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Should You Get a Heart Calcium Scan?

Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 58 and heart disease runs in my family. My cholesterol has been creeping up, and I’ve been hearing about a scan that can show your actual heart risk. Is that something I should look into? – Heart Worried Dear Worried, You’re smart to be thinking about this now. For years, cholesterol numbers have been the main way to estimate heart disease risk. But there’s another tool gaining attention that can offer a more direct look: a coronary artery calcium scan, or CAC scan. This quick, noninvasive test looks for actual plaque buildup in your ...

Someone Explain This Please

I am angry. No, I’m furious. In one week, Americans will celebrate the country’s 250th birthday. I already have my flags and patriotic attire in place to mark next weekend events. While nothing can deter me — not even those who claim to hate this country — I am not in a good place mentally on this day. Why, you ask? Well, there have been such disturbing stories in the news in recent days. Some of it is too hard for me to comprehend. Here’s what I mean: A nationwide federal probe into Medicare/Medicaid fraud has turned up 455 alleged perpetrators with more than $6.5 billion ...

How to Save on Prescription Eyeglasses

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I currently have vision coverage through my employer’s insurance plan but will lose it when I retire in a few months and sign up for Medicare. – Nearsighted Nancy Dear Nancy, You’re wise to plan ahead. Eyeglasses can be expensive. A basic pair often runs $150 to $300, and bifocals or progressive lenses can easily double or triple that. The good news is that with a few strategies, you can keep costs manageable once you retire and transition to Medicare. Medicare & ...

Timeless 

Do you know what time it is? Well if you are driving through downtown Wheeling, you can check out the stately historic timepiece sitting on the corner of 14th and Main streets. The old Hancher Clock will most likely give you the correct time.  That is only due to the care the clock has received since its inception in 1889. The clock has a history as storied and diverse as Wheeling itself. A complete history of the clock, including the many repairs it required over the years, can be found in the archives at the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling.  For years, Glenn White assured ...

How to Use AI Safely and Protect Yourself From Scams

Dear Savvy Senior, I keep hearing about AI in the news and how it’s being used in scams. I’m not very tech savvy and find it confusing. What should I know to protect myself? – Cautious Senior Dear Cautious, You’re not alone. Many older adults are asking the same question. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming part of everyday life, from smartphones and internet searches to banking and customer service. It’s also making scams more convincing and harder to spot, which is why a basic understanding helps. The good news is you don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI ...

A Two-Way Street

This month I would like to remind you of the letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome. This was not a church that Paul founded or even knew any of the members. He wrote to them as a means of offering hope. Something we could all use right about now. Paul was seeking support for his missionary trip to Spain and wanted to encourage his Roman brethren to be faithful. Writing about 57-58 AD he includes this phrase, which will be our discussion today: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained ...