WEEK OF THE MISCELLANEOUS
This week’s mailbag was interesting and required a bit of sleuthing and digging around websites to find some of the answers. And as I would find one, I’d leapfrog to another issue of societal import, read it, and move on to find more topics that I’ve been asked about.
Someone wrote and asked “Aside from your obvious agreement to legalize marijuana for tax revenues and for those in pain with cancer, what other possible reason could you agree with the legalization of this narcotic immobilizing America?”
Well, I do have reasons to be in favor of legalizing pot, aside from not agreeing it should be or even is categorized as a “narcotic,” at least not in the sense you framed your question. Narcotics are generally addictive. I do not believe marijuana is any more addicting than smoking cigarettes or chewing gum or overeating. It is certainly controllable for those who use it for entertainment, relaxation, as a sleep aid or for pain. I’ve known many people to partake for years and then decide to simply cut it out of their lives due to job drug testing, deciding to have children or because they simply didn’t want to spend the money anymore. And yes, I’ve also known people who, with the help of NA and AA, stopped using marijuana because they allowed marijuana to take control of their daily lives, just as I’ve know many alcoholics who have quit for the same reason and joined support groups to enable them to remain sober. I also found a website that answers far more factually the question about the economic impact of legalizing pot.
Additional reasons marijuana should be legalized:
The government would save an estimated $13.7 billion on prohibition enforcement costs and tax revenue by legalizing marijuana, according to a paper endorsed by 300 economists.
It’s estimated that Washington’s legalization of marijuana could bring the state an additional $500 million in tax revenue, WPTV reports.
Colorado’s pot legalization legislation, Amendment 64, is estimated to create $60 million for the state in combined savings and additional tax revenue, Colorado Springs Business Journal reports.
Inmates incarcerated on marijuana-related charges cost U.S. prisons $1 billion annually, according to a 2007 study, AlterNet reports.
Including lost tax revenues, a 2007 study found that enforcing the marijuana prohibition costs tax payers $41.8 billion annually, Forbes reports.
Marijuana growers account for $14 billion a year in sales in California, making it the state’s most valuable cash crop, TIME reports.
The city of Oakland, Calif., raised more than $1 million In marijuana tax revenue from medical marijuana dispensaries in 2011, 3 percent of the city’s total business tax revenue, according to The New York Times.
The Sacramento News and Review saw a big boost in ad revenue when it offered advertising space for more than 60 medical marijuana dispensaries, enabling the publication to hire three additional employees, according to News 10.
JOIN THE FARGO/MOORHEAD STROLLERS AUGUST 8
The Fargo/Moorhead chapter of the Minnesota Epilepsy Foundation has been preparing for their annual STROLL FUNDRAISER for months, and it’s almost here! On August 8, the family-friend-volunteer walkers will meet at the FargoDome, Thursday, August 8, at the 5 p.m. check-in for a picnic supper, some fun time to spend with your children while they (or you) try out TNT’s obstacle course, or see how well you compete on some of Games Galore’s inflatables. The two- mile STROLL will begin for all walkers at 6:30. For the wind-down, there will be a silent auction, as well as team recognitions after all the strollers have completed their walking.
There’s something *new* this year for those who’d rather join a team than form their own, and it’s the brainchild of Josh Malnourie. If you would like to join the Connections team, here are the steps you can take:
1. Go to the Connections team webpage: http://support.epilepsyfoundationmn.org/site/TR/Events/General/642580555?pg=team&fr_id=1120&team_id=4422
2. Click on the “Join the Team” link located just above Joshua Malnourie’s name (which is listed under the team captain).
3. Indicate that you are a team member and follow the instructions.
4. Now you are designated as a member of the team, and your family and friends can go to your team page to donate to the stroll.
5. Ask family, friends, and support systems to consider giving a tax-deductible gift to the stroll.
If you would like to be a part of the Connections team, or you have any questions about the team, please contact Josh Malnourie at malnourie13@hotmail.com.
Josh will be connecting with team members on where and when to meet on the day of the stroll. If you are a part of the Connections team, you DO NOT need to register. Josh will take care of registering the team and its members. Please turn in any donations you have collected to Josh, who will turn all of the money in at one time.
If you do have a team already and are raring to go, all that’s left to do is register online now for the August 8th event; go to: www.efmn.org or call Amy Haugen, Outreach Coordinator for Eastern ND/Northwest MN, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota at: 701-429-1165.
“Assisted Living.” WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?
What is Assisted Living?
The Assisted Living Federation of America’s definition for assisted living is “a long-term care option that combines housing, support services and health care, as needed.” Basically, assisted living is designed for individuals who require “assistance with everyday activities such as meals, medication management or assistance, bathing, dressing and transportation. Some residents may have memory disorders including Alzheimer’s, or they may need help with mobility, incontinence or other challenges.” Assessments are used to develop Individual Service Plans for residents once they’ve moved into a facility.
Overview of Assisted Living
Assisted living is a residential alternative to nursing home care. Today assisted living is the most preferred and fastest growing long-term care option for seniors. According to the 2010 National Investment Center Investment Guide, there were 6,315 professionally-managed assisted living communities nationwide with approximately 475,500 apartments. A relatively new concept twenty-five years ago, residential alternative living has become a very popular option.
The Philosophy of Assisted Living
Assisted living is to provide personalized, resident-centered care so that the needs and wants of each individual are being met. Assisted living treats all residents with dignity, provides privacy and encourages independence and freedom of choice. Residents’ family members and friends are encouraged to get involved in the assisted living community. Encourage your loved ones to learn about the care provider philosophy.
Is There a Difference Between “Independent Living” and “Assisted Living?”
Yes, There Are Several Differences.
Typical Services Offered in Assisted Living Communities:
Amenities in assisted living typically include:
24-hour security
Three meals a day served in a common dining area
Housekeeping services and personal laundry services
Transportation
Exercise and wellness programs
Social and recreational activities
Personal care in assisted living typically includes:
Staff available to respond to both scheduled and unscheduled needs
Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking
Access to health and medical services, such as physical therapy and hospice
Emergency call systems for each resident’s apartment
Medication management
Assisted living communities provide more personal care services than an independent living retirement community. They offer a less-expensive, residential approach to delivering many of the same services available in skilled nursing, either by employing personal care staff or contracting with home health agencies and other outside professionals.
Assisted Living Resident Demographics
Over half of all residents are at least age 85 or older, and nearly 40 percent of residents require assistance with three or more activities of daily living. The median stay in assisted living is 22 months, and an overwhelming majority of residents are female.
What is the Cost of Assisted Living?
Depending on several variables such as apartment size and types of services required, the basic rate for assisted living facilities varies. Some residences providing basic assisted living programs may cover all services, or there might be some additional charges/fees . Most assisted living residences charge on a month-to-month lease arrangement, but a few require long-term arrangements. Assisted living is often less expensive than home health or nursing home care in the same geographic area.
Questions and comments please send to: sooashem@aol.com.