Article Snip: "...People who have certain symptoms of cancer or side effects of cancer treatment might benefit from using cannabis. Relieving or reducing symptoms and side effects can lead to overall better quality of life for people with cancer and their caregivers. Managing symptoms and side effects well can also reduce the number of emergency room visits and hospital readmissions for things like dehydration due to nausea and vomiting, or uncontrolled severe pain.
Keep in mind that cannabis products can also have harmful effects. ..."
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Possible Benefits of Cannabis for People with Cancer
Cannabis Use Disorder | Colon cancer patients are 24 times more likely to die within 5 years if they had this habit before their diagnosis
Article Snip: "...Here’s the bottom line — nearly 53,000 Americans are projected to die from colorectal cancer this year.
The overall five-year survival rate for the disease is around 65%. Several factors significantly influence prognosis, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, its location within the colon and the effectiveness of treatment.
A new study suggests that a popular habit may negatively affect colon cancer outcomes, significantly increasing the risk of death within five years of diagnosis. ...Furthermore, those diagnosed with marijuana addiction before they were stricken with colon cancer were 24.4 times more likely to die within five years of diagnosis compared to their peers, Cuomo determine ...
The findings were published online this month in the Annals of Epidemiology.
“This isn’t about vilifying cannabis. It’s about understanding the full range of its impacts, especially for people facing serious illnesses,” Cuomo said."
Some studies suggest that cannabis may help cancer patients manage their symptoms and potentially even reduce tumor growth.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Will COLA for Social Security Be Higher in 2026 Due to Tariff Policies?
Article Snip: "...Since the CPI-W is an inflation-based index, Trump's tariff policies might increase Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment. ...only the CPI-W readings from the third quarter (July through September) are used to calculate Social Security's COLA. If the average CPI-W reading in the third quarter is higher than during the comparable period of the previous year, inflation has occurred and beneficiaries are due a raise for the upcoming year."
Reference: www.fool.comUSPS Webinar | ‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’ April 14, 2025
Title: USPS Webinar | ‘PSHB and Medicare in Retirement’ April 14, 2025
Article Snip: "...USPS employees may participate in a webinar that will help explain how the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and Medicare work in retirement.
The session, “PSHB and Medicare in Retirement,” will be held Monday, April 14, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the webinar.
Participants must register on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees who have questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team. ..."
Friday, April 4, 2025
Social Security Fairness Act Changes Rules on Medicare Premium Payments for Millions of Retirees
Social Security Fairness Act Changes Rules on Medicare Premium Payments for Millions of Retirees
Snippet of Article: "...If your newly adjusted Social Security benefit is large enough to cover Medicare premiums, you may no longer need to pay those premiums out of pocket. Instead, the premium amount will be automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security check.
This includes:
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
This deduction process streamlines the payment method, reducing the chance of missed payments and ensuring uninterrupted coverage.
2. Direct Billing Will Continue for Some..."
If your annual income crosses certain thresholds due to benefit increases, you might fall into a higher IRMAA bracket, leading to higher premiums.