Living 50 Plus
AUGUST 30, 2019
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Annual checkups, sunscreen critical for healthy skin DEANNA GORDON
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alfour Dermatology is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Dr. Robert Beer, dermatologist at the Brentwood practice, treats individuals of all ages – babies, teens, adults and seniors – and one of his most important pieces of advice at any age is to wear sunscreen. “All people are at risk for skin cancer these days,” Dr. Beer said. “The best sunscreen is one you will actually use.” Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, he said. Protecting one’s skin is especially vital for seniors, because the sun is so much stronger today than it was when they were younger. Today’s seniors have approximately a 20% chance of getting skin cancer by age 60, while today’s newborns’ chances more than double to 50%. Prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer. Dr. Beer advises annual checkups, especially if an individual has a history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions. ON THE COVER: The professionals at Balfour Dermatology, left to right, Dr. Robert E. Beer, Timothy Ray, PA-C, Sandra Lee, FNP, Christina Lackland, FNP, and Dr. Thomas Triplett.
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Balfour Dermatology in Brentwood is celebrating 20 years of caring for patients of all ages and needs. “Don’t pick at any skin lesions or scabs,” he said. Patients can expect an easy, painless body exam when they come to Dr. Beer. “We use special lights and a handheld microscope device,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt, and it’s not a big buzzing machine.” Certain skin types – mainly those on the fairer side – and individuals who have a history of skin cancer in their families are more at risk and should be especially diligent about regular total body skin cancer
checks. “With melanoma, there is a definite hereditary factor,” Balfour Dermatology states on its website. “If you have had a parent or first degree sibling with melanoma, you and your immediate family should have a total body skin examination.” For people who have moles and wonder when they should be concerned, they can follow the “ABCD” rule. ♦♦ “A” stands for asymmetry: a mole that does not appear to be identical on both
With melanoma, there is a definite hereditary factor. If you have had a parent or first degree sibling with melanoma, you and your immediate family should have a total body skin examination. – Dr. Robert Beer, Balfour Dermatology halves, up/down or side/side. ♦♦ “B” is for borders: a mole that has borders that are hazy, red or a lighter color than the skin surrounding the mole, or a wavy/irregular border. ♦♦ “C” is for color: a mole that has two or more colors. Many people think that see Skin page 11B
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Aging is a gift with many blessings “G EE IT’S REALLY NIFTY, ERNIE’S Turning Fifty!” That was on the birthday cake for Grandpa 26 years ago, at his party we celebrated at the old Mural Inn in downtown Byron. The wonderful restaurant is long gone, but the memories linger. We Senior decorated the entire orner upstairs in Sesame Street tablecloths, napkins, balloons and other things featuring Bert and Ernie. I bought lots of different Sesame Street toys and scattered them around the Marla numerous tables. A DJ Luckhardt played wonderful dancing music, and a good time was had by all. I still can’t believe it was over a quarter-century ago. The night before his “big 5-0,” I called my parents and wailed that, as of the next day, I would be sleeping with a 50-year-old man! “How did that happen?” I asked. They just laughed at me. Since that night, we have celebrated several milestones together. My birthday is one day after his, so we have shared most of the nondescript ages together, in one party. I, of course, had my own surprise 50th celebration, but that was just yesterday. Or was it?
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As the years have flown by, we realized age is really just a number — bigger numbers, but we are taking them all in stride. A lot of grandparents are younger than we are, and I suppose we are well on our way to greatness — grandparentally, that is — and it really doesn’t bother us at all. Our grandkids think we’re amazing, so who cares about numbers? As we get older, so do the grandchildren, of course. It’s a joy to watch them grow, even if it’s way too fast for me. I would pick them up from school when I was needed, take them to doctor appointments or back-to-school shopping, adhering to the mandatory grandma resume. Wednesdays are now half-days at school for grandchild number eight. We arrive about a half-hour early, get a parking spot out of the way of the heavy pick-up traffic and wait patiently until about two minutes before she comes out. It’s a short walk to the gate where I wait with joyful anticipation for my smiling child amongst a sea of cutie pies. I remember the first time, I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of children that poured out of the school at the same time, but I managed to find mine with ease. Hugs and “How was your day?” begin our afternoon together, deciding between several activities and which ice cream store to go to. As I wait at her school, I’ve noticed a number of grandparents also watching
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every kid go by, making sure they don’t miss their temporary ward. There’s an unspoken camaraderie and we all take our responsibility very seriously. As each child spots their grandma or grandpa, there’s a special kind of happiness that overcomes them. Not that they don’t look glad to see their parents, but I think they smile a little wider and run a bit faster into their grandparents’ welcoming arms. I know it’s the highlight of my day. A smile comes to my face as I remember picking up her sister at that very same spot a few years back. For us, it’s ice cream Wednesday, and
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I bet that has just a tiny bit to do with my little one’s glee. Oh, don’t get me wrong, she is happy to see me standing there waiting for her, and always asks, “Is Grandpa in the car?” Most of the time, he is, and quite glad it’s ice cream Wednesday. Whether you are 50, 60 or older, I believe grandchildren help keep us young. My grandparents were exceptional. We lived minutes away from them, in Brooklyn, and spent every Sunday visiting with the entire family. They made each and every one of us feel special, even though there was a gaggle of us. My grandfather would fold a few dollars into my hand and whisper, “Shhh... Don’t tell your grandmother.” She would then do the same. I never said a word, but I think they probably planned that, and I loved them — not for the money, but for the cuteness of it all. They were married 66 years, and I try very hard to emulate their kindness and love. Thinking back on that 50th birthday party, it seems like a long time ago, but also as if it was just yesterday. At 68, I’m happy to be in relatively good health, surrounded by friends and family, and I’m pretty sure my grandparents would absolutely approve of ice cream Wednesdays! Marla Luckhardt is a Brentwood resident who works with several local senior care and advocacy groups. Reach her at marla2054@aol.com.
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Kyle Johnson, left, and Mary Lou Molinaro, right, co-founded a cannabis discussion club at Trilogy at the Vineyards to bring awareness to its medical benefits.
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Johnson — who now uses cannabis for insomnia — and her co-founder, Mary Lou Molinaro, started doing research. Other residents, such as retired nurses, spoke of long-suffered back and
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No two men have the same medical histories, which highlights the need for men of all ages to schedule annual physical exams with their physicians.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
Health screenings for men
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outine doctor visits are a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
As noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (USNLM), even men who feel healthy and live active lifestyles should make routine visits to their healthcare providers. Such visits can assess risk for future medical problems and offer men the opportunity to update vaccinations. Routine health
checkups also give doctors a chance to screen for medical issues. Doctors consider a man’s age and other risk factors to determine when and how frequently he will need certain medical screenings. For example, while men between ages 40 and 64 are often advised to get blood pressure screenings at least once annually, those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems and other conditions may need more frequent screenings. see Men page 10B
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Flu shot recommendations
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all is approaching, and it’s time for an annual flu shot. According to the Center for
Disease Control, individuals can begin getting their shots in October, but as late as January it will still be effective for the season. Seniors 65 and older can get an extra strong shot called the Fluzone High-Dose. The vaccine contains four times the antigen (the part of the vaccine that helps your body build up protection against flu viruses) of standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccines. The higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is intended to give older people a better immune response and better protection against the flu. Protection from vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop but lasts through the season, so it is recommended to get the flu vaccine early, before the disease is in the community.
Where to Get Vaccinated
The flu vaccine will be available throughout Contra Costa County beginning in the fall. Ongoing public health immunization clinics will begin offering the flu vaccine in October.
For the general public ♦♦ Check with your regular health care provider. ♦♦ Visit ongoing public health immunization clinics. ♦♦ Community clinics will also offer flu vaccine — call the clinic for details. ♦♦ Pharmacies and grocery stores will have the flu vaccine available. ♦♦ Visit www.flushot.healthmap.org (check selected clinic for details) For community members with the Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) ♦♦ Health Centers will offer walk-in flu clinics for Health Plan members beginning in October. Please bring your CCHP member card. ♦♦ Health Plan members who cannot come to a walk-in clinic can see their doctor or call 800495-8885 for a treatment nurse appointment. For community members with the Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) or who belong to the Community Provider Network (CPN) ♦♦ CCHP and CPN members 10 years and older can get flu vaccine from RiteAid and Walgreens beginning Sept. 1. Please bring your CCHP member card. For community members with Kaiser Permanente health insurance ♦♦ Kaiser members can call the Kaiser Flu Hotline: 800-573-5811 (800-KP-FLU-11). – Courtesy of Contra Costa County Department of Health
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Give your loved ones peace of mind! What to ask about new medication
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day, prescription drugs
prolong lives and help people manage conditions that might otherwise make it difficult to live life to the fullest. A 2017 survey from Consumer Reports found 55% of people living in the U.S. take a prescription medicine, and those who do take four, on average. That figure might alarm some people, especially aging men and women whose bodies might be more susceptible to conditions often treated with medication. There’s no denying prescription drugs can save lives, but individuals have a right to explore their options when doctors prescribe them medications, and asking the right questions when doctors suggest medication can help everyone decide if prescription medicine is their best option. To help people make the best decisions regarding their healthcare, the National Institute on Aging advises them to ask their physicians these questions when being prescribed a new medicine. ♦♦ What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it? ♦♦ Which medical condition does this medicine treat? ♦♦ How many times a day should I take the
medicine, and at what times? ♦♦ If the prescription instructions say the medicine must be taken “four times a day,” does that mean four times in 24 hours or four times during the daytime? ♦♦ How much medicine should I take? ♦♦ Should I take the medicine on its own or with food? Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking this medicine? ♦♦ How long will it take this medicine to work? ♦♦ Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking other medicines? ♦♦ Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication? ♦♦ What does “as needed” mean? ♦♦ When should I stop taking the medicine? ♦♦ What should I do if I forget to take my medicine? ♦♦ Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if I have a problem? ♦♦ Will I need a refill, and how do I arrange that? When discussing medications with a physician, it’s imperative that men and women be forthcoming about any other medicines they might be taking under other doctors’ guidance. They should also tell their physicians about any overthe-counter medicines or vitamins and supplements they are taking. Sharing this information can prevent potentially serious complications. – Courtesy Metro Creative
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Cannabis from page 5B
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You should always speak to your medical doctor, just like with any other concern. You need to go through that process.
feet issues. The more Johnson spoke to others within the community, she realized people could benefit from being aware of other treatment options. She acknowledges there’s a stigma around using cannabis — even for medical reasons — and she thinks education and discussion can only help. Johnson realized another senior community, Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, had a cannabis discussion club, and she wanted to do something similar. “I want people to know what options might be available, whether they need them now or in the future,” Johnson said. She decided to start a cannabis discussion club in her community at Trilogy. At its first interest meeting, 160 people showed up. Since then, attendance varies, but they get around 30-50 people at monthly meetings. Meetings center around discussion, education and featured monthly speakers. This month’s speaker is Sara Payan, a cannabis educator, public policy advocate, writer and consultant experienced in hands-on patient research. The club’s mission is “to provide residents with educational opportunities to explore the multitude of health conditions that can be safely treated with cannabis.” Johnson emphasizes that she isn’t a medical professional or expert and doesn’t offer medical advice; she has simply done research and encourages others to do the same. “You should always speak to your medical doctor, just like with any other concern,” she said. “You need to go through that process.” Johnson said Californians are fortunate since cannabis usage is legal in
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– Kyle Johnson the state, as of Jan. 1, 2018. However, because the law is new, and dispensaries are approved by individual cities, everyone doesn’t have the same access — which is the case for Brentwood residents. “The biggest challenge in East Contra Costa County is resources,” Johnson said, noting the closest dispensaries are in Vallejo, Berkeley and Oakland, though a new dispensary is expected to open in Antioch in the next few months. Local delivery is legally permitted through individual dispensaries, but not through the U.S. Postal Service. Johnson hopes the club will continue growing and that awareness improves, noting the process of learning about medical cannabis usage is a “selfeducating” one. There is a wealth of information online, but she urges individuals to use caution and always consult a medical professional. The Trilogy at the Vineyards Cannabis Discussion Club meets the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m., in the front half of the Mount Diablo Events Center (MDEC). For more information about the club, visit Trilogy’s internal website or email Kyle Johnson at ladykyle@gmail.com.
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Men from page 6B
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Health screenings can catch diseases and other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines. Diabetes Diabetes screenings are recommended every three years for men age 45 and older. Men who are overweight and younger than 45 should ask their physicians if they should be screened before they reach 45. Osteoporosis Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, but that doesn’t mean men are immune to this condition, which is marked by a weakening of the bones due to tissue loss. Fractures after age 50, heavy alcohol use, smoking and low body weight are some risk factors that can make men vulnerable to osteoporosis. Health screenings can catch diseases and other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines. – Courtesy Metro Creative
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Such exams can reveal potential problems and also make great opportunities to discuss more specific medical screenings with their physicians. The following are some general screening tests and guidelines recommended for all men between the ages of 40 and 64, courtesy of the USNLM. Prostate cancer The USNLM notes most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their physicians. Ethnicity and family history are some of the recognized risk factors for prostate cancer. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer in a first-degree relative younger than 65 should discuss screenings at age 45. There are pros and cons to prostate cancer screenings, and these should be part of men’s discussions with their physicians. Colorectal cancer All men between ages 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Physicians may recommend colorectal screenings for men under 50 with a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Physicians may also consider screenings for men under 50 who have a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Cholesterol The USNLM advises men to have their cholesterol levels checked every five years. Men with certain conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, may need to be checked more frequently.
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CBD oil and arthritis advertisements for CBD oil
at some point. Supplement stores, pharmacies and even gyms may promote CBD oil, prompting consumers to wonder what CBD is and how it could play a role in the treatment of certain conditions, including arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, two kinds of the cannabis sativa plant — hemp and marijuana — produce cannabinoids, which Harvard Medical School notes is the second most prevalent of cannabis’ active ingredients. People unfamiliar with cannabidiol, or CBD, a type of cannabinoid, may assume it gets users high like marijuana. However, CBD doesn’t
Skin
from page 3B
bad moles are dark. Color change is the most important factor. Melanomas can be red, pink or colorless. A biopsy is the gold standard in deciding if your mole is bad. ♦♦ “D” is for diameter: a mole with a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of a pencil eraser. “Any mole that has changed in appearance or has any symptoms of itching,
get users high, as another cannabinoid, a psychoactive part of the marijuana plant known as THC, is responsible for that effect. CBD advocates often note its potential to alleviate pain associated with arthritis. While studies on animals have supported those claims, the Arthritis Foundation notes such studies do not always translate to people. The Arthritis Foundation also notes, thus far, human studies examining the potential efficacy of CBD in treating arthritis pain have produced mixed results, and the Harvard Medical School notes more studies are necessary to determine the potential of CBD in treating pain, including that caused by arthritis. Laws also vary regarding the legality of CBD, though many places allow some form of it. Consumers should consult with their physicians regarding their conditions and whether or not CBD might help them. – Courtesy Metro Creative
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pain, or bleeds should also be examined,” the practice’s website advises. Regarding additional advice for senioraged skin, “Use lots of skin moisturizer to keep skin hydrated, and drink plenty of water, water, water,” Dr. Beer said. Balfour Dermatology is located at 2221 Balfour Rd., Suite A. For more information visit www.skinquestion.com or call 925-240-9116.
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LIVING 50 PLUS
AUGUST 30, 2019
“The Conversation”
was at dinner last year with my husband and some friends. I was talking with my girlfriend who is getting ready to retire. As
we chitchatted about her plans after retirement she mentioned that her Dad had some real estate holdings that she would be working on to “get things straightened out”. I asked what needed straightening and she gave me a long list of all the things that had been neglected over the last ten years. What struck me was the comment she made about having had a conversation with her Dad many years ago. She told him it would be really helpful if he would fill her in on his real estate holdings, his investments, and, most importantly, how he wanted things handled in the future. He was 80 at the time. She offered to help him with some of the day to day responsibilities. He told her that, while he appreciated the offer, he was fine and didn’t need her to step in and help. She felt he may have even been a bit offended that she had broached the subject at all. She continued through the hustle and bustle of life and he seemed to be handling things so she didn’t ask any questions. As she discussed her retirement with him, he told her he was glad she would have some free time because he may need her help ‘getting some things straightened out’. That is when she learned the reality. He told her there were several properties that were in serious disarray, there are a few legal lease issues, and one property has a hazardous waste issue that could mean real trouble for him. She was overwhelmed as he explained how things had just “kinda gotten away from him”. She asked herself “how did this happen?” He was fine… until he wasn’t. The hard part for parents, and their adult children, is knowing when it is time to have “The Conversation”. For the parents, it is an acknowledgement that perhaps they are not able to “handle it all” anymore. It is a loss of independence. It just doesn’t feel great. For the kids, it feels intrusive and hurtful. Our parents are ‘Mom and Dad’ – the backbone of the family. They have taken care of us all our lives, through successes and failures; love and heartache; they have always been our rock. Now it feels like we are telling them they can’t handle it anymore. The reality is that we must learn how to have intergenerational conversations before a crisis. The worst time to try to ‘figure stuff out’ is during an emergency when tensions are high, and emotions are overflowing. So, who needs to know what? The Executor of the Trust, or your choice of who will handle your estate in the absence of a trust, needs to be very well versed in how you want things handled when the time comes. They need to know where your assets are held and how you want them distributed. There are so many important details they will have to handle at the time of your death, all
Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 36 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 10 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration.
while grieving your passing. The more information you can give them today, the more likely they will be able to carry out your wishes when the time comes. People often have their trust in a file cabinet, and they think that is it. I did my due diligence and now they can sort through it all once I am gone. Remember, none of us is promised tomorrow. We are not promised our health. It is just as important that someone be informed of your holdings, and your wishes, while you are still alive. The world is full of hazards – a car accident, or a fall down the stairs. Or a broken leg while skiing or a topple while sky diving – something could happen at any time. If you are laid up in the hospital for any length of time it will be important that someone can handle your affairs. If something worse, or more permanent, were to happen it becomes even more important that someone be well informed on your affairs. If they are walking in blind, with no prior knowledge, it will be all the more difficult. Remember, they are coping with your illness, and trying to wade through a maze blindfolded. Most seniors have thought about drawing up a trust, they have thought about funeral arrangements, they have even asked their kids to mark certain family heirlooms they want after their passing. These are things they are often open about when talking with their kids. The one topic seniors don’t like to talk about is day-to-day finances. Often, as ‘the conversation’ unfolds, it becomes apparent that additional monthly cash flow or elimination of the monthly mortgage debt might provide extra security and financial comfort. There may be plenty of assets, plenty of insurance, plenty of ‘stuff’ to distribute after death, but what about while we are still alive, and wanting to enjoy our time. It is interesting because my meeting with the parents is frequently at the suggestion of the adult kids who have noticed that things are tight. They want their parents to live out their years in comfort,
they want them to enjoy, they want them to spend what they have earned. It is often Mom and Dad who think the kids want them to be super frugal so there is more inheritance. I think, these days, it is just the opposite. Kids get it. Mom and Dad worked hard. It is their money. The kids want you to enjoy it while you can. Even though it is hard, the first step for a successful conversation is just being aware that all parties are hesitant about broaching the subject. Whether the conversation is between two people, four people, or ten people, just knowing that everyone is feeling a bit anxious helps to calm the waters. I think a good second step is to be casual. The bigger deal that is made of the conversation the bigger deal it seems in everyone’s mind. A casual Sunday dinner with some chitchat about the status of your investments, or your long-term care insurance, or your Living Trust, opens the door. It lets the kids know you’re ready to share; and it lifts a huge weight off your shoulders. Let your kids help you. I promise they want to be there for you. At our firm, The Reverse Mortgage Group, we want to help you to create a life plan. We work toward a strategy that will hopefully help you to live out your years in security, comfort, and even add a pinch of fun! As we review your goals we will look at all aspects of your finances to see if a reverse mortgage would be a good retirement tool to enhance that life plan. If it is, great. If it isn’t, that is okay too. We feel our job is to provide you with local face-to-face education. I will sit down with you at your kitchen table and help you to make educated decisions – Advertorial
Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.
Beth Miller-Rowe NMLS: 294774
Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist
The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.
Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com
3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True! A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850
DRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act
*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. **American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is not financial service company or licensed tax advisors; the material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. We are not financial or tax advisors, please contact your financial professional for your personal financial situation.