Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

Marshall Thompson, a 91-year-old athlete, continues to defy age and inspire his community through his remarkable dedication to fitness. Recently, at the national US Track and Field Masters, Thompson clinched four gold medals in the 60-yard dash, long jump, triple jump, and 200 meters.To celebrate these achievements, community members gathered at the Randallstown Community Center, honoring Thompson not just for his athletic prowess but also for his role as a community leader. He emphasized the importance of social connections, fitness, and mutual enjoyment, stating, "It's all about us getting together and socializing, keeping fit, and enjoying each other's company."Beyond track and field, Thompson is an active participant in his local pickleball community. Whether engaging in games or aiming for daily step goalsspecifically 10,000 stepshe remains a source of motivation for others. His commitment has encouraged many to join him, fostering a culture of health and camaraderie. Reflecting on this influence, Thompson shared, "That inspired me to continue to walk because more and more are coming out and having conversations with me and asking me questions."Thompson's daughter, Karen, expressed immense pride in her father's accomplishments. Having witnessed his dedication throughout her life, she remarked on his relentless spirit and the family's history of longevity, noting that two relatives lived past 100. Karen believes that her father's lifestyle exemplifies the benefits of prioritizing health and proper nutrition, making the prospect of aging something to look forward to.When discussing the secret to his vitality, Thompson attributes it to spiritual well-being and offers practical advice: "Get off that sofa. Get away from that TV. It'll be there, cause if you sit there and look, you won't be there." His words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying active and engaged.Thompson's story is a testament to the profound impact of maintaining an active lifestyle, not only for personal health but also for inspiring those around us.

For more information on the author Medical Marijuana Specialists, CLICK HERE.Cannabis has been used as healing remedy for many thousands of years in many cultures. And recently, modern science has discovered an endocannabinoid system naturally present in the brain from birth in all humans. Endocannabinoids are manufactured naturally by our bodies and cannabis is the only thing in nature which provides cannabinoids that fit the same receptors, which is the reason cannabis is so successful in treating a wide range of conditions.Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical conditions. These include chronic pain relief, particularly neuropathic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's. It is highly effective in treating the side effects of chemotherapy including nausea and vomiting. Cannabis and THC, are considered incredibly safe for human consumption. There has never been a death recorded from the use of cannabis. In fact, many studies show it is physically impossible for a human to die from a cannabis overdose.One common misconception among aging adults is that they have to smoke marijuana to gain the medicinal benefits. Actually, it is illegal to smoke marijuana in Pennsylvania. The dispensaries offer a variety of products including, lotions, capsules, patches, tinctures and vaping oils. If I could get the medical benefit from the plant without the high, Id consider it. said many of the seniors we've spoken to. Cultivators are currently producing potent CBD genetic strains that have minimal to no psychoactive effect. CBD, or cannabidiol, is tremendous for inflammation, eases pain, stimulates bone growth, suppresses muscular spasms, reduces anxiety, and increases mental focus.Medical marijuana is often a safer alternative to many prescription drugs like opioids and antipsychotics, and has far fewer severe side effects. It can also be more cost efficient, too. A senior spends close to$3,000 per year on prescription drugs alone. The national average of how much a person spends on medical marijuana per year is about $650. It is a more cost-effective option, too. The stigma around medical marijuana use is fading. Seniors are the fastest growing population of new medical marijuana users. If you are in discomfort or chronic pain, speak to a Medical Marijuana Specialist to discover if medical marijuana may be right for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Nurse Shelly Hutchison, RN, ACNA with Medical Marijuana Specialists. She may be reached at 833-667-4655 or [email protected].

For long-term care providers who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight, its gratifying to be recognized among Americas highest priority for the vaccine.Long-term care employees have made it their personal responsibility, both at work and at home, to take the necessary precautions in order to safely care for Americas most vulnerable population and the many members of our Greatest Generation.The COVID-19 vaccine will be a welcome new tool in the fight against COVID-19 in long-term care communities. Based on whats known about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep individuals from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19. This virus can have serious, life-threatening complications, and there is no way to know how it will affect each person. Whats more concerning is how people who are experiencing no symptoms could be silent carriers, spreading the disease to friends, family, and others unknowingly.Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce ones chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. The COVID-19 vaccine will work to help an individuals immune system be ready to fight the virus if the person is exposed. For example, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work similarly. Each requires two-doses given approximately 28 days apart. Both vaccines appear to be incredibly safe and effective with a 95% efficacy after taking the 2nd dose. These COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for a persons cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. Keep in mind, these mRNA vaccines will not give someone COVID-19 since they do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.According to the CDC, getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you. For more vaccine information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. Learn more about the multi-pronged efforts to protect against the virus in long-term care communities at www.SrCare.org/coronavirus-update.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Contact us at 877-851-1440. See ad on page 153.

When a loved one passes away, families are often left grieving and overwhelmed. During this emotional time, tracking down all of the person's assets is not always easy. Many families are shocked to learn that Pennsylvania holds billions of dollars in unclaimed property. These funds often come from forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, or safe deposit boxes that were never disclosed before death. Without proper planning, these assets can end up with the state instead of the family.Estate planning is more than just preparing legal documents. It is about making sure your family can access everything you have worked so hard to build. In this article, we will explore how unclaimed property becomes an issue, what steps to take if you have lost someone, and how to prevent this situation for your own family.What Is Unclaimed Property in Pennsylvania?Unclaimed property refers to assets that have gone untouched or unclaimed for a period of time. In Pennsylvania, this can include: Bank accounts Uncashed checks Stocks and bonds Dividends Insurance benefits Utility deposits Safe deposit box contents If these assets remain inactive and the rightful owner or their heirs do not claim them, the financial institution is required to turn them over to the Pennsylvania Treasurys Bureau of Unclaimed Property.Why This Happens After Someone Passes AwayWhen someone dies, their financial life does not automatically come with a list of accounts and assets. Unless they kept detailed records and communicated those records to their family, locating everything they owned can be a challenge.Probate, the legal process of settling an estate, does not provide a roadmap. Executors and family members are expected to gather financial information, often with no guidance other than paperwork they may or may not find in the home.If a family does not know about an account or policy, and the company is unable to reach anyone, those assets will eventually be turned over to the state.Why Probate Alone Is Not EnoughMany people assume that probate will uncover all assets automatically. That is not the case. Probate does not include a system that searches for lost or unknown property. It is the responsibility of the family or the estates executor to identify and collect all assets. This includes assets held in other states or institutions.Without communication and planning, here is what can go wrong: A life insurance policy goes unclaimed because the beneficiary never knew it existed. A bank account opened years ago is forgotten and never disclosed. A safe deposit box is held in another state, and no one knows it is there. Dividend checks are mailed to an old address and never deposited. These are common situations. Without a proactive search or a comprehensive estate plan, these assets are often lost.What Happens to Unclaimed PropertyOnce an asset becomes unclaimed, the institution holding it must report and transfer it to the Pennsylvania Treasury. This usually happens after a few years of no activity or communication.Once turned over, the state will hold the funds or property indefinitely. Anyone with legal rights to those assets can still claim them, but they must go through a formal process to do so. This process often involves proving your relationship with the deceased, providing documentation, and meeting legal requirements.The longer it takes to discover the property, the harder it can be to recover it.How to Search for Unclaimed Property in PennsylvaniaIf you have recently lost a loved one, it is worth checking the states unclaimed property database. You can do this for free online through the official website:www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-propertyHere is how to search: Visit the website and enter the name of the deceased. Review any matches to see if the state is holding property in their name. Follow the instructions to file a claim, which usually includes submitting proof of identity and documentation of your relationship to the deceased. While this is a helpful tool, it is also a reactive approach. It works only after the fact and does not guarantee that all assets will be found.The Better Approach: Plan Ahead with an Estate Planning AttorneyThe most effective way to avoid the issue of unclaimed property is to create a comprehensive estate plan. A good estate plan ensures that your family will know exactly what you own, where it is located, and how to access it.Here are steps to take now:1. Create a Detailed Asset InventoryKeep a written list of all bank accounts, retirement funds, investment accounts, insurance policies, and real estate. Include account numbers, institution names, and contact information. Update this list regularly and store it in a safe but accessible place.2. Use a Revocable Living TrustA trust allows assets to transfer directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate. This not only protects privacy but also ensures that no assets are forgotten or delayed. Assets titled in the name of the trust are easily tracked and passed on.3. Designate Beneficiaries ClearlyMake sure every account that allows it has a named beneficiary. Double-check that these designations are up to date. Beneficiary designations take precedence over a will and allow accounts to transfer without probate.4. Communicate With Loved OnesEstate planning is not just a legal process. It is a conversation. Let your family know where your documents are and what to expect. This step alone can prevent confusion, delays, and missed opportunities.5. Work With an Experienced Estate Planning AttorneyWorking with a law firm that specializes in estate and elder law ensures that nothing is missed. Attorneys can help identify potential pitfalls, structure your plan to fit your goals, and ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law.Why This Matters for Your LegacyIt is not just about money. It is about peace of mind. Families suffer emotionally and financially when important details are lost. The stress of probate, the confusion of searching for lost accounts, and the heartache of missing out on a loved ones legacy can all be avoided with proper planning.When you take the time to organize your affairs and create a clear estate plan, you give your family a gift. You give them clarity, direction, and the ability to grieve without added burdens.Real Life ExampleOne client came to us after their father passed away. He had never discussed his finances, and the family assumed there were only a few small accounts. Months later, they stumbled upon an old bank statement in a filing cabinet. It led them to an account with over twenty thousand dollars that had already been turned over to unclaimed property. It took nearly a year of paperwork to get it back. Had the father created an estate plan and shared that information, the family would have received those funds without delay or stress.Unclaimed property is a real and growing issue in Pennsylvania. Families lose access to assets every year simply because there was no plan in place. Do not wait for this to happen to you or your loved ones.Start planning today. Whether you are organizing your own estate or helping a parent prepare, now is the time to act.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we are here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and compassion. Our team helps families across Pennsylvania create meaningful, effective estate plans that protect their legacies and prevent confusion.