Breast cancer patients with low levels of vitamin D were much more likely to die of the disease or have it spread than patients getting enough of the nutrient, a study found — adding to evidence the "sunshine vitamin" has anti-cancer benefits. Full story »

Day 1 at Project Walk fell on their 13th wedding anniversary. In years past, John and Marci Pou might have gone to dinner. Instead, thousands of miles from home, Marci watched as John fought to maneuver his broken body. It was June 26, 2006, the start of a regimen that would push John to the limit physically and challenge both of them emotionally and even spiritually. Full story »

For as long as she can remember, Aggie Walters has been overweight. "As a child I wore Husky jeans while my friends were wearing Dittos and Feeling the Fit," recalled the 44-year-old Moorpark mom. "As a teenager I wore a one-piece bathing suit while my friends slipped into teensy-weenie yellow polka-dot bikinis. This continued throughout my life." Full story »

It was only a chair, but it had become his purgatory. Each day that John Pou spent in the wheelchair, his spirit seemed to die a little more. It was a perpetual reminder of the calamity that had brought him and Marci, even the kids, to this place. Full story »

There is no cure for a spinal cord injury, but much headway has been made in clinical research that could lead to one. Other therapies have helped to restore some function in spinal cord injured patients. Full story »

Dear readers: When you called in or dropped off your last prescription, did you check it when you picked it up to make sure that you got what the doctor ordered? Full story »

Dear Dr. Gott: My recent nonfasting glucose was 102, and A1C was 6.21. My physician wants to repeat the A1C in three months and, if it is still elevated, will recommend oral diabetic medication. What is your opinion? I am 82. Full story »

Many women know the story: Work out, diet, follow all the advice in magazines and still, a pocket of fat on the thighs or tummy refuses to disappear. Cosmetic surgery may be unappealing and expensive. So what if someone promised an easy treatment that promises to literally melt the fat? Full story »

In 2006, the nonprofit Donate Life America launched the Donor Designation Collaborative as a nationwide effort to improve organ, eye and tissue donation rates in the United States. Full story »

A semi-pro football player in his younger years, Tom Henry of Ventura continued his athletic pursuits after receiving a kidney transplant at UCLA Medical Center in March 1994. "My failing kidneys took my athletics away from me; my transplant gave it back," said Henry, 51. Full story »

CHICAGO — Snips and snails and puppydog tails ... and cereal and bananas? Full story »

Lynn Peraza had been diagnosed with breast cancer when she first attended Camp Keepsake, a family-style gathering for adult cancer patients and survivors at Camp Mount Crags in Malibu Canyon. Today, she is on the board of directors of the Camarillo-based Cancer Hope Foundation, which sponsors the camp that allows cancer patients, including some in remission, and their families to spend time away from the hectic and often stressful routine of doctor visits and treatments. Full story »

CHICAGO — It turns out the golden years really are golden. Full story »

Community Memorial Hospital officials are unveiling plans for a nearly $200 million construction project that city and hospital leaders say will be one of the biggest and most expensive in Ventura history. Full story »

While progress is being made in cancer prevention, detection and treatment, many racial and ethnic communities, as well as the medically underserved, continue to have higher rates of cancer mortality because they are less likely to be diagnosed early or receive optimal treatment. Full story »