Boomers: Big-impact health activities you can do in 15 minutes or less

[March 02, 2012]  (ARA) -- The American baby boomer generation isn't content sitting still -- they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a priority, but that doesn't mean you want to spend long hours each day making sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for yourself only take a matter of minutes each day. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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7 simple steps to senior bathroom safety

(ARA) -- One in three seniors over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for the elderly. Slick floors, small spaces, sharp edges and few things to grasp make mobility difficult and increase chances for dangerous falls. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Medicare Part B deadline approaching

If you didn't sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when you first became eligible for Medicare, you now have an opportunity to apply — but time is running out. The deadline for applying during the general enrollment period is March 31. If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until 2013 to apply.  (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Heart disease: 1st signs different, but threat similar for men and women

(ARA) -- While heart disease continues to receive a lot of attention, certain myths surrounding the disease persist. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol

Enjoying an egg a day can be part of a healthy diet

(ARA) -- When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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New CMS durable medical equipment demonstration

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be implementing a new demonstration project in 7 states (including Illinois) that will require physicians and medical equipment companies to submit prior authorization requests to Medicare when ordering a Power Mobility Device (PMD). (Power Mobility Devices are scooters and electric wheelchairs.) (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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Tips on reading your 'Medicare Summary Notice'

The Illinois SMP program has received multiple complaints this week* from Medicare beneficiaries who have noticed claims on their Medicare Summary Notice that were inappropriate. In one case, an Illinois resident was billed for services she did not receive at a hospital that is in another state. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision

(ARA) -- While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD. (Click here for the rest of the story.)

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