(ARA) - Seeing the results of their federal tax return is a happier experience for more Americans this year. From credits for homebuyers and energy-efficient home improvements, to increases for the Earned Income Tax credit and standard deduction, the majority of taxpayers will receive a bigger refund or less tax owed on 2009 returns.

Despite the number of tax changes, experts agree doing your own taxes is still easy, fast and affordable. "The key this year is to get organized beforehand and to allow for a bit of extra time to make sure you don't leave any money on the table," says Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, the makers of TaxACT.

(ARA) - Is it possible for your entire life to change in one afternoon? Jonathan Cottom believes so. He attended the American Diabetes Association EXPO in Pittsburgh, Pa. and came away a completely new outlook on the disease he has had for 31 years.

"I thought I knew everything about diabetes, but I was wrong," says Cottom. "I attended the EXPO and learned how to better control my diabetes for myself and my family."

(ARA) - It's not too late to resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2010. The road to sustainable weight loss can begin when you get rid of weight loss myths that might be standing in your way.

For all the good information out there on how to improve your health, there are a lot of weight loss myths that continue to circulate. Weight Watchers, the world's leading provider of weight management services, debunks some of the most common and controversial weight loss myths, and provides some timely tips to help you make healthy changes in 2010:

(ARA) - As one year ends and another begins, all eyes remain on Congress and the two health bills that will shape the U.S. health system in 2010 and beyond. The American Medical Association has been a regular presence in the health reform debate and has outlined a set of guiding principles for health system reform that will benefit patients and physicians.

"Health care reform has been a major focal point for the AMA and Congress for most of this year, and as the year draws to a close we are closer than ever to achieving health care legislation that will benefit all Americans," says AMA President Dr. J. James Rohack. "We need reform that builds on what works in our system and fixes what doesn't, and we are committed to staying involved in the process to improve the final legislation for patients and physicians."