Free Republic

Actor Wilford Brimley died Saturday morning after a long illness. He was 85. News of his death was first reported by TMZ, who said that he passed away at home after a long illness. No cause of death has yet been reported, though sources told TMZ that he had been on dialysis for days.

Wilford Brimley, who worked his way up from stunt performer to starring roles in films such as “Cocoon” and “The Natural,” has died. He was 85. Brimley’s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital. He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments, she said. The mustached Brimley was a familiar face for a number of roles, often playing gruff characters like his grizzled baseball manager in “The Natural.” Brimley’s best-known work was in “Cocoon,” in which he was part of a group of seniors who discover an alien pod that rejuvenates them. The...

Well, your ollll' marty was recently diagnosed with early stage Type II Diabeetus. Doc prescribed pills that sound like some Yankee RINO's name: "Metformin." I'm doing all the Intarweb research that I can on the topic but I'd like to hear FReepers' personal takes on what to look for in a blood glucose monitor. I figure if I'm going to be using this monitor for awhile it should be a good one. The one the Doc suggested -- that my insurance would most readily pay for -- doesn't get good reviews at all ("wildly inaccurate readings"). Your input please!

TUESDAY, Oct. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Every American over the age of 45 should be screened for both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, a U.S. task force has recommended. "For people with abnormal blood sugar, changes in their lifestyle, such as eating healthier and exercising more often, can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. The best way to do that is to participate in a program that supports these behaviors. That's why we're recommending that people who are at increased risk be screened," Dr. Michael Pignone, a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force,...