Active Seniors in the News

Recently, Secure Living Online presented a seminar for Active Seniors co-sponsored by the Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro, New York.  25 seniors from Central New York learned about health, awareness, and personal safety using a walking cane.  The event was filmed by MSNBC for the Today Show website, and it will be run as a feature story next week.  Local news media also covered the event.  Here is some of the coverage provided by WKTV of Utica.  Check back soon for more safety tips and a link to the Today Show.

Protect Your Identity

Identity theft is among the most rapidly expanding consumer scams in our country.  The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that one person per minute has their identity stolen in the United States alone, and this can range from the low-tech pickpocket to high-tech computer scams and organized criminal activity.  The most common motivation of identity theft is to obtain credit in your name or access to your bank accounts.  In general, the criminal is looking to obtain your social security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, and other commonly used information.  With this information they seek to penetrate your bank account or open credit lines.  How can you defend yourself?  In the next several articles we will offer some advice on how to protect and secure your personal information.

Protect your Social Security Number. 

First, don't carry your social security card in your wallet or purse.  Not only is it work to have it replaced if lost or stolen, but it gives a would-be identity thief direct access to your number.  Instead, keep it secured at home where you can take it out only when needed. 

Second, don't include your social security number on your personal checks or driver's license.  Rarely, would this information be needed on these items, and you cannot control who will see your checks once they are written.

Third, if a company wants to you use your social security number for an account number, request to have the account number changed.  This is true also for states which may use the social security number for a driver's license.  We suggest writing down this account number and keeping it secure, since when asked for your social security number as an account, you will have changed it.

Fourth, if you have to carry your social security card for a special meeting, keep it separate from your wallet or purse.

Fifth, never send your social security number through electronic means or write it on a postcard as a means of communication.

Many forms ask for your social security number because it is an effective way for creditors to track down people who become delinquent.  However, you have the right to refuse to give this personal information. For more information we suggest you consult the Social Security Administration at: www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.


Until next time...Be Safe

Cane Technique

Escape From a Sleeve Grab

Today we would like to share a cane technique with you.  Remember, self-defense works because you utilize the element of surprise.  When you practice with a partner, they will not be surprised by your response due to the repetition inherent in practice.  This technique involves throwing your partner to the ground.  Done slowly, they will be able to let go before they fall.  Done quickly, they will not.  Therefore, understand this aspect of training and cooperate with your partner.  When you know what is going to happen, you can counter any technique.  Also, consult a physician before engaging in any physical activity, including these techniques.

This escape from a sleeve grab is one of the first cane techniques we filmed for Secure Living Online back in 2007.  Visit www.securelivingonline.com for more techniques.  Until next time...Be Safe!

Cane Fu in the News

YNN in Central New York Interviews
Grandmaster Crandall for Active Senior Seminars

WATCH THE TELEVISION SEGMENT DEMONSTRATING SELF-DEFENSE TECHNIQUES

"Senior citizens and those with disabilities can be easy targets for would-be attackers. But a different spin on martial arts techniques is changing that notion. Cane-Fu is the technique and the tool is, you guessed it, a cane. " --YNN Official Website

YNN (Your News Now) in Central New York interviewed Grandmaster Crandall who demonstrated cane self defense techniques. Read their article and watch their self-defense segment.  SEE IT HERE.

Excerpt from the interview:
"The person assaulting somebody with a disability or a senior in our culture is assuming they can't do anything. One of the greatest advantages of this knowledge that we give them is surprise. They're going to be able to do something," said Crandall