Brushing up on the history of the toothbrush
From the simple to the blinged-out wild, 5,000 years of dental health
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
The toothbrush we know today has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings. The earliest toothbrushes were used by the Babylonians and Egyptians around 3500 BC.
It was more of a tooth cleaning stick than a brush as we know it. Small branches of the olive, sassafras or...
Staying friends after the breakup
It might be hard, but it pays dividends in the long run
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Breaking up is hard enough. The physical, financial, and emotional pain can be unbearable. Yet, what we somehow fail to talk about, and what can be one of the most awkward aspects of a breakup, is what to do about your mutual friends.
You and your ex have probably made a lot of friends together. Even if...
New job? Communication might be your key skill
Find out how to fit in, work well with others to make your career take off
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Here’s what getting a new job looks like these days: bosses are working in different time zones so communication is challenging, departments are being down-sized so the workload is twice what it was, and everyone is talking about being a team player. It’s no wonder people are so worried...
On Your Table: Nothing says Fathers Day like a great burger
Keep it simple for a grilled taste treat
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Show Dad some love on Father’s Day with grilled burgers. They don’t need to be beef by the way, but with a few easy tips and techniques, anyone can grill perfect burgers in honor of Dad’s big day.
If you decide to make beef burgers, the key to making great steakhouse-style burgers at home is...
Is it a good deal or insurance fraud?
Channel 6 ‘consumer’ report may be encouraging patients, dentists to break the law
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
This week while walking by the television in my reception room, I was stopped by a consumer piece on Channel 6 (WPVI) Action News “What’s the Deal?” The segment, by reporter Nydia Han was about finding the best quality dentists with the...
In the blame game, everyone loses
At the end of the day, only you can make yourself happy
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
I had a client come to me, bitter, angry, and practically frothing at the mouth as she raged on about how her ex-husband had destroyed her life and the lives of her children. When I asked her how long ago they were divorced, she answered boldly, “5 years.”
All of us at some time in our lives have blamed...
On Your Table: Farmers Markets in your area
Fresh is best and you can enjoy from local farms — find your local event
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Despite the gloom of this past week or two, summer is arriving across the area and with it the lush produce offered at local farmers markets.
We welcome the fresh foods of the new season. And we are not alone. Across the country, the number of U.S. farmers markets has...
Going Pro: The Art of Communicating
Editor’s Note: The Times’ relationship coach Nancy Plummer is now offering monthly relationship guidance for the workplace, starting with today’s entry.
By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times
We’ve all experienced the frustration of seeing a less qualified or less experienced colleague get the better clients, trips, bonuses or promotions. Before shrugging it off or even rushing...
On Your Table: For Memorial Day, get grilling!
Unofficial start of summer means it’s time to fire up the grill
By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times
Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21st, Memorial weekend unofficially kicks off the summer season, marked by picnics, barbecues and much outdoor dining. A forecast of balmy weather and sunny skies can only add to the fun.
Traditional Memorial Day pleasures...
Toxic Waste may be more dangerous than it sounds to teeth
Super-Sour candy is almost as acidic as battery acid
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
No really – one of today’s hottest super sour candies is called Toxic Waste. Yummy huh? The website for Toxic Waste is full of cartoons, games and challenges. How long can you keep this sour candy in your mouth? Are you tough enough? Now, to be fair Toxic Waste is not the...
