For doctors, how old is too old?
Many doctors practice into their 70s and beyond. Hospitals are starting to require aging physicians to demonstrate that they’re still fit.
Doctors say being frail can be avoided and even reversed among the elderly
![Doctors say being frail can be avoided and even reversed among the elderly](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/frailty--90x60.jpg)
Resistance training can slow the natural loss of muscle mass.
An insurer’s overpayment becomes an unwitting patient’s responsibility
![An insurer’s overpayment becomes an unwitting patient’s responsibility](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/005sugarbakerA1353542411--90x60.jpg)
Three years after a surgery whose costs she thought were fully settled, a woman receives a bill for $9,000.
Study identifies possible new risks from popular sedatives
![Study identifies possible new risks from popular sedatives](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/PHO-06May02-35803--90x60.jpg)
Prescription drugs such as Valium and Xanax may raise chances of pneumonia, a new study says.
Fluid retention is often just annoying
![Fluid retention is often just annoying](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/10/05/National-Politics/Images/148134788.jpg)
However, edema can also be a sign of serious illness. See a doctor if the condition persists.
Earthquake risk prompts man to stock food, train daughter in self-defense
![Earthquake risk prompts man to stock food, train daughter in self-defense](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/iStock_000004410844Small--90x60.jpg)
Also: From Delaware’s horseshoe crab to New Zealand’s velvet worm, the creatures that time left behind.
A Nobel Prize winner discusses the potential impact of her discovery
![A Nobel Prize winner discusses the potential impact of her discovery](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/GREIDER7-photo1009 11-49-07--90x60.jpg)
Understanding telomeres might aid fight against cancer and age-related diseases, biologist says.
Where did that transplant patient’s face come from?
![Where did that transplant patient’s face come from?](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/04/Interactivity/Images/crop-face-compos21354565171--90x60.jpg)
An anonymous donor supplied the tongue, teeth and jaws for a man disfigured in a gun accident.
Healthiest U.S. cities for women include Bethesda and Washington
![Healthiest U.S. cities for women include Bethesda and Washington](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/1212shape--90x60.jpg)
Also: A circuit workout based on the year’s top workout DVDs.
How green is a Christmas tree? As you trim, consider the carbon footprint.
![How green is a Christmas tree? As you trim, consider the carbon footprint.](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/Michigan_Daily_Life_02501--90x60.jpg)
Artificial types may not be better, since they’re tied to more greenhouse gas emissions.
Positive attitude may make it harder for people to spot scams as they age
![Positive attitude may make it harder for people to spot scams as they age](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/10/Web-Resampled/2012-12-10/Aging_America_Rural_Retirement_Medicare-09184-2377--90x60.jpg)
Judging a face to be untrustworthy may depend on a portion of the brain that is less active in older people.
The Checkup
![Jennifer LaRue Huget](/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/jennifer-huget-80x72.jpg)
Physical activity may add years to your life
New research finds physical activity may add years to your life expectancy.
The Checkup
![Jennifer LaRue Huget](/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/jennifer-huget-80x72.jpg)
Should ‘morning-after’ pill be prescription-free for all ages?
Should emergency contraception be available without a prescription to women of all ages?
The Checkup
![Jennifer LaRue Huget](/rw/WashingtonPost/Content/Staff-Bio/Images/jennifer-huget-80x72.jpg)
In ‘Sexy Baby’ film, a look at navigating porn- and social-media-filled world
New film documents three females' efforts to navigate a world in which pornography, pop culture and social media exert enormous influence.
More from Health & Science staff
Health, Science & Environment Videos
![Watch the 2012 solar eclipse, viewed from Australia Watch the 2012 solar eclipse, viewed from Australia](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/13/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/Travel-Trip-Eclipse_Tourism-0a327.jpg)
Watch the 2012 solar eclipse, viewed from Australia
Watch the solar eclipse that occured 3:30pm EST, which was only viewable from Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands.![Watch the 2012 solar eclipse, viewed from Australia Watch the 2012 solar eclipse, viewed from Australia](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/13/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/Travel-Trip-Eclipse_Tourism-0a327.jpg)
Watch the 2012 solar eclipse, viewed from Australia
Watch the solar eclipse that occured 3:30pm EST, which was only viewable from Northern Australia and the Pacific Islands.![Nor’easter evening forecast from the Capital Weather Gang Nor’easter evening forecast from the Capital Weather Gang](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/07/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/APTOPIX_Superstorm_Noreaster_03fcb.jpg)
Nor’easter evening forecast from the Capital Weather Gang
The Washington Post’s Jason Samenow explains what Nor’easter’s heavy wet snow and 40mph winds will mean for residents in the D.C. metropolitan area.![Capital Weather Gang previews winter outlook for D.C. Council Capital Weather Gang previews winter outlook for D.C. Council](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/10/19/Health-Environment-Science/Images/capweather.jpg)
Capital Weather Gang previews winter outlook for D.C. Council
Capital Weather Gang previews winter outlook for D.C. Council![Mei Xiang vocalizes distress Mei Xiang vocalizes distress](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/09/24/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/mei-xiang-distress.jpg)
![Quick glimpse of National Zoo’s baby panda Quick glimpse of National Zoo’s baby panda](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Content/Blogs/compost/Images/National_Zoo_Panda-06d6b.jpg)
Quick glimpse of National Zoo’s baby panda
The National Zoo’s panda cam caught a shot of mother panda Mei Xiang picking up her cub on Monday evening.![Visitors flock to National Zoo to see baby panda Visitors flock to National Zoo to see baby panda](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/sites/twpweb/img/blogs/spacer.gif)
Visitors flock to National Zoo to see baby panda
The National Zoo’s giant female panda Mei Xiang gave birth Sunday night. Visitors joined the new mother at the zoo Monday to celebrate the new baby.![Flooding in Slidell after Hurricane Isaac Flooding in Slidell after Hurricane Isaac](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/30/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/Slidell.jpg)
Flooding in Slidell after Hurricane Isaac
Parts of Slidell, a suburb of New Orleans, are flooded Thursday in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. U.S. Army National Guard members and residents with boats evacuated people stuck in flooded areas of the town.![Isaac bears down on New Orleans Isaac bears down on New Orleans](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/29/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/IsaacScenesD2Grab.jpg)
Isaac bears down on New Orleans
Tropical Storm Isaac, which was downgraded from a hurricane, continues to slowly ravage the New Orleans area. Lake Pontchartrain crashes onto Interstate 10 North outside the city to flood the area, and people asses damage around the city.![Hurricane Isaac provides major surf at Louisiana lake Hurricane Isaac provides major surf at Louisiana lake](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/29/Health-Environment-Science/Videos/Images/LakeGrab2.jpg)
Hurricane Isaac provides major surf at Louisiana lake
New Orleans residents take advantage of big waves and high winds before Hurricane Isaac makes landfall at Lake Pontchartrain.Health news from the wires
Why was teenager gasping for air?
![Medical Mystery](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/10/29/Web-Resampled/2012-10-29/_tn_1001.5.2897839063_uMQdBiIiEeKsheZph2xqJA_mystery--90x60.jpg)
Coughing spells confounded multiple specialists, but not an astute physician assistant.
NASA to Mars rover: Are you there?
![Activity lead Bobak Ferdowsi, who cuts his hair differently for each mission, works inside the Spaceflight Operations Facility for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. The Curiosity robot is equipped with a nuclear-powered lab capable of vaporizing rocks and ingesting soil, measuring habitability, and potentially paving the way for human exploration. (AP Photo/Los Angeles Times, Brian van der Brug, Pool)](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/08/06/Health-Environment-Science/Advance/Images/Mars_Curiosity-0dff1.jpg)
How the space agency can communicate in a matter of minutes with the Mars rover Curiosity.
Special Reports
![](https://webharvest.gov/congress112th/20121212110457/http://img.wpdigital.net/rf/image_172x114/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/02/28/Health-Environment-Science/Images/PH2010062802740.jpg)
Obesity in America 2010
One-third of U.S. children are overweight, leaving the health and productivity of an entire generation at risk.
Elsewhere in National
The Post Most: NationMost-viewed stories, videos and galleries int he past two hours
Chatological Humor: A discussion on Brian Murtagh
Live Q&A; transcript
Gene Weingarten discussed his feature article on Brian Murtagh’s fight to keep Jeffrey MacDonald behind bars.