Your Money

Ever heard the saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way?" For criminals, that will is strong—and they always find a way. One common scheme involves stealing paper checks from mailboxes and using household chemicals to "wash" out the original details, replacing them with fraudulent ones. In other cases, fraudsters purchase blank checkbooks or even universal keys for postal drop boxes through illicit marketplaces.

Their primary target? Paper checks.

While the transition to electronic banking may seem intimidating for some, it’s a much safer alternative. Methods like wire transfers with written authorization, Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments with trusted connections, or electronic transfers secured by multi-factor authentication significantly reduce the risk of fraud.

We Can’t Give Up Paper Checks, and That’s a Gold Mine for Scammers
by Oyin Adedoyin

Your Life

Cannabis use among seniors (65+ yrs) is on the rise, but so are visits to the emergency department as a result. Older adults are using cannabis to treat symptoms, primarily from pain and insomnia, that aren't easily managed by other traditional treatments or conventional treatments or medications. Older adults are also turning to cannabis to treat mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression, and for caregivers of those with dementia to treat some of the adverse behavioral complications of dementia, such as agitation. Due to aging, many older adults are at higher risk for harm from all types of medications, for example, sedatives, certain pain medications, like opioids, and substances like alcohol and cannabis. Physiological changes affect how we react to a particular dose of the drug or substance.  Older adults have other risks, being more vulnerable to the impacts of substances on their brains. So, they have a higher risk for problems with thinking and coordination, and given THC's effect on the brain, this can be a challenge.  Not just seniors but all people should know that cannabis has potentially harmful effects on your lungs, your heart, and your brain. It can interact with medications. It can lead to dependence on the cannabis. The bottom line is the need for open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider.

Cannabis side effects for senior and older adult patients
with Alison Moore, MD, MPH

Complexity Simplified

Trivia