For second time, county gets top bill of health

National study puts Chesco at No. 1 in Pennsylvania By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left), Terence Farrell, and Ryan Costello are applauding a new study that ranked county as “healthiest” in Pennsylvania. Less than two weeks before the county prepares to celebrate National Public Health Week starting on April 1, it has received good...

Spring into Wellness

A change in seasons can mean a change in our lives By Dr. Matthew Lapp, MS DC, Columnist, The Times Spring is in the air!  Winter has been cold, wet, and biting and now it seems that warm, sunny days are just around the corner.  Similarly, just as nature responds to the seasons of the year, our lives are also influenced by our season of life. In the song Turn! Turn! Turn! (adapted from The Bible,...

State attorney general announces Vioxx settlement

Pennsylvania will get nearly $7 million to help fund prescriptions for seniors State Attorney General Kathleen Kane announces a settlement with Merck over the drug Vioxx. Pennsylvania has reached an $8.25 million settlement with Merck, maker of the prescription drug Vioxx, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced Friday in a news release. After payment of attorney fees and litigation...

Your brain on love: a healthy thing

Love isn’t just wonderful, it has a lot of health benefits By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times Itʼs that time of year again! Itʼs February, and that means that love is in the air. For at least one day this month, all of our attention (whether you like it or not) will turn to the holiday of love. For some people, this is just the excuse theyʼve been waiting for to make a move on a secret...

Public input being sought for hiking/biking initiative

Meeting will focus on Central Chester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan The meeting offers the public the last opportunity to provide feedback before the Chester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan is finalized in March. Attention biking/hiking enthusiasts: The Chester County Planning Commission and the Chester County Health Department would like to invite residents interested...

Screenings urged during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

County’s Health Department calls disease ‘highly preventable’ During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Chester County Health Department want to reminds women of the importance of preventative screenings. “Now is an excellent time to talk with a health care provider about cervical cancer screening and prevention,” Margaret Rivello, director of the Chester County Health Department, said...

Using a holistic approach to create sustainable changes

While New Year’s Resolutions are nice, sometimes, you need a bigger plan By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times At this time of year, many people begin to contemplate their health.  Some of us may even choose to make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, or give up unhealthy habits.  However, the truth is that only about 46% of people who actually make resolutions follow through with...

Reflecting on 2012 and creating a plan for success in 2013

Defining success is often the first step to reaching it By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times I recently had the opportunity to speak with a group of high school students at CASH during National Education Week. A former teacher of mine contacted me, as well as several former Coatesville Graduates, and asked that we speak about “success.” I was honored to have the opportunity to speak with...

County to observe World AIDS Day

Residents reminded to take advantage of free testing The Chester County Health Department offers free, confidential HIV testing at the Government Services Center. In conjunction with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Chester County officials are urging residents to take advantage of opportunities for confidential, free testing. The Chester County Health Department is partnering with Family Services of Chester...

County offers residents shot at avoiding flu

Free clinic to be held during National Influenza Vaccination Week Free flu vaccines will be offered Dec. 3 at the Chester County Library during National Influenza Vaccination Week. Chester County plans to observe National Influenza Vaccination Week – Dec. 2 through Dec. 8 – appropriately: It’s offering a free flu vaccine clinic. In an effort to highlight the importance of obtaining the vaccine...