Boy am I glad I work at home! This morning a major highway in the city was backed up for miles because of an emergency bridge inspection. Can you imagine being on that highway, with a super-size coffee 3/4 of the way gone, and traffic comes to a dead stop. We all know what you need to do, since you can't...........yeah, go  potty!

And what was the emergency? Haven't found that out yet!

Pretzels, anyone?

Our friends, Mr & Mrs. Rollback are carnies (yes, they know we call them that!) Mr. Rollback worked with Ron years ago, that's how they met.

A couple of years ago, Rollback became a carnie, working at all the field days and fairs setting up and tearing down rides, as well as running one during the events. He also transports their equipment.

They stopped by last night with FOUR cases of pretzels........


I guess the pretzels are good for up to a year, but because of health laws, they cannot be sold after 30 days of purchase. They were going to throw them out.

There are 72 bags in each case! We gave a case to our neighbor and one to Golden Childs girlfriend. But we have a lot left!

Apparently, you get the pretzel wet, then put it in the microwave.

Ironically, the microwave died sometime overnight..............

So here we were with slightly under 200 packages of pretzels and no way to heat them...when Ron has an ah-ha moment!

Out in the shed, we still had a spare microwave one of the kids had dragged back when they moved back in. He brought it in, the Princess cleaned it, and now we are back in the pretzel business.

I guess there IS a bright side to kids moving back in......

I didn't think so yesterday........ :-)

A new blog you may want to check out

I recently met a woman named Vivian in one of my journal writing classes. Great woman with a big heart.

Of course, the topic of blogging came up during class. So when Vivian wanted to start a blog, she called me and we talked about it.

This is her idea......

She used to work for a company making travel plans for the employees. She would work with airlines and major hotels to negotiate a better price.

She would like to negotiate a great price on dental and vision plans, since so many people have lost these services or maybe even never had them.

So she started a blog to gauge the interest out there. I know many of us are home business owners and may need something like this...

So stop by her blog and say Hi and give her some encouragement...

http://restoredental.blogspot.com

You all have a great day and don't forget, I'm still taking suggestions on what you think makes a "good" blog.

This week has just flown by, as usual! I've been pretty busy with the home biz. Right now, all our our dental and health plans are 1/2 off. If someone gets a plan by the end of February, it's 1/2 off each month for the next year.

I've also been busy on my new blog, Princess Der's school-  homeschooling our way. It was supposed to be by the two of us (as a away to encourage her to write) but she has lost interest. She wants one on babysitting, so she's doing that. She does love her kids!

I am also learning a new marketing system. It is so much easier than chasing people down. Once you get started, you have access to TONS of articles and video's. It has really helped me in my work.

If you're looking for a new meme, this may be for you, especially if you are a homeschooling mom or a teacher. It is called Field Trip Friday!

If you have been on a field trip during the week, post about it and add your link here:



Check out our field trip at:

http://princessderschool.blogspot.com/

That is where the big dreams, big goals come in!
And that's about it folks!

Today is our first day of homeschooling. I am both a little apprehensive and a bit excited. I do know that I feel so blessed to be able to even attempt this. If I weren't working at home, I don't think I could even contemplate such a hairbrained idea. Thank You, AmeriPlan for giving me this opportunity to be home and assist my daughter on her learning journey.

It is almost 10 a.m.. We got started around 9:15, and my daughter has already finished 2 subjects. Granted I wasn't sure how much to give. I was going with about how much work I would see come home when she was out sick. I know the first few weeks will be seeing "where she's at" and learning her unique learning style.

She slept right through the whole school bus thing. I was afraid she would be sad seeing it go by. Nope-she slept. A half hour or so later, she got up... for a few minutes. She said she wanted to go back to bed. I told her to go ahead!

I mean, I told her I was going to try to work it so any "book work" was done by noon. Art, science experiements,going to the YMCA, organ lessons and real living stuff (shopping, etc..) in the afternoon.

But, if she wants to take until 9 p.m. to do her paper and book work, well...no play or TV until it's done.

Anyhoo, must get to work. Say a prayer for me!

Reminder

There are only 4 days left to get a dental or health plan for 1/2 price. Get your plan now & lock into that price for a year!

****
Reduced price will show at check-out...No contracts to sign...30 day money back guarantee!

www.DentalAndHealthNow.com

The company that I work at home for is having a great promotion & I just had to share! All of our dental and health plans are 1/2 off if you enroll into a plan between now and September 14, 2009 AND these prices are guaranteed for a year before they go back to the normal prices. Here's a run-down :



Basic Wellness was $14.95 a month NOW ONLY $7.48 a month


Single Dental Plus was $14.95 a month NOW ONLY $7.48 a month


Household Dental Plus was $19.95 a month NOW ONLY $9.98 a month


Total Health was $39.95 a month NOW ONLY $19.98 a month


Total Health Plus was $59.95 a month NOW ONLY $29.98 a month



To check out all the plans & to see the doctors available in your area, go to:



http://www.dentalandhealthnow.com/





Now, in case you are new to my blog, we are always looking for leaders who want to work from home. If this would be you, here are some reasons why I love AmeriPlan:



1. No storing, selling or shipping of products

2. Low investment to get started

3. No home parties or door to door sales.

4. Company has been in business for 17 years and has shown continual growth

5. They have a product/service people need and want.

6. They have a system in place, where if you follow it there is no room to fail.

7. Training is done online- no meetings or orientations to go to

8. Opportunity to help people work from home and help people save money!

9. It is residual opportunity - earn an ongoing check for that one time effort

10. I have my life back!

To check out the home business opportunity with AmeriPlan, go to:

http://www.findfreedomathome.biz/


Now, it's time to forget business and get on with the party! The Virtual Girls Night Out Party!

Click on the pic, go to Ann's site, and leave your link. Check out the other blogs & leave a little bloggy-love (in the form of comments, of course!)

Ann has a little "party game" going on. Check it out:

Dear Diary,

My best friend (a)______ and I went shopping for (b)______. We wanted to show them off when we went to hang out at the (c)______. You won't BELIEVE who we saw at the mall. (d)______! We screamed so loud they had to call Security. It was the best day ever!

Now, fill-in the blanks with the time-table of the year you entered High School.

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (a) Donna
1980-1983 (a) Tiffany
1984-1988 (a) Claire
1989-1993 (a) Jennifer
1994-1996 (a) Alanis

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (b) Bell Bottoms
1980-1983 (b) Argyle Sweater
1984-1988 (b) Neon Leggings
1989-1993 (b) Black Rubber Bracelets
1994-1996 (b) $200 Ripped Jeans

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (c) Roller Rink
1980-1983 (c) Arcade
1984-1988 (c) Food Court
1989-1993 (c) Multi-Plex
1994-1996 (c) Skate Park

Entered High School:
1975-1979 (d) John Travolta
1980-1983 (d) Mel Gibson
1984-1988 (d) Tom Cruise
1989-1993 (d) Brad Pitt
1994-1996 (d) Keanu Reeves

Mine is:

My best friend Donna and I went shopping for bell bottoms. We wanted to show them off when we went to hang out at the roller rink. You won't BELIEVE who we saw at the mall. John Travolta! We screamed so loud they had to call Security. It was the best day ever!

And now for my new give-away!

Since I know so many of you have kids (and if not I know you know kids!), I thought we'd have a kiddie give-away. Don't worry, it's educational- I found it looking for cool books to use to homeschool my 12 year old. I'm getting 2- one for me and one for....who?

Check it out! What better way to strain your kids brain than with brain teasers?

So, how do you enter for a chance to win this?

1. Tell me who you would give this book to in the comments section

2. Mention it in your blog- leave me a comment and link to your blog

3. Tweet about it on Twitter- let me know in the comments that you have done that

4. Follow my blog -let me know in the comments that you have done that

5. Sign up for a dental or health plan (remember, you only pay 1/2 price for a full year!)
Good Luck & see you all later!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Don't Forget! Enter for a chance to win my give-away!

Go Here and leave a comment to win this book.

Then, wander on over to my other blog, Bloggers Connect for a chance to win other great prizes being given by fellow bloggers!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Memorial Day Weekend went pretty well. We had the wake and funeral on Friday and Saturday.

Sunday I got more tomato plants in that I had gotten from my uncle. They are quite unique. If I get any fruit, I'll put a pic up. I also planted peas and green beans as well as the cataloupe I had started from seed.

Later, we cooked out with my nephew and his son. We had a really nice time.

Yesterday, it was back to work. I planted my zucchini and pumpkins.

I had already planted tomatoes , green bell & hot peppers on Thursday.

Yesterday I also had my son and his friend carry the old horse stall over near the girls goat house. I have a goat that has a form of arthritis and isn't all that mobile. Aggie, (whom I've mentioned previously) was being mean to her. She wasn't getting up much because of it.

The vet said to give her artritis meds for people, give it a month or two and if she isn't better we'll see. Anyway, I had her inside where we keep the feed and such. It has a wooden floor which isn't the best surface for goats to pee & poo on. So, now I have the other little stall and she has the ground for her "business" and it drains. She can be in the sunshine & we just cover it with a tarp at night.

THEN, I decided to transplant 2 rose bushes that weren't producing well. I think they weren't getting enough light.

In between everything, I was waiting on Ron. Don't remember if I mentioned it in the last post, but he threw his back out. He just had to chop away at a root left over from his & Uncle Kenny's frolicking!

Today, I felt kinda yuk for a while- just tired, sluggish. I worked for a couple of hours, then took a lunch. I'll admit, I took a 2 hour lunch and laid down. Feel better now. Maybe I just had a tad bit too much work and fun and sun!

Now I have to muster up the enthusiasm to go grocery shopping. Unlike most woman, I HATE shopping.

Every man's dream, huh?

N E W S F L A S H

Word has it that Little Man's Daddy & the roomate are behind on their rent (geee, wonder why??). The place is in the roomates name and he is just leaving, no notice, nothing.

So let's see who can put 2 + 2 together and figure out who is moving back in here? We barely have room for who's here now unless I give up my office. And the office serves as storage for holiday decorations, Girl Scout stuff & some tools.

I swear, out of 4 kids who moved out in the last year or so, he will be the third one back. The other two at least work, and try....but hmmm...this one hasn't been a very staedy worker. I'll admit he has the baby everyday while momma's in school. But still....there are babysitter's out there.

Anyway, Little Man lives with momma and the other Grandma, so that's cool. Not that I don't love the little booger to death, but...it's nice to send him home. I raised mine, thanks!

Ron and I were joking around that we ought to just build an apartment over the garage (That Ron is supposed to be building this summer) for the boys.

The boys said they would rather build a place in the woods. Now, I have always wanted a treefort/guesthouse type deal. A place to hang for the heck of it, but guests could have their "own space". So I'm for the "fort" idea. I even have cabinets and a counter that I recently tore out of my kitchen as well as enough bamboo flooring to cover about a 12x 6 area, and some left over linoleum as well. We'll see!

Chances are, Little Man's Daddy won't even be around. he wasn't last time he "moved back in"- never saw him!

We are, however inheriting ( for a time) his big screen TV. Bring it on, boy!

It will be interesting to see what transpires here!

Later!

We had a new tenant move to the pond in our front yard

...and some have come back!

Little Man also stopped by for a visit:

The poor child went home all beat up. He has developed quite a temper when you tell him no. Well, the child LOVE'S (with a Capital L) the great out doors. We tried to bring him in yesterday and he threw a major fit and smacked his head on the end table- got a little goose-egg!

Then, he fell into a plant that had thorns and got all scratched up on his elbow.

Then...just to top it all off, Rocky decided to plow into him, knocking him over.

That was yesterday. You would think he'd never want to come here again. I wasn't here when they got here today, but Ron said he was quite cheerful.

Uncle Kenny has also dropped by a few times this week...

That's him with the saw,the other one is Ron. Just so you'all don't get confused, Uncle Kenny is NOT related in any way, shape or form. Not that there's anything wrong with the guy! He is actually the "Uncle" to another friend of ours, Ray. Actually, he's been in a long term relationship with Ray's aunt...or something like that. Anyway, we've always just called him Uncle Kenny!


And just to confuse you more, my dear sis is married to a Ken, so my kids have a real Uncle Kenny, too. Have I lost you yet?

Now, let me tell you about another friend, Uncle Eddie. Ok, maybe another time.



So, anyway, Ron and Uncle Kenny have been cutting trees. Uncle Kenny burns wood in the winter and boy, we've got wood!


This week also brought my beloved Lilacs!




Mmmmmm....they smell sooo good!




So, what have I been doing with myself beside taking pics of everything & everyone?




Let's see the 11 yr old had strep throat, so part of Tuesday was devoted to that. I see her doctor more than I see my own mother....


Then, today I had an appointment with my podiatrist...



He's a nice enough guy, and he takes AmeriPlan (what a good guy!)

To be totally honest, what I really like about that place is the nurse. We'll call him "Cute Thang". He is a real (young) cutie, and really is a very good nurse. The first time I went there, the doc examines my footsies and then declares that he will have Cute Thang come trim my nails. Well, I had to endure Cute Thang playing with my feet. Momma- Mia! Kidding folks!

Anyway, when I get there today, it's apparent that Cute Thang is running the show. There is no receptionist, and Cute Thangs checking people in, calling them into room and the whole shebang.

I get called in fairly quickly, and only had to wait a few minutes for the doc. Cute Thang had it all under control.

After seeing the doc, I go out to get my prescription & my next appointment. The normal receptionist is finally there- Cute Thang was off the hook. Almost....

The receptionist went to copy my prescription and the copying machine didn't work. She says, "Cute Thang, did you break the copier?"

He says, "I can fix that-watch," He sprayed a little cleaner on the glass (plastic) window where you push your options, wiped it off, spun around, and waved his hand over the machine- and it worked! Cute Thang saved the day!

After I left the docs, I put some flyers out for the Dental and Health Benefits and the home business opportunity with AmeriPlan

Once I got home, Little Man welcomed me with a huge hug & kiss. Grandpa made everyone some hot dogs. Then it was time for Grandpa to go to work. Little Man & his Dad went home....

...and I took my laptop outside and started working. I was running ads titled "I'm sitting in my backyard, working...Where are YOU?"



I wasn't bragging, you understand. Just telling the truth.

I'm sorry if the poor people reading the ads were stuck in an office somewhere-that's just not me!

P.S. That's not me in the pic...ah-hum...my bikini's a little bigger!

I've been working as much as possible lately . I have a chance to win a trip to Vegas. Also, I am trying VERY hard to promote within the company to Senior Regional Sales Director before the convention in July, then I can walk across the stage with other's that have promoted.

If any of you blogging buddies know anyone that needs dental, vision, prescription,chiropractic or health benefits, they can go to:

http://www.dentalandhealth.com/

....or if you or anyone you know is interested in a home based business, go to:

http://www.findfreedomathome.biz/

Anywhoooo...Ron just got home, so I should go say Hi.

You'all have a great evening and we'll see ya'all soon!

Wow, I just received this. This just proves why I believe a home-based business with AmeriPlan is such a great opportunity. With the falling economy, we can't lose! Check it out!


Ameriplan USA Review

.....once you get used to it, it changes! I made that saying up years ago and it never fails to be true! Even working at home, it is almost impossible to settle into any kind of schedule- at least with my family! It seems just when I get into the groove of things, something changes. Of course, I guess all the parties involved should be thankful that I work at home and have the flexibilty to accomodate almost any situation.

For instance, I was giving my son a ride to work everyday. He came back from down south about a year ago and has had a heck of a time finding steady employment (hasn't eveyone?). With so many places folding, there are less places to go to everyday. To top it off, most jobs are through temporary agencies. They promise to hire you after 90 days, but it never happens. He also is without wheels and is having a hard time saving for a car on his low-paying temporary jobs. So, I give him a ride.

The last place my son worked was about 1/2 hr away. Not that bad on a good day- it's a nice ride through the countryside. I actually started looking forward to the drive every morning- after I dropped him off, I had a good 1/2 hour to think and plan my day. Taking him to work became part of my routine. Of course, the snow has arrived, and I did in my head wish that a job a little closer to home would pop up. Well, my son was let go the next day. He did find a job (temporary) about a week later that is only 5-6 minutes from home-yeee-haw! But for that week he didn't work, I couldn't get my bearings together at 1st. I swear i have adult ADD!

My honey, Ron also had his hours change around that time. He goes to work an hour earlier now. Between the two, I was kind of aimless for a few days. Then I found my groove with the new routine. Then, my son finds a new job, so the routine has changed again! Oh well, I love that I can help my loved ones. Where would my son be living in the country with no car, no bus service and looking for a job?

So, I am now establishing a new routine and pray that it doesn't change anytime soon. The 5 minute drive instead of 1/2 hour gives me more time to work on my business, so I can realize my hopes and dreams faster!

Well, must get to work, while I can! :)

Carolee Sper
Regional Sales Director
AmeriPlan CSperry@ameriplan.net
www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry
www.freedomathometeam.com/sperry
yahoo instant messenger ID: carolee_sperry
1-800-918-5154
We like to see you smile!

Have you been avoiding going to the doctors or dentists because you have no health insurance? You are not alone. In fact, 7 out of 10 Americans have no dental plan. Two brothers, Dennis and Daniel Bloom,decided to do something about it. They started AmeriPlan, a discount health benefits company. In the beginning, they offered only dental.

Over the years, they expanded their dental plan to include vision, prescription & chiropractic at no extra cost to the consumer. In recent years, AmeriPlan added three health plans as well.

For the month of November, ALL PLANS are only $20.00 for the 1st month. See the plans we offer:



Dental Plus- $20 in November
Normally $14.95/mo individual or $19.95/mo household PLUS $20.00 registration fee
Savings $14.95 individual/ $19.95 household
*** Includes Dental, Vision, Prescription and Chiropractic ***

Basic Health-$20 in November
Normally$29.95/mo PLUS $30.00 registration fee
Savings $39.95

Total Health-$20 in November
Normally $39.95/mo PLUS $30.00 registration fee
Savings $49.95

Total Health Plus-$20 in November
Normally $59.95/mo PLUS $30.00 registration fee
Savings 69.95

*** Normal monthly fee of $14.95- $59.95 begins in month 2 (December) ***

• No credit checks or income guidelines
• Enroll and use today
• Instant savings
• All medical conditions ok
• Cosmetic surgery ok

For more information, go to: www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry

or email: csperry@ameriplan.net

Carolee Sperry
Regional Sales Director
AmeriPlan
csperry@ameriplan.net
www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry
www.freedomathometeam.com/sperry
Yahoo IM: carolee_sperry
1-800-918-5154

Work at home today! Daily Pay, benefits!

Wow, I was just watching a news clip on the computer from CBS news called "Lost your job, now what?"

It is about the GM plant in Moraine, OH that will be closing just before Christmas. Many people are worried not only about where their next meal will come from, but what do they do if they should become ill and need to see a doctor. The family in the video , the Campbell's have a little girl that needs braces. Now they won't be able to get them for her. I wish I had their contact information- we have a health plan that may fit their needs. After that clip, they had one with advice for those who have lost jobs. They talked about healthcare being hot. They also said many in small towns will start home businesses,





I really feel that anyone considering a home business should really look into AmeriPlan. AmeriPlan is a great choice for those who want to work from home, but don't want to store, sell & ship products or have to do home parties ! All that's needed is a telephone and a home computer. All training is done from the comfort of home, and you choose what hours to work.



We are also recession-proof ! We started in 1992 and have seen the economy dip a few times, but our company has still grown and is a $100 million dollar company. We are also a debt-free and growing at a rapid pace to become a BILLION dollar company!

70% of Americans have either no insurance, or inadequate coverage. Our company continues to grow because of this ever-increasing need for affordable health benefits - and your own home business with AmeriPlan can grow, too! Because we get paid residually, we are always adding to our income. That is how leaders in our company can achieve $100,000, $200,000 and even more in annual residual income. They may have made $20.00 or $2,000 their first month, but with time and consistent effort, they have built their business to 6-figures. The only difference between the winners and the losers in business is the losers quit before the blessing.



Winners never quit, and quitters never win (Vincent Thomas "Vince" Lombardi)

I just praise the Lord that I am part of such a strong company and have such caring, supportive leaders!

Carolee Sperry
Regional Sales Director/Regional Trainer
AmeriPlan CSperry@ameriplan.net
www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry
www.freedomathometeam.com/sperry
yahoo instant messenger ID: carolee_sperry
1-800-918-5154We like to see you smile!

There is another event coming up that we decided to participate in. It is a much larger event, and we are planning on having even more prizes.

I met a couple of ladies at the event Saturday- one sells Lia Sophia jewelry and one sells Tastefully Simple gourmet foods. I was telling them my idea for a home business expo. Maybe have it in January, and have all the home business companies represented. People who want to start the new year out with a new opportunity can come and see all the opportunities available to them. Vendors can also have their wares for sale. They really liked that idea, so I'm going to check into that. I would also like to start a Woman in Home Business networking group. We'll have to see.

Tonight, I was co-hosting our training call for a class we have called FastTrack2RSD. RSD is the first level of management with AmeriPlan. When a person promotes to RSD, their $2,500 accidental death and dismemberment insurance is doubled, and they receive a vested contract making this THEIR business, and is both willable and sellable. This business can be left to loved ones when we are gone. God forbid if anything should happen, those who have achieved RSD or above can rest assured knowing they are leaving a legacy to their family.

The FastTrack2RSD class helps new brokers achieve that goal as quickly as possible. I talked about flyers, events and how to talk to prospects when they call to inquire about the benefits. I really enjoy doing these calls- it is so cool to help others succeed. I've never had a J-O-B where I could be successful and help others be successful at the same time.

And like the title of this blog states, I can do a good share of it in my jammies!

When you work at home as an Independent Business Owner, you have to make sure you have proof that your product or service works. Advertising will get you a long way, but hearing real stories from satisfied customers really speaks to potential members. Here is a great testimony that came to us from a gentleman whose wife' s leg had to amputated.


Hi Everyone,

We wanted to share with all of you a powerful personal testimonial!

June 11, 2008 was the day that my wife Sharon Clarke had to undergo emergency surgery at Southwest Medical Center Hospital in Vancouver, Washington.

Sharon was very ill due to massive infection in her left leg. Her Doctor advised her to come to the hospital immediately where she had to have her left leg removed below her knee to literally save life.

Sharon is not only my wife of 40 years but my all-time HERO!
She is up and walking on her new leg and continues to keep a very positive attitude each and every day.

Sharon and I are grateful to AmeriPlan and the AmeriPlan Total Health Plus program we sign up for the day it was available in Washington State.

Our total bill was over $35 thousand dollars. But thanks to AmeriPlan and the Karis Group our total bill ended up being zero! Hard to believe, not really, AmeriPlan works and it works for all of us who take the time to sign up as AmeriPlan Medical Members.

We also save several hundred dollars on our prescription drugs each and every month.

Please feel free to share our story with your new or current members .

Blessings to Each and Everyone,

J & S Clarke
Vancouver, WA

Here are some other great testimony's: http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/sperry

Carolee Sperry

Regional Sales Director

AmeriPlan

home4ever@hotmail.com
www.freedomathometeam.com/sperry

We found out last night that AmeriPlan is continuing their promotion until October 31st. Only $25.00 to start a home business with AmeriPlan! This is great news for those who just started in the business- it gives them an opportunity to get out there and really generate some business! And for those who just didn't feel it was the right timing last month- here's another chance to start a home business for mere pennies!

Michael & Janie Jones and I at the Journey to Freedom event in February

I just ran into the above pic while looking for another one. The amazing Janie Jones is the leader of the Freedom at Home Team. This woman leads one of the fastest growing teams in AmeriPlan. I was definately blessed the day God placed that home business magazine in my hands and showed me Janie and Michael's story. There was no doubt in my mind that AmeriPlan was onto something.

Check out the following article that was in The Syracuse Post Standard on August 18th. This just reaffirmed in my mind that AmeriPlan is a needed service! See if you don't agree!

Some skimp on health in hard times
Monday, August 18, 2008
By James T. Mulder Staff writer

The economic downturn has some Central New Yorkers skimping on their health care.
Allen Krassenbaum, a pharmacist at Kmart in DeWitt, said he's seeing more and more customers forgoing prescription drugs because of the cost. "They come in, they get a price and they say, 'Forget it,' " he said.
Some people are putting off doctor visits, especially those with high-deductible insurance plans that don't provide coverage until the patient has spent as much as $2,000 out of pocket on medical bills, according to Fred LeTourneau, CEO of CNY Family Care, an East Syracuse medical group.
"I feel bad for patients who are getting whacked from all sides now," LeTourneau said.
A national survey released this week revealed many Americans are cutting back on medical care to save money. The survey, by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, found 22 percent of 686 U.S. consumers polled in July said they curtailed doctor visits because of economic conditions. Eleven percent also said they had reduced the number of prescriptions or the dosage of those medications to make the drugs last longer. About 90 percent of those surveyed said they had health insurance.
Some area doctors and pharmacists said they see evidence of that.
Dr. Rose Wolbrink, who is part of a family medicine practice associated with SUNY Upstate Medical University, said one of her elderly patients recently ended up in a hospital emergency room in the middle of the night because she had stopped taking her blood pressure medicine.
"She couldn't afford the co-payment, so she was taking them every other day and she ran out," Wolbrink said.
Gerry Levy, owner of Leader Kress Drugs, said patients should not stop taking prescription medications without talking first to their doctor or a pharmacist. "It could lead to dangerous swings in blood pressure or blood glucose levels," he said.
Patient affordability issues are not new, but they are being aggravated by the economic downturn, said Dr. Andrea Manyon, chairperson of family medicine at Upstate.
Patients have been seeing out-of-pocket medical costs rise for several years as insurers have gradually increased co-payments for some medications and more employers have shifted workers into high-deductible insurance plans. Now consumers are also grappling with rising prices for gas, food and other items.
The economic pressure is expected to get worse this winter when consumers see sharp increases in home heating bills. "There will be a tug of war for people's personal finances," said Joanne Spoto Decker, director of community service programs at the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth.
At particularly high risk are seniors who land in the Medicare prescription drug "doughnut hole." This is the gap in coverage that begins for some seniors after their annual drug costs reach $2,510. The patient then must pay the next $3,216 in drug costs out of pocket before coverage resumes.
Her department advises people in the doughnut hole to consider buying low-cost generics, ask doctors for samples and obtain prescription drug discount cards.
Krassenbaum, of Kmart, said he had customers, a husband and wife, who alternated taking medicine on odd and even days to save money.
"It's a sad state in this country that things have gone to this level," Krassenbaum said.
James T. Mulder can be reached at 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com.
© 2008 The Post-Standard. Used with permission.
Copyright 2008 syracuse.com. All Rights Reserved.
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I've been busy with this that and the other thing! :)

I handed out my the frisbees at a firemans field days last weekend. I had a lot of positive responses. Of course one fellow said he just paid over $1,000 for dental work! He needs our benefits! There always seems to be one you don't get to in time! But, we can save him in the future!

I have been doing alot of training with team members. I have a couple in training, and some that are working to promote to Regional Sales Director. I have a great team- they know what they want and are going for it! If I have someone that I know is trying, I'll be right there with them, showing them the way.

I have also been co-hosting on some of our training calls. I really enjoy that. I can help my team members, but also people on other teams. The impact I can potentially make in someones life spurs me on. I can't wait for someone on my team to buy a new home (or fulfill some other dream) with their earnings from their home biz. I will be so excited and happy, I know I'll cry. I think it will be as exciting as reaching one of my own dreams or goals!

We go to Dallas in 11 days! I can't wait to meet some of my " friends and co-workers". You really do develop relationships in this business. People think if you are working at home on a telephone and computer that it's a lonely business, but it's really not. We talk a few times a week during conference calls & such. Everyone is so friendly & supportive.

This weekend my mom came up for a few days. She has been staying with my uncle, but stays at her house here quite often, too. We had the baby on Saturday and had a ball. He laughs at the strangest things! He really loved feeding the goats! Sunday, the whole gang stopped in at one time or another-kids, step-kids, nephews, mothers, etc... Busy day!

And now... I must return phone calls. I believe I have a new broker starting today, so need to get stuff ready for her.

Bye!

Our company is featured (front cover as a matter of fact) on Simply Home magazine and mentioned in Parent magazine this month ( 25 ways to save on healthcare). Janie and Michael Jones, who are on the front of the Simply Home magazine are our team leaders. They are absolutely great leaders!

Our event at the mall went ok-of course I thought 100's of people would be flocking around at once, but it wasn't quite that busy! There was a carnival going on in the parking lot. I thought that would draw more people into the mall, but I think it kept them out. Also, my big sign I had ordered was on back order, so we really had nothing that really stood out & told people who we were. I have been talking to a few people from that event about both dental & health benefits and work at home.

As you can see from the pic, I got my frisbees. I put a sticker on some of them that said "Free-take me home." I already have two events locally to hand them out. I'm working on a 3rd right now. I brought some to Girl Scouts and gave one to each girl. I had to bring one of the scouts home. On the way home, I wanted to fling a frisbee out the window into my friend's yard. We passed by an apartment bldg, and I said, "Hold on, let me throw a frisbee here." So I opended the window and chucked the frisbee into the yard. When we got to my friends, I again rolled down the window, and Vooom....I threw the frisbee out the window and landed it right near the stairs leading to the door. I should have been a paper girl! Every place we passed I was goofing around saying" There's a place to throw a frisbee" and would make the voom noise. This Girl Scout was laughing so hard at me, I thought she was going to wet her pants. It was funny. I threw a frisbee out the window near the river where boaters dock, one near a place where a lot of people fish. I even threw one out the window at two girls, yelling to them that it is free! I can have fun with these! I can't wait to go to the park and give some out! If you can't have funwith this biz, there's no sense doing it! Gotta go- have a team call soon!