CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS

Tools

health encyclopedia

Health Encyclopedia

Find information about medical conditions, symptoms, and medical procedures.

drugs a to z

Drugs A-Z

Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more.

Voices

Richard Cohan

A Diminished Man?

By Richard M. Cohen

Living with chronic illness often means measuring success by a different, even unconventional, yardstick.

Elinor Ginzler

Keeping Rx Costs Affordable

By Elinor Ginzler

The prices of most drugs are rising faster than the pace of inflation, but there are several resources available to help you and your family cope with medication expenses.

AARP Programs

Health Care Reform: Health Action Now

Join AARP in the fight for health care reform and have your voice heard.

Divided We Fail

The Divided We Fail effort advances the idea that partisan gridlock should not stand in the way of affordable health care and long-term financial security for all Americans.

The Quiet Crisis: The Rising Costs of Health Care

Symptom Checker

Medical Disclaimer

All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

The Cancer-Screening Controversy

By Sandra G. Boodman

woman in examination room

Can getting routine cancer scans backfire? Experts debate whether the risks of frequent tests outweigh the benefits.

Ben Vereen Takes the Stage for Diabetes Awareness

From Prime Time Radio

In a wide-ranging interview, actor Ben Vereen talks about living with diabetes, dealing with adversity, and celebrating the arts.

Man sleeping

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

By Michael Haederle

People with chronic sleep problems can benefit from a simple new therapy. Learn more.

From the Online Community

Group: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Group: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Learn about treatments and discuss current research on this disease.
Join Group

Group: Vision Changes – Options

Group: Vision Changes—Options?
Learn the pros and cons of cataract surgery. One user's driving abilities have been affected.
Join Group

Miracle Drugs—With a Hefty Price Tag

By Mary A. Fischer

Biologics are giving renewed hope to thousands of patients with cancer and other devastating illnesses. But are the benefits worth the physical and financial risks?

Don't Forget: Driver's License...Keys...MEDS LIST

From Prime Time Radio

Share your personal medication record with providers to help them better manage your meds—and carry it with you always in case of an emergency. Here's how to create one.

Really Need Those Bone-Strengthening Meds?

By Nissa Simon

Women whose bones have begun thinning but who don't have osteoporosis may not need the Rx. Bone-loss drugs have serious side effects.

4 Ways to Tell If You're At Risk for Diabetes

By Sheryl Kraft

If you answer 'Yes' to these four questions, consider getting screened. You could stop diabetes before it starts.

6 Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

By Melissa Gotthardt

Simple things like exercising, eating the right foods—even turning down the lights at night—can help keep the disease at bay.

Catching Alzheimer's Early

By Barbara Basler

A brain-imaging breakthrough could speed diagnosis and aid treatment. A blood test is also in the offing.

Cool Down Your Heartburn

By Nichele Hoskins

Plagued by acid indigestion, meal after meal?

Here are 7 ways to find relief.

AARP Health Benefits

AARP Health Insurance Benefit

Affordable Healthcare? Consider it Done

Insurance & Plans: From Major Medical to Medicare Supplement, find the right health insurance plan for you.

Discounts & Savings: Pharmacy, Vision & and even Fitness discounts provide everyday savings for you.

More to Explore

senior woman playing video game

Video Games for Grownups
Read our latest reviews—with adult players like you in mind—of video games across multiple platforms.

Travel Expert Peter Greenberg

Are airlines giving you worry lines? Need the latest news on the best cruise? AARP.org travel columnist Peter Greenberg can help.

More From AARP

'Tis the Season

three senior women

... to be stress free! Read up on how to stay relaxed this holiday season.

Reform Health Care

health reform and action now

Join AARP in the fight for health care reform. Make sure that you speak up now!

Healthy and Cheap!

woman with big smile ready to bite an apple

There's no need to eat junk to save cash! These 50 healthy foods cost less than $1 per pound.

Member Discount

floral arrangement

Save 20% and receive same-day delivery on floral arrangements from Teleflora.

Lost Your Job?

Education volunteer Robert McMann teaches his students in Guyana

The economy is just one factor that's driving older people to volunteer. Want ideas?

7 Anti-Aging Foods

olive oil

Add these foods to your daily diet in order to help turn back the hands of time.


Got Clutter?

boxes of clutter

Ready to get organized ... once and for all? You've come to the right place!

Things You Got Right

Three generations

Your kids used to com- plain about your parenting style. Now they're copying it.

Panama Canal

sail boat

What is the best time of the year to sail through the Panama Canal?

A Call for Action

stack of pancakes

Los Amigos call for action every Wednesday with pancakes, passion, and patience.

Support a Veteran!

soldier coming home

You can help people who've served, par- ticularly when they're ill or troubled.

Never Stop Learning

cowboy on a bucking bronco

Discover how to enrich your education and work your brain on your next vacation.