Author: Margie Fend, RN

September 28, 2022

Be Aware of Black Box Warnings

Every day many medications are prescribed for medical conditions, but did you know that some of those medications can include serious risks or warnings? Black box warnings, also called boxed warnings, are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for certain medications that carry serious health safety concerns and can cause harm. The Black Box Warnings are intended to...

Categories General/Resources

August 10, 2022

Harmony Theater – “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore.”

Harmony Theater started in 1994 as a performing arts collaborative for adults with disabilities. It is located in Lower Gwynedd Township of Montgomery County but supports all five counties of Pennsylvania’s southeastern region. The goal was to create a performing arts program that created an atmosphere of encouraging positive self-image and social interaction while inspiring creativity, imagination, and expression. Their...

Categories Community/General

June 1, 2022

Summer Fun Done Safely

Summer is just around the corner!  it’s my favorite time of the year! It’s when I can get outdoors and connect with nature more, whether it’s through a day at the park or just getting some summer projects started. There are so many fun activities that can be created, even in your own backyard… How about welcoming hummingbirds with a...

Categories Community/General/Resources

February 9, 2022

One Word … Love… Meet Nate Simon

Meet Nate Simon! He is a 19-year-old gentleman with a fashion statement of fun and dressed to impress! Nate and his family own 21 Pineapples Shirt Company.  They have only been in business a few months but it has taken off across the country!   It was such an honor to speak with Nate and his Mother, Holly, before the...

Categories Community/General/Resources

January 26, 2022

To See, or Not to See… Happy Groundhog Day!

Well, this is the time of the year when the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and we start to dream about spring/summer. We wonder how long the winter weather will be with us, and some are hopeful that Punxsutawney Phil will predict early spring for the future forecast on Groundhogs Day, February 2, 2022. It has been...

Categories General

December 1, 2021

What’s the Hype? Hypothyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction can be life changing, as I personally found out several years ago. I want to share my experience with thyroid issues as I hope it will help others. It was a difficult time for me; perhaps my story can help readers avoid leaving medical issues unidentified and untreated.  It just seemed like I woke up one morning and...

Categories General

October 20, 2021

Down Syndrome Association of the Valley

I recently had the pleasure to meet Michele Jones, the President of Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV).  DSAV serves Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as a regional support group. She was excited to share some of the opportunities that DSAV has to offer people with Down Syndrome and their families.  Down Syndrome Association of the Valley provides everything...

Categories Community/General/Resources

July 21, 2021

Beat the Heat

It’s a hot one out there! This year seems like we are right on schedule with both the heat and humidity! Summer can be the best time of the year to get outdoors to do all the fun activities such as exercising, picnics, swimming, gardening, and so much more. The combination of both heat and humidity can also bring many...

Categories General/Resources

June 9, 2021

Meet Collette Divitto

This young lady is on a mission to change the world — one cookie at a time!   Collette Divitto was born in 1990 with Down syndrome. She grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut where she developed a passion for baking after taking home economic classes in high school. After high school, Collette attended Clemson University, and finished a three-year LIFE...

Categories General/Resources

December 9, 2020

Keeping with Christmas Traditions

With all the restrictions due to COVID-19 it got me thinking about Christmas and what it might look like this year. My memory took me back to a time when I was a little girl. My brother (wait, you must know he was 9 years older than me so that made it really cool to hang out with him) and...

Categories General