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What to know about expanded work requirements about to kick in for SNAP

After a disruptive U.S. government shutdown, federal SNAP food assistance is again flowing to low-income households. But in the months ahead, many participants will have to abide by new work requirements. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly benefits — averaging around $190 per person — to about 42 million people nationwide. During the first couple weeks of November, many of those recipients missed their regular allotments as President Donald Trump’s administration battled in court over whether to tap into reserves to fund the program while the ...

Back in Motion: Local man finds relief through hip replacement at UPMC

WILLIAMSPORT — Mike Gaetano, 65, of Williamsport, has always lived with purpose — in business, in family and in fitness. A former college wrestler and longtime insurance executive, Mike built his life around discipline and movement. “I’ve always believed in taking care of my ...

Can cold weather make you sick? A UPMC physician explains

As temperatures drop and sniffles rise, many wonder: does cold weather make you sick? While chilly air itself doesn’t cause illness, it can create conditions that make your body more vulnerable to infection and discomfort. The Truth About Cold Weather and Colds According to the CDC, ...

Bluetooth and hearing aids

Today’s hearing aids have some amazing features. They can connect wirelessly to a cell phone, stream audio from any internet or fixed source and even have built-in GPS sensors to help you find them if they are lost. The high-tech wave is out there even in hearing aids if you want that. Most of my patients could care less about the wireless interaction of their hearing aids with other electronic devices. They just want to hear better. If you are like them, keep reading, as it is good to learn about this technology because your friends and other family members may use this feature. For ...

What are the stages of breast cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you’re likely wondering if it has spread and if so, how far? Your doctor can answer these questions after determining the stage. But what exactly does that mean? Staging describes how extensive your cancer is, including the size of the tumor ...

UPMC welcomes two foot and ankle doctors to Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT — UPMC welcomes Nicole Dalessandro, DPM, and Townsen Kennington, DPM, to the UPMC Orthopaedic Care Foot and Ankle team in Williamsport. Dr. Dalessandro earned her medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, and completed her residency at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia. She is board-certified in podiatry by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and in podiatry-prevention treatment of diabetic foot wounds by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry. Most recently, Dr. Dalessandro practiced ...