in-monroeville-summer

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN

SUMMER 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

History Heats Up

for the Summer at the

McGinley House

&

Pitcairn Borough News

Contents Monroeville | SUMMER 2011 |

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Health and Wellness News You Can Use For residents of eastern communities

What’s Inside

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Enh anc i ng Y o ur Surg i c al Opti o ns i n Mo nro ev i l l e

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T h e G o o d News A b o ut H eart D i sease Si x W ay s to L o wer Y o ur B l o o d Pressure

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Y o ung A th l etes and Sud d en Card i ac D eath W hat Parents N eed to K now

Ex erc i se: T o o Muc h o f a G o o d T h i ng Can B e H armf ul

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T h e D o wnsi d e o f F al l s

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Ch o o si ng th e R i g h t D o c to r f o r Y o u

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I mpro v e th e Q ual i ty o f Y o ur L i f e

38

Publisher’s Message | 2 COMMUNITY INTEREST

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Monroeville Jazz Festival | 3

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Peoples Natural Gas | Community-Driven | 4

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Pitcairn Borough News | 6

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Monroeville Arts Council Summer Season | 10

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Monroeville Historical Society | 12

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Historic McGinley House | 14

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UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 17

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Gateway High School Fundraiser | 28

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Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce | 30

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Older Adults in Monroeville | 32 News for the Second Half of Your Life

FEATURES

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Monroeville Resident Biking for MS | 38

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IN Kids | 6

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On the Road to Recovery | 36

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS |

ON THE COVER

Allegheny Hearing Instruments | 9

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Restland Memorial Park | 35

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Lynn Chandler, president of the Monroeville Historical Society, stands in the kitchen of the historic McGinley House.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

SUMMER 2011

Welcome to the Summer issue of Monroeville Magazine.

Summer is so ripe with opportunities for communities to come together. There are Community Days, Fourth of July fireworks, church picnics, Little League baseball games, swimming at the local pool, summer reading activities at the local library, Farmer’s Markets. The list goes on and on. And some of those activities are listed in this edition.

Summer’s also a great time for traveling, although, with gas prices the way they are, many of us won't be going too far from home. That’s okay because there are some wonderful sites right in your own backyard.

For example, we visited the historic McGinley House on McGinley Road. It’s a treasure trove of local history. This is also a great time to interact with neighbors, like Monroeville’s Alan Iszauk, who tu rned his biking for fitness into a fundraising effort for multiple sclerosis. We profile him. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered about the folks who keep the roads clear and the offices running in Pitcairn, you'll get to meet them in this edition. And if it’s summer, you know it’s time for the Monroeville Jazz Festival.

We have this year’s lineup.

Yes, it's finally summer! So let’s throw some burgers on the grill, find a shady tree, a lounge chair and a cold glass of lemonade and enjoy the sunshine!

IN Monroeville is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Monroeville area 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 M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com R E G I O N A L E D I TO R

Monica L. Haynes m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E M A N AG E R

Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com STA F F P H OTO G R A P H E R

Jack Megaw j.megaw@incommunitymagazines.com WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Hello. I’m Monica Haynes, the new Eastern Regional Editor for In Community Magazine. I’m quite at home in the eastern suburbs because, well, that’s where I live, too. I also have quite a bit of experience with suburban news coverage, having done so for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I also was a magazine writer and entertainment columnist for the PG. Some of you I've had the opportunity to meet out and abo ut as we’ve been working on stories for this edition of Monroeville. I look forward to getting out to the community even more, to meet the people, attend the events and see the sites and sounds that help make your community what it is.

In Community Magazine is about community, YOUR community. We really can't do this without your input. We want to know what's going on in your municipal governments, your schools, churches, libraries, civic organizations. We want to honor those members of your community who are serving in the armed forces; those who are serving others in the community, those who have fascinating hobbies or who have done something extraordinary. If there are things going on in your community or people in your community that we should know about, please email me at m.haynes@incommunitymagazines.com.

As you enjoy the warmth of the summer sun, I hope you enjoy this edition of Monroeville Magazine!

Cassie Brkich Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Rebecca Bailey Garyyonphotography.com One Way Street Productions A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S

Derek Bayer Brian Daley Gina D’Alicandro Tina Dollard Rose Estes John Gartley Jason Huffman Lori Jeffries Rita Lengvarsky Connie McDaniel Brian McKee

David Mitchell Tamara Myers Gabriel Negri Robert Ojeda Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki CapezioWatson

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

Fall content deadline: July 4 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Monica L. Haynes Eastern Regional Editor

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

2 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Monroeville

      Saturday July 23



“We’ve got some real strong performn 1999, a fundraiser was held in the ers,” said Chuck Summerville, who heads basement of St. Bernadette’s Church in up the festival. His love affair with jazz Monroeville to purchase a used pipe began when he was a young man in the organ. It was billed as “An Evening of Cool U.S. Air Force stationed in Oxford, England.

Jazz,” and featured Pittsburgh jazz greats Al A librarian started a jazz appreciation Dow and Etta Cox. group and he signed up. After listening to Fast forward 12 years later, and that event the recordings of various jazz greats, the has grown into one of the biggest summer librarian decided it was time to hear some festivities in the eastern region, “The live music so the Monroeville Jazz group traveled from Festival,” held annually Oxford to the London at the Boyce Park    Palladium to hear “a Wave Pool north park    very young Dave ing area. Thousands    Brubeck,” Summerville turn out for this  recalled. Years later, evening of jazz that has      he got the opportunity included some of the to meet Brubeck, who    area’s premiere jazz did not recall his per     artists including Mike formance at the Tomaro, director of jazz    London Palladium, but studies at Duquesne    was assured by University, The Center      Summerville that he of Life Band, Rodney    McCoy, Lisa Ferraro,   had played there.

After the first Hal Betters Quartet,  Evening of Cool Jazz in Donna Bailey, The Eric    the church basement, Mintel Quartet, John     Joe Negri called to ask D’Amico, and Grammyif he could perform his nominated Tierney “Mass of Hope,” comSutton, just to mention posed for choir and quartet and done in the a few. jazz idiom. That event drew 2,600 people The Ninth Annual Monroeville Jazz Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 23, fea- which prompted the idea of an annual jazz festival and a non-profit organization was tures Pittsburgh music icons Joe Negri, formed, Summerville explained. However, Kenny Blake and Roger Humphries, with the first festival – a three-day, their respective quartets and quintet; dynamindoor, ticketed event – was a bust. ic singer and keyboardist Judi Figel, a Things are much different now. After Monroeville resident and full-time string regrouping, the festival’s been such a instrument instructor in the Plum Borough success that some artists call School District; and young up-and-coming Summerville to ask if they can jazz trumpeter Benny Benack III and Friends. perform.

It is being presented with the Allegheny “I think what you’ll see is an County Parks Department as part of its idea of diversity of styles, of Summer Concert Series and in partnership talents, of instruments,” with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

said Jim Dravillas, a founding member of the Monroeville Jazz Festival Board. “There’s something for everybody there.”

Suggested admission for this year’s Monroeville Jazz Festival is a bag of non-perishable food items for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and/or a cash contribution to defray the cost of the festival.

For more information, details and directions, go to www.monroevillejazz.org or call Chuck Summerville at 412.372.4332.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

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IN THE PHOTO

JIM MILLER / CUSTOMER SERVICEMAN

y o u r e n e r g y p a rt n e r

peoples–ga s.com

community-driven                                                

                                                   

y o u r e n e r g y p a rt n e r

2011 City Of McKeesport EVENTS (All Events Are Held At Renziehausen Park And Are Open To The Public)

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6/19 6/26

Summer Concert Series The Holidays 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell Summer Concert Series The Vogues 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell

7/4

The Vagrants 4 p.m., Tim Scott 6 p.m., Legacy 8 p.m., Fireworks After Dark – Lions Bandshell

7/10 Summer Concert Series Beatlemania Magic 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 7/17 Summer Concert Series Scott Blasey Of “The Clarks” 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 7/24 Summer Concert Series The Laurels 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 7/31 Summer Concert Series Dancing Queen 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 8/7 Summer Concert Series Zoot Island Beach Party 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 8/14 Summer Concert Series Big Band Memories 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 8/16, 8/17, 8/18 International Village 3 p.m.-11 p.m. – Stephen Barry Field 8/21 Summer Concert Series The Jaggerz 7 p.m. – Lions Bandshell 8/28 Summer Concert Series 5 p.m. Lions Car Cruise, 7p.m. Pure Gold

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

Pitcairn Borough News

         

meters to changing street lights. Jim Comunale and

ou may recognize these two gentlemen from reading

Ray Preece are responsible for maintaining the entire power system in Pitcairn. Just this past month, they also installed a generator at the Borough Building, which also serves as the Emergency Operations Center, that will supply power to the entire building in case of an extended power interruption. Plans are currently under way for the rebuild of one of the substations this year with most of the work being completed by our own personnel.

L-R: Jim Comunale, Ray Preece

L-R: Judy Donis, Patricia Logo, Marguerite Holby, Carri Kozier

Borough Manager, Patricia nder the direction of

A. Logo, the office is staffed by Judy Donis, Carri Kozier and Marguerite Holby. These women are the first point of contact the public has regarding the electric and cable bills and any general questions or concerns that arise on a day to day basis. It is our goal to address any issues as quickly and professionally as possible. Some questions can be answered simply by visiting our new and improved website at www.pitcairnborough.us. There you will find information on the various boards, organizations and committees of the Borough, downloadable forms, links to organizations, important phone numbers, meeting information and a Community Calendar. Advertising space is also available at a nominal fee. Please contact the Borough Manager with any questions regarding advertising on the website.

6 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Monroeville

L-R: Charles Sisler, George Bucar and Bob Feidak, {not pictured: Rocky Trunzo}

Pitcairn Borough News 

ur Street Crew consists of Rocky Trunzo, George Bucar, Robert Feidak and Charles Sisler. The vehicle pictured was just purchased and was put to good use this past winter. Aside from these four men, assistance is received from Jim Comunale and Ray Preece from the Electric Department and P.J. Stevens from the Cable Department, when needed. Now that the plows and spreaders are put away, we are planning the spring and summer projects. These will include some updates to the parks and a huge project to repair our alleys is in the works. A road paving project is also anticipated once all the approvals are granted for the PIB Loan. These men are the best when it comes to clearing our roads in the winter. Thanks for a job well done!

The Pitcairn Police Department has now put into service an Onsite Speed Dolly. This speed dolly is capable of recording a vehicle’s speed and flashing that speed on a large screen. This will alert the driver of the vehicle if they are going over the posted speed limit. The speed machine will be moved to combat speeding vehicles. An office will be posted at the machine at different times to monitor the traffic. This machine was obtained through a federal grant and did not cost Pitcairn Borough any funds. We hope that this machine will make our roads a safer place for the residents of Pitcairn by slowing the traffic in the borough.

2011 SUMMER BREAKFAST/ LUNCH PROGRAM

is responsible for the cable/internet

J.Stevens is our Cable Technician who

systems in the Borough. His duties range from cable TV and internet installations to assuring that the TV stations are received and distributed properly throughout the system. Within the next few weeks, the installation should be complete for the increased speed for our internet system.

Pitcairn Borough will once again be sponsoring a Summer Breakfast/ Lunch Program at the Park Building. It will start on June 20, 2011 and will run through August 12, 2011. It is for children 18 years old and younger. Any children under the age of 7 will need a parent to stay with them. There will be activities for the children to participate in during the day, including games and crafts.

Information can also be obtained by calling the Borough Office at 412.372.6500.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Pitcairn Borough News

Mark Your Calendars!!!

Pitcairn Borough’s 

 Sunday, August 28, 2011 Enjoy a fun filled day of music, games, good food and fireworks.

    Government Information Borough Manager: Patty Logo Available at the office: Permit and inspection information Park Building or Sugar Camp rental information

Elected Officials State Senator James Brewster 412.380.2242 Mayor and Council 412.372.6500

State Representative Joseph Markosek 412.856.8284

Borough Meetings 7 p.m. in the Pitcairn Borough Council Chambers Council Agenda Workshop: Second Tuesday Council Business Meeting: Fourth Tuesday

Pitcairn Directory Police/Fire Emergency 911 Police Non-Emergency 412.856.1111 Pitcairn Police Department 412.372.6505 Chief: Dennis Hockenberry 412.372.6505 8 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Fire Non-Emergency Pitcairn Hose No. 1: 412.372.7040 Chief – Henry Farally Pitcairn Hose No. 2: 412.856.5630 Chief – Chris Fouser Ambulance: Pitcairn Ambulance 412.856.6432 Gateway School District 412.372.5300 Tax Collector: Sally DiRobbio 412.372.3009 Wage Tax Collector: EIT Collector 412.856.1045 Borough Engineer: EADS 412.754.0801 Borough Solicitor: Bruce Dice and Associates 412.733.3080 Magistrate: Jeffery Herbst 412.372.1125 Animal Control: Triangle Pet 412.771.7387 Trash: Waste Management 724.864.5166 Utilities Wilkinsburg Penn Joint Water 412.243.6200 Equitable Gas Company 412.395.3050 ALCOSAN Sewage 412.766.6696 Verizon Telephone 800.660.2215

Monroeville

Pitcairn Borough Electric/Cable Department Pitcairn Power 582 Sixth Street, Pitcairn, PA 15140 412.372.6500 Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday Monthly bills include electric usage, cable, garbage and sewer maintenance fees. Bills are sent out approximately the 15th of each month, and are due the fifth of each month. There is a drop off box on the front door of the Borough building for payments after office hours.

Trash Days: Trash may be put out after 6 p.m. on the day before collection.

Community Events Advertised on Pitcairn Community Station–Ch. 4: Easter Egg Hunt Harvest Festival Spring/Fall Clean-Up Community Day Summer Lunch Program Fireman’s Fair Summer Recreation Program Old Fashioned Christmas

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





ne of the most exciting changes in hearing aids continues to be the addition of wireless capability.

This feature allows the hearing aid wearer to stay “connected” with devices that are important to his or her lifestyle. Examples of this would include staying connected while using mobile phones with Bluetooth technology, watching television, or listening to music. A small remote control can transform hearing aids into a rich sounding stereo headset which allows the wearer to stream television, IPOD music and other audio sources directly into their hearing aids.

No removal of the hearing instruments is needed to enjoy specific listening situations.

Some hearing aids can be used with a rechargeable battery unit. This charging unit is often times beneficial for persons with limited vision and/or dexterity problems, such as arthritis, who struggle changing small batteries.

The year 2011 brings good news for hearing aid wearers that need a lot of power due to a more severe hearing loss.

When new technology in hearing aids comes out, it is often not available in stronger power aids at the onset. Happily, I can now report that several manufacturers have true power hearing aids that come in the smaller cases and have much of today’s advanced technology, including wireless that was previously only available in lower gain aids.

If you would like to learn more about the advances that have been made in hearing aids, it is recommended that you make an appointment for a hearing test. With this information, the audiologist can discuss more thoroughly your hearing and how today’s hearing aids may be beneficial to you.

Submitted by Dolores Y. Payne, M.A., CCC-A Audiologist – Allegheny Hearing Instruments

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Penn-Trafford Community Band Opens MAC’s 28th

Concert Season M

onroeville Arts Council is pleased to announce that the PennTrafford Community Band will be performing at CCAC Boyce Campus on July 10 in the school's air-conditioned, 350seat auditorium. The concert is free to the public. The site is handicapped accessible, and there is ample free parking.

According to Musical Director, Bill Balawajder, the band selects music as enjoyable to play as it is to listen to, such as selections from the Big-Band Era and patriotic music. The program includes music from, “West Side Story” and “Phantom of the Opera,” along with a Cole Porter medley, and the classic hit, “In the Mood.” The audience will be tapping its toes when they hear the band play Sousa marches like the Thunderer and a jazzed-up arrangement of Little Brown Jug. From its founding in September 2007, as a 15-member Penn-Trafford alumni band, the PTCB has grown to 60 members. It is truly a community band with members hailing from Monroeville, Penn Hills, North Huntingdon, Trafford, Irwin, and Penn Township. They range in age from 13 to 85, and of its 60 members, 20 are students from sixth grade to college.

The PTCB is also a family affair, with many of the members coming from the same family, be it parents and children, brothers and sisters, or husbands and wives. Talented family musicians include Bob Woodrow with his son, Thaine, and three daughters, Sonnet, Summer, and Sabbath; Anna Marie Hunton with her daughter, Natalie, and son, Alex; the three Voigt siblings, Natalie, Sven, and Torsten; and the Silowash brothers, George and Brian.

On a local note, five members attend Monroeville’s North American

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Monroeville

Martyrs School (NAM) where Bill Balawajder is a part-time instrumental music instructor. Bill is also the musical director of PTCB and is glad to offer his students a chance to gain valuable experience when they are exposed to a wide variety of music. Students from NAM include Kateri Bowman, Adam Wipprecht, Nicholas Norman, and Cassie Kokal.

The oldest member of the band is trumpeter Riggie Laus, 85. He was a nine-time Drum Corp International solo champion bugler from 1956 to 1964. “Although Riggie no longer competes, he still enjoys performing with our community band, and we certainly enjoy having him as a member of our organization,” reports Ron Rometo.

PTCB’s manager.

Along with being the founder of PTCB, Ron is an adjunct faculty member at CCAC Boyce in the Mathematics Department He is a retired engineer from the Bettis Atomic Laboratory.

Musical Director, Bill Balawajder, is a retired band director from Wilkinsburg High School and contributes the important skill of arranging the music for the band.

PTCB has entertained audiences at Kennywood, Twin Lakes Park, Ligonier, the Westmoreland County Fair, PPG Place in Pittsburgh, and numerous church festivals and community-day celebrations, as well as at the Monroeville Senior Center, Beatty Pointe Village, and The Cedars of Monroeville. The band’s summer performance schedule can be found on its Website: www.PTCommunityband.org.

See them perform at Monroeville Arts Council concert on July 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.

  Sunday mark your calendars for the following exciting programs offered by the Monroeville Arts Council for its 2011 Events Schedule. There is no admission charged for these events at Boyce, there is ample, free parking, and the sites are handicapped accessible.

28th Summer Concert Series at CCAC Boyce Campus Auditorium 4 to 6 p.m.

July 10 – Penn-Trafford Community Band – 60 musicians July 17 – Harold Betters Band - quartet July 24 – East Winds Symphonic Band – 75 musicians

Weekend of Art: July 23-24 23rd Art Show – CCAC Boyce Gymnasium on Saturday 1-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-7 p.m. See 300 works of art including photography and 3-D sculptures by 100 artists and special activities both days 23rd Art Show at CCAC Boyce with no admission charge.

Campus ❋ Enjoy entertainment and demonstrations July 22 – Awards Ceremony, Opening for all ages - clown fun, balloon art, caricaof Art Show & Reception – 7 p.m. tures, and demonstration by and fund-raiser MAC members, invited guests and artists for Sensation” companion/guide dogs.

East End Kids – “Cinema only.

Seehave Larry Cervi’s Eastdeserved End Kidsreputation “Cinema Larry Cervi’s East End ❋ Kids earned a well Sensation” singing and dancing as Pittsburgh's premier song-and-dance ensemble.

Thisprogram July 23-24 – Art Show – “Weekend of Art” from p.m. on will Saturday.

Monroeville-based group of 4-5 thirty teens perform “Cinema Gymnasium – Saturday 1-6 p.m., ❋ View the display theHollywood's winning entries of Sensation”the that celebrates the silver screen of and musical Sunday 1-7 p.m. Events throughout history in a revue spanning eight decades of movie magic.

You'll and MAC’s Kids’ & Teens’ Korner Art Show show times. enjoyan allArt of the memories, thea romance, the adventure as the free basketand raffle. enter The deadline for submitting Show alive on ❋ stage the Symphonic opening reel, down memory cinema Eastfrom Winds Band – 75 entry form is June 4 and the cost iscomes $20 for lane, and an Oscar finish! Auditorium, Sunday 4-6 p.m. three entries. Call 412.373.0277 foron anto entry musicians. or MAC membership application.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Monroeville

Historical Society GROUNDS AT MHS HISTORICAL HOUSES GET SPRUCED UP

BY BOY SCOUTS By Marilyn K. Wempa

E

ven if it is sunny, not many gardeners get their shovels, hoes and rakes out the first day of spring. However, on March 20, Satya Iyer was in a hurry. This tall, 17-year-old had waited all winter to work on the grounds of the Monroeville Historical Society’s two historical houses, and he felt the urge to complete the landscaping phase of his Boy Scout Eagle Scout project that very day.

Everything was in place to achieve this long-awaited goal. Satya had followed the detailed plans made to improve the appearance of the 64-foot-long by19-foot -wide sloped hillside behind the McGinley House. Specifically, this bank needed to be cleared of weeds and overgrown ground cover and replanted to cover the resulting bare spots.

H e followed the procedures required to earn an BSA Eagle Award. A resident of Murrysville and a Franklin High School senior, Satya had earned the rank of Life Scout. He received the required permission for the landscaping improvements from his BSA Troop 205 leader, Ernie Carns, and approval from Kevin Beamer, his Troop Eagle Award advisor; the Historical Society board; and the Municipality of Monroevil le who owns this site. Satya said, “I appreciate the valuable advice that was given to me by John Hyzy, Monroeville Public Works Department foreman.”

When this project was first suggested by the Historical Society, Satya believed he would have to raise the money to purchase more stones and buy the many pachysandra plants needed. He was relieved to learn from Mary Lou Span, the MHS Scout Projects coordi nator, there were suitable stones and pachysandra plants growing in an unused area of the grounds hidden from his view behind an old stone oven. She told him, “You won’t need any money. We have stones and plants that are just waiting for you to put them to good use.” What was required was Satya’s leadership to schedule fellow Scouts to help move the heavy stones, dig up the plants, and transplant th em.

This project was by no means a one-day effort. Early in December, Satya and his crew had spent days digging up weeds and their roots, uncovered and realigned the rocks that were overgrown with weeds and pachysandra that formed the wall at the top and bottom of the bed, and added more rocks to develop a neat appearance. He researched the Internet to learn the best way to plant ground cover from experts.

Members of Troop 205 who volunteered were Star Scouts Kenny Koehn, 12, and Blake Weyant, 12, along with Ben Groll, 17, a Life Scout. Also lending a hand were Matt Peterson, 19, who earned his Eagle Award in 2010 in another landscaping project, and Vijay Iyer, Satya’s father who is a Director of Advanced Business Strategy at Philips Respironics.

It was a wonderfully sunny day on March 20 and even though it was only 57 degrees, it didn’t take long before Satya and his Boy Scout helpers were working up a mild sweat. They were thankful the sun had thawed the 12 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Monroeville

after

ground from winter’s frost and the dirt was soft and pliable for the weeding and planting Satya proposed. They set to work carefully digging up clumps of the green pachysandra plants and carrying them to their new bed. Satya added root preparation to each clump to encourage strong growth. When they were finally done, they swept the sidewalk and stepped back to admire the ir work. The transplanted vines would take time to spread and cover the ground, but the hillside looked before neat and well groomed, just as Satya had envisioned it would.

With a big smile on his face, Satja said, “The result we achieved was well worth the 102 hours my crew and I invested in this project. My hope is that Troop 205 will put an annual McGinley Maintenance Day on its calendar for the continued up keep of the hillside.”

Visitors will enjoy seeing how the spruced-up hillside fits in beautifully with the pretty fenced-in herb garden above it. All who participated in this project can be proud that this tranquil setting will be enjoyed by the many children and adults who come to participate in the various events held at the 116-year-old McGinley House and McCully Log House.

MONROEVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S 2011 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

BY MARILYN K. WEMPA McGINLEY AND McCULLY HISTORICAL HOUSES Location: McGinley Road past Forbes Hospital and across from HealthSouth Hospital. McGinley Road is off Haymaker Road near Route 48 at the Gateway Campus Boulevard intersection.

Children’s Old Fashioned Game Day – June 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Open House – Every Sunday in June, July and August from 1 to 4 PM. Self tours with docents available.

See antique furniture, tools, clothing, and kitchen equipment. Enjoy 1850 architecture and herb garden.

Monroeville Heritage Day Festival – October 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. View bread making, churn butter, enjoy scarecrow making, and painting pumpkins and stones.

OLD STONE CHURCH OPEN HOUSE Location: Stroschein Road across from Eat’n Park Restaurant Parking is suggested in empty lot by Get Go Gas Station.

After Monroeville’s Fourth of July Parade until noon.

For more event information, contact Mary Lou Span at 412.245.1527 or Lynn Chandler at 724.327.6164.

Contact Bob Elms 412.373.2045 for rental of the church for weddings or meetings.

See Historical Monroeville photos by visiting the MHS Website at monroevillehistorical.org.

Attend MHS board meetings at Monroeville Public Library on third Tuesday at 7 p.m. No meetings in August and December.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

HISTORIC HOME

McGinley House T

o enter The McGinley House at 2381 McGinley Road in Monroeville is to be transported back in time to a world where meals were prepared over an open hearth, bread was baked in a stone oven out back, horses were the main mode of transportation and family farms were a way of life.

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Monroeville

While the two-story stone house, the oldest of its kind existing in Monroeville, is rooted in a bygone era, the Monroeville Historical Society and the Municipality of Monroeville have done an outstanding job of preserving the structure and its well-documented history. Built in the 1830s by farmer and stone mason John McClintock, it’s been described as a prime example of 19th century architecture of stone farmhouses in western Pennsylvania.

“It’s really what you would think of if you were laying out a timeline of the second generation of houses,” said Louis Chandler, secretary of the Monroeville Historical Society. “The first generations were log houses, the second generation, stone houses.” The stone houses were more substantial and were the houses people upgraded to when their economic circumstances improved. There are still some examples of the stone farmhouses in the area, but not many, Chandler said.

The McGinley House, which sits behind Forbes Regional Hospital and across McGinley Road from HealthSouth, has two small bedrooms upstairs and three rooms downstairs including a kitchen with a massive hearth for cooking, which was the norm for homes of that period. “Typically, what you’re going to have is a big parlor or receiving room, an entrance into the kitchen and the other entrance is the main entrance for the Sunday-go-to-meeting crowd to sit in the parlor and talk,” Chandler explained.

The farmland on which the McGinley House sits was first owned by Matthew Simpson, who purchased 200 acres from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1785. Eventually, the land was sold to Joseph McClintock in 1827 and then passed down to his son, John. “[John] built this house for his own family and as you can imagine, a stone mason making a house for his own family, he did a pretty good job of it,” Chandler explained. John’s daughter Margaret married Isaac McGinley and it was from their family that the house got its name. The

McGinleys, who had nine children, added a wing to the home and for the next hundred years, McGinleys occupied the home.

Subsequently, the farm was owned by a number of prominent Monroeville families including the Tinsleys, the Solomons and the Millers, the last family to occupy the home. Max Miller purchased the property in 1932 and by this time, the home had caved in but the stones and foundation were still there and the home was rebuilt.

Intended originally as a summer home, Elisabeth (Betty) Solomon Miller, Max’s wife, persuaded her husband to move to the farm full time. She invited her brothers, Julius, David and Harry Solomon, sister, Mary Lenhart, and foster daughter, Clara, to assist with the farming and they all moved to The McGinley farm, according to the Monroeville Historical Society website. Betty Miller’s brother, Harry, trained horses and ran them on a track behind the house.

The Millers owned the property until 1967 when it was sold to Westinghouse for a new nuclear research center. The historic home was scheduled to be torn down until Monroeville Councilman Jim Mirro suggested that it be donated to the municipality and preserved.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

McGinley House continued from previous page In 1969, Monroeville agreed to have the Monroeville Historical Society serve as caretakers of the property. Also, as part of the sales agreement, Westinghouse allowed Betty Miller to continue living in the home, which she did until 1975 when she was moved to a senior care home.

Over the years, there had been some considerable modernizations, Chandler said. “Gas was installed, radiators and later on electricity and indoor plumbing, a number of different shifts and changes in the kitchen arrangement, and, of course, it had stone walls and plaster on the inside, but also work on some of the rooms to put in plaster board,” he said.

“When we took over, a lot of that was taken out.” That included removal of a glass front, side porches, and the 1930s kitchen. The Monroeville Historical Society also opened up the fireplaces and brought back some of the earlier features so it would look like a farmhouse would have looked in those times. In 1978, The McGinley House was designated a Historic Landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.

The house, which is also a museum, is filled with photos of prominent

Monroeville families, among them Robert and Essie McGinley with their daughter, Hazel; John and Sarah Graham; and Robert and Mary Thompson as well as artifacts such as inkwells, spinning wheels, eyeglasses, bottles, and period clothing. Among the clothing is a wedding dress of Margaret Monroe, the wife of Joel Monroe, the first postmaster of Monroeville and the person after whom the town was named. He is also a distant cousin of U.S. President James Monroe. Items in the house’s Joel Monroe Room were donated to the historical society in the early 2000s by Rebecca Gillis Sooy, the last descendant of Joel Monroe.

The McGinley House is open to the public for free tours on Sunday afternoons from June through August and during special events such as the Fall Festival and Children’s Day. For more information about The McGinley House, as well as Monroeville’s other historic homes and sites, go to the Monroeville Historical Society website, www.monroevillehistorical.org.

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SU M

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Health and Wellness News You Can Use For residents of eastern communities

What’s Inside page 2

Enh anc i ng Y o ur Surg i c al Opti o ns i n Mo nro ev i l l e

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T h e G o o d News A b o ut H eart D i sease Si x W ay s to L o wer Y o ur B l o o d Pressure

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Y o ung A th l etes and Sud d en Card i ac D eath W hat Parents N eed to K now

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Ex erc i se: T o o Muc h o f a G o o d T h i ng Can B e H armf ul

f 011 UPMC

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T h e D o wnsi d e o f F al l s

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Ch o o si ng th e R i g h t D o c to r f o r Y o u

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I mpro v e th e Q ual i ty o f Y o ur L i f e

ynhancing Y our S urgical Options in Monroeville C hang es f ocu s on imp roved resou rces f or g reater access, convenience, and care W atc h f o r a new l o o k f o r th e surg ery c enter

D el i v eri ng ex pert c are —

“Our location and amenities definitely make the surgery center an attractive option for area residents, but it’s the quality of care that patients appreciate the most,” says R obert A. Kaufmann, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC. “We have warm and caring people who work together as a team to provide outstanding care. Our patients have come to expect that from us.”

This summer, visitors to UPMC’s surgery center in Monroeville will see the completion of some impressive new physical changes.

“We’ve always provided our patients with top quality care,” says Melissa L . Kovtun, executive director of Monroeville- based services. “N ow that care will be offered in even more comfortable and warm surroundings.” In addition to updating the center’s reception area, waiting rooms, and other public spaces, new pre- and post- operative facilities are being modernized.

For Dr. Kaufmann, the surgery center has been home base since 2pp. .

“We treat very complex problems at a world- class level in a surgery center that is convenient to those who live in the eastern suburbs and would rather avoid traveling into Pittsburgh if possible,” says Dr. Kaufmann. “The surgery staff is well- qualified, and we benefit from an excellent anesthesia department.”

Same- d ay surg ery trend c o nti nues to g ro w Many procedures that once required patients to be hospitalized can now be done on an outpatient basis.

In fact, last year . 5 million same- day surgery procedures were performed in the United States. It’s a growing trend at the surgery center. “We currently average about ”pp to ”5p cases per month,” says Ms. Kovtun, “and we expect those numbers will increase in the years to come.”

The surgery center can accommodate nearly any outpatient surgical procedure in these specialty areas: • Ear, nose, and throat • Gastroenterology ( digestive disordersk • General surgery • Gynecology • Ophthalmology

D i d Y o u K no w?

The new UPMC yast, a fullaservice community hospital with 156 patient rooms, opens in summer f 01f . The new hospital will be capable of handling complex medical cases and procedures, allowing you to be cared for in your own community.

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www.UPMC.comcToday

and mo re

• Orthopaedics • Pain management • Plastic surgery • Podiatry • Surgical oncology ( breast care specialistsk • Urology

Most physicians who provide surgical care for patients at the surgery center also operate at other UPMC hospitals and facilities. The Monroeville location represents a convenience for some physicians as it does for their patients.

“Many of our doctors live in and around the Monroeville area. They value the ability to work in their own community, and they want their patients to be able to stay close to home, too,” says Ms. Kovtun.

The surg ery center will continue to serve the community after the new UPMC E ast hospital opens in summer 2012. To learn more, g o to www.UPMC.com, click H ospitals and Facilities, then Community Medical and Surg ical Facilities.

To schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

The G ood N ews About H eart Disease T ak e charg e of you r heart throu g h health screening s and heart- healthy lif estyle chang es H e art di s e as e i s t h e n at i on ’ s l e adi n g cau s e of de at h f or bot h m e n an d w om e n . Every ) ? seconds, someone experiences a coronary events every minute, it claims a life.

For example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels, but you wouldn’t know you have these conditions without testing for them.

The good news? Y ou can take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease through routine screening and lifestyle changes — even if you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke.

UPMC cardiologists in Monroeville use tools such as EKGs, ultrasound, and CT scans to look for signs of atherosclerosis in the heart, neck, legs, and arms — especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. At UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute, you can take advantage of the region’s only low radiation electron beam CT scan, which looks specifically for calcium in the coronary arteries as a marker of the cholesterol accumulation that can cause sudden heart attacks.

“Heart disease is a disease we can do something about. In most instances, it is preventable,” says Daniel Edmundowicz, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director of preventive cardiology at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

“Screening absolutely saves lives. W e can help people change the outcome once we know their risk factor levels,” Dr. Edmundowicz says.

H eart- H eal th y R eso urc es i n Mo nro ev i l l e

“The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing heart disease,” says Dr. Allen. “W hile you can’t control genetics, you can take steps to control many other risk factors by eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Some changes — like quitting smoking — can have an immediate impact.”

Christopher C. Allen, MD, cardiologist at UPMC at Oxford Drive in Monroeville, recommends regular health screenings “The bottom line: If you know your that tell you your numbers and whether numbers and know your risk, you can you need to take action. do something about it,” says Dr. Allen.

R i sk f ac to rs th at can’t b e c h ang ed •

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Family history of heart disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease Age T65 and olderU G ender Tmen have a greater risk of heart attackU •

R i sk f ac to rs th at can b e c h ang ed

•

•

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•

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S moking H igh blood pressure H igh cholesterol levels Obesity Physical inactivity

Si x W ay s to L o wer Y o ur B l o o d Pressure H igh blood pressure puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious diseases.

Follow these recommendations from Dr. Allen to take charge of this “ silent killer” n • I nc rease ph y si c al ac ti v i ty . Aim for at least g0 minutes each day Tmost daysU of brisk walking, bike riding, or other aerobic activity that you enj oy.

•

Mo ni to r y o ur so d i um. L imit your sodium intake to less than two grams Tf ,000 mgU a day. veware of “ hidden” sodium in processed foods, including canned soup, lunch meats, froz en dinners, and crackers.

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Eat h eal th y . Follow a lowerafat diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and lowafat dairy foods.

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Co ntro l y o ur stress. Take 15 minutes each day to decompress and focus on yourself.

L isten to music, read, pray, or meditate.

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D o n’ t smo k eSN icotine has a direct effect on your blood vessels as well as your lungs. I t causes your heart to beat faster, and raises your blood pressure.

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T ak e y o ur med i c i ne. I f medicine is needed to control your blood pressure, make sure you take it as prescribed by your doctor.

K no w y o ur numb ers

B ec o me h eart smart

Aim for these vital numbers to k eep your tick er in g ood work ing condition:

Take time to educate yourself about heart disease and the treatments available.

The UPMC H eart and V ascular I nstitute website is a oneastop source of information about cardiac conditions, as well as UPMC’s full spectrum of cardiovascular services from routine screenings to advanced cardiac care. ve sure to check it out at www. UPMC. c o m/ H eartand V asc ul ar.

Mo ni to r

T arg et L ev el s

Cholesterol

less than f 00 mgcdL

vlood Pressure

below 1f 0cl 0

vMI , b ody mass index 1l .5– f 4.m

A sk y o ur d o c to r I f you have questions or concerns about your heart health, call your physician to schedule an appointment.

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H ealth Tips from UPMC H ealth Plan

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death

W h at Parents Need to K no w Is your child among the three to five million young people in the United States who play organized sports each year? If so, you know that a pre-participation physical examination can help identify young athletes who may be at risk for an injury or illness that could require additional medical evaluation.

Recently, identifying young athletes who may be at risk of sudden cardiac death has become a hot topic among sports medicine professionals, focusing the attention of parents on the need for better cardiovascular screening of young athletes.

“Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes is extremely rare,” says Vivekanand Allada, MD, clinical director of pediatric cardiology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and professor of pediatrics. “In fact, it’s a one in a million risk.”

According to Dr. Allada, sudden death in young athletes is most often due to heart problems, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an abnormal thickening of the heart). Other causes include congenital coronary anomalies, arrhythmia (which can be caused by a blow to the chest), and Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can weaken the aorta and lead to a tear or rupture.

“Unfortunately, there’s no perfect test to find a needle in a haystack,” says Dr. Allada. However, parents can take steps to uncover risk factors that may require more testing or a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist. The American Heart Association recommends that young athletes undergo a screening medical history to check specifically for: • Chest pain, palpitations, or fainting during exercise (red flags that require immediate attention) • A history of a heart murmur or hypertension • Family history of coronary disease, sudden death, or Marfan syndrome Children with any of these risk factors or an abnormal physical exam should see a pediatric cardiologist, who is specially trained to look for cardiac problems in children and teens, Dr. Allada says. Further testing might include an EKG, echocardiogram, and stress test.

He offers these tips to parents: • Don’t let your child play through chest pain. Pain can be a warning sign.

• Teach your child to avoid energy drinks that have high levels of caffeine. Such drinks can make the heart race and cause cardiac arrhythmias. They are particularly dangerous for athletes with undiagnosed cardiac problems.

To learn more about caring for your child’s heart, visit www.chp.edu, then click on Child H ealth A-Z . To schedule an appointment with a Children’s-affiliated physician, call 412-6v2-PE DS (7337).

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www.UPMC.comcToday

E xercise: Too Much of a G ood Thing Can B e H armful R egular exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy life. Many of us, however, still struggle to fit even a moderate amount of exercise into our schedules. vut there are plenty of people who are getting too much exercise. I f some exercise is good, they think more will be better.

N ot true. I n fact, excessive exercise can lead to a host of physical issues, including inj uries, the loss of lean muscle mass, a weakened immune system, sleep problems, irritability, and depression. A study in the American J ournal of Cardiology suggests that too much vigorous exercise also can increase the risk of heart problems.

A re y o u ex erc i si ng to o muc h ? yxperts say that if your workouts suddenly seem more difficult than usual and you aren’t making progress, you may be overexercising.

Other trouble signs includen • I nsomnia • Aches or pain in muscles andcor j oints • Fatigue • Feeling unmotivated and lacking energy • I ncreased susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and other illnesses I f you’re experiencing any of these signs, see your doctor to find out if something else is causing the problem.

J ust starti ng an ex erc i se pro g ram?

Congratulations on taking an important step to improve your health. H ere are a few tips to help your body adj ust to a new routinen • Create a reasonable exercise program based on attainable goals.

• yxercise in moderation.

• vegin slowly and build up gradually to avoid inj uries.

• Cut back the volume and intensity of your workouts at the first sign of inj ury.

• L isten to your body. W hen it needs a rest, give it a rest.

S ourcesnAmerican College of S ports Medicine, American H eart Association

UPMC S potlight

The Downside of Falls Preventing trip p ing , f alling can be k ey to maintaining indep endence Falls may be funny on comedy shows, but they can be traumatic for older adults. Simply tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change an older person’s life in an instant — posing serious threats to his or her health and independence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three people over “5 experience at least one fall each year, and more than two-thirds of them are likely to fall again within six months.

Falls also are the leading cause of accidental death in seniors.

And, as many as . 0 percent of those who fall end up with debilitating hip, pelvic, or spine fractures that make it harder to get around and adversely affect self-confidence. v ven those who don’t suffer serious injury can become fearful.

“The most obvious concern when an older adult falls or trips is injury,” says Stephanie Studenski, MD, MPH, director of the Claude D. Pepper O lder Americans Independence Center at the University of Pittsburgh and associate director of research at the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh. “But the fear of falling can cause people to restrict their activity and sacrifice their independence. In some cases, it can lead to social isolation,” she says.

T h ree th i ng s y o u c an d o to prev ent f al l s Ex erc i seS yxercises such as tai chi or other relaxation exercises that improve balance and coordination can help lower your chances of falling and make you feel stronger.

See y o ur d o c to r reg ul arl y . Annual physical and eye examinations can uncover underlying medical problems that can lead to falls. S ee your doctor if you feel unstable or diz z y, possibly due to medications. Tell your doctor if you falloa medical evaluation can help.

Mak e y o ur h o me saf er. S eventyafive percent of all falls occur at home. To help make your home fallaproofn • I mprove lig hting . As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Use night lights in your bedroom, hall, and bathroom.

•

Remove small throw rug s. Tack down all carpets and area rugs so they are firmly fastened to the floor.

•

Remove thing s you can trip over. Clear books, clothes, and shoes from stairs and places you walk. K eep cords and wires near walls.

v veryone is at risk for falls, but that risk increases with the changes that come with aging, plus other medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts and glaucoma, and balance problems.

“Fortunately, there’s a lot people can do to prevent most risk factors,” says Dr. Studenski. “Taking care of your overall health, staying active, socializing with friends, and taking a few common-sense precautions can help you avoid falls and broken bones.”

To learn more about the Falls Clinic, located at UPMC Senior Care-Benedum x eriatric Center in O akland, call q12-“’ 2-q200.

•

Use handrails. I nstall grab bars near toilets, and both inside and outside your tub and shower.

Always use the handrail when using the stairs.

•

Store items within easy reach. Don’t store things too high or too low. Avoid using stepladders or step stools. Most of all, think before you reach.

•

W ear shoes with non-sk id, non-friction soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing only socks or looseafitting slippers.

L eading the W ork in Falls Prevention Dr. S tephanie S tudenski received the f 010 N ational Award for Falls Prevention R esearch and will be honored as the grand champion at the third annual Celebrating S enior Champions benefit dinner and auction Thursday, N ov. g, f 011. For more information about the event, sponsored by UPMC S enior S ervices, the Aging I nstitute, and the Division of G eriatric Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, call Peggy V anH orn, benevolent care advocate, at 41f a6f f amf gm.

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Choosing the R ight Doctor for Y ou T ak ing the time to f ind “ D r. R ig ht” is one of the most imp ortant investments you can mak e.

We’ve all heard about the importance of the doctor/patient relationship, often described as the cornerstone of quality medical care.

“In fact, the stronger that relationship, the better your chances of receiving the right care at the right time in the right way,” says Tami Minnier, vice president of UPMC’s Donald J. Wolff, Jr. Center for Quality Improvement and Innovation.

“At UPMC, our goal is to help you develop a long-term partnership in which your doctor is your number one health care champion.”

According to a 2010 survey by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, most of us are very satisfied with our physicians. It usually takes something major — like moving to a new area, changing medical insurance, or being diagnosed with a serious condition — to prompt us to look for a new doctor.

“If you’re in the process of changing doctors, there are some exciting new options to consider,” says Ms. Minnier.

“For example, UPMC’s Health Plan is working with a growing number of primary care physicians to implement patient-centered medical homes in their practices.” In this medical model, your family doctor becomes the hub for all your care by linking you to a collaborative team of medical professionals — from physician assistants to specialists.

Medical homes are designed to ensure that you receive appropriate and comprehensive care over your entire lifetime, including preventive health care, treatment for acute or chronic illness, and assistance with end-of-life care. Studies show that medical homes are resulting in improved care, access, and communication between patients and their “medical team” — as well as improved quality, safety, and cost of care.

6

www.UPMC.comcToday

When searching for “Dr. Right,” here are five helpful tips to locate the best match:

D etermi ne wh at’ s i mpo rtant to y o u “Finding the ‘right’ doctor often involves personal preferences apart from a physician’s skills or qualifications,” says Ms. Minnier. “For example, are you more comfortable with a doctor of your gender? Is a primary care physician right for you, or do you have a medical condition that requires treatment by a specialist? And if easy access is a concern, do you need a doctor located close to your home or workplace?”

G et th e o pi ni o n o f peo pl e y o u trust “Begin your search by asking your circle of family, friends, and co-workers about the positive experiences they’ve had,” she advises. “If you’re moving, or seeking a specialist, your current doctor also can be an excellent referral source.”

D o so me h o mewo rk “There are a number of credible online resources, including UPMC’s Find a Doctor (www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor), with information on more than 5,000 physicians, that allow you to confirm a physician’s medical credentials, board certifications, and specialties,” says Ms. Minnier. You also can check with the state medical board at docboard.org.

In general, avoid “doctor ranking” sites, which are unregulated and difficult to verify for accuracy.

At UPMC, a variety of tools are used to assess physician quality, including patient satisfaction surveys. “We literally review thousands of surveys monthly, which provide us with invaluable insights and feedback,” says Ms. Minnier.

V eri f y y o ur d o c to r’ s i nsuranc e pl ans and h o spi tal af f i l i ati o ns “Most practices accept a variety of insurance plans, but be sure yours is among them,” advises Ms. Minnier.

“And should you ever require hospitalization or special tests, it’s important that your doctor be affiliated with a hospital you know and trust.”

Cal l f o r an appo i ntment “Bring a written set of questions covering your concerns and expectations. When your visit is over, evaluate the experience,” suggests Ms. Minnier. “Was it easy to get an appointment? Were you treated with respect by both the doctor and the staff?

If your answers are positive, you’re on the right path to a doctor/patient relationship characterized by quality care, compassion, and open communication.”

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

I mprove the Q uality of Y our L ife Physical medicine and rehabilitation in Monroeville W

hat does a grandmother who no longer gardens due to chronic knee pain, a mailman who has trouble walking his route due to debilitating back pain, and a high school soccer player who’s out of the game after suffering a concussion have in commons

Mo re ab o ut Ph y si c al Med i c i ne and R eh ab i l i tati o n at UPMC S ervices include balance therapy, hand therapy, lymphedema management, neurorehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy, sports rehabilitation programs, and a women’s rehabilitation program.

All of them can receive physical medicine and rehabilitation TPM& R Uservices aimed at restoring their movement and function at our outpatient center on Oxford Drive, located next to Monroeville Mall. Also known as physiatry, PM& R is a medical specialty in which physicians diagnose, evaluate, and care for inj uries and illnesses — primarily of the nerves, muscles, and bones. PM& R is often called the quality of life specialty because it improves quality of life by restoring the body’s function to the fullest degree possible.

•

•

” One of the things I love most about my work is the holistic approach we take to a patient’s primary medical complaint, and then we explore how physical, social, and psychological factors affect that condition,” explains S hailen G reene W oods, MD, a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “ W e’re partners in helping the body heal through neuromuscular reaeducation, physical and occupational therapy, and medication management. “ Our goal is to help every patient return to an active and healthy lifestyle — including resumption of work, hobbies, or sports,” says Dr. G reene W oods, who also is completing a fellowship in sports medicine and spine rehabilitation. “ Ultimately, we help our patients feel their best — and that’s very rewarding work.”

•

•

•

Patients may be referred by an orthopaedic surgeon, neurologist, or family doctor for followaup care after surgery, illness, or inj ury. They also can seek direct care.

PM& R uses a variety of tools, from medical history and physical examination to imaging studies and electrodiagnostic techniques, to determine the source of pain, weakness, or numbness.

Physiatrists can prescribe medications and assistive devices, and perform j oint inj ections or interventional spine procedures.

PM& R patients also may receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy as part of their treatment.

Promising new treatments include the use of ultrasound to both diagnose and treat certain medical conditions.

To learn about UPMC’s physical medicine and rehabilitation services in Monroeville, contact: UPMC Centers for Rehab Services 600 Oxford Drive, Suite 310 Monroeville, PA 15146 Phone: 412-380-0551 To schedule an appointment with a UPMC-affiliated physician, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 412-533-UPMC (8762).

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UPMC 600 Oxford Drive Monroeville, PA 15146

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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Our Monroeville-based services are rooted in your community.

UPMC has always been proud to be a part of Monroeville, providing residents access to all of the resources of a nationally recognized academic medical center. We offer a breadth of services close to home, including primary care, advanced diagnostic capabilities, specialty physician and surgical services, and cancer care. It’s our tradition, and commitment, to bring advanced and compassionate care to you where it matters most ... in your very own community.

For aa comprehensive comprehensivelist listof ofour ourMonroeville-based Monroeville-basedservices servicesororfor fordirections directionstotoany anyof For of our convenient locations, 1-800-533-UPMC oror visit www.UPMC.com/East. our convenient locations, call call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) visit www.UPMC.com/East.

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hurch fairs are really nothing new. But for the North American Martyrs Parish, their Summer Festival in July will be a first, not only because it is the first time they are holding a Summer Festival, but also because it is the first event that St. Michael’s Church in Pitcairn and North American Martyrs Church in Monroeville have done together. The two churches were consolidated last September.

The festival will take place for four evenings, July 13-16, on the grounds of the North American Martyrs Church on Haymaker Road in Monroeville. Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14 the event will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, the start time will remain the same, but activities will end at 11 p.m.

“The NAM Summer Festival not only brings the two parishes together, but it will provide fun and entertainment for residents of Pitcairn and Monroeville, as well as surrounding communities,” said Patti Kemerer, a member of the festival committee.

This inaugural Summer Festival will have something for everyone, including carnival booths, games of chance, children’s games and activities, amusement rides, live concerts and other entertainment, and, of course, delicious food and treats! The festival folks will be serving a different dinner every evening from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in DeLuca Hall which has air conditioning! On the menu will be family dinner favorites like chicken, meatloaf, fish, and spaghetti.

For additional information contact Patti Kemerer at pitpatterstar@YAHOO.com and also be sure to visit the Summer Festival site at www.namfestival.com

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

r e s i a r d n u F

Gateway High School Holds Annual Alzheimer’s Association

ateway High School was abuzz with activity as crafters, scrapbookers and students all came together for a good cause at the I Made It Memorable event held April 9. The event was a collaboration between I Made It! Market, which bills itself as a “nomadic indie crafts marketplace” and the high school’s annual Memory Marathon, a daylong scrapbooking gathering, which benefits the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pittsburgh.

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Among the talented craftspeople, who displayed a myriad of items from wooden toys to jewelry and clothing, were Gateway High School students Kaelin Harmon, a freshman, and Vanessa Fisher, a sophomore. The two were selling “JUICE Pockets,” change purses made from Capri Sun juice pouches.

“We came up with the idea when I took a fashion class the first semester this year and the teacher, Mrs. Ricciardi, taught me how to make them,” Kaelin explained. “Then I was offered the opportunity to participate in the I Made It! Market, which is when I decided the JUICE Pockets would be perfect for the event. I then told my best friend, Vanessa, about the event and we became a dynamic duo. I participated in the event because I viewed it as the perfect opportunity to showcase my love for crafts and, at the same time, gain the experience of selling handmade products in a market setting.”

Just down the hall, ladies were “getting their scrapbooking on.”

Some were learning the fine art of stamping with Kim Peles, while other more seasoned preservers of memories brought out their cutting machines, laminators, stickers, fancy lettering and other tools of the trade as they swapped stories, offered suggestions and enjoyed the camaraderie of a shared hobby.

Also as part of the day, Gateway High School students conducted a Chinese Auction and sold pizza and pop to help the fundraising efforts. Among those manning the auction table were Vivien Sun, a senior at Gateway, and Tarnjit Kaut, a junior. Handling pizza and pop duties were seventh grader Nicholas Conti and Indiana University of Pennsylvania freshman Lauren Bannister, a 2010 Gateway High School graduate.

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Monroeville

   he Gateway Gators boys basketball team ran through their regular season schedule with an 18-4 record. After disposing of Penn-Trafford 52-34, they handled Upper St. Clair 65-61 to reach the AAAA semifinals. Slipping past an upstart Butler squad 47-45 to earn a spot in the WPIAL championship game, they would come up against favored Chartiers Valley.

A back-and-forth opening quarter saw the Gators lead 13-8 after eight minutes. Gateway pulled away in the second quarter to lead 29-19 at the half. The first half saw almost no whistles and the pace of play was fantastic. Chartiers Valley was getting opportunities, but the Gator defense was executing very well.

The Gators’ lead swelled to 13 at 41-28 with 3:17 left in the third quarter. That’s when Chartiers Valley made a run. They went on a 9-0 spurt to close the quarter and trail by only four.

The final frame turned into a free-throw shooting contest.

Gateway hit 13 of 17 while Chartiers Valley hit only 2 of 5. The Gators’ defense continued to stifle the Colts’ offensive attack which ultimately was the difference in the game. Gateway won their first-ever WPIAL gold medal with a 58-43 upset. Tyler Scott led the way with 18 points and Barnett Harris chipped in 11.

Unfortunately, the PIAA playoffs did not go as planned for the Gators.

They defeated Erie McDowell 57-46 in the first round to advance, but any hopes of state gold were dashed when Mt. Lebanon housed the Gators 59-33.

Gateway finished 23-5 with their first WPIAL championship. Despite the ugly loss to end the season, the Gators had a remarkable year.

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Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

E C R E M M O C F O R E B CHAM ChamberChoic e MONROEVILLE AREA

Monroeville ArePortfolio Expands – a Businesses Win Chamber memb ers can now acce ss

business insuran with the opportu ce program nity to earn divid ends

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he Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with ChamberChoice is pleased to announce the addition of a new business insurance program that gives local businesses the opportunity to earn a dividend on their commercial insurance policy. The program is made available alongside the full array of ChamberChoice’s products – including such programs as energy buying, group healthcare insurance and HR services – and is available only to chamber members. ”After a thorough review of the property and casualty insurance industry, ChamberChoice concluded that the dividends program through Penn National Insurance was the best fit for the ChamberChoice portfolio expansion,” said Samuel J. Weber, President of ChamberChoice. “We are pleased to make yet another value-added program available to chamber member businesses here in the Monroeville area and across Pennsylvania.”

Make safety profitable in business, and business owners will make business safe. That is the idea behind the business insurance program through ChamberChoice and its partner Penn National Insurance. All chamber

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Monroeville

members are eligible for the dividend program, subject to individual risk characteristics, loss experience, and current underwriting guidelines. The program offers members a full range of property and casualty insurance, as well as the opportunity to earn a dividend depending on group premium volume and claims experience. Eligible lines include Business Owners, Property, Package Policies, Commercial Auto, General Liability, Inland Marine, and Workers' Compensation.

In addition, through safety consulting, Penn National Insurance and local independent insurance agencies encourage member businesses to develop safety practices to substantially reduce or eliminate workplace injuries.

“As a long-standing ChamberChoice partner, the Monroeville Area Chamber and its members understand the tremendous value ChamberChoice provides,” said Chad Amond, President of the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce. “ChamberChoice is committed to enhancing our members’ bottom lines through programs such the Penn National Insurance’s dividend program.”

a Synan xpo, Mari rk from E s s e in s ess-2-Bu l with Dorothy Cla ll with 2: Busin a a Photo 1 & s Regional Hospit om Clayton Kend fr e y from Forb ns, Regina Brody Physical Therap za – p ig iz u s P e ro s D G k t c C DM HE p a Ro ry from T rs at Pap Walt Hen siness After Hou m Waddell Reed BI SA Bu fro Photo 3: rr and Philip Hilf rand Opening at a G Colleen C bon Cutting and and Health – Rib rt Photo 4: Club Spo members. r nt in The Restaura ers with Chambe po y x e E r M i e rr re e a Sh &C Job Fair Photo 5:

ChamberChoice organized in 1992 to offer health insurance benefits to members by pooling their buying power. Today, the organization continues to grow its portfolio of products and services offered to businesses through membership in their local Chamber of Commerce. Offering dental and vision coverage, COBRA services, limited benefit medical plans, life, disability, long-term care insurance, business services and more, ChamberChoice programs provide unsurpassed quality. And ChamberChoice helps businesses balance premium and other out-of-pocket expenses with coverage and risk management needs.

One other example of recent success by ChamberChoice’s is the organization’s aggregated energy buying program. The program pools together the buying power of small and mid-sized businesses with the help OnDemand Energy to purchase electricity direct from the supplier – saving the average company thousands of dollars each year in many cases. That energy buying pool has become the largest buying pool of its kind in the nation.

ChamberChoice partnered with Penn National Insurance as the exclusive business insurance provider. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Penn National Insurance is a top regional property and casualty insurance company, with total assets of $1.4 billion. The company sells personal and commercial property and casualty insurance in nine states, including Pennsylvania, through a network of approximately 800 independent insurance agencies.

“Chamber members will benefit from our network of local, independent agents, many of whom are active in the Monroeville Area Chamber. They will be able to evaluate and provide you with coverages that best fit your business’s needs. We are excited to be part of the ChamberChoice offering of products,” says Richard Maffuccio, CPCU, regional vice president, Pittsburgh office, Penn National Insurance.

The Penn National Insurance program is just one of many benefits of ChamberChoice and your local Chamber. For more information, contact the Monroeville Area Chamber at 412.856.0622.

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ollege students and a few more seasoned job seekers, resumes in hand, filled the student union of Boyce Campus as the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community College of Allegheny County teamed up for their annual Job Fair & Career Expo on April 8.

More than 35 employers were represented this year including, BNY Mellon, Cleardata International, Giant Eagle, CVS Caremark, Concordia Visiting Nurses, Dollar Bank, Sears, The Pennsylvania State Police, Home Depot. The eight universities and colleges in attendance were: Seton Hill University, University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, Point Park University, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Carlow University, Devry University and Geneva College.

Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce has been partnering with CCAC for well over a decade on this event, which usually brings out 750 to 1,000 visitors, according to MAAC President Chad Amond. As part of the day’s activities an hour-long workshop entitled Construction: Building Your Career and a business dress fashion show were also held.

Participants also received a directory listing all the employers and colleges represented at the expo.

“I think it makes a great connection between the academic community and business community,” Amond said. “It also gives area schools, post secondary and trade schools, a chance to interact with job seekers and those who might be interested in sharpening their skills through higher education.”

He said he made it a point to go around to each of the participating employers to get their response to the turn out. “The overwhelming responses, which we're happy to hear, is that they're back again this year” because they found a number of qualified applicants in previous years.

While the chamber does not survey students, it does get some anecdotal feedback from them regarding the business dress fashion show. “They learn some things they didn't know,” Amond said. “There are some soft skills that don't always rise in the classroom.” So, according to the students, the efforts are much needed and very much appreciated.

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Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Older Adults

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MONROEVILLE

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Exercise is important for every age, and mature adults are no exception. According to UPMC Sports Medicine’s Dr. Jeanne Doperak, “The ultimate goal—whether you’re 3 or 104—is some sort of activity.”

Dr. Doperak suggests a combination of aerobic exercise (exercise which raises the heart rate and increases the body’s need for oxygen,) two days a week of strength training, and some sort of balance and flexibility training. Before beginning any type of aggressive workout program, it is always best to consult your physician.

Many people make the assumption that running is bad after a certain age, but this actually depends upon the individuals and their physical condition. Dr. Doperak explains, “As we age, our activities don’t necessarily have to change but the way we train has to be adjusted. We do not recommend that anyone over the age of 30 [engage in] impact activities every day.” An example of an impact activity would be jogging. It is recommended that impact activities be staggered with non-impact exercise such as yoga, tai chi or bicycling every other day. If an individual cannot tolerate impact activities due to arthritis or other problems, swimming is an excellent aerobic exercise (as is bicycling, which can be done with a recumbent stationary bike).

Yoga and tai chi rotated with impact exercise can fulfill the need for balance and flexibility training. Many churches, synagogues, libraries and other non-profit organizations offer classes for free or at reduced rates.

Also important to overall optimum physical health is strength training. Although strength training conjures up images of heavy weightlifting, Dr. Doperak suggests that this can be accomplished with weights as light as two pounds.

With active workouts, it is vitally important to replenish liquids in the body, especially in the summer months. A vigorous activity such as jogging or tennis for more than 10 to 20 minutes requires fluid replacement. Serious dehydration depletes the body of electrolytes which ensure that the heart’s electrical system works properly.

Dr. Doperak recommends water as the best replacement. Although there are many drinks on the market that advertise their benefits of electrolyte replacement, they can also be quite high in calories.

Individuals trying to reduce their weight will conversely be adding more calories to their diet.

The main thing to remember is that bodies need movement to be healthy. As Dr. Doperak says, “Keep moving.”

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Monroeville

Real Estate Options for the Retired

By Pamela Palongue

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etired persons are commonly advised to sell their homes to avoid the cost of repairs and maintenance. Well-meaning friends and relatives often point out that they won’t be able to mow the lawn forever. Is selling your house always the best choice? According to Kathy McKenna, a real estate broker with over 20 years of experience in Pittsburgh, it’s a decision that needs to be weighed carefully with knowledgeable people you can trust.

There are many reasons a home may not be practical to maintain in retirement years. McKenna explains, “Some older homes may not be well insulated and this can lead to high gas or electric bills.” There are the major expenses like replacing a roof as well as the ongoing costs of lawn maintenance, snow removal and real estate taxes. Also on an emotional level, some individuals may not be prepared to live alone and would prefer more sociable surroundings.

Some retired persons opt for condominium living which quells many of the anxieties of home ownership. As McKenna points out, the maintenance is usually taken care of in the association fees and will generally include lawn maintenance, roof repairs and replacement, and siding. Some condos may include exterior painting as part of their upkeep agreement. The downside is that association fees can be raised over time. However, most associations manage their money wisely and the increases are usually infrequent. McKenna also adds, “Do your homework. Attend the association meetings and see how the money is being spent and if they are managing it well.” Another thing to consider is that condo associations occasionally may assess their members a one-time fee to pay for a major renovation or repair. This is not common and generally the tenants have months to years of prior notice before such an assessment is made.

An alternative to home ownership that may be even more attractive to seniors is apartment living. Apartments that have utilities included ensure that high utility bills will not be a problem in cold winter months and there are no repair bills or real estate taxes with which to contend. However, if utilities are granted a rate hike or real estate taxes are raised, those additional costs will likely be passed on to the tenants in the form of a higher rent amount.

A recent trend called the reverse mortgage is a loan where the homeowner, who must be at least 62 years of age, uses the home’s equity as collateral. The bank or mortgage company in turn pays the homeowner a set amount each month. Homeowners are allowed to remain in their homes until death. The payments are based on the seller’s age; basically, the younger the homeowner at the time of procuring the mortgage, the smaller the monthly payment. McKenna adds, “This allows the homeowner to pull the equity out of his house while still living there.” The disadvantage is that the homeowner is still responsible for any repairs and maintenance for the home. Although not an attractive alternative for some, those who are living on a fixed income and need more money to meet their monthly bills may opt for this arrangement.

While some people savor their privacy, others crave social interaction.

One of the most popular trends in recent years has been the retirement village. These villages allow people to have the privacy of their own home while joining other residents for entertainment, activities and communal dining. Each one offers different financial plans and must be studied carefully for the best option. McKenna advises, “Before you sell your home, be sure to list it with someone who is reputable that you can trust and talk to about your particular situation.”

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

Older Adults

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When fair weather arrives, the call of the road beckons. For seniors, travel options abound in various lengths, styles and price ranges.

If you find that you are on a limited budget, why not consider a day trip to a nearby attraction?

Many churches and civic organizations offer day trips to interesting destinations such as Gettysburg or Fallingwater and you usually do not have to be a member to attend. Transportation, admission and one or two meals are usually included in one reasonable fee. If you can’t find a group going to the destination of your choice, why not form your own? A small group of three or four friends can carpool to save on gas and enjoy a day in the country McConnells Mill State Park is less than an hour away and features a covered bridge and 19th century gristmill. The hiking trails are scenic and great exercise.

A Pennsylvania winery is never more than a 45 minute drive from anywhere in the state. Most

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offer tours and free samples and some even have a restaurant onsite. Be sure to have a designated driver!

If the fact that you are single or widowed is keeping you at home, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that most local travel agencies offer group tours to U.S. and European destinations especially for those over 50 at discounted prices. You may also be surprised to learn that most of the individuals on these tours are also traveling alone or with a friend. Within a few hours into the trip and you will have new friends and feel a part of group.

Many older Americans are interested in exploring their European roots. Be sure to let your travel agent know of your interest and they can customize your tour with travel connections to records offices and churches.

Before departing on any kind of trip, be sure to take into consideration any mobility issues that you or your travel companions may encounter.

Many travel agencies have specially designed itineraries for those with limited mobility.

Additionally, don’t forget to pack all the medications you will need for the duration of your visit since refilling them may prove difficult. Be sure to keep them in their original containers.

A little planning can make your trip a success, so get out there and have some fun! –Pamela Palongue

Monroeville

Cemeteries are defined as places in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried.

Cemeteries are much more.

Cemeteries are places of Connection.

Cemeteries are places of Inspiration.

Recently, I met a young woman and her great aunts who were visiting Restland in order to find the grave of a loved one. After helping them to find the location, they plopped down on the ground and started sharing. As they shared, they hugged, laughed, and cried. As they paid their respect, a gap was bridged that had separated them for years.

A few weeks ago, I stopped to watch a handsome young soldier have his picture taken while standing at a grave. I walked over to thank the soldier for his service to our country. He was there to visit his grandfathers’ grave. His grandfather had also been a soldier. His very proud mother felt connected as she snapped a photo at the grave where her brave men were united.

Walking through a cemetery to me is like walking down Lovers Lane. Verses of tenderness, beauty, and devotion live on etched in granite, marble and bronze.

Here we find faith, anticipation for heaven, and acceptance for what is to come.

Walking through a cemetery is inspiring and encouraging.

Cemeteries are places of Healing.

As days pass following a funeral, family members and friends stop to visit the grave of a loved one. The cemetery is a place away from home where family can come to connect with their loss. By talking, praying, or just cleaning around the grave, they are able to work through their individual grief. The process of grief is the process of healing. Our tears water seeds of hope and life after our loss.

To disallow our grief is like ignoring an angry infected sore and expecting it to disappear. It doesn’t. To open up the sore and wash it with tears, to bathe it with the precious oil of memories, to cleanse it with the love of friends is to heal and once again to be available to the lives of others. There are five stages of grief experienced by most of us after the death of a loved one. During these stages, a cemetery can provide a safe and quiet environment for which to express these feelings. Grief expressed is grief diminished. Some family members visit the gravesite regularly for weeks or even months. Eventually they learn to move on – not forgetting, but accepting… that which cannot be changed.

Cemeteries are places of Peace.

Death has a way of helping us to realize the value of life. As I walk through the gardens and ponder over the memorials of those buried within, I am reminded that this life is not forever. This life is a gift. One to be valued, savored, and respected. The cemetery is full of the miracle of life. The calm lake, rolling hills, and menagerie of birds and animals settle the mind and calm the soul. Leaving, we promise ourselves to be better - better in our relationships, better at loving, better at giving thanks.

Cemeteries are defined as places in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. Cemeteries are much more.

Cyndi Savage Rice Transformations , Management Consultant, Speaker/Writer Cyndi is a Certified Cemetery Executive with the International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association and has over 38 years of experience and expertise in the Death Care Industry. She is currently living in Monroeville which is rehabilitating Restland Memorial Park.

Cemeteries are places of Honor.

Visit a cemetery on Memorial Day. Your American spirit will soar. Here you will find Veterans of all service branches commemorating their comrades and honoring their fellow soldiers. Flags are proudly placed on the grave of every veteran buried in Restland. Parades, Honor Guards, Color Guards, and Taps pay homage to the men and women that fought to preserve the land we love.

Throughout the rolling hills of Restland, are personal expressions of love and honor. Lanterns,plants, photographs, lights, ornaments, decorations, and flowers cover graves conveying love and grief for a life once shared. Tokens of respect and appreciation such as trees, cards, wreaths, baskets, eggs and angels are left at gravesites during the holidays.

On Memorial Day last year, cars carrying grandparents, parents, children, and extended family came in droves to pay respect to their roots. My heart was lifted as I recognized the importance of ritual and tradition expressed here.

These parents and grandparents were teaching their young to respect for their heritage. What a testimony to Monroeville!

Cemeteries are places of Heritage and History.

The culture of a community is expressed in the memorials in a cemetery. The touching epitaphs open the history book of lives that passed where we now walk. Dates open our eyes to the omnipotence of God as we uncover children who lived only a few years when others lived one hundred. Stories of the area are displayed here as religion, culture, and customs intertwine in these scrapbooks of life.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

R ob ert Friedlander, MD, left, and Michael Horowitz, MD, discuss treatment options with a patient who has an unruptured aneurysm.

On the

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By Mark Berton

Ashly Hunt

U PMC neurosurgery patient making strides after sut ering a near fatal b rain hemorrhage.

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Monroeville

When you think of someone who has suwered a stroke, common images arise: paralysis on one side of the b ody and div culty with speech and coordination. While stroke can occur at any age, most people associate strokes with older people.

So if you’ re an athletic 2 4 -year-old with no history of b rain inj ury, on the b each at O cean City, M aryland during the Fourth of J uly holiday with stroke-like symptoms, denial is a natural response.

And for Ashly Hunt, she denied her symptoms until the moment she was loaded into a helicopter. “ I rememb er thinking I wanted water. I am a huge runner.

I ran b efore this and thought I was dehydrated, ” she said. “ It literally took the life-fl ight to b elieve that I wasn’ t dehydrated.

When it’ s happening to you you’ re not thinking the worst. ” Within a matter of hours, what she thought was a simple headache evolved and rob b ed her of her sight and ab ility to speak. She also had troub le moving her arms and hands.

Emergency responders decided to life-fl ight her to the nearest hospital in B altimore, where she was diagnosed with a b rain stem hemorrhage. B lood from the hemorrhage was pooling in an area that connects her b rain to her spinal cord, causing her to lose movement on her right side, and creating a maj or dilemma for the neurosurgeons b ecause they b elieved the site was too risky to treat with surgery.

Soon after the diagnosis, Ashly entered a rehab ilitation program in her hometown of J ohnstown, P a. , to help her regain movement of the extremities that were awected b y the hemorrhage. However, after several weeks in rehab ilitation and slight improvements in her vision and speech, Ashly’ s overall condition b egan to worsen. Ashly still maintained her hearing, b ut what she heard going on around her, she didn’ t like. U ntil she met Rob ert Friedlander, M D, at U P M C.

“I’m pretty close to 100 percent now.

My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back.

I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am.

I’m going to be 100 percent.”

Ashly Hunt

From left to right, Brian Jankowitz, MD, Paul Gardner, MD, Daniel Wecht, MD, and L. Dade Lunsford, MD, discuss a complex neurovascular case.

Dr. Friedlander was called after Ashly’ s family doctor consulted with a neurosurgeon at The J ohns Hopkins U niversity, who recommended that Dr. Friedlander manage this complex situation.

Within four hours of the initial consultation, Ashly was in an amb ulance headed for P ittsb urgh where, she said, she met the doctor who made all the diwerence. “ I couldn’ t speak and had a hard time seeing, b ut my b rain was processing everything. All of the other doctors were talking ab ove me and not looking at me, not doing anything with me even though I understood them all, ” she said. “ U ntil I went to Dr. Friedlander and he worked with me through my condition to give him the answers he needed. He never came ow as pompous.

He’ s the most caring person I’ ve dealt with to this day. ” Ashly’ s hemorrhage was caused b y an underlying condition called a cavernous malformation, which is an ab normal, b erry-like patch of b lood vessels located inside her b rain stem. B ecause the b rain stem is deeply situated within the b ase of the b rain and controls important functions such as movement, sensation, b reathing, and instructing the heart to b eat, surgery to remove the malformation was extremely risky. However, if left untreated, the malformed vessels could again b leed and result in additional critical neurologic damage or even death.

Dr. Friedlander and the neurosurgeons at U P M C faced the challenging task of removing the malformation without causing further complications. U sing advanced b rain imaging technology known as High Defi nition Fib er Tracking, pioneered at the U niversity of P ittsb urgh, Dr. Friedlander was ab le to view the detailed wiring of Ashly’ s b rain fi b ers to determine the b est way to execute the surgery with as little damage to her b rain as possib le. In order to ob tain appropriate access to the b rain stem, Dr. Friedlander turned to Dr. B arry Hirsch, a skull b ase EN T surgeon at U P M C. U sing a special microscope and image guidance device, Dr. Friedlander approached the b rain stem and was ab le to completely remove the cavernous malformation.

After surgery, Ashly’ s vision and speech b egan to improve.

She also could move her right hand, which had b een paralyz ed.

She improved daily, making strides with her b alance, speech, movements, and other functions, and credits her improvement to her strict discipline in following her doctors’ recommendations and her physical therapy program. “ If I could say one thing to inspire anyone going through this it’ s that you can’ t j ust sit there. It b ecomes your j ob , ” she said. “ I’ ve seen a lot of people who have had strokes. Y ou can’ t j ust sit down and think you’ ll get b etter. Y ou have to follow the therapy and give your b ody time. ” While she’ s b een living with her parents in J ohnstown during her recovery, Ashly is looking forward to getting b ack to her life in B altimore. “ I’ m pretty close to 1 0 0 percent now. M y hand and foot are the last things I’ m waiting for to come b ack, ” she said. “ I’ m writing again. It’ s like a 3 -year-old, b ut I am. I’ m going to b e 1 0 0 percent. ” Her road to recovery has b een long. Approaching the anniversary of her ordeal, she and her family are thankful to Dr. Friedlander and everyone on the U P M C staw who helped her through this challenging time. She maintains a b log at ashlystatus. com, where family and friends post updates on her condition. “ I’ ll never forget, Dr. Friedlander said to me, ‘ We’ re a team.

I’ ll do my part as long as you do yours, ’ ” she said. “ That’ s b ig in my mind. That made an impact. ” For more information, please call the U P M C Department of N eurological Surgery at 1 -8 6 6 -9 7 9 -1 3 3 6 or visit U P M C. com/ nv.

This patient’ s treatment and results may not b e representative of all similar cases.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Bike MS For Monroeville resident Alan Iszauk, biking started as a way of getting in shape. He began riding the area’s scenic Rails-to-Trails route and never took the sport too seriously. That is until his lifelong friend, Bruce Ungar, suggested they sign up for the MS 150, a two-day, 150-mile biking excursion that raises money and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“This was about six weeks prior to the actual ride and we started training in earnest and rode essentially every opportunity we had, and completed the ride as individuals,” Iszauk explained.

That was six years ago. Since that time Iszauk, 58, has put together a team of riders every year for the MS event, and puts in some serious training to get ready for it. “Last week, I did a 50-mile ride,” he said. As this year’s event, Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2011 scheduled for June 11 and 12, draws closer, he will increase his training to between 60 and 75 miles a day.

“I use the Rails-to-Trails, start at the Boston Bridge and head south, Boston Bridge to McKeesport, and do 25 miles south to a little town – Whittset, PA. I’ll turn around there and head back to the bridge in Boston and that’s about a 50-mile ride,” Iszauk said.

“Sometimes, I’ll ride on the roads in North Park and go up to Mars and Gibsonia, and I’ll loop around back to North Park. I also train right in Monroeville. A lot of people see me on Haymaker [Road].”

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All those hours of training would not be possible, he said, without his wife, Debbie. “I am gone so much and I could not do this without her support… at our age, if we don’t train, it could be hazardous to our health.”

For the MS 150, bikers start at Cooper’s Lake near Moraine State Park and travel to Edinboro University, stay overnight in Edinboro, then travel on to Conneaut in eastern Ohio on Lake Erie.

“My first year, my confession is that even though I have family members with MS, it was really about, ‘can I ride 150 miles,’ ” Iszauk said. “That was the big challenge for me. When we got to Conneaut, OH, a woman hugged me and thanked me profusely for helping people with MS. The woman explained to him that she used to ride in the event but her MS had gotten to the point where she could not even get on a bike. “The realization that I was physically able to do this was really inspiring,” he said. That’s when he and his friend decided to form a team.

“Last year, there were six of us and we raised over $10,000 and I’m hoping we can do even better this year,” he said. Iszauk is hoping to pull together at least 18 folks for his team this year. One of the members of the team is his cousin, Jay Snyder, who lives in Maryland and has come here for the past three years to participate in the ride. During his first or second ride, Iszauk recalls encountering an 83-year-old man who had completed the ride.

“There’s a guy [who] does the ride on a unicycle. There are folks with active MS who make the trip,” he said.

Iszauk’s team does have a name, the Hungarian ExCycled Racing team. While it’s not a racing team and every member isn’t of Hungarian descent, Iszauk and fellow team founder Ungar are Hungarian, Iszauk explained.

In addition to the physical benefits of bike riding, Iszauk – president of Applied Creativity Inc., a specialty chemical manufacturer in Export – has honed his skills as an amateur photographer. “I’ve taken some pretty astounding pictures of wildlife… I have pictures of beautiful birds, some great blue herons, waterfalls, flowers.”

What other thing does he take away from the MS bike rides?

“The appreciation for good health, and for how fortunate I am that I’m able to do this, and that by doing this I’m helping others.”

For more information on Alan Iszauk’s bike ride, visit www.nationalmssociety.org and click the button “Bike MS” at the bottom of the page. On the next page, click on the Sponsor a Rider link at the top of the page and you’ll be able to type in his name to get additional information about his team and how to become a sponsor.

Monroeville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

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