in-north-allegheny-fall

RevolutionPhysical Therapy

A Revolutionary Approach to

Physical Therapy

FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE orth Allegheny

Inside: North Hills PCPs with Access

to UPMC Passavant

Thank you, Pittsburgh.

At UPMC Health Plan, we don’t set out to win awards. We simply focus on doing what’sright for our members. Like providing them with access to world-renowned UPMC doctorsand hospitals as well as outstanding community hospitals and physicians. Giving them thetools and programs they need to live a healthy lifestyle. And offering them a personal HealthCare Concierge and online chat capabilities to answer all of their questions. So when J.D.Power and Associates ranked us Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial HealthPlans in Pennsylvania, we don’t see it as adding another award to the trophy case. We see itas doing our jobs.To learn more visit upmchealthplan.com.

UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Member Health InsurancePlan StudySM. Study based on 33,039 total member responses, measuring 11 plans in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Region (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are

based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed December 2010-January 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania”

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | North Allegheny

Welcome to the Fall issue of North Allegheny magazine.As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go back to

school, I sincerely hope that you and your family had some time toget away from it all and relax. It seems that these days, parentsdriving the family taxi, and kids with their sports/lessons/partiesrarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever more elusive“lazy summer.”

Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around afamily table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyoneremember board games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then youmight be trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that – I’mthe publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that life should be simpler.Moms, dads, brothers, sisters should all try to spend some time with each other as a family morethan that one night when the power goes out. Family time is an important part of being acommunity. And every community should value quality time with its families – it’s how we teachour children values, etiquette, and more importantly, how to participate in a family structure sothey can pass on to their kids what you worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw a commercialwhere a father shut off the main power to the house so that the family could enjoy dinner togetherand blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. Thekids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened. While the commercial was pushingsome tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable – you have to make family time. Iwould take that message one step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’sone of yours.

Have a great fall!

Wayne DollardPublisher

Please recycle this magazinewhen you arethrough enjoying it.


FALL 2011

IN North Allegheny is a community magazinededicated to representing, encouraging andpromoting the people of Bradford Woods, FranklinPark, Marshall Township and the Town ofMcCandless by focusing on the talents and gifts ofthe people who live and work here. Our goal is toprovide readers with the most informative andprofessional regional publication in theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

REGIONAL EDITOR

Dana Black McGrath [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Pamela PalongueKelli McElhinny

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Garyyonphotography.comGinography

ADVERTISING SALES

Derek Bayer David MitchellBrian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel NegriTina Dollard Robert OjedaRose Estes Annette PetroneJohn Gartley Vincent SabatiniJason Huffman Michael SilvertLori Jeffries RJ VighettiRita Lengvarsky Nikki Capezio-Connie McDaniel WatsonBrian McKee

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to:

IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Winter content deadline: 10/21/11www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

orth Allegheny

Hello and welcome to the fall issue of North Allegheny magazine. As I write this, the late summer temperatures are still scorching

outside and I find myself wishing away the days until I feel that firstcrisp breeze of autumn. I have to admit, fall is my favorite season.

I love the cooler temperatures, the blazing colors of fall foliage,the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, and the smell of theseason’s first bonfires. Maybe it is because there is a part of me thatanticipates new chapters in life each September, much like the start of a new school year – only now I am busy getting my children ready to go back to school.

Come October, our family’s weekend schedule will become packed with all of the fun fallactivities our region has to offer, from trips to the farm for pumpkin picking to a host of fall festivalsand not-so-spooky Halloween events. Each year I find it more challenging to fit everything in thatwe want to do and see.

It’s my favorite time of the year for family outings, because no matter where you go or what youdo – the western Pennsylvania foliage assures that getting there will be spectacularly beautiful.

We hope that you will utilize this magazine to find all the interesting people and places there areto explore in the community during this season and throughout the year.

Happy Fall,

Dana Black McGrathRegional Editor

North Allegheny | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Compression Stockings Compression stockings may reduce the swelling and aching of your legs,

but they will not stop the further development of varicose veins. Wearingcompression stockings may increase the blood flow more towards yourheart, and some people will not need any other treatment.

Sclerotherapy (liquid or foam)This involves injecting an agent into your smaller veins, which irritates

them, causing them to close. Smaller varicose veins are often treated usingliquid sclerotherapy. For larger veins, foam sclerotherapy is sometimes used.Studies have shown that this treatment is effective in treating varicose veinsin the short-term. It is useful on the veins around your eyes, on the hands,thighs, and lower legs.

Endovenous Laser Treatment or Radio Frequency Ablation

Radio Frequency involves using a high frequency energy wave to heatthe wall of your varicose vein, causing it to close. These are extremely safe,quick, in-office procedures causing minimal local irritation. There is nodown time, and we encourage walking and resuming normal activityimmediately. The benefits are enormous, relieving symptoms and swellingand decreasing further worsening of your legs. The body has ten miles ofveins. By simply rerouting the flow in a small portion of them, yoursymptoms will significantly improve. This also allows non-healing ulcersaround the ankle to close, and help prevent their recurrence.

External Laser TherapyLaser therapy removes and cleans up small cosmetic spider veins.

The therapy works on the face, broken capillaries on the nose, thighs, and lower legs!

Help for Varicose Veins Walk regularly and lose excess weight, elevate legs when resting, and use

compression stockings. Also, do not stand or sit for extended lengths oftime. It is also harmful to cross your legs while sitting. There are NOeffective medications or creams that prevent or help varicose veins.Unfortunately, the leading cause of varicosities is genetics, once they appear;it is best to have them evaluated by a vascular lab accredited by theAmerican College of Radiology (ACR) such as the Advanced Vein Center.

We strive to use the latest technology to treat your veins in a safe andcomfortable way. We have experienced board certified doctors specializingin the care of veins.

Advanced Vein Center has five locations serving Allegheny, Beaver andButler counties. For more information, visit AdVeinCenter.com or call724.987.3220.

If your varicose veins don’t cause you any discomfort, you maydecide not to have any treatment. If you do decide to havetreatment, we will explain your options and develop the personal

treatment plan best for you. The most common treatment options arelisted below.

Treatment of

VaricoseVeins

This Industry Insight was written by Christina Teimouri, DPM.

North Allegheny Hosts


The North Allegheny Relay for Life event helped to raiseawareness and funding for cancer research. Part of a nationaleffort, the relay was held at North Allegheny Intermediate High

School in June.Relay for Life is a program that raises money to help fund

organizations that are currently researching different ways to helpcure various types of cancer.

On the local level, school and community groups, sports teams,businesses and other organizations support the effort by participatingas relay teams for this overnight fundraising event.

At North Allegheny, Lizzie Appleton, who is starting her senioryear at North Allegheny High School, served as teamcaptain for the Girls Cross Country relay team at theevent and Tim Appman served as captain for the BoysCross Country relay team.

“We thought that it would be a good idea to get crosscountry involved in this event,” says Appleton. Sheparticipated in the event last year, and knew many of thepeople on the team.

The event started at noon on Saturday, June 18, andstretched until Sunday morning at 8 a.m. Individualparticipants were not required to stay the entire time, butthe concept is to have one or more members of each relayteam present and walking on the track at all times,symbolic of the notion that “cancer never sleeps.”

Tents for each team were put up to provide shelterand shade from the elements. To keep participants andsupporting spectators entertained, there were races, ascavenger hunt, laser tag, moon bounce, and soccer balls

and Frisbees to toss around.Bands played music and provided entertainment to keep everyone

awake and focused.A luminary ceremony was conducted in the evening. White bags

that have the name of a cancer survivor or victim are illuminated bycandles and placed around the track.

“Everyone at the relay gets on the track to do a lap in silence,”Appleton explains. “We stay quiet for a half-hour and are veryrespectful to help understand the gravity of the situation.”

For more information about Relay for Life, visit www.cancer.org.

Relay for Life

Alex Grese, Alena Greco, Karissa Manko, Carly Fox, KimGoehring, Beth Hartigan, Lizzie Appleton, and Rumma Ahmad

Alan Dai, Kim Goehring, Tommy

Wheeler (in the suit), Alex

Grese, Nick Weber, Beth Hartig

an, Sam Bojarski, Tim Appman,

Alena Greco

Nick Weber, Sam Bojarski, Logan

Steiner, Brandon Merry, Alan Dai, and

they are holding Tim Appman


Physical therapy is something many people think of only aftersustaining an injury.But the experts at Revolution Physical Therapy think of it as a

pathway to overall physical well-being for all ages.Partners Janann Turner, PT, CSCS, and Lyneil Mitchell, DPT, opened

the Cranberry facility in February, offering a wide range of specialty physicaltherapy services. The clinic is large and open, so it is big enough forfunctional exercise.

What many people may not know is that they are able to self-refer toreceive physical therapy services. Even though a doctor’s prescription is notrequired to start physical therapy, the professionals at Revolution will workin tandem with your doctor to achieve your desired outcome.

“It’s almost like going to the dentist,” Mitchell explains. “People goevery six months to get their teeth checked, but they don’t get their bodychecked to make sure it is in balance.”

Offering specialized physical therapy programs, Revolution fusesphysical therapy, nutrition, fitness and sports performance to take a holistic,integrated approach.

One of the specialties offered at Revolution Physical Therapy is theSport Science Lab Neuromuscular Intensification Training system andyouth conditioning. Mitchell, who is one of just 15 Sport Science Labcertified trainers in the country, studied under the system’s developer,Gavin MacMillan, who coaches Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The system is more of a lifestyle and philosophy that promotes reducingthe chance of injury to deliver a better athletic performance. Focus is onwellness for the athlete and injury prevention, not just therapy for an injurythat already has been sustained.

That philosophy carries into the youth conditioning and ACL injuryprevention programs offered at Revolution that focus on creating muscularbalance, coordination, force absorption, flexibility, speed, balance andproprioception (sense of joint position). Cardinal principles of the programare: allowing the developing child to become the best athlete possible,avoiding preventable injuries, and avoiding the development of chronicdisease problems from inactivity.

Another service offered at Revolution, the prenatal program, helpspregnant women decrease their chance of incurring many of the conditions

that often come with pregnancy, including lower back pain, joint pain,fatigue, muscle cramping and edema, as well as other problems includingpreeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

“Many people don’t realize that exercise is safe during pregnancy,”Turner says. She even had a client who ran the Pittsburgh half-marathon at17 weeks gestation.

A postpartum program helps new mothers return to pre-baby conditionor better, with activities designed to improve core strength, pelvic floorstrength and overall levels of function.

Revolution’s Metabolic Rx Therapy is offered exclusively in the region.After a consultation to determine needs and course of treatment, anevaluation including body fat composition, flexibility, upper and lower bodystrength and a submaximal endurance test to estimate aerobic capacity andoptimal target heart rate zone is performed. A specifically tailored programis then created to guide exercises and teach proper nutrition while losingbody fat and increasing lean muscle.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays andSundays by appointment. For more information or to schedule anappointment, call 724.591.8005 or visit the website atwww.revolutionphysicaltherapy.com.

Revolution Physical Therapy

Takes Revolutionary Approach

Revolution PhysicalTherapy20630 Route 19

Cranberry Twp, PA

724.591.8005

www.revolutionphysicaltherapy.com

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCETO WIN TWO TICKETS FOR

A STEELERS HOME GAME!

Log on to www.revolution-physicaltherapy.com and enter yourname, email, and phone number onthe “contact us” page along withthe word “Revolution” for your

chance to win!Winner will be notified by phone.

Sign up to receive the Revolution PTNewsletter or a

FREE consultation.

Phot

o by G

ary Y

on


When the dog days of summer are behind usand that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, energyseems to make a rebound and even the animalsaround the North Allegheny area seem livelier,more alert. During this time, there’s nothing morewonderful than taking advantage of those last milddays to get outside and enjoy the outdoors bydoing a little yard work.

If you need some inspiration, just take a lookaround some of the North Allegheny region'smany farms and markets - like Soergel's, Kaelin'sand Shenot’s - one look at the blazing color of fallblooms and pumpkins there will have you itchingto get your yard autumn-ready.

This is a great time to rake up all those leaveson the ground. But don’t just throw them into atrash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are great for

composting and may have as much as three timesthe amount of minerals as fertilizer. They need tobe shredded to be easier to work with, but this iseasily accomplished by running a mower back andforth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sureto add a little nitrogen to your compost pile withthe leaves.

If your summer flowers have faded, be sure totrim back dead leaves and blooms and add somefall flowers for some more vibrant color. Mumsand sunflowers can be purchased in pots to accentany garden with a fall palette, but don’t forgetpurple as a great contrasting color to oranges,yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purpleaccents are pansies, purple coneflowers, asters andmums. All of these will grow well in zone 6, whichincludes North Allegheny. For some green

accent, you might trygrowing some arugula in apot or self-wateringcontainer. This spicy, leafyplant has long beenpopular in France and Italy

and actually grows better in the fall than in thesummer. The leaves will add zest to your saladsand other fall dishes. Although the planting timefor arugula is in the spring, seedlings can bepurchased and transplanted, however they also dowell if left in containers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good atgrowing plants and flowers, there are many waysto accent your lawn and garden with minimaleffort and maintenance. Brightly coloredpumpkins (plentiful at North Allegheny farms)placed around pathways and steps give awhimsical touch to decorating. Avoid placingthem in direct sunlight and directly on theground and your pumpkin may well last for twoto three months in the cool fall climate. Otherlow-maintenance decorations for fall are cornstalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provideextra seating in outdoor areas.

Summer may be over but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful,living things.

REAL ESTATE NORTH ALLEGHENY

IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the North Allegheny real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information

about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community.FEATURE STORY

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS

by Pamela Palongue


According to a study conducted by the PewResearch Center in Washington, D.C., homeswhere multiple generations of family have blendedtogether under one roof are on the rise. It is notuncommon around the North Allegheny area tofind families with three, sometimes more,generations living under one roof.

With economic constraints and the high cost ofchild care, it is easy to see why children, parentsand grandparents living together in one dwellingmakes sense in many situations. It’s easy to see whymulti-generational dwellings which appeal to theneeds of all ages are quickly becoming the trend.

From this perspective a ranch-style house onone floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobilityproblems will not have to deal with steps, but alsoparents will not have the added worry of theiryoung children fal ling down stairs. Anotherimportant feature of multi-generational homes isthe ‘mother-in-law suite,’ which could just as easilybe called the ‘father-in-law suite.’

This is generally an area of the house that isdesigned for an aging parent, giving them adegree of privacy and independence while stillbeing a part of the nuclear family household.They are sometimes located in a basement foreasier access for those with mobility issues andoften times will have a separate entrance, giving itthe appearance of a mini-apartment. They usuallyalways include a bedroom and private bath,however they may also come with kitchenettesand a small living area as well.

When accessibility becomes an issue with anolder adult, there are many options for making thehome more accessible without giving it theindustrial-style, nursing home appearance.

This is an important consideration when itcomes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if an

individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must bemade larger to accommodate the chair. With amodern contemporary home, this may beaccomplished by removing walls for a more openfloor plan which appeals to buyers or wideningdoorways with attractive archways. This will makethe change look more intentional and less like atemporary fix for a mobility problem.

Many times it becomes necessary to installgrab bars in baths and showers for the safety ofsenior family members. Although there are manyindustrial style models from which to choose,there are a few companies on the web that aresensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars andoffer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk- nshowers and baths can be constructed withattractive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s styleand are still accessible for seniors.

A few changes to your home can help make itsafer for seniors and children and more valuablewhen it comes time to re-sell.

MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS

REAL ESTATE NORTH ALLEGHENY


For additional informationp

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Never settle on your home builder or the

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Call Jodie, N


As Western Pennsylvania’s premier stone

masonry contractor we are committed to serving ourresidential and commercial clients by providing highquality, reliable and consistent results at competitiverates. Our showroom is located at 3464 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. For additional informationplease call (412) 596-2114 or visit us online atwww.stoneageinc.net.

Andersen windows use natural wood to create a timeless

combination of beauty and durability – plus All Andersen windows feature the Perma-Shield system,which protects the window’s exterior beautifully fordecades. Never settle on your home builder or thewindow they use!

Dow Building Solutionshas a 60+ year legacy of providing innovative insulation and air

sealing solutions such as STYROFOAM SIS™ BrandStructural Insulated Sheathing and GREAT STUFF™ Insulating Foam Sealants to home owners that help

to reduce energy costs and effectively seal a home’sbuilding envelope from wind, rain and moisture. Heartland Homes is creating homes with the wholebuilding envelope in mind that are not only well-built,but are actively saving money for the homeownersevery month

Since 1873, Kohler has been improving people’s lives with exceptional products,

including kitchen and bath fixtures, faucets and accessories, furniture, cabinetry, and tile and stone. As a global leader, Kohler offers its customers world-class products to create a complete design solution. For information, ideas or inspiration, visit www.KOHLER.com.

Precision Stone Products is engaged in the production anddistribution of premium grade architectural synthetic stoneproducts and accessories

resembling natural stone to the finest detail. Our fullproduct line is backed by a 50 year limited warranty.Call (724) 282-2022 for more information or visit usonline at www.pspstone.com.

Rex Glass & Mirror Cohas been servingGreater Pittsburgh

since 1958. As a family owned and operated business,we strive to provide customer service and qualitycraftsmanship that exceed the expectations of ourcustomers. We design, fabricate, and install high quality residential and commercial glass products.

For nearly 100 years,the Whirlpool brand has helped people allover the world find better ways to take care of household

tasks. We want our customers to live cleaner, more organized, less busy and more flavorful lives throughour appliances. So every Whirlpool® product is born of our decades of experience creating incredibly useful features.

www.LoveHeartland.com

Phase II at Briarwood is Selling Fast!Briarwood is one of Heartland Homes’ latest traditional, new home community o%ering sensational privacy with 4 cul-de-sac streets, beautiful home sites, natural masonry fronts (brickor hardie plank), and a remarkable suburban location in one of the state’s best school districts.

Although new, the community is nearly 80% sold out and has limited home sites available. Visit their decorated model home today!

Northtowne EstatesTake in the beautiful natural landscape of this wooded townhome community with private,low-maintenance home sites featuring brick frontand architectural accents. Located right outsidePittsburgh’s city limits in the North Allegheny school district. Drive to North Park and localhotspots in minutes from I-79, I-279, and 19.

Want more information on Briarwood and Northtowne Estates or any of their other 20 communities? Call Jodie, New Home Specialist – 412-512-6671

Communities in North Allegheny!

M arshall Township hosted aCommunity DayCelebration at Knob Hill

Park with fun activities for thewhole family.

Inflatable bouncers, theVenture Outdoors climbing wall,Marshall Township VFW waterhose game, and a dunk tank fromvolunteer Cub Scout Troop 406were some of the activities forkids who wanted sports andaction. Spin art from volunteerGirl Scout Troop 50204, facepainting from Funny FaceProductions, Shenot Markethayrides and Mr. Bill’s Petting Zooprovided fun for the younger kids.History buffs were treated to anAbraham Lincoln impersonator,with history about the area atMarshall Township’s communitybooth, while charming music byThe North Allegheny Fiddlersplayed in the background.Vendors offered residents aopportunity to purchase t-shirts,jewelry and services, whilecommunity organizations such asNorth Hills Community Outreachhelped to raise awareness abouttheir Community Auto Program.The evening continued with pieand watermelon eating contests,musical entertainment by “BigSoup” and a Zambelli fireworksdisplay.

“The great thing about ourCommunity Day is that it is free ofcharge to families. They can comeand enjoy themselves because TheVein Institute, Mitsubishi and otherlocal businesses help to sponsorthe event,” said Heather CuylerJerry, Marshall Township Parks andRecreation Director.

Upcoming Fall Events include aHalloween parade. For moreinformation visit the website athttp://www.twp.marshall.pa.us.


Marshall Township Community Day

at Knob Hill Park

Doug Hefner and Colby Mine

Dylan Darak

The North Allegheny Fiddlers

Ella Sinciline, Jodi and MeghanGriswald of Troop 50204

Kara Belsky, Savana Yurik, Abbey Dean


Karen Russell of Funny Face Productions

Eve Studebaker, Stephen Dunham, Debby Meinert andSusan Sakamoto of The Marshall Volunteer Fire Dept.

Eddie and Ally Aufman

Trey Darak of Troop 403 Kevin Lang,Dylan Darak of Troop 406

The Feath Family

Heather Cuyler Jerry, Marshall Township Parks andRecreation Director and Brendan and Patrick

Gormley, Volunteers

Rick Miller as The Living Lincoln


Cloudy days are perfect days forphotographer Glenn Lewis. That’s because the clouds help

him to get the best possiblephotographs of stained glass windows.

Lewis specializes in architecturaland landscape photography, with aspecial interest in photographingstained glass windows. A resident ofFranklin Park for nearly 16 years, henow lives just outside the borough inMcCandless.

But, he is quick to tell you, “I amnot an official, professional photographer.”

Lewis was in the construction industry for 30 years. He spentsome time in Charlotte, N.C., when his company sent him therefor work, but eventually he was called back to Pittsburgh.

Along the way, he developed an interest in photography. During his time in Charlotte, he bought some digital camera

equipment and started to pursue his interest in photography. Itwas there that he first photographed two old churches.

Upon his return to Pittsburgh, he started to photograph placeswhere he could gain access to the interior, and started to shootstained glass windows and details within those windows.

His work has appeared in a Pittsburgh History and LandmarksFoundation publication and he was selected to photograph thewindows in the mausoleums in Homewood and Alleghenycemeteries.

In addition, he was commissioned to photograph the windowsand architectural details of the Baptist church in Oakland. Much ofthis work can be seen on his website, www.glennlewisimages.com.

“I plan to keep doing this for the rest of my life,” Lewis says.At the request of Debby Rabold, Franklin Park Borough

historian, Lewis has photographed the windows of the borough’spioneer churches. Most of these country churches, which are fairlysmall, were organized in the early 1800s, according to Rabold.


He has documented the beauty of the borough’s historic churches,along with some that are located just outside the borough’s border.

Some of the churches he has photographed in the borough includeFairmount Presbyterian, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran, Little HillMethodist, Franklin Park Baptist Church, as well as Blackburn UnitedMethodist Church in nearby Sewickley Heights and the AlleghenyBaptist Temple Church which was moved to make way for I-79 andnow is situated in Ohio Township.

Rabold says she plans to include Lewis’ work in the next boroughhistory book she is working on.

Photographing stained glass windows is something Lewis sees as anongoing project, because there are so many in the area.

Lewis plans to continue photographing churches throughout thePittsburgh region. “I love old churches, so this is a good thing for me tokeep going.”


North Allegheny

Sportshttp://www.northallegheny.org/athletics

FALL

FOOTBALLBoys Varsity Place TimeFRI. SEPT. 2 STATE COLLEGE HOME 7:00 PMFRI. SEPT. 9 BUTLER AWAY 7:30 PMFRI. SEPT. 16 UPPER ST. CLAIR HOME 7:30 PMFRI. SEPT. 23 ERIE MCDOWELL HOME 7:00 PMFRI. SEPT. 30 SENECA VALLEY AWAY 7:30 PMFRI. OCT. 7 KISKI AREA AWAY 7:30 PMFRI. OCT. 14 PINE-RICHLAND

(HOMECOMING) HOME 7:30 PMFRI. OCT. 21 SHALER AREA AWAY 7:30 PMFRI. OCT. 28 NORTH HILLS

(SENIOR NIGHT) HOME 7:30 PMFRI. NOV. 4 WPIAL PLAYOFFS 7:30 PM

SOCCERBoys Varsity Place TimeSAT. SEPT. 3 ERIE CATHEDRAL PRE AWAY 4:00 PMWED. SEPT. 7 KISKI AREA HOME 7:30 PMFRI. SEPT. 9 PLUM HOME 6:30 PMTUES. SEPT. 13 SENECA VALLEY HOME 7:45 PMTHURS. SEPT. 15 PINE-RICHLAND AWAY 7:30 PMSAT. SEPT. 17 ALTOONA AWAY 4:00 PMMON. SEPT. 19 SHALER AREA HOME 8:15 PMTHURS. SEPT. 22 BUTLER AWAY 7:30 PMSAT. SEPT. 24 NORTH HILLS HOME 6:30 PMTUES. SEPT. 27 PENN-TRAFFORD AWAY 7:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 29 SENECA VALLEY AWAY 7:30 PMSAT. OCT. 1 UPPER ST. CLAIR HOME 10:30 AMTUES. OCT. 4 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 7:45 PMTHURS. OCT. 6 SHALER AWAY 7:30 PMSAT. OCT. 8 HOLLIDAYSBURG HOME 6:30 PMTUES. OCT. 11 BUTLER HOME 7:45 PMTHURS. OCT. 13 NORTH HILLS AWAY 7:00 PMTUES. OCT. 18 NORWIN AWAY 7:15 PM

VOLLEYBALLGirls Varsity Place TimeSAT. SEPT. 3 MT. LEBANON INVITATIONAL

(VARSITY ONLY) AWAY 9:00 AMTUES. SEPT. 6 PENN TRAFFORD AWAY 7:00 PMTHURS. SEPT. 8 FOX CHAPEL HOME 7:00 PMSAT. SEPT. 10 MT. LEBANON INVITATIONAL

(JV ONLY) AWAY 9:00 AMMON. SEPT. 12 MT. LEBANON INVITATIONAL

(VARSITY ONLY) AWAY 7:00 PMTUES. SEPT. 13 PINE-RICHLAND AWAY 7:00 PMTHURS. SEPT. 15 BUTLER AWAY 7:00 PMTUES. SEPT. 20 HAMPTON AWAY 7:00 PMTHURS. SEPT. 22 SENECA VALLEY HOME 7:00 PMMON. SEPT. 26 NORWIN AWAY 7:00 PMTUES. SEPT. 27 NORTH HILLS AWAY 7:00 PMSAT. OCT. 1 STATE COLLEGE TOURNAMENT AWAY TBAMON. OCT. 3 UPPER ST. CLAIR HOME 7:00 PMTUES. OCT. 4 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 7:00 PMTHURS. OCT. 6 BUTLER HOME 7:00 PMTUES. OCT. 11 HAMPTON HOME 7:00 PMTHURS. OCT. 13 SENECA VALLEY AWAY 3:30 PMTHURS. OCT. 18 NORTH HILLS HOME 7:00 PMTHURS. OCT. 20 SHALER AREA HOME 7:00 PMSAT. OCT. 22 NA INVITATIONAL HOME 8:30 AM

SOCCERGirls Varsity Place TimeSAT. SEPT. 3 MOON HOME 11:00 AMWED. SEPT. 7 HAMPTON AWAY 7:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 8 CANON-MCMILLAN HOME 7:00 PMMON. SEPT. 12 BUTLER HOME 7:00 PMWED. SEPT. 14 PINE-RICHLAND AWAY 7:30 PMSAT. SEPT. 17 ALTOONA AWAY 12:30 PMMON. SEPT. 19 SENECA VALLEY HOME 6:15 PMWED. SEPT. 21 SHALER AREA AWAY 7:30 PMMON. SEPT. 26 NORTH HILLS HOME 7:30 PMWED. SEPT. 28 HAMPTON HOME 7:45 PMSAT. OCT. 1 AT BUTLER AWAY 4:30 PMMON. OCT. 3 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 7:30 PMWED. OCT. 5 SENECA VALLEY AWAY 7:30 PMFRI. OCT. 7 HAMPTON INVITATIONAL

(VARSITY ONLY) AWAY 6:00 PMMON. OCT. 10 SHALER AREA HOME 7:30 PMWED. OCT. 12 ERIE MCDOWELL HOME 7:00 PMMON. OCT. 17 NORTH HILLS AWAY 7:00 PMTUES. OCT. 18 NORWIN HOME 7:45 PM

WATER POLOBoys and Girls Varsity Place TimeFRI-SAT SEPT. 2-3 MCDOWELL TOURNAMENT AWAY 4 PM/8 AMFRI.-SAT SEPT. 9-10 SCREAMIN' EAGLE

TOURNAMENT AWAY 4 PM/8 AMFRI-SAT SEPT. 16-17 TIGER CLASSIC HOME 4 PM/8 AMFRI-SAT SEPT. 23-24 BEAST OF THE EAST AWAY 4 PM/8 AM

FRI-SATSEPT. 30-OCT. 1 KNIGHT INVITATIONAL AWAY 4 PM/8 AMSAT OCT. 22 WESTERN CONFERENCE

CHAMPIONSHIPS HOME 8:00 AMFRI-SAT OCT. 28-29 GIRLS' STATE

CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY 4 PM/8 AMFRI-SAT NOV. 4-5 BOYS' STATE

CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY 4 PM/8 AM


www.northallegheny.org/athletics

FIELD HOCKEYGirls Varsity Place TimeWED. SEPT. 7 OAKLAND CATHOLIC HOME 7:45 PMSAT. SEPT. 10 HERSHEY INVITATIONAL AWAY TBAWED. SEPT. 14 PENN-TRAFFORD HOME 7:45 PMTHURS. SEPT. 15 HEMPFIELD AWAY 7:30 PMSAT. SEPT. 17 HATHAWAY BROWN HOME 2:00 PMMON. SEPT. 19 AQUINAS ACADEMY AWAY 4:00 PMTUES. SEPT. 20 LATROBE AWAY 4:00 PMTHURS. SEPT. 22 NORWIN HOME 7:00 PMSAT. SEPT. 24 -LINDA ROSE

MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT AWAY 11:30 AMMON. SEPT. 26 PINE-RICHLAND AWAY 7:30 PMFRI. SEPT. 30 AQUINAS ACADEMY HOME 6:00 PMSAT. OCT. 1 HAWKEN HOME 4:00 PMSAT. OCT. 1 HUDSON HOME 7:30 PMTUES. OCT. 4 PENN-TRAFFORD AWAY TBATHURS. OCT. 6 HEMPFIELD HOME 7:30 PMWED. OCT. 12 NORWIN AWAY 7:30 PMMON. OCT. 1 LATROBE HOME 7:30 PMWED. OCT. 19 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 7:45 PMWED. OCT. 26 WPIAL TOURNAMENT BEGINS TBATUES. NOV. 8 PIAA TOURNAMENT BEGINS TBA

CROSS COUNTRYBoys and Girls Varsity Place TimeTUES. SEPT. 6 ERIE CATHEDRAL PREP HOME 4:30 PMSAT. SEPT. 10 RED, WHITE, BLUE

INVITATIONAL AWAY 9:30 AMSAT. SEPT. 17 BOARDMAN SPARTAN

INVITATIONAL AWAY 9:30 AMTUES. SEPT. 20 HAMPTON (W/MARS) AWAY 3:30 PMSAT. SEPT. 24 CARLISLE INVITATIONAL AWAY 9:30 AMTUES. SEPT. 27 NORTH HILLS (W/ SHALER) AWAY 3:30 PMSAT. OCT. 1 CENTRAL CATHOLIC AWAY 9:30 AMTUES. OCT. 4 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 3:30 PMTUES. OCT. 11 BUTLER HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. OCT. 20 TRI-STATE INVITATIONAL

(VARSITY ONLY) AWAY 3:30 PMMON. OCT. 24 TRI-STATE INVITATIONAL

(JV ONLY) AWAY 3:30 PMTHURS. OCT. 27 WPIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY 2:30 PMSAT. NOV. 5 PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY 10:00 AM

GOLFBoys Varsity Place TimeTHURS. AUG. 18 HAMPTON AWAY 3:30 PMMON. AUG. 22 CHAMPIONS CUP AWAY 10:00 AMTUES. AUG. 23 NEW CASTLE HOME 3:30 PMWED. AUG. 24 PINE-RICHLAND AWAY 4:45 PMTHURS. AUG. 25 MT. LEBANON HOME 3:30 PMTUES. AUG. 30 SENECA VALLEY HOME 3:30 PMWED. AUG. 31 FRANKLIN REGIONAL HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 1 SHALER AREA AWAY 2:40 PMWED. SEPT. 7 BUTLER HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 8 NORTH HILLS AWAY 3:30 PMTUES. SEPT.13 NEW CASTLE AWAY 3:00 PMWED. SEPT. 14 NORTH HILLS HOME 3:00 PMTHURS. SEPT. 15 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 3:30 PMTUES. SEPT. 20 SECTION QUALIFIERS AWAY TBAWED. SEPT. 21 CENTRAL CATHOLIC HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 22 SENECA VALLEY AWAY 3:30 PMTUES. SEPT. 27 WPIAL INDIVIDUAL

SEMI-FINALS AWAY TBAWED. SEPT. 28 SHALER AREA HOME 3:30 PMFRI. SEPT. 30 BUTLER AWAY 3:30 PMWED. OCT. 5 WPIAL INDIVIDUAL FINALS AWAY TBATHURS. OCT. 6 SEWICKLEY ACADEMY HOME 3:30 PMTUES. OCT. 11 WPIAL TEAM

SEMI-FINALS AWAY TBATHURS. OCT. 13 WPIAL TEAM FINALS AWAY TBAMON. OCT. 24 PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY TBATUES. OCT. 25 PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY TBA

GOLFGirls Varsity Place TimeTHURS. AUG. 18 HAMPTON AWAY 3:30 PMMON. AUG. 22 CHAMPIONS CUP AWAY 10:00 AMTUES. AUG. 23 NEW CASTLE HOME 3:30 PMWED. AUG. 24 PINE-RICHLAND AWAY 4:45 PMTHURS. AUG. 25 MT. LEBANON HOME 3:30 PMTUES. AUG. 30 SENECA VALLEY HOME 3:30 PMWED. AUG. 31 FRANKLIN REGIONAL HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 1 SHALER AREA AWAY 2:40 PMWED. SEPT. 7 BUTLER HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 8 NORTH HILLS AWAY 3:30 PMTUES. SEPT.13 NEW CASTLE AWAY 3:00 PMWED. SEPT. 14 NORTH HILLS HOME 3:00 PMTHURS. SEPT. 15 PINE-RICHLAND HOME 3:30 PMTUES. SEPT. 20 SECTION QUALIFIERS AWAY TBAWED. SEPT. 21 CENTRAL CATHOLIC HOME 3:30 PMTHURS. SEPT. 22 SENECA VALLEY AWAY 3:30 PMTUES. SEPT. 27 WPIAL INDIVIDUAL

SEMI-FINALS AWAY TBAWED. SEPT. 28 SHALER AREA HOME 3:30 PMFRI. SEPT. 30 BUTLER AWAY 3:30 PMWED. OCT. 5 WPIAL INDIVIDUAL FINALS AWAY TBATHURS. OCT. 6 SEWICKLEY ACADEMY HOME 3:30 PMTUES. OCT. 11 WPIAL TEAM

SEMI-FINALS AWAY TBATHURS. OCT. 13 WPIAL TEAM FINALS AWAY TBAMON. OCT. 24 PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY TBATUES. OCT. 25 PIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AWAY TBA

NOTICE: NOT ALL FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES WERE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF PRINTING.


Bella Frutteto’s new bar may just be the perfect spot to enjoydrinks with friends or settle in for a Steelers game.Warm and inviting, the new bar area is the latest expansion

for the family-owned and -operated restaurant located in theFranklin Village Plaza (a.k.a. ‘the Eat n Park plaza’) on BrandtSchool Road and Rt. 910, conveniently situated just off I-79.

Owners Sandy and Jeff Rook opened the doors to the new baron Aug. 2, just after the restaurant celebrated its third anniversaryin June.

“Expanding is something we wanted to do for a long time,” saysJeff. Previously, the bar was located within the dining room. Byexpanding into the neighboring space, the Rooks were able tomove the bar out of the dining room, making room for additionalseating there.

Now, the warm and cozy bar encourages lingering – there aretables for gathering and giant television screens to enjoy watchingyour favorite game.

The bar offers an extensive wine list, as well as a long list ofpremium liquors, beer selections and specialty cocktails. For thefirst time, Bella Frutteto is able to offer draft beer, something theycould not do before the expansion. And, the bar is one of just three

locations in the region to offer Arsenal Cider House cider, thisoffering is produced locally in Lawrenceville using Soergel’s apples.

Stop by for Happy Hour any day of the week: Sunday throughThursday, from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, from 9 to 11 p.m. Enjoy half-price appetizers and a variety of drink specials.

If you are hungry for more than just an appetizer, therestaurant’s full menu is available in the bar. The Rooks describethe menu as ‘Italian with a twist,’ offering traditional classics alongwith modern Italian dishes.

The outdoor seating area offers a spectacular view of theneighboring Soergel’s apple orchard. Fittingly, bella fruttetotranslates to “beautiful orchard” in Italian.

Drawing from that inspiration, the restaurant makes a point ofincorporating apples, grown locally, into many of their dishes,including apple ravioli, featuring granny smith apples sauteed withamaretto, golden raisins and balsamic roasted figs in a sage buttersauce atop cheese raviolis. There also is a tasty apple bruschetta,served with Italian toast drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Bella Frutteto is dedicated to using the freshest of ingredientsand all menu items are made fresh to order. The menu alsoincludes an extensive list of gluten-free options to accommodateguests with special dietary concerns. And, there is a children’smenu so the entire family can enjoy a meal together.

Bringing a sweet ending to your meal, all desserts are made in-house. The most popular is the “giant cupcake.” Executive ChefJessica Headrick offers a varying selection of flavors that rotate onand off the menu. Some of the most popular cupcake flavors are‘smores, burnt almond torte, chocolate covered banana andbanana split, and all are served with three scoops of ice cream.

A private dining room is available to accommodate groups ofup to 50 people and a catering menu is available online. If youdon’t see something you are looking for on the menu – just ask.The restaurant is happy to accommodate guests’ requests.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Bella Fruttetowelcomes reservations. For more information or to view therestaurant’s menus, visit the website at www.bellafrutteto.com orcall 724.940.7777.

DIN

ING

OU

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Bella Frutteto Expands with New Bar and Larger Dining Room


This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Jeffrey Bentz and Dr. Matthew Cook.

Dr. Bentz is a graduate of North Allegheny High School, Pennsylvania State University, and Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Cook is a graduate of North Hills High School, Duquesne University, and PalmerCollege of Chiropractic. Drs. Bentz and Cook are board certified in chiropractic andadjunctive procedures and are members of the Pennsylvania ChiropracticAssociation.

Once, I had a patient ask if there are any tests that can be done at hometo determine if he has postural imbalances. Making it very clear thatmost of his day was spent either sitting at his desk at work or in his

recliner at home, he mentioned that he pays someone to mow his lawn, cleanhis house, and rarely exercises. We laughed at his honesty then got right towork on a complete postural analysis.

Did you know that good posture reduces low back pain? Correct posture isa simple way to keep the many complex structures in the back and the spinehealthy. Good posture and back support is much more than cosmetic: it iscritical to reducing back pain and neck pain. Over time, the stress of poorposture can change the anatomical characteristics of the spine, leading to thepossibility of pinched nerves, unhealthy discs and joints, and chronically tightmuscles. Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support can addstrain to muscles and put stress on the spine.

The following self tests will help you determine if you have correct posture:The Mirror Test - Stand facing a full length mirror and check to see if your:

1. Shoulders are level2. Head is straight 3. Spaces between your arms and sides seem to be equal4. Hips are level with your kneecaps and facing straight ahead5. Ankles are straight.

The Wall Test - Stand with the back of your head touching the wall andyour heels six inches from the baseboard. With your buttocks touching the wall,check the distance between your lower back and the wall, and your neck andthe wall. If you can correct your stance to be within an inch or two at the lowback and two inches at the neck, you are close to having excellent posture. Ifnot, your posture may need professional attention to restore the normal curvesof your spine.

The “Jump” Test - Feel the muscles of your neck and shoulders. Do youfind areas that are tender and sensitive? Are the buttock muscles sore when youapply pressure? What about the chest muscles? If you feel tenderness whenyou apply pressure then you have chronically tight and overactive muscles thatare compensating for poor posture.

What does perfect posture look like?From the front, your shoulders, hips and knees should be of equal height.

Your head should also be held straight and not tilted or turned to one side.From the rear, the little bumps on your spine should be in a straight line downthe center of your back.

Obviously, no one spends all day in a “perfect posture” position. However,if you naturally assume a relaxed standing posture, you will carry yourself in amore balanced position which will result in less stress in your other activities.

Drs. Bentz and Cook, your Genesis Chiropractors, specialize in thetreatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of your musculo-skeletalsystem (your spine and your joints) and the effects that these disorders have onthe function of your nervous system and your general health. Treatment atGenesis Chiropractic consists of a consultation and detailed history, acomprehensive examination, digital X-rays (if indicated), therapy, and manualadjustments.

Treating pain is only one part of chiropractic care at Genesis Chiropractic.If you are bothered by a recent injury or auto accident, or suffer with chronicpain, let us customize a rehab program to help you eliminate/reduce your painor discomfort. If you’re looking for a second opinion or a new perspective on ahealth issue, give us a call at 412-847-0066 to schedule your appointment.


Palm trees, sand, waterfalls and an island-themed bar set the mood for a relaxing and funevening with Izzazu Salon’s Third Annual

Benefit for The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Heldat The Cabana Bar at Oxford Athletic Club, theoutdoor party gave guests the opportunity to minglewith many local celebrities including DemetriusIvory, WTAE meteorologist; Peggy Finnegan, WPXIbroadcaster; and Michele Michaels, WDVE discjockey.

Nick Easton, Trai Essex, Max Starks and ZiggyHood were some of the Pittsburgh Steelers thatshowed their support by signing autographs andgetting photographed with fans. Local musicianDonnie Iris donated his Signature “King Cool Light”Beer and DJ Tweak kept the party moving with adiverse mix of music.

“Because of the team at our salon, we are veryblessed and fortunate,” said Gino Chiodo of IzzazuSalon. “We love to give back to the community andare involved in many charities. When you give, youreceive so much in return. We are having this benefitbecause we want to help Nick’s (Nick Easton) momand others who are suffering from MS.”

Affecting approximately 400,000 in the UnitedStates, Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune diseasethat damages the central nervous system. A personwith MS may exhibit weakness, loss of musclecoordination or vision, and speech problems invarying degrees.

Although there is no cure, treatments andtherapies may slow the disease’s progression and helpthose afflicted maintain a normal quality of life. The

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s mission is “to helpthose with MS to achieve the best quality of lifethrough vital support services and educationalprograms and to create a brighter tomorrow."

In addition to local celebrities, there were manyfriends and neighbors who volunteered and donated.Sherry Jo Matt helped to coordinate the event.

“I am a client at Izzazu and was asked if I wouldlike to help,” Matt said. “It is so rewarding tocoordinate this event and raise money for MS.People have been so generous.”

Darlene Wisniewski donated PittsburghPenguin’s tickets. “My mother has MS and we like tosupport events like this,” Wisniewski said. “She isdoing as well she can at St. Barnabas and the care isextraordinary. Research is showing that with earlydetection of MS, it can make all the difference. Mymother has had it for 40 years and there is no cure.”

Oxford Athletic Club General Manager DanGriffin helped to serve guests at the bar and also saysthat he feels that giving back to the community isimportant. “We have a program that is called OxfordCares,” Griffin said. “It supports over 100 localorganizations from prom dresses for Project Prom,cell phones for Helpline and care packages forOperation Troop Appreciation. We welcomeorganizations to host a charitable event here.”

To learn more about The Izzazu Salon BenefitFor MS, go to the Izzazu Salon website atwww.izzazu.com. To learn more about OxfordCares, visit the Oxford Athletic Club’s website atwww.oxfordathleticclub.com

Izzazu Salon Hosts Benefit for the MS Foundation

Hosts, Ziggy Murin and Gino Chiodoof Izzazu Salon

Michele Michaels, WDVE Disc Jockey;

Gino Chiodo, Host; Peggy Finnegan,

WPXI Broadcaster; Ziggy Murin, Host

Nick Easton, Max Starks, Trai Essex

of The Pittsburgh Steelers

Kelly Chambon and Demetrius Ivory,WTAE Meteorologist

Karen Brown and Donnie Iris

Adam Lassinger, Ariel Wrigley, DJ Tweak

My first article must have hit thespot…. we had a lot of greatfeedback! It is nice to think that

everyone likes to smile and I am glad that Ican help in that area. Some people respondedthat a few undesired changes related to agingalso came along with this happily anticipated timeof life. I believe that I may be able to decrease some ofthose challenges too. In this article, I want to respond tosome of the questions that I hear frequently.

Dry MouthThe #1 concern I hear often is having dry mouth. Everyone wants to

enjoy their food, but a dry mouth can sometimes make eating painful andswallowing more difficult. There are two factors that contribute to thiscondition. Many pharmaceutical drugs have dry mouth as a side effect

and many seniors are on multiplemedications which can compound theeffect. Have your physician review yourmedications and work with you tominimize these effects. Being aware ofwhat you eat or drink is another factor.

Caffeine and alcohol are two items thattend to dehydrate us. Minimizing their

intake can decrease your symptoms. There areoral moisturizing agents available that will give

you some short term help, maybe long enough to giveyou a more enjoyable meal or a comfortable night of sleep.

However, some medical conditions may lead to dry mouth no matterwhat you try. My staff and I are well versed in finding the source of yourcondition and would enjoy helping to minimize your discomfort.

Connection between oral health and general illness.Another common question is the connection between general

illnesses and oral health, especially diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy.While the specifics are too much to cover in this article, we can reviewthese concerns when you visit our office. Suffice it to say, the mouth ispart of the body! Infections and weaknesses in the mouth can allow easieraccess for germs to enter the body and contribute to certain diseases.Conversely, the health of the body can affect the health of the mouth aswell. For example, osteoporosis and its’ effects on the bone around theteeth would fit into this category. Also, lack of disease-type symptomsdoes not mean that you are healthy. The day, week or month before youFELT ill, your body was already dealing with the illness beneath thesurface. Can any of this be addressed before the crisis occurs?

Good health through neutraceuticalsGood nutrition and proper supplementation are a big part of

minimizing these effects. A healthy body will resist disease moreeffectively. As we age, our metabolism changes and we may not get all thenutrients we need just through eating. In addition, healthy vitamin Dlevels aren’t related to eating as much as they are to exposure to thesun…..we all know that doesn’t occur as much as we’d like in Pittsburgh!Finally, some medicines have oral and nutritional side effects. Propersupplementation can make up for these holes in our nutritional health, butit is important to choose the right supplements. A personal review is thebest way to know which products would be best for you. I have spent asignificant part of my continuing education trying to better understandthese concepts and I would be happy to share that information with you. Aproper diagnosis by your physician is a must, of course. We will work withyour physician to bring you the finest level of health that you can achieve.

And then… you can enjoy having that Great Smile and Eating once again!

Call my office (724.935.0160) for an appointment to see how we canhelp you be as healthy as possible!



For anyone who has ever dreamed ofbeing a real guitar hero, BackstageGuitars is offering the opportunity to

make those dreams a reality through theirRock Band Academy.

“We take kids who are taking privatelessons here, and even some who aren’t, andput them in a band based on their age andexperience level,” explains owner JakeMiclot. “We teach them how to play in aband versus by themselves.”

There are three programs running underthe Rock Band Academy umbrella, whichinclude a Session Course, BandManagement, and Music Club. Theprograms are designed by Carey Davenport,who has a degree in education and spent sixyears in the public education system beforecoming to Backstage Guitars.

The six-week program ends with a showperformed at The Hardrock Cafe at StationSquare.

There are two sessions offered each year.The fall session begins Sept. 15 and thespring session will begin in March. BackstageGuitar’s program is the area’s longestrunning Rock Band Academy program,according to Miclot.

Besides the Rock Band Academy,Backstage Guitars offers lessons for those ofall ages and ability levels. Private lessons areavailable year-round and most of theteachers have degrees in music as well asextensive teaching experience.

Private, spacious rooms at BackstageGuitars help to keep everyone comfortableand having fun in a one-on-one privatelesson format. Whether you are a beginner or

an advanced player looking to sharpen yourskills, Backstage has what you need to learnguitar and bass as well as drums, mandolinand even ukulele. In Wexford, singer-songwriter classes also are available.

Located in the Village of Pine Plaza at1500 Village Run Road, the location hasbeen open nearly two and a half years. It isone of Backstage’s two locations ñ the otheris at 4123 Butler St. in Lawrenceville.

A full-service shop, Backstage Guitarsoffers many products and services that areunique to the region, Miclot says.

“We really are a boutique guitar shop,”says Miclot. “We offer boutique amplifiers,hand-made effect pedals, and we also havefull-service repairs and set-ups.”

The Wexford location also offers a fullrecording studio. For rates and availability,call 724.799.8630.

Store hours are Monday throughThursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday, noon to 6p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

For more information about BackstageGuitar’s Rock Band Academy, privatelessons, products or services, visit thewebsite at www.backstageguitars.com or call724.799.8630.

at Backstage Guitars Rock Band AcademyLearntoRockLearntoRock

Backstage Guitar images by Maggie Davenportof Fleur Photography.


orth AlleghenyADVERTISE HERE!

[email protected]


Summer is coming to an end. The weather will start cooling down,the leaves will start changing and we’ll start to get our Steelers andPenguins jerseys out to sport for the seasons to come. That’s right,

as it has been an extremely productive summer for us, at Pure Café, we’reeager to gear up for an even more exciting fall!

Highlighting the summer months were numerous graduation parties,bridal sho wers, corporate happy hours and networking events. Not tomention, some pretty exciting nights spent watching the Battling Buccoson our outdoor flat-screen televisions. The Bottle Club at Pure works inperfect harmony with a sporting event viewing. A yearly membership toThe Bottle Club allows you to store your beer, wine and/or liquor inyour very own locker located inside of our temperature controlledcooler. If you only plan on using the locker for an evening, you simplyjust pay a five-dollar corkage fee. For sporting events, Pure is the placeto hang. You bring your favorite adult beverage, relax and we’ll take careof the rest.

Want to do some shots? Stop by for a one or two ounce shot ofWheat Grass! The health benefits are innumerable and we’ll evenprovide an orange juice chaser to make it go down easier. Keep in mindthat a one-ounce shot is the equivalent to two and a half pounds of leafygreens. Also, Wheat Grass purifies the blood, cleanses liver tissues &cells, helps lower blood pressure, has anti-inflammatory effects onarthritis & ulcers, builds red blood cells quickly & bolsters the immunesystem, helps the digestive system and flushes toxins from the body. So,if you can endure the taste of grass in your mouth for a couple fractionsof a second, you’ll reap the benefits in the long run. It’s definitely a goodthing to have in your arsenal for the upcoming cold & flu season. Don’tpass on this grass!

Recent menu additions that quickly became mainstays, such asCrepes and Grease-less Chips & French Fries, have grown intocustomer favorites. Along with Crowd-Pleasing Panini, Wraps, Saladsand Super Smoothies; our Grease-less Chips & Fries and Killer Crepesfit right in and make people’s palettes very happy. You can even callahead, we’ll prepare your order, you swing through our convenientdrive-through window, then you are on your way with some delicious,healthy food and drink.

To keep up on all things Pure, be sure to “Like” us on Facebook andfollow us on Twitter – (@PureCafeWexford)

This Industry Insight was written by Angela Cella.

Angela is the owner and operator of Pure Café locatedinside Pure Athletex. 119 Neely School Road, Wexford PA 15090724.935.1515www.pureathletex.com/purehospitality.html

Party with Pure(PureCafe – A Bottle Club at Pure Athletex)


Have you recently left one employer to begin working for another?Were you covered by an employer sponsored retirement plan,such as a 401(k)? If so, you may be wondering about the future of

your account.In the event of a job change, there are many options available to you

regarding your employer sponsored retirement account assets. Theoptions you have will depend on the provisions of your former employer’splan. Sometimes your money can stay in the plan with your previousemployer until you reach a specific age and you then can begin takingwithdrawals without a tax penalty.

Remaining with your old plan may have drawbacks. Sometimes feesare charged to former employees to offset managing the account. Aminimum asset balance may also be required. Other times you must takeyour money out when you terminate employment. You should contactthe Human Resources department or benefits counselor of your formeremployer to determine your options. If you withdraw plan assets, you mayneed to find another funding vehicle.

Transferring the balance of the assets in your previous employer’s tax-qualified account to a plan sponsored by your new employer may be anoption. This can be done without paying taxes if the money goes directlyto the new account (known as a “direct rollover”). However, your newemployer may not allow a rollover, thus you will need to look at furtheroptions. One choice to consider is rolling the balance of your account to aTraditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). With this choice, youare able to control the investment options within the IRA. You can alsoavoid the need to make a further rollover if you change jobs again.

Rolling your 401(k) assets into a Traditional IRA can be costly if notdone correctly. If you take a withdrawal, the trustee of your old plan mustwithhold 20 percent of the money for federal income tax purposes. Youhave 60 days to roll the distribution to a new qualified retirement vehicle ifyou do take a withdrawal. The 20 percent withholding will count as adistribution if you do not roll over that amount to an IRA or otherqualified plan. A 10 percent tax penalty will usually apply if you are underage 59½ and you don’t roll the entire amount into an IRA or otherqualified plan.

In order to avoid the 20 percent federal income tax withholding, adirect rollover should be considered. The assets of your employersponsored plan are transferred directly from your former employer’s planto a Traditional IRA or other qualified plan. You don’t touch the money,

and neither does the government. Your assets can grow tax-deferred untilyou begin withdrawals.

To complete a direct rollover, contact a State Farm agent to discussyour options. Once you determine where you want the money to go, theIRA custodian can request the money from your employer-sponsoredplan in the form of a check or wire transfer. Your current IRAcontributions are not affected by a rollover. You may contribute theallowable limit to an IRA even after rolling a substantial amount from yourprevious plan.

With so many choices available, it may be in your best interests todiscuss a Traditional IRA rollover with a financial professional. You havesome options. Take advantage of one with which you are comfortable.

This Industry Insight was written by Jennifer Johnsen-Nazareth, whohas been in the insurance industry for over 12 years. She represents StateFarm Insurance on Mt. Nebo Rd. in Sewickley and serves the Pittsburghcommunity. Successful staffing, customer care, and a wider array ofproducts has helped her agency grow to the Trib Total Media "ReadersChoice" Insurance agency in Sewickley for the last 3 years. It is a placewhere people get a great value and understanding of the insuranceindustry. For more information contact Jennifer directly at 412-741-1600/[email protected] or via her website at www.seejennifer.com

Is ARolloverIn Your Future?

Nadine Thompson has been an agent with State Farm InsuranceCompanies since 1992, serving the Ross Township Community. Her officeis located on McKnight Road. Offering our clients an exceptionalcustomer experience and a wide array of products has helped my agencygrow. She is a 2005 graduate of Robert Morris University, earning herMasters Degree in Business Administratio n, and her undergraduatedegree from University of Pittsburgh. She holds several Insurance licenses.Ms. Thompson is a firm believer in the spirit of volunteering. She iscurrently a facilitator with Tomorrow’s Future, Inc. Youth DevelopmentProgram, Youth Coordinator for the Mt. Horran Baptist Church YouthDepartment, and former volunteer with Boy Scout of America/Cub ScoutsPack 21. You may contact a t 412-367-3177 [email protected]/www.nadinethompson.net

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Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 Reversing Dementia at

UPMC Passavant

page 3 Use Your Head to Stop Strokes

page 4 Healthy Eating for Busy FamiliesAchoo! Don’t Get the Flu

page 5 A Matter of ChoiceMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves

page 6 A New Level of Pinpoint AccuracyThat’s Patient Friendly

page 7 Welcoming New PhysiciansWhat’s Happening at UPMC Passavant

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

Reversing Dementia atUPMC PassavantNormal pressure hydrocephalus is the most treatable form of dementia, using a minimally invasive brain procedure offered by UPMC Passavant’s Cranial Neurosurgery Program

Janet Wilson’s world fell apart when the 52-year-old substituteteacher from Cranberry suddenly started experiencing memory loss and tremors in May 2010. CT scans ruled outsome problems (such as a brain tumor), so she underwent a battery of tests to determine if she had a rare form of dementia known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

The brain’s many tasks include making a clear fluid that protects, cushions, and nourishes itself and the spinal cord.Hydrocephalus occurs when that fluid doesn’t drain properlyand puts pressure on the brain.

Important warning signs“In older adults, the form of hydrocephalus called normal pressure hydrocephalus can cause symptoms of dementia. It’s often misdiagnosed because it mimics those of Parkinson’sor Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Arlan Mintz, MD, FACS,FRCS, director of the Cranial Neurosurgery Program atUPMC Passavant. Symptoms of NPH may include:• Memory loss, difficulty in thinking clearly andproblem solving• Problems walking• Inability to control bladder

Diagnosing NPHUp to five percent of all dementia patients have NPH, and there is no known cause. The good news is that it often can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure. Janet underwent a battery of memory and gait tests — plus a procedure known as a lumbar drain trial — to confirm her diagnosis of NPH.

“During the lumbar drain trial, patients are hospitalized forthree days while a catheter in the lower back drains built-upfluids,” says Dr. Mintz. “Patients who show progress are good candidates for having a shunt implanted.” A shunt is aflexible tube that allows the built-up fluid in the brain to drain. Janet started seeing results within 24 hours, noting, “I began feeling like myself again.”

In July 2010, a permanent shunt was inserted in Janet’s brain,connected by a tube to her abdomen, where the clear fluiddrains and is absorbed by her body. Two days later, she returned home.

“We use programmable shunt valves that allow us to use magnets on the skin’s surface to adjust the drainage flow based on pressure,” says Dr. Mintz. “Only my hairdresserknows for sure,” laughs Janet. “The shunt just feels like a little bump on my head.” She also sees Dr. Mintz twice annually for check-ups.

Seeking help for NPHIf you suspect that you or a family member may have NPH,consult with your family doctor, then a neurologist, to start the diagnosis process. The best results are seen with patientswith early stages of NPH.

Located in Passavant’s state-of-the-art pavilion, the new Cranial Neurosurgery Program offers comprehensive care topatients with brain-related illnesses and diseases. “Residents of Pittsburgh’s northern communities no longer need to travel far to have access to expert surgeons and a full range of diagnostic and surgical tools,” says Dr. Mintz. For more information, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

• One in 200 adults over age 55 has NPH.

• More than seven million Americans have some form of dementia.

• Fourteen percent of assisted living/nursing care residents have NPH.

Did You Know?

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Use Your Head to Stop StrokesBe smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain

The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults.

In fact, a recent report by the AmericanStroke Association showed a sharp rise instroke hospitalizations among men andwomen ages 15 to 44, while rates declinedby 25 percent among older adults.

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” saysTudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMCStroke Institute. “Strokes can happen toanyone, at any age,” he says.

Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact astroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.

Prevention: What you can do“Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s importantto control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC.

While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity(African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can controlhigh blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.

“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.

Treatment: Time lost is brain lostEvery minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administrationof the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.

For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.

Call 911If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately so treatment can begin without delay.

Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, andUPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke TelemedicineProgram also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.

“You’re at risk any timeyour blood pressure orcholesterol are up. It’sfar better to prevent astroke than to deal withthe consequences.”— Lawrence Wechsler, MD

Think FASTUse this simple acronym to help determinewhether you’re witnessing a stroke:

Face: Can the person smile (or does oneside of the face droop)?

Arms: Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?

Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?

Time: Call 911 immediately if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!

Act FASTStrokes require immediate medical attention,so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says William Kristan, MD, chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UPMC Passavant. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:

• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs,especially on one side of the body

• Problems with balance or walking

• Vision problems

• Slurred speech

• Confusion

• Problems speaking or understanding

• Severe headache

To learn more about stroke prevention andtreatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.


Healthy Eating for Busy FamiliesAmerica is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort,you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!

Start your day off rightBreakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eatbreakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better. • Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look forlow-sugar, high-fiber optionsand top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free).

• Get your creative juices flowingwith easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies.

• Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”

Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunchesNo time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategieswhen dining out:• Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted,grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals.

• Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts.

• Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you!

• Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.

Make dinner a family affairEating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate.

• Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans.

• Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears.

Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Achoo!Don’t Get the FluUnpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May.Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as Octoberor as late as April.

It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in storefor us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagiousrespiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people inthe United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way toprotect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.

Who is at risk?Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from theflu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flubefore even knowing you are sick!

Who should get the flu vaccine?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendthat everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications include:

• People age 65 and older

• Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two

• People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders

• Pregnant women

Others who should get a flu shot:• Health care workers

• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident

• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications

What is the best time to get vaccinated?The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected.However, experts agree: it’s never too late.

If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1-800-533-UPMC 5

Do You Have UFTs?Dr. Perryman says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a pin or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” he explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.”

He advises that women be alert to these early symptoms:• Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure• Pain during intercourse

“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they oftencan be controlled through birth control pills or other medication,”says Dr. Perryman. “But others require more aggressive treatment,such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women,the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause.

It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptomssimilar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor.

For more information, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

A Matter of ChoiceMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them

Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with herperiods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s,her periods became heavier and lastedlonger. “There were times I couldn’t evenleave the house,” she recalls.

Her gynecologist, Charles Perryman, MD,of UPMC Passavant, prescribed anultrasound, then an MRI. Based onthose results, he diagnosed Robin withuterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referredher to the Fibroid Treatment Center atMagee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

As many as three out of every fourwomen have UFTs, but the majority nevereven know it. For women like Robin,though, these non-cancerous growthsin the wall of the uterus can literallytake over their lives.

The Fibroid Treatment CenterEstablished in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs.“We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensiveexpertise in treating fibroids,” says RichardGuido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.”

The center also offers women much-valuedconvenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.

In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only

way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have children or who are some years away from menopause may want to considerother options.”

For Robin, her treatment of choice was auterine fibroid embolization, a minimallyinvasive procedure requiring little downtime.Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop theflow of blood to them.“The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.

The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.

FibroidsBefore embolization

After embolization

To learn moreWomen are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visitwww.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

You can also visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.


Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all”since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods.

But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressedand enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”

Determining the right treatment“We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additionalmedical complications or hard-to-reach tumors justmake surgery too risky.”

Radiation therapy is often used in such instances toshrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age andtype of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeamTM STx system, selected byUPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients.

“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technologyavailable,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairmanfor clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology atUPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”

Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centersworldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it.

“In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the UnitedStates to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledgethrough research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”

How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift positionwhen a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooteroften struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor.

“But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment,even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.”

UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients.

“These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie.“We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”

To learn moreThe TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

A New Level of Pinpoint AccuracyThat’s Patient FriendlyTrueBeamTM allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort

1-800-533-UPMC 7

What’s Happeningat UPMC PassavantThese free events are offered by the Passavant Hospital Foundation

Welcoming New PhysiciansTo schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Emily S. Burns, MDInternal Medicine

Jamie M. Cannon, MDGynecology

James J. Garver, MD, PhDGynecology

Ravindra S. Godse, MDInternal Medicine

Shailen F. Greene, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Frank N. Grisafi, MDOrthopaedics

Jennifer M. Holder-Murray, MDColorectal Surgery

Justin S. Hong, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Henry N. Huie, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Praveen Jajoria, MD, MPHRheumatology

Geetha Jeyabalan, MDCardiovascular Surgery

Sandeep Kathju, MD, PhDPlastic Surgery

Sameer J. Khandhar, MDCardiology

Forozan Navid, MDThoracic Surgery

Michael R. Pagnotto, MDOrthopaedics

Amrish D. Patel, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

James F. Pingpank Jr., MDGeneral Surgery

Michael T. Ryan, DPMPodiatric Surgery

William E. Saar, DOOrthopaedics

Jo-Anne M. Salangsang, MDInfectious Disease

Maddie Sharma, MDRadiation Oncology

Jonathan P. Shepherd, MDGynecology

Atrial Fibrillation Tuesday, Sept. 20 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: Sandeep Jain, MD Symptoms, causes, risks, and potential treatment options, suchas advanced medical therapy,pacemaker insertion, and surgicalstrategies will be discussed.Please call 412-369-3701 to register.

Pain in the ElderlyWednesday, Sept. 21 12:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal Building Speaker: Frank Kunkel, MD Learn how pain in the elderly can be diagnosed and what treatments are most effectivewithout adverse side effects.Please call 412-367-6640 formore information.

Diabetes SymposiumThursday, Sept. 29 Doors open at 8:45 a.m.Conference Center Legacy Theatre,Cumberland Woods Village Free screenings, vendor displays, informational tables,and presentations throughout the day. For more informationplease call 412-367-6640.

Common Foot and Ankle Problems: Diagnosis and TreatmentTuesday, Oct. 18 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: William E. Saar, DO Learn about the causes of footand ankle pain, foot and anklearthritis, and available treatment options. Please call 412-369-3701to register.

Shoulder Pain as You AgeWednesday, Oct. 19 12:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal BuildingSpeaker: Joshua Szabo, MD Learn about the causes of shoulder pain and new treatment options. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Weight Loss and Weight ManagementTuesday, Nov. 1 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: Registered dietitian,UPMC PassavantYour body is absolutely unique.To lose weight and keep it off, you need to know about a variety of factors that will improve your health, allowing you to lose weight and maintainthe weight loss. Please call 412-369-3701 to register.

Healthy Living with DiabetesTuesday, Nov. 15 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North Campus Speakers: Patrick McCarthy, RN;LuAnn Berry, RD, CDEPlease call 412-367-3701 formore information.

Wednesday, Nov. 1612:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal BuildingSpeaker: Patrick McCarthy, RN November is National Diabetesmonth. Learn what diabetes is, what medicines are availablefor treatments, and current recommendations for stayinghealthy with diabetes. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Legacy Music Series: Holiday Performance Friday, Dec. 27:30 p.m.Conference CenterLegacy Theatre, CumberlandWoods VillageThe Passavant Hospital Foundation staff invites you toenjoy a special musical programcalled Sounds of the Season.Please call 412-367-6640 formore information.

Bridge to Hope Family Support Group Every Wednesday7 p.m.Conference CenterConference Room #1, Cumberland Woods VillageDrug and alcohol addiction andits accompanying tragedies havetouched countless Americansfrom all walks of life and from all backgrounds. The Bridge toHope provides education andsupport to affected families.Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Legacy Music Series UPMC Passavant McCandlessPassavant Hospital Foundation is seeking talented musicianswho want to help lift people’sspirits and volunteer their time to give the gift of music. Applications are now being accepted for upcoming dates.Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

For more informationabout classes at UPMC Passavant and affiliated outpatientcenters, call UPMC Physician Referral at 1-800-533-UPMC(8762).

UPMC Passavant9100 Babcock Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15237

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC.

This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, Megan was always up for an adventure. But an unfortunate ATV accident left her with

a broken back and neck, and unable to move her legs. After recovering from 17 hours of surgery, Megan elected to go to the UPMC

Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient rehabilitation. It was a daily struggle, but working with world-class doctors, therapists, and

state-of-the-art equipment, she worked to sit up, stand, and walk again. She’s come so far, in fact, she’s not only riding her horse again,

but she is soon jumping into life’s ultimate adventure. This October, Megan will be, quite literally, walking down the aisle to be married.

To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations, including UPMC Passavant,

call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab.

Affi liated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.


N orth Allegheny High School has been named by Newsweekmagazine as one of America’s Best High Schools for 2011. The high school earned a spot on Newsweek’s list in the first year

that a new selection format was introduced, something that isparticularly impressive.

“The North Allegheny School District was again pleased to learnabout this national recognition,” says Dr. Brian Miller, actingsuperintendent and assistant superintendent for secondary educationand curriculum. “It is an honor to be included on the list ofNewsweek’s best high schools in the nation for 2011.”

Newsweek has been ranking America’s top public high schoolsmore than 10 years. This year’s criteria for the list changed, makingplacement even more challenging.

Previously the magazine’s rankings were based on data fromadvanced placement college-level courses. This year, six detailedcriteria were utilized to determine which 500 schools would earn aspot on the prestigious list. They included four year, on-timegraduation rate; percentage of 2010 graduates who enrolledimmediately in college; AP/IB/AICE tests per graduate; average SATand/or ACT score; average AP/IB/AICE exam score; andAP/IB/AICE courses offered per graduate.

“It appears that the methodology utilized to identify schools hasevolved in the past year to include graduation rate, enrollment incollege, average SAT and/or ACT scores, and a variety of advancedplacement-related metrics,” explains Miller. “As such, this speaks very

highly of our students and their accomplishments.”Miller says the achievement levels earned by North Allegheny

students are a reflection of student effort and ability, curriculum,parental support, and the outstanding level of classroom instruction.“The district remains committed to the pursuit of excellence inacademics, arts, and athletics,” he says.

Only two western Pennsylvania high schools were named to thisyear’s list: North Allegheny and Hampton. North Allegheny is rankedat 372 and Hampton is ranked at 335.

Many of the other schools included on the list are part of muchlarger school systems, some where there are multiple high schoolswithin one district. Also, the list includes many magnet or academyschools, which have high admission criteria resulting in enrollment oftop performing students. Schools of this nature, although consideredto be public, often receive higher levels of funding. These types ofschools dominated the top half of Newsweek’s list.

Bestin

Nation

“It is an honor to be included on the list ofNewsweek’s best high schools in the nation for 2011.”

Dr. Brian Miller, acting superintendent and assistant superintendent for

secondary education and curriculum.

This Industry Insight was written by Jenn Wohlgamuth.

Jenn Wohlgamuth is the owner and operator of Mojo Running & Multisport. She has been in the runningand fitness industry for 20 years. Jenn is a mother offour, an avid runner and budding triathlete. Her favoritecustomer is the person with the most complicated foot.She loves the challenge and the results are alwaysgratifying!

Balance is the state of being when everything in your life is runningsmoothly. Your energy levels are good, your spiritual and physicaltanks are full, cash flow is good and your personal life is flowing

calmly. This is a true state of balance. If you have achieved this balance inyour life then congratulations! I am so happy for you. For the rest of us itgoes a little like this…three of those elements are good, two are crazy offthe charts and the other is in a state of flux. That’s life and we all know it.We accept it and we strive for those moments of balance. Those of you,like me, who use exercise as a way of finding balance in our lives or copingwith the imbalances, know the frustration of struggling with injuries as wepursue our hopes and dreams. When our exercise injuries get in the way ofour balance then everything in life seems to fall apart.

Our number one priority at Mojo Running is to properly fit ourcustomers so that we can get them and keep them running healthy so that

they can achieve the proper “Balance” in their lives. My staff and I spendstaggering amounts of time answering the questions that people have aboutbarefoot running, minimal shoes, heel to toe ratios and most often…howto fix an injury! It’s all a bit confusing so I thought I would simplify it.

Let’s start with the body’s center of balance. It is when you are standingin athletic position and your legs are shoulder width apart and your feet aredirectly underneath. Try it…you will immediately stand up straighter.Now feel the balls of your feet engage with the earth. You are groundedand you would be hard to knock over. The load is directly over the ball ofthe foot. As you move forward in a running position your feet stayunderneath the body, the stride is shorter and the body moves more fluidand with a quicker turnover. Minimalistic footwear or running shoes thathave a heel to toe drop between 0-4mm puts you in that position. Thehigher the ratio the farther you are getting away from your bodies center ofbalance. Most traditional running shoes have a ratio greater than 11mm.This puts your knees at a disadvantage; it causes the lower back to sway andbe stressed, it allows the ankle to force pro-nation, it stresses the plantartendon. All of the things aid in really bad form and eventually injuries!

The drawback to these new found fabulous shoes we call minimalisticfootwear, which are actually a rebirth from the 70’s is that they require achange in form. As you know change is difficult for most people. Changedoesn’t come easily and therefore most people are not prepared to rethinktheir running style. The good news is that the shoes aid in the transitionback to proper form and once you discover that center of balance, runningwill become more fluid. When you have proper form, you will run fasterwith less stress on the body. We do not advocate being barefoot, howeverwe do advocate balance; the balance of proper form, proper footwear forthe surface that you are covering, and of course the mindfulness that youare doing all that you can to create a better center of balance. You are doingthis not only for your running style but for your life as well.

I always say that “Less equals More” and in the case of finding balancein your life you can start with your feet and work your way up! Please visit us at Mojo Running & Multisport and let us help you find balance inyour life.


Finding Your

Center of Balance

Do you ever feel discouraged when looking in the mirror at thechanges in your facial skin elasticity? We feel young and energetic,but don’t look the way we feel. If this scenario sounds familiar to

you then we may have just the answer for you!! Exciting news in the field ofnon-invasive cosmetic procedures has just come to Beleza Plastic Surgery.We are offering an effective, non-surgical procedure that while not replacingfacelift surgery, can be just the answer to a patient who wants someimprovement, but is not yet ready for surgery. That treatment is Ultherapy.This treatment uses ultrasound to deliver a dermal level of focused heat tojust the right depth achieving a positive effect, while leaving the skin’ssurface undisturbed. Your body’s response to this energy is to stimulate thegrowth of new collagen. A very gradual tightening and firming occurs,resulting in a natural lift of the skin over time.

Ultherapy is the only non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedure that usesultrasound to see below the skin’s surface in order to specifically target thedeep foundational layer of tissue that doctors typically address only insurgery. The ability to treat the underlying support very precisely, from theinside out, helps to ensure both safe and satisfying results, with no downtime.

I am often asked, “Is it painful”? Yes, there can be some discomfortwhile the energy is being delivered, but it is temporary and a positive signalthat the collagen-building process has begun. Because pain thresholds varyfrom patient to patient, we will discuss options for making this experience aspleasant as possible. Patients typically leave comfortable and very excitedabout the benefits to come!

You may return to your normal activities immediately with no special carebeing taken. You may be a bit flushed right after the treatment, but this shoulddisappear within a few hours. It is also not uncommon to experience slightswelling for a few days following the treatment, with tingling/tenderness tothe touch for a few weeks after, as well. There can be other, less commonpost procedural effects, such as small areas of temporary bruising or

numbness. None of these possible effects areintolerable, and most often unnoticeable by anyone,but you.

Patients often are unsure of what to expect aftertheir first treatment. The full effect of theprocedure will build gradually over the course of 2-3 months. Some patients may even benefit frommore than one treatment. Some of the visibleeffects include a lifting and toning of sagging skin,minimizing of pore size and an overall smoothnessin skin texture. In the FDA clinical trial, nine out often patients had a noticeable lifting of the browline. When this occurs, it opens the eye, giving amore youthful look to the eyes. They also reportedskin firming in other areas of the face and neck.While all of this is happening on the outside,something is going on inside too. The formation ofnew collagen is occurring, which can help to slowdown the rate of skin aging.

A good candidate for Ultherapy, is someonewith skin that has relaxed to the point of lookingand feeling less firm. These patients often have alowered brow line or sagging eyelid, brow or upperneck skin, or facial jowling. Keeping in mind thatthis is NOT a replacement for facelift surgery, it is agood alternative for those who are not ready forsurgery. If you are unhappy with the way your faceis aging, give us a call to schedule yourappointment to discuss ultherapy with us at BelezaPlastic Surgery. We would love to help you feelbetter about yourself.


M ore than a dozen local media "stars" and some favorite area chefs dished out

delicious cuisine at Hair Peace Charities' Recipe for Hope. Nearly 200 guests

enjoyed food stations, a Pink Tini Bar, raffles, auctions, and live music by

Mark Muretisch and Survivor Deb Webb of Blue Sky and Sunshine.

Proceeds from this event support women in the Pittsburgh region who need

financial assistance to purchase a w ig while undergoing chemotherapy, as most

insurance companies do not cover this cost. This organization is expected to help 250

women purchase a wig this year.To contact Hair Peace Charities, call 412.327.5177 or email [email protected].

This organization also provides information on dealing with the effects of cancer

treatment and how to fight cancer with diet and lifestyle.

for Hope

THE 6TH ANNUAL

AT BLUEBERRY HILL CENTER

Bonny Diver-Hall, founder of Hair Peace Charities,Deborah Webb, Mark Muretisch

3WS Radio's Sheri Van Dyke (center)teams up with Linda & Sheri

of Pretzel Crazy

KDKA TV's Jim Lokay with Linda Modzelewski

Jeff & Colleen Clark

Rose Tennent of FM NEWSTALK 104.7

Diana & Todd Jones

Chef Donato Coluccioshowcasing his world-famous

Donato's meatballs

KDKA's Dave Crawley & Kelly of Kelly O's Diner



Acting ScholarshipsSet the Stage

Sarah McGraw has a passion for acting – a passion thatshe is passing along to students through her classes atthe Wexford Acting Studio.

To help those aspiring actors who have the desire to learnmore, but may not have the means to pay for classes, sheawards scholarships for select students.

More than just an act of generosity, her scholarshipawards have proven to be beneficial to the other studentsenrolled in the program.

“If someone is passionate about acting and can’t afford it,then we have offered the scholarship,” McGraw explains.Currently there isn’t a formal application process. To qualifyfor a scholarship, a student must be new to the studio and not

already enrolled.“I love that every time we have taken someone in, the whole class benefits

from [that individual’s] passion and enthusiasm,” McGraw says. “It’s like thewater level rises, and it’s a great thing to be able to offer.”

McGraw says she was encouraged by the owners of the Wexford DanceAcademy (where her daughter was a student) to “hang out a shingle” andteach acting. They wanted their dancers to be well-rounded performers andthought they could benefit from training in acting, she explains.

A professional singer, actor and director, McGraw opened the studio(located within the Wexford Dance Academy on Nicholson Drive) five yearsago.

Both owner and instructor at the studio, McGraw also is the stage directorfor the North Allegheny High School musical. A Wexford resident, she actuallylives within the Pine-Richland School District, but draws many students fromthe North Allegheny area.

She says she never envisioned herself as a teacher, but has since found that itis a natural outgrowth of directing, something she has been doing professionallyfor many years.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre from the College ofWooster, she went on to earn a master’s degree in acting and directing at MiamiUniversity of Ohio. Interestingly, her father was a theatre professor, buteventually moved into administration.

Throughout her time in college, McGraw performed professionally inoperettas, and after graduation performed with the Cleveland Opera, but sheknew her heart was with American musical theater. She landed a role in theEuropean tour of “Evita,” and, she explains, “Jobs lead to jobs.”


After that she toured Europe and the British Isles playing Maria in“West Side Story,” then played the role of Christine in “Phantom of theOpera” during a South American tour. Upon her return to the U.S., she didregional theater and productions in New York.

She moved to the area about 11 years ago, married her husband (aMurrysville native) and had two children. During that time, she starteddirecting, which eventually led to her transition to teaching.

When she opened the studio five years ago, there were 50 students.Now enrollment is up to 90. Classes are offeredtwo days per week, on Thursday and Saturday.

At Wexford Acting Studio, she offers threelevels of classes. Level I, for children ages 6 to 9years, is more like structured play, she explains.It covers the basics of diction, buildingcharacters and focusing energy toward aperformance. Level II, for those ages 10 to 12years, builds upon those skills and progressesinto scene work, engaging imagination andcreativity.

“It really helps students in school as well,”she says. “It helps them to build theirconfidence level, getting comfortable being infront of people, and developing communicationskills and poise.”

The Level III classes, for teens and adults,focus on deeper character development. Many of the students in this levelalready are auditioning for shows around the area, although some just takethe class for fun.

McGraw explains that the program focuses more on training andteaching students skills they need to audition and do shows at other places.

But, the studio does stage one show peryear.

Each year, the studio stages a fallproduction. This year, it is the juniorversion of “Beauty and the Beast,” withtwo performances set for Oct. 22 atCarson Middle School.

While the lead characters started abit earlier, rehearsals for the productionstart after Labor Day and run for a littlemore than six weeks.

McGraw estimates that nearly two-thirds of the cast is from the North

Allegheny School District. Cast members range from six to 18 years old,and there also are two adults who are in their 20s.

For more information about the Wexford Acting Studio, call724.716.1920.

Breakfast with Belle & FriendsSunday October 9th

The Chadwick10:30 A.M.

$17.95 kids under 3$21.95 kids +3 & adults

Come and experience the magic of Beauty and the Beast! Enjoy breakfast, small performance and meet the characters.

Photos with Belle are available. To order tickets, or for more information

[email protected]


FamilyFunat the Festival

F


in the Park


s a parent, you probably never stop worrying about your child. Ishe or she happy? Healthy? Safe? While you can’t controleverything, there are steps that you can take in your home to

help improve your child’s safety and well-being.Childproofing your home can be an overwhelming task. The most

effective way to start is to evaluate your home, room by room, from yourchild’s perspective. If your child is crawling, get down on your hands andknees. Is your child toddling or walking? Get down to his or her level andcheck out the view. If you were crawling, toddling or walking where wouldyou go? What looks tempting or interesting? What is within reach? Wherecould you climb? While not all accidents can be avoided, below are somegeneral childproofing tips to help you get started. Remember to evaluateevery area in your home for potential dangers.

Also keep in mind that childproofing is an ongoing process. As yourchild grows and develops (e.g., crawling, toddling, walking), you will needto reevaluate your childproofing efforts upon each milestone.

Furniture & AppliancesSecure heavy furniture and appliances to walls wherever possible.Store heavy items on the bottoms of bookshelves and cabinets so they

aren’t top heavy.Keep furniture and/or office drawers closed – climbing children tend to

use these as ladders.Make sure heavy appliances, such as televisions and computers, are

pushed back from the edges of furniture – bolt them to the wall ifpossible.

Cover pointed edges with guards or bumpersIn the kitchen, use a stove guard to prevent your child from touching

the burners or pulling at hot pots.Use plastic covers on stove knobs.Always lock your oven.

Doors & WindowsKeep windows and doors closed and locked when not in use.Use door knob covers that are sturdy enough not to break, but also

allow doors to be opened quickly by and adult in case of emergency.Door stops & holders on doors and hinges keep little fingers safe.Place marks or stickers on glass and sliding doors for visibility.Keep furniture away from windows.Open double hung windows from the top.Never open low windows more than four inches.Use window stops to prevent windows from opening more than

four inches.

Blinds, Curtains & DraperiesKeep cribs & beds away from blinds, curtains or draperies.Keep pull cords out of reach.Cut or remove pull cords.Replace pull cords with safety tassels.Use inner cord stops.Tie-down devices hold cords tight on older blinds and draperies.When purchasing new window coverings, ask for child safety features on.

BathroomKeep the toilet seat down when not in use.Install a toilet lid lock to prevent your child from lifting the lid.Always unplug appliances such as curling irons and hair dryers, after

each use (and never keep anything plugged in near water).Keep all medications and vitamins in a locked cabinet.Keep razors, scissors, tweezers and other sharp bathroom objects in a

high or locked cabinet.Help prevent burns; set water heater temperature to 120 degrees

or lower.Install anti-scald devices on faucets/showerheads.Use a non-slip mat in and next to the bathtub.

This Industry Insight was written by Mark & JenniferRebstock.

Prior to opening The Goddard School in Wexford, MarkRebstock was Training Manager for a national utilitycompany, and Jennifer worked in early childhood education.

3000 Brooktree Road • Wexford, PA 15090724.935.1100 or www.goddardschools.com

It’s the time of year when many North Alleghenyseniors are already looking ahead to where they

will be next fall, when they leave the high school inpursuit of a college degree.

As they start to seek the secret art of gettinginto college, they soon will find that secret doesnot exist. Please donít be mad at my misleadingtitle because while there is no one key element toNorth Allegheny students ñ or any student ñgaining acceptance into the college of theirdreams, there are proven elements to a successfulcandidateís application portfolio.

Here we share that information with NorthAllegheny’s prospective students.

The obvious top elements of importance toadmissions officers are still SATs and high schoolGPA, but there is so much more that a school islooking for. Below is a list of the top five elementsthat admissions officers look for in a prospectivestudentís application (information compiled fromtop news magazines and former admissionsofficers from various schools):SATs and GPA: SATs and GPA have always

been important, and they are still the mostimportant aspects of a student’s applicationprofile.

Extracurricular Activities: Colleges don’twant a long list of random activities from astudent. They would prefer you to become a“specialist” in one area, rather than be a jack-of-all-trades. A former admissions officer at a topschool said that colleges are looking to have awell-rounded student body of individualspecialists.

Personal Essays: Show the real you. Theydon’t want you to make up extravagant stories,and they don’t want you to talk about taboosubjects such as natural disasters. Also, you donot want to become redundant. Explore newways to tell more about yourself without beingrepetitive.

Start Early: Most academic advisors will tellyou to have a plan, and start early. The“Common Application” that is used by manyschools is not available until August 1, butusually there is an early version available.

Be Careful About Social Media: Social mediahas become an intricate part of everyday life tostudents, but they must be careful. Admissionsofficers will not usually search specifically for astudent’s social media profile/account, but oftentimes “tips” are sent to them, and they mustexplore them. Do not have anythingdiscouraging on your profile that could be usedagainst you. You may also use this space to showyour talents; if you are a photographer, you canhave a portfolio of p ictures you have taken.

We hope that this quick list will help you inyour quest to transition from North Allegheny to

whichever college you choose, but remember,there really is no set formula in the applicationprocess. The best way to go about the applicationprocess is to be prepared, be organized, and beyourself. Sometimes you can have excellentgrades, and a great score on the SAT, but youmay be denied admission for reasons outside ofyour control. A former admissions officer saidthat a student who lives on a farm in NorthDakota is not judged by the same criteria as astudent living in a Pennsylvania suburb, likeNorth Allegheny. This is something you cannotcontrol. Just do the best you can with the mainelements you can control.

The

of Getting Into

By Leigh Lyons


The question of whether breakfast really doesimpact a studentís school day has been

pondered by parents throughout the NorthAllegheny School District. Students have beentested in studies since the early 1950s, and eversince it has been widely accepted that studentswho eat breakfast perform better academically.

If you look at the idea of eating breakfastbefore North Allegheny classes start simply, itseems pretty obvious as to the benefits. You go tobed at night on a relatively empty stomach. Yousleep roughly eight hours without consuming anyfood and then wake up for school in the morning.If you donít eat breakfast, you are going into a fullday without replenishing your body. Doesnítmake a whole lot of sense, does it?

Terrill Bravender is a professor of pediatrics atDuke University, and he breaks it down in simpleterms: ìWithout glucose, our brain simply doesnítoperate as well. People have difficultyunderstanding new information, they have aproblem with visual and spatial understanding,and they donít remember things as well.î Glucoseis the brainís basic fuel. You wouldnít take yourcar on an eight-hour road trip without filling upthe gas tank first, would you?

The next step is to maximize your breakfastpotential by choosing foods that will allow you toraise your blood sugar level, but wonít cause adramatic fall after a few hours. Most experts,including those around the North Allegheny area,agree that any breakfast is better than no

breakfast at all, but there are certain types ofbreakfast foods that will raise your blood sugarlevel slowly, and therefore will give you enoughenergy to last the entire morning.

Sugary cereals are usually a favorite amongyoung children, but these cereals will quickly raisethe blood sugar level and then drop off a fewhours later, leaving children sluggish beforelunch. On the other hand, oatmeal containsroughly the same amount of sugar but it also hasmore protein and fiber, and therefore has anoverall lower glycemic index. The oatmeal willraise the blood-sugar level for the student whichwill last throughout the morning.

Now, I have to admit, I was never a ìmorningperson,î and I always preferred sleeping in tohaving breakfast. My mom always made me eatbreakfast as a child, but when I was old enough, Ichose to opt out of it. I did well academically,went on to college, and then graduated from lawschool. I figured breakfast really wasnít asimportant as everyone always thought it was, andI was sure many other people agreed with me. Iconducted my own small survey of friends andacquaintances on whether they all ate breakfastevery morning growing up before school. To mysurprise, out of 20 men and women, I was one ofonly two people who responded that I did not eatbreakfast on a regular basis. Eighteen othersresponded that they ate breakfast every single daygrowing up, and still do to this day. These 18people are all very successful and have jobsranging from psychologist to lawyer to fashionmerchandiser.

Clearly, most people agree with the years ofstudies that show that students do betteracademically when they choose to start their daywith breakfast. Next time you wake up a little late,or think that breakfast is not as important aseveryone says, think again. Go ahead and grab ayogurt on your way out the door to your NorthAllegheny classroom because, remember, anybreakfast is better than no breakfast at all.

Can BreakfastReallyMakeor Break aStudent’sDay?

By Leigh Lyons


Citations: “A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child’sBrainpower” – Allison Aubrey, August 31, 2006; npr.com


Cindystock 8, a local music festival, wasrecently held at the Yates’s FamilyHome on Wexford-Bayne Road.

Located in a beautifully-wooded setting, thebackyard resembled a natural amphitheater; agreat space to listen to live music.Approximately 200 friends and music loversin folding chairs were entertained by adiverse group of performers. BrookeAnnibale, an acoustic pop-folk artist andguitarist from Pittsburgh entertained with

her unique, vocal style. The Bereznak Brothers, aduo from upstate New York that specializes in“fusing of elements of 80’s and 90’s rock, heartlandrock and current pop/rock” energized the crowd.Maura Elyse, a 15 year old finalist in The KeanIdol Completion and multi-instrumentalist, sangcurrent and classic covers using an inventive and

fresh approach. Finally, Incendio, from Los Angeles,got the crowd moving with the festive, upbeat, “salsa”sounds of Spanish guitars.

Raising over $40,000 in the past seven years,Cindystock benefits The Yates Fund For CancerHope. Their mission is to “provide education andawareness about cancer prevention and the

importance of screening tests.” It also “providesfunds to organizations whose mission is to providecancer screenings and support services to thoseaffected by cancer, particularly to those inunderserved communities and to under or uninsuredindividuals.” Organizations the fund supportsinclude Adagio Health, Obediah Cole Foundation,UPCI, Caring Cancer Center, Satchels of Caring andThe Cancer Project.

“It takes about 11 months to plan,” said CindyYates, Founder of The Yates Fund for Cancer Hope,speaking about planning Cindystock. “I travel aroundthe country to music festivals and approach bands orperformers that I like. They are amazing musicianswith big hearts; people that you would want to havein your home. They don’t get paid very much to dothis and some travel far to get here.”

The festival began in 2004 when Mike Fatigante,a fellow teacher at Moon Township School Districtand friend of Ted, Cindy’s husband, passed awayfrom pancreatic cancer. The couple wanted to dosomething for his widow, Linda. After hosting golfoutings, Mrs. Yates wanted to participate insomething that she was passionate about; music. The event was a success.

Cindy and Ted Yates

Nikki Miller, Taylor Bertini, Makiala Yates,Anna Miller, Volunteers


“I didn’t set out to do this every year,” said Mrs. Yates, humbly. “Butin life anything can happen. You have to open yourself up to theseopportunities to help and every person can make a difference. We are aGrass Roots Organization. Our neighbors are wonderful for letting us usetheir property for parking. Volunteers show up on the Tuesday beforethe event and help to set it up and are here working today.”

Mrs. Yates, a 2010 Jefferson Award winner; a national recognition thathonors community and public volunteerism, and a 2011 Tempo Awardwinner from Adagio Health for her commitment to women’s health, hadmany supporters at the Cindystock. One friend is Kim Howell.

“Cindy helped to save my life,” said Ms. Howell, a cancer survivor andCindystock volunteer. “I was a temp worker at PPG where she worked,when I found out that I had cancer. I didn’t know that much about it andheard about her foundation and asked her questions. I wasn’t covered byhealth insurance. She paid for my insurance, blood work, helped when Imissed work. She was like a blanket that covered me when I was sick. Shegave me the tools to get better and was by my side.”

The festival also included a silent auction, raffles, delicious food fromAtria’s, Bravo in Cranberry and Walnut Grill. Educational tools includeda Holistic Health Counselor, Janet McKee, demonstrating healthycooking alternatives, on-site cancer screenings and literature for guests totake home. Speakers included Richard Baird, President and CEO ofAdagio Health and Eileen Iorio of Satchels of Caring.

The Annual Cindystock 9 will be in August next year and is open tothe public.

“I hope that people know that they are always invited to join us andthat they feel welcome when they are here,” said Mrs. Yates.

To find out more information about The Yates Fund For CancerHope or Cindystock, please go to www.cindystock.org.

Janet McKee, Holistic Health Counselor

Laura and Joe McGrath

Donna Summers

You don’t have to live withpainful varicose and spider veins.Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at theend of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answerquestions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were veryimportant as were the answers that were given. Here are someexamples:

What is Phlebology?Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the

disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement ofthis field are The American College of Phlebology and the AmericanVenous Forum.

Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important tobe proactive in the choice and research of who will become medicallyresponsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venousdisease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious healthproblem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, orboard certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision.

Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who hastaken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment ofvenous disease. Not only is the physician often a member oforganizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) andthe American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additionalrequirements set by the certifying board. After meeting theserequirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing thephysician to identify him or herself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of

a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many differentorganizations, these organizations only require an interest in the fieldfor joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification wherequalification is determined through training and testing. Here’s howthe ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a BoardCertification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebologyand those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills andexperience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at ahealth fair and was told thatI don't have venous disease,but I still have aching, painand discoloration at the ankles.What should I do?

While free screenings can beinformative, remember that this isjust a brief glance into a patient'svenous system. A complete venousexam and venous mapping by aboard-certified phlebologist is best todetermine if a patient has venousdisease.

Since a proper venous ultrasound issuch an integral part of this evaluation,the American College of Phlebology hasset requirements for it that include thefollowing:• A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician.• A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle

to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may resultin outright treatment failure.

• Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patientin the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate forthe detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters.

• A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or aregistered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and theninterpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?

Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ because patientsare often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nursepractitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, mostinsurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questionsabout the second opinion being covered, contact member services onthe back of your insurance card.

724-934-VEIN (8346)



Children with special needs hit a high note this summer as theyadvanced their musical education during a special camp at TheWoodlands in Wexford/Bradford Woods.

Serving more than 8,000 people each year, The Woodlands Foundationpartners with more than 20 organizations to host camps, retreats and otherprogramming during the summer and throughout the year.

The foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of children andadults with disability and chronic illness.

Notes from the Heart, a weeklong residential summer musiccamp, has become one of The Woodlands’ signature programs,according to Peter Clakeley, executive director. The campoffers children and youth the opportunity to interact withworld-class musicians while pursuing their interest in music.

Campers, which include those who are talented musicians aswell as those who simply enjoy music, learn about music appreciation,orchestra, chorus and individual study of instruments and composition.

“To discover the inner talents of these kids is just amazing,” saysClakeley. “These children are phenomenal.”

This is the 12th year The Woodlands has hosted the camp, which startedas a way to introduce music into the lives of children. Campers range in agefrom 8 to 18.

“At first, the focus was on music appreciation,” explains Clakeley. “Manykids never had this kind of opportunity, and it was amazing.”

By the second year, some of the campers had written their own lyrics, andthe faculty musicians composed music for it. As a result, a compositioncomponent was added to the camp.

Edward Cumming, associate professor of conducting and director oforchestral activities at The Hartt School and past music director for the

Hartford Symphony Orchestra, has been involved with the camp from thebeginning. He and Latrobe native Andrew Clark, director of choral activitiesat Harvard University, return to the area for the camp each summer.

Other professional musicians involved with the camp include: LucasRichman, music director of the Knoxville Symphony; Nancy Goeres,

principal bassoonist, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; CynthiaKoledo DeAlmeida, principal oboist, Pittsburgh Symphony

Orchestra; Lilly Abreu, vocal coach, Carnegie MellonUniversity; Marylou Monich Bushyager, music teacher,Pittsburgh Public Schools; and Jennifer Miller Klenk,accompanist, Woodlands Music Camp.

“They donate their time, and they are phenomenal,”Clakeley says of the camp faculty.

Th e camp is a residential program that runs for one week andoffers programming from morning to night. Enrollment is open to

those with a variety of disabilities. “Parents can enjoy the time knowing that their children are in a very safe

place with caring people to take care of them. And, they are with theirfriends,” Clakeley says.

Campers are divided into groups based on their age, needs, and level offunctioning. Lesson plans are modified appropriately so that all realize thefull benefit of participation.

This year 43 campers participated in the program. Maximum enrollmentis 48.

After breakfast and a break, the groups rotate through two of threesessions dedicated to vocals, music appreciation and instrumentation/bandbefore breaking for lunch. After lunch, they do their third session, then takea siesta.


At 4 p.m. each day, a professional musicianperforms for the campers. After dinner, another guestartist performs.

The week ends with a public outdoor concerttitled “Bringing out the Stars.” Cumming served asmaster of ceremonies for the event. Friends andfamily members of each camp participant, as well asmembers of the surrounding community, areencouraged to attend the event during which thecampers perform.

Despite the rain storm that hit on concert night inJuly, Clakeley says the event turned out well. Morethan 400 people turned out for the concert, whichran nearly 90 minutes long and featured orchestraland choral numbers, vocal and instrumental solosand ensembles, and even a performance utilizingcomputerized voice augmentation technology.

He added that the camp most likely will be heldat the end of June next year. In preparation, he ishoping to identify children with disabilities who havemusical ability to recruit for next year’s program.

“The music camp is a specialized program, not arespite,” he explains, so he would like to reachchildren with talent or a strong interest in music toparticipate.

Some of the participants have even gone on tocompose their own works and have formed theirown bands. Throughout the year, the musical effortis supported through weekend retreats and a specialchime choir during the holidays.

Notes from the Heart is one of several summercamps offered at The Woodlands. Summerprogramming for children and young adults includessports camps, creative outdoors camps, as well astransition programs for young adults.

“For some of these participants, it’s the only placethey can come for socialization and true friendship,”Clakeley says. “Once someone comes for aWoodlands-sponsored program, they often comeback.”

For those who may be interested in attending oneof the camps at The Woodlands next year, Clakeleysuggests trying one of the weekend retreat programsfirst, so potential participants can familiarizethemselves with the facility and other participants.

For more information about The Woodlands andthe programs offered, visit the website atwww.mywoodlands.org.

Where did you go this summer?

Write to us and tell us about your travels! Email Dana at

[email protected].


Email Dana [email protected].


his is a great question people often ask when they enroll in a KungFu or Tai Chi course. Of course, there are many obvious benefitssuch as stress relief, self-defense, and social and sports

aspects, but did you know Kung Fu training is also a greatform of fitness? Kung Fu training is not only great fortoning your body, but it also offers a great cardioworkout. The best part is you get all the othervalues while getting into shape.

Another benefit over the typical gym iswe have professional instructors tomotivate you and keep you on track tomeet your fitness goals. Keep in mind,results don’t happen overnight but youwill start feeling the benefits right away.

Chinese Kung Fu is a fast-pacedcardio workout geared toward selfdefense. Tai Chi (which means GrandUltimate Fist) stresses relaxation, andthe slow-paced postures are great forolder adults looking for a low impact way to get in shape.

Both Kung Fu and Tai Chi offer manygreat physical benefits such as muscle tone,improved flexibility, cardiovascular strength,stress relief, relaxation, coordination, balance,strength, posture, energy, and weight control. Inaddition, there are many mental benefits such as discipline,concentration, confidence, awareness, leadership, responsibility, positiveattitude, control, and perseverance.

Children benefit because they learn the tools necessary to besuccessful in life. These include the 3 Rules of Concentration, 4 Rules ofDiscipline, 7 Rules of Leadership and the 7 Magic Words. As you knowmost of these attributes are not taught in school, which is one of thereasons for children with poor grades.

When choosing a school, make sure you know what your goals are foryourself or your child. Then explore the different Kung Fu schoolsavailable with those goals in mind. Some might be geared just towardsself defense, while others might just be concerned about tournaments.Pick a Kung Fu academy that stresses life improvement over just thephysical techniques.

Before choosing a course, try a free VIP course. The VIP courseshould allow you to try at least 2 to 4 lessons. This way you can determine

what the training might involve and if it does match your goals.Classes should be separated by age and level of ability.

That allows the instructor to concentrate on thatclass’s particular needs. If you’re just starting, you

don’t want to be in a class with highly skilledblack belts, but rather a class of other

beginner’s learning the proper way to dothe techniques.

The other great benefit of Kung Fuand Tai Chi is that you’re alwayslearning something new. So as youworkout and increase your flexibilityand strength, you’re learning newtechniques that challenge you bothmentally and physically. In addition, youimprove coordination, which helps your

muscles work together for smoothermovement and improved posture. You

improve your breathing because Kung Fuand Tai Chi uses low abdominal breathing

for improving the internal organs. You alsolearn self defense, which is important for

protecting yourself or your loved ones. Whenstarting a Kung Fu or Tai Chi program, it’s important to

study at a regular pace. Many students start with enthusiasmthat can quickly fade because of over training… just as it would be difficultto go from three meals a day to one meal a day. The most important thingis to have commitment and regular attendance.

a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination.

Many times, we set goals without even realizingthat’s what we’re doing. Have you ever thought

about getting an ‘A’ in math or nailing acomplicated technique in Kung Fu? You knew how

excited you would be when it happened. You dreamed about it. You thought about it

every time you were in class. Guess what? You had a vision to reach a goal.

This Industry Insight was written by Master Rothrock.

Rothrock's Kung Fu & Tai Chi Studio has been offering instruction and training inKung Fu & Tai Chi since 1973. The academy is headed by Master Rothrock with 40 years of experience and has a staff of expert black belt instructors.

11965 Perry Highway., Wexford PA 15090; 724.940.0120;www.rothrockskungfu.com

Master Rothrockdemonstrasting Tai Chi.

Community Magazines



The garden pavilion at St. BarnabasNursing Home and The Arbors atSt. Barnabas has been

transformed into a welcome oasis thanksto the efforts of a local Girl Scouts troopwhose members are hoping the projectwill earn them the Gold Award, thehighest award in scouting.

Members of the Girl Scouts troop51027 include North Allegheny seniors

Sydney Owens of Franklin Park and JacquelynPalguta who lives in Mar shall Township, alongwith Laura Cottington, a senior at NorthCatholic High School who lives in Cranberry,and Rose Dixon, a junior at VincentianAcademy who lives in Mars.

Their work at the pavilion includedrepainting railings, planting flower beds,constructing a new wishing well, and evenbuilding elevated beds that residents inwheelchairs can enjoy.

“Our troop was formed in kindergarten asDaisy Girl Scouts at St. Alphonsus School andthey are now Ambassador Girl Scouts workingtoward their Gold Award, the highest inscouting,” explains Marchell Palguta, whohelped to facilitate the project.

Cindy Dixon, who has served as troopleader for the past eight years, explains that theGold Award takes nearly a year to achieve.

First the project is planned, proposed, and sentto council for review before work even begins.

The girls completed much of that processlast summer and received approval in lateAugust/early September of last year. Theyspent many months fundraising and startedthe project in April, completing the work at thegarden in June, just in time for a ribbon-cuttingceremony.

Paperwork has been submitted and theyare awaiting word on whether their efforts willearn them the Gold Award. If all goes well,they will celebrate in May at a special event forall area Gold Award recipients.

“They really are a great group of girls,”Dixon says. “They are good students, active inclubs, plays, sports...and to take time out tostay with scouting, and be determined to finishthis Gold Award, is really something.”

Some of the girls in the troop have beenworking on projects at St. Barnabas since theywere in first grade.

“It’s really wonderful and it is somethingthat is close to their heart,” says Palguta. “Thisis something they really wanted to do.”

The project began in June 2010, sheexplains. “Our project was to create a moreresident-friendly gathering place for theresidents and their families,” says Palguta.

Girl Scouts

“Our troop was formed inkindergarten as Daisy Girl

Scouts at St. Alphonsus Schooland they are now Ambassador

Girl Scouts working towardtheir Gold Award, the highest

in scouting.” – Marchell Palguta

Parent facilitator

at St. Barnabas


The project involved months of planning that included fundraising such as cookie,magazine, nut, and garage sales, along with donations from local businesses. The girls alsoorganized craft nights for decorating gardening gloves, watering cans, and planting flowerseeds. And, they also led activities with younger Girl Scout troops that included paintingflower pots, bird houses, garden labeling sticks and game table pieces.

As part of the project, the girls also designed and made two gaming tables along withgame pieces with the assistance of their parents.

Other elements of the project included:organizing donations of puzzles, games, dice, andgarden supplies; repairing and/or replacingpicnic tables, pavilion railings and poles, and awishing well; adding two storage cabinets;painting the pavilion and metal furniture;building a raised herb bed of parsley, sage,rosemary and thyme so that it is wheelchairaccessible; planting a vegetable garden includingcorn, peppers, tomatoes, beans, squash andcucumber plants; removing old plants andadding new trees, hostas, and forsythia.

They also incorporated into the wishing welldesign four stepping stones that represent the “4Bs” of the Girl Scout Law: Become, Belong,Believe and Build.

In addition to meeting and planning duringthe yearlong project, the girls worked on Fridaysand Saturdays during May and June to completeit in time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Residents, staff members, officers of St.Barnabas, family, friends and other supporters allwere invited to attend the ceremony that washeld in June.

Fr. Peter Murphy of St. Alphonsus Church inPine Township gave the blessing to dedicate therenovated grounds.

Dixon says the troop will stay together onemore year before the girls leave to pursue theircollege educations. They plan to do serviceprojects as well as enjoy some fun activitiestogether.

From left: Rose Dixon, Sydney Owens, Laura Cottington andJacquelyn Palguta.

orth AlleghenyAdvertise Today!

Call 724.942.0940 [email protected]

50TH REUNIONNA HIGH SCHOOLCLASS OF 1961September 16, 17 & 18

Friday, Sept. 16, 2011Home football game. Pre-game tailgate meal at BaierlCenter and pre & post-game social opportunity.

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011Breakfast; 10:30 a.m. tour of 350 Cumberland Road;

1:30 p.m. tour of downtown Pittsburgh via land and water;evening banquet at Wildwood Golf Club

Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011Departure breakfast.

For additional information, please contact reunion committee chairman, Keith Evans, via e-mail at

[email protected] or via smartphone @ Virginia Beach, Virginia: 757-449-6780.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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