Colorectal cancer usually starts with polyps in the colon or rectum, abnormal but benign growths that if left untreated can turn into cancer. A painless test called a colonoscopy, performed under sedation, can help find and remove the polyps....

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the U.S. (after lung cancer). More than 140,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer were diagnosed in 2010...

"Following the doctor's orders" -- can greatly reduce total healthcare use and costs. But I know my parents are not good about this. When in consultation with their primary care physician, they acknowledge understanding the conversation. They...

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030, nearly 20% of the U.S. population will be age 65 or older -- based on 10,000-plus baby boomers now turning 65 every day. The Institute of Medicine reports that more than...

As many Americans push toward retirement, there is an ever-present worry regarding whether seniors will outlive their financial resources. That is, will their money run out before they die? Social Security benefits help to cover the financial needs...

You qualify for Social Security benefits by earning credits when you work in a job, or are self-employed, and pay Social Security payroll taxes. In 2014, you receive one credit for each $1,200 of earnings, up to the maximum...

As a follow-up to last week's post, we provide greater detail concerning Medicare Part B benefits - along with a reminder to those eligible to enroll NOW! Acknowledgements for much of this information sourced directly from the Social Security Administration... "Most...

As we start to organize ourselves in 2014, it is important for many seniors to take advantage of medical benefits and enroll in Medicare. The following timely reminder is provided by an e-newsletter received from the Social Security...

Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services, referred to as "Independence Plus" can cover a wide range of goods and services, but there are limitations. For example, the following are not covered through "Independence Plus"... -- Any service duplication....

The Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services program is designed to allow veterans who are potential candidates for nursing home placement to receive a comparable level of care in their own homes. This program ("Independence Plus") enables veterans...