2018 NC Health Care Guide by Northern Connection Magazine

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE Health care is ever-changing and evolving. Often it is difficult to keep up with the latest information. We are fortunate in this area to be surrounded by outstanding medical facilities and professionals dedicated to being on the cutting edge of medical advancement. Below is a list of health care providers who are employing the latest in medical treatments for the betterment of their patients.

Beaver Valley Foot Clinic Beaver Valley Foot Clinic Knows the Ins and Outs of Ingrown Toenail Treatment. IN: Having a recurrent ingrown nail fixed permanently (matrixectomy) by a trained podiatrist. OUT: Suffering every month with the same ingrown that just keeps coming back. During a matrixectomy, your podiatrist will gently cut back a portion of the toenail. Using a Q-tip, a special solution is applied to the nail root, which will prevent the ingrown from returning. Do not worry - your toe will be numb during the procedure, so you should not experience any pain! The remaining nail will look normal; we understand a girl has to wear sandals in the summer! If you suspect that you may have an ingrown toenail, call Dr. Teimouri today at 878-313-FEET (3338) or just stop on IN to schedule an appointment. We’ll have you OUT and feeling better in no time! For more information go to www.BVFootClinic.com

......................................................

The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh We are committed to providing high quality, effective therapy services for children. We continually advance our treatment methods—by using new techniques, as well as new technology—to produce better therapeutic interventions for children. Quite simply, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is your best choice for outpatient pediatric rehabilitation and therapy. Therapy services offered in Wexford include: • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech/language therapy • Nutrition services Each child’s treatment is personalized and family-centered. Because we know that the key to long-term success is family participation and understanding, we focus on the needs of the patients

and their caregivers. We incorporate families into our therapy sessions, promoting understanding, a sense of collaboration, and confidence. In our experience, this approach is key to our patients reaching their maximum potential and living the most fulfilling lives possible. Treatments address: • Concussions • Chronic pain conditions • Feeding & swallowing difficulties • Orthopedic & sports injuries • Brain injuries • Spinal cord injuries • Developmental delays • Fine & gross motor difficulties To learn more or to make an appointment, please contact us at 724.940.7660 or visit www. amazingkids.org. Our Wexford office is located at 5000 Stonewood Drive, Suite 110, Wexford, PA 15090.

......................................................

Chiropractic Family Health Centers It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy— pain, burning, numbness, pins and needles or tingling of the hands and feet. A variety of medical conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy—everything from diabetes to vitamin deficiencies. Peripheral neuropathy may result when small nerve fibers are damaged or die. This debilitating condition can cause in addition to pain, sleep disturbances, balance issues, and difficulty walking. This can lead to falls, broken bones and skin ulcers. Usually the medical solution for peripheral neuropathy is “to live with it” or to prescribe medications that only mask the pain but do not address the cause. At Chiropractic Family Health Centers, Dr. Shawn Richey offers the latest in technology, light therapy that stimulates tissue repair. A second breakthrough technology that has been added is giving astounding results for neuropathy suffers. The treatment is FDA approved, safe, non-invasive

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

and non-surgical and giving patients a 90 percent satisfaction rate. The initial visit, consultation, exam and treatment is free. Most patients report that they feel 100 percent better after treatment. Various lengths of treatment plans are available, and Chiropractic Family Health Centers has two locations: Latrobe and Wexford.

......................................................

Dr. Bridget Chufo SUGAR, THE CULPRIT OF DIETING The history of dieting has evolved and changed many times during the past half century. We’ve gone from the cans of Metrecal in the 60s to low-calorie foods to low-fat foods to low-sugar foods. Finally, research keeps going back to the many foods that convert to sugar in the body. Yes, sugar is the culprit. But, sugar has many faces. It comes in the form of bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, oatmeal (if it’s white, don’t bite). It also can be liquid in the alcoholic beverages out there. Alcohol is liquid sugar and converts almost immediately to sugar. Rule of thumb is the clearer it is, the better it is. Dairy is not a sugar but comes too close for comfort in the metabolizing category not to be scrutinized “like a sugar.” So, yes, watch the cheese, yogurt, cow’s milk, and “creamy” casseroles and soups. Most everyone recognizes that sweets generally are mostly sugar in different packaging with little to no nutritional value but boy, oh boy, they sure taste good. Most individuals, if given a choice, would take the starches over the others. Cheese is the most popular single ingredient with pizza being the overall choice food. Interestingly enough, the remaining food groups of protein, vegetables and fruit for the most part, are the least desirable. When the above four food groups (starches, alcohol, dairy and sweets) become secondary to the primary and most nutritious food groups (protein, vegetables and fruit), we will have won the battle of the bulge, but not before.

...................................................... (Continued on page 18)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Genesis Medical Associates Genesis Medical Associates, established in 1995, is the largest, independent, primary care practice in the Pittsburgh Northern Suburbs. As a physician-owned independent practice, Genesis Medical Associates accepts all major insurance plans, including Highmark and the UPMC Health Plan and is committed to providing the highest quality patient care, even as the Pittsburgh health care insurance industry continues to transform. All Genesis staff and providers work to improve the patient experience of care, reduce the cost of care delivery and improve the health of its patients. Known as the “Triple Aim,” this framework serves as a guidepost for our vision of pursuing value-based initiatives and population health management success. Genesis has been recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance since 2014 as a patient-centered medical home or PCMH (sometimes referred to as medical home, or advanced primary care). The PCMH is an innovation in health care delivery designed to improve patient experience, improve patient and population health and reduce the cost of care. This “seal of approval” demonstrates the achievement of the PCMH attributes and ensures patient confidence in the practice and its clinicians. The five core attributes of the PCMH as defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality are: • Patient-centered: Genesis patients are supported and encouraged to learn how to manage and organize their own care based on their preferences. Genesis providers ensure that patients, families and caregivers are fully included in the development of their care plans and encourages them to participate in quality improvement, research and health policy efforts. • Comprehensive: Genesis provides a team of care providers that are accountable for the patient’s physical and behavioral/mental health needs, including prevention and wellness, acute care and chronic care. • Coordinated: The Genesis PCMH ensures that care is organized across all elements of the broader health care system, including specialty

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

care, hospitals, home health care, community services and long-term care supports. • Accessible: Genesis delivers accessible services with shorter waiting times, enhanced in-person hours, 24/7 electronic or telephone access and continues to develop strong communication through health information system innovations (IT). • Committed to Quality and Safety: Genesis continues to demonstrate commitment to quality improvement and the use of data and quality registry/point of care tools to assist patients and families in making informed decisions about their health. For the majority of patients, primary care serves as the entry point of the health care system, delivering and coordinating care for patients and families, with an emphasis on promoting population health and managing chronic illness. As such, Genesis primary care providers are well positioned to help repair and optimize our fragmented care delivery system. With greater investment in and support for comprehensive patient-centered primary care through the PCMH, we can more systematically promote Triple Aim outcomes of better care, smarter spending, and healthier people. By consistently applying care management protocols to our patients and families, continuously informing the entire care team of progress toward plan objectives and optimizing technology, Genesis treatment programs utilize best care practices and improve care efficiency. Genesis, as a patient centered medical home, provides the right care at the right time. We will work with you and your caregivers to coordinate and navigate the medical neighborhood (specialists, hospitals, home health, nursing homes and other ancillary services) on your behalf. We put you, the patient, at the center of your care and will work with our complete team to create a personalized plan for reaching your goals so that our trusted relationships are enhanced.

......................................................

Francis Audiology Audiology Advances for Ease of Listening and Cognitive Decline Science now proves what we have suspected (Continued on page 20)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE for years. Untreated hearing loss has ties to cognitive decline. Imagine walking down the street... now imagine walking down the street while juggling. Walking and juggling requires more of our brain power and is referred to as “cognitive load.” It’s very much the same with hearing. When we are unable to hear speech properly, we use additional brain power (cognition) to understand words rather than retaining what was just said. We can now see, through sophisticated brain mapping, how hearing loss requires us to use our brain power in ways that were unintended. Over time, this can be harmful. Fortunately, new “Brain Hearing” Technology has been developed to significantly reduce the “cognitive load” secondary to hearing loss. This is accomplished by feeding the brain auditory information in a way that our brain can more readily accept and use this information. This in turn, makes it easier to understand and more of our resources can be used for memory purposes. Secondly, when people are able to understand more easily, they are more likely to participate in social events which is important stimulation for our mental health and sense of well-being. For more information please call Francis Audiology at 724-933-3440.

......................................................

Laurel ENT & Allergy, PC

Dr. Brad Levinson

Laurel ENT and Allergy, PC, is the only medical practice north of the city of Pittsburgh to offer patients Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. The procedure is performed in the office and opens the sinus cavity so that it can drain. No IV or anesthesia is administered. Dr. Samuel Mathur, an ear, nose and throat specialist, with Laurel ENT, simply numbs the nose with gel and spray and then passes a lighted guidewire into the nose and the sinus. Once there, a small balloon is then inflated, widening the opening of the sinus and allowing it to drain. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes, and the patient can go home afterward. Balloon Sinuplasty is as equally effective as traditional treatment. In addition to Balloon Sinuplasty, Dr. Mathur and his team provide specialized Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy care. Their allergy program is unique in that it teaches patients how to self-administer maintenance allergy shots. This significantly reduces costs and improves convenience and continuity of treatment. Laurel ENT and Allergy has four locations: Beaver, Greensburg, Indiana and Wexford and accepts most insurances. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mathur, call: (724) 799-8014.

Preventing Colon and Rectal Cancer

......................................................

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

According to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancers are the third-leading cause of cancer-related death for women and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death for men. While those statistics are chilling, colon and rectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers that is nearly always preventable. A simple test, a colonoscopy, can prevent colon and rectal cancer. Almost all cases of colon and rectal cancer come from polyps, benign tumors, located in the large intestine. If left alone, certain types of polyps have the potential to become cancer. Polyps rarely show signs or symptoms. Physicians and patients have no way of knowing if there are polyps unless a colonoscopy is performed. Once a polyp has turned cancerous, surgery may be required, and the cure rate averages about 50 percent. A colonoscope is a soft, narrow, flexible tube with which a trained specialist can view the entire five feet of colon (the large intestine) in about 30 minutes. If a polyp is detected during the procedure, it is easily removed, eliminating the chance of cancer ever developing in that spot. Colonosco(Continued on page 22)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE py is painless because the patient is asleep during this outpatient procedure. It is also very safe; the risks associated with a colonoscopy are almost negligible (significantly less than 1 percent). Everyone should have a colonoscopy beginning by age 50, unless there is a family history of colon and rectal cancer, chronic ulcerative colitis or certain hereditary conditions predisposing toward colon and rectal cancer. In that case, colonoscopy would be advised at a younger age. Colonoscopy should be generally repeated every 5-10 years unless polyps have been found on a previous test. Every 3-5 years would then be the recommendation. Some patients avoid colonoscopy because the preparation for it requires that they drink an oral liquid the evening before the exam that clears the colon. Patients should know that there are now low-volume preparations available in pleasant flavors. Preventative colonoscopy, by federal law at age 50, is covered by health insurance. The benefits of colonoscopy far outweigh any risks associated with the procedure. To schedule your colonoscopy, you can call Brad Levinson, M.D., at (724) 473-4047. Dr. Levinson is a BoardCertified Colon and rectal surgeon with offices in Cranberry and elsewhere in the Pittsburgh area.

......................................................

Massucci Vision Care Optometry for Children and Adolescents – “Often, it’s an eye problem, not just a learning problem,” says Dr. Maura E. Massucci, OD, FCOVD. “Many children are often misdiagnosed with a learning or reading problem when there could be an underlying issue with the way the eyes are working as a team. Even if a child has 20/20 eyesight, they can still have a problem with their eyes’ ability to change focus from far to close quickly, or trouble moving the eyes from left to right for reading without skipping words or losing their place. The solution for many is Vision Therapy. Similar to physical therapy, we can help children and adolescents coordinate their eyes, so they can read longer and switch from blackboard to computer or desk better. This can help improve academic performance in many children who are struggling.” Unfortunately, eye teaming, focusing and tracking skills often are not assessed when children are examined in school screenings. Do not be misled by believing that 20/20 eyesight alone is all your child needs to reach his or her full potential.

If you or your child experiences any of the following signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Massucci, one of Wexford’s leading developmental optometrists, to determine if your child is struggling with a learning-related vision problem. Physical Clues • One eye turning in or out • Squinting, eye rubbing • Excessive blinking • Blurred or double vision • Dizziness or nausea after reading • Head tilting, closing or covering an eye Performance Clues • Avoidance of near work (close distance) • Frequent loss of place • Omits, inserts, or rereads words • Poor reading comprehension • Letter or word reversals • Difficulty copying from the school board • Poor handwriting • Inconsistent or poor sports performance To learn more about secondary symptoms, how vision therapy works and the benefits from vision therapy, visit http://massuccivisionplus.com.

.....................................................

(Continued on page 24)

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Offer expires 2/28/18

$100 Off with this ad from Northern Connection magazine

New patients only. Prior sales excluded.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE Pawlowicz Dentistry The world of dentistry continues to advance to include implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and more. Pawlowicz Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Whether you are looking for general dentistry, or a specialized treatment such as implants, orthodontics, sleep appliances and TMJ treatment, they can take care of it all! They also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain crowns, veneers, teeth whiten-

ing and invisible braces. You can trust them to restore your smile to beautiful form and function. For those with heightened dental anxiety, they offer sedation dentistry under a certified, licensed anesthesiologist, so you are under the best care possible. For more information about any of their services, please contact Pawlowicz Dentisty today at 724.287.4000 or visit our website www. wowsmilenow.com.

......................................................

Pediatric Alliance Pediatric Alliance was formed in 1996, when eight individual pediatric practices joined to provide quality health care throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since then, Pediatric Alliance has grown to be the largest physician-owned group pediatric practice in our area. Our board-certified pediatricians offer primary care to children and adolescents in 17 different office locations including two specialty care offices for asthma, allergy and immunology and pediatric endocrinology. We are independent of any specific insurance provider and accept all major insurances. We are proud to offer personalized, patientcentered care to patients from birth to age 21. We strive to meet your family’s pediatric needs, provide convenient access to care, and build strong relationships with families to maximize your child’s health. The healthcare industry is changing every day. Pediatric Alliance continues to stay abreast of these changes and utilize advances in technology to improve patient care. We currently utilize electronic medical records to enhance safety initiatives, increase efficiency, and improve communication with other healthcare providers involved in your child’s care. The practice takes a progressive approach to meet the needs of busy families. Pediatric Alliance is devoted to providing highquality, comprehensive primary care to infants, children, and adolescents through clinical expertise, advocacy, education, collaboration, research, and information management. Please visit our website at www.pediatricalliance.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PediatricAllaince/.

......................................................

St. Barnabas You will soon have another option when considering living assistance for yourself or a loved ones! Renovations are underway at Washington Place located on the main campus of St. Barnabas in Gibsonia. Once finished this facility will become one of five living assisted communities at St. Barnabas in Allegheny, Beaver and Butler Counties. A variety of accommodations for singles and couples are available at St. Barnabas. Suites are designed with the residents’ convenience and safety in mind. The caregivers and recreation staff work as a team to provide day-to-day care and numerous activities for the residents while providing peace of mind for their families and loved ones. Individual suites may include amenities such as: kitchenette, washer and dryer, pull cords for assistance, individual climate control system, cable TV, Wi-Fi and fireplaces. The communities offers additional amenities including: assistance as needed 24 hours a day, access to our nursing staff and specialty physicians, chef-prepared meals, recreational (Continued on page 26)

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE and spiritual activities, spacious activities area, on-site beauty/barber shop, beautifully manicured courtyards, easy access to parking. Don’t miss this opportunity to reserve a suite at the newest St. Barnabas location today! Call 724-625-4000 ext 258 and our admissions representative would be glad to assist you.

.....................................................

UPMC Senior Communities Telemedicine technology enhances patient care UPMC Senior Communities skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities was among those who pioneered the use of telemedicine to expand access to high quality clinical care and to prevent potentially avoidable hospitalizations, while promoting comprehensive patient-centered care. Since its inception, the telemedicine process, equipment and utilization has evolved dramatically and reduced hospital readmissions for residents at the UPMC skilled nursing sites currently utilizing this service. When clinically appropriate, the nurse can request a telemedicine consult with the attending

Need help navigating through the Medicare maze? Here are some important factors to consider when choosing or changing a Medicare plan. • Research the company you plan on going with. There is a wide variety of companies offering different Medicare plans. One of the best indicators - ask your friends and family members. Better yet, check with your current provider. • Make certain the providers you use now – or may use in the future, are part of the plan’s network. You will get your highest level of care, paying your lowest out-of-pocket costs, using providers that are contracted with the insurance company. • Check to make sure the prescription drugs you are currently taking are listed in the plan’s formulary. A formulary is a list of drugs the plan will cover. Taking a non-formulary drug may result in higher out-ofpocket costs for the member. • Choose a plan that suits your needs for the short term. Medicare plans are yearly contracts, with enrollment periods each year, so a member can change plans if their needs change. This way, you are only paying for the benefits you use. Dona Marks is licensed to sell Senior Products for Highmark, Blue Cross, Blue Shield. For more information, contact her at 412-818-6011 or dona.marks@highmark.com. 4 4 4

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

physician’s permission and within an average of 12 minutes, the care provider is having a realtime, interaction with the patient using interactive audio-video equipment. This state-of-the-art technology, which includes EKG capability, highly sensitive stethoscopes, otoscopes and high definition cameras, enables virtual care collaboration, enhanced access to physicians, nurse practitioners and other specialty providers giving them the ability to assess and treat residents on-site. Telemedicine technology has permitted orthopedic surgeons to follow up on their post-op patients, facilitated geriatricians and CRNPs assessing changes in condition and provided various other consultants such as wound care and psychiatry to assess and order treatments for our patients without the need to uproot and transport them by ambulance to the busy Emergency Departments, offices or clinics. Elaine Hatfield, Chief Nursing Officer for UPMC Senior Communities, reports, “The interdisciplinary team has utilized telemedicine to include family members in care conferences for their loved ones and provided the opportunity for a long-distance son to share his last goodbyes with his father. It is an invaluable resource in the care of our residents.” 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE Fit Families

Why Should You Hire a Personal Trainer? By Joella Baker

s you continue into 2018, you may be trying to hang onto those New Year’s Resolutions. I know it can be extremely tough to work hard and reach your goals. In fact, you may need some help. That’s where a personal trainer comes into action. Here are ten reasons why you should consider hiring a personal trainer to help you reach your goals. They Can Motivate You — A personal trainer has the ability to help you stay motivated, even when you aren’t inspired to workout. Having a personal trainer can be all you need to encourage you, inspire you and provide the energy you need to reach your goals. They Hold You Accountable — A personal trainer will keep you on track. You have to meet with them. You have to show them your training log, you have to report to them what you’ve done since your last visit. It is so important to have someone in your life who holds you accountable for your own goals.

The Right Plan for You — There is a ton of information out there. How do you know if what is right and what isn’t? How do you know the right plan to start? How do you know is you are doing everything correctly? A personal trainer can set up the correct training plan for you. If you enjoy cardio over strength, that can be your focus. If you want to lose weight or lower your cholesterol, a trainer can do that. They can be very specific in setting up the best training plan for you and which exercises are best for you to reach your goals and how to properly perform those exercises. No More Excuses! — So many people come up with excuses to not workout. Don’t worry. Your personal trainer has heard them all. They won’t allow you to continue to make excuses. After all, they want you to be successful. Personal trainers love to see their customers reach their goals. It truly makes them happy. That’s the reason why they went into the profession was to see others happy. If you are one to make excuses, let your personal trainer know that, so they can continue to hold you accountable, even on your worst days. Individual Attention — For many people the only way they can stay on track with their exercise routine is to have someone there telling them what to do. A personal trainer is great at that. They will be by your side, giving you the personal attention you need to stay on track, do your exercises correctly and reach your goals. Confidence to Try Something New — A personal trainer will push you beyond your comfort zone. This is so important. You never want to get complacent in your workouts. You want to make sure you are always willing to try something new. A personal trainer will push you, challenge you and inspire you to go beyond your limits. Best of all, they will give you the confidence that you can try something new. Just remember, you may not always succeed at the new challenge, but if you are persistent, the achievement will be a great reward. Sport-Specific Training — Many personal trainers can help you achieve goals in sport-specific training. This includes, running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, golf, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking and more. If you have a specific goal, then hire a personal trainer to help you reach that athletic goal. Medical Conditions — If you suffer from specific medical conditions, there are personal trainers who can help you. You may be overcoming a surgery, knee replacement, hip replacement, back surgery, cancer, an autoimmune disease or something else. Whatever it is, find the right personal trainer who specializes in individuals with health issues. Avoid Injury — A personal trainer is there to make sure you do things correctly. They will correct you if your form is off, and they can help you to learn the correct way to lift weights, perform exercises— even run. With correct form, you will lower your risk of injury. Have Fun — Personal trainers are fun. They want you to succeed, and in most cases, they know you have to work hard, but also have fun while working out. If you find exercise to be boring, hire a great personal trainer to make it fun for you. The time will fly by if you are having fun. If you are looking for a personal trainer, look no further than your local YMCA or health club. Make sure the personal trainer is certified. Don’t be afraid to interview a few trainers to find the right person to fit your needs and goals. Often times, you may be assigned to a personal trainer. However, that person may not be the right person for you. You need to choose the trainer. Make sure you discuss your goals, your limitations, what you enjoy doing and what exercises you don’t enjoy. This is about you. Make the right decision that benefits your health. 4 4 4

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE

2018 Health Care Directory Allegheny Health Network Health + Wellness Pavilion www.AHNWEXFORD.org

Beaver Valley Foot Clinic

Why Oils Work in Your Prayers

very morning before I pray, I always inhale an essential oil. It clears my mind, restores my normal breathing and gives me great focus on our God. Today, I inhaled Purification Essential oil (one of the oils in the premium kit). “Essential oils are not all chemistry. In quantum physics they are packets of possibilities, but in any given usage they will work what you want them to manifest. “What they do is up to you. That’s how and why they work with prayers following your intent. If you don’t have the right oil, use what you have. Let God takes care of the rest. He is used to working with imperfect instruments and can still achieve the desired results, in spite of handicap.” This is very true. I have several clients who shared that they were having health issue and needed Stress Away Essential Oil but have used Lavender, which they had at that moment. PACKET OF POSSIBILITIES from God! (Ref D. Stuart) Wants to experience the healing? Contact Fe Tubio at (724) 601-6628 or www.youngliving.com/fetubio

www.bvfootclinic.com 1-878-313-3338

Butler Health System

www.ButlerHealthSystem.org 1-800-841-6825

The Children’s Institute www.amazingkids.org 412-420-2400

Chiropractic Family Health Center

Laurel ENT & Allergy

Wexford, Pa www.laurelentallergy.com 724-799-8014

Massucci Vision

Dr. Maura Massucci www.visionsource-massucci visionplus.com Wexford, PA (724) 719-2712

Northern Area Family Medicine

Colon and Rectal Wellness Center

Passavant Hospital Foundation

Brad Levinson, M.D. Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon Cranberry Twp, Pa. 724-473-4047

Dr. Bridget M. Chufo

www.drchufosweightlossand wellness.com Wexford Pa. 1-800-900-THIN

Francis Audiology

www.francisaudiology.com 724-933-3440

Genesis Medical Associates, Inc www.genesismedical.org

Heritage Valley Health Systems www.heritagevalley.org

dona.marks@highmark.com 412-544-6469

Hope Hospice

www.Hopehospicepgh.org 1-877-367-3685

Ideal Image Wexford Wexford, Pa. 15090 724-759-2020 www.idealimage.com

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Cranberry/Seven Fields www.kidspluspgh.com 724-761-2020

www.backnline.com 724-940-9000

Highmark Medicare Solutions

Kids Plus Pediatrics

www.genesismedical.org

www.PassavantHospitalFoundation.org 412-748-6640

Pawlowicz Dentistry

www.wowsmilenow.com 724-287-4000

Pediatric Alliance

www.pediatricalliance.com

St. Barnabas Health System Stbarnabashealthsystem.com 724-443-0700

UPMC Senior Communities

UPMCSeniorCommunities.com 1-800-324-5523

Vein Institute of Pittsburgh

Dr. Terrance R. Krysinski Warrendale, Pa www.veininstituteofpittsburgh.com 724-934-8346

Weight Loss North Pittsburgh Dr. Michael Vactor www.drvactor.com 724-742-2700

Four Ways to Love Your Dog John Payne DVM.MS DACVS Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center

ince February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, it seems appropriate to suggest a few ways to truly love your pet. The first thing that most of us think of is going home to give our pets a big hug, but guess what? Most dogs HATE to be hugged! There are much better ways to love your pet that will truly benefit them- even if they don’t appreciate it at the time. So, let’s explore a few ways to really love your pet. Keep your pet physically fit. Obesity in pets is an epidemic in the United States. Our dogs and cats are simply too fat. We may think that overfeeding our pets is making them happy, but it is really the worse thing we can do for them. Overweight, obese pets have multiple health issues that are similar to the ones seen in humans who are overweight. A short list of adverse effects seen in overweight pets include diabetes, osteoarthritis, knee ligament rupture, heart disease and others. Obesity in pets is theoretically easy to correct but requires dedication by the owner to correct the pets diet and to provide the pet opportunities to exercise. If your pet needs to loose a few pounds, here are a few suggestions. First, look at the total caloric intake and make sure that it is appropriate. Second, eliminate all treats. Dog treats are generally loaded with empty calories. Third, find ways to increase your pets exercise. Sometimes, there are medical reasons your pet is not loosing weight. If you are not achieving your goals for your pet, see your family veterinarian for a physical examination and some blood work including thyroid hormone levels.

Check your pet’s teeth If your dog or cat has horrible breath, there is often a good reason for it. Dogs and cats are both subject to periodontal and dental disease. Tooth abscesses, gum recession and tooth loss are all common in dogs and cats. Dental disease is a common but insidious disease that is very painful for your pets. Severe dental disease has been linked to shorted lifespans in pets. It is well worth a visit to your family veterinarian to have your pet checked for dental disease. If your pet has periodontal disease, treatment is essential. A thorough dental exam in dogs and cats often involves an examination and dental radiographs. If a dental cleaning is needed, general anesthesia is necessary to do a thorough cleaning, but it is well worth the small risk. Take your dog to the dog park. Dogs are naturally very active animals and can become bored if they are left in the house all day. Pittsburgh has a number of dog parks that allow dogs to run and explore new horizons off the leash. Some of these areas are fenced for added safely. If you take your dog to a park, make sure that you are in control of your dog and that they get along well with other dogs. Generally, dog parks have a number of dogs of various breeds, sizes and temperaments present. Dogs that don’t get along or are aggressive are generally not welcome. If you go to the dog park, it is important also to carry plastic bags to pick up your dog’s waste. Also,

(Continued on page 32)