The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently reminded taxpayers to be cautious of credit promoters and scammers who claim certain tax credits are available. Often these schemes promote large refunds or tax savings that are nonexistent.

Filing a return with incorrect or false tax credits could lead to penalties and other adverse tax consequences, including delays in processing. Taxpayers should review tax returns and eligibility for tax credits before signing a tax return.

The IRS recently highlighted scams involving so-called “Tribal Tax Credits” or “Native American Tax Credits.” According to the IRS, these credits do not exist. Promoters may encourage taxpayers to purchase these purported credits to reduce taxes owed or generate larger refunds, but doing so can lead to improper tax filings.

The IRS also warned taxpayers about promotions involving a broad “self-employment tax credit.” While some self-employed individuals may qualify for legitimate tax credits and deductions, there is no general self-employment tax credit available. Eligibility should be determined using official IRS guidance and reputable tax advisors rather than social media promotions.

In addition, the IRS emphasized that most taxpayers are ineligible for the Fuel Tax Credit. Scammers may encourage taxpayers to claim this credit even when they do not qualify. The Fuel Tax Credit is generally limited to certain business activities, including specific non-taxable off-highway business uses of fuel. Taxpayers should carefully review the requirements before making a claim.

Taxpayers and tax professionals should also be aware of some common red flags for tax scams, including:

• Promises of unusually large refunds or tax savings
• Offers to purchase tax credits at a significant discount
• Claims that taxpayers must act quickly because credits are available only for a limited time
• References to government agreements or programs that cannot be publicly verified
• Legal opinions that cannot be confirmed with the attorney or named law firm
• Requests to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDA) before receiving basic information
• Social media promotions encouraging taxpayers to claim credits without verifying eligibility

Taxpayers who become aware of tax fraud or other illegal tax-related activity can report the information directly to the IRS. The agency also encourages taxpayers to stay informed about emerging scams and review IRS resources regularly for updates on abusive tax schemes and fraudulent tax credit promotions.

Hair thinning is a common concern among women as they age, particularly after menopause, but it is worth understanding the underlying cause rather than simply attributing it to aging. While some hair loss is a normal part of aging, it can also be linked to underlying health conditions, genetic predisposition, medications, nutritional deficiencies, stress or other treatable issues. The good news is that in many cases, the cause can be identified and sometimes treated.

Aging effects

One of the most common causes of thinning hair in older women is female pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. It usually appears as gradual thinning on the top of the scalp or a widening part, rather than bald patches. After menopause, declining estrogen levels can affect the hair growth cycle, causing strands to become finer, grow more slowly and shed more easily over time.

Possible causes

However, hormones and aging are not the only explanations. Hair loss can also follow a major illness, surgery, COVID infection or a period of significant stress. In these cases, shedding often begins a few months later and may improve on its own.

Other possible causes include thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, poor nutrition, autoimmune conditions and scalp disorders. Medications can also play a role. Medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, beta blockers, cholesterol medications, thyroid treatments, arthritis drugs and some hormone therapies have all been linked to hair loss in some people. If you suspect a medication may be involved, do not discontinue using it on your own. Instead, ask your doctor about alternatives.

Get checked

Because there are many possible causes for hair loss, it is best to get a proper evaluation. Consult with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist if you notice sudden shedding, rapid thinning, bald patches, scalp itching or pain. They may review your medications, examine your scalp and order blood tests to check for problems such as thyroid imbalance or iron deficiency.

What helps

Treatment depends on the cause. If an underlying condition such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency, medication side effects or poor nutrition is identified, treating it may help restore hair growth.

For older women with age-related female pattern hair loss, the treatment with the best evidence is topical minoxidil (Rogaine), which is available over the counter. It can help slow thinning and stimulate some regrowth, but results take several months and continued use is needed to maintain any benefit. Some women who do not respond to over-the-counter treatment may be candidates for low-dose oral minoxidil, which is an off-label treatment and requires medical supervision because of possible side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether this option is appropriate for you.

Take caution with hair-growth supplements. Unless you have a true deficiency, products such as biotin usually provide little benefit and can interfere with certain lab tests, including thyroid and some heart tests.

Gentle hair care and cosmetic options can also help. Avoid harsh chemical treatments, tight hairstyles that pull on the hair and excessive heat from blow dryers or styling tools. A fuller haircut, thickening styling products, hair-building fibers that reduce the appearance of thinning spots or lightweight hairpieces and wigs can also improve appearance and confidence.

While hair thinning in older women is common, it is not always attributed to aging. It may sometimes signal an underlying medical issue and is worth getting checked, especially if it comes on suddenly or worsens quickly. While not every type of hair loss can be reversed, treatment and practical strategies can often slow it down.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

My widowed parent has lived alone for the past two years. My parent insist that they are fine but spends most of their time alone and seems withdrawn. What can I do to help, and are there any resources that could support them?

You are right to pay attention to this. The loss of a spouse often leads to increased isolation in older adults, even when they insist they are fine. But long stretches of time without meaningful contact can take a real toll on both emotional and physical health.

Public health research shows that about one in three adults age 50 and older report feeling lonely at times, and those who live alone are at higher risk for social isolation. Yet loneliness is not always easy to spot, especially in older adults who live alone. The good news is there are practical ways to help your parent reconnect, along with programs and services designed specifically for older adults living alone.

What you can do

Focus less on big changes in your interactions and more on being a steady, predictable contact. A short call every few days, a standing weekly meal, a coffee date or a regular shared errand gives your parent something reliable to look forward to. Consistency matters more than the length of a phone call or visit.

Even if you are not particularly close or do not live nearby, maintaining regular contact still makes a difference. Technology may also help bridge the distance through simple routines like weekly video calls, text check-ins, shared family schedules or photo threads. The goal is not constant communication, but fewer stretches where isolation might quietly take hold.

It also helps to widen your parent’s circle in practical ways. Siblings, grandchildren, neighbors and friends may all play role in this effort through brief calls, occasional visits or shared meals which all slowly rebuild connection. Familiarity and repetition matter more than effort or duration.

Encourage activity

Staying active will help reduce isolation. Many communities offer exercise classes, hobby groups, church activities, volunteer opportunities and lifelong learning programs. The best fit depends on their personality and whether your parent prefers large group settings or smaller, low-key interactions.

If transportation is a challenge, helping arrange rides or connecting your parent with local services makes participation more realistic. Having a sense of purpose is also important. Volunteering, gardening, taking care of pets, spending time with grandchildren, helping neighbors or mentoring others may add structure, meaning and a reason to stay engaged.

Available programs

There are several well-established programs that work to reduce isolation among older adults. One place to start is the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov, which connects families to local Area Agencies on Aging that will arrange services like meals, transportation, home visits and social programs.

Meals on Wheels America is an organization that addresses senior hunger and isolation. The organization delivers home meals and often includes brief daily check-ins from volunteers, offering both nutrition and a bit of regular human contact. AmeriCorps Seniors (americorps.gov) runs the Senior Companion Program, where trained volunteers provide regular visits, conversation and assistance, depending on available local programs.

For phone-based connection, the Institute on Aging Friendship Line (ioaging.org/friendship-line) offers 24/7 support and scheduled check-in calls for older adults living alone, while DOROT Caring Calls (dorotusa.org/programs/caring-calls) pairs seniors with volunteers for weekly conversations based on shared interests.

Local senior centers are also an important resource, offering meals, classes, group activities and transportation in many communities. Libraries, churches and community organizations can provide additional ways to stay connected.

Signs to watch

Loneliness sometimes overlaps with depression. If you notice changes such as poor sleep, loss of interest in usual activities, irritability, confusion or neglect of personal care, it may be time to involve a medical provider. These issues are not uncommon and may be treatable.

In the end, the goal is to help your parent stay connected and reduce isolation. If you start small and stay consistent, those simple touchpoints can add up to a more connected and meaningful daily life.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Grants totaling $100,000.00 were awarded to organizations serving Washington County by the generous donors of the Washington County Community Foundation for the Fall 2026 grant cycle.  Grants are primarily awarded from the Foundation’s Touch Tomorrow Funds.

Junior Achievement of Kentuckian has been awarded a$2500 grant to assist with financial literacy programming for Washington County students.  Programming includes a visit to BizTown, an interactive town, providing students a glimpse in the daily financial needs of the real world.

The Salem Police Department received a grant of $14238.00 to purchase in-car radios, providing dependable communication during routine patrol, emergency calls, traffic incidents and other law enforcement activity.

A $10,000 grant was awarded to Dare to Care for their School Pantry Program.  The program provides free, nutritious, food to need students  and families in county schools.

CAST has been awarded a $18900 grant to supply reading tutors to each elementary school in the county.  The tutors fill a gap for students that may not be able to stay after school due to transportation and other barriers.

A $15,000 grant is awarded to Livonia Fire and Rescue to equip an existing truck with a specialized skid unit designed for effective response to fires that extend into difficult areas.

The courthouse lawn will see the return of the Rodman cannons due to a $10,000 grant to the Washington County Veterans Memorial.  The group plans to install two historically accurate Civil War cannons that replace the original cannons that were donated during WW II.

Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $3300 grant to assist in purchasing a thermal camera.  The camera would be used to rescue trapped victims in house fires as well as in search and rescue emergencies.

The new 4H and Community Building at the Fairgrounds will be receiving tables and chairs thanks in part to a $10723.45 grant to the Washington County 4H Council.

Washington County EMS has been awarded a $8568.47 to reestablish amateur radio services throughout the county.  The project will provide crucial communication in times of disaster or large-scale emergencies.

Journey Together RCO has been awarded a $1945.08 grant to help furnish their new office space in order to provide peer recovery resources in a warm and welcoming environment.

A $4825.00 grant has been awardee to LIFE House to purchase beds, mattresses, and a washer and dryer for their new recovery facility.

Thank you to the donors of Washington County Community Foundation for making our community a better place for our residents through their generosity and compassion for Washington County.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever