WINTER 2011
safety-driven
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
Thank you, Pittsburgh. At UPMC Health Plan, we don’t set out to win awards. We simply focus on doing what’s right for our members. Like providing them with access to world-renowned UPMC doctors and hospitals as well as outstanding community hospitals and physicians. Giving them the tools and programs they need to live a healthy lifestyle. And offering them a personal Health Care Concierge and online chat capabilities to answer all of their questions. So when J.D. Power and Associates ranked us Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania, we don’t see it as adding another award to the trophy case. We see it as doing our jobs.To learn more visit upmchealthplan.com.
“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania” UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Member Health Insurance Plan StudySM . Study based on 33,039 total member responses, measuring 11 plans in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Region (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed December 2010-January 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
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Hampton
INSIDE
IN Hampton is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting Hampton Township by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
IN Hampton | WINTER 2011 |
32
FEATURES
Older Adults in Hampton .............. | 37 Real Estate ......................................... | 40 New Nutrition Guidelines ............. | 44 Money-Saving Alternative Energy Sources ................................ | 46 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS ON THE COVER
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Students show their Talbot pride at Hampton School District's Talbot Tailgate
Bill Few Associates How to Protect Your Assets ....................... | 8
WINTER 2011
Tera L. DePaoli, DMD Causes and Care of Periodontal Disease ....... | 39
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
BundleUp,Baby Remember how Mom made you bundle up before going outdoors in the winter so you wouldn’t get sick? She was right. So be sure you dress for the weather — and that means covering your head, ears, mouth, and hands.
Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
Turn to page 4 to learn why your ears, nose, and throat need extra care in winter.
Q & A with a Vein Specialist ........................ | 49 What’s Inside
10
© 2011 UPMC
page 2
A Different Vein Providing care for patients unable to accept transfusions
page 3
When Your Body Talks ... Be Sure to Listen
page 4
Make a Date With Your Doctor Three Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat
page 5
Technology for 21st Century Hospitals
page 6
Taking on Tourette Controlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
page 7
Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant
17
16
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Hartwood Hay Day ................................................................
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5
Hampton Street Sign Sale .................................................
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7
Talbot Challenge ...................................................................
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9
Hartwood Holiday Happenings ........................................
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10
Cookbook Author Joe Lagnese .......................................
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12
Talbot Tailgate .........................................................................
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14
Family House Polo ................................................................ UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ...........
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16
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Hampton Cyber Academy ..................................................
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25
North Hills Community Outreach .....................................
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26
Pink Ribbon Round-Up .......................................................
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New Parking Options for Hampton Commuters ........
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38
New Hampton/Shaler Water Authority ..........................
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safetydriven learn more on page 7 Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
PUBLISHER
Welcome to the Winter issue of Hampton magazine. I hope you and yours had a wonderful fall, that the kids transitioned back to school well, and that you had an opportunity to catch a few Steelers games along the way. We all view winter differently – some see it as the holiday season, some see it as the gloomy period when we put away the swim trunks and patio furniture. Others see it as their opportunity to break out the skis and sleds and hit the slopes. No matter how you view it, winter is a time when we have to be the most diligent, despite our mood about snow, or our preoccupation with playing in it, for those who need us the most – our seniors. While it’s hard enough for many of them to get around in good weather, the winter months can be a trial of terror for the elderly. Who’s going to shovel the snow? How will I get groceries? Will I be home before it’s too dark for me to see the road well enough to drive? And for those who have transitioned to assisted living facilities, the questions might be of an altogether different, but equally unsettling nature. Will anyone visit me for Christmas? Hanukkah? New Year’s? These are our mothers, fathers, friends and neighbors, and they don’t like to ask anything of us. But they need us just the same. I know the economy is bad, and I’m not saying go out and spend money you can’t afford, but going caroling with a church group, or visiting someone who has no one is free to us all. Chances are, you’ll not only put a smile on their faces, you’ll be giving them something money can’t buy – the feeling that someone cares. Have a joyous holiday and a happy New Year!
Wayne Dollard MANAGING EDITOR
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com REGIONAL EDITORS
Mark Berton [South and West] mark@incommunitymagazines.com Dana Black McGrath [North] d.mcgrath@incommunitymagazines.com Monica L. Haynes [East] m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
WRITERS
Heather Holtschlage Leigh Lyons Joann Naser
Pamela Palongue Gina Salinger Judith Schardt
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wayne Dollard Publisher
Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer
Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon
PROOFREADER
Hello, and welcome to the Winter issue of Hampton magazine. This year, the first snowfall of the season seemed to arrive early, a few days before Halloween. We should have been carving pumpkins, but instead my daughters were running through the living room, begging to put up and decorate the Christmas tree. I'll admit, it was hard to refuse. It may have been just a little more than an inch, but that ear ly snowfall was just what I needed to ignite my holiday fever. After bundling up to go outside to play, we came in and had the first hot cocoa of the season. I fought the urge to watch Christmas movies. Instead of running around town taking care of the usual weekend tasks and errands, we stayed in and watched the snow, which was all the entertainment we needed. I am enjoying the change of season now, bu t come March I am certain I will be completely disgusted by the sight of the last few flakes. Until then, especially through the holiday season, the snow is a welcome enhancement to the festive season before us – as long as it doesn't prevent us from arriving safely to all of our holiday activities. And, this time of year, there are so many fun and festive things to do and see. Whatever you are celebrating this season, here's hoping it is the best ever. Happy Holidays,
Kelly Lotter ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS
Derek Bayer Tom Poljak
Tamara Myers
ADVERTISING SALES
Bruce Burkley Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Karen Fadzen Julie Graff Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Connie McDaniel Brian McKee Gabriel Negri
Aimee Nicolia Robert Ojeda Ralph Palaski Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Jennifer Schaefer Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Sophia Williard
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www. incommunitymagazines.com
Spring content deadline: Feb. 26
Dana Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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Hampton
Hartwood Acres Hosts Annual
Hay Day
and
Green & Innovation Festival
by Dana Black McGrath Photos by Ginography
Hay Day, Allegheny County’s longest-running special event, returned to Hartwood Acres Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 24. A fun fall tradition, families from throughout the area turned out to enjoy a variety of free activities, including hay rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, a magician, inflatable rides, balloon artists and a petting zoo. Aspinwall resident and national recording artist Kelsey Friday & the Rest of the Week performed music for children on the amphitheater stage. This year, the popular event was held in conjunction with Allegheny County’s Green & Innovation Festival, expanding the activities and funfilled happenings. This is the second year for the Green & Innovation Festival, which is designed to celebrate the county’s evolution into a green economy. “We thought it was a great opportunity for those who usually come to Hay Day to learn about green and sustainability activities and how they can integrate that into their lives,” says Darla Cravotta. Last year, the festival was held at Hartwood in August, and the day was hot, Cravotta recalls. And, students had not yet returned to the classroom, so there wasn’t a good way to spread the word about the festival and its events and lessons. “We had a good crowd last year,” she says, “but we thought even more people would attend by merging the two events.” This year, the county did a lot of outreach to schools in the area to try to educate students and get the word out about activities at the festival, she explains. Judging by the size of the crowd that attended, those efforts worked. The Green & Innovation Festival featured demonstrations on green living and displays of innovative technology, along with a children’s area. Many of the children’s activities for the two events were conducted side by side. The children’s area at the Green & Innovation Festival included Carnegie Science Center’s “Science on the Road,” with liquid nitrogen ice cream and flower demonstrations, a juggler, the media and technology Hear Me Project, and the University of Pittsburgh’s science outreach with exploration of biofuels. The festival also featured Reuse-A-Palooza, a program designed by Creative Reuse Pittsburgh, which provided hands-on art activities focusing on creative reuse of materials.
An “I Made It! Market” featured 20 vendors selling craft items made exclusively from recycled and sustainable products. The Three Rivers Rain Garden Alliance was on hand to provide information on developing rain gardens and using native plants in landscaping. Duquesne Light distributed energy conservation kits to its customers. ACTION-Housing educated residents on weatherization and other sustainability issues. 3 Rivers Wet Weather provided information on watersheds and wet weather issues. The festival also featured displays and demonstrations of locally developed innovative technology from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. A zero-waste event, the festival included earth-friendly food and product vendors and free giveaways. More than 80 exhibitors and vendors participated. To benefit both the environment and those in need, several collection and donation drives were conducted during the festival. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank collected non-perishable food items; the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project collected reusable tote bags to be used by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to distribute food; Green Grandma collected hard-to-recycle plastic tops; Grejda Electric collected burnt-out compact fluorescent light bulbs; and Global Links collected new and gently used medical items, including crutches, canes, non-motorized wheelchairs, shower chairs, nebulizers, and collapsible walkers, as well as unused, unexpired and unopened medical supplies, such as bandages, gauze, gloves and diapers. Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato said in a prepared statement, “The Allegheny County Green & Innovation Festival is an exciting event that celebrates our region’s environmental and economic transformation. Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to learn how to live a ‘greener’ lifestyle and see demonstrations of innovative technology developed right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our region has become a leader in environmental stewardship, as well as green and innovative technology, and we’re excited to once again celebrate our new economy at the Allegheny Green & Innovation Festival.” Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
The employees of Peoples Natural Gas – more than 650 strong – are bringing a new sense of energy to Western Pennsylvania. With Peoples now fully Pittsburgh based and run, decisions are being made locally -- with an eye to investing for the energy future of the region. We're making $100 million in infrastructure, service and technology upgrades to better serve our more than 360,000 customers. Customer service is becoming fully local, too... with a dedicated new service center staffed by experienced people who thoroughly know the region and its people. Our vision: to help Western Pennsylvania move forward by creating new jobs and serving our customers well. It's a commitment we're proud to make.
In the photo: DAVE BERTONI / FITTER LEADER
y o u r e n e r g y p a rt n e r
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Hampton
peoples–ga s.com
A piece of Hampton Township history could be yours while supplies last. early 100 blue and white street signs from the township’s roads, avenues and drives are available for purchase by residents and non-residents through Dec. 31. Each sign costs $20 for streets with less than 11 letters such as Coventry Court and $25 for roadways with more than 11 letters like Fountainwood Drive. The township kicked off the sign sale in May 2010 and swiftly sold a large portion of their stock. Most signs associated with family names went quickly, but plenty of options and many familiar roadway names remain available. The aluminum blue and white signs vary from 2 feet to 3.5 feet by 6 inches. Lettering on each is 4 inches high and each sign still has a metal fixture that attached the signage to its post. Available signs can be viewed prior to purchase at the municipal building where they are being stored in the main entry near the township reception desk. An inventory of available signs is maintained on the township’s website at http://hampton-pa.org and cash and check are accepted payment options. The stock of signs materialized following the township’s replacement of each of its 426 roadway signs - an effort which began three years ago due to new state and federal regulations. The new blue and white signs now directing motorists and pedestrians around the community have easier to read 6-inch letters. For more information, contact Hampton Township at 412.486.0400. — By Amanda Hartle
N
safety-driven Peoples Natural Gas is embarking on an extensive program to modernize our infrastructure. More than $100 million will be invested to replace pipelines throughout our 16 county service territory. In 2011 and 2012, this means replacing 40 miles of old cast-iron pipes wherever they exist. This year and next, Peoples Natural Gas is hiring 60 new pipeline workers. And, we’ll need to employ almost as many local contract workers. Last year, we brought back 200 jobs to the region. These are not temporary jobs, but family sustaining jobs – the type of jobs that generations build on. Through the end of 2012, you will see Peoples Natural Gas employees hard at work on this project. They will be working in the snow and sun to improve the infrastructure for our communities. Our goal is to replace all the cast iron pipe in our entire system. This is an extensive project and we will need your patience and understanding as we work to complete it. In 2010, Peoples Natural Gas was purchased from an out-of-state company. We are now a Western Pennsylvania managed company. All our management lives in the region. Our sole priority is serving our local communities. Our new company has refocused its total efforts right here. This pipeline replacement program is the first major construction initiative of Peoples Natural Gas and it has been made for your safety, and the need to modernize our infrastructure for the future.
Safety is the number one priority of Peoples Natural Gas. Every day, we strive to keep our customers, our employees and our communities safe. Here are 3 Sensible Words about Natural Gas to help keep you and your family safe. Natural gas leaks are rare. But they can happen. Your senses will alert you if a leak occurs. SIGHT Escaping gas affects the nutrients in soil, so discolored soil or dead vegetation near a pipeline may indicate a leak. Dirt or water blowing up from the group may indicate a natural gas leak. SOUND Natural gas leaks may make a hissing or a high-pitched whistling noise. Noises will vary based on the line pressure. SMELL A strong odor of natural gas can indicate unburned fuel in the air. Because the gas is odorless, a sulfur based odorant is added to give it a rotten-egg smell that warns of its presence. Be alert for this odorant or any petroleum smell. If you believe a natural gas leak is occurring, leave the area immediately and notify Peoples Natural Gas by calling 1.800.400.4271.
y o u r e n e r g y p a rt n e r Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
uring the recent federal debt limit negotiations in Washington D.C., a client asked for our assessment of the markets and what changes we might recommend in his and his wife’s accounts. We immediately scheduled a meeting with them. In discussing the economy, we used an analogy to a three-legged stool: one leg is corporations, one leg is the consumer and the last leg is government. We pointed out that corporate profits are at a record high and that corporate balance sheets are holding record levels of cash (28% of current assets). The corporate leg is as strong as it has ever been. Then we turned to the consumer who had a debt service ratio of 14% and a savings rate of only 1.9% at the peak of the market in 2007. At the end of June 2011, the consumer debt service ratio had been reduced to 11.3% and the savings rate was averaging close to 6%. This demonstrated that the consumer has made enormous strides in putting his fiscal house in order.
Regarding government, we suggested that you have to distinguish between state and local government as opposed to the federal government. State and local governments cannot spend money they do not have, and their ability to borrow money is very restricted. During the last 12-18 months, through the end of March 2011, state and local governments have made huge strides toward achieving fiscal order. State and local government employee levels have been reduced significantly. Collectively, they are
no longer operating at deficits but rather at surpluses. Now this does not mean that some states like California and Illinois are not dealing with major problems, but most states and municipalities have made significant progress and are on the right track. Our client then asked, if there was a major debacle in the federal debt limit negotiations, how their portfolio could be affected. Our client’s portfolio is very conservative: 12% cash, 38% bonds and 50% stocks. We explained that if there was a major market correction, both their stocks and bonds could be affected. With their strong earnings and balance sheets, the effect on corporations would not be based on fundamentals but would be more emotionally driven by rhetoric out of Washington. Also, considering stocks, we explained that in an inflationary environment, corporations have the ability to adjust their operations and survive, possibly even prosper. With bonds, we have tried to position clients defensively in anticipation of higher interest rates. We also explained that there is also a modest position in a commodity index to provide additional protection against inflationary pressures. With this all said, we acknowledged there is still a lot of uncertainty in the market. Regarding their concerns, we recommended that they consider making their portfolio a little more liquid, while maintaining the majority of their diversification. Although they decided to only slightly increase their cash position, our client felt very relieved at the conclusion of the meeting. They took satisfaction in the knowledge that they were proactive in reviewing everything in respect to what is going on in the U.S. markets and in the world. They realize there is still a lot uncertainty out there but take comfort in the fact that they have thought things through as best they can. They both felt that they now have a better understanding of their investments and how they fit together within the planned strategy. This Industry Insight was written by Bill Few Associates 107 Mt. Nebo Road Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 www.billfew.com
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Hampton
ampton Township School District students kicked off the new school year in style at the annual Talbot Challenge, held Aug. 24 at Fridley Field. The event started at 6:30 p.m. and students from various athletic clubs competed in everything from three-legged races to pie-eating contests. The highlyacclaimed Hampton High School Marching Band gave the crowd a preview of its 2011-2012 halftime show. An annual event, the Talbot Challenge is sponsored by the Hampton High School Parent Faculty Association. It is designed to help students get excited about the start of a new year and the new challenges they will face.
Photos by Gary Yon Photography
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Celebration of Lights at
riving through the annual
Hartwood Acres is a holiday tradition for most families in the Hampton area, and for families throughout the region. During the holiday season, the Mansion at Hartwood also is a sight to behold, welcoming visitors to enjoy its holiday dressing, with a variety of events including tours, candlelight tours and teas. The Tudor-style mansion, which was built in 1929 for John and Mary Flinn Lawrence and houses an extensive collection of English and American antiques, soon will be bustling with holiday visitors. Even those who return to the mansion and Celebration of Lights year after year will find something new amid the holiday splendor, as the decorations at the mansion and the displays through the winding light show change with each passing year. Every November, volunteers turn out to decorate the mansion, explains Berlin Marsh. “Some like to do the same room every year, but each year the decorations are different.” One of the stand-outs is the dining room, which usually is very extravagant and gorgeous. But, she says, all the rooms in the mansion are lovely. The mansion is dressed for the holidays on Nov. 5, when
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Hampton
volunteers decorate any of the rooms that are not already spoken for. So, those who visit for the regularly scheduled daily mansion tours will By Dana Black McGrath have the added benefit of enjoying the elegantly festive décor. On the tours, visitors get to see the downstairs and upstairs rooms of the mansion. The only rooms that are not included on the tour are the attic, the basement, and a few rooms that are being utilized as offices. Tours are offered on the hour Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Cost for the regular tours is $6 for adults, with reduced prices for seniors and children. Note that the mansion does not accept credit cards. Accepted forms of payment include cash and checks. During the holiday season, reservations for mansion tours are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 412.767.9200. Besides the regular daily tours, the holiday season brings the opportunity to enjoy the mansion and its holiday décor by candlelight. “The Holiday Candlelight Tours are very popular,” says
Marsh, and reservations are required. “[The schedule] fills up very quickly.” After the candlelight tour, for an additional fee, visitors can drive through the Celebration of Lights. Because of the popularity of the candlelight program, the tours (which last one hour) start every half-hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Candlelight tours are set for Nov. 28, 29 and 30; and Dec. 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. The cost for all candlelight tours is $6. Holiday Musical Teas are another popular event at Hartwood. Set for Nov. 26 and 30, and Dec. 3, the holiday teas start at 11 a.m. and include traditional finger sandwiches and scones along with musical entertainment and a tour of the mansion. Cost is $33 per person and, Marsh says, they book very quickly. Cars are already lining up for the slow moving ride through the spectacular Celebration of Lights display. Each year, the Celebration of Lights starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs through the first Sunday of January. Donation is $12 per car and proceeds benefit Project Bundle-Up and other local charities. Hours for the Celebration of Lights are Sunday through Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m. Marsh says she strongly recommends visiting the light show on a weekday. “On the weekends, the traffic can back up for nearly a mile.”
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Author Shares Stories of
Through By Dana Black McGrath Photos by Kathy Rudolph
man” is an understatement.
o say Joe Lagnese is a “renaissance
A retired environmental engineer, jazz musician, sculptor, artist and expert cook, this vibrant 82-year-old has published his first cookbook, the title of which is a double-entendre representing his two favorite avocations: music and food. Cookin’ shares the same title with a song Lagnese had written for his jazz band. Lagnese, a longtime Hampton resident, grew up in Penn Hills. Both sides of his family were from Italy so he grew up in the Italian tradition, surrounded by family and good food. In his professional life, Lagnese owned and operated a consulting engineering firm, Duncan, Lagnese and Associates. The firm designed sewers and treatment plants throughout western Pennsylvania. He has been retired for 15 years, but still does some fre elance consulting and occasionally serves as an expert witness. Throughout his long life, Lagnese has enjoyed music as one of his many avocations. He plays saxophone, clarinet and most reed instruments, and also plays the piano. Now he spends his time writing music for his swing and jazz band. But, in recent years he has developed a passion for arranging music, something he says he now loves as much as playing. Lagnese started his band about five years ago, and now plays in two groups – a jazz trio and a jazz swingtet (which is comprised of eight musicians). The bands play in North Park and other venues around town. The swingtet averages about one to two performances each month, but the trio’s performance schedule is a bit busier. Lagnese also is a skilled sculptor, creating contemporary works that fit with the style of his home and grounds.
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Hampton
Joe Lagn
ese and
Julia Lagnese, Muriel's Goddaughter Holding Joe Lagnese's Cookbook The proceeds go to Muriel's Breath of Life.
Jazz 3
But throughout these pursuits, family has been the priority for Lagnese. He and his wife, Pat, have six sons who all are living in the Pittsburgh area. The proud parents count two doctors, an attorney, two MBAs and a teacher among their offspring. As they were raising their family, Lagnese enjoyed cooking whenever he could, especially for holidays and special occasions. He says he took a special interest i n cooking because of his family, and in keeping with the traditions in which he was raised. “People started asking for my recipes, and then I started thinking about a book,” he says. The book he originally envisioned was much smaller in scale than what he actually ended up producing. “I thought it would be more like a pamphlet, but I just kept writing,” he laughs.
Cookin’ took about a year to write and, when he finished the project, Lagnese decided to self-publish his work with the help of Minuteman Press of Allison Park and Heeter Direct. More of an autobiography about his life and the role food and cooking has played in it, the book reads more like prose. It deviates from the standard recipe-perpage structure with long lists of ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Instead, there are methods and directions that sometimes read more like stories. “It is almost a memoir,” says Lagnese, “but it is limited to food. He says he has received many comments about how interesting the book is to read. “Today more people are interested in food,” he says, “and also there are more men who are getting into cooking.” The work is dedicated to his daughterin-law, Muriel, who died after battling cystic fibrosis. Since then the family has established a foundation in her honor, Muriel’s Breath of Life, and proceeds from the book sales will benefit that foundation. The dollar amount requested is a suggested donation of $25 per copy, but it is not a sale price. There is no bar code on the cover, so the book is not being sold in stores. For more information or to get a copy of the book, visit the website www.murielsbreathoflife.org. In his closing remarks in the book, Lagnese reflects: “I am a very lucky guy who has had the benefit of a happy childhood in an era of simple times and within an extended family sharing love, food, and tradition. My good fortune continues with a supportive and loving wife, six talented and caring sons, six beautiful—in all ways—daughters-in-law, and 12 grandchildren. And in small part, I believe that food, especially the Italian tradition of food, has contributed to the love and joy that has accompanied me through life.”
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
ampton Township School District staff and students as well as Hampton community members celebrated homecoming during the ninth annual Talbot Tailgate. The event welcomed hundreds of people prior to the homecoming football game on Oct. 14 in the district's middle school parking lots. “We wanted Talbot Tailgate to be a way to pull all the buildings together to truly create a sense of community within the school district,” said Diane Nugent of the High School Parent-Faculty Association. A total of nearly 40 booths staffed by representatives from sports teams and boosters, clubs and organizations such as National Honor Society and French Club as well as parentteacher organizations from every district building were on hand to peddle Talbot-themed items, offer games and sell concessions. Attendees were entertained by vocal and instrumental selections from various high school and middle school students on an outdoor stage. — By Amanda Hartle
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Hampton
Photos by Gary Yon Photography
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Family House Polo Returns to Hartwood Acres
F
amily House hosted its 28th Annual Family House Polo match on Sept. 10 at Hartwood Acres. One of the nation’s largest hospital-affiliated hospitality houses, Family House, estabDr. and Mrs. Rob lished in 1983, has provided affordable, weller UPMC ta t Kormos ilgate furnished accommodations for those awaiting medical treatment at one of the area’s hospitals or for family members whose loved one is a patient. Family House Polo is the premiere fundraising event for Family House. The day kicked off with an on-field Vintage Car Display. Before the match, guests had the opportunity to browse the Boutique Village. An extensive children's area included pony rides, airbrush tattoos, origami, balloon twisting, and craft table in the children’s entertainment tents. At noon, the Virginia International Polo Club and their adversary, the Potomac Polo Club, warmed up and demonstrated polo shots for those new to the sport. At 1 p.m. the opening ceremonies commenced, and then the match began. Even the half time at the polo match was an event – stomping the divots to the playing of “Pretty Woman.” Play resumed and at the conclusion of the match, there was a raffle drawing. During the closing ceremony, the coveted Family House Cup and Most Valuable Play Awards were handed out. Each year this Pittsburgh tradition attracts more than 2,000 spectators. Family House Polo is one of the most successful polo fundraisers in the world, raising more than $3 million over the past 27 years. Each year more than 10,000 families stay at one of Family House’s four locations. To date, more than 120,000 families from every state in the nation and from all points around the globe have stayed at Family House.
ily
Dutkovic Fam
Co Chair s He & Christ len Wylie ina O'To ole 16 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Hampton
WINTER 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
BundleUp,Baby Remember how Mom made you bundle up before going outdoors in the winter so you wouldn’t get sick? She was right. So be sure you dress for the weather — and that means covering your head, ears, mouth, and hands. Turn to page 4 to learn why your ears, nose, and throat need extra care in winter.
What’s Inside
© 2011 UPMC
page 2
A Different Vein Providing care for patients unable to accept transfusions
page 3
When Your Body Talks ... Be Sure to Listen
page 4
Make a Date With Your Doctor Three Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat
page 5
Technology for 21st Century Hospitals
page 6
Taking on Tourette Controlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
page 7
Welcoming New Physicians What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant
A Different Vein
The UPMC Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery offers special care for patients who are unable to accept blood transfusions There are many patients who choose bloodless medical treatment — medical care without blood transfusions or products — for religious or ethical reasons. However, a growing number are selecting it to reduce their risk of adverse reactions and bloodborne illnesses. The UPMC Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery was established to ensure that patients who are unable to accept transfusions, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, are identified early. “Most patients don’t Resources provided by the Center realize blood transfusions often for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery can be avoided are available for all patients including by following a those at UPMC Passavant, Mageefew simple steps Womens Hospital of UPMC, and before surgery.” throughout the UPMC network. — Perry Doebler Special wristbands are placed on all patients who choose not to have transfusions so that their wishes are clearly understood by medical staff and other care providers. Patients who decide against receiving a blood transfusion are educated by their doctors about the risks and benefits before any procedure is done. “Our paramount concern is to make sure the doctor is committed to respecting the patient’s decision,” says Perry Doebler, the center’s director. “We make sure the surgical team and nurses know ahead of time so they can be ready, and the patient doesn’t have to keep explaining things.”
Advance planning Planning is key to successful bloodless medicine and surgery. Careful blood management can boost the patient’s blood count before surgery and minimize blood loss. Minimally invasive surgery, special surgical tools, medications, and other techniques can help reduce or even stop bleeding. Doctors also can capture blood lost during surgery, clean it, and reinfuse it into the patient. Mr. Doebler says most patients don’t realize blood transfusions often can be avoided with a few simple steps before surgery. For example, one in four surgical patients is anemic, but doctors can recommend iron therapy, vitamins, or medication to stimulate blood production. Doctors also may tell surgical patients to discontinue certain pain relievers, herbs, and supplements that may interfere with blood clotting and cause more bleeding. “Being proactive and planning ahead are important for everyone. There are things a patient can control,” he says.
To learn more If you cannot accept blood transfusions, or may be planning for surgery and want to learn more about blood management, visit www.bloodlesscenter.com, or call the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at 1-877-674-7111.
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Blood Management Benefits According to Mr. Doebler, reducing or avoiding blood transfusions has many potential benefits, including lessening the patient’s exposure to viruses and other bloodborne diseases, and even helping to shorten the hospital stay. It also helps preserve the blood supply for other patients.
Is bloodless medicine a good option for you? Your doctor is the best source of information when it comes to deciding to choose bloodless medicine. Some questions you may want to ask: 1. What is my current blood count? 2. How can I increase my blood count? 3. Should I stop any medications or supplements? 4. Will I need a blood transfusion during surgery? 5. What risks are involved with blood transfusions? 6. What are the risks if I decline a transfusion? 7. What can my doctor do to minimize my need for a transfusion?
Pre-op tips • Know your blood count. The normal hemoglobin range for males is 14-18 g/dL and for females is 12-16 g/dL. • Be honest. Tell your doctor about all of the medications and herbal supplements you take. • Ask questions. Understand your risks and options. • Communicate. Make sure your bloodless medicine preferences are known.
When Your BodyTalks…
Be Sure toListen Being attuned to changes in your body can help in the early detection and treatment of cancer and other serious medical problems Is your body trying to tell you something important? It can be an excellent communicator — if you pay careful attention to its symptoms. There are numerous warning symptoms for cancer, many of which also can point to other serious medical conditions. That’s why you should call your primary care physician (PCP) if you have any unusual or persistent symptoms lasting longer than two or three weeks, says Edward Chu, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology/ Oncology at UPMC and deputy director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. “The vast majority of patients will get a clean bill of health from their doctor,” says Dr. Chu. “But when it comes to cancer, time is often of the essence. Early detection can help keep cancer from spreading, allow for faster treatment, and improve your chances for recovery.”
Symptoms that reveal Most of us know to be on the lookout for such important cancer warning signs as a sore that does not heal; a thickening or lump in the breast, or other parts of the body; blood in the stool or urine; or changes in the size or color of a mole.
Dr. Chu says it’s also important to be aware of more generalized body changes (also known as constitutional symptoms) that can compromise your physical performance and overall well-being. By getting to know what’s typical for your own body, you’ll be better able to recognize unfamiliar changes when they occur. They can include: • Extreme tiredness (fatigue) • Unexplained weight loss (typically 10 pounds or more) or loss of appetite • Changes in how food tastes • Fever and chills • Night sweats • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing “These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer,” he emphasizes. “But if they linger or worsen, it’s important for your doctor to rule out — or treat — possible problems.” If you are interested in locating a PCP or specialist in your area, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Did You Know? The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), based at the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside, is the only National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. Learn more about UPCI and its partnership with UPMC Cancer Centers at UPCI.UPMC.edu.
Cancer Screenings: Are they right for you? Another important tool in the early detection of cancer is screenings. “When combined with regular checkups with your family doctor or specialist, screenings like mammograms, PAP smears, and colorectal exams have proven to be invaluable in the fight against cancer,” notes Theodore L. Crandall, MD, of UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant. “Your personal and family medical history, risk factors, age, and other considerations will help your physician recommend the right tests — and frequency — for you.” To learn more about the program and services of UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant, visit UPMCPassavant.com.
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Make a Date With Your Doctor You take your car to the mechanic for an annual inspection to be sure it’s running properly. So why aren’t you giving your body the same kind of attention? When you’re in good health, it’s easy to put off going to the doctor. But regular checkups can help you stay healthy, and avoid disease and disability. That’s why scheduling a physical is the one New Year’s resolution you should keep. According to primary care physicians (PCPs) at UPMC Passavant, an annual exam is the perfect time to talk about illness prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and any screenings. That information helps you and your doctor create a plan to maintain your health, or get you started on making changes to improve your health. Building an ongoing relationship with a PCP also means peace of mind. PCPs at UPMC Passavant say there’s real value to being seen by someone who knows you and your health history — someone you trust to guide you through an illness or emergency.
Your exam checklist How can you make the most of your annual exam? Here are four things to do before you see the doctor:
1. Make a list of all medications you are taking Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you currently take, how often you take them, and why.
2. Update your family history Your family history can provide important clues about your risk for certain diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease.
3. Ask about health screenings Screenings can be important tools in preventing some illnesses and diseases. Get a list of recommended screenings and talk about them with your doctor.
4. Make a list of questions or health concerns Asking questions and sharing your concerns about health issues helps your doctor improve your care. One final piece of advice: Be honest. Never be afraid or embarrassed to tell your doctor something. What you don’t disclose could be important for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis or prescribe the best treatment plan.
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Three Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat Winter is the season for sniffles, scratchy throats, and earaches — often all at once! And with good reason: our ears, nose, and throat all are connected and affect each other greatly. Otolaryngologists (also known as ear, nose, and throat doctors or ENTs) are physicians who specialize in caring for this complex, interrelated system. Test your ENT knowledge with this quick quiz:
Who gets earaches more often — children or adults? Nearly every child experiences at least one ear infection between infancy and the age of five — something weary parents know firsthand. Because children have shorter, straighter Eustachian tubes (which connect the nose to the ears), it’s easier for bacteria to migrate into their ears.
Why are you more likely to get a nosebleed in winter? The same heated indoor air that makes your home cozy in winter also can dehydrate the inside of your nose. It can become crusted or cracked, or can even bleed. A dry nose makes you more susceptible to germs, so exercise good nose care. Lightly coat the inside with petroleum jelly. Overthe-counter saline mists and sprays (not decongestants) also are helpful.
Will antibiotics cure laryngitis? Most cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infections that make the vocal cords swell — so antibiotics are ineffective. Your best course of action? Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and cut back on talking. Straining your voice when you have acute laryngitis can damage your vocal cords. Source: American Society of Otolaryngology
Technology for 21st Century Hospitals How technology is working to transform the quality of your care during hospitalization If you ever have to be hospitalized, you’ll certainly want to be cared for at a place that delivers quality health care using the latest technology available. That’s precisely what patients find when they are admitted to a UPMC hospital. “UPMC’s vision of quality is for every patient to receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way — every time,” says Tami Minnier, RN, and chief quality officer for UPMC. “Technology lets us serve patients more efficiently and accurately. Most of all, we’re able to give patients greater control of their health care.” Here are just two of the ways UPMC hospitals are delivering on that goal.
SmartRoom® technology brings it all to you Launched three years ago by UPMC in partnership with IBM, SmartRoom is an impressive technology. First used at UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Montefiore, it is gradually being introduced in other UPMC hospitals. All patient rooms at the new UPMC East will be equipped with SmartRoom technology. SmartRoom brings all essential data related to your care to your bedside. Its computerized software programs give caregivers fingertip access to all the information essential to your care — from your electronic medical records to the tests you’ll need that day.
The SmartRoom concept simplifies workflow and makes documentation of your care faster and easier. Each room has two screens: one for your caregivers, and another for you to access email, entertainment, and a vast library of patient education videos and information.
The right meds at the right time “It is our goal to make the hospitalization and discharge experience as stress-free as possible for our patients and their families,” says Jacqueline Dailey, UPMC’s vice president for Solutions for Medical Science, Research, and Patient Centered Accountable Care. “Not surprisingly, by the time patients leave the hospital, they’re often confused and overwhelmed by changes in their medications and how to take them.” “We begin when you’re admitted with an electronic assessment of your current medications and how they’re being taken,” explains Ms. Dailey. “As medications are adjusted or eliminated during your stay, this information is instantly available to all your physicians — from your family doctor to the specialists caring for you. That’s especially important if you transition from one level of care to another, such as intensive to acute care.” An added layer of safety: both a pharmacist and the nurse administering the medications verify any new medication orders from your doctors. Throughout your stay, you’ll receive comprehensive instructions on your medications. “We know that people learn in different ways, so this information will be shared multiple times and in multiple ways,” notes Ms. Dailey. “We also urge patients to contact their doctors for help with any questions they may have on their return home.”
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Taking on Tourette Controlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC That’s especially difficult for adolescents who want to fit in. Tics, such as throat clearing, turning, or shaking, also can cause pain.
Seven Barnishin was just 11, playing with action figures alone in his Pitcairn home, when the tics began — involuntary arm flicks, head jerks, and sounds. “I freaked. It seemed like something else was controlling me,” he says.
At the Tourette Syndrome Clinic, patients have access to a trio of experts: two pediatric neurologists with training in neurodevelopmental disorders, and an adult neurologist trained in movement disorders who provides transitional care for older teens.
Tom and Amy Barnishin first thought their son’s behavior was linked to the start of the school year and peer pressure. When symptoms grew worse, and other tics emerged, their doctor sent Seven to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC where he was officially diagnosed with Tourette syndrome (TS) in January 2009. “We were blindsided,” says Amy.
Be in the know about TS Treatment varies.While there’s no cure, medication sometimes helps control tics. Psychologists can teach habit reversal and relaxation techniques to help patients cope with stress and reduce symptoms. But the most important treatment is education, says Dr. Coffman. “That includes educating families, educators, and the general public about TS.”
Diagnosing Tourette syndrome TS is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 100 people, says Keith Coffman, MD, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of the Tourette Syndrome Clinic, part of the Brain Care Institute at Children’s Hospital. Most cases are diagnosed between ages 3 and 12; the majority are boys. The main symptoms are sudden, repetitive, uncontrollable movements and sounds called tics, including throatclearing, sniffing, blinking, gestures, and head jerking. For a true TS diagnosis, tics must start before age 18, include two or more motor tics and at least one vocal tic, and last at least one year. Tics peak at the onset of puberty. Approximately 60 percent of children outgrow the tics, or the tics become so subtle only that person knows when they occur.
Did You Know? An estimated 200,000 Americans have TS, but misconceptions still surround the disorder. For example, TS is not an emotional or behavioral condition. It is an inherited neurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormalities in the brain.
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Coping with Tourette “People with TS cannot control their tics. They experience a sensation that makes them feel like they have to move — like having to sneeze,” Dr. Coffman says. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner children can benefit. Movements can interfere with school work. Children with TS often are bullied, teased, or viewed as being disruptive.
Other TS facts include: • TS patients have the same IQ range as the general population. • People in every walk of life, including professional musicians, athletes, authors, and scientists, have TS. • Less than 15 percent of TS patients swear or use inappropriate expressions.
“Knowledge is power. I’d be unnerved if I didn’t know what it was,” adds Seven, now age 14. Although he cycled through almost every tic, the movements and sounds have subsided with treatment. The Barnishins credit the team at Children’s for helping them understand TS, guiding them through treatment options, and providing support. “Children’s gave us answers and helped us gain control over an uncontrollable situation. Instead of being spectators, we were part of the process. That helped lower Seven’s anxiety, which helped ease the tics,” says Tom. To learn more about the Tourette Syndrome Clinic and the Movement Disorders Clinic at Children’s Hospital, visit chp.edu, choose Neurology as the service, then click the Clinics and Services button on the left.
Welcoming New Physicians To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Fnu Abhishek, MD Hospitalist Medicine
Christopher J. Friend, MD Imaging Services
Charles J. Lin, MD Anesthesiology
Erin K. Snell, MD Rheumatology
Aneel Kumar Bole, MD Hospitalist Medicine
Kenneth N. Gold, MD Rheumatology
Rohan D. Naik, MD Hospitalist Medicine
Kristen A. Stephen, MD Dermatology
Asheesh Bothra, MD Hospitalist Medicine
Razvan N. Gramatovici, MD Radiation Oncology
Khoa N. Nguyen, MD Anesthesiology
Guillermo Linares Tapia, MD Neurology
Ralph A. Capone, MD Internal Medicine
Denise M. Hall-Burton, MD Anesthesiology
Jeffrey S. Nicklas, MD Anesthesiology
Haibin Wang, MD, PhD Anesthesiology
Timothy J. Chips, DMD Head and Neck Surgery
Sulwen He, MD, PhD Nephrology
Kristin M. Ondecko-Ligda, MD Anesthesiology
Jeremy B. Wingard, MD Ophthalmology
Megan H. Cortazzo, MD Orthopaedics
John W. Ingle, MD Otolaryngology
Jennifer L. Rogers, MD Emergency Medicine
Aaron J. Wyse, MD Imaging Services
Pavan Devulapally, MD Hospitalist Medicine
James J. Jaber, MD, PhD Otolaryngology
Abir A. Senz, DO Internal Medicine
Christopher R. Dobbelstein, MD Psychiatry
Michael C. Jones, MD Imaging Services
Toni Sicenica, MD Pulmonary/Critical Care
What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant These free events are offered by UPMC Passavant and the Passavant Hospital Foundation Diabetes Education Series Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 1 to 3:30 p.m. UPMC Passavant–McCandless Ask at the Information Desk for class location. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 6 to 8:30 p.m. UPMC Passavant–Cranberry Classes are held in the 2nd floor conference room. Learn what diabetes is, what medicines are available for treatments, and current recommendations for staying healthy with diabetes. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.
For more information about classes at UPMC Passavant and affiliated outpatient centers, call UPMC Physician Referral at 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Heart-Healthy Living ... Good Choices to Live By Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speakers: UPMC Heart and Vascular Team Heart disease is America’s leading killer. More women than men die each year from heart disease, but few women really understand how the heart and vascular system work. Learn what you can do to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle and diet. Please call 412-367-6640 to register. Colorectal Cancer… What You Need to Know! Wednesday, Mar. 21, 2012 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Ved Kaushik, MD Prevention, detection, and advancements in treatment options related to colorectal cancer will be discussed at this seminar. Please call 412-367-6640 to register.
Weight Management & Safe Weight Loss for Seniors Wednesday, Apr. 18, 2012 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: Registered dietitian, UPMC Passavant Your body is absolutely unique. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to know about a variety of factors that will improve your health, thus allowing you to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. Please call 412-367-6640 to register. Autism Through the Lifespan Thursday, Apr. 19, 2012 8:30 a.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center Legacy Theatre This daylong event will include presentations and breakout sessions. Topics will appeal to families, educators, and providers dealing with autism. CEUs will be available. Registration is required. For more information, visit PassavantHospitalFoundation.org.
Bridge to Hope — Family Support Group Wednesdays 7 p.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center Conference Room #1 Cumberland Woods Village Drug and alcohol addiction and its accompanying tragedies have touched countless Americans from all walks of life and from all backgrounds. The Bridge to Hope provides education and support to such affected families. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information. Legacy Music Series UPMC Passavant-McCandless Passavant Hospital Foundation is seeking talented musicians who want to help lift people’s spirits and volunteer their time to give the gift of music. Inquiries are now being accepted for upcoming dates. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Passavant 9100 Babcock Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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Hampton
Cyber Academy A
handful of Hampton High School students were pioneers charting new educational territories as the district launched its Hampton Online Academy this fall. The academy combines the freedom and flexibility of cyberschools with the benefits of a so-called brick and mortar building. “For some kids, it is a fabulous option,” said Jo Welter, Hampton assistant superintendent. “Having our own cyberschool program provides more opportunities for our students. It is easier to be in Hampton activities and attend Hampton dances. Upon graduation, you can graduate with a Hampton diploma.” Run through a contract with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, district officials hope the academy prompts some of the approximately 30 students, who currently attend classes through other cyberschool programs, to return to Hampton. The district utilizes various vendors to provide courses and certain vendors allow districts to tweak the class to what they desire, said Laurie Heinricher, district curriculum director. “The goal is to be editing the curriculum and getting it really aligned with what is going on in the actual classroom. We try to match what is offered to Upon graduation our curricular needs as closely as possible.” With these options, the content you can graduate being learned is similar, the method of acquiring it is just vastly different than a standard classroom. with a Hampton Some students prefer the educational path where they can wear a headdiploma.” set and speak with teachers and other students. They also can set up appointments during posted office hours to meet with instructors or arrange one-on-one sessions for further help or clarification. Other students prefer to work on their own through text-based classes supplemented with applicable videos for certain courses such as biology. Unlike outside cyberschools, the academy also allows district officials to keep tabs on how students are doing, said Heinricher. “It keeps a log of when they are on and where they are in the course. Every week, the student and I both get a report card giving me their grade to date and what their grade would be if they quit studying. “It allows them to see in time and space where they are with the course.” For taxpayers, the academy is a significant cost savings. Average per pupil cost in Hampton is nearly $10,000 and when a student chooses to attend a cyberschool outside of the district those funds go with them. “Cyberschools advertise that they are free, but they are not free to the taxpayer,” said Welter. The academy costs are approximately $3,500 or a bit lower than one-third of the average per pupil costs for normal day-to-day students. “Our goal is not to generate a cyberschool. We wouldn’t want The academy to lose any of our kids. We simply want to get those 30 costs are students who left back with us.” In the future, the approximately academy could expand to provide different $3,500 or a bit options for students allowing lower than students to take more classone-third of es clearing their the average per schedules for more educational opportunipupil costs ties, but district for normal dayofficials are taking things to-day students. slowly, said Welter. “Right now there is no partial cyberschool. You are either in cyberschool or you are not.”
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reach t u O nity u m m Co
s d n e t Ex Hands g s n i y p a l d i e l H ing the Ho
ills H h t r No
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by Tawnya Panizzi
t’s that time of year when even Santa’s Elves can use an extra hand. At North Hills Community Outreach, volunteers are preparing for the holiday season just around the corner. They’re hard at work to ensure that more than 1,000 local needy families can share in a warm and joyous holiday spirit. “When there’s a down economy, the first jobs to go are the lowincome,” said NHCO Executive Director Fay Morgan. “But if everybody shares in some way, their time or their funds, there’s enough to go around. “There’s enough to keep people warm and housed and fed.” The NHCO was founded in 1987 after religious and community leaders banded together to help flood-ravaged areas of the North Hills. It has operated since on the foundation of People Helping People. With its main office in Allison Park, NHCO also has satellites in Millvale, Bellevue, O’Hara and Pine. The group in 2011 won the Alfred W. Wishart, Jr. Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management. Today, the group addresses the needs of people in crisis, hardship or poverty. The vision, Morgan says, is sharing a community where no one is cold, hungry or alone. To meet those goals, NHCO offers a variety of services from food banks and utility assistance to auto programs and school supplies. All except the auto program are free. Some of the programs are scheduled specifically to ease holiday stress. The group’s “Turkey on Every Table” program, for example, ensures families are stuffed with good tidings at Thanksgiving. Volunteers seek donations to deliver scrumptious holiday spreads, including stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, pie crust mix, jars of gravy and napkins. Grocery store certificates are welcome too and are particularly helpful to cover turkey costs. The fixings are sorted and stuffed into bags in order to provide a complete, nourishing dinner. “All the help stays local,” says Morgan, whose been heading the
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NHCO for 18 years. There are several winter holiday programs that require helping hands as well, Morgan said. “Sharing Holiday Warmth,” a utility assistance program, and “Holiday Toy Shop,” which helps tuck gifts beneath the trees, are each vital for families whose funds are stretched thin. “Probably the greatest way people can help is to donate for utilities,” Morgan says. “We get so many calls this time of year, up to 50 on some days, from people getting their utilities shut off.” Under that program, eligible families receive up to $50 to apply to gas, electric and food bills. The assistance provides physical comfort but also alleviates stress, Morgan says. “Knowing that they are receiving this help, they are then able to purchase their own gifts for their children or other loved ones,” she says. The seasonal “sharing projects” are a perfect opportunity to give of yourself, the best gift of all, Morgan says. And, any gift of time is appreciated. “It’s a great undertaking to offer these projects and every one of them is fairly large,” she says. Volunteers are needed in shifts for daytime, evening and weekend work. “It’s a challenge to fill each shift,” Morgan says. “Especially as it gets closer to the holidays and people are busy.” But it is worth the time, she said. The group’s “Holiday Toy Shop” benefits several hundred children each year. Volunteers are needed to sort through stacks of donated toys, games, books and clothes and then “shop” with each client. More people are needed to pack the gifts into sacks and transport them to the branch offices. Like other NHCO services, families must be at or below 150 percent
of the federal poverty level to qualify. Morgan says the aim of all the programs is to treat families with dignity and it’s rewarding to give them an opportunity to shop and select their own items. The Toy Shop never fails to deliver, Morgan says. She’s certain there have been many smiles as a result of the heartfelt donations and hard work behind the packages. A particular need, however, always seems to be for the teens. “Everyone wants to give Barbies, but the older kids need things too. They want the Steelers sweatshirt or a music gift card,” she said. Volunteers who would like to help can register throughout December, from Dec. 5 to Dec. 21. Specifically, shifts are available from 9 a.m. to 12:30 and 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 15; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 20. For those who like the glitzier side, volunteers are needed for giftwrapping shifts during which money collected benefits the NHCO scholarship fund. The sessions are held at Barnes & Noble at The Waterworks, near Aspinwall, from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 16, and 6 to 9 p.m Dec. 19 and 20. Volunteers, says Morgan, are at the heart of the NHCO and there are a variety of ways to get involved. That includes working as a good old fashioned bell ringer through the group’s partnership with the Salvation Army. A traditional site at shopping malls and grocery stores, it’s for people who enjoy the nip in the air while collecting money in oversized kettles during two-hour shifts outside the Wal-Mart along Route 8. “We see an increase in need this time of year,” Morgan says. “We rely on a lot of help.” North Hills Community Outreach is at 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. Phone: 412-487-6316, option 1. Website: www.nhco.org Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
By Dana McGrath Photos by Ginography
The first snowfall of the season didn't deflate the spirit of the hundreds of participants who turned out at North Park– in Justina Krylow costume, no less – for and Maggie Troxell the Freaky 5K r e h c s run/walk and it Journey R , d y o B a d Terrifying 10K. Oxford Athletic Club of Wexford was Aman Laura and and Rinae Rugg the title sponsor for the event, which was held in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Marathon. Dan Griffin, general manager at Oxford Athletic Club, which has sponsored the event for the past two years, says he was impressed with the run last year but was even more impressed this year. “We had even better participation and organization. There were a lot of kids and people from all different age groups participating and everything went really well.” The course, which worked its way through North Park, started at the skating rink, wound behind the lake to a turnaround point, and ended back at the rink. Griffin ran the 10K and, for the first time, took the top spot in his age group. “It was tough in the snow, especially running downhill.” Despite the slippery conditions, the runners made it across the finish line safely.
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nkie Kavalir, Coach Latus, Marcus Edvadsson, Fra zenhauser, Grace Watson, Zach Dewit, Todd Gun Jake Bumgarner and Elizabeth Bolt
Marci An Declan Mag derson, Jo Rupp, Er ic Shaf ee, Em Chris Past ily Magee, Rachel Z er, orius and o Connie Bak limas, er Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
The Hydref
A Fall Festival Celebrated At The Depreciation Museum By Kathy Rudolph
The Hydref - A Fall Festival, was held at the Depreciation Museum and featured 18th Century Re-enactors in costume that provided guests with a glimpse into authentic, early American life including living in a cabin, attending school, metalworking, weaving and much more. Music, foods, craft demonstrations, pumpkin contests, children's activities and vendors were also offered. The festival was named “Hydref”, meaning “Autumn” in Welsh, as a tribute to some of the area’s early Welsh settlers. “The museum is a fun place where people can come and enjoy history; you feel as if you’ve tumbled back 200 years Paul into pioneer living,” said Susan Claus, Member Claus and Volu nteer President of the Depreciation Lands Museum Association. “This is our biggest, annual event and the proceeds will be used to renovate our
annex building into a tavern, which served as a community center for the settlers.” Established in 1973, the museum is a great alternative when a trip to historic places like Williamsburg, VA, is either too far away or too far down on the ‘to-do’ list. Steps away from William Flynn Highway on South Pioneer Road, it is a special place for families and history buffs to visit. According to their website, the museum “seeks to preserve and interpret the early years of European settlement in the Depreciation Lands.” The Depreciation Lands were the lands Pennsylvania set aside to pay American Revolution soldiers in 1783 since the dollar depreciated during the war. It includes land in parts of Butler, Beaver and Armstrong Counties. “We enjoy showing the community what living in this time was like and how much things have changed,” said Kent Maier, Depreciation Museum Board Member. “Everything that we do is authentic and handmade; from the clothing that we wear to 18th Century crafts of all kinds that we make.” Upcoming events include Colonial Teas in February, Maple Sugar Day and Introduction into Weaving in March and Open Hearth Cooking in April. The Museum and Gift Shop are open from May through October and for special events throughout the year.
Susan Claus
, President of the Depre Lands Museu ciation m Associati on
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New members, or artisans that specialize in 18th Century, authentic, handcrafted pottery,
Andre Membe w Karnavas, r and B lacksm ith
crafts and clothing are welcome. These items are sold in the gift shop with some, or all of the profits donated to the museum. “It is important for young people to know the history in this area,” said Mrs. Claus. “When they learn about it, they are tied to their community and want to be part of r of The Linda Gross and Susan Lightne continuing the history for Guild Butler Spinners and Weavers future generations.” To learn more about the Depreciation Museum, please visit their website at www.depreciationlandsmuseum.org.
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
By Kathy Rudolph
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he two-day Pink Ribbon Round-Up event included an evening gala and a horse ride and picnic the next day through the picturesque North Park, located in Hampton, McCandless and Pine Townships. A fun evening including ‘foot stomping’, live music by Vida, The Singing Diva, Stoney Richards of Y108, delicious foods, raffles and auctions welcomed 300 survivors, supporters and equestrians to the Pink Ribbon Ro und-Up Western Gala. Pink Ribbon Round-Up is a non-profit, volunteer Sharon McSwaney, Survivor, Pink Ribbon organization that comRound-Up Committee Organizer and bines the memHer Supporters bers’ love of horses with their dedication to eliminating cancer in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research. At the gala, held at The Chadwick in Wexford, guests dressed in their best pink and western wear; the color pink being the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Hosted by The Pin k Ribbon Round-Up with honorary chair, Mary Robb Jackson of KDKA-TV, the gala was a celebration of breast cancer survivors, who were identified by their pink carnation corsages, and also served to raise funds for breast cancer research. “Tonight is not a sad event, but a fun celebration to honor
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and show our love to the survivors,” said Patricia Hodder, survivor, president and chairperson of The Pink Ribbon Round-Up. “We have also raised $170,000 in six years for breast cancer research.” The organization believes that “the passion and energy spent with our animals can be directed to presenting a wonderful, exciting two-day event that will raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Pittsburgh and help us achieve our goal.” The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is named after Susan G. Komen, who succumbed to breast cancer in 1980. Before she died she asked her sister, Nancy, to raise awareness and help women fight breast cancer. Nancy G. Brinker created the nonprofit foundation in 1982 in honor of her sister. Since then, the foundation “is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 million,” according to the foundation’s website. It is “dedicated to education and research about causes, treatment and the search for a cure.” Many women are winning the battle and so are members of Pink Ribbon Round-Up Committee. “People were so supportive when I was going through Breast Cancer,” said Sharon McSwaney, a survivor and Seneca Valley School District teacher. “I w anted to give back and celebrate all of those that supported me.” Others on the committee want to show their support for their
Rita DeMore, Survivor and Pink Ribbon Round-Up Committee Member and Her Sister, Marion Yeager, Survivor, and their Family
Dana Pietrzak and Barbara Moeller, Pink Ribbon Round-Up Committee Members
Nicole Syder and Sue Groff, Pink Ribbon Round-up Committee Members and Bob Groff, Volunteer loved ones. “My aunt is Patricia Hodder and I have been part of this since the beginning,” said Barb Moeller. “I love that our gala is a different, fun and positive. We are celebrating hope.” The gala could not happen without the support of so many volunteers. “We are growing every year and it is because of our excellent volunteers and wonderful support from the equestrian community,” said Ms. Hodder. To learn more about Pink Ribbon Round-Up, please visit the website at www.pinkribbonroundup.org.
Vida, The Singing Diva Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
Muriel’s
Breath of Life
by Kathy Rudolph
amily, friends and supporters came together for a gourmet barbeque, live music featuring Jazz 3, a Chinese auction, and family games to honor the memory of Muriel Lagnese, a former resident of Hampton, who succumbed to Cystic Fibrosis at age 56 in 2009. Held in the picturesque Richland Township Community Barn, the second annual barbeque was hosted by Muriel’s Breath of Life, a non-profit foundation created by Muriel’s family to honor her memory by “helping Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families cover medical expenses that are not covered by health insurance.” Affecting 30,000 children and adults in the United States, Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes severe lung damage and nutritional deficiencies. Although there is no cure, daily medical treatment regimens that may include over 25 medications help combat the disease, but are very expensive. “Muriel had excellent health insurance and her treatments were paid for,” said Les Lagnese, Muriel’s husband, foundation member and event organizer. “She knew that she was the exception and was concerned about patients that were not insured.” So far the foundation has raised over $30,000. Proceeds are administered by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation and go to uninsured or underinsured patients who receive treatment at The Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center at UPMC’s Comprehensive Lung Center. Those funds have been used for medications, travel expenses while receiving treatment and ‘end of life’ support for families. “The money that we raise goes straight to the social workers who can distribute the money to patients and families who need medication, gas cards, or to pay co-pays quickly,” said Paul Lagnese, Muriel’s brother-in-law, foundation member, an event organizer and Bradford Woods resident. Foundations like Muriel’s Breath of Life are important in tough economic times. “We are living in a time when jobs and health insurance are at a premium,” said Connie Richless, of The Cystic Fibrosis Center Health Care Project. “There are tremendous advances
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Supports Those with Cystic Fibrosis
The Lagnese Family of Muriel's Breath of Life
in research but the number of people having to choose between food or treatment is growing and that is why the donations from Muriel's Breath are so important.” Muriel’s family continues her legacy of strength by moving forward through the foundation. “Muriel was such a trooper and she quietly pushed her way through her treatments,” said her brother-in-law, John Lagnese. “When it was the end of her life, she accepted and rose above it. She was so positive and focused on the feelings of others.” Her husband, Les, says, “Muriel was wonderful; my rock and soul mate. It can be difficult, but the help and support of my family has been unbelievable.” There are many ways to help Cystic Fibrosis patients through Muriel’s Breath of Life. Visit the website at http://murielsbreathoflife.org.
Jane Barclay, Les and Pat Lagnese, Elizabeth Hixson and Pat Falbo, Metalsmith Artist 34 724.942.0940 to advertise |
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Paul Lagnese, of Bradford Woods, Muriel’s brother-in-law and foundation member
Connie Richless, of The Cystic Fibrosis Center Health Care Project
Emily Arnold and Jeremy Matelan, Hampton High School Students
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. It would seem reasonable that with millions of sperm and only one egg that the majority of infertility problems would lie with the female. Not true, according to the National Library of Medicine which tracks national statistics kept by fertility clinics. Difficulties with fertility are evenly split, with the source of fertility problems being linked to the male one third of the time and the female also having difficulties one third of the time. The final third is a mixture of situations where both parties have infertility issues and those cases where the cause is indeterminate. The good news is that there is hope for males who wish to start a family. Director of Male Reproductive Medicine Surgery at UPMC, Thomas Jaffe, MD, an urologist, offers a hopeful perspective for males experiencing difficulties with reproductive issues. “Because of many technologies and treatments, many men who previously had no hope of fathering a child now have treatment options that can be [effective.]” One important advancement in reproductive research is a relatively new diagnostic test called the DAZ test. The DAZ test detects a genetic mutation in the Y chromosome for sperm production.
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This test is ordered when sperm production is unusually low. Another important factor in analyzing the quality of the sperm is its motility or movement. Generally, sperm with greater motility are able to more easily fertilize an egg. One common problem among men with fertility issues is type 1 or juvenile onset diabetes. Individuals with diabetes may experience what’s called retrograde ejaculation. Simply put, this is when the bladder stays open with ejaculatory fluids washing back into the bladder rather than exiting the body as with normal functioning. “This problem can be treated with Sudafed which helps the bladder to stay closed during ejaculation,” explains Dr. Jaffe. Retrograde ejaculation can also be a problem with spinal cord injuries, nerve damage or certain medications that contain alpha blockers such as high blood pressure medications. Another problem Dr. Jaffe sees among his patients are men who have little to no sperm production. “Even with no sperm, we have found that these men still produce limited numbers of sperm within the tissues of the testicles.” This sperm can be extracted from the tissue and remains viable to fertilize an egg.
Hampton
One of the most common problems associated with male infertility is when an enlargement of a vein in the scrotum forms. These veins are specially equipped with one-way valves which insure that blood flows upward. When these veins become compressed, they crush the gonadal vein and heat and toxins build up in the scrotum inhibiting healthy sperm production. The vein can be surgically repaired however to promote normal function with increased sperm production and better quality with sperm motility increased. Finally, male cancer patients may experience fertility problems due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “Ideally ,we [harvest] sperm prior to treatment. We work with the Pittsburgh Cryobank to store the sperm until needed,” explains Dr. Jaffe. Although no treatment is an absolute guarantee, male infertility can often times be overcome with the right evaluation and treatment. For more information about Dr. Jaffe and treatment of male infertility, call 412.692.4100.
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Caring Choices for Senior Care is a particularly good option for individuals who are emotionally attached to their residence and do not have a strong need for social interaction with other seniors. Though people seldom look forward to going to a nursing facility, avoid feeling overwhelmed with choices. The following are some of skilled nursing homes provide 24-hour care for individuals with the most popular living arrangements for seniors of today. serious illness, injury or mental decline. The good news is that there One favorite for mature adults is the active adult community, sometimes referred to as a retirement community or independent have been several improvements in the quality of care received in nursing facilities since the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of living. These dwellings are usually homes or condos with 1987. Nurse aides now have more training, and each resident must individuals living independently and owning their own home, but be fully evaluated upon admission so that an individual care plan can in a grouping or housing plan with other seniors. Many times these communities will offer a clubhouse and have planned social be established. Meals are planned by a dietician to ensure proper nutrition, and many nursing facilities now include regular exercise as and cultural activities and limited transportation. They may also a part of their managed care for residents. provide housekeeping and communal meals for a monthly fee. They are probably best suited to individuals who are active and Enlist the help of one of your parent’s friends already in independent or assisted living as an advocate. Oftentimes able to assume total care for themselves, but desire social parents may feel that their children are “ganging up” on them if interaction with others in their own age group. Another increasingly popular option for mature adults is home they are confronted by several siblings telling them what they should do. However, an individual in their own age group who health care which allows individuals to remain in their homes has made the adjustment and is happy is the best advocate. while receiving professional assistance with bathing, dressing For more information on finding a home for your loved one, you and meal preparation. The care may also extend to medical needs may want to consult www.aplaceformom.com, a free elder care such as the administration of medications and the ongoing referral service. For more tips about speaking with your parents or management of blood pressure or diabetes. Medicare and services available for your loved one, visit the Area Agency on Medicaid may provide financial assistance in some cases, but there are several eligibility requirements which must be met. This Aging website at www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/aaa.aspx. here are as many as 20 different types of senior care facilities, and before looking at any new living arrangement, it’s T important to have a basic idea of what the different levels are to
Used cars find new purpose in securing employment for low-income families The morning commute for Loretta, a single mother with three children who recently moved her family into her mother’s two-bedroom apartment, used to be a daunting task. Each day she and her children rode the bus, stopping at daycare before Loretta reached her full-time job downtown. Thanks to Community Auto, a program of North Hills Community Outreach that pairs used cars with low-income drivers, Loretta’s commute has become much more manageable, and she feels her independence has been restored. Community Auto accepts donations of used cars, has them repaired and serviced by local mechanics and then offers them for purchase at prices well below market value. Four months ago, Loretta was able to buy a minivan. “Your program is such a blessing to so many people,” Loretta writes. Donors receive the maximum tax deduction allowable for the donation, as well as assurance that their car is directly helping a local family in need. Buyers benefiting from the program must meet income eligibility guidelines and work at least 25 hours per week. Community Auto encourages Pennsylvanians to by donating used vehicles.
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
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Hampton Township residents looking to carpool into downtown Pittsburgh or Butler soon will have a new option for parking their excess vehicles. Township officials are in the beginning stages of a project that will add additional turning lanes, sidewalks, new signalization, drainage and a park and ride lot at the intersection of Duncan Avenue and Route 8. Through Nov. 3, township officials sought bids from engineering firms that will perform preliminary and final design services as well as construction consultation for turning lanes and a park and ride lot. Port Authority of Allegheny County does not maintain a park and ride facility in Hampton Township and the closest Port Authority option for many downtown commuters can be found at the North Park swimming pool. The new lot at Duncan Avenue would position commuters roughly 11 miles from downtown office buildings. Hampton will own and maintain the lighted park and ride lot and plans to align with Myers Transit, a company who partners with Port Authority to service Route 8. Planned improvements including sidewalks will extend south on Route 8 to the Pine Creek bridge and north more than 550 feet. Additionally, work also will be done on Duncan Avenue as improvements will stretch up the hillside beyond the bridge that crosses Gourdhead Run. — By Amanda Hartle
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Periodontal Disease
What it is, What causes it, and What to do about it.
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ore than 80 percent of adults are affected with periodontal disease and may or may not have any noticeable symptoms. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease and only affects the gum tissue. If left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis which affects the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Our mouths are full of different types of bacteria. These bacteria form a sticky layer on our teeth called plaque. Plaque that is not removed will harden and form calculus, other wise known as tartar, on the teeth which can only be removed by a dental professional. When plaque and tartar are left on the teeth for a period of time, the bacteria will cause inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can be reversed with brushing, flossing, and regular appointments with your dentist. Gingivitis may progress into periodontitis if not addressed. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. The body’s natural response to infection starts to break down the bone and the tissues that hold the teeth in place. As the disease progresses with no treatment, the bone, gums, and the tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth will then become mobile and may eventually have to be removed. Periodontitis may progress painlessly and the symptoms are often subtle.
Periodontitis does not just affect the mouth it can affect ones overall health. In a study done by the American Academy of Periodontology, the results indicate a link between cardiovascular disease and bacterial microorganisms released into the blood stream during daily oral functions. Patients with periodontitis are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease as those without the condition. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are essential to help prevent periodontal disease from the becoming more serious. Dr. DePaoli is a D.M.D from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine. She is a member of the PDA, ADA and Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania.
Some of the symptoms that may point to the disease are: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Gums that bleed easily Red, Swollen, or tender gums Bad breath Loose teeth Receding gums or longer appearing teeth. Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Change in the fit of partial dentures
If diagnosed with periodontitis, scaling and root planning is the most effective way to be treated before it becomes severe. Scaling is done to remove tartar and bacterial toxins from the root surface. An ultrasonic instrument can be used to reach the bottom of the pocket. Planing is done to smooth the root surface making it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate on the root surface. This allows the gums to heal. A local anesthetic may be given to reduce any discomfort. If the dentist determines that the disease cannot be treated with non-surgical treatment then periodontal surgery may be recommended. Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
REAL ESTATE
HAMPTON
Make Your Home
Cleaner & Greener inding ways to go green in the home does more than help the planet. It helps your home’s environment, as well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, levels of indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. These pollutants — as well as chemicals found in many products today — can irritate allergy and asthma sufferers. “More people than ever are looking to ma ke natural changes in their home to help improve their family’s environmental health,” said Dr. Shannon Thyne, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF and Medical Director of the Pediatric Asthma and Allergy Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital. “It only takes a few extra steps to make a home healthier, cleaner and greener.”
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To that end, the maker of Green Works ® products, HGTV personality and green living expert Carter Oosterhouse, and Lowe’s have teamed up to showcase ways to give your family a cleaner, greener home. “Whether you could use help enhancing the look of your child’s playroom, or you’re looking for ways to reduce chemicals and their fumes and residues in your kitchen, there are simple steps you can take to make your home environment healthier, while still keeping it stylish and beau tiful,” said Oosterhouse. While every home is different, here are some ways to make any home naturally beautiful and healthier. Paint A fresh coat of paint is a great, low-cost way to bring new life to a room. But that new paint smell comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which derive from vapors released from toxic compounds. Use non-VOC paint to create an inviting, comfortable and beautiful ro om. Check the back of the paint can for VOC levels — those with fewer than 150 grams per liter are often labeled “low-VOC” or “noVOC.” ■ Buy only the amount of paint you’ll need for the project. If you wind up with leftover paint, store it safely or dispose of it according to local municipal regulations. ■ Open windows while painting and use fans to vent fumes. ■ When sanding or removing old paint, wear a dust mask or respirator to prevent particle inhalation. Keep the area well ventilated.
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REAL ESTATE
Cleaning products Flooring ■ ■ ■ Furniture & Window Coverings
HAMPTON
■ ■ Appliances ■ ■
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The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Holiday Project is accepting gift donations for children and youth receiving services from the Office of Children, Youth and Families, the county agency charged with protecting children from abuse and neglect. Through the generosity of community groups and individual donations, the DHS Holiday Project’s goal is to provide each child in need at least one meaningful gift during the holidays. New unwrapped gifts are needed for children and youth, ranging from toddlers to those 18 years old. To meet this goal, DHS has partnered with businesses across the county to set up conveniently located donation drop-off sites this holiday season. Locally, there is a gift drop at: Turner's Jewelers 4960 Route 8 Allison Park, Pa. 15101 724.443.4990 Those who wish to contribute may choose to sponsor an individual child or purchase a gift from the “Hottest Toys and Gifts” or “Children's Books that Celebrate Diversity” lists that are posted on the program website. Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to “DHS Donations Fund” with “Holiday Project” written in the memo line. Checks may be sent to the Event and Donations Team, Human Services Building, One Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For a list of drop-off locations, collection dates and gift ideas, visit the website at www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/ holidayproject.aspx
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 43
Information on dieting and nutrition seems to be everywhere these days and conflicting reports on what’s good for you is a frequent occurrence. A bit of common sense applied to the situation, tempered with some consideration for your particular lifestyle and taste preferences is in order. Leslie Bonci, director of sports nutrition for UPMC and author of The Active Calorie Diet, has some surprising answers to some frequently asked questions. “Nutrition should be more inclusive, rather than exclusive,” says Bonci. “People give way too much attention on what to avoid and that becomes a negative focus.” Nutrition should be based on positive choices and pursuing good health, rather than avoiding bad health. There is no one, perfect diet for every individual, due to age, medical conditions and the different activity levels of individuals, but there are some general guidelines that make planning a healthy meal a little easier. In the battle of the bulge, exercising alone seldom results in weight loss. You must change your eating and eat less in addition to exercise, according to the experts at Defined Fitness in Wexford. “We see with our clients at Defined Fitness who are looking to lose body fat that while restricting calories helps them to lose weight, by adding exercise in addition to restricting calories they see the greatest fat loss," says Tammy Zubasic of Defined Fitness. "At Defined Fitness we've developed a Hierarchy of Fat Loss and what this means is that certain types of exercise are more effective than others when trying to lose body fat. However, the most important aspect is not exercise, it's nutrition. If you don't make any changes to your nutrition, it is very hard to lose body fat," explains Josh Proch, also of Defined Fitness in Wexford. The way that nutrition is approached is changing. “Thank goodness we got rid of the Food Pyramid. People don’t eat from a pyramid and it’s too abstract,”says Bonci. The Food Plate is much more natural with the plate being divided into quarters made up of 50% fruits and vegetables, 25% proteins and 25% grains. The blue circle beside the plate represents dairy products such as milk, which supplies D-3, a vitamin that research has indicated prevents several serious diseases. Dairy products of course also supply calcium, an important mineral for everyone, but especially women in the prevention of osteoporosis, a disease that the International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates affects 200 million women worldwide. The fork beside the plate is a reminder that the meal should be a sit-down affair, with time to eat and enjoy and appreciate the meal. Noticeably absent from the Food Plate as a category is fat, but
Bonci says, the goal is not to eliminate fat entirely. It is an important part of the diet which helps the body to use fat soluble vitamins and helps keep skin soft and supple. Unsaturated fats can be found in foods such as salmon, trout, flaxseed oil, walnuts, almonds and olive oil. While these fats are healthy in limited amounts, they still have a high density of calories and will sabotage any diet if left unchecked. They should be consumed in reasonable amounts.
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One recommendation that is common these days is the advice to eat six meals per day, consuming something every couple of hours. People in Europe and other parts of the world don’t eat this way; this is an American idea. “I would like to see people eat three meals per day with a floating snack in between” suggests Bonci. Of course she points out that if you only have one meal per day and it is late in the evening, your body will have less time to expend the calories before bed, possibly resulting in excess weight. However, six meals a day is often not practical for those who work regular jobs in an office or other setting that prevents food while at work. While food allergies have gotten a great deal of media attention lately, Bonci explains that actual food allergies are relatively rare. What is more common are food sensitivities and food intolerance, such as those individuals who are lactose intolerant. There are alternative sources for calcium if a person is lactose intolerant, such as soy milk, almond milk, baked beans and canned salmon. These are all acceptable alternatives to providing importance nutrients. For those people wishing to drop a
few pounds, Bonci points out that it is a relatively simple principle, “You have to create a deficit. There has to be less calories eaten than what is being used. This of course can be done with having smaller portions while still enjoying a variety of foods to enable you to have a balanced diet.” One suggestion is to use a smaller plate, making the portion size look a bit large. Another way to create a deficit in your caloric intake is to add activity. Exercise not only helps you to burn more calories, but the benefits are intensified in that most people devoting time to exercise begin to also focus more attention on their nutrition and calorie intake as well. Exercise changes your mindset to a healthier routine. Bonci adds that another advantage to exercising is that when you exercising, you’re not eating. Many times people eat from boredom and exercise or sports fill a void in an otherwise inactive lifestyle. Healthy nutrition is all about focusing on positive choices and realizing that food is not just something to be gulped down in 5 minutes on the way to the soccer game. It is an important part of our lives that deserves attention and appreciation and is instrumental in preventing diseases and promoting optimal health for a better life. For more information on eating a balanced diet, you may visit the United States Dept. of Agriculture website at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. For healthy suggestions on how nutrition and exercise can affect your life in a positive way, Leslie Bonci’s books, Run Your Butt Off and The Active Calorie Diet are available online at Prevention magazine’s website at www.Prevention.com. – By Pamela Palongue
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 45
MONEY SAVING
Energy Choices
By Pamela Palongue
European invention called the masonry stove, which seems to be making a comeback. This stove is made of cast iron and is covered in ceramic tiles which radiate heat evenly in the home. They use very little wood and burn the wood completely and cleanly. Instead of the room becoming cold after the wood has burned, the tiles The U.S. Dept. of Energy states in its five-year plan regarding continue to radiate the heat for up to 12 hours. Although many the cleanup of nuclear waste, “Fifty years of nuclear weapons environmental enthusiasts want to “save a tree,” trees are a production and [nuclear] energy research generated millions of renewable resource and grown as a crop, much the same way that gallons of radioactive waste, thousands of tons of spent nuclear cotton or tomatoes are grown, with the difference being that they fuel and special nuclear material, along with huge are harvested every 14 to 20 years, rather than annually. Giant quantities of contaminated soil and water.” And natural redwoods and 200-year-old historic oak trees are not harvested for gas is not a renewable resource. So what can families use as fuel by foresters. do to save money on energy costs and also protect the Another environmental concern with wood burning is the smoke environment? One alternative is solar power. released into the atmosphere. But according to the Alternative According to MakeSolarPanels.org, the cost of Energy Primer, because trees remove carbon from the atmosphere installation of solar panels in your home is completely paid as they are growing, the release of carbon into the atmosphere as for within four years and greatly increases the value of they burn is an equal exchange, making for a neutral effect on the your home. The website also explains how to make your environment. Also, the growing and harvesting of more trees own solar panels and install them, and has a list of actually improves the environment by providing ecosystems for resources for determining the best location in your home wildlife and improving air quality. for maximum sun exposure. Of course, the more panels The masonry stoves come in a that are installed, the more power that is generated. If variety of sizes, from small models more power is generated than what you need for use in to heat a single room to larger your home, you can actually sell the power for extra systems equipped to heat an entire income. Also, the PA Alternative Energy Investment Act home. They can be very basic or offers rebates up to 35% for the cost of installation in your home. may have computer regulated Solar power can be used for baking, heating water, heating a pool, thermostats. There is also a great or for electric lights in your home. And according to Pennsylvania variety in the appearance of the Solar (www.pasolar.org), Pennsylvania receives as much solar stoves, ranging from plain, radiation in the month of June as southern Florida! monochromatic tiles designed to Another alternative for heating your home is an ancient blend in with the wall color to
LTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES ARE GAINING GROUND IN THE U.S., PARTIALLY FUELED BY THE COST OF HIGH ENERGY PRICES BUT ALSO A DESIRE TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
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elaborate, decorative designs. Another attractive feature of this source of heat is that it is completely off the power grid, with availability even during power outages. For more facts on masonry stoves, The Masonry Heater Association of North America has a library of information and a gallery of stove designs at www.mha-net.org. A discussion about alternative energy sources would not be complete without wind power. Pennsylvania ranks 16th in the nation in total wind capacity installed, and according to the American Wind Energy Association (www.AWEA.org) is one of the best states for wind power. One reason is an abundance of wind; another is the excellent tax incentives and rebates for installing wind power. Wind energy has become more efficient over the past few years as turbine technology has improved, making it more viable than ever. In fact, 180,000 homes in Pennsylvania are at least partially powered by wind. Wind power is clean and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation and generally has less negative effect on the environment than any other source of power. The cost of a typical size turbine for a residential home, such as a Skystream 3.7, costs in the neighborhood of $5,000 to $8,000, plus the cost of installation. Like solar power, the cost of installation pays for itself over time and any excess power produced can be sold back to the utility company for a profit. If you are interested in wind power for your home, you may find it helpful to consult the U.S. Dept. of Energy Wind and Water Program page at www.eere.energy.gov which has a helpful list of frequently asked questions for examining the feasibility of wind power for your home. Alternative energy sources can help save your family money while helping the environment in a meaningful and lasting way.
Hampton | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
New Hampton/Shaler Water Authority to Serve Both Townships by Dana Black McGrath
tarting Jan. 1, 2012, residents of Shaler and Hampton townships will receive water service through a new entity, the Hampton/Shaler Water Authority (HSWA). The authority will be formed from the merging of the Shaler Township Water Department and the Hampton Township Municipal Authority. From the customers’ perspective, the transition to the joint authority will be seamless, says Sam Scarfone, executive director for HSWA. Until now, Hampton has been a resale authority, Scarfone explains, buying water from both Shaler and West View. As such, the township did not have the ability to control its own rates. So Hampton started to explore the possibility of building its own treatment facility, and eventually approached Shaler about the potential for a merger. “Shaler couldn’t afford to lose Hampton as a customer, so it was a perfect fit,” said Scarfone. Now the two townships will be equal partners in the new authority, which will operate out of the offices at 3101 McCully Road in Hampton. “The one big thing we believe we will achieve with this is longterm rate stabilization,” which Scarfone identifies as the initiative’s biggest advantage. “More stable rates under the merged authority is really the impetus behind this.” Hampton and Shaler elected officials have appointed a fivemember government board for the new authority. Board members appointed Scarfone to his post, and named John Bottegal the director of operations. Scarfone and Bottegal have served as current directors of the existing Shaler and Hampton operations, and bring an impressive combined total of 42 years of service to HSWA. Although the new merged authority will not officially operate until January 1, the board has been meeting and will continue to meet to facilitate the merger, which includes combining staff, putting a new billing system together, and working out a labor agreement with employees.
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Employees from both authorities will be brought together through the merger. Scarfone says, “There will be no layoffs and everyone is retaining their jobs.” However he does anticipate that the size of the workforce eventually will decrease through attrition. Both Hampton and Shaler townships were anticipating rate increases, according to Scarfone. But now, in light of the merger, that is no longer the case. Shaler residents, who previously received bills quarterly, will receive bills on a bimonthly basis instead, he added. According to Shaler Township’s newsletter to residents, “The formation of this joint water authority will allow for many redundant tasks and expenses, currently handled separately by each entity, to be eliminated and borne solely by the new organization. Both organizations possess strengths that will greatly benefit everyone, employees and customers alike. In addition, both Shaler and Hampton will be working very hard over the next several months to create a smooth transition for all involved.” When operations of the new authority commence on Jan. 1, Shaler Township residents and businesses will notice some differences, including: ■ bimonthly billing for both water and sewer charges. ■ changes in the rules and regulations. ■ receipt of a final bill from Shaler Township for services provided through December 31, 2011. ■ new contact information for the HSWA. Customers are encouraged to visit the authority’s website at www.hswa.pa.org. All customers will receive an informational letter from HSWA outlining the billing process, rules and regulations, and contact information.
You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins. Should I Have My Veins Evaluated? Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at the end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answer questions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were very important as were the answers that were given. Here are some examples:
What is Phlebology? Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement of this field are The American College of Phlebology and the American Venous Forum.
Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important to be proactive in the choice and research of who will become medically responsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venous disease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision. Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who has taken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often a member of organizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additional requirements set by the certifying board. After meeting these requirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him or herself as board-certified.
Is membership the same as board certification? This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many different organizations, these organizations only require an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification where qualification is determined through training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”
I had a free screening at a health fair and was told that I don't have venous disease, but I still have aching, pain and discoloration at the ankles. What should I do? While free screenings can be informative, remember that this is just a brief glance into a patient's venous system. A complete venous exam and venous mapping by a boardcertified phlebologist is best to determine if a patient has venous disease. Since a proper venous ultrasound is such an integral part of this evaluation, the American College of Phlebology has set requirements for it that include the following: • A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician. • A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result in outright treatment failure. • Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters. • A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and then interpreted by a physician.
If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office? Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ because patients are often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, most insurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questions about the second opinion being covered, contact member services on the back of your insurance card.
This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.
724-934-VEIN (8346)
Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)
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