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Just thought I'd pass this on to help you and/or any senior citizens or people you know who don't have to file income taxes anymore but received $3,000 of income in 2007. I'm sending it because at first [the economic stimulus payment plan] wasn’t going to include senior citizens who only get Social Security, but the Senate would not pass it without that. Anyone who files income taxes by April 15th or the October 15th extension date is eligible.

Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center Announcement
Updated March 6, 2008

"Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. The IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment."

People who file valid 6-month extensions are even eligible - but not till after they file (by Oct. 15th) - and they will receive their rebate by the end of the year. So make sure you get yours in by April 15th or file your extension to register for it. [See the IRS Frequently Asked Questions.]

Some Key Requirements

1. Seniors, like my Dad, who don't have to file anymore and get more than $3,000 annually from SSA, VA, Railroad, disability, etc. - or low-wage persons - HAVE to fill out a 1040A and MAIL IT IN MANUALLY, NOT ELECTRONICALLY per the IRS. I called the IRS at 1-800-829-1234 for instructions, then faxed the 1040A form (available for printing at http://www.irs.gov), sample forms, and where they had to mail it for their state (on IRS website) to my Dad.

2. You have to fill out the top part and bottom part of both sides of the 1040A, then only put in the total amount you received last year from SSA or other (from your yearly statement) on line 14A.

3. Write the words "Stimulus Payment" across the top of the form you file - in the top margin above your name on the 1st page. If you don't do this, then you don't get your rebate.

4. You obviously should make a copy of both sides of the completed 1040A form for yourself, then mail it certified before April 15th or October 15th to prove that it was mailed and the IRS received it.

Sample of How Form Should Be Filled Out

Unless they saw this info on the news like I did, most eligible people do not know about it. Here's a link to show a sample of how the 1040A needs to be filled out for those who don't normally file and receive SSA, VA, Railroad benefits, etc.

There are more details to know about. Find out more here and visit this page regularly for the latest updates.

Rebate Scam Alert

There's already a scam running about it (from above link):

“Be aware that identity thieves are already pushing scams involving the stimulus payments. At least one telephone scam is making the rounds using the proposed rebates as bait. News release IR-2008-11, IRS Warns of New E-Mail and Telephone Scams Using the IRS Name; Advance Payment Scams Starting, has more details." – Cheryl

Hypothyroidism Article Helped

I just had a horrible experience with two different endocrinologists. I was about to give up, but that wouldn’t help me get better. I prayed for help today and the most unbelievable thing happened. First I opened my e-mail this morning and found your newsletter. Your article on “Hypothyroidism, the Testing Controversy, and Natural Therapies” immediately caught my eye. I couldn't believe all the wonderful, good and up-to-date information. I think I read every single thing on every single link in that article.

The information was so valuable and I was able to learn and confirm a lot more about the whole thyroid dilemma. I have both Hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia. That link I first became aware of through your newsletter, and it is wonderful to read all you are doing in these newsletters to help so many of us with similar problems... It is greatly appreciated. – KC

Misdiagnosed and Maltreated Thyroid Problem

I was very impressed with your site, especially the treatment of hypothyroidism in FM/CFS/MCI. I want to bring this information to my family doctor for her to consider switching my thyroid treatment. I [was]…misdiagnosed and maltreated as a psychiatric patient before I was diagnosed properly.

I have an excellent family doctor now who understands the illness, which totally changed my life. – Judith

Hoping to Beat Parkinson’s

I am a 50-year-old male with Parkinson’s. I was diagnosed with this about five years ago. I am in charge of seven companies that I also own. I am hoping to beat this condition, as I have a lot of employees counting on me. – Hollis

Alzheimer’s Updates

It’s time to update your info on Alzheimer’s. [A] new study indicates "evidence for a developmental origin and environmental link for Alzheimer's disease." The major unresolved question is the timing and the triggering leading to the disease, but data does suggest that a pathogenesis is influenced by early life exposures, with results not significant until later in life.

Genetic celiac disease (CD) has long been associated with neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Mayo Clinic has discovered a relationship of CD and dementia. When I was diagnosed with CD six years ago, at the age of 75, it was also revealed that in addition to my mother's autopsy in 1980 for Alzheimer’s disease, she possessed the gene responsible for my currently disabling CD.

I am aware that the past deaths of eight family members were attributed to "dementia," with the four most recent of those diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease. My sibling has currently also been diagnosed with AD, as well as possessing a genetic celiac gene.

This new evidence of an environmental trigger to AD would warrant a study of gluten toxicity as a possible foundation. – Gerta

Note: Indeed, Alzheimer’s researchers are constantly making inroads into an understanding of the disease. For example, a recent report from University of Rhode Island researchers suggests that early life exposures (in this case to lead) influence Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis “and argue for both an environmental trigger and a developmental origin of AD.” And another recent study found an important Anti-Alzheimer’s mechanism in dietary omega-3 fatty acids.

IBS, FM & ME/CFS Relationship

Re: The article “Irritable Bowel Syndrome Linked to Abnormal Brain Activity.”

I have had IBS for so many years I can't keep track anymore. It's somewhere around 20 years. I have also had Fibromyalgia and CFS for about the same length of time. Coincidence?

I was told for [the first] five years it was "all in my head." My husband began to get irritated with me when I complained about how I was feeling because it had been drummed into us that it was "all in my head." I think more research will show that the two conditions are very much tied together because when my IBS is minimal, my aches and pains are also at a low. When the IBS is bothering me, my aches and pains are strong.

Someone, somewhere, has got to find the correlation between these illnesses. They do bounce off each other. Since being diagnosed, I have been less depressed because now someone believes me and we are working together to keep things at a calm minimum of pain. Hopefully research will come up with the reason they bounce off each other. – Dollyonline

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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.