Dutch-based medical equipment maker Philips is recalling CPAP machines, ventilators, and other breathing devices because of concerns that sound-reducing foam on the devices can degrade and be inhaled by the users, causing possible health risks, including cancer, the company said in a news release.
Philips CEO Frans van Houten said between 3 million and 4 million would be recalled, according to Reuters.
You probably can come up with many things you’d rather do than spend time planning for your own death.
However, there’s part of creating an estate plan that experts say deserves thoughtful consideration: choosing the individuals who will carry out the wishes in your will and who will make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated at any point before you die.
Basically, not everyone is cut out to serve in these important roles, experts say.
From the Military Times website
Telehealth and online medical appointments will remain a key part of veterans health care even after the pandemic disappears, the Veterans Affairs secretary promised on Wednesday.
But department officials may need Congress’ help to ensure that.
During an appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, VA Secretary Denis McDonough noted that online video appointments between department physicians and patients are about 18 times higher now than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020.
Randal Sadao Kobashikawa, 63, of Wai‘anae, Hawai‘i, passed away on June 18, 2021. Randy was born on August 29th, 1957 in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He was a proud graduate of ‘Aiea High School class of 1975. Randy was a retired military veteran who served his country for 30 years as an active duty and reservist in the United States Air Force. Randy was a true man of service and always lent a helping hand to those around him without any hesitation.
Randy was preceded by his father Yeijin E. Kobashikawa. Randy was survived by his daughter Christine Kobashikawa Blas and three beloved fur babies Maile, Aiko, and Ona. Private services will be held.
Retiree News extends heartfelt sympathy to Randal’s family and friends.
Randy served as a radar technician with the 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron at Kalaeloa.
Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
Guardian Angel pararescuemen from the 131st Rescue Squadron, California Air National Guard, conduct a search and rescue training scenario May 20, 2021, at Santa Cruz Water Drop Zone, California. The Airmen, rescue craft and life-support equipment were airdropped by a C-17 Globemaster III, operated by a Hawai‘i Air National Guard aircrew. Members validated their ability to recover a splashed-downed team of astronauts during a contingency rescue event.
From the Wired Magazine website
When Microsoft debuted Windows 11 at the end of last week, the company heralded the usual advancements in efficiency and design that come with any new operating system. But Windows 11 also comes with a less welcome tick: stricter-than-usual hardware requirements for which PCs can actually run it. Because of what Microsoft has described as security concerns, many devices—even some currently for sale—won’t ever be able to upgrade, leaving a generation of PCs stranded on Windows 10.
To run Windows 11, devices must have an Intel Core processor from at least 2017, or AMD Zen 2 processors from 2019 onward. They’ll also need at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of hard drive storage. Microsoft’s own $3,500 Surface Studio 2 desktop, which you can buy new from the company right now, doesn’t make the cut under these requirements. Microsoft is still exploring the possibility that slightly older chips will make the cut, but either way, you’ll need a pretty recent device to upgrade your operating system.
The June 2021 issue of our quarterly Retiree Newsletter is now available online.
The newsletter has helpful information about our new status notifications, doing a retired pay account checkup, the importance of keeping your beneficiary designations updated, tips for changing your direct deposit or allotments, and information to share with your loved ones.
We also include important information from our partners about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, the Combined Federal Campaign, the Air Force Assistance Fund, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
To access the newsletter, please copy and paste the link below to your internet browser. You will find a list of topics in the newsletter with a brief description of each article. After copying and pasting the link to your internet browser, click on the link for the article you want to read, and the full text will appear.
We have a downloadable PDF of the newsletter you can share with other retirees.
Are you getting enough protein in your diet? One of the most common signs that you’re not getting enough is swelling, especially in your abdomen, legs, feet, and hands.
From the HANG Twenty Five Plus Five Booklet
Hawai‘i Air National Guard photograph 
Hawaii Air National Guard photograph
On July 1, 1973, a white Hawai‘i Air National Guard recruiting van (self-mobile, 34’ 6” long, 8’ wide. And 10’ 8” high) made its first appearance in public at the State Farm Fair held at the Honolulu International Center.
Since that day, this vehicle , with a nickname “Amy” (named after a young lady, Amy Soares, who had the honor of christening the van) has made its appearance at colleges, high schools, shopping centers, fairs, and many other events throughout O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the island of Hawai‘i.
This van, which is one of the best recruiting tools on O‘ahu, had been very successful in advertising. The Hawai‘i Air National Guard to the public. It’s fine display of pictures, posters, mannequins, mockups and models presents a better understanding of the history and opportunities that the Hawai‘i Air National Guard can offer. It has won a top award for its beautiful display and educational presentation.
The conversation of the inside of this former x-ray van was done by the 154th Civil Engineering Flight. The maintenance and continuing care of this van is done by the 154th Combat Support Squadron Motor Vehicle Section. Many people had a hand in putting this van together and manning it at the different events, showing the dedication of the Air National Guard personnel here in Hawai‘i.
For the first time in many years, the 154th Fighter Interceptor Group had to make a serious attempt at recuring. With the “no draft environment,” our long waiting list dried up and we had to launch a hard-hitting recruiting effort. King of the recruiters was MSgt Richard Saunders and, due to his hard work and dedication, we began to meet quotas imposed by the Hawai‘i Air National Guard and the National Guard Bureau.
The HIANG recruiters used this van for several years before its retirement.
From the Bleeping Computer website
Western Digital My Book Live NAS owners worldwide found that their devices have been mysteriously factory reset and all of their files deleted.
WD My Book is a network-attached storage device that looks like a small vertical book that you can stand on your desk. The WD My Book Live app allows owners to access their files and manage their devices remotely, even if the NAS is behind a firewall or router.
Heading into retirement brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll in Medicare and which parts to enroll in can be daunting even for the savviest retirees. There’s Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. And what the heck is a doughnut hole, anyway?
To help you wade into the waters of this complicated federal health insurance program for retirement-age Americans, here are 11 essential things you must know about Medicare.
‘Healthy’ Choices: You have a lot of options when you’re trying to eat right, but not all choices are what they seem. Some that sound healthy can actually have the opposite effect.
Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
As service members in the armed forces, we’re all too familiar with Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) training scenarios led by Emergency Management professionals.
While normally these instructors are guiding us as we don gas masks and heavy layers of personal protective equipment, today is one of those days in which they practice what they preach.
This collaboration included guardsmen from the HIANG’s 154th Civil Engineer Squadron, the Kansas ANG’s 184th Wing, active-duty Airmen from the 15th Wing’s 647th CES and counterparts from Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s Marine Aircraft Group 24.
No matter what the field conditions are, these Emergency Management pros are committed to making sure service members are well-prepared and remain as safe as possible when operating in a potentially hazardous environment.
Dear Savvy Senior: Do you know of any golfing equipment that can help older golfers? My dad, who’s 76, loves to play golf, but arthritis in his hands has made griping the club challenging, and his fragile lower back makes stooping over to tee-up or retrieve the ball a problem, too. Is there anything out there that can help?
There are actually a wide variety of adaptive golf equipment that can help older golfers who struggle with injuries, arthritis or loss of mobility. Here are several golfing products that may help with different needs.
Retiree News 