Last July I wrote a blog item commending the city of Lodi for steering clear of the underfunded retirement health benefit mess that Stockton fell into.

The city of Lodi is not setting aside enough to pay for health care for its retirees now or in the future, according to a recent report.

For the last 15 years, Rick Grewel of Stockton has been a passionate pilot. 

(StatePoint) Are you having trouble landing a job and you’re not sure why? The right skills and an impressive resume may get you an interview, but getting hired is another story.

Larry Lawrence stands on the main patio at Viaggio Winery, picking through a ring of keys to open a locked wooden door. It leads to the room where he and his wife, Terri Lawrence, had hoped to open a little sandwich counter to serve visitors to Viaggio, a dramatic estate on the Mokelumne River.

(BPT) - It’s no secret that Americans love their pets. When it comes to U.S. pet ownership, 39 percent of households own at least one dog, and 33 percent own at least one cat, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Furry family members bring joy and excitement to a household, and providing the best care possible helps ensure pets have a long, healthy life.

Each year, American workers miss 100 million workdays due to the flu alone. There’s a trace of irony in that number: Many of those days wouldn’t have to be lost if those who were sick stayed home, preventing the transfer of germs and viruses within the office.

(BPT) - A flu outbreak in your workforce can cause problems in several different areas of your business. The best flu prevention is encouraging and educating workers on how to be proactive at fending off the flu virus. By making sure your employees do the best they can to stay in good health and flu free, you can keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.

Germs are everywhere and, because we can’t see them, it makes it that much easier to catch a cold or the flu. Due to such a hard-hitting flu season this year, it’s even more important to take precautions to help you and your loved ones stay healthy. With a few simple steps, you can protect yourself in a matter of minutes.  

(NewsUSA) - Nearly 1.5 million families lose their homes to foreclosure each year because of unpaid medical bills, according to an article published in the Health Matrix: Journal of Law Medicine.

(BPT) - Today’s busy families are always on the go, which means less time for shopping, preparing and eating food. However, there is one thing you can’t skimp on no matter how fast you’re going, and that’s food safety. From grocery shopping to reheating leftovers, you can use several tips to ensure that the food you eat isn’t going to make you or your family sick.

The News-Sentinel newsroom can be the scene of some wacky comments from time to time, either to relieve the tension of the day or because there's a wide variety of humor and quirks among our staff.

Dear Barbara: Since bacon has been cured, is it OK to eat it soft, or do you have to cook it until it is crisp?

(BPT) - You research what museums and restaurants you want to visit, plan everything you’re going to pack, and count down the days until you leave. Anticipating a vacation is exciting – unless you suddenly get sick. Falling ill before or during your trip can derail the fun quickly, and that’s why it’s so important to add a few steps to your pre-vacation checklist that can help you stay healthy.

(BPT) - Is holiday gift buying causing you stress? Searching for a gift that is practical, yet personal? You are not alone in the struggle to find the “perfect gift.”

(BPT) - Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 800,000 reservists and national guardsmen have been called to leave their civilian life to serve the military full-time, with more than 250,000 pressed into active duty more than once.

Something was missing at the Republican National Convention earlier this year. Something, or perhaps someone.

It looks like things have improved significantly since we last spoke. There are plenty of reasonable options playing in local theaters (I have not yet seen “Seven Psychopaths,” “Sinister” or “Looper,” but I’m sure they’re all worthwhile in one way or another), and the good times should keep on rolling over the next few weeks with “Cloud Atlas,” “The Man with the Iron Fists” and, of course, “Skyfall.”

(BPT) - - Many Americans put a great deal of trust in our country’s health care system and the health care professionals who tend to their medical needs. But from time to time, a medical procedure doesn’t go according to plan.

(BPT) - – Which vaccinations should adults get? If you answered, “I don’t know,” don’t worry – you’re not alone. A new national survey of adults in the United States reveals that more than two-thirds don’t know which vaccinations they need beyond just the flu shot. Adults need vaccinations not only to protect themselves from serious diseases but also to prevent spreading illnesses to their family, friends and other loved ones. Millions of Americans get sick from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines each year, causing them to miss work and leaving them unable to care for those who depend on them, including children and aging parents.

The fall season is almost upon us, friends; pumpkins, butternut squash and apples galore! As it approaches, regardless of the heat, all I can think about is cozy dishes like home-cooked soup. Below are three of my favorite soups — enjoy.

Nurses who work at seven San Francisco Bay area hospitals operated by Sutter Health are set to walk off the job Tuesday morning as part of a one-day strike.

Dear Barbara: You write frequently about food safety. That brings up a question concerning “sun tea.” It sits out in the sun for hours and no one seems to mind; plus I have not heard of anyone that got sick from drinking sun tea. Can you give me any info on that? — Kylie from Lodi

Dear Pharmacist: My life’s never been the same since 2004. Overnight, I developed arthritis, vertigo, headaches and fatigue. I used to run every day! I’ve been to 10 doctors for never-ending symptoms too embarrassing to list. Last week, I fell in love with you Suzy because you wrote about “Lyme Disease” and I looked it up. It explains my life. I called my doctor, but she said Lyme isn’t common here, and dismissed me, so I’m stuck now. Can you offer guidance? — S.N., Chicago