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...
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...
County reminds residents to change clocks, batteries
End of daylight saving time provides chance to check detectors
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 3, and county residents are reminded when turning clocks back an hour, change and test the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
“This one simple step can help save lives,” said Chester County Chief Fire Marshal Harrison “Digger” Holt in a county news release. “Each...
Obamacare – what patients are asking
When patients ask, I answer and share them with you
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, FAGD, Columnist, The Times
As a practicing dentist I have a ringside seat to the healthcare industry. I get asked a lot of questions about the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare – and I thought I would share some of these questions and my take on them.
Since this law is so flawed should we just ditch it and start...
Use Fire Prevention Week to stay safe all year
Observance offers ideal time to take precautions, state commissioner urges
HARRISBURG – State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann today urged Pennsylvanians to take steps to prevent fires in their homes and businesses during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6 through Oct. 12.
“This year’s theme is ‘Prevent Kitchen Fires’,” Mann said in a news release, adding that “kitchen fires are the leading...
County marks week for mental-health awareness
Annual national observance offers time to learn about local resources
To mark National Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) – held the first full week in October for more than two decades - Chester County Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MHIDD) is working to increase awareness and understanding among all residents, a county news release said.
The observance, which...
A great smile makes all the difference
If your teeth keep you from smiling, there are options
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
As a dentist, I am frequently asked questions about how to make teeth whiter, straighter or improve a patient’s overall smile. Based on some compelling arguments it’s no wonder that a great smile is foremost on our minds. Smiling is something that we do on a daily basis but we rarely...
Mosquito-spraying set for parts of Kennett
Effort is part of county initiative to reduce threat of West Nile virus
Weather permitting, the Chester County Health Department will conduct a mosquito-control treatment in portions of Kennett Square, Kennett Township and Pennsbury Township on Thursday between 8 and 11 p.m., said a department news release.
The treatment will be administered with truck-mounted spray equipment. The equipment dispenses...
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,”...
