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Better Blood Tests for Prostate Cancer

A new blood test is more reliable at finding prostate cancer in its early stages by detecting a protein marker in blood plasma. Doctors say the new test, now in clinical trials, will have an accuracy of 95 percent, better than the commonly used PSA, which signals abnormal prostate conditions rather than cancer.

Most men over age 50 are familiar with PSA testing, used to detect prostate cancer, but the test can sometimes miss cancer cases. Now a new test can find cancer earlier…

Read more at Recommended Reading (ScienceDaily.com): (Read more)

Today starts the period most senior citizens have not been looking toward — open enrollment for Medicare Part D.

It’s still as confusing as ever (if not worse), and it simply allows way too many changes in how things get added up, and the way pricing is figured, well that just leaves most seniors more confused and wondering if they’re getting their monies’ worth. The worst part is having to do this each year, and at Christmas time when no one wants to be thinking about this stuff, or pouring through 151 plans trying to sort it all out.

The Federal Government did not make it any easier either, the decision process is darn near impossible.

Having to sort through 151 companies is bad enough, but when the senior’s current carrier has doubled the monthly premium and readjusted what drugs will be covered, it is just a plain pain!

And, of course, there’s the so-called “donut hole,” we have discussed before, which is the huge gap in coverage that seniors must pick up before coverage starts again. At nearly $4,000, the donut hole forces many seniors to make the kinds of decisions they had to make before Part D — whether to eat, heat their home or buy their meds. The sad thing is, often it’s the first two that win.

Some help is available on Medicare’s Web site, www.medicare.gov, where comparisons between drug insurance carriers can be made if you want to put the holiday season on hold and sit down for hours on end to try and figure out what is the most affordable and workable Part D plan that works for you.  We bet it is the last thing anyone really wants to do.  The Federal Government needs to simplify and concrete the whole fiasco!

Special Note: 

Some patients who have limited incomes may still qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy, which can help them pay for Medicare Part D. Patients with annual income of less than $15,355 (individual) or $20,535 (family) should call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or visit their website to see if they qualify for this extra help, which covers a significant amount of the cost of the benefit.

Medicare and Social Security Today

Medicare's present-value infinite-horizon unfunded obligation of $74.3 trillion is nearly five times Social Security's $15.6 trillion. Together, they total $89.9 trillion.

Not comfortable with the infinite-horizon Medicare calculations? Then focus just on the $40.6 trillion in present-value unfunded obligations for Medicare and Social Security for the next 75 years.

Keep in mind, however, that $40.6 trillion is more than three times last year's gross domestic product; 220 percent higher than the total market capitalization ($12.7 trillion as of March 31) of America's 500 biggest corporations; nearly five times the national debt ($8.8 trillion); eight times the publicly held debt ($5 trillion); and nearly 75 percent of the total net worth of U.S. households and nonprofit organizations ($56.2 trillion). Read more on Medicare and Social Security Today at the link we found below:

Read more at Recommended Reading: NCPA Daily Policy Digest

How do the changes in men's bodies as they age affect sexual health?

Men's testosterone plays an important role in sex for couples in their 50's and 60's.  By this age most will notice a difference in their sexual responses.  The mans penis may take longer to become erect, and even when it does it may not be as firm as in his youth.  It can also take longer to achieve full arousal and to have an orgasm.  Chemistry of the erection also plays a major part, as the body produces a shorter duration of this chemical as they age, which makes the erection duration much shorter.  Drugs such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Tadalafil  have been introduced to help with the general functioning of this biochemistry process.

As Women approach menopause they may experience a hormonal change very similar to the one they had as a teen, except now instead of an onset, it is a cycle that is shutting down. The estrogen in their bodies is declining.  Because of this decline, many women feel less receptive to their partner and they may have varied emotional changes as well.

Not only is age affecting sexual relations, but high blood pressure, diabetes, and some medications can cause a decrease in sexual function as well.  If you think your medication can be causing loss of sexual interest, continue to take the medication but talk to your doctor, don't be embarrassed, it may be possible to switch to a different medication with fewer side effects.

This is a time when a relationship can have an opportunity to grow, not decline.  Engage your partner, which will lead to a more fulfilling sexual experience for both of you.  When one is trying to engage, and one is trying to avoid, now is the time to take charge to change this cycle.  Come to an understanding.  It's commonly stated that men have sex in order to feel close and women need to feel close to have sex. Find a middle ground, if men can find a way to be a bit more romantic, and women stop putting in so much effort to feeling about sex the way men do, flexibility becomes easier.

What else can we do to learn more?  Start at a good bookstore with a well-stocked human sexuality section.  You will find a helpful resource aimed toward what can be the wonderful second half of your sexual life.  Talk to your doctor, he may give helpful suggestions or even have you see a sexual medicine specialist.

There is no set normal sex life.  It varies depending on each individual and each relationship.  What is acceptable to both of you?  Think about how things are changing for you, learn how to optimize your body's response for sexual experiences in the here and now.  It will take education, flexibility, communication with your partner, and understanding of each others changing bodies.  If communication is a problem (you don't want to hurt the others feelings), try using the "I" method.  "I" find that as I get older I need more touch all over my body...", this will help break any barriers you may have with your partner.

Senior sex:  Tips for older men

Women's Health Quiz:  What makes you unique?

 

Questions, Answers and Special Notes from XLPharmacy

Special Notes:

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Interesting story on Medicare and Social Security - I will keep an eye on your RSS feed and hope that you continue writing more articles on the state of Medicare for us Seniors. - Paul Price, NV

Great article on Molecular Therapy.  We are truly living in an amazing world! - Sherry Goines, MI

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