Health and Human Services Director, Howard Ko, is trying to close the gap between rich and poor and the disparities in health care between these groups.

From higher infant mortality to lower life expectancy, the poor and minorities suffer the worst inequities within the health care system.

The government is taking steps toward fixing the problem without straining the budget.

The plan being released Friday runs the gamut from improving dental care for poor children to tapping “promotoras,” savvy community health workers who can help guide their Spanish-speaking neighbors in seeking treatment.

It’s age old question that we’ve all considered at on time or another.

We are exposed to radiation daily through cell phone use, television and small appliances but is the radiation exposure at the dentist of particular concern?

Although thyroid cancer is one of the most survivable of cancers it is also believed that a rise in the incidence of certain cancers can be attributed to medical radiation exposure.

The jury is still out, however, and further studies need to be done to alleviate fears.

Finding the best hospital for your needs can be difficult. Thanks to US News.com for taking the time to select the best hospitals by rank out of the nearly 5,000 which were considered.

That is why U.S. News has published the Best Hospitals rankings for 21 years: to help guide patients who need high-stakes care because of the complexity or difficulty of their condition or procedure. For 2010-11 we analyzed 4,852 hospitals, virtually every one in the United States, in 16 specialties from cancer and heart disease to respiratory disorders and urology. Only 152 centers appear in even one of the 16 specialty rankings. Fourteen ultra-elite Honor Roll hospitals had very high scores in six or more specialties.