You can reduce the chances of identity theft this tax season

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 06 January 2009 14:09

Each year, more Americans choose to file their taxes online due to convenience, faster turn around on refunds and more accurate returns.

In fact, the Internal Revenue Service reported that more than 86 million taxpayers filed taxes online during the 2008 tax-filing season, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

While e-filing continues to grow in popularity and hard copy returns become a thing of the past, Americans still send and receive a large quantity of confidential information on paper documents. W-2 forms, old pay stubs and investment information—all can leave you vulnerable to identity theft.

Last year alone, identity theft affected nearly 8.1 million Americans, amounting to $45 billion in monetary losses, according...

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Biggest Loser weighing in for third round of the fight

Written by Jenny Terrell Tuesday, 06 January 2009 13:54

JeanneRziha19.jpg Jeanne Rziha, co-coordinator with Anna Woods of the Biggest Loser program, shows the report participants received when the body composition analyzer calculates numerous data about them, including body mass index, body fat percentage and total body fat mass. 

Rziha checks the body composition analyzer in preparation for this week’s weigh-ins.

Monday and Wednesday of this week participants will have their initial weigh-in to start the third edition of The Biggest Loser competition in Marion County.

Sponsored by Greenhaw Pharmacy and Woods Wellness, The Biggest Loser is intended to promote a healthier lifestyle and provide motivation.

“Hopefully, people are motivated to...

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Five easy ways seniors can help their health

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 06 January 2009 13:50

SeniorsStayHealthy2.jpg Daily monitoring can help you and your doctor bring your blood pressure levels down to 120 or lower, which is recommended to avoid risks of stroke or heart attacks.

You’ve worked hard your entire life to earn your retirement, and now you should enjoy it. But you won’t be able to actively socialize with friends, family and neighbors, enjoy spending time on your hobbies or taking trips to see the grandchildren if you don’t maintain good health and a good quality of life.

The average life expectancy is now 78 years, plenty of time to enjoy your golden years. You don’t need to see a doctor every day to stay healthy; with the guidance of your physician, there are many ways you can take care of yourself...

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Healthy Geezer- Taste buds can diminish in later years

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 06 January 2009 13:48

Q I have a bet with a friend that you start losing your sense of taste as you get older. She says that her taste is as strong as ever and thinks I’m wrong. Who wins the bet?



A In general, sensitivity to taste gradually decreases with age. But there are some whose taste isn’t affected by getting older. Who wins the bet? I won’t touch that one.

The ability to taste food and beverages means a lot to seniors. Let’s face it—we lose a lot of the pleasures of our youth, but eating well isn’t usually one of them.

Taste also has a major impact upon our physical and mental health. Our sense of taste is especially important if we have to stay on a diet. If food loses its appeal, we may eat improperly and put ourselves at risk for...

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