Forget the Ebola hype, it’s flu that kills in the U.S.

County-wide flu vaccination & prevention programs ramp-up By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times Thousands of county residents have begun rolling-up their sleeves to get vaccinated and help stop the spread of the influenza virus, commonly called the flu.  Some lucky eligible residents are even able to “sniff” the nasal mist vaccine version instead. While there has been much press and focus...

Health Department: Make mosquitos unwelcome

Officials offer tips on avoiding threat of West Nile Virus Along with warmer weather comes those pesky mosquitos – and the threat of West Nile Virus, says the Chester County Health Department. Officials want to remind residents that the best way to control mosquitoes, which can transmit the virus to humans, is to get rid of standing water on your property. In a news release, the Health Department...

Topics range from beer to discount health care

County commissioners hold ‘on the road’ meeting at Parkesburg Borough Hall By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone show off the fedoras they received at Parkesburg Borough Hall. PARKESBURG – At their latest “on the road” meeting last week at Parkesburg Borough Hall, the county commissioners...

Chester County students help kick butts

Essay contest sponsored by Health Department, Tobacco-Free Coalition WEST CHESTER -The Chester County Tobacco-Free Coalition (CCTFC) and Chester County Health Department hosted the Seventh Annual Kick Butts Day youth essay contest public reading event this week at the Chester County Government Services Center. In front of a crowd of family, friends, school personnel, community members, and State Rep....

Free vaccines scheduled in city for uninsured

Shots will be available at Coatesville Center for Community Health The Coatesville Center for Community Health will host a free adult vaccine clinic on Monday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The free vaccines, available to those 19 and older who are uninsured or under-insured, will be provided by the Chester County Health Department. The vaccines will include shingles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B,...

County: Jan. is Cervical Health Awareness Month

Health officials issue reminder that vaccine prevents most cervical cancers  January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and the Chester County Health Department wants to remind women of the importance of screenings and vaccination to help prevent cervical cancer. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV (human papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. Nearly...

Observing National Influenza Vaccination Week

County to offer free flu shots Monday at Exton library Don’t take chances with your health, urges the county, which is offering free flu shots on Monday, Dec. 9. In observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 8-14), the Chester County Health Department will offer the free vaccinations – recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older – at the Chester County Library in Exton from...

Scaring up some Halloween safety tips

County Health Department offers frighteningly good  advice To keep a scary holiday safe, the Chester County Health Department is offering the following tips: Walk Safely Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Put away cell phones, iPods and other distracting devices and stay focused on your surroundings,...

Schoolchildren following road to improved safety

County agencies combine efforts on International Walk to School Day Elementary schoolchildren learn the rules of the road during International Walk to School Day (IWTSD) this past week in West Goshen Township. The horde of schoolchildren may have given some West Chester residents pause this past week, but the throng of youngsters had assembled for a good cause:  International Walk to School Day (IWTSD). In...

County offering Worksite Wellness program

Businesses invited to sign up for 6 months of education, screening Since most Americans spend the majority of their waking hours at work, the Chester County Health Department is encouraging county businesses, large, medium and small, to introduce a six-month start-up Worksite Wellness program. “Bringing wellness directly to your business has the potential to benefit both employer and employee,”...