Feeling Tired?

RESEARCH TIES COVID-19 TO CHRONIC FATIGUE

According to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are about four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue compared to those who have never been infected. Medical records data for 4,859 patients collected by the University of Washington and analyzed by researchers covered three hospitals and over 300 primary care and specialty healthcare clinics. Patients who were “over the age 18, having either a positive test result for COVID or a clinical diagnosis of COVID from February 2020 to February 2021, were then followed for at least 11 months and their health data was compared to that of around 9,000 non-COVID patients…” Notably, women were 39 percent more likely to have a fatigue diagnosis than men, after adjusting for age group and comorbidities, according to the research.

Slam the Scam Day is March 7th

RECOGNIZED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes one day every year to raise public awareness regarding Social Security scams and other types of fraud. National Slam the Scam Day is an initiative that was created in 2020 and it has since expanded to include a variety of government imposter schemes. Toward that end, SSA partners with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to increase awareness about how to spot government imposter scams and avoid being targeted. According to the Data Book, Americans reported losing $10 billion to scams in 2023. That’s $1 billion more than 2022 and the highest ever in losses reported to the FTC. You can help protect loved ones and clients by using this national designation to educate them about imposter scams. The SSA has a Scam Alert fact sheet that can help in this regard. And remember: at EverSafe, our mission is to protect your financial health. If you or a loved one receives an email, voicemail, or text that you feel is suspicious, forward it to us at Hotline@eversafe.com or (for texts or voicemails) 240-630-1990. We will analyze it for you and recommend further action. Do not click any links in the communication before reaching out.

GOVERNMENT / LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, headed by the Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging. ACL released a final rule earlier this month that updates regulations for implementing Older Americans Act (OAA) programs for the first time since 1988. The rule aims to better support the national aging network that delivers services to older adults and improves program implementation. This rule “aligns regulations to the current statute, addresses issues that have emerged since the last update and clarifies a number of requirements,” according to ACL. The goal is to ensure that the growing number of seniors in the US can continue to receive services and support in their homes. This new rule will also, according to Healthcare Finance, prioritize people with the greatest social and economic needs, specify the broad range of adults who are eligible for services, clarify the required state and local requirements for program benefits, and address emergency preparedness and response.

SCAM ALERT

TAX PROFESSIONALS NOW A TARGET

Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a press release with a tip for the public about a new scam that has escalated during the upcoming tax filing season. The scheme targets tax professionals specifically and is called the “new client” scam. But it can affect consumers, too. How it works: the cyber scammer poses as a potential client and emails the tax professional to request help with their taxes or asks whether they are accepting new clients. “This phishing email has a malicious link or attachment that the scammer claims is their tax information,” according to the statement. When the tax professional clicks the link or opens the attachment, the fraudster can gain access to the preparer’s “email address, password and…some scammers may also load malware onto the tax pro’s computer to gain access to their system – and their clients’ data.” Scammers can also use the tax professional’s hacked email account to target clients. Individuals should report unsolicited emails that purport to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov. And those who have experienced loss of funds due to any IRS-related cyber scam can report the incident to:

• The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration 
• Federal Trade Commission
• The Internet Crime Complaint Center

Three World Swimming Records Broken

99-YEAR-OLD BETTY BRUSSEL IS AN INSPIRATION

Betty Brussel will turn 100 years old in four months. The competitive swimmer just broke three world swimming records: the 400-metre freestyle swim, the 50-metre breaststroke, and the 50-metre backstroke. The British Columbia native didn’t start swimming competitively until she was 68years old! “I did one lane [of] breaststroke, and I didn’t even do it right. I’d never been taught anything. I just picked it up,” she offered in an interview. Brussel is now part of a competitive team and swims twice a week.