Purdue Best Bets

December 11, 1998 JOURNALISTS: Here are some story ideas and selected Purdue events during the next several weeks. "Best Bets" now is going on vacation until Jan. 8. Purdue tax expert: 1998 tax credits will help families "Taxpayers should become familiar with the new credits effective for the year 1998," says John Hatcher, assistant professor of management at Purdue and a certified public accountant. "One of the biggest boons for families this year is the increase in child tax credits and the HOPE scholarship credit for parents of college students." Hatcher warns that the new credits are limited to taxpayers whose income is below certain levels. "The best way to see if you qualify for some of the new breaks is to read the instruction booklets available from the IRS or to go to the IRS Web site," he says. The Web address is http://www.irs.ustreas.gov. Hatcher also offers the following general tips when looking toward tax time: accelerate any deductible expenditure into 1998 if possible, delay any taxable income into 1999 if possible, and make all possible payments into IRAs and 401(k) plans. Contact: Jack Hatcher, (765) 494-4478; e-mail, jack@mgmt.purdue.edu Don't take a holiday from your medications Holiday celebrations and travel can upset daily routines, making it difficult to stick to a medication regimen. Purdue Professors Nicholas Popovich and Olivia Bennett Wood say it's especially important at this time of year that people know how and when they are to take their medication. Popovich, professor of pharmacy practice, says people should know if their medication is to be taken with or without food, or if they must avoid alcohol. "It becomes important at this time of year when they may be exposed to alcohol at different times of the day, and exposed to more food." He suggests that patients who aren't sure contact their pharmacist for complete information on how the medication is to be taken. People also must use caution in mixing alcohol with over-the-counter remedies, he says. Wood, associate professor of foods and nutrition, suggests that people who are trying to avoid alcohol should be sure to ask the host or hostess if party drinks such as eggnog or punches have been "spiked." She also suggests that people plan ahead so that party snacks and foods don't interfere with medications. "You may have to adjust your schedule somewhat to accommodate special celebrations or meals." CONTACTS: Popovich, (765) 494-5966; e-mail, nick@pharmacy.purdue.edu; Wood, (765) 494-8238; e-mail, woodo@cfs.purdue.edu Events Saturday, Dec. 19. The Purdue Board of Trustees will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 304 (Anniversary Drawing Room), Purdue Memorial Union. CONTACTS: Jeanne V. Norberg, director, Purdue News Service, (765) 494-2084; e-mail, jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu, or Joseph L. Bennett, vice president for University Relations, (765) 494-2082; e-mail, joe_bennett@purdue.edu Sunday, Dec. 20. Fall commencement ceremonies will be at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Elliott Hall of Music. Journalists who want to cover commencement will need tickets and should reserve space for camera equipment. 9:30 a.m. ceremony is for Schools of Consumer and Family Sciences, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and Veterinary Medicine. 2:30 p.m. ceremony is for Schools of Agriculture, Education, Management, Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences, Science, and Technology. CONTACTS: Roy A. Johnson, associate registrar, (765) 494-6163, e-mail, rajohnson@reg.purdue.edu, or Mike Willis, Purdue News Service, (765) 494-0371, e-mail, mike_willis@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page