Mother Afraid of Kids Getting Cancer

Jan. 16, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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I am the mother of 5 kids and I am so afraid of my kids getting sick.  Three of our neighbor’s kids on our street have been battling cancer along with several other kids at my children’s school.  Is it possible that something in our neighborhood is causing cancer?  Why are so many kids sick today with cancer?   Afraid of Cancer, St. Louis

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Dear Afraid of Cancer:

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Childrens’ hospitals are full of sick kids especially kids with cancer.  Yes it’s possible that there is some type of environmental toxin located in your neighborhood that is causing these kids to come down with cancer but chances are it’s probably what is located on their dinner plates.  

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Cancer is the 2nd largest killer in the U.S. especially of children.  As a matter of fact most kids under age 15 is dying from cancer or car accidents because only 1 out of 4 kids buckle up.

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There are many reasons why kids are sick today with cancer, for instance, their weak and undeveloped immune systems; the toxic Genetically Modified (GM) foods in grocery stores; and the toxic environments in (toxic cleaning supplies, toxic products applied to their skin, etc.) and outside (schools, playgrounds, parks, etc.) of their homes.

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Sit down at your computer or use a hand-held free device and go on Google.com and put in the words GMOs, Genetically Modified, Genetically Engineered, Genetically Altered and Frankenfoods and educate yourself.  Read the book “Cancer Cures: Heal Your Body and Save Your Life” which will explain how to clean up your environment in your home.    

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Math Wiz Kids Business Ideas

Jan. 15, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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Both of my children, a boy and girl ages 11 and 13, are excellent in math. What businesses should I be encouraging them to open that can help pay for their entire college education? Math Wiz Kids in Boston

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Dear Math Wiz Kids:

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The goal is to create a business that will solve a problem.  If your children are good in Math, Science, Reading or English, they need to open their own tutoring businesses which can eventually branch out and become a learning center especially a tutoring business specializing in math.  

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Because 60% of students that graduate from high school today read at a 6th grade level and because many students are only doing math at a 4th grade level, tutoring services or learning centers will always be hot businesses.  Financial educators are desperately needed today along with bookkeepers and accountants since most small businesses don’t have any idea how to keep their books.

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Remember some parents only spend 15 minutes a day with their children so many need tutors for their children.  Most children start reading in daycare at 3 years old.  If a child does not start to read by the first grade at age 5 or 6, then they are already behind.  Your children can specialize in Math, Science, Reading, English or some other specific area.  

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Your children can build the tutoring business or learning center and eventually franchise it all over the U.S. similar to the “Sylvan Learning Centers.”   For more business ideas read the book “The New CEO: 185 Easy-To-Set Up Businesses for Youth and Adult Entrepreneurs” which can be read by 12 year olds and above.  

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Single Female Terminated from Job

Jan. 14, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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I am a single female and don’t have any family living around me.  I was fired from my job after 10 years a few days ago.  I have a small savings set aside that could hold me for 90 days or more but I am not sure about the options I have at this time.  Please advise me!  Terminated Employee, Ohio

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Dear Terminated Employee:

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First things first - one of the first things you need to do if you are laid off or fired from your job is to file your claim for unemployment benefits.  Do not procrastinate!  File a claim for unemployment benefits at your local state unemployment office (http://www.DOL.gov) on the FIRST business day after you lose your job.  

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Many states are now set up for you to do this online but many fired employees still rather handle this in person so they will go into the unemployment office.  It should take at least 30 days to get approved for these benefits.  If approved you will receive a weekly paycheck for at least 20 to 26 weeks (depends on your city).  You might have to downsize your standards of living but these funds should help you pay some of your bills.  

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If you are denied unemployment benefits, use your last paycheck to hire a labor attorney.  Get referrals for attorneys from others because some of them may cheat you, particularly in light of your vulnerable position.  If you feel you were wrongfully terminated, then the only other choice you have is to hire a labor or employment attorney and file a lawsuit for wrongful termination, while you get another job or start your own business. 

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If you were fired for filing a workplace discrimination complaint (EEOC.gov), make sure you state that when you file for unemployment benefits.  Now is the time to realistically look at your finances.  You are lucky to have at least 3 months of savings because most people only have 2 weeks to 30 days of funds set aside for a rainy day.  

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You need to decide if the unemployment benefits can help you keep your head above water or do you need to relocate closer to relatives until you are able to regroup and get your life back on track?  Only you can make that decision!  To put more funds in your pocket and look at your other options read the book "Recession Survival Guide: How To Get Back Into the Driver's Seat."

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Woman Sexually Harassed in the Workplace

Jan. 13, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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I live in a small town in Georgia but work in a large national company there.  My supervisor is known for sexually harassing women but nothing has ever been done about it.  I have a good paying job but I am still thinking about quitting because I just don’t know what else to do.  Several other women have quit and some who refused his sexual advances have been fired. What are my options? Uninformed in Georgia

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Dear Uninformed:

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The biggest problem that most women experience in the workplace is depression which usually comes from workplace abuse (also called workplace discrimination) which might be sex or race discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexism.  First of all I suggest you learn all you can about sexual harassment and workplace abuse. 

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You can conduct research on the internet, go to the library and read books or order books online.  Some excellent books on workplace abuse include “Workplace Survival Guide: How To Fight Discrimination, Whistleblowing and the Workers’ Compensation System” and the two-part book “Discrimination 101: How To Recognize and Survive Discrimination in the Workplace (Volume I and Volume 2)."  

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All 3 books are e-books only and Volume 2 deals specifically with the abuses that women endure in the workplace.  So study the topics so you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make a good decision.  If you decide to fight back the only option you will have is to file an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC.gov) complaint in the workplace.  

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But understand up front chances are when you file this complaint, your workplace environment might become even more hostile or you might be fired.  If this happens the only choice you will have is to file a lawsuit against your employer while you look for other work or start your own business.  

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If it’s possible don’t quit but let them fire you.  This way your lawsuit will look better when you file it.  Many women are successful in these types of lawsuits especially if other women back up their stories of abuse in the workplace but it won’t be an overnight victory. So don’t give up!  

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Should I Help My Parents Buy Long-Term Health Coverage?

Jan. 12, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I really love my parents and I am noticing their health is deteriorating as they age.  Should I help them buy Long-Term Health Coverage?  Is it really worth it to have this type of insurance?  Love Parents, Michigan

Dear Love Parents:

Let’s face it -- as a senior age, their health deteriorates.  Many people, especially those who own homes, should look into long-term health care.  This coverage is important because fortunately on the average, people are living longer lives.  It’s never too early to think about how you’ll pay for any necessary long-term care.  

Another major reason for long-term healthcare insurance is to preserve your assets.  This insurance generally covers at-home care, assisted-living facilities, nursing home care, hospice services, adult day care, and respite care.  The benefit dollar amount can be $50 to $300 per day, depending on the policy.  

This type of insurance is also available through many organizations including the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).  Long-term healthcare insurance is less expensive when you enroll while healthy and younger so don’t wait too long to bring up the subject with your parents.

If there is another elderly relative whom you will want to care for but who cannot possibly afford this insurance, consider paying for it yourself.  For more information on how to care for seniors read the book "Golden Years: How To Age Gracefully and Take Care of Seniors."

Divorced Couple Still Living Together Because of Finances

Jan. 11, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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My marriage has ended after 12 years but we agreed to continue to still live together because of finances.   My ex-husband has agreed to allow me to keep the home once he moves out since the children, 10 and 11, will continue to stay with me.   So how do we carry on with separate lives living under the same roof? Needing help in California.

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Dear Needing Help:

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Because of the economy many couples have found themselves in this situation. Couples like everyone else is waiting for the economy to get better but continuing to live together when the love is obviously gone is not a very good decision especially now that you are divorced.

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One out of every two marriages ends today because of finances so the both of you need to come up with solutions on how to build separate lives.  As long as he is staying there under the same roof as you, neither of you will be able to move on and build a loving relationship with another person so you both need to think about that.  

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You need to sit down and truly look at your finances.  The only option I see is to bring in more money.  Some immediate solutions would be for both or either of you to get a part-time job along with your regular salary, start a business, or allow the kids to start a business.  

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Other options include downsizing the home so the both of you can move some place else such as into a smaller home, an apartment or even move in with relatives.  Right now both of you need to get a ‘peace of mind’ and there is no way to have that if you are still living together -- so for the sake of the children try to work out a sensible solution and move on with your lives.  

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Is Diabetes Hereditary?

Jan. 10, 2015

Dear Cathy:

My mother has been diagnosed with Diabetes after having a heart attack but she is doing okay.  My three brothers and one of my two sisters have also had heart issues.  Does this mean that the disease is hereditary?  I am 45 years old and like other men I don’t really like going to doctors but I do go in for checkups every couple of years.   Hereditary in the North

Dear Hereditary: 

It is true when you go to the doctor for your regular physical, the doctor want to know if anyone in your family have Diabetes but this doesn't necessarily mean it is a gene disease.  Diabetes like most diseases are ‘diet-related diseases’ and we know that most families eat the same foods so it doesn’t have to be hereditary.  However, because of your age you need to be checked for the disease on a regular basis. 

What you need to understand up front is that Diabetes is the 3rd largest killer of people in this country and the number one killer of African Americans.  Diabetes is one of those diseases that is extremely hard to diagnose so many people don’t find out they have it until something terrible happens like a heart attack, a stroke or many times people end up on kidney dialysis because of diabetes.

For best results, just don’t go to a regular doctor, instead try to go to an endocrinologist, a Diabetes specialist, so he can check your A1c number after 90 days.  He might want you to prick your finger and write down the results for at least 90 days so he can monitor your daily blood glucose levels before he can make a correct diagnosis.  Finding out if you have the disease will be key to living with the disease and managing it correctly.  You can learn more about the disease by reading the book "Diabetes 101: 3rd Largest Killer."