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The good dad checklist: 10 things the best dads do right
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There are endless ways to be a good father and they're really a lot simpler than you might think. - photo by Becky Squire
There are endless ways to be a good father and they're really a lot simpler than you might think. You're probably already doing most of these things (and if you're not, start).

All it takes is love ... and some kids.

Dads, here are 10 things you're doing right.

1. You say 'no'

Kids can be whiny, obnoxious and persistent. It's tempting to give in when doing so will silence them! But when you stand your ground and say "no," you're ultimately building your kids' love and respect for you.

2. You say 'yes'

When I was young, my dad had three jobs, served as a church leader, and somehow made each of his seven kids feel like they were his favorite. He read us stories, rocked us late into the night and played basketball with us in the driveway for hours. As a parent looking back, I can only imagine how exhausted my dad must have been, but no one would have known. His priority was his family and it showed.

3. You pray/meditate

Not only does your example teach your kids to do this, but it shows your kids when, how, where, and why.

4. You're exhausted

You give everything to your family, and this leaves you mentally and physically exhausted. Dads, your endless efforts do not go unnoticed. Although kids might not be the best at showing their appreciation, your constant devotion is something they'll always remember.

5. You believe in them

No matter what kind of encouragement your kids receive throughout their lives, nothing compares to the support they get from you. Whether in sports, school, friends or fears, if you don't have faith in your kids, who will?

6. You make them work

More often these days, kids get everything handed to them on silver platters. But what does that teach them? When you teach your kids to do things for themselves especially when you work alongside them you create deeper bonds and self-sufficient people.

7. You tell them they are beautiful

Their eyes, their smiles, their ideas, their positive actions, their interests, their laughs, their accomplishments, their failures it all makes up the beautiful people you know they are.

8. You put your wife first

If you have sons, this shows them how to be a gentlemen. It shows them how to love and respect women. If you have daughters, this teaches them what to look for in men, not settling for anything less than they deserve.

9. You are kind

Despite what you may choose to believe, kids do hear everything you say. It may not seem like it (especially when you're constantly telling them what to do over and over again). But if you think your kids aren't listening, think again. It's true that actions speak louder than words, but words are pretty loud too. How you treat others and what you say about others go hand in hand.

10. You are thankful

A simple quality that is lost on many, being thankful shows appreciation for what others have done. Gratitude teaches your kids that everyone is worthy of respect.

These are only some of the many ways you show your kids that you love them. They are your whole world and you are theirs. Dads, keep rocking fatherhood.
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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