SUMMER 2013
2013
Case Awa r ds
INPERSPECTIVE S TA F F
From the Publisher Welcome to the summer issue of Hampton magazine. While we focus on the communities that we serve, we don’t live in a bubble. The world throws curveballs at each of us, and each of us has to decide whether or not to swing at it. In the case of the Boston Marathon bombing, the city swung and knocked it out of the park. Residents came together to present a united front. First responders put their lives on hold and on the line until the threat was removed. Boston is not unique in that regard. Over the past decade or more that I’ve been publishing magazines, I’ve had the good fortune to come into contact with a lot of residents in the communities we serve. I’ve met dozens upon dozens of municipal officials, police and fire chiefs, EMS teams, and elected officials. I’ve seen them deal with their own issues, and I’ve seen them from time to time mourn their losses in the press. What I’ve seen and who I’ve met along the way has convinced me that the resilience of Boston is not a regional attribute. It’s a way of life that seems to be somehow tied to our very genes. Fortunately, not every city will face a challenge of that magnitude. But we do have it in us to take the inspiration demonstrated by the people of Boston and apply it to our daily lives. We can take small steps every day to ensure that the community we live in is a little bit better by the time we lay our heads down on the pillow at night. Whether it’s raising money for a cause, or visiting someone who needs to see a smiling face, young or old we can all do something to make our surroundings a little bit better. And by making things a little bit better for each other, hopefully, we can be better prepared to help one another if things suddenly get worse. This May, we honored volunteers and organizations in the community that help make a difference in such ways. Those people and causes were chosen by you, and we are proud to thank them for their service to their communities. We thank you for your dedication to our magazines and hope that you continue to be part of them and contribute your thoughts and ideas to our editors. There are many more stories to be told, and we always welcome your help in finding them. Wayne Dollard, Publisher
we want to know
Help us celebrate what makes our area special
– the people!
Fall content deadline: 8/16/13
We want to help our readers celebrate the milestones in life by featuring local residents each quarter in IN Hampton magazine. We invite all residents of Hampton Township, to e-mail us photos of your recently born baby, along with the parent’s name, child’s name and date of birth, to be published in our magazine. Also, any couples celebrating 50 or more years together, please e-mail us a photo of the two of you along with your wedding date. (It can be your original wedding photo or a more current picture or both). We also welcome the photos of any residents who are retiring. Send us your photos! *Please send all photos original size, (1MB or larger) to our editor, Pamela Palongue at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. Or your photos may be mailed to: IN Community Magazines 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your photo(s) returned.
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INSIDE
IN Hampton is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Hampton area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
IN Hampton | SUMMER 2013 |
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on the cover | Nearly 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Savings Bank in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field. IN Community Magazines honored community volunteers at the celebration. Story on page 4.
FEATURES
Professionals by Day and Rockers by Night ...................... | 43 Hampton Township Selected as a Banner Community ................. | 45 Industry Insights
Vein Institute of Pittsburgh ........... | 8 9
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15
community interests
The IN Community Magazines 2013 CASE Awards .......... | 4
Positive Steps Modifying Your Home Can Change Your Child’s Life ..................................... | 17 Cover event photos by Carl P. Stillitano, CPS Photography
Father Scott Seethaler Love Has No Borders for Allison Park Priest ................................................. | 6
Hampton High School Rowing Team ........................................ | 9 UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center .................................. | 12 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News............................................. | 21 UPMC Urgent Care: Tips on Summer Sun Safety ............... | 48 Features
Kids Care Club Teaches Caring by Doing ................................... | 10 Ingomar Garden Club .............................................................................. | 15 Real Estate Special Section ................................................................. | 32 We Want to Cover You! Do you have an event coming up that you’d like to publicize? Do you have an event that you want us to cover? Let us know! Go to www.incommunitymagazines.com/events and fill out the form. Events will be announced in the upcoming issue. If our deadlines don’t match yours, we may decide to send our photographers to cover event for43 an learn more onthepage upcoming issue. We’re looking for fundraisers, charity drives, social functions, class reunions, church festivals, awards presentations and more! If you’re not sure you have an event worth featuring, give us a call at 724.942.0940 and we’ll help you out! Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 3
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Inaugural
Event photos by Carl P. Stillitano, CPS Photography
CASE AWARDS Honors Unsung Volunteers
Nearly 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Saving Bank on May 10 in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field.
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early 500 people turned out for the inaugural IN Community Magazines’ Community Awards for Service Excellence (CASE) presented by Northwest Savings Bank on May 10 in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field. The honorees and their guests were welcomed to the prestigious event following a short reception. A total of 111 awards were presented to individual volunteers, non-profit organizations and corporations who have demonstrated exceptional service to the community either through direct volunteer efforts or support of non-profits. They represented a cross section of both young and old from 33 different communities in western Pennsylvania. Some of the honorees traveled from as far away as Greensburg and Erie to participate. Popular anchor Andrew Stockey of WTAE-TV served as Master of Ceremonies and presented the honorees
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with their certificates. Stockey opened with some remarks on the importance of volunteerism and his own community service background. IN Community Magazines publisher, Wayne Dollard, addressed the assembly, with special thanks to his wife Lisa, his staff and to the honorees for their service. Dollard read a poem about the importance of making every moment count and finished by expressing his hope that the awards will become an annual event to recognize outstanding accomplishments in volunteering. Chris Martin, Northwest Savings Bank president of the southwest region, congratulated IN Community Magazines
on the success of the event in highlighting non-profits. Northwest Savings Bank sponsored the event. Monica Haynes, who originated the concept for the CASE awards, spoke about the process of developing the recognition program. Haynes, a former editor with IN Community Magazines, had visited a local food pantry to conduct interviews on a snowy Pittsburgh day last winter. She was inspired by the dedication of the food pantry workers, who despite treacherous, slick streets, had left their warm, safe homes to honor their volunteer commitment in order that others less fortunate might have enough food to eat.
A total of 111 awards were presented to individual volunteers, non-profit organizations and corporations who have demonstrated exceptional service to the community either through direct volunteer efforts or support of non-profits.
2013
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Chris Martin, President of the Southwest Region of Northwest Savings Bank (far left) poses with the Hampton area winners.
The experience led Haynes to meet with Dollard regarding the possibility of honoring volunteers who donate their time, talents and money to improve the community. Haynes said Dollard’s immediate response was, “Let’s do it!” “I knew they didn’t do it for any recognition or fanfare,” explained Haynes, “I felt if others were able to know about what [they were doing] they might be motivated and inspired to do the same.” With a firm commitment from Dollard, the initial planning began and an appeal was placed in each of IN Community’s 37 magazines to nominate teen volunteers, adult volunteers, nonprofits and corporations who exhibited extraordinary levels of service to the community. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of names being put forward as possible honorees. A selection committee sorted through the stacks of nominations to narrow the field to just one honoree for each category in
IN HAMPTON Volunteer of the Year, Christie TalickSlack & René Sarver: Christie and Rene’ volunteer with the Howard Hanna Choo Choo Chow Chow to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Free Care Fund. The free care fund provides medical care for patients that could not afford it otherwise. Christie and René have been co-chairs of the Hampton office for the past three years and have worked diligently to raise as much money and awareness as possible. In 2012, Howard Hanna donated $760,974 to various children’s hospitals in the markets they serve. Youth Volunteer of the Year, Jayden Korber: Jayden enjoys volunteering so he may make a positive impact on those whom he works with. He has been very active in leadership at his church. He has helped with the church’s junior high program for over a year. He is also a Sunday school teacher for 4th-5th grade class. Jayden helps with Vacation Bible School program
There were volunteers honored from ages 13 to 86. Non-profits and corporations, both large and small, received awards for their work. every school district. (The magazine coverage area is based on school district lines.) There were volunteers honored from ages 13 to 86. Non-profits and corporations, both large and small, received awards for their work. “As someone who has managed volunteers for 10 years, it is wonderful to witness your recognition efforts of so many deserving individuals and organizations,” commented Vickie Mottern, volunteer coordinator for Brevillier Village, located in Harborcreek in Erie County.
and has taken part in summer missions trips to the Pittsburgh Project three times, Washington, D.C., Gatlingburg, TN. This summer he will go to Antigua, Guatemala. Small Non-Profit of the Year, Hampton Lodge #1004 Independent Order of Odd Fellows: Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization committed to community involvement by donating to organizations such as North Hills Community Outreach, The Lighthouse, Women’s Shelter and organizations in need of assistance. Their goal is to benefit the less fortunate. Large Non-Profit of the Year, North Hills Community Outreach: North Hills Community Outreach is an organization of “People Helping People” with over 1,400 volunteers working together to ensure that we live in a sharing community where no one is cold, hungry or alone. Last year, North Hills Community Outreach served over 6,000 local families in need.
“We are so grateful to be recognized as Small Non-Profit of the Year for Norwin,” said Jodi Fowler, one of the founders of Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund. “Never did we imagine... that we would be at this point, developing our organization and receiving this amazing award because of our incredible volunteers – just a few years later.” “It is a great event!” said Chartiers Valley Volunteer of the Year, Susan Zuk. The night was capped off with live entertainment provided by The Clarks, as guests rocked the night away. IN Community Magazines would like to thank everyone who made the awards event possible. We would also like to congratulate all of our honorees, the nominees and even those individuals who were not nominated and yet serve on a daily basis. It is your constant devotion to helping others, which all too often goes unnoticed, that makes our communities a great place to live! Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
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Love Has No Borders for
axaca is both a state in Mexico and the capital city of the same province. Some online travel sites describe Oaxaca as a city that has something for every traveler. There is authentic cuisine, and street markets containing original artwork and textiles for the shopper. Archaeological dig sites, such as Monte Albán which can be traced back to 500 B.C., are also a popular drawing card for the adventurer. After reading that description, most of us would be grabbing our sunglasses and calling our travel agents, but Fr. Scott Seethaler has seen a different side of Oaxaca. “That is just a small snapshot of Oaxaca,” says Seethaler. “Of course, the travel magazines aren’t going to mention the poverty. The fact is that the poor living there do not have health care and there is a high rate of women who have no prenatal care and die at childbirth. There is also a high rate of illiteracy and domestic violence.” Seethaler, a Roman Catholic priest for over 44 years, is a member of the Capuchin-Franciscan Order. Residing in Allison Park, he is a counselor and a motivational speaker who lectures throughout the United States. He has a daily radio ministry on WEDO-AM, writes a
newsletter and is the spiritual director for St. Vincent de Paul of Western Pennsylvania. Seethaler is also the founder of the Anna Seethaler Hospital in the city of Oaxaca. He was inspired to build the hospital, named after his mother, after visiting friends who worked with the poor in Oaxaca in 1999. The hospital exists on donations and fundraisers such as the annual Olé 5K race in North Park, which is widely attended by North Hills residents. Ninety-four cents of every dollar raised goes directly to the hospital. “I love every aspect of what I do in my ministry,” says Seethaler. “I am a priest and I love my sacramental work, my counseling and working with the poor. I love my work here with St. Vincent de Paul and my work in Oaxaca, where I work with the poorest of the poor.” On his first trip to Oaxaca, it was evident to Seethaler that the Oaxacans had no real chance for health care. “My last day there, I met a doctor and he had such limited resources that I told him that I would raise money through my preaching and contacts with people back in the U.S. to build a medical clinic. With good people in Oaxaca and wonderful benefactors in the U.S. who were committed to the poor, I was able to
Allison Park Priest
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photos by Kathy Rudolph
By Kathy Rudolph
raise the money and open the hospital in 2000.” The hospital is a lifeline for the poor. Turning no patient away, regardless of income, it provides a “holistic and integrated health care model” that consists of preventive health, health promotion, health education, medical attention and direct intervention. “People have nowhere to go,” said Seethaler. “Some will travel to our hospital who live six to eight hours away. At the public hospital in the city, people sometimes wait up to three days to get an appointment. At our hospital, we see people right away and we treat them with compassion and dignity. We ask them to pay what they can for their personal dignity and to show them that they are getting quality care, but that is very little and is subsidized by us.” Between 18,000 and 20,000 people use the hospital, and medical teams now go into the mountains around the city and administer medical treatment to pregnant women, seniors and others who are unable to travel to the hospital. “The hospital keeps growing because people in the U.S. buy into my vision and my dream,” says Seethaler. “It went from a very small, onestory medical clinic to a full-service hospital in six years. But, I want to emphasize that I never let them keep building unless we have the money
ahead of time, because I don’t want them to have any debt.” “With economic uncertainty in the U.S., sometimes people will ask, ‘Why would we want to help people outside the country when there are so many poor here?’” said Seethaler. “I tell them that love should have no borders, and generosity to the poorest of the poor will be blessed by God.” To donate or to find out more, visit Fr. Scott Seethaler’s website at www.fatherscott.com.
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Industry Insight
You don’t have to live with painful varicose and spider veins. Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?
Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at the end of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answer questions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were very important as were the answers that were given. Here are some examples:
What is Phlebology?
Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement of this field are The American College of Phlebology and the American Venous Forum.
Why should I see a board-certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins?
When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important to be proactive in the choice and research of who will become medically responsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venous disease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious health problem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, or board certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision. Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who has taken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment of venous disease. Not only is the physician often a member of organizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) and the American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additional requirements set by the certifying board. After meeting these requirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing the physician to identify him or herself as board-certified.
Is membership the same as board certification?
This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many different organizations, these organizations only require an interest in the field for joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification where qualification is determined through training and testing. Here’s how the ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”
I had a free screening at a health fair and was told that I don’t have venous disease, but I still have aching, pain and discoloration at the ankles. What should I do?
While free screenings can be informative, remember that this is just a brief glance into a patient’s venous system. A complete venous exam and venous mapping by a boardcertified phlebologist is best to determine if a patient has venous disease. Since a proper venous ultrasound is such an integral part of this evaluation, the American College of Phlebology has set requirements for it that include the following: • A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a physician. • A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result in outright treatment failure. • Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patient in the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for the detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters. • A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or a registered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and then interpreted by a physician.
If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office? Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘free’ because patients are often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, most insurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questions about the second opinion being covered, contact member services on the back of your insurance card.
This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider. Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)
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Hampton High School Rowing Team continues their Winning Ways
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n March, the Hampton High School Rowing Team competed at the North Allegheny Indoor Rowing Championships with Shrikanth Schelbert placing 1st (Gold Medal) in the Coxswain Division and setting a new men’s record. Brendan Luksik, a junior at Hampton, placed second in the Lightweight JV Boys category, earning him a silver medal and sophomore Luke Quaill also earned a silver medal in the Lightweight Novice Boys category. Bronze Medal finishers included Conor Luksik, Mathew Lombardo and the mixed relay team. Molly Kingston, Maddi Roahrig, Luke Quaill, Brendan Luksik, Brittney Raible and Alex Krills all participated in the mixed relay, beating out 4 other teams. On April 13, the team traveled to Marietta, Ohio for The Lindamood Cup, which was a 1500 meter spring on the Muskingum River with competitors from three states. The Hampton team medalled in three of their five races. The Boys Varsity 4, Brendan Luksik, Alec Dickson, Alex Krills, Mat Lombardo and Srikanth Schelbert, took home the gold medal, beating out 5 other boats in the event. After a 1 hour delay due to water conditions, the Varsity boys were in third place as the race started. They were strong and steady, and ended up passing the 2 boats ahead of them at about the halfway point in the race, and kept their lead until the end. The Girls Varsity 4 brought home a bronze medal in their final race. Team
members of the Varsity Girls boat included Rachael Finigan, Molly Kingston, Abby Wateska, Ashley Malongowski and Katie Schuetz. The Boys JV 4 earned the gold medal in their final race with Brendan Luksik, Alec Dickson,
Connor Bamrick, and Bryce Babbs. Rachael Finigan was the coxswain and guided the boat down the 1500 meter course. Congratulations to all members of the Hampton High School Rowing Team!
Hampton High School Rowing Places First Overall at the Pittsburgh Indoor Sprints Hampton High School Rowing places first over all. Additional Results: • Brendan Luksik placed 1st in the JV Boys Lightweight Division • Madison Roahrig placed 2nd in the Lightweight Novice Girls Division • Shrikanth Schelbert placed 2nd in the Coxswain Division • Mixed Relay placed 2nd in their race: Brendan Luksik, Alec Dickson, Alex Krills, Brittney Raible, Ashley
Pittsburgh Indoor Sprints January 26, 2013 Held at North Catholic High School
Sponsored by Three Rivers Rowing Association
Malongowski and Rachael Finigan Honorable Mentions: • Julia Concolino and Conor Luksik placed 4th in their races • Brittney Raible and Brandon DeKort placed 5th in their races
Executive Head Coach: Barry Rogers 412.487.4930 Assistant Coach: Molly Schneider 724.612.2921
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Kids Care Club
Teaches Caring by Doing
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By Jonathan Barnes ne hour per month, students of Central Elementary School in Hampton come together to assemble a gift for somebody they will likely never meet. During these meetings, many small hands work together in putting together gift bags for elders from a local senior center, collecting dog food for an animal shelter and other kindnesses. The gifts are another way students at the school are learning by doing. Each month, the good deeds are the focus of efforts of Central Elementary School’s Kids Care Club, which provides help to people in diverse parts of the local community who are at various stages in life. The club recently received a $250 grant from the club’s parent company, the national nonprofit Generation On, for its April project. The project, “What Will You Bring to the Table?” aims to fight hunger. With the funds, the club raised awareness of hunger in the community through a food collection effort. Parent volunteers with the group asked parents of the 128 student members to bring in mini-cereal
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boxes to donate to the hungry. Various local businesses participated in the project, including all of the local Meineke Mufflers franchises and others. The collections went to
“Blessings In a Backpack,” an effort run out of Kelly Elementary School in Wilkinsburg. The impact of this small student group is quite wide. For the project in March, the club put together “Bedtime Bundles”—bags with new pajamas for the kids, books for them to read and more—so children staying with their moms at the Women’s Center and Shelter in Pittsburgh would feel a little bit more comfortable. In November of last year, the students collected small gifts to send to troops overseas through the Yellow Ribbon Girls nonprofit. In December, the third and fourth graders and their parents raised more than $3,000 to help a local student with his cancer-related medical bills. And in January, the Kids Care Club sent “Giggle Bags”— containing crossword puzzles, candy, jokes and more—to folks in a local senior center facility. Through these monthly, concentrated efforts, children in the club and even those not in it are learning an awareness of other peoples’ needs. The club is not just all work, however; it can be a really fun experience too.
In February, the kids were visited by an Animal Friends representative and a dog from the shelter during their meeting, with lots of pats on the head and giggles all around. Fun stuff like the pet visit could be part of what is helping the club expand quickly. “It just keeps growing. Last year we had 80 members and this year we have 128,” said Kids Care Club parent volunteer Kelli DiCesare. “We are lucky that Hampton parents are very generous.” DiCesare and her family moved from Allentown, PA to Hampton recently. Before they moved, the family toured Hampton and Fox Chapel school districts before choosing a new hometown. Walking into Central Elementary School, the difference between the struggling Allentown School District and Hampton School District hit DiCesare in the face like a frigid breeze. The school’s air conditioning was almost a shock, compared to Allentown’s lack of central air. The recognition of that difference is part of what made her want to volunteer, as a way to remind others that many people are not so fortunate. “I think Hampton people are so lucky to have the school district they have… You just want to get in there and help these kids help
each other,” DiCesare says. “The majority of kids in Hampton are pretty fortunate—we’d like them to understand that there are people who are less fortunate than them and that they can help.”
For mor e on the K information id at Centr s Care Club al to dona Elementary or te the scho to it, contact counselo ol’s guidance r, M at 412.4 elissa Maley, 86.600 0.
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Seeing Is Believing: Laser Vision Correction Often Eliminates Need for Glasses or Contacts
Imagine waking up in the morning and not having to reach for your glasses or contacts. If that sounds too good to be true, then you should consider laser vision correction surgery, a procedure performed by surgeons at UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center. This procedure often allows patients to see better without glasses and contacts. According to Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac., director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service and the Center for Integrative Eye Care at UPMC, laser vision correction has been performed at UPMC for some 20 years. UPMC was among the first in the region to offer laser vision surgery and was the only center in the area to participate in the initial studies of the procedure that resulted in its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Focus on Patients “UPMC has the longest continuously running program in Pittsburgh,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. “What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits. We also encourage our patients to meet and talk with their surgeon well in advance of their scheduled surgery so they feel completely comfortable with everyone and everything involved in their pre- and post-operative care. All of these things will help achieve good outcomes.” According to Dr. Dhaliwal, good candidates for laser vision correction are healthy individuals with healthy eyes. “People who have eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts would not be candidates for this surgery,” she says. Multiple other factors are involved in deciding if laser vision correction is right for you, and these are addressed during a complimentary evaluation with your surgeon.
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The actual procedure, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes, involves the use of very sophisticated lasers that sculpt the cornea, enabling the patient to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. “If I perform a procedure on a Thursday afternoon, I would be surprised if, at the patient’s follow-up appointment on Friday, they did not have improved vision,” says Dr. Dhaliwal. Beyond the potential biggest benefit of the procedure, no longer needing glasses or contacts, other typical advantages include reduced risk of infection related to contact lens wear for those who will no longer require vision correction after surgery. “The number one risk factor for developing an infection in the cornea is sleeping in your contact lenses,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “And tap water is not sterile. There have been incidents of blindness when people have used tap water to clean their contacts.” In addition, people who wear contact lenses can often develop an allergy to them or can over wear them, particularly if they lead active lives that may prohibit the regular use of glasses. There are some side effects that are associated with laser vision correction, such as a glare or halo effect that seems to be more apparent at night, dry eye, and inflammation, which is mainly treated with eye drops. “All of these things tend to get better over time,” said Dr. Dhaliwal, who trains, teaches, and educates physicians interested in performing laser vision correction nationally and internationally. Although laser vision correction is not covered by insurance, there are discounts available and cost should not deter a patient from engaging in conversation about the benefits of this procedure.
Customized Care “We deliver a truly customized laser vision correction experience to each patient,” Dr. Dhaliwal says. “This includes an individualized map of the patient’s eye, which accounts for conditions such as astigmatism and the amount of their nearsightedness. Each treatment will be tailored and delivered to the cornea so that the patient receives the best possible outcome. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of procedure.” UPMC refractive surgeons have been selected to take part in a study that will evaluate a new imaging device used during laser vision correction surgery. The results of this study will be presented to the FDA.
“ What sets us apart is our focus on providing patients with a continuity of care that is present from their very first visit with us, through their testing and evaluations that determine their candidacy for the procedure, to the surgery itself, and finally to their post-surgery visits.” Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac.
For more information about laser vision correction or to make an appointment, call the UPMC Eye Center’s Laser Vision Center at 412-647-2917 or visit UPMC.com/LVC.
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Is Your Pet Ready for Outdoor
Weather?
When the weather’s nice, many people like to head outdoors – and their pets do, too. Before you let your pet go outside, make sure you’ve taken steps to prevent pests, care for their skin, and know how to spot signs of allergies. Fleas and Ticks: Pets are susceptible to a variety of bugs and pests – especially fleas and ticks. Both should be avoided as fleas can trigger allergies and dermatitis in pets as well as infectious diseases in people and pets. Ticks may also carry diseases that can be harmful to pets. However, in a survey by the American Pet Products Association, only 64 percent of dog owners and 41 percent of cat owners purchased a flea and tick product for their pet last year. Be sure to purchase preventative topical treatments to protect your pet. And after pets go outdoors, inspect them carefully for ticks and other insects to ensure their safety. Grooming: A winter indoors often leaves pets with dry skin, tangled fur and a thick undercoat, which begins to shed when the weather warms. A professional grooming salon will help keep pets cool with services like a haircut and brushing to remove loose hair, and a bath to clean and moisturize their skin and coat. Medicated flea and tick baths or spot treatments can also be added. Allergies: Since pets can experience allergic reactions to inhaled particles like dust or pollen, pet parents should be on the lookout for signs that their pet may be suffering from allergies. Monitor your pet’s behavior and consult your veterinarian if your pet exhibits reactions such as: • Swelling or irritation of the skin, especially around the eyes, face, head and feet. Hives, rashes, blisters, clear discharge from eyes or nostrils, sneezing, itching and mild discomfort may also be present. • Pets may also chew on or lick their feet constantly. • Allergy treatment for pets varies based on severity, but usually includes antihistamines and other medications. To learn more about pet essentials and services for spring, visit a pet store near you. 14 724.942.0940 to advertise
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Ingomar Garden Club
Promoting the Love of Gardening in Hampton Township
By Matthew J. Fascetti ngomar Garden Club was established 65 years ago as a philanthropic organization dedicated to the art of gardening and flower design, the protection of the environment and its plants and wildlife, the conservation of natural resources and civic improvement. Committed to establishing roots in the community and watching them grow, it won the Governor’s Trophy for Outstanding Garden Club in the state of Pennsylvania in 2011. The club exists to enrich the community in many ways, including a number projects in Hampton. Each year, the members of the garden club assist the groundskeepers of Hartwood Acres with the planting of their formal annual beds. Also, Hampton High School takes part in an essay contest annually. All participants receive a certificate and top entries then go on to the state competition. They have also established the Central Greenhouse Gardeners Club at Central Elementary in Hampton for grades 1 – 5. There are currently 75 students who are
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Our purpose is to teach children at an early age the joy and responsibility of maintaining a garden and environmental preservation
members of the club. The Ingomar Garden Club also donates nonperishable food and gently worn coats, hats and mittens for North Hills Community Outreach to be given to families in need. The major event of the year for the garden club was the annual Spring Plant Sale which was held Saturday, May 11. Plants which were purchased by the members, including perennials dug from their own gardens were offered at the sale. Leaflets were also provided to help educate customers on the care of their newly purchased plants. Proceeds from the event are used exclusively for community projects. Continued on page 16 Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Julie Barnes, publicity chairperson and longtime club member, is so happy to be a part of it all. “I have always had a passion for gardening,” she says. “So much so, that I achieved a Master of Horticulture certificate. This club is a fantastic group of people. We all get along great and are very supportive of each other.” Ingomar Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Central Atlantic Region; Garden Club Federation of PA, District IX; Audubon Society of Western PA at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve; and Western PA Conservancy. Club meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at St. John’s Church, 311 Cumberland Rd. “Our purpose is to teach children at an early age the joy and responsibility of maintaining a garden and environmental preservation,” adds Barnes. After all these years, the Ingomar Garden Club is still doing tremendous work in the community, and having a great deal of fun along the way. For more information, please visit www.ingomar-garden-club.com or email gcflowerpress@gmail.com.
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photos submitted by Julie Barnes
Continued from page 15
Industry Insight
Modifying Your Home Can Change Your Child’s Life. In the physical and occupational therapy world, our job is to encourage functional independence of all individuals we treat. Whether working with adults or children, home modifications are often areas we must address to increase a person’s independence. Many families find themselves with a need to structure their home environment differently for their family member with different abilities. Home modification can be something such as adding a handle in the shower for easier transfers, or using a shower chair in the shower to assist with safe bathing. An exciting way for therapists to work with families is to help them design rooms which are safe and stimulating for their children with various abilities. When considering the design of a child’s room or any room in the home in which we want to encourage increased independence, it is important to know the abilities of the child including both physical and cognitive as well as what motivates the child. When a child needs increased visual cues, it is important to think of bold and contrasting colors to direct their attention to areas to use. Consider in the bathroom a neutral wall color, however using accessories that hold tooth brushes, wash clothes and towels to be a nice bold color as a visual cue for children who often need enhanced stimulation to seek out and be directed to the task. This is an equally important idea for children who demonstrate balance disorders and depth perception issues. Consider using strong color transitions from one room to the next on the floor or before steps in the home or a bold color change to stimulate the understanding of transition to another room. This could be utilized both for a child with sensory processing disorders as well as a child with cerebral palsy using a gait training device in the home. With children who are being treated by physical, occupational and speech therapists, it is important to make the home a learning environment encouraging them and providing them with consistency. Consider quiet rooms with low lights and calming sounds for any child who needs a moment to relax and focus. On the contrary, when a child needs to get out some energy, consider a room or space that allows for some indoor jumping, or maybe even swinging. These can be built into homes for low costs and provide an extraordinary amount of feedback for any child who
needs it. There are several ways to increase sensory feedback and child development in the home, always add consistency, purposeful movement and most important fun into the equation. There are several room ideas posted on the internet. It would always be a smart choice to discuss with your therapists ideas in your home to help your child access the things they need to be more independent and safe while providing the appropriate amount and type of stimulation for your son or daughter.
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Hampton Athletic Association Opener! You could feel the excitement in the air as the Hampton Athletic Association kicked off its Opening Day Celebration. Hundreds of people gathered for a parade led by the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department, followed by a color guard and the Pirate Parrot in all his green-feathered splendor!
photos by Gary Yon
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The coaches and players followed with an opening ceremony in which all the teams were announced. A skills competition was held with teams competing in base running and throwing accuracy. The Hampton Athletic Association has been organizing baseball and softball teams for over 50 years. The organization is comprised solely of volunteers. New members are always welcomed and encouraged. For more information on the group, please visit the website at: www. HamptonAthleticAssociation. org. The new website, www. haa.leaguetoolbox.com is still under construction and may not be fully operational. To volunteer contact Tom Falso at tfalso@hamptonathleticassociation.org. For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
Hampton Rotary Firecracker The Rotary Club of Hampton Township is holding its Firecracker 5K on July 4th at Hampton Community Park in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. By supporting this event, it ensures that the Hampton Rotary will be able to continue its many projects in the community which include the promotion of education, assisting Meals on Wheels, the relocation of the Hampton Veterans Memorial, the Hampton Nature Trail and the worldwide elimination of polio. This annual event is great for the whole family and participants can walk or run the scenic course. Every pre-registered participant will receive a Firecracker 5K T-shirt while supplies last and there will be an awards ceremony for the top three male and female finishers who will receive a commemorative award. Medals will also be presented to the top three competitors in each age bracket, ranging from below age seven to those individuals in the over 70 category. Door prizes will also be given away in a random drawing. Participants may register online by visiting the Hampton Rotary website at www.HamptonRotary.com, which will direct registrants to the appropriate website. Runners may also register the day of the event from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the registration tent located near the swimming pool. Don’t miss this great event that has become a Hampton Township tradition and supports worthwhile causes both at home and abroad.
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5K
UPMC TODAY
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2013
What’s Inside 2 3
When Wounds Don’t Heal
4
Health Care Reform: We Have the Plan
5
A Closer Look at Medical Imaging
6
Is Assisted Living the Right Choice?
7
Welcoming New Physicians
Becoming a Whole New You
What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant
© 2013 UPMC
When Wounds Don’t Heal If you’re at risk, a simple cut or blister can quickly escalate into a major health problem.
For most people, a cut, blister, or scrape on the foot usually heals quickly. But for millions of Americans, wounds that don’t heal pose a major health threat requiring special treatment to avoid serious infection, amputation, and even death. “Chronic wounds are usually the result of serious underlying health issues. It’s a big problem among the elderly and obese,” says Sandeep Kathju, MD, chief of plastic surgery at UPMC Passavant and medical director, UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Passavant. “People with diabetes and vascular disease have poor circulation, which makes them vulnerable to slow healing and chronic wounds.”
“It’s a big advantage for area residents. Patients won’t have to travel far to receive a high level of wound care treatment,” says Dr. Kathju. Donna Jasko, vice president of operations at UPMC Passavant, says the new facility is designed to provide multiple services in one convenient location. Advanced wound care will include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a highly successful method for treating many types of nonhealing wounds. A multidisciplinary team of wound care specialists, including podiatrists, plastic and vascular surgeons, and nurses, will work together on-site to treat wounds and help prevent amputations. “People with nonhealing wounds often have difficulty getting around. We’re providing an easily accessible, one-stop shop where patients can see multiple specialists, receive wound care and dressing changes, and undergo HBOT treatment,” says Ms. Jasko.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy aids healing Dr. Kathju says HBOT offers a critically important tool to enhance healing. During HBOT, patients are comfortably seated in an enclosed, see-through chamber where they breathe 100 percent oxygen under pressure. It increases oxygen in the bloodstream, improves circulation, stimulates growth of new blood vessels, and promotes healing. The intense treatment requires daily hour-long sessions, often over a course of weeks or months. “HBOT can make a huge difference in whether or not someone loses a limb, but undergoing daily treatment can be challenging. Having it available here is a tremendous benefit for patients and their families,” says Dr. Kathju.
Advanced wound care close to home Opening in mid-June, the new wound care facility will offer a comprehensive, outpatient program providing specialized treatment for chronic wounds, including those resulting from diabetes, vascular disease, pressure ulcers, burns, and other traumatic injuries. The facility will be located in the new Cranberry Crossroads retail plaza on Route 228.
“Our goal is to avoid amputation by providing expert treatment by a team of wound healing specialists using the latest tools and technologies.” For more information about UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Passavant, available starting in mid-June, call 724-720-5959 or toll-free 1-855-495-3395.
Foot Care Tips If you have diabetes or vascular disease, inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, swelling, or foul odor. If you can’t bend over, use a plastic mirror to check the bottoms of your feet, or ask a family member to help. And be sure your doctor inspects your feet at every visit.
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Becoming a Whole New You Struggling to lose weight or keep it off? The UPMC BodyChangers program can change your body and your life.
Larissa Myaskovsky figures she tried about a dozen diets over 20 years, losing weight only to regain lost pounds. It wasn’t until she enrolled in the UPMC BodyChangers program that she saw lasting results. “BodyChangers was different,” says Larissa, 42, a borderline diabetic who wanted to lose weight without surgery. “It helped me realize losing weight is a permanent lifestyle change. It gave me the tools I needed to succeed.”
A healthier lifestyle Based at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, and a joint venture of the UPMC Life After Weight Loss and bariatric surgery programs, BodyChangers provides a social support system to promote healthy lifestyles. “We offer a comfortable environment for people who want to maintain weight loss — and become healthy and fit,” says Jeffrey Gusenoff, MD, a plastic surgeon at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers. Designed originally for bariatric surgery patients, BodyChangers now supports anyone needing help with their weight loss journey. The program includes: • An exercise class with a personal trainer who tailors activities for each individual • Group sessions with a behaviorist who teaches coping skills • Yoga and belly dancing classes • Cooking classes and “Destination Education” trips to community places, like grocery stores and markets • Group activities, such as biking, kayaking, and walking “We’re showing people different ways to achieve wellness and have fun,” says Vicki March, MD, an internist at Magee and co-director of BodyChangers.
A turning point The program appealed to Larissa, an O’Hara Township resident with two young children and a full-time job. She signed up for BodyChangers’ basic free membership, which includes a newsletter, recipes, and educational seminars. She also attended optional cooking demonstrations and met with a nutritionist. “It was a turning point in my thinking,” says Larissa, who lost 65 pounds and at 5’1” is now a healthy 115 pounds.
BodyChangers saved my life For Beth Walley, 49, of Carnegie, BodyChangers was a lifechanging experience. Having lost and regained a great deal of weight on various fad diets, she knew she was in trouble when she couldn’t keep up with her elderly mother at the grocery store. With her weight topping 400 pounds, she joined BodyChangers to prepare for bariatric surgery, but soon started attending other classes and events. Beth lost 50 pounds prior to her bariatric surgery in January 2012, and she is now down to 170 pounds. “The support I received through BodyChangers was key to my success. I feel great,” says Beth. “BodyChangers saved my life. It changed my body and my mind.” Basic membership includes free educational seminars and a newsletter. Other BodyChangers membership levels range from $25 to $50 a month. To learn more, call 1-855-BODY-CHG (263-9244) or visit UPMC.com/BodyChangers.
Interested in learning more about UPMC’s bariatric surgery programs? Free information sessions are offered several times a month at Magee, UPMC Hamot, UPMC Horizon, and UPMC St. Margaret. Visit UPMC.com/Bariatrics for more information.
1-800-533-UPMC
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Health alth Car Care re e Reform: Refform: We We Have Have the th Plan UPMC Health Plan has cr created eated a w website ebsite tto o pr provide ovide inf information ormation tto o help y you ou learn ho how w health car care e rreform eform ma may y aff affect ect y you ou and y your our ffamily. amily.
The formal name for health care reform is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA). Signed into law in March 2010, the ACA made broad changes to the way health insurance will be provided and paid for in the United States. Several important reforms have been adopted since then. Extended coverage for dependents, full coverage for preventive care, and plain-language coverage explanations were all prompted by the ACA. In 2014, more parts of the ACA will go into effect, including the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) designed to help you find health insurance that fits your budget. According to the ACA: đ Marketplaces must be operational for open enrollment by October 2013 đ Each Marketplace will have Navigators to help people enroll đ Marketplace plans will be presented in only four cat i (platinum, gold, silverr, and bronze) to help consumer compare plans from different providers
Health car care e rreform eform and yyou ou Health care reform will affect nearly everyone. The qu most people are asking is how health care reform will them personally. To To help you better understand tand chang related to the ACA and the resulting effect on health insur UPMC Health Plan created an informative website. The consumer-friendly site offers unbiased information about Marketplaces and other elements of health care refor wide range of people, including: đ Individuals and family members who want to learn
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UPMC.com/T Today
đ Health care providers treating patients in this new environment đ Employers looking for coverage for their employees đ Producers who sell insurance plans to companies and individuals đ Marketplace Navigators who are responsible for providing impartial advice on how to choose among competing plans On the website, you will find the answers to basic questions, such as: đ Who can get health insurance? đ What will be covered? đ Where can I shop for insurance? đ When will changes happen? đ What financial assistance is available? UPMC Health Plan’s website and support staff are committed to providing an unbiased forum in order to make health care reform easier to understand and to explain what changes can be expected as our nation continues to implement the ACA.
A Closer Look at Medical Imaging Medical imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing medical conditions of all kinds — from broken bones to life-threatening tumors. UPMC radiologists are leaders in helping to ensure both quality and patient safety during testing.
Medical imaging lets your doctor take an immediate and detailed look deep inside your body. More than 200 noninvasive tests are used to diagnose medical problems that once required exploratory surgery — or simply went undetected.
Types of medical imaging Imaging tests that use ionizing radiation include: • Computerized tomography (CT scan) • Mammography • Radiography (x-rays)
For women preparing to schedule their next annual mammogram, Jules Sumkin, DO, chief of radiology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, emphasizes that nothing is more regulated in medical imaging than mammography. “There are very strict guidelines, and UPMC has always operated at or below established national standards for radiation exposure, ” he says. “New technologies like digital mammograms further reduce what are already very low radiation levels.”
Others use a different form of energy: • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — uses magnetic fields • Ultrasound — uses sound waves As the use of diagnostic tests increases, there’s growing research on their long-term impact on patient health. That’s especially true for radiation-based tests and their possible link to cancer. “Many medical professionals are concerned about some of the methods used to calculate the risk posed by such tests, and the confusion it’s creating among patients,” says Mitchell Tublin, MD, chief of radiology at UPMC Presbyterian and a leading expert on CT scans. “It’s important to talk to your doctor before deferring a test so that you clearly understand both the risks and benefits offered.”
Setting the standard nationally UPMC has one of the largest radiology programs in the United States, and its radiologists include some of the nation’s leading authorities on medical imaging safety. “On many fronts, we are helping to define the national safety standards for both patients and health care personnel,” says Emanuel Kanal, MD, director of magnetic resonance services at UPMC Presbyterian, whose innovative work on MRIs has been adopted by both the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiologists. “As a health care system, UPMC is continually investing in research, training, and equipment to minimize patient risk, such as radiation exposure from medical imaging,” says Christopher Deible, MD, PhD, medical director of radiology informatics at UPMC Presbyterian. “We’re also working to standardize imaging services at all UPMC hospitals, following best practices, and participating in national reporting initiatives.”
What can you do to be proactive? “Ask your doctor if a nonradiation test — like an MRI or ultrasound — can be substituted. That’s not always possible, though, since tests like CT scans may provide a higher level of detail that could be essential in some conditions,” says Janet Durick, MD, vice chair of clinical operations for the Department of Radiology for UPMC. “You should also ask if a test is truly needed — and don’t be disappointed if your physician doesn’t order an imaging test for a condition that could be addressed through a medical examination.” For more information about imaging safety for adults and children, visit Radiologyinfo.org, Imagewisely.org, or Pedrad.org.
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Is Assisted Living the Right Choice? For seniors and their families, assisted living can offer the ideal solution when extra help is needed for life’s daily activities.
Terry Schwartz of North Huntingdon was dogged in her search for the perfect living facility for her mother, Ethel Yanowitch. “For six years, Mom lived with our family, so I wanted a place that truly felt like home — but where she could also get the increased care and supervision she needed,” says Terry.
“Assisted living is tailored for seniors who need help with daily living activities, such as dressing, grooming, walking, and taking medications — but who don’t require skilled nursing care,” explains Deborah Brodine, president of UPMC Senior Communities and Community Provider Services.
After visiting 10 different senior care facilities, she chose UPMC Senior Communities’ Weatherwood Manor in Greensburg. Mrs. Yanowitch, 90, has been a resident there for two years and, Terry says, “It has exceeded our expectations in every way. Mom loves it there.”
Each UPMC facility provides on-site nursing care and medication management. All residents have spacious apartments with private baths and kitchenettes. Three restaurant-style meals are served daily. Before moving into a UPMC Senior Communities assisted living facility, residents are carefully assessed and individual care plans are created for them. “Because our health and lifestyle needs change as we age, residents also receive regular assessments to ensure they’re receiving the best possible care,” she adds. To learn more about UPMC Senior Communities assisted living options — as well as the personal care facilities at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville and Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry — visit UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.
Understanding Assisted Living Personal care homes and assisted living facilities once meant the same thing in Pennsylvania — but that’s no longer the case.
Terry Schwartz and her mother, Ethel Yanowitch
For Terry and her mother, assisted living represents the “best of both worlds.” It offers an increased level of services while encouraging and supporting residents to be as independent as possible through activities and socialization. UPMC Senior Communities offers assisted living options at: • Cumberland Crossing Manor, McCandless • Seneca Manor, Penn Hills • Strabane Woods, Washington • Weatherwood Manor, Greensburg
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Pennsylvania now distinguishes the types of basic services that can be provided by personal care and assisted living residences. One of the fundamental differences is that assisted living facilities must provide health care services that will enable the residents to “age in place” as their health declines and their care needs change. Weatherwood Manor recently received licensure as an assisted living facility under new state guidelines. UPMC Senior Communities’ Cumberland Crossing Manor, Seneca Manor, and Strabane Woods also are converting from personal care to assisted living licenses. “Assisted living community licensure is an expression of UPMC Senior Communities’ commitment to offering older adults and their families the kind of continuing care they need and depend on to safely and confidently age in place,” says Ms. Brodine.
Welcoming New Physicians To schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Wayne A. Christopherson, MD Gynecology
Pradeep K. Nair, MD Cardiology
Thomas B. Rice, MD Pulmonary/Critical Care
Christopher Emond, MD Orthopaedics
Alexander B. Olawaiye, MD Gynecology
Ramya Sahasranamam, MD Nephrology
Joseph C. English III, MD Dermatology
Karen E. Rehder, MD Gynecology
Michael J. Singh, MD Vascular Surgery
What’s Happening at UPMC Passavant These free events are offered by UPMC Passavant and the Passavant Hospital Foundation. Cataracts and New Treatments
Patriotic Music Tribute
I’m Having a Senior Moment
Wednesday, June 19, 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12:30 p.m.
Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building
Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park
Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building
Speaker: Kimberly Miller, MD, ophthalmologist and clinical associate professor in ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
This special music program, part of the Legacy Music Series, will feature favorite patriotic and Americana music selections. Call 412-367-6640 to register.
Speaker: Betty Robison, MSN, RN-BC, Gerontology Educator, Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services
Learn how and why cataracts may develop and the latest available surgical options, including no-stitch cataract surgery. Lens replacement technology also will be discussed. Call 412-367-6640 to register. Child Car Seat Safety Check
Faculty Community Concert Part of the Legacy Music Series Friday, July 12, 4 p.m. Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park
Have a certified child passenger safety technician check the child car seat installation in your vehicle at no cost. Call 412-881-9221 for an appointment. Parkinson’s Disease Thursday, June 27, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sherwood Oaks, Continuing Care Retirement Community, Norman Drive, Cranberry Township Speaker: Erek M. Lam, MD, neurologist, UPMC Passavant Learn the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for Parkinson’s disease. Call 1-800-642-2217 to register.
Leg Cramps and Leg Pain Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30 p.m.
Call 412-367-6640 for more information.
Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building
Scrub Run 8K Race
Speaker: M. Catherine Dillon, DO, Absolute Primary Care–UPMC
Thursday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority Station Grubbs Road, Wexford
Learn about normal and abnormal changes in memory that come with age, and how to help your brain stay in tip-top condition. Call 412-367-6640 to register.
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. North Park Pool Loop Join in the Passavant Hospital Foundation’s “Scrub Run” 8K race. Proceeds will provide CPR/AED training kits for area students. Call 412-367-6640 for details.
Learn about the different medical problems that can cause leg cramps and leg pain as well as exercise and treatments to help improve these conditions. Call 412-367-6640 to register.
Carpal Tunnel: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Wednesday, July 17, 12:30 p.m. Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building Speaker: H. James Pfaeffle, MD, PhD, orthopaedic surgeon, TriRivers Surgical Associates Learn the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Call 412-367-6640 to register.
1-800-533-UPMC
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UPMC Passavant 9100 Babcock Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237
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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NE U -J D I M IN G IN EN P O
Don’t let a nonhealing wound slow you down. A chronic wound is cause for concern¬and deserves exceptional care. The kind you’ll get from UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Passavant. For conditions ranging from diabetic foot ulcers to slow-healing surgical wounds, our team of experts will develop a treatment plan that works best for you. And advanced treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you heal faster. If you want to get back on your feet again, why would you choose to go anywhere else?
UPMC Wound Healing Services at UPMC Passavant 2030 Mackenzie Way Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
To learn if UPMC Wound Healing Services is right for you, call 724-720-5959 or toll-free 1-855-495-3395, or visit UPMCPassavant.com/WoundHealing.
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.
we want to know:
9th Annual
Fran Magister
“ Fore IPF ” Golf outing Featured pet
Bingley
in the world? Why is your Pet the Best Pet
All Animals Welcome!
Write and tell us why your pet is the greatest. Be sure to send us a photo of your best friend and let us know which magazine you receive at your home. Photos should be as large as possible and may be emailed to our editor, Pamela Palongue at p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or mailed to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your photo returned.
There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of a pet, so share the love!
Monday, August 26 Wildwood Golf Club The 9th Annual Fran Magister “Fore IPF” Golf Outing event proceeds go towards patient support, outreach, education and research activities that help those with Interstitial Lung diseases. Call 412.624.7225 for details.
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
Diaper Derby T
he Kentucky Derby may have featured the fastest horses, but the Diaper Derby certainly had the cutest kids as babies under three years of age walked, toddled or crawled their way to the finish line at the Jump Zone Indoor Play Park in Allison Park. The event on April 20 was a fundraiser for The Women’s Choice Network. The organization helps give economically disadvantaged women who have fallen pregnant, choices which enable them to keep their child. The centers also provide parenting classes and a program called “Baby Steps” which enables clients to earn clothing, furnishings, baby formula and other needed items. For more information on the Women’s Choice Network, please visit the website at www.MyPregnancyCenter.org.
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photos by Gary Yon
For more pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ICMags Want us to cover your event? Let us know @ICMagazines
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
Real Estate IN HAMPTON Real estate is a big part of our lives. For the vast majority of us it is the biggest purchase we will ever make, as well as the largest investment. Not to mention the fact that our purchase is “our home”…the place we laugh, cry, raise children, share timeless memories with friends and family and so much more. So it is very important that we understand every aspect of the selling and purchasing of a home. This includes mortgage and finance information, curb appeal, new housing developments and new ways to look for homes.
CURB APPEAL Curb appeal is a well-known term that refers to the attractiveness of the interior and exterior of a home. While the term seems overused, it is a very real phenomenon. The old saying goes, “You only get one chance at a first impression.” This phrase perfectly explains the importance of curb appeal. When someone pulls up to a house for the first time, things like paint, landscaping, carpeting and light fixtures, just to name a few, make a huge difference in the person’s opinion. It is much harder for most people to envision the potential of a home when unattractiveness abounds everywhere they look. Most people looking at a home make a snap judgment the moment they enter the property. Sure, these snap judgments can be changed with other positive attributes, but why take the chance when adding curb appeal can be so easy and costeffective?
Real estate by the numbers
IN HAMPTON Homes for Sale: 99 Recently Sold: 116 *Data provided by Realtor.com. Data presented is representative of the time of publication. For up-to-date information, go to Realtor.com.
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Curb appeal can be accomplished by any number of methods including exterior decorations, repainting, extensive attention to the landscaping, timely grass cutting, new or even recently professionally cleaned carpeting, new hardware on the kitchen cabinets, new stain on a rear deck, new exterior and interior light fixtures and de-cluttering of the interior of the home. Always think of curb appeal when marketing your home or looking at a new home. It may not sell your home on its own, or entice you to buy a home on its own, but it does make a difference. You won’t be sorry because it is worth the time and relatively low cost.
STAGING Selling a home requires more than a “For Sale” sign. Competition is fierce, and if you want the best offers and your home to sell quickly, home staging is essential. Staging involves cleaning, de-cluttering, and decorating a home so it appeals to buyers. Never confuse decorating for staging. Décor is an expression of a particular style, while staging is a strategy. According to www.globalspan.net, there are five basic steps to staging your home. #1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is often only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too. #2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea. #3 - Eliminate Clutter. The “50% Rule” requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be the hardest rule of all! We love our clutter – it reflects our
Our Real Estate Partners
memories, hobbies, and values. But it doesn’t sell homes! Clutter makes homes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed that the really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-free layout, while “cheap” stores are often a jumble of merchandise?) Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus the elimination of clutter.
RE/MAX Real Estate Solutions is a full-service residential and commercial real estate office. Our staff of full time, experienced professional Realtors are available to assist buyers and sellers by leveraging the latest technology and offering personalized service. Our free MLS search app can be downloaded by texting PGH to 87778. The office is located in McCandless at 125 Hillvue Lane, Pgh, PA 15237. Remax Real Estate Solutions 412.366.2900 • www.realestatesolutionspittsburgh.com
#4 - Go Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It’s a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyers walking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you’ve just turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest. #5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because they cannot “imagine” your home as their home. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make an emotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.
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Passion. Innovation. Respect. Honesty. At Northwood Realty Services, these aren’t just words – they are words to live by. They represent a promise we make to our clients – and ourselves – each and every day. Say hello to the New Face of Northwood at Northwood.com today.
Northwood Realty Services 412.487.3200 • www.Northwood.com
Goods Remodeling is built on hard work, open communication and honesty. All projects are Goods Remodeling thoroughly planned and costs are discussed upfront, with no surprises or hidden fees. Home Improvements Additional costs for added services are negotiated and agreed upon before completion. Goods Remodeling strives to provide both residential and business customers professional and reliable home improvement and building services. Kevin Good, Owner. Goods Remodeling 724.244.7864 • www.goodsremodeling.com Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
Real Estate IN HAMPTON Continued from page 33
REVERSE MORTGAGE According to www.consumer.ftc. gov, if you’re 62 or older – and looking for money to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay for health-care expenses – you may be considering a reverse mortgage. It’s a product that allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or pay additional monthly bills. In a “regular” mortgage, you make monthly payments to the lender. In a “reverse” mortgage, you receive money from the lender, and generally don’t have to pay it back for as long as you live in your home. The loan is repaid when you die, sell your home, or when your home is no longer your primary residence. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage generally are taxfree, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions. There are three types of reverse mortgages: •• Single-purpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. •• Federally-insured reverse mortgages, known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). •• Proprietary reverse mortgages, private loans that are backed by the companies that develop them. Single-purpose reverse mortgages are the least expensive option. They are not available everywhere and can be used for only one purpose, which is specified by the government or nonprofit lender. For example, the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. Most homeowners with low or moderate income can qualify for these loans. HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages may be more expensive than traditional home loans, and the upfront costs can be high. That’s important to consider, especially if you plan to stay in your home for just a short time or borrow a small amount. HECM loans are widely available, have no income or medical requirements, and can be used for any purpose. Before applying for a HECM, you must meet with a counselor from an independent government-approved housing counseling agency. Some lenders offering proprietary reverse mortgages also require counseling. The counselor is required to explain the loan’s costs and financial implications, and possible alternatives to a HECM, like government and nonprofit programs or a single-purpose or proprietary reverse mortgage. The counselor also should be able to help you compare the costs of different types of reverse mortgages and tell you how different payment options, fees, and other costs affect the total cost of the loan over time. You can visit HUD for a list of counselors or call the agency at 1.800.569.4287. Most counseling agencies charge around $125 for their services. The fee can be paid from the loan proceeds, but you cannot be turned away if you can’t afford the fee.
Our Real Estate Partners Howard Hanna’s Jordana Zober Cutitti specializes in residential listings in the Shaler and Hampton communities. She strives for total customer satisfaction, from lower priced homes to high priced estates. Once a city dweller, Jordana has moved into the Glenshaw market with her family and loves the community flavor of their new neighborhood. Call her at 412-657-3555 for your housing needs. Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412.657.3555 • www.howardhanna.com
Paracca Interiors Flooring America is a local, family-owned company. Founded in 1961 and three generations of influence, the Paracca family is proud to have the tri-state area’s largest showroom! Located exclusively on Route 8 in Valencia, we offer thousands of beautiful and affordable flooring choices in a beautiful welcoming layout. Stop in and see why we are Pittsburgh’s Most Spectacular Showroom! Paracca Interiors Flooring America 724.586.7777 • www.ParaccaInteriors.com
Lighting by Erik North has been serving the North Hills since 1972. We carry exterior and landscape lighting, decorative fixtures, mirrors, fans and lamps for every room. We offer quick, quality repairs and our expert sales staff strive to give that personal service and attention to detail that our clients have come to expect. Allow us to assist you with all your lighting needs. Lighting by Erik North 412.821.6443 • www.lightingbyeriknorth.com
How much you can borrow with a HECM or proprietary reverse mortgage depends on several factors, including your age, the type of reverse mortgage you select, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. In general, the older you are, the more equity you have in your home, and the less you owe on it, the more money you can get. The HECM lets you choose among several payment options. You can select: •• A “term” option – fixed monthly cash advances for a specific time. •• A “tenure” option – fixed monthly cash advances for as long as you live in your home.
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Real Estate IN HAMPTON Continued from page 35 •• A line of credit that lets you draw down the loan proceeds at any time in amounts you choose until you have used up the line of credit. •• A combination of monthly payments and a line of credit. You can change your payment option any time for about $20. HECMs generally provide bigger loan advances at a lower total cost compared with proprietary loans. But if you own a higher-valued home, you may get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage. So if your home has a higher appraised value and you have a small mortgage, you may qualify for more funds. Reverse mortgage loan advances are not taxable, and generally don’t affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. You retain the title to your home, and you don’t have to make monthly repayments. The loan must be repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence. In the HECM program, a borrower can live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 consecutive months before the loan must be repaid. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, be aware that: •• Lenders generally charge an origination fee, a mortgage insurance premium (for federally-insured HECMs), and other closing costs for a reverse mortgage. Lenders also may charge servicing fees during the term of the mortgage. The lender sometimes sets these fees and costs, although origination fees for HECMs currently are dictated by law. Your upfront costs can be lowered if you borrow a smaller amount through a reverse mortgage product called “HECM Saver.” •• The amount you owe on a reverse mortgage grows over time. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance and added to the amount you owe each month. That means your total debt increases as the loan funds are advanced to you and interest on the loan accrues. •• Although some reverse mortgages have fixed rates, most have variable rates that are tied to a financial index; they are likely to change with market conditions. •• Reverse mortgages can use up all or some of the equity in your home, and leave fewer assets for you and your heirs. Most reverse mortgages
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have a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents you or your estate from owing more than the value of your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold. However, if you or your heirs want to retain ownership of the home, you usually must repay the loan in full – even if the loan balance is greater than the value of the home. •• Because you retain title to your home, you are responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. If you don’t pay property taxes, carry homeowner’s insurance, or maintain the condition of your home, your loan may become due and payable. •• Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.
FINANCING AND INTEREST RATES There is both good news and bad news when it comes to home financing and mortgage interest rates. The great news is that interest rates are still extremely low. According to bankrate.com, the interest rates on 12/26/12 were 3.59% on a 30-year fixed rate, 2.87% on a 15-year fixed, 2.77% on a 5/1 ARM and 4.07% on a 30-year jumbo. However, the bad news is that, due to new mortgage laws adopted after the nation’s foreclosure crisis of several years back, it is more difficult to get a mortgage than ever before. Credit scores are even more scrutinized and debt-to-income ratios are more strict. There is an infinite number of loan types out there, and lenders are constantly coming up with creative ways to wrangle in new homeowners.
Our Real Estate Partners The type of home loan you choose can make or break you as a borrower, so make sure you fully understand it before making any kind of commitment. Most prospective homeowners these days seem to be interested in 100% financing, generally because they don’t have the assets necessary for a down payment. Unfortunately, the proliferation of these types of home loan programs have increased the number of high-risk borrowers in the United States at an alarming rate. But if you take the time to educate yourself on the many home loan types out there, you’ll effectively decrease your chances of defaulting on your mortgage. That said, let’s talk about the many different loan types and programs available today. Following is a list of the types of loans available to potential homeowners.
Conforming Loans and Non-Conforming Loans One way home loans are differentiated is by their Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) eligibility. If the loan meets requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is considered a conforming loan. If the loan does not meet all the underwriting requirements set forth by the pair of GSEs, it is considered “non-conforming.”
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Nest Expressions is an exclusive shop at home service specializing in flooring and window treatments. Whether you are looking for the latest choices in window treatments, carpet, hardwood, or ceramic we’ll guide you to an informed selection that corresponds with your lifestyle, family and budget. So when you are ready to spread your wings, call Nest Expressions and we’ll help you create the look your rooms deserve. Nest Expressions 724.449.1100 • www.nestexpressions.com TUDI Mechanical Systems specializes in heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services in the commercial, industrial and residential markets. They were just named “Best Contractor To Work For” in the eastern United States and granted Best Work Place for Business Ethics, the second year in a row by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Learn more about their non-profit, Heat for the Needy at tudi.com TUDI Mechanical Systems 412.246.8987 • tudi.com
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Real Estate IN HAMPTON Continued from page 37 The main guideline that determines whether a mortgage is conforming or not is the loan amount. Generally, a mortgage with a loan amount below $417,000 is considered conforming, whereas any loan amount above $417,000 is considered a jumbo loan. However, in Alaska and Hawaii the conforming limit is $625,500. Note that the conforming limit may change annually, and has risen quite a bit in the past few years as housing prices skyrocketed.
This type of mortgage is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Another common government loan is the VA loan, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The maximum loan amount for these types of loans varies by county. Now that you know a bit about different home loan types, we can focus on home loan programs. As mentioned earlier, there are a ton of different loan programs out there, and more seem to surface every day. Let’s start with the most basic of loan programs, the 30-year fixed-rate loan.
A jumbo loan may meet all of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s loan underwriting guidelines, but if the loan amount exceeds the conforming limit, it will be considered non-conforming and carry a higher mortgage rate as a result.
Loan Programs
If your loan amount is on the fringe of the conforming limit, sometimes simply dropping your loan amount a few thousand dollars can lower your mortgage rate tremendously, so keep this in mind any time your loan amount is near the limit.
The 30-year fixed loan is just how it sounds, a loan with a 30-year term at a fixed interest rate for 30 years. What this means is that the loan will take 30 years to pay off, and the rate will stay the same during those entire 30 years. There isn’t much else to it.
Conventional Loans and Government Loans Mortgages are also classified as either “conventional loans” or “government loans.” Conventional loans can be conforming or jumbo, but are not insured or guaranteed by the government. Then there are government loans, such as the widely popular FHA loan.
The 30-year fixed loan is as simple as they come. Most mortgages are based on a 30-year amortization, and the 30-year fixed is no different.
Let’s say you secure a rate of 6.5% on a 30-year fixed loan with a loan amount of $500,000. You’ll have monthly mortgage payments of $3,160.34 for a total of 360 months, or 30 years. You will be required to pay the same amount each month until the loan is paid off. So the total amount you would pay on a $500,000 loan at 6.5% over 30 years would be $1,137,722.40.
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Real Estate IN HAMPTON Continued from page 39
LOCAL HOUSING MARKET According to www.buildingpittsburgh.wordpress.com, unlike the overall U.S. market, the housing market in Pittsburgh does not have to bounce back from falling prices and is showing remarkable consistency across a number of metrics. For more than six months the prices of houses sold and the number of homes sold has remained solidly up more than 10% year-over-year. That’s an unusual level of consistent growth, especially since the sales took place in periods of both higher and lower seasonal activity. The third quarter also showed a consistent trend in the year-over-year growth in new construction. Through nine months there were a total of 2,396 new dwelling units started compared to 2,155 during the same period in 2011, an increase of 11.2%. The increased activity was constant whether the construction was traditional detached single-family homes (and attached) or multi-family units, with each cohort up between 10-12%. Permits were issued for 1,393 units of detached dwellings compared to 1,264 in 2011 and for 1,003 attached units this year compared to 891 last year. While there is growing evidence that financing conditions are normalizing so that buyers can buy, the dwindling supply of lots are keeping a broader housing recovery from spreading into 2013, although the construction of multi-family apartments will boom for at least the next 18 months. Following is a breakdown of new housing by county.
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•• Allegheny County — Single Family Detached, 609. Single-Family Attached, 392. Total, 1001. •• Beaver County — Single-Family Detached, 108. Single-Family Attached, 25. Total, 133. •• Butler County — Single-Family Detached, 190. Single-Family Attached, 323. Total, 513. •• Fayette County — Single-Family Detached, 66. Single-Family Attached, 10. Total, 76. •• Washington County — Single-Family Detached, 251. Single-Family Attached, 74. Total, 325. •• Westmoreland County — Single-Family Detached, 169. Single-Family Attached, 179. Total, 348.
SMARTPHONE APPS FOR HOUSE HUNTING This is 2013 and we are an “on the go” society. So doesn’t it just make sense to use apps for house hunting before contacting a real estate agent? According to www.msn.com, today there are dozens of cheap — even free — applications you can download that can make your home buying quest easier and savvier than ever before. So go ahead and download ‘em, take ‘em for a test drive … then hit the open-house circuit. This time, you’re guaranteed to waste less time finding a new “home sweet home.”
Tools to help you find a home — all with GPS •• Realtor.com says its app has more listings — reportedly more than 3 million — than any other app in the country. You can highlight areas of town to search, check for homes for sale near you and search for open houses. Most homes show multiple photos as well as pricing and open-house info. (Free.) •• Zillow not only lets you see listings and the estimated worth of any home — not just homes for sale – but also has rental-rate estimates. (Free.)
Navigating the real-estate maze •• Dictionary of Real Estate Terms. Baffled by a bilateral contract? Confused by carrying charges? You need this dictionary. ($1.99 for iPhone and iPad. Other dictionaries available for different devices.) •• Mortgage Calculator. A solid calculator to help steer you through the finances of a home purchase, this calculator computes monthly rate, price per square foot and your amortization schedule. (99 cents for iPad and iPhone. Other calculators available for different devices.) •• Can you afford that home? Home Buying Power lets you input variables — desired payment or income percentage, plus down payment, loan term and interest rate — and then tells you how much house you can afford to pay for on a monthly basis. ($1.99 for iPad and iPhone.)
•• Want to know what kind of amenities your neighborhood has? Download the Walk Score app. It gives a home a score of up to 100, based on residents’ ability to walk to things such as a grocery, a pub, etc. The better the score, the more walkable the neighborhood. Somewhat related, Around Me tells you the distances to key spots such as banks, coffee shops and post offices. (Both are free for iPhone and iPad.) •• SiteWise gives the demographics of your prospective home’s immediate area, using info up to and including the 2010 Census. The app creates a demographic report that includes population by age, education level, number of children, household income, number of renters versus owners and more. ($9.99 for Blackberry and iPhone users.)
When looking hard at a home •• Photo Measures is an app that lets you take pictures of, say, a room and then allows you to save your measurements of the room’s dimensions on the photos. You can take photos during your walk-throughs of an appealing house, note the dimensions of walls and doors and cabinets, then plan your space and refer to the measurements later. ($4.99 for iPhone.) •• ColorSmart. With paintmaker Behr’s ColorSmart app, you can visualize colors in your prospective home. Just take a photo, then fill in the walls with a Behr paint color to check out the new look. (Free for iPhone and iPad.) You now have 15 new ways to find your perfect home — and no excuses.
Choosing the right city and neighborhood •• Learn your neighborhood: With Wikihood, you can get a mini-tour of most any neighborhood in the world — everything from the history to the culture to companies in the area. (Free for iPad and iPhone.) •• Wonder where that smell is coming from? Worried by those airplanes flying low overhead? You need Suburb Scout. This app allows users to search for possible nuisances near a home — airports, landfills, sewagetreatment plants and more. ($1.99 for Android.) •• Are you worried about sex offenders? Consider getting Safe Neighborhood. This app gives you access to the National Sex Offender Registry and can tell you locations of sex offenders in your area. It’s a little controversial — not only can you search by address, but you can pull up names and pictures of the offenders. (Free for Android.) •• Trying to pick a new city? You might want to look at the crime statistics. The app Crime Stats lets you see statistics on several violent crimes and property crimes for cities nationwide, using FBI data. The app also lets you compare those stats to the national average and to other cities. (99 cents for iPhone and iPad.) Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
Weight Loss Tips for Real Life
C
hances are you’ve been down the weight loss road before. And chances are just as good that you’ve gained it all back. But don’t despair; there are ways to avoid the dreaded yo-yo. Harley Pasternak, best-selling author and the go-to trainer for A-list stars, answers some common questions about how to lose weight – and the tools needed to keep it off. What’s the biggest mistake people make when it comes to weight loss? Too many people set unrealistic expectations from the start. For sustained weight loss, you need a diet and exercise plan that you can maintain. How should I get started and pick the right plan? Instead of starving yourself or risking injury by over-exercising, focus on being active throughout the day. Park your car farther away from your destination, take the stairs, make social plans walking distance from home or work; every step adds up. How can I eat healthy when I’m so busy I don’t have time to cook? Planning ahead is a must if you’re going to avoid temptation. Spend some time on Sunday evening preparing simple, healthy meals for the week. I hate to exercise, and gyms are too expensive. What can I do? You don’t need to spend hours a day in the gym to improve your waistline or your health. As little as five minutes a day of resistance training can help strengthen your body; or use a pedometer (a small device that counts your steps) and try to hit 10,000 steps each day. The key is consistency.
Current issues of this magazine are also available online. www.incommunitymagazines.com
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Professionals
by Day and by Night
Rockers The Bad, Bad Ants Teach Us How to Have Fun After 40
Watching The Bad, Bad Ants perform a cover of a Cracker song at a weeknight practice in Chris Leya’s By Kathy Rudolph basement in Hampton just makes you want to grab the microphone and sing along, or jump up and dance, even if your moves rival Elaine’s from that famous “Seinfeld” episode. Members Rich Barton, Brian Berkheiser, Chris Leya and Russ Sovek not only have the technical chops to sing and play their instruments, but manage to put their own, original stamp on their performances. But, another reason for wanting to join them is that the band seems to be having a whole lot of fun, with wisecracking banter and not taking themselves too seriously. The members also look a bit younger than some of us in our mid-to-upper 40s, with muffin-top waistlines and grumpy attitudes. After experiencing the band’s well-rehearsed practice, you’d think that this is what they do for a living. Wrong! They all have 9 to 5 professional jobs with wives and kids. “We’re mid-40s ‘wannabe’ rock stars,” said Sovek, of Cranberry, who has a job in sales and is the lead vocalist along with playing the acoustic guitar and harmonica in the band. “The whole experience of going to gigs is so much fun.” “It is an escape for me,” said Barton, of Franklin Park, who works in engineering and plays electric and acoustic guitars and is a vocalist in the band. “You have a hectic life and drive to practice and don’t think about any of that. You joke and laugh.” “It’s like a bowling league or a golf league for us,” said Leya, who works in software and plays drums, percussion and is on vocals in the band.
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photos by Kathy Rudolph
The members also contribute their different influences which lend to the unique sound of the band.
Continued from page 43 “Gigs are fun and we have a good time.” The band could be on to something. According to the National Institute on Aging, studies have shown that engaging in favorite activities produces higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression and may even lower risks of health problems or extend your life. It does take some effort to practice. Luckily, their wives are supportive and enjoy getting together for practices or gigs. “At times it is difficult, but we keep sending emails out to cancel or reschedule,” said Barton, who has coached many of his kids’ sports teams. “When we have a gig, we make more of an effort,” said Berkheiser, of Shaler, who has a job in software and plays electric and upright bass guitars and is a vocalist in the band. ”But when we need to take a break, we take a break, because we’re doing this for fun and not for a living and that is the nice thing about it.” The band members sometimes joke about how all of the venues that they have played in have either closed or
burnt down. Aside from ill-fated music halls and taverns, the band also performs at private parties, festivals and other local events. “Our gigs have been interesting and memorable,” said Barton. “Sometimes it is all of the activities surrounding the gig that are the most fun. Once, we played an Independence Day Celebration in Canada and ended up doing an acoustic performance in this guy’s home because of the rain. He broke out these huge candles and it was like an ‘MTV Unplugged’ performance, with people listening to our music and stories. Luckily, Russ has a playlist of over 300 songs!” The members also contribute their different influences which lend to the unique sound of the band. Sovek likes The Black Crowes, The Rolling Stones and Cracker. Barton enjoys Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. Berkheiser adds his own unique flavor and jokes about not really liking some of the songs that the band plays. “Sometimes I feel like the black sheep of the band because I have such obscure tastes,” said Berkheiser. “My influences when I started playing bass were early ‘90s, technically-crazy, bass technique bands like Primus and bass-
We’re mid-40s ‘wannabe’ rock stars… The whole experience of going to gigs is so much fun.
We’re doing this for fun and not for a living and that is the nice thing about it.
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driven bands like Morphine and Soul Coughing. But, it is fun to play the songs that we play at gigs. It’s like a party. As long as everyone is having fun and is enjoying it.” Leya also prefers music that is outside of the mainstream. “Right now I am listening to Dawes and Grace Potter, and of course, The Options,” said Leya. “I like newer bands and go to see tons of concerts with my sons and just soak it all in.” The band sometimes contributes to the playlist, but the songs have to be in Sovek’s vocal range. “Everybody gets a say as long as I say it’s OK,” said Sovek, laughing. “We play the music that I love the most, but we do mix in other songs.” “We will play anything,” said Berkheiser, laughing. “Though, probably 90 percent of what I bring in doesn’t work.” The band has been together for over five years. “We once had a big blow-up and when we made up, I told the guys that if I didn’t play with them, that the guitars would just sit there like pieces of furniture, or be tucked away in the closet,” said Leya. “It is hard to just play drums by yourself. When we play together, we sometimes get in a zone and feel so alive. I told them that we’ve had our differences, but I didn’t want to give that up.” “Our whole lives are so predictable,” said Barton. “You have your job, your family. Being in the band is so unpredictable. We are like brothers and some of the best times that I have had in the last five years have been with my band.” To learn more about The Bad, Bad Ants, visit the band’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/badbad.ants, or email them at badbadants@gmail.com.
Our whole lives are so predictable… Being in the band is so unpredictable.
When we play together, we sometimes get in a zone and feel so alive.
Hampton Township Selected as
Banner Community Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) officials, along with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced on April 2, that Hampton Township has been selected as a 2013 Banner Community. In order to qualify for consideration as one of the selected communities, several criteria were required, including active membership in ALOM and attendance of county association meetings, and participation in training and educational programs through ALOM or participation in a governing mentoring program. Hampton Township was chosen for having a significant amount of intergovernmental cooperation efforts in place, as well as community activities. “Our communities and elected officials have some very impressive things going on in their municipalities,” said Pete Poninsky, Chairman
Hampton Township was chosen for having a significant amount of intergovernmental cooperation efforts in place, as well as community activities. of the Allegheny League of Municipalities. “The Banner Communities Program is intended to highlight those efforts and to set a standard we believe all of our municipalities can meet.” Twenty other communities in Allegheny County were selected for the designation. The Allegheny League of Municipalities is a non-profit founded in 1963 to help coordinate the needs of the area’s local government officials. For more information on the organization, please visit the website www.alleghenyleague.org.
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Doing Good, All Year Long While charitable giving increases towards the end of the year as important community needs are showcased, such needs continue all year long. Unfortunately, giving tends to drop off after the holidays, leaving many organizations with a shortfall of donated goods, cash and even volunteers in the New Year. While it is true that part of the Christmas and holiday tradition is to give back to others, there are needs in our community throughout the year. What You Can Do Whether you volunteer or collect goods to donate, resolve to take simple steps in 2013 to better your community. To shine a light on ways to give back, here are three tips on how to make giving a year-long tradition: Tip #1: Simple Items Make a Big Difference: Many local charities collect clothes and essentials for families, particularly children, all year long. From warm coats and blankets to socks, toothpaste and soap, the simplest items can make a real difference for those in need. Consider donating gently used items after your annual spring cleaning, organize a donation drive in your neighborhood, or if you buy in bulk at warehouse clubs, choose a few items from each trip to set aside for donation to your favorite local charity.
Tip #2: Think Outside the Can: Food banks are always in need of cash and food donations throughout the year. Feeding America says that for $1, food banks can provide 8 meals to men, women and children facing hunger; $50 will provide 400 meals. Call your local food bank and ask for their “most wanted” list. Often, proteins are at the top of the list along with peanut butter, baby food and juice boxes. Home gardeners with bumper crops can glean their harvests and share fresh vegetables and fruits so they don’t go to waste. Tip #3: Ways to Help are Closer Than You Think: Your local community center, religious institution or library most likely has programs to help those in need, so you can help as part of your regular routine. Ask if you can volunteer to serve meals to the homeless after church services, or offer to read to children at the local library. There are countless ways to lend a hand, so find one that feels right to you or visit volunteer websites for ideas. Every community will have unique needs and strengths. To make the greatest impact, those wanting to give back should ask about workplace programs that match volunteer hours, find out local donation guidelines, and make giving back a regular family activity.
Worship in Hampton Allison Park Church www.allisonparkchurch.com 412.487.7220
Bakerstown Alliance Church bakerstownalliance.blogspot.com 724.443.7040 Calvary Baptist Church www.friendsatcbc.org 412.487.2130
Would you like to list your Hampton Township church in this directory? Please contact Megan at m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com with your church name, website address and phone number. 46 724.942.0940 to advertise
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Memorial Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church www.memorialparkchurch.org 412.364.9492 Nativity Lutheran Church www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org 412.487.1071 Parkwood United Presbyterian Church www.parkwoodchurch.org 412.486.9220
St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral www.stalexandernevsky.org 412.366.4647 St. Catherine of Sweden Church www.stcatherineofsweden.org 412.486.6001 St. Richard Church www.saintrich.org 724.444.1971 St. Ursula Church: Religious Ed www.stursula.com 412.486.3374 Temple Ohav Shalom www.templeohavshalom.org 412.369.0900
Hampton Odd Fellows
Doing Great Work
By Matthew J. Fascetti on’t judge a book by its cover, as the saying goes. Well, in the case of the Odd Fellows, don’t judge an organization by their name. The non-profit which is rich in history, has been helping people for centuries through tireless volunteering and generous donations. Giving of one’s self is anything but odd. Hampton is fortunate enough to have a chapter of the Odd Fellows (Lodge #1004) right in their own backyard. The Hampton chapter has been going strong for 119 years. The Odd Fellows are dedicated to improving and elevating character of mankind by promoting the principles of friendship, love and truth. Their goal is to benefit the less fortunate, the youth, elderly, environment and the community in every way they can. According to Gertrude Kane, Past Noble Grand President of the Hampton Odd Fellows, the lodge has 27 members and consists of men and women and a wide range of ages. “It is a great group of people,” she said. “We meet the second and last Tuesday of every month at the Depreciation Lands Museum. Everyone works hard and is eager to do whatever they can…plus we have a great deal of fun.” The group donates to the North Hills Community Outreach, medical research, hunger, disaster relief, women’s shelters, the Arthritic Association, the Light Mission and other community organizations. Additionally, they donated a kitchen to Depreciation Lands Museum. To support education of the local youth, the Hampton Odd Fellows awards a $2,500 annual scholarship to a Hampton senior. The group also provides a yearly trip for a Hampton senior to Gettysburg, Philadelphia and New York to visit the United Nations Building, Boston and Niagara Falls. The National Organization of Odd Fellows also conducts a pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier each year and member lodges participate. The Hampton chapter raises money through membership fees and group investments. The lodge was recently awarded for their fantastic work. The Hampton Odd Fellows were proud to have been selected as Small Non-Profit of the Year for IN Hampton Magazine. They
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were presented with the award at a dinner on May 10 in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field. The Odd Fellows has an extraordinary and unique history, having been organized in the 19th century in England in 1810. The name was chosen because they were deemed ‘odd fellows’ since it was considered odd to have a desire to help the widows, orphans and poor at that time. The original command of the Odd Fellows is to “visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan”. Odd Fellows, along with their sister organization Rebekahs, number nearly a million members worldwide. Though the order is not a religion, its doctrine proclaims that “no one may become an Odd Fellow or Rebekah who is not faithful to God in the religion of his or her choice and agrees to uphold the laws of the land.” Hampton, and all of the North Hills,
is privileged to have such a magnificent organization. If you are a man or woman at least 16 years of age and are interested in joining an organization that makes a difference and values family and education, you may contact the organization at: Hampton Lodge #1004, P.O. Box 320 Gibsonia, PA 15044.
Hampton | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 47
Tips on Summer Sun Safety from UPMC Urgent Care The mid-March snowstorm and the lingering cold weather had many Pittsburghers running for the sun at the first sight of warmer weather. But not so fast, caution two UPMC Urgent Care physicians, who urge awareness and protection when outdoors in the sun.
Minimize Sun Exposure
“Sunburn and heat-related illnesses are the two most common sun-attributed ailments we see in the UPMC Urgent Care centers during the summer months of June, July and August,” says Bret Rosenblum, MD, medical director of UPMC Urgent Care Wexford. “That said, we advise everyone to reduce their sunburn risk by limiting sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wearing protective hats and clothing, and using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, but 30 or higher for individuals with a family history of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Also, avoiding indoor tanning beds altogether will help prevent significant skin damage.”
If a person suffers a milder form of a heat-related illness, with symptoms such as headaches, weakness, dizziness, or an inability to continue current activity, Dr. Rosenblum suggests, seek out a cool area, preferably one that is air conditioned, removing excess clothing and hydrating with water or electrolyte solutions, and monitoring their condition closely. “Evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center could help determine if a higher level of care is necessary, such as a referral to an emergency department,” he says. “However, if the condition is not improving or is getting worse, and the person begins to faint, or experiences nausea, vomiting, or confusion, immediate medical evaluation at the closest emergency department for a more serious heat stroke condition may be necessary. In these situations, cold water immersion, ice packs, and IV hydration may be needed.”
Special Care For Children And The Elderly
According to Rachel Schroer, MD, medical director of the UPMC Urgent Care with Washington Health System, located in McMurray, Pa., people can still get sunburn even if the sun is not shining. “The harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn can penetrate the clouds and cause sunburns,” she explains.
Children and the elderly are the groups most at risk for developing sunburn and sun exhaustion, which is caused by spending too much time in the heat and direct sun, Dr. Schroer explains. “Great care should be taken to limit their sun and heat exposure.”
Self-Help Measures For Sunburn
In addition to the prevention methods previously mentioned, Dr. Rosenblum also adds that the ability to swim can be life-saving. “All children and adults who will be around water should have this skill which they can acquire through lessons at local YMCA centers and community pools,” he recommends. “Furthermore, while at the beach, heed warnings and signage regarding current conditions such as rip tides and rough water.”
If you take all of these precautions and you still find yourself suffering from sunburn, there are a number of ways you can care for yourself at home, Dr. Schroer advises, including drinking plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and water, staying well-hydrated, and applying a soothing aloe vera gel. “Severe sunburns fall into the category of first-degree burns, which puts you at risk for excess fluid loss and dehydration,” she adds. “However, should your efforts toward sunburn prevention and sunburn care at home fail to offer relief, a medical evaluation at a UPMC Urgent Care center can assess your condition and offer additional recommendations for aid.”
Avoid Strenuous Activities During Peak Temperatures
To prevent heat-related illnesses, Dr. Rosenblum recommends limiting strenuous activity during the hottest portion of the day, drinking plenty of fluids containing water or electrolyte solutions before, during, and after exercise, and avoiding soda or energy drinks, which can actually cause dehydration. In addition, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas, will help cool the body. “Sports teams also should be encouraged to schedule practice sessions in the morning or evening hours during the summer,” he notes. 48 724.942.0940 to advertise
Seek Medical Attention
Hampton
Consider Life-Saving Swimming Lessons
Medical Treatment Available Without An Appointment
A person with concerns about sun-related illness, can visit a UPMC Urgent Care center for further examination any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., without an appointment. “Our providers can access a patient’s electronic health records within the health system. This can be critical during an evaluation with regard to past medical history, medications taken, allergies, and results from previous tests and x-rays,” Dr. Rosenblum explains. “Additionally, a treatment summary, which is an important aspect of care, will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider and attached to their electronic health record if they visit a UPMC physician.”
For more information and a complete list of UPMC Urgent Care locations, please visit UPMC.com/UrgentCare.
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