NIH Study Shows MRI Provides Faster, More Accurate Way to Diagnose Heart Attacks
January 30, 2003 - Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology can detect heart attack in emergency room patients with chest pain more accurately and faster than traditional methods, according to a new study supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

HHS Releases $200 Million in Emergency Energy Assistance
January 24, 2003 - President Bush today directed HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson to release an additional $200 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) emergency funds for states, territories and tribes due to increases in home heating fuel prices this winter.

Hypothermia and Older Citizens
January 24, 2003 - Older people who lower the thermostat to cut heating bills raise their risk of hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body's temperature drops for a prolonged period. If you suspect someone may have hypothermia (hi-po-ther-mee-uh), look for the "umbles"-- stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles - these show that the cold is affecting how well a person's muscles and nerves work.

Department of Homeland Security Web Site Launched
January 24, 2003 - Today is the first day of the existence of the new Department of Homeland Security, and Secretary Ridge launched its new citizen-centric website. The site will evolve during the coming weeks as it becomes the central place for information and services for homeland security.

Regulations.Gov
January 23, 2003 - The administration opened a new government web site today where you can find, review, and submit comments on Federal documents that are open for comment and published in the Federal Register, the Government’s legal newspaper.

Guide to Prescription Drugs
January 2003 - Visit our updated guide to prescription drugs. Here you'll find information about drug discounts, assistance programs, descriptions of drugs, and the latest news about the continuing national debate over prescription drugs for the elderly.

National Council on the Aging Announces BenefitsCheckUpRx
January 22, 2003 - The National Council on the Aging is proud to announce the launch of BenefitsCheckUpRx, a free confidential screening tool that provides seniors with a comprehensive and personalized listing of their eligibility for over 240 prescription drug savings programs covering nearly 800 medications. The service is fast, free, and completely confidential.

IRS Free File Is Here!
January 17, 2003 - It’s new. It’s available now. Millions of taxpayers may be eligible. It’s your link to free online tax preparation and electronic filing through a partnership agreement between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, LLC. In other words, you can e-file… free. See if you qualify for Free File.

Study Shows Health Care for Medicare Beneficiaries Is Improving
January 15, 2003 - Medical care for Medicare beneficiaries improved significantly since 1998, according to a study from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that is published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Nevertheless, the study reports that more than a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries still do not receive services that could protect them from disease or prolong life.

FDA Approves New Labels for Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
January 14, 2003 - Based on data from the landmark Women's Health Initiative study, the Food and Drug Administration has approved changes to labeling of all estrogen and estrogen with progestin products for use by postmenopausal women. The changes include a boxed warning that reflects new risk information and emphasizes individual decisions that balance the benefits and potential risks of these products.

Theft of TriWest Records
January 9, 2003 - TriWest Healthcare Alliance maintains computer records containing personal information about members of the military and their families who receive health care services. Recently these records were stolen.

If you believe your personal information, including your Social Security number, has been misused because of the theft of these TriWest records, please visit http://www.consumer.gov/military. To speak to a TriWest Healthcare Alliance representative, please call their toll-free number 1-888-339-9378.

Heating Cost Assistance for Low Income Citizens
January 9, 2003 - For high heating costs in some areas this winter, consider the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You must apply at your State or Tribal office.

Statistical Information on Older Persons
January 2003 - The Administration on Aging has a web page devoted to statistics on the senior population, including the recent report, A Profile of Older Americans: 2002.

Frequency of Light-To-Moderate Drinking Reduces Heart Disease Risk in Men
January 9, 2002 - A 12-year study of 38,077 male health professionals found that men who drank alcohol three or more days per week had a reduced risk of heart attack compared with men who drank less frequently. Men who drank less than one drink a day had similar risk reduction to those who drank three.

National Health Care Spending Increased in 2001
January 8, 2002 - Health care spending in the United States rose to $1.4 trillion in 2001, an 8.7 percent increase over the previous year, according to a report by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Increase in Flu Mortality Rates Underscores Importance of Flu Shots for Elderly
January 7, 2003 – Statement by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson regarding increased rates in flu mortality. Also read the related news release from the Centers for Disease Control.

FTC Announces Final Amendments to Telemarketing Sales Rule, Including National "Do Not Call" Registry
January 6, 2003 - The Federal Trade Commission announced a series of amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) including the development of a national "do not call" registry that empowers consumers to stop most unwanted telemarketing calls.

Generations on Line
January 2003 - Simplifies the Internet for seniors, for free. This self tutorial is available in more than 600 libraries, senior centers, retirement communities and nursing homes around the country. In large type and plain English Generations on Line offers simplified email, searching in 25 languages, links to popular senior subjects, and a discussion with school children about past memories.

Elders & Families
January 3, 2002 - The “Elders and Families” section of the Administration on Aging website is designed to assist older persons and their caregivers quickly obtain information and resources on a variety of aging-related topics.