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Julia Sneden wrote: My father told me about the Fourth of July that took place in 1910, when he was 4 years old. He grew up on his grandfather’s prune ranch, in thrall to a slew of young aunts and uncles. Each Fourth, the uncles staged a display of fireworks for the family and the working crews (and their families) that lived on or near the ranch. The uncles would fire their pyrotechnics from a metal, flatbed wagon which was, perhaps, normally used as a drying bed for the prunes when they were harvested. One year, someone or something caused the wagon to up-end just as the display was lit, and instead of shooting up, the fountains shot straight at the crowd standing by the barn. more »

Despite a lower uninsured rate than men (11% vs 14%), women are more likely to skip a recommended medical test or treatment due to cost... cost barriers to contraception have decreased for insured women since the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) coverage requirement took effect. Women without a regular clinician are less likely to receive certain preventive services, such as a mammogram and Pap test. Women are more likely than men to have a preexisting health condition ... Another government study recommends: The USPSTF has found that there isn't enough evidence to recommend screening women over age 75 for certain diseases, particularly breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer. In many cases, there just weren't enough older people in the studies to permit a judgment for or against screening. In other cases, screening was recommended, but the panel couldn't determine how often it should be done. more »

K. J. Fallon writes in her new book, From Zen and the Rescue Dog: Journeying with Your Dog on the Path to Enlightenment©: Making some time to remember your pets, or the animals in need at an area shelter or rescue organization if you don’t have a pet, is a way to refuel your energy. When you switch gears and devote your time and attention to something very different from what you spend most of your time doing, it can recharge you so that you experience a fresh start and gain a new perspective on your everyday life. Giving some time in some way, whether donating some needed supplies (most animal shelters have a wish list) or your time not only helps these shelters, it helps you. more »

Researchers estimate that as many as 1 in 10 older US adults are abused each year. This includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, financial scams, and neglect. It can occur at the hands of family, guardians, caregivers, or others. The Department of Justice has investigated and prosecuted cases of elder abuse, provided training and grants, and taken other actions to combat it. However, DOJ has not developed goals that could help guide these efforts. The GAO recommended that DOJ develop and document elder justice goals and outcome measures to better guide its elder justice efforts. Examples of Scams Commonly Committed Against Older Adults in the US are included. more »