About a year before my mother-in-law passed away from cancer, her oncologist said nothing more could be done to treat her illness. He did not volunteer how much longer she might live, nor did he indicate how the remaining course of her disease would likely unfold. Here’s the surprising part: This doctor’s omissions were perfectly legal in the state in which he practiced. That’s because there is no law in that state that required him to disclose such information unless the patient specifically asked for it or he was proposing a treatment that required her to either accept or reject it.Read More »Three Questions to Ask Your Doctor

We all look forward to summer: sultry afternoons in the backyard, long weekends in the woods, vacations at the beach.

But summer can also be fraught with dangers that do more than ruin your day. As we get older, we’re more susceptible to heatstroke, not to mention the sprains and strains that come with increased activity.

The best way to enjoy summer activities with friends, kids and grandkids? Be prepared.Read More »Summer Survival Guide

You may have heard of the “golden hour,” that short window of time when medical attention must be administered for an injury or illness. Once the window closes, the chances of successful treatment diminish greatly, and any risks may then outweigh the benefits. Here are some of the most important examples of medical conditions that you should know about.Read More »Five Medical Conditions to Treat Immediately

1. We count on you not to show up. About 50 percent of people who start an exercise program quit within six months. If more members started coming regularly, it would be chaos in here. Here’s a tip to help you stick with it: Start slow. People who quit typically push themselves too hard at first and get discouraged.Read More »13 Secrets Gyms Probably Won’t Tell You

The weather outside is frightful, and the fire may be delightful, but that doesn’t mean there’s no place to go. Beat cabin fever with these 100 things to do across Wisconsin this winter.Read More »100 Things To Do In Wisconsin In The Winter

The FDA’s BeSafeRx initiative is a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of buying prescription medicines from fake online pharmacies. This campaign provides the resources to help consumers know the risks and signs of using fake online pharmacies, as well as the resources to locate safe, state-licensed online pharmacies.Read More »BeSafeRx: Know Your Online Pharmacy

You’re not paranoid—germs really are out to get you. But not from the much publicized diseases such as Ebola. The real risk comes from mundane microbes lurking where you might not expect them. Here’s where they are and what to do about them…Read More »The Germiest Spots in Public Places

Fewer than half of Americans older than 65 have a living will (also called an advance directive), according to a recent Consumer Reports National Research Center survey. “The ramifications of not having one are so severe that it’s bewildering that more people don’t do it,” says Howard Krooks, past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Without that document, which spells out your health care wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself, your loved ones will have to guess. If they disagree, the problem could end up in court.Read More »No living will? What you must know about end of life documents