Advertisement

Just thought I'd pass this on to help you and/or any senior citizens or people you know who don't have to file income taxes anymore but received $3,000 of income in 2007. I'm sending it because at first [the economic stimulus payment plan] wasn’t going to include senior citizens who only get Social Security, but the Senate would not pass it without that. Anyone who files income taxes by April 15th or the October 15th extension date is eligible.

Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center Announcement
(Updated March 6, 2008)
"Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. The IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment."

People who file valid 6-month extensions are even eligible - but not till after they file (by Oct. 15th) - and they will receive their rebate by the end of the year. So make sure you get yours in by April 15th or file your extension to register for it. [See the IRS Frequently Asked Questions.]

Some Key Requirements
1. Seniors, like my Dad, who don't have to file anymore and get more than $3,000 annually from SSA, VA, Railroad, disability, etc. - or low-wage persons - HAVE to fill out a 1040A and MAIL IT IN MANUALLY, NOT ELECTRONICALLY per the IRS. I called the IRS at 1-800-829-1234 for instructions, then faxed the 1040A form (available for printing at http://www.irs.gov), sample forms, and where they had to mail it for their state (on IRS website) to my Dad.

2. You have to fill out the top part and bottom part of both sides of the 1040A, then only put in the total amount you received last year from SSA or other (from your yearly statement) on line 14A.

3. Write the words "Stimulus Payment" across the top of the form you file - in the top margin above your name on the 1st page. If you don't do this, then you don't get your rebate.

4. You obviously should make a copy of both sides of the completed 1040A form for yourself, then mail it certified before April 15th or October 15th to prove that it was mailed and the IRS received it.

Sample of How Form Should Be Filled Out
Unless they saw this info on the news like I did, most eligible people do not know about it. Here's a link to show a sample of how the 1040A needs to be filled out for those who don't normally file and receive SSA, VA, Railroad benefits, etc.

There are more details to know about. Find out more here and visit this page regularly for the latest updates.

Rebate Scam Alert
There's already a scam running about it (from above link):
“Be aware that identity thieves are already pushing scams involving the stimulus payments. At least one telephone scam is making the rounds using the proposed rebates as bait. News release IR-2008-11, IRS Warns of New E-Mail and Telephone Scams Using the IRS Name; Advance Payment Scams Starting, has more details." – Cheryl

Improved Energy & Flexibility

I am a fan of your newsletter and avidly read news about recent research and different ideas. I was finally diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome about five years ago. Then in November 2007 I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I've tried almost everything – supplements, chiropractic, diet, prescription meds, etc. – but the thing that has helped me the most has been joining a nationwide exercise facility which utilizes toning tables [programmed passive movement and exercise machines]. They give me more energy and also flexibility. The toning tables are SO relaxing and were designed by a physician for polio victims. I highly recommend checking out a facility like this. – Sue

Migraine/Headache Poetry Contest

Since people with Fibromyalgia often also have migraines and/or headaches, I thought your readers might be interested in our Putting Our Heads Together 2008 Poetry Contest. The main qualification is that the poems must be on the theme of migraines or headaches. There’s no charge to enter the contest, and all poems will be published on The HealthCentral Network’s MyMigraineConnection.com and on Help for Headaches.com. The deadline for entries is April 21 and winners will be announced on April 30 in recognition of National Poetry Month.

You can find more information and the online entry instructions on MyMigraineConnection at http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/poetry-contest.html – Teri Robert [HealthCentral’s Migraine Patient Advocate]

Australian TV Program Features FM

An Australian TV hospital serial called "All Saints" on Wednesday had a story line about FMS and a patient using morphine for pain relief. It is the first time that I have seen a story like this on TV. It was fictional but it accepted that the man involved needed morphine to control his pain, that his GP, the ambulance men who decided he needed hospitalization, and the doctors in the hospital concurred with this.

His pain control was messed up because his daughter who was looking after him on occasion used some of his morphine. Neither was addicted to morphine, although at first the emergency doctor thought he might be. It was a very sympathetic story about FMS and showed how pain affected the patient and how being his sole caretaker created a lot of stress for his young daughter.

I have had FMS for 40 years, but in the last two years seem to have lost most of my pain symptoms, although I used morphine for five years until a couple of years ago. Now I hardly ever use painkillers. I have put it down to being 77 years old and am able to rest myself more than I was when married and then living by myself when my wife died. I nursed her at home while she was ill with pancreatic cancer and then stayed in the house and had to look after the garden, etc. I ran myself into the ground looking after her and it was right after her death I was put on morphine. I must say that looking after her was very gratifying to me and made up for all the times she needed to help me. I now live in a retirement village with most of my needs cared for. - Malcolm

A Place to Speak Freely About My FM

Thank you so much for your site! I have Fibromyalgia, and am learning new things about it every day. I love to chat [in ProHealth's FM Chat Room] because I can speak freely and not feel ashamed. I no longer have friends. I take care of my Mom who has severe dementia, plus raising an eleven-year-old son. I guess some of us have our plates overflowing. There are days that I just feel like I can't go on, but do so by the grace of God. I do worry, though, about being homeless when it's time to put my Mom in a nursing home, as I'm unable to work. I try not to worry, but I do; guess it's human nature. Thank you again for your site. – Lori

Daily Living Tips

People always suggest making lists and keeping notes because of brain fog. I’ve tried this but I often end up not being able to find my lists or notes, or I forget that I made them. I bought a large blackboard (5’ x 6’) and had it mounted on the wall in the kitchen. That’s where I make my lists and notes. My husband also leaves me messages and reminders on it before he goes to work. It’s totally reusable and I never lose it! Also, it’s hard to forget it because it’s the first thing I see when I walk into the kitchen.

I also dry myself with a terrycloth robe, eat protein with any sugars, and boil my potatoes in their jackets. I also have learned to move things by scooting them with my feet or pushing against them with my butt. Moving to a one-story house has helped tremendously with household management.

One of the most important things that I keep having to relearn is to ask for help – something I seldom did when I was well. I find my husband and adult children can run a lot of errands for me while they’re out and about if I just let them know what I need. I try to remember that every task someone relieves me of allows me to save that energy for something else. – romalaw

___
Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.