November 2016
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Caregiving: Medicaid’s Five-Year Look-Back Rule The Entrepreneurial Journey
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Inside
WHAT’S 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
7 The entrepreneurial journey
A recipe for success for female business builders.
9 More women leaning in
Learning the ropes of small business ownership.
11 Winning at working
It started with a turkey.
12 Caregiving: 10 signs your aging parent can’t live alone As we age, we become less independent than we once were.
14 Caregiving: Medicaids five-year look-back rule Five points that will demystify this rule for you.
16 Women’s expo
Highlights of the Cumberland county expo.
17 Putting their hands where their hearts are
The “Wonder Women” of the Veterans Helping Hand in York.
19 Good oral Health
Don’t underestimate it’s value.
21 Epic Men’s Expo
First-ever event for men ... and the women who love them.
22 women to watch
New hires and promotions.
22 ACHIEVEMENTS & APPLAUSE
FAMILY
BUSINESS
HOME
AUTO
Awards and accomplishments.
22 while we were out
Your colleagues in the community.
23 meet and greet
Regional networking events and meetings.
5 cover story A picture really can say a thousand words. Laura Rutledge, founder and executive director of Triangle Therapeutic Riding, finds joy in working with others, especially those with special needs. Rutledge is elated when she sees students overcoming challenges in their lives , and it can be attributed to the therapy she provides through riding. Beautiful, gentle horses and an understanding therapist make a world of difference in the lives of those in her community.
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November 2016 Vol. 13 - No. 11
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PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
Donna K. Anderson
EDITORIAL
We also honor our veterans in ie up those sneakers and get November. Some people actually do ready for the holiday race. It more than talk the talk. Read about a begins with Thanksgiving “My theory is that we are all here to local veteran who searched out people and ends weeks down the serve one another in very specific ways, who needed his help; he went where road in the new year. In between, which usually show up as our dream. the homeless were. Unfortunately, you’ll be shopping for food, buying And that dream exists so we can fulfill this champion for the downtrodden gifts, and visiting friends and family. what I call our soul purpose in life.” passed away before seeing the fruits Oh, yes, and taking care of your of his labor come to fruition – a families and working. Don’t forget to ~ Suzanne Falter-Barns veterans’ homeless shelter. Today, take time out to de-stress. his daughter and mother, along with November is National another person God put upon his Entrepreneurship Month. With more path, continue his work. than two-thirds of all jobs created by You probably visit your dental office for a cleaning and entrepreneurs, many of you know one or you are one. Or perhaps you are considering becoming an entrepreneur. checkup twice a year. But the dentist does more than just Learn a few tips to ensure you make yours a successful check our teeth for cavities. Discover other conditions your dentist is on the lookout for, such as gum disease, mouth adventure. Many entrepreneurs and small-business owners need cancer, or the cause of your headaches or migraines. The final women’s expo of this year is Nov. 12. See page funding, either to start their business or to expand it. Discover some sound options for funding your business 16 to get a preview of the day. You’ll go away saying it was a and who can assist you in creating an effective business great way to spend your day! plan. And the first ever Epic MEN’S Expo is Nov. 19. Yes, you November is also National Family Caregivers Month. are invited to come along with your guys. See page 21 for We know that women are more likely to be caregivers for the teaser. So much to see and do, it’s going to be Epic! older loved ones. Many of you are caregivers. Inside this issue you’ll find a couple of articles that may assist you on that loving journey. We broach two topics: Medicaid’s fiveyear look-back rule and assessing if your parents can live Christianne Rupp alone. Vice President and Managing Editor
Marketing and Your Business You need to get your product or service in the hands of potential consumers. Marketing does that, and it includes sales, public relations, pricing, packaging, and distribution. We’ll gather fresh information on marketing strategies and bring them to you once a month in an easy-to-read e-newsletter called The Fresh Press. We won’t spam you with offers. That’s not what this newsletter is. Look for an email from The Fresh Press in your inbox or go to www.BusinessWomanPA.com and sign up to receive this FREE newsletter.
~ November 2016 | BUSINESSWoman
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Vice President and Managing Editor Christianne Rupp Editor Megan Joyce Contributing Writers Barbara Trainin Blank Carolyn A. Brent Connie Certusi Lynda Hudzick Nicholas D. Lutz Barb Murphy Nan Russell
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717-285-1350 or info@businesswomanpa.com www.businesswomanpa.com BusinessWoman is published monthly by On-Line Publishers, Inc., 3912 Abel Drive, Columbia, PA 17512, 717.285.1350. Copyright On-Line Publishers, Inc. 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is strictly prohibited. Views expressed in opinion stories, contributions, articles and letters are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. The appearance of advertisements for products or services does not constitute an endorsement of the particular product or service. Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, BusinessWoman cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor does the editorial material necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. On-Line Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to revise or reject any and all advertising. Subscription information: $14 per year for home delivery of 12 monthly issues. Subscribe online at www.BusinessWomanPA.com or call 717.285.1350. Member Of:
Story
CAREER
COVER
Saddle Up for Success
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By Lynda Hudzick
y sister and I were always riding ponies and horses as far back as I can remember,” Laura Rutledge said. “I rode a pony by myself before I learned to ride a bike.” With that kind of background, it seemed inevitable that Rutledge would someday end up working with horses—and today, she does just that. As the founder and executive director of Triangle Therapeutic Riding, and co-owner with her husband of Stony Run Fields, the ranch that TTR calls home, Rutledge is in her glory. “My family moved three times when I was growing up,” Rutledge said. Between the ages of 5 and 8, Rutledge lived near a farm in New York that had ponies. Then the family moved to Puerto Rico, where she lived until she was 14. “We joined an equestrian center where we had very formal, difficult instruction,” she recalls. “I didn’t like it at the time.” Six years later, the family moved to Pennsylvania, bringing their horse with them, to a house with an eightstall barn. “No one else wanted to take control of the barn, so my older sister and I learned barn management with the
help of our instructor at the time.” They took on some boarders and taught basic lessons to the neighborhood kids. At age 14, Rutledge began volunteering at Thorncroft Equestrian Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania, where she first experienced therapeutic riding and said she knew, even then, that she “wanted to find a way to combine horses and helping people.” That desire would eventually lead her to a degree from Penn State in therapeutic recreation and then to pass a national test to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CRTS). This happily married mother of two worked as a CTRS for several years but found herself back at Thorncroft, volunteering and taking their therapeutic instructor course and obtaining her PATH International Certification. Unfortunately, however, in time she had to resign. “I loved working there, but my son had some health issues so I needed to find something where I could take a lot of time off,” she said. Using the knowledge and experience she had gained so far, and relying on her church and her Thorncroft family for support, Rutledge decided it was the right time to start her own small therapeutic
riding program. “I was very blessed to have my neighbors, Kim and Floyd Zook, let me start my program on their private farm,” she recalls. “Later, my neighbors, Susie and Sid Walmer, let me move my program there as we grew. We knew that we would need a less busy place … with an indoor
arena and ADA-accessible design for the long term.” The relationship between a rider and her horse is a special one. “Horses have always been my therapist, social center, and physical activity,” Rutledge said. “The oneness felt with horses when riding and on the ground and around the barn is
Rachel Sensenig, riding Serena, is building up her core and leg strength and improving her balance. By navigating around photos, objects of interest, and letters around the arena, Sensenig is motivated to look forward instead of down so she can learn to steer her horse. BUSINESSWomanPA.com
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rewarding, uplifting, motivating, but also at times challenging and discouraging. Relationships between horses and people are symbiotic.” She explained that when the riders feel good about what’s happening, the horse typically does as well, unless he’s in pain, and then it’s the human’s job to pick up on nonverbal cues from the horse. “The same goes for our clients and horses. When they are having a bad day and come to the barn where the horse is completely attentive to them, they light up when they realize that the horse is connecting with them,” Rutledge said. Her days are busy, starting early in the morning as she checks on the well-being of the horses and the barn and training staff. “Managing Stony Run Fields is done with help from my husband, both my kids, and the attentive barn staff,” Rutledge said. Arena and pasture schedules have to be organized, daily cleaning must be done, health and medical issues facing the horses must be addressed, and endless paperwork has to be handled. But it’s all in a day’s work for Rutledge. “After all that is taken care of, it’s time to switch gears to the TTR program.” Again, schedules must be coordinated, equipment must be checked, lessons must be planned— and sometimes, Rutledge even gives presentations to potential sponsors, schools, or local charities. But she and her family don’t do it alone. “TTR has an amazing group of dedicated volunteers, ages 14 and up,” Rutledge said. “All our volunteers believe in doing everything in the best interest of the horse and rider. Being able to help create positive change for our riders is life changing to us volunteers—it’s a reward like no other.” Her co-workers have told Rutledge that she should write a book about all of the amazing success stories that have come out of the hard work and dedication of the TTR staff and their horses. “The latest is a little girl with many sensory issues, nonverbal or no expressive language other than body language, extreme fear issues,
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Johnathan Gehr rides Takoda. Gehr, who has autism, has learned many horsemanship skills and life skills over his eight years of riding, including self-regulation skills to cope when he gets upset or inpatient, like pausing and taking a breath.
Kendon Garman rides Buster as he takes an English riding lesson with trainer Larissa Ott. Garman is on the equestrian team at the Penn State Berks County campus.
Rutledge rides Aspen, a paint Appaloosa draft cross horse. A young but very gentle horse, Aspen’s demeanor makes him not only an excellent therapy horse, but also a good jumping horse. Aspen is the official veterans program horse for Triangle Therapeutic Riding; he was purchased and donated by the Reinholds VFW.
~ November 2016 | BUSINESSWoman
moderate intellectual challenges, and a very complicated diagnosis,” Rutledge said. After working with the TTR program for several months, today, this young girl has made great strides in overcoming her many challenges, and Rutledge said now, they are hopeful that “someday we might be able to hear her speak words … her possibilities are endless.” All students who attend the TTR program are treated with great respect, something that is very important to Rutledge. “It gives me great joy when I am helping others and working with others, especially our riders with special needs,” she said. “In a world of so much negativity and people who complain but never do anything to make change, I feel blessed to work with a group of likeminded people who are here to make change. I hope that TTR will continue to grow so we can help more children and adults in our community.” One of the things that TTR does as a good-will project is to have “visit days” where they schedule a special-interest group to come and check out the program. Some of those have included adults from a group home, learning support classes from local school districts, kids from the inner city, and even groups of veterans. It’s just another way of giving back to the community. “My grandmother and my caregivers taught me at a young age that giving back is one of the most important things to do because it is what God wants us to do,” Rutledge said. “Giving back to the community is the best place to start with making positive change.” Her journey to where she is now hasn’t been an easy one, but Rutledge is especially grateful to her husband for “pushing me to work harder and for all of his help,” she said. “The experiences that came up were far more challenging than I ever expected, but I learned that on days I felt like giving up that I had more strength, determination, faith, and perseverance than I ever thought possible.”
CAREER
The Entrepreneurial Journey:
A Recipe for Success for Female Business Builders By CONNIE CERTUSI
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ational Entrepreneurship Month is celebrated each year in November. Entrepreneurs are business builders who get up and run their businesses every day— whatever the weather, whatever their circumstances. These champions create two-thirds of all jobs and keep the U.S. economy afloat. Sage serves these champions across the globe, with a passion to ignite their success along the entrepreneurial journey. As part of Sage’s ongoing celebration of small businesses, and to better understand that journey and the characteristics of their success, we sought input from start-ups and the business leaders who nurture them. These findings are documented in our published “The Start-up State of the Nation” report. The survey found the challenges an entrepreneur faces can differ depending on whether they are a male or female. Women were less likely to have had executive experience before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. This lack of experience—despite the benefits that come with it, such as a stronger networking group—could be why the data suggests female entrepreneurs find it harder to get access to credit and capital as well as the business counsel they need to succeed. Despite these unique challenges,
female-entrepreneur resilience is alive and well—our research showed women were one-third more likely to form a start-up than men. In addition, women felt better about their work life and family balance than their male peers. Fifty-five percent of female entrepreneurs feel they have achieved work life and family balance, compared to 47 percent of men. This finding was surprising, given the cultural expectation that successful women must play the role of “Superwoman,” juggling the pressures at work while being the family nurturer as a mom, spouse, daughter, or friend. Although I’m not a female entrepreneur, I have spent the last 30+ years as a female in the technology industry with the last 10+ years as an executive responsible for business performance. During this time, I’ve learned some lessons that might benefit the entrepreneurial woman. It’s Not About Finding Balance; It’s About Finding Harmony Dr. Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, put it best when he said: “Forget about balance. It’s an illusion. ‘Balance’ assumes that we spend an equal amount of time in all or most areas of our life. The problem with that is that almost no entrepreneur can actually achieve that. For me, it’s about creating BUSINESSWomanPA.com
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harmony, not balance ... a life that is in harmony with your vision of who you are and what you want to do.” As a businesswoman, who was also a mom, wife, and daughter, I constantly struggled with decisions that forced me to pick between work and family. Later in life, I came to the conclusion that there’s no real balance in life, and believing there is will set you up for failure and a feeling of constant guilt. Looking back, I realize that even though I was a workaholic at times in my career, forfeiting family events like my son’s football game or daughter’s play, these decisions didn’t affect the great relationship we have today. To the female entrepreneurs out there struggling with work and family balance, don’t be consumed with guilt. Building a business requires hard work and long hours. Be there when your family and friends truly need you, and get a good support system for those
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55 percent of female entrepreneurs feel they have achieved work life and family balance.
times when you can’t be.
There is No Glass Ceiling Don’t let self-limiting thoughts steal your chances for success. As a woman in business, I’ve never thought I was viewed differently because of my gender. Maybe this occurred at some point, but I never acknowledged it because doing so would subject me to playing the “victim” role and taking my eye off my personal goals. Women have many character traits that can help them excel as business owners if they put them to use. For example, research shows that female entrepreneurs are better at creating opportunities for other people and giving employees
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reasons to feel better as part of the team. We all know that when colleagues are empowered and feel part of something, they deliver better results, so female business owners should take advantage of the skills they have in this area to build their business. Don’t Take Failure Personally I once read an article by Vanessa Loder titled, “How Are Female Entrepreneurs Different from Male?” that stated women display a greater tendency to be self-critical than men when faced by failure. I can tell you that I relate to this first hand. Women can internalize failures and blame themselves.
This trait is good in the sense that it means you hold yourself highly accountable to deliver; however, as one great leader once said to me, “If you take failure personally, how can you rise above it and lead your people through it?” To close, I lift a glass and toast all of the female entrepreneurs out there. Stay true to yourself and your goal, whether it’s to create a business that gives you flexibility to spend time with your family or build the next successful multibillion-dollar corporation. • Connie Certusi is the EVP and managing director for Sage in the USA. As managing director, she has overall commercial responsibility for Sage’s performance in the accounting, ERP, and HR/payroll U.S. market with a laser focus on delivering strong revenue growth driven by exceptional customer engagement and innovative technology solutions. Certusi has been in the business-management software market for more than 30 years with the last 20 years spent at www.sage. com/us.
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~ November 2016 | BUSINESSWoman
CAREER
More Women ‘Leaning In’ by Learning the Ropes of Small-Business Ownership By MEGAN JOYCE
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midst the cultural rally for work/life balance-torn women to “lean in”—to continue pursuing their career goals and speak up for their needs—more and more women
are deciding to do so on their own terms: by becoming their own bosses. By becoming entrepreneurs. And they’re doing it in record numbers. Between 2002 and 2012, women-owned businesses increased
in number 2.5 times greater than the national average, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which hosted the United State of Women entrepreneurship summit in June. Today, women make up nearly 29 percent of all U.S. business owners. That brings the national total to 9.8 million women-owned businesses, said Solomon Wheeler, manager of the SBA’s Harrisburg branch. “Fiscal year 2015 was a historic year for women in federal contracting,” Wheeler said. “For the first time in history, the federal government met the 5 percent women-owned small-business goal,” having loaned 5.05 percent ($17.8 billion) of contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses. But before they could contribute to the $1.4 trillion in annual business revenues that women-owned businesses generated, and before they could employ more than 8 million workers, these womenowned businesses needed funding to get started—funding and a sound business plan. Karen Christian, senior vice president of lending at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, has observed that women are often seeking business loans to purchase investment properties, restaurants, daycare facilities, and professional office space or equipment. “Someone looking to start a business should perform very comprehensive research on the market and industry and develop a business plan,” Christian said. “Part of the planning should include a capitalization analysis to ensure
the entrepreneur will have enough capital to operate and grow the business.” Wheeler recommends having a minimum six-month cash reserve available to sustain you—covering both business and personal living expenses—before the business begins turning a profit. “Regardless of gender, most entrepreneurs tend to be overly optimistic, especially when developing cash-flow projections and that sometimes leads them toward making the wrong decisions,” Sue Rising, vice president of marketing at Members 1st, agreed. “One of these decisions could be leaving their [current] employment, thinking that the business will be making lots of money right away. It takes time to make money and be successful,” Rising added. The SBA offers a variety of loan programs designed specifically to encourage entrepreneurship, with its most common being the 7(a) Loan Program. To be eligible for a 7(a) loan, a business must: operate for a profit and in the United States; have reasonable invested equity; use alternative financial resources (including personal assets) before seeking financial assistance; demonstrate a need for the loan proceeds; use the funds for a sound business purpose; be free of existing debt to the U.S. government; and, of course, be “small” as defined by the SBA (see sidebar). This is a partial list of requirements. Another loan program helpful for small-business owners is the SBA’s Microloan Program, which
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provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000, according to the SBA, and can be used for working capital, inventory or supplies, furniture or fixtures, machinery, or equipment. Microloan proceeds cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate. Toward that end, real estate can be purchased with proceeds from the SBA’s Real Estate and Equipment Loans, or the CDC/504 Loan Program. These loans can also be used to fund the purchase of major fixed assets, such as equipment. In addition to other requirements, a CDC/504 loan applicant must have a tangible net worth less than $15 million and an average net income less than $5 million after taxes for the two preceding years. Low-interest disaster loans are also available through the SBA to cover repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets that were damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. And the SBA offers mentoring and counseling programs tailored specifically for female entrepreneurs. “Find a mentor or counselor,” Wheeler recommends. “The government offers a great deal of free resources and services to support small-business owners, both online and in person.” Those resources include the SBA-sponsored SCORE Mentors program, which provides free and confidential counseling, mentoring,
To be considered a “small” business, SBA size standards have the following general ranges: • Manufacturing – from 500 to 1,500 employees • Wholesale Trades – up to 100 employees • Services – $2 million to $35.5 million in average annual receipts • Retail Trades – $7 million to $35.5 million in average annual receipts • Construction – $7 million to $33.5 million in average annual receipts • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting – $750,000 to $17.5 million in average annual receipts
There is an alternative size standard for businesses that do not qualify under their industry size standards for SBA funding. That alternative is that the applicant business (plus affiliates) can’t have a tangible net worth exceeding $15 million and average net income exceeding $5 million for the last two years. This new alternative makes more businesses eligible for SBA loans. • Small Business Administration’s 2016-17 Resource Guide for Small Business – Eastern Pennsylvania Edition
and advice to small-business owners via a network of business executives, leaders, and volunteers. Small Business Development Centers provide management assistance, such as financial counseling and marketing advice; Women’s Business Centers offer business training and counseling with the unique needs of women entrepreneurs in mind. Veterans Business Outreach Centers and Minority Business Development Agencies provide similar help targeted toward those groups as well. There’s more to becoming a business owner than securing startup funds, of course. Women, especially, must carefully consider how their entrepreneurial leap will affect that ever-teetering scale of work/life balance.
Join other businesswomen at monthly luncheon workshops to learn more about achieving success in business. Tuesday, November 8, 11:30-1:00 Serving With a Passion Col. Maureen Weigl (Ret.) Retired Colonel Maureen Weigl will share her journey from military service to business entrepreneur! Election Day - Wear your Red, White, and Blue!
For Registration information visit our webpage: www.wbcoyork.com
Educating Women on Best Practices in Business www.wbcoyork.com
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Rising urges women to ask themselves hard questions: What sacrifices and compromises are you willing to make? What about the time commitment? And—do you have the necessary skills to run a business? “Keep in mind: It’s one thing to be really good at what you do and be an expert at it when you’re working for someone else,” Rising said. “When you own and operate your own business, your name, your reputation, your product, and your brand is on the line, and ultimately, you’re the one who is held accountable for success or failure.” Rising and Christian both recommend starting your business part time, if possible, and put off leaving your current job until you’re sure your business is going to be fruitful.
“Do the research and interview other businesses in the area where you are going or that are performing a similar service. Take your business plan seriously, research it well, and follow it,” Christian said. “What do you want your business to look like in three, five, or 10 years? Make sure you have the right amount of capitalization and a cushion to fall back on.” A common pitfall both male and female entrepreneurs tend to make, according to Wheeler, is “failure to clearly define and understand your market, your customers, and your customers’ buying habits … How loyal are your customers to their current supplier? Do customers keep coming back, or do they just purchase from you one time? Does it take a long time to close a sale, or are your customers more driven by impulse buying?” Rising noted that a strong marketing plan—a way to reach your potential customers—is vital and should include both online and digital exposure as well as face-toface contacts that build personal relationships. “Get out there and network; be seen and be involved,” Rising said. “You are the face behind your brand, your product, and your service. Be sure to measure the success of your marketing efforts and make adjustments accordingly.” • For more information on loan programs and mentoring/counseling services from the SBA, visit www.sba.gov.
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Winning at Working: It Started with a Turkey
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By NAN RUSSELL
n the early days of a start-up company I once worked for, a plump turkey was a small thank-you token given to employees around the holidays. The turkey-giving practice lasted maybe three years, until the growing size of the organization necessitated its change. While enhanced benefits emerged to replace that poultry gift, the missing turkey still appeared as a resentment issue years later in employee forums. Not long ago, I was surprised to hear employees grumbling at a company that provided a daily complimentary hot breakfast to employees. Not enough organic fruit, too many high-carb selections, no green tea, and limited options were frequent murmurs. Turns out their well-intentioned
gesture was not met with any thanks, just complaints. What didn’t surprise me was the management team’s decision after only a few months to eliminate those breakfasts. The squeaky wheel does get noticed, especially when there are no counter comments to balance the perception. While most of us appreciate a positive work environment, a thoughtful boss, and a grateful company, we can take these components for granted. “Whatever gets rewarded gets done” is a common workplace axiom. But too often we think this philosophy should happen only one way—from management to staff. The truth is we train our bosses how to treat us. We encourage the withholding of information when we break a confidence; limit thank-you gestures when we have an entitlement
mentality; and reduce the possibility of time flexibility or work-fromhome options when we fail to produce expected results on time. And when we do appreciate the extra time off, the additional benefit, or the gift card but we don’t say so, our silence “trains” our bosses not to bother. Articles tout how lack of appreciation from management negatively impacts commitment, turnover, and employee engagement. And that’s true. But, what we don’t hear is what lack of appreciation from employees is also doing. Good managers find it disheartening to have their wellintentioned rewards met only with complaints; frustrating to discover their thank-you gestures unappreciated; and irritating to see a sense of entitlement prevailing.
It’s no wonder it’s easier not to make the effort. But people who are winning at working, at all levels, approach work relationships as important relationships, understanding that successful ones require focused effort from both parties. These efforts include open dialogue, mutual respect, and honest exchange. And people who are winning at working know the secret to any winning relationship is appreciation, gratitude, and a thank-you now and then, no matter which side of the desk they sit on. • Nan Russell is an award-winning author of four books, including Trust, Inc. and The Titleless Leader. More about Nan and her work at www.nanrussell.com. © Nan S. Russell
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Caregiving
10 Signs Your
By CAROLYN A. BRENT
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t’s a sad reality that, as we age, we become less independent than we once were, but for most blessed with longevity, it’s inevitable. With multiple millions of baby boomers throughout the U.S. caring for elderly parents, throngs of adult caregivers struggle with determining if their parent is fit to remain living alone. It’s a difficult, multifaceted decision not to be made lightly as there is much at stake—both the physical and emotional well-being of the parent in question and for the extended family at large. To help ease the process of determining if an elderly parent should no longer live on their own, here are 10 telltale signs that can give you better peace of mind with making this all-important decision:
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e n o Parent Can’t Live Al
1. Mom or Dad has always been a great housekeeper, but the house just doesn’t look like it used to. You may remember a parent who was constantly on you about tidying your room or putting things away after you were done with them. The house was always spotless and everything was organized, clean, and in its place. There was much pride in this fact. However, upon visiting with Mom or Dad, the home has become decidedly cluttered and not nearly as clean as normal. Of course, this can mean a lot of things. Your parent may actually have an active social life and is more concerned with staying busy than tidying up. But, it could be a more ominous sign that your parent is having a difficult time keeping up
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with all the chores. She may feel overwhelmed or his physical health is slowing him down. Ask your parent if help is needed with the clutter, but do it in a nonchalant way that could prompt a conversation indicating assistance is needed here. Keep a keen eye to discern if the clutter and filth are getting worse with each visit; it’s often a key sign. 2. The bills and other mail are piling up. While we all get busy—even those who are retired—when basic tasks that were often dealt with quickly and easily when younger are now falling by the wayside, it is a sign that your older parent could be getting overwhelmed and is not able to manage their daily affairs. This may also indicate some
signs of forgetfulness and memory issues. Often, especially if a parent is alone without a spouse, she may not have someone to remind her to go through the mail and check to see if it’s time to pay certain bills. 3. The checking account balance is wrong and bills are going unpaid. If the mail, with bills included, is piling up, there is a good chance that the bills are not getting paid. You may also discover that your parent’s checking account ledger balance is wrong or in arrears. These may also be signs that your parent is having memory issues or difficulty with simple math cognition. It can also indicate a general apathy—a mindset that can be equally problematic for someone with the glut of responsibility required to effectively live alone.
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Often, especially if a parent is alone without a spouse, she may not have someone to remind her to go through the mail and check to see if it’s time to pay certain bills.
4. Your parent is losing a lot of weight. A parent who may have lost their partner or who is generally depressed often loses interest in eating due to a reduced appetite. He may feel that it is not worth the hassle of shopping for and preparing meals if he is now living all alone. Accordingly, pay close attention to your parent’s weight. Also, check their refrigerator and pantry to see if there is an appropriate supply of food and that what is there is fresh and edible. If the cupboard is bare and your parent’s frame is shrinking, living alone might become problematic. At the very least, you may want to think about bringing groceries by or looking into a service that offers prepared meal delivery. Otherwise, you may have to think about putting your parent somewhere that helps them eat regular, healthy meals. 5. They have forgotten the basics of hygiene. If you notice that your parent is wearing the same clothing day in and day out or that her hair or skin appears dirty on a fairly regular basis,
she may have lost the motivation, ability, and/or forethought to look after herself. Living alone, she may feel like she doesn’t have to dress up or clean up for anyone. Worse yet, she may have forgotten—or simply no longer cares—that such personal hygiene and cleanliness is an important part of daily living and maintaining one’s good health.
6. They appear in inappropriate clothing. While you may not share your mother or father’s sense of style, there is cause for concern if your parent dons summer clothing in the dead of winter or leaves the house in a nightgown and slippers for a trip to the store. This often happens when the elderly are suffering from confusion and lose the ability to have discretion in social situations. In this situation, wardrobe can be the least of the concerns as the problem manifests in other dangerous ways. 7. There are signs of forgetfulness in the home. Confusion can also show up in the kitchen and can prove to be
deadly if not dealt with quickly. All too often there are stories of older people who accidentally burned their houses down because they left a pot on the stove for hours and fell asleep or have flooded the home when they forgot to turn off the tap. Or, perhaps more subtly, the milk is in the pantry and the bread is in the refrigerator. These are all telltale signs that it may not be wise for your parent to be left home alone for extended periods of time. 8. Your parent regularly misses appointments and other important items. Forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and memory issues may also show up when it comes to keeping certain appointments, recognizing key dates, or, even more importantly, maintaining medication dosages on schedule. This is a clear sign she needs to live with someone who can help her stick to her schedules and stay on task. 9. They are just acting plain weird. This is always the sign that families dread the most. No one wants to turn into the “crazy cat lady”
or the “man who mutters to himself.” But, unfortunately, between aging, mental degradation, and the side effects from medication, you may note that your parent has lost his personality, and his behavior has taken an odd turn for the worse. If you see signs of paranoia, fear, strange conversations, and nervousness, this should not be overlooked as it’s a blatant sign that living assistance is in order. 10. They exhibit signs of depression. There are a number of classic signs that can be connected with someone suffering depression. A loss of interest in caring for one’s self as well as a lack of participation in socialization and in once-loved hobbies can mean that your parent needs treatment or should reside in an environment where they can be around other people. Sometimes, depression comes from a sense of loneliness or the realization that they can no longer do things for themselves. Putting them somewhere that offers assistance, socialization, and activities can help cure the loneliness and put them back on track to a more fulfilling, active, and engaged life. • Carolyn A. Brent, MBA, is an aging and eldercare authority and legislation advocate. Brent is also an award-winning author of the acclaimed title, Why Wait? The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially & Legally for a Parent’s Death, a book that helps caregivers discern, discuss, and deal with crucial end-of-life issues within their families. www.CareGiverStory.com
Thank a caregiver during national caregiver month … It is a loving journey, but it is a demanding journey.
All Hands Home Care • 1300 Market Street, Suite 5 • Lemoyne, PA 17043-1420 www.allhandshomecare.com • ph: 717.737.7905 • fx: 717.737.7908
Women Owned Businesses bring vitality to your community. Please support the women owned businesses in your town. To find out how you can access the resources necessary to start or grow your own business, contact the Community First Fund office nearest you.
Business Financing, Business Counseling, Business Success. Lancaster/Lebanon York/Adams Capital Region/Harrisburg Reading/Berks 717.393.2351 717.848.3863 717.920.1520 610.685.4940 www.communityfirstfund.org BUSINESSWomanPA.com
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Medicaid’s Five-Year Look-Back Rule By NICHOLAS D. LUTZ
ne of the most confusing and misunderstood topics in elder law is Medicaid’s five-year look-back rule. The following are five points that I hope will demystify this rule for you. (This discussion is based on information available as of July 2016 – Medicaid rules in Pennsylvania).
It’s a look-back period from the date of a Medicaid application. Despite its complexities, the lookback rule has a simple purpose: to require individuals applying for government assistance (Medicaid) to report any substantial transfers of assets in a chosen time period leading up to the application for benefits. The chosen time period is
five years back from the date of a Medicaid application. For example, if an individual applies for Medicaid on Nov. 6, 2016, the five-year period covers the dates from Nov. 6, 2011, to Nov. 6, 2016. Substantial transfers of assets are those greater than $500 in a month in the aggregate (meaning
all gifts in the given month added together must be less than $500 to escape scrutiny). As you can see, this is quite a low threshold for reporting transfers. Transfers or gifts made during the look-back period are not an outright bar to Medicaid eligibility. A point of confusion that I often hear is concern that a gift or transfer made during the five-year look-back period is an outright bar to receiving Medicaid. While there are consequences to making gifts or transfers during the look-back period, doing so is not an outright bar to Medicaid eligibility. Individuals who engage in gifting during the look-back period are penalized. As I mentioned, gifting during the look-back period is not a complete bar to receiving Medicaid benefits. Instead, an individual who makes gifts during this period is penalized. The penalty that an applicant must serve is a denial of Medicaid benefits for a period of time that roughly corresponds with the amount of days in the nursing home that the gifted asset(s) would have paid for. Expressed in terms of a formula, the amount of the gift is divided by the average cost of one day in the nursing home (also known as the penalty divisor). The result of performing this calculation is the number of days the applicant is ineligible for Medicaid long-term
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care benefits, or their “penalty period.” For example, if John Doe made a gift to his daughter, Jane Doe, in the amount of $5,000 and needed to apply for Medicaid within the look-back period, he would be ineligible for 17 days. The amount of the gift, $5,000, divided by the current statewide average cost of one day in the nursing home, $302.42, equals approximately 17 days. It is vitally important to note that the penalty period does not begin to run until the applicant is “otherwise eligible” for Medicaid. This means that the penalty period will not begin until their available assets are depleted to the point that they are financially eligible for assistance: either $2,400 or $8,000, depending on their income. The look-back period does not bar individuals from making gifts. The look-back period is a Medicaid rule. The spirit of the rule is to prevent
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It is extremely important to consult a lawyer if you are considering making such gifts. Good advice at this juncture can be invaluable later. individuals from impoverishing themselves immediately before applying for Medicaid to cover long-term care expenses. Because the reporting period is so long, it captures more than just individuals attempting to impoverish themselves to qualify for assistance. Consequently, many people are concerned about the propriety of gifting in their own various circumstances. The truth is that every situation is different. The Medicaid rules do not bar gifting; they simply penalize individuals who make gifts in the
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five years leading up to an application for Medicaid. In general, it is wise to understand the rules and consider your unique circumstances before engaging in gifting. An elder law attorney can counsel you both on the rules at play and on the wisdom of gifting (or not). Transfers made outside of the lookback period are not penalized. The inverse of the rule that transfers made within the fiveyear period immediately preceding a Medicaid application must be
disclosed is that transfers made outside of that window do not. In simple terms, a gift made six years prior to applying for Medicaid would not be reported on the Medicaid application and, therefore, the applicant would suffer no penalty for this activity. Engaging in gifting more than five years before applying for Medicaid can be an effective strategy for protecting assets from nursinghome costs and lowering the amount of available assets an individual has at the time the application is completed. It is extremely important to consult a lawyer if you are considering making such gifts. Good advice at this juncture can be invaluable later. • Nicholas D. Lutz is an attorney with the law firm of Marshall, Parker & Weber, LLC, with offices in Williamsport, Jersey Shore, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton. For more information, visit www.paelderlaw.com.
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Free onsite parking. All services performed by supervised students.
50 Ranck Ave. Lancaster
717-299-0200
Job placement assistance provided to all graduates. Financial aid available to those who qualify. Scholarships available. For gainful employment disclosures go to www.lancasterschoolofcosmetology.com
www.lancasterschoolofcosmetology.com
635 N. 12 th Street, Suite 101, Lemoyne, PA 17043 7 1 7 – 7 2 4 – 9 8 21 dz m mla w .c o m 17043 Additional office locations in Harrisburg and Carlisle, by appointment only.
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At the Corner of Fun and Fabulous – The Women’s Expo!
omen’s Expo Cumberland County
By CHRISTIANNE RUPP
Just in time for the holidays, the Cumberland County women’s expo will be held on Nov. 12 at the Carlisle Expo Center from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Plan to spend the day with friends, family, or coworkers and check out products and services offered by people who live in your own backyard. So many of our purchases are done online anymore that we’ve lost the adventure of shopping – the fun of seeing, feeling, touching, and smelling products. They don’t call it retail therapy for nothing! The women’s expo gives you the opportunity to do all of this in a relaxed atmosphere. And if you’re like me, you’re asking yourself where the year went because the holidays are just around the corner. This will be the perfect opportunity to pick up some “not the usual” gifts. You’ll also find timely information about home décor, travel destinations, trendy jewelry, home improvement ideas, health and wellness, nutrition, skin care, entertainment, and so much more. You may know someone who has had a wedding gown designed by the local fashion artist Sheila Frank. Although Sheila creates beautiful bridal wear, she also designs day-to-night dresses; specialoccasion wear for Holy Communion, prom, mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and galas; and even some costumes! Prepare to be amazed as her designs take center stage for this year’s fashion show. Don’t forget to stop by Tranquility Spa’s booth for makeup touch-ups and hand massages. Sounds relaxing! Rubi Nicholas, Nick@Nite’s “Funniest Mom in America” winner and stand-up comedian, will be joining us. She’s one funny lady! You’ll laugh until your sides
hurt. Does anyone not know that Carlisle Bakery has some of the best baked goods in the county? Your mouth will water as Eric Bell, owner of Carlisle Bakery, shares his cake-decorating techniques. Eric makes it look so easy and yet it takes years of practice and a lot of patience. And it’s not just the design that has to look great; the cake itself has to be tasty too! Stauffers of Kissel Hill will show us how to create a great-looking container garden for the holidays. They make it look simple by telling us what to use and where to place the embellishments. Perhaps this year your unique container garden will enhance your entryway or tabletop. Don’t gain 5 pounds this holiday! A GIANT nutritionist will be joining us and providing tips on how to survive the holidays without gaining weight. Want to do a little wine sipping? Castlerigg Wine Shop from Carlisle and Olivero’s Vineyard from McAlisterville will be offering wine tastings to guests over 21. Stop by and have a sample. You may end up purchasing a bottle to take to a holiday party! Don’t pass up the opportunity for free spa treatments and health screenings. This is a day to think about yourself and find ways to relax. Log on at www.aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com for free advance guest registration ($5 at the door) or for more information about participating as a sponsor or exhibitor.
Visit www.aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com for free advance guest registration ($5 at the door) or for more information about participating as a sponsor or exhibitor.
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For guest registration, or more information, go to:
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Putting Their Hands Where Their Hearts Are
By BARB MURPHY
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the displaced veterans had settled, whether it was under bridges, in local wooded areas—anywhere they could disappear from the animosity leveled toward them. Distrust shadowed him at first, until he established that he was only there to help in whatever way he could. Sometimes that meant taking water to them in summer heatwaves or blankets and warm clothing in frigid temperatures. Maybe more than anything, however, he took a message that someone cared, really cared. After a time, “Miss Dorothy” often trekked right along with Mr. Sandy as someone who could also be trusted. Most days, she didn’t even know where they’d be going, just that they would be going, and she would learn that boots, raingear, or warm clothing might be on the menu depending on the day. Dorothy could more than “hack” it. As a daughter of actual slaves in Mississippi, she had resilience and the mettle to do just about anything. At the age of 12, she, along with help from a local pastor, went down to Mississippi and, by dark of night, liberated her family from the masters that had them picking cotton in slavery. She calmly mentions that if they had been caught, they would have been killed. “Miss Dorothy” prays about everything in her life, and God is her life’s tour guide. She eventually ended up working in the shelter every weekday as an independent contractor. With the hours and the “pay,” it basically comes down to being a volunteer, Sandie said. It’s OK with Dorothy, who doesn’t like to be recognized as being anybody special. She and Mr. Sandy didn’t get along at all when they first met. He was “outspoken,” spurring
lifestyle
here are no big “W’s” on their shirtfronts, and they don’t stand around with arms akimbo and legs firmly planted. It’s their quiet actions that make these three the “Wonder Women” of the Veterans Helping Hand in York. Collette Walker, Dorothy Miller, and Sandie Walker form the team that makes the world spin for veterans in need. Sandy Walker’s boots were large ones to fill, and it took a lot of feet to fill them to accomplish his dream of creating resources for any veteran in need, most specifically for those who found themselves homeless in York. Sandy, who was Sandie’s dad and Collette’s husband, was a Vietnam veteran who faced the same abhorrent treatment when he returned as did the majority of others returning from the little country in Southeast Asia. Many were treated as convicts or criminals just for doing the job they were required to do. The result was a second round of wounding for these heroes as they tried to fit back into a country that wanted to pelt them with ridicule and criticism for something that no one seemed to understand. Many of those vets came back home to York, often like pieces of a puzzle searching for the elusive puzzle from which they originated. Many found jobs almost as soon as they got home, but due to what would later be termed PTSD, a percentage of the veterans found they couldn’t cope with segueing back into the “normal” life they had left. Many became homeless and broke. “Mr. Sandy” had the ability to understand the drive and vision to actually do something about helping them. He went to where
From left to right: Dorothy Miller, Sandie Walker, and Collette Walker.
Dorothy’s pointblank declaration to him. She said, “I don’t really care for you, but I am in it for the mission.” That made him kind of stop, and then start laughing. “From then on, we got along.” He was honest and truthful, so to her, that was the tradeoff for his blunt ways. Collette Walker was a team player with her husband, Mr. Sandy, and she beams when she explains how he was a champion to so many people.
However, the undertaking took a great deal of effort and time as well as money. Sacrifice was a constant companion, and it couldn’t help but affect the family, which comprised three blood-related children and several children who just kind of morphed into the family. Their mission together was to help people, a pure and simple concept that transported Collette from not only wife and mother, but also to someone who shared the vision.
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lifestyle
It was by no means an easy life, and certainly not for the feeble. Collette may be one of the few women who could pick up that quest and partner with her husband to make it work. Like the other two Wonder Women, she prefers to be a background gear to keep the machine running. When Sandy and Collette’s daughter Sandie was born, how could anyone know that she would one day fill the boots of her dad? When Mr. Sandy passed away just a few months before the veterans shelter was to open, Sandie stepped in and up to coordinate everything that needed to be done. Not that anyone would know that if they weren’t involved in the gutting, renovation, and reconstruction of the building on West King Street. The spotlight never shines on her, by her choice. Though Sandie holds a double degree from University of Richmond, serves on York City council, and chairs the York Police and Fire
will have a collection box at the
Lancaster County
Nov. 15, 2016 • 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Spook Nook Sports • 2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim
Please bring your new, unwrapped toys! The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 and is sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserve. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Over its lifespan, the Marine Toys for Tots Program distributed over 512 million toys to over 237 million less fortunate children.
www.ToysForTots.com www.VeteransExpo.com is brought to you by OLP Events • www.olpevents.com • 717.285.1350
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Committee through council, you won’t find that out from her. The 6-foot, 1-inch beauty not only was a star basketball player for York High and her college, but she also went on to coach the girls’ basketball team at her York High alma mater. As founder and co-director or Y.O.R.K., or Youth Obtaining Respect and Knowledge, a summer travel and community-service program for teens, her heart and soul paves the way for youth as well as the veterans. Sandie could very easily sail into wealth and recognition and power. Instead, she is another third of the trio that makes up the Wonder Women of Veterans Helping Hand. Dorothy, Collette, Sandie— serving York County’s finest, our veterans. For more information, visit Veterans Helping Hand on Facebook or call 717.900.4742.
Give Honor everyone on your holiday list with gifts that change lives. Do you wish for a simpler, more meaningful way to give gifts to friends and loved ones? Buying gift donations from our 30 nonprofits provides life-changing benefits for people in our community and the world. Imagine providing a life-sustaining gift in the form of food, shelter, education, medicine, social justice (and more!) for those in need. You feel good giving. Your friends and family feel good receiving. Those you help feel hope and relief. Gifts That Give Hope change lives and bring lasting impact!
LANCASTER FARM AND HOME CENTER 1383 ARCADIA ROAD LANCASTER, PA 17601
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Don’t Underestimate the Value of Good Oral Health
A
By BARBARA TRAININ BLANK
carcinoma is most prevalent there but can appear in all areas of the mouth and lips. Mouth cancer lesions have an irregular border. The dentist also checks inside the cheeks, asking the patient to extend the tongue and say “ah” so the dentist can look in the back of the throat for lesions. If a lesion is found, the dentist can take photographs and email them to a periodontist or perform oral surgery to remove a sample for a biopsy for evaluation. What are the causes of oral cancers? The No. 1 cause is tobacco use, but heredity plays a part. Other risk factors are alcohol consumption, poor diet, and the human papillomavirus. “HPV is spreading because of oral sex, especially in teens, where it is the No. 1 cause of the virus,” Ahnquist said. To get the most comprehensive view of a patient’s mouth, the
hygienist should take a Panorex—Xrays that go around the head from one ear to another. A Panorex can pick up bone densities and radiolucencies that can be pathological lesions. Some patients are concerned about radiation from X-rays, but, said Ahnquist, “the exposure is minimal, because X-rays now are digital. You get more radiation going outside to your car in the sunlight. “X-rays” she continued, “help us see what can’t be seen otherwise. Decay is minor compared with finding cancer.” Another important evaluation is the measurement of the airway when a patient says “ah.” Dentists should be educated in sleep apnea, Ahnquist suggested. Recently, Ahnquist saw a child who was “dying to breathe.” As a result, he had behavior problems, allergies, and needed oxygen. He also didn’t sleep well, breathed through his mouth, and even had circles under his eyes.
“If you do a sleep study of a patient, commonly the problem is in the tonsils and adenoids. But the patient may also have underlying anatomical and physiological issues, and it is important to have an intervention,” Ahnquist said. About 30 percent of the population has apnea but doesn’t know it, and apnea is related to many health problems. For example, people with apnea tend to brux—clench and grind their teeth. The muscles of the face control the force of the teeth against each other and can lead to flattened, shortened, and fractured teeth. The muscles can also cause chronic headaches and migraines. “If the bite is not balanced, people will have the tendency to clench,” said Ahnquist. “Stress can contribute, but unbalanced bites are one of the main causes of bruxism. They can lead to curvature in the neck and the spine.” If you frequently wake up with headaches and/or have pain in the back of the neck, it can be a biting issue. Another oral condition is temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which may result from a malaligned bite, trauma, facial muscle forces, degenerative discs or joints, or arthritis, among other factors. Mouth sores, such as sun blisters, aphthous ulcers (or canker sores), and herpetic lesions, can erupt due to stress, diet, or trauma to skin. Periodontal (or gum) disease is one condition dentists discover when
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wellness
mouth is not just a mouth. It’s a window into a person’s overall health. “It’s so important, and so neglected by the medical community,” said Suzanne Ahnquist, DMD, of Smilesbuilderz in Lancaster. “There is such an oral-systemic link.” For one thing, the bacteria that occur naturally in the mouth and are harmless can be harmful for the rest of the body. Basically, today, dentists deal with “everything above the neck,” not just the mouth, notes Ahnquist. More specifically, today’s dentists and the registered dental hygienists who work with them are taught to do an oral cancer exam. “Mouth cancer is devastating,” Ahnquist said. “It can go fast and metastasize and can be disfiguring.” Dentists and hygienists will also check for enlargements around the neck—the lymph nodes or the thyroid gland may be enlarged. The majority of the time the patient doesn’t know he or she has any pathological condition because initially it doesn’t hurt. Dentists and hygienists look at the throat, “which should be ‘smooth and strong,’” said Ahnquist. “If they find an enlargement or open wound on one side, it can be suspicious. They should document the size of any abnormalities, such as lumps and lesions.” Your dentist also should be checking the tongue, especially the lateral borders. Squamous cell
they do an oral examination. The dentist should examine the patient for pain anywhere in the joints and neck and find out if the patient has headaches or sores in the mouth. Many people don’t realize they have periodontal disease because it doesn’t hurt until it has done some bone damage. In periodontal disease, the gums become puffy and bleeding, and there are significant infections and bone loss. Periodontal disease starts as plaque. Colonies of bacteria give off toxins that deteriorate the bone. Research shows the toxins can get into the bloodstream and cause heart disease and heart attacks. Smoking is the No. 1 cause of periodontal disease. The toxins in smoke deteriorate the bone surrounding the teeth. Toothbrushes can’t clean plaque. You need a hygienist to use scalers to get under the gum to remove the hard deposits that build up. A cavitron is a dental tool that uses high-frequency sound waves
to clean teeth from tartar and dirt. Water then flushes away the bacteria and plaque that build up on your teeth. Drug use has multiple negative effects on the teeth: bone loss, decay, and periodontal disease. Another dental condition dentists should look for is dry mouth, or xerostomia. Dry mouth has many causes, including certain medications and medical conditions. “Though you may have a good health history, a dry mouth makes you more prone to getting cavities,” noted Ahnquist. Saliva is necessary to moisten our mouths and keep them clean, as well as to digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. Clearly, it is wise not to forgo visiting your dentist for regular cleanings, which will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. But your dentist may also alert you to other health conditions that you may not have been aware of.
The signs of a heart attack can be different in women. wellness
In fact, some women can experience a heart attack with no chest pain at all. So know the signs. If you feel them, get to an emergency room – fast. Call 911 and count on the certified Chest Pain Center at Lancaster Regional Medical Center for nationally recognized heart care.
LancasterMedicalCenters.com
Lancaster Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.
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10/6/16 1:40 PM
The First Ever Epic MEN’S Expo—Women Will Love it Too!
Nov. 19, 2016 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. MEN’S York Expo Center Memorial Hall West By CHRISTIANNE RUPP Ladies, get the guys—husband, boyfriend, brother, son, uncle, the guy that fixes your car, whoever—and start your engines! The premiere Epic MEN’S Expo will debut in York on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the York Expo Center’s Memorial Hall West. The Epic MEN’S Expo will bring together men of all ages—and the women who love them—for an exciting, action-packed event crammed with all things “manly.” Well, not so fast. Yes, women love to support their guys, but after a while you may be looking for a distraction from all that “guy stuff.” That’s when you’ll want to break away and visit the Women’s EPICenter, where you can shop for clothing, home décor, foodstuff, jewelry, or a little of this or a lot of that. Joining us will be Robin Cole, former linebacker and defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cole will be signing autographs and pictures, but he’ll also be carrying out his new mission in life—educating people wherever he can about prostate cancer. A prostate cancer survivor himself, Cole is the founder and director of the Obediah Cole Foundation, named after his father, who died from the disease. Meet ESPN 92.5 and 92.7 national late-night radio host Freddie Coleman at the Epic MEN’S Expo. The host of the The Freddie Coleman Show, Coleman will be greeting fans and signing autographs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Love to play golf but never know where the ball is going to end up? You and your guy can get your swings analyzed by a FlightScope radar-based swing analyzer or test out a new club at Royal Manchester Golf Link’s booth. They will have a TaylorMade® hitting net set up, a state-of-the-art, transportable, full-swing driving cage. And for those of you who often wonder what beer to serve with your favorite foods, Isaac’s Restaurant and The Beer Ace will be conducting a special food and craft beer pairing during the expo for a limited number of attendees. Legacy Innovations will have some of their custom-restored streetcars, racecars, and show cars on display, like the 1963 Split Window Corvette shown here. I recently saw an episode of American Pickers, and the guys were so excited because they came
EN’S WOIM Center EPI
717.285.1350
across the hard-to-find split window Corvette. You and your guy have a chance to see one up close and personal at the expo! Other cars will also be on display as weather permits. Hear from L. Paul Vezzetti II, winemaker/cidermaker and partner at The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey, as he shares his wine philosophy, which revolves around handcrafting approachable vintages that focus on aromatics and balance. Paul will be answering all your questions about the handcrafted wines, beers, and ciders the breakout winery/brewery produces. Of course there will be wine and beer tastings! Jesus Castanon Sr. started his career in Havana’s famous Cohiba Cigar Factory. He now rolls cigar for his son, who owns the Hain’s Pipe & Cigar Shop in York. Castanon will be hand rolling cigars—perhaps even his infamous “Minuteman” cigars. Watch a live tattoo demo on stage by the team from York’s Vivid Skin Tattoo Studio. They’ll explain the process and answer questions. And the Men’s Wearhouse will conduct a fashion show of men’s clothing featuring the latest styles in denim from Lucky Jeans, 7 for All Mankind, Kenneth Cole, Buffalo David Bitton, and more. Does your guy need an updated style? Guys can see how their facial hair measures up by taking part in the Epic Beard Contest. Prizes include products from BadAss Beard Care and Beard Farmer! Or if less hair is what they’d prefer, men can get their style shaped up with free haircuts from World A Cuts Barber Institute at the Barber Stop. Amongst the activities going on, there will also be exhibitors who are looking forward to meeting you face-to-face to talk about products or services for the multifaceted modern men. The Epic MEN’S Expo is brought to you by OLP Events. Advance guest registration ($5 value) and general information are available at www.EpicMensExpo.com.
EpicMensExpo.com
Watch
women to
Rev. Dr. Carolyne M. Call has been hired
by Lancaster Theological Seminary to lead development and communication in the graduate school of theology’s Office of Advancement. Call’s duties include overseeing all seminary fundraising efforts, church and community relations, and marketing.
Ashley Millhouse has been hired by
Godfrey as a senior designer. She brings to her position 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. Millhouse earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in communication design from Kutztown University.
Alicia Mills has been hired as a physician
assistant to Urology of Central PA. Mills is a graduate of Arcadia University with dual master’s degrees in science and public health. She has several years of experience in family practice prior to joining UCPA.
Applause
ACHIEVEMENTS & Kimberly Decker, an attorney with Barley
Jami Rohland is the IT manager for
Snyder, has been named to The Legal Intelligencer’s group of “Top Women in Law,” a list highlighting 25 female attorneys in Pennsylvania who have had notable achievements in the profession in the last two years. Decker is chair of the firm’s securities practice.
Carlisle Regional Medical Center. She is the 2015 Employee of the Year for the hospital, which is owned by Community Health Systems.
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS!
See below regarding how to submit your achievements and/or career changes. You have worked hard to get where you are; why not share it with other businesswomen just like you!
While We Were Out ... Martin Foot and Ankle
Dr. Younes from Martin Foot and Ankle has helped raise more than $100,000 for the Young Survival Coalition during Tour De Pink in September. He and his team, The Clydesdales, participate in the 220-mile bike ride annually. This year they had a new member join their 28-rider team, a young lady who is stricken with breast cancer again (stage 4).
Celebrate your achievements!
Did you or someone in your organization get a promotion? Did you hire someone spectacular? Did you or your company receive an award? BusinessWoman magazine would love to let the world know! Upload your picture(s) and information at: businesswomanpa.com/career-moves-achievements
connections
Email your announcements of career advancements and professional new hires to crupp@onlinepub.com. Photos should be saved as a tiff, jpeg, pdf or eps at 300 dpi. 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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~ November 2016 | BUSINESSWoman
meet and
Greet
American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Camelot Chapter 6 p.m. 3rd Monday of the month Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill Marianne Troy, President 717.761.9013 mariannetroy@gmail.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 Gail Tomlinson 717.715.2595 tomlinson.gail@comcast.net www.LAEN-ABWA.org 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. 1st Thursday of the month Hamilton Club 106 E. Orange St., Lancaster Laurie Bodisch, president 717.571.8567 lbodisch@fult.com www.abwapennsquare.org Wheatland – Conestoga Chapter 6 p.m. 1st Tuesday of the month Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Kimberly Warner, President kwarner@murrayins.com www.abwa-wc.org Women @ Work Express Network 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. 2nd Thursday of the month Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Diane Brooks diane@virtualbizzassistant.com www.abwalancaster.com
Shippensburg Women’s Area Networking (SWAN) Noon 1st Wednesday of the month Rotating location Amanda Ridgway, President shipswan@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/shipswan
Executive Women International Harrisburg Chapter 5:30 p.m. 3rd Thursday of the month Rotating location Deb Pierson dpierson@piersoncci.com www.ewiharrisburg.org
Women Inspiring Success Express Network 7 – 9 a.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month Various locations Wanda Stiffler 717.891.7808 wls1211@hotmail.com
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, Treasurer kreed@gunnmowery.com www.internationalinsuranceprofessionals.org/ group/117
Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month Sept. through April Alumni Hall – West Campus York College of PA 441 Country Club Road, York Lynne Breil, Executive Director lynne@theprofessionaledgeinc.com Julie Sterner, Administrator jsterner@ycp.edu www.wbcoyork.org
International Association of Administrative Professionals Capital Region LAN 5:30 p.m. 3rd Monday of the month Holiday Inn Harrisburg East 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg Pam Newbaum pneubaum@pinnaclehealth.org 717.782.5787 www.iaap-harrisburg-pa.org
Women’s Capital Area Networking (WeCAN) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 3rd Wednesday of the month West Shore Country Club 100 Brentwater Road, Camp Hill Abeer Allen, President 717.514.4449 info@wecanconnect.org www.wecanconnect.org Women’s Independent Networking Group (WING) Noon 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month Wyndam Garden 200 Louck Road, 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 Lori Detter, President president@wnyork.com www.wnyork.com
Hershey LAN 5:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the Month Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey 717.508.1710 Sherry Hoover shoover@hersheys.com www.hershey-iaap.org Pennsylvania Public Relations Society 5:30 p.m. Last Thursday of the month Erin Kanter, President pprshbg@gmail.com www.pprs-hbg.org
BUSINESSWomanPA.com
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November 2016
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23
connections
Yellow Breeches Chapter 6 p.m. 4th Wednesday of the month Comfort Suites 10 S. Hanover St., Carlisle Kerina DeMeester kerina1011@gmail.com
Central PA Association for Female Executives (CPAFE) 1st Wednesday of each month Refer to the website for the meeting location Adrienne Toman, President 717.713.7255 info@cpafe.org www.cpafe.org
Register Today to Attend! omen’s Expo Cumberland County
Nov. 12, 2016
Special Appearance: Rubi Nicholas “Funniest Mom in America”
Sheila Frank Fashion Show
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Carlisle Expo Center 100 K St., Carlisle
E
• Exhibitors • Shopping • Demonstra tions • Entertainm ent • Spa Treatm ents • Door Prizes and more!
April 1, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey
aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com 717.770.0140 • 717.285.1350
FREE advance guest registration online! ($5 at the door) Sponsors:
717.285.1350
Hosted by:
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