PLUS! Plum School District News
WINTER 2012
COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
News PLUS! ol District Plum Scho
INSIDE
IN Plum is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the people of Plum Borough 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.
AZINE ITY MAG COMMUN 2012 WINTER
IN Plum | WINTER 2012 |
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Hometown Pharmacy Medication 101 ........................................ | 34 Supercuts Serving You and Your Community
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Tressler Chiropractic Plum Woman Loses Over 100 Pounds ....... | 41 ON THE COVER
| Oakmont gets into the holiday spirit. (Photos by Gary Yon)
UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13
Stay Well This Winter Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.
What’s Inside 2 3 4
In a Heartbeat Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones
5 6 7
Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease We’re Here for You
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
Plum School District News ...............................................
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Plum Chamber of Commerce ...........................................
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The Santa Watch Continues in Plum .............................
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UPMC Today ...........................................................................
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Edgewater: A Small Town and its Big Development .
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Sugar Plum Days 2012 .......................................................
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Oakmont Lights Up for the Holidays .............................
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Plum Senior Community Center Expands ...................
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Health and Wellness: The Whole Picture .......................
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INPERSPECTIVE STAF F
Welcome to the winter issue of Plum magazine. At this time of year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the journey with us that was 2012. IN Community Magazines continues to grow, and for that we thank you, our readers and our advertisers. Our readers help shape these magazines. Those of you who took the time to call, e-mail or write in with your ideas and events are the ones who set our table of contents. We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to you and your ideas because, in the end, this is your community and you know it best. So I continue to encourage you to send in your ideas to our editor at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. I wish to thank our advertisers for your continued support of IN Community Magazines. By advertising with us, you are supporting your community by underwriting the cost of the editorial content that those who read these magazines enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed. In this last issue before 2013, I urge our readers to support the advertisers who support your community magazine before you make your holiday gift lists. If you like this magazine, let them know and make a point to stop in their businesses. They’re not just trying to sell you something, they’re also your neighbors and community sponsors. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and the best that 2013 has to offer! Enjoy your winter with the ones you love, Wayne Dollard, Publisher
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
Tamara Myers
Tom Poljak
ADVE RT ISIN G SAL E S
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
Spring content deadline: February 3
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
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PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
...Leading The Way A
Message from Dr. Glasspool Dear Parents and Residents,
As we are well into the second nine-week grading term, I continue to be impressed with our students’ appetite for learning and excitement for school. Our official 2012 PSSA results were finalized last month and have reaffirmed our belief in the value of a Plum Borough education. We are proud to announce that for the second consecutive year the College Board selected Plum High School for their AP District Honor Roll. This award is presented each year to school districts that are able to expand access to AP courses to a more diverse group of learners, while simultaneously improving performance. Our District’s academic improvement plans were finalized last month and we are strategically implementing these plans to ensure continuous improvement. Our prescriptive strategies include explicitly and systematically teaching students how to respond to open-ended questions in reading and math, using research-based interventions during tier time to close the achievement gap among sub-group populations, increase the frequency of student centered instructional activities, and review benchmarked student data to identify needs early and often. The School Board and Administration continues to systematically plan for the long-range academic, financial, and physical future of our District. During the past few months, we have discussed options and taken official Board actions related to school consolidation and closure, redistricting elementary students, enrollment and demographic study and projections, and the development of a strategic plan. These steps will ensure that Plum Borough continues to be a great place to live and raise our children. Lastly, with the winter season just around the corner, please take time to review our winter safety letter, school delay and cancellation procedures, and sign up for the Electronic Mustang. Please visit our District website for additional information: www.pbsd.k12.pa.us Wishing you a restful and joyous holiday season, Dr. Timothy S. Glasspool Superintendent
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
PLUM BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT
sports B OW L I N G DAY
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday
12/5/12 12/12/12 12/19/12 1/2/13 1/9/13 1/16/13 1/23/13 1/30/13 2/6/13 2/13/13
Penn Hills Senior High School St. Joseph High School Gateway High School Woodland Hills High School Burrell Senior High School Penn Hills Senior High School St. Joseph High School Gateway High School Woodland Hills High School Burrell Senior High School
Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Away Away Away
3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:30
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
B OYS BA S KETBALL
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DAY
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Friday Saturday Thursday
12/7/12 12/8/12 12/11/12 12/14/12 12/18/12 12/21/12 12/22/12 12/27/12
Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away
8:00 TBA 7:45 7:30 7:30 7:30 1:30 5:00
Friday
12/28/12
Away
TBA
Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Friday
1/4/13 1/5/13 1/8/13 1/11/13 1/15/13 1/18/13 1/22/13 1/23/13 1/25/13 1/29/13 2/1/13 2/5/13 2/8/13
(Plum Tip-Off Tournament vs. Highlands) (Plum Tip-Off Tournament Winners TBA) Kiski Area Sr High School Woodland Hills High School McKeesport Area High School Gateway High School Valley Senior High School Seneca Valley High School Holiday Tournament Seneca Valley High School Holiday Tournament Central Catholic High School Wilkinsburg High School Penn Hills Senior High School Fox Chapel High School Franklin Regional High School Woodland Hills High School McKeesport Area High School Knoch High School Gateway High School Central Catholic High School Penn Hills Senior High School Fox Chapel High School Franklin Regional High School
Home Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Away
7:30 1:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL DAY
Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Friday Saturday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Tuesday Friday Friday Tuesday Friday
DATE
12/7/12 12/8/12 12/10/12 12/11/12 12/14/12 12/18/12 12/21/12 12/22/12 12/27/12 12/28/12 1/5/13 1/8/13 1/9/13 1/11/13 1/15/13 1/16/13 1/18/13 1/22/13 1/25/13 2/1/13 2/5/13 2/8/13
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Penn Trafford High School (Tip-Off Tournament) Norwin Senior High School (Tip-Off Tournament) Kiski Area Sr High School Allderdice High School Woodland Hills High School McKeesport Area High School Gateway High School Valley Senior High School (North Allegheny Tournament) (North Allegheny Tournament) Wilkinsburg High School Penn Hills Senior High School Pine-Richland High School Fox Chapel High School Franklin Regional High School Shaler Area High School Woodland Hills High School McKeesport Area High School Gateway High School Penn Hills Senior High School Fox Chapel High School Franklin Regional High School
Away Away Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Away
4:00 3:00 7:45 5:30 6:00 6:00 6:00 12:00 3:30 TBA 12:00 6:00 7:30 6:00 6:00 7:30 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. noon p.m. noon p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
SWIMMING DAY
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Thursday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Monday Thursday Thursday Friday
12/11/12 12/13/12 12/18/12 12/20/12 1/3/13 1/10/13 1/18/13 1/24/13 1/31/13 2/5/13 2/7/13 2/11/13 2/14/13 2/28/13 3/1/13
Deer Lakes High School Highlands High School Penn Trafford High School Hempfield Area Senior High School Central/Oakland Catholic High School Allderdice High School Woodland Hills High School McKeesport Area High School Gateway High School Shady Side Academy Penn Hills Senior High School Kiski Area Intermediate High School Fox Chapel High School (WPIAL Finals @ Pitt) (WPIAL Finals @ Pitt)
Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Away
6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 8:45 8:45
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. a.m.
All photos supplied by Ray Viglione Photography
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
PLUM BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT
sports
Plum Senior High School Sports Schedules (cont.) RIFLE DAY
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday
12/4/12 12/11/12 12/13/12 12/18/12 1/3/13 1/8/13 1/10/13 1/15/13 1/17/13 1/22/13 1/24/13 1/29/13 1/31/13 2/5/13 2/12/13 2/14/13
Waynesburg Central High School Mount Lebanon Senior High School Butler Area High School Hempfield Area Senior High School Indiana Area Senior High School Butler Area High School Hempfield Area Senior High School Indiana Area Senior High School Butler Area High School Hempfield Area Senior High School Indiana Area Senior High School Butler Area High School Hempfield Area Senior High School Indiana Area Senior High School (WPIAL Team Rifle Championships) (WPIAL Individual Rifle Championships)
Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Away Away
4:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA
DAY
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Monday Wednesday Monday Monday Thursday Monday Friday Monday Monday Thursday Monday
12/10/12 12/19/12 1/7/13 1/14/13 1/24/13 1/28/13 2/1/13 2/4/13 2/11/13 2/21/13 2/25/13
Hampton High School Pine Richland High School Kiski Area High School Hampton High School West Allegheny High School Erie Cathedral Prep Franklin Regional High School Gateway High School Greater Latrobe High School Kiski Area High School Chartiers Valley High School
Ice Connection Ice Connection Pittsburgh Ice Pittsburgh Ice Airport Ice Pittsburgh Ice Center Ice Pittsburgh Ice Pittsburgh Ice Center Ice Pittsburgh Ice
8:30 6:10 8:20 8:20 8:30 8:20 6:30 8:20 8:20 7:45 8:20
HOCKEY
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p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
WRESTLING DAY
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
Friday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Friday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Friday Saturday Saturday Wednesday Saturday Thursday Friday Saturday
12/7/12 12/8/12 12/12/12 12/19/12 12/28/12 12/29/12 1/2/13 1/4/13 1/9/13 1/11/13 1/12/13 1/16/13 1/25/13 1/26/13 2/2/13 2/13/13 2/23/13 2/28/13 3/1/13 3/2/13
(Eastern Area Tournament @ Gateway) (Eastern Area Tournament @ Gateway) Hampton High School Fox Chapel High School (West Mifflin Tournament) (West Mifflin Tournament) Shaler Area High School Gateway High School North Hills Senior High School (Allegheny County Tournament) (Allegheny County Tournament) Central Catholic High School (New Oxford Tournament) (New Oxford Tournament) (Buckeye Local Tournament) West Mifflin Area High School (WPIAL Wrestling Sectionals ) (WPIAL Tournament) (WPIAL Tournament) (WPIAL Tournament)
Away Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Away Away Away
3:00 9:00 7:00 7:00 8:30 8:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 8:00 8:00 7:00 4:00 9:00 TBA 7:00 8:00 TBA TBA TBA
p.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a.m.
ESSMC Funds New Softball Cage at Plum High School Members of the Plum High School Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch Softball teams are pictured in front of their new batting cage. The batting cage is 70’ long, 14’ wide and 12’ tall and is located at Plum High School near the newly constructed softball field. This new batting cage was made possible through the generosity of East Suburban Sports Medicine Center. ESSMC has provided athletic training services for the
Plum Borough School District since 1984 and they have six locations in Pittsburgh's eastern suburbs. Plum Athletic Director, Bob Alpino, expressed his gratitude towards ESSMC, "We are very thankful to East Suburban for their generosity in providing the funding for the batting cage for our softball teams. This batting cage is a nice addition to our new softball field, and it will be used by softball players in the borough for many years to come.”
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
PLUM BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT
The staff at Plum Senior High is extremely proud of the most recent standardized assessment results from the 2011-2012 school year. Our school was one of only 14 out of more than 50 schools in Allegheny County to meet all of the state’s Adequate Yearly Progress targets on the 2012 PSSA assessments (Post-Gazette, 10/4/12). Students in the current senior class also achieved the highest scores in our school’s history on all exams (Reading, Math, Writing, and Science). Significant participation gains were also achieved in Advanced Placement testing. Seventy one more students took AP classes in 2011-2012 than the previous year and 128 more AP exams were taken. Despite the significant increase, scores remained well above the state and global averages. It is important to our staff that our work lends to both teaching students to proficiency, as well as teaching to extremely high competencies. We will continue to work to maximize achievement on all standardized assessment results through effective teaching at high competency levels.
Proud of our achievements, but the work continues...
The graduation rate for the class of 2012 continued to lie well above both the state average and state target for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), coming in at 95%. However, the graduation rate is also an area in which we will continuously work to improve. We want ALL of our students to graduate and will continue to seek resources, interventions, strategies, and opportunities that assist students in meaningful ways to ultimately prevent students from dropping out of school.
This year, student-centered instructional activity will be a focus for all content areas. This instructional methodology works to improve upon students’ learning in all content areas, not just testing needs. Students take ownership of their learning through experimentation, collaboration, trial and error, analysis, and applying the content in some meaningful way, and are in turn, likely to retain their learning at higher competency levels. Examples will be shared within professional learning communities and feedback will be shared regularly with staff about how to more actively engage students in the learning process. Student-centered instructional activity serves to motivate and interest students and requires a higher level of responsibility on the students’ part for their learning. The best academic interests of our students continue to be the focus of the staff at Plum Senior High despite challenging times in education. We are extremely proud of our students’ accomplishments and will continue to serve their needs to a standard of excellence expected by our school community. Ryan Kociela, Principal Plum Senior High School
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Girls Leaders Association (GLA) has been in existence at Plum Senior High School for 50 years. This service club works on a variety of projects per year by helping individuals or groups in need within the Plum Community and beyond. The sponsors for this year are Rose Shrout and Amy Martello. Over the summer, three GLA officers attended a leadership workshop by GirlGov earning a grant of $800 for their idea and plan to expand on community work by going green. Recently, GLA held its annual Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 20, 2012. $2,000 was raised for research for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition! GLA wishes to thank all walkers for their support and contributions. In the near future, GLA will be sponsoring three blood drives (December 7, February 7 and April 11) to help Central Blood Bank save three lives with each donation. In addition to ‘saving lives,’ you could help our senior students receive scholarship money. All blood drives will take place in the Auxiliary Gym at the high school from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please consider being a ‘superhero’ by helping to ‘save lives’ with your donation!
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
The Plum Borough Chamber of Commerce hosted a Halloween Costume Party to assist the Plum Borough Emergency Medical Services, (EMS), all four borough fire departments and the Plum Food Pantry with funding to support the organizations’ operations. The event took place on October 26 and was held at the Plum Masonic Hall. Chamber members David Johnson of D. Johnson Insurance and Tracy Mitchell of Holiday Park Apartments were event organizers. Guests enjoyed entertainment,music, and food provided by Nathan's Catering.
Stay up to date by accessing our website at www.plumchamber.com
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There were contests for the best costume and several raffles throughout the evening. The event raised $6,200 for the Plum organizations. The funds were also used to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for Plum Borough Police and EMS personnel who were working on Thanksgiving Day. Johnson has also headed up three other fundraisers on behalf of the critical care services in Plum Borough. In 2010, over $10,000 was raised that was used to purchase life-saving equipment, which led directly to the saving of three lives in the area.
Plum Chamber of Commerce Empowering People T Too Build Business In A Growing Community
Visit our website for Events, Member Discounts, Advertising Opportunities & other Membership Information
The Plum Chamber off Commerce wiishes to thank all of our current members ffor or theirr participation in helping us grow by 25% in 2012! Not only have our numbers grown, but so has the enthusiasm! We had haad a great yearr and a wish to thank all of those dedicated people who helpped make this the best yearr ever! We ha have many things planned ffoor 2013 and our sincere hope is thatt you will plan on being a BIG part of it! /Ĩ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞŶ͛ƚ Ă ŵĞŵďĞƌ ĂůƌĞĂĚLJ͕ ĐŚĞĐŬ ŽƵƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ www.plumchamberr.com Or email us: inffo@plumchamberr.com
Jo oiin n uss to od da ay y!! Telephone: 412-798798 2300 Fax: 412-798-2400 4555 New Texas Road; Plum, PA A 15239
Location... L We get you noticed. Reaching your target audience has never been easier... or less expensive.
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Let IN Community Magazines set up a plan for your business to reach every home in your area.
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724.942.0940 Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
by Pamela Palongue
According to Minnie Elfkin, Public Relations Coordinator for Santa Claus Operations North America, the iconic Christmas figure will be keeping a dizzying schedule of public appearances this holiday season. During November and December, Mr. Claus will be visiting as many cities and towns across the U.S. as possible, including appearances in Oakmont and Plum. Those wishing to consult Mr. Claus to make a particular gift request should check the local shopping malls and holiday parades. Mr. Claus also may be seen in the vicinity of 34th Street in New York City and any cold, mountainous region where reindeer may live. In other news from the North Pole, Prancer has been placed on the injured reserve list, although he is expected to be healthy for the Christmas Eve event. A young reindeer named Techno is being called up from the farm team as a possible replacement if Prancer is unable to fly by Christmas. Elfkin stresses, “Presents WILL BE delivered on time and there will be no lapse in service regardless of personnel changes.” Elfkin also reminds homeowners to leave the damper open to provide easier access through the chimney. (This season Mr. Claus is watching his cholesterol intake and low fat snacks are appreciated).
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Elfkin also reports that the United Federation of Elves, (UFE), has been working on some exciting, new toys this season that should please any toddler or preschooler. Children are alerted to be on their best behavior, now that Santa Claus has Skype capabilities. Although there have been many imposters, there is still no official Santa Claus website at this time. Santa Claus cannot be liked on Facebook or followed on Twitter due to the covert nature of his operations in the North Pole region. Those children wishing to contact Mr. Claus, should send all correspondence to the usual address, Santa Claus, North Pole. All children in the Plum Borough area are requested to go to bed no later than 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus will be arriving in Oakmont sometime between 2:17 and 2:18 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, and arriving in Plum at approximately 2:20 a.m. In order to receive a present from Santa, children should be sure to pick up their toys and eat all of their vegetables. In the meantime, keep a sharp eye toward the northern sky and watch for flying reindeer and twinkling lights. To All a Merry Christmas and to All a Good Night!
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from Brittany was justt a minut minute from Driving back fr om school, Brittan yw as jus e fr om home when her car hit a pa patch tch of ic ice e and spun into into a pole. pole. T The he ac accident cident left her in a coma coma days ffor or six da ys and caused traumatic traumatic brain brain injury. injury. Surrounded Surrounded by by world-class world-class care inpatient therapy att the UPMC Rehabilitation car e while in inpa tient ther apy a Rehabilitation Institute, Institute, B Brittany rittany rrelearned elearned tthe he basics—like basics—like standing, standing, speaking, and maintaining balanc balance. e. Making gr great eat pr progress, ogress, she chose o outpatient utpatient rrehabilitation ehabilitation a att a UPMC C Centers enters ffor or R Rehab ehab Servic Services es loca location tion close tto o home home.. Nearly fully rrecovered, ecovered, Brittan Brittany y is not just just walking, walking, but driving, and has returned returned to to w work. ork. She also is back in school sstudying tudying early childhood de development. velopment. To T o learn mor mo more e about the UPMC R Rehabilitation ehabilitation Ins Institute, titute, call 1-800-5 1-800-533-UPMC 33-UPMC (8 (8762) 762) or visit UPMC. UPMC.com/MyRehab. com/MyRehab.
Affiliated Affiliated with the University University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UP UPMC MC is rranked anked among the nation’s nation’s top top 10 hospitals by by U.S. News Newss & World World Report. Report.
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
PAT I E N T C E N T E R E D
Associates to o bring our standard of care e to orthopedics. Our approach gives patients more quality time with a specialist who will listen to them.
something I d definitely wanted to be a part of. Dr. Charley Gates
A higher standard. A better patient experience. A different model of care.
Pr PremierMedicalAssociates.com emierMedicalAssociates.com 14
Plum
Not Just for Athletes: Could that nagging shoulder pain be a torn rotator cuff?
The Palace Theatre Thheatre Coming Attractions
type of surrgery gery decreases blood loss, minimizes damage to healthy tissue, and speeds recovery. Surrgery gery is an outpa ou tient procedure. A person can expect to be in a sling for 4-6 weeks with a full return to activities at 4-6 months. Physical therap py after surrgery gery is a critical component of a successful recoveryy. If you or someone you love has this type type of shoulder pain, its important to be seen by a physician. Delayying the examination can lead to tear progression and shoulder arthritis.
Charleey Ga Charley Gates, tes, MD, is an or orthopedic thopedic sur surgeon rgeon geon with Pr Premier remier emier Medical A Associates, ssociates, the lar largest rge gest independent m multi-physician ulti-ph hysician siccian pr practice ractice actice in the Gr Greater reater Pit Pittsburgh tsburrgh ar area. rea. ea.
Dec 14-16 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 22
F/S/S 7:30/7:30/2PM Tue 7:30PM Wed 2&8PM Sat 8PM
Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 9
Sat Sat Sat Sat
8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM
Feb 10 Sun 2PM Feb 14 Thu 8PM Feb 18 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar Mar 13 Mar Mar 16 Mar 17 Mar 20 Mar 24 Apr 4/5 Apr 6 A Apr pr 8 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 A Apr pr 18 May 3 May 16
Mon 7:30PM Sat 6PM Sat 7:30PM Sun 7PM Wed 7:30PM Wed Sat 8PM Sun 7PM Wed 8PM Wed Sun 7PM TTh/Fr h/Fr 7:30PM Sat 7:30PM M Mon on 8PM Thu 2&8PM FFri ri 7:30PM Sat 8PM Thu 6PM Thu 8PM Thu 2&8PM
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The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
724-836-8000 • www www.thepalacetheatre.org .thepalacetheatre.org FREE P PARKING ARKING FOR E EVENING VENING & WEEKEND SHO SHOWS WS Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Deadline for nominations: February 5th
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UPMC TODAY Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13
Stay Well This Winter Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.
What’s Inside 2 3 4
In a Heartbeat Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones
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Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease We’re Here for You
In a Heartbeat UPMC East is cutting minutes and saving lives by opening blocked arteries in record time.
James Colwell was relaxing after building a retaining wall when he began to feel pressure in his chest, along with nausea and sweating. He didn’t think it was a heart attack but told his daughter to drive him to UPMC East, located just 10 minutes from his Penn Hills home. “It turns out I was having a major heart attack. If I had waited any longer or traveled to a hospital farther away, they may have been calling the undertaker,” says James, 75, who works full time as an independent broker heading up the Colwell Agency.
Door-to-balloon time National guidelines call for hospitals to perform an angioplasty within 90 minutes — starting from the moment a patient enters the hospital until the balloon is inflated and blood flow is restored. According to Dr. Aziz, since UPMC East opened in July all procedures have been performed within those guidelines — most of them in less than 60 minutes. “Time is critical. The sooner we restore blood flow through the arteries, the less damage there will be,” says Dr. Aziz. UPMC East has a team of heart doctors, nurses, and specialists on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat serious heart conditions. One reason the door-to-balloon time is so impressive is because so many team members live near the hospital, enabling a team to assemble within 20 minutes. “Our location makes it easier — and faster — for patients and their families to get here. It’s easier for our response team to get here, too,” says Dr. Aziz.
An obvious choice James says going to UPMC East was an “obvious choice.” “I wouldn’t go anywhere else but UPMC. I’m just glad I didn’t have to get on the Parkway East and head into town,” he says. “When you’re having a heart attack, or any emergency, the quicker you can get to an emergency room, the better off you are.”
He was rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab where Abdulrab Aziz, MD, chief of cardiology at UPMC East, and a team of nurses and technicians jumped into action. Dr. Aziz quickly restored blood flow with a balloon angioplasty and stent. James felt immediate relief — less than an hour after first experiencing symptoms. He had survived a blockage in his left anterior descending artery, which is a major artery to the heart. Blockages there are often fatal.
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UPMC East’s connection with the renowned UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute means patients have access to internationally acclaimed experts, as well as sophisticated life-saving treatments, and technology. While the hospital provides a full range of noninvasive diagnostic imaging, catheterizations, and emergency interventions, patients needing open heart surgery, such as a coronary bypass or valve replacement, are transferred to UPMC Shadyside or UPMC Presbyterian for treatment. Because UPMC East’s cardiologists also are on staff at those hospitals, patients continue with the same physician for follow-up care. “That continuum of care is very important and appreciated by patients,” says Dr. Aziz. To schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call toll-free 1-800-553-UPMC (8762).
Absent From Pain Most of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that “puts you to sleep,” but it’s really all about pain relief.
internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. Many also pursue subspecialty training in such areas as pain medicine, and pediatric, cardiothoracic, or obstetric anesthesia. In today’s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. “It’s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,” says Dr. Williams. Anesthesia’s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.
Getting to know you For minor operations, you’ll typically meet your anesthesiologist at the hospital, shortly before surgery. For major surgeries, you will be asked to participate in a pre-surgery consultation. “With patients who live at a distance, we’re now using telemedicine to conduct pre-op visits,” says Dr. Williams. “It allows us to get to know you, address your questions and concerns, review options, and determine if any additional tests or consultations are needed.”
What to tell your anesthesiologist
Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine’s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it? The father of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes is generally credited with bringing the term into popular use in 1846, though references to anesthesia can be traced back to 1741. The term is based on a Greek word meaning “lack of sensation.” “Anesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,” explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anesthesiology. “Your anesthesiologist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.”
A team of professionals
Prior to surgery, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself. “Be candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,” advises Dr. Williams. Be sure to include the following: đ Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesia đ Any food, medicine, or latex allergies you have đ Prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you take đ Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs
Did You Know? There are four basic categories of anesthesia: Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your body Regional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waist Twilight: Sedates and provides pain relief
Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete four years of residency after finishing medical school. Their extensive preparation includes training in cardiology, critical care medicine,
General: Renders you unconscious
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Butt Out
3. Now hear this. Smokers are more likely to develop a hearing loss. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts former smokers and nonsmokers at risk.
Despite dire health warnings, one out of five Americans still smokes. If you’re one of them, here are some new reasons to crush that butt.
4. Stand tall. Smoking weakens bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in men and women. 5. Keep your head. If your mind is cloudy, smoking may be the culprit. It’s been linked to memory problems and poor reasoning skills in middle-aged smokers.
Before you light up your next cigarette, consider this: With every puff, you’re inhaling more than 7,000 chemicals.
You’re not just hurting yourself
Hundreds of them are poisonous, and about 70 can cause cancer. And no organ or tissue in the body is immune to this toxic cloud.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that secondhand smoke kills about 50,000 people every year and sickens many more. Children who live with a smoker are especially susceptible to lung and breathing problems, and they run an increased risk of hearing loss as adolescents.
Most people know that cancer, heart disease, and lung disease are major health threats caused by smoking. But are you aware that smoking increases your risk of getting diabetes by 44 percent? That’s just one of the not-so-obvious reasons to put that butt out. Here are five more. 1. See the difference. If you smoke, your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, doubles. Smokers also have double the risk of developing cataracts.
Brittle Bones Osteoporosis is quickly becoming a national health care concern. It’s estimated that 10 million Americans now have osteoporosis and 34 million are at risk. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, chances are good that you — or someone you love — will be affected by the disease. “In osteoporosis, your bones become thin and brittle, putting you at increased risk of a bone fracture,” says Susan Greenspan, MD, UPMC’s director of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. “In advanced stages, simple acts like lifting a baby or sneezing can lead to a fracture.” Here are four facts everyone should know about osteoporosis: 1. Osteoporosis can appear at any age. But after the age of 50, one out of every two women — and one out of every four men — are likely to experience a fracture due to the disease. These breaks occur most often in the hip, wrist, and spine. 2. Osteoporosis is silent. It’s often diagnosed only after a fracture. Menopause, family and medical history, physical build, and your lifestyle and diet can increase your odds of the disease.
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2. Heal better. Smoking weakens the body’s ability to heal from surgery, disease, broken bones, and even minor back strains.
UPMC.com/Today
If you’re among the eight out of 10 smokers who want to quit, talk to your primary care doctor. To locate a doctor in your area, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call toll-free 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Journal of the American Medical Association.
3. You can take proactive steps at any age to promote bone health. These include: eating foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cottage cheese, and calcium-enriched juices; exercising (weight-bearing exercise like walking); stopping smoking; and limiting alcohol use. If needed, consider taking a calcium supplement and vitamin D daily. 4. The good news is early detection is easy. If you’re 65 years of age or older, Dr. Greenspan recommends talking to your doctor about your risks. A simple bone mineral density test can assess your bone health. To learn more about osteoporosis, talk to your primary care provider, or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website at nof.org.
Shedding More Than Pounds Bariatric surgery helps free patients from a range of life-threatening health problems.
It’s well known that bariatric surgery can produce impressive weight loss. But there’s increasing evidence that it offers other health benefits, too. For example, a recent Swedish study showed weight-loss surgery can prevent diabetes among individuals who struggle with obesity. That news came as no surprise to Anita Courcoulas, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s another study demonstrating the lasting impact of bariatric surgery on health improvement,” says Dr. Courcoulas. “The changes are real and durable.”
Is bariatric surgery right for you? Current national guidelines recommend bariatric surgery for patients who are 80 to 100 pounds overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or more for those with one or more significant obesity-related health conditions. Those guidelines may change, though. For example, at UPMC — one of the most highly funded centers of bariatric research in the country — Dr. Courcoulas is heading a study examining the impact of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients with lower BMIs (30–35). She predicts more and more patients will seek out bariatric surgery for health reasons — not just weight reasons. “We’re just beginning to understand its full potential,” she says.
Bariatric Surgery Centers at UPMC Each of UPMC’s four bariatric surgery centers has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our multidisciplinary approach to weight loss through both surgery and lifestyle changes is available at: UPMC Hamot: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, and gastric sleeve. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Amjad Ali, MD, or Rodolfo Arreola, MD, call 814-877-6997. UPMC Horizon: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Myers, MD, call 724-588-6660.
A life-altering surgery According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 72 million Americans are considered obese and nearly 200,000 undergo bariatric surgery annually. UPMC is a leader nationally in bariatric surgery and in the number of bariatric procedures performed annually. Dr. Courcoulas says bariatric surgery (including gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve) can help reverse a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, such as: đ Diabetes đ Heart disease
đ High blood pressure đ High cholesterol
đ Sleep apnea
UPMC St. Margaret: Pittsburgh Bariatrics offers gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Joseph Colella, MD, or LeeAnn Peluso, MD, call 412-784-5900. Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, revisional surgery, and clinical trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Anita Courcoulas, MD, director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; George Eid, MD; Giselle Hamad, MD; Carol McCloskey, MD; or Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, call 412-641-3632. Each center offers free monthly information sessions. To learn more about bariatric surgery, or to find out if you’re a candidate, visit UPMC.com/bariatricsurgery.
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Growing Up With Heart Disease Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is responding to the special challenges facing adults born with congenital heart disease.
The ACHD Center — a joint program of Children’s Hospital and UPMC Presbyterian — provides specialized transition support and care for patients with congenital heart disease. “Despite surgery, patients can experience complications as adults, including arrhythmias, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Our care and follow-up enables these young people — now in their prime — to lead long, productive lives,” Dr. Cook says.
A healthy outlook Before her diagnosis, Alexis thought she was in great shape; she had lost 100 pounds, was running daily, and had completed a two-mile race. But her conditioning actually helped disguise her declining health. After undergoing surgery at Children’s last April to restore blood flow, she now realizes how much better she feels. This summer, she ran the race again. “Last year, I was better conditioned, but I couldn’t breathe after the race. This year, I felt fantastic,” Alexis says. “I’m glad I went to Children’s. I’m more confident about exercising now. I know my heart can take it.” Alexis Laney was only 14 months old when she underwent open heart surgery in Cleveland to repair a faulty valve. She had annual checkups until age 17, when her pediatric cardiologist referred her to an adult cardiologist. She scheduled sporadic checkups, but stopped going after giving birth to a son in 2005. “I felt fine,” says Alexis. Now 27, the young wife and mother finally gave in to her family’s urging last year and saw a cardiologist near her home in Youngstown, Ohio. Although her EKG and echocardiogram were normal, he urged Alexis to see a specialist at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, saying, “I don’t know what to look for, but they will.” Tests conducted by Stephen Cook, MD, director of the ACHD Center, found scar tissue blocking blood flow to her aorta — a serious condition putting her at risk of sudden death. “I was shocked. I could have collapsed and died,” Alexis says.
Lifelong expert care Alexis is part of a growing population of adults born with heart defects who had lifesaving heart surgery as newborns and children. Thanks to advances in medicine and improved surgical techniques, “the number of adults with congenital heart diseases has outgrown the number of pediatric congenital heart disease patients,” says Dr. Cook.
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ACHD Center Fast Facts A single childhood surgery is seldom a permanent cure for patients born with a heart defect. The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center provides lifelong care and follow-up for patients with congenital heart disease who are: đ Ages 18 and up with conditions ranging from simple to severe đ Women of childbearing age needing pregnancy counseling or contraception đ Adolescents (13 to 17) who receive guidance, support, and care during their transition to adulthood For more information, contact the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at 412-692-5540 or email ACHD@chp.edu.
We’re Here for You You’ll find the best of UPMC at strategic locations throughout the eastern suburbs, giving you and your physician even more resources for care.
Location, location, location. It influences almost every decision we make — from where we live to where we shop. Location is especially important when it comes to making health care decisions. You need quality services that are convenient and accessible — without the hassles of driving the Parkway East or dealing with construction woes. “With higher gas prices, increased traffic, and less free time, people place a high priority on good medical care that’s closer to where they live and work,” says Laura Gailey Moul, vice president, operations at UPMC East. “That’s why UPMC continues to expand its level of high-quality health care services to the Monroeville community.” UPMC’s outpatient facilities in the eastern suburbs serve people of all ages, offering: đ Cardiovascular care đ Chemotherapy đ Imaging and diagnostic procedures đ Pediatrics (Children’s East, which includes imaging and diagnostic services, medical services, and outpatient specialty services, and Children’s Express Care) đ Physician specialties including ear, nose, and throat; gastroenterology; general surgery; heart and vascular; neurosurgery; orthopaedics; pulmonary; urology, and many more đ Rehabilitation and physical therapy đ Same-day surgery đ Senior care đ Sleep medicine đ Women’s health (UPMC Womancare Center, which offers a range of imaging services, as well as general ob/gyn and women’s specialty physician services)
A medical complex serving patients and physicians A new physician office building opened recently at 400 Oxford Drive, which is adjacent to 600 Oxford Drive. Open for many years, 600 Oxford Drive houses imaging, UPMC Center for Rehab Services, and several physician offices. The result is UPMC at Oxford Drive, a medical complex with ample free parking and easy access to labs, x-rays, and other testing facilities, as well as primary care and specialty physician offices. “UPMC at Oxford Drive is a one-stop option,” says Ms. Moul. “Patients can see their primary care doctor, get necessary lab work and other testing done, or visit a specialist, all in the same location.” For Shawn Naseem, MD, an internal medicine physician with Primary Care Associates of Monroeville–UPMC, and his colleagues, the decision to move to UPMC at Oxford Drive was an easy one. Located on the top floor of the new building, their office space — newly built specifically for a primary care practice — is both functional and comfortable. “It is a warm and open environment that our patients and staff love.”
“Having so many other skilled medical specialists in such close proximity is a great advantage,” he adds. “We work very well together and communicate with one another. I know they are the very best at what they do, and I trust them to take care of my patients.” “Patients and physicians alike benefit from having such a comprehensive array of services and specialists available,” says Ms. Moul. “And UPMC East is a natural extension of our commitment to this area, offering convenient access to specialty care and inpatient services for primary care physicians and their patients.”
Do you have a PCP? Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick. “A PCP is equipped to deal with all kinds of health problems, whether simple or complex,” says Dr. Naseem. If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to specialists or other services and treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Naseem. “We are your advocate and guide in the broader health care system.” To locate physicians in the eastern suburbs, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
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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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TAKE TIME TO TAKE CARE OF YOU Holidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC East physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases even offer same-day appointments. Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/Patient Care and we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’t matter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
- by Chelsie Kozera
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Demolition of the Edgewater Steel buildings began in the winter of 2005 with the last of the steel legacy’s walls coming down in March of 2010. The history of Edgewater dates back to 1916 when Frank Bell purchased the factory in Oakmont from Best Manufacturing, then a leading producer in industrial valves and pipe products. By 1918 Bell’s Edgewater was an established producer of train wheels and rings and it was all taking place inside the walls of Oakmont’s beloved mill. Essentially, Edgewater – stretching from Plum Creek to the Allegheny River and encompassing approximately sixty acres – put the town of Oakmont on the map at the turn of the 20th century. Now, almost one hundred years later the remnants of a steel town have faded, but the legacy lives on in the name of a new development, Edgewater at Oakmont. In March of 2011 construction of the 34-acre Edgewater Housing Development began. Jason Corna, Director of Marketing at Kacin Companies, expresses his hopes for the new neighborhood, telling IN Plum, that Edgewater “will bring new life to the community and bring up local home values.” It’s the project’s intention to build each home to the highest of standards while preserving the historic integrity of Oakmont’s architecture. The development will consist of 242 residences: 62 apartments and 180 homes.
The types of homes range from manor flats (or condos) to townhomes to cottage homes and park homes. Edgewater’s priciest living quarters are Park Homes, which are stand-alone structures with a river view. The appeal of the Oakmont community has attracted buyers from twelve different states, according to Corna. A riverfront park with green grass, vegetation, and a few benches will give home owners a shared place to soak up the outdoors. The community as a whole has qualified for a LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). One interesting aspect of the community is that Oakmont’s existing streets, California Avenue and College Avenue, will just extend into the new neighborhood. The site holds true to
Oakmont’s walkable town reputation, as the developers have put emphasis on sidewalks and made an effort to connect them to the rest of the town. There will also be a specialty grocer, a bank and an eatery within walking distance in the spring of 2013 when the next phase of adding commercial buildings begins. (Corna was unable to reveal specifics.) Edgewater Steel was a pillar that picked up a Pittsburgh suburb and made it a lively town. Today, Oakmont grows larger, greener and happier, while continuing to recognize its heritage. The Edgewater development will be a blend of modernity and history that preserves Oakmont’s features as a quaint town. So venture down to take a stroll in the new walkable suburb of our steel city. Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
This year's Sugar Plum Days was held December 8 – 15. There were a variety of activities for everyone to participate in, with fun things to do each day, turning Plum Borough into a Christmas wonderland. Children were able to participate in the Sugar Plum Days Passport Program where they could get their passport punched at each of the following locations: Plum Borough Building, Pittsburgh East Community Church, Plum Community Library, Plum Senior Center, Dojonovic Disney Christmas Display, Hayride at Renton Fire Hall, Carpenter Log House, East Suburban Family YMCA, Christ Lutheran Church and Nowalk’s Daily Grind. A school bus made round trips each day between the different locations and children having five or more punches on their passport were eligible to win one of several different prizes. 28
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The Plum Senior Center and the Plum Borough Education Association kicked off Sugar Plum Days with the arrival of Santa Claus. Kids participated in Christmas Karaoke and crafts activities. Plenty of hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies was consumed. The Plum Creek Presbyterian Church located on Center New Texas Road, was the scene of a Living Nativity. Visitors were able to take a walking outdoor journey to experience the birth of Christ, which included actors and live animals. On Tuesday, December 11, the Plum Senior High School Music Department presented an evening of holiday favorites at the high school auditorium. Appropriately, the Renton Fire Hall was the holiday scene of a bonfire for toasting marshmallows, with sleigh rides and warm hot chocolate. The historic Carpenter Log House served up hot cider and cookies and provided musical entertainment for guests.
The Plum Borough Building had a train display and face painting and crafts for children as well. Visitors were able to vote on their favorite gingerbread house sponsored by Colleen Prokopik and the Plum Senior High School Advanced Foods class. Artwork from the Plum Elementary School Coloring Contest was prominently displayed. The Dojonovic Light Display at 219 Fiesta Drive was beautiful and successfully got everyone in the holiday spirit. Free hot chocolate and coffee from Nowalk's Daily Grind were offered. East Suburban YMCA had refreshments for everyone and entertainment with dancers and the Adlai Singers. Plum Community Library offered crafts for children and teens and held a Christmas Puppet Show, along with a sampling of Holiday Quick Breads. The library was also the scene of the wreath decorating contest, decided by popular vote. The sounds of Christmas spilled out into the night from Christ's Lutheran Church located on Route 286. The Kiski Area Community Band performed their annual holiday concert under the direction of Patti Marco. Donations received from the event benefited the Plum Food Pantry. And finally, a Painted Window Competition for advanced art students of Plum High School was held at King’s Family Restaurant.
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
by Chelsie Kozera
‘Tis the season for the streets of our neighborhoods to be illuminated by glorious, cheer-spreading holiday lights. Oakmont turned on the spirit at its 37th annualLite Up Night on Saturday, November 17. The evening commenced with an hour-long parade at 5:00 p.m., during which candy was tossed to salivating youngsters while their parents tried to hold them tight. Spectators watched as Christmas characters atop local fire trucks rode down Allegheny River Boulevard.
Other highlights of the parade included Riverview High School’s marching band, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts proudly walking with their troops, a charismatic elf riding a unicycle all the way down the boulevard not far behind Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole crew, while local businesses showed off their impressive holiday floats. But the most anticipated moment of the parade was a glimpse at good ol’ Saint Nick who rode high above the crowd on a bright red fire truck. When the parade concluded, residents meandered around the boulevard, admiring decorated storefront windows, snacking on seasonal treats, trying their luck at the Chinese auction, and catching up with old and new friends alike. The annual celebration wouldn’t have been complete without a few musical performances under the clock tower and Clydesdale-drawn carriage rides around the brightly-lit streets of Oakmont. The evening ended with a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Afterwards, many retreated to nearby restaurants to carry on good times and good conversation with friends in anticipation of a merry holiday season.
We all find ways to embrace the seasonal spirit year after year. Some of us carry out the same traditions over and over, while others stir up holiday cheer differently each year. There’s something wonderful about a month-long celebration of family, friends, and the magic of Christmas. If you’re looking for some ways to get yourself feeling like the Clauses this season then read on... Bake your favorite holiday dessert: bread pudding with butter rum sauce, gingerbread cookies with peppermint icing, or dark chocolate bark with candy cane bits. Baking will fill your house with seasonal aromas and give you a yummy snack to nosh on, while reminding you of when you were taught this very recipe by Mom or Grandma. But don’t consume it all! Share it with your neighbor or friend. Now you’re really thinking Christmas. Sharing desserts or giving gifts is a great way to grab Christmas spirit by the reins and steer your sleigh into the land of generosity. If you’re looking forward to playing Santa this season, you don’t have to venture far or spend much to put thoughtful gifts under the tree. Try perusing the shops in Plum or Oakmont for the perfect book, dress, necktie, spa treatment, or even dining gift card for your loved ones. But if you don’t want your holiday to be burdened by financial woes, consider giving the gift of time. Take a vacation day from work and do something special, like sledding or skiing in nearby Boyce Park. Have friends over for dinner and share a bottle of wine. Call relatives you haven’t spoken to in a while and ask them about their lives. 30
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and all through Plum, the locals were preparing for a joyous season By Chelsie Kozera Perhaps in the past you strummed up some holiday spirit by driving your family or loved one through Hartwood Acres for the Celebration of Lights. If you haven’t already heard, the county won’t be offering this annual display of illuminated scenes this year. Instead, take a tour of Christmas lights in your own neighborhood. Yes, it’s true that many residents of Plum believe they are like Clark Griswold, so take the kiddies for a drive down Old Leechburg Road and enjoy all the hard work residents put into making their homes light up like a concert stage. For those who celebrate Christmas through religion, spend time at your place of worship, talk to fellow members, and ask about opportunities to get involved. It’s likely that your local parish will host a toy drive for the holidays or call upon members to work at a nearby soup kitchen. In years past Plum Borough has hosted Toys for Tots and a Food Pantry Drive at the Boyce Park Ski Lodge. Don’t be a “Scrooge;” donate what you can! Giving to the less fortunate never fails to get those holiday juices flowing and helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas. Regardless of how you choose to muster up the essence of Christmas, we hope you find ways to enjoy good food, good times and good conversation with the ones you love.
Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Plum Senior Community Center is Expanded and Improved! Segelson is also very impressed with the improved On September 14, Allegheny County Executive kitchen which meets all health department Rich Fitzgerald and State Representative Joseph standards and will serve the center well for Markosek celebrated the opening of the newly upcoming events. expanded Plum Senior Community Center. In December, the Plum Senior Community They were joined by County Council President Center will host its annual Christmas party, which Dr. Charles Martoni and County Council Vice will be visited by Santa Claus, when he arrives by President Nick Futules. The $900,000 expansion fire truck. He will be on hand to listen to greet includes an addition of 2,500 square feet in the children and listen to Christmas lists. form of exercise rooms, a shower area, remodeled The center's addition was funded through restrooms, a restaurant-grade kitchen, dining room, “This beautiful addition will $300,000 in Housing & Urban Development expanded office space and a conference room. enable the Plum Senior Economic Development Initiative grants acquired “This beautiful addition will enable the Plum Community Center to by Congressman Altmire, $250,000 in Community Senior Community Center to provide additional Development Block Grant funds, $250,000 from services and programs to area seniors,” said provide additional the Community Infrastructure & Tourism Fitzgerald. “I want to thank Representative services and programs Fund, $40,000 in Pennsylvania Community & Markosek, who worked tirelessly to make this day a Economic Development grants acquired by reality.” Fitzgerald also credited Congressman Jason to area seniors.” State Representatives Markosek and DeLuca Altmire, Representative Tony DeLuca, County and $60,000 in Plum Senior Community Council President Martoni and County Council Rich Fitzgerald Center funds. Vice President Futules with work on the expansion. The Plum Senior Community Center serves Executive director of the center, Nina Segelson seniors in Plum Borough and eastern Allegheny commented that the expansion was a fitting reward County. In addition to social activities and exercise classes, the center for the patrons who faithfully attended classes and events throughout the serves as a hub for several meal programs, including Meals on Wheels. year of construction. “It was of course very noisy and dusty throughout the construction, but the seniors still came and participated,” says For more information on the center, please visit the website Segelson. “We've been able to add line dancing to our list of classes www.plumseniorcenter.com. with the new space, and fitness is a big part of what we encourage here.”
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MAGAZINE COMMUNITY 2012 WINTER
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Medication 101:
The Right Dose at the Right Time D
id you know that it’s estimated that 10% of hospital admissions and 23% of nursing home admissions are due to medication non-adherence? Skipping a dose, taking a medication at the wrong time, taking the wrong dose, stopping the medication or not filling a prescription are all considered forms of non-adherence. The ramifications of this behavior not only affect individuals but also leads to national health problems as well as financial concerns. According to the World Health Organization, over 50% of patients with chronic diseases do not take their medications as prescribed and more than $290 billion in medical expenses are generated each year due to poor adherence. The significance of this issue led Shawn Nairn, partner and owner of Hometown Pharmacy, to introduce RxMap to the Pittsburgh region. RxMap is a medication adherence program that helps people who take multiple prescriptions stay compliant and ensures that the right dose is taken at the right time. Instead of opening pill bottles each day or filling a pill box each week, this packaging system provides a specially labeled medication card and delivers it free to the person’s home every month. Each dose is sealed into a perforated pill cup that can remain in the medication card or can be taken out for travel purposes. The customizable RxMap medication card includes all the prescriptions, vitamins and supplements for each month. The RxMap program also provides relief for family members and caregivers when they are taking care of their loved ones. This program is helpful for seniors, children with special needs, transplant patients, head trauma patients or other individuals with medical needs. Medication adherence can help people avoid unnecessary admissions to a hospital or a nursing home. Keeping a person healthy and independent in their own home can be beneficial as well as cost effective. If you or a family member would like to see if you can qualify as an RxMap candidate, please contact the pharmacy.
RxMap® multi-med adherence cards are manufactured by MTS Medication Technologies
This Industry Insight was written by Lynette Tomasetti, Director of Business Development for Hometown Pharmacy, which has 5 retail locations in the Pittsburgh area. For more information about RxMap, please call the pharmacy at 412.539.1331.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SERVING YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY Serving You and Your Community C utting hair isn’t just a business for Supercuts stylists, it’s also a way Cutting hair isn’t just a business for Supercuts stylists, it’s also a way to give back to the customers they love and the community to give back to the customers they love and the community they they call home. call home. Guests know that they can always count on superb service and Guests know that they can always count on superb service and a a welcome smile when they visit the Plum Supercuts. Our expertly welcome smile when they visit the Bethel Park Supercuts. Our expertly trained stylists offer a multitude of services including haircuts, trained stylists offer a multitude of services including haircuts, waxing, waxing, blow-outs, color and more. blow-outs, color and more. As the owner of the Supercuts franchise in Southwestern As the owner of the Supercuts franchise in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Laurel Slaughter-Odelein has not only added over Pennsylvania, Laurel Breuner has not only added over 350 jobs to the 350 jobs to the region through her stores, but she and her employees region through her stores, but she and her employees have also been have also been supporting local schools, sports teams, civil services supporting local schools, sports teams, civil services and charities in and charities in those communities for more than 20 years. those communities for more than 20 years. “We support the communities we serve,” Slaughter-Odelein said. “We support the communities we serve,” Breuner said. “Giving back “Giving back is important to us because the communities have isgiven us so much.” important to us because the communities have given us so much.” Supercuts also invests in its employees through extensive training Supercuts also invests in its employees through extensive training programs and prides itself on hiring aspiring stylists graduating from programs and prides itself on hiring aspiring stylists graduating from local trade schools. “Pittsburgh is filled with talented people and we are local trade schools. “Western Pennsylvania is filled with talented thrilled to be able to hire vibrant employees, many of whom have people and we are thrilled to be able to hire vibrant employees, recently graduated and are entering the work force for the first time,” many of whom have recently graduated and are entering the work Breuner said. force for the first time,” Slaughter-Odelein said. Supercuts hires only licensed stylists and mandates extensive Supercuts hires only licensed stylists and mandates extensive education with two weeks of in-store training before stylists are sent to education with two weeks of in-store training before stylists are sent Supercuts’ own Hair Stylist Academy. Stylists attend an advanced to Supercuts’ own Hair Stylist Academy. Stylists attend an advanced
training course conducted by the Supercuts Certified Trainer/Artistic training course conducted by the Supercuts Certified Trainer/Artistic Director. New stylists must pass the five-day, 40-hour course Director. New stylists must pass the five-day, 40-hour course before before they are able to actively work on the floor of the salon. they are able to actively work on the floor of the salon. After mastering After mastering this level, stylists will continue to undergo regular this level, stylists will continue to undergo regular training to enable training to enable them to keep up with the latest styles and trends. them to keep up with the latest styles and trends. “We take what they’ve learned at school, provide additional and “We take what they’ve learned at school, provide additional and ongoing education, and look to retain these employees for many ongoing education, and look to retain these employees for many years,” years,” Slaughter-Odelein said. This strategy is apparently working Breuner said. This strategy is apparently working because Supercuts was because Supercuts was just rated one of the top places to work in just rated one of the top places to work in 2012 by a Pittsburgh 2012 by a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette survey. Post-Gazette survey. “It’s an honor to be recognized as a great place to work,” “It’s an honor to be recognized as a great place to work,” Breuner Slaughter-Odelein said. “Our employees are happy and that attitude said. “Our employees are happy and that attitude is passed on to our is passed on to our guests. We not only offer a superior salon guests. We not only offer a superior salon experience at an affordable experience at an affordable price, but our locations are full of price, but our locations are full of people who love and take pride in people who love and take pride in what they do and the what they do and the community they serve.” community they serve.” If you haven’t already experienced the full services Supercuts offers, If you haven’t already experienced the full services Supercuts please visit us soon. Supercuts has 30 Pittsburgh area locations; the offers, please visit us soon. Supercuts has 30 Pittsburgh area nearest one in Bethel Park is located at 2398 Oxford Drive, and is open locations; the nearest one in Plum is located at 1800 Golden Mile 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Highway, and is open 7 days a week; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on on all of Supercuts locations and services visit www.supercuts.com, Sundays. For more information on all of Supercuts locations and or to call ahead for faster service, call 412.833.9834. Walk-ins are services visit www.supercuts.com, or to call ahead for faster service, always welcome! call 724.519.2996. Walk-ins are always welcome!
Back row left to right: Melissa Mahoney, Jennifer Borne, Jean Everhart, Jessica Rankin, Jennifer Vasilvich, Alexis Reber, Jill Lippi, Sarah Modespacher Plum stylists Kelly, Jamie, Wendy, Angela, Ashley and Jenny are ready to help you with your new look today. Front left to right: Manager Donna West, Leanne Dow, Stephanie Echland, Kim Brochi, Stephanie Cook Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35
SPECIAL SECTION
Health & Wellness The Whole Picture Many people think of health and wellness as just diet and exercise. While those are two key components, there are many more factors that affect an individual’s overall vitality. Other areas of focus include dental and vision; specialties such as podiatry and audiology; preventive measures such as chiropractic visits and acupuncture/massage. Even feel-good procedures such as hair replacement and cosmetic surgery can boost a person’s demeanor and self-confidence. With all of these areas of wellness to consider, it can be a daunting task to pay for the treatments and procedures that enhance the quality of our lives. So how do we decide what to spend our health-care dollars on? Which procedures are the most effective and beneficial? e following is a review of what to consider when choosing a healthier lifestyle.
FITNESS Exercise is the one thing most doctors stress when the subject of health and wellness is broached. Certainly there are other factors such as genetics, eating, smoking, drinking and medication that can play a significant role, but exercise is at the core of health and wellness. So what is the best way to stay fit? ere is no perfect answer as it is different for each individual’s needs and desires. ere are many ways an individual can exercise on his/her own such as walking, running, biking, hiking, at-home workout DVDs or weight training, just to name a few. Many Americans join gyms to help them stay fit. ere are advantages to having a gym membership which include a wide array of equipment, fellow members to help motivate you, professional trainers and a monthly monetary obligation that can help you stay committed to your fitness goals. Unfortunately, gym memberships are not covered by health insurance, so it is up to the individual to not only foot the bill but to select one that best suits our needs. Most gyms have monthly payments, but some also have yearly or bi-yearly options as well. Depending on the facility and the region you live in, the average gym membership can vary from $10 a month to $100 a month. While gyms, fitness programs and personal trainers can be an excellent way to achieve cardiovascular health, just remember they are not the only way. If money is tight there are plenty of free alternatives that may work just as well for you. 36
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ACUPUNCTURE and MASSAGE If you’ve ever been treated to a massage, you probably don’t need a list of advantages to persuade you to have one on a regular basis. Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet. ere are over 80 different recognized massage modalities. e most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. Massage is usually only covered by insurance in very special circumstances, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these services. According to www.mayoclinic.com, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi, (pronounced CHEE), believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.
In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. is stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Reasons for having an acupuncture procedure include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. As with massage, acupuncture is generally not covered by insurance.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE According to www.chiropractor.com, chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. e field of chiropractic is considered holistic, improving people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones, digestion and cardiovascular. Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems, but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions better. A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist disease and ill health.
Chiropractic restores the body’s nervous system, thereby increasing its resistance to illnesses. Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system by locating subluxations or misaligned vertebrae and adjusting them. ere is one issue that will arise with chiropractic care… visits are sometimes not covered by insurance. Although suggested by many health care practitioners, including primary care physicians, some insurance companies still consider chiropractors luxury visits in some instances. One session with a chiropractor can cost anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the region you live in, with additional fees for more complicated procedures. When it comes to chiropractic care, one must decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.
D E N TA L W O R K Dental care is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Many people incorrectly believe that dental care is important for aesthetic reasons only, but this is far from the case. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a link between poor oral health and conditions such as endocarditis and cardiovascular disease, although researchers are not sure of the role that oral health plays in causing heart problems. Recent studies have also shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk for delivering a preterm infant than those who are periodontally healthy. ere may also be a link between oral health and diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain immune disorders. Continued on next page
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Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, braces, dental implants or are needing a simple whitening or cleaning, dental care is a priority for most people. Because the costs of dental care keep increasing, some are choosing to cut out dentist visits all together. is is not recommended. However, if carrying dental insurance is not an option, then an individual should still stick to routine checkups. According to ehow.com, the national average cost for a regular cleaning can range anywhere from $50-130 depending on the region in which you live. Skipping these checkups and cleanings can lead to more serious issues down the road that can cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, as is the case with most health-related issues, prevention is the key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss aer every meal and you drastically increase your odds of having great oral health.
VISION CARE Many of us take our vision for granted. But we would certainly be completely lost without it, so it is essential we take good care of our eyes with regular exams and wearing glasses or contacts, if needed. According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults need some sort of vision correction. Although drugstores sell non-prescription glasses for reading, which means anyone can buy them without seeing an eye doctor for an exam, there is no substitute for a professional vision exam by an eye doctor, with a customized prescription for glasses or corrective lenses. Approximately 30% of the American population is near-sighted and must use glasses for activities such as driving and schoolwork. About 60% of Americans are far-sighted meaning that they have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance. e majority of young people who wear glasses are near-sighted. As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for far-sightedness. About 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they get older. e recommendations for the frequency of vision exams varies somewhat, but generally individuals are advised to have an eye exam somewhere between one to four years, depending upon their age group.
P O D I AT R Y Podiatry is the specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most people log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can ensure that your feet are up to the task. With proper detection and intervention, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. 38
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Many people are unaware of the many issues that can affect feet. Arthritis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, common injuries (sprains, strains and fractures), Haglund’s deformity (bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone), heel pain and tendinitis can all create mobility problems for individuals. ere are various skin disorders including athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, psoriasis, skin cancer of the feet, as well as toe joint and nerve disorders such as bunions, hammer toes and neuromas to consider. Individuals may also suffer from ingrown toenails. Some basic but effective foot care tips include washing your feet daily, making sure to rinse off all soap and water especially between the toes and trimming nails straight across and not overly short to avoid cutting or digging at corners. Over the counter medications are not recommended for removing corns or calluses. A qualified podiatrist should be consulted for treatment and removal. Wear clean socks or stockings changed daily and make sure that they are not too tight. Always wear properly fitting shoes. If you do suffer a foot ailment, there are various ways to treat them. Prescription, custom orthotics, which are specially-made devices, are designed to support and comfort your feet and may correct the problem. For more severe issues, surgery may be needed in cases when pain or deformity persists.
AUDIOLOGY Audiology is the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. It is an important component to health and wellness, yet it tends to be ignored unless there is a noticeable problem. Individuals should get their hearing checked yearly to ensure that everything is as it should be. An audiologist, commonly called an ear doctor, prescribes and fits hearing aids, assists in cochlear implant programs, performs ear or hearing related surgical monitoring, designs hearing conservation programs and provides newborn screening programs to test hearing levels. Audiologists may also provide hearing rehabilitation such as auditory training, speech reading and listening skills improvement. What many people don’t realize is that almost all types of hearing loss are treatable by an audiologist. No one should ever feel there is no hope with hearing loss. Some hearing related problems include occupational; earwax blockage; hearing loss related to aging; acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor on the hearing nerve; Meniere’s disease, a serious tumor on the nerve ending; ringing in the ears; and fluid on the ear. Most hearing-related procedures and tests will be covered by most insurance companies.
F A M I LY M E D I C I N E According to the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP), family practice is health care for the individual and family that integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. e scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every organ system of the body.
Our Health & Wellness
PARTNERS
Tressler Chiropractic 4241 William Penn Hwy., Murrysville, PA 15668 724.327.5665
Hometown Pharmacy 2103 Noblestown Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412.539.1331
Tressler Chiropractic has been serving area families for over 17 years. They specialize in providing life enhancing natural care to entire families, including chiropractic, nutrition and weight loss. Their passion lies in helping individuals reach their full potential, so they may lead fulfilling lives not dependent on drugs and surgery.
RxMap is a medication adherence program offered by Hometown Pharmacy that helps people who take multiple prescriptions to stay compliant and ensures that the right dose is taken at the right time. The program includes a free consultation with the pharmacist, free delivery to the home and automatic refills.
Over the past 55 years, Brother’s Brother Foundation has connected over $4 billion in people’s resources with Connecting People’s Resources people’s needs across 146 with People’s Needs countries. BBF supplies hospitals with vital medication and equipment, supports hand-carried medical mission groups, funds the rebuilding of VFKRROV DQG ¿OOV WKHP ZLWK GRQDWHG ERRNV DFURVV WKH ZRUOG 1200 Galveston Ave. Pittsburgh, PA, 15233
Phone: 412-321-3160 http://www.brothersbrother.org
Common services provided in family medicine include bone density screenings, EKGs, hospital care, immunizations and flu shots, lab services, minor surgery (warts, lesions, stitches), newborn health, gynecology and obstetrics, school and sports physicals and preventive visits. Family Medicine physicians work closely with patients to prevent disease and offer them a long and healthy life. Healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight control are oen points that are stressed to all members of the family. For those with a personal history of chronic disease, specific measures are taken to ensure that they are being monitored and that their disease is being managed effectively. is is usually achieved with regular health maintenance exams and by keeping up with what is going on in their lives. e main focus and advantage of family medicine is the very personal and intimate care that is normally received. e attending physician almost becomes a member of the family.
Another particular benefit of family medicine is that it concentrates on education as well. Everyone in the family should understand what good healthy living is and all the ins and outs of how to achieve health goals. is is done with open discussions with your physician.
G E R I AT R I C S Geriatric medicine is quite unique because it usually deals with health issues related to age such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more. Despite these challenges, geriatric wellness is better than it has ever been before. People are living longer and taking better care of themselves. Retirement goals for the senior citizen of today differ widely from the objectives of retirees in years past. Today’s senior has a desire to not only stay healthy and prevent disease, but is passionate about living an active lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to increase longevity and quality of life. According to livestrong.com, the five categories of fitness include aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility. For the geriatric exercise participant, balance also plays a huge role in the development of a wellness program. For example, working on strength and balance to prevent falls is important, but in reality a trip, slip or fall will eventually happen. Exercises that build bone density and joint integrity along with flexibility are important to prevent fractures and other injuries. Continued on next page
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e American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for men and women 65 and older includes cardiovascular exercise at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, five days a week to improve aerobic fitness. It is also recommended that older adults engage in strength training two days per week. e focus should be on large muscle group exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as standing, reaching overhead and pulling. It is also suggested that flexibility exercises be added at least two days per week. One should also utilize balance exercises to create a wellrounded program that focuses on both performance and prevention. e bottom line is, today’s world offers better opportunities than ever before for seniors to live and be healthy for many years to come.
P E D I AT R I C S Arguably, pediatric medicine is one of the most important areas of medical practice because it involves our children. is branch of medicine deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. e ages treated usually range from birth to 18 years. According to www.news-medical.net, pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many aspects. e obvious body size differences are paralleled by maturational changes. e smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians. Treating a child is not like treating a miniature adult. A major difference between pediatrics and adult medicine is that children are minors, and in most jurisdictions, cannot make decisions for themselves. e issues of guardianship, privacy, legal responsibility and informed consent must always be considered in every pediatric procedure. In a sense, pediatricians oen have to treat the parents and sometimes the family, rather than just the child. Adolescents are in their own legal class, having rights to their own health care decisions in certain circumstances. Pediatrics is a fairly new practice, only becoming a specialty in the mid-19th century. Today it is one of the biggest medical specialties in the United States, mainly because individuals tend to care more for their children than they do themselves and are therefore more likely to seek regular and consistent medical care for their children.
H A I R R E S TO R AT I O N It is no secret we live in a society where looks are important to many people. So, naturally, hair replacement has become more and more popular. According to www.plasticsurgery.org, hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness. As a rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become. Hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance. 40
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Baldness is oen blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff, and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved. It’s also untrue that hair loss can be determined by looking at your maternal grandfather, or that 40-year-old men who haven’t lost their hair will never lose it. Hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but the results are not always what you envisioned. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. It’s important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. e goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair. Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which gras and flaps are taken. Other factors, such as hair color, texture and waviness or curliness may also affect the result. Transplant techniques, such as punch gras, mini-gras, micro-gras, slit gras and strip gras are generally performed on patients who desire a more modest change in hair fullness. Flaps, tissue-expansion and scalp-reduction are procedures that are usually more appropriate for patients who desire a more dramatic change. Remember, there are limits to what can be accomplished. An individual with very little hair might not be advised to undergo hair replacement surgery.
COSMETIC SURGERY Cosmetic surgery is very popular in the United States these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010. According to www.cosmeticsurgery.com, the most popular cosmetic procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, thermage, faceli, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and buttocks implants. While cosmetic surgery is generally a safe procedure, when it does go bad, results can be disastrous. e key is to research your doctor thoroughly, making sure he/she has extensive experience and many references from satisfied patients. Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery, so it is a rather expensive, completely out of pocket expense. For example, a liposuction can cost around $10,000. e only kind of cosmetic surgery that is generally covered by insurance is for conditions that may interfere with someone’s overall health and wellness.
Plum Woman Loses Over 100 Pounds Sandy, like many, has always struggled with her weight. Through her battle she tried everything, even hypnosis. Though initially successful, she soon gained all the weight back. She knew that 2012 would be different. Tired of hating the scale, she and her husband John made a resolution, joined a common weight loss program… and failed. In March, they saw a newspaper ad and immediately knew this was different. They attended a free workshop, committed to the program, and watched their bodies and lives transform. To date, Sandy has lost over 110 pounds and 18% body fat. John lost 87 pounds and was able to Sandy - March 2012 reduce 11 medications to just one. She says the lifestyle she and John have adopted is one of the easiest things they’ve ever done. The transformation was so powerful that Sandy decided to leave her job of 11 years to help people change their lives through weight loss.
Sandy - May 2012
Chemical Detoxification As modern humans, we are exposed to over 82,000 chemicals weekly, from household cleansers to personal care products. Your body, unable to excrete these chemicals, encapsulates them in fat to protect the rest of the body. These chemicals must be removed if permanent weight loss is to be achieved.
Cleansing The Colon, Liver And Other Organs While the body rehydrates and hormones balance, another serious problem can be addressed. As much as 30% of the population is afflicted with constipation. As the bowel accumulates, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s loaded with toxins to be excreted. A thorough, gentle cleansing of the entire digestive tract is essential in rebuilding proper digestive health after years of consuming unhealthy, processed foods. Stimulating Your Hormones To Burn Abnormal Fat Abnormal fat is that stubborn fat that accumulates around your belly, thighs and arms. Starvation diets decrease your weight by taking away water, organ fat and muscle, making these diets dangerous. Plus, eliminating nutrients, like healthy fats with a diet high in refined carbohydrates (typical “low-fat” foods) will only put the weight back on. The great news is all of this can be done with real food! No expensive prepackaged, unhealthy foods are required. Common weight loss approaches focus on caloric intake, excessive exercise, or dangerous surgical interventions. A fully integrated and customized plan is what most people need to finally succeed at losing weight and keeping it off. Then the real benefits of weight loss can begin. A fulfilling life of activities with loved ones, and a renewed relationship with yourself… and food! About the writer. Dr Aaron Tressler owns Tressler Chiropractic. His passion is helping others reach their fullest potential. Tressler Chiropractic has been providing chiropractic care to entire families for over 18 years, and now provides comprehensive customized weight loss programs. Contact information: www.DrADT.com, 724.327.5665, 4241 William Penn Highway, Murrysville, PA 15668
Rehydrating Your Body At The Cellular Level America is chronically dehydrated. Most people drink little water, instead choosing soda and other unhealthy beverages. Those beverages add the associated detriment of acidifying the body. Sandy - October 2012 An acidic environment is very harmful, as it promotes cancer and serious disease development. Common symptoms include fatigue, body ache, increased PMS, depression, irritability and digestive complaints. Balancing Hormones Chemicals, such as xenoestrogens, disrupt the endocrine system, creating hormone imbalances. In addition, natural hormone production decreases as we age, such that by age 50, hormone reduction can reach up to 50%, leading to illness and weight gain. Synthetic hormone replacement therapy is rarely the answer, considering the increased cancer and heart disease risk. Fortunately there are natural ways to balance hormones. Plum | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
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