YMCA wants to help make resolutions stick

Members who hope to pursue healthier lifestyles will get assist
Hundreds of people make annual New Year’s resolutions to get fit, lose weight, or improve their overall health – often losing the resolve rather than the pounds.
This year, the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, which is dedicated to strengthening communities through healthier living, is offering programs to help people keep those...
The winery tasting room – what exactly is that?

Note to readers: this is the first installment of what we expect to be a monthly column on wine — focusing on Chester County wineries, their products and offering a little guidance about wines, how they’re made, sold and differences between varieties.
By Lele Galer and Alicia Lyons, Special to The Times
Most wineries around the world have tasting rooms which are designed for you to try a...
Don’t ‘should’ on yourself

Making overly hard judgments about yourself isn’t productive
By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times
As another year end quickly approaches, this is a great time to take a moment away from the rush of the holidays and reflect on the past year.
Many of us started the year with resolutions, goals, and intentions about how 2013 would unfold. For some people, life may have happened exactly as...
Area YMCAs offering free holiday tryout

From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, residents can sample offerings at no charge
The only string attached to this holiday gift is the hope that the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley will be able to attract your patronage, its officials say.
From Dec. 26 to 31, YMCAs in the area will be open to the public for free – just in time to counteract the traditional holiday stress and overeating. Even better: The YMCA...
Brandywine Health Foundation presents scholarships

Three area nursing students receive awards at holiday reception
Ashlie Krejci (front, from left) of Immaculata University, and Rachel Heisler and Bridget Phillips, both from the West Chester University School of Nursing, were each presented with a $1,000 Cardiac Rehab Nursing Scholarship from the Brandywine Health Foundation. Behind them (from left) are Jay Rooney, a co-f0under of the Maria Rooney...
Porcelain laminate veneers – something to smile about

You can create an entirely new smile in just a few visits
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
What is a veneer? For more than 20 years dentists have had the technology to create lifelike appearing veneers to give teeth a flawless appearance. Also known as laminates, veneers are usually custom made from porcelain. Porcelain veneers can make uneven or crooked teeth appear straight....
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...
Progress seen in plan to end homelessness

County officials applaud collaborative Decades to Doorways initiative
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell (right) discusses the Decades to Doorways initiative, with its administrator, Michael Hackman.
Born in South Carolina, Juanita moved to Coatesville with three young children. Hoping to find a better life, instead she encountered hardship...
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...