More on Aging Smartly

A radio station that I listen to every day is celebrating its sixth year of “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day.” This event encourages listeners to pledge to either take themselves or a loved one to the doctor.

Of course, we all should be responsible for our own health, but there are some who need a little push and others who just might not have the means to get around. Whatever the case may be, we should be aware of health disparities that some of us face every day here in the United States that can mean early death, a diminished quality of life and loss of economic opportunities. These disparities oftentimes translate into poor productivity, higher health care costs and social inequity.

Some health professionals, however, say the onset of a number of the disorders that afflict some Americans disproportionately — high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney problems and lung cancer — can be delayed, managed or avoided with a few simple lifestyle changes. This could be to stop drinking, smoking, eating unhealthy foods and exercising.

How many times have you heard people say, “I am a social smoker/drinker,” or that they can quit smoking or drinking anytime? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to quit bad habits, or even to get started with an exercise regimen. In fact, it takes most people eight to 11 attempts, but it can be done.

We all can take steps to improve the rest of our stay here. Ask yourself “What am I doing to age smartly”? If you can’t think of anything, read my previous blog! Thank you for reading and here’s to a healthier you!

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Past Post

What Are We Doing to Age Smartly? (April 14, 2008)

What is A Credit Score? (March 24, 2008)

Phishing or Fishing? Can You Tell the Difference? (March 3, 2008)

All About Taxes! (Feb. 18, 2008)

Labels, Magnets and Notepads, Oh My (Feb. 4, 2008)

For free or not for free? That is the question! (Jan. 21, 2008)

High-Pressure Tactics and Car Warranty Scams — Seniors, You’re It! (Jan. 7, 2008)

Shawne Buckner

Board Member

WENDCO Westside Neighborhood Development Corporation

As an outreach specialist, I am responsible for developing a consumer education program, giving public presentations and mediating consumer complaints against businesses regarding the purchase of goods or services. Many of these complaints involve foreign lottery scams, predatory mortgage lending, unauthorized charges on credit cards, mail order and telephone sales, motor vehicle repairs, Internet scams and prize offers. I am member of the Summit County Foreclosure Prevention Partnership Program and Tuff Stuff Committee and a board member of Westside Neighborhood Development Corporation of Akron, where I help to provide leadership in the area of housing and commercial revitalization.

I began my career in consumer protection and education in November 2006; prior to that I worked in the banking/mortgage industry for over 10 years. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, I graduated from Ellet High School and went on to pursue an education in criminal justice at The University of Akron.

If I had to pick one thing that I love about my job, I would choose the public speaking events that I give to senior citizens. My goal is to educate as many senior citizens as possible about ways to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime. My speeches to senior groups range from medical health claim scams, free credit reports, work-at-home schemes and home improvement scams, to protecting themselves from purse snatchings, robberies and burglaries.