Springtime in Pennsylvania

Springtime in Pennsylvania is something to celebrate. Days get longer, the ground begins to thaw, and we start seeing new growth everywhere. Now is the time to plan — and plant — your summer garden. In this edition of PA Health, you’ll read about healthy vegetables that are easy to grow and discover a simple recipe for them once they’re ready to harvest. Packed with nutrition and flavor, the produce you plant today will help keep your family healthy and happy for months to come.

And while you’re enjoying the weather, why not volunteer your time at a local community organization? We have suggestions on ways to help. Whether you’re clearing trails at a local park or signing up for a 5K in support of a good cause, you’ll be outside getting some exercise.

And you’ll have a lot to feel good about.

In these pages, you’ll also meet Hunter Jones. She was diagnosed with both colon and brain cancer when she was a 17-year-old high school senior. Today, she’s a college graduate ready to take on the world.

Our second patient story is a celebration of new beginnings. Forest Compton was the 50th baby born at Geisinger’s new Childbirth Center in Scranton. Meet him and his mother, Jackie, as she tells the story of his birth and thanks the midwives who helped welcome him into the world.

Happy first spring, Forest!

As we begin our second year of PA Health, I’d like to thank you for being one of our readers. As always, we welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Wishing you and your loved ones the best of health this season.

Don Stanziano
Executive Editor