Long-Term Care: More Than a Health Issue
As lifespans have lengthened, so too has the time Americans spend in retirement. Healthy retirees can realistically expect to spend 20 or even 30 years in retirement. This trend, coupled with the ever-rising cost of health care and nursing home care, can become a significant factor in planning for a financially secure retirement. As Americans struggle to get financially prepared for retirement, many underestimate the expenses associated with health issues as they age.

Cherries - Mother Nature's Formula for Joint Pain Relief
Are cherries truly fruit for a healthy you? These days people want to take care of themselves and cherries can help. Tart cherries naturally pack a health-promoting punch that provides pain relief for many people.

Take the Guesswork Out of Choosing Home Medical Equipment
The task of remaining independent despite injury, illness or even aging is something seniors are faced with on a daily basis. Whether in-home medical supplies are needed permanently -- or just temporarily -- accepting and addressing certain physical limitations can be frightening and confusing.

What is Tiny in Size, Red in Color and Packs a Healthy Punch Against Joint Pain?
The answer is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . tart cherries! Ongoing research has shown tart cherries contain high concentrations of potent antioxidants that have been shown to potentially alleviate joint pain caused from gout and other joint inflammation symptoms.

Looking for a Way to Get to Know Your Grandkids? Spend Some Time Getting Creative
Grandparents have a special role in the lives of their grandchildren. They provide unconditional love and support, and they also serve as a link to the extended family and a child's history. A great way to spend one-on-one time with your grandkids is by passing on a craft, skill or special knowledge. It gives you an opportunity to talk, listen and get to know each other better.

Designing a Home of the Future . . . For Your Future
If the phrase "The House of the Future" makes you think of old re-runs of "The Jetsons," think again. Recent innovations in intelligent home design won't turn your house into a Space Age marvel or a jumble of confusing gadgets, but they will help it run more efficiently and economically.

Facts Foil Fake Drug Plans
The Medicare Rx Education Network is urging Medicare beneficiaries to pay close attention to mail and phone calls they receive about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. As people in Medicare receive information about various prescription drug plans, they can help make sure they are dealing with a legitimate, Medicare-approved plan rather than a scam artist.

Important Information Helps Simplify Medicare Choices
People receiving Medicare benefits who have prescription drug coverage through a former employer or union will begin getting letters this month that compare their current drug coverage to Medicare's.

Medicare Agency Says Look for Important Handbook in the Mail
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun mailing Medicare beneficiaries a Medicare & You 2006 handbook. The handbooks are state specific and include a listing of the Medicare-approved prescription drug plans available in the beneficiary's state.

Prescription Checklist Helps in Choosing Medicare Drug Plan
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is sending every beneficiary in the country a "Medicare and You" guide, which includes information about Medicare's new prescription drug benefit. How will you know which plan is right for you?