Tag Archives: health

Roger Ebert, “Life Itself,” and Change

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Bob Ritzema

I recently saw Life Itself, the documentary about Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert’s life. The most remarkable thing about this film wasn’t any of Ebert’s achievements but his willingness to be filmed as he was dying of cancer. His … Continue reading →

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Alzheimer’s Misconceptions

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Bob Ritzema

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, responsible for an estimated 60-80% of cases. The range in estimated cases has to do with the difficulty of diagnosis; Alzheimer’s can only be definitively diagnosed by autopsy. There are an … Continue reading →

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How Older Adults React to Adversity

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Bob Ritzema

According to Stoic philosopher Epictetus, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Older adults may have an edge in reacting to adversity in a sanguine manner. At least that’s what a recent study … Continue reading →

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Medicare Options

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

As I recently wrote, I am now covered by Medicare.  Lou Wislocki of Wislocki Insurance did an excellent job of teaching me the ins and outs of the Medicare program.  I asked him if he would be willing to provide a summary … Continue reading →

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Getting Medicare: The Boring Details

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

I am covered by Medicare insurance as of today.   Last year, I quit my full-time position as a faculty member at Methodist University, and thereby lost my health insurance.  I could have continued with the Methodist U. plan using COBRA, (The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation … Continue reading →

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Could You Be Happy With ALS?

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

Nancy Perry Graham of AARP wrote a few months ago about sustaining happiness in middle and late adulthood.  She asked three middle-aged or elderly friends who were clearly happy with life what each though was responsible for their positive mood.  As she … Continue reading →

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Boomer Health

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Bob Ritzema

A recent segment on National Public Radio describes the poor health of the Baby Boomer generation.  Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, so they are now in their late 40s to mid-60s.  A group of researchers led by Dana … Continue reading →

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