of 800 calories a day. Consuming this many excess calories can cause weight gain of at least one pound per week.

It’s easy to incorporate more physical activity in your day. Here are some ways you can become more physically active:

1. Incorporate more physical activity while at home and work. Household duties such as climbing stairs, carrying laundry, running the vacuum, cleaning closets and moving boxes can help you stay in shape. When at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther away and walk to your building. Get up and move from your desk at least once every 30 minutes even if it’s only to make a copy or go to the restroom.

2. Find ways to incorporate more walking into your day. Walking can provide you with physical activity, as well as help you clear your head, listen to music or spend time with friends and family.

3. Build and maintain strong muscles. You can do this without purchasing expensive exercise equipment or weights. Utilize your available resources. For example, canned goods make good hand weights. Stretches and muscle toning are also things you can do while watching television.

While physical activity and exercise do have benefits, it may not lead to weight loss on its own for everyone. If you want to lose weight, it’s important for you to make healthy changes to your diet in addition to more physical activity. Once you reach your weight loss goal, physical activity and exercise can help you keep the weight off.

We have free Second Sunday Tee Shirts available for any group/family that is planning to be physically active on Sunday, October 11! We have 75 that will be given on a first come, first serve basis. We also have several pedometers, some water bottles, lunch bags and frisbies that will be provided to those indicating they plan to participate!

10/1/09

Preventing falls is key for older adults
and September 22 is Fall Prevention Day!

Falls are a serious concern for older adults. The consequences can be life-changing or even life-ending, especially when head injuries are involved.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one third of Americans 65 and older have serious falls every year. In Kentucky, more than 150 older adults die every year from the consequences of falls, often after extended hospital stays and nursing home care. Some 17,000 older Kentuckians have fall-related emergency department visits, and nearly 5,000 are hospitalized every year.

Falls have wide-ranging human and economic costs. There is a well-documented tendency for people who have been injured by falls to restrict their activities, thus losing important social and emotional support. Family members might need to give up paid employment to care for a relative injured by a fall, or the relative might lose the ability to live independently. moving in with caregivers.

While most of the hospital cost for Kentuckians older than 65 is covered through the federal Medicare program, subsequent nursing home and home health coverage under Medicare is limited. Kentuckians who need extended care are likely to exhaust their resources and become eligible for Medicaid, a program that is second only to public education in its share of Kentucky's state budget. Thus, fall prevention in older adults is important for all Kentuckians, not just those at high risk of falling.

The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center is part of a statewide effort to design a coordinated fall prevention program for older adults. With our partners in the Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network, we're working to identify possible funding sources.

The evidence supporting fall prevention is strong, and many measures can be implemented at low cost. To prevent falls:

■ Exercise moderately to strengthen muscles and maintain balance.
■ Keep frequently used items within reach without the use of stepladders.
■ Clear the home of obvious risks such as trailing cords and loose rugs.
■ Screen during health visits for risk factors such as sensory deficits, medication usage or environmental dangers.

Everywhere we turn we hear about the benefits of exercise and how it can help our health and the quality of our life. But the question for many people, especially sedentary individuals, is what kind of exercise is safe for me to do and where can I find it. One of the important aspects of starting any exercise program is starting off slowly and gradually building up your exercise level. The Henry County Extension Service will again be offering a proven, tested method of easy exercise that is designed especially for the over 50 bunch. The program is called Body Recall, a lifetime fitness program for the “living longer” population. As the name indicates, Body Recall is a call back, a revival, a renewal of the movements learned or experienced in youth. Class runs from Oct. 5 through December 23 and is held from 10:30 to 11:30 at the Extension office-generally on W-W-F but call for a complete schedule. Stop by and see if Body Recall is for you. New participants pay $30. (SCHEDULE)

9/17/09

Upcoming/Ongoing Programs & Opportunities:

The Second Wind Dreams program is working on providing individual shadow boxes for each resident at Homestead Nursing Center. They will be hung at the resident’s door and will include a small life history of the resident letting visitors and staff know a little more about the individual. Pictured are Helen Davis, Pat Gray, Saundra Smith and Alvin Roberts working to stain the 64 boxes that were purchased thanks to an anonymous donor. For information on how you or your group can participate in Second Wind Dreams contact Vicki Atha or Don Dalger at Homestead, Sue Barnett-Second Wind Dreams Chairman or the Henry County Extension Office.  MORE...

Your chance to help Second Wind Dreams: Many of you know about the Second Wind Dreams program that grants dreams of residents of nursing homes! Here is an easy one! Homestead would like to have some CD’s and DVD’s donated that the residents might enjoy(they do not want VCR or cassettes). Music from the 30’s through the 70’s would be great (ex; Frank Sinatra, Big Band, Dean Martin, perry Como, Old time Country, Semi-Classical, Old Standard Blues). And movies that might be appropriate! If you have any you can either drop by the Extension Office and we will get them to Homestead or take them directly there! Vicki Atha (activity Director at Homestead) needs some volunteers to assist residents when they play Bingo-right now they are playing at 2:30 on Mondays, 10:30 on Wednesdays, and 10:30 on Saturdays. Vicki also needs some volunteers to help residents remember how to knit and crochet give her a call at 845-2861. In the 1940's, everyone pitched in to win the war, so fulfilling dreams for elders nationwide is our way of thanking the Greatest Generation.

Flu season is starting. Get ready now!

The flu season is starting and will last through the fall and winter. More than one kind of flu virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu so here are some recommendations from CDC. If you get the flu, you can get sick and can spread the flu to others at home, at work, and in the community. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

We are asking that you plan to stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

You need to prepare in advance for a potential outbreak:

• Make plans to care for sick household members or for children if schools dismiss students or child care programs close.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home. Have the following items on hand: a supply of fever-reducing medicines that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen, alcohol-based hand cleaners, tissues, and other items that may be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick.
• Learn about the flu and what you can do. To find out more about preparing for the flu, go to www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
• Be collecting a supply of food that would last 3-10 days.

Important Actions to Take to Stay Healthy

• Every time you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw used tissues in the trash.
• Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze.

• Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water are not available.
• Wash your hands before and after preparing food or eating, after using the restroom, before and after touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, and after touching items that may have been exposed to bodily fluids

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu. For more information about seasonal flu vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available, if you are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

• If you are at higher risk for complications from the flu, talk to your doctor about what you will need to do if you get sick. People at higher risk for flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).

And review the information we distributed in MAY.

More Links concerning the flu:

• http://pandemicflu.gov/

• http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm

• http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/avfluqa.html

• http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?navtype=SU&navid=AVIAN_INFLUENZA

• http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/en/index.html

• http://www.eden.lsu.edu/

• http://healthalerts.ky.gov/

8/28/09

May 1, 2009 Flu Information Update

Swine Flu and You: Last year Extension Homemakers Studied the potential for an Avian Flu Pandemic and this year we are hearing about Swine Flu. Here is some question and answer information from the Center for Disease Control.

What is swine flu?
HIN1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Where is H1N1 flu in the U.S.?
Updated case counts of confirmed H1N1 flu infections in the United States are available on the CDC website. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. To see case counts of swine flu in Kentucky go to: http://healthalerts.ky.gov/

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of this H1N1 influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu to others?
People with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.