My parents are both senior citizens and one of their benefits is to be entitled to 20% discount on medicines they buy from drug stores. This is such a huge help since it is a known fact that you need more medicines as you get older. With my parents, their maintenance medicines cost almost as much as their monthly pensions from the government, with very little left over for their living expenses. Getting that additional discount will help them have more allowance to spend on other things.

I wish that there would be prescription assistance programss implemented on a national level soon. This way, people of all ages can benefit from discount prescription drugs. Drug companies that provide free or low cost drugs to those that are unable to pay for the medication(s) set up Prescription assistance Programs (PAPs). Major drug companies have PAPs and for this reason, every pharmaceutical manufacturer has a different eligibility and application requirements. An additional note, the drug companies offer these assisted programs voluntary; evidently, the government does not require the companies to provide free medicine. The programs offer and have over 2500 medications to choose from that are offered free and discounted.

The internet has opened so many new doors for people – job opportunities, being able to learn more, communicate with people easier, faster and at more affordable rates and meet people online. There are relationships that have started with an online date that led to stable marriages and happy families. One would still need to practice caution when meeting people, especially for the first time. Here are some safety tips when you meet singles online:

1. Don’t provide your personal information too soon. A lot can be searched about you with just your full name and home phone number. One can easily gain access to your home address, income information, where you work and more.
2. Use a free e-mail account. When signing up for dating web sites, use a free e-mail account like Yahoo or Gmail. Don’t put your full name in the From field – only your first name or something else. This protects you from a person being able to search your normal email address to find out more information about you.
3. Use a cell phone for talking with people you meet online, especially during the early stages. When it’s time to move your communication to the next level (talking on the phone), never give out your home phone number. Either provide a cell phone number, use Skype to communicate, or use an anonymous phone service. It’s just an added protection barrier until you get to know the person better.