Leading the way in minimally invasive, collaborative spine care
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 2 and 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 2 and 7:30 p.m.
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The Holdovers (R, 132 MIN.)
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TUESDAY, 11 A.M.
Notorious Pittsburgh
September 10, 2024
Speaker: Chris Whitlatch, author, game creator, and nonprofit marketer and storyteller
Common Hand Conditions: Diagnosis, Treatment and Hand Therapy
September 17, 2024
Speakers: Trenton M. Gause II, MD, orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon, and Georgette A. Fogg,OTR/L, CHT, Occupational and Hand Therapy Department, Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers
Pittsburgh Inventions and Inventors
October 8, 2024
Speaker: Gail Griffith, instructor, Life Enrichment Program for seniors through CCAC
Highway to History–Route 19: Perry Highway
October 22, 2024
Speaker Steve Cicero, former history instructor, Butler Area School District
Native Plants and Birds
November 5, 2024
Speaker: Chris Kubiak, director of Education, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.
The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC is to connect the people of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest senior publication, Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, health, and recreational needs of seniors in our area. The contents of Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.
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Multiple POVs add up to better outcomes.
When it comes to solving spine issues, the more specialists the better — especially when they bring di erent skill sets, experiences, and points of view. That’s why the orthopaedic and neurosurgeons at AHN Wexford Hospital work together as one unified team. Neurosurgeons train in surgery for the entire nerve system, including the brain and spine, while orthopaedic surgeons are experts in the workings of the musculoskeletal system and specialize in the spine.
“The skills emphasized are fundamentally di erent, but the two are synergistic and together help optimize care,” said Ryan Sauber, MD, AHN Orthopaedic Surgery. This multidisciplinary approach brings greater expertise and creative problem-solving skills to the table.
“You’re not just getting one set of eyes or one opinion,” said Benjamin Whiting, MD, AHN Neurosurgery. “Your care is discussed among multiple specialists who work with you to achieve the best possible outcomes. Being able to bounce things o each other, perform procedures together, and learn from each other is a huge benefit to us and our patients.”
This collaborative approach also helps lead innovation. “Our spine research lab is very busy. Many of our surgeons are publishing papers and leading clinical trials,” said Dr. Sauber. “We were one of the first centers in the region to invest in robotic and endoscopic technologies that let us perform more complex procedures in minimally invasive ways.”
Together, AHN orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons developed a standardized same-day spine surgery protocol to safely allow patients to go home the day of their procedure. “The protocol involves how we do the procedures, the pain medicines we give during and after, and how we monitor recovery.” The protocol also involves nurse navigators who coordinate everything from pre-surgery testing and imaging to post-surgical follow-up care and occupational physical therapy.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a spine condition or experiences a herniated disc, count on the growing team at AHN Wexford to arrive at the right plan for you.
“Working together with access to the latest in robotic and endoscopic technology helps us provide patients with the new standard, close to home,” said Katherine Berry, AHN Neurosurgeon.
Doing more, less invasively.
The experienced surgeons at AHN Wexford Hospital are committed to treating each patient with the least invasive spine procedures possible. That means trying nonsurgical treatments first. But if you need surgery, we o er procedures using the most advanced technologies — including the revolutionary new Arthrex® Endoscopic Spine System for spinal decompression surgery.
It utilizes state-of-the-art camera technology to provide ultra-high-definition video from within the spinal canal, eliminating the need for large incisions.
“We can make a small opening to insert an endoscope and microsurgical tools to address the condition,” said Ryan Sauber, MD, AHN Orthopaedic Surgery. “Plus, it a ords us more direct access to the problem site so we can go precisely where the disc is pressing on the nerve.” The result is shorter procedure times, less bleeding and pain, and a faster recovery.
“The Arthrex® is a wonderful addition to our toolkit,” said Dr. Sauber. “When we can do more with less impact, it’s always a win.”
Meet the spine team at AHN Wexford Hospital.
Our neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons work together to provide comprehensive and personalized spine treatment for a range of disorders. Meet a few members of our spine surgery team:
Ryan Sauber, MD, AHN Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr. Sauber treats a variety of adult and pediatric spine conditions including scoliosis, adult cervical and lumbar degenerative diseases, spinal trauma, and tumors. “Taking people who are in debilitating pain and returning them to normal lives quickly is very rewarding,” he said.
Benjamin Whiting, MD, AHN Neurosurgery
Dr. Whiting recently finished a complex spine fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, where he learned the full breadth of spine pathology and treatment. He’s excited to be practicing at AHN Wexford in his hometown. “Being back here to help the people I grew up with is a dream come true,” he said.
Katherine Berry, MD, AHN Neurosurgery
Dr. Berry recently joined the AHN team after completing her residency at the University of Miami. “I’m excited to be part of such a collaborative, growing team,” she said. “The leadership at AHN is committed to making Wexford the go-to spine center for the new standard of care. It’s exciting to be part of that.”
Call (412) DOCTORS (362-8677) to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist.
The Importance of Both Food-Based and Capsules of Omega-3 Fish Oil
Joseph C. Maroon MD, FACS
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential” for human existence. This is because humans incorporate the omega-3 molecule into every cell membrane of our body. Our bodies cannot manufacture omega-3 by ourselves, and therefore it must be consumed in our diet, as seafood, or as dietary supplements.
Ihave personally done research on the numerous health benefits found using omega-3 as a dietary supplement. In a published study, we showed improved regulation of pain and joint swelling associated with back and neck pain. In addition, numerous studies have shown improved vascular and heart health benefits. Additionally, adequate amounts of omega-3, either from seafood or supplements, promotes fluidity in nerve transmission and increased brain cell production.
Taking an omega-3 dietary supplement or consuming adequate amounts of seafood must be obtained daily for optimal health and wellness. But the fact is, the great majority of Americans are deficient in omega-3 due to our typical Western diet. In fact, Americans on average only eat
about 20 pounds of fish or seafood per year.
Comparing our 20 pounds/ annually of seafood consumption and disease reduction to that of other counties around the world, the results are frightening. The fact is studies show that in those countries, like Japan, those that eat the most seafood (200 pounds/year or 10 time more than Americans) also have the lowest cardiovascular disease risk. Americans are missing out on a relatively easy way to reduce our risk for many chronic diseases and early death, by just changing their diet.
Based on this research and many other recent dietary studies, I now believe that eating fish and seafood may be as important or perhaps even more important than taking concentrated dietary
supplements. The making and manufacturing of typical omega-3 supplements removes the protein and the many of the nutrients found in seafood that have tremendous health benefits.
I personally love seafood and eat fish several days a week. But since it is unlikely, based on a variety of factors, that Americans will start eating 100 pounds or more of seafood annually, I still recommend a daily fish oil supplement to obtain its many omega-3 benefits. n
Joseph C. Maroon, MD is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, Nutritional and Sports Medicine Expert. Dr. Maroon has written and lectured extensively on brain health and healthy life choices. As a competitive Ironman triathlete, Dr. Maroon practices what he preaches and is committed to the promoting healthy choices to his patients and readers.
Demystifying Health Care Advance Directives
Do you have a health care advance directive? Not sure what an advance directive is? An advance directive is a fancy name for a document that explains someone’s health care wishes. It only becomes active when he or she is unable to make medical decisions on his or her own behalf. Another name for a health care advance directive is a living will. This document does not address legal or financial matters; it is specific to health care. It is an empowering element of one’s health care.
An important reason to fill out a health care advance directive is to identify a health care agent, should you wish to do so. (Choosing an agent is an option, not a requirement, in completing a health care advance directive.) Choose an individual you trust to follow your own wishes and someone who knows what you would want when it comes to your health care. Remember, this should be someone who would advocate for you with your medical team. The agent does not need to be a family member. If you do not identify an agent, it could be difficult for the medical team to understand your health care wishes in a situation where you are unable to speak on your own behalf.
Another important feature of the advance directive is that it can go over
what medical treatments and interventions you would want when you cannot make your own health care decisions. Say you go to the hospital for hip surgery and are alert after the procedure; this does not mean that your health care advance directive goes into place. It is only when you cannot speak for yourself that your health care advance directive and health care agent are engaged and used for guidance. Do you already have an advance directive? At this point, it is very important to do two things. The first thing to do is to keep this document in a secure yet accessible place. Do not store this document in a place that cannot be accessed quickly in a time of need (note: a safe, while secure, may not necessarily be accessed quickly). The other important consideration
is to let both your health care agent and health care provider know about your advance directive and health care wishes. Discuss it and give a copy of the document to these individuals so that they have a map of your care should the need arise.
Are you worried that you may change your mind about your health care wishes? You are allowed to change your advance directive. It will be vital that you shred any previous copies and share this new copy with those who had the prior version. The health care advance directive does not have to be renewed or updated. An advance directive is not a medical order, so a physician does not need to sign off on it.
Be advised that guidelines can vary state to state, including mental health advance directives. n
Dementia Caregiver Training
The University of Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh Regional Dementia Caregiver Training and Employment Program was awarded a grant through the Henry L. Hillman Foundation as a part of its Healthy Aging Challenge. The University of Pittsburgh offers free trainings for family caregivers, professionals, and intergenerational champions. Training sessions provide new ways of interacting and supporting individuals living with dementia. Activities include role-playing and videotaped interactions. UPMC Senior Services is a partner for this project. If you would like to learn more
about this upcoming opportunity, please reach out to our office.
If you have questions about this training program, please reach out to Education and Consultative Services of UPMC Senior Services.
• Phone: 866-430-8742
• E-mail: UPMCSeniorServices@UPMC.edu
• Website: SeniorServices.UPMC.com
Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ UPMCSeniorServices.
Celebrating Champions of Excellence in Service to Others
The 16th Annual “Celebrating Champions” dinner and silent auction takes place Thursday, October 17, 2024, at The Westin Pittsburgh. Co-hosted by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavioral Health, the event recognizes esteemed individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves in the service of others.
Guests will have the opportunity to greet honorees during a cocktail reception, place bids on items in a robust silent auction, and enjoy a superb dinner. The highlight of the evening is the awards presentation, which celebrates the extraordinary impact that this year’s honorees have made throughout our region and beyond. The event is made possible by sponsorship from UPMC For Life, Oakdale Seniors Alliance, Howard Hanna, Virgin Carpets, Gumpher Electrical Service, Gordon Food Service, JML Landscape Management, Concentra, and many other generous businesses and individuals.
The Grand Champion Award is the highest honor presented and is bestowed upon an individual who has provided exceptional leadership in cultivating a better quality of life for all. K.N. Roy Chengappa, MD, is this year’s honoree. Dr. Chengappa holds several titles including professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he has taught and mentored clinicians since 1991. Dr. Chengappa is also senior medical director, Clinical Innovations and Quality Improvement and chief, Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS) for UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and UPMC Western Behavioral Health.
His contributions to research extend more than 30 years in addressing treatment for persons with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This includes 45 National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Mental Health grants. His scholarly works have been disseminated locally, nationally, and internationally in more than 150 medical journals and books and at many conferences.
As the chief of CRS, Dr. Chengappa has oversight for Western’s outpatient behavioral health programs including intensive case management, psychiatric rehabilitation, the STEP (Services for the Treatment of Early Psychosis) program, peer support services, residential programs, the Community Treatment Team (CTT), mobile medicine, and medication management.
He is among the most beloved and respected of all clinicians and mentors across UPMC Western, regarded by many as a peerless psychiatrist by virtue of his skills and his compassion. This is evidenced by his own words. “My most gratifying reward as a physician is seeing the smiles and realistic hopes in persons with mental illness and their families when they move forward with their recovery journey and integrate into society,” says Dr. Chengappa.
GRAND CHAMPIO
K. N. Roy Chengappa, MD
Professor
of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Service Line Chief, Comprehensive Recovery Services
Senior Medical Director of Clinical Innovations in Quality Improvement, Western Psychiatric Hospital and Western Behavioral Health, UPMC
MMUNITY CHAMP
Nancy E. Gale, Executive Director
The Community Champion Award, given to acknowledge an organization that has demonstrated transformative leadership in improving communities in and around the Pittsburgh region, is being presented to The Branch. Under the leadership of Nancy E. Gale, executive director, The Branch supports individuals with psychiatric, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities, helping them to live, learn, work, and socialize as valued members of the community.
Like many other organizations supporting individuals with disabilities, a group of family members was instrumental in establishing the agency, developing it in response to identified, unmet needs of people with disabilities in the area’s Jewish community. With the continued support of their original founding families, The Branch has expanded its programs from one group home serving eight individuals with mental illness to three programs serving diverse segments of the community.
The Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse, a psychiatric rehabilitation program, has more than 1,000 lifetime members and is the only accredited Clubhouse in Pittsburgh. Members whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness have opportunities for friendship, employment, housing, education, and more in a safe, respectful, environment. These elements of community are essential to their recovery. The Clubhouse currently supports and empowers more than 100 active members.
In addition to the Clubhouse, The Branch offers a Supported Living program serving individuals who live independently in the community and need some measure of ongoing support. The third program, Community and Partnerships, provides a support and advocacy network for parents of adult children with disabilities, a family liaison to the residents of our three Squirrel Hill Community Living Arrangements, and other community inclusion programs in collaboration with the Friendship Circle.
The Caregiver Champion Award recognizes extraordinary individuals whose dedication to the realm of caregiving significantly enhances the well-being of others. Our 2024 Caregiver Champions are Noelle and David Conover. Noelle and David are the founders of Matt’s Maker Space, and Noelle continues to serve as its executive director.
Matt’s Maker Space is a nonprofit that creates learning spaces in schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers. In the six years since it became a nonprofit, more than 40 spaces have been donated, providing more than a million dollars’ worth of equipment, training, and programming. Three spaces have been donated to UPMC Western Psychiatric and UPMC Western Behavioral Health in both their inpatient and outpatient areas. Patients of all ages can use the spaces for therapy as well as for recreation and team building.
Matt’s Maker Space honors the memory of Matt Conover, an inquisitive 12-year-old boy who loved to build, tinker, and dream. His life was taken by pediatric cancer, and his family wanted to find a way to remember their son and brother and to help kids like Matt learn in new and exciting ways.
Additionally, the Conovers are engaged in many philanthropic endeavors on behalf of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Cancer Bridges, Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, The Educational Partnership, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Their three remaining children, Megan, Alex, and Anna, are all part of Matt’s Maker Space and are committed to keeping Matt’s memory alive to the benefit of countless others.
Proceeds from the dinner and auction support two outstanding causes, the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund and the UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation. In its 16-year history, this event had contributed more than $2.2 million toward philanthropic care. n
The Branch
Noelle and David Conover Founders, Matt’s Maker Space REGIVER CHAMP
Affordable, Memory-Making Gifts for Your Grandchildren
By Janice Lane Palko
Do you remember the Christmas or Hanukkah gifts you received as a child? Aside from a few outstanding gifts, none stand out in my mind. However, some of the best recollections I do have of the holidays are of when adults played with me, be it a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt. I remember my Uncle Bill on the floor helping us to build with our Lincoln Logs, or playing 500 Rum with my greatgrandmother, or building puzzles with my paternal grandmother.
For many, the economy is putting a strain on our finances and may constrain our gift-giving budget this year, but here are some affordable gifts that can bring joy to your littlest loved ones and make happy memories as well. Here are some ideas:
Draw With Me Books – This is a series of books from Draw With Me Grandma, Draw With Me Grandpa, Draw With Me Mom, Draw With Me Dad that is a two-person doodle book with prompts. For less than $10 you and your beloved child take turns drawing. For instance, one prompt is for the child to “Draw a happy puppy.” Then on the next page the adult prompt is to “Draw a luxury doghouse for the puppy.” It sparks creativity and laughter.
Shrinky Dinks – This is a great toy for adults and children as an oven and scissors must be used. You draw on sheets of plastic, and then cut out your design. Then you put it on a cookie sheet and shrink it in the oven. Most kits are
under $10 and there are a wide variety of subjects from suncatchers to jewelry.
Weaving Loom – A simple weaving loom and craft loops can bring hours of fun. The weaving process helps children with hand-eye coordination and develops a sense of design, and grandma can end up with potholder lovingly made by a grandchild.
Paper Airplanes – My grandchildren love it when my husband makes paper airplanes for them. There are inexpensive books that take your aeronautical abilities to the next level by giving you directions to fold planes that go beyond the simplest ones.
Card Games – For under $15 you can get on Amazon a set of six all-time favorite, classic card games that include Crazy Eights, Old Maids, Go Fish, Memory Match, Slap Jack and Regular Playing Cards. These games develop memory skills, math skills, and strategy.
Etch a Sketch – This toy has been around for six decades and is still a favorite of kids. It develops spatial thinking, and if you want, an adult can work one wheel and the child another to see what design results.
Building Blocks – Whether it is with classic wooden blocks, Lincoln Logs, or the newer magnetic tiles, kids love to build things. In fact, one of the nicest memories I have of vacation with my grandchildren was with these magnetic tiles. Several years ago, they had brought them to the beach, and after they went to bed, I built an igloo for them. Well, that started something, and every morning they couldn’t wait to wake up and see what I made for them—which they promptly wrecked!
However, it must have made an impression on them because when we went to the beach the next year, they brough the magnetic tiles again and asked me what I was going to build. Let me tell you, Grandma had to step up her game. I was Googling how to make crabs, star fishes, and sharks out of them. But they loved it – and of course took great pleasure in wrecking my creations-much to my feigned horror.
These are just some ideas. If none appeal to you, get in touch with your childhood memories and remember what you liked to play with, especially those things that adults played with you, I’m sure you’ll discover like the Grinch, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!” n State Farm
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5 Ways to Declutter the Family Home Before Listing
Preparing a longtime family home for sale can be a big, emotional undertaking. How do you sort through cherished things that your family has accumulated over decades? Here are 5 areas to get you started.
1. PITCH THE PAPER
We often become "clutter blind" to the accumulation of items in our homes, and paper is one of the biggest offenders. Move from room to room and gather all the paper items—unsorted mail, documents, bills, magazines, greeting cards, invitations, newspapers, etc. Sort them into three piles: keep, shred, and recycle. File the important items, shred anything with personal information, and recycle the rest.
2. REMOVE THE EXTRA FURNITURE
Overcrowded rooms can feel small and uninviting to potential buyers. Remove all non-essential furniture and any pieces that are threadbare, excessively worn, or don’t fit properly in the space. It's better to have less and use your best pieces to stage your home.
3. DEPERSONALIZE THE DÉCOR
Your home likely features your favorite collections, photographs, children's artwork, postcards, and memorabilia. These items, while meaningful to you, can make it difficult for buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Pack them away and opt for clean, simple décor that highlights your home's best features without overwhelming potential buyers.
4. CLEAR THE KITCHEN
A clean, clutter-free kitchen can make a strong positive impression on potential buyers. Clear the countertops, leaving only a few essential items such as a coffee maker or a stylish fruit bowl. Organize cabinets and drawers and ensure the pantry and refrigerator are tidy. A clean, organized kitchen not only looks more spacious but also suggests to buyers that the home has been wellmaintained.
5. STREAMLINE THE CLOSETS
Crowded closets can give the impression of limited storage space. In bedroom closets, keep only the clothes that you frequently wear and enjoy. Store or donate the rest. Linen closets should have no more than two sets of fresh sheets and pillowcases per bed, and only the best towels and washcloths should remain. Ensure everything fits comfortably in the allotted space. Hall closets should not appear to be bursting at the seams, and there should be enough room to accommodate guests' outerwear.
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The Center for REALTOR® Development (CRD) confers the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation, which is an official credential of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins in October: What Can You Expect?
By Crystal Manning and Dvonya Sedlacko-Stephens
Each year, the Social Security Administration determines what the costs associated with the Medicare program will be. It then either raises or lowers premiums and deductibles using rules set out in the Social Security Act. Medicare rules from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will also start to kick in, changing the way you pay for medications in 2025.
The full array of plan details is typically released throughout the fall prior to the open enrollment period which begins on October 15. However, below are some changes you can expect to see for 2025.
CONFUSED ABOUT MEDICARE?
Medicare is confusing – call for a one-to-one, no charge consultation with a Medicare expert!
Remove the FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND COSTLY MISTAKES from the Medicare enrollment process.
Crystal A. Manning
Dvonya
Sedlacko-Stephens
Medicare Advisors
Call Crystal: 412-716-4942 or Dvonya: 412-657-3889
email : crystalmanning33@gmail.com
When will we learn about changes to Medicare Part A?
Part A helps pay for inpatient care you receive in hospitals, critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Almost 99% of Medicare beneficiaries get Part A for free because they paid Medicare taxes while working, according to CMS. Last year, CMS announced the 2024 changes to Part A on Oct. 12, 2023.
When will we learn about changes to Medicare Part B?
Part B covers medical services like doctors’ services and outpatient care. Part B is optional, and for 2024, Part B’s premium is $174.70 per month. The CMS announces annual adjustments to Part B in the fall, so we’ll have to wait a bit before we can get the full details for 2025. Medicare will determine the 2025 IRMAA (income-related monthly adjustment amount) charge in the 4th quarter of 2024. That is why your IRMAA determination is based on 2023 filing status and income — it’s the last data point Medicare can obtain from the IRS to determine the 2025 IRMAA charge.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, will also be receiving some updates. Part C plans come from pri-
vate companies and can offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental and health and wellness programs. It is important, especially this year to review your plan options.
Pricing for this alternative varies by the plan you choose. An upcoming change to Part C will remind enrollees what they could be potentially leaving on the table. For Medicare Advantage participants, starting in 2025, a midyear notification will inform you of any unused benefits that are available that you can take advantage of.
Medicare Part D Changes for 2025
Part D can help cover costs of prescription drugs. The IRA brings several changes to Part D plans.
Base premium increase expected
According to CMS, the Part D base beneficiary premium will increase by $2.08, or 6%, from $34.70 to $36.78. The IRA adds in a 6% cap to the base Part D plans, but actual premiums may vary. CMS said it will release preliminary Part D premium averages later this summer.
New $2000 out-of-pocket maximums for medications
A big 2025 change for Plan D enrollees will be the $2,000 out-ofpocket maximum per year for medica-
tions. This change could have some major benefits for enrollees that have expensive medications they need to take monthly.
Note that medications covered under Medicare Part B will not count toward this maximum, as these are typically provided by a doctor or practitioner at a facility.
The Coverage Gap (donut hole) is gone in 2025
In 2024, there were four stages of coverage. Deductible, Initial, Coverage Gap (known as the donut hole) and Catastrophic. The Coverage Gap is a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover for drug costs. In 2025, Medicare will eliminate the donut hole coverage gap, further simplifying coverages. Now, with the new out-ofpocket max of $2,000, Plan D participants will need to pay their deductible (up to $590), then make copayments until they reach the new maximum, getting them to the next level of coverage faster than previous years.
New Medication payment plan options
A new payment plan option will enable people to pay for their medications over the course of the year in the form of a payment plan instead of up front. The new plan allows someone to opt-in to this payment plan and spread the payments out for the remainder of the months in the year, and payments may not exceed a certain amount. The payment plan is opt-in only.
This open enrollment can be confusing. For more guidance as you make these decisions, please contact Crystal Manning, Licensed Medicare Specialist 412-716-4942 crystalmanning33@ gmail.com or Dvonya Sedlacko 412-657-3889 djsedlacko@gmail.com for a no cost consultation. n
A LIFE OF YOUR OWN
Community LIFE is here to help keep seniors independent and in their homes with an all-inclusive program and insurance plan.
We offer a wide range of comprehensive services through our Health and Wellness Centers, including medical care, in-home care, meals, recreation, transportation, and more.
It’s time for you to focus on LIFE. We’ll take care of the rest.
Learn more at commlife.org.
Pat Casper Insurance
By Janice Lane Palko
Pat Casper Insurance is dedicated to providing protection for their policyholders with insurance products from top-rated insurance carriers.
Located at 11676 Perry Highway in Wexford, Pat Casper Insurance is now in its fourth generation. Pat, Principal Agent and Co-owner, has been with the agency for over 37 years, and his son, Corey, Agent and Co-owner, has been with the agency for nearly ten years. In addition, they have two customer service representatives, Kristen Tejchman, who has been with the company for over 20 years, and Shawn Scherer, who has been there for more than four years.
Pat Casper Insurance provides all different types of insurance including auto, homeowner’s, umbrella liability, life, commercial, annuities, Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans as well as providing all types of business insurance from small, single business owners to large corporations. They have policyholders all over Pennsylvania and Ohio, but most of their clients reside in Western Pennsylvania.
One type of insurance that people neglect to purchase is life insurance, which can cause catastrophic consequences. Most people think that just because they have a life insurance policy at work, they don’t need any personal life insurance. However, what people fail to realize is that if they leave their job for any reason, including retirement, they no longer will have a life insurance policy. When they look to purchase life insurance after they retire, often the rates are either very expensive because of their age, or they no longer qualify due to medical reasons.
Pat and Corey can also make clients aware of special insurance programs and discounts. One such program is the Erie Rate Lock, which allows you to actually “lock” in your auto rate until you change a vehicle, change a driver or change a location. If you don’t make one of those three changes, your auto rate renews at the same rate year after year. With inflation increasing at such a rapid rate, it is beneficial to lock in your auto insurance rate.
For most people Medicare can be very confusing. Pat Casper Insurance helps their clients understand what each part of Medicare is and how to pick a plan that is best for them. For some people, a Medigap plan works the best and for others a Medicare Advantage Plan does.
What sets apart Pat Casper insurance is their service. They take the time to explain different coverages and options and aim to build relationships with their policyholders and not just be an “800” number, to call. n
For more information on Pat Casper Insurance, visit their website @ www.casper4ins.com. They can be reached by calling the office at (724) 935-2229 or by email at: pat@ casper4ins.com or corey@casper4ins.com. You can also email their main address at pci@casper4ins.com.
Patrick Casper
Corey Casper
Pittsburgh Seminary students are grounded in faith and formed in community for leadership in their neighborhoods and beyond. Our diverse student body engages in scholarship to stimulate their imaginations. They lead with integrity and use their knowledge to change the world with a Christ-like heart. Earn your master’s degree or certificate in-person or online. Generous financial aid available!
https://bit.ly/3AUeAUO
Thriving: Moving Beyond Recovery
By Marla Turnbull
Jean came to me last year, struggling with some significant health challenges. She was struggling with digestive distress, acid reflux, high inflammation, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression and emotional distress. She expressed her desire for optimal healing.
Through a bio resonance scan, I was able to get a comprehensive understanding of Jean’s current state of well-being.
The scan revealed imbalances that were contributing to her physical and emotional struggles. With this information, we were able to develop a personalized plan to help restore balance and support her healing process.
The bio resonance scan is a powerful tool that provides valuable insights into an individual’s unique biology and energetic makeup. By identifying the root causes of imbalance, I can then recommend targeted therapies and lifestyle adjustments to catalyze the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
For Jean, this meant incorporating specific supplements, dietary changes, and mind-body practices into her daily routine. Over time, she began seeing marked improvements in her symptoms and an overall increase in her sense of wellbeing. She rated her quality of life as an 8 or 9 out of 10, rather than the 5 out of 10 she felt at our initial consultation. She experienced dramatic physical transformations, like a 45-pound weight loss, increased energy levels and higher quality of life.
tions was a key part of healing. Jean learned to acknowledge and work through those difficult feelings then move forward with clarity and purpose.
Moving the needle toward health is not something that can be achieved through a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a deep understanding of our unique biochemistry, lifestyle factors, and underlying imbalances. By taking the time to investigate the root causes of our health concerns, we can make meaningful, sustainable changes in a positive direction.
To achieve optimal health and wellness, a gentle, loving approach is often the most effective. A step-by-step, holistic lifestyle method allows the body to naturally restore balance and vitality. This natural approach considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. By nourishing the whole self - through nutrition, movement, restorative sleep, stress management, and mindfulness - true, sustainable healing can occur.
Thriving is about actively embracing life and reaching new heights of well-being. Jean realized that dealing with her emo-
We want to see big, dramatic changes and cross the finish line in record time. However, the reality is that progress is often slow and incremental. Jean’s focus was on being consistent and making reasonable changes, rather than striving for perfection.
Don’t be discouraged by the small, seemingly insignificant changes you’re making. Over time, those small steps add up and can have a profound impact. Celebrate the progress you’re making.
Keep your eye on the bigger picture. Remember the journey is just as important as the destination. Enjoy the process and don’t get bogged down by setbacks. Don’t be afraid to ask for support when needed.
Ultimately, the path to success is rarely a straight line. Focus on being consistent and reasonable in your approach. With this mindset, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the goals that matter most to you.
If you or someone you know is facing similar health challenges, I encourage you to reach out to me and explore the benefits of receiving a quick and painless bio resonance scan and follow-up. It could be the first step towards regaining control of your health and finding the support you need for optimal recovery. n
Debbie Smith Wagner of Vintage Debbie’s Senior Celebrations
By Janice Lane Palko
“Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.” – Stevie Wonder
Debbie Smith Wagner knows well how music provokes memories. She has seen the light come into the eyes of her audience members whenever she breaks into beloved tunes, and that is why she founded Vintage Debbie’s Senior Celebrations.
“I’ve always been involved with theater, performing, music, and singing,” said Debbie, who founded her company three years ago after she first noticed how music touched her mother who suffered a seizure at 57 and then Lewy Body dementia.
“I grew up around music; my mother was a wonderful piano player, and I look on what I do as passing on her legacy,” said Debbie, who sings and acts in costume for senior communities, taking them down memory lane.
“I describe myself as a memory hostess. My show is about memories—my memories, your memories, and making new memories,” said Debbie, who defines “vintage” as any time 50 years or older. “For instance, I won’t do anything from later than 1974. Next year, I’ll add things from 1975.” In addition to senior venues, Debbie also does parties.
Recently, she did a celebration for a family whose parents, though now deceased, were married in the 1920s. “For that I dressed as a Flapper named Trixie.”
When she performs, she brings props and things like streamers, maracas, and at Christmas time, jingle bells, and her son, who is also creative, records videos of the event and takes photos, to make the day one to remember. She appears throughout Beaver County, Butler, Allison Park, and Moon Twp.
“When I go to the senior centers and I come in, the people look aged, but when I start singing and they start singing along and sharing their memories, by the time I leave, the seniors look 20 years younger,” said Debbie. “I love what I do.” n
For more information on Vintage Debbie, visit her Instagram page at vintagedebbiewagner, or to book a show, email her at: vintageseniorcelebrations@gmail.com.
Pittsburgh Sports Mania
By Janice Lane Palko
Sports fans relish this time of year. In the fall, we have the MLB World Series, NCAA and NFL football are in full swing, and the NHL and NBA launch new seasons. To ignite fans’ excitement, franchises often coin slogans, develop catchphrases, and adopt good luck charms, and in some cases, these rise organically from the fan base.
During the 1966 baseball season, legendary Pirates broadcaster Bob Prince developed the “green weenie,” which was believed to possess powers that could hex an opposing team. Green plastic rattles that looked like an oversized hot dog were soon created and were adopted by Pirates fans to shake at opponents and jinx them. The colorful Prince is also responsible for another Bucco good luck charm, Babushka Power. For those who don’t know, babushkas are women’s head scarves, common with those of Eastern European roots. In 1974, Prince asked that the women fans attend a certain game with the scarves tied under their chins. Throngs of babushka-clad women came to the game and to spur on the Pirates, the women would whip them off and twirl their babushkas in the air.
Over the years, the Pirates have had many slogans and rallying cries. When the Pirates were in contentions for a World Series title in 1971, they adopted the “Go Like ’60 in ‘71” motto as an encouragement for the team to perform and win the title as they had done 11 years prior. Also, during the 70s when the Pirates lineup was packed with heavy hitters, they were known as “The Lumber Company.” Later the “You Gotta Believe” slogan and “Raise the Jolly Roger” became popular phrases associated with the team.
Pittsburgh has been blessed to have had some of the best, most colorful sportscasters in the world. Not to be outdone by Prince, the late legendary Myron Cope gave Steelers fans the Terrible Towel in 1975. According to Myron in his book Double Yoi “I said, what we need is something that everybody already has, so it doesn’t cost a dime. So I says, ‘We’ll urge people to bring out to the game gold or black towels,’ then I’ll tell people if you don’t have a yellow, black or gold towel, buy one. And if you don’t want to buy one, dye one. We’ll call this The Terrible Towel.” Nearly 50 years later, the Terrible Towel is still whipping team spirit into a frenzy.
Legendary hockey coach “Badger” Bob Johnson coached the Pittsburgh Penguins to their first Stanley Cup in 199091, and ever the optimist, Johnson was known for his catchphrase “It’s a Great Day for Hockey.” Sadly, the Badger passed a way not long after winning the cup, but his phrase was immortalized in 2019 at the Heinz History Center with an exhibit about the Penguins entitled “It’s a Great Day for Hockey.”
As baseball winds down, and football, and hockey rev up, let’s hope our team’s games are exciting and add to Pittsburgh’s sports lore. n
Step Back Into...2004
A social media platform is launched A former U.S. President is laid to rest
By Paula Green
Mark Zuckerberg launches the social media network Facebook. Martha Stewart is convicted of a felony and sentenced to five months in prison for insider trading charges. The Statue of Liberty reopens to the public in New York City. Hurricane Ivan strikes the tiny island of Grenada causing damage to 90% of the island’s homes. After ravaging Grenada, Jamaica and Cuba Hurricane Ivan hits mainland U.S. with winds in excess of 130 MPH causing massive damage and loss of life.
Average
The average income was $65,760. The cost of a new home is $274,500. Average cost for a new car was 29,800. Gasoline is $2.10 a gallon. A loaf of bread is $2.09. A gallon of milk is $3.23, and potatoes cost $1.99 for a five-pound bag. Eggs sell for $1.49 a dozen. A one-pound package of hot dogs sells for $3.69. A first-class stamp is 37 cents.
Firsts
Google launched Gmail in beta form though many people didn’t think it was a real product because they announced it on April Fools’ Day.
On February 1, Janet Jackson has a wardrobe malfunction while performing during Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Scott Peterson is found guilty for the murder of his wife Laci Peterson.
World News
On December 26, the strongest earthquake in 40 years originates from the Indian Ocean close to Indonesia, measuring 9.3 on the Richter Scale. Creating tsunami waves that sweep across much of the coastlines of Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Television
Friends aired its final episode and it is the mostwatched show of the entire 2000s. Desperate Housewives and Lost premiered on ABC. Ken Jennings wins over 2.5 million dollars on Jeopardy Popular TV shows: American Idol, Breaking Bad, Prison Break, Shameless, House, Dexter, Game of Thrones, and House of Cards.
Songs
Motorola released its Razr phone.
Apple unveiled the iPod Photo and the iPod Mini.
Bratz and Robosapien robots were among the hottest toys.
U.S. Events
On June 11, former President Ronald Reagan’s funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral.
The National World War II Memorial opens to the public in Washington D.C.
Entertainment
The original Star Wars Trilogy was released on DVD. At the Oscars, Charlize Theron won Best Actress for Monster ; Sean Penn won Best Actor for Mystic River ; The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King won Best Picture. Famous films: The Aviator, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Incredibles, Million Dollar Baby, The Notebook, The Passion of the Christ, Polar Express, Shark Tale, Shrek 2, and SpiderMan 2
The hit listConfessions, Feels Like Home, Encore, When the Sun Goes Down, Here for the Party, Live Like You Were Dying, Songs About Jane, Fallen, Autobiography, and Now That’s What I Call Music.
Publishing
Popular Books: Gilead: A Novel, The Plot Against America, Alexander Hamilton, The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, The Rule of Four, Father Joe: The Man Who Saved My Soul, Against All Enemies: Inside America’s War on Terror, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Novel, I Am Charlotte Simmons, and Crossing California.
Sports
MLB – Super Bowl champs the New England Patriots; NHL - Tampa Bay Lightning win The Stanley Cup; NBA - Detroit Pistons are victorious; MLBBoston Red Sox win the World Series. The Summer Olympics take place in Athens, Greece (August 13-29). U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps sets the record for most medals won at the games, winning eight.
Politics
President:
George W. Bush: Vice President: Richard Cheney. In November, President George W. Bush defeated Massachusetts Democratic Senator John Kerry to win a second term in office as commander-in-chief.
Quotes
“She made me who I am and holding her in my arms was more natural to me than my own heartbeat.”
~Noah (Ryan Gosling), The Notebook
“Never give into pessimism. Don’t know that you can’t fly, and you will soar like an eagle.”
~Earl Bakken, Commencement Speech, University of Hawaii
“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.”
Vincentian Academy in McCandless was recently torn down. Once the debris from the rubble was removed, all that was left were memories. When Vincentian High School opened in 1932, it was a school for young women aspiring for religious life. To keep up with changing times, the school went co-ed in 1973. The school partnered with Duquesne University in 1995, but that union dissolved in 2010. Unfortunately, after 88 years, this private school, owned by the Western Province of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, closed in June 2020 due to declining enrollment.
Mount Alvernia High School, located on the grounds of the Franciscan Sisters of Millvale, opened in 1936. The school closed in 2011 due to declining enrollment as well. In 2022, the Mount Alvernia campus, including the school and a chapel, was sold to a real estate developer.
Quigley Academy was a Roman Catholic School in Baden, Beaver County. Opened in 1967, it was the first and only regional
Catholic high school in Beaver County. Diminishing registrations forced its closure in May 2020. Provident Charter School now occupies the building where Quigley was housed.
Sewickley High School traced its roots back to 1834, when it was known as the “yellow brick” school. The school closed in 1956 when the Quaker Valley School District was formed. The building was converted to Quaker
Valley Junior High, then changed to Quaker Valley Middle School in 1997. The “Sewickley High School” name still remains on the front entrance of the school.
Another school that thrived in the region was Schenley High School in Oakland. Founded on October 2, 1916, it was the first Pittsburgh public school to cost over $1 million to construct. In 1998, a pool and a gym were added as part of a $9.4 million addition. Sadly,
Schenley encountered asbestos issues, which were far too costly to repair. The school, referred to as “The Pride of Pittsburgh,” permanently closed in June 2008. The building was sold to a developer who converted the building into luxury apartments.
In 2011, Pittsburgh Public School voted to close some of their other institutions. Oliver High School on the Northside was shuttered, and the students were relocated to the Pittsburgh Perry High School. The Oliver building remain opened and is now the district special education offices.
After being opened for 100 years Peabody High School in East Liberty ended closed. The Barack Obama Academy of International Studies 6-12 relocated to the building in the 2012–2013 school year. Langley, in Sherdan, was another place that folded. The student body was relocated to Brashear High School. Pittsburgh Public Schools leaders are considering closing 16 more schools as part of a proposed consolidation plan, dropping them to 40 schools.
In August, Pittsburgh Technical College (PTC) in Oakdale closed due declining enrollment and financial troubles. On June 5, Triangle Tech, a technical school with six locations in Pennsylvania, announced it would close all its schools by next year. The school cited the pandemic, industry changes, government regulations, and declining enrollment as reasons for the closure. The proposed closing dates are February 7, 2025, or later for the DuBois, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and Sunbury locations and May 30, 2025, or later for the Chambersburg and Bethlehem locations.
Even though it is heartbreaking to see these fine institutions close, there are plenty of fabulous schools in our region that are ready, willing, and able to educate their students. n
