Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
Health/Education Progress Edition IV — Section 1
People key to continued growth, success at Trinity Health System
Contributed
Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville is the focal point for Trinity Health System.
By PAUL GIANNAMORE Staff writer
STEUBENVILLE — The continued growth and success of Trinity Health System can be attributed to people: The people and their health needs of the communities Trinity serves, and the staff dedicated to serving those needs. Trinity Health System continues to be the Upper Ohio Valley’s largest employer, with 1,900 employees at Trinity Medical Center’s East and West and Trinity’s operations throughout the Steubenville area, said Lew Musso, vice president of human resources. The payroll tops $110 million in salary and benefits in the Steubenville area. Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison has 240 employees and another $10 million in payroll. “And we’re constantly looking for good people,” said Steve Brown, vice president of physican services. Among the people who have joined up with Trinity during the past year are 10 new physicians in primary care and subspecialties who bring infectious disease and endocrinology among their skill set to the hospital.
Cancer treatment The Tony Teramana Cancer Center, located on the Trinity Medical Center
West campus, achieved full accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer survey. It is a full-service cancer center offering radiation oncology, medical oncology and support for patients, including the T.E.A.R. Fund, which helps patients with expenses while they’re undergoing treatment, and other support groups. There is even a food drive where eligible patients are able to obtain food that is good for cancer patients. The center also is the only regional location offering stereotactic body radiation therapy, typically used to treat small cancers of the lung. It also is the only area location offering MRI fusion brachytherapy for prostate cancer. It is the only medical facility in the region where the combined knowledge and talents of doctors from the Allegheny Health Network and UPMC work together. “We continue to talk about how back in 1996 with the consolidation (of the former Ohio Valley and St. John hospitals), our promise to the community, our commitment to the community. We’ve done that, where we can bring world-class cancer care to this community. Patients don’t have to jump
from one hospital to another for their care. It’s all right here,” said JoAnn Mulrooney, vice president of operations for Trinity Health System. Three interventional radiologists have joined the radiology group. They are fellowship trained radiologists from UPMC and their skills enable patients to remain in the community instead of having to go elsewhere for treatment. One of them, Dr. Alexis Smith, is a fellowship-trained specialist in breast imaging. Two surgeons provide care for women with breast cancer, including Dr. Denise Gilman, the only fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon in the area. Dr. Sam Licata is in the top 1 percent in terms of volume among breast cancer surgeons, said Keith Murdock, Trinity’s community relations director. Dr. Craig Oser, a fellow-
ship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, rounds out the breast cancer program, allowing reconstruction to be an immediate part of the breast cancer surgery continuum. That allows women to be treated with fewer surgeries, and all in one location. A lung nodule program is beginning, with low-dose CT scans for lung nodules. A group of multidisciplinary physicians has come together to treat patients with lung nodules. The group includes radiology, pathology, oncology, thoracic surgery and pulmonology, plus a navigator for the patient to move through the diagnosis and treatment. When a patient comes to the hospital and an incidental finding is made of a lung nodule, the patient is referred to the navigator to be sure followup care is done for the nodules. Murdock explained the
goal is to identify lung cancer much earlier to allow for more effective treatment and more successful outcomes through early treatment. Dr. Gray Goncz, vice president of medical affairs, said there is work being done to develop a routine screening program for the community. The need is shown through statistics that reveal the region is among the highest concentrations in the state for lung cancers. In addition to expertise and capabilities offered by having the Allegheny and UPMC cancer programs working together, patients are given the chance to access clinical trials for treatment with affiliations through the Hillman Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic. “It means we have the experience of hundreds of physicians in the country See TRINITY Page 2A ➪
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to help guide the treatment for patients here,” Murdock said.
Cardiac care Trinity also is home to the Chest Pain Center, with accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. The accreditation for the center encompasses the full range of cardiac care from the paramedics and ambulance crews in the field through the hospital’s treatment and into cardiac rehabilitation. Trinity patients are able to perform their cardiac rehab at the YMCA Wellness Center in the St. John Arena, adjacent to the Trinity west campus.
Electrophysiology Lab The EP lab diagnoses problems with heart rhythms. A new procedure was added in 2014, called CryoAblation. “It’s a relatively low-risk way to treat cardiac rhythms, particularly atrial fibrillation, which really hits all over the age range. You’re able to avoid pacemakers and those kinds of treatments,” she said.
Drs. Maninder Bedi, Christopher Kolibash and Glen Miske performed the first CroAblation procedure in the region. CryoAblation removes heat from tissue to treat irregular heart rhythm, restoring normal electrical conduction through freezing of the cardiac tissue or pathways that are interfering with the normal distribution of the heart’s electrical impulses. The EP lab became a mentoring site several years ago, Murdock noted.
Trinity Twin City and telemedicine The occupational medicine program has expanded, offering everything from pre-employment testing to workers’ compensation management for employers. Trinity Workcare is regional, too, extended to Trinity Twin City, located in Dennison, working with new business and industry, See TRINITY Page 4A ➪
Contributed
The Chest Pain Center at Trinity Health System recently received accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.
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Baron Club to honors those who impact life in Ohio Valley Clyde DiAngelo
Gerald DiLoreto
STEUBENVILLE — Progress is measured by many yardsticks. One is by the steadying influence of people who, by their hard work and passion for their community, help make the Ohio Valley a better place to work and live. For 48 years, Franciscan University of Steubenville has honored these men and women by bestowing on them the Baron Club Award. “Over the years, this award has honored people from all walks of life,” said Mike Florak, executive director of community relations at the university. “It’s important to honor these men and women. They put in countless hours and make many sacrifices because they care about youth, education, the infrastructure, our economic vitality, our overall quality of life and the values that bind us together as a community.” This year, the Rev. Terence Henry, TOR, Baron Club Award will be presented to Dave Walkosky, Clyde DiAngelo Jr. and Gerald “Yonk” DiLoreto. A 1967 graduate of Weirton Madonna High School, DiAngelo has spent 44 years influencing the lives of area youth as an educator and coach for the Indian Creek Local School District, Steubenville City School District, Toronto School District and Catholic Central High School. He received numerous academic awards, as well as basketball and baseball coaching honors, including two OVAC AAA basketball championships and three OVAC AAA baseball championships at Catholic Central. He currently works as a special education supervisor at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. Born and raised in Steubenville, Walkosky was a standout Catholic Central football player who went on to a distinguished 17year career as a college football coach,
including more than 10 years as an NCAA Division I football coach. He mentored many future professional athletes and designed and implemented an academic game plan that increased the GPA of student-athletes from 2.4 to 2.9. From 2002-04 at the University of Toledo he achieved the highest graduation rate of football players in the country in comparison to the male student body. Walkosky is now an administrator at a school for disadvantaged youth. As a lifelong Steubenville resident, educator, DiLoreto has dedicated himself to being a public servant. A career educator, DiLoreto worked at Knoxville Elementary, Richmond Elementary and Jefferson Union High School as a teacher, principal and athletic director and is a member of many fraternal organizations. He served as 1st Ward councilman and served other Steubenville government positions in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He is currently the 1st Ward councilman for the city of Steubenville. DiLoreto believes that parks and education are vital to the future of the Ohio Valley. The 2015 Baron Club Awards Dinner will be held at 7 p.m. on May 16 at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The keynote speaker will be Jamie Dixon, head men’s basketball coach of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. Since 2003, Dixon has established a “tradition of excellence” and “culture of success” for Pitt basketball both on and off the floor. ESPN sports anchor and former Steubenville resident John Buccigross will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. This is the third time he has filled that role for the Baron Club Awards dinner. The tickets cost is $65 or $100, which includes membership in the Baron Club. Call (740) 284-5210 or register online at Franciscan Athletics.com/BaronClub. Proceeds support Franciscan University’s NCAA Division III athletic program.
Dave Walkosky
Jamie Dixon
John Buccigross
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Contributed
The Trinity EP lab diagnoses problems with heart rhythms. In 2014, a new procedure, CryoAblation, was added to the lab’s capabilities.
Contributed
Orthopedics continues to grow at Trinity, where the number of surgeries has risen during the past two years, thanks to a team of subspecialists.
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much of it focused in the area’s boom in energy drilling and gas processing. Joe Mitchell, CEO of Trinity Hospital Twin City, explained the effort brings the more robust occupational programs at Trinity to the gas and oil fields and employers around the Dennison area. And subspecialists are available to the patients of Trinity Twin City, providing people in the more rural area access to the same care available at Trinity’s larger hospital in Steubenville. Mitchell said a grant for telemedicine services has allowed growth in the program connecting Trinity Health System physicians in the Steubenville area and physicians and patients at Trinity Hospital Twin City. Mulrooney said Trinity will be the center for the telemedicine program in the area, taking subspecialties out into areas where there otherwise wouldn’t be access to some specialized care. Trinity Twin City is the kick off of the system she said. Twin City also is being helped with dieticians and radiology services, and Dr. Ramana Murty goes to Dennison one day a week to provide cardiology services in addition to two cardiologists working at the hospital. Three new primary care physicians were hired for Twin City last year, according to Brown.
Contributed
Dr. Craig Oser, a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, has joined the team serving women receiving care for breast cancer at Trinity. His work allows reconstruction to be an immediate part of the breast cancer surgery continuum.
specialty through Dr. Steve Conti; upper extrimity care, Dr. Tom Hughes; and Dr. Mark Fye for spinal treatment. Dr. Kumar Amin is a generalist in the orthopedic program, he said. And, the sports medicine program continues to grow under Dr. Michael Scarpone, with performance services available. The P3 for local high school athOrthopedics and sports medicine letes was held in 2014, and an open Orthopedics continues to grow house was held this month to reinat Trinity. There was nearly a 40 force the program. Through the percent increase in orthopedic performance services, tests can be surgery in 2013, and that number done for ACL injuries and concusincreased by another 10 percent sions and head injuries because of during 2014, Brown said. He the baseline statistics found attributed those increases to Trini- through the combine for each athty’s liaison with UPMC, along with See TRINITY Page 5A ➪ the addition of the foot and ankle
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lete. “We are positive by the time they are released to go back to their sports that it’s a safe environment for them,” Murdock said. The open house worked to reinforce to parents how preventive medicine will serve their young athletes well, he said. Six schools have signed on to the program, Murdock said. Dr. Aaron Orlosky also has been added as a sports medicine physician in Dr. Scarpone’s practice.
Other developments Trinity Express Care, which proved popular when it opened in Wintersville several years ago has expanded to Toronto, with its walk-in services available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, beginning in April.
The behavioral health program at Trinity has been bolstered with three physicians now on staff supporting inpatient and outpatient services. Work is being done with Children Services to develop a clinic “for women who choose to become pregnant who are addicted to opiates. That is a huge problem in our community,” Mulrooney said. “It’s a problem in our area. We now have groups that are being physician led as a therapy component for those women who want to make sure their pregnancies are safe.” Trinity works with local obstetricians to have referrals made into the program. In women’s health, there are five obstetricians on staff now, with Dr. Jessica Ybanez-Marano joining the
staff and offering single incision laproscopic procedures. The continuum of care at Trinity is completed with home health and skilled care services. Trinity is the only CMS inpatient rehabilitation program in the area. There is a board-certified physiatrist, Dr. Milton Swaby, on staff and a nurse practitioner is being added to the practice to help handle the growth in the number of patients.
Wellnesss The Health Zone program to reach out to employers and other groups has begun, with an effort to institute wellness programming at workplaces, clubs, schools, churches or other groups. Membership at the YMCA Wellness Center at
the St. John Arena, which includes Trinity as a partner, continues to grow, Murdock said. Fred Brower, president of Trinity Health System, said the YMCA has initiated chronic disease management programs, including pre-diabetes education, diabetes education and includes a fitness component. The Fit for Life program continues to grow and gain momentum. It’s a 12-week program designed to improve nutrition, stress reduction, weight control and the gamut of overall welless. The program was developed by a physician at Trinity Hospital Twin City. Trinity isn’t just looking externally to expand community wellness. A new program has been added for Trinity’s employees
with incentives including premiums on their own health care costs. Employees have to complete a health care appraisal, a biometric screening and participate in various wellness activities during the year to be eligible for the premium reduction, Brower explained. The program is in cooperation with one developed by UPMC, he said. And when it comes to community health, Heartland, the largest community health risk appraisal under one roof, was held Feb. 12 at the Fort Steuben Mall. Lab screenings were taken and information booths available. In addition to the blood draws that have been part of Heartland for the past 22 years, Dr. Craig Oser offered skin cancer screening and advice.
Achieve your educational, career goals at Belmont College
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — For more than 40 years, Belmont College has been assisting the residents of the Ohio Valley in achieving their educational and career goals. Currently, Belmont College offers more than 25 degrees and 11 certificate programs. In addition, the workforce development and community education department offers classes for those seeking a specific skill without the extended time commitment of completing a degree or certificate. Credit and noncredit programming is offered at the main campus in St. Clairsville, as well as at satellite locations in Cadiz and Woodsfield. The college provides students access to on-site and online classes for a variety of credit and noncredit programs including building preservation and restoration; business, computer and information technology; early childhood education; engineering technology; industrial trades, nursing and health sciences and public safety. Short-term certificates are also offered in welding with daytime, evening and midnight shifts and Information Technology Cisco Networking, as well as a new evening and weekend fast-track business degree program, designed to allow students to complete their degree in 18 months or less. Also offered at Belmont College, are the associate of arts and associate of science programs, which constitute the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Courses in these programs engage students in a broad spectrum of disciplines, providing them with the general-education foundation needed to complete a four-year degree. It is also important to note that
Contributed
With more than 25 degrees and 11 certificate programs to choose from, students at Belmont College can start their paths toward careers in virtually any direction.
the college maintains articulation and transfer agreements, with many colleges and universities, which establish direct higher education pathways for students to complete an associate degree and then create opportunities to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The college additionally maintains an Energy Institute, which offers an economical approach for an existing worker or college graduate to prepare for a career in the energy field. Education and
Carriage Inn ready to help Seth Markwalter, physical therapist at the Carriage Inn of Steubenville, 3102 St. Charles Drive, assists one of the health provider’s patients recently at the inn. To contact the Carriage Inn of Steubenville, call (740) 2647161; or for information go to www.carriageinnofsteubenville.com .
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training can consist of job certifications, skills refreshers and industry specific certificates of completion. These short-term energy specific certificates are achieved through academic courses with specialized training for individuals who may already have degrees. Recently added, due to industry demand for qualified men and women welders, are new and expanded welding programs with time slots to fit all schedules,
including daytime, afternoon, and midnight classes. These shortterm welding offerings prepare students to earn national certification in pipeline welding or welding fabrication. For information about how Belmont College can assist with your higher education needs, contact the main campus in St. Clairsville at (740)695-9500 or call toll free (in Ohio) (800) 423-1188. Visit Belmont College online at www.belmontcollege.edu.
Acuity Specialty Hospital remains strong in local community
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STEUBENVILLE — Acuity Specialty Hospital Ohio Valley celebrates nearly a decade of service in the Ohio Valley and builds on its array of services to patients. Acuity’s CEO Rick Pletz believes it provides a niche level of care that is unique to patients in the Ohio Valley. “We consider ourselves unique because we have strong relationships with local physicians. This is one of our driving forces behind our excellent, quality care we provide patients,” said Pletz. “We work closely with physicians, and these physicians believe in our hospital. This is testament to our joint commitment to quality care for our patients.”
Who we are Acuity Specialty Hospital is a long-term, acute care hospital that focuses its services on medically complex patients with serious medical problems that require intensive and specialized hospital care for an extended period. This extended period usually averages 20 to 30 days. Acuity is a privately owned hospital founded in 2001 with headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., and hosts hospital locations in Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas and Arizona. Acuity Specialty Hospital began its Ohio Valley operations in August 2005 and has two hospital locations in the Ohio Valley. In Steubenville, Acuity Hospital is located in Trinity Medical Center East where it hosts 40 hospital beds. Acuity operates another 32-bed Ohio Valley location in Bellaire Hospital in
Staff Photo
Acuity Specialty Hospital Ohio Valley is marking nearly a decade of service in the area. Acuity provides a niche level of care that is unique to Ohio Valley patients, according to CEO Rick Pletz. Belmont County. Both hospital locations are the only long-term acute care hospitals that are joint commission accredited and specialize in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, wound care management and extended care for medically complex patients who are acutely ill and require daily physician care. These two locations comprise the most complete health care option in Eastern Ohio. Acuity’s commitment to the Ohio Valley is demonstrated through its employment of local professionals. The company employs 250 people, and nearly 85 per-
cent of these employees are front-line, health care employees who work directly in clinical settings. “We are proud that our teams are made of the finest professionals in the health care industry,” said Pletz. “Our vast array of professionals have different expertise, but they all are dedicated to providing superior care to our patients.” Physicians who work on Acuity’s medical team are board certified who work with expert specialists to reach a common goal: To provide the highest quality care to patients in a costeffective manner so patients
can return home quickly. “We at Acuity are focused on the development and operation of long-term, acute care hospitals and the delivery of specialized care with measurably improved outcomes,” said Pletz.” “We offer quality care in a costeffective manner while we help our patients reach optimum health so they can return to their homes or move to the next appropriate level of care as quickly and safely as possible.”
What we do Many of Acuity’s patients are transferred from intensive care units in traditional
hospitals, and it is not uncommon for these patients to have a secondary, underlying disease, such as heart disease or diabetes, which may delay their healing process. Acuity professionals diagnose, treat and provide specialized services. While they treat many conditions, among the most common are cardiac and respiratory failure, pressure wounds, stroke trauma, multi-system failure, infectious disease and other neurological injuries. The Acuity team of nurses and physicians also are specialized in weaning patients from ventilators. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, Acuity offers rehabilitation services as well as family education to improve a patient’s safety and health at home after the patient is discharged from an Acuity hospital.
A new direction Pletz was named the new CEO of Acuity Specialty Hospital Ohio Valley in December of 2013 and oversees the company’s operations. He brings a background of experience in the health care industry. “I’ve been honored to lead the teams at Acuity Specialty Hospitals in the Ohio Valley. Our hospital is recognized through the industry as a company with high integrity and for excellence in patient care services and outcomes,” said Pletz. “Acuity is wellknown for valuing their employees, medical staff and partnerships in the community. We look forward to continuing many years in the Ohio Valley.”
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Craig Howell
One difference between Weirton Elementary and its predecessors is the existence of a centralized art room, which allows pupils to have art classes once a week. In the previous schools, art classes were mobile and not held regularly.
Weirton Elementary transitioning to its brand new surroundings
Craig Howell
With two hardwired computer labs and numerous mobile wireless labs and other digital devices, Weirton Elementary features a variety of technology upgrades compared to other schools in the area.
By CRAIG HOWELL Staff writer
WEIRTON — Combining three schools into one is a big challenge, but the teachers and staff at Weirton Elementary have been working to make the transition as painless as possible during the new school’s first year. Weirton Elementary was dedicated last August, officially opening its doors at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. As the replacement for Weirton Heights Elementary, Broadview Elementary and Liberty Elementary, Weirton Elementary is a 105,000-square-foot building, with 120 staff and 940 pupils from pre-kindergarten to fourth grade. “That’s a difference for us,” Principal Frank Carey said. “It’s taken some time to build a culture.”
It’s all comes down to teamwork, though, which is reflected by the school’s motto, “Where everyone is a star and we are learning to shine.” “It’s absolutely about sharing the resources we have,” Carey explained. For example, he noted while the previous schools each might have had one or two teachers focused on a particular subject, their approaches, materials and opportunities might vary from building to building. “Now we have seven or eight all on the same team,” he said. With everyone under one roof, it provides more opportunity for teachers to share ideas and work together for the benefit of the students.
Those opportunities extend beyond the basics of reading, math, history and other core subjects. Weirton Elementary features two gymnasium areas and an art room. Some of the older schools may not have had any gymnasium, and art classes, when available, were mobile, with lessons taking place wherever space was available. “Now, once a week all the children go to art and all the children go to music,” he said. See SCHOOL Page 8A ➪
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Craig Howell
Weirton Elementary School features two gymnasiums for the more than 900 students.
Craig Howell
At Weirton Elementary the focus is put on the pupils’ learning, with the idea that “everyone is a star,” as reflected in the school’s motto and mission statement.
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In addition, while a computer,” As the replacement for using there is no centralized Carey noted. Weirton Heights library, Carey noted The computers and each classroom has its Elementary, Broadview digital devices join own library, with many the smart boards and Elementary and having access to several other technology that Liberty Elementary, hundred books. has been integrated Weirton Elementary is a into the local school “They can get the books on a daily basis 105,000-square-foot building, system in recent rather than a weekly years. with 120 staff and 940 basis,” he said. The technology even pupils from Two playgrounds have runs into the pupils’ pre-kindergarten been completed in lunchtime. recent months, and the Whereas, in the to fourth grade school recently unveiled past, pupils may have the bleachers in the carried around a gymnasium, something else pupils may color-coded ticket for their breakfasts not have seen in the old schools. and lunches, at Weirton Elementary “It just keeps building for them,” pupils have the option of having their Carey said. fingerprints scanned or using a photo Current pupil population has made it identification system to access the meal possible for the school to have five preline. kindergarten rooms, nine kindergarten “The children can finger scan,” Carey classes, nine first grades, six second said. “They also have photo ID.” grades, seven third grades and seven Security for the building also has seen fourth grades. major upgrades, from the “man trap” in “The design of the building has made the main entrance requiring visitors to go it so they are each in their own wing,” into the main administrative offices Carey explained, with pre-kindergarten before being able to access the building, and kindergarten in one section, first to the 80 security cameras throughout and second grade in another and third campus and the on-site prevention and fourth grades on the school’s upper resource officer from the Hancock Counlevel. ty Sheriff’s Department. Weirton Elementary also has improved One other feature of the school is the the amount of technology available to stand-alone health center, operated in pupils and faculty, with two complete conjunction with C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc. Carey hardwired computer labs — one on each noted use of the health center is optional. floor — as well as several mobile wireIn addition to medical care, the health less labs, iPads and other wireless digicenter has added a behavioral counselor tal devices that can be used as part of two days a week and dental services one the curriculum. day a week, with the possibility of a “All day, I can almost have everyone vision center added in the future.
Full range of dental services offered at office of Dr. Thomas R. Brown Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
WINTERSVILLE — Dr. Thomas R. Brown has been a local dentist for more than 30 years, offering a range of services from routine dental services to diagnosis of facial and jaw pain. Brown has operated out of his office, located at 444 Frank Layman Blvd., for the past 25 years. Brown offers a full range of dental services, from cleanings and checkups, root canals, oral surgery, treatment of gum disease, implants, fillings, crowns, partials and dentures. Brown received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and is a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He did his residency at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown. He is a member of the medical staff at Trinity Medical Center West and Allegheny General Hospital. He teaches dental residents at Drexel University in Philadelphia on such subjects as oral maxillofacial injury. Brown also teaches Drexel dental residents on temporomandibular joint disorders, sometimes called TMJ. Brown lectures before professional groups on medical imaging of the head and facial area. He also lectures on differential diagnosis to determine craniofacial pain and TMJ and medicine in dentistry, which could include heart attacks and allergic reactions with patients being treated. Brown noted three areas of the practice are cosmetic dentistry, implants and treatment of TMJ disorders. While traditional dentistry focuses on prevention and the treatment of oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving a person’s appearance and improving his or her smile. Dramatic improvements in alignment, shape, space closure and shade can be accomplished very affordably, he said. Cosmetic composite bonding can reach the amazing results for little more than the price of dental fillings. For a longer lasting, beautiful, more durable result, laminate veneers can be placed. Veneers are simply a thin ceramic shell that are then bonded to pre-
pared teeth. They are very natural with a luster that only finished ceramic can provide. There are times that conventional or ceramic crowns are necessary to achieve the desired result or in a small percentage, orthodontic intervention is helpful. “We may work in conjunction with specialists in plastic surgery to achieve a total make over if a patient so desires. And, of course, if simple shade lightening is all that is needed, we have a full program to address that need,” Brown said. Implants have become a dependable and well-versed treatment in dentistry and provide an excellent means of replacing single or multiple missing teeth. “Using a cone beam computed tomography we are able to place the implant and crown in the ideal location with regard to esthetics and function. After implant placement and during bone remodeling we are able to temporary replace the tooth before placing the permanent crown, restoring your smile, function and keeping bone levels for years to come. We are also able to restore entire dentitions with the use of implants and dentures. No longer do you have to cope with a floating lower denture. Through careful coordination we are able to provide you with an overdenture that clips to the implants and is fixed in place for the duration of the day, restore multiple teeth or entire dentitions. Please do not hesitate to ask any of our staff regarding these options,” Brown said “Many of us have disorders associated with our temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints. The causes of these disorders can vary greatly but through the use of radiographs and examinations we are able to determine the cause of your discomfort. Possible causes include facial trauma, clenching, grinding and malocclusion and can develop as joint popping, clicking, pain or locking of the jaw. It’s very important that we carefully examine the patient to rule out any other causes that could be contributing to the headaches. After careful consideration of your unique situation we will discuss with
WEIRTON — Hawkins Hearing is a locally owned and operated hearing health care provider, dedicated to providing personalized treatment and making the process go as easy as possible in a comfortable environment. Jill Hawkins opened Hawkins Hearing in November 2013, offering audiology services, including testing, examinations and diagnosis and the sale and repair of hearing aids.
“We’re committed to the patient’s full care and their quality of life,” Hawkins said. A native of McMechen, Hawkins started her career in Weirton with an externship at Weirton Steel Corp. in 1998. She graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology, and earned a master’s degree from WVU in 1998. Following a stint with an
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Dr. Dan Rolotti, left, and Dr. Thomas R. Brown provide a full range of dental services for patients, including implants, oral surgery and treatment of jaw disorders, at their office at 444 Frank Layman Blvd., Wintersville.
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Dr. Thomas Brown recently purchased a cone beam CT scanner. He said the cone beam scanner is a useful tool that greatly aids in the accurate placement of implants, whether it be a single tooth or a bridge. Brown said the cone beam CT scanner also helps in locating tumors around the mouth. you the best course of action. “Most often treatment consists of means of an oral appliance similar to an orthodontic retainer. That means we are able to achieve relaxation of the muscles surrounding the joint and relieve pressure within the joint which results in reduction or elimination to pain and headache. It may be necessary to use a particular type of appliance to stabilize a disc which may have been displaced within the joint. At times medication and physical
Hawkins Hearing ʻcommitted to the patientʼs full care and their quality of lifeʼ
area ear, nose and throat doctor, she returned to Weirton in 2000 to begin a private practice, earning her doctorate of audiology from Salus University in 2009. According to Hawkins, the average length of time between a person first noticing hearing problems and actually making an appointment is seven years. There are a number of causes for hearing loss, including noise
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therapy are helpful. In a small minority of cases it could be necessary to perform a surgical repair of the TM joints,” Brown said. The newest member to the growing practice is Dr. Dan Rolotti. Rolotti completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama and received his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He is a graduate of the St. Elizabeth General Practice Residency in Youngstown. Rolotti is a general
dentist with training in all aspects of dentistry but enjoys focusing his time on implant placement and restoration, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry. Rolotti is an active member in the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Rolotti said he strives to bring modern dentistry with a gentle touch to all his patients. He said his goal is to provide quality care with open lines of communication and patient education. Rolotti is an avid
outdoorsman and enjoys hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing as well as spending time with his two dogs exploring the outdoors. Rolotti and Brown provide voluntary care to disadvantaged patients at the Fourth Street Health Center presently located at Trinity Medical Center East. Brown has served on the Health Center board and has cochaired the Health Center Gala with his wife, Suzanne. The office can be reached at (740) 2644493.
You can read every story, every page of every issue on your computer, tablet or phone. With the Steubenville Herald-Star or The Weirton Daily Times digital editions, the latest news will be just a click away.
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Hawkins Continued from Page 9A
exposure, hereditary factors, medication, disease and trauma, as well as the natural aging process. Untreated hearing loss cannot only affect communication with family and friends or at school or work, but it can lead to other health issues. Hawkins noted, for example, recent studies linking hearing loss and dementia, explaining a loss of hearing leads to people disconnecting with others, making them not as active. “You don’t want the hearing loss to cause other health issues, which it can,” she said. The evaluations at Hawkins Hearing test the integrity of the middle ear and inner ear, making sure there is nothing medically wrong before proceeding with other options. If a medical issue is found, the patient is referred to their primary care physician or a specialist for further evaluation. “We have a good relationship with a number of local physicians and ear, nose and throat doctors,” she said. If a need for a hearing aid is found, Hawkins Hearing offers a number of brands and can provide service and repair to the devices when needed.
These days, there are many styles and levels of technology available in hearing aids. “Technology with hearing aids is constantly expanding,” Hawkins explained. “They’re constantly coming out with new features.” Today’s digital
technology allows audiologists to not only program hearing aids for a specific level of hearing loss, but also can feature directional microphones and noise reduction, and can even sync with other digital devices. Hawkins Hearing also provides custom
hearing protection, custom swim molds, assistive devices and other accessories. Hawkins is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, a fellow in the American Academy of Audiology, a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, a
member of the West Virginia Speech-Language Hearing Association and a member of the West Virginia Audiology Association. Hawkins Hearing is located at Suite 1, 206 Three Springs Drive, in the Three Springs Commons Plaza, adjacent to DeFelice
Pizza. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Patients from the age of 4 and up can be seen. For information, or to make an appointment, call (304) 9144009.
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
Health/Education
Progress Edition IV — Section 2
Thereʼs a baby boom and so much more ʻboomingʼ at WMC
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Oncologist Dr. Jason Stepp cuts the ribbon, marking the grand opening of the new WMC Cancer Center affiliated with Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. Joining Stepp are David Artman, director of WMC operations, and administrators from the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute.
WEIRTON — If the last six months are any indication of what’s to come this year, all signs point to a possible record-breaking number of baby deliveries at Weirton Medical Center. “We are seeing so many deliveries recently that we have to go back more than a decade for anything that compares,” said Kelli McCoy, director of communications. “It’s very exciting, all the way around, at WMC.” In 2013, WMC welcomed All About Women Health Associates and Drs. Tina Cutone and Rachel Gilman, both specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, along with Erin Wallace MPA, PA-C. They were then joined by Dr. Kelly DeVoogd, DO. Then in January 2014, the brand new All About Women Suite opened its doors and the practice expanded along with it. At that time, All About Women welcomed nurse midwife Kathy McKain, CNM and yet another obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Daniel Moore. All About Women is the only practice in the WeirtonSteubenville area providing an on-site high risk pregnancy physician. The board-certified providers at All About Women Health Associates offer comprehensive care in obstetrics, gyne-
cology, urogynecology and midwifery. They have offices in Weirton, Imperial and Steubenville. To make an appointment, visit aawha.com or call (304) 723-4700. The providers of All About Women, together with obstetrics and gynecology physician Dr. Madhu Aggarwal have each played an integral role in the remarkable growth in baby deliveries at WMC. Aggarwal can be reached at (304) 723-2430. Another one of the biggest accomplishments at WMC in recent months is the opening of the WMC Cancer Center affiliated with Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute. That’s where WMC has assembled some of the finest names in cancer care in order to bring the people of Weirton-Pittsburgh Route 22/30 Corridor advanced cancer care with the excellence and compassion they’ve come to expect at WMC. It’s also important to be able to provide an excellent choice to patients who are dealing with the difficulties of cancer. “It’s been quite a privilege to welcome to our staff medical oncologists Drs. Jason Stepp; Christie Hilton, DO; Gregory Long; and Sigurdur Petursson, who are each also affiliated with the Allegheny Health Network
Cancer Institute,” said David Artman, WMC operations director. “These experienced physicians are part of one of the finest systems in the country when it comes to patient care and outcomes. They will now also direct and provide medical oncology services through WMC. It’s been a remarkable start with a true, heartfelt goal we all share, helping local patients in a convenient, serene, relaxing state-of-the-art environment,” continued Artman. The Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute has long been one of the region’s and country’s premier centers of excellence in cancer care and recently entered an innovative collaboration with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine for research, medical education and clinical services. The collaboration is expected to benefit cancer patients by further advancing cancer research, expanding access to clinical trials and helping establish new standards of cancer care innovation in the future. Dr. David Parda, chair of Allegheny Health Network’s Cancer Institute, said partnering with Weirton to provide high-level cancer care is consistent with the network’s mission of keeping
comprehensive health care resources in the communities where people live whenever possible. “Cancer treatment can be a difficult experience for patients and their loved ones. Not having to travel long distances to receive outstanding care by experienced, nationally leading oncologists can help ease the burden of this disease on patients, allow them to focus on their treatment and getting better and ultimately help us improve outcomes,” Parda said. The Cancer Center is located in Suite 401 of the WMC Medical Office Building. “This project would not have been possible without major contributions from the J.C. Williams Charitable Trust, the Benedum Foundation and the WMC Foundation. Each of these foundations stepped up to bring this needed service to the people of our community and we cannot thank them enough for their kindness and generosity,” said McCoy. For WMC, there has also been significant growth beyond the hospital walls. In November, WMC announced its expansion into Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, and the formation of the area’s only Tri-State Medical NetSee WMC Page 2B ➪
Contributed
Clayton Henderson, director of WMC physical therapy and rehabilitation, cuts the ribbon at the new WMC Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center across from WMC on Colliers Way. Outpatient services were relocated there for easier access and greater convenience for patients.
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
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WMC Continued from Page 1B
work. With the launch of WMC Primary Care in Imperial, Pa., WMC is providing a new, convenient option in the growing communities of and surrounding North Fayette Township. Elizabeth Massella provides pedi-
atrics and adolescent medicine in one of the new offices next to the Imperial Shop ‘n Save. Joining her next door is OB/GYN Kelly DeVoogd, DO, of All About Women. “We are very pleased with the evolution of services in
this location,” said McCoy. “We started out strong with Drs. Massella and DeVoogd and now, due to the need, we are providing internal medicine with Dr. Francesco Santucci, orthopedic surgery with Dr. Charles Capito and breast surgery with Dr. Carol Slomski. Another primary care physician will be joining the team in this location as well as a new location in McDonald, Pa. Not long after the opening of WMC Primary Care in Imperial, WMC Western PA Physicians was launched in Robinson Township, anchored by one of Pittsburgh’s leading internal medicine physicians, Dr. Francesco “Frank” Santucci. Santucci brings many years of excellence and experience to the WMC team. His office is located behind Ditka’s at Three Robinson Plaza. Also accepting appointments in the WMC Suites on Level Four of Three Robinson are Drs. Stephen Alatis, DO, orthopedic surgery, and Stanley Mannino, cardiology. WMC Western PA Physicians will soon be adding a new dermatologist, general surgeons from Innovative Surgical Group and another primary care physician to the team in Robinson. Lab and X-ray services
are available at the Imperial and Robinson Township locations. Nearly all insurance and walkins are accepted at both offices. WMC has also recently unveiled significant primary care
the grand opening of its new outpatient location in the brand new Village Development across from the hospital in December. This move came in addition to the opening of the new WMC Physical
at BreastFest, recently purchased the Lymphedema Index machine, or L-Dex, to aid in the assessment of unilateral lymphedema of the arm and lower extremi-
physician expansion in Ohio, specifically in Steubenville and Toronto. WMC has welcomed internal medicine physicians Drs. Augusto Fojas, Indubala Murty, Atul Shah and Shaban Shoshi to the area’s only Tri-State Medical Network. WMC now has locations in Weirton, Follansbee, Steubenville, Chester, Toronto, Imperial and Robinson Township. In addition to the internal medicine physicians, WMC offers orthopedic surgery and general surgery in Steubenville, along with the new WMC Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, at 2315 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, location. Speaking of WMC Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Centers, WMC celebrated
Therapy and Rehabilitation Centers in Chester and Steubenville earlier in the year. Further expansion by WMC in the Village Development will be announced in the coming weeks. In the past year, WMC also opened its new Vascular Access Center. This was added to better serve hemodialysis patients in our area. Under the medical direction of Drs. Vardhan Reddy and Patrick Rosario, the Vascular Access Center provides care to patients experiencing renal failure. WMC also recently unveiled the addition of new technology to help detect lymphedema, a condition most common in breast cancer patients. The WMC Foundation, through fundraising
ties. This is done by passing a painless electrical signal through the fluid surrounding the cells which make up the muscle and tissues of the limb. Measurements allow health care professionals to assess early stages of lymphedema in patients at risk of the condition due to extracellular fluid buildup, a side effect of cancer therapies. In addition, this technology can detect lymphedema before it can be seen by the patient and the doctor and when detected early, treatment success rates are much higher. Approximately 20 percent of breast cancer patients may develop lymphedema. Women who have had surgery to remove See WMC Page 3B ➪
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
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Contributed
There’s always a lot happening at Weirton Medical Center — heart surgeon Dr. Vardhan Reddy is interviewed by Jessica Guay of WTOV-TV.
WMC Continued from Page 2B
lymph nodes and or radiation therapy are always at risk of developing the condition. Without early diagnosis, the condition can become longterm and irreversible, affecting quality of life. Dana M. VanDyke, OTR/L, CLT, and Alisa Mosca, OTR/L, CLT, are certified lymphedema therapists with the BreastCare team at WMC. “We are always very excited to add yet another beneficial element to the offerings of our ever-growing breast care team. If there is something we can do to help a breast care patient, you can bet we will do all we can to make it accessible to our local patients,” says Dr. Carol Slomski, breast surgery Speaking of technology, the heart team announced the addition of the area’s only Corpath Cardiac Robotic System. The cardiac robot system enable to the precise, robotic-assisted control of coronary guide wires and balloon/stent devices from the safety of a radiation-protected, ergonomic interventional cockpit. Together with Dr. Vardhan Reddy, FRCS, FACC, one of the region’s preeminent cardiac surgeons, and leading WMC cardiologists Drs. Stanley Mannino and Cherian John, WMC coordinates cardiovascular disease care at the hospital while providing patients who require heart surgery and other advanced cardiovascular care with seamless access to those services at Allegheny Health Network’s Cardiovascular Institute. So you get the best care here
and there. Technology has really been a guiding light in the rebirth of WMC in recent years. With the addition of leading general surgeons Drs. Thomas Lheureau, James Valuska Jr. and M. Lance Weaver, Innovative Surgical Group has led the way with the latest procedures, specifically roboticassisted surgeries. In November, the Innovative surgeons performed among the first robotic-assisted laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs in the Weirton-Steubenville Route 22/30 Corridor. The new procedure repairs the groin hernia robotically, resulting in less post-operative pain than traditional laparoscopic groin hernia surgery. This hernia procedure is among the group’s wide-range of robotic surgeries performed to date. While practicing in Pittsburgh, Lheureau, Valuska and Weaver performed among the most robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures, including operations to address medical conditions involving the colon, gallbladder, stomach, and acid-reflux, and have already drastically increased the number of procedures and types of procedures performed in the WMC OR since their return earlier this year. The group has the most experience in the WeirtonPittsburgh Route 22/30 Corridor when it comes to traditional and robotic laparoscopic single-incision surgery. With offices in Weirton and Steubenville, you can reach Innovative Surgical Group of WMC at (304) 914-4250. Another first in the area was a single-site
hysterectomy performed robotically by board certified gynecologist Dr. Rachel Gilman. Gilman says single-site hysterectomies offer many advantages for patients and doctors. “The advantages for the patient include, obviously, big cosmetic improvements. We’re not going to be creating as many holes in the belly, and there’s less recovery time and less pain as well. We don’t compromise the visibility that I have when operating because we’re using the robotic platform,” said Gilman, who has performed the most gynecological roboticassisted surgical procedures in the Weirton-Pittsburgh-Route 22/30 Corridor. Another area of great pride for WMC is the recent addition of Acuity Specialty Hospital. The long-term acute care hospital just opened its doors, occupying the ninth floor of WMC. LTACHs provide services that focus on medically-complex patients who require intensive and specialized hospital care for extended periods of time. “This is a service we’ve needed in our community for some time and we are pleased to say welcome to our partners at Acuity and thank you for their perseverance to make this a reality for our community,” said Artman. “Significant additions and announcements regarding even more growth are on the horizon because while WMC is happy with all the recent development we vow to never stop improving for our patients, for our community,” concluded Artman.
Contributed
Innovative Surgical Group has had a very busy year in the WMC Operating Rooms, performing sophisticated procedures each day. Innovative Surgical group of WMC consists of Drs. M. Lance Weaver, James Valuska Jr. and Thomas Lheureau.
Contributed
Anesthesiologist Dr. Jorge Roig prepares for one of many cutting edge surgical procedures in the WMC Operating Rooms.
Contributed
Dr. Rachel Gilman with Stephanie Klar, an operating room nurse, after performing the first single-site hysterectomy in the area. The two are standing next to the surgical robot in the WMC Operating Room B.
WVNCC continues its mission of providing a quality education
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
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In a year of changes, Vicki Riley becomes college’s new president, Larry Tackett named interim dean at Weirton campus
WEIRTON — There have been many changes on the campuses of West Virginia Northern Community College in the last year, but through it all the local college continues its mission of providing a quality education for area residents. Among those changes was the naming of Vicki Riley as the college’s new president. Riley, who took over the reins from Martin Olshinsky, previously served as WVNCC’s vice president of academic affairs. She began her tenure with the college in 2008 as chief academic officer, where she led the expansion of the allied health programs as well as WVNCC’s online course offerings. Locally, a new face also has taken the helm of the college’s Weirton campus, with Larry Tackett named the interim dean following the retirement of Mike Koon. Tackett has been the dean of the college’s New Martinsville campus for the last nine years. “I think everyone is optimistic,” Tackett said about the changes. Tackett discussed continuing growth in WVNCC’s Fast Track program, which provides alternate means for students to transition from developmental education courses
into regular college-level courses. Students who need developmental classes have become typical at most institutions of higher learning, Tackett explained, noting WVNCC had among the highest percentages of such students in West Virginia’s community colleges. By working with faculty and determining the types of skills and courses a student will actually need in his or her career, WVNCC has been able to reduce the number of such classes. As a result, the program — which is free to students — was able to reduce the percentage of first-time students needing developmental classes from 73.7 percent to 51.6 percent in the first year alone. Those numbers have continued to drop. “We’ve almost halved the number of students in developmental education classes,”
he noted, explaining the students still need to prove they know the material before transitioning into college-level classes. Also a newer savings is West Virginia Northern’s early entrance courses, the cost of which has been reduced to $25 per credit. Through these courses, students have an opportunity to enroll in select courses before they have even graduated high school. West Virginia Northern also is looking to expand on some of its community education programs. Currently, the Weirton campus, for example, offers a quilting program, with other campuses providing classes on other hobbies and crafts. Tackett said the college would like to see what other programs would interest area residents. “We’d love to hear from folks in the community,” he said. Mechatronics and medical
fields continue to be big draws for WVNCC, with Tackett noting the mechatronics program currently is at capacity while in its fourth year. Mechatronics originally was announced for the Weirton campus in 2011, and combines elements of mechanical and electrical training to meet the needs of today’s industrial setting. The program since has spread to the college’s other campuses. Nursing is among WVNCC’s strongest programs, with the college developing a contextual approach and incorporating elements from other courses. Tackett explained the college’s surgical tech program is one of the only such programs in the area. Other health care-related programs include radiologic technology, psychology, social work, medical billing and coding and health information technology. WVNCC also has a number of available scholarships for students and prospective students. “We’re here, available to the people,” Tackett said. “We want to be part of the community.”
Steubenville Chiropractic and Rehabilitation: Treating the patient as well as the problem Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
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STEUBENVILLE — Dr. Michael T. Ross wasn’t always a believer in chiropractic treatment. A workrelated injury more than a decade ago changed his perspective and eventually led him to change his entire career. Ross, doctor of chiropractic at Steubenville Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, was working as a respiratory therapist when he hurt his back lifting a patient, damaging a disc. “A family member suggested that I see a chiropractor, but I didn’t really believe in it at the time. They kept encouraging me and encouraging me to go, so by the third or fourth time I finally went,” Ross recalled. That chiropractor turned out to be Dr. James H. Winer of the Alternative Health Center in Pittsburgh. Winer corrected Ross’ injury and inspired him to pursue an education in chiropractic medicine.
“I started shadowing him to learn more, and within eight months I was enrolled in school at Life University in Marietta, Ga., to become a chiropractor,” Ross said. “So I was a patient with positive results before I became a doctor.” A lifelong resident of the Ohio Valley, Ross is confident in his ability to communicate openly with patients. “I know the people here very well. Steubenville is my home, and it always will be,” he said. “I’m not just treating the problem, I’m treating the patient. I don’t think of my patients as numbers or conditions, I see them as a person and treat them that way. I advise them on the best route to take, but I never pressure patients into anything.” Ross said he often makes emergency calls and tries to be available for his patients whenever they may need him,
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, resulting in 1.4 million deaths annually. In the U.S., more than 150,000 deaths resulted from lung cancer in 2010. Although lung cancer can have numerous causes, smoking is a huge and wellknown contributor to lung cancer death, with some 90 percent of lung cancer cases a result of smoking tobacco. While there can be no discounting smoking’s ill health effects, the overwhelming amount of information on smoking’s risks can drown out other causes of lung cancer.
A recent study in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene, a research journal on hazards and risks to health resulting from work, highlights another contributor to lung cancer: Asbestos. Asbestos as a cause of lung cancer is often because of smoking. One reason for this is revealed in a study of British asbestos workers: Among asbestos workers, smoking is more common than in the general population. The study followed asbestos workers from 1971 until 2005, at which point some 53 percent of asbestos workers were still active
Shae Dalrymple
Michael T. Ross, doctor of chiropractic at Steubenville Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, strongly believes in the positive benefits of his practice. “This isn’t just a job for me. It’s my life,” he said. “I truly love being a chiropractor. I’ve been in the U.S. Army, and I’ve worked all sorts of odd jobs over the years, but I’ve never loved doing anything as much as this.”
even when it means leaving a family reunion to adjust a client in pain. He feels that chiropractic therapy is more important than ever with recent changes in the cost of health
care. “More people are using it as an alternative medicine because it’s effective, and it doesn’t cost much,” he said. Ross describes his office, located at
Suites C and D, 2199 Sunset Blvd., as having an open, relaxed atmosphere where walk-ins are welcome and patients don’t spend much time waiting. For information or
to schedule an appointment, contact Steubenville Chiropractic and Rehabilitation at (740) 2667246 or visit the website at www.steubenvillechiropractic.com.
smokers. In contrast, 45 percent of the population in Great Britain smoked in 1971, and that number dropped to 24 percent by 2005. While either cigarette smoking or asbestos may cause cases of lung cancer, together, they create an exceptionally high risk. One cannot simply add the risk associated with each carcinogen together and determine the risk that the two create in individuals exposed to both. This deadly connection between asbestos and smoking is well-known among researchers who specialize in studies like the one cited above. In fact, a September 2010 journal article covering asbestos workers in China found that the total risk of lung cancer was one and a half times what would be expected if the risk associated with smoking and the risk associated with asbestos exposure were added together. In the Chinese study, no completely unexposed control group was compared to asbestos exposed and/or smoking groups studies. Other studies that have compared nonasbestos exposed, non-smoking workers to asbestos exposed, smoking workers found the latter group 50 or more times likely to develop lung cancer over
the former group. While researchers may be aware of this deadly mix, many primary care physicians are unaware of these connections. Without a thorough patient history, the connection between a patient’s lung cancer and his or her asbestos exposure may never be made, especially if they smoked. With a smoker, many people, doctors included, stop looking at other culprits for a patient’s lung cancer. It is important to note, however, that although smoking is a great risk factor in a lung cancer diagnosis, only 10 percent of smokers will develop lung cancer. Asbestos attorneys see thousands of people diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and Dave Chervenick is no exception. A shareholder at Goldberg, Persky & White, a law firm that has specialized in asbestos cases for more than 30 years, Chervenick notes “If there was one thing I could impress upon our clients with lung cancer, it’s that smoking doesn’t negate your asbestos exposure, and in fact, it’s an important factor related to it.” Many of Chervenick’s asbestosexposed lung cancer clients already were suffering from another asbestosrelated disease, such
as asbestosis, before being diagnosed. “When one of our asbestosis clients later develops lung cancer, it’s a little easier for them to see the connection,” Chervenick explains, “however, you don’t have to have asbestosis to develop lung cancer.” Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissues resulting from breathing in asbestos fibers. The small, sharp and indestructible asbestos bodies lodge in the lungs, causing a buildup of scar tissue that makes it hard for the lungs to expand and contract and complete their job of exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. Asbestosis definitively reveals that you have been exposed to asbestos, and because of that, indicates you are at increased risk of developing asbestosrelated lung cancer. The number of lung cancer cases attributable to asbestos each year in the United States is estimated at 3,400 to 8,500. It is likely higher, thanks to poor tracking mechanisms and a lack of complete worker histories. It is not unusual for a worker to be unaware they worked with asbestos. “I’ve had people tell me they don’t believe they ever handled asbestos
products,” Chervenick says. “However, after I mention a particular brand of insulation or a type of sealer, they’ll say ‘well, yes, I worked with that.’ Well, that item contained 10 percent or 30 percent or even 50 percent asbestos.” In order to reduce the risk among asbestos workers and smokers, removal of exposure to both asbestos and smoking is recommended. Some studies indicate a reduction in the risk of lung cancer within five years of smoking cessation. The numbers associated with removing asbestos exposure vary, but researchers note “that even if the risk of lung cancer does not decrease following cessation of asbestos exposure, removal from exposure would prevent cumulative dosage.” In Great Britain, researchers estimate that smoking and/or asbestos exposure result in 96 percent of lung cancer deaths. Using that guideline on worldwide deaths, that could mean more than 1.3 million lives could be saved from lung cancer if smoking and asbestos were eliminated. For information, visit Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C.’s website at www.gpwlaw.com or the Mesothelioma Center at www.mesotheliomacenter.org.
Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C.: Lung Cancer: Asbestos and smoking create a deadly combination
Service, value keys to success for Tri-State Medical Group
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015
WEIRTON — It’s all about service and value to customers at TriState Medical Group. Tri-State Medical Group is a locally owned company comprised of Tri-State Pharmacy in Weirton, Tri-State Medical in Weirton, Follansbee Pharmacy, and the recently added Value Leader Pharmacy in Wintersville. “In all of our facilities, we have been focused on value-added services,” owner J.J. Bernabei said. Explaining the majority of medical costs are fixed, Bernabei said they work to develop special programs to provide more value to their customers, such as the free vitamin programs for children between 3 and 11 years old and for those 50 years and older. As part of their diabetes services, Tri-State offers a free blood glucose strip program for those patients using the pharmacy for all of their prescription needs. “We know patients are having trouble getting diabetes testing supplies. We have been able to work with a national company to get reduced pricing on a high-quality meter and testing supply line. We are passing this on to our diabetics and we feel great about it,” Bernabei explained. “Patients who get all of their prescriptions from us not only get complete care from us but also qualify for free programs such as this.” They also provide free delivery six days a week. They were the first pharmacy in the Tri-State Area that provided consistent free delivery. Bernabei also noted approximately half of the men over the age of 40 live with erectile dysfunction. Much of the medication available, however, can cost hundreds of dollars, he said. To assist in that area, Tri-State Medical Group offers the option of 50 20-milligram Sildenafil tablets for $80. “Sildenafil is the active ingredi-
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ent in Viagra,” Bernabei explained. “It’s a common ailment, so that’s a low-cost alternative.” Pharmacies are graded these days on how well their patients remain compliant with taking their medications. To assist in that, the business is able to sync all of a patient’s medicine so it will run out at the same time, and be packaged in a way to better organize the medication into daily doses. “We have come up with a packaging program that will allow them to be compliant,” he said. Bernabei said he believes the employees of TriState Medical Group make the real difference, providing the quality service for the community that has allowed them to continue to grow. Tri-State Medical Group has approximately 60 employees among its four locations. “All of them are from the TriState Area,” he noted. In addition to Bernabei, the TriState Medical Group has three other owners consisting of Patty Robinson at Tri-State Medical, Aldo Crisante at Follansbee Pharmacy and Curt Virtue at Value Leader Pharmacy. With so many employees, TriState Medical Group is able to provide face-to-face service for every customer, whether it be a high school athlete or a senior citizen, no matter the need. Tri-State Medical works to grow its products and services in the direction of wellness in addition to
treatment, with a focus on helping patients to experience the best possible pharmacy outcome. It is the leading provider of flu shots in the area, also providing adult immunizations for pneumonia, shingles and international travel. Tri-State Medical Group also can provide educational classes in a variety of areas for other health care professionals such as physicians, dentists and veterinarians. Its expanding compounding department offers quality products as well as information and education for patients and other medical professionals, with up-to-date services offering new combinations and flavors. The medical supply operations at Tri-State Medical in downtown Weirton offers an array of health products to help customers enjoy the healthiest lifestyle possible. Products range from ambulatory aides such as wheelchairs and canes, to hospital beds, shower chairs, safety rails and specialty shoes for diabetics. It also provides home respiratory equipment to assist individuals with conditions such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, sleep apnea and asthma. Its caring and professional staff goes the extra mile when it comes to patient care, offering a welcoming environment for patients and their families. They understand they are seeing many of their clients on their worst days and are respectful of that. In addition to a clean, accessible
and well-lit area, they offer comfortable seating and current information in their waiting areas. Customers are more than a number and employees strive to provide a quality experience where customers feel their money was well spent. Tri-State provides a delivery service six days a week, as well as a mail service, so if a patient is unable, or chooses not to, go to one of its stores, they are still able to receive their medicine and products with no problem. In recent years, the company also has been working to upgrade its fleet of delivery vehicles. In 2011, Tri-State unveiled a group of Kia Souls through an agreement with local pre-owned automobile dealer Lyle’s Auto. “They’re used for everything, from medical supplies to cough syrup,” Bernabei said. Their online presence has grown to include not only a website where patients can find a variety of information about the businesses and on services, but also social media sites such as Facebook. They also carry snacks, a limited greeting card selection and a line of gifts. Tri-State shows support to the community, not only through its regular business services, but also through sponsored events and programs such as health screenings. It supports local youth sports teams, schools, service groups and chambers of commerce and are contributors and participants in the Make-AWish Foundation and other charities. Tri-State Medical Group locations are simply the preferred health locations where their dedication, hard work and caring is rewarded in business and lifestyles that most only dream of.