On Our Radar: Anthony Hopkins Slims Down

He's starring turn in Woody Allen's newest film, but Sir Anthony Hopkins is getting rave reviews for the elegant figure he now cuts after shedding 75 pounds.

The Oscar-winning actor dropped the weight the old-fashioned way, by cutting calories and upping his exercise routine. Not only did Hopkins celebrate by donating his former wardrobe to charity, the 70-year-old actor also has emerged as proof that it's never too late to get into shape. A website in Wales exults over the new look of its native son, and Web MD.com has advice on how to follow Hopkins' example.

Two-week diet: Columnist Eric Heiden, an orthopedic surgeon and five-time Olympic gold medalist speed skater, shares his favorite diet to kick-start your body into shedding pounds.

The AMA advises its own: Speaking of doctors, the American Medical Association has taken note of the brouhaha over the statistical boom of baby boomers and suggests that its members calm down and also offers advice about how to prepare for and deal with the coming influx of aging patients.

Today is the day: Remember the new federal health care laws passed last spring? Today, the first full day of fall (how did that happen so fast?), the new rules go into effect and back into the daily headlines. NPR offers a quick and easy checklist of seven changes you can expect. Meanwhile, CNN reminds us this is just the start of the reforms, and outlines what to expect as the full program rolls out over the next four years.

Heart valve hope: An experimental heart valve, implanted without risky surgery, shows promise in treating aortic stenosis, a condition in which the main valve of your heart becomes leathery and constricted and hinders the flow of blood, NPR reports.

Mammograms fading? As treatment options become more sophisticated, medical experts say the benefits of annual mammogram screening programs continues to shrink. Details at MSNBC.com.

The new consumer: Technically, we're told, the recession is over. The reality for most Americans is otherwise, and U.S. News & World Report picks out five ways consumers have changed over the past few years.

Invest like a billionaire: What are billionaires doing with their money? The Wall Street Journal looks into the culture of great wealth and reports on the investing habits of the very (very, very) rich.

Harley-Davidson crash landing? Say it ain't so. Will the cresting wave of baby boomers aging out of the motorcycle demographic spell trouble for the iconic brand, Harley-Davidson? The dire possibility is discussed in The Motley Fool.

More news, please: Would it surprise you to learn older Americans consume the most news?

Road trip! The Blue Ridge parkway turns 75 this year, and MSNBC.com celebrates the storied road with ideas for a road trip to see the spectacular fall scenery.