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While feeling sad or "blue" happens to everyone occasionally, feeling that way all the time does not have to be the natural order of things. Sadness that does not pass requires intervention.Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:QUESTION: How do you know if you're experiencing depression? After all, doesn't everyone have bad days?ANSWER: Being clinically depressed is very different from the "down" type of feeling that all people experience from time to time. Occasional feelings of sadness are a normal part of life, and such feelings are typically referred to as "depression."When you're clinically depressed, however, your feelings are out of proportion to any external causes. There are things in everyone's life that are possible causes of sadness, but people who are not depressed manage to cope with these things without becoming incapacitated.QUESTION: How do you know when depression is severe enough to seek help?ANSWER: See a doctor or behavioral health care professional when symptoms of depression arise without a clear precipitating cause, when emotional reactions are out of proportion to life events, or when symptoms interfere with day-to-day functioning. You should definitely seek professional help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

A study by an interdisciplinary team of researchers in the Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona demonstrates that over a four-year period, weight-bearing and resistance exercises combined with calcium citrate supplementation provide significant improvement in bone mineral density of postmenopausal women.Building BMD is extremely important in preventing osteoporosis, the gradual loss of bone density from the skeleton that often results in fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.

More than 50 million Americans are candidates for laser eye surgery.Although elective procedures are not normally covered by insurance, there are some unique ways to pay for laser eye surgery, including some help from the IRS.Recent changes in tax laws now allow you to utilize your medical flex spending dollars to pay for the procedure, saving you as much as 40 percent, depending on your tax bracket. A flex spending account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to pay for eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.If your employer does not offer an FSA, LASIK now also qualifies as a medical expense tax deduction.

An unusual investigator can make life better for you.Dr. Sean Abbott spends his days tracking down the fungal spores, allergens and bacteria that make millions of people sick.While it's virtually impossible to wipe out every culprit, there are ways to keep bacteria, mold and allergens in check:When humidity is high, make sure bathrooms, kitchens and basements have good air circulation.If you're sensitive to mold and dust mites, opt for "washable pillows." Pillow covers and pillowcases may not provide sensitive people enough protection and foam pillows are not washable.To control pet dander, vacuum your mattress weekly when you change the linens.Consider removing upholstered chairs and throw pillows and installing shutters or blinds instead of heavy draperies.By North American Precis Syndicate