By Rita R. Robison Hearing loss affects nine million older adults in the United States today. It's one of the most common health problems in the country – but also one of the most under-diagnosed and undertreated. May is Better Hearing Awareness Month and Older Americans Month. The National Council... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are America’s largest age group so far, and a fascinating group they are. Boomers are leading corporations, serving as governmental officials, heading up non-profits, worrying about retirement, and experiencing layoffs at a higher rate than younger workers. They’re also... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison The Federal Trade Commission is charging that the nation's largest third-party billing company placed more than $70 million in bogus "cramming" charges on consumers' phone bills in violation of a previous court order. The FTC is asking a federal court to make the company pay more... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Toys R Us Inc. are recalling of about 21,000 inflatable Banzai in-ground pool water slides. During use, the slide can deflate, allowing the user to hit the ground underneath the slide and be injured. The slide is also unstable and can topple... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison Today, I’m thinking about my mom, Ruth L. Slingsby. She was a good kid. That’s what she used to say to me even when I was an adult. My mom passed away on July 14, 2005. Here’s a tribute I wrote to her recently. Today, I’m... Read more →

There’s no doubt about it. Being a mom in these modern times can be stressful. Women are more likely than the general public to cite as sources of stress family health concerns – 57 percent for women, 53 percent for the general public – and family responsibilities – 62 percent... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison Mother's Day is Sunday, and it's crunch time to get mom that perfect gift. It’s getting too late to order from the Internet, but you can check out dealnews.com for ideas and to see what stores are offering bargains and coupons. If you still haven’t bought... Read more →

Flowers, candy, gift baskets, jewelry, and spa treatments may be at the top of the Mother’s Day shopping list, but consumers need to be careful. “Mother’s Day shoppers should be thinking about ‘when’ and ‘where’ to buy, especially with online orders and last-minute purchases,” Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of Better... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison The average person celebrating Mother' Day is expected to spend $153 on gifts, up from $141 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $18.6 billion, the National Retail Federation said in a statement. Consumers will give mom special meals and/or outings, clothing, electronics, flowers, and... Read more →

By Rita R. Robison Christmas Tree Shops is recalling about 6,200 Farm Glass & Metal Spiral Tea Light Holders. Due to the design of the product, the tea lights can burn with a high flame, posing a fire hazard to consumers, the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission... Read more →