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The big day has finally arrived. Your boss shakes your hand and wishes you well. Your colleagues gather around a cake and make small talk about landing the big fish in your retirement, or joke about what you’ll do now.

A cardboard box is filled with the contents of your desk: family pictures, trinkets, and stale candy. Your name is off the cubicle, and you wonder what you’ll do for the next 30 years.

One more stop: the benefits office. There you will be asked: How do you want to receive your pension? What does this have to  do with your health?

Dr. Edward T. Creagan says, “Plenty. Because before you can make any decision about your pension distribution, you need to seek the guidance of skilled professionals, such as a financial planner, a tax adviser, an attorney, and-believe it or not-a doctor.”

In the newly released second edition of his book How Not to Be My Patient: A Physician’s Secrets for Staying Healthy and Surviving Any Diagnosis, Dr. Creagan, a cancer specialist, explains why: “Let’s suppose you are generally healthy, with normal blood pressure, no diabetes or heart disease, and your mother lived to a ripe old age. For you, the annuity of a fixed amount every month becomes a reasonable option. You could very well ‘outlive’ the lump sum option you are presented along with the ‘gold watch’-and laugh all the way to the bank.”

“On the other hand, you may have a serious medical condition, such as cancer, and let’s suppose that your expected survival is limited. In that situation, a reasonable option would be door number 2, the lump sum. You and your family would work with professionals to set investments in motion to take care of your family,” he advises.

Retirement decisions are not always as obvious as this. But, Dr. Creagan observes, you will be making decisions about when to take Social Security and when to tap into your 401(k).

“From a practical standpoint, I suggest you see your doctor around the time your retirement is planned. Some minor blood abnormalities or trivial symptoms might lead to a CT scan or EKG, and then to a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. In that case, your financial options would be clear,” he suggests along with much more wise advice for anyone about taking control of their health in this updated second edition of the highly acclaimed book.

Every year, more than 400 people die in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is found in fumes produced by furnaces, portable generators, stoves, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

*  Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.

*  Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

*  Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area, or inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.

*  Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.

*  Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.

*  If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.

*  Install a CO alarm in your home and change the batteries often (just as you do with a smoke detector).

If you smell gas . . .

Escaping or uncontrolled natural gas may start on fire when it comes in contact with a spark or flame. If you smell gas, leave immediately. Don’t touch anything that could spark. Call your gas company or 911 from a safe distance. Do not re-enter the area until you have been advised that it is safe, warns MidAmerican Energy.

Many people pack their bags and head to a sunny vacation spot for spring break. But before you leave your home behind, take some simple steps to ensure it is safe from fire and break-ins. The Better Business Bureau recommends the following steps:

1.Don’t broadcast your plans.Sharing your vacation on social media isn’t advised. Wait and share your photos after you get home. Tell only trusted family members or neighbors that you’re leaving. Putting your plans online or telling strangers could increase the chance a break-in will occur while you’re gone.

2.Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.Potential thieves and vandals often look for piles of mail or papers; a sign that no one is home.

3.Make it look like you’re home.Put timers on indoor and outdoor lights to help deter burglaries. If you live in a snowy area, ask a friend or neighbor to periodically drive onto your driveway to make tire tracks. Ask or hire someone to shovel your driveway. During warmer months, get someone to mow your lawn if needed.

4.Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.Make sure these alarms are working so a neighbor could call for help if needed. Consider having a home security system.

5.Unplug gadgets.Only keep the necessities plugged in, such as your refrigerator. Computers, televisions, coffee makers, and similar items should be unplugged. This lowers your electric bill and the risk of a fire.

6.Lock up.To put your mind at ease, check each window and door one last time before you leave.

With a few simple precautions, you can have a relaxing vacation and come home to a secure, safe home.

Tips for safe & sane travel

See your doctor first.Make sure you and your family are up-to-date on vaccines if traveling abroad. If you need prescription medicines, get enough filled to last throughout your trip. Be sure to pack emergency supplies, such as asthma inhalers or epinephrine for severe allergies.

Check your vehicle.If you’re using your own vehicle to travel, make sure it has been recently serviced. This may include an oil change, fluid check, brake check, and addressing any problems.

Review airline rules.If you don’t fly often, research your airline’s regulations before you pack. Check carry-on bag size limits and any other restrictions. Good resources include your airline’s company website,  the Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov), and the Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov).

Be safe with your wallet.Carry only necessary items in your purse or wallet, such as the credit cards you need and some cash. Consider leaving other items at home, such as excessive amounts of cash and credit cards you won’t be using. Keep your wallet safely on your body. Consider using an anti-theft bag or put it in a front pocket where it’s in your view. Never leave it unattended.