Butler County Senior News
December 2015
Volume 10, Number 5
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‘Tis the season to take in a holiday performance, light show or winter exhibit with loved ones These holiday months seems to add magic and sparkle to ordinary days. It’s the ideal time to make special memories and family and friends, and the Pittsburgh region doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities to choose from. Here’s our annual roundup of our favorite things to do in celebration of this most wonderful time of the year. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is making its Pennsylvania debut at the Big Butler Fairgrounds, 1127
New Castle Road in Prospect this holiday season. This Christmas light and music extravaganza is unlike any show you’ve seen. Simply tune into your car radio and watch the magic unfold as you drive through hundreds of thousands of brilliant LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with the music. The lights will glow every night from dust to 10 p.m., including holidays, through January 3. It’s like a front row seat at the most dynamic Christmas concert ever! Plus, you can catch a glimpse of how the crew from the
North Pole spent their summer vacation. Huge displays feature comical snapshots of Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and the elves playing in sand rather than snow. Just when it seems the fun is coming to an end, guests arrive at the magical Santa’s Village. Take a photo with Santa Claus while enjoying hot cocoa and fun kid’s activities. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are popular nights to visit the light show, so long lines are anticipated. Visit Monday through Thursday to avoid extended wait 2015 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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Publisher’s Corner
For Proofing Purposes Only
Casey Ball Supports Coordination, LLC “Let Our Tables Do Your Talk’n”
TalknTables.com Trent@TalknTables.com
(These are not print ready files)
Client: Casey Ball Supports Coordination LLC Ad Number: 4 Ad Size: 3” x 6” Contact Name: Casey Ball Contact Email: CEO@CaseyBall.com Contact Phone: 724.884.6965
Proudly providing service coordination under the following waivers: Act 150, Adult Autism, Aging, Attendant Care, Commcare, Independence, Obra. Casey Ball Supports Coordination, LLC
Owner/Publisher: Lynn Webster Editor: Gina Mazza Art Director: Burnfield Consulting Sales Executive: Wallace Webster
It’s a wonderful time of year to take in a show, music performance or other holiday event with loved ones. See our cover story to learn about something new and special that’s happening right in Butler County. The grandkids will love it!
Proudly providing service coordination under the following waivers: Act 150, Adult Autism, Aging, Attendant Care, Commcare, Independence, Obra.
Casey Ball Supports Coordination, LLC is approved to provide Service Coordination to participants in the Office of Long QR Term Living412.793.0200 (OLTL), PA Department of Aging (PDA) Waivers/ Code www.cbscllc.org Programs and under the Adult Autism Waiver. These services assist participants in gaining access to needed Waiver/ Program services and other state plan services, as well as Please send your revisions or give Approval for print Approved ___________________ through email to: Dan@DanSzwedkoGraphics.com medical, social, educational and other services regardless (and CC) Trent@TalknTables.com Approved with changes ___________________ of the funding source. Service coordination is working with and at the direction of the participant whenever possible to Wishing a happy holiday identify, coordinate and faciliate Waiver services. season!
Lynn Webster
(412) 793-0200 or (844) 793-0200 www.cbscllc.org • ceo@caseyball.com
Photographer: Chuck LeClaire Printing Company: Knepper Press Contributing Writers: Brittany Buzzelli Gina Mazza Intern: Kara Boyle
Volume 10, Number 5 Published monthly by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. for Butler County Senior News P. O. Box 11126 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 367-2522 Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com or email us at pghseniornews@icloud.com
Hardback Books Wanted
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
2
I buy hardback books in very good condition and pay more than used book outlets. Call (412) 527-7100.
Crossword Puzzle Answer (See page 15)
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Butler County Senior News is distributed monthly in the Butler County area. Copy right 2015 by Butler County Senior News. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All advertisement in Butler County Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.
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Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
Along with our many convenient locations, our physicians now South Side
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‘Tis the season to take in a holiday performance, light show or winter exhibit with loved ones Continued from page 1
Girls and Dolls Holiday Tea Bring your favorite little girl, along with her doll, for a tea party fit for a princess at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. December 5 at Succop Nature Park, 185 West Airport Rd., Butler. There will be tea, snacks, holiday carols and a craft. Pre-register by calling (412) 963-6100. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Visit www.aswp.org.
times. Fee is $25 per carload; $40 for a mini-bus, limousine or activity van; $80 for school and tour busses. Items in Santa’s Village are an additional cost. Christmas Wonderland supports local charities. To learn more, call (866) 8568444 or visit Shadrackchristmas.com. Night and Days and Holidays Kevin Spirtas presents “Night and Days and Holidays” at 7:30 p.m. on December 4 at Slippery Rock University Union-MPR, One Morrow Way, Slippery Rock. Kevin will take the audience on an energetic tour of his career highlights, from his Broadway debut to his years as Dr. Craig Wesley on Days of Our Lives. His performances are sure to bring down the house, whether he’s
crooning a beautiful ballad, singing his way through unforgettable music from Broadway shows or brightening up the season with holiday tunes. Cost is $20 adults; $18 seniors; $16 youth; $8 SRU students. This show is part of a subscription series but individual tickets are available to purchase. Call (724) 738-2018 or visit www.rockalumnicafe. com/performingarts.
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Breakfast with Santa Bring the grandkids out to have Breakfast with Santa between 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m (approximately) December 5 at the Butler Township Park Building, 468 South Duffy Rd., Butler. Santa will join in the morning festivities. This event is designed for children ages toddler through 10. The cost is $9 per child. Pre-registration is required. Call (724) 284-5383.
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December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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Pittsburgh Philharmonic Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic with holiday favorites at 8 p.m. December 11 at Succop Theater on BC3 Main Campus, 107 College Dr., Butler. Call (724) 284-8505 or visit www.bc3.edu/campus/ butler/succop-theater/index.html. USO Christmas “It’s a USO Christmas” will be presented at 8 p.m. on December 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. on December 13 at The Strand, 119 N. Main St., Zelienople. Nostalgia takes the stage as this beloved staple of The Strand’s Christmas season of programming returns for the fifth year. Inspired by classic USO shows of the 40s and 50s presented for our troops overseas by the likes of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. Cost is $35 for reserve seating, $25 limited or obstructed view and $30 with a ‘Tis the Season subscription. Call (724) 742-0400. Mars Christmas parade and light-up night The Adams Fire District will host the Mars Christmas parade and light-up night at 4 p.m. December 12 on Main St., Mars. (Almost) Winter Solstice Fest Come out to the first annual (Almost) Winter Solstice Fest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 12 at Eden Hall Campus Lodge, 6035 Ridge Rd., Gibsonia. The event is open to the Chatham community and neighbors. This year the focus will be on the history of celebrating the winter solstice through different activities such as tinsel-making, seed sewing, popcorn popping and stringing garlands, a documentary on Stonehenge and more. Call (412) 365-1479 or visit www. chatham.edu/events/details.cfm?eventID=15017.
December 22-27 Heinz Hall
Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch and Friends
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Annual Christmas art show and sale The annual Christmas art show and sale at The Art Center, 344 South Main St., Butler, will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays throughout December. Call (724) 283-6922 or visit butlerartcenter.org.
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Box office at theater Square g r o u p s
1 0 +
T i c k e T s
4 1 2 - 4 7 1 - 6 9 3 0
PNc Broadway in Pittsburgh is a presentation of the Pittsburgh cultural trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway across america.
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
“Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch and Friends” will be performed at 2 pm. on December 12 and 19 at The Strand Theater, 119 N. Main St., Zelienople. Relive the nostalgia of your youth and share it with your grandkids with this fast-paced, funny and heartwarming show that celebrates the music of your favorite TV specials. Live stage show. Priced for the whole family. Cost is $15-20 for adults and $10-15 for kids under 12. Reserve seating. Call (724) 742-0400 or visit www.thestrandtheater.org.
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‘Tis the season to take in a holiday performance, light show or winter exhibit with loved ones Continued from page 5
Pittsburgh CLO
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, yuletide carols being sung by a choir . . . and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra delighting kids of all ages — from one to 92. That’s the annual Highmark Holiday Pops concert! A sleigh full of guest artists, including Jolly Old Saint Nick, will join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Three Rivers Ringers (Pittsburgh’s premiere handbell group) and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh for favorite carols, cherished holiday tunes, seasonal orchestral pieces and a Christmas carol sing-along. Performance dates are Friday, December 11 through December 20. For tickets, call (412) 392-4900 or visit Pittsburghsymphony.org.
The CLO has taken the spirit of the season, wrapped it in your favorite yuletide melodies and tied it with all the holiday magic and wonder of your childhood in “A Musical Christmas Carol.” Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of colorful characters for this remarkable holiday presentation. With dazzling special effects, holiday charm and ticket prices even Scrooge would approve of, this Charles Dickens classic is a wonderful way to celebrate all the tradition of the season. December 4 through 23 at the Byham Theater. To learn more, call (412) 456-1350 or visit pittsburghclo.org.
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Senior News December 2015 1/4 page - 3.625” x 4.875”h color $125 PO # 69944 Senior News Contact: Lynn Webster 412-367-2522 pghseniornews@icloud.com Lifesteps contact: Sandy Mailloux smailloux@lifesteps.net (724) 283-1010 in Communications office located ator229 Rest Home Road Cowansville, Joan Miller PA 16218 is happy to announce that we are fully jmiller@lifesteps.net operational, licensed, and now accepting (724)This 283-1010 ext.facility 213 has been applications. beautiful
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PPG Place Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place: Through February 28, the Plaza between Third and Fourth Avenues transform into The Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place, a spectacular one-of-akind outdoor ice skating rink. Enjoy an exhilarating holiday tradition as you glide around the breathtaking 65foot Christmas tree at the plaza. Bring the grandkids to Skate with Santa on Saturdays: December 5, 12 and 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. Fee is $8 for adults and $7 for seniors (age 50 and older) and children. Skate rentals are $4 and skate sharpening is $5. Skating lessons are also offered. Call for hours or to learn more: (412) 394-3641.
Spirits of Giving Around the World: The splendor of the holidays comes alive at PPG Place’s breathtaking “Spirits of Giving Around the World” exhibit in the Wintergarden at Two PPG Place, downtown, through January 7. This enchanting display of life-size Santas and original paintings captures a world of Christmas folklore and fantasy. The Wintergarden’s spectacular 32-foot tree is adorned with magnificent ornaments.
Gingerbread House and Train Display: Also in the Wintergarden is the Gingerbread House and Train Display. Don’t miss this magnificent display of delicious dwellings created by area individuals, organizations, seniors, students and chefs. Local artist Don Jones enhances the exhibit with a unique display of trains from his private collection. There is no charge for admission; donations benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Get into the holiday spirit and experience downtown in a whole new way during a complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride through Market Square, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Free carriage rides depart the Fourth Avenue side of the PPG Place Plaza. Arrive early as rides fill up quickly. For more details on any of these PPG Place events, call (412) 434-1900 or visit www.ppgplace.com. BCSN
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Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Express
Medicare premiums on the rise in 2016 for one in three older adults
T
he Social Security Administration recently announced that with consumer prices down over the past year, monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 65 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2016. With no Social Security cost-of-living (or, COLA) increase next year, it’s likely that up to 15 million seniors will be paying higher Medicare premiums — up to 50 percent higher—and about 30 percent of Social Security recipients will see their Medicare costs rise. “In particular, Part B premiums that cover doctor visits, outpatient procedures and medical equipment needs will go up from $104.90 to $159.30 monthly—but not for everyone,” states Brittany Buzzelli, community liaison and APPRISE coordinator for the Butler County Area Agency on Aging. “This increase will only apply to 1) those who are new to
The Area Agency on Aging is currently offering FREE group exercise classes for Butler County Senior’s 60 and older!
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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Classes are held at Westminster Church, 420 N. Main Street, Butler, beginning March 30th. Classes include: Functional Walk and Deep Stretch
Class Schedule: Monday Morning: 11-11:45AM Tuesday Morning: 11-11:45AM Thursday Morning: 11-11:45AM
The Area Agency on Aging also has the ability to provide low to no-cost memberships to the YMCA for Butler County Senior’s 60 years and older. For more information, or a membership assessment, please contact the Butler County Area Agency on Aging at 724-282-3008
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
Medicare in 2016, 2) those who pay the Medicare Part B premium out of pocket because they are not yet collecting Social Security and 3) those whose income is greater than $85,000 annually.” Under federal rules, the 70 percent of seniors who have their Medicare premiums deducted directly from their Social Security benefits will be protected against higher premiums in 2016. The Social Security COLA decision is based on changes in consumer prices for things like gasoline and other products. During this year’s third quarter, these prices were lower than the comparable 2014 quarter, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; thus, a COLA increase was ruled out for 2016. AARP and other senior advocacy groups argue that older adults are short-changed by the government’s method for tracking consumer prices. For example, older consumers don’t benefit as much as other Americans from drops in gas prices because many don’t have work-related commutes. While seniors spend twice as much on medical care than younger Americans, medical expenses are not calculated as part of the COLA measurement. In its annual report, Medicare projected the following 2016 increases for different income groups: • Below $85,000 ($170,000 if filing jointly) — Part B premiums would rise from $104.90 to $159.30 • Between $85,000 and $107,000 ($170,000 to $214,000 if filing jointly) — from $146.90 a month to $223 • Between $107,000 and $160,000 ($214,000 to $320,000 if filing jointly)—from $209.80 a month to $318.60 • Between $160,000 and $214,000 ($320,000 to $428,000 if filing jointly) — from $272.20 a month to $414.20 • Above $214,000 ($428,000 if filing jointly) — from $335.70 a month to $509.80 Medicare open enrollment runs through December 7. For more information, contact Medicare directly at (800) Medicare or Medicare.gov. BCSN
Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Express
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Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact the Butler County Area Agency on Aging (724) 282-3008 December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Senior Center events
Senior Express
_ Butler Senior Center, 10 Austin Ave., (located in Tanglewood Senior Center), Lyndora, offers the following events: 500 card party at noon December 2, cost is $2.50; leadership meeting at 11:30 a.m. and birthday celebration December 10; prize bingo at 10 a.m. December 11; color therapy at 10 a.m. December 15; stroke awareness at 11:30 a.m. December 17; Christmas party at 10 a.m. December 18, wear your ugliest sweater; Pokeno tournament at noon December 22; cookies and cocoa at noon December 24; and New Year’s Eve festivities at 10 a.m. December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 285-5392. _ Chicora Senior Center, lower level of Moose Hall, 117 West Slippery Rock St., offers the following events: blood pressure screening at 10:30 a.m. December 1; Christmas party with dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. December 4, cost is $6.25; leadership meeting at 10:30 a.m. and Chicora Christmas concert at 1 p.m. December 8; bingo at 10:15 a.m. and birthday celebration at 11:30 a.m. December 10; stroke prevention at 10:30 a.m. December 17; afternoon Christmas social from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. December 22; and bingo at 10:15 a.m. and New Year’s party from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. December 31. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 445-2551. _ Cranberry Senior Center, Municipal Building, Rochester Rd., offers the following events: hospice program at 11 a.m. December 3; leadership meeting at 10:30 a.m. and birthday celebration December 10; 500 card party at 12:30 p.m. December 15; Christmas party December 17; Seneca Valley performs at 12:30 p.m. December 18; and New Year’s Eve party December 31. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (724) 772-6086.
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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_ Evans City Senior Center, 426 East Main St., offers the following events: make a Christmas tree craft December 3; trip to Shadracks Christmas lights at 5:30 p.m. December 9; blood pressure screening at 11 a.m., leadership meeting at 1 p.m. and birthday celebration December 10; and root beer floats at 12:30 p.m. and Christmas party December 17. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call (724) 538-9414. _ Mars Senior Center, Penn Mar Plaza, Gilkey Dr., offers the following activities: blood pressure screening at 11 a.m. December 3 and 17; Christmas French toast and sausage from 9 to 10 a.m. December 8, cost is $3.50; Christmas craft class at 1 p.m. December 8; birthday celebration December 10; chiropractor care at 11:30 a.m. December 14; make reindeer cookies at 10 a.m. December 15; Klondike fundraiser at 12:30 p.m. December 16, cost is $1; Christmas memories at 10 a.m. December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
December 21; adult coloring at 10 a.m. December 22; Christmas party at 1 p.m. December 24; and leadership meeting at 1 p.m. December 28. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Call (724) 625-4466. _ Mount Chestnut Senior Center, Presbyterian Church, 727 Old Route 422, will offer the following events: sit and be fit at 10:15 a.m. and blood pressure screening at 11:30 a.m. December 3; Bible study at 10:15 a.m. and leadership meeting at 12:45 p.m. December 7; Wendy’s fundraiser night from 4:45 to 6 p.m. December 9; birthday celebration December 10; Wii bowling at 10:15 a.m. and winter safety at 12:45 p.m. December 14; sit and be fit at 10:15 a.m. December 17 and 24; Bible study at 10:15 a.m. December 21; Christmas party December 24; book club at 10:15 a.m. December 28; and New Year’s Eve party December 31. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Call (724) 282-6006. _ Slippery Rock Senior Center, Township Building, 155 Branchton Rd., will offer the following events: leadership meeting at 12:30 p.m. December 3; birthday celebration at 12:30 p.m. December 10; Christmas party at 11 a.m. December 17; Christmas cookie and tea party at 11:30 a.m. December 23; bingo at 11 a.m. and ring in the New Year at noon December 30. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (724) 794-6440. _ Southeast Senior Center, Winfield Township Firehall, Brose Rd., offers the following upcoming events: birthday celebration from 11:30 a.m. to noon December 10; and Christmas celebration at 9:30 a.m. December 17. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call (724) 352-2036. _ West Sunbury Senior Center, West Sunbury Presbyterian Church, hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Lunches are provided. Events will be listed in next month’s publications. Call (724) 637-2959. BCSN
Butler County Area Agency on Aging December Menu for senior centers
Tuesday, December 1: Salad plate, broccoli salad, baked potato chips, fruit salad. Wednesday, December 2: Stuffed cabbage roll, whipped potatoes, sweet peas, raspberry gelatin. Thursday, December 3: Turkey wrap, potato soup, fruit. Friday, December 4: Potato crusted fish, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, sliced peaches. Monday, December 7: Swedish meatballs, parsley noodles, carrots, pears. Tuesday, December 8: Hot turkey sandwich, whipped potatoes, confetti slaw, pineapple. Wednesday, December 9: Italian hoagie, minestrone, mixed fruit salad. Thursday, December 10, Birthday menu: Chicken breast, baked potato, carrots, garden salad, cupcake. Friday, December 11: Cheese pizza, tossed salad, cinnamon applesauce.
Senior Express The Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Serving you: About the Area Agency on Aging The Butler County Area Agency on Aging (AAoA) is a community service agency for older adults and has operated in Butler County since 1984. The Area Agency on Aging administers programs and manages services for Butler County residents who are 60 years of age or older. Agency programs and services are designed to serve approximately 38,000 older consumers who call Butler County home. Butler County Commissioners William L. McCarrier A. Dale Pinkerton James Eckstein
Monday, December 14: Pepper steak, rice, carrots, fruit.
Area Agency on Aging Administrator: Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA
Tuesday, December 15: Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian vegetable medley, warm apple slices.
How may we help you?
Wednesday, December 16: Chicken and gravy, stuffing, mixed vegetable medley, mandarin oranges. Thursday, December 17, Christmas special: Ham slice, scalloped potatoes, green beans almondine, Christmas dessert. Friday, December 18: Turkey chef salad, tossed salad, vegetable noodle soup, pineapple tidbits. Monday, December 21: Barbecue chicken breast, baked potato, coleslaw, brownie. Tuesday, December 22: Kielbasa, oven browned potatoes, peas and carrots, sugar cookie. Wednesday, December 23: Turkey and Swiss sandwich, vegetable soup, peaches. Thursday, December 24: Stuffed pepper cup, whipped potatoes, carrots, oatmeal cookie. Friday, December 25, Christmas Day: Closed. Monday, December 28: Roast turkey and gravy, redskin potatoes, peas and onions, tapioca pudding. Tuesday, December 29: Cheeseburger, potato salad, three bean salad, fruit. Wednesday, December 30: Grilled chicken salad, noodle soup, applesauce.
• Community Services for Older Adults and their families • Home and Community Based Services • PDA Waiver Services Access to Services • Information and Referral • Assessment • Care Management
For more information, call or visit our office at Sunnyview Complex 111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101 Butler, PA 16001 Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (724) 282-3008 (888) 367-2434 Website: www.co.butler.pa.us/butler Email: aaainfo@co.butler.pa.us
Thursday, December 31, New Year’s special: Roast pork, whipped potatoes, peas, New Year’s dessert. December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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Ambulance Service • Wheelchair Van Service
Care You Can Count On
• Our wheelchair van service, Butler Assist Coach, currently operates 10 vans providing transport to and from hospitals, doctor’s appointments, nursing homes, and private events (i.e. funerals, weddings, birthdays, etc.)
Serving the Community Since 1967
• Our Assist Coach is available to individuals: with or without their own wheelchairs; with stairs or other obstacles at their residence; and those needing extra assistance in and out of their wheelchairs. • BAS also provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance transports to sick and injured patients. • We operate 10 ambulances from 3 stations, serving the community 24 hours a day. • Reduced rates are available for members.
Butler Ambulance Service • 106 First Street Butler, PA 16001 • (724) 283-4385 G Age of 55 N I L L RO lts Over the N E u er Ad NOibW le Old Elig
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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LIVE to Love.
ON SITE SURGICAL CENTER
• No stitch, no patch cataract surgery at adjacent surgical center • Laser surgery for secondary cataracts, diabetes and glaucoma • Facial rejuvenation treatments, including Botox®, dermal fillers and eyelash enhancement • Complex retinal care with Drs. Sorr, Hoffman & Shultz • Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with Dr. Randall Beatty
C.A. Balouris, M.D.
Comprehensive Retinal Services are available at Balouris Eye Center, PC. Drs. Sorr, Hoffman and Shultz of Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association provide complex retinal care in our office. They treat all conditions affecting the retina including macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and advanced diabetic retinopathy.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Services with No Co-Pays or Deductibles for Qualified Older Adults… A Partnership with Families Caring for their Older Loved Ones. 231 W. Diamond Street Butler, PA 16001
724-287-LIFE (5433) Call 711 for TTY Relay Services
Melissa A. DeRenzo, M.D.
www.lutheranseniorlife.org/LIFE
102 Technology Dr.•Butler•724-482-0090•www.BalourisEyeCenter.com
A Partnership of Lutheran SeniorLife and Butler Health System
RE ! U’ ED YO VIT IN
Vaccines and Stem Cells: Weapons against Lung Disease By David Ebner
E
very fall, the billboards and television commercials urging you to get a flu shot start appearing. Many people have reservations about the flu vaccine. However, the statistics strongly support the flu vaccination over trying to tough it out, especially for the elderly. The CDC estimates that, in people over 50, there is a 77 percent reduction in hospitalization for flu symptoms when vaccinated. Why not give yourself the best chance to be healthy? The benefits are even more compelling for those with a lung disease. The coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue that come along with the flu are everyday symptoms of lung disease, and contracting the flu can turn these already harsh symptoms into something fatal. That’s why the CDC—and most pulmonologists—recommends that people with these conditions get the flu shot yearly.
Stem cells have become a buzzword in the news. However, few people are talking about the adult stem cells that are present in our own bodies. These cells live in blood, bone marrow and fat tissue. They naturally respond to injury or illness, yet since stem cells don’t move quickly, our bodies don’t instantly heal. Stem cell therapy can expedite this natural healing process. A clinic called the Lung Institute (lunginstitute.com) treats lung diseases with stem cells from the patient’s own body. They extract cells through a minimally invasive procedure, isolate them and reintroduce them to the lungs after giving the patient natural growth factors that promote cell replication. This quickens healing by directing the cells toward the diseased area. Although this doesn’t cure the disease, it acts like the annual flu vaccine by slowing further degeneration and bringing a normal life back within reach. We are in the midst of a fight to eradicate the flu. In the past, when the medical field banded together, they were able to develop a vaccine. With the medical advancements today, the question of whether this can be done for lung disease is forthcoming, and by the looks of it, stem cells could play a starring role.
The next generation of COPD treatment is here.
Join us for a stem cell seminar. Learn how stem cells from your own body can be used to help you breathe easier. Register for our next Pittsburgh seminar on Dec. 15th at 4 p.m. Call today to reserve your seat! Call (855) 978-5767 for more information or visit lunginstitute.com/SeniorNews
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
Now, patients are asking about other options to protect and improve their lung function. If a shot can vaccinate them from the flu, what can be done about lung disease? New options are emerging, and some have discovered stem cells as the answer. Just like the flu vaccine, stem cell therapy offers the possibility of improving lives through treatment of debilitating conditions.
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Fractured Headings from the Yellow Pages A-Z Write the correct word(s) for a chance to win $30 cash.
1. A Turn Knees
_____________
10. Genes
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18. Wreck Crete Asian
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2. Buy Sickles
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11. Quenelles
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19. Sea Cure Ready
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3. Cream may Shin _____________
12. Lye Berries
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20. Trance Ms. Shuns
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4. Dome Stirs
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21. A Pollster Hers
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5. Express Sew
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13. Mare Ridge Sarah Moan Knees _____________
6. Fir Niche Sure
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7. Grow Sirs
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8. Hip Know Says _____________ 9. Inch Sure Rinse _____________
14. Gnus Pay Purrs
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22. Fettering Airy Oz Petals
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15. Ore Guest Straws
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23. Wait Laws
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16. Pond Broke Curs
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24. Hex Tray Slabs
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17. Cue West Shin
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25. Yo Gird
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26. Sue’s
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To enter, mail your answers to Butler County Senior News Contest, P.O. Box 11126, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. One entry per person. Correct entries will be eligible for our drawing. One winner will be drawn. Entries must be received by the 15th of this month. Answers will be published in the next edition of Butler County Senior News.
Name________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Phone____________________________Age________________
Congratulations to Marilyn Herrlich who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. Mesa; 2. Mesh; 3. Mash; 4. Cash; 5. Cast; 6. Fast; 7. Fest; 8. Felt; 9. Feat; 10. Beat.
LOOKING FOR
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
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awesome SENIOR LIVING?
at Chicora Medical Center
724.445.2000 724.353.1531 724.445.3000 Senior Living • Skilled Care • Memory Care • Rehab
www.QualityLifeServices.com
Holiday Word Search
Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2
FAMILY HOLLY MISTLETOE ORNAMENT
PRESENTS REINDEER SLEIGH SNOW
SNOWMAN STOCKING TREE WREATH
Animal cracker “Mom, can I have an animal cracker?” asked 3 year old Nathan. “Sure Nathan,” said his mom. “Open up the box, and take a few.” Forty five minutes later Nathan’s mother walked into the kitchen. “Nathan, why did you spill out all of the animal crackers, and what are you looking for?” “It said on the box not to eat it if the seal is broken.” Nathan replied “I spilled out the whole box, I looked through all of the animals but I can’t find any seals!” It’s time Brian’s stress level was at unsurpassed levels. His wife Maggie was in labor and Brian was sure it was time to head to the hospital. Breathing heavily, Brian grabbed the phone and called the doctor. “My wife, she’s ready, should we come?” The doctor tried to relax the poor fellow, “just try to relax, now tell me how much time elapses between the contractions?” “Shirley!” Brian screamed on the top of his lungs, “How much time in between the contractions? Ten minutes? Okay, ten minutes in between!” “And is this her first child?” asked the doctor. “NO! This is her husband!” Taken from www.ahajokes.com.
ACROSS 1 “The X-Files” gp. 4 Refrain opener 7 Flub 8 Vacation isle 10 “Uptown Funk” singer Mars 11 Detoxes, with “up” 13 Astronaut portrayer in “Gravity” 16 Toss in 17 Sewer cover 18 – tai cocktail 19 Auction cry 20 Joker 21 Japanese capital, once 23 A bit lit 25 Skewed view 26 – Hari 27 Olympian (Abbr.) 28 Cameo shapes 30 “So that’s it!” 33 Astronaut portrayer in “Gravity” 36 Evening do 37 Winslet and Hudson 38 Phases 39 At the drop of – 40 Donkey 41 Slangy “yes”
DOWN 1 Located 2 007 3 “It slipped my mind!” 4 Rainbow – 5 Russian money 6 Cain’s sibling 7 Alum 8 Just – (no better) 9 Scents 10 Org. with Eagles 12 Spine-tingling 14 Woody’s son 15 Josh 19 Yachter’s “Help!” 20 Tax prep pro 21 Sky boxes? 22 Yokels 23 Towering 24 “No harm done!” 25 Gucci product 26 Fights off a mugger 28 Creeps 29 No. 2 men or women 30 Draft status? 31 Icy Hot rival 32 Sounds of woe 34 Sultry Hayworth 35 Waikiki locale
December 2015 • Butler County Senior News
©King Features
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