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Smoothing Out the Rough Spots
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Inside
WHAT’S 4
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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EMpLOyEE HanDbOOks Creating positive employee relations.
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ManagIng EMpLOyEE usE OF sOcIaL MEDIa Employers’ policies and the legal limitations.
10 bOOk REvIEw Sylvia Hepler’s forthcoming book appeals to both head and heart.
12 wOMEn’s ExpO HIgHLIgHTs Spring will be popping, and the expo will be hopping!
13 HOw Is THE aIR quaLITy In yOuR HOME? Common indoor air pollutants and ways to improve air quality.
Special Feature 15 puRsE-OnaLITIEs Match to win a $100 gift card!
17 TakE cOnTROL OF yOuR cOLOn HEaLTH It could mean saving yourself from one of the top cancer killers.
20 RELIEF FOR psORIasIs With proper treatment, symptoms can be reduced or eliminated.
21 wHILE wE wERE OuT See what your colleagues have been up to!
22 wOMEn TO waTcH New hires and promotions.
22 acHIEvEMEnTs & appLausE Awards and accomplishments.
23 MEET anD gREET Regional networking events and meetings.
5 cOvER sTORy Karen Galebach Haldeman hit more than a little rough patch early in her first marriage – the death of her husband, who was the owner of a family business. This left her to decide the fate of the company. Now 18 years later, she has grown Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc. to twice its size. Haldeman stands in the dining room of an old Victorian home that she and her husband brought back to life, including the beautiful, original wood flooring. Photography courtesy of GeorJean Photography Studio BusinessWomanPA.com
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March 2015 Vol. 12 - no. 3
PRES IDENT AND PU BLISH ER DoNNA K. ANDERSoN
EDIToRIAL
No matter where we go, we see people on their phones. ome on, spring! February was a terribly cold month, and I don’t think my heat There is no limit to what we can do on our “phones,” from pump shut down for days on end … and I the original intent of calling someone to researching, keep the thermostat at 65! As it churned, I reading, playing games, texting, and a plethora of other could feel the meter whirling around at an tasks. Supervisors and business owners are asking: “What parameters can we incorporate in our expensive rate! Like many of you, I employee handbooks regarding social am not eager to see the utility bill this media?” Read what a local attorney month. has to say on the topic. When the heat is pumping and air is blowing, it is also stirring up the If we had no winter, the spring would March is also Awareness Month. It never hurts to remind our readers dust and debris that have built up in not be so pleasant; if we did not why it’s important to have a the duct work, moving it into the air sometimes taste of adversity, colonoscopy. It could be a lifesaver. that we breathe. Oh, if we could only Our second match game feature is see what’s in the air in our homes! prosperity would not be so welcome. inside – PURSE-onalities! (see page Find out why you may want to ~ anne bradstreet 15). The winner will receive a $100 consider having your ducts cleaned. gift card to Creative Elegance You and your family just might Boutique. Wouldn’t you love that? experience fewer ailments. Check it out and then go online and Are you ready for spring sprucematch to win! up? Oh, yes. As cold as it’s been, spring always follows winter, and it will get warmer. We’ll be giving our homes a once-over to see what needs a facelift. In what condition are your hardwood floors? Refurbishing older homes is quite the trend too, and they often have hardwood floors. Our cover Christianne Rupp profile helps people refinish hardwood floors to restore Vice President and Managing Editor their original exquisiteness.
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Vice President and Managing Editor CHRISTIANNE RUPP Editor MEgAN JoyCE Contributing Writers CLAIRE yEzBAK fADDEN REBECCA HANLoN DAVID HESSEN JILL M. LASHAy LyNDA HUDzICK KATIE MARKEy MCLAUgHLIN
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ADMINISTRATI oN Business Manager ELIzABETH DUVALL Events Manager KIMBERLy SHAffER Project Coordinator LoREN goCHNAUER Sales & Event Coordinator EILEEN CULP
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cOVER
cAREER
Story
Smoothing Out
the Rough Spots
“W
hat do you do when the family business gets thrust into your lap unexpectedly?” Karen Galebach Haldeman asked. “You do a lot of soul searching, praying, and decision making!” Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc. was founded in 1924 by John K. Galebach, a carpenter who, because he disliked hand-scraping floors so much, decided to take a chance and purchase one of the first electric floor-sanding machines, putting it to use and thus beginning what would become a successful family-run business. His son, Harold, who grew up watching his father’s hard work, graduated business school and served in the Air Force before he joined the family business in 1948. When his father retired, he took over the business. Harold’s son John, who also grew up in the family business, joined the company after college graduation, and then in 1989, took over when his father retired. He was the third-generation operator of Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc. until his shocking death in 1997. “On a family camping trip he was stung by a bee,” Galebach Haldeman, John’s wife, said. “He died within minutes. It was like a cloud descended upon our lives and everything became surreal and foggy … for a long time.” John was only 45 at the time. They had two young sons at home, they were in the middle of restoring an old Victorian home in Landisville, and Galebach Haldeman was in her 17th year as a florist, managing a Royer’s Flowers shop in Lancaster. “They say you should not make any ‘meaningful’ decisions for at least a year after your spouse dies,” she said. “Nice thought, but not possible. Suddenly everything changed for me. If I had a
By LYNDA HUDZICK nickel for every time I had to retell the story of what happened that day … but I think that is what finally got me out of that cloud. Telling the story and crying.” Life goes on, though, and Galebach Haldeman’s customers, their employees, her employer, and most importantly, her family, all wanted to know the plan. It was time for her to make a decision about the possibility of taking over for her late husband. “Could I do this?” Galebach Haldeman remembers thinking. “I knew nothing about floors, but I did have experience in running a business … so I took the plunge and said, ‘Yes, I can do this!’” Her father-in-law was an invaluable resource and mentor in sales for the first few years, helping her with providing clients with quotes, learning how to measure, and knowing what to ask, what to look for, and how to price. “My mother-in-law, Dorothy, showed me how to do the books, and my employees showed me the process. I worked with them for the first five years or so, actually doing the work,” Galebach Haldeman said. She also did a lot of research, reading everything she could find about wooden floors. She took classes and sought the advice of those who had been in the business for a long time. Her personal life took a turn in 2001 when she married Mark Haldeman, owner of Haldeman Mechanical, Inc. “Now we had to run two businesses!” she said. But somehow “the house got finished, the children grew up, and the phone is still ringing with customers wanting their floors done! Sounds easy, but it wasn’t. It took a lot of planning and determination.” Her hard work paid off. Now, 18 years later, Galebach Haldeman said that Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc. has doubled in size and has done more
Karen Galebach Haldeman, owner of Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc., sits with her dog, Dood, in front of a turn-of-the century Miller pump organ, made in Lebanon, Pa.
than 5,500 jobs. Galebach Haldeman found out the hard way just how difficult running your own business can be, and she admits that if she knew then what she knows now, she probably would not have done it. “I jumped fearlessly into a man’s world,” she said. “The saving grace was that this was an established business and I did not have to advertise much.” She has come to value greatly the relationships developed over the years with local tradesmen and knows that their support helped give her the
confidence she needed at the time when she needed it the most. “They accepted me as ‘one of them,’ and the work continued to flow our way,” she said. That doesn’t mean there weren’t challenges. One of the biggest issues Galebach Haldeman faced was not long after her husband’s death when the Galebach’s Furniture Store in Lancaster, run by relatives of her family, sold the company and went out of business. “I remember there being people on street corners with signs reading ‘Galebach’s going out of business.’ I
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Left, wide stairway from the second floor showing the original white pine wood that has been sanded and refinished, bringing out its natural beauty and keeping a rustic look. Right, the small area between rooms is an original inlay, leading to and from areas that had new wood flooring laid. The cohesiveness of the look is stunning.
thought, ‘Well, that’s just great. People will think it’s us,’” said Galebach Haldeman. It was one of her biggest lessons in the importance of effective advertising and how to go about that facet of running your own business. Galebach Haldeman still enjoys meeting clients in their homes and helping them figure out what will be the perfect fit for their needs and their
families. But she also knows that without dedicated employees, Galebach’s Floor Finishing, Inc. wouldn’t continue to experience the success it has enjoyed since 1924. “They are great guys and will go the extra mile to make sure the customers are pleased,” she said. “They are true craftsmen and I am very proud of them.”
Beyond her work with the business, Galebach Haldeman likes to stay involved with the community through various fundraisers and Special Olympics, in which her youngest son is also involved. She enjoys traveling and just spending time with her husband. “We always have lots to talk about with two businesses going!” laughed Galebach Haldeman.
Through all her struggles, Galebach Haldeman has found strength in her faith and the love and support of family and friends, and so, to that end, she has claimed as her life scripture Proverbs 3:5-6, which says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him. And He shall direct thy paths. (KJV)”
Van V an Baum, K Kelly elly Br Brennan, ennan, Dana Chilson, Jimetta Colston, R Ruth uth Cr Cruz, uz, R Renee enee Custer, Custer, Shamaine Daniels, Mar Margaret garet Delmonico Delmonico,, Dr. Dr. Eleanor Dunham, J Jennifer ennifer ennif er Esser,, P Esser atricia Hart, Har t, Ashl er,, Maur een La throp, D r. J ennifer M cCall-Hosenfeld, Barbar Patricia Ashlyn yn J Jackson, ackson, Ka Kathleen thleen K Koppenhaver, oppenhaver Maureen Lathrop, Dr. Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, Barbara a McLemor McLemore, e, Diane Naug Naugle, le, J Jaime aime N ovinger-Toigo, J eannine P Tolsma, olsma, Gloria V azquez-Mer rick, J ulie W alter,, Ashley W alter er,, S an Baum, eaver Novinger-Toigo, Jeannine Peterson, eterson, Mar Martha tha R Rougeux, ougeux, Cynthia T Vazquez-Merrick, Julie Walter, Weaver, Sharon haron W Woodward oodward V Van K elly Brennan, Brennan, Dana Chilson, Jimetta Colston, Ruth Ruth Cr uz, R enee Custer, Custer, Shamaine Daniels, Mar garet Delmonico Dr. Eleanor Dunham, J ennifer ennif er Esser Esser,, Kelly Cruz, Renee Margaret Delmonico,, Dr. Jennifer P atricia Hart, Har t, Ashl yn J thleen K oppenhaver er,, Maur een La throp, D r. J r. enniffe er M cCall-Hosenffe eld, Barbar a McLemor e, Diane Naug le, J aime N ovingerPatricia Ashlyn Jackson, Kathleen Koppenhaver, Maureen Lathrop, Dr. Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, Barbara McLemore, Naugle, Jaime NovingerT oigo, J eannine P eter ougeux, Cynthia T Tolsma, olsma, Gloria V azquez-Mer rick, J ulie W alter, Ashley W alter, eaver, er, Shar on W oodward V an Baum, K elly Toigo, Jeannine Peterson, Martha Rougeux, Vazquez-Merrick, Julie Walter, Weaver, Sharon Woodward Van Kelly Br ennan, Dana Chilson, Jimetta Colston, R uth Cr uz, R enee Custer, Custer, Shamaine Daniels, Mar garet Delmonico Dr. Eleanor Dunham, J ennifer Esser Esser,, P atricia Brennan, Ruth Cruz, Renee Margaret Delmonico,, Dr. Jennifer Patricia Har t, Ashl yn J ac een La throp, D r. J enniffe er M cCall-Hosenffe eld, Barbar a McLemor e, Diane Nau gle, J aime N ovinger-Toigo, Hart, Ashlyn Jackson, Kathleen Koppenhaver,, Maur Maureen Lathrop, Dr. Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, Barbara McLemore, Naugle, Jaime Novinger-Toigo, J eannine Peterson, Peter eterson, son, Mar ougeux, Cynthia Tolsma, Tolsma, Gloria V azquez-Mer rick, J ulie W alter, Ashley W alter, eaver, er, Shar on W oodward V an Baum, K elly Br ennan, Jeannine Martha Rougeux, Vazquez-Merrick, Julie Walter, Weaver, Sharon Woodward Van Kelly Brennan, Dana Chilson, Jimetta Colston, R enee Custer Custer,, Shamaine Daniels, Mar garet Delmonico Dr. Eleanor Dunham, J ennifer Esser, Esser, P atricia Har t, Ruth Cruz, Renee Margaret Delmonico,, Dr. Jennifer Patricia Hart, Ashl yn J ackson, Ka Maureen La throp, D r. J r. ennife fer M cCall-Hosenfe feld, Barbar a McLemor e, Diane Naug le, J aime N ovinger-Toigo, J ov eannine Ashlyn Jackson, Kathleen Koppenhaver,, Maureen Lathrop, Dr. Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, Barbara McLemore, Naugle, Jaime Novinger-Toigo, Jeannine P eterson, eter son, Mar tha Rougeux, R olsma, Gloria V azquez-Mer rick, J ulie W alter, Ashley W alter, eaver, er, Shar on W oodward V an Baum, K elly Br ennan, Dana Chilson, Peterson, Martha Cynthia Tolsma, Vazquez-Merrick, Julie Walter, Weaver, Sharon Woodward Van Kelly Brennan, Jimetta Colston, R uth Cruz, Cr enee Custer, Custer, Shamaine Daniels, Mar garet Delmonico Dr. Eleanor Dunham, J ennifer Esser, Esser, P atricia Har t, Ashl yn J ackson, Ruth Renee Margaret Delmonico,, Dr. Jennifer Patricia Hart, Ashlyn Jackson, Ka thleen Koppenhaver, Koppenhaver er,, Maur tthr hrop, D r. J ennifer M cCall-Hosenfeld, Barbar a McLemor e, Diane Naug le, J aime N ovinger-Toigo, J eannine P eterson, eter son, Mar tha Kathleen Maureen Lathrop, Dr. Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, Barbara McLemore, Naugle, Jaime Novinger-Toigo, Jeannine Peterson, Martha R ougeux, Cynthia Tolsma, Tolsma, Gloria V azquez-Mer rick, J ulie W alter,, Ashley W alter eaver er,, Shar on W oodward V an Baum, K elly Br ennan, Dana Chilson, Jimetta Colston, Rougeux, Vazquez-Merrick, Julie Walter, Weaver, Sharon Woodward Van Kelly Brennan, R uth Cruz, Cr uz, Renee Renee Custer, Custer, Shamaine Daniels, Mar Dr. Eleanor Dunham, J ennifer E sser, P atricia H ar t, A shlyn J oppenhaver er,, garet Delmonico ackson, K athleen K Ruth Margaret Delmonico,, Dr. Jennifer Esser, Patricia Hart, Ashlyn Jackson, Kathleen Koppenhaver,
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Positive
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Creating
Employee Handbooks: Relations
By KATIE MARKEY MCLAUGHLIN
f you’ve been wondering whether or not your business should have an employee handbook, the answer is simple: Yes. While your company is not required by law to have one, handbooks provide many legal and other benefits to businesses of all sizes. “An employee handbook outlines the expectations of the employee and the employer, and it’s important to set those expectations up front,” explained Kellie Boysen, owner of Alternative HR, a human resources consulting and outsourcing organization based in Wrightsville. Here’s what you need to know about creating an employee handbook that is both informative and useful.
What to Include According to Boysen, there are five basic categories of information a strong employee handbook should include. The first revolves around laws that businesses are required to uphold, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Americans with Disabilities Act Policy, and AntiHarassment and Anti-Discrimination policies. Boysen explained that while it’s not required to have those policies in your handbook, it’s highly recommended. The second category is company
policies regarding attendance, leave, and pay. Because there are a lot of potential gray areas in this category— such as what is considered excessive absence or how breaks and lunches are handled on a timesheet—it’s important to spell out specifics in writing. Additionally, Boysen recommends paying special attention to exempt versus non-exempt employees. “The government is really cracking down on this issue now because they’re finding a lot of companies are paying employees as exempt, without overtime pay, even though technically the employees aren’t qualified as exempt,” Boysen said. The government will be revisiting those qualifications in the spring of 2015, so businesses should be prepared for potential changes. The third section Boysen suggests
including in your employee handbook is any company-specific rules, such as your discipline and termination policy, equipment policy, and any regulations you have regarding technology, email, and Internet use. “Today a lot of companies are including social media policies as well,” Boysen said. Another important inclusion is your business’s open-door policy, which is often part of a handbook’s introduction. This section outlines that your company is willing to listen to its employees—their concerns, suggestions, and complaints. An open-door policy is significant because if there would be a claim brought against your business, you can legally demonstrate that there’s a clear channel of communication for employees who want to voice concerns.
“”
I’m a firm believer in keeping handbooks simple because then employees are going to be a lot more likely to read it and want to understand it.
The fifth and final category is the signature page that employees return to the employer. According to Boysen, it’s best to use the word “receipt” on this page, recognizing that there will always be employees who won’t bother reading their handbook word for word. “You want proof that they received the handbook,” she explained, “and that it is their responsibility to read it.” Don’t forget that employees should sign off on any updates you make to the handbook, even if they already signed off on the original version. What Not to Include You might be surprised to learn that including the specifics of your company’s employee benefits— particularly in terms of health insurance—isn’t always the best idea. While Boysen says it’s smart to include the basics of your benefits, specific details should go in a separate document to make the updating process easier. “When it comes to benefits, I try not to get too detailed in the handbook because the information has the potential to change every year, especially with the Affordable Care Act,” noted Boysen. “To have to update your entire handbook because the benefits change slightly can be very time-consuming.”
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Similarly, many businesses include company procedures in their employee handbooks, but again, these change so frequently that it’s better to include them in a separate procedural manual. This might include information on the usage of specific computer programs or processes regarding who opens and closes the office each day. Making It User-Friendly Boysen’s principal tip when it comes to designing your employee handbook is to avoid overcomplicating it. “I’m a firm believer in keeping handbooks simple,” she said, “because then employees are going to be a lot more likely to read it and want to understand it.” It’s also important to review your handbook regularly—at a minimum once a year—so that employees can feel confident they have the most updated information. Finally, be sure to keep the tone of your handbook positive. Sometimes employees assume the handbook exists merely to protect the company legally, but in reality that’s not the case. “There are policies in there that are the company’s responsibility to the employee,” Boysen explained, “to protect employees as much as the company.” Some businesses even divide their handbook into two sections—company responsibilities and employee responsibilities—to clearly highlight the expectations of both parties. Where to Begin If you’re at the beginning stages of designing your employee handbook, consider talking to an HR consultant to ensure you’re covering not only the basics, but also the policies specific to your particular industry. Also, be wary of simply tweaking your handbook from a previous employer or relying solely on free templates available online. These might not reflect the most recent updates to federal and state laws, or they might not be applicable, depending on your company’s size and industry. Your business’s employee handbook is your best tool for establishing uniform standards for both employee and employer. Clearly outlining and communicating those standards through a simple, up-to-date handbook lays the foundation for one of the keys to a successful business: positive employee relations.
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cAREER
Managing Employee Use of
Social Media
By JILL M. LASHAY, ESQUIRE
A
s social media use among people of all ages continues to rise, it should come as no surprise that such use is creating significant challenges within the workplace. Gone are the days when employees needed access to companyprovided desktop computers and time to download their favorite Internet sites. Today, access to social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are literally in the palm of one’s hand and are available 24/7. Such access at any time of day, as well as the freedom to post disparaging comments about coworkers, customers, supervisors, and competitors, presents challenges for employers when determining what behavior should be disciplined. Should a waitress be discharged for complaining on Facebook about bad tips from customers? What if such comments negatively impact a business? What about employee complaints on Twitter regarding a company supervisor or the company’s products/services? Should an employee be disciplined for making such public comments? Remember, social media is much different from other communication mediums. The recipients of employee complaints about coworkers, supervisors, and customers are no longer limited to those who stand around the water cooler. Despite an employee’s belief that his/her comments are “private,” information that is placed into a social media account, and limited to only a
few dozen Facebook friends, can be disseminated in real time and can easily “go viral.” Moreover, such comments, photographs, and tweets are likely permanent and can cause serious damage to personal and business reputations. Given the destructive power of social media, should employers adopt policies to govern the use of this method of communication by employees? Are employers limited by the law regarding the scope and application of such policies? These are only a few of the many questions employers face in our new media age. Social Media Policies Many employers have responded to the challenges of social media by developing policies to govern employee use of this medium, both during and after work hours. Developing such policies makes good sense. A well-prepared and carefully implemented policy provides guidance to employees regarding how to use social media in a responsible manner. Such policy may also offer some legal protection to an employer against claims that an employee engaged in defamation, discrimination, or harassment of others through his/her comment, photograph, or tweet. The risk of liability for employers often exists regardless of whether the employee commits the social media offense from his/her personal computer/handheld device, while at work or through the companyprovided Internet server, or from some employer-provided equipment.
A well-drafted social media policy should include a statement of the employer’s objectives and values, guidelines and best practices, and clearly defined rules. Employers should avoid subjective terms and standards that force employees to decide what is or is not permissible social media conduct. In addition, the policy should state that the employer may monitor employee social media use in the same manner as company-provided Internet and email, and that an employee does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy where the employer has announced that computer use is subject to electronic monitoring. Finally, any social media policy should set forth the actions that will be taken if such objectives and values are compromised and/or a rule is broken. Although developing a social media policy makes good sense, employers should pay heed to recent decisions of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which place significant restrictions on what may be included in such a policy. Specifically, the NLRB found violations of Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in policies that, in the opinion of employers, reasonably restricted an employee’s use of social media. Section 7 of the Act states: “Employees shall have the right to selforganization . . . and to engage in other concerted activity for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.” (29 U.S.C. § 157) Section 7 of the NLRA is not
limited to activity among employees seeking union representation or union-organized workplaces engaged in collective bargaining. To the contrary, Section 7 of the NLRA affords every single employee the right to engage in concerted activity for mutual aid, which includes discussing wages and other terms and conditions of employment, with other employees and non-employees (e.g., reporters, Internet media sources, unions, or the NLRB). The medium by which employees communicate, e.g., in person or on social media, does not dictate the level of protection provided to them under Section 7. Therefore, the NLRB has taken a keen interest in any restrictions imposed by employers on employee use of social media. The NLRB has announced that a social media policy will be found unlawful if it explicitly restricts Section 7 activities. Protected activities could include general complaints about supervisory activities, statements about staffing levels or wages/benefits, criticism about a supervisor’s attitude or performance, the negative use of an employer’s name or logo, and/or the use of social media to express such opinions during non-work time and from home-based computers/ handheld devices. If a policy does not specifically restrict Section 7 activities, the NLRB will analyze whether: employees would reasonably construe the language to prohibit Section 7 activity; the rules within the policy were promulgated in response to union activity; and/or the rules within the
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policy have been applied to restrict Section 7 rights. For example, the NLRB has found that employer policies that prohibit the unauthorized dispersal of sensitive company-operating materials or the disclosure of confidential information contained in personnel files are in violation of Section 7 because employees could reasonably understand these prohibitions to bar them from discussing wages or other terms of employment. Likewise, the NLRB has struck down policies that broadly restrict employee postings about clients, customers, or coworkers, without company approval, or that prohibit posting comments that negatively affect the employer’s reputation in the marketplace. In fact, the NLRB has even found that social media policies that broadly prohibit profane or abusive language are not lawful because they could reasonably be interpreted as
barring employee rights under Section 7. An informal poll of businesses in the region would likely find that every employer has been subject to some criticism on social media by a disgruntled employee. As such, employers should closely follow legal developments regarding social media and submit any policies related to social media, Internet, mobile phones, handheld devices, confidentiality, trade secret, antiharassment, and anti-discrimination to counsel for review on a frequent basis, perhaps semi-annually. • Jill M. Lashay, esquire, a shareholder with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, represents management in areas of labor and employment law, providing counsel to both union and non-union publicand private-sector employers. She has been honored by her peers and selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® list each year from 2009 to 2014. jill.lashay@bipc.com
Learning Leadership Through Loss: How to Leverage Personal Pain to Help Yourself and Others Succeed at Work By Sylvia Hepler Thomas Noble Books www.businessbuildingbooks.com Are you a seasoned or emerging leader who seeks to sharpen and expand your skillset this year? Tired of the typical “howto” literature both online and off? Sylvia Hepler’s forthcoming book, Learning Leadership Through Loss: How to Leverage Personal Pain to Help Yourself and Others Succeed at Work, offers a fresh perspective on the topic. Personal, provocative, and poignant, the author tells the compelling story of her own dramatic loss to demonstrate the theme that all losses, opportunities in disguise, contain power to transform us into exceptionally competent, compassionate leaders. A page-turner work that appeals to both head and heart, it is described by Amma Johnson of Harrisburg as a must-read for every woman in business. Available on Amazon and Kindle.
Providing full-service legal and government relations counsel to successful business women in Central Pennsylvania and across the nation.
Learn how 21st century masterful leaders use words, tone, pitch, volume, and pace to get better, quicker, consistent results in just 30 days. Schedule your FREE telephone discovery session with Sylvia today. www.bipc.com 409 North Second Street, Suite 500 Harrisburg, PA 17101 | T: 717 237 4800 California | Colorado | Delaware | Florida | New Jersey | New York North Carolina | Pennsylvania | Virginia | Washington, DC
10
~ March 2015 | buSInESSWoman
Sylvia Hepler Owner and President
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Spring Will Be Popping and the Women’s Expo Will Be Hopping! March 21, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge
E
By CHRISTIANNE RUPP
325 University Drive, Hershey
The cold temperatures and winds have had most of us snug indoors. Fortunately, spring will officially pop in on March 20, and the women’s expo will spring to life the next day, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey. Mark your calendar now (and register today) to attend! Many of you have been to our women’s expos and found them to be a relaxing and fun day with a lot to do and see. We hope you will join us again. For those who haven’t enjoyed a women’s expo, let me give you a little peek: There will be more than 90 exhibitors, offering ample opportunity to shop for yourself or for a Mother’s Day gift. You will find quite a few home-based businesses at the expo, many company names that you might not be familiar with. Plus, local businesses are looking to reconnect and update guests on what they offer. Prior visitors to the women’s expo had indicated that they would like mini demos of some of the products that are for sale on the show floor. We heard you and invite you to stop by the Show & Tell area, where vendor representatives will be giving quick, 10-minute demos of their products. The floor will change quickly throughout the day, so check back often. Many of you know the “business professional” Amma Johnson. But you’ll get to see another side of AMMA JO that you may not be as familiar with – the singer and songwriter. Meet her at center stage and share her passion for music! New this year will be the “Hottest and Bravest Firefighters” contest. OLP events and Service 1st Restoration are hosting this contest to benefit the community, and we invite your family and
friends to support their local fire station. Votes at the women’s expo will help raise money for each firefighter’s respective station. ($1 donation for each vote.) The Firefighter Strut and announcement of the winner will be held on center stage at 1 p.m. Another exciting addition is the Bricktastic LEGO® Contest. Parents or guardians are invited to bring their child ages 5-12 to the women’s expo and register him or her in the Bricktastic Kids LEGO® zone. Registered children will be using their imaginations to create an awesome house out of the LEGO®s provided. Prizes will be awarded! Please visit agreatwaytospendmyday.com/dauphin for more details and registration form. Other demonstrations and entertainment on the main stage throughout the day include a trendy fashion show with clothing from Aanchel Apparel & Accessories in Hummelstown; Cammi Furjanic with The Home Depot will be demonstrating a DIH tile backsplash project; Sarah Placencia will be showing us Zumba, a fun way to exercise; enjoy the wonderful sounds of Peggy Keller, 2011 PA State Senior Idol winner; and Chef Stiffler from Keystone Technical Institute will be celebrating spring by showing us how to make garden treats to eat (cupcakes!). Sponsors of the event include Emerald Springs Spa, Faulkner FIAT of Mechanicsburg, Freedom Auto Group, Home Care Assistance, Medical Weight Loss Center of Harrisburg, LLC, The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, Spring Creek, Tanger Outlets Hershey, Tru' Identity Skin Aesthetics, Weis Markets, abc27, HOT 93.5, NASH FM 106.7, WHYL 960AM, and WINK 104.
Visit www.aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com for FREE advance guest registration ($5 at the door).
For guest registration, or more information, go to:
a G r e a t Wa yTo S p e n d M y D a y. c o m 717.285.1350
Help Your Business Bl b ou t Call a r and so spon ibitor exh nities rtu oppo day! to
Lancaster County
omen’s Expo
May 30, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Millersville University Marauder Court 21 S. George St., Millersville NEW LOCAT ION!
aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com
m! Health & Wellness • Finance Home • Technology Beauty • Nutrition and more!
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Y
By DAVID HESSEN
“ Indoor allergens
and irritants have
become much more important in recent decades because
The air inside your home may be polluted by lead (in house dust), radon, even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants are tracked into the home, and some arrive via a new mattress or furniture, carpet cleaners, or a coat of paint on the walls. “In that mix, you’ll also find microscopic dust mites, a major allergen, plus mold and pet dander,” says Edward McFarlane, vice president of sales and training at Haller Enterprises. “Even if you don’t have pets, you may have pet dander. It’s what we call a community allergen. Pet owners carry it around on their clothes and shed it throughout the day. You can’t get away from it.” Children, people with asthma, and the elderly may be especially sensitive to indoor pollutants, but other effects on health may appear years later, after repeated exposure. Indoor allergens and irritants have become much more important in recent decades because we’re spending more time indoors, McFarlane continues. And because modern homes are airtight, these irritants can’t easily escape. “We’re all exposed to a greater degree than we were three or four
decades ago,” he says. Ninety percent of homes have shown indoor air quality issues,* and the EPA ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental health risks. Some common indoor air pollutants that can be found within your home can include: Molds and Other Allergens These biological chemicals can arise from a variety of hosts, but there are two common classes: moistureinduced growth of mold colonies and natural substances released into the air, such as animal dander and plant pollen. Moisture buildup inside buildings may arise from water penetrating compromised areas of the building, from plumbing leaks, from condensation due to improper ventilation, or from ground moisture penetrating a building part. Carbon Monoxide One of the most acutely toxic indoor air contaminants is carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Common sources of carbon monoxide are space heaters, fossil
fuels, defective central heating furnaces, and automobile exhaust. Indoor levels of CO are systematically improving due to increasing implementation of smoke-free laws. Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to 10 times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products including: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, and furnishings. So What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality? “Our trained technicians can safely remove these harmful contaminants, allowing you and your family to
we’re spending
more time indoors.
”
BusinessWomanPA.com
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LIFESTYLE
ou do your best to make sure the house is clean and tidy, but you’re probably missing something. We tend to think of air pollution as something outside: smog, ozone, or haze hanging in the air, especially in summer. But the truth is, the air inside homes, offices, and other buildings can be more polluted than the air outside.
Top 10 Reasons to Have Air Ducts Cleaned 1. Installation of a new high-efficiency heating and cooling system—you don’t want to blow dirt and debris through a new coil 2. Aggravated allergy or asthma symptoms 3. Pet dander accumulation 4. Reduction of interior dust 5. Ducts and furnace have been inactive for two or more years 6. Rodent or other pest infiltration 7. Microbial growth inside 8. Odors from ducts or furnace 9. A video inspection shows dirt and debris in ducts
LIFESTYLE
10. Routine maintenance to improve indoor air quality
breathe clean, fresh air,” says McFarlane, whose company serves the South-Central Pennsylvania region. “Our process does not use any chemicals and does not raise any dust in your home. We have seen duct work that contained up to 4 inches of dust, debris, and micro-organic matter!” Most of the dust that enters your
home stays … and a lot of it can be found in your duct system. Storebought filters trap less than 7 percent of this pollution, allowing 93 percent of it to flourish and cause coughing, sneezing, allergic reactions, throat infections, asthma attacks, skin irritations, and headaches. The concern for pure indoor air quality is not only associated with
/Harrisburg Regional chamber
older homes, newer homes also have air-quality problems. The tighter the home and the newer the carpets, walls, ceilings and floors — the more contaminants are released into the air. Viruses and bacteria are trapped in the energy-efficient home as well. McFarlane concludes: “Our customers’ health and safety is of the upmost importance to us, so the duct
@HRCCREDC #HRCdinner
cleaning services by our highly trained, expert technicians are a perfect way to make sure the families in our communities are able to breathe easier and healthier in their homes.” *Air Advice State of Our Indoor Air Report 2007. †CDC Fast Stats from Summary Health Statistics for U.S. National Health Interview Survey, 2004.
SAVE THE DATE: April 1, 2015 5:30 PM Reception 6:30 PM Dinner
FEATURING
ROSS SHAFER
LOCATION:
Keynote Speaker
Ross Shafer is a six-time Emmy Award Winning Comedian, Writer, and TV Host. Ross is one of the most sought after Keynote speakers and seminar leaders on the subjects of Customer Empathy, Personal Motivation, and Business Relevance. For more on Ross Shafer, visit www.rossshafer.com
The Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey
COST: Member Rate: $100 General Admission: $125
To register, call (717) 232-4099 or visit www.HarrisburgRegionalChamber.org. 14
~ March 2015 | buSInESSWoman
Just about anywhere women go, we carry a purse. It holds the necessities to make sure our family and friends are safe and to grow our businesses or careers—cell phones, credit cards, business cards, etc. But some purses hold more inconsequential items than others, and that’s what makes the difference in the size of the purse. The more “stuff,” the bigger the purse. The season, clothing, and other accessories worn will also help determine which purse she will ultimately carry. This month we feature local women who are making a name for themselves in business and the community. Please go to www.BusinessWomanPA.com/purseonalities to match the purses to the women.
Entries with all women matched correctly will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to Creative Elegance Boutique in Camp Hill, Pa. Winner will be announced on April 13, 2015. Deadline for entries is March 31, 2015. Correct matches will be posted after April 13, 2015. Visit www.BusinessWomanPA.com/purseonalities and check your answers, and to read about the important work each of our featured woman does and get a peek at her PURSE-onality!
1
Alison Ballantine
2
Shannon Jefferson
Mother of three and community volunteer
MaryAnne Nguyen
Director of business development at Conte Wealth Advisors
1
Community volunteer
Kathy McCauslin-Cadieux Owner of Creative Elegance Boutique
Account executive for Members 1st Federal Credit Union
6
Amy Shepley
4
Lisa M. MacDougall
President of AGEX Financial
5
3
7
Sandra Valdez
Associate director for Spanish American Civic Association (SACA)
8
Cyndy Wilson, MS, BSN, RN Director of surgical services for PinnacleHealth System
5
3
7
6 8 2
4
Just to name a few of the collections at ... 2129 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA • 717.737.5400 • CreativeEleganceBoutique.com BusinessWomanPA.com
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kçãåü~ĂåçüÍ=kçï=_ÉåüÖ=^ÅÅÉÊĂÉÇW The West Shore Chamber of Commerce invites you to nominate exemplary women for the 2015 Luminary Awards Luncheon. This event highlights all nominees and awards two business women in the following categories: såÍåçü~ĂŞĂł=iĂŹĂŁĂĄĂĽ~ĂŞĂł=^ĂŻ~êÇ
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Nominee submissions procedure information can be found on www.wschamber.org. Nominations due by May 8, 2015. 2015 Luminary Awards Luncheon Date: August 26, 2015
EVENT SPONSOR
16
~ March 2015 | buSInESSWoman
MEDIA SPONSOR
Stoltzfus' Wellness & Fitness Products • 717-687-6376 www.TheWellnessIndustry.com • WellnessIndustry@comcast.net
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Take Control of Your
Colon Health By REBECCA HANLON
P
“”
Taking care of your colon could mean
saving yourself from one of the top cancer killers.
there is no family history of colon cancer, patients should have their first colonoscopy at 50, he said. “More than 90 percent of patients who develop colon cancer are 50 or older,” Whitebloom said. The whole idea behind a colonoscopy is not to detect cancer, he said, but to remove the polyps or growths that could turn into the disease. “By nature, you’re doing a colonoscopy on someone who has no cancer symptoms,” he said. “It can take 10 years or more before a polyp would develop into cancer. Through screenings, we catch it early enough to avoid any issues.” Colonoscopies that come back normal mean a patient wouldn’t need to have another one for 10 years, Whitebloom said. By 80, most patients are finished with the three colonoscopies they’ll have in their lifetime, he said. Sometimes, colonoscopies at an earlier age can be beneficial, said Dr. Iryna Hepburn with Good Samaritan Health Systems in Lebanon. She recommends AfricanAmericans start screening at 45, as statistics have shown they have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. In addition, anyone with a family history of colon cancer should consider earlier or more frequent screenings. “If you can find a polyp before it develops into cancer, you’re essentially going to save your life,” she said. “If it’s already developed into cancer, you’re looking at surgery and possible chemotherapy. At that point,
WELLnESS
reventive measures go a long way in making sure you stay healthy— but even more so when it comes to keeping a healthy colon. Doctors will tell you that regular screenings, whether a dental cleaning or a yearly physical, are the best ways to detect health problems. But perhaps one of the easiest things you can do to save your life? Have a colonoscopy, according to experts. Dr. Dale Whitebloom of Regional Gastroenterology Associates of Lancaster, who has been in practice for 25 years, said age is the major determinate of when people should start screening for colon cancer. If
Dr. Dale Whitebloom of Regional Gastroenterology Associates of Lancaster (RGAL).
it changes your life.” While statistics show the cases for colon cancer are declining, with about one in 20 people expected to develop it in the next year, technology is helping to detect polyps much earlier than before, Whitebloom said. Within the past several years, about 15 percent of women and 20 percent of men who had a colonoscopy were found with polyps,
he said. That’s changed to be about 30 percent of women and 50 percent of men. New technology is able to pick up on the tiniest of polyps before they ever have the chance to turn into cancer, he said. Despite patients being told they should sign up for screenings, only two-thirds of patients in the United States receive their recommended colonoscopy, Whitebloom said.
BusinessWomanPA.com
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WELLnESS
Dr. Iryna Hepburn with Good Samaritan Health Systems in Lebanon.
The two most common reasons that patients don’t want to have the procedure is because of the liquid laxative that must be consumed the night before and the expectation of pain. Doctors have been able to come up with different laxatives over the years that aren’t as bad as some people might have heard, Whitebloom said. The volume that someone needs to drink has decreased and the flavor has improved. “Having been through a colonoscopy myself, the bowel prep once every 10 years is a small price to pay,” Whitebloom said. Patients also don’t experience any pain during or after the procedure, noted Hepburn. During a colonoscopy, patients are placed under anesthesia so they don’t even know what’s going on. Many patients also report less stomach pain related to gas thanks to new techniques, Whitebloom added. Some new procedures can help people avoid having a colonoscopy, but they aren’t all as accurate. Some people are asking about a capsule endoscopy, where the patient swallows a tiny camera that travels through their digestive system, Hepburn said. But that procedure is used for small-bowel assessment, and it is not the same as a colonoscopy, she said. One procedure that works similarly to a traditional colonoscopy is the virtual colonoscopy, or a CT scan that views the colon without being invasive.
This procedure is a gamble, Hepburn said, because if a polyp is found, a colonoscopy will have to be performed anyway. That could mean a patient would have to go through bowel prep twice: once for the CT scan and again for the colonoscopy, Whitebloom said. “If you have it and there aren’t any problems, then you win,” said Hepburn. “But that’s the risk you take. It’s really up to the patient if they’re willing to do that.” The best thing people can do to keep their colon healthy outside of doctor appointments is to eat right and exercise. “The reason why all your doctors are telling you that is because it works,” Hepburn said. Whitebloom suggests people avoid red meat, as it has been linked to higher risks of developing colon cancer. He also tells his patients to try to eat 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day by increasing fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. “That can be a tough thing to ask of people, especially those used to the Pennsylvania Dutch diet, which is essentially comfort foods,” he said. “If people ate at home instead of going out, they’d probably find they could increase their fiber pretty easily.” Taking care of your colon could mean saving yourself from one of the top cancer killers, Hepburn said. “It’s not something to be taken lightly,” she said. “If you had the chance to save your life, wouldn’t you want to take it?”
Fact: 7 of 10 people with colon cancer have no symptoms. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America among cancers that affect both men and women. Over 50,000 Americans die of the disease every year.
Regular screening tests could save many of those lives by finding precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn to cancer or by finding cancer early when treatment often leads to a cure. Screening is recommended for everyone beginning at age 50 and earlier if you are at high-risk or experiencing symptoms. Don’t be a statistic. Talk with your doctor or call Good Samaritan Digestive Health Specialists today at 717.376.1180 to schedule your colorectal cancer screening.
761 Norman Drive, Lebanon, PA | 717.376.1180 | www.gshleb.org/digestivehealth
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~ March 2015 | buSInESSWoman
TURNING 50? Don’t put off colon cancer screening LIKE US
FOLLOW US
Colon cancer is the third leading cancer killer in the United states, yet preventable and treatable with early detection. Contact your primary care physician or call RGAL at 717-544-3400 to discuss a screening colonoscopy.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! WELLnESS
PIN US Four Convenient Locations • Lancaster Health Campus • Oregon Pike-Brownstown • Women’s Digestive Health Center • Elizabethtown www.RGAL.com • 717.544.3400
WATCH US
Remind your loved ones: Screening Saves Lives! BusinessWomanPA.com
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Relief for Psoriasis With proper treatment, symptoms can be reduced or eliminated
Y
WELLnESS
By CLAIRE YEZBAK FADDEN
ou first noticed them on your elbows—itchy, sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales—and wondered if the markings could be psoriasis. For people suffering from the skin disorder, the patches can also appear on your knees, scalp, back, face, palms, feet, and on other parts of your body. Psoriasis has been recognized for centuries; however, there has been a revolution in the understanding of the condition. “At its core, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease caused by an immune system that overproduces skin cells,” says Michael Shapiro, M.D., FAAD, ACMS, a board-certified New York dermatologist. “The most up-todate treatments for severe psoriasis do not treat the skin but rather target the immune system. Since it is an inflammatory skin disease, it is now known to be associated with internal cardiovascular inflammation.” “Psoriasis is a chronic condition,” says Noe Baker, public relations manager for the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). Up to 30 percent of people with the disease develop psoriatic arthritis, and recent studies indicate that patients with moderate to severe disease are also at increased risk for other associated health conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, and hypertension. “A dermatologist will diagnose the condition and provide the most effective care for individual patients. With effective treatment, many people find that their psoriasis will clear. However, it can reappear at any time,” Baker cautions. “Once patients understand that their psoriasis is not contagious, they seem to be relieved,” according to dermatology specialist Joshua Fox with Advanced Dermatology, PC. “They are comforted to know that there is help for their symptoms.
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Psoriasis can be painful and can make everyday actions uncomfortable for adults and children,” adds Fox. “The disease carries a stigma that can lead to a loss of self-esteem, depression, and other health complications.” Common Triggers “Psoriasis occurs across all races and climates and has a bimodal age distribution,” Shapiro says. “One peak occurs in children and the other in middle-aged adults. Psoriasis improves with natural sunlight, and thus may be seen in more severe forms in northern climates where sun exposure is less.” Scientists believe that at least 10 percent of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis, according to Baker. However, only 2 to 3 percent of the population develops the disease. Researchers believe that for a person to develop psoriasis, the individual must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to specific external factors known as triggers. Triggers are not universal, and what may cause one person’s psoriasis to become active may not impact another. Common triggers, according to the NPF website, include: Stress: Stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Relaxation and stress reduction may help prevent stress from impacting psoriasis. Injury to skin: Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This is called the Koebner [“KEB-ner”] phenomenon. Vaccinations, sunburns, and scratches can all trigger a Koebner response. The Koebner response can be treated if it is caught early enough. Infection: Anything that can affect the immune system can affect psoriasis. In particular, streptococcus infection (strep throat) is associated with guttate psoriasis. According to
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Baker, strep throat is often associated with the first onset of guttate psoriasis in children. “You may experience a flare-up following an earache, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection, too,” she adds. “It’s not unusual for someone to have an active psoriasis flare with no strep throat symptoms. Talk with your doctor about getting a strep throat test if your psoriasis flares.” Certain medications: Lithium: Used to treat manic depression and other psychiatric disorders. Antimalarials: Plaquenil, Quinacrine, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine may cause a flare of psoriasis, usually two to three weeks after the drug is taken. Inderal: This high blood pressure medication worsens psoriasis in about 25 to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis who take it. Quinidine: This heart medication has been reported to worsen some cases of psoriasis. Indomethacin: This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis has worsened some cases of psoriasis. Treatment Options “Psoriasis is treated with topical agents, including topical steroids and non-steroid agents, such as vitamin D derivatives. It is also controlled with
oral medications that alter the immune system,” says Shapiro, “as well as more sophisticated injectable medications called biologic medications.” Psoriasis is also commonly treated with narrow-band ultraviolet light B and PUVA (psoralen, a sensitizing agent, combined with ultraviolet light A). The latter light treatments are generally administered in the dermatologist’s office, but home units are also available. Phototherapy, or light therapy, involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis and under medical supervision. Treatments are done in a doctor’s office or psoriasis clinic or at home with a phototherapy unit. “Phototherapy is not the same as tanning,” says Baker. “The National Psoriasis Foundation does not support the use of tanning beds as a substitute for phototherapy treatment.” New oral treatments improve symptoms of psoriatic disease by inhibiting specific molecules associated with inflammation. Unlike
How to Manage Psoriasis • Moisturize. Use a non-irritating, fragrance-free moisturizer. Thick ointments are best for locking in moisture and repairing the skin barrier.
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• Limit bathing. Take warm (not hot) baths not more than once per day. Pat the skin dry with a towel (do not rub) and apply moisturizer immediately following.
Different types of psoriasis pictured left: 1. Guttate psoriasis 2. Plaque psoriasis 3. Pustular psoriasis
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• Choose a mild, non-irritating soap. Use sparingly. • Use a humidifier indoors. The ideal range is 45-55 percent humidity.
photos courtesy of National Psoriasis Foundation
biologics, which are derived from living sources and must be administered via injection or infusion, these treatments can be effectively delivered as tablets taken by mouth. “Treating your psoriasis is critical to good disease management and overall health. Work with your doctor to find a treatment—or treatments—that reduce or eliminate your symptoms,” says Baker. “What works for one person with psoriasis might not work for another. So it’s important to know the different treatment options and keep trying until you find the right regimen for you.” Women and Psoriasis Studies show that the emotional and social
effects of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are more significant for women than men. “Treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in women requires extra considerations,” says Baker. “If you are planning to become pregnant, you may wonder how psoriasis could affect you and your baby. If you are nursing, you may have questions about the safety of treatments.” Baker encourages readers to visit www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/womenand-psoriasis to learn more. • Claire Yezbak Fadden is a Pennsylvania-native freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @claireflaire.
While We Were Out ...
• Avoid sweating. Sweat can trigger flare-ups. Wear wicking fabrics and change out of damp or snowy clothes as soon as possible. • Keep fingernails short. This decreases the likelihood that scratching will tear the skin and lead to infection. • Hydrate. Drink plenty of water. • Reduce stress. Stress can trigger flares. • Identify and eliminate possible triggers. Some common triggers include wool, soaps, fragrance, pet fur, cosmetics, and household cleaners. Some patients have found relief by altering their diets. – Courtesy of Joshua L. Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D. and Levine Robert Levine, D.O., F.A.O.C.D. www.advanceddermatologypc.com
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West Shore Chamber 2014 annual awards
• Wear loose, soft clothing. Choose cotton over wool, denim, or other harsh fabrics. Wear gloves and scarves outside to protect exposed skin.
Were you at a company function? Did your company participate in charity work? Did a co-worker receive an award? BusinessWoman would love to share what’s happening while you're out and about.* West Shore Chamber 2014 annual award recipients: Lynn Stickler of Central Penn Business Journal received the Edward M. Messner Inspiring Business Award; Paula Kostic of Classic Drycleaners and Laundromats received the Les Ginanni Business & Community Connection Award; Don Gay of AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union received the George C. Hoopy Award; and Tracey Jones of Tremendous Life Books received the Business Achievement Award.
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WOMEn TO
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Karen christian has been hired as senior vice president of lending for Members 1st Federal Credit Union. Formerly, Christian was the senior vice president of lending at NASA Federal Credit Union, Washington, D.C.
Heather Hall has been hired as director of surety for GunnMowery, LLC. Hall comes to Gunn-Mowery with 15 years’ commercial banking experience, most recently as vice president of commercial banking at Susquehanna Bank, in charge of all commercial lending in the Capital Region.
Emily McKnight was hired as a staff accountant for Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz (BSSF), Camp Hill office audit team. McKnight graduated from Kaplan University summa cum laude and she brings four years of experience working in nonprofit and small-business accounting.
Jean Treuthart has been named the CEO for the YWCA. Treuthart brings more than 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, revenue building, fundraising, and advocacy to the CEO position.
Iryna V. Kauffman has joined the Harrisburg office of SF&Company, CPAs and Business Advisors, as a staff accountant. She earned a master’s degree in accounting from California State University, and she previously worked as an accountant for an English law firm in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Do you have an announcement? Please email your announcements of career advancements and professional new hires to crupp@onlinepub.com. Electronic photos should be saved as a tiff, jpeg, pdf or eps at 300 dpi. Or mail to: BUSINESSWOMAN, 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512. Photos sent through mail will not be returned. Please – no duplicate releases.
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AcHIEVEMEnTS & Lauralee baker, a partner with the law
Teri Giurintano, executive director of Lebanon Transit and
Sandra Harnish, a registered nurse
office of Barley Snyder’s healthcare and litigation groups, has been elected to serve on the board of directors for Contact Helpline. Contact Helpline is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, listening, health, and human service information and referral service.
resident of the city of Lebanon, has been appointed by Commuter Services of Pennsylvania to serve as chair on the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Partnership nonprofit board that oversees the region’s nine-county commuter alternatives program.
with a Bachelor of Science in nursing who currently works for Affilia Home Health, was recently appointed to the board of directors for Landis Homes. Her experience includes working in the roles of charge nurse, staff nurse, and as an RNAC in a skilled care center.
Rachel Hess was recently appointed to
Anna Grace Martin was also recently appointed to the board of directors for Landis Homes. Martin was a finance officer at Mennonite Home/Woodcrest Villa. Her former volunteer and board work includes service to the Lancaster Chapter of the Red Cross, the PA Relief Sale, and Tabor Community Services.
Pamela Polacek has been named president of The Dauphin County Bar Association (DCBA) for 2015. Polacek is a member with McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC in the energy, communications, and utility law practice group.
the board of directors for Landis Homes. She was most recently employed by MEDA, Mennonite Economic Development Associates, where she helped design and manage economic development projects in the U.S. and around the world.
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MEET AnD
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American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Camelot Chapter 6 p.m. 3rd Monday of the month The Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center, Camp Hill Debra Yates, President 717.763.7814 dyates7870@aol.com www.abwacamelot.com Lancaster Area Express Network 7:15 – 9 a.m. 3rd Wednesday of the month Lancaster Country Club 1466 New Holland Pike, Lancaster Jennie Weinhold 717.715.2595 info@LAEN-ABWA.com www.LAEN-ABWA.com Lebanon Valley Chapter 6 p.m. 4th Wednesday of the month Hebron Fire Hall 701 E. Walnut St., Lebanon Penny Donmoyer 717.383.6969 www.abwalebanonpa.com Penn Square Chapter 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2nd Thursday of the month Hamilton Club 106 E. Orange St., Lancaster Donna Anderson 717.392.8285 donnatroptan@yahoo.com Wheatland – Conestoga Chapter 6 p.m. 1st Tuesday of the month Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Kimberly Warner, President kwarner@murrayins.com Women @ Work Express Network 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. 2nd Thursday of the month Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Beth Lovell blovell@comcast.net www.abwalancaster.com
Central PA Association for Female Executives (CPAFE) 1st Wednesday of each month Refer to the website for the meeting location Cathy Jennings, President 717.713.7255 info@cpafe.org www.cpafe.org
Red Rose Chapter 6:15 p.m. 4th Tuesday of the month Woodcrest Villa 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster Tamara Coleman tcoleman1123@comcast.net www.iaaplancaster.com
Executive Women International Harrisburg Chapter 5:30 p.m. 3rd Thursday of the month Rotating location Kathy Lacomba klacomba@pa-fsa.org www.ewiharrisburg.org
White Rose Chapter of York 6 p.m. 3rd Wednesday of the month Normandie Ridge 1700 Normandie Ridge Drive, York Dorothy Keasey 717.792.1410 djkeasey@comcast.net
Harrisburg Business Women 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month, Sept. – July Best Western Premier Central Hotel & Conference Center 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg Lynne Baker, President 717.215.2327 info@harrisburgbusinesswomen.org www.harrisburgbusinesswomen.org Insurance Professionals of Lancaster County (IPLC) 5:45 p.m. 3rd Tuesday of the month, Sept. – May Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Krista Reed, President kreed@gunnmowery.com www.internationalinsuranceprofessionals.org/ group/117 International Association of Administrative Professionals Harrisburg Chapter 5:30 p.m. 3rd Monday of the month Holiday Inn Harrisburg East 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg Helen E. Wallace, CAP-OM, President Jodi Mattern, CAP, Webmaster jodi4psu@gmail.com www.iaap-harrisburg-pa.org
Mechanicsburg Business Women 11:30 a.m. 3rd Wednesday of the month Giant Super Foods Community Room 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill Abeer Srouji Allen info@mechanicsburgbusinesswomen.org www.mechanicsburgbusinesswomen.org Pennsylvania Public Relations Society 5:30 p.m. Last Thursday of the month Joan Nissley, President pprshbg@gmail.com www.pprs-hbg.org Shippensburg Women’s Area Networking (SWAN) Noon 1st Wednesday of the month Rotating location Lisa Mack, President shipswan@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/shipswan
Women Inspiring Success Express Network 7:15 – 9 a.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month Knickers Pub at Heritage Hills 2700 Mt. Rose Ave., York Wanda Stiffler 717.891.7808 wls1211@hotmail.com Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) 11:30 a.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month Sept. through April Mary Meisenhelter Debra Goodling-Kime Yorkview Hall Willman Business Center York College of PA 441 Country Club Road, York jsternerwbco@ycp.edu www.wbcoyork.org Women’s Independent Networking Group (WING) Noon 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month Heritage Hills 2700 Mount Rose Ave.,York Lisa Barshinger 717.747.6393 info@wingofyork.com www.wingofyork.com Women’s Network of York 11:30 a.m. 3rd Tuesday of the month Out Door Country Club 1157 Detwiler Drive, York Theresa La Cesa Jennifer Smyser, President happydayus@yahoo.com www.wnyork.com
Hershey Chapter 5:30pm 2nd Tuesday of the Month Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey 717.508.1710 mbair@hersheypa.com www.hershey-iaap.org
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Yellow Breeches Chapter 6 p.m. 4th Wednesday of the month Comfort Suites 10. S. Hanover St., Carlisle Jofa Kauffman jofa@paonline.com
WOMEn’S nETWORKInG GROuPS
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