I have many things to be thankful for
And so do my kids, nieces and nephews
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
My memories of Thanksgiving as a child are some of my most precious. Our (not so large) extended family would gather at my Great Aunt’s house for food (including tons of desserts…my grandfather and his brother owned a few bakeries!) laughter and love.
We would play touch football with our cousins and then come inside...
Where do germs go the other 8 months of the year?
By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times
It’s that time again! The holidays haven’t yet arrived, but the flu season is already upon us. Chances are, the last time you stepped outside, you also saw or heard someone discuss the “bug that’s going around.” But, where’s the “bug” actually going? If you pay any attention to the news, you might think that a newly discovered disease...
County to smokers: Be a quitter
Free assistance being offered to help kick the habit
In observance of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21, the Chester County Tobacco-Free Coalition will be distributing 1,000 free “quit kits” to work sites and community-based organizations in Chester County, a news release from the county Health Department said.
Quit kits, tobacco prevention information, and smoking cessation resources...
Shopping on Thanksgiving a real turkey
Stores open on the holiday, mess with the holiday and hurt Black Friday
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
By now, it is evident how much I love to shop. In fact, hunting for bargains may be one of my favorite things to do…but NOT ON THANKSGIVING.
Black Friday was traditionally the kick-off to the shopping season frenzy. Remember how people would line up at 3:00am for a Cabbage Patch...
What were all those dentists doing in New Orleans?
Annual American Dental Association Meeting highlight tech, learning
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
Just last week more than 24.000 dental professionals gathered in New Orleans for the Annual meeting of the American Dental Association. That’s a lot of dental people in one place. What makes these meetings so important?
As a private practice dentist, I believe it is important...
County fire marshal offers winter safety tips
Extra precautions recommended with space heaters
With winter approaching, the Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office is urging all residents to be extremely careful when using any auxiliary heating device.
Recently, the Fire Marshal’s Office has investigated fires that involved space heaters. “Check the electrical cord and unit for any damage; do not use if any damage is found,” Chief Fire Marshal Harrison Holt said....
State wants to help fund environmental projects
Schools, nonprofits invited to apply for education grants
Educational institutions – both private and public – county conservation districts, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses are invited to apply for funding for environmental-awareness and improvement projects through Pennsylvania’s Environmental Education Grant Program.
Administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection...
Even I can embrace ‘Movember’
While not normally a big facial hair fan, raising male cancer awareness is worthwhile
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
Moustaches are everywhere! From home décor to women’s fashion, moustaches are riding the wave of popularity and the month of November is especially significant because of www.movember.com!
I have to admit that generally, I am not a huge fan of a moustache (or any facial...
Assessment urged during diabetes awareness month
YMCAs to focus on screening, prevention at branch events
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley is encouraging residents of Chester County to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to reduce their chances of developing the disease, a YMCA news release said.
Currently one in three Americans – 79 million people...
