Good Day Alabama for February 13, 2012

Here is what you saw on Good Day Alabama for February 13, 2012:

BBB - David Smitherman with the Better Business Bureau joined us to explain "The Funeral Rule" and how it protects you....  At an average cost of $7,000, funerals are one the more expensive purchases made by consumers. During an emotionally-charged time it can be easy to spend more than might be necessary. Better Business Bureau recommends the following advice for navigating the funeral process. Most funeral providers offer a variety of package plans that include products and services that are most commonly sold. However, it's important to remember that no package is obligatory and it's important to take the time, even though it may be constricted, to find the individual products and services that you prefer. The "Funeral Rule," enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral directors to give you itemized prices in person and, if asked, over the phone. As outlined by the Funeral Rule, you have the right to choose the funeral goods and services that you want (with some exceptions). The funeral provider must state this "Rule" in writing on the general price list.  If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law. The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket that you bought elsewhere. A funeral provider who offers cremations must make alternative containers available. One way to reduce stress during a time of grief is pre-planning. The National Funeral Directors Association offers a "Bill of Rights for Funeral Preplanning" www.nfda.org/planning-a-funeral/preplanning.html that its members follow. You do not have to prepay for a funeral in order to preplan one, although there may be financial benefits to doing so. BBB has Business Reviews on more than 1,350 funeral homes and mortuary service providers across North America, available for free at www.bbb.org/search.
 
BETH K - UAB Nutritionist Dr. Beth Kitchin joined us to explain bone density. A study published in January in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that women in their late 60's who have healthy bones, don't need another bone density test for another 15 years.  Once we reach our late 60's we are still losing bone strength but that loss slows down quite a bit so if you have strong bones at that point, you probably don't need regular bone density testing. The media headlines on this research tended to be somewhat misleading - the New York Times actually changed their headline after the first headline misstated what the study found. All women aged 65 and older should get a bone density test. But the fastest bone loss for women comes at the time of menopause. When we lose our estrogen, our bone density drops fast.  Women can lose as much as 25% of their bone density in the first five years after they begin menopause. So younger women are actually very vulnerable to bone loss.  So, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that younger women get tested if they are post-menopausal and have other risk factors for osteoporosis. Who Should Get a Bone Density Test?
     · Post-Menopausal Women
     · Low Body Weight and Weight Loss
     · Family History of Osteoporosis or Broken Bones
     · History of Broken Bones or Height Loss
     · Taking Certain Medicines like Prednisone or Dilantin
     · Not Enough Calcium & Vitamin D
     · Lack of Exercise
     · Smoking
     · Too Much Alcohol

Beth recommends that women who are approaching menopause, discuss bone health with their doctors. Menopause is a crucial time for women to preserve their bones and preventing bone loss in these younger years can prevent problems down the road! Visit UAB's osteoporosis education website:  http://www.toneyourbones.org.
 
JEH JEH LIVE - Jeh Jeh worked out as part of Exercise Monday. He was with Mikal Thomas at YMCA Shades Valley. For more information, call (205) 870-9622.

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW - Automotive Expert Doug Brauner showed us never before seen cars & concepts at the Chicago Auto Show including like the new concept from Kia, GMC's new crossover Acadia; 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT/Coupe, Buick's latest edition of the 2013 Encore, and other exciting news from the show floor.

NIKKI REED - Janice talked with Nikki Reed about the dvd release of "Twilight: Breaking Dawn"....  They also discuss Nikki's connection to Alabama - her marriage to Paul McDonald from Huntsville who gained fame on the last season of American Idol. For more information on the movie, visit  http://www.newmoonthemovie.com.

ASK THE GARDENER - Alabama Cooperative Extension Agent Sallie Lee took questions from viewers about their gardening needs. You can reach her at the Extension office with your questions!

THE TAFFETAS - Red Mountain Theatre Company presents THE TAFFETAS February 16 through March 4th. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 PM and catch the matinee on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. All performances are at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North). The Taffetas is a musical revue set in the 1950's that spotlights four singing sisters trying to get their big break  on a nationally televised talent show. The sisters sing, dance and banter through favorites like "I'm Sorry," "Tammy," "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Where the Boys Are." For tickets or more information, call (205) 324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org.

Tomorrow on Good Day Alabama, ready for a night under the big top? We find out how you can enjoy some fun and help children with Autism. Jimmy Rockett joins us with some gardening advice! It's dental month for your pets so we check in with our expert for some advice! We look at new music and movies hitting store shelves! And hot new toys hitting store shelves! We check out the International Toy Show! We get more help with estate planning from Stewart Welch! That and much more tomorrow on Good Day Alabama!