WCgtghspring18Hunt.qxp GTGH Winter06 pages...Autism Facts & Stats • Autism now affects 1 in 68...

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Health News You and Your Family Can Use

Senior GuideSenior Living Options, Rehabilitation,

Home Care, Senior ResourcesSee pages 24-35

Westmoreland County

TreatmentOptions for

Foot and AnkleProblems

HEALTHYEATING TIPS

Autism Testing forYoung Children

Some FrankTalk on

WOMEN’SHEALTH

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http://www.guidetogoodhealth.com

Spring/Summer 2018 www.guidetogoodhealth.com GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 3

The Connellsville School District evaluated the feasibility of maintain-ing or redesigning the Zachariah Connell Elementary School and decidedit was time for them to exit the building. Connellsville’s High landsHospital began their evaluation of the building and after considerable duediligence, decided to embark upon a creative re-use of the old school.

Because the hospital is not a large nonprofit corporation, the challengeof taking on a project like this was one of economics. Where would themoney come from that would allow the building to be completely retro-fitted and creatively redesigned? It was true the bones of the buildingwere good, but the work required to refurbish and redesign would be sub-stantial.

The variances for the school allow Highlands Hospital to turnZachariah Connell Elementary School into a health care center, whichwill include a center for autism, health impact for women, and a blend-ed-care model that includes behavioral health, women’s health and prima-ry care.

“There’s going to really be three projects within the building,” saidChief Executive Officer John Andursky – the first is the expansion of theHighlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism. Highmark Blue CrossBlue Shield provided a grant towards the Regional Center for Autismschool project. Students attending Highlands Hospital Regional Centerfor Autism receive services in all areas of their academics, functional liv-ing skills, communication, socialization and behavior. Additionally, itwas the first licensed site for Cleveland Clinic Children’s Autism Center.The new location will allow the school to literally double in size.

The second project is the Women’s Center for Health Impact, and thethird is a Blended Care Model. The Women’s Center for Health Impactwas made possible in part by a grant from Governor Tom Wolf with theassistance of Senator Pat Stefano. The Blended Care Model was madepossible through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The new Women’s Center for Health Impact will include all aspects ofwomen’s care. This would be an all-inclusive practice that embraces andincludes comprehensive women’s health services which have been verylimited in the region. In addition, women in Fayette County have higherincidences of chronic illnesses, domestic abuse, and inadequate resources.It is important to consider all the issues women face and to develop astrategic plan that identifies a comprehensive list of needs, resourcesavailable or lacking, ways to prioritize identified needs, and strategies forimplementation.

The Women’s Center for Health Impact will place a key emphasis onbreast health, gynecology, nutritional counseling, mental health, andholistic wellness services. According to the hospital’s Director ofDevelopment, Vicki Meier, Highlands’ goal is to help women improvetheir overall health physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, andspiritually.

In addition, Highlands Hospital has been selected to participate in theClinical Breast Care Project funded by the Department of Defense atWalter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda which wouldbe moved to the new blended women’s center. Women with a history ofbreast cancer, who have a high risk for breast cancer, or who currently arevaliantly fighting breast cancer may be involved in the study.

The purpose of this study is to identify gene marker and protein expres-sion changes that may be associated with the onset and progression ofbreast disease and possible breast cancer. By carefully examining bloodsamples from many different breast conditions and from non-breast dis-ease patients, we hope to improve our understanding of the causes andbest treatments for breast disease. Another purpose is to correlate patientclinical information with the results of these laboratory studies.

For this study, the Principle Investigator is Robert Yakulis, M.D. and theResearch Protocol Coordinator is Erin Fronczek, MT (ASCP), andDirector of Laboratory Services. Blood samples from participants will becollected, frozen, and sent to the former Windber Research Institute nowcalled Chan Soon-Shiong Institute for Molecular Medicine Windberwhich was started in 2000 by Connellsville native Nick Jacobs, FACHE.

Another program known as I M Well (Integrative Medicine – WomenExcelling Living Life) will continue in some manner at the new location.

This program has been in existence for almost two years and was spon-sored in part by the Highmark Foundation. It was designed for womenin the community, and it focuses on three domains of wellness: nutrition-al health, physical health and mental health. The long-term goals are todecrease the risk of chronic illnesses, decrease unnecessary EmergencyDepart ment visits and decrease medication overuse which would increasethe number of productive, strong, healthy women.

For generations, Highlands Hospital has been a pillar of care and aneconomic center for the region. Since its inception, it has been a place forbirth, a place for healing, a recovery center, and a center for emergencymedicine. With the addition of the new center at the former ZachariahConnell Elementary School, Highlands Hospital’s future continues to lookstrong. As the local area continues to grow, the staff and board ofHighlands Hospial are committed to providing enhanced medical care,more skilled jobs, and increasing community outreach to help our com-munity members lead longer, stronger, healthier lives.

For more information on how you can support the mission of thehospital, visit www.highlandshospital.org.

Highlands Hospital to Breathe New Life Into Zachariah Connell Elementary School

Highlands Hospital Center for Health Impact is where the new Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism School

will be moving to this September.

Highlands Hospital Regional Center for Autism School Hallway

>

The variances for the school allow HighlandsHospital to turn Zachariah Connell Elementary

School into a health care center, which will includea center for autism, health impact for women, and ablended-care model that includes behavioral health,

women’s health and primary care.

http://www.highlandshospital.org


4 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH www.guidetogoodhealth.com Spring/Summer 2018

By Gateway Health

All children should be tested by their doctor for develop-mental delays and autism. A formal developmental screening(on paper) can be completed by the parent or Guardian, orquestions may be asked by the doctor or nurse directly to theparent or caregiver to check the child’s progress in all areasof development (speech/language, movement, social/emo-tional, thinking). These formal developmental screeningsshould happen at the 9 months, 18 months, and 30 monthswell-visit.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affectssocial communication and interaction. A formal autismscreening should be completed by the parent or guardian atthe 18 months and 24 months visit. This screening is sepa-rate from the developmental screening. The autism screen-ing looks for specific behaviors around social interactions,speech and language, and communication.

Doctors use these screenings to tell if children are on theright track for development or if a specialist should take acloser look at how the child is developing. These screenslook at all areas of development including language/commu-nication, problem-solving, social-emotional, and fine andgross motor skills.

Every child should receive these tests while they areyoung, as part of their regular well-care visits. Be sure to askyour healthcare provider if you have questions. Doctors may do these testsmore frequently if a parent or guardian shares a concern about their child’sdevelopment. Early intervention will improve your child’s chances of over-coming identified delays. Specialists can work with parents or guardians toinclude them in a development plan. It is important to monitor a child’sprogress as they enter preschool so they can observe growth in areas suchas movement, language, communication, social and play skills.

Developmental Delay and Autism Testing for Young Children

Parents who have questions about their child's development may contact the CONNECT Helpline at 1-800-692-7288. The CONNECT Helpline assists families inlocating resources and providing information regarding child development for children ages birth to age 5. In addition, CONNECT can assist parents by making adirect link to their county early intervention program or local preschool early intervention program.

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udents the highest possibility for success.pplied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) offers oureatment through the exclusive use ofnd behavioral programming. Intensiveositive outcomes in educational, medical,dhere has shown sterling documentedeatment. The program model to which weate-of-the-art educational and behavioralen in Southwestern Pennsylvania with

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Autism Facts & Stats• Autism now affects 1 in 68 children.• Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls• About 40% of children with autism do not speak. About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 monthsof age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until laterin childhood.• Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two peoplewith autism are alike).• The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years.• Comorbid conditions often associated with autism include FragileX, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, gastrointestinal/digestivedisorders, persistent viral infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders,anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD,sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune disor-ders, autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet mostunderfunded.• Children with autism do progress – early intervention is key.• Autism is treatable, not a hopeless condition.

Source: National Autism Association Fact Sheet

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

for more stories, information just for you! For FREE Subscription,

fill out the subscription form in this issue.



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By Daniel Casciato

FOR HEATHER ROSEN, MD, ADDICTION IS SOME-THING THAT CONSUMES ONE’S WHOLE BEING. ITCAN CAUSE IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS, ACTIONS ANDBEHAVIORS. IT CAN RENDER A PERSON POWERLESS.

“It is a complex disease which results in loss of control; a continued pre-occupation which can lead to negative consequences, failed attempts toquit, tolerance and withdrawal,” says Dr. Rosen, CEO and president ofRecovery Care, a primary care practice located in Jeannette, PA, that offersfamily medicine and addiction services.

According to Dr. Rosen, addictions can develop at any time. It can be theanecdote to a problem, a selfish desire, or a reaction to an event in one’s life.It can begin as a temporary solution to a condition and lead to a daily event.

“Addiction crosses socioeconomic barriers,” she adds. “There is no trueentity to blame. It can start as innocently as the patient taking prescriptionmedications after surgery or the individual who chose to use heroin for thefirst time as recreation.”

Drug addiction stems from the desire to ‘not feel pain.’ This pain can bephysical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Any condition that creates a needfor this escape can lead one vulnerable to addiction, notes Dr. Rosen. Theseconditions can be events that took place during childhood or adulthood.

Other risk factors include:• Some individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction, especially if

they suffer from mental illness such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, personal-ity or other psychiatric disorders.

• Many individuals who suffer from chronic pain can be vulnerable toaddiction secondary to their condition.

• Economic distress or other environmental influences such as exposureto physical, sexual or emotional abuse, trauma or substance abuse or addic-tion in the family can also act as important risk factors.

• Some research has shown they starting alcohol, nicotine or other druguse at an early age can lead to addiction.

If one of your friends or family members suffers from addiction, Dr. Rosenrecommends to let them know that although they may feel helpless or pow-erless, there is valuable help out there.

“Sometimes the struggle is deciding what treatment would be the best fit,”she says. “Some patients need intensive outpatient services, while othersneed inpatient treatment. It is important to utilize resources that can helpdetermine the best treatment model for each individual as there is not onesize to fit all.”

At Recovery Care, they utilize a holistic approach to addiction. Its philos-ophy is that successful treatment is contingent on treating the individualfrom a physical, emotional, and spiritual perspective. Dr. Rosen not only

treats their addiction but also their mentaland physical health, as well. She servesin the capacity as a primary careprovider capable of treating mostacute and chronic conditions. Shealso has the training to treat comor-bidities that often accompanyaddiction such as hepatitis andHIV.

Dr. Rosen works closely withCommunity Liver Alliance as wellas West Virginia Project ECHO viathe West Virginia Clinical andTranslational Science Institute. She isalso part of a grant for HIV/Hepatitis Crapid testing through The PennsylvaniaExpanded HIV Testing Initiative. She hasexpanded her practice in West Virginia to includeFamily Medicine and Women’s Health given the disparity of treatment in theKeyser area.

Dr. Rosen is a big proponent of counseling, saying that it is an integralpart in one’s recovery. She has the ability to counsel patients in her office andhas established valuable partnerships with many counseling resources toprovide her patients with continuity of care.

“Recovery Care is unique in the way we treat our patients,” she says. “Weprovide compassionate care through our philosophy that addiction is achronic disease, not a choice. We address addiction from various facets ofthe individual in order to create the most success.”

In order to get to the root of addiction, she notes that it is imperative totreat the individual this way—and patients feel secure in knowing that theycan come to one place and receive all the care they need.

For more information, visit www.recoverycare.org.

Recovery Care Uses Holistic Aproach to Treat Addiction

RISK FACTORS OF ADDICTION

CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH ADDICTION

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If one of yourfriends or family mem-

bers suffers from addic-tion, Dr. Rosen recom-

mends to let them knowthat although they mayfeel helpless or power-less, there is valuable

help out there.

>

http://www.recoverycare.org



GOUT DIET TIPSGout is a form of arthritis

which typically affects one joint ata time, causing severe pain andinflammation. Most often, the bigtoe joint is affected, although goutcan also show up on finger, ankle,knee and other joints. It can hap-pen once, or it can become achronic condition; if untreated, itmay lead to joint damage. Highblood levels of uric acid causegout; doctors usually recommenda “gout diet” to keep uric acid lev-els in check.

If you have gout, these are the foods to avoid:• Saturated fat, as in red meat and high fat dairy• Organ meats – liver, kidneys• Processed foods such as frozen dinners and snack foods• White bread, cake and products with high fructose corn syrup• Beer and other types of alcohol• Anchovies, mussels, sardines, scallops, tuna and herring

DO eat these healthy foods:• vegetables and fruit, especially cherries• whole grains• coffee, as long as you have no coffee prohibition for other reasons• plant oils• low fat dairy• water, lots of it – at least 8 cups of water per day,

plus additional fluids like coffee

Are You Feeling Depressed or Anxious?

Depression and anxiety are increasing in in teens and youngadults. If you are feeling depressed or anxious and it is interferingwith your life and/or relationships, seek help. There is no reasonto feel that way when treatment is available and effective. If youare worried about a friend or loved one who seems depressedor anxious, speak up. Let them know you have noticed and areconcerned. Ask if they think about harming themselves. If they sayyes, take them to an Emergency Room for immediate help or callre:Solve Crisis Network at 1-888-7 YOUCAN

EYE PROBLEMS That NeedImmediate Medical Attention• A change in vision, including a sudden “veil” of shadow• New or worsening eye pain• Increased sensitivity to light• Signs of an eye infection: pus, swelling, redness

and/or fever• A corneal scratch that is not improving in a day or two• A foreign object in the eye



By Kevin Brown

According to a national foot ailmentstudy by the American Podiatric MedicalAssociation, nearly 76 percent ofAmericans experienced at least onefoot ailment in a year’s time. For morethan a third of those Americans, thepain from their ailment was enough toinhibit daily activities.

Feet often receive little attention when it comes toour overall health, but having a painful foot problemcan cause serious disruption in our lives.

That’s why Dr. Patrick D. Roberto of Achilles FootCare is dedicated to offering advanced treatmentoptions for a variety of foot and ankle problems.Board-certified by the American Board of LowerExtremity Surgery, Dr. Roberto has been a practicingpodiatrist for more than 25 years with offices inDelmont and Monroeville. He received his doctor of podi-atric medicine from the Ohio College of PodiatricMedicine.

Dr. Roberto uses the latest techniques in treating com-mon and uncommon problems including bunions, flatfeet, hammertoe, heel spurs and fungal infections of thetoenails, along with other foot and ankle conditions.

New Bunion ProcedureIf you’ve ever had a bunion, you know the discomfort it

can cause. Pain, swelling, numbness and tingling are justsome of the symptoms. Dr. Roberto offers a new surgicalprocedure called Lapiplasty from Treace MedicalConcepts, Inc., to correct bunions

“Lapiplasty is our new bunion procedure. I won’t do anyother bunion procedure,” says Dr. Roberto. “It gives a per-fect result every single time and allows the patient toimmediately weight-bear in a CAM walker or boot. Westill keep them in that boot for four to six weeks, but atleast at this point we don’t have to keep them non-weightbearing for six weeks. Now they can walk immediatelyand in four to six weeks they’re in a tennis shoe with somemild exercises.”

Correcting Flat FeetFlexible flatfoot deformity, otherwise known as flat feet, is a painful foot

condition that can lead to more problems down the road. Dr. Roberto usesanother new technique, HyProCure, to help correct flat feet. HyProCure isa soft tissue implant that prevents the foot from going flat.

”A lot of people suffer from flexible flatfoot deformity. It can cause heelpain, arch pain and early arthritis in their lifetimes. If we can capture thosepatients who have this deformity early on and utilize this procedure, we canmaintain some flexibility to their foot and limit the arthritic changes. Theymay need something later on down the line, but they can get by with thisdevice for many years,” explains Dr. Roberto.

Treating Nail FungusThe most common foot problem that Dr. Roberto sees is onychomycosis,

or toenail fungus. While the condition is most often unsightly, it is highlycontagious and can cause pain and deformity of the nails. Over-the-counterpreparations are quite common, but may take months to show any effect. Inlong-standing fungal infections, these preparations may have little or noeffect on the fungus.

Dr. Roberto is at the forefront of advanced podiatry by offering fungal

infection treatments with the newly approvedLunula Laser by Erchonia. It has been availablein Europe for some years and the Food andDrug Administration just cleared it in 2016 foruse in the United States.

“The Lunula Laser treatment involves four,12-minute sessions per foot. You just keep yourfoot in the machine for 12 minutes and it focus-es two wavelengths of light on your toenails.The light penetrates the nail fungus and createstwo different types of reactive species that com-bine to create one chemical within the mito-chondria of the fungus that kills it,” explains Dr.Roberto.

“There are four sessions and they have to beone week apart from each other so we want tomake sure that patients are able to come inwithin that time frame. We usually start with aphotograph to see how they progress overtime,” he says.

“I’ve seen much quicker results with theLunula Laser than any other treatment plan I’veused for 25 years,” notes Dr. Roberto. Erchoniaboasts an 89 percent clearance rate of fungalinfections.

Relieving Diabetic NeuropathyDiabetic neuropathy is another painful foot condi-

tion that Dr. Roberto has had success in treating.Neuropathy is an inflammation of the nerves in thefeet and is common among those with diabetes.Symptoms include sharp nerve pain, numbness, andtingling. Oftentimes, it may feel as if one is “walkingon gravel in bare feet” even though wearing shoes.

“We maintain a health program where we seepatients who have diabetic neuropathy about fourtimes a year to take care of their feet,” says Dr. Roberto.”We don’t like them to cut their own toe nails, so wecut their nails. We evaluate them regularly and we putthem in diabetic shoe gear to protect their feet.”

“In some cases where a patient has very bad neuro-pathic pain, there are two medications that I prescribe,he says. “They are dietary supplements. One is a newmedication called NeuRemedy, which we dispensethrough the office. It has been very successful in help-ing those patients. We also prescribe Metanx, whichworks well with Metformin, a diabetic medication.”

Custom OrthoticsAnother major service that Dr. Roberto offers at

Achilles Foot Care is custom orthotics, which are wearable supports thathelp correct foot problems.

“An orthotic is essentially an arch support that goes inside the shoe underthe foot. It is more than just an arch support. These are custom-made. Wescan a 3D image of your feet and the orthotic is made based on that 3Dimage. You get a much better fit that way. It covers all the deformities forpeople who have arch pain, heel pain, arthritis pain in the ankle, and mid-foot pain. For some people who have a bunion, it will slow the progressionof the bunion,” Dr. Roberto says.

Other common foot and ankle problems that Dr. Roberto sees includeingrown toenails, warts, heel spurs and arthritis along with providing gen-eral geriatric foot care.

“At Achilles Foot Care, we are dedicated to offering individualized carethat’s based on each patient’s unique needs for long-term relief of pain andother symptoms, improved mobility, and a better quality of life,” Dr. Robertoadds.

For more information about Achilles Foot Care, visit their websitewww.achillesfootcare.com or call (724) 468-5368 in the Delmontarea or (412)372-7100 in the Monroeville area.

ACHILLES FOOT CAREAdvanced Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle Problems

>

“I’ve seen much quickerresults with the Lunula

Laser than any other treat-ment plan I’ve used for 25years,” notes Dr. Roberto.

Erchonia boasts an 89 percent clearance

rate of fungal infections.-Dr. Patrick D. Roberto

http://www.achillesfootcare.com



By Nick Jacobs

I recently have become a fan and ardent fol-lower of Dan Buettner, whose fascinatingresearch the past 15 years or so hasfocused on what he calls “Blue Zones”—thefive places in the world where people seem-ingly simply forget to die.

In these places, which include Sardinia, Italy; LomaLinda, California; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece,residents live into their late 90s and often beyond 100. A NationalGeographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author, Buettner saidhe found that only 10 to 20 percent of longevity is dictated by genetics; nordid the folks he studied in the Blue Zones live longer because of diets, tread-mills or supplements.

Rather, common factors shared by those who lived long included havinga great sense of purpose to their lives and a need to move physically every20 minutes in response to their geography. These individuals were ener-gized by belonging to what they called “Like-tribes” that kept people on theright track. They lived in interconnected, mutually supportive clusters ofbehavior, which helped them to do the rights long enough to not get dis-ease.Put simply, one of the people Buettner interviewed said, “Eat withoutgluttony. Drink without getting drunk. Argue but don’t go to bed mad. Andoccasionally, with great discretion, misbehave.”

Adding to these enlightening findings is the work of Harvard’s MikeNorton, who visited three continents to ask this question: Do you think lifeis short and hard or long and easy? Those selecting “long and easy” werealways happier, more civic-minded and generous. In fact, they were 40 per-cent happier, 30 percent more likely to vote and 60 percent more likely todonate money.

Getting back to Buettner, heworked with Google, Gallup and theUniversity of Pennsylvania and dis-covered that the 50 billion Googlesearches they analyzed were more pre-dictive of happiness than either age orincome. They found, for example, thatpeople who own dogs are happier thanpeople who own cats. People who likeaction movies or comedies are happierthan those looking for romancemovies.

From his world studies, he foundthat gender equality is important. In fact, itmakes the men happier when women are treat-ed equally. Education for both men and women is an important key to hap-piness, at least a high school education because educated girls become edu-cated mothers and produce better everything. They found that healthcare– not America’s sick care, but genuine health care which includes preventionand wellness – is a great predictor of happiness, and countries where thereis complete healthcare equality is where the happiest people live.

Happy people place their values on family, some type of belief system,face to face conversations, walking to the church, market and friends’homes, laughter, and seven hours of sleep a day. They also take all theirvacation days, try new things and have some type of intimate relations atleast twice a week. Buettner also recommends meditation, financial securityover consumption, big windows for lots of light, a front porch, and havinga best friend at work.

So, own a dog, socialize, stay married if you can, pick a job you love overmoney, give something back, and most importantly, pick where you livebecause that is the single most important happiness indicator. If you live inan unhappy place and move to a happy one, you will be exponentially hap-pier within a year. And you just might have a lot more years left to enjoythat happiness.

Forgetting To Die“Eat without glut-

tony. Drink without

getting drunk. Argue

but don’t go to bed

mad. And occasional-

ly, with great discre-

tion, misbehave.”Nick Jacobs of Pittsburgh

is a Principal withSunStone ManagementResources and author

of the bloghealinghospitals.com.



By Nancy Kennedy

Millions of people suffer with vari-cose veins, spider veins andother circulatory conditions of thelegs. These conditions can beuncomfortable, causing achingpain, swelling, and a feeling ofheaviness, and they can evenlead to discoloration and disfig-urement.

Many people mistakenly believe that vari-cose veins are not a serious condition, and sothey simply endure the symptoms. Others areconvinced that the unsightly veins are pri-marily a cosmetic problem.

In fact, varicose veins and related circulato-ry conditions of the lower extremities are indicative of a deeper medicalproblem that requires expert professional treatment, says Nicole Bruno,M.S.N., C.R.N.P., an acute care nurse practitioner who specializes in cardio-vascular and pulmonary conditions and is part of the team at GreaterPittsburgh Vascular Associates, Inc. Bruno says thatwhen varicose veins are untreated, they willusually worsen and may result in venousstasis, infections and subsequent skinbreakdown and ulcers, which can bechallenging to treat and slow to heal.

“If you have varicose veins andvenous insufficiency, you should seektreatment before the disease progresses.There can be irreversible damage withouttreatment,” she warns. “At GreaterPittsburgh Vascular Associates, we offerstate-of-the-art treatment for theseconditions as well as preventive carefor those who are at risk or are in the earliest stages.”

Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Associates is part of Jefferson CardiologyAssociates and has two locations, including one right here inWestmoreland County, in Jeannette. GPVA is one of the region’s foremostfacilities for the treatment of a broad spectrum of cardiovascular conditionsand offers numerous advantages to patients:

• State of the art diagnostic and therapeutic care, right in the office;• Expert physicians including Gennady Geskin, M.D.

who perform the most advanced, minimally invasive procedures;• The latest cutting edge diagnostic and surgical technology;• A full service, “one stop” setting featuring seamless care,

from diagnosis through follow up;• A patient-centered, comfortable environment in a free standing facility

with ample free parking and easy access on the ground floor.

According to Nicole Bruno, venous insufficiency can afflict people asyoung as age 30. Heredity, pregnancy, weight gain and occupations thatrequire constant standing are among the most common risk factors. Thesymptoms can be eased with professionally measured compression stock-ings, elevation of the legs, weight reduction and walking, but these mea-sures are not a full solution.

“Prophylactic measures can slow the progression of disease andreduce the severity of symptoms, but definitive treatment is essen-tial,” she explains. “At Greater Pittsburgh Vascular, we offer themost expert care available. Dr. Geskin is one of the most experi-enced cardiovascular surgeons in the region.”

Treatment begins with a diagnostic venous ultrasound, per-formed right in the office, to identify the malfunctioning veins.

Dr. Geskin and his colleagues use endovenous thermal laser abla-tion, a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light, or radiofre-quency, which uses electricity. The procedure is an outpatient, mini-mally invasive, and very safe procedure that requires only a local anes-thetic. There is no incision and no pain. The procedure is usually

complete in less than ten minutes and the patient can walk out after-wards, wearing compression stockings. Most people can resume theirusual daily routine in one day.

For Nicole Bruno, working at GPVA is immensely satisfying. “I get tosee positive results every day. It can be life-changing when people gettheir vein problems taken care of; they feel better, they can move moreeasily and they can live a healthier lifestyle because they no longer havethat heavy, aching feeling in their legs. I recall a patient with non-healingleg ulcers who spent two years seeing many doctors. She came here andunder our care, her wound finally healed.”

Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Associates offers compression hose fit-tings, ultrasound diagnostics, complete assessment by a board-certifiedphysician, patient education, and post-procedure follow up care. GreaterPittsburgh Vascular Associates is a private practice and thus is able toaccept almost all insurance carriers.

“If you have varicose

veins and venous insuffi-

ciency, you should seek

treatment before the dis-

ease progresses. There

can be irreversible damage

without treatment.”

-Nicole Bruno, M.S.N., C.R.N.P.

Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Associates, Inc.

Varicose Veins Require Expert Professional Treatment

> Greater Pittsburgh Vascular has two locations: One in the South Hills, on Route 51, and a second one in Jeannette, at 6637 State RT. 30,15644. For directions, or to learn more about the services, visit the web site, www.GreaterPittsburghVascular.com. To contact Jefferson Cardiology Association and Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Associates, call 412-469-1500. To make an appointment at the Jeannette location, call 724-853-1444.

According to NicoleBruno, venous insuffi-

ciency can afflict peopleas young as age 30.

http://www.GreaterPittsburghVascular.com



By Joseph Dougherty, M.D.

Most, if not all, of us havebeen there are at some point:You hit your head pretty hardand you wonder, “Could Ihave a concussion?” This

thought probably occurs even more often todaywith all the publicity given to concussions andtheir potential long-term effect.

While not every hit to the head results in a concus-sion, some do and so it’s important to recognize thesymptoms. These include headache, head pressure, neckpain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, bal-ance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and ringingin the ear. Other symptoms could include feeling sloweddown or in a “fog,” difficulty concentrating or remem-bering, fatigue, confusion, irritability, sadness, anxiety,drowsiness, trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleepingmore than usual.

While it’s rare for someone who may have experienceda concussion to need a trip to the emergency room,some signs might warrant such a trip. These includeexcessive sleepiness; an inability to stay awake or beingroused from sleep; a headache that gets worse and is notrelieved with typical medications; increased nausea andvomiting; more confusion, agitation or restlessness; trou-ble talking, walking, or changes in vision; or seizures orconvulsion.

When Dealing with Concussions, It’s Best to Use Your Head!

Dr. Dougherty is a primary care sports medicine physician in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.He is also Associate Program Director of the Forbes Family Medicine residency andAllegheny Health Network sports medicine fellowship.

When these more severe signs are absent, you can take the following steps to manage a concussion:

• Remove yourself from the concussion-causing situation.If it occurred during a physical activity (such as sports), do not participate in that sport

again until you see a physician. Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicationssuch as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, or naproxen (Aleve) in the first 72 years afterthe concussion.

• Rest your brain.For 48 to 72 hours, you should rest at home with no TV, reading, video games, work

or similar activities. Minimizing brain activity helps start the healing process. The earlieryou start, the quicker you’ll heal.

• See your primary care physician or a concussion specialist.Your doctor will evaluate you to make sure there is nothing more serious and help treat

your symptoms.

• Listen to your doctor.Before okaying your return to sports, job or other activity, your doctor may order a

“Return to Play” or “Return to Learn” program to ensure your concussion has healed.Most people fully recover from a concussion in 10 to 14 days, although this can vary

from individual to individual. So if it takes you a little longer, don’t be overly concerned.Trust your doctor and your common sense and follow these tips. Together, they’ll ensureyou get back in the game.

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by Kevin Brown

Thanks to Hollywood, many people think of hypnosis as akind of mysterious mind control to make unsuspecting vic-tims do things they normally wouldn’t do. That couldn’t befurther from the truth.

According to local hypnotist and psychiatric nurse Jan Lee,CH, RN, hypnosis is simply a way to reprogram the mind.

“Through hypnosis, we can bypass the conscious mind andaccess the subconscious mind where healthy changes can takeplace,” she explains. “If you look at the mind as a computer,everyone has programs running that control our thoughtsand actions. Hypnosis is a means to replace the programscausing us to do unhealthy things with healthy programs.”

Hypnosis can help clients overcome smoking and otheraddictions, food issues, self-esteem and confidence issues,anger management, fears and phobias, sports performance,grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and being bullied, amongothers. Jan also has had quite a bit of success with pain man-agement, helping clients find relief from chronic pain.

Jan’s interest in hypnosis began 25 years ago when, as a psy-chiatric nurse working at a local hospital, she attended a sem-inar on hypnosis. The subject intrigued her and she promised herselfthat she would look into it one day. In 2010, she underwent hypnosistraining and achieved her certification through the National Guild ofHypnotists, the leading national training and certification organizationfor professional hypnotists. Since launching her hypnosis practice inNew Kensington, she has had great success in helping clients overcomea host of other unhealthy behaviors.

Jan explains that we are in and out of hypnotic states every day.“When you think about driving the same route from point A to pointB for years, sometimes you get to that destination and you really don’trecall how you got there. You were most likely in a hypnotic state or ‘inthe zone’ where you don’t have to think about the act of driving.During a hypnosis session, the hypnotist simply guides you into a hyp-notic state to engage your subconscious,” she says.

What does it feel like to be hypnotized? “You are in a kind of trance- not a zombie trance - but in an altered state of consciousness betweenwakefulness and sleep,” Jan says. “Clients report feeling very relaxed orfeeling like they are floating away.”

Jan does some "testing" using a pendulum or visualization to see howreceptive her client is. Then she asks the client to gaze at a candle flameor stare at a spot on the wall. This causes a heaviness and closure of theeyes. She coaxes them to relax and breathe deeply. She has them countbackward slowly until the numbers fade and are forgotten. This signi-fies a "letting go" of the conscious mind.

“Some people go into trance more easily. Some need more help to letgo. It's all unique to that client and I will adjust to what they need," Janexplains.

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. “People think itsvoodoo or a religious process. It’s not mind control and you can‘t getstuck in it. You are not going to tell me things you don’t want to,” Jansays. “There are a few people who have a real fear of being hypnotized,”Jan says. “Almost anyone can be hypnotized, but if you have a lot ofmisconceptions, or if you do not want to be hypnotized for whateverreason, then it’s not going to happen. If hypnosis is explained to youcorrectly, you shouldn’t be afraid of it.”

People with severe cognitive impairment, those with psychosis andany who are unable to follow basic directions may not be hypnotizable,according to Jan.

“The key is do you wantto accept what you are hearing?” Jan explains. “Yourmind has its belief system and if it does not want toaccept a suggestion, it will not do that.”

“When someone asks me whether hypnosis is dan-gerous, I like to ask them, ‘Is daydreaming danger-ous?’ or ‘Is using your imagination dangerous?’Normally, hypnosis is very safe with no side effects,”she says.

Do people remember what happens when they arehypnotized? According to Jan, that varies. “I haveclients who will recall something of what was said. Yourconscious mind may not remember, but your subcon-scious mind will, because that what was engaged duringthe session.”

Hypnosis is not just for adults. “Kids are the best sub-jects. I just worked with an 11-year-old with anxietyissues,” says Jan. “Children between 8 and 10 are veryreceptive to hypnosis. Teenagers, too, are open to hyp-nosis. By the time we are adults, though, we havebecome a bit jaded, maybe cynical and less believing inthe ‘magic’ of our own powerful minds to make

changes. We can retrieve this by simply watching children let go whenthey play. We all have done that and it is part of us.”

One of the most common conditions that people use hypnosis for issmoking cessation.

“You already know in your conscious mind that smoking is bad foryou,” says Jan. “The difference with hypnosis is receiving those sugges-tions when you are in trance. I have them imagine that, as soon as youtouch that cigarette, you have the worst taste in your mouth. You beginto make an association that this smoking is associated with somethingyou don’t like or, on the other hand, quitting is associated with amazingthings like adding years to your life that smoking would have takenaway; breathing easier and having more energy; having fresh smellingclothes, hair, and breath; and having extra money that was spent onyour smoking habit.

How effective is hypnosis for something like smoking cessation? Jansays that “If I did a group of smokers who wanted to quit, six or sevenout of ten would quit. It depends on the hypnotist and the client.

If you feel that hypnosis might help you, Jan recommends talking tothe hypnotist and asking questions. “Get to know the hypnotist. I liketo do an interview with prospective clients. Ask questions. Get rid ofyour misconceptions about hypnosis. Make sure you are comfortable.Just be prepared to let go and use your imagination.”

What’s the future for hypnosis? Jan believes “The sky is the limit.This isn’t a fad. Mind-body medicine is here to stay and it needs to takeits place right alongside traditional medicine. If people become health-ier because they learn to do something that is not about medications orprocedures, but something they can tap into with their own energy,their own mind to heal themselves, then let’s make it an additionalintervention,” Jan says.

For more information about hypnosis, contact Jan at(724) 351-1242, [email protected], or visit her website at www.janleehypnosis.com.

Hypnosis: Programming Healthy Habits

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HYPNOSIS?

SUCCESS WITH SMOKING CESSATION

IS HYPNOSIS FOR YOU?

THE FUTURE OF HYPNOSIS?

>

“Hypnosis is ameans to

replace the programs causing

us to do unhealthy things

with healthy programs.”

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.janleehypnosis.com



by Kelsey Z. and Lena R.

Today is a wonderful day to begin your path to wellness. At MassageEnvy Spa in Greensburg the talented Therapists and Estheticians are ded-icated to providing customized Massage, Stretch and Skin Care services tohelp clients on their path toward total body and skin care.

Massage Therapy BenefitsMassage Therapy until recently has been viewed as an alternative, as

opposed to a primary treatment which can provide an array of benefits.Now that massage therapy has transitioned to a mainstream treatmentoption, many people are finding it to be their go to for their body careneeds. The benefits of receiving a regular massage go more than skin deep,and include; ease of sore muscles, properly aligning the body, improve pos-ture and circulation, reduce stress, and boost the body’s immune system.During the summer months it is especially important to receive a regularmassage. There’s a lot to do in the summer months - picnics, traveling, gar-dening, grilling, but that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of taking careof yourself. Receiving a regular massage in the summer months will helpclear your thinking, counteract swelling from the heat and humidity andkeep you feeling your best to enjoy all the activities and events planned foryour summer. Schedule an hour for “you” time. It will make all the other23 hours much more enjoyable.

Benefits of Regular Skin Care TreatmentsSkin is the largest organ in our bodies. At Massage Envy Greensburg our

expert Estheticians are passionate about educating clients on the best treat-ments and products to keep your skin healthy and youthful. ChemicalPeels, Facials and Microderm Infusion are all treatment options offered atMassage Envy Greensburg. All these treatments offer an array of benefits

ranging from reducing acne, brightening the skin, anti-aging, reducing finelines and wrinkles, firming and plumping, and increasing hydration.During the summer months it is especially important to remember SPF toprotect the skin from harmful UV rays that deplete the skin. Wearing anSPF will protect essential proteins found in your skin, such as collagen,keratin and elastin which are required proteins to maintain skins smoothtexture and overall health. At Massage Envy Greensburg our Estheticiansrealize they ideally see your face one to two times a month for treatment,but you see your face 60 times a month as you cleanse your face in themorning and evening. With that, they recommend excellent at home prod-ucts to help continue the progress toward your desired results. With dailystresses and changes in the environment that adversely affect our skin, it isimportant to be preventative and take the time to treat an important partof your total body care.

Take care and have a relaxing summer!

For more information you may contact your Wellness Team at theMassage Envy location in Greensburg. To make an appointment orpurchase a gift card, call (724) 832-8383 (1420 Greengate Centre,Greensburg).

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Massage and Skin CareTreatments Offer Many

Health Benefits



By Dr. Amy Crawford-Faucher

As a family physician, I spend a lotof time with patients discussing, andoften recommending, screening tests.Some of these tests are proven to savelives by picking up diseases such ascancer early enough to be curable.Others, despite a lot of press fromsupport groups and maybe your doc-tor, deserve a little more thought.

When it comes to screening tests, afew things should be kept in mind. Tobe worthwhile – to you personally, topublic health generally, and to youand your insurer’s bottom line—agood screening test must: 1) test forcommon diseases, 2) be able to pickup that disease early enough to makea difference in treatment (i.e., to makeyour life better), 3) be affordable, and4) have more benefit than harm.

Doctors don’t talk nearly enough with our patients aboutthe potential harm of screening tests. I don’t mean that ablood test or X-ray itself is harmful, but that we some-times find things in those studies that lead to more test-ing that end up not improving a patient’s health. Gettingan abnormal test result is emotionally distressing and theadditional testing that results can be expensive and some-times painful. Remember that nothing in health care is“free”. I am certainly not recommending against screening,but some tests deserve a thorough discussion about when an indi-vidual should have the test or how often.

The “Slam Dunks”This category includes tests that meet all the aforementioned require-

ments. Unfortunately, it is a short list. Testing for cervical cancer (i.e., PAP tests). This test can actually prevent cancer by catching abnormal cells before

they become cancerous. Those precancerous changes are fairly easily treat-ed. All of the medical groups who recommend screening tests agree on thisone. We start testing patients at age 21 (not before!) and test every 3 yearsuntil age 30. Then it is every 3 to 5 years depending on which tests are used.Someone does not need a PAP test every year unless something abnormal isfound.

Breast cancer screening (i.e., mammograms). Medical experts generally agree that mammograms done between the

ages of 50 and 75 years are beneficial. That is, they find potentially serious

breast cancers early so they can besuccessfully treated. So the benefit ofscreening is early detection and treat-ment of early breast cancers. But whatabout potential harm? One problemwith mammograms is that they arevery good at finding abnormal-look-ing changes. This can be a problembecause determining which funky-looking changes are cancer and whichare not often require additional mam-mograms, ultrasounds, and some-times biopsies. Seventy percent of thetime, that abnormal finding turns outto be NOT cancer. The financialcost, emotional worry, and pain fromthese additional tests equals the harmof screening.

The controversy lies in startingscreening earlier than 50. In a person’s40s, the ratio of benefits to harm of

screening is not as clear. Because breast cancer is less com-mon in younger ages, these mammograms are more likelyto find those noncancerous changes that still require theextra testing I mentioned. We also just don’t know yet(but we suspect) that some of those early breast cancersmay never grow or spread to cause problems.

SO WHAT IS A WOMANIN HER 40S TO DO?

Even the medical experts don’t agree on when to start mam-mogram screening and how often to get it. For women at the usual

level of risk, one group recommends yearly mammograms starting at 40,another at 45, and another at 50, with either yearly or every other year mam-mograms.

The decision should be based on the individual’s balancing of risk factors,such as a family history of some cancers, and the desire to avoid excess test-ing, against the benefits of finding a breast cancer very early.

In my own family I have women who would rather find and treat everyabnormality, even if it may not make them healthier, and some who wouldrather avoid the harm of extra testing and have aboutthe same chance of finding a treatable breast cancer.Any of these decisions are reasonable, and should bediscussed with your doctor.

Some Frank Talk on Women’s Health Screenings

Dr. Amy Crawford-Faucher is a family physicianand the program director for the Forbes FamilyMedicine Residency Program of Allegheny HealthNetwork and a member of the board of directors

for the Family Medicine Education Consortium.

“Seventypercent of the time,

that abnormal findingturns out to be

NOT cancer.”

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-Dr. Amy Crawford-Faucher



By Vanessa Orr

On Monday, April 2, K & J’sComplete Woman Mastectomy &Wig Boutique held a grandreopening at its new location inDonald son’s Crossroads in Mc -Murray, PA. Double the squarefootage, the new location willallow co-owners Kathy Garrisonand daughter Kristin Garrison-Smihal to add more products andmore private fitting rooms.

K & J’s will continue to providemastectomy products, compres-sion sleeves, wigs and head cover-ings and breast pumps, and willalso carry compression stockingsand hose for those with circulatoryissues or venous insufficiency. Theboutique will be partnering withMeredith Irwin of spOILsWellness, a distributor of DoTerraEssential Oils, who in addition tooffering educational classes andpersonal assessments, will carrydiffusers and other essential oilproducts.

“DoTerra products are 100 per-cent organic and have been sub-stantiated through research,” saidGarrison-Smihal. “We wanted towork with a reputable company to

provide natural remedies as anadjunct to traditional treatments.”

Garrison-Smihal hopes that thenew location will make it even eas-ier for clients to access the bou-tique and its products. She is espe-cially hopeful that K & J will beable to reach women who could

benefit from balance shapers andspecialty bras.

“It just breaks my heart thatthere are women who had lumpec-tomies with radiation in the pastwho are now out of balance, butaren’t aware that insurance willcover the products they needbecause they are no longer intreatment,” said Garrison-Smihal.

Because radiated skin and tissueages differently, many women whohad earlier surgeries are only nowdealing with imbalance issues.“When we show them prostheticsspecifically designed to deal withimbalance, some of them breakinto tears,” said Garrison-Smihal.

Women who have had recon-structive surgery may also eligiblefor balance shapers and brasspecifically designed for theirneeds. “After a mastectomy, it’snot always possible for recon-structed breasts to match perfect-ly,” said Garrison-Smihal. “Theseproducts mimic the shape of thebreast and make clients look com-pletely balanced and even.”

Women can feel comfortablegoing into K & J for a fitting aswell. “Our facility is accreditedthrough the American Board of

Certification in Orthotics andProsthetics, and all staff arerequired to become board-certi-fied mastectomy fitters (CMFs),”said Garrison-Smihal, adding thattheir experts stay on top of thecurrent research and trends in theindustry.

Because both owners are cancersurvivors, they understand theemotional aspect of a fitting andtry to make it relaxing and fun.“This is a family-owned business,and everyone who works here islike family,” said Garrison-Smihal.“We try to make this a healingexperience for our patients; welaugh together, we cry together,and we try to make sure everyoneleaves feeling good about theirappearance. Once patients comehere, they are a part of K&J’s fam-ily for life.”

K & J Complete Woman islocated at 3901 WashingtonRoad, Ste. 302, McMurray, PA15317 (next to Walgreens

and Taco Bell and above CitizensBank). Learn more at their websitewww.kandjscompletewoman.com,visit them on Facebook or call (412) 835-5093.

K&J’s Complete Woman Opens New Locations, Adds New Products

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K&J’s Complete Womanco-owners Kathy Garrison

and daughter KristinGarrison-Smihal recentlyopened its new location

at Donald son’sCrossroads in McMurray

kandjscompletewoman.com

http://www.kandjscompletewoman.com



It was once described to me by a patient, “the pain ofshingles is radiated by wearing clothing or the feeling ofair blowing over one’s raw, sensitive skin.” It is a verypainful and debilitating condition that affects a patient’sdaily life where routine functions of combing your hair or bathing becomesan excruciatingly painful moment. There are an estimated one million casesof shingles each year in the United States; 1 out of 3 people will develop acase of shingles during their lifetime. Let’s nail down the facts and mythsabout shingles together!

“What is Shingles? How do I get this horrific disease?”

FACT: Shingles are caused by a virus known as the varicella zoster virus.This is the exact same virus that causes chickenpox, so individuals that havehad chickenpox already have this virus in their bodies. After an individualhas chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus remains dormant (or asleep) inthe body typically at the nerve endings to muscles and skin. These vesiclesof the virus resides until a stimulus provokes the “sleeping” virus.

MYTH: Individuals that have never had chickenpox can’t get Shingles.This is a MYTH! A patient that has never had chickenpox can still contractthe virus and develop chickenpox and/or shingles at any time since it is thesame varicella zoster virus.

“How does this happen? Where does this come from inside my body?”

There is much speculation of what causes the “sleeping” nasty andpainful vesicles of the varicella zoster virus to awaken and travel to the skinsurface for an eruption of painful sores. Some healthcare experts believethat added stressful life situations, such as the death of a loved one, divorce,job termination, or major health episode such as heart attack, stroke, andgrave health conditions are all reasons to place the body under a stressfulcondition causing these vesicles to awaken. In all honesty, these are possiblecauses but have not clinically been proven. As an immunizing pharmacist,I have personally seen shingles cases as young as 21 years old up to the ageof 70+; there are no limitations to what age group this virus will attack.Most commonly, we see shingles in patients over the age of 50.

FACT: At any possible moment in one’s adult life the “sleeping” virus canawaken and travel the nerve ending surfacing at the skin with a rash orwatery blisters. A tingling feeling or painful sensation will occur usually as

the vesicles of the virus make its way tothe surface of the skin. These blisterswill erupt and cause painful skinpatch areas that are similar to rawbare skin.

MYTH: One cannot get shinglesfrom another individual - isABSOLUTELY FALSE! One mustremember, this is a live and activevirus. One can spread the varicellazoster virus to individuals that havenever had chickenpox before or indi-viduals that have not been vaccinat-

ed for shingles. If the shingles soresare weeping or open raw, these are con-

sidered active and contagious shinglesthat can be spread easily to others.Individuals that are highly susceptible to the

contracting shingles from an active person would be pregnant women, indi-viduals with low immune systems, newborns that have newly formingimmune systems, and elderly patients when weakened or compromisedimmune systems.

The truth of the matter is - Shingles are considered contagious up to thepoint that the sores are crusting over or also known as “drying” or “scab-bing.” Once they have started the drying process, shingles are consideredreturning to the dormant (sleeping) state.

“This is so painful . . .I never want to experience this again . . . will I?”

FACT: Shingles do have the known ability to return and show their painagain. The awakening of the dormant (sleeping) vesicles of the varicellazoster virus will travel again and again to the surface of the skin and startthe entire painful process over. Typically, this is in the same location eachtime, however, the outbreak area size gets larger and widens. The pain isalso intensified and causes more discomfort than the previous episode.

MYTH: Shingles will only show up on the body’s torso – is againabsolutely false! Where there is a nerve ending in the body connected to amuscle, to a body organ like an eye, ear, face muscle, finger, etc…. a shingleoutbreak can occur. In my career, I have had patients with shingles in theireye altering their vision temporarily during the active episode. We hopethat once the episode subsides, the eye vision returns as normal; however,this is not always the case. There could be possible damage done to anyorgan for which the virus attacks.

“Tell me how do I stop this from happening to me?Can I prevent this?”

When introduced into the market in 2007, the Zostavax vaccine wasdesigned to help build patient’s immunity to the shingles virus and preventpatients from having any outbreaks of shingles. According to the Center forDisease Control (CDC), the effectiveness of the Zostavax vaccine has great-ly reduced the outbreak of shingles in the general population for West -moreland County, Penn syl vania.

Some patients might have received the original shingles vaccine knownas Zostavax. This was the original course of therapy when it was introducedin the market to prevent shingle outbreaks.

After 11 years since the introduction of Zostavax vaccine, it is now beingHIGHLY RECOMMENDED that patients receive a booster vaccine for theshingles virus. This shingles booster vaccine is known as SHINGRIX.

SHINGRIX is designed to serve as a booster vaccine for all patients thathave received the Zostavax vaccine within the last 10 years. It works inconjunction with the vaccine to provided additional adequate coverage andprotection against the development of shingles.This vaccine is a TWOSHOT series, typically six months apart.

“How expensive is it? Does my insurance cover it?Where can I get the vaccine?”

The SHINGRIX immunization is typically covered by insurance for thosepatients over 65 and on a Medicare Part D program. Other patients from 21years and older, should check with their major medical insurance for cov-erage. If it is not covered by a patient’s medical insurance, the SHINGRIXvaccine costs about $230 on average.

Understanding the Pain of Shingles –

Let’s Nail This DownTogether

In depth look at the Truths and Myths,and How to Protect Yourself

By Edward L. Christofano, R.Ph, President/CEO of Hayden's Pharmacy in Westmoreland County

Individuals that

have never had

chickenpox can’t

get Shingles.

This is a MYTH!

(Continued on following page.)



Ed Christofano, R.Ph - President / CEOHayden’s Pharmacy

Pennsylvania Pharmacist of the YearCardinal Health National Pharmacist of the Year

We are a PREFERRED Pharmacy forUPMC Rx 90 Day Prescriptions

We are a PREFERRED Pharmacy withHighmark Security Blue / Freedom Blue

We ACCEPT ALL Major Insurances

We STILL OFFER a $4.00 Generic Plan

We ALWAYS have time for your questions

We OFFER Immunization Services

We OFFER Clinical Testing Services

National AWARD WINNING CompanyExcellence in Pharmacy

Local Family Owned

PHARMACYHAYDEN’S

Serving YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD and the Surrounding Area Since 1992

This immunization is oftenadministered in the clinicrooms at immunizing phar-macy facilities. Patients areable to obtain this immu-nization by prescriptionfrom the primary physicianat specific immunizationpharmacy settings.

We, at Hayden’s Phar -macy, are strongly urgingpatients to set up anappointment for theShingrix Booster Vaccinetoday, and the second seriesinjection within the next 6months. Immunizing phar-macy facilities mightrequire the scheduling of a clinic appointment. It is best to contactyour pharmacy for more specific information.

In closing, it is very important to ensure your body’s protection fromdeveloping shingles sooner than later. Those who have had shinglesshould absolutely get the vaccine to prevent another painful outbreak.Remember, no vaccine is 100% foolproof; however, patients shouldtake comfort in doing everything possible to prevent and eliminate thispainful experience.

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Tips for increasingyour WATERINTAKE

DID YOU KNOW THAT THIRST IS ALATE SYMPTOM OF DEHYDRATION? It’strue. Most of us won’t feel thirsty until we arealready dehydrated. Many people are walkingaround in a state of chronic mild dehydration,because we are “too busy” to pay attention to this vital need. Our bodies aremostly composed of water, and every cell needs water to function well. Weeliminate water all day, in urine, stools, sweat and breath and it has to bereplaced. Some signs of dehydration include dark urine, less frequent urina-tion, constipation, fatigue and headache. Urine should be nearly colorless, orthe color of pale lemonade – not cider or beer!

The National Academy of Sciences recommends that men drink a mini-mum of 15.5 cups of fluids per day, and that women drink 11.5 cups. This canbe plain water, or water based fluids such as tea and coffee. Eating wateryfoods, like watermelon and spinach, helps.

If you have a medical condition that affects your fluid balance, like kidneydisease, or you take a diuretic, your fluid needs are a matter to discuss withyour physician.

Tips for increasing your water intake:• Drink a big glass first thing in the morning;• Keep a carafe of water on your nightstand and take a sip if you

awaken during the night;• Have a water based beverage, or water, with every meal;• Make your water more appealing: add sliced cucumber, strawberries,

lemon or mint• If you don’t like to drink water, try sipping it frequently, rather than trying

to down a whole glass. Keep an attractive water bottle at your desk or nearby.

Shingles (Continued from previous page.)

Edward L. Christofano, R.Ph., President/CEO of Hayden'sPharmacy in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. If you are inter-ested in more information about the Shingrix vaccine or questionsabout shingle, please feel free to contact via email Ed Christofano,R.Ph. at [email protected] or check out the website:www.haydenspharmacy.com

According to the Center for Disease Control

(CDC), the effectiveness of theZostavax vaccine has greatlyreduced the outbreak of shin-gles in the general population

for West moreland County,Penn syl vania.


http://www.haydenspharmacy.com



By Daniel Casciato

Latrobe native Eric Strayer,DMD, an oral and maxillofacial sur-geon, is coming back home tobecome part of the practice of Oral& Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD. Hejoins current partners, RobertQueale, DMD and Michael Buckley,DMD, MS.

“I’m blessed with the opportunityto be able to come home and dowhat I love and help the people inthe community where I grew up,”says Dr. Strayer.

Dr. Strayer, a graduate of GroveCity College, earned his dentaldegree from Temple University inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania. Hecompleted his residency in oral andmaxillofacial surgery at theUniversity of Texas Medical Branchin Galveston, Texas.

He originally decided to pursuedentistry because of his uncle, thelate Dr. Thomas X. Kissell, who wasa dentist in the Latrobe area.

“After getting into dental school,I was exposed to the oral surgery

clinics at the school and reallyenjoyed it,” says Dr. Strayer. “Idecided that I wanted to continueon to become an oral surgeon,which took another four years oftraining.”

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,LTD manages a wide variety ofproblems relating to the mouth,teeth, and facial regions. It offerspatients a full scope of oral andmaxillofacial surgery expertiseincluding extractions and wisdomtooth removal.

The oral surgeons can diagnoseand treat facial pain, facial injuries,fractures, and TMJ disorders, aswell as perform a full range of den-tal implant and bone grafting proce-dures. This also includes tech-niques designed to rebuild bonestructure with minimal surgicalintervention and optimal patientcomfort.

The surgical staff are certifiedtrained oral and maxillofacial surgi-cal assistants. They have RegisteredNurses and Surgical Technologiststrained in assisting with intra-

venous (IV) sedation or outpatientgeneral anesthesia in the office set-ting. Patients are continuouslymonitored during and after surgery.

In addition to the opportunity toreturn home, Dr. Strayer found Oral& Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD to bea perfect fit for him. He has knownDr. Queale and Dr. Buckley foryears and looks forward to workingwith them.

“They’re wonderful guys andgreat surgeons,” he says. “I wantedto join a practice that had the expe-rience they have. Throughout the

years they have focused on buildingtheir relationships with patientsand dentists from all over whichhas helped them become a success-ful practice.”

The practice has three offices inthe region: Latrobe, Greensburgand Murrysville.

“The three surgeons will rotatebetween the three offices so patientswon’t have to travel too far whenthey are seeking treatment,” saysDr. Strayer.

HOMECOMING: Latrobe Native Joins Oral &

Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD“Brush and floss your teeth

twice a day and be sure to goand see your dentist every sixmonths,” he says. “Your den-tist can spot any issues that

you might be having and canrefer you for our services

when necessary.”

-Dr. Eric Strayer




This benefits the patients, he adds.The practice also offers extended office hours on select days, sends appoint-

ment reminders, and provides patients with a quick turnaround time on callsand appointment requests.

Sometimes surgery is unavoidable, but if you want to keep your mouthhealthy, Dr. Strayer says to simply practice good dental hygiene.

“Brush and floss your teeth twice a day and be sure to go and see your den-tist every six months,” he says. “Your dentist can spot any issues that youmight be having and can refer you for our services when necessary.”

For more information on Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, visit theirwebsite at www.westmorelandoms.com or call (724) 837-7770.

Home Remediesfor DENTAL

PAINIf you have severe dental

pain, you need to see a den-tist as soon as possible. Inthe meantime, here aresome measures that willhelp reduce pain andswelling.

• Rinse your mouth withwarm salt water: ½ tea-spoon of salt to one cup ofwarm water

• Hold an ice pack on your cheek• Avoid very hot or very cold food and beverages• Apply over-the-counter benzocaine gel, available in several

strengths at drugstores• Put Vicks on your cheek, place a paper towel on a pillow, and

lay your cheek against the pillow• Try sucking on a menthol cough drop, which has a small

amount of anesthetic• Take ibuprofen for pain, especially if you have swelling plus pain• If you broke a tooth, and you have the broken piece, place it in

water or milk and get ASAP to the dentist! (FROM WWW.ORAGEL.COM)

Another

reason to go

to the dentist

Data from the famous Nurses Health Study has shown that people with gum disease and missing teeth are more likely

to develop colorectal cancer or non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The bacteria from gum disease can cause infections thatchange the bacteria in the intestines, leaving you more

vulnerable to illness. Take care of your teeth andvisit the dentist regularly.

>

Dr. Strayer, (Continued from previous page.)

http://www.westmorelandoms.com



Eating WellWhile Eating

ItalianEverybody loves Italian food, right?

But all that pasta and sauce in hugeservings can do a lot of damage to awaistline. Here are tips that will let youenjoy your favorite Italian restaurantand still eat healthy:

• Leave the bread in the breadbasket or off the table and save150-300 calories

• Soup is salty! Choose salad oversoup.

• If there is a light menu, you willfind options for less than 600 caloriesbut watch the salt!

• Tomato sauce is lighter and bet-ter for you than Alfredo or pestosauce.

• If you want a protein topping foryour pasta, seafood is your best bet,followed by meat sauce, meatballs,and sausage.

(Nutrition Action Newsletter)

UP YOUR FIBER TO AVOID CONSTIPATIONConstipation can be uncomfortable, but it is generally avoidable with a little attention to diet and hydration.

Ideally, adults should have a daily bowel movement; at least three per week is still considered normal. The averageAmerican gets 15 grams of fiber every day, but we should aim for at least 25 grams. Also, water intake matters,and the recommended 8 glasses per day may need to be increased if you are experiencing bouts of constipation.

TEN FOODS THAT HELP KEEP THINGS “MOVING” ALONG:• Dried plums • kiwis • plain popcorn • ground flaxseed (whole seeds cannot be digested) • oatmeal • spinach • beans • coffee • oranges

Painless Waysto Reduce Your Sugar Intake

A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but too many spoonfuls can leadto obesity, tooth decay and high triglycerides, and may contribute to the development ofdiabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit their sugarconsumption to 6-9 teaspoons per day. At 16 calories per teaspoon, that’s about 100-150 calories total. Most of us are consuming far more than that, and much of it is hid-den in processed foods. To reduce your sugar intake:

• Read labels and look for sugar disguised as cane syrup, corn syrup, malt, dextrose and molasses;

• Have fruit for dessert instead of cake, ice cream or pie;• Decrease the amount of sugar in recipes when you bake at home; • Drink real fruit juice not fruit “drinks” – better yet, have a real orange or apple;• Take care with condiments, as many are loaded with sugar, especially barbecue sauces, ketchup

and teriyaki sauces; stick with mustard and salsa (www.health.com)

Spaghetti - the Confer Way!INSTRUCTIONS1. Heat the olive oil in a 5+ qt. pot over medium heat,

and add the onion.2. Saute for 10 minutes or so, stirring often and being

careful not to burn it.3. Add the chopped or pressed garlic.4. Heat for another one to two minutes, making sure

not to burn the garlic, then add all the tomatoes, blackpepper, basil and sugar. Stirring often, bring to a lowboil.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours stir-ring often.

6. For the first half of the simmer time, do so with thepot uncovered, then cover.

7. Add the cheese, and a handful of chopped freshherbs oregano, basil and parsley. stir in and simmer for anadditional 5 minutes or so.

8. (Meat Option) Heat olive oil in a large skillet overmedium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage ( I cooksausage separate) cook ground beef add onion, green bellpepper, and garlic in the hot oil until both are brownedand crumbly, about 20 minutes; drain and discard grease.

INGREDIENTSMeat option• 1lb of sausage• 1lb of ground beef• 3-4 cans of crushed tomatoes

(either regular or with basil, oreganoand garlic) 28 oz. sized cans OR 12-15 fresh tomatoes (peeled, choppedand blended in a food processor)

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped• 4 cloves of garlic• dried basil

(3-5 Tbsp)• A bunch of black pepper

(1 - 2 tsp)• 1 TBSP of sugar (optional)• 2 TSBP olive oil• 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan

or Romano Cheese• Minced green peppers

(optional)

Email your favorite family recipe (and photo)to [email protected]

http://www.health.com




BY MICHELLE ADAMS, HHC

IN THE LAST 50 YEARS OR SO, AS FOOD BECAMEMORE PROCESSED, PEOPLE HAVE BECOME DIS-CONNECTED FROM THE ENERGETIC QUALITIESOF FRESH FOODS...OUR LIFE FORCE.

Let’s reconnect!We all know that food has physical qualities, but the right foods can

also promote emotional effects on us by energetically influencing ourvitality, moods and feelings. There are many factors that contribute toour sense of energy and vitality:

First, the big factors that decrease it:1. Chemical (toxic) stress – in our food, in our environment, in our

self care products and household cleaners.2. Mental and Emotional stress – trauma, work overloads, heavy

schedules, finances, relationships, worry, anxiety, etc. 3. Physical stress – illness, injury, surgery, pain and fatigue.Let’s talk about food – my favorite subject!

Main Energy Zappers:• Processed prepackaged foods, white flour products like bread,

tobacco, sugar, trans fats, alcohol and artificial sweeteners. (takes toomuch energy to process)

• Caffeine stimulants such as energy drinks, soft drinks, coffee, andchocolate may seem to give an energy boost, but they are actually verydepleting, drawing out minerals and nutrients with a highly addictivedamaging roller coaster of effects on our bodies.

It can be helpful to your energy levels to begin reducing, or best yet,eliminating several of these foods. A health coach can help you do thiswithout the overwhelm.

Foods that increase your energy:1. FOODS THAT ARE ALIVE, HAVE LIFE FORCE! These foods are often

raw and spoil quickly, think farmers market. Great rule of thumb is: ifmicroorganisms cannot thrive on it, what makes me think I can?

2. WHOLE FOODS: whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits and beans willhelp you to conserve energy within. These unprocessed foods keep all ofthe components of their original, natural state: like fiber, vitamins andminerals. Our bodies recognize these nutrients and easily process them.

3. SUPERFOODS have a very high level of nutrients. Dark leafy greens,organic berries, raw nuts/seeds and sea vegetables like spirulina are pow-erful sources of nourishment and energy.

Food comes in a variety of beautiful colors. Try adding a rainbow offoods to each meal, this will not only add balance, but enhances a widerange of nutrition and a spectrum of energies that can result in a deepsense of physical and emotional satisfaction!

Color Me With Energy

Michelle Adams, HHC, is a Board Certified Holistic HealthCoach at Living in Balance at The Spa in Ligonier. To learn more about The Spa in Ligonier, visit www.livinginbalance.life or call (724) 433-0952.

>

http://www.livinginbalance.life



Did you know thatyour tax dollars can be directed towardtuition to a privateschool? Did I get your attention?

Pennsylvania has a programcalled EITC (Earned IncomeTax Credits). Here is how itworks. Any business that earnsa profit in Pennsylvania can sendmoney to a private school, suchas Aquinas Academy inGreensburg. In return, they willreceive a tax credit for their statetaxes. Individuals are also ableto participate as long as theyqualify, so this is not just forbusinesses. These funds must beused as tuition, and studentsmust qualify for them. Are youintrigued?

Your EITC contribution canbe given to Aquinas Academy,and this contribution can benefita student in need right away.Many parents wish to provide aCatholic education to their chil-dren, but they don’t think theycan afford the tuition. Generousdonors who participate in thisprogram allow students to

attend a Catholic School. We are continuing our search

for donors. We are looking forbusinesses and individuals whofeel strongly about families hav-ing a choice in their education.We are looking for those thatmight want to help a studentrealize a dream of attendingAquinas Academy. Are youready to help a student realize

that dream?If you are able to contribute to

the EITC program, please con-tact the school office and speakto our principal, Mr. JosephRice. Remember, your contribu-tion will come back to you in taxcredits, so this program costsvery little to the donor. Everygift size will be valued andappreciated.

ELEMENTARY CATHOLIC EDUCATION AT AQUINAS ACADEMY: Faith, Academics, and Service

Sports, Performing Arts,Clubs, and more

Faith, Academics, and Serviceare our pillars, but there aremany extras that are offered atAquinas Academy. We have awell-rounded sports programthat includes three seasons andsports such as cross country,football, basketball, and volley-ball. Our performing arts pro-gram includes, instrumentallessons, band, and acting. Manyclubs are available for our stu-dents such as chess and newspa-per. Parents are not just allowedto be a part of their children’slives, but encouraged to do so.All of these extra offerings helpto create the family atmospherethat makes Aquinas Academyso special.

Aquinas Academy is theElementary Catholic Educationchoice in Greensburg, PA. Wehope that you will join us andhelp us to continue to be thelight on the hill as we move intothe future.

Personal tours are available.Like us on Facebook, and besure to find us on the web.

Aquinas Academy724.834.7940www.aquinasacademy.org [email protected]

Use Your Tax Dollars to Help A Child In Need Receive a Catholic Education

http://www.aquinasacademy.org




SUMMER IS HERE AND OUR KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL.WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR THE SUMMER? MANY FAMILIESSTART OUT STRONG AND THEN “THE PLAN” FADES INTOSUMMER ACTIVITIES. BUT A FEW QUICK CHANGES ANDYOUR AVERAGE TO ABOVE AVERAGE KIDS CAN TURN SUM-MER INTO A PRODUCTIVE AND FUN TIME. IT’S ALL ABOUTSCHEDULING AND PRESENTATION.

STEP 1. Buy grade appropriate materials at a bookstore, Walmart,or teacher supply store. Look for both a math and reading programthat has a building component (drill and repetition). For a strong stu-dent, find work which reflects the new grade level. If your student hasan average foundation, look for work which will continue to reinforcethe completed grade. (Avoid “bridge books” - these are books which present skills in a random order and don’talways build skill through drill and repetition)

STEP 2. Sit your kid(s) down and let them know the new plan. Every morning, immediately after breakfast,everyone will have 20 minutes of strength training for their brain.

STEP 3. As soon as breakfast is finished, have a page of math and reading for each child to complete. I rec-ommend having 10 - 15 minutes of work in both areas, along with pencils, paper and a dictionary close at hand.Technological devices out of reach… I promise they will survive!

For younger students: mazes, cutting out shapes, and forming words using index cards with letters, ie: man,cat, pig. Show them word patterns by placing other letters on top of the primary sound to create many newwords – man, ban, can, fan, pan, ran, tan, and van. Math can be simply writing numbers and reviewing basicmath facts.

If your child experienced difficulty and frustration this school year, summer can still be a productive time.With help from our experienced teaching staff, you can change the upcoming school year and prepare your kidsfor the challenging work ahead. At Huntington, your child can succeed!

And for you high schoolers, don’t forget, we help strengthen study skills and offer prep for ACT/SAT, ASVABand Keystones.

To learn more about how Huntington Learning Center can help your child this summer, call 1.800.CAN.LEARN.

Help Your Child Improve Their Grades this Summer and Strengthen Study Skills

>

Westmoreland County

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Nancy Lammie

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Brenda Confer(724) 448-2733

[email protected]

DESIGN & LAYOUT

JMC Graphics(412) 835-5796

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kevin BrownDaniel Casciato

Vanessa Orr Nancy Kennedy

Lois Thomson

WEB SITE DESIGNER

Keith Trageserwww.keithtrag.com

[email protected]

PRINTER

Gazette Printers

HOW TO REACH US:ADVERTISE / SUBSCRIBE EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

[email protected](412) 835-5796

2574 Oldfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15102

The Westmoreland County Guide to Good Healthand the Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good

Health are published by JMC Publications.

The contents of this publication may not be repro-duced in whole or in part. All rights reserved. 2018

www.guidetogoodhealth.com



http://www.keithtrag.com





Senior Guide• Rehabilitation • Resources • Transportation Services • Home Care • Senior Living Options

• Senior Services that Support Independent Living

The Greensburg Care Center’s recent majorexpansion project will be prepared to better meet thediverse and complex needs of WestmorelandCounty’s rapidly growing elderly population.

Summer 2018 OpenThe $1.2 million project is scheduled to open in

the early summer 2018 and will expand the skillednursing center by more than 4,000 square feet. Oncethe expansion is completed, the Greensburg CareCenter will include:

• Tripling the number of private rooms• Adding a special stimulation room• A courtyard garden enhancement According to Laurie Tamasy, administrator of the

Greensburg Care Center, emerging healthcare trendsand changing family dynamics drove the need forthis expansion.

“Today, there is a greater demand in the commu-nity for patient-centric services that better meet theneeds of residents who live in skilled nursing centers,” said Tamasy. “As fam-ilies become more empowered, they are asking for services that are moreaccessible and afford their loved ones with a higher quality of life. Forinstance, families are requesting more specialized care for their loved ones ina setting that provides greater privacy and better multi-sensory stimulation.To better serve our residents and their families, we will be expanding theMIU, increasing the number of private rooms, and enhancing customer ser-vice.”

Expansion of the Memory Impaired Unit (MIU) In order to meet the growing needs of the community, the Greensburg

Care Center will be adding up to 30 beds to its Memory Impaired Unit. TheMIU will also feature more common space, an expanded lounge and diningroom, and a state-of-the-art Snoezelen Room.

“Studies have proven that Snoezelen Rooms help to calm individuals whoare exhibiting behaviors such as agitation and anxiety,” said Tamasy. “What’smore, Shoezelen Rooms are highly effective in stimulating reactions andencouraging communications.”

Tamasy added that the expanded MIU will feature an enhanced courtyardwith full-length glass windows in the foyer. “This will allow more naturallight to illuminate the MIU and enable the residents to relate better to the gar-dens in the courtyard,” she said. “A well-designed setting not only offers amore relaxed living and dining environment, but it also helps the residentsto reconnect with the world they once knew.”

Addition of more private roomsIn response to family preferences for more privacy, the Greensburg CareCenter will be tripling the number of private rooms for both the Memory

Impaired Unit and the Skilled Nur singUnit. According to research, individu-alized space promotes greater comfort,which improves the quality of life forskilled nursing residents.

Tamasy pointed out that privaterooms are also essential for isolatingresidents who are recovering from adrug-resistant infection. “Skilled nurs-

ing facilities are increasingly providing care for residents who have acute careneeds and who may be experiencing an infection such as C. difficile orMRSA,” she said. “By adding more private rooms to our facility, we will besafeguarding the health of all our residents.”

Enhanced customer service Other enhancements will feature increased classroom size for community

education and training, updated office space, increased computerization, andexpanded parking. “All of these enhancements will improve customer ser-vice by making our facility even more accessible for family members, staffand the community,” said Tamasy. “In addition, the expanded training areawill help us to train additional nurse’s aides so we can offer more jobs forlocal residents.”

As the Greensburg Care Center expands, it will also increase the size of itscare team. The MIU will be hiring additional staff who are specially trainedto care for memory impaired residents and will add dedicated activity staff.The center already employs a full-time psychiatrist who monitors all resi-dents, a full-time nurse practitioner, and staff members who are speciallytrained in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. Staff also are trained tomatch each resident’s lifestyle with various therapeutic activities.

“We are excited about the expansion of the Greensburg Care Center andlook forward to providing our residents with an even higher level of care,”said Tamasy. “This expansion will make care more accessible for communi-ties such as Greensburg, Latrobe, Jeannette, Scottdale, Irwin, and Mt.Pleasant.”

For more information about the Greensburg Care Center, call (724) 836-2480 or visit its website at www.mygreensburgcarecenter.com.

Greensburg Care Center’s New $1.2 Million Expansion to Open in the Summer 2018

Opening

Soon

>Attention: Physicians, Health-Focused Businesses!

If you would like to receive issues of theGuide to Good Health (free of charge) todistribute to your patients in your receptionarea, please call (412) 835-5796 or [email protected]

http://www.mygreensburgcarecenter.com




By Daniel Casciato

Are you enrolling in Medicare for the first time or areyou thinking of making changes to your current plan? Sinceyour healthcare coverage decisions can have a seriousimpact on your health and financial well-being, you maybenefit from the expertise of a Medicare health insuranceprofessional.

As a Medicare Health Insurance Agency in westernPennsylvania, Focus Senior Benefits, Inc. deals with manyof the major carriers in the area so it can help anyone get-ting on Medicare for the first time or is currently onMedicare and want to make changes.

“We’re not pushing just one company on you,” saysFrank MacNeil, agency manager for Focus Senior Benefits.“After performing a 4-to-6-question needs analysis withyou, we can match you with the actual benefit plan that willmeet your needs at a price you can afford.”

In addition, MacNeil notes that his agency will educateits clients first.

“We can help you understand what Medicare is, especial-ly if you’re coming from an employer-based health insur-ance plan,” he says. “We can help you understand thechanges, what will be different, and what will cost you. Oureducational standpoint also sets us apart from other agents.We want to give you an overview of what to expect whenyou’re on Medicare.”

One of the biggest misconceptions of Medicare, according to MacNeil,is that you have to get on Medicare at the age of 65 or you will be penal-ized. Some employers will cover their employees’ health insurance past

65. It is always best to talk to your employer in addition tomaking an appointment with a broker.

“What we want to do is talk to people three monthsbefore they turn the age of 65, go over their current situa-tion, and then formulate a timeline of action that we need tohave certain steps done by so they can avoid penalties,” saysMacNeil. “Our goal is to educate people who turn 65 soyou can get all of the benefits that you are eligible for at aprice you can afford.”

After meeting with someone from Focus Senior Benefits,they will go over some of the guidelines of Medicare, let youknow the bare minimum you need so you are not penalized,and then run a quote for you.

“We will come back with a high, medium, and low optionand sit down face to face to see which options actually workthe best for you,” says MacNeil. “Everyone is different sowe handle each situation differently.”

When evaluating your health and financial well-being,MacNeil adds that it’s important to examine your health andfinancial situation from the last two years.

“Know what health conditions you need to have covered,what you can afford, and what is important to you,” heexplains. “You may or may not need all the bells and whis-tles. If you focus on the last two years, that gives us a startingpoint in helping us to come up with the best and mostaffordable plan for you.”

For more information, visithttps://focusseniorbenefits.com/or call (412) 446-2491.

Focus Senior Benefits Helps Find the Medicare Plan Right for You

>

“Our goal is to

educate people

who turn 65 so you

can get all of the

benefits that you

are eligible for at a

price you can afford.”

Frank MacNeil,Agency Manager,

Focus Senior Benefits

Senior Guide

https://focusseniorbenefits.com/



Senior Guide

The Westmoreland County Housing Authority(WCHA) is pleased to announce that more quality hous-ing is on the horizon for seniors in WestmorelandCounty.

In April, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency(PHFA) announced the award of a tax credit allocationfor the development of Odin View Apartments. This 4-story, 47-unit senior housing complex will be located onSouth Greengate Road in Hempfield Township, adjacentto the authority’s acclaimed South Greengate Commonssenior apartment building.

WCHA Executive Director Michael L. Washowich stat-ed, “Obviously, WCHA is humbled and honored toreceive this tax credit award and thrilled that one day inthe near future many deserving Westmoreland Countyseniors will be able to call Odin View their home!”

“I want to thank PHFA, WCHA Board members, the WCHA develop-ment team, Westmoreland County Commissioners Gina Cerilli, TedKopas and Charles Anderson, state Senators Jim Brewster and Kim Ward,state Representative Justin Walsh, Hempfield Township officials and oursenior residents of the county for their unwavering support,” he said. “Ithas always been a vision of ours to further develop and expand our cam-pus to include additional senior housing to benefit those 62 years of ageand older in this county.”

Daniel J. Wukich, chairman of the WCHA Board of Commissioners, stat-ed, “This project is truly an example of a public-private partnership thatworks. Congratulations to the WCHA development team and the county’sseniors.”

According to Washowich, the completion of Odin Viewis the next crucial component of WCHA’s vision for itsSouth Greengate campus. Odin View has been carefullydesigned to integrate with the authority’s administrativeoffice and South Greengate Commons, creating a uniquesense of place and community. Once completed, WCHA’scampus will have experienced approximately $30 mil-lion in development and rehabilitation efforts in the past5 years.

“The location provides convenient access to commu-nity amenities as it is near the Route 30 corridor. TheOdin View site will include public transportation, easyaccess to health and retail stores, home health agencies

and medical facilities,” he explained. “Odin View willoffer a complete menu of supportive services tailored to

meet the specific needs of the residents.”WCHA has established strong partnerships with AmericanHealthcare Group (AHG), Senior LIFE, Westmoreland

County Area Agency on Aging, Seton Hill University, amongothers. Through these partnerships, residents will receive healthcare, nutri-tion, transportation, fitness, financial and education services on site.

Washowich added, “WCHA’s senior campus, consisting of Odin ViewApartments and South Greengate Commons, will serve as the home forcounty seniors for years to come.”

Construction of Odin View Apartments is to begin next year.

For more information, visit www.wchaonline.com.

Pictured above is an architectural rendering of WCHA’s proposed Odin View Apartments, which will now be constructed thanks to funding from thePennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN WAGSTAFF/PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF & GOETTEL

>SIGN UP TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE MONTHLY ENEWSLETTER.

Email to [email protected] your email addressand we will send you our monthly enewsletter.

“This project istruly an example

of a public-privatepartnership that

works.” -Daniel J. Wukich, WCHA

Board chairman

WESTMORELAND COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY:WCHA to Proceed With New Odin View Senior Apartments

http://www.wchaonline.com




Senior Guide

Spring is a time of renewal and growth.To help make the season more rewarding,here are three tips to make your springblossom.

Start a container garden

Container gardens are awonderful way to enjoy garden-

ing without the hassles of using picks, shov-els, or dragging a garden hose across a yard.When starting a container garden, there aretwo categories of containers to considerincluding tabletop and freestanding.Tabletop containers are typically light-weight and can be placed on a table, endtable, or a bench. Freestanding containersare larger than tabletops and are ideal for placement on steps, patio or adeck. Either type of container is ideal for vegetables including lettuce,radishes, and spinach. Herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint also do wellin containers. If you like, you can add a little more color to your containergarden and plant flowers like impatiens and begonias.

Learn something newContinuing to learn is a great way to enrich your life and

keep your brain fit. Whether it’s learning a new language, howto draw, or finding out more about your heritage, studies have

shown that learning can help improve memory, emotional bal-ance, and keep a person active and healthy.

Continuing to learn doesn’t mean you have to goto a university or college. In fact, there are manyfree resources including your local library and evenyour phone. Your local library is a great, freeresource when it comes to life-long learning. Inaddition to books, audio books, magazines andnewspapers, many libraries also have special eventslike author visits, discussion groups, and lectures.

If you’d rather learn from home, your phone ora computer can be a virtual university.Smartphones are ideal for free language-learningapps like Duolingo that make learning fun.YouTube is also a good online source with videoscovering subjects from history and medicine to thearts.

Spend time outdoorsThe writer Thoreau called the benefits of nature

a “tonic of wilderness.” Today, psychologists call it“nature or green therapy.” Regardless of how it’s

described, being outdoors and in nature can be a rem-edy for ailments of the body and the spirit. In fact, studies have shown thatbeing in nature decreases anxiety and negative feelings. To take advantageof this natural resource, you don’t have to climb a mountain or visit a virginforest. You can find nature in your backyard or a city park.

3 Tips to Put A Spring in Your Step

Make your spring blossom.

> To learn how Senior LIFE helps their members enjoy every season in life, call (724) 838-8300 or visit SeniorLIFEPa.com



By Summer Aston

On Monday, April 16, GOWestmoreland launched a newInteractive Voice Response(IVR) phone system available toall GO Westmoreland riders.The night before a rider has atrip scheduled, they receive acall confirming their ride for thenext day. If a rider does notanswer on the first call, the sys-tem will attempt to call ridersthree times, leaving a voicemailon the third attempt if the riderdoes not answer. When a riderreceives this call to confirm theirappointment, they have theoption of cancelling their ridefor the next day. With an averageof over eight hundred trips a day,it’s inevitable that there will be cancelations. The IVR system makes it moreconvenient for riders to cancel their trips without having to call into GOWestmoreland.

On the day of a scheduled trip, riders receive a call when their vehicle is10 minutes away from picking them up. When scheduling a trip, riders aregiven a half hour pick-up window for their trip. For example, a rider might

be told to be looking for theirvehicle from 9:00-9:30 AM.With the new IVR system, theyreceive a call when the vehicle is10 minutes away from theirpick-up location. This can helpalleviate some of the anxiousfeelings that often come withwaiting for a ride and allows rid-ers to be prepared for the arrivalof their vehicle.

With the new IVR system, GOWestmoreland is working tomake their services availablethrough multiple platforms,which aids in accessibility to allthe resources they provide.Advanced GPS and schedulingtechnologies are utilized by GOWestmoreland to help deliverthe most reliable and consistent

service to riders. In the future, GO Westmoreland looks to continue theircommitment to growth and development as it best serves county residents.

To learn more about the transportation services offered by GOWestmoreland, visit their website at www.westmorelandtransit.comor call 1-800-242-2706.

GO Westmoreland: Integrating Technology Into GO Westmoreland Services

>

Senior Guide

http://www.westmorelandtransit.com



By Vanessa Orr

One of the most important ways to help seniorsremain vital is to provide them with activities thatpique their interests. At Westmoreland Manor,residents have access to a wealth of activities—from bus trips to bingo to baking sessions—thathelp keep them interested and involved.

“In May alone, we had more than 500 activitiesfor our residents, including seven bus trips,”explained Director of Recreation Vicki Herman.“We really do a lot in a day.”

“A lot” is an understatement. Not only doesHerman plan large-scale activities on a regularbasis, but activity technicians and activity aideswork in each of Westmoreland Manor’s nine unitsto make sure that everyone has a chance to partic-ipate. “Our technicians are responsible for plan-ning activities to fill in on the unit—this could beanything from arts and crafts, to baking sessions,to one-on-one activities geared toward our lower-functioning residents,” said Herman.

“Our technicians incorporate different levels ofactivities for different levels of care,” she contin-ued. “While some of our residents do want bingo25 times a month—and we do hold it often—wewant to make sure that we provide somethingstimulating for everyone.”

Providing activities in this setting is importantbecause it improves residents’ quality of life. “Wedon’t want anyone to be bored,” said Herman.“We also want to give them human contact; eventhough they live in a place where there are people

around all the time, that one-on-one attention isso important, especially for people with demen-tia.” For example, the smell of baking bananabread might spark a fond memory for a resident.“Maybe their mother baked bread in the fall, andthis might start a conversation or bring themcomfort,” said Herman. Activity aides on thesecured units also host small group activities,such as playing piano for residents, as well as pro-vide them with opportunities to get off the floor togo watch the birds in the facility’s aviary, to sit out-side for a while, or to visit the snack bar for icecream.

More alert or oriented residents are able to trav-el off campus to participate in a number of events,including fishing and picnics at Mammoth Park,‘Hometown Rides’ through towns like Latrobe,Ligonier, Greensburg and more, movies and shop-ping stops, and visits to Overly’s to see Christmaslights. Westmoreland Manor has its own bus thatis equipped to transport wheelchair passengers aswell as those without mobility issues.

There are a lot of activities within the facility aswell. Westmoreland Manor has its own quarterlynewspaper in which residents can get involved, aswell as a Resident Council and greeters’ program.“We also have a beautiful chapel that conductsCatholic and Protestant services and prayer meet-ings, which enables people to take part in the reli-gious activities that are important to them,” saidHerman.

Residents can watch movies in the multipur-pose room, as well as Penguins’, Pirates’ and

Steelers’ games, and also attend Vegas Day,Cabaret Night and a number of specially sched-uled activities designed just to entertain. Ofcourse, holidays aren’t slighted either—costumedchildren parade through the halls at Halloween,and Christmas includes a craft fair and tree trim-ming party in every unit.

“I think one of the things that setsWestmoreland Manor apart is that we have a fan-tastic recreation staff who is truly dedicated to ourresidents,” said Herman. “They are really gifted atmaking every event special.”

To learn more, call Westmoreland Manor at724-830-4000 or visit the websitewww.westmorelandmanor.org.

Activities Department at Westmoreland Manor Makes Every Event Special

>

http://www.westmorelandmanor.org



AS A CONGREGATION OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS,THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SETON HILLRESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF A CHANGINGWORLD.

“Today, many families have a need for a safe and compassionate environ-ment to be a home for a loved one with a memory impairment,” explainedSister Catherine Meinert, Provincial Superior/ President of the Sisters ofCharity of Seton Hill, United States Province. For that reason, in 2015 theSisters of Charity established the Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center, alicensed personal care home specializing in memory care for women, in afirst-floor wing of Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity.The staff of the Center provides compassionate care and maximizes the per-sonal potential and quality of life of each resident.

The wing housing the living area and 12 bedrooms of Elizabeth SetonMemory Care Center was designed specifically to serve the needs of womenwith memory loss. A spacious well-lit common area accommodates dining,recreation, family visits, and activities including exercise, music, art, games,pet therapy, and more. Residents enjoy an enclosed outdoor garden andpatio environment on the beautiful setting of the Sisters of Charity Complex.In addition, residents have opportunities to attend worship services in theChapel of the Assumption and other activities in the Sisters of Charity moth-erhouse. There is also a small chapel area in the Center for private reflection.

“Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center is a secure place to call home,” saidCaritas Christi Administrator Ron Berlingo, citing among other amenities theuniquely designed private bedrooms featuring half baths and easy access toshowers and a whirlpool tub. Nurses provide medications as needed and

cover all three shifts with the assistance of other direct care staff. Residentsare free to have personal furnishings and wall hangings in their bedroomsthat are fully equipped with adjustable beds, lift chairs, and flat-screen TVs.There is a single fee which covers services such as bathing, laundry, andincontinence care. Beauty salon services are offered at a modest cost. If need-ed, hospice care services are available.

The Sisters of Charity have a strong history of ministry in healthcare andservice to specialized populations. The sisters and staff together offer a com-

ELIZABETH SETON MEMORY CARE CENTER:Meeting Women’s Needs in the 21st Century

In 2015 the Sisters of Charity established the Elizabeth Seton Memory CareCenter, a licensed personal care home specializing in memory care for

women, in a first-floor wing of Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity.

Compassionate Residential CareFor the Memory Impaired

A Secure Place to Call Home

Maximizing personal potential and quality of life.

Ron Berlingo, MS, MHA, NHA Administrator724-853-7948, ext. 1111

Resident Care Director724-853-7948, ext. 1175

For more information or to schedule a visit contact:Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center 129 DePaul Center Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601

Senior Guide




The uniquely designed private bedrooms featuring half baths and easy access to showers

and a whirlpool tub.

Families enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe andenjoying daily life in their new home.

The staff of the Center provides compassionate care and maximizesthe personal potential and quality of

life of each resident.

The sisters and staff together offer a compassionate environment at the Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center

as part of their mission to serve others.

Visitors are welcome at the ElizabethSeton Memory Care Center, where

they can experience the personalizedattention and welcoming environment

provided to the residents.

passionate environment at the Elizabeth SetonMemory Care Center as part of their mission toserve others. They are a strong support to fam-ilies coping with changes associated with theirloved one with memory care needs. The staffreceives special training in living out the caringspirit of the sisters’ founders, Saints Vincent dePaul, Louise de Marillac, and Elizabeth AnnSeton, and in the Gospel-based tradition of theRoman Catholic Church. Families enjoy peaceof mind knowing their loved ones are safe andenjoying daily life in their new home.

Visitors are welcome at the Elizabeth SetonMemory Care Center, where they can experi-ence the personalized attention and welcom-ing environment provided to the residents.Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center pro-motes and supports the public charitable, edu-cational and religious mission of the Sisters ofCharity of Seton Hill by facilitating a compas-

sionate environment where the aged, infirmand disabled can receive care that preservestheir dignity and maintains the highest level ofindependence possible. Elizabeth SetonMemory Care Center fulfills its purpose inaccordance with the Vincentian-Setonian tradi-tion of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill andthe teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.(Mission Statement)

Services to women are offered withoutregard to race, color, religious creed, disability,sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin(including limited English proficiency) or age.

Employment is offered without regard torace, color, religious creed, disability, sex,ancestry, national origin, or age.

> For more information or to schedule a tour of the Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center, please call (724) 853-7948 to arrange your visit with Mr. Berlingo, Administrator at Caritas Christi (ext. 1111).

(Continued from previous page.)

to the Westmoreland County Guide to Good Health



By Daniel Casciato

Gallagher Home Health Serv icesis a family-owned and operatedhome health company built on thefamily values instilled in them bythe founder’s mother, Iva Gallagher.

Diane Karcz, who started thecompany in 2005, says that hermother believed she was the bestcaregiver in the world. WhenKarcz’s family decided to start thebusiness, they wanted to hire themost talented nurses in the countiesthey serve and wanted the memoryof their mom present in everythingthey did and every decision theymade.

“We pride ourselves on our beliefthat the patients always come first,”explains Shandra Harcarik, RN,BSN, regional director of sales andmarketing for Gallagher. “We alsotake great pride in our responsive-ness. We can get to a patient’s homeon a timely basis and ensure that weare able to provide them with thefull staff that they need in a timelymanner.”

Another key thing that makesGallagher Home Health Servicesdifferent is the fact that it is stillfamily-owned, says Harcarik. “Also,our patients are not known to us bya number. We provide personalizedcare and service. We involve thepatient and their family in their ownplan of care.”

Gallagher Home Health Servicesprovides care in nine countiesacross western Penn sylvania. Theservices include:

• Skilled nursing• Therapy services• Medical social workers• Mental health nurses• Maternal child nursing • Private duty home careOne of the popular misconcep-

tions of home health is that agenciesare unable to help the patient in thehome and are unable to stay inthere too long. That’s not necessar-ily true, says Harcarik.

“A whole episode of home healthcan last 60 days,” she says. “With acouple of months of home health,that can make a difference in a

patient’s life. Another misconcep-tion is that it is unaffordable butMedicare and other insurances canhelp pay for it.”

For the past seven years,Gallagher has been recognized as atop performing U.S. home healthagency by OCS Decision Health,an independent research firmwhose mission is to “empowerclient success by providing informa-tion to elevate organizational per-formance and improve patient out-comes.”

In addition, Gallagher has earnedawards from Trib Total ChoiceMedia for best home health agency,and for five consecutive years, theywere recognized as a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Top Work place.

“Diane personally interviews andhires everyone who works with us,”notes Harcarik. “That leads to ourbest outcomes.”

As more baby boomers are aging,home health care as well as privateduty home care is becoming morepopular than ever, according toHarcarik.

“In the past home health was notas popular and was not used asoften,” she says. “But with theMedicare population quadruplingin size, home health is becoming aleader in healthcare to keep peopleout of a hospital.”

Today, more hospitals, physiciansand insurance companies are look-ing to home health agencies to seewhat services to put into the homein a more cost-effective manner tokeep patients out of the hospital.

“With everything becomingmore value-care based and the valuecare system in place, they are realiz-ing the value of home health and it’sbeing utilized more than ever,” saysHarcarik.

For more information, visithttp://gallagherhomehealthservices.com.

Gallagher Home Health: Treating Patients Like Family

>

Home Care

http://gallagherhome



This spot reserved for youTo reserve this spot, call (412) 835-5796

or email [email protected] or

Good Health Directory

www.therelaxedexplorer.com

By Lois Thomson

"Our motto is, 'travel should be available and acces-sible to everyone,' and that's what we're trying to do,"said Kelley Pearson, co-founder, along with PattiRomig, of The Relaxed Explorer, a travel companydesigned for people with mobility concerns and therelaxed-paced traveler. Both women have concerns oftheir own – Pearson with medical issues that left herwheelchair-bound as a child, and who still has physicallimitations; and Romig with a degenerative eye condi-tion – but both have enjoyed extensive travel inEurope.

They believe that physical disabilities should notprevent people from being able to enjoy what theyhave experienced, so they design small group toursthat are accessible to people in wheelchairs, or whojust want to travel at a slower pace. "We make everyattempt possible to pick accessible locations, accessible hotels, accessibletransportation," Pearson said.

The tours focus on Europe, but as Pearson commented, "Obviously inEurope, there are going to be occasions where things can happen. But, forexample, we try to choose castles we know are accessible, so if a person is ina wheelchair they can at least get to the majority of the attraction itself."

Either Pearson or Romig, or a tour supervisor who works forthe company, travels with the group. The Relaxed Explorer con-centrates on people with accessibility concerns, but Pearsonwanted to emphasize that the tours are for anyone. "If someoneisn't in a wheelchair, they might think, 'I'm going to be heldback.' But that's not how we operate. We offer a lot of thingsthat are set at your own pace. If we go to a castle and you wantto sit at the café and look at the garden, you can do that. But ifyou want to explore the ruins, you can do that. It's up to youhow quickly you want to go through something; or if you justwant to sit and take a relaxed pace, you have the opportunity."

She said if you've ever traveled with companies where thetours are large and fast-paced and you stay in a different hotelroom every night, you won't find that at The Relaxed Explorer."That's not what we do. We try to offer a lot of free time so it'snot just go-go-go. We try to keep the groups small, one reasonbeing that we can get smaller buses that are able to get up closerto locations. We try to do door-to-door service whenever we

can. "I understand," she concluded. "I've traveled through Europe exten-sively and I know how tiring it can be. But it can be done." Especially ifyou travel with The Relaxed Explorer.

For more information, call (412) 386-8730 or visit www.therelaxedexplorer.com.

Proprietors Patti Romig and Kelley Pearson

Travel Company Designed for People With Mobility Concerns

>

Check out our Healthcare Directory Listing at www.guidetogoodhealth.com

http://www.therelaxedexplorer.com

http://www.therelaxedexplorer.com





ADDICTION/PRIMARY CARERecovery Care(855) 502-CARE • www.recoverycare.orgA new way to treat addiction. Full service primary care office.

CHILDREN, SPECIAL NEEDSHighlands Hospital Regional Center for Autismwww.highlandshospital.org/services/autism-center. – 724-603-3360

HOME CAREGallagher Home Care Services412-279-2257Gallagher Home Health Services412-279-7800

Visiting Angels724-216-0488www.visitingangels.com/monvalley

HOSPITALSHighlands Hospitalwww.highlandshospital.org 724-628-1500

INSURANCEFOCUS Senior Benefits412-446-2491 • Focusseniorbenefits.comOur trained staff will help you make the mosteducated Medicare choice to fit your needs.

Gateway Health1-844-GO-GATEWAYImGoodWithGateway.comWe know how to help people who are eligiblefor both Medicare and Medicaid.

MASSAGE THERAPY/FACIALSMassage Envy724-832-8383 • www.MassageEnvy.com1420 Greengate Centre, Greensburg

MAMMOGRAPHYHighlands Hospitalwww.highlandshospital.org 724-626-2430Call today to schedule your 3D mammogram.

MEMORY CAREElizabeth Seton Memory Care Center724-853-7948, ext 1111

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, LTD724-837-7770www.westmorelandoms.com

PHARMACYHayden’s PharmacyYoungwood: 724- 925-1400Greensburg: 724-836-2400Mount Pleasant: 724-547-3400Donegal: 724-593-4400www.haydenspharmacy.comFree prescription delivery.

PODIATRISTAchilles Foot CareDr. Patrick Roberto724-468-5368 - Delmont412-372-7100 - Monroevillewww.achillesfootcare.com

REHABILITATIONHEALTHSOUTH Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospitaldemandhealthsouth.com877-937-7342

SENIOR HOUSINGWestmoreland County Housing Authority1-800-WCHA-NOW (924-2669)www.wchaonline.com

SENIOR SERVICESSenior Life724-838-8300 • SeniorLIFEGreensburg.com

SKILLED NURSING CARE & REHABILITATION

Greensburg Care Center724-836-2480www.mygreensburgcarecenter.com

Harmon House Care Center724-547-1890www.myharmonhousecarecenter.com

Westmoreland Manor724-830-4022www.westmorelandmanor.org

SPALiving In Balance at THE SPA in Ligonier724-433-0952 • www.spaligonier

TRANSPORTATION SERVICESWestmoreland Transit1 (800) 221-9282Door-to-door service to older adults 65+ andpeople with disabilities. Older Adults 65+ rideFREE, Commuter service to Pittsburgh

TUTORINGHuntington Learning Center724-836-6336 - Greensburg1.800.CAN.LEARN

VARICOSE VEINS/SPIDER VEINSGreater Pittsburgh Vascular Associates724-853-1444www.greaterpittsburghvascular.com

WOMEN’S HEALTHK & J's Complete WomanMonroeville: (412-646-4661McMurray: 412-835-5093www.kjcompletewoman.comBreast Forms, Bras, Wigs

DIRECTORYIn order to choose a health professionalwho is right for you, you need information. The following guide is a good place to start.

Although many types of facilitiesoffer rehabilitation services, thequality and amount of these ser-vices can vary. It is important toknow that all rehabilitation is notthe same.

When comparing inpatientrehabilitation facilities (IRFs) likeHealthSouth Rehabilitation Hos -pitals of Pittsburgh in Harmarvilleand Sewickley to skilled nursingfacilities (SNFs), research con-cludes that long-term outcomesfor inpatient rehabilitation facilitypatients are superior—they returnhome two weeks earlier, have 8%lower mortality rate, 5% feweremergency room visits and signifi-cantly fewer hospital readmissionsper year.*

Patients treated in an inpatientsetting like HealthSouthHarmarville or Sewickley alsoreceive a mandatory minimum ofthree hours of physical, occupa-tional and speech therapy level ofservices a day, five days a week andbenefit from 24-hour nurse over-sight and availability. Additionally,IRF patients get frequent physi-

cian visits and increased nursinghours per patient.

HealthSouth Harmarville andHealthSouth Sewickley are alsoJoint Commission Accredited forseveral of their therapy programs.Harmarville is accredited forstroke, brain injury, Parkinson’sdisease, amputee, diabetes andspinal cord injury while Sewickleyis accredited for stroke, braininjury, amputee, hip fracture,Parkinson’s disease and multiplesclerosis.

This means the rehabilitationprograms underwent an extensive,unannounced, on-site evaluationby a team of Joint Commissionreviewers and were evaluatedagainst Joint Commission stan-dards. To earn the certification,both hospitals successfully demon-strated compliance with nationalstandards and effective use of evi-dence-based clinical practiceguidelines to manage and optimizecare for patients.

Both HealthSouth hospitals alsoutilize a variety of technology ser-vices to complement traditional

therapy. These technologies helpimprove patient functional inde-pendence measures and are a ben-eficial and complimentary compo-nent to the patient’s overall careplan.

In many ways, comparingHealthSouth Harmarville andSewickley to SNF facilities is likecomparing apples and oranges.

When in need of any kind of reha-bilitation care, it’s important tocompare what facilities have tooffer.

For more information, visitdemandhealthsouth.com orcall 877-937-7342.

*Dobson|DaVanzo analysis ofresearch identifiable 20% sample ofMedicare beneficiaries, 2005-2009

Not All Rehabilitation is Created Equal

>

Proper wheelchair fit is important notonly for comfort and ease of use, butalso to reduce the risk of developingsores and other injuries. That's whyHealthSouth offers wheelchair seat-ing pressure mapping technology toidentify and remedy problem areas.

HealthSouth utilizes a variety of ther-apeutic exercises to help improve

strength and range of motion.

REHABILITATION

http://www.recoverycare.org

http://www.highlandshospital.org/services/

http://www.visitingangels.com/monvalley


http://www.MassageEnvy.com


http://www.westmorelandoms.com

http://www.haydenspharmacy.com

http://www.achillesfootcare.com

http://www.wchaonline.com

http://www.mygreensburgcarecenter.com

http://www.myharmonhousecarecenter.com

http://www.westmorelandmanor.org

http://www.spaligonier

http://www.greaterpittsburghvascular.com


WCgtghspring18Hunt.qxp GTGH Winter06 pages...Autism Facts & Stats • Autism now affects 1 in 68...

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Transcript of WCgtghspring18Hunt.qxp GTGH Winter06 pages...Autism Facts & Stats • Autism now affects 1 in 68...