Health & Fitness

The birds are screeching and flapping around the bird feeders this morning.  It’s been cold enough that little has melted, so our landscape still looks like a Christmas card, and it must be hard for them to find food. It is truly beautiful, and when my daughter took me to the dentist, I just gazed

I skipped my supper last evening, so engrossed was I in The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon that I literally couldn’t put the book down until the last page.  And when I read the author’s notes and discovered that about 75% of the story was based on fact, though greatly fictionalized, I was blown away.  The story

At this stage of my life, I find that I no longer take many things too seriously.  I confess to feeling a bit detached from all of the political machinations that would once have had me pulling out my hair.  But on the eve of my 89th birthday, I recognize that I have lived a

Life has a way of being overwhelming at times, especially if we choose to be thoughtful and discerning about how we interact with what is going on around us and others.  Sometimes it seems tempting to simply go with the flow and turn off our brains and our hearts, but for me, at least, that

By Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. As federal vaccine policies and messaging shift under the Trump administration, pediatricians across Pennsylvania are working to maintain proven standards

I’ve been reminding myself that an attitude of gratitude may not make everything better, but it opens the way to seeing the positive in every situation, and there is always something for which to be grateful—being alive for one.   I’ve been fighting a nasty virus for six days now, and it doesn’t seem to be

 Most of us know the Serenity Prayer, whether we have attended 12-step meetings or not.  “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”  This is an excellent prayer for all of us, as we all have

By Yeimi Bautista, Chairperson, Latino Services Task Force of Healthy Adams County The PathStone Migrant Health Program, a member of the Latino Services Task Force of Healthy Adams County, marked a recent milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new wooden pavilion on the center’s playground that will provide shade and improved environmental safety

Air Methods’ WellSpan WellFlight, the air medical provider based in Gettysburg, celebrated five years of service on Oct. 3 with an anniversary event that brought together former patients, their families, community members, and local partners at the WellFlight base at the Adams County Emergency Services Center. A highlight of the event was the reunion between

The Adams County Community Foundation has awarded $100,000 in emergency food assistance grants to local nonprofits affected by the federal government shutdown and the state budget impasse, the foundation announced on Monday. “Similar to our COVID-19 response that provided emergency funding in the initial days of the shutdown, we’re responding quickly now to help families,

In our church discussion on Sunday, we were reminded once again that before we can really help or support anyone else, we have to take care of ourselves.  Since many of us grew up with the refrain of putting others first, we never really learned about self-care, what we can do or be without creating

Community leaders, health professionals, and residents gathered yesterday at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus for the 2025 Adams County Community Health Needs Assessment Forum. The day-long event highlighted pressing issues affecting the health and well-being of county residents, while offering opportunities for collaboration and solutions. Kathy Gaskin, Executive Director of Healthy Adams County, opened the event by

With our annual yard sale in full swing, my daughter reminded me this morning that I don’t have to be there for the whole thing.  I could go home and let others carry the load.  It seems I am still needing to recover from my codependence.   We all like to be needed, but really… 

Representatives of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank today presented the organization’s seventh Community Hunger Mapping Report at Gettysburg College, focusing on food insecurity and access challenges in Adams County. The report, developed by the food bank’s Impact and Policy Research team, is the culmination of a year of data collection, research, analysis, and community engagement

I am supposed to have a sermon ready for this Sunday if our scheduled speaker is not able to come because of health issues.  I’ve gone over the sermon notes that came with the lectionary, and they are really interesting, but they don’t sound like me or speak to me.  I swing back and forth between

Adams County residents laced up their shoes Wednesday afternoon for a community walk aimed at promoting health and wellness. The event, hosted by the Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force, began at 1:00 p.m. at the Charlie Sterner Building on Long Lane in Gettysburg. Janelle Gilbert, Fitness Director of the YMCA, kicked things off with

Sitting down to blog, I stared at my computer screen without any idea about what to write.  That happens fairly often, it seems.  Blank screen.  Blank mind, so I reached for some daily inspirational readings.  Nothing.  Oh well, I thought.  No one is saying I have to blog every day.  That is an expectation I

 I came back from my senior’s exercise class utterly pooped.  But the sun is shining, the sky is a bright blue, the temps are in the 70s, so what is there not to like?  In fact, the days when my get up and go, gets up and goes, those are the days it is most

Sitting in the doctor’s office yesterday and looking at all the others also waiting to receive their treatments for macular degeneration, I was struck by just how unkind the aging process is to most of us.  It’s not that I want to live forever, but this aging business seems so unfair.  Intellectually, I can see

Healthy Adams County’s Physical Fitness Task Force is launching its 2025 Fall Walking Parties with a series of free, led walks across the county aimed at promoting fitness and community engagement; maps and full details are available at https://adamswellness.org or on Facebook, dogs on leashes are welcome except where noted, walkers should wear good shoes,

We humans prefer a manageable complexity to an unmanageable simplicity, so observed Fr. Bruno Barnhart.    I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around that since reading it.  We prefer a manageable complexity to an unmanageable simplicity.   As my granddaughter would say, that’s deep. Having just gotten back from my walk with my friend,

Greetings from the Rec Park (GARA)!  I can’t believe the summer is coming to a close already. My parents always told me that time goes faster when we get older. They were so right!  We have experienced a terrific summer hosting camps, youth sports, a circus, and many other special events.  We are in the

I rarely know what I’m going to write about when I sit down to blog.  Sure, there are times when an idea has been brewing, or a phrase has been bouncing around in my head, but that is no guarantee that I will go in a specific direction or even end up writing about that

 I awoke feeling a bit grumpy.  My eyes are bothering me, and I gave way to the fear that I may be losing my sight. But then I went outside for a walk and suddenly I was infused with gratitude, a gratitude that welled up inside and spilled over in thank yous to God.  Our

One of the really difficult challenges of our social media age is discerning truth from fiction when it comes to the news. There is so much misinformation floating around out there that it is hard to know what is what. The best we can do, perhaps, is learn as much as we can about our

After reading the morning paper, I checked my email.  Three people sent me editorials and meditations that focused on approaching life with a positive attitude, suggesting we all actively focus on the positive, rather than the negative, especially in our current political climate.  We’re not to ignore the many problems that face us, but each

WellSpan Health has been recognized as the first Robotic Surgery Network Center of Excellence in Pennsylvania by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). SRC is a prestigious designation that highlights the health system’s commitment to surgical excellence, patient safety, and high-quality outcomes.  This national recognition follows recent accreditations for WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, along with WellSpan Ephrata

Many of the books I’ve been reading recently have centered around sibling rivalry and the tensions that build up within families.  I suppose that isn’t surprising, as a significant percentage of our intimate relationships are family-related.  Speaking for myself, it was only later in life that I was able to accept my two sisters for

I’ve been recently reading several novels about WWII, not a good thing to be reading in today’s climate with the ICE raids, etc.  So when my daughter suggested Marie Bostwick’s The Book Club for Troublesome Women, I was glad for the change.  It was a good read, especially for this old woman, as it brought

 It’s a beautiful summer day.  Warmer than I’d like it to be, but my morning walk was still doable, and the flowers dancing in the morning breeze were perky and lovely. Looking up and down my street, I was once again aware that  I have so much for which to be thankful,  whether it is

PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration officials joined rural health leaders at Wayne Memorial Hospital last week to highlight the devastating effects that proposed Medicaid cuts in the Congressional Republicans’ budget bill would have on rural Pennsylvanians and healthcare providers.  Currently, proposed changes to Medicaid could strip health coverage from more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians, drive up healthcare costs, and

In a significant expansion of its commitment to community health, WellSpan Health has announced a $3.5 million grant investment over the next three years to support nonprofit organizations implementing innovative housing solutions across its service area. Gettysburg-based South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP) will receive $750,000 to support both ongoing and new affordable housing initiatives

It’s a beautiful summer day.  Today will be a hot one, but it is still early enough that the temps have not climbed to an uncomfortable state, and there is a refreshing breeze.  Our patio faces southwest, so it gets the morning shade, nice for sitting outside in the morning and enjoying God’s great outdoors.

I was going through some old blogs and found this one on gratitude.  It seems worth repeating.  Some time ago, I wrote:  I listened to some TED talks on gratitude.  By the time the program was finished, I was filled to overflowing, even close to tears. There was so much hope, so many possibilities for

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. There are different ways to keep your brain healthy. They include staying social, eating healthy food, getting a good night’s sleep and prioritizing your mental health. There are small changes that you can make to lower your risk of dementia. Staying physically active, managing your blood pressure, preventing

This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College HARRISBURG

I pulled up a clump of wild daisies last week and planted them in front of the house where they bring me pleasure daily.  More than that, they remind me that both little and big things mean a lot. Just having a house to clean, dishes to wash, laundry to fold, friends to call, enough

While going through a pile of papers on my desk, I found this prayer.  I suspect it was something we had used in one of our worship services, but the source and author are long forgotten.  I also think I may have used it previously in one of my blogs, but it is certainly worth

In response to rising public concern over reports of overcrowding and speculation about the hospital’s long-term future, Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital President Mike Cogliano says the community hospital is here to stay—and is evolving in smart, patient-centered ways that go far beyond bricks and mortar. “Our inpatient hospital is not going anywhere anytime soon,” said Cogliano

It’s sad that we have to grow old before we can revel in a quiet, do-nothing day.  We’ve become so over-stimulated with our 24/7 technology that we don’t know what to do with even small slivers of downtime.  My friend’s grandson, who is only five, has been so exposed to some form of constant screen

By Dr. Hersh Shah, WellSpan Urgent Care physician in Gettysburg New destinations, spontaneous adventures, and lifelong memories are the best recipe for a perfect getaway. However, when traveling and away from your normal routine, planning is necessary. It’s important to maintain a healthy mindset so you can fully enjoy the trip and don’t come home

Coming home from exercise class I was listening to NPR and a program discussing Trump’s attempts to overturn birthright citizenship.  In the end, I suspect, the showdown will come when the Supreme Court rules against him.  It is then we will find out if there is anyone strong enough to stand against him.  Up until

About ten years into our marriage,  my husband and I hit a rocky patch, and we began counseling.  We hadn’t gotten far into the issues when my counselor stopped me in the middle of a rant,  “We’re not here to change your husband.  We’re here to look at the ways you create your own unhappiness. 

Gettysburg CARES, the emergency shelter organization serving Adams County, has announced the purchase of a two-unit house that will provide transitional housing for local families in need. The property was officially acquired on May 9 following more than two years of planning by CARES Director Debi Little. CARES—short for Combined Area Resources for Emergency Shelter—is

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Gettysburg Connection is proud to announce the publication of a comprehensive online directory of health care providers in Adams County, now available by clicking here. This new tool, listing over 220 local resources, offers residents and referral agencies an easy-to-use, centralized resource to identify and connect with health

Pennsylvania has joined 28 other states in banning the use of handheld devices while driving, following the passage and signing of Senate Bill 37—known as Paul Miller’s Law. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bipartisan legislation into law on June 5, 2024. It will take effect exactly one year later, on June 5, 2025. Named in

Painted Turtle Farm, a campus-community farm at Gettysburg College, is now accepting members for its 2025 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The CSA provides weekly or biweekly shares of fresh, seasonal, Certified Naturally Grown produce from June through October. CSA shares include a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides,

Years ago, when I was a newbie in the 12-Step Program, I discovered the National Religious Press’s 12 Rules For Happiness, which helped validate the 12 Steps for me. Over the years, I’ve found many restatements of Jesus’ The Sermon on the Mount, which, if my information is correct, is the actual basis for the

 When I heard about the fires in the West, they seemed very far away, something that couldn’t happen here in Adams County, but after several years of drought, it has.  Two large fires are spreading rapidly in the state, near us. Towns that are very familiar and only miles away are being affected. People are

 Sorting through old papers is enlightening.  The older I get, the more it seems nothing ever changes.  Situations, clothing, music, and fads may change, but not human nature.  Each generation has to start anew.  Consequently, generation after generation, we humans keep asking the same questions and struggle with the same issues, how to discern good

I’ve always loved books.  As a kid, I hid in the bathroom with a book or snuck a book and flashlight under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping.  Books have been my steady companions since I was an infant. I can’t remember a time when my Dad did not read to me.

It’s been days since we’ve seen the sun.  Mother Nature seems to be trying to make up for all the days it didn’t rain earlier this spring and winter.  Day after day, we’ve had drizzle with intermittent showers, which is allowing the water to soak into parched soil, and I am so grateful.  We’ve needed

I came back from exercise this morning reflecting on just how difficult self-care really is.  In our culture self care often focuses on appearances, dressing nicely, eating well, getting massages, doing exercises, shopping therapy, etc. all of which have their place,  but before any of those things can really fit into true self care we

Deborah Fuller, University of Washington and Patrick Mitchell, University of Washington Nearly every modern medical treatment can be traced to research funded by the National Institutes of Health: from over-the-counter and prescription medications that treat high cholesterol and pain to protection from infectious diseases such as polio and smallpox. The remarkable successes of the decades-old

Five of us went to Lancaster to join Mennonite Action in standing against war and supporting the victims of war.  It was an amazing experience as it eliminated all political partisanship by advocating and praying for the victims of war, not for Israel, not for Palestine, not for the US, etc.  We prayed for the

After winter’s cold weather, these sunny, warmer days are truly mood-boosting. I am fortunate enough to have my massage therapist work just two blocks away, so walking to and fro this morning was an experience of sheer delight.  Listening to the birds, noticing the maples in bloom and taking in other signs of an awakening

“Nature has taught me about fluid adaptability. About not only weathering storms,but using howling winds to spread seeds wide, torrential rains to nurture rootsso they can grow deeper and stronger…”~ adrienne maree brown, excerpt from Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds Resilience is a bit of a buzzword these days– probably because it is a

It’s March 10, 2025, the third anniversary of my husband’s death.  I’m feeling a little sad, but life goes on though good men die, as Edna St Milay wrote in her poem “Lament.”  I think I’ve adapted quite well, thanks to the help of my children, especially my daughter, who lives just 15 minutes away.

The safety and security of our Wellspan team members and patients is our highest priority. Following the recent tragic event at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, we have implemented enhanced security measures across all WellSpan campuses and facilities. Starting this week, our team members, patients, and visitors will notice that we have designated specific entrances

Spring is in the air.  It’s chilly outside this morning, yet it is a different kind of chilly than the chilly of a month ago.  The promise of warmer weather and the emergence of spring flowers and blooming trees brings hope to our winter-weary souls.  I finally got NPR on my car radio this morning,

My house cleaner is here this morning, chasing me from place to place as she works.  At this stage of my life and with my back issues, she is worth her weight in gold to me, and I find myself wondering why we demean manual labor and elevate desk work or intellectual meanderings such as

Residents of Adams County are encouraged to participate in the 2025 #BlackBalloonDay by releasing virtual balloons on March 6. Overdose is a serious issue, but through education and community effort, we can prevent overdoses and save lives. On Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Adams County Coalition for Overdose Awareness

After a weekend of winter mix…snow, sleet, ice, rain, wind, the sun is shining, though the winds remain. At least the power is back on.  When it went off about 6:30 last night, I decided on an early bedtime. But all is good now and I am once again thankful for all those things which

by Monodeep Biswas, M.D.UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Knowledge is power when it comes to your heart health. Getting to know your numbers is one of the most important steps in assessing your risk for heart disease. By monitoring these numbers, you can take proactive steps toward better heart health. Check out the essential numbers

For Lisa Pratt, the new Executive Director of the Gettysburg branch of the Hanover Area YMCA, the “Y” is more than a community center—it’s a way of life. Having been part of the Hanover Area YMCA for 25 years, Pratt said she understands the vital role the Y plays in shaping young lives and strengthening

I don’t usually blog on Saturdays, but after sharing a light supper of soup and chicken salad with a special neighbor and going out to breakfast with one of my church buddies, I’ve been reminded of how blessed I am to have so many precious friends.  When contemplating true riches, good and faithful friends stand

It’s taken me about four days to recoup my energy from our trip to Vegas.  This old body just doesn’t bounce back like it used to do.  Even so, I’m rather proud of myself for doing as well as I did, but I have to admit I was very grateful to take advantage of the

I overslept this morning, so when I got up, the temperature outside had already climbed to an amazing 23 degrees—a veritable heat wave.  The sun is shining, rays bouncing off the glistening snow cover. Lovely. So very lovely.  God has certainly graced us with a beautiful planet.  But, given the snow cover the birds are

Over the past two days, two announcements have highlighted the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) in Pennsylvania, including local cases. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has confirmed HPAI in a commercial poultry farm in Lehigh County, involving a flock of 50,000 layer chickens. State and federal investigators are implementing a comprehensive response

Last night, the Healthy Adams County Behavioral Health Task Force joined forces with the “Two Cool Dudes” podcasters to host When the Sun Goes Down, Find Your Light at Gettysburg High School (GHS). Doors opened at 6:15 PM, welcoming attendees to explore over a dozen Health and Wellness exhibitors, which remained available throughout the evening.

It snowed yesterday.  All of the ugly remnants of our past snowfall are covered over.  Everything is pristine again and glistening in the brilliant sunlight streaming through the trees.  It is absolutely lovely and reminds me of the importance of new beginnings. I am still plugging away at Richard Rohr’s Jesus’ Alternative Plan.  For anyone

Local podcasters, the “Two Cool Dudes” of Anthony Johnson and Lawrence Williams, will collaborate with Healthy Adams Behavioral Health Task Force members to bring the When the Sun Goes Down, Find your light event to Gettysburg High School on Jan. 22 at 6:15 p.m. The duo’s mission is to de-stigmatize mental health issues; the program

 One of the basic teachings of the 12-step program relates to denial and letting go.  If we are to change, we have to let go of the beliefs that have undergirded our lives and held us back.  For the alcoholic, the belief that alcohol will make them feel better and solve all of their problems

The LoveYourBrain Foundation, a national non-profit serving those affected by brain injury in the US, Canada and around the globe, and an international leader in scientific research to provide evidence-based yoga and mindfulness programs to the brain injury community, has announced today their endorsement of RISE Yoga, a local yoga studio on Fairfield Road in

It’s snowing, and the ground is covered in white.  Fresh snowfall is incredibly beautiful as it covers over the scars of our selfishness and greed.  It is a reminder that “behold, I make all things new.”  But so often, my response is a jaded, “if only.”  This faith thing is not easy.  We are thrust

Self-care is easy to talk about but much more difficult to put into practice.  Most of us know at least some of the things we could do to be kinder to ourselves, but we have all sorts of excuses for not implementing them now.  Thus, I found a sermon my friend preached some time ago

 It snowed last night, and the birds are busy at the feeders.  It’s as if they perch in the trees, just waiting for me to put out food.  By the time I am inside, they are sweeping in, chattering and fussing at each other to move over.   My father would be so pleased I’ve

It’s a rainy, dismal winter day, a day to stay inside.  Time for some serious gratitude work.  I went to the senior’s exercise class at our local fire hall this morning and discovered I am woefully out of shape.  I am committed to going  at least twice a week as I am aware of how

I am so grateful that I am past the frenetic activity surrounding Christmas.  I will put up a few decorations and lights, but that is it.  No gifts to buy or wrap, no big meals to prepare, no parties to attend. My husband and I opted out of gift-giving years ago and chose instead to

It’s difficult for me to believe that man was created in the image of God, given our history over time. Even the Bible is filled with accounts of our failures to live up to God’s expectations.  We are, by and large, a selfish, cruel, and violent species, and the more civilized we are, the more

As winter 2024 barrels toward us with unpredictable weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on our health and wellness. Amid the sea of advice—scientific, medical, and the ever-reliable “old-school wisdom”—it’s time to pause, consider, and evaluate how we’re preparing for the season ahead. Over recent years, one truth has become abundantly

I can easily become distraught when I think about the ways many of our conservative brothers are playing the role of the morality police, emulating many of the ideas and practices we criticize in countries such as Iran, which base their society on Sharia law.  I often find myself staring into space, my mind wandering.

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy,  issued an advisory in August indicating that caregivers are overwhelmed and we must do more to support them. The advisory states, “Raising children is sacred work. It should matter to all of us.” 48 percent of parents indicate that their daily stress is overwhelming. Parents are stressed