Tuesday July 5 2016  TIME AND MONEY

If you’ve read my recent blogs you may recall the one when I wrote about the fact that it takes a lot of time to be old.  And as true as that is, I also want you to be aware that it also cost a lot of money to be old. 

For one thing, your body parts need a lot more care.  And that computes into cost.  A few of the mentionable items are orthotics for the feet, drops for the eyes, treatments for dry skin, expensive sturdy shoes, salve to treat dry corneas, possible dentures, and at the least, repair work on old warn out teeth.  Dr. Scholl’s bunion pads and corn removers are just a couple more items to get used to.  You may also need a cane, then a walker, or even a porta-potty close at hand.  And there may even come a time when you need a hospital bed.  Oh, and I must mention braces for elbows and knee replacements and Medicare Part A, B, and D, not to mention the government dipping into your bank account each month  for their automatic withdraw to pay for Part B.  And don’t forget hearing aids, eyeglasses, and all the doctor appointments for every other mentionable and unmentionable thing you might require.

Walking into the bathroom of the aged is like walking into a mini-pharmacy.  It starts small and each thing you add just shrinks the counter space even more.  And remember, those pills and vitamins cost money too, at minimum the co pay.  Oh yes, don’t forget the pressure stockings.  You must have an open leg wound for Medicare to cover the cost.  The knee highs only cost $59 a pair and the waist high pair will set you back $91.  And don’t forget to have Ben Gay on hand.

And you may ask yourself, why in the world is Kathleen writing about such a topic?  First and foremost is because I had to go to the dentist today and my mouth is still numb.  And because of this visit and the exorbitant cost of dental work I just let my mind drift to all the other maladies I either already have, or can look forward to.  And I thought you just might like to know.  And actually I even left one thing out because I am too embarrassed to admit it.  So, I’ll tell you anyway.  I must put salve in my eyes at night to keep them moistened due to the fact that my eyelids will not stay closed tightly when I sleep.  And what I didn’t want to mention is the fact that I must also wear goggles over my eyes that bulge out like an Amazon bug.  And they are green!  The circumference that touches my face has a foam type texture which seals all room air from coming in contact with my eyes.  Inserted in the pop-eyed, bug-like goggles is more foam-like material soaked in hot water which keep my eyes damp with moisture all night long.  Yes, I do wear this goggle all night.  Since I began using them there is a marked improvement in my corneas as well as in the comfort of my eyes.  But, you guessed it, that little contraption doesn’t come free.  And of course everything you can buy over the counter isn’t covered one iota by any insurance.

So to those of you who are young at present I am sorry that you read this before your advanced years.  I think it is a good thing to be UNAWARE for your first half century.  Enjoy your young body.  Wait until you are older before looking at the reality of your later years.  Besides, some of you may not live so long and you will never experience what I describe and then you will have worried for naught.  Personally, for me, I enjoy living so much (at least right now) that I am just thankful that I have the where-with-all to care for all my needs.  At least I’m healthy!

So, my unasked for advice today is, plan ahead by treating your body with respect in regards to health.  Watch what you eat, exercise, get proper rest, and save lots of money during the first half of your life.  You may need it for the second half.

YOUR GREATEST WEALTH

By Kathleen Martens

July 5, 2016

Money in, money out,

Just remember not to pout.

You’ve been forewarned

You’ve heard me out.

Study hard

Learn the rules

They will become

Your best tools.

Eat well and exercise

Then get lots of sleep

And chances are

Your health may keep.

Do not squander

Your greatest wealth,

All your life

It is your health.

Thank You Father that You created self healing bodies.

Thank You for the beautiful creation of my physical body.

Thank You too for all the knowledge science has made available to me.

Thank You for all the improvements I have experienced these past three years.

Thank You God for the physicians who truly care about helping us to maintain health instead of just treating symptoms.

Thank You for cherries.

GOOD EVENING AS I SIGN OFF AND MAY GOD MAKE KNOWN TO YOU HOW BEAUTIFUL, CREATIVE, AND USEFUL IS THE BODY THAT HE DESIGNED FOR YOU.

My prayer today:

Dear God I ask for special care over those who are suffering in body.  I know there are many that are in pain and torment throughout the world, as well as are some who read this blog.  I pray for a miracle of healing.  Even though we can do our best to care for our bodies there are so many health issues beyond our control.  Touch each person and let them know that You care and are concerned for all their pain and suffering.  I ask that You would relieve their pain and restore them to health.  I thank you Lord for Your mercy and Your grace.