Veronica Serrano
Mother. Wife. TV junkie. Shopaholic. That’s me in a nutshell – outside of work. As a copywriter at IBX, I enjoy learning about the health and wellness topics that I write about and hope to incorporate more healthy habits into my daily life to give me the energy to keep up with my baby girl.

Meet Laura Smith, 2020 Celebrate Caring Honoree

A photo of Laura Smith, using a laptop
For Laura Smith, nursing was a calling. For the past ten years, she’s answered the call by being there for patients during their final years.
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Coming Out Stronger: Staying Healthy During the Pandemic

Closeup of an exercise bike
In December 2019, Chuck Stefanosky, Independence Director Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, made a commitment to get in better shape. He started meeting with a nutritionist to learn how to eat better and exercising at the gym at his office. His routine was working well until the COVID-19 pandemic hit and changed everything. Like everyone else, the pandemic caused many disruptions to Chuck’s normal routine....
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Repeat After Me: Self-Care is Not Selfish

A young woman relaxes with a book and a cup of coffee.
Like many women, I tend to put my health and well-being last on my list of priorities. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I went to see my specialist (yet I manage to schedule and attend many of my husband’s and parents’ appointments) or even worked out consistently (but I watch the baby so my husband can work out two to three times a week)....
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Rescue Your Recipe: Easy Ingredient Swaps

A woman looks into a refrigerator
Now that I’m spending most of my time at home, I am cooking more than usual. This gives me the perfect opportunity to try out all those recipes that I’ve been saving on my computer. While I’ve been able to create quite a few culinary masterpieces, I’ve also had a couple recipes almost derailed by one missing ingredient....
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Focused Athletics: Investing in Philadelphia’s Top Student Athletes

Jackson Duncan, (top center), with Focused Athletics alumni- (clockwise from L) AJ Issacs, Ray Thomas, Eric Taylor, Cheick Diawara, Casey Williams, and Charly Timite. Jackson Duncan will never forget the day he was invited to work out with a group of student athletes in South Philly a few years ago. He was blown away by all the talent he saw in those kids....
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Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Five Winter Wives’ Tales

A woman dries her young daughter's hair
As a full-time working mom, I am usually in a rush all the time, especially in the mornings. So it’s not uncommon for me to wash my hair and run out of the house while it’s still wet — even in the cold winter months. It’s a very defiant act considering that my mother scolded me my whole life for this (and still does)....
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Fighting Hunger this Holiday Season

Members of the Blue Crew volunteering at a local food pantry. The holidays are a special time for many of us — from gifts to gatherings, this time is made up of fond memories with our loved ones. It’s during this time that we often take a moment to reflect on all the things that we’re grateful for in our lives....
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Food vs. Food: Are Organic Fruits and Veggies Better?

A couple watches their young daughter choose a pepper from the produce section of a market.
Like all parents, my husband and I want the very best for our child. We’re not perfect, but we strive to make the best, informed decisions when it comes to our daughter. But one thing we can’t agree on: bananas! It causes a kerfuffle in the produce aisle each time we shop. So why do bananas drive us bananas?...
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Winter Wellness: Six Tips for Staying Healthy in the Cold Weather Season

A man and woman stretch before a workout in the snow
The end of the year can be a busy time for many of us. On top of that, the seasons are changing (winter officially begins on December 21), which can affect your physical and mental health. But you can’t forget to take care of yourself! With shorter days and colder weather on the horizon, it’s important to maintain healthy habits....
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Score Big Points This Football Season with Tasty and Healthy Tailgating Snacks

Like many people, I eagerly anticipate the return of football season each September. Now that it’s here, I look forward to spirited Sunday afternoons spent watching and cheering on my home team, the Eagles, as they go on another championship run, and of course, snacking on some good ‘ole football food! As much as I am a fan of the sport,...
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