Saturday, April 14, 2012

How To Cope with Tax-Time Stress

OK.  For a healthy heart you need to handle stress!  And at this time of the year - April 15 means TAX TIME!!!!!  Are you done yet?

Check ou the article - Web MD - How to Cope with Tax-Time Stress!

The hints from Web MD?


Herewith, a few tips for stressed-out taxpayers:
  • To avoid last-minute stress, file early and break up the job into little pieces, Mellan suggests. Do your taxes while listening to music or whatever else makes you feel relaxed.
  • For filers with math anxiety, Mellan recommends hiring a preparer or investing in tax software. Tax software typically collects information through an "interview" and the computer does all the calculations.
  • Fractious couples should strategize on ways to avoid chronic money fights, Mellan says. For example, try communicating financial information through notes or other modes that won't carry an accusatory tone.
  • McCall suggests channeling tax-time stress into a resolution to track your finances more carefully. Better money management is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises each year, she says.
  • Finally, if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can turn to your buddies at the IRS. Options include filing an extension or setting up an installment plan for tax payment. For more details, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

What do you think?


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Sixteen Months After Open Heart Surgery

Another milestone - 16 months after open heart surgery!  What are my observations?

Physical

I feel good!  My chest has healed to the point I do not worry about my chest!  The bone seems strong!  I can sneeze HARD and not worry about hugging myself!  Pushups, swinging a golf club, mowing grass, and my normal activities are no problem!

I need to continue to workout.  My weight has edged back to the 190 pound mark.  At one point I was down to about 180, but food is again tasting good!!  I still try to be careful with my cholesterol & fat intake!  The problem is my schedule!  Believe it or not, I'm busy again!  That was an issue before the operation!  Between, a part time job, coaching, church volunteering, yard work, golf, house work, (I'm Mr. Mom till my wife retires!), and my zipper club buddies - I'm Busy!!!

Mental

I feel good about my new heart!  The extra heart beats, PVC's, are not an issue.  I still have them, but have learned my limits & they seem to be under control.  Aging is interesting!  And heart health & regular health concerns are part of the process!  As I have said in the past, one of the best ways to stay positive, is to stay involved with my "zipper club" buddies!  We share our health issues, talk sports, talk about our families, golf, and meet for breakfast & lunch!  I find it healthy for me to support my friends!

Medicines

The medicine I take seem to be working.  Cholesterol is under control, PVC's are less troublesome, and my body seems to be not suffering from side effects!


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Find a Walking Path

One of my favorite things to do is to find new places to walk.  Check out this website & locate a path that you would like to walk!

American Heart Association - Finding a Walking Path

What do you think?  I found some new great places!  Have a look!


Coleman Park

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter

Another Holiday with the new heart!  Family, friends & faith!


Happy Easter!!!!