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South Carolina News

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from: AARP Bulletin | Updated October 1, 2011

Pensions in Peril?

Donya Currie - 10/01/2011

As lawmakers consider state pension reform, AARP and the South Carolina State Retirees Association are calling for adjustments, not a major overhaul or dismantling of the system.

"We do have a pension problem in South Carolina, and we should address it in a timely, transparent and accountable fashion," says State Treasurer Curtis Loftis.

A bipartisan Senate committee will do just that, according to state Sen. Thomas Alexander, R. "With an unfunded liability of $14 billion, we need to look at all our options," he says. "State retirees need to know that they can count on their retirement."

To learn more about the issue, go to aarp.org/sc.

Health Wave

by Donya Currie - 5/01/2011

The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour is wending its way through South Carolina's Grand Strand this month, offering health screenings to residents of the state's coastal towns. Bus visitors get instant screening results from a certified health professional and access to free information on a variety of health and wellness topics.

Myrtle Beach is a focus town of AARP South Carolina's outreach efforts, in part because almost one in five residents in the surrounding county is age 65 or older.

Find out where and when the bus will stop along the South Carolina coast by visiting aarp.org/sc or calling 1-866-389-5655 toll-free.

Targeting Cancer

by Donya Currie - 3/01/2011

The Center for Colon Cancer Research at the University of South Carolina is working with AARP and other organizations to prevent colorectal cancer.

Although this kind of cancer is the second most lethal in the state, colon cancer deaths are on the decline — a trend health experts attribute to increased rates of colonoscopy. Regular screenings can catch the disease at earlier, more treatable stages and can detect precancerous growths.

The Blue Star Trends public education campaign — named for the blue star that symbolizes colon cancer awareness — will include magazine, television and radio ads, as well as a cancer awareness walk, free screenings, a book signing and a gala event. For details, visit cccr.sc.edu.