According to a TODAY Show report, Americans think that a family of four would need to earn a minimum of $58,000 a year, just to get by, a new Gallup survey finds.

(BPT) - Imagine what it’s like to slowly lose your vision over time - until one day you no longer can read, see the faces of loved ones or participate in your favorite hobbies. While most people accept achy joints or muscle weakness as part of the aging process, eyesight is a critical factor in maintaining a high quality of life and independence.

(BPT) - As the population continues to age at an unprecedented rate, the concern about age-related eye disease comes more into focus.

(StatePoint) With more women rising to top positions in business and government, the topic of women and their capacity for leadership has been all the buzz in the media lately.

(BPT) - Warm weather is here, which means many homeowners are beginning new DIY projects. Have you included home safety on your list?

The beautiful days of summer are here again. The sun is out, the air is fresh, the grass is green and the opportunities are endless for fun-in-the-sun birthday parties. The three summer months – June to August – rank in the top five for most American births, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. So chances are good you’ll be hosting or attending a summer birthday this year. You can go to the waterpark or visit the batting cages any day, but your child’s birthday is special.

You may be surprised to learn that, according to 2010 Census data, there are now as many residents in Oro Valley under the age of 18 as there are over the age of 65. No longer just a retirement community, Oro Valley is now taking a look at its new profile and asking an important question: Are we meeting the needs of all residents?

Here’s an interesting fact: it’s possible to purchase a more expensive, newer home and achieve the same annual operating costs associated with owning an older, existing home.

(StatePoint) When the weather heats up, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system quickly becomes a most valuable player in your home life and stays that way for several months. However, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 3 million HVAC systems fail each year. Do you know if it’s time to maintain, repair or replace your air conditioning system?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem in the United States, impacting more than 25 million Americans, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Kidneys perform many important functions in the body, including regulating and controlling the production of red blood cells. When kidneys are not fully functioning, the production of red blood cells can decline and cause anemia in many CKD patients. A major cause of this anemia is iron deficiency. In fact, according to the U.S. Census and National Institutes of Health, there are more than 1.6 million CKD patients in the United States living with iron deficiency anemia, commonly referred to as IDA.

(BPT) - Wedding day traditions vary ever so slightly from decade to decade based on music, fashion and cultural change. However, today’s newlyweds have a distinct issue that their parents probably didn’t face a quarter century ago – which sectional couch stays, and which one goes?

Town council and staff are proud to say that Marana has been one of the region’s success stories over the past few years.

(BPT) - More than 39 million Americans 16 and older lack a high school diploma, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. And while a new survey indicates their reasons for dropping out range from lack of parental support to becoming parents themselves, those seeking a second chance at an education often find hope in General Educational Development (GED) programs.

That’s a key finding of a recent Bellevue University study. Another finding is that in many cases, women are leading this charge—one in 10 women report returning to the workforce to help make ends meet. These findings are in line with data from the U.S. Census Bureau that shows the number of stay-at-home mothers fell from 5.3 million to 5 million.

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and Walk-thru Bethlehem at Vista United Methodist Church.  This interactive, family-friendly journey through ancient Bethlehem reenacts the night Christ was born. Take a guided tour among village shops, meet and mingle with town residents, and encounter Roman soldiers. Guided tours begin every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m. (Each tour lasts approximately 40 minutes).  You’re welcome to dress in period costumes.

The numbers we should all be concerned about: 23% is the largest portion of our workforce in Pima County.  This sector works in the service industry. Followed by Government sector at 19%.

Thelma Grimes’ recent editorial (Oct. 10 edition) “Thoughts on Candidates” deserves a response. Apparently Thelma does not like my debating style or the questions that I ask of my opponent. Rather than tell you I believe Thelma is biased I would ask you to listen to the Buckmaster debate she refers to? Then you can decide if I’m “hulk angry” or simply a passionate debater asking the tough questions.  The podcast of the debate is posted on the Bill Buckmaster website at, http://www.buckmastershow.com.  

The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission will host a debate for House of Representative and Senate candidates in Legislative District 9 at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4. The debate will be at the Pima Community College Downtown Campus located at 1255 N. Stone Avenue in Tucson.    

(BPT) - - It’s hard to think about getting older, but it’s even harder to think about having to move out of the comfort of a beloved home when advanced age makes it difficult to get around your space easily and safely. But with today’s technologies, it’s easier to update your home in ways that make it possible for you or a loved one to age in place gracefully, without being forced to make major changes in the home’s structure or decor.

Kirkpatrick running from record

(BPT) - – Whether it’s a disagreement among friends, a conflict at work or a face-off between family members, no one likes to be in the middle. Yet that’s exactly where millions of Americans live, these days: between two generations of loved ones that need their time and attention.

This week, we celebrate our Independence. Today (Wednesday) many families will have barbecues, head out to community celebrations and end the day watching fireworks (if the weather allows). Aside from Christmas, I can’t think of a holiday more dedicated to unity and family. 

Brendan Burns, 33

On Sunday, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announced she will resign from her District 8 seat in order to allow more time to recover from a gunshot wound to the head she suffered on Jan. 8, 2011.

Marana and Oro Valley town officials have some concerns with the congressional and legislative maps approved by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission last week.