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Cold and flu season is upon us. The sounds of coughing and sneezing are far too common these days and it seems like everyone was or is fighting a bug of some sort. In an attempt avoid becoming under the weather, check out the following tips for staying healthy from webmd.com: Wash your hands. There's no mystery about how cold and flu viruses spread. Someone who's sick sneezes in his hand and then touches the telephone, the keyboard or a kitchen glass. You can pick up the germ when you touch that object, even hours later. So wash your hands often. If you can't get to a sink, rub them with a hand sanitizer that's got alcohol in it. Don't cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands. Do your part to keep germs away from your family and friends. Viruses cling to your bare hands, so don't use them to muffle your coughs and sneezes. When you feel one coming, use a tissue, then throw it away. If you don't have one with you, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Don't touch your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth. Teach your kids not to touch their faces -- and follow your own advice. Do aerobic exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your heart pumping. It helps increase your body's natural virus-killing cells. Eat foods containing phytochemicals. "Phyto" means plants, and the natural chemicals in them give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. So put away the vitamin pill and eat dark green, red and yellow veggies and fruits. Don't smoke. Heavy smokers get more severe and frequent colds. Even being around smoke hurts the immune system, your body's defense against germs. Smoke dries out the passages in your nose. It affects your cilia -- the delicate hairs that line your nose and lungs and help sweep away cold and flu viruses. Experts say just one cigarette can stop them from working for as long as 30 to 40 minutes. Cut back on drinking alcohol. Heavy drinking curbs the immune system. It can make you more likely to get infections as well as complications. Alcohol also dehydrates your body. Relax. Your germ-defense system will appreciate it. There's evidence that your immune system revs up when you de-stress. One way to relax - train yourself to picture an image you find pleasant or calming. Do this 30 minutes a day for several months. I guess the good news is cold and flu season won’t last forever, but in the meantime, keep the above tips in mind as we make our way through the remainder of winter.

I was reminiscing the other day about how long it took for my birthday to come each year when I was young. I specifically remember my 12th year. It took forever to get to 13 and officially become a teenager! Now I would love to go back to that time when birthdays were slow in coming and life was so simple. My birthdays come faster and faster. I just had a birthday and before I know it another one will be right around the corner. It’s funny, but I don’t feel any older than when I was in my 20s. Physically, I would never know the difference. If I didn’t have to color my hair every five weeks and look in the mirror every day and see the changes that age brings, I could live in blissful ignorance of how old I really am. Other than that, I’m still feeling young and spry, and I am definitely young at heart. People put too much emphasis on their number. Stop it! It doesn’t matter how old you are. If you stay active, you are going to feel good for many years to come. Take a walk, enlist a friend to be a workout buddy or sign up for a yoga class. It’s true that you’re as young as you feel. If you get up off the couch and do something, you’ll start to feel better and younger too. As my dad says, “I may get old, but I’m not getting ugly with it!” I totally agree with him.  Age doesn’t have to define you, and it’s not defining me.

With the big game just around the corner, you’ve probably started making plans for your annual Super Bowl get-together. Although our beloved Steelers didn’t make the cut, the game is still a great opportunity to spend some time with friends and family watching some good football. And with such gatherings comes good food. One of my party favorites to have around is buffalo chicken dip – it’s so versatile in that it tastes great with chips, veggies or crackers and it’s easy to make. The following is a recipe I found on foodnetwork.com that I am sure will please even your guests with the most discriminating tastes: Ingredients 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch salad dressing 1/2 cup hot sauce 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 (9.75-ounce) cans chicken in water, drained Crackers, chips, and/or veggies, for dipping Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a (9-inch) deep-dish pie plate add the cream cheese and stir with a fork until smooth. Stir in the dressing, hot sauce and cheeses. Mix in the canned chicken and bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir before serving. Enjoy!

We’re nearly a month into the new year so it’s time to check in – how are your resolutions going? With our busy schedules, it can be tempting to let resolutions slip to the backburner. It’s a lot easier to be hopeful about the potential of a new year than it is to actually do the work. I find it helpful to think of my resolutions one day at a time so that I’m not overwhelmed by the big picture. I like to break things down into a bunch of smaller tasks that need to be completed in order to be successful at my larger resolution. One tool that is really helpful for task organization is the app ToDoist. There are lots of different to-do list apps out there, but ToDoist is my favorite because it’s very customizable but also very simple. I put almost every task I need to do each day – both at work and at home – into ToDoist in order to keep me organized and up to date. I even keep my grocery list there! ToDoist also lets you set recurring tasks. So if there is a bill I always need to pay on the first of the month, I can create one task in ToDoist and it’ll automatically update itself each time I check it off. It’s a great way to get yourself on a schedule for housework, recurring work tasks and all sorts of things. Because ToDoist works on my phone and I can also check in on my computer, I’ve always got a way to keep track of my tasks. You can also share your to-do lists with other people. Since my husband also uses the app, we can look at everything that needs to be done around the house and decide who will take care of each task. Best of luck with your new year’s resolutions! I hope you are able to find a system that helps you achieve everything you set out to in 2018.

Each and every January it seems we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and the highs and lows that accompanied it. We often think of what we would have changed and how we can do better in the future. A lot of times when we’re going through this thought process we try to determine how to best accomplish our goals for the new year – whether it be to get that raise, start exercising or simply to find more time to spend with family and friends. Although thinking of these goals is the first step to accomplishing them, there are three specific tools I’ve found that help me get on track to complete what I’ve set out to do over the course of the New Year: Writing it down There’s something to be said for writing down a task you’d like to get done or a goal you’d like to achieve and crossing it off your list. Studies have found that simply writing things down has led to a greater increase in the likelihood that they will get done. For me, making a list allows me to prioritize what I’d like to accomplish and when, and further, allows me to see a bigger picture as to how best to use my time. You can do this as little or as often as you’d like by writing a monthly, weekly or even a daily schedule to help you execute your plans. Starting a morning ritual A lot of complaints we hear about in our world of constant communication is that we never have any time to ourselves - that we are always subject to the phone ringing or a flow of emails interrupting us at any given time. With this dilemma, we often ask ourselves how we can get anything accomplished? To that I answer – start a morning ritual. After graduating from law school and beginning my first job as an attorney, I made it a habit to wake up an hour earlier than needed to simply give myself time to get the little things done that I knew may have to be pushed off later depending on what would arise at work or other obligations that may pop up over the day. Having this time to myself to either accomplish small chores or get in a workout allowed me to start my day with a sense of productivity and ease of mind that I had achieved even a small task that I wouldn’t have to worry about later in the day. Asking questions Many times, the reason we are held back from accomplishing a goal or a task is because we simply don’t know how to go about tackling it. I’ve found that asking questions, whether it be to your boss, a friend or even a family member can often provide you with some insight as to how to succeed in completing a goal. We often times think that others will look down on us if we ask for help without realizing that these people also want us to succeed and are there to help us along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in 2018! Here’s to a happy and productive New Year! Each and every January it seems we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and the highs and lows that accompanied it. We often think of what we would have changed and how we can do better in the future

Last week a western Pennsylvania federal judge took the extraordinary step of sanctioning two lawyers from the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, for trying to stop the development of a fracking wastewater injection well in Grant Township by Pennsylvania General Energy, an oil-and-gas exploration company. Under PGE's proposal, the well, which received EPA approval in 2014, would become a busy industrial site, allowing 42,000 gallons of toxic and radioactive fracking wastewater to be injected each day into a layer of rock 7,500 feet beneath the community. For the past six years residents have successfully fought off the project with the help of CELDF, in large part by adopting a local ordinance that granted residents the right to self-government, and granted legal rights to nature. However, that tact appears to have come to an end for now as the court, in its recent ruling, called CELDF's legal tactics “implausible.” Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania called the self-government approach “unreasonable under any circumstance” as creating “enormous expense to parties” and imposing “taxes” on limited judicial resources. Judge Baxter then ordered CELDF executive director Thomas Linzey and CELDF attorney Elizabeth Dunne to pay $52,000 to Pennsylvania General Energy. Not only that, but these attorneys are also facing possible suspension or even disbarment as the Judge’s ruling will be passed along to the Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, “to determine appropriate disciplinary measures.” CELDF's work has long been centered on protecting the rights of communities and the environment, and lessening the power of corporations. Judge Baxter's ruling seemingly deals a substantial blow, not only to CELDF’s approach, but to the very idea that people should have the right to control what goes on in their communities. This ruling is another boon to corporations’ longstanding philosophy of privatizing profits while dumping the inconvenient realities of its profit-generating activities on the commons, in this case greenlighting PGE’s foisting of its highly toxic waste onto the Grant Township community. Unsurprisingly, the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, a powerful industry lobbying group that intervened in the Grant Township for PGE, is emboldened by the court's decision and hopes that it has the type of chilling effect that will allow them to operate without impunity. But CELDF is not done yet. It will appeal the decision with the Third Circuit Court in Philadelphia. This is an appeal to keep an eye on. It is a fascinating examination of the dichotomy between the rights of citizens to have control over their local environment versus the power of corporations to do whatever it takes to maximize their bottom lines. For now, the Court has made its position clear, but the fight goes on.  Stay tuned.

No longer can I take the frigid temperatures nor the dirty slush that refreezes nightly on the roadways. My shoes are covered in salt, snow and cinders.  My dogs need assistance to get through the mounds of snow just to relieve themselves; my children have chapped skin, my husband has had enough shoveling and I am tired of following everyone around with the Swiffer.  School is canceled again; the grocery store lines are insane and, just like the ice on the window pane, I have finally cracked.  It’s time to move to a place where the winter isn’t quite as fierce. If it were December, I would say there is nothing more beautiful and comfy than sitting by a lit fireplace wearing a cozy sweater with a cup of hot chocolate in hand in a chateau overlooking a fresh blanket of snow.  But then there’s the aftermath in mid-January. The salt, the cinders and grime are everywhere, and I no longer have the tolerance for the cold, bitter winters with which I grew up. It may be time to head south or out west for a little longer stay because we have a lot more winter to go around here. It has become the norm for my family to intentionally take a warm trip in February or March because, as I get older, our winters seem so long and less tolerable. I find myself with much less energy with the early sunsets and the cold weather, but this is where I live, so for now, I try to find my escape. I have booked this year’s trip to a warmer climate. The countdown begins, so that is what I focus on when the winter glum holds me down. In the past, there have been trips where we sprinted from the airport parking lot to the terminal, suitcases in hand, because we did not want to drag along our winter coats.  There have been trips where we’ve come back suntanned and relaxed simply to be greeted, as we were landing, to the vision of more snow on the runway.  I don’t care. I still need that little break. Until it is time to go, I try to “escape” by tackling indoor projects to occupy my mind.  Yet, each time I look outside, there is a constant reminder that it will be awhile until the birds chirp and the summer breeze blows through our town. Sometimes I need to give myself a little pep talk and this is one of those days. I can’t move the gloomy clouds and I can’t control the precipitation, but I can survive it and I can defy it. So, snow, snow go away and do not come back for any stay.

With the start of a new year comes resolutions – things like eating healthier, stopping smoking and the ever-so-famous beginning an exercise program. The gym is packed this time of year. If you’ve opted for the latter, figuring out your formula for success is key. When I began my fitness routine a few years ago, one of the questions in my mind was what is the best time of day to exercise to maximize results? According to an article on msn.com, there’s not a one size fits all answer. The article states that there’s no evidence that shows there is a universal best time to train and that it all comes down to the individual. One of the trainers interviewed said, “the best time to work out is the time you can stick to. The time you know you can make it to the gym without making excuses, without having to cancel and without being too tired to perform at your best.” According to MSN, there are advantages to working out in the morning such as avoiding an interrupted routine because of a late night in the office, evening plans and weakening willpower. However, some prefer evening exercise because you have a longer duration during the day to fuel your body for a tougher workout and it can be a great way to relieve some stress after a busy day in the office. In addition to determining when you want to train, you will also need to determine how you want to train. Some prefer weights, while others are into activities like yoga and barre. Depending on your goals, a fitness professional can help you determine what approach is best for you as an individual. I typically exercise in the evening – weights and cardio. Working out with a trainer or a buddy helps me stay on track because I know another person has set aside time for me. Yes, there are days when I am tired and not motivated, but I push through and I am always pleased, post-workout, that I had done so. There’s no doubt that a fitness routine is a commitment, but it is an investment in you…a healthier you. So figure out your fitness formula and hit the gym (but don’t forget to consult with your physician first). You’ll be glad you did!

What may seem like common terms to attorneys may be unfamiliar to clients. Below are some examples of terms that clients may come across during the course of his or her case, so that they may better understand the case. ______________________________________ Affidavit – A written or printed statement made under oath. Answer - The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense. Arbitration – A non–judicial legal procedure that happens outside of the courts where parties dispute in front of a neutral arbitrator. Attorney Client Privilege – Communications between an attorney and client that are confidential. Bench Trial – The trial where the judge will find the facts and also apply the law instead of letting a jury decide the law. Complaint – A legal document filed in court that initiates a civil lawsuit. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations against the defendant and their prayers for relief. Contingency Fee – Rather than an hourly or fixed fee, a contingency fee is paid to an attorney when an attorney is successful in making a recovery on behalf of his client. The lawyer receives a percentage of the verdict or settlement amount. If the lawyer is unsuccessful in making any recovery for the client, there is no fee charged to the client. Defendant – The party that a lawsuit is brought against. Deposition – Oral testimony taken under oath in which one party presents questions to the other party or relevant witnesses. Discovery – The investigation that takes place before a lawsuit goes to trial. During this period, parties gather facts and information about the other party to build their case. Discovery can be written, in the form of interrogatories or request for production, or oral, which is typically in the form of a deposition. Evidence – Information to support or prove a case. Expert Witness – A witness who lends their expertise in a given field to testimony in support of a party's case. Interrogatory – The exchange of written questions between parties of a lawsuit used to uncover important information. A form of written discovery. Lawsuit – A legal proceeding between two parties in a court of law. Mediation – The attempt to settle a legal dispute through active participation of a third party (mediator) who works to find points of agreement and make those in conflict agree on a fair result. Motion – An application made to a judge for the purpose of obtaining an order directing some act to be done in favor of the party presenting the application. Personal Injury – Covers situations in which a person’s body, mind, or emotions are hurt, usually due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness. It includes wrongful death, or situations where an injury proves fatal. Another term for personal injury law is tort law. Plaintiff – In civil law, the person or party who brings the legal action or files the lawsuit; also called a complainant. Statute of Limitations - Time frame set by legislation where affected parties need to take action to enforce rights or seek redress after injury or damage. Summary Judgment – A final decision by a judge that resolves a lawsuit in favor of one of the parties. A motion for summary judgment is made after discovery is completed but before the case goes to trial.

We all know the famous saying, “Have a Coke and a Smile.” Coca-Cola is an iconic brand that is loved by many generations. This week, Coca-Cola announced that they will be rolling out a new line of Diet Coke flavors in 2018. Four new Diet Coke flavors will be joining the family. The flavors are Ginger Lime, Twisted Mango, Feisty Cherry and Zesty Blood Orange. The look of the bright and friendly new packaging can be seen on Coca-Cola’s website. Coca-Cola shares that the new flavors “bring more variety to the trademark by complementing the unique, crisp taste of Diet Coke with unexpected-yet-delicious tastes.”

I’m sure most people have attended or hosted a Super Bowl party. Well, football is not really my thing, so my Super Bowl is the Grammys. Every year, my friends and I have a Grammy party. We get together and discuss all the hits and misses of the night and sing along with all our favorite performers. Our favorite part is anticipating who will win the highest honor of “Album of the Year.” The whole awards show is just a build up to the unveiling of the winner. In past years, I would get upset when an album of an artist I never heard of was nominated and then win over the artist who was the obvious choice. But this year I know all the artists nominated for this coveted award. Of course, I have my favorite, but I think it’s a tight race and anyone could take home the award. Aside from all the glitz and glamour of the show, I’m looking forward to all the statements that may be made. The start of awards season kicked off with the Golden Globes. This award show made a firm stance on how they felt about recent events in Hollywood. I found it beautiful how everyone was wearing all black to show solidarity with sexual assault victims. I’m interested to see the Grammy’s take on these events. With a lot of the artists in attendance also participating in the acting world, will they too feel the need to speak out? I look forward to finding the answer to this question.

Parents with young daughters like me have most likely been dragged into Justice, a popular retail store for girls and teens selling bright colored clothing, flavor-of-the-month trinkets and stuffed animals, costume jewelry and make-up. But a recent investigation by an ABC News affiliate reveals that all that glitters at Justice is far from gold. Scientific testing undertaken as part of the ABC investigation alarmingly demonstrated that Justice’s “Just Shine Shimmer Powder” make-up contains four heavy metals, including lead, in the makeup that can be toxic to humans in sufficient doses. However, perhaps the most troubling finding was that the "Just Shine Shimmer Powder" also contains significant quantities of asbestos! Lead researcher Sean Fitzgerald commented, "I would treat like a deadly poison, because it is." Indeed, asbestos is known to cause certain types of terminal cancers in all humans and is dangerous for anyone to consume. Asbestos-caused diseases can take decades to develop and once the fibers get into the lungs or body, they remain permanently, altering the cellular make-up of the human body. There is no recognized safe exposure level. As Fitzgerald correctly recognized, "n this powder designed for children, they could die an untimely death in their thirties or forties because of the exposure to asbestos in this product." Asbestos contamination of cosmetic products has been a long-running concern in this country, because these products typically contain talc. Because talc is dug from the ground, it can keep some very hazardous company - namely asbestos, which is often intermingled with talc. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has long been concerned about asbestos contamination of cosmetic talc, but has allowed the manufacturing industry to self-police potential asbestos contamination. This decision has proven problematic since the U.S. imports large volumes of talc from countries, like China and Pakistan - two of the biggest suppliers, with notoriously lax safety regulation. As with most other imports, no government agency keeps track of who buys the talc, or how it is used. And these are precisely the circumstances that have likely resulted in an untold number of young girls being exposed to possible asbestos contamination from the Just Shine Shimmer Powder. Justice targets that age group where girls start to experiment with make-up, and in my experience, that is a stage where girls tend to overapply and use a lot of make-up because it’s fun to apply and play grown up. Arguably this demographic is among the greatest at risk for asbestos exposure from cosmetics.  For Justice to allow this product to be sold in its stores, apparently, without taking any steps to determine that it was safe for the young girls to whom it was marketed is deplorable.  Justice has since pulled the product from its shelves, but it remains to be seen just how many people were unwittingly exposed. If you have this product in your home, please contain and dispose of it, and please help spread the word to other parents and children in your networks.