The Importance of Getting Away from Stress

A woman stands before the ocean, with her arms outstretched
How was your summer vacation — great or non-existent? If you said non-existent, there’s a good chance you’re like most Americans and only use about half of your vacation days each year.1 And, while it may be a good thing for your bank account, it could be hurting your health and productivity. Before you let another summer slip by without a break,...
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Let the Games Begin: Backyard Fun and Competition for Families

Summer is here and the kids are out of school — it’s the perfect time to get outside! But, you may notice that your kids would rather sit inside and watch TV, play video games, or scroll through their social media. If you’re looking for ways to get the kiddos active, why not get the whole family together (or even the entire neighborhood) for fun outdoor games and activities and a dose of healthy competition — right in your backyard....
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Childhood Vaccines: One of the Easiest Ways to Protect Your Kids

A doctor is administering a shot to a little girl's arm.
As parents, we want to protect our children. It’s what we do. And out of all the ways to keep them safe and healthy, few are as easy as making sure they get all recommended vaccines on the immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thanks to childhood vaccines, illnesses like measles,...
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Creative Ways for Kids to Beat Summer Boredom

Two kids having fun on a swing on a sunny day
“I’m bored.” No matter how excited your kids are to be out of school, it’s inevitable that parents will hear these words  — many times — over the course of the summer break. But, don’t fret! Luckily, there’s a cure for keeping kids active and entertained: planning! One great option is signing your kids up for a summer camp experience — anything from classic sports or crafts at your nearest YMCA to STEM (science,...
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Bug Off! A guide to choosing the best mosquito repellent

An adult sprays bug spray on a girl's arm
Warm weather, long days, vacations, and barbecues — the summer season is an exciting time for most people. But, humans aren’t the only ones enjoying the summer, bugs are too! Mosquitoes are particularly active during summer months, so it’s important to protect yourself and your family with a good repellent. Mosquito bites can be more than just annoying and itchy....
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Summertime Guide: 3 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in Philly

Children play in a fountain
The fountain at Sister Cities Park. Photo: Marisa Fischetti for the Center City District. It’s summertime in Philly, so you know what that means: it’s going to be hot, hot, hot! While some people may welcome the sizzling temperatures, it’s important to stay safe during the summer heat. Excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke....
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Safety First: Three Tips for Packing the Perfect First Aid Kit

A fully-stocked first-aid kit and its contents
Summer is the perfect season for outdoor fun, but with it comes an increased risk for accidents and injuries. From bug bites to cuts and scrapes, boo-boos are bound to happen. Prepare yourself for emergencies by having a first aid kit ready for when you need it. In this video, Michael Holmes and Kim-Thao Nguyen share more tips on how you can personalize your own first aid kit....
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Where to Get the Ultimate Outdoor Workout in Philadelphia

There are a million reasons to love the summer, but one of them is the chance to break out of the gym and get your sweat on in the fresh air. Whether you’re a runner, a rider, a skater, a mover, or a shaker, there is no shortage of ways to get #FearlessFit outdoors in Philadelphia — and to save money while you’re doing it!...
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Meet Cecilia Bermudez: Celebrating Caring Honoree

Photo of Cecilia Bermudez
Caring is in all of us, and nurses truly embody that spirit. Independence Blue Cross received nearly 700 submissions for its Celebrate Caring campaign. We are honored to share the stories of our top 10 finalists, including Cecilia Bermudez, oncology nurse at Reading Hospital-Tower Health.  Cecilia Bermudez used to be a chemistry tutor at a private liberal arts college....
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Meet Evelyn Cannon-Dingle, Celebrate Caring Honoree

Nurse Evelyn Cannon-Dingle, in a hospital room
Caring is in all of us, and nurses truly embody that spirit. Independence Blue Cross received nearly 700 submissions for its Celebrate Caring campaign. We are honored to share the stories of our top 10 finalists, including Evelyn Cannon-Dingle, a nurse at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.

Learning the Value of Community

Evelyn Cannon-Dingle decided she was destined to become a nurse when she was in the second grade....
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