Your AARP
READERS RESPOND
COVID CARE
Thanks for the March Cover Story [“Three Years In, How the Pandemic Has Changed Our Lives”]. No doubt we’ll continue to understand more as time goes on. One thing we learned: We can significantly cut poverty and help families directly with tax fairness. The expanded child tax credit actually cut child poverty nearly in half when passed as part of COVID relief. Sadly, it wasn’t renewed, but there is no reason not to ask our members of Congress to do just that.
WILLIE DICKERSON
SNOHOMISH, WASHINGTON
I applaud your excellent reporting but was shocked that long COVID wasn’t mentioned. Thousands of lives have been disrupted by the lack of good medical interventions. I’ve experienced full-body tremors, brain fog and chronic fatigue, among other symptoms. This illness forced me to leave my job after 26 years. Doctors, neurologists and a never-ending stream of various medications have had little impact.
DAVID L. SERIFF
BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA
PARENTING REDUX
Thanks for putting the spotlight on a timely and important issue [“Called to Parent—Again,” Your Life]. I’m a retired trauma treatment specialist and was raised by grandparents, so I’m well aware of the challenges these grandparents face. Grandparents often put their own health at risk. When others care for the grandkids for a few hours or days, it gives the grandparents time to take care of themselves so they may continue to take care of their grandchildren.
KATHY PERRY
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
Another resource for grandparents is a program called Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA). Developed at Cornell University, it has expanded to other states.
DEB GRANTHAM
ITHACA, NEW YORK
MANAGING MAIL
I just read the very good article “Mail Thieves” [Fraud Watch] and its suggestions for keeping checks safe from scammers who “wash” them. Another excellent way to protect oneself is to utilize the USPS Informed Delivery option. It’s available in most areas. USPS emails a picture of deliveries whenever you have mail at your address. It’s useful when you are waiting for a special letter, like a birthday card with a check, or if physically unable to make frequent mailbox trips.
A. VARNER
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO
I appreciate the information that comes in the Bulletin. Thank you for your efforts, research and usefulness of this publication.
MARY CRAWLEY
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
→ We appreciate hearing from you. Write to: Bulletin Editor, Dept. RF, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049, or email bulletin@aarp.org. Please include your address and phone number.