SPRING 2011
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
INSIDE:
Prom & Wedding Style
Re-Thinking Your Attic
Contents Keystone Oaks | SPRING 2011 |
SPRING 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
7
12 Publisher’s Message
FEATURES
|
UPMC Today
13
Healthy Family, Happy Family
What’s Inside page 2
page 3
A Clean Sweep Make fire safety a focus of your spring clean-up projects
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future Stomachaches: When to Worry
Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job.
page 4
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are You Allergic to Your Bed?
With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.
page 5
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
p
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder C
6
2
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Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 13 |
Proms and Weddings Focus Prom Fashion Tips for 2011 | 28
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Venue Planning for Your Wedding | 29 Wedding Etiquette for the Socially Inept | 30 Wedding Reception to Remember | 31 |
COMMUNITY INTEREST
ON THE COVER
Older Adults in Keystone Oaks Keep Your Credit Card Secure | 26
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24
Real Estate In Keystone Oaks
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Students Gear Up for Fame
3
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Greentree Named Star Library
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A Night at the Races
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Pittsburgh Radio Vereran Launched Hair Peace Charities | 12
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IN Kids
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Students rehearse for “Fame.”
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21
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4
7
26
SPRING 2011 Welcome to the spring issue of Keystone Oaks Magazine. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and fun. Typically, I use this space to talk about your community or features in the magazine that spotlight the people in your community who are doing wonderful things. Well, this time I want to update you regarding our newest feature for 2011—our new website. Without venturing too far into the realm of shameless self-promotion, I want to emphasize that this website is something for you, our readers. How so? Well, you can have input and help shape the website just like your ideas help shape your magazine. Now you have a place to list all of the nonprofit community organizations that are active in the community. We are also developing pages where we list the local houses of worship. In addition, we now offer every magazine in a fully downloadable PDF format, rather than the outdated flipbook format we used to have. This will allow you to send the magazine, or links to it, to friends and family both near and far. We tied our website into Facebook as well, not to get the biggest list of “friends” we could get but to have a place to keep our readers abreast of all the news we get between issues. It also gives us a place to upload all the photos from community events that we don’t have room for in the magazine. As with all things, there’s always room for improvement, but we always have open ears. If you have comments about our new website or want to see your organization listed, e-mail mark@incommunitymagazines.com with your link or feedback. There’s no charge for listing your church, synagogue, or scout troop’s link, so send your links in today! And if you happen to be on Facebook and like what you see in the magazine, don’t hesitate to click that “Like” button. It’s always nice to be liked! I hope you have a wonderful Spring!
IN Keyston Oaks is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Keystone Oaks and its comprising municipalities 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. PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard AS S I STA N T TO T H E P U B L I S H E R
Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com E D I TO R I A L AS S I STA N T
Jamie Ward j.ward@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS
Mark Berton Kelli McElhinny
Pamela Palongue
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Susie Doak Pati Ingold
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda Tracey Wasilco
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Garyyonphotography.com
Wayne Dollard Publisher When I think about spring, I can’t help but think about light. The days get “lighter,” and the sun stays with us a little longer each day. When we have a great idea, a light bulb goes off in our minds. At Keystone Oaks Magazine, we try to spotlight our communities. What are you doing to be a “light” in the community? If you or an organization that you volunteer or work for would like to be spotlighted, will you let me know? So many good deeds are left unsung! If you have a family member who is in the armed forces, or if your church group, Mom or Dad are providing a service to someone in need, we want to know! Please e-mail your ideas and photos to me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com. I was so pleased to see that Greentree Public Library had earned the honor of being named a Star Library! Congratulations to Library Director Adaena Tray and her staff for all their hard work in attaining this rating. The library is a true gem of the community. I hope you are able to take advantage of all the services they have to offer. For more information on just what is happening at the library, you can visit their website: www.greentreelibrary.org. As we look forward to warmer and brighter days ahead, I hope you will enjoy this edition of Keystone Oaks Magazine!
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." Charles Dickens
A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S
Nicholas Buzzell Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes Jason Huffman Jessie Jones Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti
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 All inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968
Summer content deadline: May 5, 2011 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
Students Gear Up for
By Jamie Ward
March 31 • April 1 • April 2 7:30 p.m. taking ks High School will be Students at Keystone Oa “Fame.” for their spring musical, the stage in early April th s have kept very busy wi In the meantime, the kid nce, da the have been rehearsing . rehearsals. Cast members ek we h show after school eac film of acting, and vocals for the sed on the 1980 musical “Fame” the musical is ba e, and tur pic n tio success of the mo the ter Af . me na e sam the Silva series, creator David De long-running television s called it ha va Sil De . ge w to the sta decided to bring the sho sed stage musical.” the “Ultimate reality-ba City dents of the New York The show focuses on stu during t Se . ing Arts on 46th Street 84, High School of Perform 19 in d school, which relocate nts on the last four years of the de stu of up ry of a diverse gro d an c “Fame” is an inspiring sto mi de aca ng r years of grueli , ers their journey through fou nc da , ors act nt a mix of stude artistic work. The cast is modern, and musicians. w is a blend of Broadway, The dancing in the sho her a rap og ich gives the show’s chore street, and classical, wh lot of freedom. at the chance to see the show Don't miss out on your re mo r Fo . hool Auditorium Keystone Oaks High Sc . h school at 412.571.6010 hig information, call the
Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
Greentree Named Star Library
The Library Journal (L.J.) Index of Public Library Service 2010 named Greentree Public Library one of its 258 “star” libraries. The L.J. Index is a national rating system designed to recognize and promote America's public libraries, to help improve the pool of nationally collected library statistics, and to encourage library selfevaluation. Each year, the L.J. rates over 7,000 public libraries. The “star ratings” are based on data reported annually by public libraries to their library agencies. Top libraries in each group get five, four, or three stars. Greentree Public Library earned three stars this year. Library Director Adaena Tray says this is the third consecutive year the library has been recognized as a “star” library. Tray has been the director since 2009 and credits their “star rating” to a couple of main factors. The L.J. index scores are based on four statistics: library visits, circulation, program attendance, and public Internet computer use. “Computer usage is one of our big factors,” she says.”We get a lot of people that come in on their lunch breaks, or before and after work. Our proximity to the parkway really helps.” Tray says the library’s 4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
By Jamie Ward
high circulation is another factor. “We buy a lot of best-sellers that people like and a lot of unique items with appeal.” One of the library’s strong points has always been program attendance. “We have a ton of programs going on for ages one through senior citizens,” says Tray. “In 2010 we had 216 programs at the library.” To qualify to be included in L.J. index ratings, a library must meet the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definition of a public library, have a service area with at least 1000 population, have total operating expenditures of at least $10,000, and report the four service output statistics. Tray and her coworkers take a lot of pride in being named a “star” library. “To me, it shows we are really needed and wanted in the community,” she says. “From a professional standpoint, it's really an honor.” To make sure Greentree Public Library stays on that list, Tray has plans for the future. “We are trying to start a wireless laptop station at the library that will increase our computer usage even more,” she says. “Also, starting next month we will be leasing bestsellers through a company, and in turn, will be able to have a lot more on our shelves.”
The Healing Powers of
Nutrition
hen Janet McKee saw a 13-year-old girl suffering from a mystery ailment that baffled doctors get out of her wheelchair after drastically changing her diet, she knew that the story had to be documented for others to learn from. The ensuing production, entitled “Bethany’s Story,” chronicles the girl’s illness from its onset to her recovery and should be ready for viewing later this year, McKee said. While the story is unique unto itself, it’s not the first time McKee has seen people recover in ways that can only be termed “miraculous,” and she’s convinced that diet was the one variable that measurably resulted in those recoveries. “I am a board-certified holistic house practitioner. My job is to resolve health challenges and help people reach health and wellness through natural means,” McKee said. “The common sense things I’m coming across all are results of experiences with certain clients that have incredible stories of how food has healed their bodies.” Those clients include a woman rebounding from stage 4 lung cancer and a man who made similar progress in reversing his stage 4 colon cancer. “As part of what I’m seeing with my client and with others, it’s absolutely unbelievable what we’re finding that’s possible through nutrition,” McKee said. “People know this generally. They know that heart disease and diabetes are food related, and there are things that people can do to prevent or improve their chances of avoiding them. But you can eat certain foods, and it will reverse diabetes. We have a client who was terminal and told she had a few months to live. We put her on a program and changed her diet dramatically. Her smaller tumors have disappeared, and her large one is dead because they aren’t finding any activity with it. We’re seeing that the body can heal, and we want to encourage people to know this information and make it available. Regardless of the situation, there’s potential that things can be resolved or at least improved. Their health can be improved greatly.” In Bethany’s case, the young subject of McKee’s documentary, Bethany stepped on a nail. After receiving a tetanus shot, which McKee said was and is the best course of action in those cases, Bethany started having a reaction to the shot that resulted in gradually debilitating paralysis. She lost her ability to walk, was in a wheelchair for three and a half years, and eventually became paralyzed from the neck down. Doctors concluded that Bethany would never walk again, McKee said. After much research, Bethany and her family decided to make a drastic change in Bethany’s diet, a sort of “Hail
W
Mary” pass looking for a medical touchdown. Within a month, she was moving her feet and mystified her physicians. A month later, she was wearing leg braces and in five months, she was running and dancing like any girl her age. “It proves, along with all these people I’ve been working with, the power of food to heal the body,” McKee said. “The story is really powerful. We interviewed five medical doctors to explain how this is possible. How can the body regenerate nerves? How can she regain the ability to walk? We still have quite a bit of work to do, but we do have the full interviews available on a DVD. We didn’t want to wait to get that out.” Since working on the documentary, McKee has been presenting to doctors at UPMC, where she just completed a four-part lecture series. This February, McKee is scheduled to talk to more medical directors. “All of this is just building, and it’s like a snowball effect. We’re talking about foods that you can get in any grocery store—mostly mainstream fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are things that anyone can go to the local store and buy for themselves,” McKee said. “It’s not necessary for people to go to health stores or go to the Internet. I’m not even talking supplements. We’re talking food— raspberries, garlic, broccoli. It’s a focus on plant foods. Plants have what you need to heal the body.” Because of our culture, McKee said that much of what Americans eat does little for them nutritionally. Food is packaged for convenience, speed, and shelf life, resulting in over-processing. “The standard American diet is not ideal for our bodies, and it’s really a shame,” she said. “We’re going back to some of the traditional diets that you would see in Asia and Europe. It’s going back to what our ancestors ate. Everything you see today is processed and full of chemicals.” McKee said that she hopes the film, and the lessons it will offer, will be complete by winter of 2011. Whether it be casual viewers or those in the medical profession, McKee’s goal is to get the documentary into as many hands as she can so that people can see that food and nutrition really can make a difference in people’s health. “We’ll need the summer to do what’s necessary to do what’s right with the video,” she said. “We have people already who want to bring it out nationally. The story is incredible. The medical community is seeing it and coming on board with it.” For more info on “Bethany’s Story,” including project updates, go to: www.janetmckee.com. Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
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Hamilton Park Tennis Courts Reconstruction As many residents have noticed, the condition of the tennis courts at Hamilton Park has required a major reconstruction effort. Council recognized this and initiated bidding to undertake this complete upgrade. Although material costs and the location of the courts were significant cost drivers, we worked with the Public Works Department to internally address restoration requirements and awarded bids to T.A. Robinson Asphalt. Again we were fortunate to receive support from both Representative Wagner and Senator Fontana. The nearly $90,000 rehabilitation project will be initiated this season, with line striping completed in early spring. Based on this schedule, the court will be reopened for usage next season.
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ato,
Ros Nick , o t a sato k Ros Fran Diane Ro d an
Bob Rivet, Tony Brajdic, and Rich Zange Tracy Zange (Treasurer of DABA) and Rose Johnsen (Recording Secretary DABA) Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
www.incommunitymagazines.com
View magazines online Leave comments Stay in touch with your neighborhoods from a distance
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f you’re more than four feet tall and live in western Pennsylvania, chances are that your attic is not a comfortable space that you would consider livable. Your attic can be modified, however, by the do-ityourselfer into more than adequate storage for a variety of your belongings, if you get creative.
The first thing you need to consider is the space itself. Is it finished at all? Many attics in the area are open spaces broken up by roof and flooring joists and wads of insulation. The first thing you want to do is inspect your attic for leaks and whether those joists are strong enough to support extra weight. You can add flooring by screwing down plywood or other subflooring. Avoid nailing materials down to prevent damaging the ceilings underneath you through the vibrations of hammer blows. Once you have your flooring down, you can decide whether or not you want to finish the ceiling joists. You can insulate and attach drywall or plywood to these joists, depending on how fancy you want to get with the finished look; or you may decide that having the recessed areas between the joists is beneficial to your storage needs. Keep in mind that a triangular space is limiting only if you have boxes or items that you need to store vertically. Items that are smaller and that can be arranged into nooks and crannies can be ideal for these odd-shaped spaces. Also keep in mind that, because of the nature of attic access in older homes, the route to your attic may be through a small trap door in a hall closet, so items you put in the attic might be limited to long-term or permanent storage, like old college textbooks, holiday decorations, luggage, or all those old National Geographics that you can’t throw away because the pictures are too pretty. If you do have easy access to your attic, either by way of a dedicated staircase or pull-down steps, more options may offer themselves to you. Even tight attics have enough room for several two-drawer filing cabinets, allowing you to store many years’ worth of tax returns or product manuals. Easier access means even more versatility when it comes to your storage plan. Rather than long term, you can use
the space for things that require infrequent use—bins for extra blankets and pillows for when guests are in town, large children’s toys or games that don’t get played with during the school week, and sporting equipment when it’s out of season. Storing items like these in the attic will keep them out of dank basement conditions, and, in the case of linens and sporting equipment, keep the smell of mildew away.
Keep in mind that the attic, while dryer than the basement, still has its own set of issues. Temperatures often vary wildly in attics depending on how insulated they are, so items that can’t stand high heat or low temperatures – like candles, for instance – may not fare well in the attic environment. Each space is different, but each is unique, and how you use that space can be a fun project for the whole family.
Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
FEMALE
Fix-It-Yourself
REVOLUTION
SOLVE 5 COMMON HOUSEHOLD PROBLEMS
From pink screwdrivers and mini toolboxes to a surge of female-targeted home improvement sites and guidebooks, the fix-it-yourself revolution has come for women in the U.S. More empowered females are taking on household problems themselves instead of spending the money to hire a plumber, electrician or contractor. In fact, a recent study by the Medelia Monitor showed that more than 60 percent of women are more likely to tackle the work on their own. The majority of these women (63 percent) are being more resourceful to avoid the high costs of hiring a professional. And 71 percent of women say the desire to “fix-it-myself” stems from the empowering feeling of having the knowledge to improve their home. Sound familiar? If you’d like to empower yourself and join the fix-it-yourself revolution, start by picking up a few affordable tools and products to tackle quick fixes. Here are easy tips for solving five common household problems: Unstick sticky windows by opening them and rubbing wax or spraying silicone into the tracks on both sides. Move the window up and down several times to work the wax or silicone lubricant into the frame. Fix squeaky wood or tile floors by sprinkling baby powder on the surface of the floor that’s squeaking. Then place a chisel between the boards and gently hammer the top to pry up the tile or floorboard. Sprinkle more baby powder underneath the board to seal the excess space causing the squeaking. If your drains are draining slowly or clogged completely, try a de-clogging gel that clears the toughest clogs at a fraction of the cost of a plumber house call. Liquid-Plumr’s new Penetrex Gel is a fast-acting, powerful formula that can clear the toughest clogs in just seven minutes. Mend unsightly holes or tears in your window screens by using a screwdriver to straighten the bends in the mesh and dabbing clear nail polish to seal the hole. Allow it to dry. Then repeat the polish application until the hole is completely sealed. A wobbly table leg may seem hard, but it’s a surprisingly easy repair. Just figure out how it’s attached to the seat. Then either screw the leg back into its socket or glue it back into place.
✔ ✔
✔ ✔ ✔
Fix-it resources abound online and at your local bookstore. But here’s a few to get you started: Facebook.com/LiquidPlumr: Most clogged drains are caused by hair. Get tips on how to keep all drains clear and while you’re there, enter the Big Locks Rock! Contest before December 15th for a chance to win a trip for four to L.A. to get haircuts by a celebrity stylist. BeJane.com: A site where women of all ages and skill levels can find answers to home improvement questions and connect with others for inspiration and advice. “Dare to Repair” by Julie Sussman: This book offers a “do-it-herself” guide to fixing almost anything in the home. 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
firePlaCe Creates Warmth
&
the PerfeCt DeCor
Add Warmth, Style and Value to Your Home What is it about a fireplace that is so comforting? That warm glow and the advantages of heat efficiency and home resale value, all make installing a fireplace the ideal home renovation project. Innovations today in cost-efficient, energy-saving models have put fireplaces at the top of the “to-do” list for home remodeling projects. In spite of the new energy efficiency, a fireplace still continues to provide ambience, warmth, and an upgrade in any décor. What's Your Style? Fireplaces have come a long way from the typical wood-burning variety. They can be specifically designed to fit any room, and there are a large variety of fuels to produce heat or just glow. A wood-burning fireplace is the classic option. They provide a beautiful flame, crackling-wood sound, and heat. Newer to the market are gas fireplaces, which can be designed to imitate real burning wood, but their fuel source is natural gas or propane. Gas burns cleanly and is much more convenient than its wood-burning counterpart. Electric fireplaces have some of the same advantages as gas-burning fireplaces, but have the extra benefit of being able to flip a switch and have instant ambience. Which is the right investment for you? When deciding which option in fireplaces is right for your home, it is important to look at the space limitations in your home. Determine how much heat you need from the unit and whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional. Another thing to consider is that if you do not have a chimney in the house, installing one will add additional expense. Your choice of fuel for the fire should also be considered. Dealing with split wood—the stacking and handling, versus turning on a switch to give you the fire, is something to think about when choosing options. Adding a fireplace to any room in your home will add value to your home and provide a comfortable setting for you to relax. Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
In May 2003, Bonny Diver-Hall was at the height of her radio career at 3WS and enjoying riding her beloved horse Romeo. Unfortunately, a bad fall left her with a broken shoulder, but it was that fall that saved her life. Bonny discovered a lump in her breast while examining her wounds. That lump turned out to be breast cancer, which became an opportunity for victory. Today, almost eight years later, Bonny is cancer-free, and on a mission to bring dignity and comfort to women undergoing chemotherapy. Hair Peace Charities was born after Bonny's oncologist mentioned that four out of five Pennsylvania health insurance companies wouldn't cover the cost of a wig (around $300) for women who would lose their hair during chemotherapy. "It is imperative to give women the means to maintain their dignity while taking on the fight of their lives," says Bonny. "It is not just a wig, it is the circle of support that Hair Peace Charities offers along their way." Bonny received immense help to launch Hair Peace Charities from Ingomar Methodist Church, which remains a steady lifeline to the organization that today is independent. Hair Peace provides women in the 412 and 724 area codes with financial assistance to purchase a wig needed from chemotherapy. Donations come from generous individuals, businesses and organizations. Many donors have been personally affected by cancer. Last year, Hair Peace served nearly 175 women and expects to double that number in 2011 bringing the outreach to over 800 since its inception. In addition to helping pay for wigs, Hair Peace Charities provides a helpful informational packet with ways to deal with the effects of treatment and how to fight cancer with changes in diet and lifestyle. At monthly meetings (Empowerment Circles) expert speakers
12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
Keystone Oaks
educate women on a variety of topics related to health and spirituality. Volunteers have gone to women's homes to plant flower bulbs, make prayer quilts, and send prayer cards. Women struggling with cancer should contact Hair Peace Charities at 412.327.5177 or bdiver1@verizon.net . Bonny Diver-Hall is available to speak to groups about the spiritual and practical aspects of fighting cancer. She says she is more than a survivor– she is a warrior!
SPRING 2011
Health and Wellness News You Can Use
Healthy Family, Happy Family
What’s Inside page 2
A Clean Sweep Make fire safety a focus of your spring clean-up projects
page 3
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future Stomachaches: When to Worry
Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job.
page 4
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are You Allergic to Your Bed?
With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.
page 5
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
page 6
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Could It Happen to You?
page 7
Urology 101 UPMC Mercy Emergency Department Project Advances
© 2011 UPMC
A Clean Sweep Make fire safety a focus of your spring clean-up projects
Consider these potentially lifesaving tips from UPMC Mercy’s Trauma and Burn Center, which recently earned prestigious verification by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons. Spring is a great time to clean up around the house — inside and out. It’s also a great time to do a fire safety check and simple spring cleaning to help make your home safer. “Most home fires and burn injuries can be prevented,” says Jenny A. Ziembicki, MD, medical director of the UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center. “Too often, we see children scalded by bath water that’s too hot, people with painful inhalation burns caused by mixing cleaning products, or deaths in homes with no working smoke alarms.” About 300 people are admitted to UPMC Mercy each year for treatment of burn injuries. Nearly one out of three of those burn patients is under the age of 15. UPMC Mercy is designated as a Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. “We were the first burn center in Pennsylvania and the 17th in the country when we opened in 1966,” Dr. Ziembicki says. “Today, we’re the only center in the region with Level I trauma and comprehensive burn capabilities under the same roof.”
Dr. Ziembicki advises families to reduce the risk of fires and burn injuries in their home by following these simple spring cleaning tips: • Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, replace the batteries, and vacuum away any dust or debris. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Consider using a bath thermometer, especially if you live with young children, the elderly, or diabetics. • Clean out your basement and garage. Properly dispose of any oily rags, and empty paint or aerosol cans. Recycle unnecessary papers and boxes. • Clean out lint build-up in your clothes dryer vents, exhaust ducts, and behind the dryer. Remember to clean the screen/filter after each use. • Read instructions carefully when using cleaning products. Mixing solvents can produce toxic fumes that can burn eyes and airways. • If you have children, look for any evidence they’ve been playing with matches.
• Don’t fire up that propane grill until you check for leaks and cracks, and signs of blockage from insects, spiders, and food grease. • For charcoal grills, use only charcoal lighter fluid, and never add any lighter fluid or other flammable liquids after igniting. • Place your grill away from railings, high traffic areas, windows, heating/air conditioning units, or places with high/dead vegetation. • Make sure all family members know how to respond to a smoke alarm alert. Choose a meeting place such as a tree, light pole, or mailbox that is a safe distance from your home in the event of a fire. • Make an escape plan. Draw a floor plan of each level of your home and discuss it with all members of your household. For more information, contact the Hydrotherapy Department at UPMC Mercy at 412-232-8794.
Did You Know? • Across the nation, someone dies in a fire every 175 minutes, and someone is injured in a fire every 31 minutes.
• Approximately 85 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in homes.
2
www.UPMC.com/Today
• A residential fire occurs every 84 seconds. • Every day, 435 children from infancy to age 19 are treated in emergency departments for burn-related injuries, and two children die as a result of being burned.
• Nearly two-thirds of reported home fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Sources: National Fire Protection Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the Future UPMC’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center wields a powerful “triple threat” against IBD: Groundbreaking immunology, genetics research, and innovative clinical care. The primary goal of drug therapy is to reduce inflammation in the intestines. Medications include anti-inflammatory drugs; antibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal track; probiotics to restore good bacteria; corticosteroids to provide short-term relief during flare-ups; and immunosuppressants.
At age 23, John Oliver* is feeling better about the future. Free from the gutwrenching pain of Crohn’s disease since a second bowel surgery in 2008 — this time followed by a promising new treatment developed at UPMC using biologic-based drug therapy — he is now making plans to attend medical school next fall. “I think the medicine is working. It’s the best I’ve felt and the best I’ve looked,” says John, who earned his biomedical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University. His gastroenterologist, Miguel Regueiro, MD, clinical head and codirector of the UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, says the future has never looked brighter for IBD patients. “Ten years ago, a diagnosis of IBD was devastating. Now, we have new medicines, a greater understanding of the disease, and better research,” he says.
IBD: Who’s at risk? Nearly two million Americans live with IBD, which is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD involves two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and bleeding.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the small and large intestines, while ulcerative colitis affects the large bowel alone. IBD cuts across all ages, genders, and ethnicities, but generally affects Caucasians ages 15 to 35. While the exact cause is not known, experts believe IBD involves a compromised or overactive immune system. Because IBD may run in families, doctors also believe genetics plays a role. While stress and certain foods do not cause IBD, both can make symptoms worse.
Treatment According to Dr. Regueiro, drugs cannot cure IBD, but they can be effective in reducing the inflammation and accompanying symptoms. While some patients have mild symptoms requiring little medication, others have more debilitating flare-ups, and some patients have severe problems requiring surgery and even transplants.
In addition, the IBD Center recently developed a Visceral Inflammation and Pain (VIP) Center to help patients deal with both the physical pain and emotional stress of coping with IBD.
Exciting breakthroughs The latest generation of drugs, called biologic therapies, are proving very effective in inducing remission so that patients can lead normal lives. At UPMC, doctors took this approach a step further — as in John’s case — by prescribing biologic drug therapy after performing surgery to remove the damaged section of the intestine. In use now at other hospitals, this treatment has reduced the recurrence of Crohn’s disease in patients by nearly two thirds. * John Oliver’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.
Stomachaches: When to Worry Everyone gets a stomachache — or abdominal pain — from time to time. Most stomachaches are harmless conditions caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion. But they can point to more serious medical problems, says Ragunath Appasamy, MD, PhD, chief of gastroenterology at UPMC Mercy. “Most people know when a stomachache is simply a stomachache,” says Dr. Appasamy. “However, if the pain is different — something unusual for you — it’s time to call your doctor.” There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, explains Dr. Appasamy. “It’s important that patients contact their primary care physician if mild stomach pain lasts more than six hours or continues to worsen, or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms.”
Get immediate medical help if: • You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. Pain located on the lower right side of the abdomen can mean appendicitis. • You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. Some heart attacks and pneumonias can cause abdominal pain. • You’re vomiting blood or having bloody diarrhea. • Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch. • You can’t move your bowels, especially if you’re also vomiting. The bottom line: Trust your gut! Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about lingering or unusual stomach pain.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Good Night, Sleep Tight! Are you among the millions of Americans suffering from lack of sleep? If so, droopy eyelids, wide yawns, and low energy are the least of your worries. Sleep disruption — not sleeping enough or sleeping poorly — can affect your memory, disease resistance, and leave you struggling to stay alert in school, on the job, and on the road. Studies show that people who get the appropriate amount of sleep on a regular basis also tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who sleep too few or even too many hours each night. So, what is a good night’s sleep? According to the National Institutes of Health, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. School-aged children and teens need at least nine hours of sleep each night. Tips to help you sleep • Stick to a sleep schedule. Get up about the same time each day, no matter how many hours of sleep you got the previous night. • Maintain healthy sleep habits. Go to bed only when you’re sleepy. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and relaxing — not too hot or too cold. Don’t text, e-mail, read, or watch TV in bed. • Make sure your mattress is comfortable. Remember, even a good quality mattress needs to be replaced within 10 years. • Exercise is great, but not too late. Avoid exercising within a few hours before bedtime. • Avoid caffeinated drinks after lunch. The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate can take as long as eight hours to wear off. • Avoid large meals at night. A large meal can cause indigestion that interferes with sleep. • Avoid alcoholic drinks before bedtime. While a nightcap may help you relax, alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep and tends to wake you during the night. And, for adolescents and young adults: • Avoid stimulating activities around bedtime. This includes intense studying, text messaging, video games, and lengthy phone conversations. • Avoid pulling “all nighters” during exams. • Sleep in on weekends — but not more than two to three hours past your normal wake time. Sleeping longer may disrupt your body clock. Find a more complete list of the benefits of good sleep at www.UPMC.com/Today.
AreYouAllergic toYour Bed? The dust in your bedroom might be making you sick. Dust mites, and dander, and fibers — oh my! These are just some of the microscopic menaces in ordinary house dust that can cause health problems. Dust mites are a common cause of allergies and asthma. It’s not the dust mite itself that can make you sick; it’s the dust mite debris (the mite’s feces and decaying body). Dust collects in every room of the house because it is easily trapped in linens, upholstery, carpets, and draperies. But the bedroom is a favorite habitat for dust mites because it provides a warm, humid environment, and plenty of food (dead skin from humans and pets).
Five ways to help wipe out dust mites While you can’t completely eliminate dust mites, these simple steps may help reduce their numbers: 1. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers, and encase box springs in vinyl or plastic covers. 2. Wash and dry bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, curtains, and bedcovers weekly in hot water (140 degrees). If bedding can’t be washed, put the items in the dryer set at a high temperature for 20 minutes. 3. Vacuum carpeting and upholstery weekly. Using a HEPA-filter vacuum can help keep dust from floating back into the air. 4. Use a damp cloth or mop to remove dust from hard surfaces and exposed floors. This will prevent dust from becoming airborne and resettling. 5. Keep the indoor temperature at 70 degrees and humidity at no more than 50 percent. Dust mites aren’t the only puny pests that can invade your bedroom. Bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years. For tips on ways to avoid a bed bug infestation, visit www.UPMC.com/Today. Sources: National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency
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www.UPMC.com/Today
UPMC Spotlight
UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online
Keeping track of health issues, test results, and medications is challenging for Sandy Hogue*, who is disabled and chronically ill. Because she must rely on cabs for transportation, seeing a primary care doctor can be an all-day affair. That’s why she was eager to sign up for UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that enables patients to receive and manage information about their health. Sandy uses it to monitor her glucose and high cholesterol levels, check test results, make appointments, renew prescriptions, and diagnose medical conditions — all from the comfort of her home in Westmoreland County. “It’s a good system. I get the medical treatment I need faster without spending a day traveling around,” says Sandy. “It keeps me in contact with my doctor and helps me monitor my medical conditions. And if I have anything contagious, like the flu, it prevents me from infecting other people.” More patients choosing HealthTrak Approximately 42,000 UPMC patients have signed on to HealthTrak, which gives them secure electronic access to their medical records, medications, and other information. HealthTrak recently was expanded to include eVisits — an online digital house call — with a primary care physician. * These patients’ treatments and results may not be representative of similar cases.
During an eVisit, patients select a symptom and complete an interactive questionnaire. A UPMC doctor then reviews the information and makes a diagnosis. If medication is needed, a prescription can be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy.
“HealthTrak is great for college students who are far from home, the elderly, and other people who have trouble getting to the doctor. It doesn’t take the place of going to the doctor for regular check-ups, but it’s very useful,” Robin says. “If only UPMC could figure a way for me to see my dentist online!”
Oakmont resident Mark Gleeson* uses HealthTrak primarily to keep track of his medical records. In October, when the computer-savvy 83-year-old came down with a cough and cold late in the day, he decided to “see” a doctor via eVisit. Within an hour of completing the questionnaire, a UPMC doctor responded with medical instructions and a prescription for his sinus infection and chest congestion. “It was so convenient, and it worked! Within three days, I felt good as new,” Mark says. Convenience and comfort As a graduate student, Robin Sales* relied on HealthTrak to connect with her hometown doctor while attending school in Nevada. Now a young professional living in New York City, she continues to use the online service for eVisits, to fill prescriptions, and access her medical records.
UPMC HealthTrak Benefits Manage your health from home with HealthTrak. Here’s what you can do online: • Send a message to your doctor • View medical records and test results
“It’s comforting. Having easy access to a doctor back home gives me the chance to find the right doctor for me locally, without rushing into it. It’s one less thing to worry about,” she says.
• Renew prescriptions
Robin, who first used eVisit to consult a doctor about an eye infection, says the online questionnaire asks the same questions the doctor would ask at an appointment. When she needs medicine, her doctor in Pittsburgh faxes the prescription to her New York drug store two minutes away.
• Ask billing questions
• Track current health issues such as glucose levels and blood pressure • Request appointments • “See” a doctor (digital house call) For more information or to sign up, visit www.UPMCHealthTrak.com.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Could it Happen to You? Most of us associate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with returning military veterans who have experienced the tragedy of war. But you don’t have to be a soldier to undergo the intense feelings of helplessness, horror, and fear that characterize PTSD. Imagine being in a terrible car accident on your way to the mall. For days and weeks afterwards, you constantly relive the accident in your mind. You take a different route to shop and, worst of all, your body won’t let you relax. You can’t sleep — and when you finally do doze off, you’re awakened by nightmares. You can’t concentrate, your heart pounds, and you break out in cold sweats. “We know that anyone who has undergone some kind of trauma can be at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder,” explains Anne Germain, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Based at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, she currently leads several sleep research projects with returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have PTSD. PTSD can be triggered by a single event you’ve experienced or even witnessed — be it an accident, violent crime, or natural disaster — or by ongoing trauma, such as child abuse or domestic violence. When we experience a life-threatening event, it’s normal for our body to react with a powerful, stressful response; it’s what enables us to fight or flee. “But for some people, these symptoms persist and worsen,” says Dr. Germain. “The toll can be profound if symptoms are ignored. PTSD has a devastating impact on the lives of people who have it — and on those around them. It also has enormous financial and economic implications.”
Did You Know? UPMC's Sleep Medicine Center — accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — is the only multidisciplinary sleep medicine facility in western Pennsylvania. The center performs approximately 2,000 sleep studies annually for adult patients with all types of sleep disorders. The staff at the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center include board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and registered sleep laboratory technologists. To schedule an appointment, call 412-692-2880.
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www.UPMC.com/Today
PTSD is a relatively new specialization in psychology, and experts are still trying to determine why it affects some people and not others. Fortunately, for most people, the symptoms of PTSD begin to ease in about a month. “If they continue, it’s extremely important to seek professional help,” notes Dr. Germain. “The best place to begin is to talk with your family doctor and seek a referral to a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.”
PTSD and sleep disorders Among the most troubling aspects of chronic PTSD for patients are the recurring nightmares and insomnia it can bring. There is growing evidence that such sleep disorders have a direct impact on both a person’s mental and physical health. Individuals with PTSD often say they have problems falling or staying asleep, and that the sleep they get isn’t refreshing and restorative. “Our sleep research studies with veterans show that they have many more sleep disorders than the general public, including sleep apnea and other breathing problems,” notes Dr. Germain. With PTSD, nightmares can become an ingrained behavior, affecting a person’s daytime functioning — from faltering concentration and poor memory, to emotional outbursts. “By stopping the nightmares and helping to make sleep more normal, restful, and restorative, patients can overcome other aspects of chronic PTSD in their lives a bit more easily. And sleep can be improved in a matter of weeks,” she says. Dr. Germain uses several methods to treat PTSD-related sleep disorders, including image reversal therapy. “We help patients replace a recurring nightmare with a more positive, affirming dream. They write it down and rehearse it several times a day to train the brain to have a new dream image.” Individuals interested in participating in Dr. Germain’s sleep research studies for military veterans are invited to call 412-246-6404 or visit www.veteranssleep.pitt.edu.
Urology 101 From prostate cancer to kidney stones, here’s a quick crash course about your urologic health. “Out of sight, out of mind.” That’s how most of us regard our urinary tract — until we’re jarred from a sound night’s sleep by the sudden urge to urinate, or pass a painful kidney stone. These are just two of the many conditions diagnosed and treated by urologists, physicians who specialize in the medical care of the male and female urinary tracts (comprised of the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters), and the male reproductive system. Today’s television commercials may help build public awareness of urological problems like incontinence and impotence. But many people — particularly men — remain steadfastly embarrassed to talk about such issues with their family doctor.
And while urologic problems can happen at any age, they increase as we grow older. Among men over age 50, prostate cancer is a particular concern. “It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States,” explains Dr. Benoit. He advises men ages 50 to 75 to undergo an annual prostate exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. “If you have a family history of prostate cancer, or are of African-American heritage, you’re at higher risk and should begin annual screening between the ages of 35 and 40.”
“It’s important to be proactive and take a preventative approach when it comes to your urologic health,” advises Ronald Benoit, MD, director of general urology and clinical vice chair, Department of Urology at the University of Pittsburgh. “For example, research shows that erectile dysfunction can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as cardiovascular disease.”
Conditions Treated by Urologists
What can you do to stay healthy? “Simply put, live a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to say, but hard to do,” acknowledges Dr. Benoit, who recently moved his practice to UPMC Mercy. “Eat a heart-healthy diet, avoid too much alcohol, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly — and your whole body benefits.”
• Erectile dysfunction
Your family physician will typically refer you to a urologist for treatment of the following conditions: • Cancers of testicles, prostate, penis, bladder, kidneys, or adrenal gland • Enlarged prostate • Male infertility • Painful bladder syndrome
• Prostatitis • Pelvic organ prolapse • Kidney stones • Urinary incontinence • Urinary tract infections • Urinary retention
UPMC Mercy Emergency Department Project Advances Work on a major $21.3 million expansion and renovation project at UPMC Mercy’s Emergency Department (ED) is humming along with finishing touches scheduled for completion by late fall. Thomas Gronow, executive director of UPMC Mercy’s Emergency, Trauma, and Burn Services, says the project — which began in February 2010 and has been conducted in phases to minimize disruption — is “on time and running smoothly.” “We are pleased to be able to continue providing exceptional care to our patients during this exciting time of transition,” Mr. Gronow says.
Other recent improvements include: • Fifteen newly renovated treatment bays (another 21 are planned). • Two dedicated, state-of-the-art trauma resuscitation bays will be added for the most acutely injured patients. • An innovative ‘Super Track’ design that offers speedy care for patients with minor injuries and illnesses needing less urgent care. • A new 128-slice CT scanner added last year offers the latest imaging technology with faster scanning capability. • An expanded patient and family reception area to provide comfort to families of patients during treatment. By the time the project is completed, 11 beds will be added to the ED.
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Mercy 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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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The name you trust in women’s health is right here at Mercy. UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services are growing to provide comprehensive women’s services by bringing you the same experts who practice at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. In addition to community-based physicians and midwifery, these expanding services for women are consistent with Mercy’s rich tradition of care. UPMC’s complete range of specialty services for women covers obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, midlife health, women’s cancer, and much more. From checkups and preventive care to testing, diagnosis, and advanced treatments, the superb doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mercy and Magee are with you every step of the way on the path to good health. We work closely with your primary care physician to provide seamless care. And every service is backed by UPMC’s world-class care, providing peace of mind when you need it most. To learn more about UPMC Mercy ob-gyn services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit UPMCMercy.com.
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Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
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Keystone Oaks
STRANGER DANGER
Strangers – What do I do? What is a stranger?
What should I do if a stranger tries to talk to me?
What if I am out with my family?
Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
R E A L E STAT E
Keystone Oaks
Both Buyers and Sellers Need to BEWARE of Homeowners who list their homes for too As with any major purchase, doing your homeSharon Fincham, a Realtor with little may receive multiple offers, allowing the work should be something you do before you Prudential Preferred Realty, said that, power of free market economic supply and sign on a major loan. Never before has this in addition to including an appraisal demand to take over, driving the price up been more true than in the housing market, contingency addendum to an offer, you until it’s comparable to the other homes in where overpricing can create major headaches need to make sure that your agent is for buyers and sellers. doing the proper legwork before the the neighborhood. For sellers, overpricing can mean that your offer is even made. But there’s no similar failsafe with overhome sits on the market longer, raising flags “You have to make sure that your agent pricing. A home that’s overpriced may get a to potential buyers that something is amiss. does comparisons to similar homes in the nice offer, but ultimately, the final arbiter of For buyers, an overpriced home can mean area, knows the market, and gets supporting what it’s truly worth is the appraiser, assigned a loss in seller’s assistance, money that independently by the bank or lender. sellers sometimes bring to the table appraisal will dictate the future of For buyers, an overpriced home can mean a loss That from their profits to help defray the sale. in seller’s assistance, money that sellers closing costs for the buyer. Worse The resulting appraisal could tank the yet, if there is no appraisal sale altogether, or force buyers to seek sometimes bring to the table from their profits contingency addendum attached extra money or alternative financing to to help defray closing costs for the buyer. compensate for the missed seller’s to the agreement of sale, a buyer assistance. Either way, it’s going to mean may be forced to go through with a a hassle for the buyer and frustration home purchase after being told for the seller. that it is not worth what they have However, if an agent does the agreed to pay. homework and knows their business, Fincham said the home should be listed at a evidence that the house is fair price, resulting in a relatively smooth sale really worth what it’s in reasonable length of time. being advertised at before “It is now imperative that agents and you put in an offer,” 3052 Grassmere Ave, clients know the recent selling prices of Fincham said. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 comparable homes,” she said. “Buyers “If the house doesn’t Dormont Park Plan, grt 3 br, 2 1/2 ba, appraise for the agreed and sellers agreeing on a price is not 1 car int/grg, 1/2 block to park, grt charm upon price, it is unlikely necessarily enough anymore. The study and character, just seconds to all. that you will receive any of a neighborhood before an offer is made $169,900 seller’s assist.” can save everyone involved a lot of grief What’s more, overand frustration.” 3229 Beacon Hill, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 pricing is a one-way street Quaint 3 br, 2 ba, w/fin gamrm, brk and by way of mistakes. stone, hrdwd flrs, eatinkit, new roof 2010, quiet street and great yard. $119,900
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Keystone Oaks
R E A L E STAT E
Reeducation
Keystone Oaks
Seller
In today’s post-housing-bust world, selling your home isn’t the same process that it may have been when you moved in 10 years ago.
Maureen Cavanaugh, with Howard Hanna Real Estate, said that sellers need to re-educate themselves if they want to remain competitive in today’s market and make a profit on their homes. “Selling your home is very different today, and it’s been a progressive thing,” Cavanaugh said. “Ten years ago, you could list your home as is. Buyers were willing to come in and do updates. With the changes that occurred in the last three and four years, the expectation of buyers has dramatically risen. Many sellers who have lived in their homes for years with a lot of equity should consider doing as many updates as they are willing to do.” Those updates will reap more money when it comes to their final sale price, Cavanaugh said. No updates will result in a lesser price. “It really depends on the house. I’m dealing with someone right now that has a nice home of 32 years, and they’ve spent three months and have done everything. They’re spending upwards of $25,000, but it will take their sale price from the $380,000 range to $425,000 or $430,000. They will recoup what they put into it,” Cavanaugh said. “And the reason is that today’s buyers want to move in, put down the furniture, start paying the mortgage,
and get on with their lives. They don’t want to be bogged down with the projects and upgrades like taking down old wallpaper.” If you don’t have a budget for upgrades, Cavanaugh said that even minor cosmetic changes can improve your odds of getting more for your home when it comes time to sell. These types of upgrades include updating the hardware on cabinets to more contemporary styles. At the very least, Cavanaugh suggests getting rid of any junk, cleaning thoroughly, and doing some rudimentary staging. “Exposing hardwood floors is a no-brainer. You don’t have to paint the whole house beige. You can still have some color and have some interest,” she said. “But everything should be sparkling.” Cavanaugh said that now that the first-time homebuyer frenzies spurred by government tax rebates are over, the bulk of homebuyers are mid-level buyers looking in the $150,000 to $300,000 range with access to affordable mortgage money. “These are relocation buyers, and they want all the bells and whistles,” she said. “They want to buy more, and they want it done.”
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Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
Good Tidings for the Greatest Generation
Older Adults in Keystone Oaks
ow that the holidays are behind us, you’re hopefully putting that smoking credit card back into your wallet or purse for a while. But even though this may be a down time for you and your credit card, it’s no time to be lax about your credit card security. So what do you need to know about keeping your credit card safe? First, off, don’t give yourself a pin number that’s easy to guess. Issuing banks typicall y assign you a random pin number when you first get your card that you can change later. Keep this assigned number and avoid picking a pin for yourself like “1234” or your birth date. While it may be easy for you to remember, those choices are also very easy for predators to figure out. If you make a lot of online purchases or just want to dip your toes into the world of Internet shopping, get yourself a dedicated card with a low credit limit. You can open up a secured credit card at most financial institutions that require you to deposit a balance to borrow against, allowing you to open a card with a $500 limit. Your deposit will gain interest and you will be able to use your card for online purchases. What’s more, most scammers try to run a small purchase 26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
through before running a larger purchase on the card. You may not notice a $0.32 charge right away, but when your bank calls you asking if you tried to purchase a $779 laptop, you’ll be happy your limit was low enough to be declined. If your credit card number is compromised, you should call your bank immediately and report it. While police are able to enforce credit card fraud on a local level, with the Internet the person trying to run your numbers may be six states away, if they’re in the United States at all. In all cases, the sooner it’s reported, the better. Your bank will cancel the card number and reissue you another card. While you’re online, keep in mind that your bank will most likely never contact you via email regarding your account. If you do get an e-mail from a bank that you use, double check the address. Chances are it will be slightly askew from any legitimate
Keystone Oaks
address. Instead of “@yourcreditcard.com,” you may see, “@yourcreditcard1.com” or “@yourcreditcard.uk.” Banks understand that scammers routinely try to get you to give up your personal information via e-mail. Therefore, most have secured e-mail available through their websites, where you can be sure you’re talking straight to legitimate bank representatives. Lastly, if you have several credit c ards that you use often, take the time to flip them over and write down the 1-800 customer service numbers on the back and keep that list in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy in your purse or wallet. This way, when you notice your card is missing and are frantic, you can at least go to your list and call to report the missing card. In the end, you should treat your credit card like you would treat your cash—never leave it lying around.
f the last time you took holiday photos required clumsily spooling film into your 35 mm camera, don’t be intimidated by what technology has done to photography in the past few years. In fact, once you have some basics down, you may find that your digital camera is easier to use than you thought. So let’s start at the beginning and go over your new toy from stem to stern. We can’t go into detail about every feature of every camera, but luckily most cameras share the same properties, so we can cover most scenarios. More than likely, your camera came with a lithium ion battery pack and charger. All you need to know about this is that this battery can last a long time. Thanks to self-timers built into your camera, if you forget to shut it off, it will shut off automatically for you, saving battery life and allowing you to take that unexpected shot when the time comes. That said, the battery won’t last forever, especially if you are shooting with the flash often or shooting video, if your camera has that feature. If you know you’re going to be somewhere with a lot of natural light, turn your flash off altogether and shoot longer. The second thing to familiarize yourself with is your memory card. Cameras come with a variety of memory cards to choose from. Regardless of the kind your camera takes, just remember that bigger is better. A 16 gigabyte memory card can hold hundreds of photos, and if you’re not in the habit of printing your photos right away or moving them to your computer, the extra space is a must. How many pictures you can store on your memory card depends on your resolution setting for your pictures. Your resolution is how big the picture is. If you’re shooting for a website, low resolutions are better because the file size is smaller. However, if you try to print the same low resolution photo as an 8x10, it will appear distorted or “pixilated” because the camera wasn’t set to capture all of the fine details of the image. With most point-and-shoot cameras on high resolution, you can print very large prints or zoom in to crop shots for better composition. The last thing to get to know is the USB cable. This is the cable that came with your camera and connects it to any USB port on your computer. Through this cable, you can transfer your images for future sorting, correction, or sharing. Believe it or not, once you have those things down, your digital camera has many of the same features of your old 35 mm. You can zoom in, set a timer so you have a chance to get into frame, and set a scenic mode where you can select how the camera operates in certain conditions, such as a portrait, sports shot, night shot, or landscape. Your manual will list the specific icons and their meanings. Don’t be afraid to leaf through it if you get stuck. Manuals have come a long way as well and are clearly written for users of all experience levels.
Senior Agencies Beechview Center 1555 Broadway Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.571.3224 Elizabeth Seton Center 1900 Pioneer Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa 15226 412.344.4777
trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participants must obtain identification cards, which are available free of charge, from participating transportation providers. Call 412.442.2000 for the location nearest to you.
ACCESS 65 Plus and ACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or Transportation For TDD 1.800.654.5984 Older Adults There are several agencies ACCESS is door-to-door, advance reservation, that offer free or reduced rate transportation services shared-ride transportation provided throughout Port to individuals who qualify. Authority's service area. It serves primarily senior Medical Assistance citizens and persons with Transportation Program disabilities. There are no (MATP) restrictions on the purpose 1.888.547.6287 or number of trips which Provides non-emergency may be taken by riders, medical transportation to except that riders are residents of Allegheny required to share their County who have a valid vehicle with others traveling Pennsylvania Department in the same direction and at of Public Welfare Medical the same time. Assistance Card. Older Persons Transportation Transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, senior center activities and other needs throughout Allegheny County is available to adults 60 years of age and older who live in Allegheny County. Call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460.
Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens The Port Authority allows Allegheny County residents, 65 years of age and older, to ride free on local public transportation (buses,
Are you a nonprofit Senior Center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunity magazines.com with your center’s name and phone number.
Are you a nonprofit senior center serving the needs of our community’s older adults? We would be happy to post your contact information. Contact Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with your center’s name and phone number. Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
So when it comes to finding that perfect dress and getting your hair done just so, a little planning can go a long way towards making the difference between a night that’s mediocre and a night that’s magical. Jenn Lementowski, co-owner of Reflect, a women’s boutique in Settler’s Ridge in Robinson, said that this year’s fashions will be a lot of the tried and true that proms have been known for in the past few years. “There will be a lot of patterns and a lot of basic silk dresses with beading and rhinestones,” Lementowski said. “Those have always been popular, and they’ll be popular this year as well.” Lementowski, who attends national fashion shows with her business partner, Kristy Picard, said that the duo is bringing long and short dresses to market this year. But, because of the popularity of the short dresses, the long dresses will only be offered in two sizes. Lementowski said that prom shoppers will want to allow time for proper fitting and alterations, so waiting until the last minute should not be an option. Regardless of where they go to shop, Lementowski said that people should plan on spending between $300 and $500 on the dress, depending on the level of detailing and material. “It is a pretty big expense, but I’ve noticed that people are willing to spend that much on a prom dress,” Lementowski said, “especially if their daughter’s a senior. I have seen people spending anywhere from $500 to $600 on a dress.” 28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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While prom is a singular event, there is hope for the dress after it’s over for those who can’t justify spending that kind of money on a dress meant to be worn one time. Lementowski said that many women use the dress after prom to wear to weddings. “Depending on what type of dress they get, a lot of people may cut it and make it into a shorter dress and get it tailored,” Lementowski said. “That’s what I’ve seen, mostly.” As far as hairstyles go, John Gamble of John Edwards Color and Design said this season’s special occasion hairstyles will be a tip of the hat to the 1970s. “We predict this spring’s special occasion hairstyles will be somewhat reminiscent of the ‘70's, with a fuller, more romantic silhouette,” Gamble sad. “Although the smooth, sleek looks we've been doing in recent years will still be around, we’re definitely seeing a trend towards texture and fullness and expect that to carry over into this year’s prom season.” Gamble also said that color will be “multidimensional,” and the trend is toward softer, more natural hair. No matter where you get your dress, or do your hair, make sure you plan ahead and make your appointments for fittings and stylings early. As prom creeps up – and it will be here before you know it – knowing that you’re booked for hair, nails, and fitting will take several layers of stress off of you so that you have more time to plan that after-prom party!
When it comes time to plan for the biggest day of your life, you may not know where to start. Planning a wedding is a challenging, time consuming and expensive task, which is why those who can afford it oftentimes hire wedding planners. But for those of us who have to keep an eye on the budget, knowing what to look for in your wedding venue can save you time and money up front, and less hassle when it’s over. Obviously, you want to pick a venue suitable to the size of your anticipated invitation list, and you want to pick it early. Popular venues can be booked well over a year in advance, and if you’re getting married on a date that’s unique – like Dec. 12, 2012, or 12/12/12, you’re going to want to start looking immediately. Robin Craig, Director of Sales for the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe, said couples should plan out 12 to 18 months when booking a venue. “They need to sit down and find out their guest list and their budget. Once they determine the guest list, we can start quoting pricing,” Craig said. “Next year , 9/10/11 is a big date, and we’re already booked. Also, 10/11/12 would be a hot date. Our hot months are September and October and May and June. If you’re a teacher, June and July are busy months.” Once you have that location selected and it appeals to your personal sense of style and
aesthetics, you should evaluate anything that may be taken for granted, such as ingress and egress and parking. Is the wedding/reception hall easy to find? Are there covered porticos for dropping off guests in case of inclement weather or for those who have trouble walking without assistance? Will guests be able to find the hall easily, or is it hidden deep in a labyrinth of hallways? And are the restrooms close by? “All of our parking is complimentary,” Craig said. “If you want valet, we can provide it for a fee.” Once you have the building chosen, you should discuss logistics of the day with any facility manager responsible for the site. Important items to discuss include catering – can you hire your own caterer or is there a caterer specific to the venue you’ve chosen? Is there an additional charge for alcohol and can you furnish your own? Will linens be provided and who will be responsible for setting up and tearing down the tables and chairs? Is there a suggested room layout for weddings? Having a tried and true seating arrangement for the venue can save you headaches later on when you’re trying to figure out where to place the bridal table. Lastly, knowing how early you can arrive and how late you can stay will be crucial information for anyone from caterers to your bridal party.
Craig said her venue offers full linens with chair covers, sashes, mirrors, candles and champagne toasts. It also offers complimentary bridal party refresher rooms. They can tray cookies at no charge and provide a gourmet coffee station. It also offers a complimentary overnight room for the bride and groom. Lastly, find out all of the financial details up front. Many venues have service charges that are above and beyond your bill. Get all of your charges in writing, up front before you sign for your venue. You don’t want to find out afterwards that there was a food and beverage minimum that you didn’t attain, or that it was ok for you to bring your own wine, but forgot to inquire about corking fees. Craig said service charge at her venue is 21 percent and sales tax is 6 percent. They also have food and drink minimums. However, discounts are offered for group room rentals for overnight guests and for offpeak days and months. Weddings in January-March and November, and those held on Fridays and Sundays, are considered off-peak. If you do your homework up front, there’s nothing stopping you from having the fairytale wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Keep in mind, like any successful marriage, wedding planning is hard work, but work that you’ll reap rewards from in the end.
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for the By Pamela Palongue
s anyone who knows me personally will tell you, I am no expert on social occasions. However, based upon the theory that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, I have made enough social faux pas to speak authoritatively on what not to do at a wedding. Some helpful tips are listed below to help get you through the season of bliss.
Never wear white to a wedding. This includes eggshell, ecru, light cream, pearl lustre and Tahitian coconut.
Never complain about the food at the wedding reception with your mouth full of food from the wedding reception. It’s a credibility issue.
Never attempt to upstage the bride (unless of course you hate the bride, in which case you probably really shouldn’t be attending the wedding anyway, given the spirit of the whole love and happiness thing).
Throw only designated throwing materials at the bride and groom, such as rice and rose petals. Shoes, Jell-O and steak knives are not acceptable. Ever. Even when they are within the appropriate wedding color scheme.
At Jewish weddings do not ask, “What is that big thing they’re standing under?”
At Catholic weddings try to refrain from asking, “Why is this taking so long?” The well-prepared wedding guest remembers to bring snacks for himself and his friends. (Avoid crunchy snacks that may disrupt the ceremony.)
The wedding day is NOT the proper time to share the fact that you once dated the groom, the bride, or their parents. In fact, the proper time to share this information may not actually exist.
If you simply must dance at the reception, remember you are not trying out for “Dancing With The Stars.” If you throw your partner in the air, make sure you catch them. Missing is considered grounds for divorce in most states. Avoid high kicks, wh ich may warrant medical attention.
NEVER bet on how long the marriage will last at the reception. All odds-making must be done outside the reception venue. (In the event of inclement weather, the lobby or bathroom is acceptable.)
Many people adhere to the time-honored adage, “It’s not a party till something gets broken.” However, avoid breaking things that are irreplaceable, expensive and likely to lead to a law suit. Cell phones and glasses are okay.
Given the fact that marriage is a formidable undertaking and the courageous souls who dare to tread the rose-strewn path are likely to be distraught, hysterical, and panic-stricken, you owe it to the happy couple to be the best wedding guest possible. These helpful tips are the very foundation of the social graces. If you follow them carefully, you will glide effortlessly from wedding celebration to reception party in a virtual whirl of neurotic enthusiasm.
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Whether it's set in the great outdoors, a lavish ballroom, the couple's favorite restaurant, or at home, the wedding reception is a special time for newlyweds to celebrate with family and friends. The signature dessert – cake – is usually the centerpiece for this occasion, a continuing reflection of the wedding theme and colors. An assortment of cupcakes or a tower of layers allows today's cakes to take almost any form, from square to round, even pillow or heart-shaped. This stunning allwhite creation from the wedding experts at Wilton is both simple yet elegant. Cake layers are covered in pure white fondant, while additional bands of fondant glistening with white sparkling sugar decorate the bottom of each tier. Dots of sugar pearl sprinkles, resembling perfect pearls, add a hint of texture, while a gem-studded monogram topper adds the finishing touch. This unique do-it-yourself wedding topper kit can easily be customized with one initial, two, or a trio. Self-adhesive crystal-like gems are used to trace the initials onto the clear disc. Gems can also be used to create a border or other complementary design. After the reception, it makes a perfect keepsake that the couple will treasure for years to come. Guests will want to raise a glass in honor of the newlyweds with the timeless custom of
a champagne toast. Decorated flutes for the bride and groom create a long-lasting memory of this special tradition. Individual boxes are ideal for truffles or other candies to send home with guests. Tie these with ribbons reflecting the color theme of the wedding. Another fun memento is a mini champagne bottle favor that can be filled with small candies. Attach a label with a personalized message. Make it elegant or simple, and always make it meaningful and memorable. For more do-ityourself wedding ideas, favors, and accessories, visit www.wilton.com.
Keystone Oaks | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Still Keep Summer Fun for Kids
First off, do your homework. Is your child looking for an outdoorsy experience or one that provides an educational experience? There are specialty camps for virtually every interest out there. Some provide residency during the experience; others are pick-up and drop-off. Parents also should be aware of what kind of safety provisions will be on location in case of medical emergency, what meals are provided (if any), and whether the camp has a list of suggested items parents
should make sure their children bring with them. Mostly all camps that house kids onsite have some such packing list to ensure that their campers have the best experience possible when there. Visit the camp site, when possible, to make sure you’re comfortable with its setting and location. Parents also should consider whether or not their child is going to be attending alone or with siblings or friends. If your child is an only child and introverted, going to summer camp with a friend may be a less stressful arrangement than sending her on her own. Some children have no trouble making new friends, and camp is an ideal place to make long-lasting friendships with other kids from
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different regions. Regardless of whether or not your child is an extrovert or the shy one at the end of the table, all kids can get homesick. Make sure you’re confident that your child is prepared for a two-week stay away from home before you sign them up. The American Camp Association, an organization that works to enhance the camp experience for children and adults, accredits camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards, listing more than 2,400 camps in their nationwide database, and offers a clearinghouse of information for parents regarding camp benefits, trends, and locations. Their website is www.acacamps.org. Other camps include services by smaller organizations such as Extended Day (www.extendedday.com), where kids can sign up for a cornucopia of activities, field trips, and more. The agenda includes everything from trips to Wildwood Highlands, to children First Aid classes, to presentations on Native American culture. If it’s a specialty camp you’re looking for, Seven Springs will be offering again its Junior Golf and Overnight Adventure camps.
Junior Golf Camp introduces your kids to the finer points of the great game of golf and keeps them close to home. Golf professionals will spend five days with your young players teaching them a game that will be played for a lifetime. Young golfers of any ability will benefit from learning the fundamentals of the game including full swing, chipping, and putting, while introducing them to the rules, course management, and proper golf etiquette. Overnight Adventure Camp is a week-long Outdoor Adventure. The activities will vary by age group, but may include rock climbing, teambuilding challenges, hiking, Rock Wall, Eurobungy, paintball, camping, rafting, fishing, mountain biking, Alpine Slide, and Alpine Tower. Seven Springs’ camps can be reached by calling 1.800.452.2223, ext. 7396. Camp Spirit of the Game (www.campsog.com) is a camp based around building character through Ultimate Frisbee. The camp takes place at LaRoche College’s campus and CMU’s Tartan Stadium. Kids not only benefit from the challenges of the game but by the honesty and integrity that working together fosters. Andy Norman, founder of Camp Spirit of the Game, said character is developed through the game itself. “Ultimate develops character in part because it is a challenging game that kids find utterly captivating. They love the game and are motivated to excel at it,” Norman said. “In the process, they learn a lot about, for example, teamwork and dedication. What makes the game unique,
though, is the ‘spirit of the game’ ethic that pervades it. The rules of Ultimate require players to referee themselves, making all calls on the honor system. Remarkably, this shared expectation of honesty, fairness, and mutual respect engenders these attributes. For over 40 years, at even the most competitive levels, players have resolved their conflicts amicably and conducted
themselves with exceptional integrity. At Camp Spirit we show kids how to apply this ‘spirit of the game’ ethic in sports and games, and encourage them to apply it in other walks of life.” For a full listing of all summer camps and programs in the region, go to www.humanservices.net and search for “Summer Camp.” The website is a collaborative effort between Allegheny County Department of Health and Human Services and the United Way of Allegheny County.
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