The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, issued the "Depression Is a Treatable Illness: A Patient’s Guide," in 1993. It is still very helpful for care-share members and teams when seeking help. It tells us: When someone is depressed, that person has several symptoms nearly every day, all day, some at least two weeks. It also provides a chart. You can use the chart to check (x) off any symptoms you or someone you know has had for two weeks or more.

Continuing on with their research, we follow the Hope Foundation as it tests if there is even a link between health and hope. And what is the definition of hope as defined by those of differing degrees of health. This is interesting reading.

Follow a simple experiment and learn how to face challenges; see challenges as overwhelming and you're likely to be defeated; attack them with a plan, support and hope, and you'll overcome.

A new study that we follow tells us that prepared foods contain an average of 8% more calories than what their packaging label says. And restaurant meals can contain up to 18% more calories than what the menu claims. And perhaps the worst news is that the Food and Drug Administration says these margins of error are perfectly O.K. Read on for the whole story.

A new survey on aging by the Pew Research Center finds, as expected, that good health contributes to one's contentment, but it also goes on to find the reverse is also true - happiness leads to good health. Findings also lead scientists to suspect that expectations and the ability to adapt to changing life circumstances also influence happiness. Read all about the relation of good health to happiness.

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor. The worksheet and information is provided by the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).