A majority of affluent older Americans who are nearing retirement share the same concern — that health care costs could strike a blow to their retirement plans.

You’ve probably read a restaurant guide or review before going out for a special dinner. And you’ve probably scanned a consumer review or two before buying a new or used car. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place where you could get information on the quality of hospitals in your area?

Senior Public Affairs Specialist with the San Francisco District Food and Drug Administration Janet McDonald will speak to the Alameda Rotary Club Tuesday, Feb. 16, at noon. McDonald will discuss the agency’s recent enforcement actions. Lunch included. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Anita Hollerer-Squire has lived in Alameda for three years. She is originally from Austria, and has spent many years travelling around the world. Her husband is part of Artemis Racing, the Swedish team that took part in the 34th America’s Cup races in 2013.

The National Weather Service is forecasting significant winter storms this season that are expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, high surf, wind and associated hazards to the Bay Area.

The Coast2Coast Rx Card program has saved Alameda County residents more than $7.5 million dollars since its start. Both the Board of Supervisors and the California State Association of Counties endorse the program.

The biggest news in Medicare for 2016 is the Part B premium. I’m happy to report that for most people with Medicare, the premium will stay the same as it was in 2015: $104.90 per month.

The Mountain Wave Search and Rescue team in Washington State is not your average emergency response team. Using volunteers and no paid responders, the team has logged more than 150 rescues in more than 7,000 hours while covering some 60,000 miles — in just one year. 

Since the holiday season comes but once a year, while good cheer and celebration is the focus, these celebrations cause trash bins to fill up with extra waste. This year, don’t be so quick to toss everything in the trash, because a lot of items can be recycled, and remember, Santa is watching.

Part B is medical insurance. It covers professional fees for doctors and other health-care providers, outpatient treatment, durable medical equipment, home health services, and preventive care like flu shots and screenings for cancer and heart disease.