Health |

America’s Top Young Scientist Winner is Heman Bekele

DeeMan — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:21:36 +0000

While this story has been covered by many news outlets, it is a story worthy of Faith Seeds. Exercising the spirit of overcoming world challenges. Coupled with applying human effort to solve problems is certainly embodied in Faith Seeds desire to encourage and support others. Because of those attributes we salute Heman Bekele

Who is Heman Bekele?

Heman Bekele is crowned “America’s Top Young Scientist” after winning this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The memories of people working long hours outside under the glaring sun in Ethiopia stayed with him.

“Skin cancer is mostly found on people who live within developing countries,” Heman says. “But the average price for an operation is $40,000. I was devastated by the idea of people having to choose between treatment and putting food on the table for their families. There are so many preventable deaths.”

He was determined to find a better way. So Heman researched skin cancer, learning about dendritic cells, which he says help protect skin by boosting immune response. He spent months playing with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin. Seeking the right combination to help treat skin cancer. He developed SCTS, which stands for skin cancer treating soap, and works by reactivating dendritic cells.

“I was just looking for a fun science experiment at first,” he says.

The Spirit of Humanity

The process taught him the value of persistence, Heman says, with one major challenge being how to find the right combo to ensure the soap held together without flaking into pieces. Using 3M Cavilon (a moisturizer and barrier cream), coconut oil, and organic shea butter, he was able to make that happen.

“It was so difficult to get a bar of soap that didn’t just melt immediately,” Heman says, adding he probably tried a dozen different combinations. “Persistence is a very important part of the scientific process.”

Bekele researched more about skin cancer and dendritic cells. In the video he submitted for the contest, he mentioned the three ingredients are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin. He further explained that the three ingredients are keratolytic agents that break down the skin’s outer layers.

Supporting the Cause

The young genius named the product skin-cancer treating soap (SCTS). A patient can apply the soap to the skin every two to three days after getting a prescription.

Bekele also received $25,000 with the award, which he plans to put towards securing a patent and college education.

Heman aspires to become an electrical engineer in the future. He said, “I envision myself leading a team of professionals. Developing innovative electrical systems that will shape the future of technology. Alongside my professional success, I hope to have a fulfilling personal life with a loving family and a strong network of friends.”

Give Back

He added, “I also hope to have given back to my community by mentoring aspiring engineers and supporting initiatives that promote STEM education. Ultimately, in 15 years, I hope I positively impacted the world through my work and personal endeavors.

According to Bekele’s LinkedIn profile, he is a freshman attending Woodson High School and a self-taught programmer, fluent in Python, Lua, JavaScript, and C. He describes himself as “passionate about medicine, programming, and making an impact” and “eager for opportunities in research and internships in STEM & computer science.”

All told, Heman’s product, SCTS can be made for $0.50 a bar, or $8.50 for a pack of 20 bars, he says. He believes using the soap every few days can help treat certain forms of skin cancer.

Declining College Enrollment

The post America’s Top Young Scientist Winner is Heman Bekele first appeared on .

Unlocking Medicare Benefits

Staff — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 06:55:24 +0000

What is Medicare

Medicare is the federal healthcare program for adults aged over 65, adults with disabilities, and people with end stage renal disease. The program provides coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, and prescription drugs.

Medicare gets money from two trust funds: the hospital insurance (HI) trust fund and the supplementary medical insurance (SMI) trust fund.

The trust funds get money from payroll taxes, as allowed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) enacted in 1935. Also, Medicare taxes at a rate of 2.9% are taken from people who are self-employed. Other trust funding money includes premiums and income from investments.

Taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed workers provide money for the HI trust fund, established in 1965. The trust fund also garners the interest earned on its investments, income taxes from some Social Security benefits, and income from Medicare Part A premiums.

The HI trust fund covers the services provided through Medicare Part A, which pays for inpatient hospital stays and care, including nursing care, meals, and a semi-private room. Part A also covers skilled nursing care, hospice services, and home health.

The HI trust fund also pays for Medicare administrative costs, including tax collection, and fighting fraud. The HI trust fund’s expenditures in 2019 totaled $328.2 billion.

Supplementary medical insurance trust fund

The SMI trust fund has two parts, namely Part B and Part D, funded by the premiums paid for each part. In addition, it receives funds authorized by Congress, and the interest from trust fund investments.

The SMI trust fund covers the services offered by Medicare Part B, a portion of Part D, and some of the Medicare program’s administrative costs.

Medicare Part B includes outpatient services, such as doctor’s visits, lab tests, certain cancer screenings and preventative care, and ambulance transport.

Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. It gets funding from the SMI trust fund, and from premiums.

What Part A covers

Note
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare plan, your plan may have different rules. But your plan must give you at least the same coverage as Original Medicare. Some services may only be covered in certain facilities or for patients with certain conditions.

In general, Part A covers:

2 ways to find out if Medicare covers what you need

Talk to your doctor or other health care provider about why you need certain services or supplies. Ask if Medicare will cover them. You may need something that’s usually covered but your provider thinks that Medicare won’t cover it in your situation. If so, you’ll have to read and sign a notice. The notice says that you may have to pay for the item, service, or supply.
F ind out if Medicare covers your item, service, or supply.

Medicare coverage is based on 3 main factors

Federal and state laws.
National coverage decisions made by Medicare about whether something is covered.
Local coverage decisions made by companies in each state that process claims for Medicare. These companies decide whether something is medically necessary and should be covered in their area.

How Do Medicare Advantage Carriers Make Money?

Advantage plan companies receive payments from Medicare. These plans get money per enrollee; it’s a set amount. Medicare makes separate payments for any plans that provide prescription drug coverage. Plans are paid for by Medicare through a bidding procedure. Bids are submitted depending on the costs for each member for services.

Bids that meet all qualifications receive approval. Benchmark amounts vary depending on the region. Benchmark amounts can range from 95% to 115% of Medicare costs. If bids come in higher than benchmark amounts, the enrollees must pay the cost difference in a monthly premium.

When bids are lower than benchmark amounts, Medicare and the health plan provide a rebate to enrollees after splitting the difference in cost. A new bonus system works to compensate for health plans that have high-quality ratings. Advantage plans that have four or more stars receive bonus payments for their quality ratings.

Get Started with Social Security

The post Unlocking Medicare Benefits first appeared on .

Stir Your Pot A Recipe for Diabetes Solutions

Staff — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 19:32:04 +0000

Finding Solutions for Diabetics Sufferers

Faith Seeds is pleased to announce the startup and deployment of Stir Your Pot, a web adventure supporting a holistic approach to maintaining health against Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Obesity. Aligning with the Mission of Faith Seeds, helping those in need SYP has kicked of its web page and reaching out to impact communities.

Healthy Food Groups

We recently reach out to Swits Surrender, team leader to get insight into the deployment.

Congratulations on your new web adventure. Seems like a big thing. If I understand it you are focusing on diabetes and related health issues. Will you tell us more about the site?

What is its purpose?

The inception of Stir Your Pot website stemmed from a heartfelt desire to provide invaluable assistance to diabetic individuals globally. With a particular emphasis on aiding those within the Philippines who lack access to healthcare and face financial constraints. The overarching vision for this platform is to establish an unparalleled source of knowledge. Delivering up-to-the-minute information on cost-effective medication options. Guiding diabetic patients towards potential pathways to reverse this chronic condition.

While acknowledging the ambitious nature of such vision, the resounding chorus of success stories from individuals who have effectively reversed their diabetic affliction. Through unwavering discipline and steadfast patience have left an indelible mark. It is with unwavering determination that Stir Your Pot endeavors to present practical steps and insights into the elusive journey of diabetic reversal, Aiming to transform what may appear to be an improbable dream into a tangible reality.

Who is the intended audience?

Targeting a diverse global demographic, Stir Your Pot website caters to an audience of individuals grappling with the challenges of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Specifically tailored to address the needs of those who face financial barriers hindering their access to crucial monthly diabetic supplies, such as glucometers, lancets, and diabetic medications, this comprehensive platform aims to provide a lifeline of support. Beyond serving as a sanctuary for information and resources, Stir Your Pot also endeavors to foster a vibrant community, inspiring individuals to share their own culinary creations.

By encouraging the exchange of personal recipes believed to possess the potential to aid in the regulation and stabilization of blood sugar levels, this website embodies a captivating fusion of expertise and shared experiences, uniting diabetics worldwide in their journey towards enhanced well-being.

Are you a diabetic? If so tell us a little bit about your diabetic experience.

Yes, I have diabetes, which is genetically inherited in my family. Unfortunately, my mother passed away from diabetes complications in 1999, and I was diagnosed in 2003. My two sisters and niece have also been diagnoised with the ailment.

Being overweight by 20 to 30 pounds I experienced persistent itching on my feet, despite trying different medications. Worried, I discussed this with a doctor, who conducted an examination and blood tests. About a week later, she informed me of my diabetes diagnosed.

Initially, it was hard for me to accept and fully understand my condition. I felt relatively healthy and my doctor didn’t immediately prescribe diabetic medication, I convinced myself that everything was fine. Surprisingly, my doctor didn’t provide explicit guidance on weight loss or exercise. It was 6 months later that she started my diabetes medication. This certainly was not the ideal response to my health query.

What percent of people in the US and worldwide are diabetic.

Here are the 5-year progressions of the percentage of people with diabetes in the US and worldwide:

United States:

In 2015, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was 7.40%^3.

· In 2019, 11.3% of the US population had diabetes, including 28.7 million diagnosed cases and 8.5 million undiagnosed cases

As of 2022, the total number of people with diabetes in the US is 37.3 million, which is 11.3% of the population².

Worldwide:

In 2014, the number of people with diabetes was 422 million¹.
In 2017, the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 6.28% ⁵.
By 2030, the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes is projected to increase to 7079 individuals per 100,000⁵.

It is important to note that the prevalence of diabetes has been rising over time, and the burden of diabetes is increasing globally.

Cost of Diabetes

Here is a list of the estimated cost of diabetes from 2017 to 2023:

^·In 2017, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in the US was $327 billion, including $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity^1,^2.

· In 2023, the United States alone is estimated to spend $294.5 billion on patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus^3.

^·Diabetes is now the most expensive chronic condition in the United States, with one in every four US health care costs spent on caring for people with diabetes.

^·The cost of insulin, a critical medication for people with diabetes, has been a major concern. As of January 1, 2023, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $35 a month for insulin.

It is important to note that the cost of diabetes has been increasing over time, and it is a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Efforts are being made to address the issue of insulin affordability, but more work is needed to ensure that everyone with diabetes can access the care and medications they need.

Is your outlook for the future of diabetics Positive? Negative? Please explain.

Based on the on my research and by following diabetic groups, it is possible for some people with type 2 diabetes to reverse the condition to a point where they do not need medication to manage it and their body does not suffer ill effects from having blood sugar levels that are too high. However, I am aware that there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that the term “cure” has not been applied to T2D, as there does exist the potential for re-occurrence, which has been well documented in the literature.

Making positive lifestyle changes such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting down to a healthy weight (and maintaining it) are the key to possibly reversing or managing type 2 diabetes. Other lifestyle changes may also help, including not smoking, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol, and managing stress. However, for some people, this is still not enough, and medication is needed to manage the condition. It is important to note that even if someone is in remission, which means they aren’t taking medication and their blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range, there’s always a chance that symptoms will return.

In the United States, 244,000 children and adolescents younger than age 20 years have diagnosed diabetes, including type 1 diabetes. Among adults aged 20 years or older, 1.6 million adults reported both having type 1 diabetes and using insulin. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed with insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle changes. Although survival and patient health have improved considerably, particularly in the past 25 years, a cure for type 1 diabetes remains elusive.

Food for thought

Embracing a self-sustaining lifestyle, including raising chickens and pigs, practicing homesteading, and adopting low-carb or keto diets, along with intermittent fasting and regular exercise, can greatly impact the well-being of diabetics and potentially lead to an extended lifespan.

It is important to note that every individual’s experience with diabetes is unique, and the effectiveness of these approaches may vary. Seeking regular checkups and guidance from healthcare professionals remains crucial for managing diabetes and making informed decisions about treatment plans.

With the right combination of personalized care, lifestyle modifications, and medical advancements, the future holds promise for a better quality of life for diabetics.

Seeking solutions for mental health

The post Stir Your Pot A Recipe for Diabetes Solutions first appeared on .

The American Mental Crisis Problem

Staff — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 18:29:21 +0000

America the wealthiest country in the world

The US always prided itself on being financially powerful. Able to sufficiently care for and sustain its citizenry in medical mental, and social environments. It is what foreign countries envied and citizens took pride in. It was a time when it was expected of politicians to be for the people and by the people. However, there are opposing voices as to to what caring for the Mentally unstable. is And the consequences of those polar views have left many uncared. Consequently life has deteriorated for both the mentally ill and the American society.

In addition to committing mass shootings and bazaar acts, a high percentage of many mentally disturbed people are homeless. Further complicating solutions many go undiagnosed. Still others self medicate using drugs like Marijuana, Opioids and Hallucinogenics. Sending the problem to more extreme levels. While drug use may provide sedation, and in some cases relaxation, It is not a cure but rather an anesthetization of the anguish.

Yet other conditions once considered “Mentally ill” were declassified as such designations to relieve communities of the financial burden of caring for them.

How did we get here

1965 The U.S. Congress establishes Medicaid and Medicare. Mentally disabled people living in the community are eligible for benefits but those in psychiatric hospitals are excluded. By encouraging patients to be discharged, state legislators could shift the cost of care for mentally ill patients to the federal government.

Coinciding with a movement during the 1970s for rehabilitation of people with severe mental illnesses, the Mental Health Systems Act supported and financed community mental health support systems, which coordinated general health care, mental health care, and social support services.[2] The law followed the 1978 Report of the President’s Commission on Mental Health, which made recommendations for improving mental health care in the United States. While some concerns existed about the methodology followed by the President’s Committee, the report served as the foundation for the MHSA, which in turn was seen as landmark legislation in U.S. mental health policy.

The Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 (MHSA) was United States legislation signed by President Jimmy Carter which provided grants to community mental health centers. In 1981 President Ronald Reagan, who had made major efforts during his Governorship to reduce funding and enlistment for California mental institutions, pushed a political effort through the U.S. Congress to repeal most of MHSA.[1] The MHSA was considered landmark legislation in mental health care policy.

Where are we now

2015 In the San Francisco Homeless Count, 55 percent of people experiencing chronic homelessness report they have emotional or psychiatric conditions.

A severe shortage of inpatient care for people with mental illness is amounting to a public health crisis, as the number of individuals struggling with a range of psychiatric problems continues to rise.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 6.3 percent of the population suffers from severe mental illness [2], defined as longstanding mental illnesses, typically psychosis, that cause moderate-to-severe disability of prolonged duration [3]. Given that the number of adults 18 and over in the United States in 2010 was estimated to be roughly 234,564,000 [4], approximately 14.8 million people have severe mental illness. Experts polled by the Treatment Advocacy Center estimated that about 50 beds per 100,000 people would meet needs for acute and long-term care, but in some states the number of available beds is as low as 5 per 100,000 people [5]. Thus, many who need residential treatment cannot obtain it.

The changes that led to this lack of space, as well as changes to the institutionalization process, have made it impossible for people with severe mental illness to find appropriate care and shelter, resulting in homelessness or “housing” in the criminal justice system’s jails and prisons [6]. The percentage of people with severe mental illness in prisons and jails is generally estimated to be 16 percent of the total population [6]. Given that the population in U.S. prisons and jails totaled 2,361,123 in 2010 [7], it would appear that nearly 378,000 incarcerated persons have severe mental illness [7].

How do we fix this

State hospitals must return to their traditional role of the hospital of last resort. They must function as entry points to the mental health system for most people with severe mental illness who otherwise will wind up in a jail or prison. State hospitals are also necessary for involuntary commitment. As a nation, we are working through a series of tragedies involving weapons in the hands of people with severe mental illness—in Colorado, where James Holmes killed or wounded 70 people, Arizona, where Jared Loughner killed or wounded 19 people, and Connecticut, where Adam Lanza killed 28 including children as young as 6 years old

Homeless Asian Man Mentally distrubed askng for help

. All are thought to have had severe mental illness at the time of their crimes.

After we finish the debate about the availability of guns, particularly to those with mental illness, we will certainly have to address the mental health system and lack of services, especially for those in need of treatment but unwilling or unable to seek it. With proper services, including involuntary commitment, many who have the potential for violence can be treated. Just where will those services be initiated, and what will be needed?

Affirmative Action for the Wealthy

The post The American Mental Crisis Problem first appeared on .

FDA Greenlights Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes Therapy

DeeMan — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 09:46:07 +0000

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a groundbreaking therapy called teplizumab, marketed as Tzield, to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. Administered through
intravenous infusion, Tzield is the first biologic therapy approved for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. Clinical trials have shown that it can delay the progression to full-blown diabetes by over two years, with some participants experiencing even longer-lasting benefits.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disorder characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to the pancreas making little to no insulin—a hormone needed for glucose to enter the body’s cells and for survival.

Each year, around 30,000 Americans (of all ages) receive a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, impacting between 1 in 300 to 1 in 600 school-aged children. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires constant insulin therapy and diet management.

Researchers say the drug postpones the median onset of the disease by at least two years. The medication is delivered through a daily infusion for two weeks.

Kevan Herold, MD, a Yale Medicine endocrinologist, was the principal investigator of the new medication, called teplizumab, made by Provention Bio. Provention will partner with Sanofi to market the drug in the U.S. and sell it under the brand name Tzield.

We talked with Dr. Herold, who answered three important questions about the drug and the future of diabetes management.

How does this new diabetes medication work?

Teplizumab is a monoclonal antibody that modifies T cells in a way that prolongs the pancreas’ ability to create insulin. The drug is specific to a molecule called CD3, which is the “cognate” component of the T cell, Dr. Herold explains. This modulates the immune cells and prevents them from attacking the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Why is this type 1 diabetes development important?

“Diabetes is a disease that is with you literally every minute of the day. You don’t sleep, exercise, or eat without thinking about your metabolic control,” says Dr. Herold. “People with diabetes will tell you that any time without the disease is a gift, particularly for young children and their parents. Some ask, ‘If you’re still going to get diabetes, what’s the big deal?’ But when you’re an eight-year-old child, if the time at which you need to take insulin, follow a prescribed diet, and monitor your blood sugar is delayed for two more years, that’s huge.”

In childhood, those extra years matter—a high-schooler, for instance, may be better equipped to handle the burden of a chronic disease than a middle-schooler. The delay also reduces the amount of exposure over time a patient has to the high blood sugars that cause a wide range of health complications. And as therapies for diabetes continue to evolve, there will likely be more improved and convenient options for patients.

What’s more, for half of patients, Dr. Herold says, their delays will be much longer than that. For instance, one high school student in this trial was diabetes-free for 11 years after treatment with teplizumab.

What’s next for type 1 diabetes treatment and cure?

Dr. Herold says he views this approval as the starting point to prevent the disease from occurring or even to restore lost cells. Combining treatments may prolong and enhance responses in those at risk for type 1 diabetes. In addition, replacing the insulin-producing cells that have been destroyed—even with stem cell-derived beta cells, together with teplizumab, may be an effective combination, he adds.

“This is an exciting first step toward our goal of eliminating type 1 diabetes,” says Dr. Herold, who is also a member of Yale’s Human and Translational Immunology Program, which works to accelerate the application of developments in the field of immunology to treat diseases.

Drug Addiction, The Fight

The post FDA Greenlights Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes Therapy first appeared on .

Millions of Americans Asking to Save Medicaid Coverage

DeeMan — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 04:16:28 +0000

Protests for Medicaid Coverage for Millions

As a product of the $1.75 trillion spending bill that congress passed in Dec 2022, millions of people who enrolled in Medicaid during the COVID-19 pandemic could start to lose their coverage on April 1, 2023. Protests have broken out to save Medicaid.

A government policy on “health emergency” that prohibited states from terminating Medicaid coverage. The Covid-19 pandemic qualified as such an emergency. Many people applied for and received coverage during that period, which now appears to have ended.

Twenty-five Republican governors signed a letter asking the President to end the qualified Pandemic emergency, noting that this it is no longer an emergency. The letter also expressed growing concerns about bloated Medicaid enrollment.

Millions of people are expected to lose coverage under the program, which provides health care coverage to nearly 80 million people, most of whom are low-income people throughout the country. Under the proposal, the federal government will also phase out extra funds provided to states for the additional enrollees over the next year.

Many people will be eligible for health insurance coverage through their employers, the Affordable Care Act, or in the case of children, the Children’s Health Insurance Program. However, the cost and deductions of the ACA are considerably higher at a time when inflation is unchecked.

Robin Rudowitz, the director of Medicaid at Kaiser Family Foundation, advised people who are on Medicaid to ensure that their contact information is up to date on their accounts and to check their mail frequently to keep an eye on their eligibility status as the April 1st deadline approaches.

“There is likely to be people who fall through the cracks,” she said.

Protest to Save Medicaid

The move will free up additional funds to pay for more stable health insurance coverage for children in low-income households by requiring states to keep those children on Medicaid for at least a year after they have enrolled. However, a push to require states to extend Medicaid to new mothers for a 12-month period after giving birth failed to make the cut. Currently, the District of Columbia and 27 states extend coverage for a 12-month period for postpartum mothers.

Food Subsidies Withdrawn Affecting Millions

At the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government prohibited states from terminating people’s Medicaid coverage, even if they were no longer eligible. Before the pandemic, people would regularly lose their Medicaid coverage if they started earning too much money to qualify for the program, gained health care coverage through their employer, or moved to a new state. However, this all stopped once COVID-19 started spreading across the country.

Over the next year, states will be required to recheck the eligibility of every person who is on Medicaid. People will have to fill out forms to verify their personal information, including their address, income, and household size.

The post Millions of Americans Asking to Save Medicaid Coverage first appeared on .

Pandemic Food Stamps Subsidies are being Withdrawn

RM — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:48:29 +0000

At a time when inflation is high, Americans who have grown accustomed to subsidies such as Food Stamps, or Medicare may no longer qualify an millions of Americans are subject to the disqualifications.

States around the country are attempting to make it harder for needy families to access federal food-assistance programs.

Lawmakers in Ohio, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Montana, and other states have proposed more restrictive policies to qualify for food assistance. These policies include cutting off benefits to those who have saved a little money or who own a decent car or adding paperwork requirements to document small changes in income and efforts to find work.

The moves come even as more than 20 million adults reported that their households sometimes or often did not have enough to eat in the week ending June 7, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

When pandemic aid that has boosted food-stamp benefits gets cut next week, millions of low-income Americans will confront smaller balances in the accounts they use to pay for groceries, leaving food banks bracing for a spike in demand.

As of March 1, the emergency allotment for individuals and households enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will end in 32 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

That means recipient households will see their monthly grocery allocations reduced by at least $95, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning research and policy think tank. In daily terms, that equates to trimming the roughly $9 per-person average to about $6.10. Moreover, the change comes when food prices in January increased 10% over the same month last year.

Older Workers Needed in Work Force

According to Charles Jones, a 63-year-old U.S. military veteran based in Rockford, Illinois, he received an enhanced monthly SNAP benefit of $281 under the temporary program. After it ends next week, his payments will plummet to $23 — the minimum monthly amount.

“When they cut this extra benefit from SNAP, that’s going to put me in a serious problem,” he said.

Jones said his pandemic-era SNAP payments helped him move out of a homeless shelter and into a $650-a-month studio apartment earlier this month. He said he’s concerned that when his allotment is slashed — likely because he also receives Social Security disability insurance payments — his rent and utilities will consume all of his income, jeopardizing his new shot at stability.

With food stamp cuts just days away, millions of Americans are bracing for tougher times in the grocery aisle.

The post Pandemic Food Stamps Subsidies are being Withdrawn first appeared on .

Communities Struggle to Fight Drug Addiction

RM — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:15:59 +0000

Communities all over America are struggling to fight drug addictions and the devastating effect it has on communities. While big money, drug cartels and celebrities like Snoop Dog flood political activist with legalizing Marijuana. States like Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado and New York, create safe haven zones for drug use without police interference. None of these activist and big money groups seem to care about the devastation, health decay and rotting of life quality.

Politicians seem to be more concerned with legalizing drugs that reap profits for dealers but utterly destroy hope, family life, and quality of entire cities. In drug havens crime and prostitution are vehicles to finance usage. Investment in drug usage leaves no investment in life.

Centers like our own Faith Seeds and Eva’s Village, uplift the community by providing food for the hungry, housing for the homeless, and addiction treatment. Places like Atlanta Union Mission provide the bare necessities of clothing and daily bread, but the restoration of dreams and hope is often lacking in community. There does not seem to be a path to wholesome life. Drug use and its horrors often take years and decades from the dreams of youth. A users who starts a drug plagued life may not see the upcoming erosion until late in life. Then facing impossible odds to over come.

Eva’s Village CEO Howard Haughton shares, “Our community has a soaring need and the need is greater than ever. So we’re here to provide the guidance, support, and resources that they need that will empower them to live healthy, independent and productive lives.”

This is the common theme throughout the communities where drug use has been all but legalized. There is little publication as to its effects on the individuals life or its affects on community.

The post Communities Struggle to Fight Drug Addiction first appeared on .

Free online COVID19 Check ups

RM — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:09:23 +0000

Provided by Apple, you can now check Screen for COVID19. This service is provided by Apple and is available online online here. This service while not in person it does ask pertinent questions related to the diagnosis of corona symptoms. Users my find it very helpful in determining preconditions. This site also provides guidance after the screening. Please visit the link and return here for more very relevant information.

The post Free online COVID19 Check ups first appeared on .