Foundations for Life is the staff blog of the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. Follow along as members of our team discuss all things health and wellness as it relates to their day-to-day lives! They’ll talk healthy living, personal experiences, family life, exercise, nutrition and so much more, providing fresh perspectives and a wide array of topics for your reading pleasure each week. Share, comment and join the conversation!
Oct
10
Where to Get Started with Mental Health
This year, World Mental Health Day is centered on suicide prevention. Suicide rates have been rising steadily over the past decade. Today, it’s the 11th leading cause of death in Pennsylvania.
Oct
03
Does Social Media Harm Teens?
With so many teens using so much social media, what adverse effects is it having on them, and what can you do as a parent to reduce the consequences?
Oct
01
How to Explain Food Safety to Your Child
Did you know September is National Food Safety Education Month? Food safety is an issue that affects us all, regardless of age, and it encompasses a lot more than the ill-advised “three-second rule” after food hits the floor.
Sep
25
Keeping Your Garden Growing into Fall
Summer may have come to an end, but your gardening doesn’t have to. Whether your passion is for growing ornamentals or vegetables, you can continue to reap the health benefits of gardening into the fall and winter months.
Sep
19
The Latest Tips on Preventing Dementia
Some believe dementia is a normal part of the aging process – it’s not. Dementia is a syndrome that is typically progressive, deteriorating cognitive function beyond what is expected from healthy aging. Many people live their whole lives without exhibiting signs or symptoms of dementia.
Sep
17
Healthy Aging Month: Run (a little) for a longer life.
While running isn’t the only way to keep your heart healthy, for weekend warriors and moderate everyday athletes, it is one of the most accessible. To reap the cardiovascular benefits of running, all you need is an inexpensive pair of quality running shoes and a track, trail or treadmill.
Sep
12
While most of us have the potential to occasionally snore, about 40% of adult men and 24 percent of adult women do it habitually. Is snoring a sign of something more sinister than simply being irritating to others? Can it be a symptom of something more troubling other than be an annoying obstacle that’s hindering you from reaping the benefits of a good night’s sleep?
Sep
10
3 Types of Yoga You Didn’t Know Existed
Yoga has grown so common that 14.3% of U.S. adults have made the exercise part of their fitness routine. Whether it’s for your physical or mental health—or just a way to relax—it seems we’re always learning more ways yoga can positively affect our bodies.
Sep
03
Why You Should Eat Purple Food
Purple foods like concord grapes, plums and sweet cherries are delicious, but what do they do for your health?
Sep
03
Pottstown Community Health Events for September 2019
There’s nothing like the fall air. Here are the health and wellness events happening around the Pottstown area this month so you can get your outdoor time in before winter arrives.
Aug
28
The Stress/Gut/Immune System Link
The strain of everyday stress can lead to headaches, heart disease and high blood pressure. But did you know stress can alter your gut bacteria, and ultimately harm your immune system?
Aug
22
Why We Love Chili Peppers (And You Should, Too!)
When we looked at the top 100 foods as ranked by scientists, several peppers and pepper-derived foods made the list. But why did chili powder and chili peppers rank higher than the others?
Aug
14
A Reminder on the Exercise/Education Relationship
Today is Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute 2019, an annual conference that helps educators strategize ways to bring physical activity into classrooms—and ultimately benefit education.
Aug
08
In the News: Juice and Soda Linked to Cancer
We previously talked about the ties between processed foods and cancer. Do sugary drinks like fruit juice and soda have a similar link?
Aug
01
Pottstown Community Health Events for August 2019
There are plenty of opportunities to get outside with family before kids head back to school and the brisk autumn air hits.
Jul
23
While measles is still considered extremely rare (with fewer than 1,000 cases in the US per year), experts say that measles could rebound if more people don’t get vaccinated.
Jul
18
Try These 4 Refreshing, Nutritious Summer Recipes
We wait all year for the warm weather, so let’s enjoy it with delicious, healthful recipes!
Jul
11
Preview: Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute 2019
On August 14, 2019, The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation will host the annual Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute (HBHMI) at The SunnyBrook Ballroom...
Jul
01
Pottstown Community Health Events for July 2019
Want to stay active throughout July? Here are three Pottstown events you might be interested in.
Jun
27
National HIV Testing Day: What to Know
June 27 is National HIV Testing Day each year, when people ages 13 to 64 are encouraged to get tested for HIV and seek care and treatment if needed...
Jun
21
Eat the Season: Summer (w/Bonus Recipe!)
Today is the first day of summer—and time for delectable meals made with fresh produce! Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue or quiet picnic in the park, you’ll want to stock up on what’s in season.
Jun
17
Read Our Summer 2019 Community Benefit Report!
Our Summer 2019 Community Benefit Report is now available. Learn about Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute 2019, our latest board and staff additions, and more!
Jun
13
Getting Your Vital Nutrients: Potassium
The most commonly known facts about potassium are (1) that it’s important for our diets and (2) that bananas are a great source of it. But do you know how potassium helps your body? Or what a potassium deficiency can cause?
Jun
04
Pottstown Community Health Events for June 2019
This is the prime time of year for you and your family to get outside and get active. Make some time to check out or sign up for these events.
May
30
Safe Exercises for Seniors
In honor of the 26th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day, here are some tips for exercising later in life.
May
23
Bringing the #TrashTag Challenge to Pottstown
Have you ever found trash in your favorite park, playground or trail? In that moment, did you wish people were more aware of keeping community spaces clean? There’s finally a global movement to address the issue—one that marries community action with social media.
May
15
A Reminder on Workplace Wellness
Employees are growing more aware of the need for workplace wellness. Self-care has become more than just a fad, and 44% of employees sometimes feel burnt out at work.
May
10
Pottstown Community Events for May 2019
If you have any spare time between grilling, beach vacations and gardening, there are some great health-related activities this month that we think you’ll enjoy!
Apr
30
3 Myths About Soy Foods: What You Need to Know
Soy is a hot grocery item, with various forms ranging from tofu, milk, edamame and cheese to soy sauce and textured soy protein products (burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, etc.). But despite this increase in popularity, there are still some widespread misconceptions about soy bean products and their effects on the body.
Apr
25
An estimated 10-100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells reside in every person's body. This collection of beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microbes is called the microbiome. Although it makes up a fraction of the human body, the microbiome helps with digestion and the immune system and produces vitamins.
Apr
17
Crunch Appeal: Spotlight on Celery
Have you bitten into a crunchy stalk of celery lately? If not, it might be time to reintroduce yourself to this versatile veggie. There’s more you can do with celery than just put peanut butter on top.
Apr
15
See How “We Fit Together”
After a little extra waiting, the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation finally got to celebrate 15 years in style! The event, “We Fit Together,” gathered Foundation staff, grantees and community leaders to recognize how we’ve collectively inspired the Pottstown community to make healthier choices.
Apr
03
Out for a Walk? Try These Trails
It’s National Walking Day, and a perfect time to re-acclimate yourself with the outdoors (especially after huddling indoors all winter). Here are some great places to get walking today (and the rest of the season):
Mar
26
Time to Get Outside. Here’s Why.
How are you going to take advantage of the great outdoors this season? Both the American Heart Association and Health.gov recommend adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. And with warmer weather approaching, now is the perfect time to reintegrate yourself into nature around Pottstown.
Mar
20
March 20th is the first day of spring. Soon we’ll be staying outside later, feeling that warm evening breeze, soaking up the sunlight—and feasting on meals made from our favorite spring produce. What kind of delicious seasonal citrus, leafy greens, and other produce items can you look forward to?
Mar
15
Gardens Contest is now open
What’s better than a gorgeous, relaxing garden? Getting rewarded for your hard work it took to get there!
Mar
06
Read Our Winter 2019 Community Benefit Report!
Our Winter 2019 Community Benefit Report is now available. Read about:
The new playground equipment at Brown Street Park
Looking ahead to the future of the Foundation
East Coventry Township joining the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee
An innovative mentoring partnership linking students and retirees
The Fall 2018 grant round
Contest updates
Feb
26
Using Technology to Track and Improve Your Health
It might seem like everyone is glued to their screens these days—but what if you could use the screen to help you get healthier? There are many ways to utilize technology to help boost your fitness, nutrition or other healthy habits.
Feb
18
Winter seems like a cold, dull season, without the vibrant flowers and blooming gardens of spring. But there are fruits and vegetables that are in season during the winter! Usually, produce is less expensive when it’s in season—and often tastes much better.
Feb
12
Cozy Up with this Healthy Tomato Soup Recipe
Tomato soup for two? Not only do tomatoes contain tons of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, but this tomato soup is a fairly simple recipe—great for a cozy night in during the cold February chill.
Feb
04
Fall 2018 Grant Round Totals
The Foundation wants to encourage creative ideas and plan for long-term health solutions in the Pottstown region. We seek grant proposals that are consistent with our mission to help our community lead healthier lives. Each year, there are two grant cycles—one in the spring and another in the fall. We’re pleased to announce that the fall 2018 grant round included 38 grants, totaling $1,022,568, awarded to non-profit organizations, schools and municipalities.
Jan
28
New Year's Resolution: Healthy Living is a Marathon, Rather Than a Sprint
January marks the start of a new year, but for many people, it also marks the start of a renewed attempt to lose weight or get in shape. It becomes a race to see how fast they can build biceps or drop a pants size. However, good health is more than a fad diet plan or the latest exercise trend. Living a healthy lifestyle isn't a sprint—it's a marathon.
Jan
11
The Importance of Recess and Play for Both Kids and Adults
I ended up in Homesense a couple weeks ago, a new store in Exton that offers an array of furniture, rugs, lighting, office equipment, cooking utensils, etc. I resisted the initial requests from my wife to go in but eventually agreed…it was raining, we did not have our two kids with us, and honestly had nothing better to do. Adjacent to the collection of fake plants I stumbled upon the sanctuary of a bookshelf and picked up Mattel: 70 Years of Innovation and Play.
Dec
27
Wishing you a healthy 2019!
Dec
21
Holiday Greetings from PAHWF!
Dec
14
Discover Leadership Tri-County!
Dec
06
From the Board and staff of PAHWF!
Nov
30
31 random acts of kindness to complete this holiday season!
Nov
21
From all of us here at PAHWF!
Nov
15
15th Anniversary Event CANCELLED
Nov
11
Thank you for your service!
Nov
02
Read our Fall 2018 Community Benefit Report!
Oct
26
Happy National Pumpkin Day!
Celebrate with this yummy recipe!
Oct
05
Help your family avoid the flu!
Sep
28
Valley Forge Invitational Benefits Pottstown Nonprofits
Representatives presented the inaugural tournament check to three Pottstown nonprofits.
Sep
21
Celebrate the start of a new season!
Sep
14
Share your favorite fall recipes!
The first day of fall is quickly approaching!
Sep
07
Happiness is an every day thing
Get your daily dose of joy!
Aug
31
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Aug
24
Happy National Waffle Day!
Celebrate with these delicious recipes!
Aug
17
Happy Anniversary, PAHWF!
Celebrating 15 years of grantmaking!
Aug
10
Nonprofit Day at Coventry Mall
Jul
27
Barth Community Garden Patio Party
Jul
06
Share your summer recipes!
We want to know your favorites!
Jun
28
Tickets are still available for the 2018 Garden Tour!
Jun
22
Last day to register for Garden Contest!
Jun
15
Purchase your tickets today!
Jun
08
One week left to register for Home Garden Contest!
Don't delay, sign up today!
Jun
01
Sign up for the Kenilworth Classic!
May
25
Tips to keep you protected when having fun in the sun!
May
18
Junior Golf Clinic with LPGA Pros
Last call to golf with the pros!
May
11
2018 TCN Nonprofit Conference
Apr
26
YW3CA Pop Up Shop tonight!
Learn how to make healthier choices & stretch your money at the grocery store!
Apr
20
Brought to you by PEAK and the Pottstown YMCA!
Apr
13
Calling all junior golfers!
Register for a FREE clinic with LPGA pros!
Apr
06
A fun way to eat healthier!
Mar
29
Healthy ways to celebrate on Sunday!
Mar
23
Egg-cellent Easter Events
Mar
16
Montco Ranked Fourth Healthiest County in PA
Find out how other counties fared!
Mar
09
Get your green thumb ready!
Mar
02
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Celebrate with healthy snacks inspired by his books!
Feb
23
Shake up your mornings with this healthy twist on a breakfast classic!
Feb
16
Nourish your body with super foods!
Jan
26
Happy National Green Juice Day!
Kick off the weekend with your favorite green drink!
Jan
19
Cheer on the Eagles with these healthy tips!
Jan
12
Share your must-haves for a healthy lifestyle!
Dec
21
From your friends at PAHWF!
Dec
11
Happy Holidays from PAHWF!
Holiday greetings from the Board and Staff
Dec
08
Keep active while watching your favorite festive films!
Dec
01
Stay on track with your goals this holiday season!
Nov
13
A little kindness goes a long way
Happy World Kindness Day!
Nov
08
Pioneers of the Good Life
Nov
02
Check out how Colorado schools are incorporating healthy eating into early education.
Oct
25
Read our Fall 2017 and learn how nonprofits are combating trauma in our region.
Oct
20
Find out how much TCN's first giving challenge raised for community nonprofits!
Oct
13
24 hours of giving for good
Sep
22
See how a teacher is growing green in the South Bronx!
Sep
08
Share your favorite healthy recipe!
What's your favorite healthy meal?
Sep
01
Social Emotional Learning
Get a sneak peak of SEL at work locally!
Aug
25
Why you should skip the sweets more often
Jun
09
Enter to win cash prizes for your green thumb!
Jun
02
Registration opens for 2017 Parks Contest
On Your Park, Get Set, GO!
May
26
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
May
18
Gardening tips and tricks!
Apr
28
Pottstown Celebrates Young Children- April 29
Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family!
Apr
21
Grow for it- 2017 Home Garden Contest!
Win cash prizes for your green thumb!
Apr
13
A park a day keeps the doctor away
A new kind of medicine for the body and soul!
Mar
24
Learn how to plant your seeds using a PAHWF water bottle!
Mar
17
Go Green for St. Paddy's Day
Celebrate the healthy way!
Mar
03
Foundation Fridays - Good Vibes
"Do good and good will come to you."
Feb
24
Foundation Fridays- Get outside!
Go and enjoy this beautiful weather!
Feb
17
Keeping the kindness going long after Valentine's Day
Feb
10
The Flourishing Child: Parts 3 & 4
Watch the final parts of our latest webisode series on trauma!
Feb
03
The Flourishing Child: Parts 1 & 2
Check out our new webisodes series about trauma!
Jan
27
Foundation Fridays- If there's a will, there's a way
Jan
20
Don't let setbacks discourage your progress
Jan
13
Foundation Fridays- Culture of Health
Find out how area schools are making a commitment to health and wellness!
Jan
06
Foundation Friday- Think Summer
Save the date for summer fun in Pottstown!
Dec
16
Happy Holidays from PAHWF!
Dec
02
No act of kindness is ever too small
Nov
23
There is always something to be grateful for
Thankful on Thanksgiving and beyond
Nov
18
Foundation Friday- Give Back
Pay it forward this Thanksgiving season.
Nov
11
Foundation Friday- Be Kind
A little kindness goes a long way
Nov
04
Foundation Fridays- Bike/Run/Kayak to Work
The creative and healthy ways people get to work!
Oct
28
Foundation Fridays- Defy the Odds
When someone tells you you can't
Oct
21
Foundation Fridays- Kids Who Garden
Gardening at an early age can benefit children's health later in life!
Oct
07
Foundation Fridays- Step it Up
Sep
23
You never know until you try!
Sep
16
Featured health and wellness findings of the week!
May
11
Sometimes we don't realize the power we have to inspire and encourage others, acting as positive reinforcement to those who need that extra push.
May
05
How does that song go? Rain rain go away, (don't) come back another day!
Apr
19
Last week, I shared a blog post I had come across via the ACEs Connection Network
Apr
11
For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about
Apr
01
With another busy weekend ahead, the sun is shining, and I couldn't be happier!
Mar
21
The week leading up to Easter Sunday is always a hectic, but fun week in my family.
Mar
16
In honor of St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, embrace the green!
Feb
29
Sunday nights used to be a dread - facing another endless week.
Feb
22
The beautiful weather we had last weekend has me itching for spring! I'm so looking forward to the warmer months ahead and the de-cluttering that comes with it and not just in the physical sense of the word.
Feb
15
There is evidence-based information that it is important to make time to unplug!
Feb
08
Over the past week, I've made some changes in my daily habits and routines to help me be the best I can be in mind, body and spirit.
Feb
01
Soda IS a four-letter word
Did you know that sugar-sweetened beverages account for 46 percent of Americans’ sugar consumption and are the leading driver of obesity and overweight in the US?
Jan
25
Like many, my family and I were snowed in this past weekend thanks to Winter Storm Jonas and the record-breaking amounts of snow it brought to our area.
Jan
18
Recently, one of my twin seniors asked to go to a soccer evaluation camp. I was stunned.
Jan
13
The first snowfall of the year has come and gone and winter has finally arrived after an unseasonably warm December.
Jan
06
I caaannnn’t go out and walk, it’s too coooolllld (you whine)!! I’ll start up again in the spring – it’s freeeeeezing out there!
Dec
28
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
Dec
22
Are you aware of the power of music?
Dec
14
Walking in a Spring Wonderland
Oh the weather outside is...delightful!
Dec
07
We all face obstacles. Some are simply being too busy without enough hours in the day; others are heart-breaking. So how do I cope?
Nov
30
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There is no time quite like the holidays!
Nov
23
There is that annoying relative - or as my brother says, "a family visit is not a vacation". However, for better or worse, we stick together, support each other.
Nov
16
Getting a good night's rest has always been a challenge for me.
Nov
10
Take a walk-whatever that means to you
I missed the departure of a group walk on a gorgeous fall day, so I headed off on my own hoping to find them – it would do me good!
Nov
02
No matter what you do in life, I believe you should always try and lead by example so your actions and behaviors help to shape and teach others.
Nov
02
No matter what you do in life, I believe you should always try and lead by example so your actions and behaviors help to shape and teach others.
Oct
26
In the book “Aging Successfully”, by David P Gallagher, you can learn about the components of staying healthier longer.
Oct
19
What's that saying? "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Even on my worst days, I try to be as positive and as possible.
Oct
12
How many times have I written about how the mountains and nature are my cure-all for inner peace and that when I need to, I can take myself there mentally to soothe myself?
Oct
05
"99 percent of the world's problems can be solved by communicating."
Sep
28
Those darn kids-with love from Mom
Last night I walked in after a week of long work and soccer nights, so looking forward to cooking and relaxing. I was asked if I was attending back to school night. What? Really? Tonight? Deep breath, adjust quickly, grab take-out and go.
Sep
21
Just like The Little Engine That Could did, so can you! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! Recite. Repeat. Believe.
Sep
14
Change of season memories
Even though I am always cold at work, I don’t mind cold weather because I learned at a young age to dress properly...
Aug
31
Back to school is much more than you think
I always loved school. Here are my memories from childhood...
Aug
24
If I've learned anything in my 24 years of living, it's to never discredit your gut instinct...
Aug
17
I am sitting at the summit of a high peak in the remote White Mountains of New Hampshire or in the glory of the Adirondacks in the far reaches of...
Aug
10
After a refreshing week of my feet in the sand, the sea breeze blowing through my hair and soaking up the sun with my family down the shore, I am back at it and ready to take on another week.
Aug
03
ACEs are not just playing cards
It is very important, especially in our region, to become familiar with ACEs, which stands for Adverse Childhood Events. It is an evidence-based concept where research conducted years ago (1995) studied adults with chronic health conditions in a new way for the first time
Jul
27
Great friends are good for your health
According to a recent study, friendships and relationships with others, help people cope with stress and adversity.
Jul
20
A Morning Person I am Not
What is one of the most challenging parts of transitioning from a full-time grad student to a full-time working professional, you ask?
Jul
13
As a physician, doing no harm sometimes means relieving someone’s suffering and that is a position I take strongly and seriously. Also I believe in following a person’s wishes if they are in their right mind when they state them.
Jul
05
This past Friday I turned 24 — I know... SO old, right? Believe it or not, when I was little, I always (as I’m sure most little kids wanted to) wanted to be older and do things the “big kids” could do.
Jun
29
Not only is it important for parents to read to their children, but it makes a difference that the fathers read to their children because they read differently and affect kids’ brain development differently.
Jun
22
There are five key elements to understanding volunteering known as the “Five M’s.”
Jun
15
As of Friday, I have officially completed my first two full-time weeks as the communications assistant for the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. One thing I learned? I need to go to bed earlier! This is not college anymore, Dorothy!
Jun
01
It's my first official day as the full-time communications assistant for the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation or as I like to call it, my first “big girl” job upon graduating with my master’s degree in May from St. Bonaventure University.
May
28
The first step towards forever
After an emotion-packed and overwhelming graduation weekend, I’m back home with my family and friends and my mind is still reeling at the fact that I am done school forever.
May
11
Take the time to talk the walk
Slow down even during life’s most hectic, stressful moments to ”take the time to talk the walk.”
May
04
Here’s to moving more and sitting less and having fun while doing it!
Apr
20
I’ve done a pretty good job this year of staying healthy while in grad school. Unfortunately, all the stress and excitement leading up to my final thesis presentation in March finally caught up to me.
Apr
16
Too blessed to be stressed
Hi, everyone! My name is Skye Tulio, and I’m elated to have the opportunity to guest post on Dr. Betts’ blog. As a communications professional, my posts will do just that— communicate to you all, the readers, my journey towards healthier living and what works and doesn’t work for me based on my personal experiences.
Feb
27
Hospital Usage and High Utilization
How often do you visit the Emergency Department or need to be admitted to the hospital? The PA Health Care Cost Containment Council just released a report on “PA’s “super-Utilizers” of Inpatient Hospital Care” in a nice summary.
Feb
16
Do you know when you are most likely to have a heart attack? Do you know what puts you at risk for having a heart attack or dying of coronary artery disease? Learn more.
Feb
09
Ok so I have no kids this weekend and no plans. How will I spend my time? File all my bills and get working on my taxes? Fill out the long college financial aid form? I don’t know exactly what I will do this weekend but here are some ideas:
Feb
02
Health is not just a six letter word
What does the word health mean to you? For many of us, it brings up images of physical health. Disease avoidance, good cholesterol and blood pressure levels, watching our weights, getting good medical care, etc.