IN Murrysville

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN

SUMMER 2011

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Blessing the Bikes

&

Franklin Regional Middle School Students Explore Science, Careers & Lend A Helping Hand

Edgewater…Oakmont’s Newest River Development

Contents Murrysville | SUMMER 2011 |

SUMMER 2011

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

What’s Inside page 2

4

Enhancing Your Surgical Options in Monroeville

17 page 3

page 4

26

The Good News About Heart Disease Six Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Young Athletes and Sudden

Cardiac Death What Parents Need to Know

Exercise: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful

© 2011 UPMC

page 5

The Downside of Falls

page 6

Choosing the Right Doctor for You

page 7

Improve the Quality of Your Life

28

Publisher’s Message | 2

COMMUNITY INTEREST

FEATURES

|

Franklin Regional School District News | 3

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Edgewater...Oakmont’s Newest River Development | 9

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Peoples Natural Gas | Community-Driven | 14

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

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Blessing of the Bikes | 26

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Murrysville-Export Rotary Event | 28

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A Letter from the Mayor | 32

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On the Road to Recovery | 36

DINING OUT |

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS |

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS |

ON THE COVER

The Supper Club | 25 Splash | 13 Children’s Community Pediatrics-Gil | 16

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Arden Courts | 35

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The Advisors | 38

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Pastor Dan Lawrence of Murrysville Alliance Church greets a fellow biker after annual Blessing of the Bikes.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

SUMMER 2011

Welcome to the Summer issue of Murrysville 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.

Franklin Regional Middle School students explore careers, science and lend a helping hand to those in need. We’ve got their story. Murrysville Mayor Robert J. Brooks has a timely message in this edition about how his town is honoring our veterans.

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 Murrysville is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Murrysville 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

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Sharon Cobb Susie Doak

Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda

P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Hello. I’m Monica Haynes, the new Eastern Regional Editor for In Community Magazines. 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 some 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 about as we’ve been working on stories for this edition of Murrysville Magazine. I look forward to getting out to the community even more, to meet the people, attend the events and see the sights and sounds that help make your community what it is.

Murrysville 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 Murrysville Magazine!

Monica L. Haynes Eastern Regional Editor

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 18 www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

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Murrysville

FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

SUPERINTENDENT’S

MESSAGE

BUDGET CHALLENGES his is the time in the year when we reflect on our financial commitment and responsibility as we develop a school district budget that supports the educational program. Budgetary decisions can determine the future direction for our students and has a direct impact on their potential for success throughout a lifetime of learning. It is important that the school district budget be comprehensive, detailed, and transparent to everyone.

One of the main goals during the budget process is to provide, in an equitable manner, the necessary and suitable resources so that all students receive an appropriate quality education in a “safe” environment while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the public. The basis for equity for the distribution of school district funds is through an “allocation system” that provides a specific dollar amount to each school building based upon the number of students who are enrolled. All school district budgets impact a variety of constituent groups. Building principals and supervisors meet with department heads and teachers throughout the year to solicit information that is discussed and presented to the Administrative Team members, Director of Financial Services, Superintendent, Board Finance Committee, and to the entire Board of Directors during public meetings over several months.

The Franklin Regional School District is one of the few school districts in our area who has experienced an increase in student population. Since last year at this time, we have had over eighty-five (85) new students enroll in our school district. Our total current student population is 3,786. Of that total student population, 1,610 students are elementary age; Kindergarten through Grade 5 in three buildings – Heritage (655), Newlonsburg (252), and Sloan (703). There are 909 students at our Middle School (Grades 6, 7, & 8) and 1,267 pupils enrolled in the Senior High School (Grades 9, 10, 11, &12).

This year has been an extremely challenging budget year due to the major loss in State Revenue in excess of $1.2 million dollars. Given the magnitude of these cuts from the State and the normal annual inflationary costs, we have been working feverishly to find solutions that will include a number of budgetary cuts, use of fund balance, and consideration of increased local millage. Our goal is to find that delicate balance of maintaining the integrity of our educational program while maintaining fiscal prudence for our taxpayers.

At a public meeting each May, the Board of Education has the opportunity to review the previously presented budget areas and vote to adopt a preliminary budget. The preliminary budget will then be on public display for thirty (30) days before final Board approval in June. The 2011-2012 Final Budget will also be posted on our website after it has been openly discussed and adopted by the Board of Directors.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend our appreciation to the taxpayers who contribute to the operation of the Franklin Regional School District. We pledge to continue to offer a high quality educational program for our students and to maintain our reputation as one the exemplary school districts in Pennsylvania.

Thank you and have an enjoyable and safe summer!

T

Dr. P. Emery D’Arcangelo Superintendent Shelley Shaneyfelt Director of Instructional Services and Public Relations Dr. Charles Koren Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Jon C. Perry Director of Financial Services Linda Miller Assistant to the Director of Financial Services Frank J. Muto Supervisor of Technology Services Dennis Majewski Director of District Services Zachary Kessler Director of Athletics & Student Activities Richard E. Regelski, Jr. Director of Special Education Allan Mikach Director of Counseling Services Karen Cadwell School Board Secretary/ Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Tina Burns, Principal High School Chris Kelly, Principal Middle School Sam King, Principal Heritage Elementary Tina Gillen, Principal Newlonsburg Elementary Judy Morrison, Principal Sloan Elementary

Dr. P. Emery D’Arcangelo Superintendent – Franklin Regional School District

MISSION STATEMENT: We, the Franklin Regional School community, strive for excellence, learning, achievement, and citizenship in all we do.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

n I q e u t i a r y m i t l U

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Murrysville

FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

y a D Experience I

t’s probably safe to say that most school students look forward to the end of the school year. But sixth graders at Franklin Regional Middle School look forward to it for reasons far different than what you might think.

The last days of the school year for these students is a sciencecentered exercise in cooperation, problem solving, building, testing and execution leading to “Ultimate Inquiry Experience Day,” a daylong competitive event that has students laughing and cheering each other on as they shoot off bottle rockets, build mini roller coasters, race chariots and try to make it across the school pool without sinking in their own version of the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta’s “Anything That Floats” race. The winning teams receive a plaque that features a photo of their team.

“The last week and a half of the school year we close up all our other teaching and we do nothing but science for four days,” said Margie Ritson, a sixth grade science teacher at Franklin Regional.

All the sixth grade teachers and students are involved. Ritson came up with the idea of a year-end science competition as a way of involving all the sixth grade classes in one project.

She enlisted the aid of fellow sixth grade science teacher A.J. Danny and together they wrote a proposal for one of the $750 teacher project grants that the district offers. “We did get the grant and we were able to get everything in motion,” Ritson said.

On June 8, Franklin Regional Middle School will hold its third Ultimate Inquiry Experience Day which, according to Danny, has become the “Super Bowl” event of the school year. “This is the event that the kids talk about from the first of the year on,” he said. Danny credits Ritson as the visionary of an event that has created so much enthusiasm that some students ask for passes to come early to school or to stay late to work on their projects.

“She’s the motor and I’m the wheels that kind of help her,” he said.

For Ultimate Inquiry Experience Day, students choose one of five activities: Light ‘Em Up Circuitry, Rendezvous with Rockets, The Wild and Furious Coaster Challenge, The Anything That Floats Race, and The Crazy Chariot Race. They have several days to research their topic, develop a plan, get further teacher/scientist assistance if necessary, and then carry it out.

The first year, one of the circuitry groups created a circuit board quiz about Hawaii where visitors matched answers to questions about the state. The correct answer resulted in a volcano lighting up.

Students dressed in Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts. Each group dressed thematically depending on their project, Ritson explained. In the roller coaster challenge, students created a coaster out of the tubing plumbers use to insulate pipes. The more loops and turns their coaster had, the more points the team received. Marbles, which were used for coaster cars, had to land in a cup at the end of the track “which meant everyone survived,” Ritson explained. In the Anything That Floats race, students have to build something that was never before designed as a boat.

Two years ago, a group of students was so excited about their idea for the boat competition that they asked for permission to visit a Styrofoam manufacturer. With approval from principal Chris Kelly, the students made the trip and got all their questions answered. “The company gave them materials and they were able to assemble the boat and match the blueprint of what they drew up,” Danny explained.

That group’s entry won the boat competition that year. “Our only mistake was not entering in the Pittsburgh Regatta,” Ritson said.

Some entries in the floating competition are not quite as sophisticated. “We have kids that literally duct tape a box and put a classmate in it,” Ritson explained. One group made a cardboard boat with giant water cooler jugs taped to it. Needless to say, the students go through an enormous amount of duct tape. “We budget $500 or $600 for duct tape and we’re out of duct tape by the second day,” she added.

Safety is always first, Ritson said, so students participating in Anything That Floats have to be certified swimmers. For this competition, the groups have to get as many people across the pool as many times as possible. “It’s amazing. All the kids can see all the hard work unfolding in that event.”

Luckily, for the past two years, the school has received funding for the event from PPG, Ritson said. This year, parents, Sharon Coleson, Liz Cloherty, and Sue Scimio, helped to write letters to solicit funding grants from other sources. The Cloherty Family, whose daughter, Shannen Cloherty, attends the middle school, also made a monetary donation.

Each competing group is given materials, some of which are purchased and some have been scrounged from dumpsters and the school’s storage area.

And it’s not just the students who are gaining knowledge from the experience. Ritson and Danny said each year they are finding new ways to improve the event. This year, they will be erecting tents outside for boat building, Ritson said. “We learned [that] building a boat in the library is maybe not the best place!”

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

rganizing a career day involving 900 students and 50 professionals is no easy task, but it is well worth the effort, according to Franklin Regional Middle School counselor Brian Coiner.

For more than three decades, Franklin Regional School District has given students the opportunity to find out firsthand from pilots, lawyers, doctors, landscapers, talk shows hosts, artists, chefs, dancers, FBI agents, wedding planners, engineers, photographers, athletes and many others what it’s like to do what they do.

Career Day began in the mid-1970s when Wilma Spencer of the Murrysville Women's Club contacted then guidance counselor Joe Bierer about wanting to do something to serve students. They came up with the idea for a career day, which at that time was held mainly in 9th grade.

When the 9th grade became part of the high school, Career Day shifted to the middle school, grades 6, 7 and 8.

This year, Career Day was held on May 18.

“We believe all students, even at this young age, can benefit from hearing about different careers,” Coiner said. “The information that these speakers provide can really make our students excited about those fields and it also can spark more interest in their academic coursework.”

Career Day is still a joint venture between the school and the Murrysville Women’s Club, which has the task of finding 49 of the 50 speakers for the event. The school arranges for representatives from each branch of the military to be on hand.

“We try to have the presenters talk about their career, what made them decide to pursue that career, the education needed, range of salary, and the outlook for that career in the future,” Coiner said. Career Day provides a wonderful opportunity for the students as well as the community, he said because organizers try to enlist many Franklin Regional graduates and local community members as presenters.

“All of our students participate and are able to select three careers they are interested in,” he said. Ambassadors from the eighth grade, and sometimes seventh grade, help schedule the students into the three sessions. “This is a difficult job because we need to make sure that we balance the numbers of students in each session so as to not overload one session,” Coiner said. “Our students do a nice job helping us complete the overwhelming task of scheduling over 900 students.” The students also help students and presenters find where they need to go during Career Day “[Career Day] reaches all the students at once and over the three years, they can expose themselves to nine different careers,” Coiner said.

“I think that's very important.”

O

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Murrysville

FRANKLIN REGIONAL S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

Franklin Regional + SalvationArmy = Awesome!

W

e’ve all heard the adage “it is better to give than to receive.” Well, Franklin Regional Middle School students learned that lesson firsthand when they lent a helping hand to people going through tough times, both here and abroad.

The middle school is divided into houses, and students from the school’s Castle House spent two days at the Salvation Army in Greensburg organizing the food pantry, sorting and organizing donated clothing and serving meals to those who have fallen on hard times. Another group of Castle House students participated in a service project to raise money for Japanese earthquake relief.

The idea of giving students a life lesson in how to serve others was the brainchild of Franklin Regional Middle School math teacher Chris Cooley, who (along with four other teachers) instructs 100 seventh grade students of the Castle House. Twice a month, the teachers sit down with groups of 20-25 students to talk about bullying, how to avoid being a bully, how to help those being bullied and “how to create a culture where bullying is not part of the equation,” Cooley said. Schools all across the country are discussing the topic and teaching students anti-bullying techniques, but he believes students often lack the empathy needed to take that abstract information and make it concrete.

However, studies show that students who get involved in service projects are less likely to become bullies.

Cooley’s original plan was to have students help repair and clean up homes damaged by a recent tornado. However, because the cleanup involved the use of power tools, it was deemed unsafe for children to participate in that kind of effort.

So the teacher came up with the idea of taking students to the Greensburg office of the Salvation Army.

Separate groups of 25 students went on two successive days, February 24 and 25. The 50 students who volunteered at this location created their own food and clothing drive, taking what they had collected to the Greensburg office. “The kids worked with clothes they donated, but also other clothing that was donated,” Cooley said. Students built shelving and closet space so that clothing that had once been in one big pile could be arranged into categories for men, women, boys and girls.

Students also organized the pantry, a task the Salvation Army had been meaning to do but was never able to find the time.

“They looked through labels and categorized food and put away

the donations,” Cooley said. The Salvation Army also provides daily free lunch for the needy, and the students had the opportunity to help serve while they were there. “The interaction with needy people – where they could interact and serve the food – they seemed to appreciate that the most,” Cooley said.

Meanwhile, the remaining students participated in an activity block that had them working on a service project to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The students watched video footage of the actual disaster and then read a story about a girl who’d suffered radiation poisoning during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaski during World War II. In the story, the girl believed the Japanese folklore that if you folded 1,000 paper cranes you could be made well. The girl folded 600 cranes but died before she could finish. Her friends folded the remaining cranes and buried them with her. The middle school students in this group found an organization in the state of Washington that donates $2 for each origami crane it receives to relief efforts in Japan.

The teachers taught the middle school students how to make paper cranes and they hope to have 1,000 made by the end of the year so they can be sent to that organization. In addition to the cranes, students created bookmarks in Japanese and wrote letters to youngsters in Japan using events in their own lives to make a connection with students there and how they might be feeling.

Cooley said one of the things he tried to hammer home with students is another adage: “For any evil to thrive, all good people have to do is nothing.”

“I was amazed when I took the kids on the bus and I asked them how many really felt awesome about this, and they all raised their hands.”

In addition to Cooley, the other seventh grade teachers of Castle House who assisted with the project are Jennifer See, English; Jennifer Landsberg, reading; Brandon Aganad, social studies; Jennifer Joyce, science; long-term substitute teacher Rosemary Rosendale; and Brenda Wolper, who accompanied Mr. Cooley to the Salvation Army. The school also got a big assist from Meyers Bus Company, which donated transportation for both service days.

The service project is a kind of precursor to an afterschool service program that Cooley wants to start next year. “I think we have to give kids the continued ability to serve to make them better leaders,” he said.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

The Allegheny County Parks Department Senior Golf Passes Golfers ages 55 and older are eligible for the special $60 senior passes. The passes may be purchased Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the North and South park clubhouses. Locker rentals may also be purchased for $25 each.

For additional information, contact the North Park Golf Course at 412.961.0512 or 724.935.1967 and the South Park Golf Course at 412.835.3545.

Information is also available online at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/fees/ golf.aspx.

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Murrysville

Building the Future by Restoring a Community No one can question the allure of Oakmont – pedestrian-friendly streets, small town charm, and a bustling business district where shop owners routinely wave to customers as they walk down the street and call them by name.

While there has always been a smattering of new development in Oakmont over the years, there hasn’t been a project of the scale, quality and commitment to an overall grand vision until now.

It’s no wonder that Richard Kacin, Bruce Corna, and Brett Malky, are building the area’s newest new community – Edgewater – within to this quaint river town.

The Kacin name has been synonymous with quality for decades and Malky’s firm has been working to bring the region some of the most exciting new communities for over 15 years.

“Edgewater will be one of finest new neighborhoods in our region,” said Kacin.

“In the truest sense, Edgewater will be the best that our region has to offer. Less important than what’s different about Edgewater is what’s the same: we’ve developed an architectural style from Oakmont itself, we’ve extended the street grid from the municipality over into Edgewater, but we’ve brought a commitment to construction quality, performance and technology that makes these homes and this neighborhood second to none.”

For Malky, who grew up in Oakmont, a development of this caliber is a source of personal pride.

“You have a place that really is one of the prettiest towns in the country. There’s so much that’s already right about Oakmont,” Malky said. “What Edgewater, in its simplest form, intends to do is be the best new neighborhood in Oakmont.”

The center of the plan involves a historic lynchpin of the community that was a reminder of a challenged past– the Edgewater Steel Facility, formerly one of the area’s largest employers.

“That place was opened, shut down and there were three or four attempts to try to save it,” Corna said. “Now it’s being reborn and reintegrated into the very fabric of Oakmont.

We’re not forcing a new project on that site.

We’re literally extending Oakmont, overlaying the grid that already exists over that site, and we’re adding some things that we hope will make Oakmont better.”

What the developers also are doing that will benefit the entire community is preserving the riverfront, rather than privatize it.

“That should be a public property and returned to the community as a public asset forever,” Kacin said. “Some of the most interesting responses we’ve gotten are from neighbors, who were elated when the plant came down. They said, ‘We’ve lived here for 30 years and have never seen sunlight fall on our home.’”

In addition to the razing of the factory, the entire site has been graded and roadways, street lights and street trees have been installed for Phase One. The developers expect people to begin moving into the 240-home development in July.

Prices will range from the $247,000 to $600,000, and include Town Homes, Manor Flat Condominiums, Courtyard Homes, Cottage Homes, Paired Cottage Homes, and Park Homes. The list of manufacturers contributing to the project, all known for their quality and efficiency, include: Andersen, Carrier, Hearth Technologies, James Hardie, Kohler and Whirlpool, to name a few.

“Response to our new community has been unbelievable”, said Jason Corna, head of Sales at Edgewater. “We’ve sold 25 homes in Phase One in the few weeks since the grand opening of our Information Center on the site.”

What they find when they take ownership of their new homes at Edgewater will be LEED-certified, green design, traditional neighborhoods with architecturally and aesthetically diverse designs based on existing Oakmont homes.

It will be a neighborhood where residents can stroll to the corner store for a quart of milk, walk to a nearby movie theater, or spend a lazy afternoon at the park or the river walk.

“Oakmont is a place people already love, but new housing on such a scale hasn’t existed in Oakmont for a long, long time,” Malky said.

“Our approach is authentic architecture.

People will say Edgewater looks like it’s been there forever and that’s what makes this neighborhood different. It will seamlessly blend with the place that’s already there.”

Unparelleled at Edgewater

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Every home in the United States is built to the minimum standards of a building code. That code addresses standards for safety, livability, and energy efficiency. The developer of Edgewater has developed its own home performance standards to ensure that every home within its communities achieves the highest level of quality in the region, making these homes measurably better than typical code-compliant homes. Rather than default to the minimum industry standards, Edgewater is committed to offering homeowners the opportunity to own a high performance home, using proven technologies and best practice construction techniques to deliver a better home. The home performance standards for Edgewater were created in partnership with IBACOS (Integrated Building and Construction Solutions), a leading national research and development firm for the housing industry, and a strategic partner with EQA Landmark Communities for more than 13 years.

The Edgewater Home Performance Standards address the following criteria for construction quality and performance: 1. Energy – Improve the energy efficiency of the home to at least 30% better than energy code in order to reduce utility bills and ensure optimum occupant comfort.

2. Indoor Environmental Quality – Provide homeowners with better indoor air quality and a more comfortable living environment through the use of fresh air ventilation systems, high efficiency air filtration and less toxic building materials.

3. Building Durability – Build the home to last longer while minimizing the need for routine maintenance by using best practices in home construction to control the movement of water, moisture vapor and air through the home.

4. Materials & Resources – Reduce the environmental impact of the home by using sustainable building materials and efficient construction techniques.

By building homes to these quality standards, Edgewater is offering homeowners the benefits of improved comfort, healthier living environments, and the peace of mind of knowing that their new home at Edgewater is the best home in the region.

In addition, every home is built to an architectural standard and guideline at Edgewater overseen by the founding architect and town architect, Brad Shapiro with Shapiro & Company Architects, Inc. Brad assures that every home in Edgewater beautifully integrates with the surrounding homes to enhance the unique sense of place established by Edgewater’s pedestrian-friendly master plan, community amenities, and neighborhood streetscape with sidewalks, street trees, street lights and generous front porches.

And finally, a fundamental part of assuring the highest quality homes is partnering with industry leaders to assure that the best products are used in the construction of homes at Edgewater. Every home at Edgewater will have a high efficient, custom designed window from Andersen Windows. All exterior cladding materials will be long-lasting, durable products such as the factory finished James Hardie fiber cement siding with Colorplus Technology, natural stone or Cultured Stone®, or quality brick materials. And in addition to 10 foot ceiling as standard in every home at Edgewater, all homes will benefit from two of the best product manufacturers in the industry who will be providing the appliances and plumbing fixtures for every home, namely Whirlpool Corporation and Kohler.

Murrysville

Vision

Architectural Styles

COTTAGES

COURTYARD HOMES

MANOR FLATS

PARK HOMES

TOWNHOMES

PAIRED COTTAGES

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Building the Future by Restoring a Community

Five Decades of Excellence Go Into Every HomeWe Build

KACIN Comp anies

DEVELOPERS/CONSTRUCTORS

Since the early 1960s, A. Richard Kacin has been developing upscale residential properties in the Pittsburgh region. KACIN has built and is developing more than 1,500 homes and condominium complexes in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties, including: • Murrysville - Fair Oaks Manor, Allison Farms, Lindenwood • Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill) - Summerset at Frick Park • Greensburg - South Meadow Villas • Pine Township - Pine Ridge Manor • Edgewater - Historic Oakmont

At KACIN, we’ve always been dedicated to our clients, and to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the homebuilding industry. This commitment to client loyalty and professional integrity is exemplified by Richard Kacin and Bruce Corna, vice president of Kacin Companies, each served terms as president of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, and of the Homebuilders Association of Westmoreland County.

Richard and Bruce remain active in those organizations and serve on the boards of many community groups throughout Westmoreland County.

Edgewater Office 412-551-0182 www.liveatedgewater.com Find Edgewater on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Edgewater-at-Oakmont

Questions? We’re here to help.

12 724.942.0940 to advertise |

Call Jason, our Edgewater specialist at

Murrysville

412.877.1055

❋

Making a

SPLASH!

❋ A

major part of home ownership is being able to add touches, both big and small, that signal it is YOUR home. Two of the places in a home where your personality really gets a chance to shine are the kitchen and the bathroom. And one of the most unique places to find what you need to make that bathroom the oasis you've always dreamed of and/or the kitchen the envy of any would be chef is SPLASH, located at 4807 William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

A division of Nicklas Supply, founded by Pittsburgh’s Nicklas family in 1956, SPLASH’s Murrysville showroom has been around for six years. And over those years, it has earned a reputation as the “go to” place for making a kitchen or bathroom one of the most talked about rooms in the house.

SPLASH’s experienced design staff, which includes Janice Tressler, Jessica Denne and Paulette Betts, can take you from concept to actuality. “We have everything from plumbing fixtures, to hardware to stone and lighting,” said showroom salesperson Janice Tressler. They can also put a customer in touch with construction and installation experts, if necessary.

Even if someone isn't quite sure what they want when they walk in, SPLASH's experts can assist with creating, polishing and refining a concept until it gleams like a shiny new faucet. “I kind of ask them if they have any ideas of what they would like to see and also if they have a budget and I usually spend some time in the showroom just trying to get a feel of what's in the room that they like and that they dislike,” explained Jessica Denne, designer/sales associate.

Tressler say she looks for the “wow” factor. I always try to find the one thing that catches their eye. I try to focus on the piece that they find exciting in the showroom and then we have a starting point,” she said. That exciting piece is different for each person. It could be “to-die-for” tile for one person, breathtaking cabinetry for another, mesmerizing marble or a claw foot tub for soaking away life's cares. One of the areas in the showroom that usually catches everyone's eye is the beautiful display of designer faucets, which takes up an entire wall.

Among SPLASH's many offerings are glass vessel bowl sinks made in nearby Jeannette and a counter top that's only made in the US and people seem to appreciate that, Denne said.

Even if you are not fully renovating a kitchen or bath right now – SPLASH offers lots of other ways to stylishly update your abode. You can simply add a

backsplash or change out knobs and pulls to give your place a whole new feel. When updating it helps to look beyond the kitchen and bath to the rest of the home – freshen up the bar, laundry, game room or built-ins with new hardware; change out door knobs for a whole house refresher.

And what trends are these experts seeing in bathroom design? “There's definitely a trend toward contemporary,” Denne said. “Water saving showerheads, dual flush toilets, pendant lighting and lighting with the bulb exposed in clear glass.” In Murrysville specifically, they are seeing a more clean traditional look. “They are also interested in easy to care for products,” Tressler said, adding that the designers at SPLASH are doing a lot of mixing of contemporary and traditional. “A lot of people are putting their toe in the water to test contemporary,” she said.

No matter what your style, if unique is what you seek, SPLASH in Murrysville is the place to go.

SPLASH's showroom is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. While the staff can help you during these hours, for more personal attention it is best to make an appointment.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

The employees of Peoples Natural Gas – more than 650 strong – are bringing a new sense of energy to Western Pennsylvania. With Peoples now fully Pittsburgh based and run, decisions are being made locally -- with an eye to investing for the energy future of the region. We're making $100 million in infrastructure, service and technology upgrades to better serve our more than 360,000 customers. Customer service is becoming fully local, too... with a dedicated new service center staffed by experienced people who thoroughly know the region and its people. Our vision: to help Western Pennsylvania move forward by creating new jobs and serving our customers well. It's a commitment we're proud to make.

IN THE PHOTO

JIM MILLER / CUSTOMER SERVICEMAN

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14 724.942.0940 to advertise |

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Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15

Poison Ivy-

Help Kids Learn to Recognize It!

N

ow that spring is here, our kids are out to explore the woods and fields of beautiful Western Pennsylvania.

But nothing can spoil your family’s summer fun like the rash of poison ivy.

Poison ivy is a common plant found in the woods and fields of the eastern half of the United States. Look in your library or online for pictures of it, so you can try to avoid it. Teach your children "leaves of three, leave them be". Be careful if you try to remove it from your yard and never burn it; the smoke can make people in the area very sick.

Poison ivy is one of many plants that produce an oily resin called an urushiol that can cause an allergic rash. The rash usually starts one or two days after exposure, though the time between touching the resin and developing the rash can be up to several days. This can make it hard to be sure of when and where your child came in contact with the plant. The first signs of the rash are streaks and Poison ivy is a common plant patches of red, itchy found in the woods and fields of bumps or blisters. the eastern half of the United The blisters are States. Look in your library or filled with clear online for pictures of it, so you can fluid and can try to avoid it. Teach your children become large. “leaves of three, leave them be.”

These continue to Be careful if you try to remove it appear for many from your yard and never burn it; days depending on the smoke can make people how much resin in the area very sick. touched the skin. This makes it seem as though the rash is "spreading," although the fluid in the blisters is just part of the allergic reaction and contains no chemicals or bacteria. The rash does not spread by the fluid from the blisters. Once a person has washed the oil completely off the skin, the rash is not contagious. The rash can last for up to 3 weeks, with the worst symptoms occurring at the end of the first week.

If your child develops the rash of poison ivy, make sure they have washed well with soap, and wash their clothing and shoes. Heat and sweating can aggravate the itching, cool compresses can help.

Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can be applied to the skin to reduce itching and blistering. If creams, lotions, or compresses do not stop the itching, oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) may be helpful.

Call your child’s doctor if itching is severe and cannot be controlled, if the rash is on your child’s face, lips, eyes, or genitals. Signs of infection, such as pus leaking from blisters, odor, increased tenderness, or fever should be reported to your doctor as well.

Prevention starts with learning to recognize the poison ivy plant but this can be difficult, since it is often mixed in with other plants. In situations where it’s hard to avoid poison ivy, keeping your child’s skin covered by clothing, or treating with a “blocking lotion” may be the best way to prevent the problem.

Keep in mind that the plant oils may remain on clothing, pets, sports equipment, shoes, and other surfaces and cause rashes in the future if they are not properly cleaned.

Every child deserves a pediatrician You can rely on the pediatricians of CCP-Murrysville to provide the highest quality pediatric and adolescent health care available and to bring that care close to home.

Harold M. Glick, MD Leroy S. Indorato, MD Sheldon R. Levine, MD Keith S. Somers, MD Sunita A. Chaudhari, MD

Kim A. Ogle, MD Jamie McNanie, MD James Shaver, MD Leslie Frank, MD

Affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Murrysville Ferri Professional Building 3907 Old William Penn Highway Murrysville, PA 15668 724.327.5210 www.cc-peds.net/gil_ped

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Pittsburgh -The Village of East Side 6343 Penn Ave., Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (above Trader Joe’s) 412.363.2200

SUMMER 2011

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

What’s Inside page 2

Enhancing Your Surgical Options in Monroeville

page 3

The Good News About Heart Disease Six Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

page 4

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death What Parents Need to Know Exercise: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful

© 2011 UPMC

page 5

The Downside of Falls

page 6

Choosing the Right Doctor for You

page 7

Improve the Quality of Your Life

Enhancing Your Surgical Options in Monroeville Changes focus on improved resources for greater access, convenience, and care Watch for a new look for the surgery center

Delivering expert care — and more “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 Robert 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. “Now 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 2003.

“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-day surgery trend continues to grow Many procedures that once required patients to be hospitalized can now be done on an outpatient basis.

In fact, last year 35 million same-day surgery procedures were performed in the United States. It’s a growing trend at the surgery center. “We currently average about 700 to 750 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 disorders) • General surgery • Gynecology • Ophthalmology

Did You Know?

The new UPMC East, a full-service community hospital with 156 patient rooms, opens in summer 2012. 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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• Orthopaedics • Pain management • Plastic surgery • Podiatry • Surgical oncology (breast care specialists) • 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 surgery center will continue to serve the community after the new UPMC East hospital opens in summer 2012. To learn more, go to www.UPMC.com, click Hospitals and Facilities, then Community Medical and Surgical Facilities.

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

The Good News About Heart Disease Take charge of your heart through health screenings and heart-healthy lifestyle changes Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women. Every 25 seconds, someone experiences a coronary event; 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? You 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. We can help people change the outcome once we know their risk factor levels,” Dr. Edmundowicz says.

Heart-Healthy Resources in Monroeville

“The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing heart disease,” says Dr. Allen. “While 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.

Risk factors that can’t be changed • Family history of heart disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral artery disease • Age (65 and older) • Gender (men have a greater risk of heart attack)

Risk factors that can be changed • • • • •

Smoking High blood pressure High cholesterol levels Obesity Physical inactivity

Six Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure High 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”: • Increase physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day (most days) of brisk walking, bike riding, or other aerobic activity that you enjoy.

• Monitor your sodium. Limit your sodium intake to less than two grams (2,000 mg) a day. Beware of “hidden” sodium in processed foods, including canned soup, lunch meats, frozen dinners, and crackers.

• Eat healthy. Follow a lower-fat diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.

• Control your stress. Take 15 minutes each day to decompress and focus on yourself.

Listen to music, read, pray, or meditate.

• Don’t smoke! Nicotine has a direct effect on your blood vessels as well as your lungs. It causes your heart to beat faster, and raises your blood pressure.

• Take your medicine. If medicine is needed to control your blood pressure, make sure you take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Know your numbers

Become heart smart

Aim for these vital numbers to keep your ticker in good working condition:

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

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute website is a one-stop source of information about cardiac conditions, as well as UPMC’s full spectrum of cardiovascular services from routine screenings to advanced cardiac care.

Be sure to check it out at www.UPMC.com/HeartandVascular.

Monitor

Target Levels

Cholesterol

less than 200 mg/dL

Blood Pressure

below 120/80

BMI (body mass index) 18.5–24.9

Ask your doctor If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, call your physician to schedule an appointment.

1-800-533-UPMC

3

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Young Athletes and Sudden Cardiac Death

What Parents Need to Know 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 Health A-Z. To schedule an appointment with a Children’s-affiliated physician, call 412-692-PEDS (7337).

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Exercise: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Harmful Regular 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.

But there are plenty of people who are getting too much exercise. If some exercise is good, they think more will be better.

Not true. In fact, excessive exercise can lead to a host of physical issues, including injuries, the loss of lean muscle mass, a weakened immune system, sleep problems, irritability, and depression. A study in the American Journal of Cardiology suggests that too much vigorous exercise also can increase the risk of heart problems.

Are you exercising too much?

Experts say that if your workouts suddenly seem more difficult than usual and you aren’t making progress, you may be overexercising.

Other trouble signs include: • Insomnia • Aches or pain in muscles and/or joints • Fatigue • Feeling unmotivated and lacking energy • Increased susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and other illnesses If you’re experiencing any of these signs, see your doctor to find out if something else is causing the problem.

Just starting an exercise program?

Congratulations on taking an important step to improve your health. Here are a few tips to help your body adjust to a new routine: • Create a reasonable exercise program based on attainable goals.

• Exercise in moderation.

• Begin slowly and build up gradually to avoid injuries.

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

• Listen to your body. When it needs a rest, give it a rest.

Sources: American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association

UPMC Spotlight

The Downside of Falls Preventing tripping, falling can be key to maintaining independence 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 65 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 30 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. Even 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 Older 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.

Everyone 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 Geriatric Center in Oakland, call 412-692-4200.

Three things you can do to prevent falls Exercise! Exercises 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 your doctor regularly. Annual physical and eye examinations can uncover underlying medical problems that can lead to falls. See your doctor if you feel unstable or dizzy, possibly due to medications. Tell your doctor if you fall; a medical evaluation can help.

Make your home safer. Seventy-five percent of all falls occur at home. To help make your home fall-proof: • Improve lighting. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Use night lights in your bedroom, hall, and bathroom.

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

• Remove things you can trip over. Clear books, clothes, and shoes from stairs and places you walk. Keep cords and wires near walls.

• Use handrails. Install 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.

• Wear shoes with non-skid, non-friction soles. Avoid going barefoot or wearing only socks or loose-fitting slippers.

Leading the Work in Falls Prevention Dr. Stephanie Studenski received the 2010 National Award for Falls Prevention Research and will be honored as the grand champion at the third annual Celebrating Senior Champions benefit dinner and auction Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. For more information about the event, sponsored by UPMC Senior Services, the Aging Institute, and the Division of Geriatric Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh, call Peggy VanHorn, benevolent care advocate, at 412-622-9239.

1-800-533-UPMC

5

Choosing the Right Doctor for You Taking the time to find “Dr. Right” is one of the most important investments you can make.

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.

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www.UPMC.com/Today

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

Determine what’s important to you “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?”

Get the opinion of people you 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.”

Do some homework “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.

Verify your doctor’s insurance plans and hospital affiliations “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.”

Call for an appointment “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).

Improve the Quality of Your Life Physical medicine and rehabilitation in Monroeville What 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 common?

All of them can receive physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) services 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 injuries 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 Shailen Greene Woods, MD, a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “We’re partners in helping the body heal through neuromuscular re-education, 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. Greene Woods, 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.”

More about Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UPMC Services include balance therapy, hand therapy, lymphedema management, neurorehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy, sports rehabilitation programs, and a women’s rehabilitation program.

• Patients may be referred by an orthopaedic surgeon, neurologist, or family doctor for follow-up care after surgery, illness, or injury. 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 joint injections 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).

1-800-533-UPMC

7

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.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

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.

New

UPMC East Opens Summer 2012

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Dining out is not just about eating food. ining out is about the entire experience – the décor, the warmth of the host or hostess, the friendliness and knowledge of your server, the menu offerings, the ambiance, the feeling that this is going to be a special dining adventure. And oh, yes, the quality of the food.

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The Supper Club, located in the historic Train Station in Greensburg (101 Ehalt Street), has combined all the elements of dining to offer patrons a truly enchanting epicurean experience. “We're building our audience every single day,” said operations manager Deb Driggers.

The restaurant distinguishes itself as the “ONLY TRUE Farm to Table” dining establishment in Westmoreland County. What does that mean?

It means The Supper Club believes “food that is made fresh and grown locally just tastes better,” as stated on its menus. The restaurant utilizes about 30 local farmers and purveyors. Executive Chef Greg Andrews and his culinary team make all menu items, including breads, pastries, pizza dough, sauces, dressings, stocks, and ice cream in house. All meats and seafood are butchered on premises.

General manager Ashlee Andrews says the “Farm to Table” concept is new to the area so the restaurant makes a point of educating each diner. “We're very committed to serving the freshest ingredients possible,” she said.

The Farm to Table dining room menu is one of several options at The Supper Club, depending on a diner's gastronomic mood. The Farm to Table Dining Room, provides an intimate setting, and offers a menu based on the season and what fresh items are available. “It's produce-driven so when new things come to the market we try to bring those flavors to our guests the best way possible,” said Chef Andrews. Among the Spring/Summer 2011 Menu options are the “Well To Rare One Side Cooked Organic Salmon” with Fede lemon tagliolini, caper berries, basil, roasted garlic and blood orange olive oil. The pasta comes from Fede Artisan Pasta located in neighboring North Huntingdon. Another favorite from this menu is the Grilled Hanger Steak with fingerling potato hash, sauteed spinach, topped with a poached farm fresh egg and accompanied by banana pepper jelly. Both dishes are wonderfully fresh tasting and come in satisfying portions. Another crowd-pleaser from this menu, the “Trio of Jamison Lamb,” features grilled loin, braised shank ravioli and Marquez sausage. And of course, the lamb comes from the well-known Jamison Farm in nearby Latrobe.

Prior to our entrees, our server provided a basket of house-baked buttermilk honey bread in white and wholewheat accompanied by whipped butter seasoned with sea salt, garlic and cracked pepper.

Perfectly crusty on the outside and tender on the inside, you will be tempted to eat the entire basket and ask for more.

Another dining area is The Gastro Pub, an open, airy environment, where comfort food is given a modern, updated twist. For example, for that old staple Mac and Cheese, Chef Andrews uses jumbo lump crab, Fede red pepper orecchiette “pig's ear” pasta, cheddar & Swiss cheeses, and bechamel. The Supper Club's NYC Burger is popular, too.

It's comprised of the chef's premium blend of ground brisket, chuck and top round. Burgers are served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, fresh baked roll, and a side of house–made Yukon Gold potato chips. Instead of chips, however, you can get house made pommes frites, tater tots or a small green salad. For an even more special dining feat, you can sit at The Chef's Table and enjoy a nine-course tasting menu created by Chef Andrews. The Chef's Table is right in the kitchen and seats eight.

Beforehand, Chef Andrews does discuss with diners any food allergies or special dietary needs they may have. Yet another choice for enjoying The Supper Club experience is the Wine Loft Lounge, a chic wine bar on the second floor that looks out over The Gastro Pub. It's a perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail and appetizer or for a small meeting or private party.

An added bonus to being in the Wine Loft is being able to watch the trains roll by.

The Supper Club also offers week day specials such as Meatball & Martini Mondays featuring $6 martinis and 50 cent gourmet meatballs, made of lamb, duck, turkey or sausage; Tuesdays, the special is prime rib; there's a “wine-centric” menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays are for “The Happiest Hour in Greensburg” with complimentary food from 5 to 6 p.m. (with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage) and live music from 5 to 7 p.m. There's also live music on the weekends. For the summer, starting in June, the restaurant is replacing its Sunday Supper with a Farmer's Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. People will have the opportunity to meet many of The Supper Club's local farmers and vendors, as well as purchase home made baked goods and ice cream. The sidewalk cafe will be open to enjoy burgers and other delights straight from Chef Greg's outside grill. Boxed lunches will be available for take-out. Catering is available as well, with the The Supper Club providing a myriad of menu options from hot and cold appetizers to sit-down lunch or brunch to desserts. Its specialty cakes and cupcakes, made by their pastry chef, are becoming popular, too. ❋ For more information on The Supper Club at the Greensburg Train Station, including full menus, and specials, visit www.SupperClubGreensburg.com

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Bikes Blessing of the

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undreds of motorcyclists – some in leather riding chaps, others in jeans – made their way to Murrysville Alliance Church recently for the 15th Annual Blessing of the Bikes. Bikers from across the region filled the church sanctuary, the hallways, and the parking lot as Pastor Dan Lawrence, a biker and Vietnam vet, preached a sermon aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts.

During the sermon, Pastor Dan – clad in jeans and a denim vest with two shiny motorcycles on one side of the pulpit stage – talked about being prepared for that “last ride.” In the parking lot was seemingly every size, shape and color of motorcycle: Harleys, racing bikes, and three-wheelers, some gleaming to perfection and others that have seen better days.

After the sermon, Pastor Dan, Murrysville Mayor Robert Brooks, and other guests took to the platform outside the church

to ask the audience to remember the brave men and women serving in the military and to administer a blessing for safe travels for those who will be hitting the road via motorcycle as the weather gets warmer.

One such person is Walter Opat, a Trafford resident who’s been coming to the Blessing of the Bikes for the past four years. “I actually go to this church,” he said, as he stood outside on a blustery, overcast Palm Sunday. “If this was a sunny day there would be between 5,000 and 10,000 people out here.”

Opat lauded Pastor Dan for tending to the spiritual needs of bikers and Vietnam veterans, like him. He said the pastor travels on motorcycle to California to escort the Rolling Thunder, a Vietnam veterans biker group, to Washington, DC for Memorial Day services.

Asked if he ever made that journey, Opat looked away, took a long pause and said, “It’s too tough,” his voice choking with emotion. “There [are] too many guys on that wall.”

Cindy Lincoln of Murrysville said she and Opat’s brother, Ed Opat, a Murrysville business owner, have been coming out for the past five years. They are also church members. What brings them out?

“The fact that we really want to be a blessed group,” Lincoln said. “Our pastor likes to make a difference. He doesn’t like publicity, but he likes us to make a difference in our communities,” she added.

Vaughn Zanotto of Plum, also a church member, began coming in 26 724.942.0940 to advertise |

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2002 because he wanted to see what the event was all about. He said he learned that “you can ride a motorcycle to church and you can worship the Lord at the same time.”

Pam Williams and Lisa Hecker, both of New Kensington, and Robin Renfrew, of Valencia, are part of Women on Wheels, an international organization for female motorcyclists. “You can’t start the riding season without getting the bike blessed,” said Williams as they stood in the parking lot.

Inside, Duquesne resident Deborah McLemore, who rides with her husband Eugene as members of the Pittsburgh Hardriders II, awaited the blessing ceremony with her daughter Tamara McLemore, granddaughter Deilona DeVaughn, and fellow rider Vera Pollard of Penn Hills. “The camaraderie is great, getting to see people you haven’t seen since last year,” Deborah McLemore said.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

Murrysville-Export Rotary’s

NIGHT Joyous laughter, sumptuous food, and great camaraderie are just as big a part of The Murrysville-Export Rotary’s Annual Lotto Night as the gaming tables, basket auction and the highly anticipated drawdown to the $5,000 grand prize.

Held April 8 at the Lamplighter Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Delmont, Lotto Night is the Rotary’s biggest event of the year and raises money for the myriad of community projects the organization undertakes. Natalie Hooper, chairperson for the event and incoming Rotary president, said it takes about 10 months of planning to get it all together. While it’s the same for the most part, there was a new addition this year. “Anyone who stayed [had a chance to win] a getaway to Nemacolin,” she explained. The winner was drawn from among the more than 200 tickets that were sold for the event.

Hooper also pointed out the hard work of one member who had taken charge of the basket auction, which resulted in more than 20 baskets being auctioned off this year.

The Murrysville-Export Rotary is very active in the area, said Hooper, who will take the reins July 1. Its projects, charitable participation and donations include: donations to Salvation Army (Rotarians also participate in holiday bell ringing); hosting of inbound exchange students and sponsoring of outbound exchange students; scholarships to two Franklin Regional seniors; annual cleanup of King Nature Reserve and Olive Cemetery; donations to Meals on Wheels; and sponsorship of the Murrysville Halloween Parade, Desert Storm Memorial, and Boy Scouts of America.

The list goes on and on, but one of the Rotary’s biggest undertakings to date is the building of Miracle Field in Murrysville Park. It is a special rubberized field made to accommodate wheelchairs and to make it easier for persons with disabilities to play ball. “It has been 28 724.942.0940 to advertise |

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something that’s been going on for a few years and now we’re starting to see the excitement and we’re really starting to see it come to life,” Hooper said.

Current Rotary president Nick Dorsch, a member of the Miracle Field committee, said the hope is that construction on the $2 million project, which may include a walking trail and basketball court, can begin within a month with ball playing starting in the fall. “It kicked off as a small idea and we slowly grew it,” Dorsch said. He explained that the Rotary is one of the few organizations in which all of the money donated or raised goes directly to community projects. That list of projects varies depending on what ideas the members develop. “We continue to grow the list of what we do in our community,” Dorsch said.

One of the things on that growing list is the third grade dictionary project, for which the Rotary gives every third grader in the Franklin Regional School District a dictionary.

The organization doesn’t just send the books to the elementary school but sends representatives who do an entire presentation. “We go sit with them in the classroom, teach them how to use it,” Dorsch said. “Literacy projects are a big part of what Rotary does.”

Of course, the MurrysvilleExport Rotary is part of Rotary International, which has led the charge in eradicating polio around the world (and the local Rotaries have been part of that effort as well). For the last 15 years, the Murrysville-Export Rotary has been involved in another international effort – bio-sand filters which are installed in households in underdeveloped countries to provide clean drinking water. “We get people to sponsor bio-sand filters and the Rotary sends [them] wherever the need is,” Dorsch said.

His organization has been sending the filters, which cost $100 each, to the Dominican Republic.

For more information about the MurrysvilleExport Rotary, visit www.murrysvilleexportrotary.org.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

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A LETTER from the MAYOR M U N I C I PA L I T Y

O F

M U R R Y S V I L L E

Murrysville Honors Our Veterans Murrysville supports, remembers, and honors our veterans in many permanent new ways in 2011. ave you been to Murrysville Community Park (MCP) on Wiestertown Road lately? We dedicated a new "Services Monument" (shown at right) with its three flag poles and two 5' x 10' granite sheets displaying symbols honoring the five services that protect our nation's freedoms and the five services that protect our Murrysville citizens locally. In front of this monument are plantings and "personalized pavers" in memory forever of our grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, and friends, who served our country to guard and protect us and our democracy.

Murrysville provides a personalized paver for all residents, who lost their lives while serving their country. And, we offer YOU the opportunity to supply a paver for your loved ones. Staff Sergeant Thor Ingraham died in the line of duty in Iraq in 2005. A picture of his paver is shown here and has been laid in front of the MCP monument. For just $250, you can give us the name of your loved one to be remembered in a forever paver and we will cut and install it in front of the MCP monument for all to see, remember, and honor. In this way, you will also help to pay for this tribute to all of our service people and honor all USA veterans. (For more information on purchasing a paver, please contact the Municipality of Murrysville, 724.327.2100, Ext. 115.)

On Saturday, June 11, 2011, at 11 a.m., Murrysville veterans, along with Representative Joseph Markosek, the Municipality of Murrysville, and the Murrysville Garden Club will dedicate a new, beautifully landscaped 50’ flag pole on Route 22, which will fly a lighted 8’ x 16’ American flag.

Every day as you travel past Leone’s Pet Shop or S&T Bank, you can see this constant reminder of the freedom we are so lucky to live within and remember those who worked, and those who still work, to protect this great democracy.

So this Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day, and 9/11 (tenth anniversary in 2011), please take some time out of your busy schedule to pay tribute, along with the rest of your fellow Murrysville citizens.

Also, remember to say thank you to our servicemen and women in uniform, whenever you see them and salute the flag with great pride. God Bless America.

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Robert J. Brooks Mayor Municipality of Murrysville

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Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

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With over 100 types of dementia, it is easy to understand why caregivers can become confused when attempting to determine which dementia they are faced with and how to care for their loved one. Even more frustrating is the fact that individuals affected by dementia react to it differently, so not all symptoms and characteristics are similar.

The Many Faces of Dementia Here are a few of the faces of dementia…

ementia is defined as a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. Symptoms include the impairment of attention, orientation, memory, judgment, language, motor and spatial skills, and function.

Dementia can be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression. More often than not, dementias fall into the irreversible category.

The most common form of irreversible dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

It is a progressive, fatal brain disease that destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Today it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Vascular dementia is widely considered the second most common type of dementia. It develops when impaired blood flow to parts of the brain deprives cells of food and oxygen. The diagnosis is clearest when symptoms appear soon after a major stroke or after a series of small strokes.

A rare, but recently becoming more diagnosed form of dementia is Frontotemporal Dementia or FTD. This type of dementia affects the front (frontal lobes) and the sides (temporal lobes) of the brain. FTD tends to have a more rapid onset than most dementias and symptoms often involve changes in personality, judgment, planning, and social functioning.

Another type of dementia being diagnosed more frequently is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language, or another mental function severe enough to be noticeable to other people and to show up on tests, but not serious enough to interfere with daily life. Caregivers beware, this diagnosis often leads to Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia listed above.

Family members and caregivers are often told their loved one has one of the dementias mentioned above, but with little or no information on what to do next. For these families in need of a next step or further education on dementia and care options, Arden Courts proves to be a community resource.

Arden Courts is an personal care community specifically designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.

Our home-like atmosphere, structured programming, and staff specifically trained in the latest dementia caregiving techniques all work together to provide our residents with the best quality of life.

Our community’s layout is residential by design, small in scale and organized into four self-contained houses. A secure backyard with walking paths, garden areas and places to sit are a favorite of our residents who enjoy the outdoors. There are visual cues everywhere to help our residents stay oriented and as independent as possible, no matter the dementia diagnosis received.

Arden Courts focuses on maximizing the remaining abilities for each resident, customizing their care as needed with tailored service plans. Our innovative, success-oriented activity programs give our residents a sense of purpose and fulfillment that keeps them stimulated and engaged at all levels of their own abilities.

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Our entire staff participates in a comprehensive training program on all types of dementia, communication techniques and behavior management which helps Arden Courts continue its tradition of being a proven leader in dementia care.

Arden Courts provides informational materials and conducts educational seminars for the at-home caregiver that can assist in making the journey a little easier. To receive info about our free seminars, events, dementia research updates, and caregiver tips, call Arden Courts of Monroeville.

Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a member of our staff to obtain more information on how you can better help your loved one.

Source: Alzheimier's Association www.alz.org.

For more information, contact Arden Courts – Memory Care Community of Monroeville at 412.380.1300.

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

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

On the

TO

ROAD

By Mark Berton

Ashly Hunt

UPMC neurosurgery patient making strides after suffering a near fatal brain hemorrhage.

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

So if you’re an athletic 24-year-old with no history of brain injury, on the beach at Ocean City, Maryland during the Fourth of July 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 remember thinking I wanted water. I am a huge runner.

I ran before this and thought I was dehydrated,” she said.

“It literally took the life-flight to believe 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 robbed her of her sight and ability to speak. She also had trouble moving her arms and hands.

Emergency responders decided to life-flight her to the nearest hospital in Baltimore, where she was diagnosed with a brain stem hemorrhage. Blood from the hemorrhage was pooling in an area that connects her brain to her spinal cord, causing her to lose movement on her right side, and creating a major dilemma for the neurosurgeons because they believed the site was too risky to treat with surgery.

Soon after the diagnosis, Ashly entered a rehabilitation program in her hometown of Johnstown, Pa., to help her regain movement of the extremities that were affected by the hemorrhage. However, after several weeks in rehabilitation and slight improvements in her vision and speech, Ashly’s overall condition began to worsen. Ashly still maintained her hearing, but what she heard going on around her, she didn’t like. Until she met Robert Friedlander, MD, at UPMC.

“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 Johns Hopkins University, who recommended that Dr. Friedlander manage this complex situation.

Within four hours of the initial consultation, Ashly was in an ambulance headed for Pittsburgh where, she said, she met the doctor who made all the difference.

“I couldn’t speak and had a hard time seeing, but my brain was processing everything. All of the other doctors were talking above me and not looking at me, not doing anything with me even though I understood them all,” she said. “Until I went to Dr. Friedlander and he worked with me through my condition to give him the answers he needed. He never came off as pompous.

He’s the most caring person I’ve dealt with to this day.”

Ashly’s hemorrhage was caused by an underlying condition called a cavernous malformation, which is an abnormal, berry-like patch of blood vessels located inside her brain stem. Because the brain stem is deeply situated within the base of the brain and controls important functions such as movement, sensation, breathing, and instructing the heart to beat, surgery to remove the malformation was extremely risky. However, if left untreated, the malformed vessels could again bleed and result in additional critical neurologic damage or even death.

Dr. Friedlander and the neurosurgeons at UPMC faced the challenging task of removing the malformation without causing further complications. Using advanced brain imaging technology known as High Definition Fiber Tracking, pioneered at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Friedlander was able to view the detailed wiring of Ashly’s brain fibers to determine the best way to execute the surgery with as little damage to her brain as possible. In order to obtain appropriate access to the brain stem, Dr. Friedlander turned to Dr. Barry Hirsch, a skull base ENT surgeon at UPMC. Using a special microscope and image guidance device, Dr. Friedlander approached the brain stem and was able to completely remove the cavernous malformation.

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

She also could move her right hand, which had been paralyzed.

She improved daily, making strides with her balance, 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 just sit there. It becomes your job,” she said.

“I’ve seen a lot of people who have had strokes. You can’t just sit down and think you’ll get better. You have to follow the therapy and give your body time.”

While she’s been living with her parents in Johnstown during her recovery, Ashly is looking forward to getting back to her life in Baltimore.

“I’m pretty close to 100 percent now. My hand and foot are the last things I’m waiting for to come back,” she said.

“I’m writing again. It’s like a 3-year-old, but I am. I’m going to be 100 percent.”

Her road to recovery has been long. Approaching the anniversary of her ordeal, she and her family are thankful to Dr. Friedlander and everyone on the UPMC staff who helped her through this challenging time. She maintains a blog 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 big in my mind. That made an impact.”

For more information, please call the UPMC Department of Neurological Surgery at 1-866-979-1336 or visit UPMC.com/nv.

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

Murrysville | Summer 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Tips for Transitions: Make the Most of Your Retirement Account Options t's a fact: The average American holds nine different jobs before the age of 34.* It's also a fact that the decisions you make about how to manage retirement assets when changing jobs can have a direct impact on your future financial health.

Case in point: "Cashing out" retirement plan assets before age 59½ (55 in some cases) can expose your savings to immediate income taxes and a 10% IRS early withdrawal penalty. On the other hand, there are several different strategies that could preserve the full value of your assets while allowing you to maintain tax-deferred growth potential.

I

longer have that money earmarked for retirement in a taxadvantaged account. *Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. **Withdrawals will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Early withdrawals may trigger a 10% penalty tax. ***You will receive credit for the withholding when you file your next tax return. Š 2010 Standard & Poor's Financial Communications. All rights reserved.

Well Informed = Well Prepared Option #1: Leave the Money Where It Is If the vested portion of the account balance in your former employer's plan has exceeded $5,000, you can generally leave the money in that plan. Any money that remains in an old plan still belongs to you and still has the potential for tax-deferred growth.** However, you won't be able to make additional contributions to that account.

Option #2: Transfer the Money to Your New Plan You may be able to roll over assets from an old plan to a new plan without triggering any penalty or immediate taxation. A primary benefit of this strategy is your ability to consolidate retirement assets into one account.** Option #3: Transfer the Money to a Rollover IRA To avoid incurring any taxation or penalties, you can enact a direct rollover from your previous plan to an individual retirement account (IRA).** If you opt for an indirect transfer, you will receive a distribution check from your previous plan equal to the amount of your balance minus an automatic 20% tax withholding. You then have 60 days to deposit the entire amount of your previous balance into an IRA which means you will need to make up the 20% withholding out of your own pocket.*** Option #4: Take the Cash Because of the income tax obligations and potential 10% penalty described above, this approach could take the biggest bite out of your assets. Not only will the value of your savings drop immediately, but also you'll no

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