"Arthritis" is not just a word doctors use when they talk about painful, stiff joints. In fact, there are many kinds of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic. That means they can go on for a long period of time.

Medicare pays for many of your health care expenses, but it does not cover all of them. It is important for you to know what Medicare does and does not pay for. This Handbook will help you understand how the Medicare program works and what your benefits are. You can use the alphabetical index at the back of the book to find information on specific subjects. This Handbook is also available in Spanish. (See inside back cover for how to order.)

Everyone feels blue now and then. It's part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being depressed, without letup, can change the way you think and feel. Doctors call this "clinical depression."

Grace was dating again. George, a close family friend she had known for a long time, was starting to stay overnight more and more often. Because she was past childbearing age, Grace didn't think about using condoms. And because she had known George for so long, she didn't think to ask him about his sexual history. So, Grace was shocked when she tested positive for HIV.

When we are in love, we may be "swept off our feet." When we don't want to do something, we are said to have "cold feet." A sensible person "has both feet on the ground." Sometimes we even "vote with our feet."

When Jerry, age 71, came home from the drug store with his latest medication, he placed all his pill bottles on the kitchen counter and counted them. "I take seven different medications," he said to his wife. "We need a system. We need to know what medicines we have, what they're for, and when we should take them."

There are many shots, or vaccinations, that may keep you from getting sick. Some of these shots may also protect you from getting a serious form of the illness. Here is a list of shots that may keep you healthy. Talk to your doctor about which ones you need.