FALL 2012
enn Hills
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
IN THE COMMUNITY PAGE 9
“I’d like to have my questions answered in just one phone call.”
Here’s the Plan At UPMC Health Plan, we believe customer service should be a service to you, not a headache. That’s why we offer you a personal health care concierge. A live person who lives here and can answer all your questions in just one phone call. Sure, we win awards for our customer service. But it’s the reaction we get from satisfied members that we find most rewarding.
To find out more visit upmchealthplan.com
INSIDE
enn Hills
IN Penn Hills is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Penn Hills 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.
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IN Penn Hills | FALL 2012 |
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FEATURES
UPMC TODAY
Back to School in Penn Hills Higher Education ................................. | Make Back to School Taste Better ....... | Back to School Safety .......................... |
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
4 7 8
What’s Inside 2 3
From Hands to Hips, Shoulders to Knees, UPMC East Does it All
The Perfect Pet ............................... | 24
Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
4
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
6
Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
7
Building a Better Emergency Department
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© 2012 UPMC
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
Unity in the Community ...................................................... |
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Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce .................................... | 12 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ................. | 13
CHANGE PAGE NUMBER
Shop Penn Hills ...................................................................... | 21 A Hometown Hero ................................................................... | 22 ADD THE FOLLOWING TEXT LINE BELOW LOGO
Outstanding in Their Field ................................................... | 26 Savon Salter Still Running .................................................. | 27 Car Buffs Abound in theon Region ........................................ | 28 learn more page xx The Romp ................................................................................. | 30 TYPEFACE: TRAJAN PRO 12 PT.
safetydriven learn more on page 11
STAF F
W
elcome to the Fall issue of Penn Hills magazine! As I write this, we are having one of the hottest summers on record, and it doesn’t look like the recordbreaking temperatures will end just because the leaves will be changing colors soon. So while this is the fall issue, I want to reiterate some summer tips from the health department to help you stay safe in the heat. The last two points are probably the most critical because they deal with children and the elderly. • Stay cool indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned Wayne Dollard environment. Fans don’t help much when temperatures are in Publisher the 90s. A cool bath or shower is a more effective way to cool off, if you don’t have air conditioning. Better yet, visit someplace that does, such as a senior center, theater, mall or neighbor’s house. • Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight cups a day, but avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which actually cause you to lose more fluids. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which add heat to your body. • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat provides shade and helps keep the head cool. Sunscreen can prevent sunburn, which can affect your body’s ability to cool itself and also cause a loss of body fluids. • Avoid strenuous physical activity, particularly during the hotter part of the day. • Never leave a child, or a pet, in a vehicle alone on a hot day. A child may become disoriented in just five minutes, unconscious in 10 and brain-damaged in 20. • Use the buddy system and check on the elderly and the infirm who do not have air conditioning and are less able to take care of themselves. For senior citizens, local governments also establish cooling centers to help people beat the heat. Contact your local municipality for the one nearest you before the temperatures top 90 again. As always, enjoy your fall, Penn Hills! Have a great fall!
PUBL ISHE R
Wayne Dollard RE GION AL E DIT ORS
Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] mark@incommunitymagazines.com OF F ICE MAN AGE R
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PL ACE ME N T COORDIN AT OR
Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUN ICIPAL CON T E N T COORDIN AT OR
Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DE SIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Susie Doak
Jan McEvoy Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
W RIT E RS
John Barrera Jonathan Barnes Jennifer Brozak Matt Fascetti Tracey Fedkoe Mike Ference Jacob Flannick Britt Fresa Heather Holtschlag
Nick Keppler Chelsie Kozera Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath Joanne Naser Aimee Nicolia Melanie Paulick Gina Sallinger Judith Schardt
PHOT OGRAPHE RS
Mark Fainstein Ginni Hartle Brad Lauer
Len Pancoast Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon
ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S MAN AGE RS
Derek Bayer Tom Poljak
Tamara Myers
ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S
We Want to Know!
HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE? Some of the best stories we hear are how two people happened to get together. Some met in bars, some in supermarkets, while others met in more unique circumstances. Send us your story of how you met your spouse. We’ll run the best ones in the next issue. Also include a photo of you and your spouse, how many years you’ve been married and when your anniversary is. Send your story to Regional Editor, Pamela Palongue at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or mail it to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. You can also fax us at 724.942.0968.
Sophia Alfaras Brian Daley David Despot Andrea Graham Julie Graff Jason Huffman Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert Karen Turkovich RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson
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 2012. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.incommunitymagazines.com Winter Content Deadline 11/07/12
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
T
he Fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation. In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, either by the federal and state government, parents and students themselves via student loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world. Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different
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BACK TO SCHOOL
and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes.
★★College:
College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While postsecondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their lifetime, according to the same report.
★★Trade Schools and Vocational Careers:
While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th Century. Today’s vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry, plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics.
★★Online Learning:
Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks and mortar schools.
★★Financing Education:
No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your
Penn Hills
Our Back to School
PARTNERS New Story offers a unique family-like learning environment and a host of therapeutic services to help children achieve success while dealing with the most serious and complex educational and behavioral challenges. New Story’s ten schools are private licensed schools serving children from kindergarten to 21 years. New Story services and programs are provided in public/private schools, the community or the home. For more information visit www.NewStory.com or call 1-877-622-7245.
NEW STORY 877.622.7245 www.newstory.com
STREAM Academy The first of its kind in the region. STREAM Academy is an exciting new school that combines the best elements of traditional brick and mortar schools and online schools. The first of its kind in the region, STREAM Academy allows students to collaborate with their teachers and fellow students both online and inperson. Tuition is free. At our new suite of classrooms at Penn Center East, students have the chance to work with experts in STEM fields to develop the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st workplace. To enroll, go to streamacademy.org or call 1-855-4-STREAM (787326).
STREAM ACADEMY 1.855.4.STREAM streamacademy.org
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
BACK TO SCHOOL
Penn Hills
goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job. With many Penn Hills graduates continuing on to college, choosing the right institution of higher learning is a must.
★★Benefits of tutoring services:
One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA.
Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It can include mobility devices (walkers and wheelchairs), as well as both low and high tech solutions that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or general education materials. For example, children with limited hand function may use a pencil grip for handwriting or an adapted keyboard to use a computer. Children with a speech/language impairment may use a high tech solution such as a speech generating device to communicate. An Assistive Technology Team consists of specialists with backgrounds in occupational therapy, physical therapy, education and speech-language pathology. They strive to provide best practice to support the success of special education students in the areas of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Services may include training and support for AT and AAC systems and strategies, as well as for the adaptation and modification of curriculum. The AT team works in partnership with the educational team which includes families.
★★Private Schools:
If a student needs more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might be a good option. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441.
★★Benefits of Preschools:
When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help them academically, it also improves their early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and Grade School. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old.
★★Special Needs Education:
Technology has opened many educational doors to children with disabilities. Alternative solutions from the world of technology are accommodating physical, sensory, communication or cognitive impairments in many ways.
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1-855-4STREAM (787326) www.streamacademy.org
BACK TO SCHOOL
I
n the rush to get everyone off to school, it’s easy to fall into a food rut, serving the same things for breakfast, lunch and snacks. But with some inspiration and a little planning, going back to school can taste a whole lot better than it used to. To make things even more fun, have the kids help with these recipes and ideas. Once they get the hang of it, they can experiment with new ingredients and do it themselves, taking one more thing off your to-do list. BREAKFAST: Start the day off with pizza — Breakfast Pizza, that is. This recipe layers eggs, cheese, turkey bacon, hash browns, sour cream and guacamole on your favorite pita or flatbread. Kids can make it as hot or as mild as they like. It’s a great way to sneak in avocados’ 20 vitamins and minerals, and it will give them energy to get going on their busy day.
Penn Hills
Make
Back to
School Taste Better
LUNCH: Skip the same old sandwiches and liven up the lunchbox with these tasty creations. Try a Tortilla Wrap made with chicken, Wholly Salsa, Wholly Guacamole and a hint of lime juice. Experiment with different kinds of tortillas, from whole wheat or sundried tomato, to spinach or jalapeño. For a full-of-flavor favorite, make a Mexican Turkey Torta. Thin turkey slices get topped with a zesty black bean and corn relish, crisp lettuce and your favorite guacamole. To help keep all the delicious flavors inside the roll, hollow it out a bit so the other ingredients don’t fall out. AFTER SCHOOL SNACK: Whether they need something to hold them over until dinner or a quick bite on the way to practice, these Wrap It Ups will do the trick. Turkey, garlic and herb spread, Havarti cheese, guac, lettuce and tomato get wrapped up in a tortilla or flatbread, then sliced into bite-sized swirls of deliciousness. Make them ahead of time, then just slice when it’s time to enjoy. Get more back to school inspiration—including quick-fix dinner recipes for busy school nights—at WWW.EATWHOLLY.COM.
BAN THE BORING LUNCHBOX Keep school lunches interesting—and healthier— by including something nutritious to munch on. Guacamole and salsa are perfect for dipping into, and individually portioned packs of all natural Wholly Guacamole and Wholly Salsa are the perfect fit for a lunch box. Here are some “and” options to make lunch something fun to dip into:
Guacamole and… Zucchini sticks Whole grain pretzels
Baby carrots Sweet potato chips
Salsa and… Blue corn chips Cucumber slices
Sliced jicama Baked pita chips
Yield: 1 wrap 1 1 2 1/4 1 2 to 3 2 to 3
WRAP IT UPS
flatbread (tortilla, wrap , lavash) tablespoon garlic and he rb flavored spreadable cheese tablespoons Wholly Gu acamole classic avocado cup shredded lettuce small tomato, diced slices Havarti cheese slices turkey (optional)
Spread the garlic and he rb spreadable cheese on flatbread. Spread guacamole on top. On one end of the flatbr ead, sprinkle a line of lett uce and diced tomatoes. Layer cheese and sliced turkey beside lettuce an d tomatoes, leaving at two inches of untoppe least d bread at the other en d. Starting from the lettuc e/tomato end, roll up bread/tortilla, tucking vegetables with the fir in the st roll and proceeding to the cheese/meat. Stick in toothpicks to keep the roll rolled, an d slice in two-inch thick spirals.
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
BACK TO SCHOOL
Penn Hills
Back to School Safety IN
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
Penn Hills
C
hildren everywhere are dreading the sound of those three little words that mean that summer vacation time is over: “back to school.” Though they may be a bit resistant to returning to the daily grind of rising early, most kids love school after they get over the initial shock of being awake before 8 a.m. But the difference in routine is not just about kids, it’s about everyone who will be out on the roadways when children are scattered around the Penn Hills area.
★★ According to SafeKids.org, many children will linger on the curb of the street, dangerously close to traffic. Be sure to give them a wide berth. ★★ It goes without saying that drivers should be especially alert in school zones, but kids will fan out in every direction for several blocks, so it’s important to watch for one or two children who may be easily missed because they are a good distance from the school. It’s important to keep an eye on the time, and if it’s earlier than 9 a.m. or later than 2:30 p.m., there’s a good chance that children may be out on the streets. ★★ Exit driveways slowly, since many times sidewalks cross the driveway. Although many children are excellent at looking both ways before crossing a street, they frequently forget to watch for cars backing out of driveways when on the sidewalk. ★★ A great tip for anyone of any age is to avoid cell phone usage altogether while driving. ★★ No talking or texting while the car is in motion. While a person drinking is five times more likely to have an accident, a person texting is 23 times more likely to have an accident, according to The NoPhoneZone.org. In fact, even talking on the cell phone is dangerous because the driver is likely so engrossed in the conversation his/her level of alertness is greatly diminished. If you must use your cell phone, pull over in a convenient parking lot. ★★ Parents can help prevent accidents from happening by walking the route that children will be taking from school. By actually walking the same path with them, parents can make children aware of possible dangers and also familiarize them
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with the safest route possible. SafeKids.org recommends that children be accompanied by an adult when crossing the street until they are 10 years old. ★★ Children should only cross the street at corners and use the traffic signals. They should NEVER run out into the street or enter the roadway from between parked cars. When exiting the school bus, they should always walk in front of the bus so that the driver is aware that they are there. ★★ Drivers should ALWAYS stop when the school bus stops, whether you are behind the bus or meeting the bus on the roadway. This is a state law which carries hefty fines for violation of it. With a little effort on our part, these safety precautions will very quickly become routine and make the streets a little safer for everyone.
IN THE COMMUNITY
O
n August 16th, perfect weather combined with community spirit, resulting in a very successful 2ND ANNUAL UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY EVENT at Penn Hills Park. Visitors were entertained with live bands, a stilt walker, balloon animals, and more. Educational games and games of skill were available for children. Everyone enjoyed free food as well as the offerings of local businesses. Information was provided for local organizations, service groups, and the School District. The event, clearly enjoyed by all in attendance, was a collaborative effort of the District, Municipality, and Chamber of Commerce.
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Peoples Natural Gas has launched an extensive program to modernize our infrastructure. More than $100 million has been invested to replace pipelines throughout our 16 county service territory. This means replacing over 40 miles of old cast-iron pipes and hiring additional pipeline workers and local contractors to do it. Last year, we brought 200 jobs back to our region. These are not temporary jobs, but family sustaining jobs – the type of jobs that generations build on. Through the end of 2012, you will see Peoples Natural Gas employees hard at work on this project to improve the infrastructure of our communities. We will replace all the cast iron pipe in our entire system and continue to modernize our infrastructure in the years ahead. This is an extensive project and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete it. Peoples Natural Gas is once again a Western Pennsylvania managed company. All our management lives in the region. Our sole priority is serving our local communities. Our new company has refocused its total efforts right here. This pipeline replacement program is the first major construction initiative of Peoples Natural Gas and it has been made for your safety, and the need to modernize our infrastructure for the future. Safety is the number one priority of Peoples Natural Gas. Every day, we strive to keep our customers, our employees and our communities safe. Here are 3 Sensible Words about Natural Gas to help keep you and your family safe. Natural gas leaks are rare. But they can happen. Your senses will alert you if a leak occurs. SIGHT - Escaping gas affects the nutrients in soil, so discolored soil or dead vegetation near a pipeline may indicate a leak. Dirt or water blowing up from the group may indicate a natural gas leak. SOUND - Natural gas leaks may make a hissing or a high-pitched whistling noise. Noises will vary based on the line pressure. SMELL - A strong odor of natural gas can indicate unburned fuel in the air. Because the gas is odorless, a sulfur based odorant is added to give it a rotten-egg smell that warns of its presence. Be alert for this odorant or any petroleum smell.
Be a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor for a student in Allegheny County, whether you have an hour a week or an hour a year. Learn more or sign up now at be1volunteer.org or dial 2-1-1. VOLUNTEER
Peoples Natural Gas emergency personnel are on duty to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you smell a natural gas odor, suspect a leak, or there is a fire, leave the area immediately and call the Peoples Natural Gas emergency service line at 1-800-400-4271.
READERS, TUTORS & MENTORS
WE’RE PEOPLES NATURAL W E’RE P EOPLES N AT U R A L GAS. GAS. HOMETOWN NATURAL YYOUR OUR H O M E TO W N N AT U R A L GAS G A S COMPANY. C O M P A N Y.
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Penn Hills
9/4/12 2:18 PM
DA V E B E RT O N I / F I T T E R L E A D E R
SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY Peoples Natural Gas has launched an extensive program to modernize our infrastructure. More than $100 million has been invested to replace pipelines throughout our 16 county service territory. This means replacing over 40 miles of old cast-iron pipes and hiring additional pipeline workers and local contractors to do it. Last year, we brought back 200 family-sustaining jobs to the region. This pipeline replacement program is the first major construction initiative of Peoples Natural Gas and it has been made for your safety and the need to modernize our infrastructure for the future. Safety is the number one priority of Peoples Natural Gas. Every day we strive to keep our customers, our employees and our communities safe. Peoples Natural Gas would like to remind you to help us keep your community safe. Know what’s below. Call 811 before you dig. State law requires you to call 811 at least three days before you dig.
A lot of people talk about keeping our communities safe, we’re actually doing it.
WE’RE PEOPLES NATURAL GAS. YOUR HOMETOWN NATURAL GAS COMPANY.
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
PENN HILLS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12013 Frankstown Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15235 • Phone: 412.795.8741 • Fax: 412.795.7993 www.pennhillschamber.org The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 62 years as a chamber. We are proud to have served our community and its residents for 62 years.
Chamber Events
CuRRENt BOARd OF dIRECtORS Name
Denise Graham-Shealey Bruce T. Hall Dominique Ansani Russell Arrington Jay Hope Bernadette Rose Chris Fedele Bill Trogler Jo Luncher Scott Yusavage Sara Werner Raymond Luncher
Position
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Co-Director Co-Director
Company
First Niagara Bank Bruce T. Hall, CPA Penn Hills School District PNC Bank Penn Hills YMCA Rapp Funeral Home Fedele Insurance Company Penn Hills Police Department Anywhere Travel Computer Fellows Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce P.H.C.C.
The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is always seeking new members. We have recently added a “resident” level, which allows residents to receive our “Business Times” monthly newsletter. This fee is only $10 per year. Monthly Women in Business Luncheon - Third Wednesday of each month Summer Golf Outing Event - As scheduled Administrative Assistants’ Day Luncheon - April each year Many other events to be announced
www.pennhillschamber.org
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON September 19, 2012 11:30 a.m. Comfort Inn ALL MEMBER LUNCHEON October 19, 2012 11:15 a.m. Edgewood Country Club WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON November 14, 2012 11:30 a.m. Green Oaks Country Club HOLIDAY BINGO November 14, 2012 Doors Open at 6 p.m. Comfort Inn HOLIDAY MIXER December 6, 2012 6 – 8 p.m. Comfort Inn WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON December 19, 2012 11:30 a.m. Green Oaks Country Club Check with the chamber office for more details at 412.795.8741.
Please visit our office and our website for more information and a listing of current events.
UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012
Get Ready for Fall Soon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.
What’s Inside 2
From Hands to Hips, Shoulders to Knees, UPMC East Does it All
3
Give Your Back a Break Using Your Blood for Natural Healing
4
A Partnership of Hope and Transformation
6
Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests
7
Building a Better Emergency Department
© 2012 UPMC
From Hands to Hips, Shoulders to Knees, UPMC East Does it All Comprehensive orthopaedic and joint replacement surgery now offered close to home.
patients. In addition to general inpatient orthopaedic procedures, the hospital offers a total joint replacement program that includes primary knee and hip replacements, complex knee replacements, and shoulder and elbow replacements. Other procedures include surgeries involving the spine, feet, elbows, hands, and wrists. Hand specialist Robert Kaufmann, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC East and director of UPMC Monroeville Surgery Center, describes the new hospital as “an asset to the community.” “The benefits are enormous,” says Dr. Kaufmann. “We’re providing patients from the eastern suburbs access to UPMC’s high-quality care without having to drive through the Squirrel Hill tunnel,” he adds.
Expert care for complex cases
David Ehman (left) at a postoperative checkup with Dr. Brian Klatt. s
Eager to walk again without pain, David Ehman jumped at the opportunity to have knee replacement surgery at UPMC East, which is much closer to his home. To his surprise, he was first in line — officially the new hospital’s first surgical patient. “It’s outstanding. Everything is beautiful. Having top-notch care this side of Pittsburgh is excellent,” says David, a corrections officer. “Best of all, UPMC East is an easy drive from my home. I’ll definitely be coming back to have my other knee replaced.” His surgeon, Brian Klatt, MD, chief of orthopaedics at UPMC East, says the new hospital offers residents in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs the same orthopaedic specialists and surgeons who practice at UPMC’s renowned Oakland facilities. “That’s what’s so exciting to our patients. They don’t have to travel into the city. We’re bringing the finest surgeons right here to their community,” says Dr. Klatt.
A growing need As people live longer and strive to stay active and healthy, the demand for joint replacement surgery is growing, Dr. Klatt says. Advanced joint reconstruction techniques, minimally invasive surgery, and computer-assisted surgery available at UPMC East help to restore function and shorten hospital stays for
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UPMC.com/Today
Dr. Kaufmann says area residents will still have outpatient procedures performed across the street at the surgery center, but complex upper extremity surgeries will be done at the new hospital. “There are no limitations. The surgical expertise available at UPMC East can handle any complex case — and handle it well,” he says. Michael Rogal, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, says UPMC East offers the benefits and personalized care of a community hospital with the surgical expertise of a specialized hospital. “Convenience plays an important part in the healing process. Instead of asking patients to go to Oakland for specialized treatment, we’re bringing that training and expertise to patients here in the eastern suburbs,” Dr. Rogal says.
A team approach At UPMC East, a comprehensive team approach assures that patients receive the best possible care from orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, physiatrists, nurses, and physical therapists. Rehabilitation and physical therapy begin almost immediately after surgery. “Our goal is to provide patients with the highest level of individualized care, using the latest technology to restore their quality of life as quickly, comfortably, and conveniently as possible,” says Dr. Klatt. To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic surgeons, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain. Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away. Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.
Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.
What is PRP therapy? PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
Who should use PRP therapy? “PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.
“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds. To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following: Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier. Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles. Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either. Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load. Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt. Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if: • You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss. Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today. Source: National Institutes of Health
It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including: • Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.
Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.” For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.
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A Partnership of Hope and Transformation Every year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.
Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cuttingedge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).
A network like no other UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC East — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients. “One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”
Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts “Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.
p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.
“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter. “From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”
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“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”
Pillar I: Clinical Care From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include: • Conventional chemotherapy • Stem cell transplants • Biological therapy
• Targeted therapies • Hormone therapy • Perfusion therapy
Pillar III: Research UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treatment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available. The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. p Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”
The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes 16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment. The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.
Pillar II: Specialized Care For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment. Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel. Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary When the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care. Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services. Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u
Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malignancies. For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.
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Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests New state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.
It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care. That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.
“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”
Emphasizing patient and family-centered care Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television. “Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”
p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.
“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.” Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent. “Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.
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Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact. “We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.” Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee. The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q
Building a Better Emergency Department That was the ultimate goal behind months of planning and days of pilot testing at UPMC East.
Nearly everyone has a story about a trip to the emergency department — from frustrating delays before being seen by a doctor to endless waits for test results. Those kinds of stories actually helped challenge and inspire the men and women involved in developing UPMC East’s new Emergency Department (ED). They were determined to build a better ED from the initial design through opening day. “When most of us start a new job, we have to adapt to existing policies and ways of thinking,” explains Al Dawson Jr., PHRN, unit director of the ED at UPMC East. “Here, our team of emergency physicians, nurses, technicians, and staff continually ask: ‘How can we do this better?’ By thinking out of the box, we’re able to deliver a quality experience for our patients and their families.”
Shorter visits, better care If irritating waits top your list of things to avoid in the ED, you’ll appreciate UPMC East’s focus on trimming the time spent waiting for treatment. “For starters, we have a family lounge, not a waiting room,” says Timothy VanFleet, MD, chief of Emergency Services. “When you have a medical emergency, you’re immediately taken into a private room for evaluation and treatment. We don’t want our patients to wait for care.” Point-of-care testing also cuts down wait time at UPMC East’s ED. “Blood is drawn bedside and the tests are run in our own lab,” says Dr. VanFleet. “Results are usually in your doctor’s hands within 15 minutes — eliminating an hour or so of waiting.
That makes our patients happier, and it also improves our ability to provide quicker diagnoses and care. Depending on your injury or medical condition, that kind of fast turnaround can be lifesaving.” And other testing services have been carefully placed with patient convenience and safety in mind. “Both our radiology and computer tomography areas are just steps away from the ED, eliminating the need to move emergency patients from floor to floor for testing,” says Dr. VanFleet.
Inside and out, working in unison Safely delivering an injured or seriously ill patient to a hospital’s ED is like staging a carefully choreographed performance — everyone has a critical part to play and must do it perfectly. To ensure that happens at UPMC East, the ED staff worked for months before opening with area emergency medicine technicians and STAT MedEvac helicopter teams to train together, share knowledge, and prepare for the unexpected. “Preparing for the unexpected really did help us in the first few weeks after we opened on July 2,” says Mr. Dawson. “The number of people coming to the ED has really exceeded our expectations. Those early preparations helped us provide exceptional care and great turnaround times for our patients. We’ve had a very successful opening.” To view videos on UPMC East’s new Emergency Department, visit UPMCEast.com.
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UPMC East
2775 Mosside Blvd. 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 information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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7/23/12 2:09 PM
H HILLS P O S
Put Your Money Where Your House Is:
PENN
D
id you know there are over 300 businesses in the Penn Hills community? Before you hop in the car and make the drive to a neighboring community to do some shopping, you may want to think twice. There are a large number of businesses just waiting for you to stop by right in your own backyard. This November the Penn Hills Community Development Corporation wants you to do just that: shop local! While Penn Hills may not be home to a shopping mall, the community offers plenty of goods and services with the personalized touch of small businesses. To encourage local shopping, the Penn Hills Community Development Corporation (PHCDC) is hosting a “Shop in Penn Hills” contest. The contest is designed to promote economic development in the community, according to Sandy Sikora of PHCDC. As part of the Shop Local Contest, prizes will be awarded to entrants who shop at the greatest number of participating businesses throughout the month of November. The entrant who spends the greatest dollar amount at the participating businesses will also receive prizes. All remaining entrants (who shop at 10 or more of the participating businesses) will be entered into drawings to win great door prizes. Dollar Bank, Avon, Patricia Ellis Insurance, Mr. Tire, Marotta Chiropractic and Massage Clinic, and Sir William Hess Hair Fashions are just a few of the many vendors signed up to participate. “Penn Hills is a great place with great people and is in a great location,” says Sikora. “It is important to realize that local businesses are important to our residents and our residents are important to local businesses. The two really feed off of each other and can make a huge difference in the local community.” By shopping in Penn Hills, residents will be able to help businesses remain in the area and prosper. Also, when you shop local, most of the profits stay in Penn Hills and the businesses are much more likely to support local nonprofits. It is a win-win situation. “The goal of this project is simple: PHCDC wants Penn Hills residents to discover new businesses,” Sikora stated. “Additionally, we’d love for residents to come in and check out businesses they have always seen, but never taken the time to check out.” There are plenty of hidden gems in the Penn Hills community just waiting to be discovered. Who knows, residents may just find
their new favorite shopping location! The Penn Hills Community Development Corporation is hoping to make this contest an annual event. So this November, stay close to home and shop local. It will be a great way to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and, as Sikora says, “put your money where your house is!”
For more contest details as they become available, visit www.pennhillscdc.org. Not a Penn Hills resident? Not a problem! Residents from all communities are more than welcome to shop Penn Hills and enter the contest!
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
Resident Profile: Vernon Stanfield
A Hero finds time to tell his story while deployed off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia
T
he number of consecutive days most of us have ever spent on a ship may be seven days aboard a cruise liner. Fun in the sun on board a floating hotel isn’t quite how Commanding Officer Vernon Stanfield spends his days. There’s more business than fun on the USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), but the sun still shines for the men and women serving our country in the U.S. Navy near Norfolk, Va. Before Vernon Henry Stanfield was a commanding officer in the Navy, he was a Penn Hills resident living with his parents, Vernon and Patricia, along with his three siblings. Although Vernon had a typical childhood, finding mischief occasionally, he had extraordinary dreams. Thanks to the love and
support from his parents, who he says were excellent role models, he’s found a path that suits him well. Vernon’s track to a successful career began in 1990 when he enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from Penn Hills High School. He was accepted into the Broaden Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (B.O.O.S.T.) program where he extended his studies in various subjects, while also an enlisted junior sailor of the Navy. After completing B.O.O.S.T. in 1991, Vernon began his undergraduate studies at Old Dominion University in Virginia. While getting a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, the new commanding officer partook in his university’s N.R.O.T.C. program. Four years later, with a degree in hand, he was commissioned as an ensign, or junior officer, in the U.S. Navy.
But Vernon wasn’t finished juggling academia and his naval career after Old Dominion; years later he went on to pursue a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Webster University. When asked which mentors helped to steer him down this road in life, Vernon quickly responded that his father demonstrated how to be a proper role model and breadwinner for his family. Then he followed by stressing how his mother had worked hard to keep her children on the right track and ensured they all pursued college degrees. But some of Vernon’s early lessons in discipline came from his volleyball coach at Penn Hills High School, Dan Brown. “He showed me what dedication was and how to achieve,” Vernon says. This dedicated spirit didn’t end with his volleyball career. It was only the beginning of a life spent dedicating countless hours and hard work to serving our country in the Navy. The lifestyle of a sailor in the U.S. Navy is anything but boring. From his roots in Pittsburgh to Newport, R.I., to Sasebo, Japan,
Spending months on a ship has become even more rewarding when coming home to a loving family. Vernon expressed how excited and happy he is to take on two new ranks: husband and father. 22 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Penn Hills
By Chelsie Kozera
to San Diego, Calif., to Tampa, Fla., to his latest four-year assignment in Norfolk, Va., this former Penn Hills resident has traveled far beyond his comfort zone. When asked if it was hard to have that kind of lifestyle, he said that he was single during most of his naval career so he welcomed the travel and the adventure. But while stationed in San Diego, his days of bachelorhood came to a halt after meeting his wife, Jamilah. Today, Vernon, 40, and Jamilah, 33, have a two-yearold daughter, Alana, whom he calls his proudest accomplishment. Spending months on a ship has become even more rewarding when coming home to a loving family. Vernon expressed how excited and happy he is to take on two new ranks: husband and father. Asked about the Penn Hills community, our local hero says he misses the sense of community that came with living in the area. Moving around every four years has left this sailor longing for neighbors like he had as a child…neighbors who would watch your house when you went away, give you a few dollars to cut their grass, and even inform your mother before you got home that you had a hand in some childhood mischief, Vernon remembers with a laugh. A sense of community is something he had to sacrifice for his career, but he often feels it with the other sailors when he’s deployed. It’s necessary to embrace community with fellow members of the Navy when you’re spending 321 consecutive days on a vessel together, which was Vernon’s longest deployment and the second longest in the history of the Navy. And remember this is not a leisurely cruise to the Bahamas! It seems that Vernon’s volleyball coach taught him a lasting lesson of dedication that he has not forgotten. His current assignment in Norfolk will end in March, 2014, to be followed by another four years in a different part of the country, or world. A life of service is not easy and it takes a certain character to endure the challenges it presents. When asked what advice he might have for young people in the Penn Hills community, Vernon’s messages were: “Don’t let anyone get in your way,” and “Don’t be afraid to speak out and be different.” Clearly, Vernon didn’t let anyone get in his way of becoming a commanding officer and serving the U.S. Navy faithfully for over 20 years. Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
By Amanda Fastuca
The prospect of bringing a pet into the family might come up every now and then in conversation, with questions still up in the air. The truth is, it all depends on which house pet is right for you. According to the 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association (APPA), in the National Pet Owners Survey, researchers found that there are about 72.9 million households in the United States that have at least one pet. That’s more than 60 percent of the U.S. population who are considered pet owners! This number has drastically increased within the last 20 years. The survey’s results also show that the benefits of owning a pet include relieving stress, creating companionship, and just making a pleasant change in your daily life. Describing only a few of the many household pets in the U.S., it’s proven that those who have a close relationship with their animals tend to live a longer and healthier life. It especially helps those who might suffer from depression or illnesses.
24 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Penn Hills
–––––– FISH –––––– There are currently about 151.1 million freshwater fish that are owned within the U.S., making them the number one household pet. Because of the way fish peacefully glide through the water, they are known to have a calming effect on their owners. Fish are also an easier, less expensive alternative to a larger pet. Although the prices can vary, depending on the type of fish and aquarium, fish are generally an affordable investment. Owning fish requires little maintenance; however it is very important that they are still cared for on a regular basis. The main and most important responsibilities in caring for fish are as follows: • Appropriate feeding • Checking water temperature and equipment • Cleaning the tank or aquarium when necessary
–––––– DOGS –––––– Number three on the list of the most-owned house pets belongs to “man’s best friend,” a dog. There are about 78.2 million domestic dogs in the U.S. With their energetic personalities and great sense of companionship, dogs require the most attention. Depending on the breed, grooming and hygiene care must be taken with full responsibility. Along with grooming comes time and commitment to training and building a strong relationship. Training can be time consuming, but is well worth it when accomplished. As most of us already know, dogs are known to be quite active and playful. According to the previously mentioned survey, 40 percent of dog owners say that they are more motivated to exercise on a regular basis than those who do not own a dog. Like cats, dogs can get quite expensive as well, depending on the breed. Purchasing a pet-quality puppy can be anywhere from about 300 to over 1,500 dollars. However, adoption can go as low as 60-70 dollars. Additional costs also must be kept in mind.
Those who have a close relationship with their animals tend to live a longer and healthier life. It especially helps those who might suffer from depression or illnesses.
When the topic of animal shelters and adoption comes about, certain points should be highly considered. With such a low percentage of rescued pets being returned to their original owners, about 5-7 million animals are kept in a shelter or rescue society.
–––––– CATS –––––– Cats are the second most popular pets owned in the United States. With 86.4 million house cats, they are an affordable way to add a loving animal member to your home. For the most part, cats are easy to maintain. Because they have a natural instinct to clean themselves, frequent bathing is not necessary. Although commitment and plenty of care is essential, house cats usually don’t require too much attention, making them great pets for those who are generally busy throughout the day. Prices also vary when it comes to choosing the right cat. Some breeds range from 500-1,000 dollars, plus other expenses like food, vaccines, operations and other necessities. However, adoptions from shelters are becoming more and more popular. Cat adoption varies from about 100-150 dollars, making the purchase much more affordable. In fact, many cat lovers might agree that adoption is the best way to go.
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
By PAMELA PALONguE
T
he Penn Hills Indians have a greatly improved field for meeting their opponents thanks to an initiative called the Grassroots Program, which is a partnership between the National Football League Youth Football Fund and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The school received a $200,000 grant awarded by the Pittsburgh Steelers for improvements to their playing field in the form of new synthetic turf, a scoreboard and new bleachers. The NFL awarded $2.5 million in grants to refurbish football fields in 15 cities across the U.S.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “Community fields are the pillars of the neighborhoods across the country, places where families can ‘play 60’ together in a safe environment.” Steelers President, Art Rooney said, “It is exciting to see our Youth Football Initiative impact so many young football players in our area and I’m glad Penn Hills will be able to utilize the grant for their football stadium project.” The LISC identifies local non-profit agencies which have an interest in building or refurbishing football fields in schools located in
under-served neighborhoods. The local agencies are then provided with funds to improve the quality and safety of the athletic fields in their neighborhood. Michael Rubinger of the LISC explains, “Building sustainable communities – good places to live, work, do business and raise families is a priority for LISC. Developing recreational facilities is a key part of that and the NFL and the NFL Players Association have been committed partners in making it happen.” Best of luck to the Penn Hills Football Indians in their 2012 season on new turf!
“Community fields are the pillars of the neighborhoods across the country, places where families can ‘play 60’ together in a safe environment.” –ROGER GOODELL, NFL COMMISSIONER
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Penn Hills
Savon Salter Still S
avon Salter, a 2012 graduate from Penn Hills Senior High School and a member of the Future Stars Athletics track team represented Region 2 at the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships July 24 – 29 at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Salter competed at the Region 2 championships held at the University of Delaware where he won the 110 meter hurdles for the gold medal with a time of 14.65 seconds. He also brought home a silver medal in the 400 meter hurdles event with a personal best of 54.38 seconds. After the championships, Salter was ranked
Running By Amanda Fastuca
8th in the United States in the 400 meter hurdles and 20th in the 110 meter hurdles, according to the National Elite Youth Ranking System. Salter was disappointed with his performance at the National Junior Olympic Championships, where he placed 10th in the 400 meter and 11th in the 110 meter events. The Penn Hills graduate remains hopeful however, as he will be attending California University of Pennsylvania this fall where he will be an important part of the school’s track arsenal. Salter has set a personal goal of representing the USA in the 2016 Olympics.
PHOTO BY LIZ PALMER
Worship_09McKeesport_winter 5/29/12 1:28 PM Page 1
WORSHIP IN PENN HILLS C HURCHES S ERVING P ENN H ILLS All Saints Episcopal Church 412.793.0270
Grace Evangelical Lutheran 412.793.1394
Apostles Lutheran Church 412.793.4899
Hebron United Presbyterian Church 412.371.2307
Penn Hills Free Methodist Church 412.793.7263
In Him Ministries 412.795.4272
Presbyterian Church of America 412.793.7117
Christadelphian Ecclesia of Pittsburgh 412.828.6157
Jehovah’s Witnesses Pittsburgh 412.241.8188
Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church 412.795.2956
Christian Science Church 412.731.1204
Kerr Presbyterian Church 412.793.5508
Church of Latter Day Saints 412.798.3011
Laketon Heights Methodist 412.241.9170
Queen of the Rosary Church 412.672.6390
Covenant Church of Pittsburgh 412.731.6221
Mt. Hope Community Church 412.793.0227
Emmanuel Lutheran Church 412.824.4525
Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ 412.361.0503
Epiphany Lutheran Church 412.241.1313
New Vision Community Church 412.241.6160
Faith Community Church 412.242.0210
Parkway Jewish Center 412.823.4338
First Baptist Church 412.371.5335
Penn Hills Alliance Church 412.795.1818
Beulah Presbyterian Church 412.242.4570
Are you a member of the clergy who would be interested in writing a short inspirational feature? Please contact Pamela Palongue at p.palongue@ incommunitymagazines.com.
Penn Hills Baptist Church 412.793.6640
Rolling Hills Baptist Church 412.795.1133 Rosedale United Methodist 412.793.2019 Sri Venkateswara Temple 412.373.3380
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 412.793.4511 Saint Joseph 412.795.5114 St. Susanna 412.798.3591 Three Rivers Assembly of God 412.372.3453 Trinity Lutheran Church 412.828.7799 Trinity Tower United Methodist 412.793.9000 Universal United Presbyterian Church 412.793.1355 Verona United Methodist Church 412.828.8844
Second Baptist Church 412.371.6445
Verona United Presbyterian Church 412.828.4494
St. Bartholomew’s Church 412.242.3374
Victory Temple Orig. Church of God 412.243.5308
Saint Gerard Majella 412.793.3333 St. James Episcopal 412.242.2300
Zion Lutheran Church 412.242.2626
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
BY JONATHAN BARNES or some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the sunshine and the strains of ‘50s music take them back to their younger days. In their minds, they go back to a time when having good weather and a great car for the afternoon, and the free time to enjoy it, were all that you needed for some fun. Thankfully, it’s been a good summer to lower the convertible roof on the car and go cruising, allowing the wind to blow through your hair, smelling the flowers and watching the gawkers staring at you as you roll past them in your classic car. After all, what’s the sense of having an antique car or a classic muscle car if you can’t show it off and allow others to enjoy it? Sharing the love of design, beauty and mechanics of a classic car or muscle car is
part of the joy of collecting such vehicles. Car cruises are an American tradition in which owners of classic and high-performance cars meet together in parking lots and other wide-open spaces, to show off their vehicles and to enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with other car lovers. Often these events include music or entertainment and food, and sometimes, they even have races. Western Pennsylvania is home to many of these events, thanks to the many gearheads who live in the region. Here is a sampling of some of the many popular car cruises in the Pittsburgh area:
• Mineral Beach (in Finleyville) — This popular event
happens every Friday night and often includes motorcycles as well as cars. This larger cruise usually includes several hundred cars.
• Wendy’s (in Peters Township, along Rt. 19) — This
cruise is every Monday night and is a smaller cruise that usually has about 50 to 100 cars.
• McDonald’s (Meadowlands - Racetrack Rd.) — This event is held every other Saturday all summer long. It is a medium-sized cruise sponsored by The Washington Cruisers Car Club. www.washingtoncruisers.com
• Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise (Wexford) — Wexford
Star Lite Car Cruise is held every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Labor Day. This is one of the largest weekly cruises in the region, and usually has more than 1,000 cars attending each week. The Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is free and is hosted and presented by North Way Christian Community. www.starlitecarcruise.com
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Penn Hills
1963 Chevrolet
Corvette
• Ultimate Car Cruise (Galleria
at Pittsburgh Mills) — Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through October. This cruise and many others can be found listed at the website www.carcruises.com.
• Flashlight Drags (Waynesburg) —
Features a car show, a car cruise, a vendor’s midway, music, food and more. The idea behind this event sprang from the need for local hot rodders to have a place to legally and safely race each other. The essence of the event is providing a safe environment in which to enjoy the excitement of street racing, with an equal measure of nostalgia— which is where the antique and classic cars displayed at the event make their greatest impact. www.flashlightdrags.com.
• Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix International Car Show (Schenley Park, Pittsburgh) — Held every July and touted by international media including National Geographic magazine, the Vintage Grand Prix once hosted competitive races between racers in vintage cars around the park’s winding roads, but for years the entire event has been for show, and as always, still benefits charity. More than 2,000 cars, many of them very high-end, were displayed at the event, in which all makes of car are welcome. Held annually since 1983, the Vintage Grand Prix has raised more than $2.75 million to benefit autistic and developmentally disabled people. All local car cruises are weatherdependent. Check the web sites for each cruise regularly to determine if a cruise will be held when foul weather could be imminent. While each car cruise is unique in its location and the makeup of vehicles, owners, and attractions, every car buff comes to the hobby by his or her own path. It could have started with a secret childhood yearning for a hot rod, or by catching a glimpse of something extraordinary in a shop window, seen totally by happenstance. Like a lover retelling the story of his romance, each classic car owner has a tale to tell about how he and his car were united. d
W
hen Paul Faas purchased his 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, it was painted a non-stock blue color and the interior had diamond stitching on the seats. The restoration work began in 1980 and took him many years to return the classic to its original condition. The Penn Hills resident removed the body from the frame and rebuilt the entire suspension, right down to the last nut and bolt! Even the wiring of the car is exactly the way it would have been in 1963 when it rolled off the assembly line. The little red Corvette is extra-special in that 1963 was the first and only year that Chevrolet made the split window coupe. All other model years have a window that is one piece. The years of hard work required to restore the snazzy Corvette were all worth it. Faas achieved his dream and now enjoys taking the classic car to car cruises and shows every chance he gets, and the near mint-condition car receives more than its fair share of attention. Faas is fearless when it comes to driving the roadster. He says, “My motto is: What’s the use of having it if you can’t drive it?”
Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
theromp 18 Years and Running Strong!
O
n Monday, May 28, at 8:30 a.m., runners aged five to 82 anxiously awaited a loud “Bang!” signaling the start of “The Romp.” After the gunshot resonated through the crowd, 146 locals stampeded down Saltsburg Road to Alcoma Country Club where they turned down Alcoma Drive, circling back toward the school, setting their sights on the finish line (but not before a final loop around Linton Middle School). Although the temperature was hot on this Memorial Day, it didn’t stop running enthusiasts from competing in the 18th annual 5K race. Some runners were less affected by the heat than others. Fred Thompson, 20, was not slowed down by the warm spring morning; he finished first with a time of 16:50.0. Following close behind was Will Bailey, 17, who placed second with a time of 17:09.0, and just 11 seconds later the third place finisher, 19-year-old Michael Coin, crossed the finish line at 17:20.0. Not too far behind the boys was the first place finisher for the female division, 18-year-old Angel Piccinillo, who crossed the finish line at 18:46.0, placing 15th overall. The top finishers are traditionally given trophies for their efforts, but this year race director Lee Zelkowitz awarded t-shirts to the top runners. Zelkowitz has been the race director of The Romp since its inception.
Race proceeds are given to select Penn Hills High School seniors on the track and field team in the form of scholarships. This year, the recipients were three seniors who demonstrated sportsmanship, commitment and integrity to the team and to the sport of running. It’s never too early to start training for next year’s romp! Registration is $15 in advance and $18 on race day. For more information contact Lee Zelkowitz at 412.216.8422.
Runners gather at the start.
Presentation of ale one of the fem ards scholarship aw
Presentation of one of the male scholarship awards
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Penn Hills
COMMUNITY MAGAZINES
IN Community Magazines is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E.). We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.
Name of nominee: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit (staff of 11 or more) Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? ___________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination: _____________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or non-profit organization? (Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 If you have any questions, please contact Monica Haynes at 412.254.8704. Deadline for nominations is 10/19/2012. Penn Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Business Directory
As a patient, you may have read about electronic health records (EHR), today’s technology to record your full health history digitally. Behind the scenes at your doctors’ office, there are important reasons why electronic health records matter. Here is why, along with five things you can do to be sure you are receiving the highest quality care:
1. Ask your doctor if your files are in an electronic health record. Ask your doctor if he or she is capturing detailed data about your health and recording it into an electronic health record. Capturing detailed data digitally will allow your doctor to improve your care.
2. Know that not all electronic health records are the same.
Today, a medical practice can meet government requirements by simply recording a doctor’s note into a flat screen file, like a letter. The true power of EHR is much more than a static computer listing of a doctors’ note. If your doctor takes the time to break out the data into specific statistics, this data provides a sophisticated snapshot that can be used to help you live a longer, healthier life.
... Location...
ur
3. Be patient.
Location... Capturing this level of data requires incredible patience and dogged determination. As a patient, it is important to recognize the power this data brings once it is captured.
4. Review your patient summary.
After your visit, you should receive a patient summary with any instructions for follow up. This is important and can help you manage health challenges before they lead to bigger issues.
5. Be a good partner.
Have you changed the vitamins you are taking or are you facing a physical or emotional challenge your doctor may be unaware of? Be sure to give your doctor the information he or she needs to support you. Remember, the true meaningful use of electronic health records by you and your doctor can have a powerful impact on your ability to live a long, healthy life.
ed.
s ive.
Protecting Your Health with Electronic Health Records
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Dr. Bob Crossey practices family medicine with Premier Medical Associates, the largest multi-physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He can be reached at 412380-2800.
Reaching your target audience has never been easier... or less expensive. Let IN Community Magazines set up a plan for your business to reach every home in your area.
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8/6/12 11:45 AM
Dr. Patrick Lowden Family Medicine
We build better care. At Premier Medical Associates, Dr. Lowden and his staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes the patient’s care needs. Premier Family Medicine focuses on caring for the patient in a proactive and preventative way that minimizes testing, emergency room visits and hospital stays. The results are healthier patients leading healthy lives. Our patients find real value in that.
Allergy & Immunology Behavioral Health Cardiology Family Medicine Gastroenterology General Surgery Hospital Medicine
Internal Medicine Neurology Pediatrics Podiatry Radiology Sleep Medicine
The care is efficient. The care is high quality. At Premier, we are Building Better Care.
PremierMedicalAssociates.com
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