Even in the “oldest old,” a little physical activity goes a long way, extending life by at least a few years for people in their mid- to late 80s, Israeli researchers found.

It’s a sad fact that muscles shrink as adults age. But new studies are starting to unravel how this happens — and what to do about it.

AP – Bidding for support from Democrats as well as a single Republican, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee gaveled open a long-awaited debate over health care Tuesday with fresh plans to reduce costs on working-class families and impose new obligations on the insurance industry.

HealthDay – MONDAY, Sept. 21 (HealthDay News) — People suffering from the flu may
be at higher risk for having a heart attack, especially those with heart
disease and diabetes, British researchers report.

AFP – US President Barack Obama faced down critics of his health care reform plan on Saturday, with a stark warning that any American could lose their coverage under the current system.

HealthDay – SATURDAY, Sept. 12 (HealthDay News) — The back-to-school season
brings plenty of road hazards and challenges: wet leaves, lumbering school
buses and deer bounding across the lanes.

People who drink regularly seem to exercise more often than teetotalers, and those who average more than a drink or two a day may be the most active, a new study suggests.

Just as there is the endorphin rush of a “runner’s high,” there can also be the valley of despair when something prevents avid runners from getting their daily fix of miles.

Reuters – Pfizer Inc agreed on Wednesday to plead guilty to a U.S. criminal charge relating to promotion of its now-withdrawn Bextra pain medicine and will pay a record $2.3 billion to settle allegations it improperly marketed 13 medicines.

Reuters – President Barack Obama will seek to boost flagging support for healthcare reform next week with a rare speech to Congress after a rocky summer raised questions both about his leadership and legislative program.