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Savvy Senior: The Hidden Danger of Untreated Heartburn
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
Is regular heartburn or acid reflux anything to worry about? I eat a lot of Rolaids throughout the day to help manage it, but it’s gotten worse with age and it keeps me up at night too. What can you tell me?
Belching Bob
Dear Bob,
Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but frequent episodes can signal a much more serious problem. It’s estimated that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, with around 15 million people who suffer from it daily.
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Podcast Pick: Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
We listened to two episodes of Wiser Then Me and loved it. Jane Fonda was the first episode, and she talked about her third act (60 – 90). It got me thinking about what I want to do in my third act, as I turn 65 in October. Take stock! Are we doing the things we really want to do, and jettisoning those things we don’t really want, or have, to do? Very thought provoking. Her conversations are terrific, and Carol Burnette was as fantastic as she’d made out to be! Give this a listen.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus wants to know why the hell we don’t hear more from older women, so she’s sitting down with Jane Fonda, Carol Burnett, Amy Tan, Diane von Furstenberg, Isabel Allende and Fran Lebowitz (and more!) to get schooled in how to live a full and meaningful life. Join the Emmy award winning-est actress of all time on her first-ever podcast where each week she has funny, touching, personal conversations with unforgettable women who are always WISER THAN ME™.
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The Weekly Readlines July 19
Quote for the times: “Too many people hate the people that AIDS most affects: gay people and people of color. I do not mean dislike, or feel uncomfortable with. I mean hate. Downright hate. Down and dirty hate.” – the late Larry Kramer, true as it ever was
BIG CUP: THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES
Actors joined writers on strike, when SAG-AFTRA walked out over stalled contract negotiations.
Republicans assured defeat of the must-pass Defense bill by stuffing it with anti-women, anti-LGBTQ amendments meant to thrill the base but cripple the military. We predict the extortion will fail.
And California voters will have the chance to right a wrong by repealing Prop 8, the state’s same-sex marriage ban, with a vote in 2024. Be careful what you wish for, they could keep it.
LGBTQ NEWS
Idaho ‘Abortion Travel Ban’ Challenged By LGBT Group
FISM TVWhat’s A Tea Dance? The Fascinating History Behind These Unique Parties
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‘Open Secrets: A Maggie Dahl Mystery’ Audiobook Out Now, Narrated by Daniela Acitelli
It’s out! My newest audiobook, Open Secrets: A Maggie Dahl Mystery, narrated by the terrific Daniela Acitelli, is now available. It’s our fourth audiobook together. Listen to a three-chapter sample.
Publisher’s Summary
Maggie Dahl returns in Open Secrets. It’s been six months since the media circus surrounding the last murder Maggie solved and a year since her beloved husband, David, died. The dust seems to have finally settled. Then, one morning, a customer walks in and asks Maggie to do her a favor.
Soon, a body is discovered on a rural New Jersey road. A body Maggie is sure belongs to a local author whose next book was rumored to reveal secrets not everyone wanted known. But were they enough to kill for? And who murdered the woman found in the woods? Maggie is determined to find out, even as her life continues its road back to normal, complete with the possibility of new love.
Can she find the answers she seeks in the death of a local celebrity? And will love be part of her life once again when she least expects it?
©2022 Mark McNease (P)2023 MadeMark Publishing -
The Twist Podcast #233: GOP Defund Frenzy, Pink Paint Crisis, and an Interview with Bailey (Nemo) and Dana Mosling
Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we donate our loose change to a military soon to be penniless from GOP extortion, volunteer to help out with the pink paint shortage, and enjoy Rick’s interview with drag teen Nemo Bailey and his mom Dana.
Enjoy The Twist on Libsyn, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and TheTwistPodcast.com.
Copyright 2023 MadeMark Publishing
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Dave Hughes’s Retire Fabulously: The Truth About Medicare (Dis)Advantage
The following was re-printed with permission from Retire Fabulously
By Dave Hughes
I turned 65 in early 2022, and I’ve been enjoying the benefits of traditional Medicare ever since. It’s one of retirement’s greatest benefits. It has lowered my healthcare costs and made obtaining care easier. It’s the system I wish I had throughout my working career.
In the year preceding my 65th birthday, I received a deluge of advertisements touting the benefits of various Medicare Advantage plans and urging me to sign up.
Prior to that, I had no clue how Medicare Advantage plans worked and no idea what I’d choose. So, I did a lot of research. A lot. After all, those Medicare Advantage plans seemed to be offering more coverage (including prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing) – all for little or no premium! Why wouldn’t I choose that? It seemed too good to be true!
Of course, like all things that seem too good to be true, it is. I’ll show you why in this article.
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Dave Hughes’s Retire Fabulously Celebrates 10 Years!
How exciting! My friend, fellow author, and website wonder Dave Hughes just celebrated 10 years of his Retire Fabulously website. I”ll let him tell you about it. With any luck, he’ll let me share some of his new articles here (hint, Dave):
Retire Fabulously! is 10 years old!
Ten years ago, on July 14, 2013, I posted my first entry into a crazy new blog I started called Retire Fabulously! My intention then, as it remains today, is to help you envision, plan for, and enjoy the best retirement possible. -
Now Available: ‘I, Warlock’ 6-Chapter Book Sample with Audio Supplement
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FROM BOOK FUNNEL
Fasten your headphones, and leave the lights on! You can now read the first 6 chapters of ‘I, Warlock: The Warlock Wars Book I,’ and/or listen to the audio version above. Either way, you’ll be spellbound by Julius Tide, his beloved Charlotte, and the evil he must defeat to save them all. You can get the full edition eBook or paperback on Amazon now!
When the world’s survival depends on the struggle between good and evil, only one can triumph. The victor will preserve for humankind what makes life worth living, or he will rule atop a mound of skulls, served by the souls he defeated.
I, Warlock tells the story of Julius Tide, born part-vampire, destined to be all warlock. Follow his journey from a near-innocent, living quietly in the Vermont countryside, to a man whose decisions will determine the fate of the world. Every step of the way he has his beloved Charlotte, whose beauty first stuns him one spring day at a local fair, and continues to comfort him as he undertakes a battle against monumental evil that can have only one winner. Grief, joy, ecstasy, tragedy–it all comes into play as Julius, Charlotte, and a dizzying cast of characters march to their destinies in I, Warlock, The Warlock Wars Book I.
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Mark McNease Mysteries Podcast #66: Six Chapter Sample of ‘I, Warlock: The Warlock Wars Book I’
Fasten your headphones for a 6 chapter sample of the just-released ‘I, Warlock: The Warlock Wars Book I.’ It’s a great new adventure for me, and I can’t wait to get started on Book II. You can get ‘I, Warlock’ on Amazon, eBook or paperback editions, starting NOW!
When the world’s survival depends on the struggle between good and evil, only one can triumph. The victor will preserve for humankind what makes life worth living, or he will rule atop a mound of skulls, served by the souls he defeated.
I, Warlock tells the story of Julius Tide, born part-vampire, destined to be all warlock. Follow his journey from a near-innocent, living quietly in the Vermont countryside, to a man whose decisions will determine the fate of the world. Every step of the way he has his beloved Charlotte, whose beauty first stuns him one spring day at a local fair, and continues to comfort him as he undertakes a battle against monumental evil that can have only one winner. Grief, joy, ecstasy, tragedy–it all comes into play as Julius, Charlotte, and a dizzying cast of characters march to their destinies in I, Warlock, The Warlock Wars Book I.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey Vaughn: Dr. Brian Hurley Talks About Feline Hyperthyroidism
Dr. Brian Hurley, National Medical Director for AmeriVet Veterinary Partners, joins us once again to share his knowledge. We talk about what Feline Hyperthyroidism is, what symptoms to be on the look out for, what the prognosis is, and some of the causes. No matter what age your cat is, this episode is a great resource in helping to understand this disease and how to treat it.
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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The Return of the ‘6 Questions’ Interviews! Author Bruce W. Bishop
By Mark McNease
Welcome back to the 6 Questions interviews! I’ll be asking 6 questions of a wide variety of interviewees, from authors and artists, to cheesemakers and podcasters. This week, we bring them back with a bang, interviewing author Bruce W. Bishop. I just finished the second book in his series, Uncommon Sons, and loved it. But I’ll let Bruce tell you all about the book and himself in his own words. – Mark
A little about you: Who, what, where? What was it like being a travel and guidebook author, then switching to novelist? Are you planning to do both?
I’m a Canadian writer from the east coast of the country who lives in the province of Nova Scotia. I was born and raised in a small town here, and after university, moved to the country’s biggest city, Toronto. I stayed there for 25 years and then returned to Nova Scotia.
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Savvy Senior: How to Handle Social Security Benefits When A Loved One Dies
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
How are Social Security benefits handled when someone dies? After a long illness, my 68-year-old father has only weeks left to live. I am helping my mom figure out her financial situation going forward, including what to do about my dad’s Social Security after he passes away but could use some help.
Only Son
Dear Only,
I’m very sorry about the impending loss of your father. To help you and your mom understand what Social Security provides and what needs to be done when a family member dies, here are some key points you should know.
Your first order of business will be to make sure the Social Security Administration is notified when your father dies, so his monthly benefits will be stopped. In most cases, the funeral home providing his burial or cremation services will do it. You’ll need to provide your dad’s Social Security number to the funeral director so they can make the report. But, if they don’t offer that service or you’re not using a funeral home, you’ll need to do it yourself by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213.