Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health - Winter 2013

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D E P A R T M E N T S :FINANCIAL HEALTH 4

HEALTHY BEGINNINGS 8WOMEN’S HEALTH 12

HEART HEALTH 14MEN’S HEALTH 18

HEARING CARE SOLUTIONS 19EYE CARE 20

CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH 21ORTHOPAEDICS 22

MEDICAL TESTING 30AUTISM 32

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY 36SENIOR RESOURCES 47

DIRECTORY 50

Health News You and Your Family Can Use

Senior Careplus SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS

See pages 38-47Maybe It’s Your

Hormones....

HealthyBeginnings

There’s No Time Like the PresentTo Improve Your Health

WINTER 2013

HEART HEALTH • SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS • AUTISM

2 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH www.guidetogoodhealth.com Winter 2013

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Waynesburg112 Walnut Ave., Ste. BWaynesburg, PA 15370

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CharleroiCharleroi Medical Plaza

1200 McKean Ave., Ste. 106Charleroi, PA 15022

724-225-8657

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Winter 2013 www.guidetogoodhealth.com GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 3

A: Our nervous system, comprised of the brain, spinal cord and all of ournerves, controls every function in the human body. These functions rangefrom walking and talking to being able to snap our fingers or wrinkle ournoses. This powerful system gets us through our day-to-day activities.When something interferes with that nervous system, however, our bodiesdo not function properly and this can affect us in any number of ways. Forexample, we could experience weakened muscle strength, diminishedreflexes, or improper organ function; however, sometimes the symptoms arenot quite so obvious. For some, fatigue or restlessness may be an indicationthat there is a problem. For others, it may be an inability to concentrate atschool or at work or to stay focused on a task. There are also a lot of peo-ple walking around with interferences to their nervous systems without anyobvious symptoms ... YET. By the time you feel any of these symptoms,something has already occurred and most likely has been occurring forsome time inside of your body. That is why it is always important to get aregular check-up with your chiropractor, because it is not how you are feel-ing that matters, it’s how you are functioning on the inside.

Germs are all around us. Our bodies are able to protect us from most ofthem so long as our spines are aligned and our immune systems are func-tioning at their optimum potential. There are several things we can do togive our immune systems a boost during cold and flu season.

• Drink plenty of water. Our bodies need plenty of fluids, especially inthe dry winter weather, to refresh our cells and to hydrate our muscles.Never underestimate the power of giving your body the water it so desper-ately needs. This also flushes the body of toxins as well.

• Do not skip meals. Just as our vehicles need fuel to run, so do ourbodies. We need nourishment to have the strength to fight infection or ill-ness. When we skip meals, we force our bodies to fight hunger instead.

• Get your daily vitamin requirements.Whether you take supplements or eat a lot offruits and vegetables, getting the properamounts on a daily basis is essential. Takingextra vitamin C when you are fighting off a coldhelps. Be knowledgeable about the medicationsyou are taking. There are several drugs that canwork against you. For instance, substances thatcontain licorice have been known to strip thebody of potassium.

• Exercise. Just as drinking plenty of waterrids the body of toxins, so can exercise. You can sweat out the toxins andgive your immune system a boost at the same time. It’s a common mistakewe all make when we get sick to avoid exercising. Our bodies are rundownand we feel too weak to do anything. I know from personal experience thatexercise helps. The process increases metabolism, opens sinuses and sendsthose germs a message that they are in for a fight.

• Wash your hands. We all learned it in kindergarten, right? Wash yourhands several times a day. The quickest way to spread a cold is throughhand and mouth contact. How many times a day do you shake hands withsomeone or turn door handles or pick up phone receivers that others havetouched? Now, let me ask you, how often do you touch your face duringthe day without having washed your hands first? Though anti-bacterialhand sanitizers have taken a bad rap lately, they are still effective when youdo not have access to a sink. Wash those hands and wash the germs away!

The most important thing to remember is to take care of yourself. Timesare stressful and the cold weather often makes us blue, but if we rememberto keep ourselves moving and protected, we can all get through it.

Ask Dr. Amy

Dr. Amy Jennings, D.C.Jennings Chiropractic

Q: How do I avoid getting sick when everyone is sneezing all over me?

Please email questions for the next column to [email protected], or mail to 1010 Clifton Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

Offer expires: 2/28/2013

mailto:[email protected]



By David Straight

The election results are in. The Supreme Court has ruled. The PatientProtection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to asObamacare, is here to stay. But what does that really mean?

Some of the changes associated with the healthcare reform law have beenimplemented, such as insurance requirements that preventive services becovered at no cost and the extension of coverage for dependents to age 26.The biggest and most wide ranging changes will occur in 2014, with prepa-rations taking place in the coming year.

Here are just a few highlights:• No individual can be denied medical coverage due to pre-existing con-

ditions• People who are uninsured will be required to purchase health insur-

ance or pay a penalty tax• Individuals will be eligible for government subsidies toward the pur-

chase of health insurance depending upon their household income(Medicaid if below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, partial subsidy ifbetween 133% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level)

• A government-run “exchange” will be formed as a market from whichhealth insurance may be purchased in order to receive government subsi-dies

• Employers will be faced with the decision of whether or not to contin-ue offering health coverage as an employee benefit. Large employers willface a fine if they decide to eliminate coverage, but it is small relative to thecost of providing coverage

• Major taxes will be imposed on medical providers that will have animpact on the delivery of medical services

• Health insurers will be subject to new rating requirements that willlimit the variables by which they can set rates that include age and whetheror not enrollees are smokers. Higher premiums are expected.

• Medicare cuts will occur that may increase the cost and availability ofMedicare Advantage Plans going forward

I’m just scratching the surface of this massive legislation. It’s very con-fusing and there are many regulations yet to be written under the law. Nowmore than ever, it will be important to seek counsel from a qualified insur-ance advisor, like my team at Benefits Network, to help guide you throughthis “brave new world,” without fear of making acostly mistake.

David Straight is the President and CEO ofBenefits Network, Inc., a leading insuranceagency and consulting firm specializing inemployee benefits, property and casualty

insurance, and individual and Medicare products. Formore information, call(724) 940-9400 or visit the website at www.benefitsnetwork.biz.

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Healthcare Reform is Here to Stay

10 Investment Mistakes to AvoidBy Donald W. Angel, CFP®, AIF®

WHO NEEDS A PYRAMID SCHEMEOR A CROOKED MONEY MANAGERWHEN YOU CAN LOSE MONEY ALLBY YOURSELF? HERE ARE 10 WAYS TORUN YOUR STOCK PORTFOLIORIGHT INTO THE GROUND.

1. Go with the herd. Investors tend tofollow the leaders and are overly optimistic when the market goes up andoverly pessimistic when it declines.

2. Put all of your bets on high-flyers. If you had invested everything inApple 10 years ago, you'd be a millionaire. But what if you had invested inEnron, Conseco, CIT, WorldCom, Washington Mutual or LehmanBrothers, which all have gone bankrupt?

3. Buy when the market’s up. If the market is on a tear, how can youlose? Just ask the hordes who flocked to stocks in 1999 and 2000 – andthen lost their shirts in the ensuing bear market.

4. Sell when the market is down. It's what many inexperienced investorsdo, locking in losses and precluding future recoveries.

5. Stay on the sidelines until markets calm down. In today's world, thatmeans settling for a miniscule return that may not keep pace with inflation.

6. Buy on tips from friends. Who needs professional advice when yournew buddy from the gym gives you some great tips?

7. Rely on pundits. Whose advice should you follow anyway?Remember that what pundits sell best is themselves.

8. Go with your gut. Fundamental research may be OK for pros, but it'smuch easier to buy or sell based on your gut. When it comes to hunches,irrationality rules.

9. React to volatility. Responding to market ups and downs is a surefireway to lock in losses. Even professionals have a poor record of guessingmajor shifts.

10. Set it and forget it. Ignoring your portfolio until ready to cash in isa perfect opportunity to go completely out of balance and shift life-stagepriorities.

The opinions in this material are for general information only and are not intend-ed to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determinewhich investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisorprior to investing.

Donald Angel, of Cottrill, Arbutina WealthManagement Group of Peters Township, is aregistered representative with, and securi-ties, financial planning and fee-based ser-

vices are offered through, LPL Financial, a RegisteredInvestment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. For moreinformation, call (724) 683-3455 or visit the website at www.cottrillarbutina.com/wm. Prepared in cooperation with S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications.

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Free Fitness Visit*

© 2013 Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center

240 Wellness Way, Washington, PA 15301 wrcameronwellness.org 724.250.5228 Open to the Public

Call 724.250.5208 or724.250.5237 to activate.*Some restrictions may apply. Must present valid ID to activate. For ages 18 and older, 14- and 17-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult member or parent/guardian. One per person. Not redeemable for cash, and copies will not be accepted. Expires March 31, 2013

FINANCIAL HEALTH

159 Waterdam Road, Suite 120McMurray, PA 15317

Tel: 724-942-1511 • Fax: 724-942-1513

Specializing In Treatment For The

Incontinent Patients____________________NovaCare Rehabilitation offers a wide variety of programs and services.____________________

Judith Post, MPT, COMTPhysical Therapist • Center Manager

http://www.benefitsnetwork.biz

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By Lauren Loya, M.D.

According toresearchers, thecause of many

chronic health problemsmay be hormone relat-ed. Hormonal imbal-ances can cause a myri-ad of symptoms andincrease the risk formany diseases.

Symptoms often in-clude: weight gain,fatigue, wrinkly skin,loss of libido, decreasedmuscle mass, irritabili-ty/anxiety, depression,and mood swings, toname a few.

Many physicians misshormone imbalancesdue to inadequate test-ing procedures or a lackof education on the subject.

Testing one’s hormone levels(often through saliva testing) maybe the first step in pinpointing theproblem.

Menopause presents differentchallenges as hormone deficienciesin one area can appear as excesseselsewhere. Symptoms can arise asearly as the mid-30s although theytypically appear around age 50.Early menopause can occur throughhysterectomy, ovary removal,chemotherapy as well as other trau-mas.

Male menopause,aka "andropause", isoften caused by atestosterone declineas men age. Unlikethe volatile symptomsin women, malesymptoms are lessobvious and appeargradually. Conditionsare often triggered bydecreased productionof androgens, such asDHEA. Lower andro-gen levels can also belinked to weight gain,stress, and a lack ofexercise.

A healthy thyroidproduces T4 hor-mones which are stor-age hormones and arethe most abundant.T4 is meant to convert

to T3, the most active hormone.However Reverse T3 (RT3) is alsoconverted from T4. In situationswhere your body needs energy con-servation, such as emotional, physi-cal, or biological stress, the thyroidconverts any excess T4 to the inac-tive Reverse T3 (RT3) as a way ofclearing out the extra T4. Thisoccurs when one is chronically oracutely sick (flu, pneumonia, etc.),after surgery, after a car accident,etc.

Problems arise if one’s body pro-duces excessive RT3, often exacer-

bated by life stresses. Also if one ison a T4 medication too much RT3may be produced.

The only commercially availableT3 is a synthetic version which isimmediately released, is absorbedquickly and may result in higherthan normal T3 levels, such as anincreased heart rate. Using a slow-release T3 compound can avoidadverse reactions.

Many physicians only use theTSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hor-mone) lab test which may be inade-quate and may exacerbate one’s con-dition since it can provide false indi-cations of the true problem.

A regular thyroid test may comeback “normal” or “in range”, but itmay not be normal for the patient asyou may have lived your life on theupper end of the range, but nowfind yourself on the lower end.Many physicians do not make thisdistinction.

Bio-Identical Hormones (BHRT)are exact duplicates of those thebody produces. Generally BHRT areplant based and have little to no sideeffects.

People with hormone imbalancessimply have too much or too little ofparticular hormones.

Hormones are chemical messen-gers from the brain produced by the

endocrine system. Hormones circu-late through the blood system andbind with cell receptors much like alock and key. Hormones tell cellshow to respond. For example whenone gets scared, the brain tell cer-tain cells to produce adrenaline.

Most physicians prescribe Syn-thetic Hormones (not natural) suchas Premarin® (PREgnant MAReuRINe) and Provera® which can beharmful since foreign substances areintroduced into the body.

Natural substances/hormonescannot be patented and thereforeare not promoted by pharmaceuticalcompanies. BHRT medications mustbe "customized" by a physician andproduced by special compoundingpharmacies.

If interested make sure you workwith physicians and pharmacistswho specialize in the field.

Educate yourself as you get backto feeling great again!

Dr. Lauren Loya of theHormone RestorationCenter, can be reached at(412) 432-7909. The

Hormone Restoration Center special-izes in Bio-Identical HormoneTreatments (BHRT) for men andwomen with hormone imbalances. To learn more, visit their website www.hormonecenter.net.

Maybe It's Your Hormones . . .

“Hormonal imbal-ances can cause a

myriad of symp-toms and increasethe risk for many

diseases.”

- Lauren Loya, M.D.

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http://www.hormonecenter.net



By Nancy Kennedy

If you are a person who takes multiple medica-tions, or cares for someone who does, you arewell aware of the hassles that can be associat-

ed with adhering to the prescribed regimen.Frequent trips to the pharmacy, difficulty readingthose little labels, remembering which pills totake at what times of day, trying to open bottleswith arthritic hands – these things can becomepractical obstacles to taking the essential medica-tions that are intended to stabilize or improveyour health.

Imagine how liberating it would feel to knowthat you never have to worry about those thingsagain, no matter how many pills you take.Imagine never having to make another trip to thepharmacy to fill a prescription, or never having todeal with pill bottles. Imagine the peace of mindof knowing that you or your loved one will neveragain take the wrong pill at the wrong time.

Thanks to a remarkably effective new medica-tion packaging system available in the Pittsburghregion, this is now possible. RxMap is a cus-tomized medication management system avail-able from Hometown Pharmacy that is revolu-tionizing the way that patients take prescribedmedications at home. RxMap brings simplicity,ease and total convenience to a common problemthat can have serious health consequences: med-ication non adherence.

Advances in medical science and pharmacolo-gy in recent decades have provided America’sphysicians with an extraordinary array of med-ications to effectively treat illnesses and condi-tions of all kinds. Taken correctly, as prescribedby a physician, the right medication can make acritical difference in one’s health, safety, quality oflife and even longevity. Medications ease pain,reduce symptoms, correct chemical imbalancesand perform countless other functions thatimprove medical outcomes.

There is great concern, however, among thenation’s physicians and public health officialsabout a growing problem concerning medica-tions. Known as medication non-adherence, itmeans the failure or inability to take medicationsas prescribed, and it’s a major contributing factorto illness and disability. Non-adherence has manycauses: prohibitive cost; access to pharmacies;forgetfulness, busy schedules or distractions;complex, multiple medication regimens; and

misunderstanding the importance of the medica-tions. Whatever the reason, failing to take med-ication appropriately means that one does notreceive the full benefit of the medication, andsymptoms may worsen. In the worst case sce-nario, this can be a matter of life and death.

The search for solutions to this worldwideproblem is multifaceted, but here in thePittsburgh region, RxMap is a creative solutionthat addresses the problem in a direct and practi-cal way. RxMap is a multiple-medication pillpackaging system that organizes prescribed med-ications in a colorful, easy-open bubble card thatcontains the pills and is clearly labeled for thetime of day the pills are to be taken. The packageis delivered to your home on a monthly basis. Ittakes just one phone call to a registered pharma-cist to enroll in RxMap and best of all, the serviceis free of charge. Patients are responsible only fortheir co-payments.

According to Lynette Tomasetti, Director ofSales and Marketing for Hometown Pharmacy,the services offered by RxMap are designed toassure adherence to medication regimens. “Thepatient or caregiver simply calls our pharmacistand we handle everything from there. We’ll dis-cuss your medications with you, speak with yourphysician, confirm your prescriptions and handlethe transfer from your current pharmacy. If yourmeds are changed, we re-package them at nocharge. Refills are automatic. We even do in-home consultations if needed. Our staff personal-ly delivers RxMap medication cards to homes allover the region, to any location within a one-hour radius of Green Tree, where we are based.

“Doctors and nurses are enthusiastic aboutRxMap and we find that once people get on thesystem, they absolutely love it.”

Shawn Nairn, owner and managing partner ofProfessional Specialized Pharmacies which oper-ates the Hometown Pharmacies at six sites in theregion, says that the RxMap program is a“concierge pharmacy,” offering personal, highlyindividualized service that makes a difference inquality of life for patients and caregivers.“Medication non-adherence is often due to prac-tical obstacles,” he says, “and our services removethose obstacles.”

RxMap is ideal for anyone taking multiplemedications. This includes the elderly, whooften have several co-existing conditions;those with chronic diseases, cancer, heart disease

or mental illness; persons with HIV/AIDS andthose who have received organ transplants. Busyparents whose children take multiple medica-tions will find the RxMap helpful in preventingmissed doses.

Keeping track of a complex medication regi-men can be a challenge for anyone. In fact, thefederal Agency for Healthcare Research andQuality reports that medication non-adherencecosts the healthcare system $300 billion annuallyand causes 125,000 preventable deaths. AHRQestimates that up to 50% of people with chronicdiseases fail to take their medications as pre-scribed.

Adherence to a medication regimen is essentialto health and can make it possible to live welldespite chronic disease. RxMap, developed byMTS Medication Technologies, simplifies andfacilitates medication adherence, promotespatient safety and convenience, and offers care-givers peace of mind. Most importantly, it helpskeep patients healthy. Patients who take medica-tions exactly as prescribed will experience fewercomplications of their condition, and this trans-lates into fewer doctor’s appointments,Emergency Room visits, hospital re-admissions,and lower costs.

RxMap® is a win for everybody.

If you think the RxMap program may be ofinterest to you or someone you know, call(412) 539-1331 to make an appointmentwith the pharmacist.

RxMap Is aPrescription for

MedicationSafety and

Convenience

(l-r) Lynette Tomasetti and Sarah Hoover,Pharmacist and Manager of the RxMap program.

>“The patient or caregiver simply calls our pharmacist and we handle everything from there.

We’ll discuss your medications with you, speak with your physician, confirm your prescriptions and handle the transfer from your current pharmacy. If your meds are changed, we re-package them at no charge. Refills are automatic.

We even do in-home consultations if needed.” - Lynette Tomasetti



by Adam J. Swartzendruber, MS, CSCS

Every new year, many peo-ple resolve to lose weight.Yet at least 50 percent of

those who start an exercise orweight-loss program in Januaryquit within six months. The fol-lowing guidelines can help youavoid being one of them:

• Be specific. Determine yourdesired timing and amount ofweight loss.

• Set and track measurable goals. Assess your bodycomposition monthly, and your weight and/or waistand hip measurements weekly.

• Write an action plan. Include the days, times, dura-tion and types of workouts.

• Be realistic. Goals, plans and workouts shouldmatch your current level of fitness and time constraints.For example, expecting to lose more than two poundsper week is generally unhealthy and unrealistic.

• Be flexible. If your schedule changes and you can’texercise as planned, revise your weekly routine.

• Recruit an exercise partner – a friend or significantother. Partners with similar goals help motivate you andhold you accountable.

• Inform family and friends. Ask for support andencouragement.

• Schedule daily workouts. Make them as importantas other priorities.

• Understand and plan around barriers and excus-es. For example, some people believe they don’t havetime to exercise, but the average American watches 2.8

hours of television each day.By substituting 30 to 60 min-utes of TV time with physicalactivity, you will be happierand healthier.

• Work with a personaltrainer. Professionals canhelp you design goalsand implement routines thatfit your individual abilitiesand needs. Specifically, lookfor a trainer with a degree in

exercise science, who is alsocertified through ACSM, NSCA or NASM.

Since 2002, Adam has worked as a strength and condi-tioning coach and personal trainer, in addition to fitnessdirector, research assistant and adjunct professor. He holdsa bachelor’s degree in Health/Physical Education and amaster’s degree in Exercise Physiology. His professionalbackground includes Certified Personal Trainer (CPT),NSCA-Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist(CSCS) as well as USA Weightlifting – Sport PerformanceCoach.

If my THYROIDis normal, why do I feel this way?Have your THYROID lab results come back

“in range/normal” but you still have these symptoms?� Abnormal Weight Gain� Fatigue� Anxiety/Irritability� Hair Loss/Dry Skin/Brittle Nails� Irregular menstrual periods� Increased Heart Rate� Depression

www.hormonecenter.net (412) 432-7909

WE CAN HELP!

Win the Weight-Loss Resolution Battle

Adam J. Swartzendruber,MS, CSCS, is an ExercisePhysiologist/PersonalTrainer at Wilfred R.

Cameron Wellness Center of TheWashington Hospital. For moreinformation on weight-loss, call thefitness department at the WellnessCenter at (724) 250-5203, or email Adam at [email protected].

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Photo Credit: Hot Shotz




After theHolidays –Skip the

Blues

Instead of relief, thestress of the holidayseason can some-

times create a nagging sense of emptiness, loss, or unexplained sadnesswhen all of the excitement comes to an end. Experts have labeled this the“holiday blues” and describe the effects as mild emotional upset to majordepression. The reasons we may feel this way are as varied as the moodsthemselves. Whether you feel blue because of disappointments experi-enced over the holidays, or true sadness that the hustle and bustle are over;here are a few pointers that may assist you to prepare to “Skip the Blues”.

1. LOWER YOUR GREAT EXPECTATIONSSometimes we just can’t help being disappointed with the outcomes of

get-togethers, or the reactions of loved-ones in certain situations. The bestway to prevent this is to stop trying to please everyone and do what givesyou the greatest feelings of satisfaction. If you truly enjoy preparing aMartha Stewart party, then do it; but do it without the discontent if othersdon’t share your enthusiasm.

2. TREAT YOUR SELF This could mean anything from sitting down to finish a good book,

watching the winter birds, wearing one of your new holiday outfits, orplanning a mini retreat or vacation. After spending months thinking anddoing for others, it’s OK to make some guilt-free time for you.

3. RESOLUTIONS ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN As Nike’ succeeded in sparking the advertising world with “Just Do It” so

can you when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Don’t make promises thatyou know you won’t keep. Be realistic. Start slow. Take one day at a time.If diet and exercise are going to be part of your “New Me” program, don’tgo with the fads. Make it a lifestyle change. Any age is the right age towork on self-improvement. Don’t beat yourself up if you back-slide.Tomorrow is always another day!

4. STEP INTO THE LIGHT One of the most amazing treatments for the Blues is sunlight. S.A.D.

(Seasonal Affective Disorder) affects more people than diagnosed and caneasily be treated and reversed. With the shorter days of winter, you shouldtake advantage of the sunshine every chance you get. Plan a summer partyto shake-up Old Man Winter.

5. MAKE TIME FOR MAKING MEMORIESReflect on the good times of the year just past; share this reminiscence

with the people you care about. Put together a photo album, scrapbook, ordigital review. Call or visit the people you didn’t have time to see over theholidays. Remember that when each day is over, it is gone forever.Memories are all that we have left, so make the most of them.

For more information, contact Liken Home Care at (412) 816-0113 or visit www.likenservices.com.

By Diana M. Fletcher

Recently, at the grocery store, Iheard an elderly man say in agrumpy voice, “Hey, are you

open there? The rather short teenage boy said,

“Yes sir, I can take you at this regis-ter.”

“Well you could have said some-thing! I can’t see you back there!”

The teenage girl who was packingmy groceries said to me, “He isnever nice to anyone.”

I felt so badly for the kid. When Iwas 16, I would have gotten thatlump in my throat that signals I-might-start-crying, and I wouldhave been upset. As I left, I smiled atthe boy and said, “I think you aredoing just fine.”

I followed the scowling man tothe parking lot noticing his cane andhis limp. I considered saying some-thing about giving the kid a break,and then hesitated.

I reminded myself that I didn’tknow what was going on in his lifeor know what he was feeling. Thisman may have lost his wife or thelimp could signal chronic pain. Isighed. Had he ever been nice?

I realized that there was a lessonhere for me.

He was obviously unhappy. Hemay not ever change. There willalways be crabby, unhappy people,but the point is not to try to changethem. The point is to do what we

know we need to do.Treat people how we want to be

treated. Let people know that yourespect them, you care, and ulti-mately, always remember that we arein this together and we need to sticktogether.

Be an example for others.Perhaps I would get an opportuni-

ty with this old man sometime inthe future to chat with him and askhim what was wrong, to gentlypoint out that the kid was youngand he could have spoken to him ina nicer manner. Maybe if someoneasked him sometime how he wasfeeling…? I don’t have all theanswers but I do have some solu-tions. Don’t get angry if you aren’tgoing to look for solutions.

Use your energy and concern tochange something. One smile at atime, one question of concern at atime, one act of kindness at a time,one person at a time.

Remember, there are some reallygreat people out there. Be one ofthem.

Donald W. Angel, CFP ®, AIF®

LPL Registered Representative

Cottrill, Arbutina Wealth Management GroupWaterdam Commons Office Park157 Waterdam Road, Suite 280

McMurray, PA 15317

Tel: 724.683-3455 [email protected]

www.cottrillar butina.com/wm/

Wealth Management

Securities, financial planning and fee based services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered InvestmentAdvisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

HEALTHY BEGINNNGS

This New Year, Do Unto Others ...

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Diana Fletcher is the author of Happy onPurpose Daily Messages of Empowerment andJoy for Women, and Reduce Your StressMonth by Month Stress Reducing Strategies.

Her books are available on amazon.com in both printand Kindle versions. They are also available for theNook at barnesandnoble.com. Diana can be reachedthrough her website, www.dianafletcher.comor (412) 612-5977.

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http://www.likenservices.com

http://www.dianafletcher.com


http://www.cottrillar



Prepare to Quit Smoking

By Tim Cline

READY, SET ... QUIT?For most smokers, it’s not always that easy

when it comes to quitting smoking. What youneed is a quit plan designed to work for you.

Knowing how to quit means understandinghow you are hooked. There are three primaryways that cigarettes can hook someone – youare dependent on nicotine, it’s a comfortablehabit, or, you use cigarettes as a kind ofcrutch.

Here’s some advice on how tounderstand these hooks:

1.NICOTINE DEPENDENCE. Nicotineis addictive. Addicted smokers experienceunpleasant symptoms – called nicotine with-drawal - when their supply of nicotine isinterrupted. It’s important to remember thatthe symptoms go away in a week or so. Theproblem is they can be very unpleasant whilethey last – irritability, anxiety, impatience, andrestlessness can weaken your resolve. Youneed to be ready to deal with withdrawalsymptoms. Cessation medications are readilyavailable and come in a variety of forms.Quitters who use a smoking cessation med-ication properly greatly reduce or eliminatemany withdrawal symptoms, and are twice as likely to quit as those whochoose to “tough it out.”

2. HABIT. Over the years you have created links between your daily rou-tines and cigarettes. Over time, these connections may develop into habits.To break these habits, you need to think about the routines you have thatalways include smoking and find creative ways to change them up – waysthat do not include lighting up.

3. CRUTCH. Do you feel there are times in your life when you trulyneed a cigarette? Over time, you may think that cigarettes are, indeed, help-ful in those situations, but the fact is that millions of others face those samesituations and do so every day without smoking. What makes things morecomplicated is the fact that the way you breathe when you smoke can helpyou to relax. You need to learn – and you can only do so by quitting – thatyou do not need cigarettes to accomplish goals, such as keeping your weightdown, and that cigarettes are really harming you instead of making you feelbetter.

Can you quit smoking slowly? Sometimes, people who are uncertain about their ability to quit smoking

think that if they slowly cut back on cigarettes, it will be easier to quit.However, cutting back slowly can become an easy way to put off quittingaltogether.

If you need the psychological boost of knowing you can stop smokinggradually, then that is fine, as long as you understand that when your quitday arrives you will stop all forms of tobacco use completely.

Find a buddyThe support of a friend is very helpful in quitting smoking. You do not

necessarily need someone who understands exactly what you’re goingthrough, but one who understands how importantthis is to you. You need someone who can encourageyou to keep going when you feel like giving in, andnot nag or criticize you if you slip.

Tim Cline is Senior Director, Clinical Trainingand Development, UPMC Health Plan. For more information about UPMC Health Plan,visit www.UPMCHealthPlan.com.

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SOME TIPS:• Choose a “quit day,”

when you will gosmoke-free. You mayneed a couple of weeksto prepare for it.

• Cultivate supportfrom either a friend or ahealth coach to help youwork through everystage of the process –getting ready to quit;quitting; and staying quit.

• Be prepared for set-backs. Take them instride, adjust your planand quickly get back oncourse.

• Stay positive.

Receive daily updates on local events, health fairs and health news you can use and more.

http://www.UPMCHealthPlan.com


By Nancy Kennedy

New Years res-olutions arenot every-

body’s cup of tea, butthe start of a new yearis traditionallyviewed as a time tomake changes toimprove one’s healthand quality of life.This may work forsome people – afterall, the chaos and calories of theholidays are behind us, and a newyear is symbolic of a new beginning.But Mount Lebanon physicianDavid R. Sacco, MD, has a differentperspective for his patients – onethat is both pragmatic and proven.

“People have the best of inten-tions when they make New Year’sresolutions, but I believe that manyuse this holiday as a tactic to delaymaking essential changes. If youneed to lose weight, stop smokingor exercise, don’t wait, do it now, in

the present, ratherthan the future.January is actually not

the best time to launch a majorlifestyle change; the weather is usu-ally terrible and the cold and gloomcan have a negative impact on yourenergy and motivation. I encouragemy patients to start making changesimmediately, even small changes,rather than take on a New Year’s“resolution” that is likely to fail.”

Sacco, who earned his medicaldegree at the University ofPittsburgh School of Medicine andcompleted his internship at theMedical College of Virginia

Hospital, says that in his experi-ence, smoking cessation is the num-ber one lifestyle change that peopleattempt, and he acknowledges thatit’s not easy. “There are many waysthat people try to quit smoking. Theuse of medications, especiallyChantix or Welbutrin, is popular,but neither has even a 50% successrate. The good news is that, difficultas it is, many people have quit, andsmoking is decreasing. Restrictionsin public places have been a factorbecause they make it harder tosmoke.”

Losing weight is a close second toquitting smoking, and is a similarlydifficult lifestyle modification.Sacco, who is board certified by theAmerican Board of InternalMedicine, says that studies clearlydemonstrate that those who havelost weight and, most importantly,maintained the loss, did so bydecreasing portion sizes and exer-cising. “Fad diets are a waste oftime. The way to lose weight is toeat the same food you have alwayseaten, but less. You won’t sustain adiet that forbids pasta or bread. Eatwhat you like but in smalleramounts, and eat mindfully. Wetend to eat distractedly – whilewatching TV, or working at ourdesks – and we aren’t paying atten-tion to the amount or to how wefeel. Hurried eating doesn’t shut offthe hunger signal, so slow down.

“All successful weight loss main-tenance includes some form of exer-cise, and this can be achieved with-out going to a gym or buying expen-sive equipment. You can incorpo-rate exercise into daily activities.Make it a habit to take the stairs, topark farther from the door at themall, or to go for walks.”

Weight loss plateaus can be dis-couraging but Sacco tells hispatients to anticipate them.“Plateaus are normal and you willhit them as you lose. It’s essentialthat you don’t give up because ofa plateau. Keep doing whatyou’re doing because it’s obvi-

ously working, and eventually yourbody will re-set itself and you’llkeep losing.”

Sacco advises people to invest inone piece of weight loss equipment:a scale. “Many patients are shockedwhen they come in and get on thescale. You should have one at homeand weigh yourself once a week.Not every day; there are too manyvariables. Weight creeps up and ascale is the only way to keep track.”

Motivation, whether you need toquit smoking or lose weight, comesfrom within, says Sacco. “You needa support system but you can’t dothis for others. No matter howmuch your family wants you to suc-ceed, you have to do it for YOU. Youshould tell others that you’re mak-ing this change, though, to createpeer pressure, a powerful motiva-tor.”

Stress management is a challengefor most people and leads to “self-medicating” with nicotine orovereating. “Everybody struggleswith stress,” says Sacco. “It helps toacknowledge this to my patientsand to encourage them to find otheroutlets. We all need creative expres-sion; that can be an effective strate-gy to cope with stress.”

In his personal life, Sacco is amusician and photographer, so hehas plenty of opportunity for cre-ative expression. But his best stressrelief strategy is simply family timeat home in Mount Lebanon, withwife Aimee and daughters Madelyn,4, and Katerina, 2. “They are thelight of my life,” he says, “and I havea lot of fun with them. My girls arejust 19 months apart and they arebest friends.”

He also loves his patients and hiswork with Mount Lebanon InternalMedicine, a division of St. ClairMedical Services. “My patientsrange in age from 18 to 102, and Ihave four over the age of 100 wholead full, active lives. People are sointeresting to me, and in my work Iget to know them well. I like beingin this practice because there are sixof us and if a patient needs to beseen, they will be seen that day. Wehave a great, convenient location,right in the heart of the communityon Cedar Boulevard, a short walkfrom Washington Road, and we areaccepting new patients.”

To make an appointment orcontact Dr. David R. Sacco,call (412) 561-1484.

GOUT &HEART DISEASE

Learn more by calling

412-283-0077www.GoutAndHeartStudy.com

Local study doctors are looking for peoplewith gout and heart disease

to participate in a clinical research study.

Does this describe you?

• Men 50 years of age or older

• Women 55 years of age or older

• Diagnosed with gout• History of heart disease

(includes chest pain, stroke,blocked arteries, diabetes)

Study participants will receive:

• Study medication

• Study-related medical care

Study participants may receive:

• Compensation for time and travel


HEALTHY BEGINNNGS

Dr. David R. Sacco Says There’s No Time Like the Present to Improve Your Health

“Many patients are shocked when they come inand get on the scale. You should have one at

home and weigh yourself once a week. Not everyday; there are too many variables. Weight creeps

up and a scale is the only way to keep track.”-David R. Sacco, M.D.

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http://www.GoutAndHeartStudy.com



Stay Fit and Enroll in Westminster Recreation andOutreach Center (WROC) Fitness Programs

Westminster Presbyterian Churchin Upper St. Clair is preparing foran exciting offering of fitness pro-

grams designed to help you maintain yourhealth and fitness goals this winter. Classesare offered in a full size gym and fitnessroom and range from low impact to highintensity. They have programs for a range offitness levels and ages, from children (ourLi’l WROCers) to seniors.

Why enroll in the WROC athletic programs and not a health club?The WROC is part of something bigger. It is part of a family – first the church family

and then our extended community. We help to quiet the discomfort or intimidation thatbubbles up when walking into a fitness center for the first time. The WROC instructorscare for the whole person through prayer, encouragement, and knowledge of health andfitness.

Winter classes include Aerobics, Anti-Aging Total Body Workout, ArthritisFoundation Exercise Program, Cardio Sculpt, Energy Boost Cardio/Strength Workout,Essential CORE and Strength, Personal Training, Tai Chi for Health, Zumba, and ZumbaSentao Yoga.

First class is free. Find dates and times for classes at wroc.westminster-church.orgor call WROC director Kathy Long at (412) 835-6630.

GotBalance?

By Peggy Gregor, BA

We strive to leadhealthier lifestylesincorporating basic

elements of fitness. We pick up weights to increase strength, hitthe treadmill or dance class to improve our cardiovascular sta-mina and take yoga to enhance our flexibility. Often overlookedis the integration of BALANCE exercises.

Balance training improves neuromuscular coordination -training your brain and your body. Balance is a function preva-lent in our daily activities. Everyone benefits from balance train-ing as it refines motor skills and engages muscles in the bodythat are typically undertrained.

A major benefit of balance training is CORE strengthening.Our core is not our ‘abs’ but a group of deep muscles includingour abdominals, back, and hips that work together to create sta-bility and strength in our bodies. Doing single leg lifts engagesthe gluteal muscles and encourages pelvic stabilization. Smallmuscles, tendons and ligaments that surround the knee andankle are also trained, thereby delivering improved jointstrength and ROM. Balance training creates a ripple effect. Asbalance is incorporated, posture is improved leading to less backstrain, increased lung capacity, and improved digestive function.

Balance training aids in injury prevention, rehabilitation andreaction time. We never know when our balance will be chal-lenged. A wide receiver may need this when catching a ball nearthe sideline to stay in bounds. Everyone needs it when climbingsteps, or walking on a slippery surface where the risks of fallingare greater. Integrating balance prepares the body to react tothese risks when least expected. Balance becomes secondnature.

Specific equipment is not necessary to glean the benefits ofbalance. You have the best tools needed – your body and yourbrain. Standing on one foot or tip-toes serves as a great base forstatic balance exercises. Adding hand weights and performingupper body exercises adds another layer of balance training.Hopping or leaping side to side provides dynamic balance –imagine needing to quickly move sideways to avoid an unex-pected obstacle. Further challenge your dynamic balance byadding a ‘hold’ on one leg after leaping side to side several times.

Be prepared to look and feel silly! As we develop our balanceskills we will be wobbly, shaky and just look and feel awkward.Make it fun and enjoy the many benefits of balance.

Peggy Gregor, group exercise director at HealthtraxFitness and Wellness in Bethel Park, PA, can be reached at [email protected].>

>Highmark Launches "Daily Steps to Less Stress"

Program in the Community According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), routine stress from the

pressures of work, family and everyday responsibilities can take such a toll on our bod-ies that very serious health problems can result. "Over time, the strain on your bodyfrom routine stress may lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, highblood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorder and other illnesses," says theNIMH.

To help individuals cope with stress, Highmark has launched a new stress manage-ment program — "Daily Steps to Less Stress" — as part of its Wellness Where You Liveseries of valuable health and wellness programs offered in convenient, community loca-tions across western and central Pennsylvania. All members of the community are wel-come to take advantage of these programs, which are free of charge to medically insuredHighmark members and available for a nominal fee to non-Highmark members.

"The 'Daily Steps to Less Stress' program imparts a wealth of fresh knowledge andpreventive strategies that could help many of us improve our health for the better," saidDr. Fischer. "Daily Steps to Less Stress" is a group-based program that meets one houra week for six weeks. It teaches concepts such as "Take 20" minutes every day for per-sonal enjoyment; the high value of "Humor Therapy;" and "Creating the Art of Calm"by identifying go-to sensory experiences that release endorphins.

Individuals can inquire now about registering for group sessions beginning in 2013 by calling 1-800-879-2217.

By Nikki Becker

Why choose sunless tanning over tanning beds?The World Health Organization has declaredindoor tanning devices to be cancer-causingagents that are in the same category as tobacco.Studies have found a 75% increase in the risk ofmelanoma in those who have been exposed toUV radiation from indoor tanning.The AmericanAcademy of Dermatology Association (AADA)opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban onthe production and sale of indoor tanning equip-ment for non-medical purposes.

Listed above are only a FEW of the harmfulside effects tanning beds have on a person. Forhealth reasons, you may want to consider sunlessairbrush tanning. At Tan Me/Upscale Airbrush

Tanning, we recognize these harmful effects andoffer a safe alternative to tanning beds. The tan-ning solution we use are made of all natural ingre-dients and will not stain your clothes. We are rec-ognized as one of the most natural-looking air-brush tans in the Pittsburgh area, and specialize inthe art and science of sunless tanning.

Experienced airbrush technicians at Tan Me areable to provide clients with a consistent, natural-looking airbrush tan that is perfectly customized toindividual skin type and personal preference. Theservices we offer are safe, fun, and warm.With justone airbrush session, we can give a person thatgolden glow they are striving to achieve.Equivalentto one session, tanning beds take up to eight ses-sions to achieve the same look. Plus there isabsolutely no mess.The only thing left behind is a

beautiful tan that lasts upto 10 days!

It’s 2013 and peopleeverywhere have heardof the harmful effects tan-ning beds have, not onlyon a person’s skin, but ona person’s life who hasbeen impacted by skincancer.Use this New Yearto replenish, and renew your skin. Because we allknow, healthy skin is in!

For more information or to make an appointment at Tan Me/Upscale

Airbrush Tanning, call (412) 406-7799 or visit www.tanmepgh.com.

THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING SUNLESS AIRBRUSH TANNING, OVER TANNING BEDS

Advertorial

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http://www.tanmepgh.com



By Nancy Kennedy

Endometriosis is a commonand painful condition thataffects 15-20% of women,

compromising their quality of lifeduring the years that should be theirprime of life: the years between 25and 45. The disease can not onlycause pain and suffering, but alsoresult in infertility. To NicoleDonnellan, M.D., this is unaccept-able, and she is putting her formida-ble energy and expertise into gaininga better understanding of endo-metriosis, with the goal of improv-ing quality of life for the youngwomen affected by this disease.

Donnellan, a gynecologist, sur-geon and endometriosis researcher,is on the staff of the Center forMinimally Invasive GynecologicSurgery at Magee-Womens Hospitalof UPMC, where surgeons utilize themost advanced techniques to treatgynecologic problems. Minimallyinvasive surgery (MIS), whichincludes both laparoscopic androbotic surgery, requires smallerincisions and produces less post-operative pain, bleeding and scar-ring. It can be used to treat a varietyof GYN conditions, includingfibroids, abnormal bleeding, pelvicpain and endometriosis.

Despite its prevalence, endome-triosis is poorly understood andoften unrecognized. “Delay in diag-nosis is a major problem when itcomes to endometriosis,” Donnellanexplains. “It affects people different-ly, and too often, women who areexperiencing pelvic pain are dis-missed without an appropriatework-up. This can lead to years ofpain and suffering, drasticallydecreasing a young woman’s qualityof life.

“We actually know little aboutendometriosis; we still don’t knowthe cause. My research is a novelbasic science study, meaning that weare doing investigations at the tissuelevel, in an effort to get to knowendometriosis better. We’re askingfundamental questions: what is thetissue telling us? What is thepatient’s pain telling us? How doesthe patient’s pain correlate with thetissue we see at time of surgery?We’re building a tissue bank to helpus answer such questions and fortu-nately, we have a large patient popu-lation here who can contribute tothe research.”

Donnellan is a powerhouse ofenergy and enthusiasm who bringsexceptional gifts to every endeavor.She loves her work as a surgeon,finding it rewarding and even, attimes, exhilarating: “I enjoy going towork and facing new challenges. Notwo patients are the same; no diseasepresents the same way in everypatient. I love seeing the impact youcan make on an individual’s life.Seeing positive outcomes is sorewarding.”

Donnellan also focuses on impart-ing her skills to the next generationof OB/GYNs, for which she has beenrecognized. In May 2011, she wasawarded the Fellows TeachingAward, an honor bestowed by theresidents at graduation to one fellow,chosen from among all the gynecol-ogy subspecialty fellows. She wasrecognized for her leadership andskill in simulation training as well asoverall commitment to resident edu-cation. “Magee is a top-rated resi-dency program full of bright, aspir-ing ob/gyns. It’s an honor to be rec-ognized by such a fantastic group ofpeople.”

She is a native of New Englandwho attended medical school at theUniversity of Pittsburgh and com-pleted her OB-GYN residency atMagee. Her interest in endometrio-sis, and gynecology in general, isrooted in personal experience. “Mymother went through a lot of gyne-cologic pain and that sparked myinterest in women’s health,” shesays. She completed a fellowship inminimally invasive surgery atMagee, and is now in partnershipwith Dr. Ted Lee and Dr. SuketuMansuria, who were her teachersand mentors for her fellowship.

According to Dr. Lee, Donnellan is agreat addition to the department.“Nicole is a resourceful person withideas and initiative,” he says. “Shetakes a thorough approach to herpatients, knowing that the bestsurgery begins before you go intothe O.R. It begins with knowing thepatient as a whole person and hav-ing an individual plan. She has thecapacity to see the big picture,including the patient’s disease aswell as their lifestyle and overallhealth.”

Donnellan admires her colleaguesnot only for their professionalachievements, but also for beingwell-rounded people – a trait thatshe shares with them. She’s a gyne-cologist, surgeon, teacher,researcher, athlete, wife, and for thepast four weeks, a mother. Her new-born son, Colin, was born at 36weeks gestation after a complicatedpregnancy, and is doing well.Donnellan’s pregnancy and birthexperience have given her newinsight, she says, that will serve herwell when she returns to work.“Pregnancy and birth have made memore empathetic to my patients. Isee things now from the patientsperspective and I have a betterunderstanding of pain.”

To cope with the stress of herwork, Donnellan turns to her life-long love: athletics. She was a triple-threat athlete in high school, playingon the varsity soccer, swimming andtennis teams, and swam with herMiddlebury College swim team forall four years. Today, she runs, swimsand skis and has completed severalmarathons as well as the PittsburghTriathlon. “I love exercise, beingoutdoors and spending time withmy family. I like Pittsburgh; every-thing here is so accessible. UPMC isa top academic environment, secondto none, where your training andeducation never stop. Magee is a

national center of excellence and soprogressive. Ultimately, my goal is tobe one of the leading minimallyinvasive surgeons in the country,excelling in both research andpatient care. Our department is oneof the top ten in the nation and wewant to take it further through stel-lar care of our patients and contin-ued progressive research.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Donnellan at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC,call (412) 641-6412.

To make an appointment at the newMagee Womens Specialty Services inMount Lebanon, call (412) 429-3900.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Magee’s Dr. Nicole Donnellan Helps Women with Complex GYN Needs

Dr. Nicole Donnellan with her son Colin

“Delay in diagnosis is a major

problem when it comes to

endometriosis. It affects people differ-

ently, and too often, women who are

experiencing pelvic pain are dis-

missed without an appropriate work-

up. This can lead to years of pain and

suffering, drastically decreasing a

young woman’s quality of life.”

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WHAT ISENDOMETRIOSIS?According to Dr. Donnellan,

endometriosis occurs when thetissue that normally lines theuterus and is shed during themenstrual period migrates andimplants at other sites withinthe abdomen and pelvis, such asthe bladder, ovaries, fallopiantubes and intestines. Similar tothe tissue in the uterus, these“ectopic” or aberrant tissuelesions can respond to hor-mone fluctuations.

Such lesions can lead toinfertility and incapacitatingpelvic pain as well as pain withintercourse and bowel move-ments. Pain can be isolated totime of menses but may alsoprogress to affecting women onmore days than not during themonth. Some women evensuffer from daily, constant pelvicpain.

Treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain beginswith an appropriate gynecologicwork-up to ensure that there isnot another reason for pain,such as genitourinary, gastroin-testinal or musculo-skeletalconditions. Endometriosis-asso-ciated pelvic pain can bealleviated by medical options,such as hormones, as well as bysurgical removal of the lesions.



Surgical Removal of Breast Lumps PerformedComfortably In Outpatient Setting

By Dr. Natalie Furgiuele-Iracki

Today, most diagnoses of breast cancer are made prior to surgery by theuse of less invasive needle biopsy. However, if the needle biopsy doesnot seem in accordance with the x-ray, the radiologist will advise that

an excision, or removal of a lump, be done. Surgical removal of a lump, orlumpectomy, is when the breast tissue is taken out using an incision.

It may be necessary for the surgeon to remove the lump or area of abnor-mality with guidance from the breast imaging in the way of a “needle wirelocalization”. When an area in the breast has undergone a needle biopsy, aclip is inserted in the breast so that the radiologist knows exactly where thearea of concern is. In those instances, when the pathology of the removedlump reveals something that needs further excision, a small guide wire isinserted down to where the clip was placed. . The surgeon can then followthe wire as a guide to surgically excise the tissue in the operating room. Mostof the time, these surgeries are done comfortably & quickly, with very fewcomplications as an outpatient under local anesthesia.

Once the affected area is excised using the help of a needle wire localiza-tion, the tissue with the wire is x-rayed either by mam-mography or sonography to verify that the area inquestion has been removed.

Dr. Natalie Furgiuele-Iracki, Breast Surgeon at Radiance Surgery Center, also operating at St. Clair, Mon Valley, UPMC South, and The Washington Hospital/Tri-State, can be reached at (412) 833-9722.

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC has a wide range ofspecialty services and world-class physicians to helpwomen with a variety of conditions.

Gynecologic OncologyState-of-the-art,compassionate, comprehensivecare for women withgynecologic malignancies.John Comerci, MD

Gynecologic SpecialtiesEvaluation and treatmentof women with complexgynecologic needs relatingto: minimally invasivegynecologic surgery (MIS).Nicole Donnellan, MD

Maternal Fetal MedicinePhysician, nurse and obstetricteam specializing in high-riskpregnancies, and medicalconditions that affect pregnancy.Katherine Himes, MD

Midlife Health CenterImproves health of women inmidlife through eitherco-management of care with aPCP or primary gynecologist, orby providing full-scope women’shealth care, including primarycare services.Judy Balk, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologyand InfertilityInfertility services for males andfemales, including advancedreproductive technologies.

Serena Dovey, MDJoseph Sanfilippo, MDAnthony Wakim, MD

UrogynecologyThe Women’s Center for Bladderand Pelvic Health treats womenwith disorders of the pelvicfloor, including urinary and fecalincontinence and pelvic organprolapse.

Michael Bonidie, MDJonathan Shepherd, MD

Magee-WomensSpecialty Services1082 Bower Hill Road, Suite 125Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

412-429-3900

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTSMAGEE-WOMENS SPECIALTY SERVICES

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

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Applied Yoga:Put It into Practice … In the Kitchen, Really

By Anne Chaikowsky

Working full time, caring for a young child (or children), and a lifeon a tight schedule with little room for “extras,” makes it chal-lenging to fit in a yoga home practice—taking what is learned at

the yoga studio and practicing at home. The instructor suggests ways to fityoga into everyday life. Every intention is made—renewed weekly upon leav-ing the yoga studio—to set aside 20 minutes, 30 minutes, the ever-preciousand ambitious one hour a day of home practice, but how to fit it in?

Years ago during a session where my instructor was building us up to HalfMoon Pose, she talked about how sometimes when she was in her kitchen,she would just grab the counter using it for balance as she practiced the pose.The idea solidified for me that yoga can be integrated into daily activities, andthe kitchen has become a place where I practice yoga frequently, where a greatdeal of “applied” yoga happens and becomes a natural part of my day.

The kitchen is perfect for practicing Mountain Pose and improving pos-ture. This standing pose can be done at the counter cutting vegetables, at thestove cooking, and while emptying the silverware basket from the dishwash-er into the drawer. This time creates a chance to be mindful of all the sub-tleties that go into a good, strength-building and toning stance—watchingfoot placement, spreading the toes, engaging the quadriceps, lifting thekneecaps, keeping the spine straight, and the ankles lifted. Likewise, empty-ing the dishwasher is a good way to work on Standing Forward Bend. Settingthe feet, engaging the legs and lengthening the spine first, as in MountainPose, then bending out from the pelvis and coming down with a flat back toreach for the dishes, relieves low back discomfort andstrengthens the body.

Applied yoga becomes a good home practice startingpoint from which to take the benefit of class instruc-tion and literally bring it home.

To sign up for yoga classes or for more information, visit the website www.atomyogapittsburgh.com or contact Anne at [email protected].

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http://www.atomyogapittsburgh.com




HEART HEALTH

By Michael F. Hnat, D.M.D.

Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.Because adequate oxygen levels in the blood are needed for the body tofunction properly, the breathing stoppages during sleep apnea deprive

the body of these ideal levels. The cumulative result is a debilitating body atrisk for many health problems including heart disease and heart failure.

Low oxygen levels in the blood cause repeated increases in the heart rateeach time the brain alerts the breathing muscles to work harder whenbreathing stops. Eventually the continuous changes in heart rate through-out the night cause damage to the heart tissue. Arrhythmia – when the heartbeats too fast or too slow – is one effect of heart damage. Similarly, fibrilla-tion is an erratic heartbeat that occurs in the upper chambers of the heart.Ultimately, the effects on heart rate from sleep apnea have the potential tocause inadequate blood flow from the damaged heart to the entire body. Thisin turn increases the workload on the heart and may cause it to fail.

Researchers at the prestigious Mayo Clinic found that patients withobstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of having a heart attackbetween typical sleeping hours 12am-6pm. In fact, in their study of the indi-viduals who had a heart attack during these nighttime hours, 91% had OSA.

This is rather convincing support of the effect of nighttime oxygen shortageson heart function.

Proven treatments for sleep apnea include a pressurized breathing mask(CPAP), oral appliances worn over the teeth to keep the airway open or air-way surgeries that remove excessive tissue blocking the airway. Untreatedsleep apnea carries significant medical risks and is documented to reducelife expectancy from eight to ten years.

The real heart of the matter is seeking treatment before sleep apnea cando its damage.

Michael F. Hnat, D.M.D., is a 1979 graduateof the University of Pittsburgh School ofDental Medicine and Director of ProgressiveDental Solutions, dental sleep medicine facility

in McMurray PA. The primary focus of the facility, whichis accredited by the American Academy of Dental SleepMedicine, is the custom fabrication of oral appliancesfor the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleepapnea. For more information, call (724) 942-5630 orvisit www.progressivedentalsolutions.com.

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By Nancy Kennedy

Heart disease is the leadingcause of death for Americans,causing more deaths than all

cancers combined. But heart diseaseis preventable, and South Hills cardi-ologist John Girod, D.O., says thatprevention is relatively simple: live aheart-healthy lifestyle; get regularhealth screenings to monitor bloodpressure, weight and cholesterol lev-els; and know your risk factors forheart disease, including family histo-ry. “An ounce of prevention reallydoes make a difference,” says Dr.Girod. “We can prevent heart diseaseand coronary artery disease. When itis present, we can treat and stabilizeyour disease but we can’t take it away.Once you have it, you have it for life.”

With his partners in South HillsCardiology Associates, Dr. Girodcares for men and women, and saysthat heart disease can be more diffi-cult to detect in women, for whomthe symptoms may be misleading.“Heart disease can present differentlyin women,” Dr. Girod explains, “andit tends to present later, after age 55.The classic presentation in both gen-ders is angina, which is chest discom-fort on exertion that goes away withrest. Less typical is discomfort in theshoulders, jaw, neck and upper back;women are more likely than men toexperience these symptoms. Womenare also more likely to experienceangina related to emotional stress, aswell as something called nocturnal

angina, which is chest discomfortthat occurs during sleep.

“Angina is the result of a lack ofblood flow to the heart muscle, usual-ly due to blockage in one of the maincoronary arteries. Angina that doesnot go away with rest may be indica-tive of a heart attack and this requiresimmediate attention.”

Women with heart disease can pre-sent a diagnostic challenge for cardi-ologists, says Dr. Girod, who is onstaff of St. Clair Hospital. “The diag-nostic work-up for both gendersbegins with the stress test. The tread-mill test is ideal. For women, howev-er, if you do a treadmill test only,without cardiac imaging, you may geta false positive result. It’s best to com-bine the stress test with imaging, forwomen. If the stress test is suspicious,the next step is a cardiac catheteriza-tion.”

There are other manifestations ofheart disease that affect women morethan men. This includes three condi-tions that are gaining greater recogni-tion as interest in women’s hearthealth continues to grow.

Microvascular angina refers tochest pain that results from abnormalfunctioning of the tiny blood vesselsimbedded in the heart muscle, ratherthan in the large coronary arteries.This occurs primarily in women inthe 50-60 age range. “These womenwill have abnormal stress tests, but noevidence of blockages in their coro-nary arteries,” says Dr. Girod. “Thetreatment for this is vasodilators, like

nitroglycerin.”Vasospasm is the result of a spasm

in the layers of muscle that surroundthe coronary arteries. This can resultin a transient blockage that producesangina and in some cases, a heartattack. This happens most often inwomen who smoke and those whotake migraine medications anddecongestants.

Tak-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy isstress-induced cardiomyopathy(weakness of the heart muscle) whichhappens predominantly in womenwho are middle-aged or older. Thesewomen experience chest pain andhave an abnormal EKG, but their car-diac catheterization is normal. Whenthe cardiologist performs a test calleda ventriculogram, a characteristic pat-tern of intense simultaneous spasmsof the small blood vessels of the heartis seen. It was first described in Japanin the early 90’s and is also known as“broken heart syndrome” because itis due to severe emotional distress.This syndrome is of special interest toDr. Girod, who actually treated thefirst case of Tak-Tsubo cardiomyopa-thy in the U.S. “We see this aboutonce a month at St. Clair Hospital,”he says. “We treat it like congestiveheart failure. The good news is that itgets better in about a month.”

Dr. Girod stresses that heart diseaseis not inevitable as we age. Many ofthe factors that contribute to heart

disease - smoking, obesity, inactivityand unhealthy diets - can be con-trolled or mitigated by simple, inex-pensive lifestyle modifications.Although family history is a factorthat can’t be changed, it can be a toolto motivate healthy living. “Familyhistory tells you what your geneticpredisposition to heart disease is,” Dr.Girod says. “If you have a history, youhave all the more reason to preventheart disease through a healthylifestyle.”

In the U.S., cardiac event rates aredeclining. Dr. Girod says that thedecrease in smoking is a positivedevelopment, but unfortunately isoffset by the increase in obesity anddiabetes, which are major risk factorsfor heart disease. “At South HillsCardiology Associates, we are seeingyoung people in their 30’s with heartdisease. Fortunately, we can treatthem to stop the progression of dis-ease and educate them about makingthe changes that will reduce their riskof heart attack.”

Developing heart-healthy habitsnot only reduces the risk of heartattack, but also improves generalhealth, quality of life and longevity,for men and women.

To make an appointment withDr. John Girod at South HillsCardiology Associates, call(412) 851-0279.

Women’s Heart Health Is Largely a Matter of Prevention,

Says Dr. John Girod

“For women, however, if youdo a treadmill test only, withoutcardiac imaging, you may get afalse positive result. It’s best to

combine the stress test withimaging, for women. If the stresstest is suspicious, the next step

is a cardiac catheterization.”-Dr. John Girod

Sleep Apnea … a Matter of the Heart

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http://www.progressivedentalsolutions.com



The STAR Center Offers FREE CPR and AED Training in Honor of Valentine’s Day

MEMBERS OF THE PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY AREINVITED TO LEARN HOW TO SAVE A LIFE ANDBECOME A “HEART SAVER,” ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY9, 2013, IN HONOR OF VALENTINE’S DAY AND AS ATRIBUTE TO HEART HEALTH MONTH.

The Simulation, Teach-ing, and AcademicResearch (STAR) Cen-

ter and the CommunityCollege of Allegheny County(CCAC)'s Public SafetyInstitute will provide freeCardiopulmonary Resus-citation (CPR) and Auto-mated External Defibrillator(AED) training for the thirdyear in a row to all thoseinterested. No previous med-ical experience is necessaryand no advanced registrationis required. Training sessionswill last approximately twohours, with classes begin-ning every hour, starting at9:00 am and the final classbeginning at 3:00 pm.

Class attendees will learnhow to recognize the signs oflife-threatening emergenciesin adults and children andwill learn the critical skills needed to manage these situations when secondscount. The specific content that will be covered in the class includes: adultCPR AED, adult choking, child CPR AED, and child choking. The course isstructured around the American Heart Association (AHA)’s research-driventechnique of “Practice-While-Watching.” As the name implies, students willpractice the skills on mannequins while viewing videos and watchinginstructors demonstrate the technique. Instructors will give students imme-diate feedback and guide their skill development.

Upon completion of the training, class participants will be able to effec-tively respond to certain emergencies in adults and children. They willunderstand how to properly implement the appropriate procedure untilemergency medical service (EMS) responders arrive. Upon successfuldemonstration of skills, students will receive Heartsaver CPR/AED CourseCompletion Cards, which are valid for two years.

“How To Save A Life and Become AHeart Saver” will take place at the STAR

Center, Pittsburgh’s only accreditedsimulation training center, located at

4900 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh. Formore information, call (412) 688-STAR

or e-mail [email protected].

CLEARSTUDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Don’t wait for another gout attack to strike.Now is the time to act!

412-283-0077

“I’m taking allopurinol, but I’m not getting relief.”Are you taking allopurinol but still havinggout attacks? Is you serum uric acidlevel still too high? Would you like tolearn more about managing your gout?

Our doctors are looking for men andwomen ages 18 to 85 with gout to takepart in a clinical research study for

people who are taking allopurinol but stillhave had two or more gout attacks inthe past year. This study is evaluating aninvestigational drug to see when combined with allopurinol if it works better in reducing high uric acid levels in the blood – the chemical in the bodythat causes gout attacks.

Here is some information to help you decide if youwould like to learn more about this study.

What would my study participationinvolve?• Attend study appointments for up

to 14 months. Most visits will be monthly.

• Follow study instructions by the studydoctor and staff.

• Have tests done to check your health.• Keep track of you medications, gout

attacks, and how you are feeling.

What will I receive as a study participant?• Daily investigational medication at no

cost.• Study-provided allopurinol at no cost.• Close monitoring of your gout through

study-related medical care at no cost.• You may also be provided

compensation to cover your time and travel expenses.




Regardless of whether thesnow flies or the mercurydrops, more than com-

mon sense is needed for main-taining proper heart health inthe winter.

According to the AmericanHeart Association (AHA), theweather is not the determiningfactor in heart-related issues, asonce assumed by many in thefield. In fact, an AHA studyrevealed that in the peak wintermonths there was a 10%increase from the summer lowin “circulatory” deaths whichinclude heart failure, heartattack, cardiovascular diseaseand stroke.

Dr. Aashish Dua, a PremierMedical Associates cardiologist,explained, “There are severalfactors unique to winter thatlead to the increase in cardiac-related traumas and deaths thistime of year.”

If you or someone in yourfamily has heart-related chal-lenges, it is important to notethe risk factors that are preva-lent in winter including:

• Shorter days – Decreaseddaylight and sunshine alter hor-monal balance, such as cortisol,and can increase risk for thosewith cardiac issues.

• Hypothermia exposure –Winter offers up a lethal mix ofsleet, rain, snow and wind giv-ing those with heart disease anincreased risk for hypothermia.More oxygen is needed to main-tain body temperature, whichraises blood pressure and strainsthe heart.

• Year-end stress – Holidayseason and the year’s end bringincreased family and financial obligations that may exploit normal anx-iety or depression conditions.

• Increased smoking and caffeine intake – Studies have shown peo-ple drink more caffeine and smoke more frequently to deal with short-er days and less desirable weather. Simply put – all are bad for the heart.

• Decreases and spontaneous physical activity – Daily routines getdisrupted in winter due to less daylight and many people neglect nor-mal exercise routines.

• Weight gain – The desire for comfortfoods, exposure to holiday treats and decreasedexercise all impact weight maintenance criticalto proper heart health.

Dr. Aashish Dua is one of the more than 70 providers at Premier Medical Associates. Visit PremierMedicalAssociates.comto learn more.

>

As the winter season bearson, Dr. Dua has offered

5 tips to help people protecttheir heart health:

1. Eat a balanced diet that hassufficient protein and vegetables tokeep up Vitamin D levels anddecrease the desire for sugar andcarbs.

2. Avoid weight gain becausethe winter season makes it harderto lose despite traditional NewYear’s resolutions.

3. Avoiding sudden, unusualphysical exertion such as shov-eling snow. Strenuous activity, par-ticularly in early morning, can spikeblood pressure and strain theheart.

4. Stay hydrated. Inadequatefluid intake can cause fluctuations inblood pressure and the oxygenneeds of the body, forcing the heartto work harder.

5. Don’t overlook flu andpneumonia vaccinations. Forpeople with cardiac risk and thoseover 65, these vaccines are oftenundervalued. Either condition canbe devastating to those with heartconditions.

Take Charge of Your HeartBy Michael D. Parkinson, MD, MPH

No one cares more about your heart healththan you do. That’s pretty obvious, butwhat’s not as obvious is that if you take

charge of your heart health, you may be able tocure yourself of heart disease in the process.

Heart disease remains the leading cause ofdeath in the United States for both men andwomen. There is abundant evidence that it canbe prevented, reversed and even abolished.

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., of Cleveland Clinichas developed a diet that consists almost entire-ly of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods. All meat and dairy products havebeen eliminated. Within 10-14 days of the time they start the diet, some ofhis patients report that their angina chest pains have disappeared.

Drs. Esselstyn, Dean Ornish and a growing body of clinical evidence sup-port the finding that for persons with coronary artery disease, neither thesurgical procedures (inserting stents) nor the drugs that go with the proce-dures treat the real cause of the condition. Although these treatments may belife-saving for some, they are still just stopgap measures.

Dr. Esselstyn became convinced that the fatty American diet contributedto heart disease by examining other countries where heart disease was non-existent. It is his contention – as well as that of other medical experts – thatthe body is not built to handle the excess and unhealthy fats that are in manyAmerican diets and absent in diets in other parts of the world.

“Nothing trumps food in terms of health,” says Dr. Esselstyn. It is his con-tention that a revolution in health is imminent in the U.S., and it will not bethe result of another new pill or procedure or operation. Instead, it will comefrom educating the public about how they can live the healthiest possibletype of lifestyle.

When it comes to understanding the power of food, Dr. Esselystyn says,“It’s either going to devastate you or it’s going to enhance your health andwell-being.”

Unfortunately, however, because of the way our physicians have beentrained – in the “medical model” as opposed to a “healthy living model” –doctors may not suggest or even seriously entertain healthier eating as a pri-mary treatment and not just a preventive measure for our hypertension, dia-betes, or heart disease. Reversing disease and reducing our dependence onmedications as our body takes charge again is doable. But only if we get seri-ous and get help doing so.

It is not genetics or bad luck that determines whether a person gets heartdisease, says Dr. Esselystyn. “Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trig-ger,” he says.

You have the capacity to stop, reverse and preventheart disease. Your willingness to follow a healthier,largely plant-based diet and lifestyle that maximizesyour heart health will ultimately determine howlong and how well you live!

Dr. Michael Parkinson, senior medical director, Health and Productivity, UPMC Health Plan, can be reached at (412) 454-5643 or [email protected].

“It is not genetics or bad luck that

determineswhether a person

gets heart disease, Genes

load the gun, butlifestyle pulls the

trigger.”

>

Winter Risks and Resolutions for Heart Health

HEART HEALTH

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr.




By Lori A. Pazzabon, DPT, CLT

Have you ever walked into a store and seen some-one wearing bulky layers of bandages on theirwhole arm or leg? Or wearing a skin toned

glove and an arm sleeve and thought… what is that?Most likely, that person was diagnosed with a conditioncalled “lymphedema”. What’s lymphedema? If youdon’t know, you’re not alone. Most people have nevereven heard of the term lymphedema – unless they or aloved one have been diagnosed.

So what is it? Lymphedema is the swelling of a bodypart that most commonly occurs in an arm or a leg.This swelling is due to an accumulation of protein richfluid in the tissue spaces underneath the skin. Swellingcan also occur in the face, neck, abdomen, or genitals.Lymphedema is classified as either primary or sec-ondary. Secondary lymphedema is much more commonin the U.S. and is a result of damage to a normally func-tioning lymphatic system. Such damage can be causedby cancer and its treatment, surgery, trauma, chronicvenous insufficiency, and/or obesity.

Lymphedema can be diagnosed in most cases byusing only basic diagnostic procedures (i.e. patient’shistory, inspection, palpation, and volume measure-ment). Characteristics of lymphedema include a dis-comfort or heaviness in the affected area; a slow onsetswelling (i.e. starting in the hand or the foot); and/orskin changes.

The lymph system is made up of tiny, fragile vessels,larger vessels, and lymph nodes. This system removesunwanted substances such as bacteria and cancer cellsfrom the body. The lymph nodes also produce lympho-cytes – the disease fighting cells for the immune system.

Therefore, treatment of lymphedema is necessary tokeep the lymph system functioning at its best possibleperformance.

Lymphedema is treated with Complete DecongestiveTherapy (CDT) by a certified lymphedema therapist.CDT is the gold standard of treatment and consists of:manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exer-cises, self care training, and meticulous skin and nailcare. Despite widespread belief, basic compressionpumps are not always the best form of treatment forlymphedema. The basic pump disregards the fact thatthe ipsilateral trunk quadrant is involved and requiresmany hours a day of use to be effective. It also maycause trauma to residual functioning lymph vessels.

There is no cure for lymphedema, only lifelong man-agement skills. If left untreated, lymphedema can becomplicated by: recurrent infections (such as cellulitis),non-healing wounds, discomfort or pain, difficultywith daily tasks, emotional, and social distress. Earlydiagnosis is important since this is when treatment ismost effective.

If you suspect you or a loved one may have signs oflymphedema, please contact your physician to get theproper diagnosis and treatment!

Lori A. Pazzabon, DPT,CLT is the Director ofLymphedema Therapyat Orthopedic &

Sports Physical TherapyAssociates, Inc. (OSPTA).For more information, call(724)929-5774 or visitosptainc.com.

Lymphedema – Ever Heard of It?

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Male Health Alert! Male Breast Cancer - Me? Come on

by Margie Webb, RN

What do these men have in common: former KISS drummer, PeterCriss; former fullback for Cleveland Browns, Ernie Green, and“Price is Right” – Come on down, announcer Robert Ray

Roddey? They all had male breast cancer. Breast cancer is not gender spe-cific. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011, there will be2,140 new cases and 450 deaths.

Male breast cancer when found is usually in the more advance stages. Itstrikes older men (60-70) but it can happen at any age: 1 in 1,000 men. Anyof these symptoms could be cancer - a painless lump near or behind thenipple, nipple discharge, misshaped breast, or a lump or thickening in thearmpit. Any breast lump in a male is abnormal and should be checked by adoctor.

As with female breast cancer, the cause is unknown but we know the riskfactors. The risk factors include: having large breasts (gyneomastia), inher-iting mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, Klinefelter syndrome – a geneticdisorder with an extra chromosome present, disease related causing highestrogen levels such as cirrhosis (liver disease) and exposure to cancercausing chemicals

In 2008, at age 45 Peter Devereaux was diagnosed with Stage 111 breastcancer. “I felt like a freak. How can this be? I’m a Marine.” He under wenta mastectomy. At Marine Corp’s Camp Lejeune, he and other Marines alongwith their families were exposed to contaminated water. Camp Lejeune wasbuilt on a former pesticide-mixing facility and 70 other toxic chemicals andsolvents. According to the last reported tally, there were 73 other men withbreast cancer. (Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune can registerfor a health study or get more information, by visitinghttps://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clwater/ or calling toll-free at (877) 261-9782.

When Harvey Singer at 53 was diagnosed with breast cancer - informa-tion, help and support was lacking. His aunt, mother and sister Vicki hadbreast cancer. Following his treatment, Harvey and Vicki launched a non-profit website so that guys with breast cancer will not feel alone. For moreinformation visit HIS Breast Cancer Awareness (HISbreastcancer.org).

In memory of John W. Nick who died from breast cancer at the age of 58.The John W. Nick Foundation was founded November 9, 1995,"Awareness" could have saved his life. Without awareness, hope is lost. Formore information go to www.MaleBreastCancer.org.

The bottom line, KISS Peter Criss advises all men, “Get yourself checkedout and act quickly. It doesn’t have to do with beingmacho. It’s just smart.” Guys, breast cancer is notjust a women disease. Know what your chest,breasts, and under arm areas feel like. If somethingfeels different, see a doctor. The life you save maybe your own.

To contact Margie Webb, RN,Licensed Massage Therapist email [email protected]>


Foot ProblemsMen Should Never Ignore

By Dr. Jim Marks

So is some foot pain normal? From a medical aspect ... the answer is no. It is a clear sign that something

is wrong, and needs to be evaluated and treated. Men are the first to admit that they usually resist going to a doctor when

their feet hurt. But the good news is that most foot or ankle problems aretreatable, and easier to treat when diagnosed early.

Let’s look at foot pain this way - Pain is like the oil light in your car. Leftunchecked or ignored, what you may consider "some foot pain" can slowlyworsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.

Men, if you currently have foot pain,here are five foot problems you should never ignore:

Heel Pain – this is often caused by tissue inflammation, but can also resultfrom what is known as a “stress fracture,” or a tight heel cord or plantar fasci-itis which left untreated can eventually rupture.

Ankle Sprains – if severe, these should always require a prompt visit tothe doctor. If left ignored, sprains may develop into chronic instability or ten-don disease which eventually may require surgery.

Joint Stiffness – stiffness of any joint of the foot or ankle that developsslowly allows the natural joint cartilage to wear down leading to pain and lossof function. A painful arthritic joint left to develop over time usually resultsin joint replacement or fusion.

Tendonitis – usually develops from a sudden increase in physical activityat work or when men play weekend sports. Tendonitis left untreated maylead to a tear or rupture which usually requires casting, surgery or both.

Toenails – whether the toenails are thick or ingrown, “bathroom surgery”should be avoided and is especially considered dangerous if you have diabetesor have poor circulation. Treatment is usually straightforward and less dan-gerous if treated early.

If you are suffering from any of the aboveconditions or know of anyone who is alsopresently suffering, please take a momentand explore Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists

website www.pennfoot.com and click PatientHandouts and you will find answers regarding foot andankle conditions. To schedule an appointment at one ofour convenient office locations, call (724) 222-5635.Dr. Marks is medical director of The WashingtonHospital's Wound & Skin Healing Center, and apodiatrist with his partner, Dr. Nick Lowery, in PennFoot & Ankle Specialists.

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MEN’S HEALTH

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Q. This morning I wokeup terrified because whenI rolled over in bed, theworld started spinning.What’s wrong with me?

Q. Believe it or not, this is a fairlycommon complaint in our office. You arelikely experiencing what is known as ver-tigo – an illusory sensation of motion thatpatients usually describe as a spinningsensation. Vertigo is typically the result ofa problem affecting the balance or vestibular system in your inner ears.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (otherwise known as BPPV) isone of the most common causes of vertigo, and can often be treated injust one office visit. Positional dizziness is provoked by a change inposition such as lying down, rolling in bed, looking up and bendingforward. Most patients are able to identify the side causing the dizzi-ness, for example a patient may say, “Every time I roll in bed to the left,I get dizzy”. The sensation of dizziness provoked by a change in posi-tion will generally last 10-30 seconds.

BPPV is caused by the displacement of otoconia, often referred to ascrystals or calcium deposits, in the inner ear. When the otoconiabecome dislodged, they migrate to a portion of the balance systemcalled the semi circular canals. The otoconia collect within these canals,and movement or motion to the canals causes a disruption to the fluidwithin these canals. This disruption in fluid causes a disruption in theneural signals sent to the brain, giving the impression of dizziness.

A diagnosis of BPPV is fairly simple and can be identified after per-forming a brief positioning test in the office, usually performed by anAudiologist. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, BPPV is often easily andeffectively treated within a few minutes in the office using a positioningtreatment called the Epley Maneuver. During the maneuver, thepatient’s head and body are moved in such a way to allow the otoconiato move around the canals and drop back into place.

While BPPV is often treated in just one office visit, those who devel-op BPPV are more likely to get it again in the future. The good news isthat it can be treated again in the office in just a few minutes.

BPPV is the number one cause of dizziness each year, however, dizzi-ness and/or vertigo can be caused by myriad of things so it is always agood idea to be checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.

Nicole Wasel, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, Washington Ear, Noseand Throat, can be reached at (724) 225-8995.

Ask the Expert:Washington Ear, Nose and Throat

Nicole Wasel, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology,Washington Ear, Nose

and Throat

>

TINNITUS — WHAT IS ITAND WHAT CAN BE DONETO HELP?

Tinnitus is the perception ofsound within the human ear inthe absence of correspondingexternal sound. It may be a partof sensorineural or congenitalhearing loss, or it may be a sideeffect of certain medications.However, the most commoncause is noise-induced hearingloss—one reason why militaryveterans who have justreturned from war duty andmusicians often complain oftinnitus.

Most people with tinnitushave some degree of hearingloss. They are often unable toclearly hear external soundsthat occur within the samerange of frequencies as their‘phantom sounds’. Tinnitus canbe perceived in one or bothears, or in the head. It can beintermittent, or continuous, inwhich case it can cause distress.The sound perceived mightrange from a quiet backgroundnoise to one that can be heardeven over loud external sounds.

Derived from the Latin wordtinn¥tus meaning "ringing”,tinnitus is not a disease, but a condition that can result from a wide range ofunderlying causes: neurological damage, ear infections, foreign objects in theear, nasal allergies that prevent fluid drain, or wax build-up. Yet anothercause is the use of in-ear headphones, whose sound enters directly into theear canal without any opportunity to be deflected or absorbed elsewhere,when volume is set beyond moderate levels.

People have described tinnitus as a ringing noise, but in some patients, ittakes the form of a high-pitched whining, electric buzzing, hissing, hum-ming, or whistling sound.

For more information, contact Metropolitan ENTat (724) 940-5755 or visit www.metroent.org.

TINNITUS CAN BE PREVENTED

Tinnitus and hearing loss can be perma-nent conditions. Persistent tinnitus maycause irritability, fatigue, and on occasion,clinical depression and musical hallucina-tions. Here are a few ways to lessen thedamage:

• Do not place objects in your ear suchas cotton swabs to clean your ear.This cancause a wax impaction against youreardrum, which can cause tinnitus.

• Take blood pressure medicines andother prescribed medications as orderedby your doctor.

• Protect your hearing at work. Yourwork place should follow OccupationalSafety & Health Administration (OSHA)regulations.Wear earplugs or earmuffs andfollow hearing conservation guidelines setby your employer.

• When around any noise that bothersyour ears like a concert, sporting event orhunting, wear hearing protection orreduce noise levels.

• Everyday noises such as blow dryingyour hair or using a lawn mower canrequire protection. Keep earplugs handyfor these activities.

Ringing in the Ears, Known as Tinnitus

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HEARING CARE SOLUTIONS

Our eye physicians & surgeons are professionally trained in the diagnosis and treatment of:

CATARACTS & IMPLANTS(PREMIUM MULTIFOCAL, TORIC & MONOFOCAL CATARACT

IMPLANTS & SURGICAL ASTIGMATISM CORRECTION)

GLAUCOMA – MACULAR DEGENERATION – LASER SURGERYROUTINE & COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS

DIABETIC EYE DISEASE – DRY EYESDr. Benjamin Chun, M.D.

Medical DirectorMD - Brown-Dartmouth

Ophthalmology Residency -Madigan Army Medical Center

Six Locations close to homeWhite Oak - Irwin - Oakland - North side - Southside - Robinson

Call today for an Appointment

412-681-8505

www.cliofpa.com

http://www.metroent.org

http://www.cliofpa.com



By Benjamin Chun, M.D.

Dry Eye Disease is a very common disease, often misunderstood, andmistakenly thought of as not very serious. Also known as OcularSurface Disease, it can cause a variety of symptoms, sometimes

severe, including, red eyes, sharp pain, dull pain, headaches, foreign bodysensation, grittiness, itching, redness, blurry vision and tearing. Often, aperson with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the cheeks,which may seem confusing. This happens when the eye isn't gettingenough lubrication, despite the presence of tears. The eye sends a distresssignal through the nervous system for more lubrication. In response, theeye is flooded with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness.However, these tears are not healthy and they more times than not, don'tdo their job.

What Causes Dry Eyes?There can be many reasons, including meibomian gland dysfunction,

environment, medications (antihistamines, birth control pills etc.), recenteye surgeries like LASIK and cataract surgery. The natural aging process,especially menopause and hormonal changes can cause dry eyes too.Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseasescan cause a special type of dry eyes called Keratitis Sicca. Eye lid dysfunc-tions can also cause dry eyes.

How Are Dry Eyes Treated?There are many steps to treating dry eyes. You should discuss treatment

options with an eye care specialist. Treatments for dry eyes may include:• Artificial tear drops and warm compresses. The use of artificial tears

is the primary treatment for dry eye, as well as warm compresses. • Punctal occlusion. We occlude the punctum to keep more tears on the

eyes longer. They can be removed and rarely cause any problems. • Restasis. The FDA approved the prescription eye drop Restasis for the

treatment of chronic dry eye. • Steroidal and non steroidal medications. Other medications, includ-

ing topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases. • Surgery. Blepharatomy can be done to manually unblock the meibomi-

an glands.• Vitamins and medications: Omega3, DoxycyclineOur Dry Eye Center at Cataract and Laser

Institute of PA can correctly diagnosis the type ofdry eyes and treat you accordingly.

Dr. Benjamin Chun is Medical Director,Cataract and Laser Institute of PA. He is aBoard Certified Ophthalmologist specializingin routine eye care as well as diseases of the

eye. A specialty area for Dr. Chun is the managementof dry eye conditions. For more information, visit thewebsite www.cliofpa.com.

EYE CARE

>

Surprising Facts About Dry Eyes Aches and Pain this Winter Season?

The Solution is Just Steps Away

Is there some truth to the wellknown cliché: “feeling under theweather?” With winter quickly

approaching, many people may experi-ence first-hand effects that freezingtemperatures, increased precipitation,and changes in atmospheric pressurecan have on the body. The winters canwreak havoc on joints, particularly onpeople who suffer from rheumatoidand osteoarthritis, producing dailyaches and pains that often can be debil-itating.

Lindsey Buches, DPT, physical ther-apist at Centers for Rehab Services inGreensburg, provides some informa-tion on why we experience more painwith winter conditions. “When ourbodies experience cold temperaturesand changes in barometric pressureour muscles react by contracting orshortening, which leads to compres-sion at joint surfaces,” says Dr. Buches.“Arthritis on joint surfaces even underideal conditions, often crowd the joint and cause pain by placing pressureon receptors within the space. This combination of rubbing muscles againstarthritic joints creates the perfect recipe for aches and pains.”

Steps can be taken to relieve these symptoms, says Dr. Buches. “Musclesthat are warmed tend to stretch, which can relieve the pressure on the jointsurfaces.” She recommends activities that involve at least 20-30 minutes ofmovement a day, such as walking, biking, or swimming. If you do notbelong to a gym, aerobics class, or have any home equipment, there aresome great programs in the area offered to benefit those who want to bephysically fit. One such opportunity is at your local mall. Most malls openearly every weekday to allow walkers to take advantage of the large openspaces and surfaces that are free of ice and snow.

Before you begin a regular exercise program, however, Buches recom-mends that you talk with your doctor to be sure you are healthy enough forphysical activity. This winter season procure a break from the aches andpains by taking the opportunity to get active.

If you have any questions on how physical therapy can help with your aches and pains, contact Centers for Rehab Services at 1-888-723-4277.

“Muscles that are warmed

tend to stretch, which can

relieve the pressure on the

joint surfaces.”

-Dr. Lindsey Buches

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

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Q. How can integrativeneurology help with lowback, hip and leg pain?

A. Integrative neurology combines theknowledge of medical neurology (the studyof the brain and nerves) with complimenta-ry techniques like laser acupuncture, chiro-practic and herbal therapies.

There are many different reasons why aperson develops lower back, hip and legpain. The most common are spinal stenosis,sciatica, pinched nerves and neuropathy. Despite billions of dollarsspent on research of these conditions, no one single method hasemerged as the superior treatment for them. Thankfully, they do typi-cally respond well to a combination of therapies.

Stenosis, sciatica and most leg pains involve the nerves in the backand lower extremities; Integrative Neurology is an ideal approach fortreatment. The symptoms may be similar, but the cause of those symp-toms varies greatly. Determining where and why the nerves are injuredis the most important step for those patients seeking long lasting relief.Only after a proper diagnosis, can effective treatment be instituted.

For example stenosis and disc herniations require decompressiontherapy. We utilize a special traction belt device that was developed inIsrael to non-surgically decompression the injured nerves in patientssuffering from both disc herniations and spinal stensosis. Adding laseracupuncture can often help damaged nerves to repair while suppressingpain. It is a modern version of acupuncture based on neurology thatdoes not require needles. Supplementing the diet with specific nutrientsmay also speed up the healing process. Nutrients like GABA andAcetyl-carnitine may actually reduce nerve pain while promoting nervehealing. A specific follow-up exercise program based on a patient’s MRIresults and designed to maintain spinal nerve decompression offers thebest chance for long lasting improvement. Integrative

Neurology is about offering many different treatment approaches forneurological conditions, combined individually for each patient, allunder one roof. We have over 20 years of experience in treating hip,back and leg pain that is a the result of sciatica, stenosis or neuropathy.It is an approached based on combing those treatments that have aproven track record of helping with nerve related pain.

George W. Kukurin, DC DACAN, Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition, can be reached at (412) 381-4453 or visit www.alt-compmed.com.

Ask the Expert:Kukurin Chiropractic

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DirectoryChiropractic Care

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Dr. Kukurin was named a Top Chiropractor by theConsumers’ Research Council of America. He is listed inWho’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare. With over 20 years experience using laser acupuncture, chiropracticand science based nutritional therapies, the results produced by his methods have been featured on localTV newscasts, published in scientific journals, indexed in the National Library of Medicine and have been presented at medical conferences at Johns Hopkins and the Peripheral Nerve Society. Find help now call

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By Nancy Kennedy

As Parochial Vicar of Immac-ulate Conception CatholicChurch in Washington,

Father Nick Spirko is a man who isfamiliar with miracles, but he neverexpected to experience one of hisown. Father Nick’s personal “mira-cle” was performed by anorthopaedic surgeon, ArmandoAvolio Jr., M.D., of AdvancedOrthopaedics and Rehabilitation(AOR), a group of orthopaedic sur-geons who offer comprehensivediagnostic and surgical care topatients who are having problemswith joints or other musculo-skele-tal conditions. Father Nick’s surg-eries gave him new knees that havetransformed his life. “Knee replace-ments drastically improved myquality of life,” he says. “I hadreached a point where I didn’t wantto bear weight on my knees. Mymobility was limited to where I didonly what I absolutely had to do,instead of what I wanted to do.”

For a priest, that’s a problem.Father Nick loves being a priest,although it’s not an easy life. Priestshave active lives, managing schoolsand churches, and are on-call 24/7,ready to respond when a parishoneris ill, dying, or in crisis. WhenFather Nick, 66, began developingosteoarthritis in both knees, itbecame harder for him to fulfill hisresponsibilities. “The arthritisslowed me down,” he says. “Mypain would get worse throughoutthe day, especially with walking andstanding. I saw Dr. Avolio, a mem-ber of the parish, and over the yearsI took anti-inflammatory drugs. Asmy arthritis progressed, though, Irealized that there were things Iwould no longer be able to do, suchas the Easter services. I decided inthe fall that in order to be back onthe job and ready to go by Easter, Iwould need a knee replacementduring the winter.”

His knee replacements took placeone year apart and were performedby Dr. Avolio at the 14-bed, state-of-

the-art Advanced Surgical Hospitalin Washington, which opened in2010 and represents a new conceptin healthcare: the facility is totallydedicated to orthopaedic specialtycare. Patients who are undergoingjoint replacement and other proce-dures receive all the services theyneed, including post-op P.T., in asingle setting.

“Orthopaedic patients haveunique needs, and our hospital isunique: it’s strictly for orthopaedicsurgery so everything is tailored forthat. Our team of surgeons, nurses,anesthesiologists, pharmacists andtherapists provide the mostadvanced care available. With thesmall number of patients, the nurse:patient ratio is often 1:1, whichenables the nurses to give superbcare and personal attention. Ournurses love working here, and thatkind of job satisfaction leads toimproved care and outcomes. Wehave intensivists who follow everypatient, and our anesthesiologistsuse sciatic blocks, which reducepain and the need for narcotics,making patients better able to dotheir therapy.”

Advanced Surgical Hospital offersconvenient, customized care in oneplace, which is appreciated bypatients with compromised mobili-ty. Patients receive a pre-op tour tofamiliarize them with the environ-ment. For Father Nick, that prepa-ration made a difference. “It helpedbecause I knew what to expect. Iwas there for 4 days; the treatmentwas excellent. I was able to stand onthe first day and my knee felt solidand strong. It’s a great hospital.”

Dr. Avolio says that Father Nick’sresponse is typical. “The feedbackfrom patients just blows me away.

Patients tell me ‘This was the bestexperience I’ve ever had in a hospi-tal.’ I never heard that before butnow, I hear it all the time.”

A native of Aliquippa, Dr. Avoliospecializes in knee, hip and shoul-der surgery, as well as sports medi-cine. He attended medical school atBaylor University and did hisorthopaedic surgical residency atHahnemann University (Drexel).He has been practicing orthopaedicsurgery for 25 years, including 20years in the Washington area, andperforms 250-300 surgeries everyyear. Dr. Avolio loves his work.“Orthopaedics isn’t life and deathsurgery,” he says, “but quality of lifesurgery. I tell medical students andresidents that it involves a lot ofwork and time, including going tothe ER at night, but there’s nothinglike hearing a patient say that yougave them back their life.Sometimes, the outcomes are dra-matic. Recently, a woman cried andtold me, ‘You changed my life. I cando things again. I was miserable butI’m a nicer person now.’”

Dr. Avolio says that knee surgerycan not only improve the quality ofone’s life, but also extend it. “Arecent report said that joint replace-ment improves longevity because itgets you moving, and that’s betterfor cardiovascular health. Peoplewith painful joints are likely to besedentary and that’s a major risk fac-tor.” The decision to have a kneereplacement is personal and Dr.Avolio believes that the patient mustdecide. “My goal is to keep mypatients as comfortable as possible.When they’re ready, they’ll tell me, ‘Ican’t live this way anymore.’”

With the population aging, therewill be greater demand for jointreplacement in the future. Dr.Avolio says that advances havemade the prostheses better and theincisions smaller, but the greatestadvance would be to find a way tohalt arthritis. “There are misconcep-tions about arthritis. Osteoarthritisis genetic, but people who have itare unfairly blamed. It’s not due tothe work you did or your weight.Genes, not obesity, are the #1 factor– but weight accelerates it once youhave it. To stop the progression,people need to do non-impact exer-cise and lose weight.”

Father Nick urges people to havejoint replacement surgery soonerrather than later. “Anyone who ishaving trouble with mobility due toknee arthritis shouldn’t hesitate tohave surgery. It’s a lot to go through,but nothing compares to beingmobile again. It’s absolutely worth it.”

To learn more aboutAdvanced Orthopaedics andRehabilitation, or theAdvanced Surgical Hospital,

visit www.advancedorthopaedics.net

Dr. Armando Avolio TransformLives Through Knee Replacements

ORTHOPAEDICS

“Orthopaedics isn’t life and

death surgery, but quality of life

surgery. I tell medical students

and residents that it involves a lot

of work and time, including going

to the ER at night, but there’s

nothing like hearing a patient say

that you gave them back their life.

-Dr. Armando Avolio

>

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When a bad fall resulted in shoulder surgery for Vicki, she was determined to get

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Imagine struggling to take each breath and then to exhale - this is theexperience of millions of Americans each day. Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term referring to two lung diseases,

chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these diseases are characterizedby obstruction to the airflow that interferes with breathing. Frequently, aperson diagnosed with COPD has both diseases, so doctors typically use theterm COPD. This disease does not include asthma.

HERE ARE THE FACTS.COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. There are

over 12 million people who have been diagnosed with COPD and another12 million who struggle with breathing daily and have not been diagnosedand therefore not receiving treatment for their chronic disease. Because

more women than men smoke, the number of women who die from COPD is much higher. Though smoking is a highrisk factor of COPD, air pollution, second-hand smoke, history of child respiratory infections, and occupational expo-sure to chemicals can also play a role in developing COPD.

Take a proactive role in your healthcare, talk with your physician or health care provider if you or your loved one isexperiencing these signs and symptoms of CODP. The doctor may suggest a pulmonary function test to help diagnosethe condition. Get a better understanding of COPD and learn how you can live more successfully with it.

COMMON TREATMENTS INCLUDE: Bronchodilators which will relax and open air passages in the lungs.Oxygen therapy may be prescribed to relieve shortness of breath. Pneumonia and flu vaccinations are an absolute neces-sity. Physical therapy programs or exercises can increase your lungs capacity as well as keep you stronger. Stop smok-ing. And yes, eating right! Should you or a loved one have a COPD diagnosis and need follow-up home care after a facil-ity stay please ask for Interim Healthcare and for more information about our“Living with COPD” program.

For more information, contact Christina Lonigro, Community Liaison,Interim HealthCare, Inc., at (412) 436-2200 or [email protected].


Tips for Readers with Respiratory Problems

While the New Year provides manywith a fresh start, it can often be adifficult time of year for those suf-

fering from an underlying lung condition. Ifyou or a loved one live with chronic lung dis-

ease, the following tips will help keep your lungs functioning properly.• Get a flu and pneumonia shot from your doctor. • Drink lots of water. We forget to drink a lot of water in the winter

because we're not sweating, but people with compromised airways need toconstantly think of hydration.

• Use a cold weather mask or a scarf if venturing outdoors. The cold anddry winter air often irritates the lungs.

• If your inhaler has been exposed to the cold, warm the canister betweenyour palms prior to using it. This allows for optimal aerosol action whentriggered.

• If you use a humidifier to keep the indoor air moist, make sure you cleanit well every day. For little to no cost you can humidify your indoor air bysimply placing several shallow bowls around your home. As the water evap-orates, the humidity level in your home will increase.

• Be sure to have your furnace filters checked and changed regularly tohelp reduce dust and other irritants in the air of your home.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you have your chim-ney checked to ensure that the smoke is travelling up and out as it should.

• Never use your gas oven or stove to heat your home. Your risk of car-bon monoxide (CO) poisoning greatly increases.

• Make sure you have a functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detec-tor.

• If you use oxygen and have cylinders at home, please keep them awayfrom any heat source and follow your home care company’s recommenda-tions for safe handling.

• If you still smoke and have been diagnosed with a lung problem such asCOPD, maybe this is the year you try to quit for good. Remember that manyof the medicines that you use to help you breathe better do not work as effi-ciently when you continue to smoke.

For more tips on how to take care of your lungs, both indoors and out, or for information on free programs and resources available to residents of Western Pennsylvania, visit www.healthylungs.orgor call 800-220-1990.

SYMPTOMS OFCHRONIC BRONCHITIS

• chronic cough • increased mucous • the need to frequently

clear your throat • shortness of breath or

wheezing

Chronic bronchitis causesinflammation and eventualscaring of the lining of thebronchial tubes. Emphysemabegins with the destruction ofthe air sacs or alveoli in thelungs where oxygen isexchanged for carbon dioxidein the blood.The damage isirreversible. Symptoms alsoinclude limited exercise toler-ance.

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www.washingtonhealthsystem.org

http://www.washingtonhealthsystem.org


AtlasburgDan G. Alexander, M.D. (I) 724-947-5535 Dan Alexander, MD

AvellaAvella Family Practice, LLC (F) 724-587-3472 Sean Porbin, MD

BentleyvilleCenterville Clinics, Inc. (F) 724-239-2390 Sheila Anderson, DO Jill Sharer, MD

BurgettstownCornerstone Care (F) 724-947-2255 Julie DeRosa, MD Melissa Kashlan, MD Julie Orlosky, DO

Sharpnack & Maskarinec MedicalGroup, PC (F) 724-947-4770 Michael Falcione, MD Bruce Maskarinec, DO Bruce Sharpnack, MD

CaliforniaWashington Health SystemFamily Medicine-California (F) 724-938-7466

Allison Verenna, MD

WPHO, a partnership of over 250 local primary care andspecialist physicians and the Washington Health System,was founded in 1994 to assure access and availabilityof high quality healthcare within our community for yourbenefit and convenience. Look for these local physiciansand healthcare services in your health plan’s providernetwork. That way, you can receive the quality care youneed at a location close to home.

CanonsburgWashington Health SystemFamily Medicine-Canonsburg (F) 724-745-4100

Ashley Berkley, DO Lisa Goss, MD Peter Martina, DO Monica Speicher, MD

CarmichaelsCenterville Clinics, Inc. (F) 724-966-5081 Rebecca Plute, MD

CecilWashington Health SystemFamily Medicine-Cecil (F) 724-873-7414 Sarah Duncan, MD Matthew Eisley, MD Lauren O’ Brien, MD Mylaina Sherwood, MD

ClaysvilleClaysville Family Practice (F) 724-663-7731 Frederick Landenwitsch, MD Elizabeth Oshnock, DO Janine Rihmland, MD John Six, MD Brian Szklinski, MD

Abigail Templeton, MD Jay Ziegler, MD

CokeburgAlvaro N. Changco, MD, Inc. (F)

724-945-6128Alvaro Changco, MD

Eighty-FourKevin G. Boehme, MD/FamilyMedicine (F)

724-228-2488Kevin Boehme, MD

FredericktownCenterville Clinics, Inc. (F)

724-632-6801Yong Cho, MD

HickorySharpnack & MaskarinecMedical Group, PC (F)

724-356-2273 Michael Falcione, MD

Bruce Maskarinec, DOBruce Sharpnack, MD

HoustonWashington Health SystemInternal Medicine-Houston (I)

724-745-9150Henry Folb, MD

McDonaldWashington Health SystemFamily Medicine-McDonald (F)

724-926-8001Aaron Lenhart, DO

McMurrayComplete Family Care (F)

724-260-0830Frederick Landenwitsch, MDElizabeth Oshnock, DOJanine Rihmland, MDJohn Six, MD

Brian Szklinski, MDAbigail Templeton, MDJay Ziegler, MD

Washington Health SystemFamily Medicine-McMurray (F)

724-942-4011Kurt King, MD

Washington Health SystemPediatric and AdolescentCare-Waterdam (P)

724-942-6499Gary Smith, MDStephanie Sussman, MD

Washington Health SystemPrimary Care-Lakeside (F)

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Waterdam Family Practice (F)724-942-4372David Mittell, MD

WashingtonCenterville Clinics, Inc. (F)

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Khalilah Dann, MDDaniel Holt, MDMark Mamros, MDJennifer Muhly, MD

Cornerstone Care-PediatricAssociates of Washington (P)

724-228-7400Edward Foley, MDTatiana Zeballos, MD

Craig D. Fox, MD (F)724-228-4550Craig Fox, MD

Internal Medicine andGeriatrics of Washington (I)

724-222-4464Richard Hahn, MDWilliam Kottner, MDJames Krebs, MD

Tylerdale Family Medicine (F)724-222-7240Nicholas Fuerst, MDJoshua Goodrum, DOSean Kelly, DODennis Kitsko, DO

Washington Health SystemFamily Medicine-Tylerdale (F)

724-223-8626Dennis Davis, MD

Washington Health SystemFamily Medicine-Neighbor Health (F)

724-223-3100Jeffrey Minteer, MDT. Grant Phillips, MDW. Paul Slomiany, MDMatthew Stantspainter, DOKimberle Vore, MD

Washington Health SystemFamily Medicine-North Main (F)

724-225-9970Christa Malinak, MDSunaina Nangia, MD

Washington Health SystemInternal Medicine-North Main (I)

724-229-7570Douglas Corwin, MDRichard Hart, MD

Washington Health SystemPediatric and AdolescentCare-Washington (P)

724-250-6001Michael Faust, MDTera Faust, DOCivie Felice, MDTina Lengauer, DORichelle Sommerfield, MD

Washington InternalMedicine, Ltd. (I)

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WaynesburgWashington Health SystemFamily Medicine-Waynesburg (F)

724-627-8080Dylan Deatrich, MDSherry Zimmerman, MD

F - Family PracticeI - Internal MedicineP - Pediatrics

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Our Primary Care PhysiciansProviding the high quality health care you need close to home.



Allergy and ImmunologyAdvanced Allergy & Asthma 724-224-5440 Kumar Patel, MD

Allergy & Asthma Care724-941-6780Nikhil Davé, MD

AnesthesiologyKeystone AnesthesiaConsultants, Ltd.

724-222-7167Lee Bischof, DOJoseph Brula, MDGray Goncz, DOAjoy Katari, MDJames Massucci, MDChristopher Merck, DODavid Odasso, MD

Cardiac ElectrophysiologyRegional Cardiovascular& Medical Center, Inc.

724-222-0436Maninder Bedi, MD

Brian Cross, MD Glen Miske, DO

CardiologyDonohue & Allen Cardiology-UPMC, Inc.

724-222-1125Christopher Allen, MDBryan Donohue, MDJohn Pensock, MD

Washington Health SystemCardiovascular Care

724-225-6500Charles Brown, MDDavid Campsey, MDJohn Costello, MDJohn Frazier, MDNeil Hart, MDMichael Pecora, MDJames Richardson, MD

Cardiovascular andThoracic SurgeryThree Rivers Cardiac Institute

724-228-8585Ahmad Abrishamchian, MDRoss DiMarco, MDHazem El-Khatib, MDAlice Pierce, MDAntonio Sortino, MDG. Frederick Woelfel, MD

ChiropracticChiropractic Care Center

724-223-9700Duane Marasco, DC

DermatologyAnn B. McCune, MD

724-942-0610Ann McCune, MD

Vujevich Dermatology Associates724-228-7006Kristina Paley, MDJustin Vujevich, MDMarion Vujevich, MD

Emergency MedicineEmCare

724-223-3085 Richard Aprea, MD Douglas Corkum, MD

Amarjith Mally, MDPascal Phares, MDThomas Pirosko, DO

EndocrinologyAllegheny EndocrinologyAssociates

412-359-3138Murray Gordon, MDHemlata Moturi, MD

GastroenterologyPezzone GastroenterologyAssociates, PC

724-503-4637Michael Pezzone, MD

Southwest GastroenterologyAssociates

724-941-3020Philip Joson, MDRichard Kenney, DORichard Panicco, DOMohan Phanse, MDJennifer Totten, MD

General SurgeryNatalie Furgiuele, MD 724-942-0010

Natalie Furgiuele, MD

Pareso and Brown SurgicalAssociates, Ltd.

724-225-7300Dennis Brown, MDJames Pareso, MD

Washington Health SystemSurgical Associates

724-222-9500Brent Angott, DO

Washington Surgical Services724-229-1344Carlos Valladares, DO

Hospitalist MedicineHMP of Washington County, LLC

724-579-1654Paramvir Bains, DOGary Davenport, MDAnthony DeFail, DO

Hyacinth Entero, MDDonald Faith, MDRick Greco, DODaniel Jackson, DOMahamadu Maida, MDJaime Mullin, DOJignesh Patel, MDKhushboo Patel, MDWilliam Pendergast, MDThomas Waltz, DOMailinn Wong-Perez, MDSilpa Yalamanchi, MD

Infectious DiseasesWashington Health SystemInfectious Disease

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Medical OncologyOncology Hematology Association

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NephrologyDialysis Clinics, Inc.

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Teredesai, McCann andAssociates, PC

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Neurological SurgeryAllegheny General HospitalDepartment of Neurosurgery

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NeurologyAdult Neurology Center, PC

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Southwestern PennsylvaniaAssociates in Neurology

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Anne Josiah, MDKaren Tobin, MD

Obstetrics/GynecologyWashington Health SystemOB/GYN Associates

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Occupational MedicineWashington Health SystemOccupational Medicine

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OphthalmologySouthwestern PennsylvaniaEye Center

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Frederick J. Scheib, MD, PC724-223-0700Frederick Scheib, MD

Washington Eye Center, Inc.724-222-3937Paul Caimano, DO

Oral/Maxillofacial SurgeryJoseph S. Nawrocki, MD, DMD

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Sherman Spatz, DMD Associates inOral & Maxillofacial Surgery

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Western PA Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery724-223-0579Steven Krakora, MD, DMD

Orthopedic SurgeryAdvanced Orthopaedics& Rehabilitation, LLC

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Anthony C. Canterna, MD, LLC724-222-5940Anthony C. Canterna, MD

Washington Health SystemOrthopedics and Sports Medicine

724-206-0610Mark Lesh, MDJeffrey Matheny, MDEdward Poon, MDDavid Stapor, MDAllan Tissenbaum, MD

HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION PROVIDER NETWORK

Our Specialist PhysiciansWe have offices conveniently located in the community.




OtolaryngologyEugene F. Paluso, MD, Ltd.

724-228-0782Eugene Paluso, MD

Jeffrey B. Banyas, MD, LLC724-942-3502Jeffrey Banyas, MD

Washington Ear, Nose& Throat, LLC 724-225-8995

Howard Goldberg, MDEdward Stafford, MD

Pain ManagementKeystone Pain Consultants

724-222-7170Rekha Galla, MD

Palliative MedicineWashington Health SystemHospice and Palliative Medicine

724-250-4500Jeffrey F. Minteer, MD

PathologyPathology Associates ofWashington

724-223-3137Lawrence Lee, MDAlden McBee, MDRichard Pataki, MDNathaniel Sherwood, DO

Physical Medicine andRehabilitationAnthony N. Ricci, MD, PC

724-228-4106Anthony Ricci, MD

Associates in PhysicalMedicine & Rehabilitation

724-223-9270Michael Platto, MD

Debra J. Panucci, MD, LLC412-862-6938Debra Panucci, MD

Medical Rehabilitation, Inc.724-206-0293Todd Franco, DO

Plastic SurgeryAmelia Paré, MD

724-941-8838Amelia Paré, MD

PodiatryCanonsburg Podiatry Associates

724-746-1870Kathryn Weldy, DPM

Cynthia B. Hatfield, DPM724-222-8883Cynthia Hatfield, DPM

Grossman Podiatry Center724-222-5230Adam Grossman, DPM

The Orthopedic Group724-745-6055Mark Hofbauer, DPM

Philip S. Pinsker, DPM724-225-7410Philip Pinsker, DPM

Washington Health SystemFoot and Ankle Specialists

724-222-5635 Brandon Crim, DPM

Gerald Kaufer, MDNicholas Lowery, DPMJames Marks, DPM

PsychiatryPsychiatric Care Systems, PC

724-941-4070Amanda Rush, MDOscar Urrea, MD

Washington Health SystemBehavioral Health 724-579-1075 Ravindranath Kolli, MD Jeanann McAllister, MD Navdeep Purewal, MD

Pulmonary MedicineDaniel A. Iracki, MD 724-942-0004

Daniel Iracki, MD

SW PA Pulmonary &Sleep Medicine, Ltd.

724-222-2577Jeffrey Godwin, MDCharles Koliner, MDChetan Naik, MD

Radiation OncologyWashington Health SystemRadiation Oncology inPartnership with UPMCCancer Center

724-223-3788Michael Dougherty, MD

RadiologyGreater WashingtonRadiologists, Inc.

724-223-3300Giovanna Aracri, DOKevin Birnie, MDWilliam Castro, MDWilliam Conroy, MDWilliam Downer, MDMichelle Kirshen, MDDavid Leukhardt, MDDina Novitskaya, MDWilson Pyle, MD

Timothy Zelenak, MD

Radiology - InterventionalInterventional RadiologySpecialists, Inc.

724-223-3059Carl DiGiorgio, DOJeffrey Hilger, MDBrian Schiro, MDPhilip Wildenhain, MD

RheumatologyArthritis and RheumatologyAssociates of SW PA

724-228-8856David Seaman, MD

UrologyTimothy P. Weyrich, MD

724-942-3963Timothy Weyrich, MD

Washington Health SystemUrology Specialists

724-222-8871 John Franz, MD George Jones, MD Anand Karamcheti, MD Jason Smith, DO

(Our Specialist Physicians cont.)

Offers comprehensive services at convenient locations in Washington & Greene Counties

Outpatient Surgical Services95 Leonard Ave.Washington, PA 15301724-225-8800

Urgent Care Services3515 Washington Rd.McMurray, PA 15317724-969-4321

WashingtonWashington HospitalInpatient and outpatient servicesincluding:Cancer CareEmergency CareHospice and Palliative MedicineHeart, Lung and Vascular CenterOrthopedics and NeurosciencesRuth York Morgan Health EducationLearning PlaceWomen’s Health

Hospice Care

Outpatient Center- NeighborHealthDiabetes Education andManagement ProgramLaboratoryRadiologyOccupational MedicineWomen’s Health

Wilfred R. CameronWellness CenterOutpatient Physical andOccupational TherapySpa HarmonyCorporate Wellness ServicesSports MedicineWound and Skin Healing Center

Greenbriar Treatment CenterInpatient Drug and AlcoholRehab Services

Strabane Trails of WashingtonSenior Independent Living

Strabane Woods of WashingtonSenior Assisted Living

BurgettstownDiagnostic Center-BurgettstownLaboratoryRadiology

CanonsburgDiagnostic Center-CanonsburgLaboratory

CecilOutpatient Center-CecilLaboratoryRadiology

McMurrayMedical Plaza-Peters TownshipLaboratoryRadiology EKGs

WaynesburgGreene County Medical PlazaLaboratoryRadiology EKGs

www.washingtonhealthsystem.org

WITH WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM

http://www.washingtonhealthsystem.org



By Lois Thomson

When Barb Provenzano hadher first child, her mother-in-law made a special offer

to watch the baby one day each week,so Provenzano could have a free dayto herself. So what did she choose todo? She decided to volunteer as partof The Washington Hospital'sAuxiliary.

"My mother-in-law was very kind.She said, 'I'll take (the baby) one day aweek and you can do whatever youwant to do. You can get your hairdone, you can go shopping.' I saidfine. But I decided I wanted to dosomething for other people. That'smainly how I got started 40 or 45years ago."

Provenzano is one of more than 330members of the Auxiliary, which wasformed in the 1890s to help raisemoney for the hospital. Since thattime, the Auxiliary has raised morethan $5.3 million. Laura Adams,another volunteer, said the moneygoes to The Washington HospitalFoundation, which consults with theAuxiliary on which hospital projectsneed funded and have the greatestneed. They are also given the option

not to fund something. "TheAuxiliary contributed $170,000 for anew state-of-the-art Behavioral HealthUnit within the Emergency Depart-ment. We've also contributed toward aBone Density Scan Machine forWomen’s Health at the NeighborHealth Center, and most recently fordirectional kiosks that will give visi-tors directions to various depart-ments in the hospital."

One of the main ways the Auxiliaryraises money is through the hospitalgift shop. Adams, a former AuxiliaryPresident, has been volunteering forabout 22 years – first in theEmergency Department, in criticalcare, on the gift cart – and currentlyfor the gift shop. "Right now I'm aregister worker. I am also a buyer ofgifts for the shop, and I help the man-ager and assistants in decorating."

She explained her reason for volun-teering: "It's rewarding to do things tobenefit the hospital. We also benefitpatients and families or visitors in thehospital by giving directions or takingthem where they want to go. It makesyou feel good to do these things, to behelpful."

Provenzano serves as treasurer ofthe gift shop. "I volunteered (for the

position). The treasurer who wasthere for many years was moving,and I had said to the manager ofthe shop, if she ever quits I wouldlike that job. I'm good at workingwith figures, that's what I like todo. And I've done that since1980."

According to Provenzano, a lotof volunteers are found throughpeople who just come into thehospital and say they would liketo get involved. "We tell them tocall the Volunteer Director,Kathleen Michalovicz. The needfor hospital volunteers is verygreat, and the Volunteer Directoris always actively recruiting newfolks – through newspaper ads,community flyers, or by word ofmouth through current volun-teers. People fill out an applica-tion, and the director interviewsthem and sees what their inter-ests are. There are so many differ-ent areas in the hospital that needand use volunteers."

For more information, call Volunteer Services at (724) 223-7114 or visit

www.washingtonhospital.org.

Auxiliary Benefits The Washington Hospital

(l-r) Meg Steele, current Auxiliary Presidentand Assistant Gift Shop Manager, andLaura Adams, Past Auxiliary President

and current gift shop buyer.

While the hospital gift shop is the largestfundraiser of The Washington HospitalAuxiliary, the Auxiliary also raises moneyin other ways. Volunteer Laura Adamsexplained, "We have many sales – we've hadbook sales, jewelry sales, purse sales, shoesales. That's one way volunteers help, byworking the sales. The hospital also has acharity ball each spring that we do in con-junction with the hospital Foundation."Additionally, the hospital hosts a Christmasparty each December for the employees'children, which the Auxiliary organizes.Adams pointed out that while the eventbenefits the children, any money raised fromthat goes to a charity that has been decidedby the Auxiliary Board. Adams added,"We've given a lot of money over the years,and I feel we're raising money for the hos-pital so it can offer more services and pro-vide for additional equipment."

By Lois Thomson

The Washington Hospital hasbeen established in the regionfor more than 100 years, and

one of the reasons for its longevity isbecause it is continually looking forbetter ways to serve patients. Here isan update on two of the latest initia-tives:

The 1897 SocietyThe 1897 Society, founded during

the past year as part of TheWashington Hospital Foundation'srevamping its fundraising structure,is co-chaired by William andSaundra Stout. As Bill explained,The Washington Hospital has manyprograms that are provided to resi-dents of our community, along with30 to 40 satellite facilities or servicesin Western Pennsylvania, many ofwhich are not money-makingpropositions. For that reason, theFoundation reaches out to individu-als, corporations, and private foun-dations, seeking funding in supportof these programs and services.

The 1897 Society, so namedbecause the hospital was founded in1897, was formed to assist theFoundation in that capacity. "TheSociety is comprised of individualswho are stepping up and supportingthe philanthropy initiative," he said.

"Our goal is to solicit individualsthroughout the area who arewilling to make a financial com-mitment to the hospital." Headded that there is a certain levelof giving expectation for mem-bership in the Society.

The Stouts are residents ofWashington County, Bill a for-mer businessman and Saundra a for-mer superintendent of schools inpublic education. They wereinvolved with the Foundation beforeagreeing to serve as co-chairs of theSociety. "We started with a coregroup of maybe 15 people, and wereach out to others who have sup-ported the hospital in the past. Wehave signed up 28 individuals so farand we're trying to increase that to50 by this time next year. We believewe could grow this group to 100 ormore in the next three to five years."

Contributions raised through The1897 Society may be dedicatedeither to a specific initiative, i.e.,hospice care or teen outreach, or towhat is called the "greatest need" ofthe hospital, i.e., training, hospitalservices and programs, equipment,or other capital needs.

Patient and FamilyAdvisory Council

The Washington Hospital is form-ing a Patient Family Advisory

Council (PFAC) to help ensure thatthe highest-quality care is being pro-vided to patients, and to helpimprove the overall experience byshaping policies and programs.Specific goals include providing sup-portive channels of communicationbetween patients, families, and hos-pital staff; providing feedback ondelivery of services; educating fami-lies on health care issues; and assist-ing in planning for new facilities andservices.

The PFAC will start with 10 mem-bers, and increase to no more than21 as the Council grows and devel-ops. Members will be selected fromamong patients, family members orcommunity members who wouldlike to volunteer their time. Initially,members will be chosen by a groupof leaders from the hospital, and thequalities they will focus on whenmaking recommendations includean applicant recognizing that eachpatient and family is unique, havinga willingness to work with others,

being a good listener, and being ableto collaborate on solutions.

Council will meet monthly andthe term will be for two years.However, those not willing or able tomake such a commitment may beinterested in being part of a short-term work group that would focuson a specific task, such as redesign-ing hospital signage, sharing healthcare experiences with others, assist-ing with developing and/or editingeducational materials, etc.

Interested persons may fillout an application form(found on the website listedbelow, or by calling Kristen

Rogers at (724) 223-3175). Formore information about The 1897Society, call (724) 223-3875 or visit the website atwww.washinghospital.org. For moreinformation about the Patient andFamily Advisory Council, call KristenRogers at (724) 223-3175 or visitwww.washingtonhospital.org/about_us/pfcc.php.

What's New at The Washington Hospital

Committee members of The 1897 Society include (l-r) Pat O’ Brien, John Campbell, Pat McCune, co-chairs Bill Stout and Sandy Stout,

Gary Weinstein, Wendy Cameron, Ralph Andy, Dennis Dutton

>

>

http://www.washingtonhospital.org

http://www.washinghospital.org

http://www.washingtonhospital.org/about_



By Bethany Narey, CCT

The United States has the most expensive health care system in theworld. However it does not have the most comprehensive health pro-vision in the world. Thermography is often an oversight within the

United States healthcare system, specifically in Pennsylvania.Thermography, state of the art medical imaging technology, allows men,women, and children to detect disease, pain, and bodily dysfunction.Thermography, a progressive imaging tool, utilizes current infrared tech-

nology to detect early signs of abnormalities throughoutthe body up to 10 years before other diagnostic instru-ments. Rather than looking for a structure or mass, thermography identifiesvascular and cellular changes that are traced by temperate differences andvisualized in color. Thermography has hundred of applications from breastcancer detection, chiropractic applications, sports injuries, and visualizingpain; yet it is non-invasive, has no-radiation, and completely painless.

Why haven’t you heard much, if anything, about thermography? Thermo-graphy has been FDA approved since the early 1980’s although it is still not

widely used throughout theUnited States. The majority ofPennsylvanians do not evenknow it is an available optionfor them in their healthcareprogram. States such asCalifornia, Florida, andConnecticut have a largepatient base that utilizes ther-mography because it is a safealternative in their personalmedical imaging choices.

Thermography provides anoption when it comes to imag-ing. Countries such as Japan,Korea, China, Brazil,Germany, and Poland utilizethermography extensively;this is shown by the medicalliterature being publishedfrom these countries. In fact,most of the research utilizingthermography is conducted inthe mainstream hospitals anduniversities. These countriesamong others are more inter-ested in thermography appli-cations in neurology, rheuma-tology, and vascular medicine.However, the United Statesonly utilizes thermographyprimarily in the breast healthsector.

Today we know the benefitsof detecting dysfunction in thebody at an earlier stage. Wealso know the importance ofhaving options in our health-care that are radiation-free andnon-invasive. Thermographyis one of the latest tools toenhance the well being ofmen, women, and childrenand is now available in ourcommunity.

We invite you to visitHealth EnhancingThermography at ournew location 110 Ft.

Couch Rd. Bethel Park, whereyou can meet our friendly staff.Call Health EnhancingThermography at (855) 254-4328 or visit us online atwww.heat-images.com.

MEDICAL TESTING

What Do Other Countries Know That We Don’t?

>

“Thermography has hundred of applications from breast cancer detection, chiropractic applications, sports injuries,

and visualizing pain; yet it is non-invasive, has no-radiation,and completely painless.” - Bethany Narey

http://www.heat-images.com



What Will Happen to Your Special Needs Child ifSomething Happens to You?

By Attorney John A. D’Onofrio

The one question that I receive ona daily basis, as a Special NeedsAttorney, is “what will happen to

my special needs child if somethinghappens to me?”

Where will my Special Needs Childlive? Who will take care of my child ona daily basis? How will my SpecialNeeds Child get to doctors’ appoint-ments, school, or to other activities?Where will the money come from forhousing, clothing, food, medical needs,and other necessities?

Special Needs Parents need to planin advance for the support and protec-tion of their Special Needs Child. Donot wait until you are older, like mostpeople who for some reason or anoth-er think that they will live forever. Thetime to plan is now!

Keep in mind that unlike a healthychild, a Special Needs Child will not beable to fend for himself or herself andthus the plan that you put into place isgoing to answer that most importantquestion asked above.

A good Special Needs Plan consistsof a Last Will and Testament, GeneralDurable Power of Attorney, and a Living Will for each parent as well as aSpecial Needs Trust and other ancillary documents. Together these docu-ments will provide for monies, a Guardian, Custodian, and Trustee for theSpecial Needs Child and will also ensure that the Special Needs Child willnot lose his or her government benefits if the documents are drafted prop-erly and implemented correctly.

This short article is meant to get you thinking about your estate plan andthe many options available to ensure your Special Needs Child's care whenyou are no longer here.

A good Special Needs Plan

consists of a Last Will and

Testament, General Durable

Power of Attorney, and a

Living Will for each parent as

well as a Special Needs

Trust and other ancillary

documents.

LEGAL ADVICE

• Walter J. Robison, M.D.• Ashith Mally, M.D.• Stephanie Colodny, M.D.

5000 Waterdam Plaza, Suite 120

(724) 941-8877www.ppcp.org

____________________________________________________________________________________________All board certified Internal Medicine. • Additional location on 1039 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh.

Visit us online at www.guidetogoodhealth.com for a calendar listing of upcoming events and local healthcare directory.

If you don't have an estate plan at all, or are worried that your previous plan is notappropriate, your next step should be to contact Attorney John A. D’Onofrio today at

(412) 893-2552 or at [email protected]’Onofrio Law Office, P.C. is located in Moon Township, PA and can be found on the web at www.donofriolawoffice.com.

>


http://www.donofriolawoffice.com


http://www.ppcp.org



By Shaun M. Eack, Ph.D.

Treatments for autism spectrumdisorders (ASD) have primari-ly focused on early interven-

tion and childhood treatment pro-grams. Although these programs are quite helpful for children as they movethrough the educational system and provide them with programs toimprove their lives, many of the services end when children reach the ageof 18. Little evidence-based treatments exist to help adults with ASD as theytransition and continue into adulthood.

The difficulties that ASD presents do not end at age 18. Adulthood has itsown challenges as individuals attend college, build friendships, and attemptto advance careers. For many, this time is fraught with the challenges ofover-stimulation, fitting in, and shifting toward independence that adult lifedemands. Still, scientifically-validated treatments for adults are almost com-pletely absent.

Recent research has identified difficulties in thinking or cognition as keycontributors to disability in adults with ASD. Studies have demonstratedthat despite cognitive talents, many individuals experience slowing of pro-cessing speed, difficulty with planning and reduced mental stamina, com-bined with core impairments in social cognition. Many adults with ASDalso experience difficulty in managing stress and emotions, and lack theskills needed to cope with adult life. Mental stamina and ability to quicklyprocess information are critical to keeping up at work and school. The abil-ity to understand social contexts and take the perspective of others providesthe foundation for succeeding in interpersonal situations.

Recognizing the need for treatment in adults with ASD, the University ofPittsburgh began the Perspectives Program. This program is pioneering twonew research interventions to help adults with ASD develop the cognitive,social, and emotional abilities needed to succeed in adulthood. The focus isplaced particularly on psychosocial interventions, which include non-drugtherapeutic strategies to target the core symptoms of autism. CognitiveEnhancement Therapy and Enriched Supportive Therapy provide supportand are designed to improve cognition, social functioning, problem-solving,stress management, and skills needed to succeed in adulthood. It is hopedthat by providing this evidence, such treatments willbecome a standard of care and routinely available tohelp adults maximize their strengths and lead suc-cessful and fulfilling lives.

Dr. Shaun M. Eack is Assistant Professor andDirector, Perspectives Program, University ofPittsburgh. For more information, contact 1-866-647-3436 or [email protected]

or visit www.pittautismresearch.org.

New Treatments for Adults withAutism Spectrum Disorders

AUTISM

>

The difficulties that ASDpresents do not end at age 18.


http://www.pittautismresearch.org



Helping the Child withAutism SpectrumDisorder Avoid Mealtime Stress

By Sandra M. Best, OTR/L

Many children experience mealtime problems at some point, includ-ing inconsistent appetite, pickiness, fear of new foods, clumsinesswith self-feeding, or difficulty sitting still. These challenges are

often more pronounced in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).In addition to the social and communication impairments that character-

ize ASD, there may be difficulties with sensory processing, motor skills,attention, and behavior. For a child with sensory processing disorder, thesounds, smells, and sights of food preparation and the mealtime routine maybe overwhelming. Consider giving your child advance warning that dinnerpreparation is about to begin, distract him with a highly-preferred activity(e.g. a favorite video), or enlist his help in the kitchen or with setting thetable to offer a sense of control over the proceedings.

Many children with ASD have impaired gross and fine motor skills andcoordination. Parents may find it helpful to relax behavioral expectations atmeals and ignore fidgeting by allowing the child to sit on a pillow or propher chin on her hand. If utensil use is difficult, allowing the child to finger-feed or be fed by a caregiver may help reduce stress at meals.

Parents of children with ASD are often frustrated with the limited varietyof foods their children will accept. Food preferences may be restricted to spe-cific textures, colors, or flavors. When offering new foods, do so gradually asa snack to avoid mealtime angst. Praise the child’s willingness to explore thefood and give permission for her to spit it out if she is not comfortable chew-ing or swallowing it.

There are many possible reasons for mealtime challenges in children withASD. Parents may want to consult with their pediatrician to determine if anevaluation by an occupational therapist or other feeding specialist would bebeneficial. These professionals begin by identifying the underlying prob-lems and then develop a plan to help address them.With the right approach, the family can learn to helptheir child with ASD feel more comfortable trying newfoods, demonstrate improved mealtime behaviors, andattain optimal nutrition and growth.

For additional information about Feeding theChild with Autism Spectrum Disorder or EarlyIntervention, call TEIS Early InterventionProvider at (412) 271-8347 or visit

www.teisinc.com orwww.earlyinterventionsupport.com.

>Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Largest

711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203(412) 995-5000 or (888) 272-7229

Celebrating Abilities. Exceeding Expectations.

From the Beginning

Parents of Children With Special Needs…Go to www.guidetogoodhealth.com

for more stories, information just for you! For FREE Subscription, email your address to

[email protected]

SPECIALNEEDSTRUSTS

andPLANNING

LEGALL FEESS WAIVED!$500 expense fee charged

Special Needs Planning legal fees normally are between $4,500 to $7,500 - these fees are waived

D’Onofrio Law Office, P.C.Moon Twp, PA

412.893.2552WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR SPECIALNEEDS CHILD IF SOMETHING SUDDENLYAND UNEXPECTEDLY HAPPENS TO YOU?

Please join us for this half-day seminar hosted by The Children’s Institute ofPittsburgh.TThhee sseemmiinnaarr wwiillll bbee hheelldd aatt TThhee CChhiillddrreenn’’ssIInnssttiittuuttee ooff PPiittttssbbuurrgghh aatt oouurr SSqquuiirrrreell HHiillll llooccaattiioonn ffrroomm 88::0000 aa..mm.. ttoo 11::0000 pp..mm.. TThhee ccoosstt iiss $$3300 aanndd ssppaaccee iiss lliimmiitteedd ttoo 112255 aatttteennddeeeess..

For more information, contact Roxann Diez Gross, Ph.D. at412.420.2249 or [email protected].

http://www.teisinc.com






Teaching Curiosity to Your Visually Impaired Infant

By Beth Ramella, M.Ed.,TVI/COMS

Sighted children learnmostly because they arecurious about objects

they can see. Children whoare blind or visuallyimpaired are unable to seeinteresting things to graspand will not develop curios-ity about objects unless theyare in direct physical contactor encouraged to do so. A baby who is blind is unlikely to reach for some-thing that makes a noise, no matter how interesting it may sound. If theydrop a favorite toy, they are unlikely to search for it. However, if throughtouch they are given the slightest clue as to where it is, they will grasp itquickly.

A child who is blind can appear uninterested and lacking in curiosity, eventhough they may be listening intently to what is happening around them. Toreach the stage where they will reach to sound and search for objects, theymust be given experiences to encourage their curiosity.

Babies must first learn that there are things around them experience. Wecan do this by bringing the world to them. For example, we can ensure thatthe baby is in contact with toys by placing them near their body. When theymove, chances will increase that they will touch something interesting. If toysare placed near their feet, they will learn that things happen 'down there' aswell as near their hands.

We can give the baby a variety of experiences to show them the world isfull of wonderful and various objects. This can include different:

• Textures - such as soft or hard floors, sticky things, rough or smooth rugsand towels, scratchy, wet or dry surface

• Tastes - sweet, salty, sour, strong, spicy• Sizes - big and small toys• Sounds - loud, soft, sharp, melodious, harsh, fast or slow• Smells - flowers, cleaners, soap, food The early intervention experts at the Western Pennsylvania School for

Blind Children conduct free assessments and evaluations of babies and youngchildren with visual impairment during this crucial stage of development.

For more information, contact Beth Ramella, Outreach Director at theWestern Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, [email protected] or (412) 621-0100 ext. 379.>

9th Annual All AbilitiesCamp Fair

Saturday, February 2, 201310:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ross Park Mall1000 Ross Park Mall Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Exhibitors include:

• Summer Programs for Children with Disabilities

• Inclusion-friendly Programs

• Information regarding Extended School Year (ESY)

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!

For more info contact:

ABOARD’s Autism Connection of PA35 Wilson Street, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15223Phone 1-800-827-9385www.autismconnectionofpa.org

PPrriinnttServicesServices

FORMS • PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS • FLYERS • NEWSLETTERS• LOGOS • BUSINESS CARDS • ADVERTISEMENTS • COPYING SERVICES

Color Copies for as low as 30 cents per copy

We also offer Print Services! Call 412-835-5796 or e-mail [email protected]

JMC PUBLICATIONS, PRINTING, GRAPHICS & DESIGN

ACHIEVA in Need of Volunteers for HealthScreenings for Adults with Disabilities

ACHIEVA is looking for health care professionals willing to assist with conductingfree health screenings for adults with disabilities. These screenings will take place acrossthe Allegheny County region this spring at various locations. If you can spare a dayor two this spring to staff a health screening session, please contact Melissa Allen at(412) 995-5000 ext. 569 or [email protected].


http://www.autismconnectionofpa.org





Camp Fireflies is a residential campdesigned for teenagers who are bright andcreative but struggle with social-cognitive

challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder,Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD.

Camp Fireflies, a special, week-long, residen-tial camp, helps campers with difficulties insocial skills facilitate friendships and developtheir social thinking skills. Camp Fireflies is forpre-adolescents and teenagers and is organizedand staffed by behavior consultants and profes-sional educators.

Our PhilosophyThe philosophy of our camp is to create a fun,

safe and supportive environment where camperscan expressive themselves and have opportuni-ties to expand their social skills. Campers partic-ipate in a wide range of social, emotional and

recreational activities. Each one of their success-es contributes to personal growth and a strongsense of self-worth and confidence. Even thesmall successes help our campers learn about thevalue of perseverance. Camp programming ishighly structured with opportunities for campersto select activities based on preference. The focuscamp is to increase socialization opportunities,facilitate interactions, and promote friendship.

In the morning, the counselors providecampers with a visual schedule and informationregarding choice activities. Schedules are accom-panied by a task analysis of steps. Each step hasan illustrated or written directive. Counselorsfacilitate participation through prompting strate-gies and increasing motivational (reinforcement)system. Applied Behavior Analysis principles willbe utilized on an individual basis to ensure par-ticipation and pro-social behaviors.

Camp StaffThe camp direc-

tor, Kim Callen,has been workingwith children,teenagers, andyoung adults withspecial needs for close to 15 years. Kim has train-ing in discrete trial therapy, verbal behavior,PECs, social skills, Crisis PreventionIntervention, and self-help skills. Kim has super-vised staff in the implementation of program-ming, social skills groups, and behavior plans. Inaddition to Camp responsibilities, Kim workswith school districts to establish services for stu-dents with autism and with Autism TherapySolutions, Autism in the Community and pri-vately with families as an ABA therapist/consul-tant.

>

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Lee Mar’s Many Milestones

in 2013

2013 will mark many milestones for Camp Lee Mar. Camp Lee Marwill celebrate its 61st season as the foremost camp for children withspecial needs; the camp’s founder and director, Ms. Lee Morrone, will

celebrate her 61st summer at camp; and Ari Segal, owner and executivedirector, will celebrate his 21st season at Lee Mar!

It is quite rare in the camping world for a new owner and a formerowner to work together for more than a year or two, but 2013 will markLee and Ari’s 20th season together! This itself is an incredible milestone!

Lee’s wisdom and experience, combined with Ari’s innovations andadditions, have made Lee Mar one of the most progressive programs forchildren with special needs, with campers attending from all over the U.S.,as well as from overseas. Lee and Ari have worked so well togetherbecause of their mutual respect and flexibility. They both are focused onour campers with special needs and on their desire for Lee Mar to be aplace where campers learn new skills, make friends, build up their selfesteem and, most of all, have fun!

Ari and Lee also have unique perspectives that they bring to Camp LeeMar; they bring their viewpoints as professionals, and they bring their per-spectives as parents of children with special needs. It is no coincidencethat Ari and Lee have worked so hard to make Lee Mar such a specialplace for our campers with special needs, as both Ari and Lee each par-ented their own child with special needs.

During the year, Ari also directs The Guided Tour, Inc. The Guided Tourprovides supervised vacations for adults (17 & up) with developmentalchallenges. The Guided Tour was started by another pioneer in the fieldof special needs, Ari’s father, Irv Segal. Irv started this unique program in1972 and 2013 marks The Guided Tour’s 41st year!

> Please feel free to visit both programs on the web atwww.leemar.com and www.guidedtour.com. For more informa-tion, contact Ariel J. Segal, Executive Director, Camp Lee Mar, at(215) 658-1708.

It’s Not Too Early to Prepare for Summer Camp

By Dr. Dana Monroe

Although it may seem early, researching summer camps for your childand early preparation can help ensure a fuss-free summer camp expe-rience especially for children with autism.

When considering camp options, consider your child’s whole experience.When researching camps be sure to ask about safety precautions, specialevents and daily activities. Understanding what the camp offers will makeyour decision easier in choosing a camp with an enriching program that suitsyour child and your family needs.

ONCE YOU HAVE MADE YOUR CAMP DECISION,HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

• Many camps require a behavioral screening or physical exam beforeenrollment.

• Consider getting summer camp prescriptions into treatment plans if yourchild participates in a behavioral health insurance organization.

• Start contacting doctors and agencies your child is involved with duringthe months of January and February.

• Contact the summer camp agency to discuss the intake process. Completepaperwork as soon as possible, many camps have a limited number of spots.

• Think strategically about doctor check-ups to avoid multiple visits. A doc-tor’s visit is a great time to ensure your child is up-to-date with vaccines, pre-scriptions, dietary restrictions and allergies.

In some instances, transportation to and from a camp may be available. Inother situations, the parents may have to coordinate this. Discuss the trans-portation options with the agency providing the camp. If there are no options,and you cannot transport your child, it is important to coordinate reliable peo-ple that can assist you in getting your child to and from camp safely.

As you prepare your child to stay safe and healthy throughout the summer,remember camp is a chance for you both to grow! Camp allows you, as par-ents, to let go a little and to encourage your child to experience independence.

As with any new experience in your child’s life, it is important to commu-nicate about what is happening day to day. Communication with the providersof the summer camp and the professionals that your child encounters keepsthe collaboration and the relationships on the samepath – ultimately providing the best care for yourchild.

Dr. Dana Monroe is vice president and chiefoperating officer, New Story Western Region.New Story is a group of schools and serviceslocated throughout Pennsylvania, which help

children with severe and complex emotional and behav-ioral disorders live good lives. For more information,visit www.newstory.com.

>

Camp Fireflies: AA ffuunn,, ssaaffee aanndd ssuuppppoorrttiivvee rreessiiddeennttiiaall ccaammpp ffoorr tteeeennss

Call Kim Callen at Camp Fireflies to learm more about what makes Fireflies so special. Then you can decide if Fireflies is the right choice for your son ordaughter. Visit us on the Web at CampFireflies.com or contact us at (215) 718-6327 or email [email protected].

http://www.leemar.com

http://www.guidedtour.com

http://www.newstory.com




ACTIVITIES and SUMMER CAMPS for Children With Special Needs

ACCLAIM ProgramThe Autism College and CommunityLife Acclimation and InterventionModel (ACCLAIM) of The WatsonInstitute is specifically designed forcollege-bound teenagers withAsperger's disorder and high-func-tioning autistic disorder.The programfocuses on the development of skillsnecessary to succeed at college andincludes therapeutic, learning, andsocial components.Watson developedACCLAIM to help adolescents get a"preview" of college prior to enroll-ment. The program is intended toacclimate academically capable candi-dates to campus life, reducing the anx-iety associated with a major life tran-sition, and developing the social andorganizational skills that are requisitesfor success in college.For more information, contact TiffanyThompson at (412) 749-2883 [email protected].

Camp ACHIEVA WeekendsCamp Weekends are offered

through June 2013 for individuals of allages with intellectual and developmen-tal disabilities. Locations vary frommonth to month and include CampFitch on the shores of Lake Erie, CampGuyasuta in Pittsburgh, Oglebay inWest Virginia, Raccoon and MoraineState Parks.

Most weekends begin on Fridayevening and end Sunday afternoon.Thecost of the two-night weekend is $212.Funding can be made by waiver, familysupport service (FSS) or private pay.

A Camp ACHIEVA Registrationform must be completed and receivedone month prior to attending a week-end. The form will be kept on file forfuture weekends.

Please contact Karen Vodenichar atThe Arc of Beaver office at (724) 775-1602 x10 or [email protected] request a brochure, receive formsor with questions.

ACHIEVA Day Camp inBeaver County

Day Camp is a summer recreationalcamp available to school age childrenwith intellectual and developmentaldisabilities. The camp runs Monday -Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and is basedout of Brady's Run Park.

Swimming, crafts, hiking, fishing andother outdoor activities are provided.Transportation services are availablefor children living at home with theirfamilies in Beaver County.

Please contact Karen Vodenichar atThe Arc of Beaver office at (724) 775-1602 x10 or via email:[email protected] to request abrochure, receive forms or with ques-tions.

Camp Can DoThis special summer camp program

sponsored by the Pennsylvania Com-monwealth Division of the AmericanCancer Society provides children withcancer the opportunity to enjoy a tra-ditional summer camp experience.Anychild (age eight to 17) who is or hasbeen treated for cancer in Pennsylvaniaor Delaware, or who lives inPennsylvania regardless of where theyreceive treatment, is eligible to attendCamp Can-Do. Two week-long ses-sions are held each August at beautifulMt. Gretna in Lebanon County. Camp-Can-Do is provided free of charge tocancer patients. For more information,contact Cindy Gebhard at (717) 533-6144 ext. 3071.

Camp FrogSunday, July 7 through Saturday, July

13 at YMCA Camp Fitch, NorthSpringfield, PA (near Erie). Camp Frogis a fully integrated week-longovernight camp for children ages 8-17(having completed 3rd grade but notyet graduated high school) with a pri-mary diagnosis of epilepsy. Camp Frogstaff includes a neurologist, nurse, andspecially trained counselors. Please callfor more information and eligibilityrequirements 1-800-361-5885.

Camp Huff-n-PuffCamp Huff-n-Puff is a four-day

overnight camp adventure for childrenaged 8-13 with asthma. Entering its29th year, camp is held each August atthe Jumonville Camp and Conferencecenter in Hopwood, PA. Physicians,nurses, and respiratory therapistswork alongside camp counselors toensure that all campers have a safe andfun experience.Camp Huff-n-Puff 2013will be held August 8-1.To register, visitwww.healthylungs.org or call (800)220-1990. Follow this link to learnmore about camp on: http://healthy-lungs.org/65/Camp_Huff-n-Puff.html

Camp Lee MarFounded in 1953 Lee Mar has been

at the forefront of camping for childrenwith special needs since its inception.We provide a traditional SummerCamp experience for boys and girlswith learning and developmental chal-lenges. Campers enjoy all the fun andgames of a traditional summer campincluding arts and crafts, campOlympics, campfires, camp sing, andcounselor productions. Campers learnnew skills, make friends, build up theirself esteem and, most of all, have fun!For more information, visitwww.leemar.com or contact Ariel J.Segal, Executive Director, at (215) 658-1708.

Camp STATThe Summer Therapeutic Activitiesfor Teens (STAT) program of TheWatson Institute is specificallydesigned for adolescents withAsperger’s disorder and high-func-tioning autism. The program focuseson the development of social compe-tencies and includes both therapeuticand recreational components.Appropriate candidates need to havethe ability to benefit from verballybased intervention methods.STAT operates at The WatsonInstitute's Sewickley, Sharpsburg, andUpper St. Clair sites. Each programruns for a period of four weeks.For more information, contact DarylAult at (412) 749-6425 [email protected].

Camp Success Since its inception in 1999, Camp

Success has provided summer pro-gramming for low-income families whohave a child or children with specialneeds. Camp Success accommodateschildren ages 6-12 with physical, senso-ry, emotional, behavioral and cognitiveneeds and their siblings.The Children’sInstitute remains committed to provid-ing Camp Success free of charge tofamilies in need. For more information,contact Amy Haid at (412) 420-2316.

Diabetic Camp July 21-27, 2013.Camp Fitch on Lake

Erie Camp Fitch and the Erie CountyDiabetics Association have combinedtheir resources and developed an out-standing summer camp experience fordiabetic children. Campers learn toestablish their condition through prop-er diet, exercise, and medication whileenjoying all of the traditional activitiesof summer camp. For more informa-tion, visit www.campfitchymca.org.

Camp FirefliesCamp Fireflies is a residential camp

designed for teenagers who areendearing, bright and creative boys andgirls who struggle with social-cognitivechallenges such as children diagnosedwith Autism Spectrum Disorder,Asperger's syndrome and ADHD andwell as their siblings. Camp Fireflies isspecial, week-long, residential (sleep-away) camp that helps campers withsocial skills difficulties facilitate friend-ships and develop their social thinkingskills. Camp Fireflies is for pre-adoles-cent and teenagers. Camp Fireflies isorganized and staffed by behavior con-sultants and professional educators.For more information, visitCampFireflies.com or call (215) 718-6327 or email [email protected].

Summer 2013 Programs

Inclusive camp experiencesfor children with autismages 3-15 at varioussummer camps in south-western PA and Erie, PA

Therapeutic summer campsfor teens with autism ages 13-21at our sites in Sewickley, Sharpsburgand Upper St. Clair

ACCLAIM summerprogram on local collegecampuses for high school juniors and seniors with autismwho plan to attend college.

Learn more on our website or call:

www.thewatsoninstitute.org412-749-2883

866-893-4751 (toll free)MORE ACTIVITIES AND SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN

WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN OUR SPRING ISSUEFor advertising information, call (412) 835-5796





http://healthy-lungs.org/65/Camp_Huff-n-Puff.html





http://www.campfitchymca.org


http://www.thewatsoninstitute.org



2013 Dates:June 22-August 9Check out our website atwww.leemar.com

•CAMP LEE MAR

•

Camp Lee Mar, located inthe beautiful Pocono Mountainsof Pennsylvania, is a coedovernight camp for childrenand teenagers (from 7 to 21)with mild to moderatedevelopmental challenges.

A Life ChangingExperience!

• Fun traditional summer campactivities

• Academics• Speech and language therapy• Daily living skills• Older campers enjoy social

dancing every week with anend-of-summer “Prom”

• Optional trips during the summer• Exceptional facilities featuring air

conditioned bunks and buildings• Junior Olympic heated pool• Caring Nurturing Staff

Our 60th Anniversary wasfeatured in Time Magazine.

Check it out atwww.leemar.com and

click the Time.com link.

Ph: 215-658-1708Email: [email protected]

61stSeason!

Camp Fireflies is a specialized, residential

camp designed for pre-adolescent and teens

diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,

Asperger’s Syndrome, and ADHD, and their

siblings. The camp focuses on building

friendships and social thinking strategies.

Camp fireflies is in Mercer, PA

(Approximately 1 hour from Pittsburgh)

www.campfireflies.com

215.718.6327

Camp Fireflies is a specialized, residential

camp designed for pre-adolescent and teens

diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,

Asperger’s Syndrome, and ADHD, and their

siblings. The camp focuses on building

friendships and social thinking strategies.

Camp fireflies is in Mercer, PA

(Approximately 1 hour from Pittsburgh)

www.campfireflies.com

215.718.6327

Camp WISPThe Watson Inclusive Summer Program(WISP) is an inclusive therapeutic summercamp program for children with autism andrelated disorders.WISP is a model inclusive summer programthat enables children with autism to be inte-grated successfully into typical summercamps with their peers.The program oper-ates in multiple sites, providing childrenwith services near their own neighbor-hoods. The program time and durationvary according to the camp schedule.Typically, a camp program lasts eightweeks, from mid June to early August, andruns from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday. For moreinformation about WISP, contact CarolynBelich at (412) 749-2895 [email protected].

New Story Summer Thera-peutic Activity Camps

New Story’s summer camp program isdesigned to meet the needs of children withthe most serious and complex behavioralchallenges. New Story offers social oppor-tunities found at other summer camps, butwithin a therapeutic environment to helpsupport each child’s continued growth anddevelopment.

New Story camps are intended for chil-dren with an autism spectrum disorder andchildren with an intellectual disability and/or a mental health diagnosis.

Summer therapeutic camps are located in the following areas in Western PA:Indiana, Greensburg, Dubois, Monroeville, Cranberry Twp., and Mt. Lebanon.

For more information regarding New Story Summer Camps, contact SaraWoodward at (412) 373-5235 ext. 113, by email [email protected], orvisit www.NewStory.com.

Basic Social Skills TrainingWho should participate?Children ages 6 to 14 who need assistance in building social skillsin order to interact and communicate more effectively with others.

What will they learn?Participants will be grouped by age and skill level. They will be instructed by certified speech language pathologists. The programwill help the children:

Develop turn-taking skills

Use greetings

Follow rules and directions

Use teamwork

Develop problem-solving skills

Understand parts of a conversation

Maintain a topic in a conversation

Understand feelings in themselves and others

Express emotions effectively

Where is the program held?The program will be held at our Bethel Park and Wexford locations.

When are the sessions?Sessions will be held two times per week for 5 weeks on Tuesday and Thursdaymornings. Exact dates and times will be determined based on enrollment.

How does a child qualify for the program?An evaluation is required by a speech language pathologist to determineeligibility. The evaluation must be completed by June 1st. To schedule an evaluation, call 412-692-5580. Space is limited.

C H A T T E R B O X E X P R E S SSummer Program

Chatterbox Express is a program

to help preschoolers through

teenagers build confidence and

express themselves effectively

when interacting with others.

The program is offered by the

Department of Audiology and

Speech-Language Pathology at

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

of UPMC.

JN/MT 11-273-A

Mark Your Calendar!February 2

ALL ABILITIES CAMP FAIR

ABOARD will hold their 9thAnnual All Abilities Camp Fairon Saturday, February 2, 10:00

a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Ross Park Mall.

EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:• Summer Programs

for Children with Disabilities• Inclusion-friendly Programs

• Information RegardingExtended School Year (ESY)

Free and open to all.For more information,call 1-800-827-9385or visit the website

www.autismconnectionofpa.org.




http://www.campfireflies.com

http://www.campfireflies.com


http://www.autismconnection


http://www.NewStory.com



Senior Care GuideWestern Pennsylvania Guide to Senior Living

& Home Health Care & Wellness

When I am asked what I do for a living I obviously answer that I ama Nurse Practitioner. Generally, people understand this role. Thenext questions I am asked are usually where do I work, and in

what field of medicine do I practice. When I respond that I work for FamilyHospice and Palliative Care I am met with mixed emotions and sometimesmore questions. Many still do not fully understand palliative care and itsbenefits. While the hospice movement has been alive and strong for morethan 40 years, those of us in this line of work realize that questions still sur-round the benefits of hospice and palliative care. Palliative medicine is trulya life calling, and anyone who works for these types of organizations feelsprivileged and blessed to be doing so.

Hospice medical professionals impact lives. The fact that we enter

patients’ and families’ lives at such critical times is an honor. There is nogreater satisfaction than being able to provide physical, emotional and psy-chological support to a patient and family who are suffering. Many hospiceprofessionals believe that they are truly practicing medicine as it was meantto be: without monitors, lines, probes and electronic read-outs to guidedecision making. What matters most is the patient’s comfort and dignity.

Educating people about palliative care takes time. I try to simplify theconcept and tell people that we continue to care for patients, but our goalsbecome comfort, symptom management and the best possible quality of life.I have been in nursing more than 30 years and see time and time again thatpatients (and their families) often have better quality of life and fewer neg-ative side effects once aggressive treatment has been stopped.

It is our job to help patients and families to understand all of the optionsthat are available to them and help them to make the best decision. AtFamily Hospice and Palliative Care, we encourage informed decisions andadvanced care planning. Have the discussion today with your loved onesabout end-of-life care goals.

The fact is that everyone will be faced with end-of-life care decisions – ifnot for themselves, then for someone they love. Every patient I see remindsme how precious those decisions are.

Karen Cammarata, Family Hospice and Palliative Care, can bereached at [email protected].

Impacting Lives in Hospice andPalliative CareBy Karen Cammarata, CRNP

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You Can Trust St. Barnabas!Now Offering Rehab Therapy 7-Days-a-Week

St. Barnabas Nursing Home5827 Meridian RoadGibsonia, PA 15044

Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas85 Charity PlaceValencia, PA 16059

724-444-5587www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com

We can help facilitate a smooth transition for post-hospital rehabilitation. Rehab therapy is conveniently available to serve patient needs including:

Personalized plan for post-surgery recovery

Physical, occupational, speech andaqua therapy

Updated amenities and newlyrenovated private rooms

Wound care

Diabetic management

Stroke and cardiac care

By Jodi McKinney

During and after the holidayseason when it seems likeeveryone is “happy” and cele-

brating, it can be especially difficultto think about things like hospicecare for our loved ones. Oftentimes,however, it is one of those things weneed to deal with – even at this timeof year.

But you know what? Talking abouthospice care does not need to bescary or sad or a sign of giving uphope.

Hospice care is so much moreabout life than it is about death.

It is about quality and dignity oflife.

It is about love and compassion. It is about carrying out wishes and

talking about the “important stuff.” It is learning about the ministry of

presence… truly experiencing thegift of being “fully” present withthose we love.

Hospice care is about peace – forthe patient and for their family andloved ones.

Hospice care is about comfort andsupport.

Hospice care is a GIFT.And though most people cringe

when they hear the word “hospice”or think people need to literally beon their “death bed” in order to getservices, this could not be fartherfrom the truth.

A person “qualifies” for theMedicare hospice benefit if they havea life-limiting diagnosis with sixmonths or less to end of life. Thisdoes not mean that a patient enteringhospice care will die in six months.The qualification criteria is simply aguideline of what the normal or“usual” progression of the disease is.Some patients remain on hospice forlonger than six months… some passwell before the six-month periodoccurs… others “graduate” or exitthe hospice program because theirsymptoms and comfort level improvedramatically or they get better.

None of us know when we willdie, nor can we accurately predictwhen someone else will die, but all ofus will die at some point, and we allhope and deserve to die with dignityand peace. Though it is not alwayspossible as accidents and tragediesoccur, if we can help it, there is noreason someone with a chronic life-threatening illness need be in pain ordiscomfort.

Hospice is not only for cancerpatients. Some of the diseases we seein hospice are end-stage demen-tia/Alzheimer’s, chronic lung disease(COPD), kidney/renal failure, end-stage cardiac disease, and Parkinson’s

to name a few. In addition, hospicecare can be provided wherever thepatient is and calls “home.” It couldbe the patient’s home, personal carehome, assisted living, or nursinghome.

The hospice care benefit providesthe medical equipment the familyneeds to take care of the patient andmedications. The hospice care teamconsists of RN’s, LPNs, Nurse’s Aides,Chaplains, Social Workers, Ad-missions Directors, BereavementCounselors, Volunteers, and manyother support people.

The ultimate goal of hospice is tohelp provide the patient with com-fort and dignity so they can experi-ence quality of life for whatever timethey have left.

What do we hear most from let-ters, phone calls, visits and surveyresponses from families who havelost loved ones on hospice? Theywish they had gotten their loved oneson the program sooner.

Take it from someone who hasbeen there. I have twice held thehand of a dying loved one, while myhusband held the other and we lovedour family member peacefully totheir end of this life. These were whatwe call “good deaths” in the busi-ness. Where the patient had acceptedtheir disease and had the chance toshare all the things they wanted withtheir loved ones. It was an honor andgreat privilege to be part of this life asit came to its gentle closure. Thoughgreat loss accompanies death, hos-pice care truly is a GIFT.

If you are not familiar with hos-pice, it is a good idea to educateyourself about what is available inthe community before you are in a“crisis” situation dealing with a lovedone who is suffering or in pain.

If you would like to speak tosomeone about hospice carefor you or a loved one, wouldlike a speaker for your group,

or have interest in volunteering, feelfree to contact Celtic Healthcare at(800) 355-8894 orinfo@celtichealth care.com. You canalso learn more about hospice care atwww.celtichealthcare.com.

Rx Map is offered exclusively byHometown Pharmacy your locally owned

and operated independent neighborhood pharmacy.

For additional information pleasevisit us at: www.myrxmap.com www.hometownpharmacy.biz

Or give us a call at 412-539-1331to speak with one of our

RxMap pharmacists.

LOST IN MEDS? Let RxMap Guide You!

• RxMap is a pill packaging system prepared by our pharmacist

• Each RxMap is prepared individually according to dosing schedule

• Automatic Refills and FreeDelivery

• Most insurances accepted

• Call our pharmacist to set upyour free consultation!

2103 Noblestown Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205

CALL412-539-1331

Hospice Care – Do We Really Need to Talk about this Now?

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http://www.myrxmap.com

http://www.hometownpharmacy.biz

http://www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com

http://www.celtichealthcare.com


HAVE QUESTIONS?JEFFERSON REGIONALSENIOR SERVICES HASANSWERS.

Jefferson Regional MedicalCenter, located in Pittsburgh’sSouth Hills, has provided free,

confidential service for seniors andtheir families for 20 years – withanswers to important questionssuch as:

• Do you wonder if you are eligi-ble for special programs that couldreduce your out-of-pocket costs formedications, utilities, property taxesor Medicare premiums ordeductibles?

• Does your medical insuranceprovide the right coverage for you?

• Do you need to make somedecisions about ways to remainindependent but you’re not surewhere to start?

• Are you in need of transporta-tion options, Meals on Wheels, or apersonal response system?

Jefferson Regional Senior Servicesis a free support service for seniorsaccessible by one phone number,(412) 469-7099. The goal of theprogram is to assist seniors byimproving access to services that

will enable them to maintain theirindependence through a database ofmore than 1,000 providers.

Senior Services is a vital link tohundreds of programs and servicesavailable to South Hills, Steel Valleyand Mon Valley residents. There isno charge for the information andreferral, coordination of services andfollow-up. Senior Services also is aresource for adult children caringfor aging parents.

“We are an extension of the med-ical center’s mission to meet com-munity needs far beyond the med-ical care we provide,” said BlancheBuscanics, manager, CommunityOutreach. “By assisting seniors inour area with their many non-med-ical concerns, we are indirectly con-tributing to their overall health andwellbeing. Our specialists are veryproud of the many ‘friends’ theyhave made who let us know what adifference we have made in theirlives.”

Some of the areas in whichSenior Services provides free assis-tance include:

• Apprise Medicare Insurance Counseling

• PACE/PACENET• TCE-Tax Consulting

for the Elderly• Access/PAT Bus Sign-up Site• Low-Income Assistance

Program Information• Meals on Wheels Locations• Day Off from Care Giving• Finding Elder Law Information• Educational Programs• Nursing Home Alternatives• Non-Medical In-Home Help• Senior Living Alternatives• Home Modification Resources• Transportation Options• Support Groups• Personal Response Systems• Driver Safety Classes

To speak with a confidentialspecialist who will listen,become an advocate andprovide step-by-step

assistance, call Senior Services at(412) 469-7099. For more informa-tion about Jefferson Regional Medical Center, visit the websitewww.jeffersonregional.com.

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Jefferson Regional Medical Center Senior Services: Helping Seniors for 20 Years

Receive daily updates on local events,health fairs and health news

you can use and more. Like us onFacebook.com/WesternPennsylvania

Guide to Good Health today.

Divine Home CareOur Lending Hand to Yours….

• Personal Care (ADL Assistance)• Hygiene Assistance• Companion Services• Meal Preparation• Light Housekeeping/Laundry• Community Integration/Support• Skills Training

Serving Allegheny County, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, Fayette, Beaver, Armstrong, & More

Pittsburgh Office: 1110 Chartiers Avenue • McKees Rocks, PA 15136 • (412) 777-9740New Castle Office: 905 Wilmington Road • New Castle, PA 16101 • (724) 598-4958

http://www.jeffersonregional.com



There may come a time when you need a hand getting

back on your feet. Presbyterian SeniorCare’s rehabilitation

services can help you transition from hospital to home

again. Experts in physical, occupational and speech

therapy, our specialists will map out a recovery plan

focused on your personal wellness goals.

We’ll help you regain your independence, so you

can get back to your life.

Where recovery is a moving experience.

www.SrCare.org Washington Campus1.866.797.6270

REHABILITATION SERVICES

http://www.SrCare.org



Senior LivingOptions

Personal Care Community Living Profile

Westminster Place By Jacqueline S. Flanagan,

CFRE

Presbyterian SeniorCare(PSC) is easily spottedon Hulton Road – we

can credit this to the beauty ofWestminster Place – the“face” of our Oakmont cam-pus since 1951. WestminsterPlace shines between thesplendor of fall leaves andsummer sun and is a pic-turesque scene during theholiday season with festivelights and traditionalwreathes. Stepping inside andlooking beyond the exterior,you find the heart of this Oakmont landmark.

The heart lies within the residents who call our personal care commu-nity home. The spirit lies within the staff that spends each day providingperson-centered care to each individual resident as their needs change.

To keep the heart strong and the spirit alive, we have recentlyannounced the A Better Place Capital Campaign to fund significant reno-vations to Westminster Place to create an updated, comfortable, home-likeenvironment while still preserving PSC’s trademark quality of care. At thepublic launch of the campaign on November 2nd at a well-attended com-munity Lunch and Learn event at Oakmont Country Club, the $2.5 mil-lion campaign goal was announced.

In order to fulfill our mission of offering the living and care options thatour region’s seniors desire, the new Westminster Place will feature unique“neighborhood” wings where public spaces will encourage residents to bepart of a larger social network. Residents will enjoy comfortable new pri-vate studios or one-bedroom apartments with in-apartment kitchenettesfor small meal or snack preparation, in addition to formal dining roomoptions. Each neighborhood’s “front porch”-style entrance will be a hub ofengagement and interaction while an adjacent common area will serve asa spot for resident group meals or snacks, meals with family and friendsand more.

Enhanced living areas. Common rooms designed to share memories.Smiling, caring faces to help residents age in place. Welcome toWestminster Place – A Better Place, a place to call home.

To learn more about Westminster Place personal care community or how to donate to the A Better Place Capital Campaign, visit towww.SrCare.org or call (412) 828-5600. Jacqueline S. Flanagan isExecutive Director, Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation, Presbyterian SeniorCare.

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The new Westminster Place, located onthe Oakmont campus, will feature

enhanced living areas and unique “neigh-borhood” wings encouraging residents to

be part of a larger social network.

Independent Living At It’s BestThe following amenities are provided in our monthly rental fee:

3 Meals per dayAll Utilities (except phone)HousekeepingLinens and TowelsLaundry FacilityTransportationLawn/Snow ServicePersonnel on site 24 Hours24 Hour Emergency Pull Cord Service

Discover Arrowood! Call 412-469-3330To Schedule Your Personalized Tour Today!

(Enjoy a Free Lunch)

Lewis Run Road in Pleasant Hills, near Century III Visit our website: www.southwesternhealthcare.com


http://www.southwesternhealthcare.com



UPMC Senior Communities

No large up-front payment • Month-to-month contracts • Move-in specials

UPMC Senior Communities offers dynamic and affordable

retirement living with a focus on improving and enriching

each resident’s life. For more information or to schedule a

complimentary lunch and tour, call 1-800-324-5523. Or

visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com for a virtual tour of

any of our 14 UPMC Senior Communities locations.

“

“

I’ve been so happy since I came here.I wouldn’t change a thing.

-DorothyYork, retired flower show judge

“There’s so much going on here.It’s easy to stay busy.”

“I feel like I have thefreedom to make this

place my home.”

-Marie Divis,mother, grandmother, and great grandmother

-Ed Bires,retired postmaster



Independent Living and Assistive Senior Living Profile

The Devonshire® Mt. LebanonMake Every

Moment of Your Retirement Count

At The Devonshire® Mt.Lebanon, you’ll findeverything you need to

make the most of your retire-ment years.

With breathtaking views ofthe surrounding hills and cityskyline, The Devonshireoffers the best of Pittsburgh—a lively retirement community with plenty of charm and unparalleled ser-vice from a convenient location in the South Hills. You will feel right athome in well-appointed Independent Living and Assistive Senior Livingaccommodations.

Here, you can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with the freedom to live life asyou choose, while we take care of everything you need. Residents at everylevel enjoy gracious amenities—such as restaurant-style dining, weeklyhousekeeping and scheduled transportation—plus a variety of award-winning programs to enhance their daily quality of life.

At The Devonshire, we know the key to aging well is living well. That’swhy Optimum Life® defines the way we live. This bold initiative bringstogether a number of opportunities across six key dimensions of well-ness—purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual—to help residents balance their overall sense of well-being, regardless oftheir current level of health, mobility or wellness.

Devonshire residents also enjoy the convenience of on-site rehabilita-tion services through Innovative Senior CareSM. Designed to help residentsenhance or regain their independence, Innovative Senior Care integratesproactive and reactive services to improve their health with comprehen-sive rehabilitation, exercise and education programs. Services includephysical, occupational and speech therapies.

Our Personalized Living services offer a convenient and cost-effectiveoption to help residents maintain independence and accommodate theirevolving lifestyle. Community-based associates assist residents with arange of day-to-day activities and personal matters, including errand andescort services, light housekeeping, and much more. Most services areavailable seven days a week and can often be arranged within 24 hours.

Elegant accommodations. Lifestyle and wellness programs. Services tomeet evolving needs. It all comes together at The Devonshire Mt.Lebanon—and it’s backed by the strength and stability of BrookdaleSenior Living®, the nation’s largest provider of senior accommodations.Come see what our exceptional blend of hospitality, service and caremeans for you.

For more information, call (412) 343-2200, [email protected] or visit www.brookdaleliving.com.

Visit our website at www.vcs.org

• Marian Manor (Greentree) 412-440-4300 • Vincentian Personal Care (McCandless) 412-366-1039• Vincentian de Marillac (Stanton Heights) 412-361-2833 • Vincentian Villa Retirement Community (McCandless) • Vincentian Home (McCandless) 412-366-5600 412-364-6592• Vincentian Regency (Allison Park) 412-366-8540 • Vincentian Rehabilitation Services 412-348-1593

Vincentian Collaborative System is a not-for-profit Catholic organization sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (formerly Vincentian Sisters of Charity). Vincentian provides a continuum of senior services

including independent living, personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

>Are you planning a Senior Expo?

Call (412) 835-5796 or e-mail [email protected]

to see how we can help you promote your event.


http://www.brookdaleliving.com


http://www.vcs.org



Winter is upon us. For home care workers and their consumers,treacherous conditions can make service delivery almost impossible attimes. Mother Nature and man-made emergencies rarely arrive

announced. For this reason, it is critical for seniors and their families to havehome emergency preparedness plans and back-up procedures for care in place.After the blizzard of 2010, entire neighborhoods went without public utilities fordays and weeks. The essentials of food and even access to emergency care wereinterrupted due to the monumental snow falls and the ice that followed.Be proactive; plan ahead for the possibility of severe weather and other emergen-cies. One of the most informative and comprehensive brochures for disasterpreparedness was put together by the American Red Cross, “DisasterPreparedness- “For Seniors, By Seniors”. This brochure is available at thewebsite: www.redcrosstbc.org/pdf/DisasterPreparednessSeniors.pdf .

THEY RECOMMEND FOLLOWING THREE EASY STEPS:

1. Get a Kit - Disasters can happen at any moment. By planning ahead youcan avoid waiting in long lines for critical supplies, such as food, water and med-icine and you will also have essential items if you need to evacuate.

2.Make a Plan - The next time a disaster strikes, you may not have much timeto act. Planning ahead reduces anxiety. Prepare now for a sudden emergency andremember to review your plan regularly.

3.Be Informed - What hazards threaten your community and neighborhood?Make a list of how they might affect you. Think about both natural (e.g., hurri-canes, flooding, winter storms and earthquakes) and human-caused (e.g., haz-ardous materials and transportation accidents) and about your risk from thosehazards.

Liken Home Care attempts to respond through all emergencies. We havebeen providing medical and non-medical home care services to Pittsburghand the surrounding areas for over thirty-five years. If you would like moreinfo on contents of this brochure, please feel free to contact Liken Home

Care at (412) 816-0113 or visit us on the web at www.likenservices.com.

Aqua TherapyBenefits All

Ages

Aqua therapy – physicaltherapy in water versustraditional land therapy –

takes place in a heated pool envi-ronment. Certified aquatic thera-pists develop a one-to-one thera-py program with individualgoals helping them to maximizefunction and independence.Therapy is given two to threetimes each week.

Appropriateness for aqua ther-apy is determined after a patientis evaluated in traditional landtherapy. An Aqua Therapy pro-gram includes:

• Treatments in a heated pool• Strengthening exercises• Stretching exercises• Endurance training• Home exercise programThose who may need to extend their physical therapy can benefit

from aqua therapy to better serve their physical functioning.Common diagnoses may include:

• Arthritis • Chronic / Acute pain • Degenerative joint disease• Lymphedema • Limited range of motion

For more information on Aqua Therapy at St. Barnabas, contact Gwenn Whiteford, Director of Rehabilitation at St. Barnabas, at (724) 444-5547 or visit www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.

Twelve-year-old HaileyHengelsberg’s doctors recom-

mended aqua therapy. Hailey isautistic and suffers from epilepsy

and mild cerebral palsy resulting inweakened muscles.

> >

Proactively Planning for Emergency Preparedness

http://www.redcrosstbc.org/pdf/DisasterPreparednessSeniors.pdf


http://www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com



By Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS

Every day brings change of some sort. And that’s fine, provided we havethe direction to keep us focused on the tasks at hand. On a recentTuesday morning, change was in the air. Snow flurries drifted softly to

the ground – and although the calendar said it was still autumn, winter wasclearly knocking on the door.

On that same morning, a staffer walked out of his office and noticed awoman at the other end of the hall, seemingly in need of direction. Her coatwas still buttoned up as she had just come in from the parking lot at ourCenter for Compassionate Care in Mt. Lebanon.

“Do you need some help ma’am?” our Family Hospice staffer asked.“Yes, I’m looking for the Magnolia room,” she replied.At our Family Hospice and Palliative Care inpatient centers, patient

rooms bear the names of trees, to reflect a setting inspired by nature.Our staffer explained to the woman that she simply was on the wrong

floor – in the business office area instead of the inpatient floor. He learnedthat she was here to meet a family member. Their loved one passed awayovernight.

“Allow me to take you to our nurses’ station and they will get you intouch with your loved one,” he explained. “I’ll stay with you until I knowyou are where you need to be.”

They entered the elevator. Our staffer pushed the button for the appro-priate floor, then he turned to the woman, saying, “I’m very sorry for yourloss.”

“Thank you, so much,” she replied. “But it’s OK, I’m really glad she washere when she died. This place is so peaceful - and she was comfortable.And the whole staff was so compassionate, they were really wonderful.”

The woman went onto explain how the social worker at her loved one’slong term care facility recommended Family Hospice when symptomsbegan to get unmanageable. The right people provided direction when it

was most needed. At Family Hospice, we cherish the opportunity to provide direction,

whether it be in end-of-life care, in ways to honor those we love, or justhelping someone find their way when visiting as our guest. No matter thechanges that occur, we at Family Hospice hope you always find the direc-tion you need in the coming year.

Family Hospice and Palliative Care

Liken Home Care’s goal is to providesuperior service while enhancing theindependence, comfort, and dignity ofour clients.

Our Companions, Aides, LPNs andRNs have been helping individuals athome for over 35 years with: bathing,personal care, mobility, meals, lighthousekeeping, medication and more.

Our care managers provide a lifelinebetween families and their loved oneswith our Peace of Mind Program.

The region’s

most

trusted source

for care

in the home.

Call for a free consultation with our Care Management Team

(412) 816-0113Or visit our website: www.likenservices.com

Pointed in the Right Direction

Hospice social workers, bereavement counselors and spiritual care specialists are available to provide direction to patients and caregivers alike.

Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS, isPresident and CEO of Family Hospice andPalliative Care and Past Chairperson of theNational Hospice and Palliative Care

Organization. He may be reached at [email protected] or (412) 572-8800.Family Hospice and Palliative Care serves nine counties in Western Pennsylvania. More information at www.FamilyHospice.com andwww.facebook.com/FamilyHospicePA.

>

Local Research Company Is SeekingParticipants for Gout Studies

By Nancy Kennedy

ASouth Hills research company is looking for men and women toparticipate in clinical research studies. Primary Care ResearchSouth, Inc., located in Upper St. Clair, hopes to recruit people for

two gout studies. One study seeks men who are 50 or older, and womenwho are 55 or older, who have been diagnosed with both gout and heartdisease. Heart disease may include a history of chest pain, stroke, blockedarteries and diabetes.This study is designed to investigate the cardiovas-cular safety of a drug called febuxostat, in comparison to allopurinol, inpeople who have both gout and cardiovascular problems.

Participants for the second study must be ages 18 to 85 and currentlytaking allopurinol, a medication used to treat gout, and must have still hadtwo or more gout attacks in the past year.This study will evaluate an inves-tigational drug to see if, in combination with allopurinol, it works better byreducing the high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is the substancein the body that causes gout attacks. Participants in the study will receivedaily doses of the investigative drug, as well as doses of allopurinol, at nocharge for either.They will receive close monitoring of their condition andappropriate medical care, at no charge. Patients must be willing to keep amonthly study appointment, for a 14-month period; comply with studyinstructions as provided by the study physician and staff; undergo testingto monitor their response to the medications and their general health; andkeep a record of their medications and symptoms or attacks of gout.

Primary Care Research South is a research company within the familymedical practice of Peter Gagianas, M.D. Dr. Gagianas is a board-certifiedfamily practice physician who graduated from the University Of PittsburghSchool Of Medicine and completed his residency at UPMC St. Margaret.All appointments will take place at Dr. Gagianas’s office, located at theSummerfield Commons office complex on Washington Road.

To inquire about enrolling in the study, call (412) 283-0077.>



http://www.FamilyHospice.com

http://www.facebook.com/FamilyHospicePA



HOME CARE/HOSPICECeltic Healthcare1-800-355-8894 • celtichealthcare.com

Daly Care Quality, professional care at reasonable rates.Shopping service, respite care, in-home house-hold chores, companions, transportation toappointments, in-home care for individualswith special needs. Family owned and operat-ed since 1995. We have a 2 hour minimum.988 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh 412-364-2262www.dalycare.com

Divine Home CarePittsburgh: 412-777-9740New Castle: 724-598-4958

Family Hospice & Palliative Care1-800-513-2148www.familyhospice.com

Hospice Care of The Washington Hospital724-250-4500www.washingtonhospital.org

Interim Health Care800-447-2030 www.interimhealthcare.com

LIFE Pittsburgh - Living Independence For The ElderlyAll inclusive Health Plan providing medicalcare, adult day, and home care at no cost toqualified older adults who wish to remainindependent in their own homes.412-388-8050 • www.LIFEPittsburgh.org

Liken Health Care412-816-0113 • www.likenservices.com

SeniorLIFE1-877-998-LIFE (5433)Uniontown – 724-434-LIFE www.seniorlifeuniontown.comWashington – 724-222-LIFE www.seniorlifewashington.com

HORMONESThe Hormone Restoration Center412-432-7909 • www.hormonecenter.nethttp://youtu.be/s2pZ4r53WVA

INDEPENDENT LIVING/ASSISTED LIVINGThe Devonshire® Mt. Lebanon1050 McNeilly Rd., Pittsburgh412-343-2200www.brookdaleliving.com

Schenley Gardens412-621-4200 www.schenleygardens.com

Vincentian Villa RetirementCommunity (McCandless) 412-364-6592 • www.vcs.org

Willow Heights1-866-812-1615 • www.IntegraCare.com

OUTPATIENT REHABILITATIONVincentian Rehabilitation Services412-348-1593 www.vcs.org

PERSONAL CAREVincentian Personal Care (McCandless)412-366-1039 • www.vcs.org

RETIREMENT & SENIOR LIVINGArrowood at Southwestern412-469-3330www.southwesternhealthcare.com

Fair Oaks of Pittsburgh412-344-9915www.fairoakspgh.com

Newhaven Court at Clearview1-888-261-5753www.IntegraCare.com

Newhaven Court at Lindwood1-888-261-8178www.IntegraCare.com

The Pines of Mt. Lebanon1-866-812-1615www.IntegraCare.com

The Residence at Willow Lane1-888-219-4180www.IntegraCare.com

UPMC Senior Communities1-800-324-5523UPMCSeniorCommunities.com

SKILLED NURSING CARE & REHABILITATIONManorCare Health Services – Bethel Park - 412-831-6050McMurray - 724-941-3080www.hcr-manorcare.com

Marian Manor (Greentree) 412-440-4300

Presbyterian SeniorCare1-888-448-5779 • www.SrCare.org

St. Barnabas Health System 724-444-5587www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com

Vincentian Collaborative SystemVincentian de Marillac (Stanton Heights) 412-361-2833 Vincentian Home (McCandless) 412-366-5600Vincentian Regency (Allison Park) 412-366-8540

SENIORRESOURCES

http://www.dalycare.com

http://www.familyhospice.com


http://www.interimhealthcare.com

http://www.LIFEPittsburgh.org


http://www.seniorlifeuniontown.com

http://www.seniorlifewashington.com


http://youtu.be/s2pZ4r53WVA

http://www.brookdaleliving.com

http://www.schenleygardens.com

http://www.vcs.org

http://www.IntegraCare.com

http://www.vcs.org

http://www.vcs.org

http://www.southwesternhealthcare.com

http://www.fairoakspgh.com





http://www.hcr-manorcare.com


http://www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com



By Paula Martinac, M.A., M.S.

Having trouble falling asleep atnight? Or do you snap awakeat 2 a.m. and watch anxious-

ly as minutes slip away on the clock?Six out of 10 Americans have diffi-culty sleeping a few nights a week,according to the National SleepFoundation. While chronic sleepdisorders may require a physician’sor mental health professional’s care,you may be able to avoid the occa-sional restless night by trying a fewnutritional tricks.

1. Eat a bedtime snack. If your pattern is to wake up in the middle ofthe night, your blood sugar levels may be out of whack. Many people con-sume simple sugars in the evening, like cookies or other baked goods,which the body digests quickly. Instead, try a protein- and fiber-rich snackthat will get you through the night, like an apple or pear with peanut but-ter. Or substitute a slice of whole-grain bread for the fruit – whole grainsare high in magnesium, a naturally relaxing mineral.

2. Go nuts. Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and cashews are rich intryptophan, an amino acid that helps encourage calm and restfulness.Since these tasty nuts are also high in fat and calories, keep your servingto 1/4 cup, and skip the salted and flavored varieties.

3. Boost your calcium. In a study published in the “EuropeanNeurology Journal,” researchers linked a lack of REM, or deep, sleep to acalcium deficiency – suggesting there might be something to the old folkremedy of a glass of warm milk before bed. If milk doesn’t appeal, try someplain yogurt with berries or nuts. If you take a daily calcium supplement,consider having it before bed.

4. Brew a cup of tea. Don’t reach for black or green tea, which containcaffeine that can complicate your problems, but go with an herbal brewthat may be just the ticket. Chamomile, lemon balm and passionflower arethree herbs known for their relaxing properties. Sipa cup before bed to help ease you gently into sleep.

Paula Martinac, M.A., M.S., is a nutritioneducator and holistic health coach in privatepractice at the Nuin Center in Highland Park.She can be reached at

[email protected] or (412) 760-6809.Visit her website at www.nutritionu.net.

HEALTHY EATING

>

By Lindsey Smith

Okay, so I admit, I used to be a sugaraddict. It all started with thosewatermelon gummies. Quickly, I

upgraded to Twix bars and eventually Ifound myself hooked on ChocolateBrownie Frappuccinos. It seemed likeevery year, I upgraded my addiction to thenewest sugary treat.

After all, sugar consumes us on a dailybasis. It is in almost everything we eat ordrink. Sometimes it is seen as the basicword, “sugar” and sometimes it is dis-guised as high fructose corn syrup, dex-trose, lactose, sorbitol, or sucrose—just toname a few! Despite the many names, the verdict is still the same—it’s allsugar!

Sugar, in a refined form, can take our body on an emotional roller coast-er ride. When we first digest it, we get this jolt or high. We may becomeextremely anxious or excited. Then, the ride dips and our anxious or excit-ed emotions turn to depression or fatigue.

In order to get out of our slump, we often will again, turn to sugar to giveus a quick fix. This is a continuous cycle of junk foods and junk moods.

Even just a small amount of sugar makes us desire more.Overconsumption of processed and refined sugars can lead to weight gainand other serious health conditions.

So instead of using table sugar or even artificial sweeteners, try slowlyswapping out for natural sugar alternatives when you are cooking or bak-ing. These alternatives are still sugar at the core, but they have a slowerabsorption rate in your body, so you most likely won’t experience the emo-tional roller coaster ride that processed sugar takes you on.

NOTE: These sweeteners are still to be used in moderation and merely asan alternative. The overall goal is to start to eliminate the constant need forsugary treats. These alternatives are a great way to help you wean yourselfoff the highly processed, refined sugars. However, the overall goal is to startappreciating the sweetness of life, the sweetness of real fruits and vegeta-bles, and the sweetness of being you. Eventuallysugar alone will no longer be your main source ofsweet.

Lindsey Smith is a health coach and authorof Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Cravingand Start Living! For more information or topurchase a book, visit www.FoodMoodGirl.com.

Check Your Sweet Tooth

>

Foods to Help YouGet Your Z-z-z’s

HERE ARE SOMENATURAL SUGAR

ALTERNATIVES TO TRY:

• Stevia• Honey• Date Sugar• Agave Nectar• Brown Rice Syrup• Barley Malt• Maple Syrup• Molasses• Unsweetened Applesauce • Fresh fruit juices

Do you have a health question you would like one of our healthexperts answer for you? Email your question to

Facebook.com/WesternPennsylvaniaGuidetoGoodHealth

DIANA FLETCHER, Author

Happy on Purpose Daily Messages of Empowermentand Joy for Women and Stress Reducing Strategies

___________________________________Books available at www.amazon.com

and www.barnesandnoble.com___________________________________

Contact:www.dianafletcher.com


http://www.nutritionu.net

http://www.FoodMoodGirl.com

http://www.amazon.com



By Lisa Bianco

Imagine a patient whois recovering fromopen heart surgery in

the critical care unit and isconfined to his bed onlybecause of the lifesavingability of a Ventilator tobreathe for him. Instead, aportable unit is availableproviding life sustainingmeasures so that thepatient can get up frombed and begin his recov-ery walking while aPortable Ventilator unit iswheeled alongside him.

Or, picture a deaf patient rushedto an emergency room who commu-nicates with the doctor or nurse bysigning to a trained interpreterbroadcast on a video monitor. Theperson onscreen then translates backto the doctors and nurses, in words,the symptoms just conveyed in signlanguage by the deaf patient. Thissystem is called a Video RemoteInterpreting (VRI) Cart for SignLanguage. Both the PortableVentilator and a VRI Cart for SignLanguage will soon be purchased forthe UPMC Passavant Hospitals inCranberry and McCandless, becauseof grants awarded by the PassavantHospital Foundation.

For more than 30 years thePassavant Hospital Foundation hasdrawn on the community’s ongoingsupport to preserve UPMCPassavant’s special environmentthrough grant making, educationand outreach to advance health andwellness. The Foundation’s grantprogram has helped supply equip-ment like the examples above, alongwith new facilities and other neces-sary items. Annually this fundawards grants to projects, programsor equipment that advance the hos-pital services while contributing tostaff or patient safety, satisfactionand quality. For 2013 funding, 35applicants submitted grant requeststo the Foundation and 28 grantswere approved for a total of$244,000.

Director of Volunteer and GuestServices for UPMC Passavant(McCandless and Cranberry facili-ties) Diane Kolling was awarded thegrant for the VRI Cart for SignLanguage. “We need to have a signlanguage interpreter when deafpatients come to us for treatment.The VRI Cart uses a process verysimilar to Skyping. “Having our ownVRI Cart enables us to have a signinterpreter immediately available

when a deaf patient arrives.If a deaf patient is hospital-ized we can leave the Cart inthat person’s room duringtheir stay so constant com-munication with medicalstaff is possible. Kollingappreciates the immediateimpact the Foundationgrants can have in herpatients’ treatment. “Thegrant program is wonderfulbecause there are so manythings too small to berequested in our depart-mental budget. But thesesmaller, lower cost items

can make an enormous difference inthe patient’s quality of life at our hos-pital.”

Advanced Practice Nurse forCardiovascular Services MaggieLattanzio this year submitted a grantapplication for a Portable Ventilatorto increase mobilization for patientsin the Cardio Thoracic IC unit.Lattanzio sees the value of the grantprogram in enabling UPMCPassavant departments to follow rec-ommendations from prominentmedical studies indicating what cre-ates the best patient outcomes. “ThePassavant Foundation grants are sopatient-focused.” Lattanzio is refer-ring to medical studies showinghuge benefits when cardiac patientsare returned to their previous levelsof functioning as soon as possible.The Portable Ventilator will nowmake this possible for patients inthis specialized unit. “Often patientsin critical care units who’ve under-gone major surgeries are not weanedoff the ventilator for weeks. We pre-vent complications by helping thesepatients get up and about as soon aspossible. With the Portable Venti-lator they can wheel around a small,15-pound unit that enables them towalk the hallways or walk to hospi-tal departments for further tests.”

Passavant Hospital Foundation’sgrant program reaches the lives ofpatients and their families in somany different ways. Hospitaldepartment managers are proud toshare their stories in order that arearesidents who contribute to theFoundation are aware of just howmuch this caring legacy touches thelives of so many in their own com-munity.

For more information aboutPassavant HospitalFoundation, [email protected],

or visit the websitePassavantHospitalFoundation.org.

VRI Sign LanguageInterpretation Cart


LOCAL NEWS

Dr. John Beachler to JoinAdvanced Orthopaedics and Rehab Group

By Nancy Kennedy

John Beachler, M.D., recently joined the staff ofAdvanced Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation(AOR) on a part-time basis, beginning on January3, 2013.

Dr. Beachler is a board-certified, highly credentialed orthopaedic surgeonwith decades of experience in all aspects of orthopaedic surgery and sportsmedicine. He will be performing joint replacements and other proceduresat St. Clair Hospital and at Advanced Surgical Hospital in Washington, PA.

Dr. Beachler was the co-founder in 1979 of South Hills Orthopaedics(formerly known as South Hills Orthopaedic Surgical Associates). Heremained active in that practice until 2010, performing surgery as well asteaching and mentoring new residents, nurse practitioners, OR techniciansand physician assistants. “I retired two years ago but decided that I wantedto come back on a part-time basis,” he explains. “I think very highly of mycolleagues in this practice and will happily be working with some of thesurgeons that I once trained.”

Dr. Beachler particularly enjoys the teaching aspect of medicine. “Ibelieve that physicians have an obligation to teach, to pass on what weknow to those who are coming after us and help mold them into fine physi-cians and surgeons.”

Molding younger people is apparently something that comes naturally toDr. Beachler, a father of five and grandfather of seven, with two additions tohis growing family expected in the spring. He coached youth football andlacrosse teams in Mt. Lebanon for years. He is a native of Mt. Lebanon andnow resides in McMurray with his lovely and wonderful wife, Joyce, a reg-istered nurse.

Dr. Beachler is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School ofMedicine and served his internship at the University of Wisconsin atMadison. He completed a one year residency in general surgery at MercyHospital of Pittsburgh, now UPMC Mercy, and a fellowship in orthopaedicsurgery at UPMC under Dr. Albert Ferguson.

“I’m looking forward to seeing patients and doing surgery at St. ClairHospital and at AOR’s wonderful facility, Advanced Surgical Hospital. Wehave a great location with our new Vanadium Road office, with convenientaccess and parking for patients.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Beachler, or to learn more aboutjoint replacement, AOR or Advanced Surgical Hospital, visit the web-site www.advancedorthopaedics.net or call (724) 225-8657.>

E-mail your news items to [email protected]

How Passavant Hospital Foundation’sCaring Legacy Preserves UPMC

Passavant’s Compassionate Environment

>

Advanced Orthopaedics and Rehab GroupAnnounces New Location on Vanadium RoadAdvanced Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (AOR) has announced that it isopening an office in a new location, effective in February 2013. AOR willmove its South Hills office from Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park toVanadium Road, near St. Clair Hospital. The new office is on the first floorof a building at 363 Vanadium Road, easing access for patients, and featuresnew digital x-ray equipment.

AOR is a group of ten expert orthopaedic surgeons who offer compre-hensive diagnostic, surgical and post-operative care to patients who arehaving problems with joints or other musculo-skeletal conditions. Thepractice has five locations, with the primary one in Washington, PA, adja-cent to the Advanced Surgical Hospital that AOR established in 2010 forelective orthopaedic surgeries. In addition to the sites in Washington andthe South Hills, AOR has other offices in Charleroi, McMurray andWaynesburg.





Autism Therapy for AdultsUniversity of PittsburghPerspectives Program1-866-647-3436Email: [email protected]

Cardiology/ Vascular CareJefferson CardiologyAssociation412-469-1500 www.jeffersoncardiology.com

South Hills CardiologyAssociation412-851-0279

Careers In HealthcareLake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine814-866-6641 • www.lecom.edu

Children With Special NeedsACHIEVA412-995-5000 or 1-888-272-7229www.achieva.info

New Story412-373-5235 Monroeville724-463-9841 Indianawww.newstory.com

Pace School412-244-1900 www.paceschool.org

TEIS412-885-6000www.TEISinc.comwww.EarlyInterventionSupport.com

Wesley Spectrum Services412-342-2300www.wesleyspectrum.org

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children1-800-444-1897 • www.wpsbc.org

ChiropracticJennings ChiropracticDr. Amy M. Jennings, D.C.412-283-1060

Kukurin Chiropractic,Acupuncture & NutritionGeorge W. Kukurin DC DACAN,Jason S. Franchi DC & KristopherC. Adolph DC412-381-4453www.alt-compmed.com

DentistProgressive Dental SolutionsDr. Michael F. Hnat 724-942-5630progressivedentalsolutions.com

Diabetes Care St. Clair Hospital Diabetes Center412-942-2151 www.stclair.org

Ear, Nose & ThroatMetropolitan ENT Associates724-940-5755www.metroent.org

Washington Ear, Nose & Throat724-225-8995 www.washingtonent.net

Educational ResourcesSimulation Teaching andAcademic Research (STAR) Center 412 578-4470 [email protected]/education/star-center

Eye CareThe Cataract & Laser Institute of Pittsburgh412-616-1554 www.cllofpa.com

Fitness CentersHealthTrax® Fitness & Wellness412-835-0500 www.healthtrax.com

Wilfred R. Cameron WellnessCenter of the WashingtonHospital724-225-WELL (9355)wrcameronwellness.org

Gout Gout & Heart Disease Clinical Study412-283-0077www.GoutAndHeartStudy.com

Health InsuranceBenefits Network724-940-9400www.benefitsnetwork.bizBusiness and Individual Insurance

HormonesThe Hormone Restoration Center412-432-7909www.hormonecenter.nethttp://youtu.be/s2pZ4r53WVA

HospitalsJefferson Regional Medical Center412-469-5000www.jeffersonregional.com

Southwest Regional Medical CenterWaynesburg, PA 724-627-3101 www.sw-rmc.com

St. Clair Hospital412-942-4000 www.stclair.org

The Washington Hospital724-225-7000 www.washingtonhospital.org

ImagingHealth EnhancingThermography1-855-254-4328 (HEAT)www.heat-images.com

Laboratory TestingQuest Diagnostics1-800-LAB-TEST (1-800-522-8378)QuestDiagnostics.com

Life CoachingDiana Fletcher724-733-7562 www.dianafletcher.com

Lymphedema TherapyOrthopedic & Sports PhysicalTherapy Associates, Inc.724- 929-5774www.osptainc.com

Massage – TherapeuticAhhh a Massage Margie Webb, RN, NCTMB, LMT310 E. McMurray Rd, McMurray412-877-8569www.ahhhamassage.com

Medical EquipmentEagle Medical Equipment Corp7937 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale724-218-1051 www.pittmedicalsupply.com

Medication ManagementHometown Pharmacy412-539-1331www.myrxmap.com

Mental HealthSRMC Center for Recovery and Wellness 130 Greene PlazaWaynesburg, PA 15370724-627-2756

Natural Health Key Stone Reiki412-727-1731www.keystonereiki.com

NonProfitHealthy Lungs Pennsylvania800-220-1990 www.healthylungs.org

Nutrition and LifestyleEnhancements

Nutrition UPaula Martinac, MA, MS412-760-6809www.NutritionU.net

The Real YouLindsey Smith • 724-882-2662www.TheRealYouNutrition.com

OrthopedicsAdvanced Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation1-800-828-CAST (2278)www.advancedorthopaedics.net

PharmacyHometown Pharmacy412-539-1331www.hometownpharmacy.bix

Physical and Spiritual Health Westminster Presbyterian Church2040 Washington RoadPittsburgh, PA 15241412-835-6630 www.westminster-church.orgWestminster seeks to be a caring com-munity of faith committed to bringingpeople to Christ and developing theirfaith through worshiping God togeth-er, teaching the faith, and serving inmission.

Westminster Recreation &Outreach Center (WROC)wroc.westminster-church.orgWROC Mission: "To reach out to peo-ple for Jesus Christ and develop theirfaith through recreational activitiesand Christian fellowship."

PhysiciansWashington Physician HospitalOrganization Provider NetworkSee pages 26-27

Physical Therapy/Rehab Centers for Rehab Services 1-888-723-4277UPMC.com/MyCRS

Orthopedic & Sports PhysicalTherapy Associates, Inc.1-800-337-6452 www.osptainc.com

WESTARM Therapy & Homecare 800-291-5060www.westarmtherapy.com

PodiatryPenn Foot & Ankle Specialists724-222-5635www.pennfoot.com

Primary Care PhysiciansPreferred Primary Care Physicians Walter J. Robison, M.D.Ashith Mally, M.D.Stephanie Colodny, M.D.Madhavi Davuluri, M.D.724-941-8877 www.ppcp.org

RadiologySouthwest Regional Medical CenterWaynesburg, PA 724-627-2622 • www.sw-rmc.com

Rehabilitation ManorCare Health Services – Bethel Park - 412-831-6050McMurray - 724-941-3080www.hcr-manorcare.com

Novacare Rehabilitation159 Waterdam Road, McMurray724-942-1511Physical, Occupational and AquaticTherapy. Incontinence Rehab.Massage Therapy open to the public.

Presbyterian SeniorCare1-888-448-5779 • www.SrCare.org

St. Barnabas Health System724-444-5587www.StBarnanasHealthSystem.com

Special Needs Trusts andPlanning

D’Onofrio Law Office, P.C.412-893-2552www.donofriolawoffice.com

TanningTan Me Upscale Airbrush Tanning412-406-7799www.tanmepgh.com

Vein CenterGreater Pittsburgh Vascular Associates412-469-1500www.jeffersoncardiology.com

Volunteer OpportunitiesThe 1897 Society724-223-3175www.washingtonhospital.org

Wealth ManagementCottrill, Arbutina WealthManagement Group724-683-3455www.cottrillarbutina.com

Wound CareSRMC Wound Care andHyperbaric Center220 Greene Plaza, Waynesburg724-627-1600

Women's HealthMagee-Womens Specialty Services412-429-3900

YogaAt OM [email protected]


DIRECTORYIn order to choose a health professional who is right for you, you need information. The following guide is a good place to start.

Visit www.guidetogoodhealth.com for more local health resources

for you and your family


http://www.jeffersoncardiology.com

http://www.lecom.edu

http://www.achieva.info

http://www.newstory.com

http://www.paceschool.org

http://www.TEISinc.com

http://www.EarlyInterventionSupport.com

http://www.wesleyspectrum.org

http://www.wpsbc.org


http://www.stclair.org

http://www.metroent.org

http://www.washingtonent.net

http://www.wpahs.org

http://www.cllofpa.com

http://www.healthtrax.com

http://www.GoutAndHeartStudy.com



http://youtu.be/s2pZ4r53WVA

http://www.jeffersonregional.com

http://www.sw-rmc.com

http://www.stclair.org


http://www.heat-images.com


http://www.osptainc.com

http://www.ahhhamassage.com

http://www.pittmedicalsupply.com

http://www.myrxmap.com

http://www.keystonereiki.com


http://www.NutritionU.net


http://www.TheRealYouNutrition.com


http://www.hometownpharmacy.bix

http://www.westminster-church.org

http://www.osptainc.com

http://www.westarmtherapy.com

http://www.pennfoot.com

http://www.ppcp.org

http://www.sw-rmc.com

http://www.hcr-manorcare.com


http://www.StBarnanasHealthSystem.com

http://www.donofriolawoffice.com

http://www.tanmepgh.com

http://www.jeffersoncardiology.com


http://www.cottrillarbutina.com


http://www.AtOmYogaPittsburgh.com



j e f f e r s o n r e g i o n a l . c o m

You would go out of your way to get the best surgical care.Thankfully you don’t have to.

Six new operating rooms. Expert surgeons. Superior results.Anytime you need surgery, you want the latest and most advanced care available. You’ll find it close to home at JeffersonRegional Medical Center. We perform more than 10,000 surgeries a year – everything from basic outpatient proceduresto laparoscopic surgeries to the most complex cardiac cases. In fact, our surgeons have extensive experience and our outcomes are excellent. And our state-of-the-art facilities boast low infection rates. Recently, we added six new operatingrooms, expanding our abilities to provide the latest techniques and putting us at the forefront of advanced surgical care inthe region. Why not see for yourself what a great choice Jefferson Regional is? It’s only a short drive away.

565 Coal Valley Road | Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 | 412.469.5000

Choose well.


ST. CLAIRHOSPITALOUTPATIENTCENTER–VILLAGESQUARE . 2000OXFORDDRIVE . BETHELPARK, PA 15102 . 412.942.3177 . WWW.STCLAIR.ORG

St. Clair Hospital’s new Breast Care Center is the area’s most comprehensive, providing continuity

of care, from screening, diagnostic mammograms and breast MRIs, to biopsies and patient-focused

treatment, all in one place. Our onsite medical staff includes one of the region’s top breast surgeons,

diagnostic radiologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and nurse navigators to help guide your

care every step of the way — all within our new, warm, comfortable environment at the St. Clair

Hospital Outpatient Center–Village Square in Bethel Park. As one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals,

St. Clair continues to invest in leading physicians, technologies and processes to deliver superior care.

EALINGTOUCH.EXPERTCARE.

Our new Breast Care Center offers a full spectrumof patient-focused care.

Raye J. Budway, M.D. earned her medical degree at HahnemannUniversity in Philadelphia. She completed her residency trainingin general surgery at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital and afellowship in surgical critical care at The University of PittsburghMedical Center. She served as the Site Surgical Clerkship ProgramDirector for Temple University School of Medicine, Site ProgramDirector for the Allegheny General Hospital General SurgeryResidency Program, and Director of the Surgical Breast DiseaseProgram and Surgical Intensive Care at West Penn Hospital. Sheis board-certified in surgical critical care and general surgery.She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and serveson the Fellowship’s Commission on Cancer.

Robert W. Bragdon, M.D. specializes in plastic andreconstructive surgery at St. Clair Hospital, where heis Chief of Plastic Surgery. He earned his medicaldegree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicineand completed his surgical residency training at itsaffiliated hospitals. Dr. Bragdon completed his plasticsurgical residency training at The Western PennsylvaniaHospital. He also completed a burn fellowship at WestPenn Hospital and was the first fellow in plastic surgeryat Dartmouth. He is board-certified by the AmericanBoard of Plastic Surgery. He practices with PlasticSurgical Associates of Pittsburgh.

Sherri H. Chafin, M.D. specializes indiagnostic radiology at St. Clair Hospital,where she is Vice Chair of Medical Imaging.She earned her medical degree at thePenn State Hershey Medical Center andcompleted her residency at AlleghenyGeneral Hospital, Pittsburgh. Dr. Chafinis board-certified by the American Boardof Radiology. She practices with SouthHills Radiology Associates.

Sherri H. Chafin, M.D. Raye J. Budway, M.D. Robert W. Bragdon, M.D.

Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health - Winter 2013

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