My mom, Kathryn, passed away at the age of 49. It was sudden. She was already in the hospital when we got the call to get there soon. I said assuredly on the way to the hospital, “Relax, it’s not like she’s going to die.” She was dead before we arrived. I had spent the prior evening at her bedside, where she was alert, but tired. She was battling depression and obesity, and it was a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lung, that caused her death. Maybe today, some 30 years later, she’d be better equipped to face both of these challenges.

With resources like this magazine and the service providers found within its pages, I know that education, encouragement and support are close at hand for those that need it. For support with depression and mental illness, a key resource is the National Association of Mental Illness, NAMI. Information about NAMI’s local affiliates can be found at nami-pa.org.

We’re proud to have recently completed our fourth year of publishing in South Central Pennsylvania, honored to be living our mission of educating readers in support of their intent to live healthy lives and looking forward to continued growth as we share the enthusiasm and love we find in every community we visit.

Complementary modalities like hypnosis, massage, yoga therapy, chiropractic treatments and acupuncture can help alleviate much of the discomfort of pregnancy and labor. Camp Hill chiropractor Dr. Julie Madeira, who specializes in treating expectant mothers, is featured on page 18, and Om Baby Pregnancy & Parenting Center can be found in our Community Resource Guide on page 43.

Author Lisa Marshall shares a trio of articles related to breast health. One of many local professional proponents of breast health and screening is Dr. Pam Howard, of Advanced Thermal Imaging, found on page 43.

I am sending Mother’s Day prayers to my mom and also my step-mom, Audrey, who passed away just a short year ago, and as we celebrate this Women’s Health issue, I express gratitude to all the incredible women whom I am blessed to call friend.

I encourage you to say thanks this Mother’s Day to the nurturers in your life and as always, remember to feel good, live simply and laugh more.

Dave Korba, Publisher