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 8
WOMENS HEALTH 12
HEART HEALTH 14
MENS HEALTH 18
HEARING CARE SOLUTIONS 19
EYE CARE 20
CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH 21
ORTHOPAEDICS 22
MEDICAL TESTING 30
AUTISM 32
SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY 36
SENIOR RESOURCES 47
DIRECTORY 50
Health News You and Your Family Can Use
Senior Care
plus SENIOR LIVING OPTIONS
See pages 38-47
Maybe Its Your
Hormones....
Healthy
Beginnings
Theres No Time Like the Present
To Improve Your Health
W
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T
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R

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HEART HEALTH SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AUTISM
2 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH www.guidetogoodhealth.com Winter 2013
Washington
100 Trich Drive, Ste. 2
Washington, PA 15301-5892
Main Office: 724-225-8657
1-800-828-(CAST)2278
Waynesburg
112 Walnut Ave., Ste. B
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-225-8657
Charleroi
Charleroi Medical Plaza
1200 McKean Ave., Ste. 106
Charleroi, PA 15022
724-225-8657
McMurray
5000 Waterdam Plaza Drive, Ste. 240
McMurray, PA 15317
724-941-0111
Pittsburgh
363 Vanadium Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
724-225-8657
Physicians
Nine experienced Doctors, each specialized in speci c
orthopaedic care & procedures.
Hospital
Now providing care at the new Advanced Surgical
Hospital located in Washington, PA.
Therapy
Advanced therapists & equipment for precise treatment
for all types of musculoskeletal ailments.
www.advancedorthopaedics.net
Winter 2013 www.guidetogoodhealth.com GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 3
A: Our nervous system, comprised of the brain, spinal cord and all of our
nerves, controls every function in the human body. These functions range
from walking and talking to being able to snap our fingers or wrinkle our
noses. This powerful system gets us through our day-to-day activities.
When something interferes with that nervous system, however, our bodies
do not function properly and this can affect us in any number of ways. For
example, we could experience weakened muscle strength, diminished
reflexes, or improper organ function; however, sometimes the symptoms are
not quite so obvious. For some, fatigue or restlessness may be an indication
that there is a problem. For others, it may be an inability to concentrate at
school 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 any
obvious symptoms ... YET. By the time you feel any of these symptoms,
something has already occurred and most likely has been occurring for
some time inside of your body. That is why it is always important to get a
regular check-up with your chiropractor, because it is not how you are feel-
ing that matters, its how you are functioning on the inside.
Germs are all around us. Our bodies are able to protect us from most of
them 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 to
give our immune systems a boost during cold and flu season.
Drink plenty of water. Our bodies need plenty of fluids, especially in
the 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 our
bodies. 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 of
fruits and vegetables, getting the proper
amounts on a daily basis is essential. Taking
extra vitamin C when you are fighting off a cold
helps. Be knowledgeable about the medications
you are taking. There are several drugs that can
work against you. For instance, substances that
contain licorice have been known to strip the
body of potassium.
Exercise. Just as drinking plenty of water
rids the body of toxins, so can exercise. You can sweat out the toxins and
give your immune system a boost at the same time. Its a common mistake
we all make when we get sick to avoid exercising. Our bodies are rundown
and we feel too weak to do anything. I know from personal experience that
exercise helps. The process increases metabolism, opens sinuses and sends
those germs a message that they are in for a fight.
Wash your hands. We all learned it in kindergarten, right? Wash your
hands several times a day. The quickest way to spread a cold is through
hand and mouth contact. How many times a day do you shake hands with
someone or turn door handles or pick up phone receivers that others have
touched? Now, let me ask you, how often do you touch your face during
the day without having washed your hands first? Though anti-bacterial
hand sanitizers have taken a bad rap lately, they are still effective when you
do 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. Times
are stressful and the cold weather often makes us blue, but if we remember
to 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 dramyjennings@gmail.com, or mail to 1010 Clifton Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.
Offer expires: 2/28/2013
By David Straight
T
he election results are in. The Supreme Court has ruled. The Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as
Obamacare, is here to stay. But what does that really mean?
Some of the changes associated with the healthcare reform law have been
implemented, such as insurance requirements that preventive services be
covered 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 if
between 133% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level)
A government-run exchange will be formed as a market from which
health 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 will
face a fine if they decide to eliminate coverage, but it is small relative to the
cost of providing coverage
Major taxes will be imposed on medical providers that will have an
impact on the delivery of medical services
Health insurers will be subject to new rating requirements that will
limit the variables by which they can set rates that include age and whether
or not enrollees are smokers. Higher premiums are expected.
Medicare cuts will occur that may increase the cost and availability of
Medicare Advantage Plans going forward
Im just scratching the surface of this massive legislation. Its very con-
fusing and there are many regulations yet to be written under the law. Now
more 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 through
this brave new world, without fear of making a
costly mistake.
David Straight is the President and CEO of
Benefits Network, Inc., a leading insurance
agency and consulting firm specializing in
employee benefits, property and casualty
insurance, and individual and Medicare products. For
more information, call
(724) 940-9400 or visit the website at
www.benefitsnetwork.biz.
>
Healthcare Reform is Here to Stay
10 Investment Mistakes to Avoid
By Donald W. Angel, CFP, AIF
WHO NEEDS A PYRAMID SCHEME
OR A CROOKED MONEY MANAGER
WHEN YOU CAN LOSE MONEY ALL
BY YOURSELF? HERE ARE 10 WAYS TO
RUN YOUR STOCK PORTFOLIO
RIGHT INTO THE GROUND.
1. Go with the herd. Investors tend to
follow the leaders and are overly optimistic when the market goes up and
overly pessimistic when it declines.
2. Put all of your bets on high-flyers. If you had invested everything in
Apple 10 years ago, you'd be a millionaire. But what if you had invested in
Enron, Conseco, CIT, WorldCom, Washington Mutual or Lehman
Brothers, which all have gone bankrupt?
3. Buy when the markets up. If the market is on a tear, how can you
lose? Just ask the hordes who flocked to stocks in 1999 and 2000 and
then lost their shirts in the ensuing bear market.
4. Sell when the market is down. It's what many inexperienced investors
do, locking in losses and precluding future recoveries.
5. Stay on the sidelines until markets calm down. In today's world, that
means settling for a miniscule return that may not keep pace with inflation.
6. Buy on tips from friends. Who needs professional advice when your
new 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's
much 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 surefire
way to lock in losses. Even professionals have a poor record of guessing
major shifts.
10. Set it and forget it. Ignoring your portfolio until ready to cash in is
a perfect opportunity to go completely out of balance and shift life-stage
priorities.
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 determine
which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor
prior to investing.
Donald Angel, of Cottrill, Arbutina Wealth
Management Group of Peters Township, is a
registered representative with, and securi-
ties, financial planning and fee-based ser-
vices are offered through, LPL Financial, a Registered
Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. For more
information, call (724) 683-3455 or visit the
website at www.cottrillarbutina.com/wm.
Prepared in cooperation with S&P Capital IQ
Financial Communications.
>
Free Fitness Visit
*
2013 Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center
240 Wellness Way, Washington, PA 15301 s wrcameronwellness.org s 724.250.5228 s Open to the Public
Call 724.250.5208 or
724.250.5237 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 120
McMurray, 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, COMT
Physical Therapist Center Manager
By Lauren Loya, M.D.
A
ccording to
researchers, the
cause of many
chronic health problems
may be hormone relat-
ed. Hormonal imbal-
ances can cause a myri-
ad of symptoms and
increase the risk for
many diseases.
Symptoms often in-
clude: weight gain,
fatigue, wrinkly skin,
loss of libido, decreased
muscle mass, irritabili-
ty/anxiety, depression,
and mood swings, to
name a few.
Many physicians miss
hormone imbalances
due to inadequate test-
ing procedures or a lack
of education on the subject.
Testing ones hormone levels
(often through saliva testing) may
be the first step in pinpointing the
problem.
Menopause presents different
challenges as hormone deficiencies
in one area can appear as excesses
elsewhere. Symptoms can arise as
early as the mid-30s although they
typically appear around age 50.
Early menopause can occur through
hysterectomy, ovary removal,
chemotherapy as well as other trau-
mas.
Male menopause,
aka "andropause", is
often caused by a
testosterone decline
as men age. Unlike
the volatile symptoms
in women, male
symptoms are less
obvious and appear
gradually. Conditions
are often triggered by
decreased production
of androgens, such as
DHEA. Lower andro-
gen levels can also be
linked to weight gain,
stress, and a lack of
exercise.
A healthy thyroid
produces T4 hor-
mones which are stor-
age hormones and are
the most abundant.
T4 is meant to convert
to T3, the most active hormone.
However Reverse T3 (RT3) is also
converted from T4. In situations
where your body needs energy con-
servation, such as emotional, physi-
cal, or biological stress, the thyroid
converts any excess T4 to the inac-
tive Reverse T3 (RT3) as a way of
clearing out the extra T4. This
occurs when one is chronically or
acutely sick (flu, pneumonia, etc.),
after surgery, after a car accident,
etc.
Problems arise if ones body pro-
duces excessive RT3, often exacer-
bated by life stresses. Also if one is
on a T4 medication too much RT3
may be produced.
The only commercially available
T3 is a synthetic version which is
immediately released, is absorbed
quickly and may result in higher
than normal T3 levels, such as an
increased heart rate. Using a slow-
release T3 compound can avoid
adverse reactions.
Many physicians only use the
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hor-
mone) lab test which may be inade-
quate and may exacerbate ones con-
dition since it can provide false indi-
cations of the true problem.
A regular thyroid test may come
back normal or in range, but it
may not be normal for the patient as
you may have lived your life on the
upper end of the range, but now
find yourself on the lower end.
Many physicians do not make this
distinction.
Bio-Identical Hormones (BHRT)
are exact duplicates of those the
body produces. Generally BHRT are
plant based and have little to no side
effects.
People with hormone imbalances
simply have too much or too little of
particular hormones.
Hormones are chemical messen-
gers from the brain produced by the
endocrine system. Hormones circu-
late through the blood system and
bind with cell receptors much like a
lock and key. Hormones tell cells
how to respond. For example when
one gets scared, the brain tell cer-
tain cells to produce adrenaline.
Most physicians prescribe Syn-
thetic Hormones (not natural) such
as Premarin (PREgnant MARe
uRINe) and Provera which can be
harmful since foreign substances are
introduced into the body.
Natural substances/hormones
cannot be patented and therefore
are not promoted by pharmaceutical
companies. BHRT medications must
be "customized" by a physician and
produced by special compounding
pharmacies.
If interested make sure you work
with physicians and pharmacists
who specialize in the field.
Educate yourself as you get back
to feeling great again!
Dr. Lauren Loya of the
Hormone Restoration
Center, can be reached at
(412) 432-7909. The
Hormone Restoration Center special-
izes in Bio-Identical Hormone
Treatments (BHRT) for men and
women 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 increase
the risk for many
diseases.
- Lauren Loya, M.D.
>
By Nancy Kennedy
I
f you are a person who takes multiple medica-
tions, or cares for someone who does, you are
well aware of the hassles that can be associat-
ed with adhering to the prescribed regimen.
Frequent trips to the pharmacy, difficulty reading
those little labels, remembering which pills to
take at what times of day, trying to open bottles
with arthritic hands these things can become
practical obstacles to taking the essential medica-
tions that are intended to stabilize or improve
your health.
Imagine how liberating it would feel to know
that you never have to worry about those things
again, no matter how many pills you take.
Imagine never having to make another trip to the
pharmacy to fill a prescription, or never having to
deal with pill bottles. Imagine the peace of mind
of knowing that you or your loved one will never
again take the wrong pill at the wrong time.
Thanks to a remarkably effective new medica-
tion packaging system available in the Pittsburgh
region, 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 prescribed
medications at home. RxMap brings simplicity,
ease and total convenience to a common problem
that can have serious health consequences: med-
ication non adherence.
Advances in medical science and pharmacolo-
gy in recent decades have provided Americas
physicians with an extraordinary array of med-
ications to effectively treat illnesses and condi-
tions of all kinds. Taken correctly, as prescribed
by a physician, the right medication can make a
critical difference in ones health, safety, quality of
life and even longevity. Medications ease pain,
reduce symptoms, correct chemical imbalances
and perform countless other functions that
improve medical outcomes.
There is great concern, however, among the
nations physicians and public health officials
about a growing problem concerning medica-
tions. Known as medication non-adherence, it
means the failure or inability to take medications
as prescribed, and its a major contributing factor
to illness and disability. Non-adherence has many
causes: 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 not
receive the full benefit of the medication, and
symptoms may worsen. In the worst case sce-
nario, this can be a matter of life and death.
The search for solutions to this worldwide
problem is multifaceted, but here in the
Pittsburgh region, RxMap is a creative solution
that addresses the problem in a direct and practi-
cal way. RxMap is a multiple-medication pill
packaging system that organizes prescribed med-
ications in a colorful, easy-open bubble card that
contains the pills and is clearly labeled for the
time of day the pills are to be taken. The package
is delivered to your home on a monthly basis. It
takes just one phone call to a registered pharma-
cist to enroll in RxMap and best of all, the service
is free of charge. Patients are responsible only for
their co-payments.
According to Lynette Tomasetti, Director of
Sales and Marketing for Hometown Pharmacy,
the services offered by RxMap are designed to
assure adherence to medication regimens. The
patient or caregiver simply calls our pharmacist
and we handle everything from there. Well dis-
cuss 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. Our staff personal-
ly delivers RxMap medication cards to homes all
over the region, to any location within a one-
hour radius of Green Tree, where we are based.
Doctors and nurses are enthusiastic about
RxMap and we find that once people get on the
system, they absolutely love it.
Shawn Nairn, owner and managing partner of
Professional Specialized Pharmacies which oper-
ates the Hometown Pharmacies at six sites in the
region, says that the RxMap program is a
concierge pharmacy, offering personal, highly
individualized service that makes a difference in
quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Medication non-adherence is often due to prac-
tical obstacles, he says, and our services remove
those obstacles.
RxMap is ideal for anyone taking multiple
medications. This includes the elderly, who
often have several co-existing conditions;
those with chronic diseases, cancer, heart disease
or mental illness; persons with HIV/AIDS and
those who have received organ transplants. Busy
parents whose children take multiple medica-
tions will find the RxMap helpful in preventing
missed doses.
Keeping track of a complex medication regi-
men can be a challenge for anyone. In fact, the
federal Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality reports that medication non-adherence
costs the healthcare system $300 billion annually
and causes 125,000 preventable deaths. AHRQ
estimates that up to 50% of people with chronic
diseases fail to take their medications as pre-
scribed.
Adherence to a medication regimen is essential
to health and can make it possible to live well
despite chronic disease. RxMap, developed by
MTS Medication Technologies, simplifies and
facilitates medication adherence, promotes
patient safety and convenience, and offers care-
givers peace of mind. Most importantly, it helps
keep patients healthy. Patients who take medica-
tions exactly as prescribed will experience fewer
complications of their condition, and this trans-
lates into fewer doctors appointments,
Emergency Room visits, hospital re-admissions,
and lower costs.
RxMap is a win for everybody.
If you think the RxMap program may be of
interest to you or someone you know, call
(412) 539-1331 to make an appointment
with the pharmacist.
RxMap Is a
Prescription for
Medication
Safety 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.
Well 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
E
very new year, many peo-
ple resolve to lose weight.
Yet at least 50 percent of
those who start an exercise or
weight-loss program in January
quit within six months. The fol-
lowing guidelines can help you
avoid being one of them:
Be specific. Determine your
desired timing and amount of
weight loss.
Set and track measurable goals. Assess your body
composition monthly, and your weight and/or waist
and hip measurements weekly.
Write an action plan. Include the days, times, dura-
tion and types of workouts.
Be realistic. Goals, plans and workouts should
match your current level of fitness and time constraints.
For example, expecting to lose more than two pounds
per week is generally unhealthy and unrealistic.
Be flexible. If your schedule changes and you cant
exercise as planned, revise your weekly routine.
Recruit an exercise partner a friend or significant
other. Partners with similar goals help motivate you and
hold you accountable.
Inform family and friends. Ask for support and
encouragement.
Schedule daily workouts. Make them as important
as other priorities.
Understand and plan around barriers and excus-
es. For example, some people believe they dont have
time 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 physical
activity, you will be happier
and healthier.
Work with a personal
trainer. Professionals can
help you design goals
and implement routines that
fit your individual abilities
and needs. Specifically, look
for a trainer with a degree in
exercise science, who is also
certified through ACSM, NSCA or NASM.
Since 2002, Adam has worked as a strength and condi-
tioning coach and personal trainer, in addition to fitness
director, research assistant and adjunct professor. He holds
a bachelors degree in Health/Physical Education and a
masters degree in Exercise Physiology. His professional
background includes Certified Personal Trainer (CPT),
NSCA-Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
(CSCS) as well as USA Weightlifting Sport Performance
Coach.
If my THYROID
is normal, why do
I feel this way?
Have your THYROID lab results come back
in range/normal but you still have these symptoms?
3
Abnormal Weight Gain
3
Fatigue
3
Anxiety/Irritability
3
Hair Loss/Dry Skin/Brittle Nails
3
Irregular menstrual periods
3
Increased Heart Rate
3
Depression
www.hormonecenter.net (412) 432-7909
WE CAN HELP!
Win the Weight-Loss Resolution Battle
Adam J. Swartzendruber,
MS, CSCS, is an Exercise
Physiologist/Personal
Trainer at Wilfred R.
Cameron Wellness Center of The
Washington Hospital. For more
information on weight-loss, call the
fitness department at the Wellness
Center at (724) 250-5203, or
email Adam at aswartzendruber@
wrcameronwellness.org.
>
Photo Credit: Hot Shotz
After the
Holidays
Skip the
Blues
I
nstead of relief, the
stress of the holiday
season can some-
times create a nagging sense of emptiness, loss, or unexplained sadness
when all of the excitement comes to an end. Experts have labeled this the
holiday blues and describe the effects as mild emotional upset to major
depression. The reasons we may feel this way are as varied as the moods
themselves. 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 EXPECTATIONS
Sometimes we just cant help being disappointed with the outcomes of
get-togethers, or the reactions of loved-ones in certain situations. The best
way to prevent this is to stop trying to please everyone and do what gives
you the greatest feelings of satisfaction. If you truly enjoy preparing a
Martha Stewart party, then do it; but do it without the discontent if others
dont 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, or
planning a mini retreat or vacation. After spending months thinking and
doing for others, its 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 Years resolutions. Dont make promises that
you know you wont 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, dont
go with the fads. Make it a lifestyle change. Any age is the right age to
work on self-improvement. Dont 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 can
easily be treated and reversed. With the shorter days of winter, you should
take advantage of the sunshine every chance you get. Plan a summer party
to shake-up Old Man Winter.
5. MAKE TIME FOR MAKING MEMORIES
Reflect on the good times of the year just past; share this reminiscence
with the people you care about. Put together a photo album, scrapbook, or
digital review. Call or visit the people you didnt have time to see over the
holidays. 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
R
ecently, at the grocery store, I
heard an elderly man say in a
grumpy 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 cant see you back there!
The teenage girl who was packing
my groceries said to me, He is
never nice to anyone.
I felt so badly for the kid. When I
was 16, I would have gotten that
lump in my throat that signals I-
might-start-crying, and I would
have been upset. As I left, I smiled at
the boy and said, I think you are
doing just fine.
I followed the scowling man to
the parking lot noticing his cane and
his limp. I considered saying some-
thing about giving the kid a break,
and then hesitated.
I reminded myself that I didnt
know what was going on in his life
or know what he was feeling. This
man may have lost his wife or the
limp could signal chronic pain. I
sighed. Had he ever been nice?
I realized that there was a lesson
here for me.
He was obviously unhappy. He
may not ever change. There will
always be crabby, unhappy people,
but the point is not to try to change
them. The point is to do what we
know we need to do.
Treat people how we want to be
treated. Let people know that you
respect them, you care, and ulti-
mately, always remember that we are
in this together and we need to stick
together.
Be an example for others.
Perhaps I would get an opportuni-
ty with this old man sometime in
the future to chat with him and ask
him what was wrong, to gently
point out that the kid was young
and he could have spoken to him in
a nicer manner. Maybe if someone
asked him sometime how he was
feeling? I dont have all the
answers but I do have some solu-
tions. Dont get angry if you arent
going to look for solutions.
Use your energy and concern to
change something. One smile at a
time, one question of concern at a
time, one act of kindness at a time,
one person at a time.
Remember, there are some really
great people out there. Be one of
them.
Donald W. Angel, CFP
, AIF
LPL Registered Representative

Cottrill, Arbutina Wealth Management Group
Waterdam Commons Office Park
157 Waterdam Road, Suite 280
McMurray, PA 15317
Tel: 724.683-3455
donald.angel@lpl.com
www.cottrillar butina.com/wm/
Wealth Management
Securities, financial planning and fee
based services offered through LPL
Financial, a Registered Investment
Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
HEALTHY BEGINNNGS
This New Year, Do Unto Others ...
>
Diana Fletcher is the author of Happy on
Purpose Daily Messages of Empowerment and
Joy for Women, and Reduce Your Stress
Month by Month Stress Reducing Strategies.
Her books are available on amazon.com in both print
and Kindle versions. They are also available for the
Nook at barnesandnoble.com. Diana can be reached
through her website, www.dianafletcher.com
or (412) 612-5977.
>
Prepare to
Quit Smoking
By Tim Cline
READY, SET ... QUIT?
For most smokers, its not always that easy
when it comes to quitting smoking. What you
need is a quit plan designed to work for you.
Knowing how to quit means understanding
how you are hooked. There are three primary
ways that cigarettes can hook someone you
are dependent on nicotine, its a comfortable
habit, or, you use cigarettes as a kind of
crutch.
Heres some advice on how to
understand these hooks:
1. NICOTINE DEPENDENCE. Nicotine
is addictive. Addicted smokers experience
unpleasant symptoms called nicotine with-
drawal - when their supply of nicotine is
interrupted. Its important to remember that
the symptoms go away in a week or so. The
problem is they can be very unpleasant while
they last irritability, anxiety, impatience, and
restlessness can weaken your resolve. You
need to be ready to deal with withdrawal
symptoms. Cessation medications are readily
available and come in a variety of forms.
Quitters who use a smoking cessation med-
ication properly greatly reduce or eliminate
many withdrawal symptoms, and are twice as likely to quit as those who
choose 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 that
always include smoking and find creative ways to change them up ways
that do not include lighting up.
3. CRUTCH. Do you feel there are times in your life when you truly
need 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 same
situations and do so every day without smoking. What makes things more
complicated is the fact that the way you breathe when you smoke can help
you to relax. You need to learn and you can only do so by quitting that
you do not need cigarettes to accomplish goals, such as keeping your weight
down, and that cigarettes are really harming you instead of making you feel
better.
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 quitting
altogether.
If you need the psychological boost of knowing you can stop smoking
gradually, then that is fine, as long as you understand that when your quit
day arrives you will stop all forms of tobacco use completely.
Find a buddy
The support of a friend is very helpful in quitting smoking. You do not
necessarily need someone who understands exactly what youre going
through, but one who understands how important
this is to you. You need someone who can encourage
you to keep going when you feel like giving in, and
not nag or criticize you if you slip.
Tim Cline is Senior Director, Clinical Training
and Development, UPMC Health Plan.
For more information about UPMC Health Plan,
visit www.UPMCHealthPlan.com.
>
SOME TIPS:
Choose a quit day,
when you will go
smoke-free. You may
need a couple of weeks
to prepare for it.
Cultivate support
from either a friend or a
health coach to help you
work through every
stage of the process
getting ready to quit;
quitting; and staying quit.
Be prepared for set-
backs. Take them in
stride, adjust your plan
and quickly get back on
course.
Stay positive.
Receive daily updates on local
events, health fairs and health
news you can use and more
.
By Nancy Kennedy
N
ew Years res-
olutions are
not every-
bodys cup of tea, but
the start of a new year
is traditionally
viewed as a time to
make changes to
improve ones health
and quality of life.
This may work for
some people after
all, the chaos and calories of the
holidays are behind us, and a new
year is symbolic of a new beginning.
But Mount Lebanon physician
David R. Sacco, MD, has a different
perspective for his patients one
that is both pragmatic and proven.
People have the best of inten-
tions when they make New Years
resolutions, but I believe that many
use this holiday as a tactic to delay
making essential changes. If you
need to lose weight, stop smoking
or exercise, dont wait, do it now, in
the present, rather
than the future.
January is actually not
the best time to launch a major
lifestyle change; the weather is usu-
ally terrible and the cold and gloom
can have a negative impact on your
energy and motivation. I encourage
my patients to start making changes
immediately, even small changes,
rather than take on a New Years
resolution that is likely to fail.
Sacco, who earned his medical
degree at the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine and
completed his internship at the
Medical College of Virginia
Hospital, says that in his experi-
ence, smoking cessation is the num-
ber one lifestyle change that people
attempt, and he acknowledges that
its not easy. There are many ways
that people try to quit smoking. The
use of medications, especially
Chantix or Welbutrin, is popular,
but neither has even a 50% success
rate. The good news is that, difficult
as it is, many people have quit, and
smoking is decreasing. Restrictions
in public places have been a factor
because they make it harder to
smoke.
Losing weight is a close second to
quitting smoking, and is a similarly
difficult lifestyle modification.
Sacco, who is board certified by the
American Board of Internal
Medicine, says that studies clearly
demonstrate that those who have
lost weight and, most importantly,
maintained the loss, did so by
decreasing portion sizes and exer-
cising. Fad diets are a waste of
time. The way to lose weight is to
eat the same food you have always
eaten, but less. You wont sustain a
diet that forbids pasta or bread. Eat
what you like but in smaller
amounts, and eat mindfully. We
tend to eat distractedly while
watching TV, or working at our
desks and we arent paying atten-
tion to the amount or to how we
feel. Hurried eating doesnt shut off
the 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, to
park farther from the door at the
mall, or to go for walks.
Weight loss plateaus can be dis-
couraging but Sacco tells his
patients to anticipate them.
Plateaus are normal and you will
hit them as you lose. Its essential
that you dont give up because of
a plateau. Keep doing what
youre doing because its obvi-
ously working, and eventually your
body will re-set itself and youll
keep losing.
Sacco advises people to invest in
one piece of weight loss equipment:
a scale. Many patients are shocked
when they come in and get on the
scale. You should have one at home
and weigh yourself once a week.
Not every day; there are too many
variables. Weight creeps up and a
scale is the only way to keep track.
Motivation, whether you need to
quit smoking or lose weight, comes
from within, says Sacco. You need
a support system but you cant do
this for others. No matter how
much your family wants you to suc-
ceed, you have to do it for YOU. You
should tell others that youre mak-
ing this change, though, to create
peer pressure, a powerful motiva-
tor.
Stress management is a challenge
for most people and leads to self-
medicating with nicotine or
overeating. Everybody struggles
with stress, says Sacco. It helps to
acknowledge this to my patients
and to encourage them to find other
outlets. We all need creative expres-
sion; that can be an effective strate-
gy to cope with stress.
In his personal life, Sacco is a
musician and photographer, so he
has plenty of opportunity for cre-
ative expression. But his best stress
relief strategy is simply family time
at home in Mount Lebanon, with
wife Aimee and daughters Madelyn,
4, and Katerina, 2. They are the
light of my life, he says, and I have
a lot of fun with them. My girls are
just 19 months apart and they are
best friends.
He also loves his patients and his
work with Mount Lebanon Internal
Medicine, a division of St. Clair
Medical Services. My patients
range in age from 18 to 102, and I
have four over the age of 100 who
lead full, active lives. People are so
interesting to me, and in my work I
get to know them well. I like being
in this practice because there are six
of us and if a patient needs to be
seen, they will be seen that day. We
have a great, convenient location,
right in the heart of the community
on Cedar Boulevard, a short walk
from Washington Road, and we are
accepting new patients.
To make an appointment or
contact Dr. David R. Sacco,
call (412) 561-1484.
GOUT &
HEART DISEASE
Learn more by calling
412-283-0077
www.GoutAndHeartStudy.com
Local study doctors are looking for people
with 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 Theres No Time
Like the Present to Improve Your Health
Many patients are shocked when they come in
and get on the scale. You should have one at
home and weigh yourself once a week. Not every
day; there are too many variables. Weight creeps
up and a scale is the only way to keep track.
-David R. Sacco, M.D.
>
Stay Fit and Enroll in Westminster Recreation and
Outreach Center (WROC) Fitness Programs
W
estminster Presbyterian Church
in Upper St. Clair is preparing for
an exciting offering of fitness pro-
grams designed to help you maintain your
health and fitness goals this winter. Classes
are offered in a full size gym and fitness
room and range from low impact to high
intensity. They have programs for a range of
fitness levels and ages, from children (our
Lil 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 that
bubbles up when walking into a fitness center for the first time. The WROC instructors
care for the whole person through prayer, encouragement, and knowledge of health and
fitness.
Winter classes include Aerobics, Anti-Aging Total Body Workout, Arthritis
Foundation Exercise Program, Cardio Sculpt, Energy Boost Cardio/Strength Workout,
Essential CORE and Strength, Personal Training, Tai Chi for Health, Zumba, and Zumba
Sentao Yoga.
First class is free. Find dates and times for classes at wroc.westminster-church.org
or call WROC director Kathy Long at (412) 835-6630.
Got
Balance?
By Peggy Gregor, BA
W
e strive to lead
healthier lifestyles
incorporating basic
elements of fitness. We pick up weights to increase strength, hit
the treadmill or dance class to improve our cardiovascular sta-
mina and take yoga to enhance our flexibility. Often overlooked
is 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 body
that are typically undertrained.
A major benefit of balance training is CORE strengthening.
Our core is not our abs but a group of deep muscles including
our abdominals, back, and hips that work together to create sta-
bility and strength in our bodies. Doing single leg lifts engages
the gluteal muscles and encourages pelvic stabilization. Small
muscles, tendons and ligaments that surround the knee and
ankle are also trained, thereby delivering improved joint
strength and ROM. Balance training creates a ripple effect. As
balance is incorporated, posture is improved leading to less back
strain, increased lung capacity, and improved digestive function.
Balance training aids in injury prevention, rehabilitation and
reaction time. We never know when our balance will be chal-
lenged. A wide receiver may need this when catching a ball near
the sideline to stay in bounds. Everyone needs it when climbing
steps, or walking on a slippery surface where the risks of falling
are greater. Integrating balance prepares the body to react to
these risks when least expected. Balance becomes second
nature.
Specific equipment is not necessary to glean the benefits of
balance. You have the best tools needed your body and your
brain. Standing on one foot or tip-toes serves as a great base for
static balance exercises. Adding hand weights and performing
upper 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 by
adding a hold on one leg after leaping side to side several times.
Be prepared to look and feel silly! As we develop our balance
skills 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 Healthtrax
Fitness and Wellness in Bethel Park, PA, can be
reached at pgregor@healthtrax.net.
>
>
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 body
from routine stress may lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, high
blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorder and other illnesses," says the
NIMH.
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 Live
series 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 insured
Highmark members and available for a nominal fee to non-Highmark members.
"The 'Daily Steps to Less Stress' program imparts a wealth of fresh knowledge and
preventive strategies that could help many of us improve our health for the better," said
Dr. Fischer. "Daily Steps to Less Stress" is a group-based program that meets one hour
a 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 declared
indoor tanning devices to be cancer-causing
agents that are in the same category as tobacco.
Studies have found a 75% increase in the risk of
melanoma in those who have been exposed to
UV radiation from indoor tanning. The American
Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA)
opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban on
the production and sale of indoor tanning equip-
ment for non-medical purposes.
Listed above are only a FEW of the harmful
side effects tanning beds have on a person. For
health reasons, you may want to consider sunless
airbrush tanning. At Tan Me/Upscale Airbrush
Tanning, we recognize these harmful effects and
offer 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 in
the art and science of sunless tanning.
Experienced airbrush technicians at Tan Me are
able to provide clients with a consistent, natural-
looking airbrush tan that is perfectly customized to
individual skin type and personal preference. The
services we offer are safe, fun, and warm.With just
one airbrush session, we can give a person that
golden glow they are striving to achieve. Equivalent
to one session, tanning beds take up to eight ses-
sions to achieve the same look. Plus there is
absolutely no mess. The only thing left behind is a
beautiful tan that lasts up
to 10 days!
Its 2013 and people
everywhere have heard
of the harmful effects tan-
ning beds have, not only
on a persons skin, but on
a persons life who has
been impacted by skin
cancer. Use this New Year
to replenish, and renew your skin. Because we all
know, healthy skin is in!
For more information or to make
an appointment at Tan Me/Upscale
AirbrushTanning, call (412) 406-7799
or visit www.tanmepgh.com.
THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING SUNLESS AIRBRUSH TANNING, OVER TANNING BEDS
Advertorial
>
By Nancy Kennedy
E
ndometriosis is a common
and painful condition that
affects 15-20% of women,
compromising their quality of life
during the years that should be their
prime of life: the years between 25
and 45. The disease can not only
cause pain and suffering, but also
result in infertility. To Nicole
Donnellan, M.D., this is unaccept-
able, and she is putting her formida-
ble energy and expertise into gaining
a better understanding of endo-
metriosis, with the goal of improv-
ing quality of life for the young
women affected by this disease.
Donnellan, a gynecologist, sur-
geon and endometriosis researcher,
is on the staff of the Center for
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic
Surgery at Magee-Womens Hospital
of UPMC, where surgeons utilize the
most advanced techniques to treat
gynecologic problems. Minimally
invasive surgery (MIS), which
includes both laparoscopic and
robotic surgery, requires smaller
incisions and produces less post-
operative pain, bleeding and scar-
ring. It can be used to treat a variety
of GYN conditions, including
fibroids, abnormal bleeding, pelvic
pain and endometriosis.
Despite its prevalence, endome-
triosis is poorly understood and
often unrecognized. Delay in diag-
nosis is a major problem when it
comes to endometriosis, Donnellan
explains. It affects people different-
ly, 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 womans quality
of life.
We actually know little about
endometriosis; we still dont know
the cause. My research is a novel
basic science study, meaning that we
are doing investigations at the tissue
level, in an effort to get to know
endometriosis better. Were asking
fundamental questions: what is the
tissue telling us? What is the
patients pain telling us? How does
the patients pain correlate with the
tissue we see at time of surgery?
Were building a tissue bank to help
us answer such questions and fortu-
nately, we have a large patient popu-
lation here who can contribute to
the research.
Donnellan is a powerhouse of
energy and enthusiasm who brings
exceptional gifts to every endeavor.
She loves her work as a surgeon,
finding it rewarding and even, at
times, exhilarating: I enjoy going to
work and facing new challenges. No
two patients are the same; no disease
presents the same way in every
patient. I love seeing the impact you
can make on an individuals life.
Seeing positive outcomes is so
rewarding.
Donnellan also focuses on impart-
ing her skills to the next generation
of OB/GYNs, for which she has been
recognized. In May 2011, she was
awarded the Fellows Teaching
Award, an honor bestowed by the
residents at graduation to one fellow,
chosen from among all the gynecol-
ogy subspecialty fellows. She was
recognized for her leadership and
skill in simulation training as well as
overall commitment to resident edu-
cation. Magee is a top-rated resi-
dency program full of bright, aspir-
ing ob/gyns. Its an honor to be rec-
ognized by such a fantastic group of
people.
She is a native of New England
who attended medical school at the
University of Pittsburgh and com-
pleted her OB-GYN residency at
Magee. Her interest in endometrio-
sis, and gynecology in general, is
rooted in personal experience. My
mother went through a lot of gyne-
cologic pain and that sparked my
interest in womens health, she
says. She completed a fellowship in
minimally invasive surgery at
Magee, and is now in partnership
with Dr. Ted Lee and Dr. Suketu
Mansuria, who were her teachers
and mentors for her fellowship.
According to Dr. Lee, Donnellan is a
great addition to the department.
Nicole is a resourceful person with
ideas and initiative, he says. She
takes a thorough approach to her
patients, knowing that the best
surgery begins before you go into
the O.R. It begins with knowing the
patient as a whole person and hav-
ing an individual plan. She has the
capacity to see the big picture,
including the patients disease as
well as their lifestyle and overall
health.
Donnellan admires her colleagues
not only for their professional
achievements, but also for being
well-rounded people a trait that
she shares with them. Shes a gyne-
cologist, surgeon, teacher,
researcher, athlete, wife, and for the
past four weeks, a mother. Her new-
born son, Colin, was born at 36
weeks gestation after a complicated
pregnancy, and is doing well.
Donnellans pregnancy and birth
experience have given her new
insight, she says, that will serve her
well when she returns to work.
Pregnancy and birth have made me
more empathetic to my patients. I
see things now from the patients
perspective and I have a better
understanding of pain.
To cope with the stress of her
work, Donnellan turns to her life-
long love: athletics. She was a triple-
threat athlete in high school, playing
on the varsity soccer, swimming and
tennis teams, and swam with her
Middlebury College swim team for
all four years. Today, she runs, swims
and skis and has completed several
marathons as well as the Pittsburgh
Triathlon. I love exercise, being
outdoors and spending time with
my family. I like Pittsburgh; every-
thing here is so accessible. UPMC is
a top academic environment, second
to none, where your training and
education never stop. Magee is a
national center of excellence and so
progressive. Ultimately, my goal is to
be one of the leading minimally
invasive surgeons in the country,
excelling in both research and
patient care. Our department is one
of the top ten in the nation and we
want to take it further through stel-
lar care of our patients and contin-
ued progressive research.
To make an appointment
with Dr. Donnellan at Magee
Womens Hospital of UPMC,
call (412) 641-6412.
To make an appointment at the new
Magee Womens Specialty Services in
Mount Lebanon, call
(412) 429-3900.
WOMENS HEALTH
Magees 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 womans quality of life.
>
WHAT IS
ENDOMETRIOSIS?
According to Dr. Donnellan,
endometriosis occurs when the
tissue that normally lines the
uterus and is shed during the
menstrual period migrates and
implants at other sites within
the abdomen and pelvis, such as
the bladder, ovaries, fallopian
tubes and intestines. Similar to
the tissue in the uterus, these
ectopic or aberrant tissue
lesions can respond to hor-
mone fluctuations.
Such lesions can lead to
infertility and incapacitating
pelvic pain as well as pain with
intercourse and bowel move-
ments. Pain can be isolated to
time of menses but may also
progress to affecting women on
more days than not during the
month. Some women even
suffer from daily, constant pelvic
pain.
Treatment of endometriosis-
associated pelvic pain begins
with an appropriate gynecologic
work-up to ensure that there is
not another reason for pain,
such as genitourinary, gastroin-
testinal or musculo-skeletal
conditions. Endometriosis-asso-
ciated pelvic pain can be
alleviated by medical options,
such as hormones, as well as by
surgical removal of the lesions.
Surgical Removal of Breast Lumps Performed
Comfortably In Outpatient Setting
By Dr. Natalie Furgiuele-Iracki
T
oday, most diagnoses of breast cancer are made prior to surgery by the
use of less invasive needle biopsy. However, if the needle biopsy does
not 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, or
lumpectomy, 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 wire
localization. When an area in the breast has undergone a needle biopsy, a
clip is inserted in the breast so that the radiologist knows exactly where the
area of concern is. In those instances, when the pathology of the removed
lump reveals something that needs further excision, a small guide wire is
inserted down to where the clip was placed. . The surgeon can then follow
the wire as a guide to surgically excise the tissue in the operating room. Most
of the time, these surgeries are done comfortably & quickly, with very few
complications 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 in
question 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 of
specialty services and world-class physicians to help
women with a variety of conditions.
Gynecologic Oncology
State-of-the-art,
compassionate, comprehensive
care for women with
gynecologic malignancies.
John Comerci, MD
Gynecologic Specialties
Evaluation and treatment
of women with complex
gynecologic needs relating
to: minimally invasive
gynecologic surgery (MIS).
Nicole Donnellan, MD
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Physician, nurse and obstetric
team specializing in high-risk
pregnancies, and medical
conditions that affect pregnancy.
Katherine Himes, MD
Midlife Health Center
Improves health of women in
midlife through either
co-management of care with a
PCP or primary gynecologist, or
by providing full-scope womens
health care, including primary
care services.
Judy Balk, MD
Reproductive Endocrinology
and Infertility
Infertility services for males and
females, including advanced
reproductive technologies.
Serena Dovey, MD
Joseph Sanlippo, MD
Anthony Wakim, MD
Urogynecology
The Womens Center for Bladder
and Pelvic Health treats women
with disorders of the pelvic
oor, including urinary and fecal
incontinence and pelvic organ
prolapse.
Michael Bonidie, MD
Jonathan Shepherd, MD
Magee-Womens
Specialty Services
1082 Bower Hill Road, Suite 125
Pittsburgh, PA 15243.
412-429-3900
WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS
MAGEE-WOMENS SPECIALTY SERVICES
Afliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,
UPMC is ranked among the nations best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
>
Applied Yoga:
Put It into Practice In the Kitchen, Really
By Anne Chaikowsky
W
orking full time, caring for a young child (or children), and a life
on a tight schedule with little room for extras, makes it chal-
lenging to fit in a yoga home practicetaking what is learned at
the yoga studio and practicing at home. The instructor suggests ways to fit
yoga into everyday life. Every intention is maderenewed weekly upon leav-
ing the yoga studioto set aside 20 minutes, 30 minutes, the ever-precious
and 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 Half
Moon 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, and
the kitchen has become a place where I practice yoga frequently, where a great
deal 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 the
stove 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 stancewatching
foot placement, spreading the toes, engaging the quadriceps, lifting the
kneecaps, keeping the spine straight, and the ankles lifted. Likewise, empty-
ing the dishwasher is a good way to work on Standing Forward Bend. Setting
the feet, engaging the legs and lengthening the spine first, as in Mountain
Pose, then bending out from the pelvis and coming down with a flat back to
reach for the dishes, relieves low back discomfort and
strengthens the body.
Applied yoga becomes a good home practice starting
point 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 atomyogapittsburgh@gmail.com.
>
HEART HEALTH
By Michael F. Hnat, D.M.D.
S
leep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Because adequate oxygen levels in the blood are needed for the body to
function properly, the breathing stoppages during sleep apnea deprive
the body of these ideal levels. The cumulative result is a debilitating body at
risk for many health problems including heart disease and heart failure.
Low oxygen levels in the blood cause repeated increases in the heart rate
each time the brain alerts the breathing muscles to work harder when
breathing stops. Eventually the continuous changes in heart rate through-
out the night cause damage to the heart tissue. Arrhythmia when the heart
beats 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 to
cause inadequate blood flow from the damaged heart to the entire body. This
in turn increases the workload on the heart and may cause it to fail.
Researchers at the prestigious Mayo Clinic found that patients with
obstructive sleep apnea have an increased risk of having a heart attack
between 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 shortages
on 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. Untreated
sleep apnea carries significant medical risks and is documented to reduce
life expectancy from eight to ten years.
The real heart of the matter is seeking treatment before sleep apnea can
do its damage.
Michael F. Hnat, D.M.D., is a 1979 graduate
of the University of Pittsburgh School of
Dental Medicine and Director of Progressive
Dental Solutions, dental sleep medicine facility
in McMurray PA. The primary focus of the facility, which
is accredited by the American Academy of Dental Sleep
Medicine, is the custom fabrication of oral appliances
for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep
apnea. For more information, call (724) 942-5630 or
visit www.progressivedentalsolutions.com.
>
By Nancy Kennedy
H
eart disease is the leading
cause of death for Americans,
causing more deaths than all
cancers combined. But heart disease
is preventable, and South Hills cardi-
ologist John Girod, D.O., says that
prevention is relatively simple: live a
heart-healthy lifestyle; get regular
health screenings to monitor blood
pressure, weight and cholesterol lev-
els; and know your risk factors for
heart disease, including family histo-
ry. An ounce of prevention really
does make a difference, says Dr.
Girod. We can prevent heart disease
and coronary artery disease. When it
is present, we can treat and stabilize
your disease but we cant take it away.
Once you have it, you have it for life.
With his partners in South Hills
Cardiology Associates, Dr. Girod
cares for men and women, and says
that heart disease can be more diffi-
cult to detect in women, for whom
the symptoms may be misleading.
Heart disease can present differently
in women, Dr. Girod explains, and
it 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 with
rest. Less typical is discomfort in the
shoulders, jaw, neck and upper back;
women are more likely than men to
experience these symptoms. Women
are also more likely to experience
angina related to emotional stress, as
well as something called nocturnal
angina, which is chest discomfort
that occurs during sleep.
Angina is the result of a lack of
blood flow to the heart muscle, usual-
ly due to blockage in one of the main
coronary arteries. Angina that does
not go away with rest may be indica-
tive of a heart attack and this requires
immediate attention.
Women with heart disease can pre-
sent a diagnostic challenge for cardi-
ologists, says Dr. Girod, who is on
staff of St. Clair Hospital. The diag-
nostic work-up for both genders
begins 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 get
a false positive result. Its best to com-
bine the stress test with imaging, for
women. If the stress test is suspicious,
the next step is a cardiac catheteriza-
tion.
There are other manifestations of
heart disease that affect women more
than men. This includes three condi-
tions that are gaining greater recogni-
tion as interest in womens heart
health continues to grow.
Microvascular angina refers to
chest pain that results from abnormal
functioning of the tiny blood vessels
imbedded in the heart muscle, rather
than in the large coronary arteries.
This occurs primarily in women in
the 50-60 age range. These women
will have abnormal stress tests, but no
evidence of blockages in their coro-
nary arteries, says Dr. Girod. The
treatment for this is vasodilators, like
nitroglycerin.
Vasospasm is the result of a spasm
in the layers of muscle that surround
the coronary arteries. This can result
in a transient blockage that produces
angina and in some cases, a heart
attack. This happens most often in
women who smoke and those who
take migraine medications and
decongestants.
Tak-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy is
stress-induced cardiomyopathy
(weakness of the heart muscle) which
happens predominantly in women
who are middle-aged or older. These
women experience chest pain and
have an abnormal EKG, but their car-
diac catheterization is normal. When
the cardiologist performs a test called
a ventriculogram, a characteristic pat-
tern of intense simultaneous spasms
of the small blood vessels of the heart
is seen. It was first described in Japan
in the early 90s and is also known as
broken heart syndrome because it
is due to severe emotional distress.
This syndrome is of special interest to
Dr. Girod, who actually treated the
first case of Tak-Tsubo cardiomyopa-
thy in the U.S. We see this about
once a month at St. Clair Hospital,
he says. We treat it like congestive
heart failure. The good news is that it
gets better in about a month.
Dr. Girod stresses that heart disease
is not inevitable as we age. Many of
the factors that contribute to heart
disease - smoking, obesity, inactivity
and unhealthy diets - can be con-
trolled or mitigated by simple, inex-
pensive lifestyle modifications.
Although family history is a factor
that cant be changed, it can be a tool
to motivate healthy living. Family
history tells you what your genetic
predisposition to heart disease is, Dr.
Girod says. If you have a history, you
have all the more reason to prevent
heart disease through a healthy
lifestyle.
In the U.S., cardiac event rates are
declining. Dr. Girod says that the
decrease in smoking is a positive
development, but unfortunately is
offset by the increase in obesity and
diabetes, which are major risk factors
for heart disease. At South Hills
Cardiology Associates, we are seeing
young people in their 30s with heart
disease. Fortunately, we can treat
them to stop the progression of dis-
ease and educate them about making
the changes that will reduce their risk
of heart attack.
Developing heart-healthy habits
not only reduces the risk of heart
attack, but also improves general
health, quality of life and longevity,
for men and women.
To make an appointment with
Dr. John Girod at South Hills
Cardiology Associates, call
(412) 851-0279.
Womens Heart Health Is
Largely a Matter of Prevention,
Says Dr. John Girod
For women, however, if you
do a treadmill test only, without
cardiac imaging, you may get a
false positive result. Its best to
combine the stress test with
imaging, for women. If the stress
test is suspicious, the next step
is a cardiac catheterization.
-Dr. John Girod
Sleep Apnea a Matter of the Heart
>
The STAR Center Offers FREE
CPR and AED Training in
Honor of Valentines Day
MEMBERS OF THE PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY ARE
INVITED TO LEARN HOW TO SAVE A LIFE AND
BECOME A HEART SAVER, ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY
9, 2013, IN HONOR OF VALENTINES DAY AND AS A
TRIBUTE TO HEART HEALTH MONTH.
T
he Simulation, Teach-
ing, and Academic
Research (STAR) Cen-
ter and the Community
College of Allegheny County
(CCAC)'s Public Safety
Institute will provide free
Cardiopulmonary Resus-
citation (CPR) and Auto-
mated External Defibrillator
(AED) training for the third
year in a row to all those
interested. No previous med-
ical experience is necessary
and no advanced registration
is required. Training sessions
will last approximately two
hours, with classes begin-
ning every hour, starting at
9:00 am and the final class
beginning at 3:00 pm.
Class attendees will learn
how to recognize the signs of
life-threatening emergencies
in adults and children and
will learn the critical skills needed to manage these situations when seconds
count. The specific content that will be covered in the class includes: adult
CPR AED, adult choking, child CPR AED, and child choking. The course is
structured around the American Heart Association (AHA)s research-driven
technique of Practice-While-Watching. As the name implies, students will
practice the skills on mannequins while viewing videos and watching
instructors 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 will
understand how to properly implement the appropriate procedure until
emergency medical service (EMS) responders arrive. Upon successful
demonstration of skills, students will receive Heartsaver CPR/AED Course
Completion Cards, which are valid for two years.
How To Save A Life and Become A
Heart Saver will take place at the STAR
Center, Pittsburghs only accredited
simulation training center, located at
4900 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh. For
more information, call (412) 688-STAR
or e-mail simulation@wpahs.org.
CLEARSTUDY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dont wait for another gout attack to strike.
Now is the time to act!
412-283-0077
Im taking allopurinol, but Im not getting relief.
Are you taking allopurinol but still having
gout attacks? Is you serum uric acid
level still too high? Would you like to
learn more about managing your gout?
Our doctors are looking for men and
women ages 18 to 85 with gout to take
part in a clinical research study for
people who are taking allopurinol but still
have had two or more gout attacks in
the past year. This study is evaluating an
investigational drug to see when
combined with allopurinol if it works
better in reducing high uric acid levels
in the blood the chemical in the body
that causes gout attacks.
Here is some information to help you decide if you
would like to learn more about this study.
What would my study participation
involve?
Attend study appointments for up
to 14 months. Most visits will be
monthly.
Follow study instructions by the study
doctor 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.
R
egardless of whether the
snow flies or the mercury
drops, more than com-
mon sense is needed for main-
taining proper heart health in
the winter.
According to the American
Heart Association (AHA), the
weather is not the determining
factor in heart-related issues, as
once assumed by many in the
field. In fact, an AHA study
revealed that in the peak winter
months there was a 10%
increase from the summer low
in circulatory deaths which
include heart failure, heart
attack, cardiovascular disease
and stroke.
Dr. Aashish Dua, a Premier
Medical Associates cardiologist,
explained, There are several
factors unique to winter that
lead to the increase in cardiac-
related traumas and deaths this
time of year.
If you or someone in your
family has heart-related chal-
lenges, it is important to note
the risk factors that are preva-
lent in winter including:
Shorter days Decreased
daylight and sunshine alter hor-
monal balance, such as cortisol,
and can increase risk for those
with cardiac issues.
Hypothermia exposure
Winter offers up a lethal mix of
sleet, rain, snow and wind giv-
ing those with heart disease an
increased risk for hypothermia.
More oxygen is needed to main-
tain body temperature, which
raises blood pressure and strains
the heart.
Year-end stress Holiday
season and the years end bring
increased 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 get
disrupted in winter due to less daylight and many people neglect nor-
mal exercise routines.
Weight gain The desire for comfort
foods, exposure to holiday treats and decreased
exercise all impact weight maintenance critical
to proper heart health.
Dr. Aashish Dua is one of the
more than 70 providers at
Premier Medical Associates.
Visit PremierMedicalAssociates.com
to learn more.
>
As the winter season bears
on, Dr. Dua has offered
5 tips to help people protect
their heart health:
1. Eat a balanced diet that has
sufficient protein and vegetables to
keep up Vitamin D levels and
decrease the desire for sugar and
carbs.
2. Avoid weight gain because
the winter season makes it harder
to lose despite traditional New
Years resolutions.
3. Avoiding sudden, unusual
physical exertion such as shov-
eling snow. Strenuous activity, par-
ticularly in early morning, can spike
blood pressure and strain the
heart.
4. Stay hydrated. Inadequate
fluid intake can cause fluctuations in
blood pressure and the oxygen
needs of the body, forcing the heart
to work harder.
5. Dont overlook flu and
pneumonia vaccinations. For
people with cardiac risk and those
over 65, these vaccines are often
undervalued. Either condition can
be devastating to those with heart
conditions.
Take Charge of Your Heart
By Michael D. Parkinson, MD, MPH
N
o one cares more about your heart health
than you do. Thats pretty obvious, but
whats not as obvious is that if you take
charge of your heart health, you may be able to
cure yourself of heart disease in the process.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of
death in the United States for both men and
women. There is abundant evidence that it can
be prevented, reversed and even abolished.
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., of Cleveland Clinic
has developed a diet that consists almost entire-
ly of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant-
based foods. All meat and dairy products have
been eliminated. Within 10-14 days of the time they start the diet, some of
his 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 the
surgical procedures (inserting stents) nor the drugs that go with the proce-
dures treat the real cause of the condition. Although these treatments may be
life-saving for some, they are still just stopgap measures.
Dr. Esselstyn became convinced that the fatty American diet contributed
to heart disease by examining other countries where heart disease was non-
existent. It is his contention as well as that of other medical experts that
the body is not built to handle the excess and unhealthy fats that are in many
American 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 be
the result of another new pill or procedure or operation. Instead, it will come
from educating the public about how they can live the healthiest possible
type of lifestyle.
When it comes to understanding the power of food, Dr. Esselystyn says,
Its either going to devastate you or its going to enhance your health and
well-being.
Unfortunately, however, because of the way our physicians have been
trained 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 on
medications 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 heart
disease, says Dr. Esselystyn. Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trig-
ger, he says.
You have the capacity to stop, reverse and prevent
heart disease. Your willingness to follow a healthier,
largely plant-based diet and lifestyle that maximizes
your heart health will ultimately determine how
long 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
parkinsonmd@upmc.edu.
It is not genetics
or bad luck that
determines
whether a person
gets heart
disease, Genes
load the gun, but
lifestyle pulls the
trigger.
>
Winter Risks
and Resolutions
for Heart Health
HEART HEALTH
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr.
By Lori A. Pazzabon, DPT, CLT
H
ave you ever walked into a store and seen some-
one wearing bulky layers of bandages on their
whole 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 condition
called lymphedema. Whats lymphedema? If you
dont know, youre not alone. Most people have never
even heard of the term lymphedema unless they or a
loved one have been diagnosed.
So what is it? Lymphedema is the swelling of a body
part that most commonly occurs in an arm or a leg.
This swelling is due to an accumulation of protein rich
fluid in the tissue spaces underneath the skin. Swelling
can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen, or genitals.
Lymphedema is classified as either primary or sec-
ondary. Secondary lymphedema is much more common
in the U.S. and is a result of damage to a normally func-
tioning lymphatic system. Such damage can be caused
by cancer and its treatment, surgery, trauma, chronic
venous insufficiency, and/or obesity.
Lymphedema can be diagnosed in most cases by
using only basic diagnostic procedures (i.e. patients
history, inspection, palpation, and volume measure-
ment). Characteristics of lymphedema include a dis-
comfort or heaviness in the affected area; a slow onset
swelling (i.e. starting in the hand or the foot); and/or
skin changes.
The lymph system is made up of tiny, fragile vessels,
larger vessels, and lymph nodes. This system removes
unwanted substances such as bacteria and cancer cells
from the body. The lymph nodes also produce lympho-
cytes the disease fighting cells for the immune system.
Therefore, treatment of lymphedema is necessary to
keep the lymph system functioning at its best possible
performance.
Lymphedema is treated with Complete Decongestive
Therapy (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 nail
care. Despite widespread belief, basic compression
pumps are not always the best form of treatment for
lymphedema. The basic pump disregards the fact that
the ipsilateral trunk quadrant is involved and requires
many hours a day of use to be effective. It also may
cause trauma to residual functioning lymph vessels.
There is no cure for lymphedema, only lifelong man-
agement skills. If left untreated, lymphedema can be
complicated by: recurrent infections (such as cellulitis),
non-healing wounds, discomfort or pain, difficulty
with daily tasks, emotional, and social distress. Early
diagnosis is important since this is when treatment is
most effective.
If you suspect you or a loved one may have signs of
lymphedema, please contact your physician to get the
proper diagnosis and treatment!
Lori A. Pazzabon, DPT,
CLT is the Director of
Lymphedema Therapy
at Orthopedic &
Sports Physical Therapy
Associates, Inc. (OSPTA).
For more information, call
(724)929-5774 or visit
osptainc.com.
Lymphedema Ever Heard of It?
PUBLISHER
Nancy Lammie
EDITORIAL MANAGER
Judy Gramm
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Barbara Levenson
Margie Wilson
DESIGN & LAYOUT
JMC Graphics
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(412) 835-5796
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Bianco,
Vanessa Orr, Nancy Kennedy,
Lois Thomson
WEB SITE DESIGNER
Keith Trageser
www.keithtrag.com
keithtrag@gmail.com
SPRING ISSUE DEADLINES:
EDITORIAL: MARCH 1
AD MATERIAL: MARCH 8
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The Guide To Good Health is published quarterly
(4 issues per year) by JMCPublications. The contents
of this publication may not be reproduced in whole
or in part. All rights reserved.
www.guidetogoodhealth.com
>
Male Health Alert!
Male Breast Cancer - Me? Come on
by Margie Webb, RN
W
hat do these men have in common: former KISS drummer, Peter
Criss; 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 be
2,140 new cases and 450 deaths.
Male breast cancer when found is usually in the more advance stages. It
strikes older men (60-70) but it can happen at any age: 1 in 1,000 men. Any
of these symptoms could be cancer - a painless lump near or behind the
nipple, nipple discharge, misshaped breast, or a lump or thickening in the
armpit. Any breast lump in a male is abnormal and should be checked by a
doctor.
As with female breast cancer, the cause is unknown but we know the risk
factors. The risk factors include: having large breasts (gyneomastia), inher-
iting mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, Klinefelter syndrome a genetic
disorder with an extra chromosome present, disease related causing high
estrogen levels such as cirrhosis (liver disease) and exposure to cancer
causing chemicals
In 2008, at age 45 Peter Devereaux was diagnosed with Stage 111 breast
cancer. I felt like a freak. How can this be? Im a Marine. He under went
a mastectomy. At Marine Corps Camp Lejeune, he and other Marines along
with their families were exposed to contaminated water. Camp Lejeune was
built on a former pesticide-mixing facility and 70 other toxic chemicals and
solvents. According to the last reported tally, there were 73 other men with
breast cancer. (Anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune can register
for a health study or get more information, by visiting
https://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 had
breast cancer. Following his treatment, Harvey and Vicki launched a non-
profit website so that guys with breast cancer will not feel alone. For more
information 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. For
more information go to www.MaleBreastCancer.org.
The bottom line, KISS Peter Criss advises all men, Get yourself checked
out and act quickly. It doesnt have to do with being
macho. Its just smart. Guys, breast cancer is not
just a women disease. Know what your chest,
breasts, and under arm areas feel like. If something
feels different, see a doctor. The life you save may
be your own.
To contact Margie Webb, RN,
Licensed Massage Therapist email
margahhhamassage@aol.com
>
Foot Problems
Men 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 are
treatable, and easier to treat when diagnosed early.
Lets look at foot pain this way - Pain is like the oil light in your car. Left
unchecked or ignored, what you may consider "some foot pain" can slowly
worsen 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 result
from 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 to
the 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 develops
slowly allows the natural joint cartilage to wear down leading to pain and loss
of function. A painful arthritic joint left to develop over time usually results
in joint replacement or fusion.
Tendonitis usually develops from a sudden increase in physical activity
at work or when men play weekend sports. Tendonitis left untreated may
lead 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 diabetes
or have poor circulation. Treatment is usually straightforward and less dan-
gerous if treated early.
If you are suffering from any of the above
conditions or know of anyone who is also
presently suffering, please take a moment
and explore Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists
website www.pennfoot.com and click Patient
Handouts and you will find answers regarding foot and
ankle conditions. To schedule an appointment at one of
our convenient office locations, call (724) 222-5635.
Dr. Marks is medical director of The Washington
Hospital's Wound & Skin Healing Center, and a
podiatrist with his partner, Dr. Nick Lowery, in Penn
Foot & Ankle Specialists.
>
MENS HEALTH
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up terrified because when
I rolled over in bed, the
world started spinning.
Whats wrong with me?
Q. Believe it or not, this is a fairly
common complaint in our office. You are
likely experiencing what is known as ver-
tigo an illusory sensation of motion that
patients usually describe as a spinning
sensation. Vertigo is typically the result of
a problem affecting the balance or vestibular system in your inner ears.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (otherwise known as BPPV) is
one of the most common causes of vertigo, and can often be treated in
just one office visit. Positional dizziness is provoked by a change in
position such as lying down, rolling in bed, looking up and bending
forward. 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 as
crystals or calcium deposits, in the inner ear. When the otoconia
become dislodged, they migrate to a portion of the balance system
called the semi circular canals. The otoconia collect within these canals,
and movement or motion to the canals causes a disruption to the fluid
within these canals. This disruption in fluid causes a disruption in the
neural 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 an
Audiologist. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, BPPV is often easily and
effectively treated within a few minutes in the office using a positioning
treatment called the Epley Maneuver. During the maneuver, the
patients head and body are moved in such a way to allow the otoconia
to 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 is
that 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 a
good idea to be checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.
Nicole Wasel, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, Washington Ear, Nose
and 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 IT
AND WHAT CAN BE DONE
TO HELP?
Tinnitus is the perception of
sound within the human ear in
the absence of corresponding
external sound. It may be a part
of sensorineural or congenital
hearing loss, or it may be a side
effect of certain medications.
However, the most common
cause is noise-induced hearing
lossone reason why military
veterans who have just
returned from war duty and
musicians often complain of
tinnitus.
Most people with tinnitus
have some degree of hearing
loss. They are often unable to
clearly hear external sounds
that occur within the same
range of frequencies as their
phantom sounds. Tinnitus can
be perceived in one or both
ears, or in the head. It can be
intermittent, or continuous, in
which case it can cause distress.
The sound perceived might
range from a quiet background
noise to one that can be heard
even over loud external sounds.
Derived from the Latin word
tinntus meaning "ringing,
tinnitus is not a disease, but a condition that can result from a wide range of
underlying causes: neurological damage, ear infections, foreign objects in the
ear, nasal allergies that prevent fluid drain, or wax build-up. Yet another
cause is the use of in-ear headphones, whose sound enters directly into the
ear 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, it
takes the form of a high-pitched whining, electric buzzing, hissing, hum-
ming, or whistling sound.
For more information, contact Metropolitan ENT
at (724) 940-5755 or visit www.metroent.org.
TINNITUS
CAN BE PREVENTED
Tinnitus and hearing loss can be perma-
nent conditions. Persistent tinnitus may
cause irritability, fatigue, and on occasion,
clinical depression and musical hallucina-
tions. Here are a few ways to lessen the
damage:
Do not place objects in your ear such
as cotton swabs to clean your ear.This can
cause a wax impaction against your
eardrum, which can cause tinnitus.
Take blood pressure medicines and
other prescribed medications as ordered
by your doctor.
Protect your hearing at work. Your
work place should follow Occupational
Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
regulations.Wear earplugs or earmuffs and
follow hearing conservation guidelines set
by your employer.
When around any noise that bothers
your ears like a concert, sporting event or
hunting, wear hearing protection or
reduce noise levels.
Everyday noises such as blow drying
your hair or using a lawn mower can
require protection. Keep earplugs handy
for these activities.
Ringing in the Ears,
Known as Tinnitus
>
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 SURGERY
ROUTINE & COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS
DIABETIC EYE DISEASE DRY EYES
Dr. Benjamin Chun, M.D.
Medical Director
MD - Brown-Dartmouth
Ophthalmology Residency -
Madigan Army Medical Center
Six Locations close to home
White Oak - Irwin - Oakland - North side - Southside - Robinson
Call today for an Appointment
412-681-8505
www.cliofpa.com
By Benjamin Chun, M.D.
D
ry Eye Disease is a very common disease, often misunderstood, and
mistakenly thought of as not very serious. Also known as Ocular
Surface Disease, it can cause a variety of symptoms, sometimes
severe, including, red eyes, sharp pain, dull pain, headaches, foreign body
sensation, grittiness, itching, redness, blurry vision and tearing. Often, a
person with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the cheeks,
which may seem confusing. This happens when the eye isn't getting
enough lubrication, despite the presence of tears. The eye sends a distress
signal through the nervous system for more lubrication. In response, the
eye 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't
do their job.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
There can be many reasons, including meibomian gland dysfunction,
environment, medications (antihistamines, birth control pills etc.), recent
eye 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 diseases
can 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, Doxycycline
Our Dry Eye Center at Cataract and Laser
Institute of PA can correctly diagnosis the type of
dry eyes and treat you accordingly.
Dr. Benjamin Chun is Medical Director,
Cataract and Laser Institute of PA. He is a
Board Certified Ophthalmologist specializing
in routine eye care as well as diseases of the
eye. A specialty area for Dr. Chun is the management
of dry eye conditions. For more information, visit the
website www.cliofpa.com.
EYE CARE
>
Surprising Facts About Dry Eyes Aches and Pain this
Winter Season?
The Solution is Just Steps Away
I
s there some truth to the well
known clich: feeling under the
weather? With winter quickly
approaching, many people may experi-
ence first-hand effects that freezing
temperatures, increased precipitation,
and changes in atmospheric pressure
can have on the body. The winters can
wreak havoc on joints, particularly on
people who suffer from rheumatoid
and osteoarthritis, producing daily
aches and pains that often can be debil-
itating.
Lindsey Buches, DPT, physical ther-
apist at Centers for Rehab Services in
Greensburg, provides some informa-
tion on why we experience more pain
with winter conditions. When our
bodies experience cold temperatures
and changes in barometric pressure
our muscles react by contracting or
shortening, which leads to compres-
sion at joint surfaces, says Dr. Buches.
Arthritis on joint surfaces even under
ideal conditions, often crowd the joint and cause pain by placing pressure
on receptors within the space. This combination of rubbing muscles against
arthritic joints creates the perfect recipe for aches and pains.
Steps can be taken to relieve these symptoms, says Dr. Buches. Muscles
that are warmed tend to stretch, which can relieve the pressure on the joint
surfaces. She recommends activities that involve at least 20-30 minutes of
movement a day, such as walking, biking, or swimming. If you do not
belong to a gym, aerobics class, or have any home equipment, there are
some great programs in the area offered to benefit those who want to be
physically fit. One such opportunity is at your local mall. Most malls open
early every weekday to allow walkers to take advantage of the large open
spaces 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 for
physical activity. This winter season procure a break from the aches and
pains 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
>
PHYSICAL THERAPY
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Q. How can integrative
neurology help with low
back, hip and leg pain?
A. Integrative neurology combines the
knowledge of medical neurology (the study
of the brain and nerves) with complimenta-
ry techniques like laser acupuncture, chiro-
practic and herbal therapies.
There are many different reasons why a
person develops lower back, hip and leg
pain. The most common are spinal stenosis,
sciatica, pinched nerves and neuropathy. Despite billions of dollars
spent on research of these conditions, no one single method has
emerged 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 back
and lower extremities; Integrative Neurology is an ideal approach for
treatment. The symptoms may be similar, but the cause of those symp-
toms varies greatly. Determining where and why the nerves are injured
is 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 decompression
therapy. We utilize a special traction belt device that was developed in
Israel to non-surgically decompression the injured nerves in patients
suffering from both disc herniations and spinal stensosis. Adding laser
acupuncture can often help damaged nerves to repair while suppressing
pain. It is a modern version of acupuncture based on neurology that
does not require needles. Supplementing the diet with specific nutrients
may also speed up the healing process. Nutrients like GABA and
Acetyl-carnitine may actually reduce nerve pain while promoting nerve
healing. A specific follow-up exercise program based on a patients MRI
results and designed to maintain spinal nerve decompression offers the
best chance for long lasting improvement. Integrative
Neurology is about offering many different treatment approaches for
neurological conditions, combined individually for each patient, all
under 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 a
proven 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
>
Directory
Chiropractic Care
DR. AMY M. JENNINGS, D.C.
_________________________________
Gentle Healing Hands of Chiropractic
1010 Clifton Road Bethel Park, PA
412-283-1060
Accept most Insurances
(UPMC, BC-BS,
Auto, Ect.)
HOURS: Monday: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. & 4 - 8 p.m. Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 4 - 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. - 3p.m. Saturday: 8 - 11a.m.
KUKURIN CHIROPRACTIC, ACUPUNCTURE & NUTRITION
George W. Kukurin DC DACAN, Jason S. Franchi DC & Kristopher C. Adolph DC
2415 Sarah Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412.381.4453 www.alt-compmed.com
Preferred provider for most insurance plans including BCBS, UPMC, Cigna & more.
Dr. Kukurin was named a Top Chiropractor by the
Consumers Research Council of America. He is listed in
Whos Who in Medicine and Healthcare. With over
20 years experience using laser acupuncture, chiropractic
and science based nutritional therapies, the results
produced by his methods have been featured on local
TV 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
412.381.4453
Relief is right here in the Pittsburgh area.
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Directory
Natural Health
By George W. Kukurin
Kukurin Chiropractic,
Acupuncture & Nutrition
By Nancy Kennedy
A
s Parochial Vicar of Immac-
ulate Conception Catholic
Church in Washington,
Father Nick Spirko is a man who is
familiar with miracles, but he never
expected to experience one of his
own. Father Nicks personal mira-
cle was performed by an
orthopaedic surgeon, Armando
Avolio Jr., M.D., of Advanced
Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation
(AOR), a group of orthopaedic sur-
geons who offer comprehensive
diagnostic and surgical care to
patients who are having problems
with joints or other musculo-skele-
tal conditions. Father Nicks surg-
eries gave him new knees that have
transformed his life. Knee replace-
ments drastically improved my
quality of life, he says. I had
reached a point where I didnt want
to bear weight on my knees. My
mobility was limited to where I did
only what I absolutely had to do,
instead of what I wanted to do.
For a priest, thats a problem.
Father Nick loves being a priest,
although its not an easy life. Priests
have active lives, managing schools
and churches, and are on-call 24/7,
ready to respond when a parishoner
is ill, dying, or in crisis. When
Father Nick, 66, began developing
osteoarthritis in both knees, it
became harder for him to fulfill his
responsibilities. The arthritis
slowed me down, he says. My
pain would get worse throughout
the day, especially with walking and
standing. I saw Dr. Avolio, a mem-
ber of the parish, and over the years
I took anti-inflammatory drugs. As
my arthritis progressed, though, I
realized that there were things I
would no longer be able to do, such
as the Easter services. I decided in
the fall that in order to be back on
the job and ready to go by Easter, I
would need a knee replacement
during the winter.
His knee replacements took place
one year apart and were performed
by Dr. Avolio at the 14-bed, state-of-
the-art Advanced Surgical Hospital
in Washington, which opened in
2010 and represents a new concept
in healthcare: the facility is totally
dedicated to orthopaedic specialty
care. Patients who are undergoing
joint replacement and other proce-
dures receive all the services they
need, including post-op P.T., in a
single setting.
Orthopaedic patients have
unique needs, and our hospital is
unique: its strictly for orthopaedic
surgery so everything is tailored for
that. Our team of surgeons, nurses,
anesthesiologists, pharmacists and
therapists provide the most
advanced care available. With the
small number of patients, the nurse:
patient ratio is often 1:1, which
enables the nurses to give superb
care and personal attention. Our
nurses love working here, and that
kind of job satisfaction leads to
improved care and outcomes. We
have intensivists who follow every
patient, and our anesthesiologists
use sciatic blocks, which reduce
pain and the need for narcotics,
making patients better able to do
their therapy.
Advanced Surgical Hospital offers
convenient, customized care in one
place, which is appreciated by
patients with compromised mobili-
ty. Patients receive a pre-op tour to
familiarize them with the environ-
ment. For Father Nick, that prepa-
ration made a difference. It helped
because I knew what to expect. I
was there for 4 days; the treatment
was excellent. I was able to stand on
the first day and my knee felt solid
and strong. Its a great hospital.
Dr. Avolio says that Father Nicks
response is typical. The feedback
from patients just blows me away.
Patients tell me This was the best
experience Ive ever had in a hospi-
tal. I never heard that before but
now, I hear it all the time.
A native of Aliquippa, Dr. Avolio
specializes in knee, hip and shoul-
der surgery, as well as sports medi-
cine. He attended medical school at
Baylor University and did his
orthopaedic surgical residency at
Hahnemann University (Drexel).
He has been practicing orthopaedic
surgery for 25 years, including 20
years in the Washington area, and
performs 250-300 surgeries every
year. Dr. Avolio loves his work.
Orthopaedics isnt life and death
surgery, he says, 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 theres nothing
like hearing a patient say that you
gave them back their life.
Sometimes, the outcomes are dra-
matic. Recently, a woman cried and
told me, You changed my life. I can
do things again. I was miserable but
Im a nicer person now.
Dr. Avolio says that knee surgery
can not only improve the quality of
ones life, but also extend it. A
recent report said that joint replace-
ment improves longevity because it
gets you moving, and thats better
for cardiovascular health. People
with painful joints are likely to be
sedentary and thats a major risk fac-
tor. The decision to have a knee
replacement is personal and Dr.
Avolio believes that the patient must
decide. My goal is to keep my
patients as comfortable as possible.
When theyre ready, theyll tell me, I
cant live this way anymore.
With the population aging, there
will be greater demand for joint
replacement in the future. Dr.
Avolio says that advances have
made the prostheses better and the
incisions smaller, but the greatest
advance would be to find a way to
halt arthritis. There are misconcep-
tions about arthritis. Osteoarthritis
is genetic, but people who have it
are unfairly blamed. Its not due to
the work you did or your weight.
Genes, not obesity, are the #1 factor
but weight accelerates it once you
have it. To stop the progression,
people need to do non-impact exer-
cise and lose weight.
Father Nick urges people to have
joint replacement surgery sooner
rather than later. Anyone who is
having trouble with mobility due to
knee arthritis shouldnt hesitate to
have surgery. Its a lot to go through,
but nothing compares to being
mobile again. Its absolutely worth it.
To learn more about
Advanced Orthopaedics and
Rehabilitation, or the
Advanced Surgical Hospital,
visit www.advancedorthopaedics.net
Dr. Armando Avolio Transform
Lives Through Knee Replacements
ORTHOPAEDICS
Orthopaedics isnt 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 theres
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
back to her new hobby kayaking. To help her regain strength and motion, she
chose UPMCCenters for Rehab Services. We offer access to expert physical and
occupational therapists, and with our many locations throughout the region, you
can find a location thats close to you. We also accept most major health plans.
We helped Vicki get back to doing what she loves. Let us do the same for you.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nations best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about Vickis story,
visit UPMC.com/MyCRS or call 1-888-723-4CRS (4277).
Morethan50
physical therapylocations.
Moreways tokeepdoing
what youlove.
I
magine struggling to take each breath and then to exhale - this is the
experience of millions of Americans each day. Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term referring to two lung diseases,
chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both of these diseases are characterized
by obstruction to the airflow that interferes with breathing. Frequently, a
person diagnosed with COPD has both diseases, so doctors typically use the
term 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 another
12 million who struggle with breathing daily and have not been diagnosed
and 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 high
risk 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 is
experiencing these signs and symptoms of CODP. The doctor may suggest a pulmonary function test to help diagnose
the 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
clonigro@interim-health.com.
Tips for Readers with
Respiratory Problems
W
hile the New Year provides many
with a fresh start, it can often be a
difficult time of year for those suf-
fering from an underlying lung condition. If
you 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 to
constantly think of hydration.
Use a cold weather mask or a scarf if venturing outdoors. The cold and
dry winter air often irritates the lungs.
If your inhaler has been exposed to the cold, warm the canister between
your palms prior to using it. This allows for optimal aerosol action when
triggered.
If you use a humidifier to keep the indoor air moist, make sure you clean
it well every day. For little to no cost you can humidify your indoor air by
simply 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 to
help 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 away
from any heat source and follow your home care companys recommenda-
tions for safe handling.
If you still smoke and have been diagnosed with a lung problem such as
COPD, maybe this is the year you try to quit for good. Remember that many
of 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.org
or call 800-220-1990.
SYMPTOMS OF
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
chronic cough
increased mucous
the need to frequently
clear your throat
shortness of breath or
wheezing
Chronic bronchitis causes
inflammation and eventual
scaring of the lining of the
bronchial tubes. Emphysema
begins with the destruction of
the air sacs or alveoli in the
lungs where oxygen is
exchanged for carbon dioxide
in the blood.The damage is
irreversible. Symptoms also
include limited exercise toler-
ance.
>
>
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Dan G. Alexander, M.D. (I)
724-947-5535
Dan Alexander, MD
Avella
Avella Family Practice, LLC (F)
724-587-3472
Sean Porbin, MD
Bentleyville
Centerville Clinics, Inc. (F)
724-239-2390
Sheila Anderson, DO
Jill Sharer, MD
Burgettstown
Cornerstone Care (F)
724-947-2255
Julie DeRosa, MD
Melissa Kashlan, MD
Julie Orlosky, DO
Sharpnack & Maskarinec Medical
Group, PC (F)
724-947-4770
Michael Falcione, MD
Bruce Maskarinec, DO
Bruce Sharpnack, MD
California
Washington Health System
Family Medicine-California (F)
724-938-7466
Allison Verenna, MD
WPHO, a partnership of over 250 local primary care and
specialist physicians and the Washington Health System,
was founded in 1994 to assure access and availability
of high quality healthcare within our community for your
benet and convenience. Look for these local physicians
and healthcare services in your health plans provider
network. That way, you can receive the quality care you
need at a location close to home.
Canonsburg
Family Medicine-Canonsburg (F)
724-745-4100
Ashley Berkley, DO
Lisa Goss, MD
Peter Martina, DO
Monica Speicher, MD
Carmichaels
724-966-5081
Rebecca Plute, MD
Cecil
Family Medicine-Cecil (F)
724-873-7414
Sarah Duncan, MD
Matthew Eisley, MD
Lauren O Brien, MD
Mylaina Sherwood, MD
Claysville
Claysville 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
Cokeburg
Alvaro N. Changco, MD, Inc. (F)
724-945-6128
Alvaro Changco, MD
Eighty-Four
Kevin G. Boehme, MD/Family
Medicine (F)
724-228-2488
Kevin Boehme, MD
Fredericktown
724-632-6801
Yong Cho, MD
Hickory
Sharpnack & Maskarinec
Medical Group, PC (F)
724-356-2273
Michael Falcione, MD
Bruce Maskarinec, DO
Bruce Sharpnack, MD
Houston
Internal Medicine-Houston (I)
724-745-9150
Henry Folb, MD
McDonald
Family Medicine-McDonald (F)
724-926-8001
Aaron Lenhart, DO
McMurray
Complete Family Care (F)
724-260-0830
Frederick Landenwitsch, MD
Elizabeth Oshnock, DO
Janine Rihmland, MD
John Six, MD
Brian Szklinski, MD
Abigail Templeton, MD
Jay Ziegler, MD
Family Medicine-McMurray (F)
724-942-4011
Kurt King, MD
Pediatric and Adolescent
Care-Waterdam (P)
724-942-6499
Gary Smith, MD
Stephanie Sussman, MD
Primary Care-Lakeside (F)
724-969-1001
Mary Lamb, MD
Kristen Romesburg, DO
Waterdam Family Practice (F)
724-942-4372
David Mittell, MD
Washington
724-223-1067
Shweta Arora, MD
Khalilah Dann, MD
Daniel Holt, MD
Mark Mamros, MD
Jennifer Muhly, MD
Cornerstone Care-Pediatric
Associates of Washington (P)
724-228-7400
Edward Foley, MD
Tatiana Zeballos, MD
Craig D. Fox, MD (F)
724-228-4550
Craig Fox, MD
Internal Medicine and
Geriatrics of Washington (I)
724-222-4464
Richard Hahn, MD
William Kottner, MD
James Krebs, MD
Tylerdale Family Medicine (F)
724-222-7240
Nicholas Fuerst, MD
Joshua Goodrum, DO
Sean Kelly, DO
Dennis Kitsko, DO
Family Medicine-Tylerdale (F)
724-223-8626
Dennis Davis, MD
Family Medicine-Neighbor Health (F)
724-223-3100
Jeffrey Minteer, MD
T. Grant Phillips, MD
W. Paul Slomiany, MD
Matthew Stantspainter, DO
Kimberle Vore, MD
Family Medicine-North Main (F)
724-225-9970
Christa Malinak, MD
Sunaina Nangia, MD
Internal Medicine-North Main (I)
724-229-7570
Douglas Corwin, MD
Richard Hart, MD
Pediatric and Adolescent
Care-Washington (P)
724-250-6001
Michael Faust, MD
Tera Faust, DO
Civie Felice, MD
Tina Lengauer, DO
Richelle Sommereld, MD
Washington Internal
Medicine, Ltd. (I)
724-222-9300
Patricia Friedsam, MD
Harry Silvis, MD
Waynesburg
Family Medicine-Waynesburg (F)
724-627-8080
Dylan Deatrich, MD
Sherry Zimmerman, MD
F - Family Practice
I - Internal Medicine
P - Pediatrics
WASHINGTON PHYSICIAN
Our Primary Care Physicians
Providing the high quality health care you need
close to home.
Allergy and Immunology
Advanced Allergy & Asthma
724-224-5440
Kumar Patel, MD
Allergy & Asthma Care
724-941-6780
Nikhil Dav, MD
Anesthesiology
Keystone Anesthesia
Consultants, Ltd.
724-222-7167
Lee Bischof, DO
Joseph Brula, MD
Gray Goncz, DO
Ajoy Katari, MD
James Massucci, MD
Christopher Merck, DO
David Odasso, MD
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Regional Cardiovascular
& Medical Center, Inc.
724-222-0436
Maninder Bedi, MD
Brian Cross, MD
Glen Miske, DO
Cardiology
Donohue & Allen Cardiology-
UPMC, Inc.
724-222-1125
Christopher Allen, MD
Bryan Donohue, MD
John Pensock, MD
Cardiovascular Care
724-225-6500
Charles Brown, MD
David Campsey, MD
John Costello, MD
John Frazier, MD
Neil Hart, MD
Michael Pecora, MD
James Richardson, MD
Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery
Three Rivers Cardiac Institute
724-228-8585
Ahmad Abrishamchian, MD
Ross DiMarco, MD
Hazem El-Khatib, MD
Alice Pierce, MD
Antonio Sortino, MD
G. Frederick Woelfel, MD
Chiropractic
Chiropractic Care Center
724-223-9700
Duane Marasco, DC
Dermatology
Ann B. McCune, MD
724-942-0610
Ann McCune, MD
Vujevich Dermatology Associates
724-228-7006
Kristina Paley, MD
Justin Vujevich, MD
Marion Vujevich, MD
Emergency Medicine
EmCare
724-223-3085
Richard Aprea, MD
Douglas Corkum, MD
Amarjith Mally, MD
Pascal Phares, MD
Thomas Pirosko, DO
Endocrinology
Allegheny Endocrinology
Associates
412-359-3138
Murray Gordon, MD
Hemlata Moturi, MD
Gastroenterology
Pezzone Gastroenterology
Associates, PC
724-503-4637
Michael Pezzone, MD
Southwest Gastroenterology
Associates
724-941-3020
Philip Joson, MD
Richard Kenney, DO
Richard Panicco, DO
Mohan Phanse, MD
Jennifer Totten, MD
General Surgery
Natalie Furgiuele, MD
724-942-0010
Natalie Furgiuele, MD
Pareso and Brown Surgical
Associates, Ltd.
724-225-7300
Dennis Brown, MD
James Pareso, MD
Surgical Associates
724-222-9500
Brent Angott, DO
Washington Surgical Services
724-229-1344
Carlos Valladares, DO
Hospitalist Medicine
HMP of Washington County, LLC
724-579-1654
Paramvir Bains, DO
Gary Davenport, MD
Anthony DeFail, DO
Hyacinth Entero, MD
Donald Faith, MD
Rick Greco, DO
Daniel Jackson, DO
Mahamadu Maida, MD
Jaime Mullin, DO
Jignesh Patel, MD
Khushboo Patel, MD
William Pendergast, MD
Thomas Waltz, DO
Mailinn Wong-Perez, MD
Silpa Yalamanchi, MD
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Disease
724-206-9149
Atif Saeed, MD
Medical Oncology
Oncology Hematology Association
724-223-3816
Patrick Kane, MD
Nitin Kapoor, DO
Alexis Megaludis, MD
Wayne Pfrimmer, MD
Nephrology
Dialysis Clinics, Inc.
724-229-8834
Jessie Ganjoo, MD
Amit Nahata, MD
Southwestern Nephrology, Inc.
724-228-1303
Shirley Dopson, DO
Subramoniam Jayakumar, MD
Teredesai, McCann and
Associates, PC
724-228-2611
James McCann, DO
Cynthia West, MD
Neurological Surgery
Allegheny General Hospital
Department of Neurosurgery
724-228-1414
Patrick Flannagan, MD
Michael Oh, MD
E. Richard Prostko, MD
Nestor Tomycz, MD
Frank Vertosick, MD
Donald Whiting, MD
Neurology
Adult Neurology Center, PC
724-229-6195
Kent Berkey, MD
Bruce Cotugno, MD
Evgeniy Shchelchkov, MD
Southwestern Pennsylvania
Associates in Neurology
724-228-4011
Tatyana Barsouk, MD
Anne Josiah, MD
Karen Tobin, MD
Obstetrics/Gynecology
OB/GYN Associates
724-225-3640
Jennifer DAbarno, MD
William Mitsos, MD
Malay Sheth, MD
Kathryn Simons, MD
Kevin Stocker, MD
Marianne Wizda, MD
Michael Zinsser, MD
Occupational Medicine
724-223-3528
Scott Leslie, MD
Ophthalmology
Southwestern Pennsylvania
Eye Center
724-228-2982
E. Ronald Salvitti, MD
Jennifer Salvitti Davis, MD
Sean Pieramici, MD
Frederick J. Scheib, MD, PC
724-223-0700
Frederick Scheib, MD
Washington Eye Center, Inc.
724-222-3937
Paul Caimano, DO
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
Joseph S. Nawrocki, MD, DMD
724-225-3022
Joseph Nawrocki, MD, DMD
Sherman Spatz, DMD Associates in
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
724-222-3422
Sherman Spatz, DMD
William Spatz, DMD
Western PA Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
724-223-0579
Steven Krakora, MD, DMD
Orthopedic Surgery
Advanced Orthopaedics
& Rehabilitation, LLC
724-225-8657
Armando Avolio, Jr., MD
Gregory Christiansen, MD
John Gibbons, MD
Patrick McCulloch, MD
Vincent Ripepi, DO
Michael Scheel, MD
Joseph Stracci, DO
Steven Theis, MD
David Welker, MD
Anthony C. Canterna, MD, LLC
724-222-5940
Anthony C. Canterna, MD
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
724-206-0610
Mark Lesh, MD
Jeffrey Matheny, MD
Edward Poon, MD
David Stapor, MD
Allan Tissenbaum, MD
HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION PROVIDER NETWORK
Our Specialist Physicians
We have ofces conveniently located in the community.
Otolaryngology
Eugene F. Paluso, MD, Ltd.
724-228-0782
Eugene Paluso, MD
Jeffrey B. Banyas, MD, LLC
724-942-3502
Jeffrey Banyas, MD
Washington Ear, Nose
& Throat, LLC
724-225-8995
Howard Goldberg, MD
Edward Stafford, MD
Pain Management
Keystone Pain Consultants
724-222-7170
Rekha Galla, MD
Palliative Medicine
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
724-250-4500
Jeffrey F. Minteer, MD
Pathology
Pathology Associates of
Washington
724-223-3137
Lawrence Lee, MD
Alden McBee, MD
Richard Pataki, MD
Nathaniel Sherwood, DO
Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
Anthony N. Ricci, MD, PC
724-228-4106
Anthony Ricci, MD
Associates in Physical
Medicine & Rehabilitation
724-223-9270
Michael Platto, MD
Debra J. Panucci, MD, LLC
412-862-6938
Debra Panucci, MD
Medical Rehabilitation, Inc.
724-206-0293
Todd Franco, DO
Plastic Surgery
Amelia Par, MD
724-941-8838
Amelia Par, MD
Podiatry
Canonsburg Podiatry Associates
724-746-1870
Kathryn Weldy, DPM
Cynthia B. Hateld, DPM
724-222-8883
Cynthia Hateld, DPM
Grossman Podiatry Center
724-222-5230
Adam Grossman, DPM
The Orthopedic Group
724-745-6055
Mark Hofbauer, DPM
Philip S. Pinsker, DPM
724-225-7410
Philip Pinsker, DPM
Foot and Ankle Specialists
724-222-5635
Brandon Crim, DPM
Gerald Kaufer, MD
Nicholas Lowery, DPM
James Marks, DPM
Psychiatry
Psychiatric Care Systems, PC
724-941-4070
Amanda Rush, MD
Oscar Urrea, MD
Behavioral Health
724-579-1075
Ravindranath Kolli, MD
Jeanann McAllister, MD
Navdeep Purewal, MD
Pulmonary Medicine
Daniel A. Iracki, MD
724-942-0004
Daniel Iracki, MD
SW PA Pulmonary &
Sleep Medicine, Ltd.
724-222-2577
Jeffrey Godwin, MD
Charles Koliner, MD
Chetan Naik, MD
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology in
Partnership with UPMC
Cancer Center
724-223-3788
Michael Dougherty, MD
Radiology
Greater Washington
Radiologists, Inc.
724-223-3300
Giovanna Aracri, DO
Kevin Birnie, MD
William Castro, MD
William Conroy, MD
William Downer, MD
Michelle Kirshen, MD
David Leukhardt, MD
Dina Novitskaya, MD
Wilson Pyle, MD
Timothy Zelenak, MD
Radiology - Interventional
Interventional Radiology
Specialists, Inc.
724-223-3059
Carl DiGiorgio, DO
Jeffrey Hilger, MD
Brian Schiro, MD
Philip Wildenhain, MD
Rheumatology
Arthritis and Rheumatology
Associates of SW PA
724-228-8856
David Seaman, MD
Urology
Timothy P. Weyrich, MD
724-942-3963
Timothy Weyrich, MD
Urology 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 Services
95 Leonard Ave.
Washington, PA 15301
724-225-8800
Urgent Care Services
3515 Washington Rd.
McMurray, PA 15317
724-969-4321
Washington
Washington Hospital
Inpatient and outpatient services
including:
Cancer Care
Emergency Care
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Heart, Lung and Vascular Center
Orthopedics and Neurosciences
Ruth York Morgan Health Education
Learning Place
Womens Health
Hospice Care
Outpatient Center- Neighbor
Health
Diabetes Education and
Management Program
Laboratory
Radiology
Womens Health
Wilfred R. Cameron
Wellness Center
Outpatient Physical and
Occupational Therapy
Spa Harmony
Corporate Wellness Services
Sports Medicine
Wound and Skin Healing Center
Greenbriar Treatment Center
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol
Rehab Services
Strabane Trails of Washington
Senior Independent Living
Strabane Woods of Washington
Senior Assisted Living
Burgettstown
Diagnostic Center-Burgettstown
Laboratory
Radiology
Canonsburg
Diagnostic Center-Canonsburg
Laboratory
Cecil
Outpatient Center-Cecil
Laboratory
Radiology
McMurray
Medical Plaza-Peters Township
Laboratory
Radiology EKGs
Waynesburg
Greene County Medical Plaza
Laboratory
Radiology EKGs
www.washingtonhealthsystem.org
WITH WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM
By Lois Thomson
W
hen Barb Provenzano had
her first child, her mother-
in-law made a special offer
to watch the baby one day each week,
so Provenzano could have a free day
to herself. So what did she choose to
do? She decided to volunteer as part
of The Washington Hospital's
Auxiliary.
"My mother-in-law was very kind.
She said, 'I'll take (the baby) one day a
week and you can do whatever you
want to do. You can get your hair
done, you can go shopping.' I said
fine. But I decided I wanted to do
something for other people. That's
mainly how I got started 40 or 45
years ago."
Provenzano is one of more than 330
members of the Auxiliary, which was
formed in the 1890s to help raise
money for the hospital. Since that
time, the Auxiliary has raised more
than $5.3 million. Laura Adams,
another volunteer, said the money
goes to The Washington Hospital
Foundation, which consults with the
Auxiliary on which hospital projects
need funded and have the greatest
need. They are also given the option
not to fund something. "The
Auxiliary contributed $170,000 for a
new state-of-the-art Behavioral Health
Unit within the Emergency Depart-
ment. We've also contributed toward a
Bone Density Scan Machine for
Womens Health at the Neighbor
Health Center, and most recently for
directional kiosks that will give visi-
tors directions to various depart-
ments in the hospital."
One of the main ways the Auxiliary
raises money is through the hospital
gift shop. Adams, a former Auxiliary
President, has been volunteering for
about 22 years first in the
Emergency Department, in critical
care, on the gift cart and currently
for the gift shop. "Right now I'm a
register worker. I am also a buyer of
gifts 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 to
benefit the hospital. We also benefit
patients and families or visitors in the
hospital by giving directions or taking
them where they want to go. It makes
you feel good to do these things, to be
helpful."
Provenzano serves as treasurer of
the gift shop. "I volunteered (for the
position). The treasurer who was
there for many years was moving,
and I had said to the manager of
the shop, if she ever quits I would
like that job. I'm good at working
with figures, that's what I like to
do. And I've done that since
1980."
According to Provenzano, a lot
of volunteers are found through
people who just come into the
hospital and say they would like
to get involved. "We tell them to
call the Volunteer Director,
Kathleen Michalovicz. The need
for hospital volunteers is very
great, and the Volunteer Director
is always actively recruiting new
folks through newspaper ads,
community flyers, or by word of
mouth through current volun-
teers. People fill out an applica-
tion, and the director interviews
them and sees what their inter-
ests are. There are so many differ-
ent areas in the hospital that need
and 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 President
and Assistant Gift Shop Manager, and
Laura Adams, Past Auxiliary President
and current gift shop buyer.
While the hospital gift shop is the largest
fundraiser of The Washington Hospital
Auxiliary, the Auxiliary also raises money
in other ways. Volunteer Laura Adams
explained, "We have many sales we've had
book sales, jewelry sales, purse sales, shoe
sales. That's one way volunteers help, by
working the sales. The hospital also has a
charity ball each spring that we do in con-
junction with the hospital Foundation."
Additionally, the hospital hosts a Christmas
party each December for the employees'
children, which the Auxiliary organizes.
Adams pointed out that while the event
benefits the children, any money raised from
that goes to a charity that has been decided
by 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
T
he Washington Hospital has
been established in the region
for more than 100 years, and
one of the reasons for its longevity is
because it is continually looking for
better ways to serve patients. Here is
an update on two of the latest initia-
tives:
The 1897 Society
The 1897 Society, founded during
the past year as part of The
Washington Hospital Foundation's
revamping its fundraising structure,
is co-chaired by William and
Saundra Stout. As Bill explained,
The Washington Hospital has many
programs that are provided to resi-
dents of our community, along with
30 to 40 satellite facilities or services
in Western Pennsylvania, many of
which are not money-making
propositions. For that reason, the
Foundation reaches out to individu-
als, corporations, and private foun-
dations, seeking funding in support
of these programs and services.
The 1897 Society, so named
because the hospital was founded in
1897, was formed to assist the
Foundation in that capacity. "The
Society is comprised of individuals
who are stepping up and supporting
the philanthropy initiative," he said.
"Our goal is to solicit individuals
throughout the area who are
willing to make a financial com-
mitment to the hospital." He
added that there is a certain level
of giving expectation for mem-
bership in the Society.
The Stouts are residents of
Washington County, Bill a for-
mer businessman and Saundra a for-
mer superintendent of schools in
public education. They were
involved with the Foundation before
agreeing to serve as co-chairs of the
Society. "We started with a core
group of maybe 15 people, and we
reach out to others who have sup-
ported the hospital in the past. We
have signed up 28 individuals so far
and we're trying to increase that to
50 by this time next year. We believe
we could grow this group to 100 or
more in the next three to five years."
Contributions raised through The
1897 Society may be dedicated
either to a specific initiative, i.e.,
hospice care or teen outreach, or to
what is called the "greatest need" of
the hospital, i.e., training, hospital
services and programs, equipment,
or other capital needs.
Patient and Family
Advisory Council
The Washington Hospital is form-
ing a Patient Family Advisory
Council (PFAC) to help ensure that
the highest-quality care is being pro-
vided to patients, and to help
improve the overall experience by
shaping policies and programs.
Specific goals include providing sup-
portive channels of communication
between patients, families, and hos-
pital staff; providing feedback on
delivery of services; educating fami-
lies on health care issues; and assist-
ing in planning for new facilities and
services.
The PFAC will start with 10 mem-
bers, and increase to no more than
21 as the Council grows and devel-
ops. Members will be selected from
among patients, family members or
community members who would
like to volunteer their time. Initially,
members will be chosen by a group
of leaders from the hospital, and the
qualities they will focus on when
making recommendations include
an applicant recognizing that each
patient and family is unique, having
a willingness to work with others,
being a good listener, and being able
to collaborate on solutions.
Council will meet monthly and
the term will be for two years.
However, those not willing or able to
make such a commitment may be
interested in being part of a short-
term work group that would focus
on a specific task, such as redesign-
ing hospital signage, sharing health
care experiences with others, assist-
ing with developing and/or editing
educational materials, etc.
Interested persons may fill
out an application form
(found on the website listed
below, or by calling Kristen
Rogers at (724) 223-3175). For
more information about The 1897
Society, call (724) 223-3875
or visit the website at
www.washinghospital.org. For more
information about the Patient and
Family Advisory Council, call Kristen
Rogers at (724) 223-3175 or visit
www.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
>
>
By Bethany Narey, CCT
T
he United States has the most expensive health care system in the
world. 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 throughout
the body up to 10 years before other diagnostic instru-
ments. Rather than looking for a structure or mass, thermography identifies
vascular and cellular changes that are traced by temperate differences and
visualized in color. 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.
Why havent you heard much, if anything, about thermography? Thermo-
graphy has been FDA approved since the early 1980s although it is still not
widely used throughout the
United States. The majority of
Pennsylvanians do not even
know it is an available option
for them in their healthcare
program. States such as
California, Florida, and
Connecticut have a large
patient base that utilizes ther-
mography because it is a safe
alternative in their personal
medical imaging choices.
Thermography provides an
option when it comes to imag-
ing. Countries such as Japan,
Korea, China, Brazil,
Germany, and Poland utilize
thermography extensively;
this is shown by the medical
literature being published
from these countries. In fact,
most of the research utilizing
thermography is conducted in
the mainstream hospitals and
universities. These countries
among others are more inter-
ested in thermography appli-
cations in neurology, rheuma-
tology, and vascular medicine.
However, the United States
only utilizes thermography
primarily in the breast health
sector.
Today we know the benefits
of detecting dysfunction in the
body at an earlier stage. We
also know the importance of
having options in our health-
care that are radiation-free and
non-invasive. Thermography
is one of the latest tools to
enhance the well being of
men, women, and children
and is now available in our
community.
We invite you to visit
Health Enhancing
Thermography at our
new location 110 Ft.
Couch Rd. Bethel Park, where
you can meet our friendly staff.
Call Health Enhancing
Thermography at (855)
254-4328 or visit us online at
www.heat-images.com.
MEDICAL TESTING
What Do Other Countries Know That We Dont?
>
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
What Will Happen to
Your Special Needs Child if
Something Happens to You?
By Attorney John A. DOnofrio
T
he one question that I receive on
a daily basis, as a Special Needs
Attorney, is what will happen to
my special needs child if something
happens to me?
Where will my Special Needs Child
live? Who will take care of my child on
a daily basis? How will my Special
Needs Child get to doctors appoint-
ments, school, or to other activities?
Where will the money come from for
housing, clothing, food, medical needs,
and other necessities?
Special Needs Parents need to plan
in advance for the support and protec-
tion of their Special Needs Child. Do
not wait until you are older, like most
people who for some reason or anoth-
er think that they will live forever. The
time to plan is now!
Keep in mind that unlike a healthy
child, a Special Needs Child will not be
able to fend for himself or herself and
thus the plan that you put into place is
going to answer that most important
question asked above.
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. Together these docu-
ments will provide for monies, a Guardian, Custodian, and Trustee for the
Special Needs Child and will also ensure that the Special Needs Child will
not 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 and
the many options available to ensure your Special Needs Child's care when
you 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) 941-8877
www.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 not
appropriate, your next step should be to
contact Attorney John A. DOnofrio today at
(412) 893-2552 or at john@donofriolawoffice.com.
DOnofrio Law Office, P.C. is located in Moon
Township, PA and can be found on the web at
www.donofriolawoffice.com.
>
By Shaun M. Eack, Ph.D.
T
reatments for autism spectrum
disorders (ASD) have primari-
ly focused on early interven-
tion and childhood treatment pro-
grams. Although these programs are quite helpful for children as they move
through the educational system and provide them with programs to
improve their lives, many of the services end when children reach the age
of 18. Little evidence-based treatments exist to help adults with ASD as they
transition and continue into adulthood.
The difficulties that ASD presents do not end at age 18. Adulthood has its
own challenges as individuals attend college, build friendships, and attempt
to advance careers. For many, this time is fraught with the challenges of
over-stimulation, fitting in, and shifting toward independence that adult life
demands. Still, scientifically-validated treatments for adults are almost com-
pletely absent.
Recent research has identified difficulties in thinking or cognition as key
contributors to disability in adults with ASD. Studies have demonstrated
that 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 ASD
also experience difficulty in managing stress and emotions, and lack the
skills needed to cope with adult life. Mental stamina and ability to quickly
process information are critical to keeping up at work and school. The abil-
ity to understand social contexts and take the perspective of others provides
the foundation for succeeding in interpersonal situations.
Recognizing the need for treatment in adults with ASD, the University of
Pittsburgh began the Perspectives Program. This program is pioneering two
new research interventions to help adults with ASD develop the cognitive,
social, and emotional abilities needed to succeed in adulthood. The focus is
placed particularly on psychosocial interventions, which include non-drug
therapeutic strategies to target the core symptoms of autism. Cognitive
Enhancement Therapy and Enriched Supportive Therapy provide support
and are designed to improve cognition, social functioning, problem-solving,
stress management, and skills needed to succeed in adulthood. It is hoped
that by providing this evidence, such treatments will
become a standard of care and routinely available to
help adults maximize their strengths and lead suc-
cessful and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Shaun M. Eack is Assistant Professor and
Director, Perspectives Program, University of
Pittsburgh. For more information, contact 1-
866-647-3436 or autismrecruiter@upmc.edu
or visit www.pittautismresearch.org.
New Treatments for Adults with
Autism Spectrum Disorders
AUTISM
>
The difficulties that ASD
presents do not
end at age 18.
K

K >
W t W
W

t^ ^
Helping the Child with
Autism Spectrum
Disorder Avoid
Mealtime Stress
By Sandra M. Best, OTR/L
M
any children experience mealtime problems at some point, includ-
ing inconsistent appetite, pickiness, fear of new foods, clumsiness
with 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, the
sounds, smells, and sights of food preparation and the mealtime routine may
be overwhelming. Consider giving your child advance warning that dinner
preparation 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 the
table to offer a sense of control over the proceedings.
Many children with ASD have impaired gross and fine motor skills and
coordination. Parents may find it helpful to relax behavioral expectations at
meals and ignore fidgeting by allowing the child to sit on a pillow or prop
her 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 variety
of foods their children will accept. Food preferences may be restricted to spe-
cific textures, colors, or flavors. When offering new foods, do so gradually as
a snack to avoid mealtime angst. Praise the childs willingness to explore the
food 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 with
ASD. Parents may want to consult with their pediatrician to determine if an
evaluation by an occupational therapist or other feeding specialist would be
beneficial. 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 help
their child with ASD feel more comfortable trying new
foods, demonstrate improved mealtime behaviors, and
attain optimal nutrition and growth.
For additional information about Feeding the
Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Early
Intervention, call TEIS Early Intervention
Provider at (412) 271-8347 or visit
www.teisinc.com orwww.earlyinterventionsupport.com.
>
Southwestern Pennsylvanias Largest
Nonproft Provider of Early lntervention Services
711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203
(412) 995-5000 or (888) 272-7229
www.achieva.info
Celebrating Abilities.
Exceeding Expectations.
From the Beginning
ACHlEVA Can Help
Early Childhood Education Physical Therapy
Feeding and Nutrition Social Work
Hearing Services Speech Therapy
Occupational Services Vision Services
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
goodhealthmag@aol.com
SPECIAL
NEEDS
TRUSTS
and
PLANNING
LEGAL FEES WAIVED!
$500 expense fee charged
Special Needs Planning legal fees
normally are between $4,500 to
$7,500 - these fees are waived
DOnofrio Law Office, P.C.
Moon Twp, PA
412.893.2552
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR SPECIAL
NEEDS CHILD IF SOMETHING SUDDENLY
AND UNEXPECTEDLY HAPPENS TO YOU?
Please join us for this half-day seminar
hosted by The Childrens Institute of
Pittsburgh.
The seminar will be held at The Childrens
Institute of Pittsburgh at our Squirrel Hill
location from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The cost
is $30 and space is limited to 125 attendees.
For more information, contact
Roxann Diez Gross, Ph.D. at
412.420.2249 or rgr@the-institute.org.
Teaching Curiosity to
Your Visually Impaired Infant
By Beth Ramella, M.Ed.,
TVI/COMS
S
ighted children learn
mostly because they are
curious about objects
they can see. Children who
are blind or visually
impaired are unable to see
interesting things to grasp
and will not develop curios-
ity about objects unless they
are in direct physical contact
or 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 they
drop a favorite toy, they are unlikely to search for it. However, if through
touch they are given the slightest clue as to where it is, they will grasp it
quickly.
A child who is blind can appear uninterested and lacking in curiosity, even
though they may be listening intently to what is happening around them. To
reach the stage where they will reach to sound and search for objects, they
must be given experiences to encourage their curiosity.
Babies must first learn that there are things around them experience. We
can do this by bringing the world to them. For example, we can ensure that
the baby is in contact with toys by placing them near their body. When they
move, chances will increase that they will touch something interesting. If toys
are placed near their feet, they will learn that things happen 'down there' as
well as near their hands.
We can give the baby a variety of experiences to show them the world is
full of wonderful and various objects. This can include different:
Textures - such as soft or hard floors, sticky things, rough or smooth rugs
and 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 young
children with visual impairment during this crucial stage of development.
For more information, contact Beth Ramella, Outreach Director at the
Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, at
ramellab@wpsbc.org or (412) 621-0100 ext. 379. >
9th Annual All Abilities
Camp Fair
Saturday, February 2, 2013
10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
Ross Park Mall
1000 Ross Park Mall Drive
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:
ABOARDs Autism Connection of PA
35 Wilson Street, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15223
Phone 1-800-827-9385
www.autismconnectionofpa.org
Print
Services Services
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 goodhealthmag@aol.com
JMC PUBLICATIONS, PRINTING, GRAPHICS & DESIGN
ACHIEVA in Need of Volunteers for Health
Screenings for Adults with Disabilities
ACHIEVA is looking for health care professionals willing to assist with conducting
free health screenings for adults with disabilities. These screenings will take place across
the Allegheny County region this spring at various locations. If you can spare a day
or two this spring to staff a health screening session, please contact Melissa Allen at
(412) 995-5000 ext. 569 or mallen@achieva.info.
C
amp Fireflies is a residential camp
designed for teenagers who are bright and
creative 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 in
social skills facilitate friendships and develop
their social thinking skills. Camp Fireflies is for
pre-adolescents and teenagers and is organized
and staffed by behavior consultants and profes-
sional educators.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of our camp is to create a fun,
safe and supportive environment where campers
can 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 strong
sense of self-worth and confidence. Even the
small successes help our campers learn about the
value of perseverance. Camp programming is
highly structured with opportunities for campers
to select activities based on preference. The focus
camp is to increase socialization opportunities,
facilitate interactions, and promote friendship.
In the morning, the counselors provide
campers with a visual schedule and information
regarding choice activities. Schedules are accom-
panied by a task analysis of steps. Each step has
an illustrated or written directive. Counselors
facilitate participation through prompting strate-
gies and increasing motivational (reinforcement)
system. Applied Behavior Analysis principles will
be utilized on an individual basis to ensure par-
ticipation and pro-social behaviors.
Camp Staff
The camp direc-
tor, Kim Callen,
has been working
with children,
teenagers, and
young adults with
special needs for close to 15 years. Kim has train-
ing in discrete trial therapy, verbal behavior,
PECs, social skills, Crisis Prevention
Intervention, and self-help skills. Kim has super-
vised staff in the implementation of program-
ming, social skills groups, and behavior plans. In
addition to Camp responsibilities, Kim works
with school districts to establish services for stu-
dents with autism and with Autism Therapy
Solutions, Autism in the Community and pri-
vately with families as an ABA therapist/consul-
tant.
>
SUMMER CAMPS
Camp Lee Mars
Many Milestones
in 2013
2
013 will mark many milestones for Camp Lee Mar. Camp Lee Mar
will celebrate its 61st season as the foremost camp for children with
special needs; the camps founder and director, Ms. Lee Morrone, will
celebrate her 61st summer at camp; and Ari Segal, owner and executive
director, will celebrate his 21st season at Lee Mar!
It is quite rare in the camping world for a new owner and a former
owner to work together for more than a year or two, but 2013 will mark
Lee and Aris 20th season together! This itself is an incredible milestone!
Lees wisdom and experience, combined with Aris innovations and
additions, have made Lee Mar one of the most progressive programs for
children with special needs, with campers attending from all over the U.S.,
as well as from overseas. Lee and Ari have worked so well together
because of their mutual respect and flexibility. They both are focused on
our campers with special needs and on their desire for Lee Mar to be a
place where campers learn new skills, make friends, build up their self
esteem and, most of all, have fun!
Ari and Lee also have unique perspectives that they bring to Camp Lee
Mar; they bring their viewpoints as professionals, and they bring their per-
spectives as parents of children with special needs. It is no coincidence
that Ari and Lee have worked so hard to make Lee Mar such a special
place 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 Tour
provides supervised vacations for adults (17 & up) with developmental
challenges. The Guided Tour was started by another pioneer in the field
of special needs, Aris father, Irv Segal. Irv started this unique program in
1972 and 2013 marks The Guided Tours 41st year!
>
Please feel free to visit both programs on the web at
www.leemar.com and www.guidedtour.com. For more informa-
tion, contact Ariel J. Segal, Executive Director, Camp Lee Mar, at
(215) 658-1708.
Its Not Too Early to Prepare
for Summer Camp
By Dr. Dana Monroe
A
lthough it may seem early, researching summer camps for your child
and early preparation can help ensure a fuss-free summer camp expe-
rience especially for children with autism.
When considering camp options, consider your childs whole experience.
When researching camps be sure to ask about safety precautions, special
events and daily activities. Understanding what the camp offers will make
your decision easier in choosing a camp with an enriching program that suits
your 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 before
enrollment.
Consider getting summer camp prescriptions into treatment plans if your
child participates in a behavioral health insurance organization.
Start contacting doctors and agencies your child is involved with during
the months of January and February.
Contact the summer camp agency to discuss the intake process. Complete
paperwork as soon as possible, many camps have a limited number of spots.
Think strategically about doctor check-ups to avoid multiple visits. A doc-
tors 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. In
other 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 childs life, it is important to commu-
nicate about what is happening day to day. Communication with the providers
of the summer camp and the professionals that your child encounters keeps
the collaboration and the relationships on the same
path ultimately providing the best care for your
child.
Dr. Dana Monroe is vice president and chief
operating officer, New Story Western Region.
New Story is a group of schools and services
located 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: A fun, safe and supportive residential camp for teens
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 or
daughter. Visit us on the Web at CampFireflies.com or contact us at (215) 718-6327 or email kim.callen@gmail.com.
ACTIVITIES and SUMMER CAMPS for Children With Special Needs
ACCLAIM Program
The Autism College and Community
Life Acclimation and Intervention
Model (ACCLAIM) of The Watson
Institute is specifically designed for
college-bound teenagers with
Asperger's disorder and high-func-
tioning autistic disorder. The program
focuses on the development of skills
necessary to succeed at college and
includes therapeutic, learning, and
social components.Watson developed
ACCLAIM to help adolescents get a
"preview" of college prior to enroll-
ment. The program is intended to
acclimate academically capable candi-
dates to campus life, reducing the anx-
iety associated with a major life tran-
sition, and developing the social and
organizational skills that are requisites
for success in college.
For more information, contact Tiffany
Thompson at (412) 749-2883 or
tiffanyt@thewatsoninstitute.org.
Camp ACHIEVA Weekends
Camp Weekends are offered
through June 2013 for individuals of all
ages with intellectual and developmen-
tal disabilities. Locations vary from
month to month and include Camp
Fitch on the shores of Lake Erie, Camp
Guyasuta in Pittsburgh, Oglebay in
West Virginia, Raccoon and Moraine
State Parks.
Most weekends begin on Friday
evening and end Sunday afternoon.The
cost of the two-night weekend is $212.
Funding can be made by waiver, family
support service (FSS) or private pay.
A Camp ACHIEVA Registration
form must be completed and received
one month prior to attending a week-
end. The form will be kept on file for
future weekends.
Please contact Karen Vodenichar at
The Arc of Beaver office at (724) 775-
1602 x10 or kvodenichar@achieva.info
to request a brochure, receive forms
or with questions.
ACHIEVA Day Camp in
Beaver County
Day Camp is a summer recreational
camp available to school age children
with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. The camp runs Monday -
Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and is based
out of Brady's Run Park.
Swimming, crafts, hiking, fishing and
other outdoor activities are provided.
Transportation services are available
for children living at home with their
families in Beaver County.
Please contact Karen Vodenichar at
The Arc of Beaver office at (724) 775-
1602 x10 or via email:
kvodenichar@achieva.info to request a
brochure, receive forms or with ques-
tions.
Camp Can Do
This special summer camp program
sponsored by the Pennsylvania Com-
monwealth Division of the American
Cancer Society provides children with
cancer the opportunity to enjoy a tra-
ditional summer camp experience. Any
child (age eight to 17) who is or has
been treated for cancer in Pennsylvania
or Delaware, or who lives in
Pennsylvania regardless of where they
receive treatment, is eligible to attend
Camp Can-Do. Two week-long ses-
sions are held each August at beautiful
Mt. Gretna in Lebanon County. Camp-
Can-Do is provided free of charge to
cancer patients. For more information,
contact Cindy Gebhard at (717) 533-
6144 ext. 3071.
Camp Frog
Sunday, July 7 through Saturday, July
13 at YMCA Camp Fitch, North
Springfield, PA (near Erie). Camp Frog
is a fully integrated week-long
overnight camp for children ages 8-17
(having completed 3rd grade but not
yet graduated high school) with a pri-
mary diagnosis of epilepsy. Camp Frog
staff includes a neurologist, nurse, and
specially trained counselors. Please call
for more information and eligibility
requirements 1-800-361-5885.
Camp Huff-n-Puff
Camp Huff-n-Puff is a four-day
overnight camp adventure for children
aged 8-13 with asthma. Entering its
29th year, camp is held each August at
the Jumonville Camp and Conference
center in Hopwood, PA. Physicians,
nurses, and respiratory therapists
work alongside camp counselors to
ensure that all campers have a safe and
fun experience. Camp Huff-n-Puff 2013
will be held August 8-1.To register, visit
www.healthylungs.org or call (800)
220-1990. Follow this link to learn
more about camp on: http://healthy-
lungs.org/65/Camp_Huff-n-Puff.html
Camp Lee Mar
Founded in 1953 Lee Mar has been
at the forefront of camping for children
with special needs since its inception.
We provide a traditional Summer
Camp experience for boys and girls
with learning and developmental chal-
lenges. Campers enjoy all the fun and
games of a traditional summer camp
including arts and crafts, camp
Olympics, campfires, camp sing, and
counselor productions. Campers learn
new skills, make friends, build up their
self esteem and, most of all, have fun!
For more information, visit
www.leemar.com or contact Ariel J.
Segal, Executive Director, at (215) 658-
1708.
Camp STAT
The Summer Therapeutic Activities
for Teens (STAT) program of The
Watson Institute is specifically
designed for adolescents with
Aspergers disorder and high-func-
tioning autism. The program focuses
on the development of social compe-
tencies and includes both therapeutic
and recreational components.
Appropriate candidates need to have
the ability to benefit from verbally
based intervention methods.
STAT operates at The Watson
Institute's Sewickley, Sharpsburg, and
Upper St. Clair sites. Each program
runs for a period of four weeks.
For more information, contact Daryl
Ault at (412) 749-6425 or
daryla@thewatsoninstitute.org.
Camp Success
Since its inception in 1999, Camp
Success has provided summer pro-
gramming for low-income families who
have a child or children with special
needs. Camp Success accommodates
children ages 6-12 with physical, senso-
ry, emotional, behavioral and cognitive
needs and their siblings. The Childrens
Institute remains committed to provid-
ing Camp Success free of charge to
families 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 County
Diabetics Association have combined
their resources and developed an out-
standing summer camp experience for
diabetic children. Campers learn to
establish their condition through prop-
er diet, exercise, and medication while
enjoying all of the traditional activities
of summer camp. For more informa-
tion, visit www.campfitchymca.org.
Camp Fireflies
Camp Fireflies is a residential camp
designed for teenagers who are
endearing, bright and creative boys and
girls who struggle with social-cognitive
challenges such as children diagnosed
with Autism Spectrum Disorder,
Asperger's syndrome and ADHD and
well as their siblings. Camp Fireflies is
special, week-long, residential (sleep-
away) camp that helps campers with
social skills difficulties facilitate friend-
ships and develop their social thinking
skills. Camp Fireflies is for pre-adoles-
cent and teenagers. Camp Fireflies is
organized and staffed by behavior con-
sultants and professional educators.
For more information, visit
CampFireflies.com or call (215) 718-
6327 or email kim.callen@gmail.com.
Summer 2013 Programs
Inclusive camp experiences
for children with autism
ages 3-15 at various
summer camps in south-
western PA and Erie, PA
Therapeutic summer camps
for teens with autism ages 13-21
at our sites in Sewickley, Sharpsburg
and Upper St. Clair
ACCLAIM summer
program on local college
campuses for high school
juniors and seniors with autism
who plan to attend college.
Learn more on our website or call:
www.thewatsoninstitute.org
412-749-2883
866-893-4751 (toll free)
MORE ACTIVITIES AND SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN
WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN OUR SPRING ISSUE
For advertising information, call (412) 835-5796
2013 Dates:
June 22-August 9
Check out our website at
www.leemar.com
C
A
M
P
L
EE
M
A
R
Camp Lee Mar, located in

the beautiful Pocono Mountains
of Pennsylvania, is a coed
overnight camp for children
and teenagers (from 7 to 21)
with mild to moderate
developmental challenges.
A Life Changing
Experience!
Fun traditional summer camp
activities
Academics
Speech and language therapy
Daily living skills
Older campers enjoy social
dancing every week with an
end-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 was
featured inTime Magazine.
Check it out at
www.leemar.com and
click the Time.com link.
Ph: 215-658-1708
Email: gtour400@aol.com
6
1
s
t
Season!
Camp Fireflies is a specialized, residential
camp designed for pre-adolescent and teens
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,
Aspergers 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,
Aspergers 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 WISP
The Watson Inclusive Summer Program
(WISP) is an inclusive therapeutic summer
camp program for children with autism and
related disorders.
WISP is a model inclusive summer program
that enables children with autism to be inte-
grated successfully into typical summer
camps with their peers.The program oper-
ates in multiple sites, providing children
with services near their own neighbor-
hoods. The program time and duration
vary according to the camp schedule.
Typically, a camp program lasts eight
weeks, from mid June to early August, and
runs from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. Monday through Friday. For more
information about WISP, contact Carolyn
Belich at (412) 749-2895 or
carolynbe@thewatsoninstitute.org.
New Story Summer Thera-
peutic Activity Camps
New Storys summer camp program is
designed to meet the needs of children with
the most serious and complex behavioral
challenges. New Story offers social oppor-
tunities found at other summer camps, but
within a therapeutic environment to help
support each childs continued growth and
development.
New Story camps are intended for chil-
dren with an autism spectrum disorder and
children 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 Sara
Woodward at (412) 373-5235 ext. 113, by email swoodward@newstory.com, or
visit www.NewStory.com.
Basic Social Skills Training
Who should participate?
Children ages 6 to 14 who need assistance in building social skills
in 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 certied speech language pathologists. The program
will 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 Thursday
mornings. 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 determine
eligibility. 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 S
Summer Pr ogr am
Chatterbox Express is a program
to help preschoolers through
teenagers build condence and
express themselves effectively
when interacting with others.
The program is offered by the
Department of Audiology and
Speech-Language Pathology at
Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh
of UPMC.
JN/MT 11-273-A
Mark Your Calendar!
February 2
ALL ABILITIES
CAMP FAIR
ABOARD will hold their 9th
Annual All Abilities Camp Fair
on 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 Regarding
Extended School Year (ESY)
Free and open to all.
For more information,
call 1-800-827-9385
or visit the website
www.autismconnection
ofpa.org.
Senior Care Guide
Western Pennsylvania Guide to Senior Living
& Home Health Care & Wellness
W
hen I am asked what I do for a living I obviously answer that I am
a Nurse Practitioner. Generally, people understand this role. The
next 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 Family
Hospice and Palliative Care I am met with mixed emotions and sometimes
more questions. Many still do not fully understand palliative care and its
benefits. While the hospice movement has been alive and strong for more
than 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 truly
a life calling, and anyone who works for these types of organizations feels
privileged 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 no
greater satisfaction than being able to provide physical, emotional and psy-
chological support to a patient and family who are suffering. Many hospice
professionals believe that they are truly practicing medicine as it was meant
to be: without monitors, lines, probes and electronic read-outs to guide
decision making. What matters most is the patients comfort and dignity.
Educating people about palliative care takes time. I try to simplify the
concept and tell people that we continue to care for patients, but our goals
become 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 that
patients (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 options
that are available to them and help them to make the best decision. At
Family Hospice and Palliative Care, we encourage informed decisions and
advanced care planning. Have the discussion today with your loved ones
about end-of-life care goals.
The fact is that everyone will be faced with end-of-life care decisions if
not for themselves, then for someone they love. Every patient I see reminds
me how precious those decisions are.
Karen Cammarata, Family Hospice and Palliative Care, can be
reached at kcammarata@familyhospice.com.
Impacting Lives
in Hospice and
Palliative Care
By Karen Cammarata, CRNP
>
You Can Trust St. Barnabas!
Now Offering Rehab Therapy 7-Days-a-Week
St. Barnabas Nursing Home
5827 Meridian Road
Gibsonia, PA 15044
Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas
85 Charity Place
Valencia, PA 16059
724-444-5587
www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com
We can help facilitate a smooth transition for post-
hospital rehabilitation. Rehab therapy is conveniently
available to serve patient needs including:
s Personalized plan for post-surgery recovery
s Physical, occupational, speech and
aqua therapy
s Updated amenities and newly
renovated private rooms
s Wound care
s Diabetic management
s Stroke and cardiac care
By Jodi McKinney
D
uring and after the holiday
season when it seems like
everyone is happy and cele-
brating, it can be especially difficult
to think about things like hospice
care for our loved ones. Oftentimes,
however, it is one of those things we
need to deal with even at this time
of year.
But you know what? Talking about
hospice care does not need to be
scary or sad or a sign of giving up
hope.
Hospice care is so much more
about life than it is about death.
It is about quality and dignity of
life.
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 the
gift of being fully present with
those we love.
Hospice care is about peace for
the patient and for their family and
loved ones.
Hospice care is about comfort and
support.
Hospice care is a GIFT.
And though most people cringe
when they hear the word hospice
or think people need to literally be
on their death bed in order to get
services, this could not be farther
from the truth.
A person qualifies for the
Medicare hospice benefit if they have
a life-limiting diagnosis with six
months or less to end of life. This
does not mean that a patient entering
hospice care will die in six months.
The qualification criteria is simply a
guideline of what the normal or
usual progression of the disease is.
Some patients remain on hospice for
longer than six months some pass
well before the six-month period
occurs others graduate or exit
the hospice program because their
symptoms and comfort level improve
dramatically or they get better.
None of us know when we will
die, nor can we accurately predict
when someone else will die, but all of
us will die at some point, and we all
hope and deserve to die with dignity
and peace. Though it is not always
possible as accidents and tragedies
occur, if we can help it, there is no
reason someone with a chronic life-
threatening illness need be in pain or
discomfort.
Hospice is not only for cancer
patients. Some of the diseases we see
in hospice are end-stage demen-
tia/Alzheimers, chronic lung disease
(COPD), kidney/renal failure, end-
stage cardiac disease, and Parkinsons
to name a few. In addition, hospice
care can be provided wherever the
patient is and calls home. It could
be the patients home, personal care
home, assisted living, or nursing
home.
The hospice care benefit provides
the medical equipment the family
needs to take care of the patient and
medications. The hospice care team
consists of RNs, LPNs, Nurses Aides,
Chaplains, Social Workers, Ad-
missions Directors, Bereavement
Counselors, Volunteers, and many
other support people.
The ultimate goal of hospice is to
help provide the patient with com-
fort and dignity so they can experi-
ence quality of life for whatever time
they have left.
What do we hear most from let-
ters, phone calls, visits and survey
responses from families who have
lost loved ones on hospice? They
wish they had gotten their loved ones
on the program sooner.
Take it from someone who has
been there. I have twice held the
hand of a dying loved one, while my
husband held the other and we loved
our family member peacefully to
their end of this life. These were what
we call good deaths in the busi-
ness. Where the patient had accepted
their disease and had the chance to
share all the things they wanted with
their loved ones. It was an honor and
great privilege to be part of this life as
it came to its gentle closure. Though
great loss accompanies death, hos-
pice care truly is a GIFT.
If you are not familiar with hos-
pice, it is a good idea to educate
yourself about what is available in
the community before you are in a
crisis situation dealing with a loved
one who is suffering or in pain.
If you would like to speak to
someone about hospice care
for you or a loved one, would
like a speaker for your group,
or have interest in volunteering, feel
free to contact Celtic Healthcare at
(800) 355-8894 or
info@celtichealth care.com. You can
also learn more about hospice care at
www.celtichealthcare.com.
Rx Map is offered exclusively by
Hometown Pharmacy your locally owned
and operated independent
neighborhood pharmacy.
For additional information please
visit us at: www.myrxmap.com
www.hometownpharmacy.biz
Or give us a call at 412-539-1331
to 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 Free
Delivery
Most insurances accepted
Call our pharmacist to set up
your free consultation!
2103 Noblestown Road
CALL
412-539-1331
Hospice Care Do We Really
Need to Talk about this Now?
>
HAVE QUESTIONS?
JEFFERSON REGIONAL
SENIOR SERVICES HAS
ANSWERS.
J
efferson Regional Medical
Center, located in Pittsburghs
South Hills, has provided free,
confidential service for seniors and
their families for 20 years with
answers to important questions
such as:
Do you wonder if you are eligi-
ble for special programs that could
reduce your out-of-pocket costs for
medications, utilities, property taxes
or Medicare premiums or
deductibles?
Does your medical insurance
provide the right coverage for you?
Do you need to make some
decisions about ways to remain
independent but youre not sure
where to start?
Are you in need of transporta-
tion options, Meals on Wheels, or a
personal response system?
Jefferson Regional Senior Services
is a free support service for seniors
accessible by one phone number,
(412) 469-7099. The goal of the
program is to assist seniors by
improving access to services that
will enable them to maintain their
independence through a database of
more than 1,000 providers.
Senior Services is a vital link to
hundreds of programs and services
available to South Hills, Steel Valley
and Mon Valley residents. There is
no charge for the information and
referral, coordination of services and
follow-up. Senior Services also is a
resource for adult children caring
for aging parents.
We are an extension of the med-
ical centers mission to meet com-
munity needs far beyond the med-
ical care we provide, said Blanche
Buscanics, manager, Community
Outreach. By assisting seniors in
our area with their many non-med-
ical concerns, we are indirectly con-
tributing to their overall health and
wellbeing. Our specialists are very
proud of the many friends they
have made who let us know what a
difference we have made in their
lives.
Some of the areas in which
Senior 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 confidential
specialist who will listen,
become an advocate and
provide step-by-step
assistance, call Senior Services at
(412) 469-7099. For more informa-
tion about Jefferson Regional
Medical Center, visit the website
www.jeffersonregional.com.
>
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 on
Facebook.com/WesternPennsylvania
Guide to Good Health today.
Divine Home Care
Our 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) 777-9740
New Castle Office: 905 Wilmington Road New Castle, PA 16101 (724) 598-4958
There may come a time when you need a hand getting
back on your feet. Presbyterian SeniorCares rehabilitation
servicescan 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 yourpersonal wellness goals.
Well help you regain your independence, soyou
cangetbackto your life.
Where recovery is
a
moving
experience.
www.SrCare.org Washington Campus
1.866.797.6270
REHABILITATION SERVICES
Senior Living
Options
Personal Care
Community Living Profile
Westminster Place
By Jacqueline S. Flanagan,
CFRE
P
resbyterian SeniorCare
(PSC) is easily spotted
on Hulton Road we
can credit this to the beauty of
Westminster Place the
face of our Oakmont cam-
pus since 1951. Westminster
Place shines between the
splendor of fall leaves and
summer sun and is a pic-
turesque scene during the
holiday season with festive
lights and traditional
wreathes. Stepping inside and
looking 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 providing
person-centered care to each individual resident as their needs change.
To keep the heart strong and the spirit alive, we have recently
announced the A Better Place Capital Campaign to fund significant reno-
vations to Westminster Place to create an updated, comfortable, home-like
environment while still preserving PSCs trademark quality of care. At the
public 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 that
our regions seniors desire, the new Westminster Place will feature unique
neighborhood wings where public spaces will encourage residents to be
part of a larger social network. Residents will enjoy comfortable new pri-
vate studios or one-bedroom apartments with in-apartment kitchenettes
for small meal or snack preparation, in addition to formal dining room
options. Each neighborhoods front porch-style entrance will be a hub of
engagement and interaction while an adjacent common area will serve as
a spot for resident group meals or snacks, meals with family and friends
and more.
Enhanced living areas. Common rooms designed to share memories.
Smiling, caring faces to help residents age in place. Welcome to
Westminster 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 to
www.SrCare.org or call (412) 828-5600. Jacqueline S. Flanagan is
Executive Director, Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation,
Presbyterian SeniorCare.
>
The new Westminster Place, located on
the 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 Its Best
The following amenities are
provided in our monthly rental fee:
3 Meals per day
All Utilities (except phone)
Housekeeping
Linens and Towels
Laundry Facility
Transportation
Lawn/Snow Service
Personnel on site 24 Hours
24 Hour Emergency Pull Cord Service
Discover Arrowood! Call 412-469-3330
To Schedule Your Personalized Tour Today!
(Enjoy a Free Lunch)
Lewis Run Road in Pleasant Hills, near Century III
Visit our website: www.southwesternhealthcare.com
UPMCSenior 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 residents 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.
Ive been so happy since I came here.

I wouldnt change a thing.
-Dorothy York, retired flower show judge
Theres so much going on here.
Its easy to stay busy.
I feel like I have the
freedom 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. Lebanon
Make Every
Moment of Your
Retirement Count
A
t The Devonshire Mt.
Lebanon, youll find
everything you need to
make the most of your retire-
ment years.
With breathtaking views of
the surrounding hills and city
skyline, The Devonshire
offers 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 at
home in well-appointed Independent Living and Assistive Senior Living
accommodations.
Here, you can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with the freedom to live life as
you choose, while we take care of everything you need. Residents at every
level enjoy gracious amenitiessuch as restaurant-style dining, weekly
housekeeping and scheduled transportationplus 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. Thats
why Optimum Life defines the way we live. This bold initiative brings
together a number of opportunities across six key dimensions of well-
nesspurposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual
to help residents balance their overall sense of well-being, regardless of
their current level of health, mobility or wellness.
Devonshire residents also enjoy the convenience of on-site rehabilita-
tion services through Innovative Senior Care
SM
. Designed to help residents
enhance or regain their independence, Innovative Senior Care integrates
proactive and reactive services to improve their health with comprehen-
sive rehabilitation, exercise and education programs. Services include
physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Our Personalized Living services offer a convenient and cost-effective
option to help residents maintain independence and accommodate their
evolving lifestyle. Community-based associates assist residents with a
range of day-to-day activities and personal matters, including errand and
escort services, light housekeeping, and much more. Most services are
available seven days a week and can often be arranged within 24 hours.
Elegant accommodations. Lifestyle and wellness programs. Services to
meet evolving needs. It all comes together at The Devonshire Mt.
Lebanonand its backed by the strength and stability of Brookdale
Senior Living, the nations largest provider of senior accommodations.
Come see what our exceptional blend of hospitality, service and care
means for you.
For more information, call (412) 343-2200, e-mail
idiamond@brookdaleliving.com 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 goodhealthmag@aol.com
to see how we can help you promote your event.
W
inter is upon us. For home care workers and their consumers,
treacherous conditions can make service delivery almost impossible at
times. Mother Nature and man-made emergencies rarely arrive
announced. For this reason, it is critical for seniors and their families to have
home emergency preparedness plans and back-up procedures for care in place.
After the blizzard of 2010, entire neighborhoods went without public utilities for
days and weeks. The essentials of food and even access to emergency care were
interrupted 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 disaster
preparedness was put together by the American Red Cross, Disaster
Preparedness- For Seniors, By Seniors. This brochure is available at the
website: 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 you
can 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 time
to act. Planning ahead reduces anxiety. Prepare now for a sudden emergency and
remember 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 those
hazards.
Liken Home Care attempts to respond through all emergencies. We have
been providing medical and non-medical home care services to Pittsburgh
and the surrounding areas for over thirty-five years. If you would like more
info 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 Therapy
Benefits All
Ages
A
qua therapy physical
therapy in water versus
traditional land therapy
takes place in a heated pool envi-
ronment. Certified aquatic thera-
pists develop a one-to-one thera-
py program with individual
goals helping them to maximize
function and independence.
Therapy is given two to three
times each week.
Appropriateness for aqua ther-
apy is determined after a patient
is evaluated in traditional land
therapy. An Aqua Therapy pro-
gram includes:
Treatments in a heated pool
Strengthening exercises
Stretching exercises
Endurance training
Home exercise program
Those 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 Hailey
Hengelsbergs doctors recom-
mended aqua therapy. Hailey is
autistic and suffers from epilepsy
and mild cerebral palsy resulting in
weakened muscles.
>
>
Proactively Planning for
Emergency Preparedness
By Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS
E
very day brings change of some sort. And thats fine, provided we have
the direction to keep us focused on the tasks at hand. On a recent
Tuesday morning, change was in the air. Snow flurries drifted softly to
the ground and although the calendar said it was still autumn, winter was
clearly knocking on the door.
On that same morning, a staffer walked out of his office and noticed a
woman at the other end of the hall, seemingly in need of direction. Her coat
was still buttoned up as she had just come in from the parking lot at our
Center for Compassionate Care in Mt. Lebanon.
Do you need some help maam? our Family Hospice staffer asked.
Yes, Im 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 learned
that she was here to meet a family member. Their loved one passed away
overnight.
Allow me to take you to our nurses station and they will get you in
touch with your loved one, he explained. Ill stay with you until I know
you 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, Im very sorry for your
loss.
Thank you, so much, she replied. But its OK, Im really glad she was
here 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 ones
long term care facility recommended Family Hospice when symptoms
began 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 just
helping someone find their way when visiting as our guest. No matter the
changes 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 Cares goal is to provide
superior service while enhancing the
independence, comfort, and dignity of
our clients.
Our Companions, Aides, LPNs and
RNs have been helping individuals at
home for over 35 years with: bathing,
personal care, mobility, meals, light
housekeeping, medication and more.
Our care managers provide a lifeline
between families and their loved ones
with our Peace of Mind Program.
The regions
most
trusted source
for care
in the home.
Call for a free consultation with our
Care Management Team
(412) 816-0113
Or 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, is
President and CEO of Family Hospice and
Palliative Care and Past Chairperson of the
National Hospice and Palliative Care
Organization. He may be reached at
rsciullo@familyhospice.com or (412) 572-8800.
Family Hospice and Palliative Care serves nine
counties in Western Pennsylvania.
More information at www.FamilyHospice.com and
www.facebook.com/FamilyHospicePA.
>
Local Research Company Is Seeking
Participants for Gout Studies
By Nancy Kennedy
A
South Hills research company is looking for men and women to
participate in clinical research studies. Primary Care Research
South, Inc., located in Upper St. Clair, hopes to recruit people for
two gout studies. One study seeks men who are 50 or older, and women
who are 55 or older, who have been diagnosed with both gout and heart
disease. Heart disease may include a history of chest pain, stroke, blocked
arteries and diabetes. This study is designed to investigate the cardiovas-
cular safety of a drug called febuxostat, in comparison to allopurinol, in
people who have both gout and cardiovascular problems.
Participants for the second study must be ages 18 to 85 and currently
taking allopurinol, a medication used to treat gout, and must have still had
two 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 by
reducing the high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is the substance
in the body that causes gout attacks. Participants in the study will receive
daily doses of the investigative drug, as well as doses of allopurinol, at no
charge for either.They will receive close monitoring of their condition and
appropriate medical care, at no charge. Patients must be willing to keep a
monthly study appointment, for a 14-month period; comply with study
instructions as provided by the study physician and staff; undergo testing
to monitor their response to the medications and their general health; and
keep a record of their medications and symptoms or attacks of gout.
Primary Care Research South is a research company within the family
medical practice of Peter Gagianas, M.D. Dr. Gagianas is a board-certified
family practice physician who graduated from the University Of Pittsburgh
School Of Medicine and completed his residency at UPMC St. Margaret.
All appointments will take place at Dr. Gagianass office, located at the
Summerfield Commons office complex on Washington Road.
To inquire about enrolling in the study, call (412) 283-0077.
>
HOME CARE/HOSPICE
Celtic Healthcare
1-800-355-8894 celtichealthcare.com
Daly Care
Quality, professional care at reasonable rates.
Shopping service, respite care, in-home house-
hold chores, companions, transportation to
appointments, in-home care for individuals
with special needs. Family owned and operat-
ed since 1995. We have a 2 hour minimum.
988 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh
412-364-2262
www.dalycare.com
Divine Home Care
Pittsburgh: 412-777-9740
New Castle: 724-598-4958
Family Hospice & Palliative Care
1-800-513-2148
www.familyhospice.com
Hospice Care of
724-250-4500
www.washingtonhospital.org
Interim Health Care
800-447-2030
www.interimhealthcare.com
LIFE Pittsburgh -
Living Independence For The Elderly
All inclusive Health Plan providing medical
care, adult day, and home care at no cost to
qualified older adults who wish to remain
independent in their own homes.
412-388-8050 www.LIFEPittsburgh.org
Liken Health Care
412-816-0113 www.likenservices.com
SeniorLIFE
1-877-998-LIFE (5433)
Uniontown 724-434-LIFE
www.seniorlifeuniontown.com
Washington 724-222-LIFE
www.seniorlifewashington.com
HORMONES
The Hormone
Restoration Center
412-432-7909 www.hormonecenter.net
http://youtu.be/s2pZ4r53WVA
INDEPENDENT LIVING/
ASSISTED LIVING
The Devonshire Mt. Lebanon
1050 McNeilly Rd., Pittsburgh
412-343-2200
www.brookdaleliving.com
Schenley Gardens
412-621-4200
www.schenleygardens.com
Vincentian Villa Retirement
Community (McCandless)
412-364-6592 www.vcs.org
Willow Heights
1-866-812-1615 www.IntegraCare.com
OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION
Vincentian Rehabilitation Services
412-348-1593 www.vcs.org
PERSONAL CARE
Vincentian Personal Care (McCandless)
412-366-1039 www.vcs.org
RETIREMENT & SENIOR LIVING
Arrowood at Southwestern
412-469-3330
www.southwesternhealthcare.com
Fair Oaks of Pittsburgh
412-344-9915
www.fairoakspgh.com
Newhaven Court at Clearview
1-888-261-5753
www.IntegraCare.com
Newhaven Court at Lindwood
1-888-261-8178
www.IntegraCare.com
The Pines of Mt. Lebanon
1-866-812-1615
www.IntegraCare.com
The Residence at Willow Lane
1-888-219-4180
www.IntegraCare.com
UPMC Senior Communities
1-800-324-5523
UPMCSeniorCommunities.com
SKILLED NURSING
CARE & REHABILITATION
ManorCare Health Services
Bethel Park - 412-831-6050
McMurray - 724-941-3080
www.hcr-manorcare.com
Marian Manor (Greentree)
412-440-4300
Presbyterian SeniorCare
1-888-448-5779 www.SrCare.org
St. Barnabas Health System
724-444-5587
www.StBarnabasHealthSystem.com
Vincentian Collaborative System
Vincentian de Marillac (Stanton Heights)
412-361-2833
Vincentian Home (McCandless)
412-366-5600
Vincentian Regency (Allison Park)
412-366-8540
SENIOR
RESOURCES
By Paula Martinac, M.A., M.S.
H
aving trouble falling asleep at
night? Or do you snap awake
at 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 Sleep
Foundation. While chronic sleep
disorders may require a physicians
or mental health professionals care,
you may be able to avoid the occa-
sional restless night by trying a few
nutritional tricks.
1. Eat a bedtime snack. If your pattern is to wake up in the middle of
the 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 snack
that 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 grains
are high in magnesium, a naturally relaxing mineral.
2. Go nuts. Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and cashews are rich in
tryptophan, an amino acid that helps encourage calm and restfulness.
Since these tasty nuts are also high in fat and calories, keep your serving
to 1/4 cup, and skip the salted and flavored varieties.
3. Boost your calcium. In a study published in the European
Neurology Journal, researchers linked a lack of REM, or deep, sleep to a
calcium deficiency suggesting there might be something to the old folk
remedy of a glass of warm milk before bed. If milk doesnt appeal, try some
plain yogurt with berries or nuts. If you take a daily calcium supplement,
consider having it before bed.
4. Brew a cup of tea. Dont reach for black or green tea, which contain
caffeine that can complicate your problems, but go with an herbal brew
that may be just the ticket. Chamomile, lemon balm and passionflower are
three herbs known for their relaxing properties. Sip
a cup before bed to help ease you gently into sleep.
Paula Martinac, M.A., M.S., is a nutrition
educator and holistic health coach in private
practice at the Nuin Center in Highland Park.
She can be reached at
Paula.NutritionU@gmail.com or (412) 760-6809.
Visit her website at www.nutritionu.net.
HEALTHY EATING
>
By Lindsey Smith
O
kay, so I admit, I used to be a sugar
addict. It all started with those
watermelon gummies. Quickly, I
upgraded to Twix bars and eventually I
found myself hooked on Chocolate
Brownie Frappuccinos. It seemed like
every year, I upgraded my addiction to the
newest sugary treat.
After all, sugar consumes us on a daily
basis. It is in almost everything we eat or
drink. Sometimes it is seen as the basic
word, sugar and sometimes it is dis-
guised as high fructose corn syrup, dex-
trose, lactose, sorbitol, or sucrosejust to
name a few! Despite the many names, the verdict is still the sameits all
sugar!
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 become
extremely 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 give
us 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 gain
and other serious health conditions.
So instead of using table sugar or even artificial sweeteners, try slowly
swapping out for natural sugar alternatives when you are cooking or bak-
ing. These alternatives are still sugar at the core, but they have a slower
absorption rate in your body, so you most likely wont 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 as
an alternative. The overall goal is to start to eliminate the constant need for
sugary treats. These alternatives are a great way to help you wean yourself
off the highly processed, refined sugars. However, the overall goal is to start
appreciating the sweetness of life, the sweetness of real fruits and vegeta-
bles, and the sweetness of being you. Eventually
sugar alone will no longer be your main source of
sweet.
Lindsey Smith is a health coach and author
of Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving
and Start Living! For more information or to
purchase a book, visit
www.FoodMoodGirl.com.
Check Your Sweet Tooth
>
Foods to Help You
Get Your Z-z-zs
HERE ARE SOME
NATURAL 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 health
experts answer for you? Email your question to
Facebook.com/WesternPennsylvaniaGuidetoGoodHealth
DIANA FLETCHER, Author
Happy on Purpose Daily Messages of Empowerment
and Joy for Women and Stress Reducing Strategies
___________________________________
Books available at www.amazon.com
and www.barnesandnoble.com
___________________________________
Contact:
www.dianafletcher.com
By Lisa Bianco
I
magine a patient who
is recovering from
open heart surgery in
the critical care unit and is
confined to his bed only
because of the lifesaving
ability of a Ventilator to
breathe for him. Instead, a
portable unit is available
providing life sustaining
measures so that the
patient can get up from
bed and begin his recov-
ery walking while a
Portable Ventilator unit is
wheeled alongside him.
Or, picture a deaf patient rushed
to an emergency room who commu-
nicates with the doctor or nurse by
signing to a trained interpreter
broadcast on a video monitor. The
person onscreen then translates back
to the doctors and nurses, in words,
the symptoms just conveyed in sign
language by the deaf patient. This
system is called a Video Remote
Interpreting (VRI) Cart for Sign
Language. Both the Portable
Ventilator and a VRI Cart for Sign
Language will soon be purchased for
the UPMC Passavant Hospitals in
Cranberry and McCandless, because
of grants awarded by the Passavant
Hospital Foundation.
For more than 30 years the
Passavant Hospital Foundation has
drawn on the communitys ongoing
support to preserve UPMC
Passavants special environment
through grant making, education
and outreach to advance health and
wellness. The Foundations grant
program has helped supply equip-
ment like the examples above, along
with new facilities and other neces-
sary items. Annually this fund
awards grants to projects, programs
or equipment that advance the hos-
pital services while contributing to
staff or patient safety, satisfaction
and quality. For 2013 funding, 35
applicants submitted grant requests
to the Foundation and 28 grants
were approved for a total of
$244,000.
Director of Volunteer and Guest
Services for UPMC Passavant
(McCandless and Cranberry facili-
ties) Diane Kolling was awarded the
grant for the VRI Cart for Sign
Language. We need to have a sign
language interpreter when deaf
patients come to us for treatment.
The VRI Cart uses a process very
similar to Skyping. Having our own
VRI Cart enables us to have a sign
interpreter immediately available
when a deaf patient arrives.
If a deaf patient is hospital-
ized we can leave the Cart in
that persons room during
their stay so constant com-
munication with medical
staff is possible. Kolling
appreciates the immediate
impact the Foundation
grants can have in her
patients treatment. The
grant program is wonderful
because there are so many
things too small to be
requested in our depart-
mental budget. But these
smaller, lower cost items
can make an enormous difference in
the patients quality of life at our hos-
pital.
Advanced Practice Nurse for
Cardiovascular Services Maggie
Lattanzio this year submitted a grant
application for a Portable Ventilator
to increase mobilization for patients
in the Cardio Thoracic IC unit.
Lattanzio sees the value of the grant
program in enabling UPMC
Passavant departments to follow rec-
ommendations from prominent
medical studies indicating what cre-
ates the best patient outcomes. The
Passavant Foundation grants are so
patient-focused. Lattanzio is refer-
ring to medical studies showing
huge benefits when cardiac patients
are returned to their previous levels
of functioning as soon as possible.
The Portable Ventilator will now
make this possible for patients in
this specialized unit. Often patients
in critical care units whove under-
gone major surgeries are not weaned
off the ventilator for weeks. We pre-
vent complications by helping these
patients get up and about as soon as
possible. With the Portable Venti-
lator they can wheel around a small,
15-pound unit that enables them to
walk the hallways or walk to hospi-
tal departments for further tests.
Passavant Hospital Foundations
grant program reaches the lives of
patients and their families in so
many different ways. Hospital
department managers are proud to
share their stories in order that area
residents who contribute to the
Foundation are aware of just how
much this caring legacy touches the
lives of so many in their own com-
munity.
For more information about
Passavant Hospital
Foundation, contact
sidorukjt@ph.upmc.edu,
or visit the website
PassavantHospitalFoundation.org.
VRI Sign Language
Interpretation Cart
LOCAL NEWS
Dr. John Beachler to Join
and Rehab Group
By Nancy Kennedy
John Beachler, M.D., recently joined the staff of
Advanced Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation
(AOR) on a part-time basis, beginning on January
3, 2013.
Dr. Beachler is a board-certified, highly credentialed orthopaedic surgeon
with decades of experience in all aspects of orthopaedic surgery and sports
medicine. He will be performing joint replacements and other procedures
at 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). He
remained active in that practice until 2010, performing surgery as well as
teaching and mentoring new residents, nurse practitioners, OR technicians
and physician assistants. I retired two years ago but decided that I wanted
to come back on a part-time basis, he explains. I think very highly of my
colleagues in this practice and will happily be working with some of the
surgeons that I once trained.
Dr. Beachler particularly enjoys the teaching aspect of medicine. I
believe that physicians have an obligation to teach, to pass on what we
know 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 to
Dr. Beachler, a father of five and grandfather of seven, with two additions to
his growing family expected in the spring. He coached youth football and
lacrosse teams in Mt. Lebanon for years. He is a native of Mt. Lebanon and
now 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 of
Medicine and served his internship at the University of Wisconsin at
Madison. He completed a one year residency in general surgery at Mercy
Hospital of Pittsburgh, now UPMC Mercy, and a fellowship in orthopaedic
surgery at UPMC under Dr. Albert Ferguson.
Im looking forward to seeing patients and doing surgery at St. Clair
Hospital and at AORs wonderful facility, Advanced Surgical Hospital. We
have a great location with our new Vanadium Road office, with convenient
access and parking for patients.
To make an appointment with Dr. Beachler, or to learn more about
joint replacement, AOR or Advanced Surgical Hospital, visit the web-
site www.advancedorthopaedics.net or call (724) 225-8657.
>
E-mail your news items to goodhealthmag@aol.com
How Passavant Hospital Foundations
Caring Legacy Preserves UPMC
Passavants Compassionate Environment
>
Advanced Orthopaedics and Rehab Group
Announces New Location on Vanadium Road
Advanced Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation (AOR) has announced that it is
opening an office in a new location, effective in February 2013. AOR will
move its South Hills office from Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park to
Vanadium Road, near St. Clair Hospital. The new office is on the first floor
of a building at 363 Vanadium Road, easing access for patients, and features
new 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 are
having problems with joints or other musculo-skeletal conditions. The
practice has five locations, with the primary one in Washington, PA, adja-
cent to the Advanced Surgical Hospital that AOR established in 2010 for
elective orthopaedic surgeries. In addition to the sites in Washington and
the South Hills, AOR has other offices in Charleroi, McMurray and
Waynesburg.
Autism Therapy for Adults
University of Pittsburgh
Perspectives Program
1-866-647-3436
Email: autismrecruiter@upmc.edu
Cardiology/ Vascular Care
Jefferson Cardiology
Association
412-469-1500
www.jeffersoncardiology.com
South Hills Cardiology
Association
412-851-0279
Careers In Healthcare
Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine
814-866-6641 www.lecom.edu
Children With Special Needs
ACHIEVA
412-995-5000 or 1-888-272-7229
www.achieva.info
New Story
412-373-5235 Monroeville
724-463-9841 Indiana
www.newstory.com
Pace School
412-244-1900
www.paceschool.org
TEIS
412-885-6000
www.TEISinc.com
www.EarlyInterventionSupport.com
Wesley Spectrum Services
412-342-2300
www.wesleyspectrum.org
Western Pennsylvania
School for Blind Children
1-800-444-1897 www.wpsbc.org
Chiropractic
Dr. Amy M. Jennings, D.C.
412-283-1060
Kukurin Chiropractic,
Acupuncture & Nutrition
George W. Kukurin DC DACAN,
Jason S. Franchi DC & Kristopher
C. Adolph DC
412-381-4453
www.alt-compmed.com
Dentist
Progressive Dental Solutions
Dr. Michael F. Hnat 724-942-5630
progressivedentalsolutions.com
Diabetes Care
St. Clair Hospital
Diabetes Center
412-942-2151
www.stclair.org
Ear, Nose & Throat
Metropolitan ENT Associates
724-940-5755
www.metroent.org
Washington Ear, Nose & Throat
724-225-8995
www.washingtonent.net
Educational Resources
Simulation Teaching and
Academic Research
(STAR) Center
412 578-4470
simulation@wpahs
www.wpahs.org/
education/star-center
Eye Care
The Cataract & Laser
Institute of Pittsburgh
412-616-1554
www.cllofpa.com
Fitness Centers
HealthTrax Fitness & Wellness
412-835-0500
www.healthtrax.com
Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness
Center of the Washington
Hospital
724-225-WELL (9355)
wrcameronwellness.org
Gout
Gout & Heart Disease
Clinical Study
412-283-0077
www.GoutAndHeartStudy.com
Health Insurance
Benefits Network
724-940-9400
www.benefitsnetwork.biz
Business and Individual Insurance
Hormones
The Hormone
Restoration Center
412-432-7909
www.hormonecenter.net
http://youtu.be/s2pZ4r53WVA
Hospitals
Jefferson Regional
Medical Center
412-469-5000
www.jeffersonregional.com
Southwest Regional
Medical Center
Waynesburg, PA
724-627-3101
www.sw-rmc.com
St. Clair Hospital
412-942-4000
www.stclair.org
724-225-7000
Imaging
Health Enhancing
Thermography
1-855-254-4328 (HEAT)
www.heat-images.com
Laboratory Testing
Quest Diagnostics
1-800-LAB-TEST (1-800-522-8378)
QuestDiagnostics.com
Life Coaching
Diana Fletcher
724-733-7562
www.dianafletcher.com
Lymphedema Therapy
Orthopedic & Sports Physical
Therapy Associates, Inc.
724- 929-5774
www.osptainc.com
Massage Therapeutic
Ahhh a Massage
Margie Webb, RN, NCTMB, LMT
310 E. McMurray Rd, McMurray
412-877-8569
www.ahhhamassage.com
Medical Equipment
Eagle Medical
Equipment Corp
7937 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale
724-218-1051
www.pittmedicalsupply.com
Medication Management
Hometown Pharmacy
412-539-1331
www.myrxmap.com
Mental Health
SRMC Center for
Recovery and Wellness
130 Greene Plaza
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-627-2756
Natural Health
Key Stone Reiki
412-727-1731
www.keystonereiki.com
NonProfit
Healthy Lungs Pennsylvania
800-220-1990
www.healthylungs.org
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Enhancements
Nutrition U
Paula Martinac, MA, MS
412-760-6809
www.NutritionU.net
The Real You
Lindsey Smith 724-882-2662
www.TheRealYouNutrition.com
Orthopedics
& Rehabilitation
1-800-828-CAST (2278)
www.advancedorthopaedics.net
Pharmacy
Hometown Pharmacy
412-539-1331
www.hometownpharmacy.bix
Physical and Spiritual Health
Westminster
Presbyterian Church
2040 Washington Road
412-835-6630
www.westminster-church.org
Westminster seeks to be a caring com-
munity of faith committed to bringing
people to Christ and developing their
faith through worshiping God togeth-
er, teaching the faith, and serving in
mission.
Westminster Recreation &
Outreach Center (WROC)
wroc.westminster-church.org
WROC Mission: "To reach out to peo-
ple for Jesus Christ and develop their
faith through recreational activities
and Christian fellowship."
Physicians
Washington Physician Hospital
Organization Provider Network
See pages 26-27
Physical Therapy/Rehab
Centers for Rehab Services
1-888-723-4277
UPMC.com/MyCRS
Orthopedic & Sports Physical
Therapy Associates, Inc.
1-800-337-6452
www.osptainc.com
WESTARM Therapy & Homecare
800-291-5060
www.westarmtherapy.com
Podiatry
Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists
724-222-5635
www.pennfoot.com
Primary Care Physicians
Preferred 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
Radiology
Southwest Regional
Medical Center
Waynesburg, PA
724-627-2622 www.sw-rmc.com
Rehabilitation
ManorCare Health Services
Bethel Park - 412-831-6050
McMurray - 724-941-3080
www.hcr-manorcare.com
Novacare Rehabilitation
159 Waterdam Road, McMurray
724-942-1511
Physical, Occupational and Aquatic
Therapy. Incontinence Rehab.
Massage Therapy open to the public.
Presbyterian SeniorCare
1-888-448-5779 www.SrCare.org
St. Barnabas Health System
724-444-5587
www.StBarnanasHealthSystem.com
Special Needs Trusts and
Planning
DOnofrio Law Office, P.C.
412-893-2552
www.donofriolawoffice.com
Tanning
Tan Me
Upscale Airbrush Tanning
412-406-7799
www.tanmepgh.com
Vein Center
Greater Pittsburgh
Vascular Associates
412-469-1500
www.jeffersoncardiology.com
Volunteer Opportunities
The 1897 Society
724-223-3175
Wealth Management
Cottrill, Arbutina Wealth
Management Group
724-683-3455
www.cottrillarbutina.com
Wound Care
SRMC Wound Care and
Hyperbaric Center
220 Greene Plaza, Waynesburg
724-627-1600
Women's Health
Magee-Womens
Specialty Services
412-429-3900
Yoga
At OM Yoga
AtOmYogaPittsburgh@gmail.com
www.AtOmYogaPittsburgh.com
DIRECTORY
In 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
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 dont have to.
Six new operating rooms. Expert surgeons. Superior results.
Anytime you need surgery, you want the latest and most advanced care available. Youll fnd it close to home at Jeferson
Regional Medical Center. We perform more than 10,000 surgeries a year everything from basic outpatient procedures
to 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 operating
rooms, expanding our abilities to provide the latest techniques and putting us at the forefront of advanced surgical care in
the region. Why not see for yourself what a great choice Jeferson Regional is? Its only a short drive away.
565 Coal Valley Road | Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 | 412.469.5000
Choose well.
ST. CLAIRHOSPITAL OUTPATIENT CENTERVILLAGESQUARE
.
2000 OXFORDDRIVE
.
BETHEL PARK, PA15102
.
412.942.3177
.
WWW.STCLAIR.ORG
St. Clair Hospitals new Breast Care Center is the areas 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 regions 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 CenterVillage Square in Bethel Park. As one of the nations 100 Top Hospitals,
St. Clair continues to invest in leading physicians, technologies and processes to deliver superior care.
EALINGTOUCH.
EXPERT CARE.
Our new Breast Care Center offers a full spectrum
of patient-focused care.
Raye J. Budway, M.D. earned her medical degree at Hahnemann
University in Philadelphia. She completed her residency training
in general surgery at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital and a
fellowship in surgical critical care at The University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center. She served as the Site Surgical Clerkship Program
Director for Temple University School of Medicine, Site Program
Director for the Allegheny General Hospital General Surgery
Residency Program, and Director of the Surgical Breast Disease
Program and Surgical Intensive Care at West Penn Hospital. She
is board-certified in surgical critical care and general surgery.
She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and serves
on the Fellowships Commission on Cancer.
Robert W. Bragdon, M.D. specializes in plastic and
reconstructive surgery at St. Clair Hospital, where he
is Chief of Plastic Surgery. He earned his medical
degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
and completed his surgical residency training at its
affiliated hospitals. Dr. Bragdon completed his plastic
surgical residency training at The Western Pennsylvania
Hospital. He also completed a burn fellowship at West
Penn Hospital and was the first fellow in plastic surgery
at Dartmouth. He is board-certified by the American
Board of Plastic Surgery. He practices with Plastic
Surgical Associates of Pittsburgh.
Sherri H. Chafin, M.D. specializes in
diagnostic radiology at St. Clair Hospital,
where she is Vice Chair of Medical Imaging.
She earned her medical degree at the
Penn State Hershey Medical Center and
completed her residency at Allegheny
General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Dr. Chafin
is board-certified by the American Board
of Radiology. She practices with South
Hills Radiology Associates.
Sherri H. Chafin, M.D. Raye J. Budway, M.D. Robert W. Bragdon, M.D.

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