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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 17, 2021 Page 19 Mayor announces comprehensive Language Access Plan M ayor Gary Christenson recently announced a fully funded Language Access Plan (LAP) for the city. The plan, the byproduct of an extensive eff ort by the Mayor’s Offi ce to identify the various ways local government interacts with Malden’s diverse population, is noteworthy for both its comprehensive coverage and fi nancial commitment. “I’m pleased to provide a detailed plan that will ensure we deliver a truly successful, inclusive approach, with the resources needed to deliver on the plan and the commitment to measuring its eff ectiveness,” said Christenson. The LAP will identify the city’s approach to the topic in all key areas. Funding in the amount of $350,000 is provided to execute the plan over a two-year period, after which the City of Malden can evaluate the metrics and adjust the plan based on real measurable experiences. A major component is funding for a Language Access Coordinator who will drive its execution, assist city departments and measure the success of the approach for future adjustments. The mayor noted that Communications Director Ron Cochran and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Bybiose Larochelle will work together with the Language Access Coordinator to ensure true, measurable success of the initiative. “Success in the implementation will truly be a team effort,” he said “I want to thank our community members and the Malden City Council for their advocacy. I believe that this comprehensive approach is a critical step toward making sure that all residents can access services and engage in city government.” ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Middlesex Divison Docket No. MI21P6408EA Estate of: Joseph Charles Bono Also Known As: Joseph C. Bono Date of Death: November 5, 2021 INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Advocate Call now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Sheila M. Bono of Malden, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Sheila M. Bono of Malden, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve Without Surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. December 17, 2021 ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Desirable Ranch Style Home situated on a 7,200 square foot lot located at the end of a dead end street. This home offers 3 bdrms. on the main level w/ full kit. w/ ceramic tile floor, fireplace livrm., bow window, 12x12 famrm. addition (1986) off the kitchen w/ lots of windows for plenty of natural sunlight. Hardwood flooring throughout. The lower level offers 4 additional rms., kitchenette, fireplace livrm. and 2 additional rms. one which is partly finished, ceramic tile flooring through out the lower level. There is also a 12x12 deck off the back of the house along w/ an entertainment size, composite patio and fenced in yard. Offered at $579,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. a y avvy S iorenniiooro a avvyavvy iori n r by Jim Miller Pill Splitting: When it’s safe and when it isn’t Dear Savvy Senior, When is it safe, or not safe, to split pills? I have a cousin who cuts almost all her pills in half in order to save money, but I’m wondering if she’s going overboard. What can you tell me about this? Curious Cousin Dear Curious, Pill splitting – literally cutting them in half – has long been a popular way to save on medication costs, but your cousin, if she hasn’t already done so, needs to talk to her doctor or pharmacist because not all pills should be split. The reason pill splitting is such a money saver is because of the way drugs are manufactured and priced. A pill that’s twice as strong as another may not be twice the price. In fact, it’s usually about the same price. So, buying a double-strength dose and cutting it in half may allow you to get two months’ worth of medicine for the price of one. But is it safe? As long as your doctor agrees that splitting your pills is OK for you, you learn how to do it properly, and you split only pills that can be split, there’s really no danger. Ask Your Doctor If you’re interested in splitting your pills, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to fi nd out if any of the medicines you use can be safely split. It’s also important to fi nd out whether splitting them will save you enough money to justify the hassle. The pills that are easiest to split are those with a score down the middle. However, not every pill that’s scored is meant to be split. Pills that are most commonly split are cholesterol lowering drugs, antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines. Use a Pill Splitter Having the right equipment is very important too. Don’t use a knife or scissors to cut your pills in half. This can cause you to split them unevenly resulting in two pieces with very diff erent dosages, which can be dangerous. Purchase a proper pill cutter that has a cover and a V-shaped pill grip that holds the pill securely in place. You can fi nd them at most pharmacies for $5 to $10. For convenience, you might be tempted to split the whole bottle of pills at once. But it’s best to do the splitting on the day you take the fi rst half, and then take the other half on the second day or whenever you are scheduled to take your next dose. That will help keep the drugs from deteriorating due to exposure to heat, moisture, or air. It will also help ensure that any deviation in the size of one dose is compensated in the next. It’s also important to know that pills are only safely split in half, and never into smaller portions such as into thirds or quarters. Don’t Split These Drugs Some pills should never be split. Drugs that are time-released or long-lasting and tablets that contain a combination of drugs probably shouldn’t be split, because it’s diffi cult to ensure a proper amount of active ingredient in each half. Pills with a coating to protect your stomach, and pills that crumble easily or irritate your mouth shouldn’t be split either, along with chemotherapy drugs, anti-seizure medicines, birth control pills and capsules containing powders or gels. Again, your doctor or pharmacist will know which drugs can and cannot be split. If you’re taking a medicine that can be split, you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor for twice the dosage you need. Then you can start splitting and saving, safely. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Classifieds

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