Social Security offers a variety of benefits when you need them. Retirement—by far the most widely utilized benefit. Most people need about 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for retirement benefits. You can retire as early as...

Fact: more than one out of five adult Social Security beneficiaries has served in the military. So more than 20% of Social Security benefits are received by veterans. Veterans and their families make up 35% of those receiving...

In the United States, people do a lot to recognize and honor the heroes who serve(d) in the Armed Forces and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. July is an appropriate month to recognize veterans and wounded warriors, as...

Let’s face it – as we get older, our memory does not seem quite as sharp as in years past. While we may not remember where the car keys are, or the name of the actor in the 1974...

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...

We all can fool ourselves when it comes to "sun safety", and precaution. It can be difficult to cover-up when taking in the warmth of the sun. After a long winter, everyone enjoys being outdoors and shedding...

"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...

In today's news, I came across an article discussing a recent study of the nation's nursing homes. This was a state-by-state study. Although we must allow for differences in survey protocol and data collection, there were some...