Countdown to all-electronic Social Security payments begins

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is encouraging recipients of Social Security and other federal benefits to switch from paper checks to electronic payments ahead of the March 1, 2013, deadline. Read More

Centenarians can leave a lasting legacy by donating DNA to science

Living to 100 years old is a remarkable feat in itself, but now 100 centenarians will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could radically change medical care for generations to come. Read More

The rewards of a career as an occupational therapist

What do pediatrics, geriatrics and cardiology have in common? Patients in these three very different branches of medicine can benefit from occupational therapy. An occupational therapist (OT) helps people with disabling conditions to recover or develop daily living skills, such as dressing, cooking and eating. An OT's right-hand man, or woman, is the occupational therapy assistant (OTA). This versatile occupation is proving to be a rewarding career choice for many who are returning to school to heighten employment prospects. Read More

Are little urine leaks a big problem? How to talk to your doctor

Your friend tells you a funny joke, and then it happens. You start pedaling during your spinning class, and it happens again. You hear water running and oops, you know you will also be wet. You might feel frustrated and embarrassed, but you are not alone. In fact, these types of urine leaks are quite common. Up to 50 percent of all women have occasional urine leaks and up to 10 percent have them frequently, according to the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Here's what you need to know. Read More

How credit and debt fall between the generation gaps

Different tastes in music and varying perspectives on history aren't the only factors that define the gaps between the generations. A new credit trends study shows that the generations also differ on how they handle credit and debt. Read More

Move over apples: For some patients, an aspirin-a-day may keep the doctor away

The statistics are staggering: As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular (or heart) disease accounts for more than 2,200 deaths per day, or one every 39 seconds. Adults should know how they can avoid becoming a statistic of heart disease. For many, knowing the leading risk factors and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle will go a long way. Read More

Shopping for a better pharmacy? Have you checked your mailbox?

If you take a regular prescription, comparison shopping for the right pharmacy can be important to your health. One option you may be unaware of puts quality medication and lower costs as close to home as your mailbox. Read More

Road trips: A mature guy's guide to the open road

The classic American road trip is no longer just for cashless college kids; men of all ages are taking to the road for a unique vacation where driving is just as much a part of the trip as the destination itself. If you work hard every day, maybe it's time to exchange that button-up for a casual T-shirt and gather your crew to experience the freedom and adventure of the open road. If you're wondering if a road trip is right for you and your more mature friends, a few practical measures can help ensure it is fun for everyone. Read More

Baby boomers: Don't let your world fall silent

The number of Americans struggling with hearing loss increases by the day. Hearing aids from a generation ago carry the stigmas of being clunky, uncomfortable and ineffective. And many image-conscious Americans ignore their hearing loss because acknowledging it brings negative attention and a perceived weakness. But hearing aid manufacturers have made significant strides in enhancing the natural performance, look and size of the latest hearing aids. Read More

Volunteering: small acts, big change

For many communities across the country, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Whether it's working at a local soup kitchen, visiting a nursing home, mentoring youth, or helping to paint a local house in disrepair, there are many ways to get involved. Read More

Spring cleaning: Dust off your shelves, summer clothes and paper savings bonds

Too much clutter in your life? As you clean and organize your home, don't forget to tidy up your financial affairs as well. Within those old files and shelves you may even find a hidden treasure - unredeemed savings bonds. Read More

Seven effective habits to prevent hearing loss

Hearing loss is common, but the perception that hearing loss is only caused by aging is incorrect. More than 36 million American have hearing loss. Changing lifestyle habits, and treating a variety of health conditions can help to prevent hearing loss. Read More

Boomers: Living comfortably at home in style

As the years pass, Americans in the baby boomer generation are changing the definition of how they want to live comfortably during their later years. Boomers are opting to continue living where they're already secure and happy - right at home. Read More

Retirement planning dos and don'ts

As with most things in life, it's never too early to plan. And even if you are not at the doorstep of retirement, there are some critical dos and don'ts related to retirement planning, that anyone could benefit from. Read More

Surprising facts you should know about hearing loss

When it comes to our health, many Americans have two realities: what we know and what we think we know. When what we think we know is less than accurate, it can be as harmful to our health as the things we don't know at all. Perceptions about hearing loss are a good example of this phenomenon. Read More

Baby boomers - More active than ever with no plans of slowing down

Baby boomers are reshaping everyone's view of aging because they are living healthier, more active lifestyles and have no intention of slowing down. Despite their active lifestyles, many baby boomers and non-boomers alike live with bladder control issues - also known as incontinence. Read More

AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision

While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD. Read More

In retirement, how will you use your nest egg?

Determining how to manage your nest egg during retirement can seem daunting without proper guidance. Here are some tips to get you thinking about your retirement income strategy. Read More

Exercise for healthy aging

When sedentary seniors experience a decline in health - stiff joints, achy limbs, fatigue, even chronic illness - they often mistake the need for more rest when the real prescription is exercise. Read More

Boomers: Big-impact health activities you can do in 15 minutes or less

The American baby boomer generation isn't content sitting still - they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a priority, but that doesn't mean you want to spend long hours each day making sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for yourself only take a matter of minutes each day. Read More

Consuming more fatty acids may reduce symptoms of dry eye

Dry eye is a condition where tears lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision. Tears not only wash away dust, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea and help defend against eye infections by removing bacteria. Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome. Read More

Disability: What you don't know can hurt you

The average adult rushes off each weekday morning to work or school, focused on the busy day ahead. No one ever thinks that one day, suddenly, his or her life will be changed forever by a sudden, unexpected disability. Read More

Financial steps millennials to baby boomers need to know to prepare for disability

Whether a severe disability progresses slowly or occurs suddenly, most people are not financially prepared for a health crisis that forces them to stop working. The results can be financially devastating, both to sidelined workers and their families. Read More

What causes hearing loss for Americans of all ages?

Hearing loss affects millions of Americans of all ages. It can be caused by a genetic defect, an injury or illness, or result from repetitive exposure to loud noises or age. Read More

Avoid becoming 'unscoreable' and maintain your credit history as you age

You've spent your whole life managing your money with flawless proficiency. You have a sparkling credit score and very little debt. But is it possible to get to a point where you have so little debt that you could actually fail to register a credit score? Read More

Addressing the four most common post-retirement challenges

There are plenty of reasons to rejoice about retirement - more time to spend with your family, the ability to travel more and the opportunity to pursue your true passions. But that doesn't mean retirement comes without its challenges. Given these many challenges, most people find it difficult to save enough to guarantee financial security during retirement. Fortunately, there are new options that address these common issues. Read More

Simple cleaning solutions: medicine cabinet makeover

Medicine cabinets are one of the most overlooked areas in the bathroom. People often stock them and forget to ever update products, especially as time goes on. As you age, it's important to reassess the types of products to keep on hand for daily comfort, minor health issues or in the event of an emergency. Read More

Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol

When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. Read More

How to protect your heart and increase your energy levels

One of the secrets to enjoying life while aging is to take care of your heart. Heart health is important for Americans to discuss with their doctors, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. In addition to following a good diet and exercise program, taking an antioxidant supplement like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also a good practice to help maintain a healthy heart. Read More

A colonoscopy can be a lifesaver: simple tips to lower your risk of colon cancer

Every year, colon cancer takes the lives of tens of thousands of mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and friends, despite the fact that with an early screening, these deaths are highly preventable. Read More

Tips to help seniors avoid identity thieves

Tommy and Susie aren't the only ones who love Grandmom and Grandpop. Identity thieves love seniors too. Fortunately, taking precautions - including monitoring one's identity and credit - can help seniors reduce their risk of identity theft. Read More

Five golden choices for investors

In the dark about how to invest in gold? Despite gold's increasing value and popularity, many folks don't know where to get started. If that includes you, you're not alone. Here are five options to get you started. Read More

Ingenious gadgets keep smart gardeners playing in the dirt

Gardeners who like things easy, have mobility issues or get muscle fatigue are always on the lookout for smart gardening gadgets designed to keep them playing in the dirt. This season some of the best gardening gadgets are ingenious and, often low-tech, doing the job they're designed to do brilliantly without added fuss or bother. Read More

Ten steps to conquering heart disease

Heart disease claims the lives of 600,000 Americans each year, and another 12.7 million suffer from heart attacks, yet 80 percent of all heart disease is preventable. Here are some tips for reducing your risk. Read More

Seven simple steps to senior bathroom safety

Unable to complete everyday tasks with the same mobility they once had, many senior homeowners are left with unsafe measures to prevent falling in the bathroom. These may include insufficiently secured towel racks that could fall when gripped for support, shower chairs that are not slip resistant and sliding shower doors that could move unexpectedly when entering and exiting the tub. Here are some tips on what to install in the bathroom to keep it safe for loved ones so they can maintain an independent lifestyle with easier mobility. Read More

Understanding and spreading knowledge about the risks of type 2 diabetes

Knowing your risk for developing type 2 diabetes is the first step in preventing or delaying the disease. Read More

Retirement planning crucial for small business owners

Planning for retirement is crucial for everyone, and it is especially critical for small business owners, the business leaders many cite as the life blood of the American economy. The challenge before American small business owners is keeping their companies financially healthy long-term. This is so that small business owners do not over-rely on the sale of their business alone to take care of them in retirement, and so the business will continue to remain a viable employer in the communities it serves. Read More

Heart disease: first signs different, but threat similar for men and women

While heart disease continues to receive a lot of attention, certain myths surrounding the disease persist. A couple of the most common myths are that heart disease is more common in men than women, and that the first signs of a heart attack are the same for both men and women. Read More

Early colon cancer detection means earlier treatment - what are the treatment options?

Colon cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States because it frequently catches people unaware, according to the National Cancer Institute. But half of the colon-cancer deaths each year could be avoided if every adult older than 50 is screened. Read More

Protecting your nest egg from virtual crows

Just as crows and other invaders can come along to rob a bird's nest, your nest egg can be at risk from predators like identity thieves and scammers. Read More