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In the Spotlight

5 Things to Say — and Not to Say — to a Sick Friend

A guide to the best (and worst) things to say to someone who's ailing or grieving. read

Dirty Colonoscopy Instruments?

More outbreaks have been linked to reusable contaminated endoscopes than to any other medical device. Read

2013 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50

NIH tops the list and the top 5 have one thing in common – They are all in the health sector. read

Quizzes

stay healthy

Do You Really Need That Colonoscopy?

Some older Americans are being screened too often, others not enough. read

10 Drugs That Can Cause Memory Loss

Are you having trouble remembering things? One of these meds may be the problem. read

9 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Pain, fever, shortness of breath ? when are these a temporary bother or something much worse? read

Health Discoveries

Good Side Effects of Meds

New research finds some common drugs can help prevent cancer, improve heart health and even enhance creativity. read

Aspirin Use and Vision Loss: Are They Linked?

Some studies say yes, but that doesn't mean you should stop taking low-dose aspirin. read

Does Coffee Protect Against Oral Cancer?

New study says drinking 4 or more cups of coffee daily may decrease risk. read

be a smart patient

7 Medical Tests and Treatments You May Not Need

Think twice before getting these procedures or meds. read

Doctor explaining medication to female patient.

10 Questions Women Should Ask Their Doctors

Speak up about mammograms, menopause and more. read

4 Surgeries to Avoid

Why you should think twice before going under the knife. read

from the
experts

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Ways to Reduce Costs and Improve Benefits

AARP's CEO discusses ways to improve Medicare and secure Social Security — without cutting benefits. read

Jump In! The Social Media's Fine

The explosion of social media has an important message for older Americans: Get on board. read

I Have COPD, and My Drugs Cost $1,800 a Month. Help!

Adjusting your medications could improve your quality of life — and save you money. read

What If I Haven't Worked Long Enough to Qualify for Medicare?

You may have more options for coverage than you think. read

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Video Extra

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SAFETY FIRST: The death of a patient due to an easily preventable error inspires Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center to mend its ways — and set its sights on becoming one of the safest hospitals in America.