b-SMART - Purchases that do not attract bonuses

There is no bonus on petrol purchases as this is forbidden by legislation. A surcharge of 2.5% is payable.

There is no bonus on pharmacy purchases. This is an interim arrangement due to medicine pricing regulations. A surcharge of 1.25% is payable.

FEEDBACK - On the previous newsletter

ONE

"I was very interested to see your letter about obtaining matching insurance quotes. I quite agree with your views. This practice is completely unethical. When I changed from Company B to Price Forbes (sic) I received a call from Company B requesting a copy of my Price Forbes quote so they could match it. I told them that I was not running an Indian market, and if they hadn't given me their best deal in the past, they could now go and jump in the lake. I was quite prepared to listen to the advice given to me by Beverley to insure with Price Forbes. I never heard another word from Company B."

TWO

"EXCELLENT NEWSLETTER! VERY VERY READABLE. ONE SUGGESTION - THERE WERE A FEW ARTICLES I WANTED TO RESPOND TO AND FEEL THAT IF YOU HAD A SPECIAL EMAIL LINK - SUCH AS 'DO YOU WANT TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE - CLICK HERE AND LIST THAT ARTICLE NUMBER AND GIVE US YOUR COMMENT'. THIS IS NOT A CRITISM JUST A THOUGHT."

What are your thoughts on such a link?

COMPLAINTS - Service providers

If you ever receive poor service from any one of our service providers please contact John Benwell, Paul Rosenbrock or myself immediately at 021 592 1279 or info@saarp.co.za

Unlike the management of too many large organisations we do not hide behind our staff, we deal with the problems.

SMILE

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face."
"Yes," the class said.
"Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?"
A little fellow shouted, "Cause your feet ain't empty."

THOUGHT

We blithely use words (like blithely!) on the assumption that people understand or interpret our words the same way we do. Yet, words can, and do, mean different things to different people. For example, does bi-monthly mean every two months or twice a month? Any discussion of the actual meaning of bi-monthly usually generates more heat than light until someone reaches for the dictionary. Why? Because both meanings are correct.

QUOTE

"These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones, they are for what they are, they exist with God today. There is not time to them, there is simply the rose, each perfect in every moment of its existence. But man postpones and remembers, he cannot be happy and strong until he too, like the rose, lives in the present with God, beyond time."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

FORWARD THIS TO A FRIEND

Do you know someone who may be interested in this e-mail? Why not forward it to them? Forward to a friend

adding life to your years

HERMANUS CLUB - Innovative idea

Under the chairmanship of Ingrid Green, the club has been making some great strides. They are attracting many new members and attendances at meetings have doubled. Name tags are de rigour and members are delighted with the club T-shirts, proudly wearing them on all occasions. These are pictures of the front and back of their stylish apparel:

CLUB FINANCES - Reporting requirements

I have been asked to clarify the clubs' responsibilities re reporting their finances. In addition to income and expenditure the clubs' total financial assets must be reported as follows:

CLUB GROWTH - 2011

Club membership continues to outstrip the overall growth rate of SAARP.

CLUB REGIONAL MEETINGS - Dates for 2012

Western Cape: 01 February, 02 May, 01 August,
07 November

Southern Cape: 21 February March, 05 September

KwaZulu-Natal: 03 April, 19 September

Eastern Cape: 12, 13, 14 March

PATHCARE - 25% discount

As discussed telephonically, herewith the Terms and Conditions for the PathCare Senior Citizen discount:

• You are over the age of 60.
• You are a South African citizen.
• You are a private patient with no medical aid benefits.
• You wish to pay upfront for pathology investigations (on the day your specimen are taken).
• Accounts are billed at our private rate less 25% discount.

To qualify for this discount, patients without medical aid cover visiting our depots have to settle their accounts immediately.

Patients who have testing done outside our depots, have to settle their accounts within 14 days from date of invoice.

To qualify for the discount, please ensure that SD SENIOR is indicated in the medical aid field on your request form.

Should the account not be settled by due date, discount is forfeited.

Payment may be made as follows:

• Cash payment at our depots.
• EasyPay.
• Directly into our bank account.

You may only use the card for services rendered to you and not allow anyone else the use of the card. Your ID number is unique to your name and pathology tests.

Once the account is settled in full it is finalized and you are not entitled to claim from a medical aid as well.

PathCare may amend the terms and conditions of the agreement from time to time.

This discount will not apply if:

• Your medical aid covers any pathology expenses whilst you are hospitalized.
• Your medical aid rejects or makes part payments for out of hospital claims.

Phone: +27 (0)21 596 3400
Fax: +27 (0)21 596 3721
After Hours Number: +27 (0)21 596 3400
E-mail: clients@pathcare.co.za
Web: www.pathcare.co.za

INSURANCE POLICIES - Review the details

Ensure that these three items are correct:

• ID Number
• The spelling of the names
• Beneficiaries

ID NUMBER: After 1987 all existing ID numbers were reissued with new digits in the last two fields. This means that your policy document may have 003 in the last three digits whereas your current number ends in 083. The insurance company will want proof that this is one and the same person. (My last three digits went from 003 to 083.)

NAMES: If your policy document reflects your names as Sidney James McCaw and your ID document reflects them as Sydney James McCaw the insurance company will want proof that this is one and the same person.

BENEFICIARY: Obviously you must ensure that the beneficiary information is correct and up to date. The policy is paid out to the registered beneficiary. For example: Many a current wife has lost out when the beneficiary was never changed from the first wife. What happens if the named beneficiary has predeceased the policy holder? Or has married and had a name change?

Discrepancies in the information on the policy document and the deceased's ID document may cause lengthy delays in payment.

If your policy was ceded as collateral, and the debt has been paid, check that the cession has been cancelled and that the policy document has been returned to you. Banks frequently lose these documents and you will have to request a duplicate from the insurer. (I had to do that.)

HOW TO CHANGE BENEFICIARY DETAILS

• Check all your Policies to ensure that there is, in fact a Beneficiary registered on each Policy.
• Some Policy holders have arranged that certain of their Policies are paid directly into their Estate. This creates Funds for the payment of "last expenses" that must be met including Executor's Fees currently 3.5% plus VAT (3.99%) of Assets dealt with in the Estate.
• A Beneficiary appointing the Estate is also recommended.
• Phone the insurance company call centre and request a change/correction or to register Beneficiary details (have Policy Number and ID details ready) or call in at one of the company branch offices.
• Some companies will change the details over the phone – others may require the completion of a new Beneficiary Form.
• If a new form is required request that this be sent to you for completion.
• Digits 1 to 6 - represent the date of birth.
• Digits 7 to 10 - a sequence number registered with the same birth date (where females are assigned sequential numbers in the range 0000 to 4999 and males from 5000 to 9999).
• Digit 11 denotes citizenship. 0 indicates a SA citizen. 1 indicates a permanent non-SA citizen.
• Digit 12 is currently 8 or 9. Up to 1987 this was a race indicator. After 1987 all existing numbers were reissued with new digits in the last two fields.
• Digit 13 is a checksum digit.

SA ID NUMBER - Explained

Using ID Number 8001015009087 as an example, it would read as follows: The ID indicates a male citizen born on 1 January 1980. He was the 10th person to be registered that day. (The first male registered on that day was assigned number 5000.)

DIABETES - Risk and detection

Research shows that approximately 4-6 million people in SA have diabetes and that most of these people are unaware that they have the condition.

Around the world it has been shown that patient education and motivation reduces the cost of diabetes care as well as reducing the risk of serious diabetes-related complications, dramatically.

In order to manage diabetes, one needs to be educated in all facets of the condition, with special emphasis on diet, medication and exercise.

Early diagnosis of diabetes is extremely important if complications are to be prevented or delayed. If you are over 35 and have any of the risk factors set out below you should be tested every year.

A simple finger-prick test at your local pharmacy or clinic can diagnose in a minute whether or not you have diabetes.

However, many people who have type 2 diabetes may show no symptoms.

Who is at risk?

Risk factors for developing diabetes include the following:

• Being aged 35 or over.
• Being overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle).
• Being a member of a high-risk group (in South Africa if you are of Indian descent you are at particular risk).
• Having a family history of diabetes.
• Having given birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg, or having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
• Having high cholesterol or other fats in the blood.
• Having high blood pressure or heart disease.

What are the Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• Unusual thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Unusual weight loss.
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy.
• Blurred vision.
• Frequent or recurring infections.
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, boils and itching skin.
• Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet.

Diabetes SA: National Office, Tel 1: 011 886 3765
Tel 2: 011 886 3721. Fax: 086 611 0613.
Main e-mail: national@diabetessa.co.za
Address: Office 105, The Atrium, 272 Oak Avenue, Randburg Postal: P.O. Box 604, Fontainebleau, 2032
http://www.diabetessa.co.za/

High Blood Pressure - And the over 65's

by: Peter Jaret | from: AARP | May 4, 2011

This year, millions of Americans will be diagnosed with hypertension. The older you are, the greater the likelihood that your numbers will climb into the danger zone. While a blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered to be the norm for most adults, an expert panel convened by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following measurements for older people:

Age 65 to 79: 140/90 or less.

Age 80+: 140/90 to 145/90.

This article suggests that if your blood pressure isn't too high, you may be able to bring it down without having to take pills. The prescription:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day).
• Choose low-fat dairy products.
• Cut back on salt (for instance, reach for low-salt packaged foods and avoid salty snacks such as pretzels).
• Go easy on sugary foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, candies and pastries.
• Engage in a physical activity, such as brisk walking, for 30 minutes most days of the week.
• Lose a little weight if you're overweight (even just a few pounds will help).

[Never mind blood pressure, this is excellent advice for ALL of us. Ray]

Read the full report at http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-05-2011/high-blood-pressure-older-adults.html

PLEASE HAVE THOSE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECKS THAT INCLUDE TESTS FOR BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIABETES.

YOUR WILL - Eight good reasons to change it

1. You get married: Your new spouse doesn't automatically become your chief heir.
2. You become a parent: Obviously, the big question is how your children will be cared for if both you and your spouse die. Now you definitely need a will to name a guardian for your children.
3. You approach middle age: Your assets are growing, so tax planning could save your heirs thousands in estate duties.
4. You get divorced: Review absolutely everything. The people in your life are changing. So must your estate plan.
5. You re-marry: You and your new spouse may have to plan for families from prior marriages and for children you have together.
6. You retire or move to another country: If you retire to another country have your estate-planning documents reviewed in light of that country's laws.
7. Your spouse dies: This loss can leave you emotionally vulnerable to financial mistakes. For at least several months, avoid selling your house or making other drastic changes.
8. You have investments overseas: You may need more than one will.

Contact: Adrian Van Zyl General Manager, Warwick Trust & Administrative Services (PTY) Ltd
Tel: 0860 109 147. Fax: +27 21 794 0849
Cell: +27 083 307 0395
adi@teamwarwick.com

SAARP'S SERVICES - for your benefit

• SAARP SHORT TERM INSURANCE POLICIES. Members have saved up to R10,000 per annum on their SAARP policies. Contact Renske or Beverly at SAARP 021 592 1279 renske@saarp.co.za
  beverley@saarp.co.za
• GUARANTEED DISCOUNTS. Get a 5% annual bonus on all your purchases with SAARP's new b-SMART Card. The bonus is payable in November in time for your Christmas purchases. Contact us at SAARP
  021 592 1279 info@saarp.co.za or Gert du Plessis at: 021 409 7600 or 083 284 8671 Gert.duPlessis@capeconsumers.co.za
• SAARP HOLIDAY CLUB. Get discounts off peak holidays at amazing prices. Contact Renske at SAARP 021 592 1279 renske@saarp.co.za
• SAARP FAMILY PROTECTION PLAN. Funeral insurance at reduced rates. Contact us at SAARP
  021 592 1279 info@saarp.co.za
• CAR HIRE. AVIS offers SAARP special rates. Book at any AVIS office but quote the SAARP Discount number J871801 to qualify for the lower rates.
• FREE WILL SERVICE through Warwick Private Wealth. Contact: Adrian Van Zyl General Manager, Warwick Trust & Administrative Services (PTY) Ltd
  Tel: 0860 109 147
  Fax: +27 21 794 0849
  Cell: +27 083 307 0395
  adi@teamwarwick.com
  adi@warwicktrust.com
• SAARP MEMBERSHIP CARD. This is used all over South Africa, and the world, to obtain age related discounts. It also offers you a variety of discounts through Mahalas. Ask us for details or go to the Mahalas website www.mahalas.co.za and follow the instructions.
• SAARP SOCIAL CLUBS. Thousands of our members enjoy the camaraderie and outings offered by these clubs. Contact us for details or go to our website www.saarp.co.za to find a club in your area.
• BI-ANNUAL BULLETIN. This is published in April and September. To secure your copy please donate R30 to SAARP to cover postage costs.
• FREE MONTHLY e-NEWSLETTER. If we have your e-mail address we will send you a free monthly e-newsletter.
• OTHER MEMBERS' BENEFITS. SAARP offers members a host of other benefits. Contact us at SAARP 021 592 1279 info@saarp.co.za for details.
• When contacting service providers directly be sure to tell them that you are a SAARP member, in order to qualify for the benefits.

WARNING - A famous poem by Jenny Joseph

We have very kindly been given permission to include Jenny Joseph's famous poem in this newsletter.

Warning

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandles, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick the flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph

Follow this link to the beautifully illustrated Souvenir Press edition of Jenny's poems: http://www.souvenirpress.co.uk/2011/07/warning-when-i-am-an-old-woman-i-shall-wear-purple/

You could take all the joy out of life by always wanting something to be better

Ray Hattingh