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Slam Dunk Spectacular PAGE 8

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WINTER 2013 icmags.com

Dealing with Digestive Disorders UPMC McKeesport’s Center for Digestive Health offers the latest technology for early detection and treatment of digestive disorders.

Preventing colon cancer

Healthy digestion is something we all take for granted — until something goes wrong. From heartburn, diarrhea, and bloating, to constipation, nausea, and vomiting, gastrointestinal woes can wreak havoc with your life.

“When caught early, colon cancer is curable,” says Dr. Narla, who recommends colonoscopy screening for everyone age 50 and older. “Screening enables us to remove polyps before they become cancerous.” One of the most powerful tools available for preventing cancer is the colonoscopy, which uses a small camera to examine the colon.

Sudhir Narla, MD, chief of gastroenterology at UPMC McKeesport and director of the hospital’s Center for Digestive Health, says prompt diagnosis is key to resolving digestive problems. “An early diagnosis usually means we can cure it,” says Dr. Narla. “But if you wait too long, all we can do is treat it.” At UPMC McKeesport’s Center for Digestive Health, board-certified gastroenterologists use the latest tests and technology to prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of digestive conditions, including colorectal cancer and disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, pancreas, liver, and biliary tract.

Providing comprehensive care As a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient unit, the center offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI) procedures. Featuring the latest technology, the center was designed with the comfort and privacy of patients and family members in mind. Each month, gastroenterologists perform hundreds of procedures in the fully equipped GI unit — certified by the American Society for Gastro-intestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) for promoting the highest standards of safety and quality. Because the center is located within UPMC McKeesport, many therapeutic procedures can be performed immediately.

Colon cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. A colonoscopy detects polyps — abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, which are removed and tested. Most forms of colorectal cancer are slow growing, taking five to 10 years to develop, he adds.

A wide range of tests In addition to colonoscopy screenings and polyp removal, the center offers a wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate and treat problems of the digestive tract, including: • Upper intestine — abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), difficulty swallowing, ulcers, and intestinal bleeding. • Colon and rectum — lower abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, rectal spasm or pain, and diverticular disease. • Gallbladder and pancreas — diseases of the pancreas, gall bladder stones, tumors, and blockage of bile ducts. To learn more about UPMC McKeesport’s Center for Digestive Health, call 412-664-2119.

“We can take care of anything, from a simple polyp to bleeding or cancer,” says Dr. Narla. “As a full-fledged GI unit, we can provide immediate treatment.”

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CONTENTS winter

â&#x20AC;˘

2 013

features 11 Special Section: Health & Wellness How to live a healthier, happier, longer life.

22 West Mifflin Hosts Coastal Carolina Positional and Pitching Camps

West Mifflin facility courts national attention.

25 O Christmas Tree Choosing an evergreen tree in West Mifflin.

26 Restoration of the Century Century III Mall revitalization will make iconic mall competitive again.

28 Top Fuel Time Machine How the smell of burning rubber still lingers after 40 years.

on the cover

Elijah Holt of Skydunk takes it to the net during a motivational assembly that left everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouths open with amazement. PHOTOS B Y PRIMETIME SHOTS

departments 4 6 8

From the Publisher IN the Loop IN Events

sponsored

10 25 32

Sharing the Harvest O Christmas Tree INCognito

content

Industry Insights 16 Caring for Your Vision: Associates in Ophthalmology 18 True Health Care: Steel City Chiropractic 21 Obesity!: Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists

IN Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the West Mifflin 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.

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 3

FROM THE

PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Julie Talerico j.talerico@icmags.com REGIONAL EDITORS Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] m.berton@icmags.com

At Seven Springs with my wife Lisa and our three sons.

Top-notch health care, education, banking and technology are what make Pittsburgh known, but our communities are what make us home. Home – where you live, go to school, shop, work and play – is what IN Community Magazines is all about. Each quarter, we bring you the latest news and information about schools, businesses, nonprofits and the people who make them exceptional. We also bring you coverage of interesting events and articles about historical sites you may pass every day without even knowing. We like to surprise you with little-known facts about your community and profile intriguing people who’ve made their mark locally – and sometimes even globally. One thing that makes our communities in western Pennsylvania special is the beautiful seasons. As autumn comes to an end and the snow begins to fall, we hope you take some time to enjoy the many winter activities our area has to offer and hit the slopes, sled ride, cross-country ski or ice skate at one of our many beautiful parks. Or simply build a snowman in the backyard! The staff at IN Community Magazines wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Send Us Your Story Ideas!

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We’d love to hear from you if you know someone in your community who is making a difference or has done something extraordinary. We’re also looking for interesting story ideas (little-known facts, history or other news) within your community.

As the largest magazine publisher in Western Pennsylvania, IN Community Magazines are direct mailed to more than 518,000 households, reaching 1.15 million readers. If you’d like to partner with us, please contact our general sales manager, Tamara Myers, at sales@icmags.com.

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Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@icmags.com OFFICE MANAGER Leo Vighetti l.vighetti@icmags.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Debbie Mountain d.mountain@icmags.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Michael Miller m.miller@icmags.com DESIGNERS Cassie Brkich Jim Paladino Melissa St. Giles Anna Buzzelli Tamara Tylenda Sharon Cobb Jan McEvoy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Barnes Leigh Lyons Jennifer Brozak Joanne Naser Earl Bugaile Melanie Paulick Tracy Fedkoe Melissa Rayworth Brenda Haines-Cosola Marilyn Wempa Elvira Hoff Mandie Zoller Heather Holtschlag CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ginni Klein Kathleen Rudolph Evan Sanders Jennifer Steenson Primetime Shots Gary Zak GENERAL SALES MANAGER Tamara Myers t.myers@icmags.com SALES MANAGER Brian McKee b.mckee@icmags.com ADVERTISING SALES Sophia Alfaras Connie McDaniel Matt Amoroso Gabriel Negri Pamela Arder Aimee Nicolia Jennifer Dahlem Vince Sabatini Julie Graff Mike Silvert Robin Guest RJ Vighetti ICM PRINTING SALES MANAGER Tom Poljak ©2013 by IN Community Magazines. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of any part of this publication is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Direct all inquiries, letters to the editor and press releases to:

IN Community Magazines 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 724.942.0940; Fax: 724.942.0968 icmags.com Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

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Pittsburgh’s premier guide to stylish living, sophisticated design and the best resources in Pittsburgh and surrounding regions. l aunc hi ng fir s t i s s ue De c e mbe r 2013 To advertise contact Leo Vighetti at 724.942.0940 or sales@icmags.com West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 5

in the

VFW POST 914 IS LOOKING FOR YOU!

LOOP GIVE SOMETHING AND GET SOMETHING

What’s news in West Mifflin?

6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

Ring in the Christmas Spirit, Join the Fun and Kick Off the Salvation Army Red Kettle Season Give something. Get something. Join in the fun! The North Versailles Walmart is ready to ring in The Salvation Army’s Christmas season. Marcy Park, Walmart market manager and member of The Salvation Army’s Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board, plays a key role in the Red Christmas Kettle Campaign. “Marcy and our friends at Walmart have become a part of The Salvation Army family,” said Major Mark Mackneer, The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division’s Allegheny County coordinator. “Walmart is a critical part of this campaign. We raise almost 30% of our total Red Kettle dollars in front of Walmart stores. Thousands of our needy families rely on them for support.” Weekly results will be tallied and displayed on posters prominently displayed in each store located in the following communities: West Mifflin; North Versailles; Robinson; Bethel Park; Pittsburgh Mills; Gibsonia; Natrona Heights; Carnegie; and Freeport Road. In 2012, Walmart Red Christmas Kettles raised more than half of one million dollars for The Salvation Army’s 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division, Red Kettle income remains within the communities in which it is raised. The 2013 Red Kettle goal is more than 3 million dollars. Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.

VFW Post 914 Intrepid meets on the last Thursday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m., at the Thompson Run Athletic Association, 4901 Ball Avenue, West Mifflin. If you wish to join the post, please come to a meeting with your DD214s at 6:30 p.m. You must be a U.S. citizen, have served honorably, and served in a campaign in which you were awarded a campaign medal or served in Korea for 30 days.

WEST MIFFLIN LIONS WANTS OLD GLASSES FOR RECYCLE FOR SIGHT

Old Glasses Give New Life Eyeglass recycling is one of the Lions’ most popular activities. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have been collecting glasses for more than 80 years.

Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in developing nations lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to lend their support to the Lions Recycle for Sight Program. If you have used eyeglasses and hearing aids and would like to donate them, they can be dropped off at the following locations: • Homeville Fire Hall (box outside of hall) • Renee’s Flowers (Rte. 885 past CCAC)

• • • • • • •

Giant Eagle (Kennywood & Century III) Walmart (eyeglass store – no hearing aids accepted) Sam’s Club (optical department) Resurrection Church (Homeville) St. Rita’s Church (Whitaker) Century Heritage FCU (Regis Avenue) West Mifflin Borough Building Lobby

NEW BOOK CAPTURES PITTSBURGH DURING THE GREAT WAR

“Pittsburgh in World War I Arsenal of the Allies” by West Mifflin’s Elizabeth Williams is out now. When the whole of Europe went to war in 1914, Pittsburgh watched the storm clouds gather at home. Yet Pittsburgh was a city of immigrants—the large Polish community urged leaders to join the side of the Allies, while German immigrants supported the Central powers. By the time the country entered World War I in 1917, Pittsburghers threw their support into the war effort united as Americans. With over 250 mills and factories, the Steel City and Allegheny County produced half of the steel and much of the munitions used by the Allies. Pittsburgh gave more than steel—60,000 men went to war, and women flocked to the front lines as nurses. One of the first gas masks on the western front was developed at the Mellon Institute, while the city’s large Red Cross provided tireless support on the home front. Historian Elizabeth Williams traces the remarkable story of Pittsburgh during the Great War.

WEST MIFFLIN MUSICAL PERFORMANCES THIS WINTER Clara Barton Elementary Choral Christmas Show (Clara Barton Multi-purpose Room) December 12, 2 p.m. HS/MS Orchestras (Grades 6 – 12) Winter Concert (HS Auditorium) December 12, 7 p.m. Emerson Elementary Choral Christmas Show (Emerson Auditorium) December 13, 1:30 p.m.

HS Chamber Strings Music at the Mall (Century III Mall Stage) December 14, 1 p.m. Homeville Elementary Choral Christmas Show (Homeville Auditorium) December 18 (parent show), 10 a.m.

WEST MIFFLIN-AREA ONCE UPON A CHILD ACHIEVES ’GOLD STANDARD’

Children’s resale franchise location measures among best in the brand Once Upon A Child in West Mifflin, located at 3527 Mountain View Drive, has gone gold! The local gently-used children’s reseller was recognized for achieving a “Gold Standard” measurement. The Gold Standard is reached when a store achieves a set of standards set forth by the franchisor during the evaluation process. The West Mifflin store achieved the customer experience, store operations and consistent brand identity to earn Gold Standard recognition in 2013. “Being recognized as a Gold Standard store is a very significant accomplishment, but even more, it means we’re succeeding in providing our customers the best shopping experience possible,” said Christine White, owner of Once Upon A Child in West Mifflin. “Portraying a standardized look and maintaining a high level of experience for my customers helps ensure a consistent brand appearance, which in turn contributes to a more positive shopping experience. By reaching the Gold Standard, we’re helping create an identity that customers recognize and value.” Franchised and branded under Winmark Corporation—a company that develops and supports franchises and provides financial services for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise—Once Upon A Child® has over 240 locations in North America, and all stores are individually owned and operated.

HS Bands Winter Concert (HS Auditorium) December 17, 7 p.m.

Elizabeth Williams is the college archivist at La Roche College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in marketing from La Roche College in 2007, and her master’s degree in public history from Duquesne University in 2009. Besides western Pennsylvania history, Williams’s areas of interest include 20th century American history, cultural history and public history.

MS Choirs & 6th Grade Band Winter Concert (MS Auditorium) December 18, 7 p.m. HS Choirs Winter Concert (HS Auditorium) December 19, 7 p.m. HS Titan Chorale & Show Choir Nursing Home Performance (The Palms Nursing Home) December 20, 8 a.m.

“We are very proud to recognize the West Mifflin location for reaching [its] goals and contributing to the Once Upon A Child overall mission to deliver the best brand experience in the industry,” said Brad Spencer, director of Once Upon A Child. For more information on Once Upon A Child in West Mifflin, please contact Christine White at 412.650.6822. ■ West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 7

INEVENTS

SLAM DUNK SHOW NETS BIG APPLAUSE IN WEST MIFFLIN West Mifflin Area Middle School students were treated to a one-of-a-kind slam dunk spectacular showdown assembly in the school gymnasium geared toward teaching the students about selfconfidence and positive thinking. While the show had a great message for the students, it had even better visuals, as athlete acrobats each took the basketball to the rim in a show of skill and grace that amazed everyone. PHOTOS B Y PRIMETIME SHOTS

8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 9

sharing the harvest If you’re a hunter but your freezer’s full, please consider donating your deer to Hunters Sharing the Harvest, a program that’s been helping to feed Pennsylvania’s hungry for more than 22 years.

The program is simple and rewarding – you go hunting, you arrange with your nearest participating processor to donate the deer (or elk, moose and caribou where applicable), and you make a tax-deductible $15 donation to help cover the cost of processing. All donations, whether monetary or deer meat, are recognized by a letter for your taxes and a window decal to let people know that your hunt helped feed the hungry. From the processing plant, your deer meat will be butchered and distributed to area food banks and charities throughout the state. Your average-sized deer can provide up to 200 meals to help those in need. As a hunter, you probably already know that deer meat is an extremely healthy food source that’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat. It has more protein and fewer calories than other processed meats, and is on par with other meats for nutritional content such as vitamins and minerals. For more information, call 866.474.2141 or email info@sharedeer.org.

County: Allegheny Kip’s Deer Processing Padgelek, Paula 3 Saint John’s Drive Carnegie, PA 15106 412.279.6527

Romes Meat & Deli Rome Sr., Ronald 312 Bonniebrook Road Butler , PA 16002 724.285.1236

Scott’s Custom Deer Processing Mills, Scott 212 S. Main Street Albion, PA 16401 814.449.5335

TA Giger Deer Processing Giger, Tim 121 Kyle Road Valencia , PA 16059 724.898.2244

County: Butler Bims Boloney Slater, Bim 145 Morris Road Petrolia , PA 16050 724.894.2569

County: Erie McDonald Meats, Inc. McDonald, Neeli 10445 Ridge Road Girard, PA 16417 814.774.3507

County: Washington Bobeck’s Deer Processing Bobeck, Mary 139 Craig Road Monongahela , PA 15063 724.258.2298

McKruit’s Custom Meat Cutting McKruit, Tracy 1011 Bear Creek Road Cabot, PA 16023 724.352.2988

Pacileo’s Great Lakes Deer Processing Pacileo, John 8890 Wattsburg Road Erie , PA 16509 814.825.3759

The meat processors serving the region for 2013 are:

10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

County: Westmoreland Custom Deer Processing Monteparte, Samuel J. 131 Flowers Road New Alexandria, PA 15670 724.668.8950 Espey’s Meat Market Espey Jr., Joe 319 Espey Meat Market Lane Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.3226

Lenik Deer Processing Lenik, Ron 204 Railroad Street Finleyville , PA 15332 724.348.7019

G. Karas Packing Karas, Sharon 606 Story Road Export , PA 15632 724.468.5811

Shuba’s Processing Shuba, Steve 1116 Allison Hollow Rd-Shop Washington, PA 15301 724.255.4861

Hoffer’s Ligonier Valley Packing Zimmerman, Denise 582 Darlington Road Ligonier , PA 15658 724.238.7112

Great Ways to Live a Healthier, Happier, Longer Life in West Mifflin

West Mifflin HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION BY MICHELE THOMPSON

Though finding the fountain of youth (or miracle product) is unlikely, you can embrace the following ways to feel and look younger. Gleaned from age-defying experts this list is a must-keep for your desk or refrigerator.

So turn the page — hack into the havoc that aging can wreak on your body! ››

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 11

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / West Mifflin

HEALTH & FITNESS EXERCISE TO LIVE LONGER. West Mifflin has many walking and biking trails to help you stay fit. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces the risks of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Not to mention you will look and feel better! WARM UP AND COOL DOWN. Regardless of the types of exercises you do, warming your muscles as well as cooling down with slow rhythmic stretches is key to avoiding injury, reducing soreness, and speeding up your recovery. COMMIT TO DAILY FITNESS. Getting out there and staying active translates into better health and well-being — both physically and mentally. FOCUS ON TOTAL FITNESS. ACE recommends aerobics and muscular conditioning along with exercises to stretch your body and promote good posture. YEAR-ROUND EXERCISE. Don’t ditch your fitness routine because of inclement weather. Try new activities, such as snowshoeing, swimming at an indoor pool, or fitness classes at your local fitness or senior housing facility. JOIN A HEALTH CLUB. Be social and get fit. This one’s worth its weight in sheer motivation points.

TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. Don’t mega-dose, just take a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. GET AEROBIC. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting moderate aerobic activity 30 minutes per day, five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity, three days per week. BREAK IT UP. Instead of 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, break up your cardio into 10-minute segments throughout the day. MAKE WORKING OUT FUN. Getting out of the house and traveling to interesting places where you can walk around is one of the best ways to get exercise without even trying, and you get to enjoy the sightseeing, too. PUT A SET OF DUMBBELLS BY YOUR TELEVISION SET — and use them!

STOP SMOKING. Nuff said.

PUMP IT UP. Margaret Richardson, author of Body Electric, says one pound of fat burns three calories a day while one pound of muscle burns 30-plus.

GO GREEN. Eat organic, use eco-friendly products and practice green living to protect your health as well as the environment.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF. To counteract age-related muscle loss, do exercises with progressively challenging resistance.

“Even though the Athletic Club at the Carnegie Library of Homestead is over 115 years old, our exercise and fitness physiology practices, fitness equipment, indoor pool and group exercise classes are all modern.” Carol Shrieve, Carnegie Library of Homestead director of administration

12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / West Mifflin

COGNITIVE BOOSTERS MUSIC THERAPY. Music can regulate mood, decrease aggression and depression, improve sleep, and, because old songs are stored in memory, even create new brain cells. BRAIN FOOD. Keep your mind sharp by eating salmon, nuts, olive oil, soy, meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, beans, oatmeal and dark skinned fruits.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN Working a daily crossword, Sudoku puzzle or another brain teasing game can help improve your mental fitness.

ORAL HEALTH & HEARING BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH. According to research, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. TURN IT DOWN. According to the House Ear Institute, noiseinduced hearing loss is a leading cause of permanent hearing loss that can be prevented by turning down the volume on your TV, radio, or headsets to a level that you can comfortably hear.

P PRACTICE HEALTHY SLEEPING HABITS. Not getting enough nightly rest puts you at risk for accidents, depression and other illnesses, and it decreases your quality of life.

POSTURE AVOID SITTING CROSS-LEGGED. Pain management specialists at New York Chiropractic warn that crossing your legs puts excessive stress on your knees, hips and lower back. SIT UP STRAIGHT. When you slouch or strain to look at the screen, these patterns stick and posture learns these positions. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. See a chiropractor, physical therapist or post-rehabilitation specialist for postural exercises to reduce pain and risk of injury. STRETCH. Stretching your neck and chest can prevent short and tightened muscles that can lead to injury. A simple stretch involves bending your head to your shoulder, holding it there and slowly bringing it back to the mid line and then switch sides. BELLY BUTTON TO SPINE. Not only will this exercise help you stand taller, it will take five pounds off your waistline! HEAD UP. Instead of scrunching your head to your shoulder to hold the phone, get a headset and avoid injury to your neck and shoulders.

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 13

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / West Mifflin

EAT HEALTHY EAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET. Holistic

EAT AND DRINK COCONUT. The type of saturated fat in

guru Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal processed foods to reduce inflammation in your body.

coconuts does not contribute to heart disease and it is rich in lauric acid, which boosts your immune system.

EAT ALL NATURAL. Avoid high-calorie foods full of sugar, fat and artificial ingredients and concentrate on eating high-nutrient, high-flavor foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

EAT MANY SMALL MEALS. Eat something every three hours to keep your metabolism high and your blood sugar and insulin levels steady. DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST. The easiest meal to skip but the most important. Eat something small, even if you aren’t hungry. READ LABELS. Opt for products with at least three grams of fiber, low sugars and no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

EAT LESS AND LIVE LONGER. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, suggests the “three-quarters rule,” essentially not eating any more after you feel three-quarters full.

DRINK TEA. Ni recommends daily tea because tea is a proven

AVOID BAD FATS. Bad fats include saturated fats, which are primarily derived from animal products, and trans fats, which are used in commercial fried foods, margarines, and baked goods like cookies and crackers. SPICE IT UP. Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients, recommends high-antioxidant spices and herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, curry, rosemary, thyme, oregano and red pepper.

DRINK UP. Drinking water throughout the day can decrease your urges for sweets, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, minimize pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and colitis, hydrate your skin, and help with your digestion. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE TO ONE OR TWO DRINKS PER DAY. According to the Centers for Disease Control, too much alcohol can increase your risk for developing various diseases and physiological and social problems.

preventive and treatment for hardening of the arteries and has potent antioxidant powers.

SIDELINE THE SODA. The phosphoric acid in carbonated beverages, particularly colas, can put you at risk for osteoporosis.

SLIM DOWN WITH SOUP. People who eat soup before a meal reduce the total number of calories they consume.

DRINK RED WINE. Red wine is

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO SUPERFOODS. Experts say superfoods can help ward off heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, bad moods, high blood pressure, and improve digestion, skin, hair, nails, bones and teeth. Superfoods recommended by WebMD.com are beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, salmon, soy, spinach, green and black tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

EAT MORE HEALTHY FATS. According to University of Michigan Integrative Medicine, healthy fats to include in your diet are monounsaturated fats, found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and some plant foods as well as polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3s found in fatty fish and omega-6s found in nuts.

renowned for its many health benefits, primarily for the heart. However, new research from the Institute of Food suggests that wine may also protect you from potentially fatal food-borne pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and H. pylori.

MARINATE YOUR MEAT. Research from the Food Safety Consortium recommends marinades with rosemary, thyme, peppers, allspice, oregano, basil, garlic and onion to cut down on carcinogens. continued on page 16

P EAT A VARIETY Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and omega-3 fats better ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs. 14 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

IndUStrY InSIGHt

Eye Care

SPONSORED CONTENT

OBESITY!

re you or a loved one affected by obesity? Are you looking for help? Your answer could be right here in your own community. At Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists along with Hope Bariatrics, Dr. Tunc Aksehirli is here to answer your questions and help you control the biggest fight of your life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your weight.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition that is associated with having excess body fat. If your body weight is more than 20% higher than it should be, you are considered obese. Morbid obesity is when you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight. The standard used to measure body weight is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight. How can obesity be unhealthy for you?

Most people who are obese suffer from many common medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, sleep apnea, heartburn and arthritis to name a few. Large medical studies have also suggested a two-fold increase in endometrial and breast cancers in those who are morbidly obese, a decrease in life expectancy of 10-15 years, as well as a 50 to 100% higher rate of death from all causes. Does losing weight help to lessen these medical problems and risk of death?

The good news is that losing weight is very effective in controlling or eliminating many obesity-related illnesses. Here are some examples of how weight loss can improve your health: Type II Diabetes 82-96% resolved Hypertension 62-70% resolved Obstructive Sleep Apnea 74-98% resolved Heartburn 72-95% resolved Risk of Mortality (Death) 89% decreased in a 5-year period Quality of Life 95% improved

Which avenue of weight loss is right for a person who is morbidly obese?

The best way to find out is to first make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your obesity and health issues. A referral to our bariatric program may be the next best step to evaluate all the medical and surgical options that best suit your individual needs. Find out more at www.jeffersonsurgical.net or www.hopebariatrics.com. To set up an appointment/inquire about the Bariatric Surgery Program through Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists/Hope Bariatrics, please contact Patricia Patton, RN, Bariatric Nurse Specialist at 412.267.6260. For a surgical consultation at Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, please call 412.469.7110. Article submitted by Tunc Aksehirli, M.D., Fellowship trained Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, American College of Surgeons. MAIN OFFICE 1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 170 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 BETHEL PARK 1000 Higbee Drive, Suite 102 Bethel Park, PA 15102

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Is it possible to lose weight on my own with diet?

Unfortunately, the answer is very hard to predict. Many of the conditions associated with obesity make it very difficult to lose weight with conventional diet plans. The body will crave food with insulin spikes and most people, after they lose the weight, will gain it all back. The odds are that many of you reading this article may have already experienced that. How does a person go about losing weight to help live better and longer?

There are three recommended treatment options for obesity, depending on the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BMI: 1. Lifestyle Modification (for BMI > 25) These include changes to your diet, behavior, and physical activity. 2. Pharmacotherapy (for BMI > 30) These include medications for individuals dealing with medical issues as a result of their obesity. 3. Bariatric Surgery (for BMI > 35 with other medical conditions or BMI > 40 with no other medical conditions). What types of bariatric surgeries are offered?

Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic surgery, is often indicated for patients who are morbidly obese. We offer three types of minimally invasive surgeries, and we would discuss which surgical option would be best suited for you based on your criteria. Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Adjustable Lap Band

Sleeve Gastrectomy

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 21

West Mifflin Hosts

Coastal Carolina Positional and Pitching Camps

West Mifflin facility courts national attention. 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

BY MARK BERTON

f baseball’s your pastime of choice and you’re looking to be seen by college scouts, then West Mifflin

was the place to be this summer. High school students not only go to show off their chops, but received some tips from players who have some real major league aspirations. For those who aren’t college sports fanatics, Coastal Carolina is a Division I program, with the university participating in 12 of the last 13 NCAA tournaments. Its teams also had the most wins in 2010 in the country. In addition to the CCU Chanticleers, attending universities included: North Carolina State, Seton Hill, LaRoche College, Waynesburg University, Penn State – Allegheny, Pitt-Greensburg, Pitt-Johnstown, West Virginia Tech and Point Park University. The choice of West Mifflin wasn’t surprising since it opened a new $2.3 million baseball complex earlier this year, complete with turf fields. The complex has been a crown jewel for the baseball program, luring not only nationally-recognized organizations like Coastal Carolina, but the WPIAL playoffs as well. West Mifflin Athletic Director Scott Stephenson said the event was basically a showcase for everyone involved – West Mifflin, Coastal Carolina and the participating athletes and schools. “We have great facilities and Coastal Carolina researched that. [Its leaders] contacted us about using it because it benefits their program and expands their recruiting boundaries,” Stephenson said. “This is the farthest north they’ve ever come, and they got the opportunity to observe our kids and the kids from all over the region who were able to attend.” Stephenson said the benefit to West Mifflin students is that exposure at the camp can get their names onto the recruiting wire, which is a database that colleges use to get information on talented athletes that their coaches would want for their teams.

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 23

LOCAL SERVICE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

West Mifflin Hosts

Coastal Carolina Positional and FRONT ROW: Joann Cusumano Sciulli, Michael Sciulli, Rosann Cusumano Elinsky BACK ROW: Gena Bradburn, Connie Wichelmann, Gail Hagerty, Teresa Rider, Tonya Piscitelli

At Cusumano Insurance, we work with you to identify the insurance coverage and price options that work best for you. As an Independent Insurance Agent, we believe it’s important to partner with companies which deliver outstanding service and support. 178 Clairton Boulevard (Rt. 51) • Pittsburgh, PA 15236 • 412-6 55-4432 Fax: 412-6 53-4430 • contactus@cusumanoinsurance.com • www.cusumanoinsurance.com PROUDLY REPRESENTING:

Pitching Camps

“Even though Coastal Carolina wanted to see them in person first hand , there are so many recruiting websites now, you can put your own video on and get exposure,” he said. “And we did have a lot of parents in attendance videotaping and taking photos for that reason.” For West Mifflin, Stephenson said he thinks that the exposure from this camp’s success will make their facility desirable for even more camps in the future. “There are a lot of northern schools that are always looking for a place to go, and because of our artificial turf, it eliminates a lot of the weather issues that a natural field may have,” Stephenson said. “They can schedule a day or two in the summer and nobody has to miss anything for it. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’re not going to have to cancel the program because of muddy fields. The only thing that would cause us to delay it would be lightning, which we could wait out. So the recruiters aren’t wasting their time if the weather doesn’t hold out.” In addition to collegiate recruiters, Stephenson said that he expects some Major League scouts and camps to come to West Mifflin in the near future for the same reasons. ■

“

24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

This is the farthest north they’ve ever come, and they got the opportunity to observe our kids and the kids from all over the region who were able to attend.

”

O Christmas Tree

Choosing a live evergreen tree in West Mifflin By Matthew J. Fascetti

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and choosing a real Christmas tree is a season highlight for many families. Whether you make the trek to a tree farm to cut down your own, or head to your neighborhood tree lot, the smell of fresh pine in your home signals the beginning of the holiday season. Your tree selection is often the result of personal preference and budget, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Perhaps the most popular type of tree is the Fraser Fir. It has one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch. Because there is space between the branches, the Fraser is easier to decorate and the firm branches hold heavier ornaments. Also very popular is the Noble Fir, with a deep green color, soft needles and well-shaped, sturdy branches. Other varieties include the Colorado Blue Spruce, known for its blue foliage and pyramidal shape with strong limbs that can hold heavy ornaments. The Grand Fir has glossy dark green foliage and is soft to the touch, however it may not hold heavier ornaments. The Balsam Fir is a wonderful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches and a pleasant fragrance. The branches are not as sturdy so it’s not the best choice for heavy decorating.

The White Fir has a pleasing natural shape and aroma and good needle retention. The Eastern White Pine is known for making garlands, wreaths and centerpieces due to its long, feathery-soft needles. Though it’s a beautiful tree, the branches can be a bit too flexible to use as a Christmas tree. Finally, the Douglas Fir makes a visually appealing tree with soft, shiny green needles and wonderful aroma. If you purchase your tree at a lot, keep in mind some pre-cut Christmas trees may have been cut weeks earlier. Try to buy your tree early to extend its freshness. Check the tree for brown needles and perform a “drop test.” Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and then firmly place the tree trunk on the ground. If green needles drop, it could indicate the tree may have been cut for some time. Once you get your tree home, make a straight cut at the bottom of the trunk, removing about one inch. This will improve the tree’s ability to absorb water. Place the tree in a container that holds at least one gallon of water and add more as needed. The base of the trunk should always be in water which will help sustain the beauty of the tree for as long as possible.

Find it here...

e Sam’s Club 2251 Century Dr.

e Meder’s Home and Garden Showplace 360 Regis Ave.

e The Home Depot 9971 Mountain View Dr.

e Chapon’s Greenhouse 4846 Streets Run Road West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 25

Century III Mall revitalization will make iconic mall competitive

Restoration of the

again.

ut with the old, in with the new the saying goes. But not when the old is an iconic part of the community such as Century III Mall in West Mifflin. When the mall opened its doors more than 30 years ago, it was one of the largest enclosed malls in western Pennsylvania. Sadly, over the years, it slowly began to decline both in appearance and in tenant occupancy, which has led to fewer patrons. But a Las Vegas investment fund, Moonbeam Capital Investments, has recently bought the property with grand plans to revitalize it. Its leaders believe when the project is complete, Century III will be able to compete with any mall in the region. The first step Moonbeam took was to conduct a complete analysis of the building. It found that the exterior and the basic foundation of the structure were very solid, but certain aesthetics had been completely let go over the years and needed renovation. The company is currently in the process of replacing the roof, installing new carpeting and flooring, new doors and locks and upgrading the emergency systems. Aesthetic exterior changes include refurbishing of the parking lots and new landscaping around the property. Patrons will be glad to know that Moonbeam, despite low crime rates at the mall, has increased the security force at the mall to 18 employees and also is working closely with the West Mifflin Police. According to Moonbeam’s operations manager Darrell Huggins, this revitalization project has received fantastic local support.

“The community involvement has been incredible,” said Huggins. “We have met with senate communities, the police, the fire departments and many citizens, and everyone is really excited about this project. Most have fond memories of what this mall used to be and are eager to see it return to its glory days. We are excited to make that happen for them.” The excitement among the community is understandable considering not only the history of the mall, but the fact that the mall is the perfect place to revitalize…it is centrally located, highly trafficked and it means a great deal to many residents from an emotional standpoint. There are plenty of great stores currently at the mall, like Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Hometowne Sports. Moonbeam believes that picking the correct tenants to fill out the mall will be vital, which is why it is working with Langholz Wilson Ellis to create attractive real estate packages for prospective clients. The mall is currently at 60% capacity (110 tenants), but Huggins expects the property to be at 100% in 3-5 months. “We plan to have a wonderful selection of retailers, restaurants and entertainment spots that will suit the needs of everybody,” Huggins added. While not ready to comment on specific clients, Huggins believes Moonbeam’s concentration on entertainment and fine dining fills a very big need for the area. A movie theater and a comedy venue are among

“When this project is complete, Century III Mall will reclaim or exceed its market share.”

26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

Century BY MATTHEW J. FASCETTI

some of the things that are being discussed but have not yet been finalized. He believes it is important to have everything one desires to do under one roof. “We are going to have great restaurants, lots of entertainment, great shopping, and it will all be under one enclosed roof. When this project is complete, Century III Mall will reclaim or exceed its market share.” Moonbeam has been incorporating a comprehensive public relations and marketing campaign so the community knows about the project. Over the summer it held West Mifflin Community Days in the mall parking lot; 9,000 people attended throughout the week for rides, food, games and to learn more about the revitalization of Century III Mall. It has also held multiple community meetings and a full-time marketing director has been hired to handle all marketing initiatives. “This community deserves to have a top shopping, dining and entertainment facility nearby. It is a shame that people have been driving distances to go to other newer, more upto-date properties when there is a property here with great potential,” Huggins stated. “Well that is going to change. The community has shown us great passion and emotion for this property, and we will not disappoint them. This will be everything they dreamed of and more.” It is wonderful and refreshing to see a project that involves reviving an old area icon rather than tearing it down and building another cookie-cutter strip mall. That is not what this area needs. It needs the king to return to its throne as one of the best retail, dining and entertainment facilities in the Pittsburgh area. Century III Mall, it will be great to have you back! ■

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 27

How the smell of burning rubber still lingers after more than 40 years.

Time Machine Top Fuel

BY MARK BERTON

28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

aytona, Dover, Indianapolis, South Fayette. Those four names read like a softball question on a multiple choice test asking which locale is not affiliated with NASCAR. If you answer South Fayette, well, you’d be wrong. And you’d probably be younger than 40. In fact, South Fayette was the home of the Pittsburgh International Dragway, a fully-sanctioned National Hot Rod Association drag strip that was responsible for the NASCAR division of drag racing in Pittsburgh. “God himself couldn’t have designed a better drag strip,” said Jim Senkewitz, who managed the PID until it closed in 1976. “It was situated in a valley, where you had hills on both sides. Spectators stood along the hills on the one side and [there were] grandstands and bleachers on the opposite side,” Senkewitz said. “You could pull into the staging lanes, shut your engine off and coast to the starting line and there was another hill at the finish line, where drivers could coast up the hill, turn around and coast all the way back to the pits with their engines off.” Senkewitz, who grew up in Forest Hills and now lives in Churchill, got involved with the PID in high school. His older brother was into the hot rod scene and the younger brother wanted to hang out with the bigger kids. He never raced, but did sport a hot rod Corvette convertible that he later traded for a Cadillac with cruise control and air conditioning later in life. “I was just a punk kid,” Senkewitz said. “I worked through the ranks and actually started running the track. We ran twice a week – Fridays and Sundays. A lot of guys did very well in

the sport and went on to compete nationally. In fact, when I was touring the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in [Ocala], Florida, I realized that anybody who’s anybody in drag racing came through Pittsburgh.” But all dynasties must come to an end, and the PIDs ended in 1976. The timing equipment found its way to Keystone Raceway, Senkewitz said. He said he heard rumors that the bleachers went to Norwalk Raceway in Ohio, but can’t confirm it. While the pavement of the PID is cracked and faded with time, its memory is anything but. When Senkewitz, who moved away from Pittsburgh for a time, moved back to Pittsburgh 15 years ago, he decided to start a reunion and see who showed up. The response was greater than he had hoped. “We had more than 300 people come,” he said. “And that’s for a place that closed in 1976. It’s only gotten bigger from that.” Now, he not only organizes an annual September reunion drag race at Pittsburgh’s Raceway Park, he and other volunteers started a Hall of Fame, with 50 members inducted so far. Those successes have snowballed into other venues for enthusiasts to join in with the reminiscing. “We did a car cruise at the Sonic in [Collier] in July and 800 cars showed up,” he said. “Some guys counted 822 and others counted more, but I

God himself

couldn’t have designed a better drag strip…

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 29

Time Machine Top Fuel

tell people at least 800 [were there]. That’s the power of this thing. It’s amazing. There are no trophies, no dash plaques. These are people showing up for the memory of the PID.” Quaker Steak and Lube caught wind of the Sonic cruise and now is holding one in Pleasant Hills each year. After that, the Pittsburgh World of Wheels asked Senkewitz to host a booth at its annual hot rod show, and that’s when he realized that the power of the PID is getting stronger with time. “We got a couple of old cars and put the old Christmas tree from the PID in there, and I’m handing out pamphlets for our upcoming events to old, gray-haired guys passing by. Then it dawned on me that there were these 20-year-old guys coming along as well,” he said. “These younger guys are so good at Googling and using the internet that they know more about these muscle cars than I do, and I was there. Their parents and

Photos courtesy of the Bill Trudy Collection www.pittsburghinternationaldragway.com

grandparents raced back at this track and now they’re into it as well.” With so many events and such a rich history to celebrate, Senkewitz said there’s still one banquet that is more sentimental than most—the one that takes place at the South Fayette fire hall, just down the road from where the PID once stood. “It’s so well attended and people can’t believe we’re still here. We’re fortunate to be able to celebrate it. A lot of these guys were 40 years old 40 years ago, so do the math there. [We] get together while we’re still here, enjoy the memories,” he said. “It was ’64 to ‘76, and it was just a special period of history in this country. It’s not going to happen again. We got to do the American Graffiti thing. That was the life we lived. And now, we get to be 19 again for one day.” ■

Their parents and grandparents raced at this track and now they’re into it as well. 30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

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Contact 724.942.0940 or sales@icmags.com.

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 31

INCOGNITO

OUT LOOP of the

BY MARK BERTON

Did You Know? We are looking for little-known facts, history or other interesting stories about your community. Please send your ideas to editors@icmags.com.

32 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin

eptember 3 marked the 23rd year since West Mifflin lost an icon, a provocateur of screams, clenched fists and cries of joy. The Laser Loop at Kennywood Park made its last loop at the end of the day’s business in 1990 to make room for the Steel Phantom. One of the fasted rides of the time endured for over a decade at the park, zooming riders from 0 to nearly 55 mph in under 3 seconds. The ride itself didn’t last much longer, taking a little more than half a minute from start to finish for a full loop forward and a full loop backward. It’s estimated that more than 12 million people took that ride during the coaster’s career. But, despite its popularity, park officials at the time said it was too expensive to maintain. While it was supposedly destined for a European park after it was dismantled, the Laser Loop stands proud today more than 2,300 miles away in La Feria de Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City, where it’s known affectionately as “Cascabel,” or “Rattle,” short for rattlesnake. There, the Laser Loop continues to shuttle riders back and forth – as long as they are 1.5 meters or taller. In its stead, of course, Pittsburghers got a larger, faster ride in the Steel Phantom, which was upgraded to the Phantom’s Revenge, and features a 250-foot drop and speeds topping 80 mph, but the nostalgia for the Laser Loop remains in an entire generation that spanned big hair and Barney Miller to Doc Martens and the Macarena, and the brave parents who put their hands in the air to wait for the countdown to liftoff. ■

Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick.

A trusted partner in your good health “It’s important to have a relationship with a PCP you trust and are comfortable with, even when you feel great,” says David Harinstein, MD, chair, Internal Medicine and a physician with Health First Medical-UPMC McKeesport. By getting to know you and your health history, your PCP can provide you with the best care possible.

Someone to watch over you Research indicates that people who have an ongoing relationship with a PCP are healthier than those without one. “Personalized care leads to patient trust, and that is vitally important in the doctorpatient relationship,” says Dr. Harinstein. Patients who trust their doctors are shown to have improved outcomes, such as better control of their diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to medical specialists, or advanced services or treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Harinstein. Since early detection can minimize the impact of many illnesses, your PCP will recommend screenings, including annual physicals, ap tests, breast examinations and mammograms; prostate screenings, and colonoscopies. “Without a PCP, you might ignore important health maintenance issues,” he says.

Make a date with your doctor When you’re in good health, it’s easy to put off going to the doctor. But regular checkups can help you stay healthy, and avoid disease and disability. “Your annual exam is the perfect time to talk with your doctor about illness prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and any screenings,” says Dr. Harinstein. “That information helps you and your doctor create a plan to maintain your health, or get you started on making changes to improve your health.”

One final piece of advice: Be honest. “Never be afraid or embarrassed to tell your doctor something,” he advises. “What you don’t disclose could be important for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.” To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harinstein or another UPMC physician, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/FindADoc.

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603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 724.942.0940 www.icmags.com

Time for our area VolunTeers

to Shine! Seeking nominationS for 2014

Community awardS for ServiCe exCellenCe (C.a.S.e.) What makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort in order to help others. At IN Community Magazines, we would like to honor these special people who have made a positive impact in their community and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for us all.

2013 Master of Ceremony

Andrew Stockey WtAE Channel 4

IN Community Magazines' second annual C.A.S.E. Awards will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 35 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger) Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more)