The swine flu vaccine is now plentiful across the country, and most states are encouraging people of all ages to get shots to prevent another wave of illness and deaths. - 9 hours ago

The decision by Jackson Health System affects 175 patients, and leaves some to rely on emergency rooms for life-sustaining treatments. - 9 hours ago

The settlement came after bitter litigation over conditions at the hospital’s psychiatric unit, which the suit called a “chamber of filth, decay, indifference and danger.” - 9 hours ago

Only people with severe depression benefit from antidepressants, says research published in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. Others do better with nonmedical approaches. Antidepressant medications probably provide little or no benefit to people with mild or moderate depression, a new study has found. Rather, the mere act of seeing a doctor, discussing symptoms and learning about depression probably triggers the improvements many patients experience while on medication. - 2 days ago

Former smokers have a greater risk of developing diabetes than smokers or nonsmokers. But researchers say that's due to the pounds people tend to gain after quitting. Smoking raises the risk of diabetes, but new research indicates that -- at least in the short term -- kicking the habit increases the risk even more. - 3 days ago

Instructors shuffle exercises between cardio and muscle building, and participants foster camaraderie not found in gyms. When the New Year's resolution calls for getting in shape fast, joining a gym and pushing yourself hard every day probably won't happen. What will work? Having someone scream, "Drop and give me 20!" - 4 days ago

Don't get too skinny -- a new study found that fat mass helps build bone mass, especially in girls. - 34 hours ago

Don't expect to feel motivated; just take those first steps to reinvent your mind, body and spirit Don't expect to feel motivated; just take these first steps to reinvent your mind, body and spirit. - 34 hours ago

President reportedly likes option better than higher levy on wealthy -- President Barack Obama told top Democratic House members on Wednesday that he favors a tax on insurance companies offering more expensive health care plans as a means of extending health insurance to millions of people who are not covered, according to a person familiar with the meeting. - 34 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In case the prospect of nearly $4,000 in prescription assistance isn't enough to perk up low-income seniors, the government is using '60s singer Chubby Checker to publicize "the twist" in the Medicare drug program.... - 39 minutes ago

Dieters can't believe everything they read: The food at many popular chain restaurants and in the freezer section of the supermarket may contain a lot more calories than advertised.... - 10 hours ago

NEW YORK (AP) -- Looks like doctors aren't the only ones who should scrub before surgery. Bathing patients with an antiseptic and squirting medicated ointment up their noses dramatically cut the rate of dangerous staph infections afterward, researchers found.... - 2 days ago