News Letter 2005 08

M. A. SMITH

A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION

MASAPLC.COM

Michael A. Smith, Attorney at Law

E-mail: masaplc@hotmail.com

319 E. Foothill Blvd., #C Voice - (626) 357-1177

Arcadia, CA 91006 Facsimile - (626) 357-4588

August 2005 No. 3

HEALTH NOTES

Staying cool in hot and humid weather is very important to maintaining good health. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay out of direct sunlight.

2. If you must go out, wear a hat and loose-fitting clothes.

3. Drink a lot of water (not sodas or alcohol) even when you're not thirsty.

4. Take plenty of water with you wherever you go.

5. If you get stomach cramps (a sign of beginning dehydration), cool off and drink water.

6. Learn the signs of heat stroke and take immediate steps to treat them with cooling measures. Thanks Mike M.

DO YOU NEED THIS?

Millions of Americans, young and old, have chronic or debilitating medical problems which require medication or should be considered in the course of other treatment. What happens if you are unable to tell a doctor or paramedic about your medical necessities?

American Medical ID makes a variety of "medic alert" jewelry which will tell doctors and paramedics what they need to know about a person's health and will alert them to things they should watch for during treatment.

If you deal with a chronic or major health problem or require specific medications, you may want to consider a Medic Alert bracelet (or some other type of jewelry). More information is available by calling American Medical ID at (800) 363-5985 or by going to americanmedical-id.com.

Don't like to wear jewelry? Another option is to prepare a durable power of attorney for health care and give copies to your doctor, family, friends, neighbors, etc. If you cannot speak for yourself, your appointed agent will know what you want done and will take care of you when you cannot take care of yourself.

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT/FRAUD?

Identity theft and identity fraud are terms which refer to someone taking and using another person's personal data in a fraudulent or deceptive manner.

Personal information such as a Social Security number, bank account, investments, credit card number(s) and-or other identifying data can be used to defraud others at your expense.

Complaints have been filed about unauthorized removal of funds from accounts or, worse, the taking over of another's persona, running up debts and committing crimes, while using the victim's identity. In many cases the victim not only has to deal with the financial loss, but faces substantial additional costs in restoring his or her reputation and correcting erroneous information for which the criminal is responsible.

In one case, a criminal ran up a debt of over $100,000, got a federal home loan and was nervy enough to call his victim and taunt him. The victim spent more than 4 years and $15,000 to restore his credit and good name.

Do not give personal information to anyone unless you placed the call to the company making the request.

Also, if you get a call from someone saying they are with your bank and need to verify your credit card numbers, ask for a name and number to call them back. Then call the police. Banks do not need to verify credit card information, they already have it. Thanks Fred

There are nearly 30,000 public wireless "hot spots" where one may "log on"; McDonalds and Starbucks, to name a few. But beware, this convenience has a caveat. When sending out information via wireless it is the same as standing up and shouting for everyone to hear, or in this case grab. This proves, once again, the most convenient is not alwasy best. Thanks Fred

On June 23, the Supreme Court ruled the U.S. Constitution does not prevent government agencies from taking private property by eminent domain and turning it over for another private use. Many states have since begun working on bills to circumvent this change. Two Senators, McClintock and Florez, have introduced an amendment to the California Constitution which will prohibit the government from seizing private property for anything other than public use.

The IRS has certified the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as eligible for the clean-burning fuel deduction. Taxpayers who purchase a new hybrid in 2005 may claim a deduction of up to $2,000. However, if the vehicle is placed in service in 2006 they may only claim $500. No deductions will be allowed after 2006. Need a new car?

you could buy things without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had tried to poison us and they weren't needed? Thanks Dave

August's word of the month is convenience, which The American Heritage Dictionary defines as:

(ken-ven'yens) 1. Suitability to one's purposes or needs; handiness. 2. Personal comfort or advantage. 3. Something that increases comfort or saves work.

Comments or suggestions? Call (626) 357-1177 or e-mail Paula at paulasmith1000@hotmail.com.