Food – Community Voices for Health

Safe Food Handling While You Enjoy the Wonders of Summer Eating

May 27, 2025

Summer is the season for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor feasts. But as the heat rises, so does the risk of foodborne illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remind us that warm weather and outdoor conditions make proper food handling essential for enjoying summer meals safely. Cleanliness Is … More Safe Food Handling While You Enjoy the Wonders of Summer Eating

a mixed-race group of three middle-aged men, one holding a basketball, laugh with each other while walking across an outdoor basketball court looking as if they are about to play a game of basketball.

Fresh Air, Fresh Start

May 21, 2025

By Meagan Avery — Senior Program Director, Healthy Living Old Colony YMCA As New Englanders, we know too well how the cold, unpredictable winter weather and short, dark days can make it tough to stay active and eat well. Motivation tends to hibernate right along with us. But with warmer, sunnier days on the horizon, … More Fresh Air, Fresh Start

Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season

December 19, 2024

By Nicole Long — CEO of Old Colony Elder Services The holiday season is upon us. Spending time with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and sharing memories make the holidays truly special. Something else that makes holidays special are delicious meals and sweet treats! It can be challenging to avoid overindulging during the holidays, especially … More Healthier Eating During the Holiday Season

Fueling Your Body for Exercise

October 22, 2024

By Tayla Magerman, MS, RD, LDN — Registered Dietitian (RD) at the Signature Healthcare Outpatient Nutrition Clinic Making sure to give your body the appropriate nutrients before, during, and after exercise can help you feel your best and optimize your results. Pre-Exercise Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for your muscles. Choose a source … More Fueling Your Body for Exercise

Empowering Families to Live Healthy Lifestyles

October 15, 2024

By Meaghan Avery, — Senior Program Director, Healthy Living Old Colony YMCA Youth carrying excess weight is a growing concern, and rising numbers of children face health risks from unhealthy weight. Navigating this requires more than just addressing weight; it requires transforming a family’s relationship with food, activity, and health. That’s where the YMCA’s Healthy … More Empowering Families to Live Healthy Lifestyles

(School) Stress is Back in Session

September 17, 2024

By Megan Libby — Coordinator for Counseling and Student Services Brockton Hospital School of Nursing With schools back in session, we are seeing a rise in the need for self-care. For most people, “self-care” brings up images of spa nights, face masks, and indulgent decadence. What self-care means is so much simpler than that: to … More (School) Stress is Back in Session

Old Colony Y Opens Renovated Market

August 7, 2024

By Meghan Avery — Senior Program Director-Healthy Living Old Colony YMCA On July 25, the Old Colony YMCA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the newly renovated Y Community Market at its Stoughton branch, located at 445 Central St., Stoughton, Mass. Renovations which began earlier this year are now complete, and shoppers can … More Old Colony Y Opens Renovated Market

Addressing Acid Reflux

April 16, 2024

Acid reflux, also called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is something many people experience at some point in their lives. GERD is a condition in which the acid that typically stays in the stomach splashes out and damages the esophagus. This results in a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. People typically try to treat GERD … More Addressing Acid Reflux

Discerning Nutrition Fact from Fiction

April 2, 2024

By Tayla Carter, MS, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian II, Signature Healthcare In the age of social media and influencers, it feels like everywhere you look someone is promoting a new diet or nutrition product. It can get confusing and overwhelming and may leave you wondering, where does anyone find reliable information about health and nutrition … More Discerning Nutrition Fact from Fiction

Healthy Eating on a Budget

February 27, 2024

By Lindsay Schwartz, RD, LDN, Signature Healthcare Do you feel as if your weekly grocery bill just keeps going up? Here are some tips to save money at the grocery store, while still filling your cart with nutritious foods for you and your family. 1. Buy beansAs I mentioned in one of my previous blog … More Healthy Eating on a Budget