Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, April 17, 2021

Mountain View News Saturday, April 17, 2021 

COULD YOU HAVE PRE-DIABETES? 

Dear Savvy Senior:
What can you tell me about prediabetes, and how can 
you know if you have it? My 62-year-old husband, who’s 
in pretty good shape, was recently diagnosed with prediabetes 
and didn’t have clue. Could I have it too? Wondering 
Spouse 


Dear Wondering: 

Underlying today’s growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes is a much larger epidemic called prediabetes, 
which is when the blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough to be 
called diabetes. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 84 million Americans 
today have prediabetes. Left untreated, it almost always turns into type 2 diabetes within 10 
years. And, if you have prediabetes, the long-term damage it can cause – especially to your heart 
and circulatory system – may already be starting. 

But the good news is that prediabetes doesn’t mean that you’re destined for full-blown diabetes. 
Prediabetes can actually be reversed, and diabetes prevented, by making some simple lifestyle 
changes like losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet and cutting back on carbohydrates. Or, 
if you need more help, oral medications may also be an option. 

Get Tested 

Because prediabetes typically causes no outward symptoms, most people that have it don’t realize it. 
The only way to know for sure if you have it is to get a blood test. 

Everyone age 45 years or older should consider getting tested for prediabetes, especially if you are 
overweight with a body mass index (BMI) above 25. See CDC.gov/bmi to calculate your BMI. 

If you are younger than 45 but are overweight, or have high blood pressure, a family history of 
diabetes, or belong to an ethnic group (Latino, Asian, African or Native American) at high risk for 
diabetes, you should get checked too. 

To help you determine your risk of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a quick, 
online risk test you can take for free at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. 

Diabetes Tests 

If you find that you’re at risk for prediabetes, there are three different tests your doctor can give you 
to diagnosis it. The most common is the “fasting plasma glucose test,” which requires an eight-hour 
fast before you take it. There’s also the “oral glucose tolerance test” to see how your body processes 
sugar, and the “hemoglobin A1C test” that measures your average blood sugar over the past three 
months. It can be taken anytime regardless of when you ate. 

Most private health insurance plans and Medicare cover diabetes tests, however, if you’re reluctant 
to visit your doctor to get tested, an alternative is to go to the drug store, buy a blood glucose meter 
and test yourself at home. They cost around $20. 

If you find that you are prediabetic or diabetic, you need to see your doctor to develop a plan to get 
it under control. The ADA recommends losing weight and doing moderate exercise – such as 150 
minutes a week of brisk walking. And when lifestyle changes alone don’t work, medication might. 
The ADA recommends the generic drug metformin, especially for very overweight people younger 
than 60. 

For more information on diabetes and prediabetes or to find help, join a lifestyle change program 
recognized by the CDC (see CDC.gov/diabetes/prevention). These programs offer in-person and 
online classes in more than 1,500 locations throughout the U.S. Over the course of a year, a coach 
will help you eat healthy, increase your physical activity and develop new habits. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett 

6 WAYS THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN CAN 
BOOST YOUR FAMILY'S FINANCES 


Signed into law on 

March 11th, President 

Biden’s $1.9 trillion 

American Rescue Plan 

Act of 2021 (ARP) is 

the largest direct-to


taxpayer stimulus leg


islation ever passed. In 

addition to extending 

unemployment benefits, 
the ARP provides individual taxpayers and small 
business owners with a number of financial benefits 
aimed at helping the country rebound from last year’s 
economic downturn. 

 Of these benefits, you’ve likely already seen one of the 
ARP’s leading elements—the $1,400 direct stimulus 
payments, which went to taxpayers, children, and non-
child dependents with incomes of less than $75,000 for 
individuals and $150,000 for joint filers. But beyond the 
stimulus, the ARP comes with numerous other provisions 
that can seriously boost your family’s finances for 
2021. 

1. Child Tax Credit 
If you have minor children, the ARP enhances the Child 
Tax Credit (CTC) in some major ways. Not only does 
it significantly increase the amount of the credit, but it 
also changes the way you can receive the money.

 Under the current CTC, parents can receive a maximum 
tax credit of $2,000 for each qualifying child under 
age 17, with $1,400 of that credit being refundable. 
The ARP increases that credit to $3,000 a year for each 
child aged 6 to 17 and $3,600 for each child under 6—
and both amounts are fully refundable. 

2. Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
In order to provide financial assistance to those families 
who pay for childcare or care of an adult dependent, 
such as an elderly parent, the ARP increases the Child 
and Dependent Care Tax Credit for 2021—and for the 
first time, it makes the credit refundable.

 For 2021, the ARP provides a tax credit for the expenses 
associated with the care of qualifying dependents 
(kids 12 or younger or a disabled adult) for a total 
of up to $4,000 for one dependent and $8,000 for two 
or more dependents. This is an increase from the max 
credit amounts for 2020, which are $3,000 for a single 
dependent and $6,000 for multiple dependents. 

3. Earned Income Tax Credit 
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable 
tax credit for low- and middle-income workers that’s 
frequently overlooked—and the ARP makes the credit 
more valuable for many taxpayers in 2021 than ever before. 
The amount you can claim for the EITC depends 
on your annual income and the number of kids you 
have, but people without kids can qualify, too. 

 For 2021, the ARP revises a number of EITC rules, and 
makes an increased credit available to more childless 
taxpayers. While in past years, childless filers could only 
qualify for a relatively small credit, for 2021 the ARP 
boosts the maximum EITC for those without children 
from around $540 to just over $1,500. 

The legislation also reduces the minimum age for a 
childless taxpayer to qualify, from 25 to 19, and it also 
eliminates the maximum age of 65 for the credit, so seniors 
of any age can qualify, as long as they meet the 
income requirements. 

4. Unemployment Benefits
While Congress extended unemployment benefits in 
December 2020, those benefits were set to expire in 

mid-March 2021, but the ARP extends unemployment 
benefits through September 6, 2021, offering an extra 
$300 a week on top of regular benefits.

 The legislation extends two other federal unemployment 
programs as well. First, the Pandemic Emergency 
Unemployment Compensation Program, which 
provides federal benefits for those taxpayers who’ve 
exhausted their state benefits, is now available for an 
additional 29 weeks, and you have until September 6,2021, to apply.

 Next, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program 
provides benefits to those who wouldn’t normally 
qualify for unemployment assistance, such as the self-
employed, part-time workers, and gig workers. This 
program is now available for 79 weeks, and as with 
the other benefits, you have until September 6th to get 
signed up. 

5. Student Loan Relief 
Under the CARES Act, federal student loan payments 
were paused until January 31, 2021, but the ARP extends 
the pause on those payments and collections 
through the end of September 2021. 

 Additionally, if you are a small-business owner who 
has defaulted on your federal student loan or are delinquent 
in your payments, you can now qualify for a loan 
from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which 
received $7.25 billion in additional funding under the 
ARP. Moreover, Congress recently extended the deadline 
to apply for a PPP loan from March 31, 2021 to May 
31, 2021.

6. COBRA Continuation Coverage Subsidy
The ARP provides a 100% COBRA subsidy for up to six 
months for those workers who lost their health insurance 
coverage due to involuntary termination or reduction 
of hours during the pandemic. The ARP also allows 
for an extended election period for those who would be 
eligible to receive the subsidy but did not initially elect 
COBRA as well as those who let their COBRA coverage 
lapse. 

 Employees who are eligible for the subsidy, known as 
Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEIs), include those 
eligible for COBRA between November 1, 2019, and 
September 30, 2021, who are 1) already enrolled in COBRA, 
2) those who did not previously elect COBRA, 
and 3) those who elected COBRA but let their coverage 
lapse. The subsidy does not apply to those who voluntarily 
terminate their employment or who are terminated 
for gross misconduct. 

A New Year Offers New Hope

With 2020 firmly in our rear-view mirror, the economy 
appears to be on the rebound, and things are slowly getting 
back to some semblance of normalcy. That said, 
many families continue to struggle financially, and if 
this includes you, you may be able to find some relief 
from the American Rescue Plan. 

Dedicated to empowering your family, building your wealth 
and defining your legacy, 


A local attorney and father, Marc

Garlett is on a mission to help 

parents protect what they love 

most. His office is located at 55 

Auburn Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA

91024. Schedule an appointment to

sit down and talk about ensuringa legacy of love and financial security for your family bycalling 626.355.4000 or visit www.GarlettLaw.com for moreinformation. 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …APRIL Birthdays* 


Howard Rubin, Anita Hardy, Hattie Harris, Wendy Senou, Mary Harley, Bette 
White, Dorothy White, Doris Behrens, Freda Bernard, Beth Copti, Terri Cummings, 
Marilyn Diaz, Virginia Elliott, Elma Flores, Betty Jo Gregg, Barbara Lampman, Betty 
Mackie, Elizabeth Rassmusen, Maria Reyes, Anne Schryver, Chrisine Bachwansky, 
Colleen McKernan, Sandy Swanson, Hank Landsberg, Ken Anhalt, Shannon 
Vandevelde, Wendy Senour * To add your name to this distinguished list, please 
call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 

SENIOR ACTIVITIES IN SIERRA MADRE 

TEA AND TALK – SENIOR BOOK CLUB – SECOND 
staff is launching a new book club series the Tea and Talk that will meet virtually every other week and discuss 
the fun, suspense, intrigue, love and so much more that each selection will have in store! 
If you are interested in participating in what I hope will become a fan favorite please call Lawren Heinz at 
626-355-5278 or send an email to lheinz@cityofsierramadre.com. Once I have received a minimum of 5 participants 
I can announce the start date and tentative length of time for each selection. 
The first book of this fun new program will be “Code Name Helene” by Ariel Lawhon. Based on the thrilling 
REAL-LIFE STORY of socialite spy Nancy Wake, comes the newest feat of historical fiction from the New 
York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia, featuring the astonishing woman who killed a Nazi with 
her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII. 

TAX ASSISTANCE 
If you are in need of assistance with your 2020 taxes please know that help is a phone call away. Don Brunner, 
Tax Saver, is not accepting in person consultations at the moment but available for a phone or email consult. 
Please call him at 626-447-8829 or email TAXSAVERD@gmail.comCHAIR YOGA Every Monday and Wednesday, 10-10:45 am Chair yoga with Paul is coming back! Class will 
begin on Monday, August 10th and will be held in the Covered Pavilion in Memorial Park in front of the Senior 
Center. Please join us for some gentle stretching, yoga, balance exercise and overall relaxa-tion. Class size is limited 
so please call 264-8923 to reserve your spot. 

HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS Every Friday, 10-10:45 am Class will also meet in the Covered 
Pavilion in Memorial Park in front of the Senior Center. Join the class with instructor Barbara as she leads 
you through the art of Hula. Please call 264-8923 with any questions. 
Classes will maintain a distance of 6 ft between participants. ALL participants must be wearing masks for the 
duration of the class. All equipment used will be sanitized after each use before it is stored. Each participant is 
responsible for providing their own water, masks and needed equipment or sup-plies for each class. Please call the 
Community Services Department at 355-5278 with any questions or concerns. 

IDEAS

 Do you have any ideas for programming? Is there a class or club you would like to see in our Senior Community? 
Please call or email Lawren Heinz with ideas or questions. 626-355-5278 x 704 lheinz@cityofsierramadre.com

 City staff are monitoring email communication daily, and although employees are minimizing direct engagement 
and interfacing less with the community, please note that voice messages, emails, and social media responses are 
being addressed in the most efficient and timely manner. If at any time additional information is needed, please 
contact City Hall Administrative Services at (626) 355-7135, Monday-Thursday from 7:30a – 5:30p, as they are 
taking messages and e-mailing the appropriate per-son. For messages that may trickle in otherwise, please note 
our team is remotely checking voicemail daily at the Community Services Department, (626) 355-5278 x702. 

SIERRA MADRE SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS PLAN 

The City of Sierra Madre is following these procedures to provide current communication in light of COVID-19 
and keep the Senior Community and families informed of essential information and resources. City staff are 
monitoring email communication daily, and although employees are minimizing direct engagement and practicing 
social distancing in the community, please note that voice messages, emails, and social media responses are 
being addressed in the most efficient and timely manner.
If at any moment additional information is needed, please contact City Hall Administrative Services at (626) 3557135, 
Monday-Thursday from 7:30a – 5:30p, as they are taking messages and e-mailing the appropriate person.

For messages that may trickle in otherwise, please note our team is remotely checking voicemail daily at the 
Community Services Department, (626) 355-5278 x702.
Community Services Department will continue email communication with Senior residents and aging community 
members.

If you know of family members or neighbors who may benefit from accessing information electronically, and 
to receive the department’s Seniors Newsletter via email but may not otherwise have been included on an email 
group list, please send your request with email address to the following team members: Lawren Heinz Lheinz@ 
cityofsierramadre.com and Clarissa Lowe Clowe@cityofsierramadre.com.

City Social Media will continue via Facebook as well as Instagram, and information sharing will include updates 
as details becomes available. 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

THAT'S WHY DOCTORS CALL US PATIENTS 

For the past month I have been engaging with my eye doctor. I've had two cataracts 
removed which isn't a serious thing in itself. But what goes into this surgery is what 
baffles me. 
I've often wondered why doctors call us patients. I have figured out that the doctors are 

not patient, so they expect us to be patient. I need to work on that.
I had two cataract surgeries two weeks apart. It took a whole month to go through the process. After the 
surgery, it'll take another 4 to 6 weeks to get the proper glasses I need to read.
Talk about being patient!
However, needing this procedure, I had to take what came with it. I must say I am not more patient today 
than I was a month ago.
The first time I went to the eye doctor, he scheduled me for a 9:15 appointment. No problem. The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage got me there 15 minutes ahead of time to make sure I wouldn't be late.
An hour later, I finally got in to see the doctor. I think he is, on the side, trying to develop patience in my 
life. 
On the first visit, I had to wear a mask, and it's no problem for me. If it makes other people feel happy, so 
be it. I'm just not real happy about wearing a mask.
As I was sitting waiting for my appointment, the lobby began filling up with new patients. An old guy sat 
next to me, and we nodded heads. I went back to what I was doing.
In a few minutes, I begin to smell something rather disgusting. I didn't want to look over to the guy next 
to me, but I did not smell that before he sat down, so I decided that I could not take that stench any longer.
I got up to get a drink of water prepared for us, washed my hands, and then sat at another place.
And of course, within a minute or two another man walked in and sat two chairs away from me. They had 
it set up so you could not sit next to somebody. I smiled and nodded my head, then went back to reading.
In a relatively short time, I began smelling that odor, and it seemed to worsen as I sat there. I don't like to 
make a fuss or embarrass anybody, so I sat there as long as I could.
Then, I got up to get another drink of water, washed my hands, and walked across the room to another 
seat. This time an older woman came in and sat two seats away. Again I nodded my head, smiled, and 
went back to reading.
Then I smelled that smell again. This was getting to be rather ridiculous. I can understand some old man 
smelling that bad, but I was a little confused as to why this woman smelled like that.
At this point, I didn't know what to do. I got up two times before, and the third time draws attention to 
yourself.
I was wearing a mask, and so I couldn't figure out how I could smell anything through that mask. It's supposed 
to protect me from outside particles, whatever that means.
Then I got to thinking, if my mask can't protect me from the outside stench, what makes me think it can 
protect me from some floating germs?
As I was thinking, a terrible thought rumbled in my head. This thought cannot be true, I said to myself. 
But what if this stench is not coming from the outside but rather from the inside of my mask?
That idea was preposterous, and I wanted to throw it out as quickly as possible. But you know how it is; a 
thought will haunt you until you pay attention to it.
Cautiously, I pulled my mask down, took a deep smell of my breath and almost passed out. That stench 
was my breath.
The problem was that my mouth was in close proximity to my eyes of which the doctor was going to be 
working on. Something had to be done before the doctor called me in.
As I was thinking of this, the nurse walked into the room and called my name and took me into the surgical 
room. My prayer at the time was that all of these masks worn by myself, the nurse, and particularly 
the doctor would actually work. I did not want the stench to go out from my mask to enter the doctor's 
mask working on me.
I prayed a quick prayer, and before I could say “amen,” the doctor walks in.
I tried keeping my mouth closed as much as possible, hoping that a closed mouth and several masks 
would work. 
The doctor finished his surgery, and just as he was going out the door, he turned and looked at me and 
said, "Are you sure you didn't have any breakfast? Smells like you ate garbage this morning."
My patience deflated right there.
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the 
precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 
5:7).
Patience doesn't come easy, but it does have a wonderful reward attached to it.
Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 
Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com