WINTER 2012
pper St. Clair COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
pper St. Clair
USC Boys Soccer
Wins State
Championship
“I’d like to have my questions answered in just one phone call.”
Here’s the Plan At UPMC Health Plan, we believe customer service should be a service to you, not a headache. That’s why we offer you a personal health care concierge. A live person who lives here and can answer all your questions in just one phone call. Sure, we win awards for our customer service. But it’s the reaction we get from satisfied members that we find most rewarding.
To find out more visit upmchealthplan.com
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1
The faces of experience at
NORTHWOOD Energetic, approachable agents. Industry leading technology. Unique neighborhood offices. A fresh new website. All delivered with the same legendary service you’ve come to expect over the past 50 years.
Welcome to the New Face of Northwood.
Upper St. Clair Office 412-831-0100 1797 N. Highland Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Pat Arnold
Karen Auffenberg
412.496.7683
Janet Caputo
412.303.0046
Dan Gillette
w w w. n o r t h w o o d . c o m
Bonnie Detwiler
412.980.6025
Dorina Manolache
Therese Hoetzlein
412.254.3674
Dennis Moorcroft 412.302.7022
Patricia Sharpe 412.576.1251
412.523.9234
412.983.8865
Bill Matyger
Marlene McNaughton
Marilyn Mielnicki
412.537.7333
412.377.3422
412.951.1005
412.759.9642
412.559.5661
Darlene Turkall 412.480.7107
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Audrey & Frank Wadsworth 412.595.3037
Darlene Kruth 412.874.0415
412.606.4702
Mary Rhodes
Kris Price
412.225.4553
412.298.6646
Eric Graziano Mimi Hobbs
412.403.7071
Jeff Earley
Diane Miller 412.759.0137
Judy Scheidler
Emily Schwartz
412.654.8195
412.512.3161
Lyn Wood
Deborah Yu
412.498.0223
412.606.8824
INSIDE
lair pper St. C
IN Upper St. Clair is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Upper St. Clair area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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IN Upper St. Clair | WINTER 2012 |
Champion
Features Health & Wellness Section
Pediatric Alliance
What’s up with Whooping Cough?....................... | 20
Southpointe Chiropractic
Can Chiropractic Care Help with Concussions?...... | 21
Massage Envy
One Hour to Better Health................................... | 22 Business Spotlight
Newbury Features New Zero-Energy Green EcoCraft Homes............................... | 5 Gift Baskets by Johanna New Owners, Same Great Gifts for Any Occasion......................................... | 55 Yoga Flow Brings Healthy, Relaxing Exercise Options to South Hills................................. | 75 60
Industry Insights
Feature | USC players fought hard to take out Canon Mac to go on to PIAA glory. • Photos by Primetime Shots
Swift Audiology...................................... | 53
UPMC TODAY
Phillip Ritter Insurance Agency How to Buy Homeowners Insurance.......... | 63
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13
Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh Straighter Teeth in Six Months ................... | 68
Stay Well This Winter Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.
Circulatory Centers Venous Stasis Ulcers................................... | 70
What’s Inside 2 3 4
What You Can Do to Beat the Flu Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones
5 6
6
7
Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down
45
72
© 2012 UPMC
UPMC Today_Mercy_Winter_2012_Final.indd 1
community interest
Healthy Pet Products Toxic Pet Products? .................................... | 31
10/15/12 5:20 PM
Upper St. Clair’s Own Funny Man ...................................... | 6 My Hip Hurts ............................................................................ | 11 Kyla Colcombe Receives Girl Scout Gold Award............ | 24 Horror Realm Brings Frightening Stars ............................ | 26 Communities in Schools is Making a Difference .......... | 34 Fawcett UM Church Celebrates 200 Years!...................... | 38 One Day. One Goal. One World. .......................................... | 42 UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use.................. | 45 COVER FEATURE: Upper St. Clair Boys Soccer Shines in Hershey ................................................................... | 60 Boys Basketball Will Follow Seniors’ Lead....................... | 64 72 It’s Like No Place I’ve Ever Been: Nyadire, Zimbabwe ...... | Troops Celebrate 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts..... | 84 USC Girls Basketball Team Excited for 2013 Season..... | 88 USC Resident Featured in Times Square in NYC............. | 94
Bill Few Associates Don’t Over-Manage Your 401(k) Assets........ | 71 Beleza Plastic Surgery Go From Flabulous to Fabulous .................. | 76 St. Louise de Marillac Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders...................... | 78 The Goddard School Choosing Your Child’s Preschool ................. | 80 Ivana Liberatore, CPA, CFP Plan to Reduce the Tax Hit in 2013 ............. | 96 Northwest Savings Bank Lending a Hand .......................................... | 97 For special values, see coupons on pages 90-91.
A
t this time of year, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the journey with us that was 2012. And while we’ve endured extremes of nature via the summer heat waves and Hurricane Sandy, as well as the onslaught of a presidential election that ate up any time available between our favorite shows, we still have much to be thankful for. Community Magazines continues to grow, and for that we thank you, our readers and our advertisers. Our readers help shape these magazines. Those of you who took the Wayne Dollard time to call, e-mail or write in with your ideas and events are the ones who Publisher set our table of contents. We pride ourselves on the fact that we listen to you and your ideas because, in the end, this is your community and you know it best. So I continue to encourage you to send in your ideas to our editor at mark@incommunitymagazines.com. I wish to thank our advertisers for your continued support of Community Magazines. By advertising with us, you are supporting your community by underwriting the cost of the editorial content that those who read these magazines enjoy and look forward to each issue. Because of you, our readers can be entertained and informed. In this last issue before 2013, I urge our readers to support the advertisers who support your community magazine before you make your holiday gift lists. If you like this magazine, let them know and make a point to stop in their businesses. They’re not just trying to sell you something, they’re also your neighbors and community sponsors. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and the best that 2013 has to offer!
STAFF PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard REGIONAL EDITORS
Pamela Palongue [North and East] p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com Mark Berton [South, West and Erie] mark@incommunitymagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER
Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR
Debbie Mountain d.mountain@incommunitymagazines.com SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTEN T COORDIN AT OR
Megan Faloni m.faloni@incommunitymagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cassie Brkich Anna Buzzelli Sharon Cobb Jan McEvoy
Mike Miller Joe Milne Tamara Tylenda
WRITERS
Jonathan Barnes Jennifer Brozak Matt Fascetti Tracey Fedkoe Mike Ference Britt Fresa Heather Holtschlag Nick Keppler
Chelsie Kozera Leigh Lyons Dana Black McGrath Joanne Naser Aimee Nicolia Melanie Paulick Judith Schardt
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Fainstein Ginni Hartle Len Pancoast
Kathleen Rudolph Gary Yon
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGE RS
Tamara Myers
Miracles Happen
Every Day...
Have you or someone in your family ever experienced a miracle in your life?
A check arrives from an unexpected source, just as the house was about to be foreclosed upon? Someone was healed, despite all odds and predictions? Or maybe you were reunited with someone by circumstances that were far too phenomenal to be called coincidence... If you have, we would love to hear your story and so would your friends and neighbors. Because at the end of the day, we could all use a little hope and encouragement. Miracles really do happen all the time! Please mail your story to: IN Community Magazines, Attn. Pamela 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 or you can email it to Pamela at: p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com. Photos are welcomed with submissions, but not required.
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Upper St. Clair
Tom Poljak
ADVERTISING SALES
Sophia Alfaras Pamela Arder Brian Daley Julie Graff Laurie Holding Jason Huffman Connie McDaniel Brian McKee
Gabriel Negri Aimee Nicolia Annette Petrone Vincent Sabatini Mark Seamans Michael Silvert RJ Vighetti Nikki Capezio-Watson Derek S. Wickman
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012. CORRESPONDENCE Direct all inquiries, comments and press releases to: IN Community Magazines Attn: Editorial 603 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968 www.incommunitymagazines.com
Spring Content Deadline: February 8, 2013
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
Business Spotlight
Newbury Features New
Zero-energy
Y
Green EcoCraft Homes
ou already know that Newbury is one of the region’s fastest-growing and bestselling communities in the South Hills, but you may not know that Newbury’s on the cutting edge of green technology as well. “This is an exciting time because it’s the penultimate demonstration of the residential vision of Newbury,” said Brett Malky, President of EQA Landmark Communities. “These homes are, at every level, of the highest quality and the most ecologically friendly homes in the market.” Newbury’s EcoCraft homes are based on the designs and hard work of Elliot Fabri, Sr., who has been building homes for more than 30 years. In 1992, he founded New Era Building Systems, and founded EcoCraft in 2012. EcoCraft Homes are assembled off site in a specialized climate and quality controlled facility. Their advanced home manufacturing process leads to more consistent quality construction, faster build times, and superior energy performance. EcoCraft luxury modular homes can be built in as little as 90 days and are 85 percent complete before they even reach the construction site. They have air-tight building envelopes, high R-value cellulose and spray foam insulation, 98 percent efficient HVAC systems and tankless water heating systems. The whole construction process produces less than 5 percent waste and 95 percent of the waste
generated is recycled. But perhaps the biggest selling feature of EcoCraft homes is the fact that homeowners will notice their energy bills will be a lot lower. EcoCraft’s Smart home model consumes 72 percent less energy than a standard new home. And with the solar panel systems on the roof, EcoCraft homeowners could actually be rewarded for selling electricity back to the grid. “In addition to lower utility bills, residents in our smart homes will enjoy a 30 percent federal tax credit that is available with our solar energy systems,” said Elliot Fabri, Jr., Vice President of EcoCraft. “The panels we use are virtually maintenance free, they have no moving parts, and the manufacturers guarantee them for up to 25 years. Although solar energy is a reasonably new technology, research and testing done on older systems indicate that solar panels should enjoy lifespans of 30 plus years.” Fabri also said that homeowners will own the solar units outright, and the tax credits it generates can be sold for a profit each and every year. And, contrary to the weather you’re probably seeing right now as you look out the window, Pennsylvania solar production capabilities are actually on par with much of the Southeastern United States, ranking only slightly less than places like Texas, California and Florida.
Not only are EcoCraft homes more energy efficient, but they are healthier too. EcoCraft Homes feature Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV’s), which remove stale, contaminated air from inside the house while simultaneously filtering in fresh outside air, and distributing it evenly throughout the home. “Indoor air pollutants have been ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health,” Fabri said. “And according to studies by the EPA indoor pollutant levels are five to ten times higher than what is found outdoors.” And don’t forget that water savings are found in EcoCraft homes as well. Their Smart homes feature a wide array of water efficient technologies that can reduce water consumption for a family of four by over 20,000 gallons every year. By combining super-efficient tankless water heaters with Kohler WaterSense highperformance faucets and shower heads EcoCraft homes not only conserve water, but also reduce hot water costs by as much as 50 percent. Of course, like all Newbury homes, the attention to quality and detail means homeowners will recognize the craftsmanship of Boral Cultured Stone, Carrier, Kohler, Whirlpool, James Hardy and Andersen Windows to name a few. Take a look yourself and see, most importantly, the home is beautiful! And finally, by the end of this year, not only will the old 84 Lumber be torn down to begin work on the Newbury Market entrance, Malky will be ready to announce the new tenants for the Gateway Retail parcel of Newbury Market, with announcements for all Phase I market tenants set for the Spring. For more information on Newbury, including scheduling a tour, and links to their Facebook and Twitter feeds, go to www.newburymarket.com or call 412.680.5200.
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
Upper St. Clair’s Own
Intern Shannon Powers points out the wetlands on a tour
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Upper St. Clair
Funny Man – By Leigh Lyons –
W
ho doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? Comedy is a genre that will never go out of style, it seems. With comedic films and TV shows spurring out hit after hit, it seems safe to say that Americans like to laugh. But have you ever wondered how these talented and funny men and women of comedy become what we see on the TV and movie screen? When do they realize that they are funny? Upper St. Clair’s own Jeff Konkle may not have reached Adam Sandler status….yet, but is a “cagey veteran” of the local comedy circuit. “I don’t think I’m really any funnier than anyone else. I think everyone brings a certain sense of humor to the table. People package humor during dinner conversation, Facebook posts, or forwarding emails of cats dressed like people,” says Konkle. Jeff Konkle is a very fun guy indeed is proven by his inability to control his humor even when asked questions for this interview. Jeff Konkle grew up in Upper St. Clair and graduated highschool in 2002. He then went on to Penn State University where he graduated in 2006 with a degree in labor and industrial relations. Konkle remembers, “Labor and Industrial Relations was one of the many concentrations that sounds a lot more impressive than it actually is, but a lot of my friends majored in Recreational Fermented Beverage Consumption.” But it was at Penn State that he started to think about trying to be a stand-up comic. “In college I definitely thought about being a stand-up comic, but there wasn’t really an outlet at Penn State, so when I inevitably boomeranged back into my parents’ house after college I decided to head down to the Funny Bone and given an open mic a try,” Konkle recalled. After a frazzled hostess instructed him to have 20 minutes of material ready for the open mic, Konkle decided to concentrate on writing a set that would take up about five minutes, and then he would just “wing” it from that point on…if he was still on the stage. He remembers feeling support from his family and friends as they came out to watch his first performance. One person notably
absent from his first performance was his mother. “She was too nervous for me,” Konkle said. His first time went pretty well as he remembers, the main thing being that he didn’t “bomb,” so he considered it a success. Konkle took those first five minutes and has never looked back. Six years into his stand-up career, and Jeff says he is described as a cageyveteran at this point. He mocks himself by stating that his “cagey-veteran” continued on next page
Upper St. Clair’s own Jeff Konkle may not have reached Adam Sandler status….yet, but heis a “cagey veteran” of the local comedy circuit. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Funny Man continued from previous page
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more spontaneous in my stand-up. Plus, improv is just plain fun!” Konkle noted. He went on to say, “There’s something really freeing about performing in front of an audience.” Throughout his journey, Konkle has gotten the opportunity to meet some great comics he looks up to comedically. “I’d say that comics are just like anyone else you’d meet. Eighty percent are fine, 15 percent are really cool, and five percent are massive jerks,” he concludes. “Some of the really great ones I have gotten to meet were Ben Bailey, Charlie Murphy, Bill Burr, and Bert Kreischer.” His all-time favorite comics include anyone involved in the legendary show “Seinfeld,” including, of course, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. So, what’s next for Jeff Konkle? “I have thought about trying to write a script for a TV comedy, however, one common thread is that comics are easily distracted. I’ve started a bunch of scripts only to get three pages in and say, ‘I stink at this,’ and then I turn
“Stand-up just adds a little spice to my life. I like going to places I’d never go to normally and saying things that I
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status may be bordering on “creepy old guy that hangs out at the over-18 bar on weeknights.” Not likely. When asked if he has ever dreamt of making this comedian gig a full-time profession, Konkle responds, “Standup just adds a little spice to my life. I like going to places I’d never go to normally and saying things that I would never normally say to people that I would never normally meet.” He goes on to detail the instability that full-time comics have to deal with, by not having a steady paycheck, and waiting for your career to take off because it is mostly in the hands of others. “Plus, the travel is brutal,” Konkel says. “Ask anyone who travels a lot for work, being alone in a Holiday Inn all the time is a tough way to live, no matter how great the breakfast buffet is.” He continues to hone his craft by doing stand-up, traveling to nearby states such as West Virginia to perform, and even taking classes at Steel City Improv. “I took a class at their theater because I wanted to be
Upper St. Clair
would never normally say to people that I would never normally meet.”
“I have thought about trying to write a script for a TV comedy, however, one common thread is that comics are easily distracted.”
“SportsCenter” back on,” he laughs. For now, he’ll continue to do stand-up in and around the Pittsburgh area, wearing out notebooks to see what joke works with what audience and what doesn’t, all the while being supported by his friends and family, and especially by his fiancée, Jarie. “My family still comes to my shows even if my act hasn’t changed that much. My fiancée could probably recite my set word for word by now…but I’m not threatened, she doesn’t have my sense of comedic timing,” Konkle jokes. With one last note, Konkle makes it a point to ask that we all go out and support local stand-up comedy. “This city has a lot of unique voices. I feel as though a stand-up show is the last bastion of 100% true free speech.” It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out one of Upper St. Clair’s own, and you can be the judge of Jeff Konkle’s overly modest sense of his own incredibly funny humor.
Generic gifts got you down? Well, wake up your inner gifting genius! I have gift ideas that are anything but blah. Gifts girls adore. Gifts guys gotta have. Any budget. Any occasion. Any time. I’m here to make your life easier! Just ask! Gift certificates available upon request.
Lisa Sarber (412) 913-7722 www.marykay.com/lsarber lisa-mkcosmetics@comcast.net
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
LTC KURT & SHARON CHEBATORIS
K
urt and I met 34 years ago in December of 1977 at a University of Pittsburgh Commuter Committee meeting. Kurt, a sophomore, and
I, Sharon, a freshman had to take two buses to attend classes at Pitt. My first impression of my future husband was, “Boy is HE different!” Kurt had recently returned from Marine Corps boot camp. He walked very straight and had very short hair for 1977!
After Christmas, we started Winter Term. Kurt was in two of my classes! We had Greek Civilization on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Anthropology Tuesdays and Thursdays. We saw each other every day! I guess our meeting was “meant to be.” Our friendship turned into more than someone to study with. On February 14, 1980, we became engaged and then married on August 1, 1981. Kurt accepted his commission to the USMC in 1980. I had to plan our wedding alone because Kurt was in Training Basic School at Quantico, Va. during my last year at Pitt. We have two wonderful children, Alicia and Alec. Kurt continues to serve our country as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Presently, he is deployed to Kuwait. —Sharon Chebatoris
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Upper St. Clair
My Hip Hurts
Questions for Your Doctor
When Arthroscopic Surgery May Be an Option for Patients With Hip Pain
Characterizing Hip Pain Hip pain is a common complaint for people of all ages and fitness levels. It may develop as a result of an injury or fall, because of wear and tear, or because of developing arthritis. People often mistake hip pain for pain in the pelvic region. Pain in the pelvic region can be the result of a number of different diagnoses, each with its own defining symptoms. According to Vonda Wright, MD, a UPMC orthopaedic surgeon, “The pelvis has a number of different structures in it, and hip pain can be mistaken for a number of different diagnoses. The best way to differentiate the pain is to identify its location. Hip pain, for example, actually presents as groin pain.” Hip pain can be arthritic or non arthritic. Arthritic pain is dull and characterized by stiffness. Non arthritic pain that is the result of an injury, fall, or tear of cartilage is a sharp, intermittent pain in the groin area. For any type of pain that persists for longer than a week, a primary care physician or orthopaedic surgeon should be consulted.
Conservative Methods of Treatment The good news is that many types of hip pain can be treated by nonsurgical approaches, such as activity modification and physical therapy. UPMC orthopaedic surgeon Dharmesh Vyas, MD, notes, “I almost always prescribe a trial of non-operative management (physical therapy, NSAIDs, etc.) to my patients before considering surgical intervention. Having said that, some hip injuries do not respond to conservative treatment and a surgical option must be considered.” Until recently, open hip surgery was the next step in a patient’s treatment plan. The surgeon would make a large incision and dislocate the hip in order to repair any
injuries. Today, however, a minimally-invasive procedure called hip arthroscopy may be an option for some patients with hip pain. This procedure is similar to arthroscopies of the knee and shoulder, in which the surgeon makes two or three small incisions and inserts tiny cameras and surgical instruments to correct the problem.
Hip Arthroscopy Hip arthroscopy is often used to repair a tear in the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint (known as a labral tear) and as a treatment for pain resulting from an inexact fit between the head and socket of the hip joint (known as a femoral acetabular impingement, or FAI). Hip arthroscopy is also used to repair cartilage loss in the hip or to remove loose particles in the hip. According to Dr. Vyas, “The ideal patient for this procedure is someone who is active and has the appropriate hip pathology. As long as the patient has an injury in an otherwise non-arthritic hip, he or she may be a candidate for treatment through hip arthroscopy.” Dr. Wright adds, “It’s about hip preservation at all ages and spectrums of activity. Hip arthroscopy, is a relatively new technology that allows us to access the hip in a way that we never have before, and therefore treat many hip related conditions.”
Before making any decision, it’s important to be fully informed. Make sure your doctor answers all of your questions, including these: • What is the diagnosis? • What does the procedure involve? • What are the risks and complications? • What are the benefits of having this surgery, compared to another procedure? • How long is the recovery period? • What is the chance of needing revision surgery? • What are the published outcomes?
When hip arthroscopy is used, the recovery time is often reduced due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, according to Dr. Vyas. “Arthroscopic surgery allows patients to experience more rapid returns to their lifestyle, including sporting activity.”
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit UPMC.com/HipPain or call 412-432-3600. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
By Matt Fascetti
Many people think of health and wellness as just diet and exercise. While those are two key components, there are many more factors that affect an individual’s overall vitality. Other areas of focus include dental and vision; specialties such as podiatry and audiology; preventive measures such as chiropractic visits and acupuncture/ massage. Even feel-good procedures such as hair replacement and cosmetic surgery can boost a person’s demeanor and self-confidence. With all of these areas of wellness to consider, it can be a daunting task to pay for the treatments and procedures that enhance the quality of our lives. So how do we decide what to spend our healthcare dollars on? Which procedures are the most effective and beneficial? The following is a review of what to consider when choosing a healthier lifestyle.
• Fitness • Exercise is the one thing most doctors stress when the subject of health and wellness is broached. Certainly there are other factors such as genetics, eating, smoking, drinking and medication that can play a significant role, but exercise is at the core of health and wellness. So what is the best way to stay fit? There is no perfect answer as it is different for each individual’s needs and desires. There are many ways an individual can exercise on his/her own such as walking, running, biking, hiking, at-home workout DVDs or weight training, just to name a few. Many Americans join gyms to help them stay fit. There are advantages to having a gym membership which include a wide array of equipment, fellow members to help motivate you, professional trainers and a monthly monetary obligation that can help you stay committed to your fitness goals. Unfortunately, gym memberships are not covered by health insurance, so it is up to the individual to not only foot the bill but to select one that best suits his/her needs. Most gyms have monthly payments, but some also have yearly or bi-yearly options as well. Depending on the facility and the region you live in, the average gym membership can 12 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Upper St. Clair
vary from $10 a month to $100 a month. While gyms, fitness programs and personal trainers can be an excellent way to achieve cardiovascular health, just remember they are not the only way. If money is tight there are plenty of free alternatives that may work just as well for you.
• Acupuncture and Massage • If you’ve ever been treated to a massage, you probably don’t need a list of advantages to persuade you to have one on a regular basis. Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and wellbeing. Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet. There are over 80 different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. Massage is usually only covered by insurance in very special circumstances, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these services. According to www.mayoclinic.com, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi (pronounced CHEE), believed to flow through pathways
(meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.
times greater risk for delivering a preterm infant than those who are periodontally healthy. There may also be a link between oral health and diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain immune disorders.
In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Reasons for having an acupuncture procedure include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. As with massage, acupuncture is generally not covered by insurance.
Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, braces, dental implants or are needing a simple whitening or cleaning, dental care is a priority for most people. Because the costs of dental care keep increasing, some are choosing to cut out dentist visits all together. This is not recommended. However, if carrying dental insurance is not an option, then an individual should still stick to routine checkups. According to ehow.com, the national average cost for a regular cleaning can range anywhere from $50-130 depending on the region in which you live. Skipping these checkups and cleanings can lead to more serious issues down the road that can cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, as is the case with most health-related issues, prevention is the key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after every meal and you drastically increase your odds of having great oral health.
• Chiropractic Care • According to www.chiropractor.com, chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. The field of chiropractic is considered holistic, improving people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones, digestion and cardiovascular. Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems, but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions better.
• Vision Care • Many of us take our vision for granted. But we would certainly be completely lost without it, so it is essential we take good care of our eyes with regular exams and wearing glasses or contacts, if needed. According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults need some sort of vision correction. Although drugstores sell non-prescription glasses for reading, which means anyone can buy
A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist disease and ill health. Chiropractic restores the body’s nervous system, thereby increasing its resistance to illnesses. Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system by locating subluxations or misaligned vertebrae and adjusting them. There is one issue that will arise with chiropractic care…visits are sometimes not covered by insurance. Although suggested by many health care practitioners, including primary care physicians, some insurance companies still consider chiropractors luxury visits in some instances. One session with a chiropractor can cost anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the region you live in, with additional fees for more complicated procedures. When it comes to chiropractic care, one must decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.
• Dental Work • Dental care is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Many people incorrectly believe that dental care is important for aesthetic reasons only, but this is far from the case. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a link between poor oral health and conditions such as endocarditis and cardiovascular disease, although researchers are not sure of the role that oral health plays in causing heart problems. Recent studies have also shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five
You can see the wonderful impact The Little Gym can have on your child when you join us for a FREE introductory class. Enrolling now for children ages 4 months - 12 years! Pittsburgh-South Hills www.tlgpittsburgh-southhillspa.com 724-941-0100
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Our Health & Wellness
Partners
Southpointe Chiropractic & Fitness
724.873.0700
southpointechiropractic.com
St. Clair Division
Pediatric Alliance South 412.221.2121
Dr. McGarrity grew up in Webster, NY. She attended University of Notre Dame for her undergraduate degree in biology, and then attended SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse for medical school. Dr. McGarrity did her pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and has been practicing general pediatrics for 20 years at Pediatric Alliance, St. Clair division. She resides in Upper St. Clair with her three children.
pittsburghissmiling.com
At Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh we treat our patients like family in a compassionate environment while using the most advanced technology available. We offer all phases of emergency, cosmetic, restorative and general dentistry, including Six-Month-Smiles cosmetic braces, Botox, and Juvederm. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who are apprehensive about receiving the dental care they need to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
John Edward Color and Design 412.221.2466
Located in the heart of Bridgeville, John Edward Color and Design has been serving residents of the South Hills and beyond for over 30 years. John Edward Color and Design is a full-service salon offering all aspects of hair design, specializing in color. John Edward’s staff is experienced and well trained in the latest techniques. The salon also offers nail services and facial waxing. John Edward’s staff is waiting to impress you. Call for an appointment today!
Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh
412.854.2310
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Tyson Swigart is a chiropractor and an exercise physiologist. He has practiced in Southpointe for 13 years and recently added a second location in Peters Township. He is a certified sports physician, former Division 1 strength and conditioning coach and physician adviser to the Slippery Rock exercise science board. These qualifications have allowed his practice to successfully treat athletes of all ages and ability levels. His uniquely qualified staff includes registered nurses, exercise physiologists and licensed massage therapists.
johnedwardcoloranddesign.com
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Upper St. Clair
Health & Wellness them without seeing an eye doctor for an exam, there is no substitute for a professional vision exam by an eye doctor, with a customized prescription for glasses or corrective lenses. Approximately 30% of the American population is nearsighted and must use glasses for activities such as driving and schoolwork. About 60% of Americans are farsighted meaning that they have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance. The majority of young people who wear glasses are nearsighted. As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for farsightedness. About 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they get older. The recommendations for the frequency of vision exams varies somewhat, but generally individuals are advised to have an eye exam somewhere between one to four years, depending upon their age group.
• Podiatry • Podiatry is the specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most people log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can ensure that your feet are up to the task. With proper detection and intervention, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Many people are unaware of the many issues that can affect feet. Arthritis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, common injuries (sprains, strains and fractures), Haglund’s deformity (bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone), heel pain and tendinitis can all create mobility problems for individuals. There are various skin disorders including athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, psoriasis, skin cancer of the feet, as well as toe joint and nerve disorders such as bunions, hammer toes and neuromas to consider. Individuals may also suffer from ingrown toenails. Some basic but effective foot care tips include washing your feet daily, making sure to rinse off all soap and water especially between the toes and trimming nails straight across and not overly short to avoid cutting or digging at corners. Over the counter medications are not recommended for removing corns or calluses. A qualified podiatrist should be consulted for treatment and
removal. Wear clean socks or stockings changed daily and make sure that they are not too tight. Always wear properly fitting shoes. If you do suffer a foot ailment, there are various ways to treat them. Prescription, custom orthotics, which are specially-made devices, are designed to support and comfort your feet and may correct the problem. For more severe issues, surgery may be needed in cases when pain or deformity persists.
• Audiology • Audiology is the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. It is an important component to health and wellness, yet it tends to be ignored unless there is a noticeable problem. Individuals should get their hearing checked yearly to ensure that everything is as it should be. An audiologist, commonly called an ear doctor, prescribes and fits hearing aids, assists in cochlear implant programs, performs ear or hearing related surgical monitoring, designs hearing conservation programs and provides newborn screening programs to test hearing levels. Audiologists may also provide hearing rehabilitation such as auditory training, speech reading and listening skills improvement.
• Family Medicine • According to the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP), family practice is health care for the individual and family that integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every organ system of the body.
Health & Wellness
What many people don’t realize is that almost all types of hearing loss are treatable by an audiologist. No one should ever feel there is no hope with hearing loss. Some hearing related problems include occupational; earwax blockage; hearing loss related to aging; acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor on the hearing nerve; Meniere’s disease, a serious tumor on the nerve ending; ringing in the ears; and fluid on the ear. Most hearing-related procedures and tests will be covered by most insurance companies.
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Health & Wellness Dr. Lori A. Howard Board Certified Doctor of Audiology
Dr. Laura Di Pasquale-Gregory Board Certified Doctor of Audiology
Pittsburgh Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Inc. Doctors of Audiology
• Doctors of Audiology • Over 10 Major Hearing Aid Brands • Advanced Digital Technology • Risk-Free Trial Periods • LIFETIME FREE BATTERIES*
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Mt. Lebanon Office
Family Medicine physicians work closely with patients to prevent disease and offer them a long and healthy life. Healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight control are often points that are stressed to all members of the family. For those with a personal history of chronic disease, specific measures are taken to ensure that they are being monitored and that their disease is being managed effectively. This is usually achieved with regular health maintenance exams and by keeping up with what is going on in their lives.
Hill Medical Bldg. 412.279.2181 Bower 1145 Bower Hill Rd.
The main focus and advantage of family medicine is the very personal and intimate care that is normally received. The attending physician almost becomes a member of the family.
5 Convenient Locations
Another particular benefit of family medicine is that it concentrates on education as well. Everyone in the family should understand what good healthy living is and all the ins and outs of how to achieve health goals. This is done with open discussions with your physician.
www.pghaudiology.com
Suite 102
Serving Pittsburgh for Over 60 Years! Most Insurances Accepted
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Common services provided in family medicine include bone density screenings, EKGs, hospital care, immunizations and flu shots, lab services, minor surgery (warts, lesions, stitches), newborn health, gynecology and obstetrics, school and sports physicals and preventive visits.
John Edward Color & Design is pleased to welcome Beth Foley Campano Peggy Moniodes Joan Spratt Terry Schad Cynthia Paolini to our staff. We are waiting to impress you.
Call today! 412.221.2466 John Edward Color & Design 429 Washington Ave. • Bridgeville, Pa 15017 412.221.2466 • www.johnedwardcoloranddesign.com
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• Pediatrics • Arguably, pediatric medicine is one of the most important areas of medical practice because it involves our children. This branch of medicine deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. The ages treated usually range from birth to 18 years. According to www.news-medical.net, pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many aspects. The obvious body size differences are paralleled by maturational changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians.
Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians.
Our Health & Wellness
Partners
Massage Envy massageenvy.com
McMurray Massage Therapy
At Massage Envy, we believe that massage is a vital component to your overall physical and mental well-being, the basis to any healthy lifestyle. By employing only licensed professionals specializing in customized massage, with flexible and convenient hours at affordable prices, our membership programs provide a pathway to wellness. Expanding NOW to offer a full line of Murad healthy skin facials.
Since 1992 Darlene Ruberto’s life’s work has been focused on providing specialized therapy through results-oriented bodywork. The combination of neuromuscular and deep tissue therapy is an effective treatment for relief of chronic and acute pain and everyday stress. I invite you to experience the results. RELIEF IS HERE! Contact Darlene at 724-413-4968
724.413.4968
Medical Group Robinson 412.490.2500 www.feelnu.com
Dr. Irina Vinarski
The Center for Personal Training has a very unique approach to getting every “body” in shape. With over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness field, owner Dee Barker and staff know what it takes to change your body composition and get healthy. The center appeals to all age and fitness levels, specializing in youth fitness and sports training, individualized strength and toning, as well as special workout programs for seniors.
Health & Wellness
Center for Personal Training 412.833.0233
Are you frustrated with struggling to lose weight? Our professional medical specialists will craft a personalized, safe weight loss management program designed to help you find success. Now is the time to be who you wish to be, start your New Year Resolution early by calling Medical Group Robinson today!
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 17
Our Health & Wellness
Partners
The doctors at South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates provide care for patients of all ages and in all areas of orthopaedics, including total joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, surgery of the hand, foot and ankle, surgery of the spine, South Hills Orthopaedic and sports medicine. Treatment may include medications, application of casts and splints, Surgery Associates exercise and physical therapy, or surgery. Your 412.283.0260 doctor will discuss the various treatment options available to you and will help you select the best plan of care for your individual needs.
Academy of Podiatry
academyofpodiatry.com
Health & Wellness
The Little Gym 724.288.7711 thelittlegym.com
Pittsburgh Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 888.826.0950
The Academy of Podiatry, with offices in Bethel Park, McKeesport and Banksville, provides complete foot and ankle care. Since 1997, our friendly and knowledgeable staff offer the best treatment options possible. Dr John Snyder D.P.M. and Dr. Jason Hughes D.P.M. are highly skilled professionals with extensive backgrounds in education, memberships and hospital privileges. All procedures are performed at our stateof-the-art medical facilities, and we offer conservative and surgical treatments.
The best way to encourage children to try their best is with a smile. That’s why, surprisingly, our teaching philosophy is quite different from others. The Little Gym is noncompetitive, which means children are encouraged to strive for their personal best. This is Serious Fun for children ages 4 months to 12 years. Please come see Miss Amy, along with Miss Erin, Miss Amanda, Miss Julie and the rest of their amazing team today!
Pittsburgh Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Inc. specializes in hearing assessment, hearing rehabilitation and hearing aids. We are an independent private practice working with over 10 hearing aid manufacturers, providing the highest quality of care to our patients. Dr. Laura Di Pasquale-Gregory, Au.D. and Dr. Lori A. Howard, Au.D., are both Board Certified Doctors of Audiology and offer a complete hearing healthcare plan to each patient.
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Upper St. Clair
Health & Wellness Treating a child is not like treating a miniature adult. A major difference between pediatrics and adult medicine is that children are minors, and in most jurisdictions, cannot make decisions for themselves. The issues of guardianship, privacy, legal responsibility and informed consent must always be considered in every pediatric procedure. In a sense, pediatricians often have to treat the parents and sometimes the family, rather than just the child. Adolescents are in their own legal class, having rights to their own health care decisions in certain circumstances. Pediatrics is a fairly new practice, only becoming a specialty in the mid-19th century. Today it is one of the biggest medical specialties in the United States, mainly because individuals tend to care more for their children than they do themselves and are therefore more likely to seek regular and consistent medical care for their children.
• Geriatrics • Geriatric medicine is quite unique because it usually deals with health issues related to age such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more. Despite these challenges, geriatric wellness is better than it has ever been before. People are living longer and taking better care of themselves. Retirement goals for the senior citizen of today differ widely from the objectives of retirees in years past. Today’s senior has a desire to not only stay healthy and prevent disease, but is passionate about living an active lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to increase longevity and quality of life. According to livestrong.com, the five categories of fitness include aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility. For the geriatric exercise participant, balance also plays a huge role in the development of a wellness program. For example, working on strength and balance to prevent falls is important, but in reality a trip, slip or fall will eventually happen. Exercises that build bone density and joint integrity along with flexibility are important to prevent fractures and other injuries. The American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for men and women 65 and older includes cardiovascular exercise at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, five days a week to improve aerobic fitness. It is also recommended that older adults engage in strength training two days per week. The focus should be on large muscle group exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as
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In Your Community
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standing, reaching overhead and pulling. It is also suggested that flexibility exercises be added at least two days per week. One should also utilize balance exercises to create a well-rounded program that focuses on both performance and prevention. The bottom line is, today’s world offers better opportunities than ever before for seniors to live and be healthy for many years to come.
• Hair Restoration • It is no secret we live in a society where looks are important to many people. So, naturally, hair replacement has become more and more popular. According to www.plasticsurgery.org, hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness. As a rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become. Hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance. Baldness is often blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff, and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved. It’s also untrue that hair loss can be determined by looking at your maternal grandfather, or that 40-year-old men who haven’t lost their hair will never lose it. Hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but the results are not always what you envisioned. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. It’s important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair.
Providing Premier Physician Practices & Diagnostic Services in One Convenient Location. Frazier Hart Cardiovascular (724) 225-6500 Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists (724) 222-5635 Washington OB/GYN Associates (724) 225-3640 Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (724) 206-0610
Now Accepting Patients
Transplant techniques such as punch grafts, mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts and strip grafts are generally performed on patients who desire a more modest change in hair fullness. Flaps, tissue expansion and scalp reduction are procedures that are usually more appropriate for patients who desire a more dramatic change.
3415 Miller’s Run Road Cecil PA 15321
Remember, there are limits to what can be accomplished. An individual with very little hair might not be advised to undergo hair replacement surgery.
Washington Physicians Group
Premier practices of
washingtonphysicans.org
Health & Wellness
Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken. Other factors, such as hair color, texture and waviness or curliness may also affect the result.
Cecil Outpatient Center
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 19
What’s up with
Whooping Cough?
Health & Wellness
P
ertussis, also known as whooping cough, has made a comeback recently, both nationally and in our communities. Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, and is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Pertussis is spread by person to person contact, usually by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. Pertussis begins with mild symptoms similar to the common cold, and fever is absent or minimal. The disease can progress to spasms of violent coughing which can often make it difficult to breathe. The name “whooping cough” comes from the sound a person can make after a coughing spell, leaving them gasping for air. These spasms of cough can be followed by vomiting, as well. Coughing due to pertussis usually lasts 1 to 6 weeks, but can persist for 10 weeks or longer. Once a child or adult is diagnosed with pertussis, he or she should be placed on antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment can reduce the chance of spreading the disease to others, but usually does not reduce the duration of illness in someone who is diagnosed with pertussis. Close contacts and household members of a person who tests positive for pertussis should be treated with antibiotics as well. The drug of choice is azithromycin. Children who have tested positive for pertussis should remain out of childcare or school until they have completed five days of antibiotics. Similarly, if an adult tests positive, he/she should remain out of work for five days while taking the antibiotic. Pertussis can be most severe for infants less than one year of age, who often do not cough but, instead, may have life-threatening pauses in their breathing, or “apneic” episodes. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than half of infants younger than 1 year of age must be hospitalized, and 1-2% of these hospitalized infants die from respiratory complications due to pertussis. The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis) should be given to all children at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age for a total of five doses. A booster dose, or Tdap, is given at age 11-12. The Tdap vaccine should also be given to pregnant women in their late 2nd or 3rd trimester, and adolescents or adults who did not received one previously. Since infants cannot begin their vaccinations for pertussis until 2 months of age, it is essential that parents, grandparents and caregivers update their own vaccines. The Tdap vaccine can be given no matter when the last tetanus shot was given. The CDC estimates that children who are not vaccinated are at 8 times higher risk for contracting the disease. Even vaccinated children and adults can contract the disease, as immunity can wane over time. However, vaccinated individuals who do develop pertussis tend to have a milder course. No one knows for sure why there has been an increase in pertussis recently. Other than waning immunity, some reasons given for the recent increase in pertussis cases include: more bacteria circulating, better diagnostic tests, increased community awareness, and improved reporting.
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Upper St. Clair
As we head into another long winter in the Pittsburgh area, let’s try to have less whooping cough. If you suspect you or your child might have pertussis, contact your physician. Please make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Parents of very young infants may want to avoid having their infant in contact with a person who is coughing. Parents, grandparents and adolescents should get their Tdap vaccine as soon as possible, either at their primary care physician, or at a local pharmacy. Through all of these methods, we hopefully will start seeing less whooping cough in our community. This Industry Insight was written by Dr. McGarrity. Dr. McGarrity grew up in Webster, NY. She attended University of Notre Dame for her undergraduate degree in Biology, and then attended SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse for medical school. Dr. McGarrity did her pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and has been practicing general pediatrics for 20 years at Pediatric Alliance, St. Clair division. She resides in Upper St. Clair with her 3 children.
Can Chiropractic Care
Help with Concussions? By Dr. Tyson Swigart
A
This Industry Insight was written by Marcella and Tyson Swigart. Tyson Swigart, DC, CCSP, CSCS, has been the owner and founder of Southpointe Chiropractic and Fitness since 1999. He is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and the University of Maryland. In addition to his experience as a physician, Dr. Swigart is an exercise physiologist, former college professor, and former collegiate strength and conditioning coach. He has worked extensively with athletes of all ages and levels of competitive sports. Dr. Swigart and his wife Marcella, a registered nurse, reside in Upper St. Clair with their four children.
Health & Wellness
dvancements have been made in both the diagnosis and treatment of concussions in recent years. The use of neurological testing has helped establish baseline measurements of brain function for thousands of athletes. Increased public awareness of concussion symptoms has helped many athletes and their parents seek medical attention that may not have done so in the past. The recent successful treatment of “concussion-like symptoms� of local superstar Sidney Crosby by a chiropractor has led many to ask the question, what can a chiropractor do to help with concussions? Understanding how chiropractic care can help with concussions starts with understanding the nature of the injury. Concussion is also known as mild traumatic brain injury. However, symptoms may be severe and linger for extended periods. Symptoms are widely varied and may include headache, memory loss, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, ringing of the ears, blurred vision and other symptoms. Emotional and mood changes are common as well as an inability to concentrate. Loss of memory or consciousness is not necessarily a component of even serious concussions. Early diagnosis is important because removal from activity is critical in reducing symptom duration and reoccurrence. Although sports is a common cause of concussions in the United States, falls and motor vehicle accidents contribute significantly to concussion occurrence. These types of injuries will frequently bring patients to the office of a chiropractor. Chiropractors receive extensive training in the recognition of concussion due to the high incidence of this injury amongst chiropractic patents. This is particularly true in those chiropractors who have received post graduate certificates in sports medicine or neurology. An often overlooked component of concussion treatment is the neck injuries that frequently accompany the concussion. Neck injury symptoms can be very similar to concussion symptoms and can be impossible to differentiate without the expert help of a doctor. Untreated conditions of the cervical spine will often linger in the same fashion as concussions. The most important thing to remember about concussions is that early diagnosis is critical. If you have suffered a neck or head injury, consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. Do not participate in sports or other vigorous activity until you do so. Chiropractic physicians are well trained in concussion diagnosis and should be involved in treating neck injuries that frequently accompany concussions. Delaying treatment of neck symptoms until the concussion resolves is not advisable and may impede recovery.
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 21
b u s i n e s s sp o tl i g h t
(L-R) Nicole Gelzheiser, Owner; Dawn Albert, Owner; Meredith Wertman, General Manager
Health & Wellness
One Hour to Better Health
The vision of Massage Envy
is to provide better lives, better families and better communities; a better world through our hands. For further information or to schedule an appointment, please call 724.942.0600.
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Upper St. Clair
I
By Pamela Palongue
f you think that massage is a luxury item you can’t afford, you may need to think again. Not only is it affordable at Massage Envy, but it has proven scientific health benefits for everyone. According to owners Nicole Gelzheiser and Dawn Albert, massage improves posture, circulation, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. “It’s part of an overall health and wellness regimen,” says Gelzheiser, who adds that one hour of massage is equal to six hours of sleep. Rest is essential for repairing the body’s tissues and systems. Without it, the body begins to break down making heart disease, diabetes and other malfunctions more likely. The healing power of touch has long been documented and is even more important for those living alone or individuals with little human contact. “Each massage is totally customizable to individual preference,” says Albert. Massage Envy offers Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial, sports massage that includes stretches, pre-natal massage and deep muscle therapy where warm towels are applied with heated oil to penetrate deep into muscle tissues. Additionally, hot stone massages and aromatherapy are offered as massage options. Hot stone therapy has Native American origins and penetrates deeply into the tissues by using the stone as a tool to work the stress from the tissues. An aromatherapy massage has seven different kinds of essential oils, each with a specific benefit, including lavender for calming frayed nerves. “We are focused on a single mission, enriching the lives of our members and our guests,” says Albert. “All of our 23 massage therapists are both licensed and certified.” Massage Envy has an introductory offer of $49 for a one-hour massage. Massage Envy offers memberships for individuals who wish to receive therapeutic massage on a regular basis, which makes the treatment far more affordable. There are however, also rates for single visits for individuals who only want an occasional massage. Recently, Massage Envy has expanded their health and wellness focus to include skin care with facials. Facial gift cards will be available starting Thanksgiving weekend. In addition to luxuriating with a facial, Massage Envy has an on-site skin analysis machine and facial scanner which will completely customize the needs of your skin makeup. Massage Envy utilizes world-renowned Murad Skincare products for four different types of Healthy Skin facials: Anti-aging, Clarifying Enzyme Acne, Environmental Shield Vitamin C, and Sensitive skin, all performed by professional and licensed estheticians. The Murad skincare line is based on The Science of Cellular Water®, which concludes that cells lose the ability to retain water as we age. Murad facial products are designed to repair cell membranes while attracting water and nutrients to the cells. This unmatched approach is the basis for all of Massage Envy Spa’s facial treatments. The introductory price for this service is $59 for a one-hour facial. While Massage Envy is perfect for a drop-in massage, and now facial, they also have a membership package so clients can drop in more often. “We have corporate memberships for companies that want to offer the life-changing benefits of massage to their employees,” says Gelzheiser. Healthier, happier employees translates into less sick time for employees and their companies. Massage Envy is open 7 days a week with evening hours available for those with busy schedules or work obligations. Once a membership is purchased locally, it can be used at any of the 715 Massage Envy locations in 44 states. This is especially helpful to those individuals whose careers require frequent travel. Massage Envy is partnered with the Arthritis Foundation and is committed to helping those suffering from arthritis. “Gentle massage is offered for clients with special needs such as osteoporosis, arthritis or other problems and we do accept insurance when massage is medically indicated by their doctor,” says Gelzheiser.
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• Cosmetic Surgery • Cosmetic surgery is very popular in the United States these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010.
Cecil Outpatient Care Cecil Outpatient Center 3415 Millers Run Road
According to www.cosmeticsurgery. Cecil, PA Providing Premier com, the most popular cosmetic Physician Practices procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, & Diagnostic Services in One Convenient Location. BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, thermage, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and buttocks Frazier Hart Cardiovascular implants.
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While cosmetic surgery is generally a safe procedure, when it Penn Foot & does go bad, results can be disastrous. The keyAnkle is to Specialists McFarland and Burns research your doctor thoroughly, making sure he/(724) 222-5635 724.941.2420 she has extensive experience and many references from satisfied patients. Washington
Cecil Outpatient Care is located at 3415 Millers Run Road in Cecil and offers advanced health care and medical excellence, now in one convenient location. From family medicine and specialty practices to X-rays, EKGs, ultrasounds and lab, you will find the area’s premier physician practices and diagnostic services in the Cecil Outpatient Center. To find out more about which practices and services have offices in the Cecil Outpatient Center go to www.washingtonhospital.org/services/ceciloutpatientcenter.
Changing Lives One Smile at a Time. Did you know that it is never too late to have a great looking smile that is healthy? Adults are turning to orthodontics in order to protect their own permanent teeth and look their best. All initial consultations are free—call today to schedule yours at 724.-941.2420. We have offices in McMurray and Mt. Lebanon. Visit us online at www.McFarlandandBurnsOrthodontics.com
Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic OB/GYN Associates (724) 225-3640 surgery, so it is a rather expensive, completely out-of-pocket expense. For example, a liposuction can cost around Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine $10,000. The only kind of cosmetic surgery that is generally covered by (724) 206-0610 insurance is for conditions that may interfere with someone’s overall healthNow Accepting Patients and wellness.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010.
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Good health is not just a linear concept of 3415 Miller’s Run Road adhering to a rigid routine for everyone. Cecil PA 15321 Each individual is different, and his/her Premier practices of personality, lifestyle and priorities must be taken into account. Washington Physicians Group
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23
G
irl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania is honored to present Kyla Colcombe with the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest recognition for achievement in Girl Scouting. Kyla, daughter of Tom and Victoria Colcombe is a senior at Upper St. Clair High School and also serves in a leadership position as an Advisory Committee Board of Directors member with Girl Scouts, and was elected president of a 60+ member Senior High Youth Choir at Christ United Methodist Church for this year. As a Girl Scout member for 12 years, Kyla is a Girl Scout Ambassador of Troop 51405; and supported in her Gold Award effort by Eileen Geffrey, Amy Kerman, Sharon Enslen, Melissa Lindberg, Isabelle Collins, and Rachel Geffrey of the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania. Her Gold Award project began in July 2010 and was completed in September of 2012. Kyla developed a program for girls ages 9-14 in an effort to show them that they are perfect just the way they are. This program, called Girl Camp, was four days long and took place during the third week of August at Upper St. Clair Community Center. Kyla felt that when girls looked at magazine images and other media portrayals of girls, it pressured them to feel like they needed
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Upper St. Clair
Th e Be n e f i t s o f De n t a l Imp l a n t s
W
hen a tooth is lost or needs to be removed, its replacement is preferable to leaving a space in the mouth for a number of reasons. A dental implant is an attractive and effective option for tooth replacement, and for many patients, an implant can offer benefits that outweigh those of bridges and dentures. Teeth are anchored into our upper and lower jaw bones by their roots. Our front teeth have just one large root, while our molars can have two or more roots of varying sizes. It is normal for us to be concerned about our outward appearance when thinking of teeth. We tend to focus on what we see above the gum line (the crown) and may prefer attractive white fillings over silver amalgams, or have our teeth shaped or whitened. to be perfect to fit in. She created this program so that girls But the value our unseen roots would be proud of themselves and their positive traits and offer should be taken into toconsideration understand when how choosing false theamedia images are. Several tooth replacement method. activities and lessons were included such as eating healthy, Roots support the bones being themselves, identifying positive versus negative that surround our teeth. This influences, handling peertopressure, andFEUER understanding the ILLUSTRATION alveolar bone is most likely stay strong and healthy when aphotos. root is The lessons were done in a manipulation of media present, and in the absence roots theand boneentertain begins to the resorb. Over time fun and interactive way toofengage class. the bone level becomes lower and lower, which can cause a thin and weak The program was so successful and well received, Kyla jaw bone. Dental implants can prevent or minimize this bone loss. was Aasked present again next in summer for the same dentaltoimplant canit be described three main parts. The implant portion is a strong placed below the gumfor line. It is made of age group and to“root” develop another camp younger girls. titanium, a biocompatible It attaches abutmentathat sits Kyla will graduate inmaterial. 2013 and planstotoanbecome above the gum line and serves as an anchor for the attachment of the third pediatric nurse anesthetist and was recently accepted part, the crown. The crown looks and feels just like a natural tooth. As the for admission University of Pittsburgh Johnstown in the bone heals afterto thethe removal of a tooth and placement of an implant, grows around the titanium alloy “root” in a process itsbone Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program for thecalled fall of osseointegration. 2013. Alternatively, bridges and dentures do not offer the benefits of root As the premier leadership experience foradjacent girls in to the open replacement. A bridge requires two healthy teeth the United Girlplaced Scouting builds girlsteeth of courage, space. NewStates, crowns are over the adjacent after they have been ground downand and reshaped, a new tooth (orworld teeth)awill be created, confidence, characterand who make the attached only to those neighboring teeth. The replacement tooth sits better place. between the two modified teeth, bridging the gap. Dentures are also synthetic teeth and have to be removed each night. They rest on the gums or clamp onto existing teeth. For more information Dentures and bridges do serve an important function and have earned their place in dental treatment. Because missing teeth cause more visit www.gswpa.org. problems than just bone resorption and not every patient has sufficient bone structure remaining for the placement of an implant, these
cout S l r i G s e v i Rece
Goldrd Awa
alternatives can provide patients with attractive smiles, the ability to chew food, and can prevent remaining teeth from shifting in the mouth and crowding in the spaces left after tooth removal. Sometimes the ideal treatment is a combination of dental implants with dentures or bridges. Consider a patient with no teeth who will rely on a full set of dentures to maintain appearance and chew their food. Those dentures can be anchored into the mouth much more comfortably and securely if they are attached to implanted teeth. And in situations where the loss of several teeth in a row requires a bridge, that bridge can be attached to implants. This method can avoid compromising the structure of healthy, adjacent teeth while also providing extra stability. If you have missing teeth or are about to have teeth removed, consider the possibility of dental implants or a combination of dental implants with dentures or bridges. Dental X-rays will help determine if you are a good candidate. While an implant requires a few extra steps and appointments, it is a long-term, effective solution that can ensure your comfort, function, bone health and esthetics. This Industry Insight was written by Drs. Jay and Adam Feuer. Jay Feuer D.D.S., M.A.G.D. is a family dentist practicing at 3035 Washington Road in McMurray, PA. Call the office at 724.941.2200 for more information or visit his website at www.drfeuer.com.
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25
You’ve heard of Comicon—the gatherings of comic creators and their fans. Well Horror Realm is its darker counterpart and this year, some of the genre’s best were on hand signing autographs and posing with fans. Some of the luminaries included Sid Haig, who is infamous in his role of Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie’s “House of 1,000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects;” Doug Bradley, who is the baritone head cenobite “Pinhead” from the Clive Barker “Hellraiser” franchise; and Lori Cardille, who’s been running from zombies ever since her lead role in George Romero’s “Day of the Dead,” and whose father is “Chilly Billy” Bill Cardille, who was the host of “Chiller Theatre.” For more information on this Horror Realm show and future events, go to www.horrorrealmcon.com.
26 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Upper St. Clair
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27
Sponsor a Soldier or Marine for Christmas This year we are trying to send Christmas stockings to as many U.S. troops as we can. We are going to purchase food, snacks, and supplies and stuff the stockings full for our troops. Being away from home for the holidays is very difficult for a soldier or Marine and we hope that the stockings will be a great morale booster. If you would like to sponsor a soldier or Marine please send $10.00 to Military Connections Corporation. Your ten dollars will cover the cost and contents of the stockings. You can also include a note or picture and we will put it in
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Upper St. Clair
the stocking. In order to make sure that the stockings reach the troops by Christmas, we have to mail them by December 15. All donations are taxdeductible. If you have any questions you can call us at the number below. Thank you for your support. Military Connections 312 Auburn Street Pittsburgh, PA 15235 412.496.8941 militaryconnections@hotmail.com www.militaryconnections.org
Military Connections Overview Military Connections is a nonprofit corporation that sends equipment, care packages, and supplies to military personnel stationed overseas. We have been shipping boxes since 2003 and celebrated our 9th anniversary in July. We are registered as a 501(c)(3) with the IRS so that all donations are tax deductible. I started Military Connections when my brother, Eddie, joined the Marine Corps. Prior to his enlistment I was of the understanding that the military was provided with all of the necessary supplies they needed. We found out when he was getting ready to deploy that was not the case. Military personnel are required to purchase their own supplies and equipment. It does vary by branch, but the only item they are guaranteed is ammunition and weapons. I started shipping items to my brother and his friends so that they did not have to spend their paychecks on items needed for deployment. Word soon spread and Marines were writing me letters and asking for items such as toothpaste, soap, and socks. The PX where they purchase the items in Iraq was not getting enough supplies in and the troops had no way of purchasing supplies. I decided that if they needed supplies, there must be other men and women in the same situation and the rest is history! We ship all types of items overseas. Primar-
ily we ship food, snacks, health care items, athletic socks, magazines, and entertainment items such as compact discs or magazines. Troops are also encouraged to make requests so we also ship items such as helmet lines, bulletproof plates for their vests, combat boots, air conditioner units, sporting equipment, pillows, DVD players, televisions, and an endless list of needed supplies. The only items that we do not ship are products containing alcohol, as it is illegal and will not pass through customs. I have never declined a request from a unit and will ship anything that I possibly can to make their deployment as enjoyable as possible. Our Christmas Adoption Project is our largest fundraiser of the year. Last year we shipped just over 10,000 stockings to Marines and soldiers! The adoption program is a great way to boost morale!
ITEMS NEEDED FOR STOCKINGS Granola Bars Small Canned Goods with Pop-Top Lids Candy Canes Mints and Gum Pop-Tarts Individual Boxes of Cereal Lollipops Skittles Starburst Small Trinkets Power Bars Single Serve Kool-Aid Singles Single Serve Powdered Gatorade Small Toys Individual Bags of Snacks, Pretzels, Chips Individual Bags of Cookies Individual Bags of Crackers Batteries (AA or AAA) Playing Cards Slim Jims Beef Jerky AT&T Calling Cards White Athletic Socks Donations Accepted at: Northwest Savings Bank • Route 88, Bethel Park or call 412.496.8941
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29
Protect Your Mobile Devices – and Your Identity
(724) 772-3131
20273 Rt. 19 • Cranberry Township, PA 16066 DESIGN CENTER HOURS 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Monday - Saturday
www.txpgh.com
When a phone or tablet goes missing, so does a lot of personal information – and that can lead to identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, and thieves can get personal information via your mobile device. Here are two things you can do to help protect your identity: Password-protect your device. A recent study by Javelin Strategy and Research found that even though many smartphones are being used to handle sensitive financial information, only 33 percent of smartphone owners password-protect their devices. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, you could make it very easy for someone to access your personal information and steal your identity. Consider getting extra protection. There are a growing number of tools available to help you monitor and protect your identity, as well as restore your name and credit, should your identity get stolen. Specialty insurance programs offer alerts of any changes that could indicate someone else is using your information. Taking time to protect your devices now can reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft later.
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Upper St. Clair
selection We have a larg-feree toys of safe, toxin
Toxic Pet Products? T
hose of you with children may remember the massive recall of 23 million toys after lead was discovered in toys made in China. The public outcry was tremendous because lead is associated with neurological damage. Hopefully those of you with pets began to wonder, “If there is lead in children’s toys then there has to be in our pets toys?” Well, the answer in most cases is yes! Other causes for concern are pthalates, chemical dyes, chromium, cadmium, mercury and BPA, just to mention a few, that could be found in toys, bedding and bowls. After the 2007 recalls, Trace Laboratories tested Paws N’ Claws tennis balls and they found an astounding 27,200ppm lead levels in the ink on the balls. They also tested a ceramic food dish and found lead levels at 2,890 ppm. The lead levels in both these items far exceed the level set for human toys currently at 300 ppm. Pets chew long and hard on toys and lead comes off more readily after a pet’s saliva soaks the toy and begins to partially digest the surface allowing for toxic accumulation. Symptoms of lead poisoning are vague and mimic other conditions such as: anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, blindness, deafness and behavioral changes. So you ask, what’s being done about this? Since the children’s toy recall a government agency “Consumer Product Safety Commission”
or CPSC has tightened regulations by imposing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The act reduces the limit of total lead content in children products from 600ppm (parts per million) to 300ppm effective 8/14/09. Other regulations include pthalates not to exceed .1%, mandatory testing and certification. Unfortunately, (as you could probably guess) no action has been take for the pet product industry and there are no regulations governing it either. Therefore, all we can continue to do is educate ourselves on what is safe for our pets and what isn’t. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:
Gary Yon
the Chinese port and hides are commonly covered in mold and have to be bleached upon arrival. Then they go through a chemical processing to help preserve them and that’s just the beginning. It’s imperative to buy rawhide that is made in the USA!
• Use glass or stainless steel dishes. • Use only sport tennis balls, not tennis balls made as pet toys. • Visit websites that monitor and rate specific toys or brands for toxins. Such as, www.healthystuff.org and www.goodguide.com • Avoid plastics containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is brittle and is often augmented with pthalates and stabilizing heavy metals.
I chose to write on this topic now because we are approaching gift giving season. Knowledge is power my friends, so it’s my hope this article will make you think twice before grabbing that cute stuffed Santa Claus made in China to put in your pets stocking. Let’s think twice. Don’t be naughty…be nice to man’s best friend!
• Purchase products Made in the USA.
SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza 1742 Washington Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA. 15241
• Avoid toys made of synthetic latex. • Contact the company and ask. Lastly let’s look at the quality of rawhide… According to Cattle Network. The U.S. exports Pets chew more than $1billion in cattle hides to China long and hard every year, and guess what they do with on their toys – them? They make them into rawhide chews make sure they for pets and ship them right back to us! Something else to think about is when hides are safe! are stripped from the animal they are perishable and should be kept cool till processing. Hides shipped to China are trucked to the west coast and loaded onto ships. It can take weeks to reach
Gift cards make
great Gifts!
www.healthypetproducts.net
(Next to Model Cleaners)
412.831.3700
NORTH HILLS: 9600 Perry Highway McCandless, PA 15237
412.366.0700
Monday-Thurs: 9am - 8pm Friday-Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Find us on
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31
LANAP
LASER
“It’s Like Lasik for your Gums”
PERIODONTAL THERAPY Gregory S. Peterson D.M.D St. Clair Building 1725 Washington Road Suite 600 Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412.833.3944 gregorypetersondental.com
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Upper St. Clair
A
ccording to Minnie Elfkin, public relations coordinator behavior, now that Santa Claus has Skype capabilities. for Santa Claus Operations North America, the iconic Although there have been many imposters, there is still no Christmas figure will be keeping a dizzying schedule official Santa Claus website at this time. Santa Claus cannot of public appearances this holiday season. During November be liked on Facebook or followed on Twitter due to the covert and December, Mr. Claus will be visiting as many cities and nature of his operations in the North Pole region. Those children towns across the U.S. as possible, including appearances in wishing to write Mr. Claus should send all correspondence to Upper St. Clair. Those wishing to consult Mr. Claus to make a the usual address, Santa Claus, North Pole. particular gift request should check the shopping malls and local All children in Upper St. Clair area are requested to go to holiday parades. Mr. Claus also may be seen in the vicinity of bed no later than 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus will 34th Street in New York City and any cold, mountainous region be arriving in the region sometime between 2:17 and 2:18 where reindeer may live. a.m. Eastern Standard In other news from the Time. In order to North Pole, Prancer has receive a present from All children in Upper St. Clair area been placed on the injured Santa, children should disabled list, although he be sure to pick up their are requested to go to bed no later is expected to be healthy toys and eat all of their than 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. for the Christmas Eve vegetables. event. A young reindeer In the meantime, named Techno is being keep a sharp called up from the farm team as a possible replacement if eye toward the northern sky and watch for flying Prancer is unable to fly by Christmas. Elfkin stresses, “Presents reindeer and twinkling lights. To All a Merry WILL BE delivered on time and there will be no lapse in Christmas and to All a Good Night! service regardless of personnel changes.� Elfkin also reminds homeowners to leave the damper open to provide easier access through the chimney. This season Mr. Claus is watching his cholesterol intake and low-fat snacks are much appreciated. Elfkin also reports that the United Federation of Elves has been working on some exciting new toys this season that should please any toddler or preschooler. Children are alerted to be on their best
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Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33
Communi
is Making a Difference Celebrates
N
elson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Communities In Schools is doing everything it can to make the world a better place one student at a time. Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s largest stay-in-school network. Headquartered in Virginia, with a local office on Frankstown Road in Penn Hills, the network consists of nearly 200 CIS affiliates serving 3,400 educational sites in 27 states. Since 1977 CIS has been forming partnerships that address the needs of students and their families; CIS has been in Allegheny County since 1985. The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. In Pittsburgh, CIS works
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Upper St. Clair
ties In Schools in Pittsburgh Area and Throughout the Country
with educationally at-risk kids from first grade through age 21. It leads the way in creating and managing school/community partnerships that meet students’ academic and social needs. CIS uses several models of service delivery: Alternative learning academies, which are state-approved non-traditional centers for educationally at-risk students who have failed classes and need to recover credits, and those who have dropped out but desire to return. Students follow a teacherled, project-based, individualized curriculum designed to re-energize a passion for learning and school engagement; Afterschool and summer programming for any k-12 school and special initiatives that support student success. Programming focuses on providing relevant, engaging and fun experiences for kids; and Integrated Student Services, where a CIS coordinator is positioned full time at any k-12 school site to work with educationally at-risk students. The coordinator identifies community resources and services, connects these services to the school, students, and their families, manages the delivery of the services and monitors student participation and progress. This model was recently scientifically proven to increase reading and math scores, increase
graduation rates and reduce dropout rates. The CIS program has five core basics…a personal one-one-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation and a chance to give back to peers and community. This is a program that truly works; the staggering statistics back this claim up. In Allegheny County alone, CIS has helped 50,000 students become productive and educated members of society since 1985. Over the last 13 years, over 75 students have earned their high school diplomas and 95% of CIS students have either stayed in school or graduated in 2010 and 2011. Amazingly, the 2011 graduating class of 111 students will have a significant impact on the region’s workforce and economy by: earning between $54.3
million and $111 million during their careers; contributing more than $1.1 million annually to the economy in additional tax revenue; and saving Pittsburgh $16 million in crime and drug related incarcerations. The statistics don’t end there. In the CIS program, 3.6% fewer students drop out; 4.8% more students graduated on time with a regular diploma; 5.2% and 6% more students reached proficiency in fourth and eighth grade math respectively; and 2.3% percent and 5.1% more students reached proficiency in fourth and eighth grade reading, respectively. Plus, CIS’s model is effective across states, school settings, grade levels and student ethnicities. A unique factor in the CIS program is that not only does it help students; teachers are seeing results as well. ICF International administered a survey to 1,500 teachers
The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommu nitymagazines.com 35
Communities In Schools continued from previous page
Celebrates
in CIS schools throughout the United States. The results state that because of a CIS presence in their school: 72% of teachers can better improve achievement; 72% of teachers say that more community resources are brought into the school; 63% of teachers say their overall effectiveness is greater; 63% of teachers say teaching is more enjoyable because of the improved environment; and 47% of teachers say parents are more involved. In addition to the tremendous results in the classroom, Communities In Schools has been recognized nationally for its sound business practices and financial transparency, earning the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance National Charity Seal and a high rating from Charity Navigator. Our children are our future. Nothing is more empowering than an education, so the terrific work of the CIS is invaluable to the regions that are impacted by these programs nationwide. We are certainly fortunate and grateful for the continued terrific results CIS is producing in Allegheny County. After all, Pennsylvania’s dropout problem is directly related to crime, health problems, unemployment and a loss in tax revenues. What a better world we would live in with a drastic reduction in these problems.
For more information about Communities In Schools, or to donate, visit www.communitiesinschools.org. 36 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Upper St. Clair
usc.Prudential Colicchie-Winter12_Layout 1 11/1/12 4:27 PM Page 1
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Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37
E
stablished around the time of the War of 1812 when the president was James Madison, the Fawcett United Methodist Church of Bridgeville celebrated its 200th anniversary on Sunday, September 23. “It is a very self-reliant, country church in an urban development,” shared Pastor Jeff Conn. “It has endured because of many faithful members over the 200 years. It really is picturesque.” Purchasing the land for six cents in 1812 from John and Anne Fawcett, the members erected a plain square log building, said Jeffrey Fawcett, a descendant who attended the celebration with family members. A brick structure replaced it in 1843. “They were Quakers and originally came from Fawcett Gap, Winchester, Virginia,” said Mr. Fawcett, who is a foreign liaison division deputy with the Air Force at the Pentagon. “They were thrown out of the Quaker church because they were first cousins who married, and they chose to bear arms. Although marrying a cousin was commonplace then, the church did not approve. So they left and became Methodists and started the church in their home.” Significant in the Methodist history, Francis Asbury, who was one of the first
Methodist bishops in America, preached in the Fawcetts’ home twice, according to Bishop Asbury’s journal, said Glenn Simpson, a lifelong member of the church. “He traveled to their home by horseback,” Mr. Simpson said. John and Anne Fawcett of Monongahela receive invitations to major, special events and attend when they can, explained their son. Mr. Fawcett currently resides in the same area as his descendants, Fawcett Gap, Winchester, Virginia.
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Upper St. Clair
In 1944, the building was damaged by fire and when members began repairs, a basement and vestibule were added, according to Linda Munger, council president and treasurer, who said an outhouse was removed around that time. At the anniversary celebration, Sandi and Jerry Rectenwald of Ellwood City presented special music. At the 175th anniversary, the couple wrote a special copyrighted song entitled “The Little Church,” which they performed again. Members of
the congregation knew parts of the song. Some of the words to the song, allowed to be used here by permission: “In the little church, so big in the hearts of men so dear to the heart of God, so important in His plan. On roads and trails the preacher comes on horseback a circuit-riding servant armed with the power of the gospel’s truth on a mission to lead those rugged pioneers in the way of the old rugged cross. Today the sunshine finds the church still standing an outpost of God’s kingdom that He’s built with living stones a beacon shining out the love of Christ to a dark and dying world and the people pull up in their Chevys, Fords and Buicks and you just might see that
preacher pulling in on a Yamaha. Though the times have changed the message is the same; Jesus Christ is Lord and the Lord has blessed and the Lord will bless the little church.” Mrs. Rectenwald is the daughter of Rev. Vic Brown, pastor at Fawcett church from 1985 until 1993, and he also attended the anniversary celebration. She cried, “This church has been more important to me than any other church that my dad served.” “This is a remarkable historic church,” stated Mr. Rectenwald. “We have performed the song here a few times and we are always anxious to perform it.”
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39
Pastor Keith Dunn, currently of Johnstown, preached at the special service in the packed church. He grew up in the church and then went into the ministry. His brother, George, introduced him and said he was “shocked” he became a pastor. He gave the message, A Cloudy Witness. State Representative Brandon Neuman presented Pastor Dunn with a proclamation from the House of Representatives honoring the church, which has “touched thousands of lives and makes our community even better.” After the service, a luncheon was held at the Lawrence Civic Center for the members and guests. Attending the luncheon was U.S. Representative Tim Murphy who presented the church with a federal proclamation commemorating this historic event. Also attending was State Senator Tim Solobay who presented a certificate from the Senate. Remembering other activities, Mr. Simpson reported, “we used to have chicken and biscuit dinners at the church and sometimes we served 500 people.” He was on mashed potatoes duty regularly. “The old-timers would remember the dinners,” he stated. Attached to the church is a cemetery, which is maintained by the members. “No one has been buried there in years but we do take pride in maintaining it,” said Ms. Munger, who has been a member since 1952. “We have many graves dating back to the 1800s.” “To me, it is like a family,” said Ed Cononge, council trustee member and member of the men’s group. “Once a month, we have a get together, share a meal, and talk. We all get along and it is great.” Herb Boone has been a member for 80 of his 82 years of life. He thought the anniversary service was “marvelous. I don’t think there have been many changes over the years but there have been many pastors.” Mr. Cononge’s wife, Nancy, organized the 200th anniversary celebration. She is also president of the ladies group. “I grew up in this church,” she explained. “It is a beautiful, little church. I hope it survives for another 200 years!”
40 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Upper St. Clair
Helping Students Manage Money Money management is one skill that can be difficult for young adults to master as they head off on their own. But no matter what stage of life—whether they’re entering college or the workforce—every young adult should learn how to handle money.
$ Establish a Budget.
Sit down together with your student and map out all monthly expenses including room and board or rent, books, supplies, food, personal care and medications, transportation, gas, entertainment and payment for phone, mobile devices, cable and Internet access. Stick to the budget.
setting limitations on using a credit card to avoid nonacademic debt (emergencies, travel, school expenses, etc.). Equipping students with some basic financial skills will help them make wise money choices now and for the rest of their lives.
$ Prioritize needs vs. wants
. Have your student do the math on how much some of the “necessities” will cost, and then talk about how to weigh purchase decisions.
$ Find ways to spend less.
A little planning can help young adults spend less and get more value for their dollar out of cellphone use, food, clothing and entertainment.
$ Be smart about credit cards.
Make sure your student understands the impact of interest rates; discuss
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 41
h
unger is something many of us don’t think about every day. We’re lucky enough not to have to. But for 925 million people in this world who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, hunger is a life-threatening concern. More than 25,000 people die of hungerrelated causes every day, 16,000 of them children. Even more shocking is that the world produces more than enough food each day to feed everyone several times over. Stop Hunger Now has made it its mission to end world hunger by providing food and lifesaving aid to the world’s most vulnerable areas. Less than 15 years after its founding, the organization has delivered food aid and disaster relief supplies including meals, medicines and medical supplies, clothing, and blankets to people in need in 76 countries worldwide, with
Nicaragua, Kenya, Liberia, El Salvador and Guatemala being among the largest recipients. The meal packing program started in 2005 and offers turnkey solutions for organizations to streamline the process of proving food aid to the hungry. The meals are comprised of rice, soy, vegetables, flavoring and a packet of 21 essential vitamins and minerals. Each meal contains 220 calories with 11 grams of protein and 60% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A and iron. With six servings per package, the cost to provide a meal is only $0.25 and the packages can be easily transported and stored for up to five years. To date, Stop Hunger Now has provided nearly 75 million meals through the efforts of over 150,000 volunteers. Stop Hunger Now works with established in-country partners to ensure that the meals get to those who need them most. They distribute through school feeding programs to help encourage education, gender equality and economic production. Both Christ United Methodist and Westminster Presbyterian churches are very mission focused and have many outreach programs already in place. Stop Hunger Now’s streamlined
‘‘
More than 25,000
people die of hunger-
‘‘
related causes every day, 16,000 of them children.
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Upper St. Clair
One Day. One Goal.
ne World.
Volunteers from Christ United Methodist and Westminster Presbyterian Churches Create 134,898 Meals for Stop Hunger Now
program made it an easy way for the churches to reach beyond our borders and make an impact in the world. Christ United Methodist ran a successful Stop Hunger Now program last year and was able to package 54,000 meals. When the church exceeded the goal of 50,000 meals, Duane Thompson, Senior Pastor, said in a passing comment, “We should strive for 100,000 next year.” So they did. They set their goals to raise enough funds and recruit 750 volunteers to create 100,000 meals. With a church very involved in outreach already, it would be a challenge to ask the congregation to give even more. Partnering with neighboring church Westminster Presbyterian was the perfect solution. “It became a true community event that was intergenerational and fun,” said Jeanna-Mar Simmons, outreach coordinator for Christ United. “Together, we could do so much more.” Both churches agreed to raise half of the money and were striving for 400 volunteers each, although Westminster’s congregation size is only roughly half that of CUMC. “We agreed a year ago and part of me said ‘YES!’ but a part of me said ‘Oh my gosh, how are we going to do that?’,” said Jan Baumann, volunteer coordinator at Westminster. But the giving spirit of God took over and both congregations came through in a BIG way. All of the volunteer slots were filled more than a week prior to the event and they raised so much
money that they were able to increase their goal from 100,000 meals to 130,000. On Saturday, September 29, a total of 858 volunteers donated 90 minutes or more to help with the event, held at Christ United Methodist Church on Highland Road. Some helped with registration and selling t-shirts while most people opted for the grunt work of assembling, sealing and packing the rice bags. Five-person teams added ingredients to the bags and the runners took them to the weigh stations where additional rice was added continued on next page
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One Day. One Goal.
One World. continued from previous page
if needed to reach the proper weight of 379 to 384 grams. After sealing, the middlemen would take the rice to the next station where another team would lay 36 bags on a template to prepare for packing in boxes. The heavy lifters would place the boxes on the cart and wheel them out to two 26’ box trucks waiting to be filled. It was a calculated and efficient assembly line that would have made Henry Ford proud. It may sound simple but with 50-lb. bags of rice, an average of 26,000 meals required per shift, and specific weight requirements for each bag, it was definitely a challenge. Each shift started out awkwardly as everyone was waiting on the meal assembly teams to get started. But minutes later when the bags started coming out, everything just fell into place. Volunteers from 5 to 95 worked together with their families, friends and total strangers to create the synergy needed to focus on the big picture and get the job done. “It was amazing that everybody put aside their typical Saturday activities and changed their focus to give back,” said Baumann. The excitement was intoxicating as the coordinators from Stop Hunger Now would bang the gong every 3,000 meals. The music played up-tempo tunes, and people packed faster, danced to the beat, and smiled from the inside out. Some were lucky enough to look up and get a glimpse of the cart full of boxes being hauled out to the truck when the realization struck them that the efforts of one person as a small part in a huge operation could really make a difference. Everyone there knew that someday, somewhere, there would be a person on the other side of the world thanking God for that meal. What a motivation to have. What a goal to reach. The community effort and giving spirit behind this successful event was able to exceed the original goal of 100,000 and create 134,898 meals to be shipped to another country to save someone’s life. Pretty amazing for a typical Saturday in the South Hills.
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For more information on how you can support Stop Hunger Now, go to www.stophungernow.org. Information on church services, activities, and outreach programs can be obtained by going to www.christumc.net or www.westminster-church.org.
UPMC TODAY
Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13
Stay Well This Winter Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.
What’s Inside 2
What You Can Do to Beat the Flu
3 4
Absent From Pain Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking Brittle Bones
5 6 7
Shedding More Than Pounds Growing Up With Heart Disease Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down
© 2012 UPMC
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What You Can Do to Beat the Flu Just because you’re healthy now doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu. Take precautions to protect yourself and others.
Each year, millions of Americans get the flu. Some recover easily. Others — especially older people, young children, and those with serious health problems — are more vulnerable. “The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications,” says Mohamed Yassin, MD, chief of infectious diseases at UPMC Mercy. “More importantly, the flu can be deadly.”
Good behavior can help limit its spread. For example, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then trash that tissue. No tissue? Use your inner elbow instead of your hands. A flu virus can live up to several hours on hard surfaces, such as desks, doorknobs, tables, and keyboards. “Good hand hygiene is key to controlling the spread of the flu, so wash your hands often,” says Juliet Ferrelli, infection control coordinator at UPMC Mercy. Using soap and water, rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. And remember to keep your hands away from your face. “People touch their faces more than 3,000 times a day, giving flu germs plenty of chances to get into the body, ” says Ms. Ferrelli.
Mind your manners Being around others when you’re sick with the flu is just bad manners. A recent survey of 1,000 flu sufferers by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases showed that nearly twothirds admitted to going about their daily activities — going to work, taking a business trip, having dinner with family or friends, even visiting an ailing parent or grandparent — while they were sick. Here’s how you can help zap the flu bug this season:
Get a shot, not the flu “Getting a flu shot is an effective, easy, and inexpensive way to protect yourself and others,” says Kathy McElheny, employee health coordinator at UPMC Mercy. “The flu vaccine is safe, and it can’t cause the flu,” adds Dr. Yassin. “In fact, it’s one of the biggest lifesavers in terms of infectious diseases.”
What to do if you get sick If you’re in good health otherwise, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. If your symptoms are unusually severe or you have trouble breathing, call your doctor immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu shot. People at higher risk of complications because of age or poor health, health care workers, and anyone who lives with or cares for older adults or young children should definitely be vaccinated.
If you’re over age 65, have chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, or have a sick child under the age of 2, see your doctor as soon as flu symptoms appear.
Since it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, health professionals recommend getting the vaccine now.
It may be difficult to predict exactly when flu season will arrive or how severe it will be, but finding a place to get a flu shot is easy.
Keep your germs to yourself
In addition to your doctor’s office, flu shots are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic without an appointment. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.
“Because the flu is so contagious, it can spread quickly when people are in close quarters — in the classroom, office, gym, an airplane, or the grocery store,” says Ms. McElheny.
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“There’s too much harm that can come from the flu,” says Dr. Yassin. “We all have to be responsible for controlling its spread.” So when you’re sick, just stay at home. Your family, friends, and co-workers will thank you.
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Time to roll up your sleeve
Absent From Pain Most of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that “puts you to sleep,” but it’s really all about pain relief.
internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. Many also pursue subspecialty training in such areas as pain medicine, and pediatric, cardiothoracic, or obstetric anesthesia. In today’s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. “It’s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,” says Dr. Williams. Anesthesia’s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.
Getting to know you For minor operations, you’ll typically meet your anesthesiologist at the hospital, shortly before surgery. For major surgeries, you will be asked to participate in a pre-surgery consultation. “With patients who live at a distance, we’re now using telemedicine to conduct pre-op visits,” says Dr. Williams. “It allows us to get to know you, address your questions and concerns, review options, and determine if any additional tests or consultations are needed.”
What to tell your anesthesiologist
Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine’s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it? The father of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes is generally credited with bringing the term into popular use in 1846, though references to anesthesia can be traced back to 1741. The term is based on a Greek word meaning “lack of sensation.” “Anesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,” explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anesthesiology. “Your anesthesiologist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.”
A team of professionals Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete four years of residency after finishing medical school. Their extensive preparation includes training in cardiology, critical care medicine,
Prior to surgery, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself. “Be candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,” advises Dr. Williams. Be sure to include the following: • Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesia • Any food, medicine, or latex allergies you have • Prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you take • Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs
Did You Know? There are four basic categories of anesthesia: Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your body Regional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waist Twilight: Sedates and provides pain relief General: Renders you unconscious
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Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan
Butt Out Despite dire health warnings, one out of five Americans still smokes. If you’re one of them, here are some new reasons to crush that butt. Before you light up your next cigarette, consider this: With every puff, you’re inhaling more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds of them are poisonous, and about 70 can cause cancer. And no organ or tissue in the body is immune to this toxic cloud. Most people know that cancer, heart disease, and lung disease are major health threats caused by smoking. But are you aware that smoking increases your risk of getting diabetes by 44 percent? That’s just one of the not-so-obvious reasons to put that butt out. Here are five more. 1. See the difference. If you smoke, your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, doubles. Smokers also have double the risk of developing cataracts.
Brittle Bones Osteoporosis is quickly becoming a national health care concern.
It’s estimated that 10 million Americans now have osteoporosis and 34 million are at risk. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, chances are good that you — or someone you love — will be affected by the disease. “In osteoporosis, your bones become thin and brittle, putting you at increased risk of a bone fracture,” says Susan Greenspan, MD, UPMC’s director of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. “In advanced stages, simple acts like lifting a baby or sneezing can lead to a fracture.” Here are four facts everyone should know about osteoporosis: 1. Osteoporosis can appear at any age. But after the age of 50, one out of every two women — and one out of every four men — may experience a fracture due to the disease. These breaks occur most often in the hip, wrist, and spine. 2. Osteoporosis is silent. It’s often diagnosed only after a fracture. Menopause, family and medical history, physical build, and your lifestyle and diet can increase your odds of the disease.
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2. Heal better. Smoking weakens the body’s ability to heal from surgery, disease, broken bones, and even minor back strains. 3. Now hear this. Smokers are more likely to develop hearing loss. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts former smokers and nonsmokers at risk. 4. Stand tall. Smoking weakens bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in men and women. 5. Keep your head. If your mind is cloudy, smoking may be the culprit. It’s been linked to memory problems and poor reasoning skills in middle-aged smokers.
You’re not just hurting yourself The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that secondhand smoke kills about 50,000 people every year and sickens many more. Children who live with a smoker are especially susceptible to lung and breathing problems, and they run an increased risk of hearing loss as adolescents. If you’re among the eight out of 10 smokers who want to quit, talk to your primary care doctor. To locate a doctor in your area, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call toll-free 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Journal of the American Medical Association.
3. You can take proactive steps at any age to promote bone health. These include: eating foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cottage cheese, and calcium-enriched juices; exercising (weight-bearing exercise like walking); stopping smoking; and limiting alcohol use. If needed, consider taking a calcium supplement and vitamin D daily. 4. The good news is early detection is easy. If you’re 65 years of age or older, Dr. Greenspan recommends talking to your doctor about your risks. A simple bone mineral density test can assess your bone health. To learn more about osteoporosis, talk to your primary care provider, or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website at nof.org.
Shedding More Than Pounds Bariatric surgery helps free patients from a range of life-threatening health problems.
It’s well known that bariatric surgery can produce impressive weight loss. But there’s increasing evidence that it offers other health benefits, too. For example, a recent Swedish study showed weight-loss surgery can prevent diabetes among individuals who struggle with obesity. That news came as no surprise to Anita Courcoulas, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s another study demonstrating the lasting impact of bariatric surgery on health improvement,” says Dr. Courcoulas. “The changes are real and durable.”
Is bariatric surgery right for you? Current national guidelines recommend bariatric surgery for patients who are 80 to 100 pounds overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or more for those with one or more significant obesity-related health conditions. Those guidelines may change, though. For example, at UPMC — one of the most highly funded centers of bariatric research in the country — Dr. Courcoulas is heading a study examining the impact of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients with lower BMIs (30–35). She predicts more and more patients will seek out bariatric surgery for health reasons — not just weight reasons. “We’re just beginning to understand its full potential,” she says.
Bariatric Surgery Centers at UPMC Each of UPMC’s four bariatric surgery centers has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our multidisciplinary approach to weight loss through both surgery and lifestyle changes is available at: UPMC Hamot: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, and gastric sleeve. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Amjad Ali, MD, or Rodolfo Arreola, MD, call 814-877-6997. UPMC Horizon: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Myers, MD, call 724-588-6660.
A life-altering surgery According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 72 million Americans are considered obese and nearly 200,000 undergo bariatric surgery annually. UPMC is a leader nationally in bariatric surgery and in the number of bariatric procedures performed annually. Dr. Courcoulas says bariatric surgery (including gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve) can help reverse a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, such as: • Diabetes • Heart disease
• High blood pressure • High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
UPMC St. Margaret: Pittsburgh Bariatrics offers gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Joseph Colella, MD, or LeeAnn Peluso, MD, call 412-784-5900. Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, revisional surgery, and clinical trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Anita Courcoulas, MD, director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; George Eid, MD; Giselle Hamad, MD; Carol McCloskey, MD; or Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, call 412-641-3632. Each center offers free monthly information sessions. To learn more about bariatric surgery, or to find out if you’re a candidate, visit UPMC.com/bariatricsurgery.
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Growing Up With Heart Disease Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is responding to the special challenges facing adults born with congenital heart disease.
The ACHD Center — a joint program of Children’s Hospital and UPMC Presbyterian — provides specialized transition support and care for patients with congenital heart disease. “Despite surgery, patients can experience complications as adults, including arrhythmias, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Our care and follow-up enables these young people — now in their prime — to lead long, productive lives,” Dr. Cook says.
A healthy outlook Before her diagnosis, Alexis thought she was in great shape; she had lost 100 pounds, was running daily, and had completed a two-mile race. But her conditioning actually helped disguise her declining health. After undergoing surgery at Children’s last April to restore blood flow, she now realizes how much better she feels. This summer, she ran the race again.
Alexis Laney was only 14 months old when she underwent open heart surgery in Cleveland to repair a faulty valve. She had annual checkups until age 17, when her pediatric cardiologist referred her to an adult cardiologist. She scheduled sporadic checkups, but stopped going after giving birth to a son in 2005. “I felt fine,” says Alexis. Now 27, the young wife and mother finally gave in to her family’s urging last year and saw a cardiologist near her home in Youngstown, Ohio. Although her EKG and echocardiogram were normal, he urged Alexis to see a specialist at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, saying, “I don’t know what to look for, but they will.” Tests conducted by Stephen Cook, MD, director of the ACHD Center, found scar tissue blocking blood flow to her aorta — a serious condition putting her at risk of sudden death. “I was shocked. I could have collapsed and died,” Alexis says.
Lifelong expert care Alexis is part of a growing population of adults born with heart defects who had lifesaving heart surgery as newborns and children. Thanks to advances in medicine and improved surgical techniques, “the number of adults with congenital heart diseases has outgrown the number of pediatric congenital heart disease patients,” says Dr. Cook.
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“Last year, I was better conditioned, but I couldn’t breathe after the race. This year, I felt fantastic,” Alexis says. “I’m glad I went to Children’s. I’m more confident about exercising now. I know my heart can take it.”
ACHD Center Fast Facts A single childhood surgery is seldom a permanent cure for patients born with a heart defect. The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center provides lifelong care and follow-up for patients with congenital heart disease who are: • Ages 18 and up with conditions ranging from simple to severe • Women of childbearing age needing pregnancy counseling or contraception • Adolescents (13 to 17) who receive guidance, support, and care during their transition to adulthood For more information, contact the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at 412-692-5540 or email ACHD@chp.edu.
Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down Staying active during winter can be easier — and more beneficial — than you think.
When the days get shorter and temperatures plunge, many people go into “hibernation mode” — staying inside, curling up in front of the TV, and cutting back on exercise. But packing away those summer sneakers can cause you to pack on the pounds and lose stamina, strength, and flexibility. “No matter what your age, the best thing you can do to maintain your health is to keep moving during those long winter months,” says Mitchell Rothenberg, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy. “You’ll feel better and be in better shape for spring and summer sports and outdoor activities.” “Weekend warriors who winter on the couch then head to the golf course, tennis court, or playing field in the spring are at risk of injury, including sprained ankles, shin splints, tennis elbow, and foot pain,” adds Lisa Blackrick, MD, also an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy. People who hibernate can quickly lose muscle tone, balance, and strength, which can increase their chance of falling and breaking a bone, she adds.
Shake it Use household tasks such as vacuuming or dusting as opportunities to move vigorously. Put on music and put some muscle into mopping your floors. By picking up the pace and maintaining intensity, you can clean your house and get a workout.
Dress right If you do exercise outdoors, be sure to take steps to keep your workout safe and enjoyable. Dress in layers; keep your head; hands, and feet warm; stay hydrated; wear reflective gear; and be cautious on ice or slippery surfaces.
“You have to use it, or lose it. Staying active throughout winter helps you stay in shape and avoid injury and weight gain,” says Dr. Rothenberg. Drs. Rothenberg and Blackrick agree that fitting in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days can provide health benefits. If you have trouble finding time in your busy schedule, try breaking your exercise time into three 10-minute segments throughout the day. Here are a few more of their tips for keeping up with winter workouts:
Turn it on Fitness videos and programs on TV and online can help you improve strength and flexibility. Or try doing crunches, arm curls, or leg lifts while watching your favorite show.
Get moving
Play it safe
Although moderate physical activity is safe for most people, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Walking is the easiest and least expensive way to stay active. If you can’t fit in a brisk walk outdoors or in the mall, try adding these extra steps throughout your day:
Drs. Rothenberg and Blackrick see patients at UPMC West Mifflin, located at 1907 Lebanon Church Road (near Century Square Mall).
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator • Park a healthy walk away from your office building or grocery store • Use part of your lunch hour to walk through your building or up and down the stairs • Get out of your car instead of using the drive-thru at the bank, pharmacy, or coffee shop
Dr. Rothenberg earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He completed an internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Maryland Hospital and a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Blackrick earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at UPMC and a fellowship in traumatology at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rothenberg or Dr. Blackrick, call 412-687-3900. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1-800-533-UPMC 51 7
UPMC Mercy
1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219
UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC. This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.
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take time to take care of you Holidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC Mercy physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases even offer same-day appointments. Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/Patient Care and we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’t matter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
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“If our eyes are the window to the soul, then surely our ears are the doorway to the heart”
written by Dr. Janelle Kisiday-Au.D.
Did you know that 90% of people with hearing loss can improve their daily communication through properly fitted hearing aids? Yet, only 20% of people with hearing loss take action to improve their communication through amplification (Poost-Foroosh, et al. 2011). Why is that? Hearing loss goes beyond the ear. It is a brain function. The ear is simply a pathway to the mind, one that can become damaged due to noise, aging, illnesses, medications, or hereditary factors. A high percentage of hearing loss involves nerve damage, which is permanent. Hearing aids compensate for the nerve damage, get the missing information to the brain so it can process speech and the sounds of the world that keep us in communication. Untreated hearing loss can impact a person physically, emotionally and cognitively. A person with hearing loss is more susceptible to isolation and depression. Physically, constantly straining to hear friends and family in daily communication uses a lot of energy. Cognitively, we start to slow, and have difficulty processing speech. All of the above can be not only frustrating, but embarrassing as well. How can we expect to remember what we cannot hear? Untreated hearing loss can have a spiraling downward effect on a person’s total health, and in fact, recent studies have linked hearing loss to Alzheimer’s/dementia. So, what are we waiting for? Why struggle with hearing loss when we have available some of the world’s best technology that can drastically improve our daily communication and connect us to the world again? The first step is to accept that we have hearing loss. Next, determine how to get help.
Being under the care of a hearing health care professional who expresses understanding, ensures comfort, and helps you find the best hearing solution is of utmost importance. He/she works with you to help you make the best decisions regarding your hearing health care needs. Hearing aids are computers that come in a variety of technology levels that vary in the number of channels, advancements in providing clarity of speech in noise and the automaticity of noise reduction for background noise. They come in a variety of styles, many of which are nearly invisible. There is even an extended wear hearing aid that is 100% invisible, called Lyric. A certified professional inserts and programs the device to your unique hearing loss. An extended wear hearing aid is worn 24/7 (to sleep and even in the shower)! It is replaced in our office every 3-4 months. You need a professional who is going to present all of your options, guiding you to your best hearing solution and providing services to keep you hearing your best throughout the life of the hearing instrument. Bundled services provide lifetime cleanings, services, maintenance, replacement of all tubings, receivers, microphone covers, program buttons, VCs, wax filters and battery doors, along with reprogramming, and annual testing of your hearing to maintain cognitive functions through clear speech understanding. Verification testing must be completed to confirm you are receiving the appropriate benefit for your hearing loss. When services are UN-BUNDLED, you pay for each service, part and battery, as you go. This may be cheaper during the initial visit, but is usually much more costly over the life of the hearing aid. This is because you are being charged for visits, reprogramming, cleanings, maintenance and parts, yearly hearing tests, etc. Hearing aids can end up in the drawer because patients become discouraged from the continual expense. Worse yet, no service, no cleanings, no re-testing, no reprogramming equals diminished hearing benefit due to changes in hearing needs, wax, oils, moisture, dead skin and corrosion. Instead of hearing well with the aids for five plus years, the likelihood of replacing the aids within a couple of years is greatly increased. A good provider will make recommendations based solely on what is in the best interest of the patient. This should also include things like service, extended warranties and free batteries, which saves hundreds of dollars over the life of the aids. Swift has a WIDE variety of price ranges, technologies and brands. We believe in providing you with the lifetime services with every hearing instrument fit. We believe in the extraordinary benefit we have provided to our patients and their families for 25 years! Untreated hearing loss can be extremely detrimental to our overall health and well being. It is first important to acknowledge hearing loss, then, together, with a trusted hearing health care professional, take advantage of the current treatments available that can lead to more fulfilling lives for individuals with hearing loss and their families. Stay connected and keep the doorway open, to your world and to your loved ones.
Leslie Dunst Debra Swift, B.C.-H.I.S. MS.-CCCA Original Founder/President Senior Audiologist 25 yr. +
Janelle Kisiday AuD. Dr. of Audiology
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 53
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hen Greg DelVitto, a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and Robert Morris University, was offered the opportunity to buy Gift Baskets by Johanna from its previous owner, Johanna Messina, he did what any business school graduate would do—he evaluated the business for its profitability and quality of services offered.
Needless to say, DelVitto saw the value in the business, acquired it, and now works together with Johanna, who continues to lend her hand in the baskets that put smiles on the faces of their customers. “We’re drawing on Johanna’s 20-plus years in the basket-making business,” DelVitto said. “She’s still with us, designing and consulting, and we continue to be a locally-owned, family business. All of our family members contribute in their own way—my girlfriend Angela, mother Anna, two brothers Steven and Daniel, sister-in law Shadia, and Aunt Debbie. ” Gift Baskets by Johanna specializes in creating unique and thoughtful gift baskets utilizing predominantly local products. They will deliver within a 10mile radius of Upper St. Clair and can ship via UPS nationwide. “Some of our most popular baskets are our wedding baskets,” DelVitto said. “And with those, we usually include items like champagne, champagne glasses, crystal products, photo frame, and a candle. We like to include a memento, something a newlywed couple will always remember, in each basket.” Gift Baskets by Johanna also can create unique and tasteful baskets for expecting parents, holidays, birthdays, get-well, sport-theme baskets, anniversaries, retirements, and sympathy. “Our baby basket, which is also very
popular, uses a bassinette-shaped basket and includes, among other items, baby clothing, blankets, towels, a stuffed animal for the baby, and a photo book or frame. We also like to put in something for the parents, like chocolate or candies because the celebration is about them as well.” Gift Baskets by Johanna will also customize your basket the way you want it. It also accepts corporate accounts so that your business-to-business needs are met as well.
Fortunes Gourmet Coffee, Popcorn-nThat, Fudgie Wudgie, and more. Gift Baskets by Johanna is in the process of creating a website to make it even easier for customers to choose and customize their gifts for their clients, friends and loved ones. Until then, you should call 412.343.8420 for information on Gift Baskets by Johanna and to place your order today.
“Baskets can be a great gift to show your clients your appreciation and support,” DelVitto said. “And because we are very big on supporting local businesses, your clients may find some exceptional things in their baskets from local vendors like Sarris Candies,
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ormer members of the Upper St. Clair Boys Soccer team have found a new venue to display their soccer skills, and much to many of their parents’ pleasure, the venue is still in Pennsylvania. Four Upper St. Clair alumni have migrated two hours north to Erie to continue their soccer careers at Penn State Behrend. Now the team is currently in the hunt to repeat as Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) champions, coming off of a record-breaking season last year where they compiled a 14-5-3 record, most wins in a single season. As of October 6, the team has already racked up 11 wins, with an overall record of 11-6, 5-0 in their conference, putting them in a great position to repeat as AMCC champions, and break their own single season record of wins. It may be hard to believe, but the very first Penn State Behrend men’s soccer player to hail from Upper St. Clair is senior Danny Poljak. Poljak graduated from USC in 2009 and effectively started the exodus from Upper St. Clair to Penn State Erie. Poljak made an immediate mark at Behrend as he became an impact player his freshman year. He started as a freshman at central defense and was named Rookie of the Year by his teammates. In 2009, Behrend
won it first Eastern Conference Athletic Conference South (ECAC) championship. As a sophomore, Poljak was honored by being named All-Conference for his efforts. Poljak is now a seasoned veteran on the team, welcoming his former Upper St. Clair teammates to their new team with open arms. This year Poljak is one of the captains. USC 2011 graduates Jimmy Belack and Sean Polosky migrated north to Erie as well. As a freshman, Belack was also called upon to start immediately for Behrend. He was an AMCC All-Academic player and scored five goals and seven assists as a freshman, also earning him Rookie of the Year honors like his predecessor Poljak. Belack, a sophomore forward, has started all 12 games thus far this season. He was known at Upper St. Clair for his physical and athletic play, coupled with his knack for finding the goal. Belack has already netted five goals and helped assist on two goals this season. Sean Polosky is an outside midfielder who also started several games as a freshman alongside Belack. Polosky compiled three goals and five assists that year as well. He also was named AMCC Player of the Week twice, and perhaps his most memorable feat came in the AMCC championship game where he netted the game-winning goal against rival Medaille, off a long throw-in by Danny Poljak. Polosky’s goal gave the team the championship and sent them to the Division III NCAA tournament for only the third time in the team’s history. Last year’s NCAA tournament run ended in the second round, but not before USC grad Jimmy Belack scored the winning goal in the first round of the tournament. After last year’s successful season, another Upper St. Clair player decided to join the mix. Defender Mike Worthy joined Poljak, Belack, and Polosky this year at Behrend and has also made his presence known. Worthy was coming off a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (W.P.I.A.L.) championship last season with the Panthers. He helps anchor a defense that has been tough for opponents to get past this season. He has started all 12 games thus far this season in the back alongside Poljak. Besides the impact that these four young men have had on the Penn State Behrend soccer program, they are also proud to be strong academic
students as well. Another program they participate in is called the TopSoccer program. Their coach, Dan Perittano, who has coached at Behrend for 20 years, runs the program for children with special needs. The program consists of a seven-week program that both the men’s and women’s soccer teams proudly participate in. This program allows children with special needs to form special friendships with these athletes in an environment that is safe and welcoming as it integrates soccer into these special athletes’ lives. From Upper St. Clair to Erie, these four Upper St. Clair graduates continue to make their families, friends, and community proud of not only their exceptional soccer abilities and work ethic, but of their academic achievements and participation in their communities as well. They will look to continue their already exceptional season and hope to break their single season record of wins, and repeat as AMCC champions. The foundation that Danny Poljak started back in 2009 has developed into a core group of impact players for the Lions, and who knows, Behrend may see a few more familiar faces in the years to come….familiar to Upper St. Clair residents that is.
From Upper St. Clair to Erie, these four Upper St. Clair graduates continue to make their families, friends, and community proud. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 57
D
ino Guarino has been making art since he was 15 years old and credits his budding talents of his mother, who was the creative director for ReubenDonnelly, the company that created the old Yellow Pages. His aunt and uncle also helped nurture his innate talents as the owners of the Joseph Poli Studios when his mother started freelancing for them. “I was in high school and I started doing some ecclesiastical stuff for them,” Guarino said. “I was doing some church vestments and things along those lines, which still carries over to this day.” While his work with church icons is stunning, Guarino took to depicting a different kind of icon in his work—sports figures. “I find similarity between the two,” Guarino said. “For me, Roberto (Clemente) is an icon. And being ecclesiastically trained, that’s where my technique lies—oil painting. But sports art is my first love. Sports is where my passion lies. I try to tie the two together and make them both work.”
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Because of his unique style, Guarino said that people recognize his art without having to first look for the signature, and his achievements on canvas have led him to new creative projects, such as designing a park dedicated to the memory of Negro League Baseball. Guarino said that while he draws on the inspiration of the masters— Michelangelo, Renoir, Monet— he also appreciates a lot of local artists who have helped shape his career. “Henry Kerner, who was a fairly prominent artist, and Gillistenio Novarro, who was my mentor through the Joseph Poli days, have both driven me to perfect my work,” he said. “Both have since passed on.” That fact is something that Guarino is acutely aware of. While most artists rarely gain prominence and recognition while they are alive to enjoy it, Guarino sees himself as blessed by being able to sustain himself on a passion that he loves so deeply. “There are a lot of times I feel like I’m on top of the world as an artist,” he said. “There are also times that you feel you’ve been forgotten or passed over. I feel I’m blessed with a talent without a doubt. I can do what I want to do when I want to do it.” Guarino said his sports figures are predominantly baseball and football stars because those are sports that he enjoyed in his youth.
“I played baseball and football, so it flows out of me. I’m not a golfer, so (golfers) don’t flow out of me,” he said. “I’d love to do something on the current Pirates, but sometimes your artwork is only as good as your subject. If you’re winning, it’s a lot easier to create something that resonates with people.” And, as those who have mentored him, Guarino hopes that he too can be a name that others mention when talking about people who helped them achieve their goals, but teaching is not an option for him. “I’ve loved directing people’s path from the time I started. I’ve always tried to direct paths of other artists,” he said. “I do enjoy doing that, but as far as physically standing in front of somebody, I don’t have the patience for it. I can’t even do that for my kids.” However, advice is something he’s more than willing to impart. “When I [talk to] these kids and try kicking them in the right direction, I tell them to keep showing their artwork. There’s something out there for everybody and somebody’s going to like it somewhere. Sometimes it will take that one break for them to hit onto their niche,” he said. “It’s all just a matter of keeping your paintbrush going. That’s the biggest hurdle—to keep doing what you do, and when you’re married with children, you don’t always do that.” Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 59
Upper St. Clair Boys Soccer
SHINES IN Hershey
After a tumultuous season, the Upper St. Clair boys soccer team fought hard to make it to the PIAA championships once again. The team squared off against Wilson High School for the championship November 17 and came away with a 1-0 victory.
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Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 61
The South Hills Chorale Concert “’Tis the Season for Singing,” will be performed at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2040 Washington Road in Upper St. Clair at 7:30 p.m. on December 14 & 15. The concert features a performance of Rutter’s “Gloria” with brass and organ accompaniment as well as select holiday songs. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 412.221.9109 or from any chorale member.
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Homeowners INSURANCE I
f you are like most people, then you want to protect everything that you can. That is why there is insurance. I wrote my previous article on how to go about buying auto insurance. Now I am going to go over a few things to consider when you buy your homeowners insurance. In this article, I will answer some questions to help you make a more informed decision when purchasing homeowners insurance. There is certainly no shortage of questions regarding which home insurance to buy: which agent should I choose, which company best suits me, how are their claims paid out, etc. All of these questions are important but whoever you choose, there are a few questions that you need to answer. They are: 1. What is the replacement cost of my dwelling? 2. Is my personal property covered at a replacement cost basis? 3. What deductible should I choose?
Replacement Cost of my Dwelling I listed the question about the replacement cost of the dwelling first because it is the most important of the three questions. If something happens to your home you want to make sure that it is repaired to look as it did before any damage. This coverage will determine how much the insurance company will pay to fix or rebuild your home in the event of a loss. Every household’s coverage is going to be different, as not all homes are the same. When speaking with potential clients about how much we will insure their home for, I get a lot of reaction when the number that I come up with is more than what they paid for the home. I explain to people that we will be insuring the home for how much it would cost to rebuild it today, not for what the original purchase price of the home was. The market value of the home is affected by the housing market, the community, location and various other factors. So the reconstruction cost of your home may very well be more than what you paid for it. When giving potential clients a quote for homeowners insurance, I try to get the reconstruction cost to around $150 - $180 per square foot. That is a safe number for most homes to be rebuilt if something were to happen.
monthly budget, and 2) How much money would you save by going to a higher deductible. You have to take a look at your personal finances and figure out how much of a deductible you can afford. You have to keep in mind that the higher your deductible is, the lower your yearly premium will be. If you raise your deductible you are guaranteed to not only save money each month but you will then only lose money if you submit a claim. If you can save $200 in premiums by raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 you will be better off financially, and you will also save money for not having any “claims activity.” Having claims activity, whether it is covered or not, can still increase your premium. A higher deductible will not only lower your premium, but it will also control your claims history. If you submit a claim that is either lower than your deductible or is something not covered under your policy, this will result in “claim activity” and you can be rated upon renewal. Having a higher deductible will help prevent you from reporting claims that may not be worth it financially and will save you some money from year to year. Combining the answers to these questions with the advice of a personal agent who knows you and your community will allow you to spend your insurance dollars wisely. I am available to answer any questions that you may have regarding these or any other insurance issues that you may have.
Personal Property If your home gets damaged, most likely some of your personal property will be damaged as well. That is why insurance companies insure not only the dwelling but personal property contained in your dwelling. Let’s start off with a question, what is personal property? Think of your home as a doll house. If you were to take the roof off, turn the home upside down and shake—everything that is not attached to the walls, floors, or ceiling and that falls out is considered to be personal property. This coverage is a percentage of your dwelling amount but can be increased if you feel the coverage is not enough. If some of your property was destroyed, you would want to replace it with the same thing. You wouldn’t want to get enough money to replace a portion of property, would you? There are some companies that factor in depreciation on personal property. But Phillip, you say, what does that mean to me? It means that if you purchased a television 3 years ago and it was damaged by a covered loss today, then the insurance company would factor in 3 years’ wear and usage of the television. It would then only give you a portion of what it would cost to buy a new television of the same size and quality. We like to say, “Would you rather replace your personal property at a store or a yard sale.?” Deductible Levels The deductibles you choose for coverage should reflect two things: 1) What is the highest deductible that would not cause you unacceptable stress on your
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 63
Boys Basketball Will Follow prove this year. Once playoff time comes, anything can happen.” Last year, the Bethel Park Black Hawks defeated Upper St. Clair twice in close games, so this year, naturally, the boys have their eyes set on the rematches with the nearby rivals. The Panthers will also mark their calendars for their games against perennial rival Mt. Lebanon as well. “Mt. Lebanon games are always a great experience. The energy for those games is unlike any other,” Duffy notes. Veteran skipper Danny Holzer will be leading the boys program once again this upcoming year. His players, especially his seniors, describe him as a coach who puts in more work and time than any other coach they have ever seen. “The hours and hours he pores over film is a huge benefit to the team,” Duffy stated. Coach Holzer is joined by Coach Bennett, who joined the Panthers staff last year. Coach Bennett will be a varsity coach this year, and is known for being able to pick up on the little things that the boys can change in order to pull out a victory. Additionally, Coach Gavin Williams will be back with the Panther program this year as well. Coach Williams is the team’s conditioning coach, and
U
pper St. Clair boys basketball is back and the team is excited to step back onto the hardwood for the 2012-2013 season. This year, the team’s six seniors are anxious to prove that last season was a fluke (not making the playoffs for the first time in a decade), and get back to the top tier of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (W.P.I.A.L.). “There are six of us this year,” said senior forward John Duffy. “There’s me, guard Joel Klein, guard Jordan Grabowski, guard/ forward Wes Burdette, guard Pete Coughlin, and guard Pat Jonnet. That’s a lot of time where the floor will be mostly seniors.” And the Panthers will look to rely on those six seniors’ skill and experience as they play through a typically tough season against W.P.I.A.L. big wigs Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, and Peters Township. The Panthers will start their goals off by striving to make the W.P.I.A.L. playoffs this year. Then, once that goal has been accomplished, they will switch gears looking to make a deep run into the playoffs, where anything can happen. Duffy forecasted, “We have something to
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Seniors’ Lead By Leigh Lyons
also has a special bond with this year’s seniors as he coached them in seventh and eighth grade travel ball as well. This year’s group of seniors has been playing as a cohesive group since middle school, which may help describe their blazing team chemistry. “Our team chemistry, mixed with the talents of the younger players is a big component to our play,” Duffy said. The seniors also have diverse athletic interests. Pete Coughlin is most likely going to end up playing football in college, while Wes Burdette will play soccer. Jordan Grabowski is looking to play basketball at the next level, and Joel Klein will most likely end up on a baseball diamond for some lucky college. All around, these guys are a special group of Upper St. Clair athletes. When all the pre-season conditioning has ceased, and the time comes for the 2012-2013 Upper St. Clair boys basketball team to step back onto the court to begin their season, one thing is for sure—the team, led by the six seniors, will enjoy every minute of it. Duffy excitedly noted, “There’s nothing like playing in front of everyone on a Friday night, representing your school. It truly is a special feeling.”
“We have something to prove this year. Once playoff time comes, anything can happen.” – John Duffy Senior Forward
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Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 65
Saint Louise de Marillac o many people in the South Hills, “Saint Louise de Marillac” conjures up images of a place or destination. It’s that large campus atop McMurray road with the pretty stone buildings where many children go to school or CCD, where thousands worship every Sunday, and where a great fish dinner can be had on the Fridays of Lent. But to members of the parish bearing her name, Saint Louise de Marillac refers to a very significant hero of the Catholic faith who was given as the parish’s patron saint upon its foundation in 1961—a holy woman who for the past 51 years has served as a spiritual friend, faithful intercessor and Christian role model to the 9200 parishioners of the faith community named for her. Saint Louise de Marillac was born in 1591 into a wealthy French family. However, because she was conceived out of wedlock by a mother who died shortly after her birth, the majority of her extended family shunned Louise. When her father remarried she was sent away and placed under the care of an aunt who was a Dominican nun at the royal monastery of Poissy. There, Louise received a wonderful education and was introduced to the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, though, when Louise was only 13 years of age, her father died and she was left without any source of financial support and was unable to stay at the monastery school. Therefore, she was placed in an orphanage where for the first time in her life Louise discovered the plight of the poor, sick and downtrodden.
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Coupled with the personal experience of being abandoned by her own family, this time in the orphanage led Louise to discover within herself a deep sensitivity and love toward the needy and an internal longing to help them. This desire to serve the poor led her to seek admittance into the Capuchin religious order in Parish, a religious congregation devoted to the charitable service. Much to her disappointment, though, her application was denied and Louise came to the conclusion that God had a different plan for her. When she was 22, Louise got married to Antoine Le Gras, a prominent man with whom she had fallen in love. He provided well for her and their son, Michel and, in turn, she was a very devoted wife and mother. But great misfortune would once again strike Louise in 1625 when Antoine died, leaving her to struggle as both a widow and single mother. A couple of years following the death of her husband, Louise sought out Saint Vincent de Paul, a well known priest of Paris, to become her spiritual adviser. Vincent sensed within Louise a deep sensitivity and compassion towards the poor and suffering and he invited her to work with a charitable organization
a hero of the catholic church he had founded. Louise accepted and found her work with the poor to be the most fulfilling thing she had ever done. Pouring herself out in service to the needy filled her with a deep sense of contentment and joy in a way that nothing else could. As time progressed, Louise discerned that God was calling her to offer her entire life in consecrated service to the poor. She accepted the call and was prompted to establish a religious community that she named the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Those members of the community joined Louise in her untiring service to the poor, the physically and mentally ill, orphans, the elderly and those in prison. Until the end of her life on March 15, 1660, Saint Louise saw it as her mission to ensure that those on the margins of society knew they were still loved and not forgotten by God. Through her hands and those who joined in her work, those who otherwise might have been forgotten were touched by the charity of Christ Himself. Today, the Catholic parish in Upper Saint Clair named for Saint Louise de Marillac seeks to carry on her charitable spirit through a whole host of ministries and programs designed to help the needy. For example, each week the parish collects clothes and blankets for the homeless to be distributed on Monday evenings in the streets of Pittsburgh. The Ladies of Charity organization regularly collects donations to help those in need pay their utility bills and also runs a food pantry. A few years ago a special parish outreach was organized to provide basic household items to refugee families in the South Hills and some of our parishioners even teach English as a Second Language courses to them. And every month the children of Saint Louise School participate in at least one service project aimed at reaching out and helping the less fortunate of our region. In these and many other ways, the Parish community of Saint Louise seeks to honor the memory of our patron saint so that, like her, we may someday enjoy eternal life with God in Heaven.
Saint Louise saw it as her mission to ensure that those on the margins of society knew they were still loved and not forgotten by God. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 67
b
Straighter Teeth in Six Months after efor e
W
hen people hear that someone is getting braces, immediately images of “metal mouth” come to mind. This treatment is most commonly associated with teenagers and at one time may have led to embarrassment and insecurity. However, today braces are so widely accepted during the school-age years that children are sometimes eager to begin orthodontic treatment. It is refreshing to see this shift in acceptance among teenagers. What about the adults who have crooked, crowded, uneven, or spaced smiles? There are adults who may have missed the opportunity to straighten their teeth when they were younger and are now looking at their options. The workplace can be as unforgiving as high schools once were. However, this shouldn’t limit adults from the opportunity to have a straighter, more attractive smile. There are currently a few options for adults to have their teeth straightened. The traditional method of metal braces and wires over a treatment time of a couple years is still a great option for a
straighter smile. For some patients’ teeth this may be the only real option. Many people do, however, fall into a category that can benefit from Invisalign or “Short Term Orthodontics.” Almost everyone has heard of Invisalign, and it is a great treatment option for patients with mild crowding and moderate spacing. However, there are limitations in tooth movement for more severe cases. Short Term Orthodontics can provide an alternative to traditional braces and Invisalign. All three options have their benefits and limitations that should be explored before making a decision. 6 Month Smiles is a cosmetic short-term orthodontic option that uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The average treatment time is six months. The technique works by focusing treatment on the patient’s primary concern. The faster treatment times are accomplished by treating only the teeth you see when you smile, not by increasing the forces on the teeth. 6 Month Smiles does not make major changes to the alignment of the back teeth as traditional braces can. Fortunately, most adults’ primary cosmetic concerns do not involve the back teeth. The treatment comfort is comparable to traditional braces. With 6 Month Smiles, your smile can be straighter and more symmetrical in 5 -8 months. Whitening is also included with treatment. Another benefit of 6 Month Smiles is that it is typically a more economical choice due to shorter treatment times and lower cost. 6 Month Smiles is not a replacement for traditional braces, but rather an alternative that can provide a more symmetrical and pleasing smile for adults who are not interested in the time, costs, or cosmetics of traditional braces. Children are still best treated by traditional comprehensive orthodontics, but it is nice for adults to have one more option for a straighter smile. Dr. Rairigh is a certified Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles provider. Learn more at PittsburghIsSmiling.com or 6MonthSmiles.com. This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Daniel Rairigh. Dr. Daniel Rairigh practices at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh on Fort Couch Road. He received his degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Rairigh is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a certified Invisalign provider and is certified in MDI placement. Dr. Rairigh is also an accomplished artist who has won numerous awards for his artwork. You can learn more about Dr. Rairigh or send him an email if you have article suggestions at www.pittsburghissmiling.com.
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OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL…
IS A GREAT PLACE TO UPMC TODA YBE! Health and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13
Stay Well This Winter Some people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday Whatplanning, makes thewash community of students, families and educators at Our Lady of your hands often, plentyI believe of sleep, and Grace Schoolget unique? there is a reason that so many alumni choose get a flu shot. to send their own children to Our Lady of Grace School. How many times have we heard “great beginnings last a lifetime?” We may not even take notice when we see or hear those words but I urge you to take a moment to consider the impact a decision to send your child to a Catholic School makes on your child’s life. It’s more than grades or academics; it is a set of values and ethics rooted in 2 What You Do the foundation for success. The students praying our Catholic faith thatCan provide to Beat the Flu everyday to “take the hard right against the easy wrong” or “to work as hard and play 3 as fair as if theFrom whole world saw us,” reminds them of what it means to be a Absent Pain good person especially in today’s society. It’s not easy being a child or a parent 4 Butt Out: New Reasons today but having your children in a community where the values of the Christian to Quit Smoking family are central makes it a little easier. One phrase I once heard a speaker deliver Bonesmeaning;“knowledge without faith cannot grow into I believe Brittle has profound wisdom.” You can know that eachPounds day the faculty and staff of Our Lady of Grace 5 Shedding More Than School work with the children in a positive way to reinforce those values. 6 Growing Up With Heart Disease Diane Seybert
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Open House: 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2013 • Tours • Information Packets • Organization/Extra-Curricular Tables – PTG, Athletics, Band, Drama Club, STEM Club, etc…
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Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down
OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL PROVIDES:
A Community Atmosphere, Small Class Size, and An Emphasis on Values and Discipline © 2012 UPMC
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 69
Venous Stasis Ulcers:
Presentation and Treatment An ulcer, as it relates to skin, is a break in the continuity of the normal layers causing a void. There are different types of ulcers but one of the most important types is related to increased pressure created from venous insufficiency. These are called venous stasis ulcers and the following article is limited to this topic. Venous stasis ulcers result from a poorly functioning venous system. The veins of the legs are not efficiently or effectively pumping blood back to the heart and this creates elevated pressures under the skin. Venous stasis ulcers are commonly seen in people with a history of leg and feet swelling. The likelihood of developing a venous stasis ulcer increases as a person ages. Underlying venous system deficiency may be related to varicose veins during pregnancy, obesity or hereditary factors. In addition, prior blood clots, a history of phlebitis or lower leg trauma can also increase the likelihood of developing ulcers. Incidental trauma is a common cause of venous ulceration. Underlying stasis and soft tissue tension makes seemingly incidental trauma significant. Inflammatory diseases such as vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma or other rheumatologic diseases can aggravate venous insufficiency and alter skin texture which increases the potential to develop venous stasis ulcers. Inactivity, such as sitting or lying in one position for extended periods of time may also precipitate the formation of a venous ulcer. Venous stasis ulcers are commonly found on the inner part of the lower leg, just above the ankle. They can occur on either or both legs and
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one leg may have multiple ulcers. Symptoms include edema of the foot, ankle and lower leg, leg fatigue and heaviness, burning or itching. Ulcers may be accompanied by a rash, redness or brown discoloration. The ulcer usually presents itself as an open sore in an area that already typically exhibits a red to brown discoloration that has probably been present for some time. Prior to actual ulceration, the skin may have changed texture and become flaky and itchy. This pre-ulceration condition is referred to as stasis dermatitis. This is a type of eczema which results from blood flowing through and settling into the layers of skin. This causes a breakdown and deposition of hemosiderin and melanin. This results in a brownish discoloration of the skin. Antibiotics are not routinely administered for venous stasis ulcers unless the wound is grossly infected. What may appear as an infection to the layperson may be nothing more than inflammation. An experienced physician must examine the ulcer and determine the extent of inflammation or infection. Venous stasis ulcers are treated by compression stockings or wraps of the affected leg to minimize swelling. If the swelling cannot be reduced, the likelihood of the ulcer healing is unlikely. People with varicose veins will notice that their feet and ankles are generally normal in size in the morning but get progressively more swollen as the day goes on. Many people will develop venous stasis ulcers from simply sitting a majority of the day with their feet in a dependent position. Poor arterial circulation can aggravate venous stasis. With poor arterial circulation, the skin will become very thin and slight trauma to the area can precipitate ulcer formation. Compression of the affected limb can be done with compression stockings, Ace bandage or Unna boots. Patients with venous stasis ulcers AND arterial insufficiency must avoid excessive compression therapy as it can restrict blood flow to the foot. Compression therapy has been the “gold standard� treatment. However, emerging treatments and the poor long-term results associated with compression have given rise to more effective and better tolerated treatments. The use of lasers to treat saphenous vein insufficiency has emerged as an effective treatment in patients who also have venous stasis ulcers. The mainstay of ulcer management is to reduce the underlying high pressures in the soft tissues of the lower leg. By using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatments to the insufficient saphenous veins, the venous pressure can be reduced in the dependent soft tissues and subsequent compression and debridement of the ulcers is more effective. By eliminating the underlying venous insufficiency with EVLA, once an ulcer is healed, the chances of recurrence are greatly reduced and the long term success of ulcer management is improved. This Industry Insight was provided by Circulatory Centers. For over 30 years, Circulatory Centers has specialized in the treatment of vein issues and vein disease. The board-certified doctors and vascular surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating circulatory issues caused by vein dysfunction. Circulatory Centers are the vein treatment provider doctors recommend most. For more information, visit www.VeinHealth.com or call 1.800.426.9601.
Don’t Over-Manage
Your 401(k) Assets
A
wise man once told me that “Investing is like a bar of soap—the more you touch it, the smaller it gets.” That man’s name was Bill Few and his point becomes more and more meaningful as technology advances. As a result of technology, people have more access to their investment accounts than ever before and in many cases can make trades at almost any time. This is particularly true of 401(k) plans. Once upon a time, 401(k) statements were sent annually. Furthermore, participants had the ability to change contribution levels or investment choices only once a year. As individual mutual fund families and large brokerage firms burst into the 401(k) marketplace, so did the marketing strategies that went along with them. First came more fund choices, then monthly statements, telephone access, fund choices from a variety of fund families, Internet access, and the grand finale, daily trading.
too often. However, do keep your eyes open for new options within the plan. By following these steps, your 401(k) should provide better results over time with less stress on you, and your “soap” will last longer during retirement.
This industry insight is provided by Bill Few Associates. For more information or to speak with a Bill Few Associates financial consultant, call 412.630.6000 or visit www.billfew.com. Our locations: 740 Washington Road, Suite 100 Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228
107 Mt. Nebo Pointe, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Jeff Marzina, CFP® Executive Vice President
Contribute as much to your 401(k) as you can afford and do so on a regular basis. I am all for flexibility and access to your information. Most people are able to handle the temptation to change things on a frequent basis. But for some, this temptation proves too much to resist. They begin to constantly scour the Internet for investment news. They put money in the market today, and take it out tomorrow or they move from one fund to the next and then back again. I have seen many professional money managers try to time the stock market and I have yet to meet one that is successful on a consistent basis. If you try to time the stock market, more than likely, you will lose. The most difficult part about managing these assets is that the 401(k) typically represents the largest part of the retirement portfolio. As a result, it is difficult not to get too emotionally involved, even if you have many years until retirement. My suggestion is to have a plan and stick to it during good times and bad. Take a diversified approach and allocate your assets across several investment sectors specified by your plan and according to your time horizon and risk tolerance level. Contribute as much to your 401(k) as you can afford and do so on a regular basis. Finally, review your account as well as your company’s plan on a periodic basis. It takes time for things to happen in the economy and the market, so looking at your account more than quarterly is probably Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 71
It’s Like No Place I’ve Ever Been “I’ve been a lot of places, but this was the most profound experience of my life,” stated USC resident Clark Remington, Ph.D., adjunct professor of education at Duquesne University. “The lifestyle I encountered at the United Methodist Mission in Nyadire was much different from Asian, European, or U.S. lifestyles. I experienced genuine warmth, faith, and generosity of spirit.” These observations are quite different than you might expect of a visitor to Zimbabwe, a country topping “The World’s Worst List,” whose dictator is known as one of the world’s worst leaders. Once the “Breadbasket of Africa,” Zimbabwe has suffered from a failed economy, hunger, rampant HIV-AIDS, electric, fuel, and water shortages, and one-fourth of its children are orphaned.
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Located in rural northeastern Zimbabwe, the Nyadire Mission was founded by the United Methodist Church in the 1920s, its 4,500-acre complex resembling a college campus. The mission consists of a hospital of 200 beds, a school system from preschool through secondary serving 1,400 students, a teachers college for 1,000 students, a nursing school with 50 students, Home of Hope Orphanage caring for 26 children and a farm. Thousands in the surrounding area depend upon the mission for medical, spiritual, educational and societal support. It is interesting to note that at its peak, the country could boast that 90% of the population could read and write. Education is patterned after the British system and is greatly valued. English is taught as well as two native dialects, Shona and Ndebele. Remington visited Nyadire in August 2012, part of a TNC (The Nyadire Connection) mission trip made up of six members of various Methodist churches in the Pittsburgh area. His team was the last of four teams that had
Nyadire, Zimbabwe By Elsa Zollars
visited the mission since May. Mission teams have been visited Nyadire since 2006. That team of 18, commissioned by Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, was to build rooms in a nursing student dormitory, provide medical support, conduct a Vacation Bible School, and work in the Home of Hope. Upon returning, it was clear to this team that Nyadire could not continue to provide many of its critical programs without outside support. The team organized into The Nyadire Connection and has been going strong and going back since. They are committed to a long- term relationship and partnership with Nyadire to support programs as prioritized by Nyadire. TNC has grown a network of supporters and volunteers—churches, hospitals, schools, other nonprofits, and service organizations. Remington, who taught in various schools in Upper St. Clair and was coordinator of the International
Baccalaureate Program before he retired, was interested in the Nyadire primary and secondary schools as well as the teachers college. He likens the teachers college to our community colleges. “At the teachers college in Nyadire, the focus is not about pedagogy, it is all content; while I teach methods in my classes at Duquesne. Most of my students already have a bachelor’s degree in something and now are working on the instructional methods to earn a master’s.” Remington and Rosemary Nyarugwe, principal of the teachers college, who is working on her Ph.D from a university in South Africa, had conversations about the method of instruction in Zimbabwe—lecture. She agrees that people retain only 10% of what they hear. Remington has sent her a DVD of one of his classes so they can be on the same page, discuss the lesson, and exchange —continued on next page— Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 73
continued from previous page
information. He has also sent textbooks to expand the m instructors’ knowledge base. In his conversations with Tendai Mushapaidze, the
hand puppets which the children soon transformed into animals. We hand-wrote the speaking parts and somehow a big box from the pharmacy became the ark.
headmaster of Nyadire Primary, he suggested that a
And of course, the animals came aboard two by two. It
pen-pal relationship with Manchester Elementary on
was such pleasure to work with such self-disciplined
Pittsburgh’s North Side might be a win-win experience
children,” concluded Remington.
for students of both schools. Hopefully that program
Church services at the mission are lengthy, sometimes
will materialize soon. Remington has sent Mushapaidze
lasting up to three hours, but Remington commented,
a new printer and supply of toner to help with the printer shortage. Remington has enjoyed s reading to
“Even though they were long and in Shona, they were y more meaningful than I could have imagined. The music
and being read to by students at Manchester School as
was wonderful, and the African men’s voices sent chills
one of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church’s (UMC)
up my spine. One of my best memories was when Mark
outreach programs.
and I were asked to sing with them.
Remington speaks animatedly about the Vacation Bible School his team conducted while in Nyadire. “VBS was held for three days, and the 80+ children were divided into groups by age. There were four activities – music, outdoor games, Bible story, and crafts – that the children rotated through. The Bible stories were based on Biblical characters, like Noah and Jonah. Team leaders Mark LaRosa and Pat Cook taught the stories in English, while the Nyadire teacher told the story in Shona, the native dialect.” Nicky LaRosa and Remington did the crafts. “Carol Drabeck of my church (Mt. Lebanon UMC) made 60
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“It was an unforgettable time. I wish I could import their spirit and joy. That village had hearts open and were eager to love.” Remington feels a quote by Margaret Mead says it all, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”
For more information about TNC contact Drew Harvey 412.344.3684 or visit www.nyadire.org.
F
or centuries, yoga has been used by practitioners in the Far East to ease their daily stresses as well as keep them physically fit. Since 2005, Dominique Ponko has been teaching those techniques with her dedicated instructors at Yoga Flow. “We opened our first location in Murrysville, and now, we have four studios around Pittsburgh,” Ponko said. One of the big things Ponko said she wants to express about Yoga Flow is that misconceptions that people have about yoga are simply that – misconceptions. “Yoga is something for people of all cultures, religions and backgrounds. It’s for people of all ages from youth to seniors and for men and women. There are benefits there for everyone,” she said. “It’s not some mystical thing that only gurus teach. It’s incorporated into your daily life to learning simple meditation techniques to deal with stress, and postures to help the body get physically fit, helping you connect to a deeper spiritual level Mind-Body-Spirit.” If you’re simply curious to see how yoga can help you, Yoga Flow offers an unlimited $25, two-week trial where potential students can sample as many classes as they want. Beyond that, drop-in classes are $14 each. Yoga Flow also offers class pass packages or monthly memberships. Main classes are held weekday mornings and evenings, and weekend mornings. Class sizes range from between 10 to 30 participants, and beginners are encouraged to take beginner classes to introduce them to the breath, movements and postures. Yoga Flow offers heated yoga classes, which has been a “hot” item in yoga circles for the past few years. The classes are taught in special heated, humidity-controlled rooms. “People really enjoy the heated yoga because it’s not only helps detoxify the body, but it also keeps the body safe. The elevated temperature – which is right around 96 degrees – keeps the body warmed up, so you can move into postures more fluidly,” Ponko said. “The teacher leads the class and takes the students through the postures. Instructors cue on every movement, so a student doesn’t feel lost or out of place in the classroom.” You won’t find Pilates or other popular exercise regimens at Yoga Flow because they specialize in yoga – period. What you will find are highly trained and skilled instructors who will increase your flexibility and meditation, teach you how to relieve your stresses and keep you more grounded on a daily basis. They do sell accoutrements necessary to practicing yoga such as clothing, mats and accessories, but the emphasis is strictly yoga. For more information on the studios, instructors and yoga in general, go to www.yogaflowpittsburgh.com. Full class schedules are posted there so you can easily find the next class from your computer or smart phone. What’s more, if you’re still hesitant about whether or not yoga is something for you, the website has several informative YouTube videos that you can watch in the comfort of your own home to help you make up your mind. Yoga Flow is located at 1748 North Highland Rd., Pittsburgh, 15241. They can be reached at 412.595.8455.
b u s i n e s s
s p o t l i g h t
Yoga Flow Brings Healthy, Relaxing Exercise Options to Peters Township
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 75
GO FROM
flabulous
TO fabulous
a
re you envious of First Lady Michelle Obama’s tight and toned upper arms? You aren’t the only one! She has inspired many to “hit the health club” trying to firm their saggy, drooping upper arms. But for some, exercise alone is not enough. Enter Plastic Surgery to the rescue! An arm lift or brachioplasty may be the alternative of which dreams are made. As we age, our skin does too. This often leaves us with a loss of elasticity in certain body areas that is not pleasing. One of the most upsetting areas for women is the upper arms. As our skin continues the aging process, the upper arm skin can become flabby, dimply and very loose. A surgery that can correct this is called arm lift or brachioplasty. An arm lift, with or without liposuction, can create a more sculpted upper arm that complements the rest of your body type. Today’s techniques are safer with much less conspicuous scars. Are you a candidate for an arm lift? With age, the soft tissue of the upper arm becomes lax, causing ptosis or sagging, more commonly referred to as “bat wings”. This is a problem shared by thin and heavier women alike, dependent on
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aging and genetics. Even those who engage in regular exercise, such as strength training or Pilates cannot necessarily rid themselves of the sagging skin that develops in this area. This can be so disheartening and cause women to In preparation for your armlift surgery, your surgeon will give you a list of preoperative instructions to follow in the days before your surgery. These instructions may include quitting smoking, and to stop taking certain medications, vitamins and supplements that are known to increase bleeding risk. You will probably be told to take certain other supplements before your surgery to reduce swelling and bruising, such as Arnica Montana or Bromelain. Maintaining a high protein diet may also enhance the healing process. Make sure you talk with your doctor about what is recommended before your surgery.
t
he actual arm lift or brachioplasty surgery typically takes from one to three hours depending on the extent of the surgery. Liposuction alone may be sufficient for people with smooth skin and just a small amount of flab. For patients who have more significant amounts of skin and adipose tissue or fat will also benefit from this type of surgery. Often poor skin quality can be caused by excessive exposure to the sun. If liposuction and skin removal are needed, first an incision is made. Then excess fat is removed with liposuction. Excessive skin is then trimmed, tightened and sutured in place using absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within one to two weeks of the surgery. At this stage, your skin will be smooth over the new contour of your arm. Dressings are usually applied to the incision. Your surgeon may also have you wear a compression garment allowing the skin to adhere to the underlying tissues and to minimize swelling. It is also advised that you avoid strenuous exercise for one month, and to not do any heavy lifting for at least six weeks. After the surgery, you should expect some swelling and bruising. There may be mild discomfort, but that can be addressed with medication. The good news is your arms should appear trim and toned almost immediately. Additional non- invasive cosmetic procedures may further improve the look of your arms, such as laser hair removal on both lower and upper arms. So, the next time you see Michelle Obama on television, just think, I could have those arms! Please call our office with any questions.
Decoding
Cat Behavior
Cats are known as mysterious creatures. While some of the things they do can be puzzling at times, you don’t have to be a super sleuth to decode your pet’s behaviors. Here are answers for common questions about feline quirks.
What does it mean when my cat rubs her chin and body against me?
A lot of cat owners assume that rubbing is a sign of affection. What it might actually mean is that your cat is marking her territory. Cats have scent glands in their cheeks and sides. So when they rub on something, the cat is leaving its personal mark, depositing pheromones. This lets other cats know that they’ve staked a claim to a particular bit of territory—including you. So in a quirky feline way, it is a sign of affection.
When my cat sniffs something, sometimes her mouth is open and lips are pulled back—what is that about? The feline sense of smell is much stronger than that of humans. While people have about five million odor-sensitive cells in their noses, cats have about 200 million. Cats also have an extra olfactory organ, called the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of the mouth and connected to the nasal cavity. So when your cat gets a whiff of something unusual or especially interesting, she will open her mouth and inhale the scent so it reaches the Jacobson’s organ. This intensifies the smell and gives your cat more information about whatever she is sniffing.
I’ve heard that spaying or neutering cats makes them lazier—is that true?
Spaying and neutering can help cats live longer lives, prevent unwanted litters and reduce territorial behaviors. However the hormonal changes that come with spaying and neutering can cause an up to 20 percent increase in appetite and an up to 30 percent decrease in metabolism. These changes mean that spayed or neutered cats are almost 3.5 times more likely to be overweight than other cats, putting them at an increased risk for obesity which can lead to other health issues, such as diabetes, arthritis and non-allergic skin conditions. It’s important to help spayed and neutered cats maintain a healthy weight and add years to their lives. Check online or at your favorite pet store for spayed/neutered feline foods that can help control your cat’s appetite and support its decreased energy needs.
it’s time to put the
cocktail dress to the test BECAUSE I DESERVE HEALTHY ATTRACTIVE LEGS.
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IN Community Magazines:
With ads starting at less than per household, local businesses agree that direct mail remains the most cost-effective method of advertising.
Find out how our 36 direct-mailed, community-sponsored, quarterly magazines can grow your business.
Contact us at
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Choosing Your Child’s Preschool C
hoosing the right preschool for a child may be one of the most complicated decisions parents have to make. An estimated five million children are in preschool programs (children from six weeks to six years old), and the number is growing. According to the Families and Work Institute, children benefit from quality programs with a competent faculty and good ratios. They suffer fewer behavioral troubles, have larger expressive vocabularies, feel close to their teachers, and enjoy more complex, less aggressive play with peers. In his book Me, Myself and I, author Kyle D. Pruett, M.D.(world renowned Child Psychologist practicing at Yale University) states “Schools can help a great deal by having children listen to both read and told stories, and then discussing their content. This encourages a sense of cooperation by listening and playing with others, and rehearsing selfreliance. Quality schools can further assist children by allowing them to practice sharing and using their imaginations to learn language through play, songs, and stories.” When assessing a preschool program, parents should seek schools that encourage learning through play. Play and imagination are possibly the most important resources children possess. In fact, Dr. Pruett stresses the connection between play and imagination by suggesting that “imagination surfaces when a child takes what she has learned through play about how past experiences can be symbolized, and starts to ‘imagine’ things, beyond mere repetition.”
Parent Tips Parents can begin to evaluate preschools by asking the following questions: • Do the lead teachers have a 4 year degree in Education (certified by the PA Department of Education (PA DOE))? • Is the school accredited? If so, as a school or a daycare? • Will my child’s curiosity and creativity be encouraged? • Do the teachers write their own lesson plans? • Is the school cheerful and bright? • Are all faculty members First Aid/CPR certified? • Are daily activity reports prepared for each child? • Is the school licensed by the PA DOE? • Does the school offer parent teacher conferences? • Are parents welcome to visit at any time? • Is an internal quality assurance program in place? • Is the school’s environment multi-cultural and developmentally appropriate? • Is a wellness policy in place? • Are teachers provided ongoing training as well as other opportunities for professional development?
Preschool Curriculum Preschool classrooms should be arranged to encourage imagination and play in order to enhance your child’s learning experience. They should include easily accessible age-appropriate educational materials, art supplies, books, and musical instruments. Children should be encouraged to explore learning centers such as
When assessing a preschool program, parents should seek schools that encourage learning through play. 80 724.942.0940 to advertise |
Upper St. Clair
creative art, math, dramatic play, science, music, and computers; to ask questions; and to take time making friends and socializing. Teachers should provide enriching activities and balance each day with quiet activities, spirited music and movement, and plenty of outdoor climbing, running, and jumping. Preschool programs should encourage their teachers to develop their own lesson plans. In fact, be wary of programs developed by a centralized entity or corporation – they typically neglect some children’s individual needs within each classroom. Unique lesson plans allow teachers to consider your child’s development as well as integrating play and imagination. In other words, in a quality preschool program, dinosaurs are not extinct during “Prehistoric Phrenzy Week.” Rather, your child may learn about the foods that carnivores and herbivores eat by sampling ‘dinosaur snacks,’ and discussing the differences between various dinosaur footprints while stamping colorful dino-prints on their classroom floors. The most ingenious preschool programs are integrating specialty enrichment resource programs, such as a second language, sign language, math, science, fitness, and music, into their curriculum. This seamless assimilation provides optimum learning opportunities for children in a convenient ‘all-in-one’ package. Choosing the right preschool means your child will make friends, discover that learning is fun, and feel safe every day. This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo. Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®, located at 825 East McMurray Rd. in Peters Township. Goddard offers both full- and part-time Infant/Preschool/K programs. For more information, visit www.goddardschools.com or call 724.941.6464.
Anti-Gravity Treadmill at Summit Physical Therapy Has Patients Reaching New Heights
IN Community Magazine is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E.). We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help. IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories:
Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more). Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.
Name of nominee_____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________ Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit (staff of 11 or more) Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for?____________________________________________________________ Name of person submitting nomination_______________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? (Please submit a type written statement of no more than 600 words.) Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 If you have any questions, please contact Monica Haynes at 412.254.8704. Deadline for nominations is 1/31/2013. Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 81
F A L L happenings at
U
pper St. Clair Tennis Development Program hosted a fundraising event “Tennis Pairs for Free Wheelchairs” on Sunday, August 19. We had a great turnout of 70 people from around the area participating in the tennis tournament, including some of our tennis pros. We were able to purchase 80 wheelchairs for people in need, and 80 lives will be forever transformed. USCTDP wants to thank The Greater Pennsylvania Education Foundation, the
Professional Compounding Pharmacists, and everyone who participated and donated to this wonderful event. If you would like more information about this organization or would like to help make a difference, go to freewheelchairmission.org. We also had our first Upper St. Clair “10 and under” Classic in September at the USC courts. Marcy Bruce was the 10 and under tournament director and organized this event. We had some great matches on the 36-foot courts and the 60-foot courts. Everyone played great and the kids loved it. Congratulations to all the winners: Marra Bruce - Girls 8 and under champion.
NO joke
.
Just seriously good car insurance.
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Upper St. Clair
USC TENNIS Development Program Jacob Patterson - Boys 10 and under champion.
BOYS 8 and under
girls 8 and under
Upper St. Clair tennis courts now have permanent lines for our 10 and under programs. Our 10 and under clinics have been very successful so we are excited to be the first tennis courts to have 10 and under lines in the South Hills area. USCTDP is now taking enrollment for our winter programs. We are now conducting our clinics inside the bubbles and have six indoor courts. We offer private lessons from all of our certified teaching pros, junior and adult mARRA BRUCE hollis whalen
BOYS 10 and under
Hollis Whalen - Boys 8 and under champion.
clinics, cardio tennis, junior world team tennis, whizz kids, round robin tennis, and our 10 and under programs. Please visit our website www.usctdp.com for more information or call us with any questions at 412.831.2630. We look forward to seeing you on the courts!
girls 10 and under
Elizabeth Kulikowski - Girls 10 and under champion.
Please visit our website www.usctdp.com for more information or call us with any questions at 412.831.2630.
Elizabeth Kulikowski
Jacob Patterson
Unwrap the
Season Happy Holidays
Donaldson’s Crossroads Shopping Center Route 19 & McMurray Roads donaldsonscrossroads.com
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 83
Upper St. Clair
Troops Celebrate By Tracy Fedkoe
Brownies moving up to Junior Girl Scouts throw their vests in the air at the bridging ceremony during the Grand Celebration
Girl Scouts at Camp Redwing in the 1930s
O
ne hundred years ago on March 12, 1912 Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls from Savannah, Ga., for the first meeting of the American Girl Guides. Her aim was to provide an opportunity for girls to develop resourcefulness, self-reliance, and become professionals and leaders in the arts and business. The following year, the name was changed to Girl Scouts and a legacy was born for the group that would become the largest educational organization in the world for girls. By 1920, there were over 70,000 Girl Scouts, which quickly grew in the next decade to 200,000 and included Native American and overseas troops. It is estimated that the Girl Scouts came to western Pennsylvania over 90 years ago. One of its facilities, Camp Redwing, was built in 1923 indicating that Girl Scouts had an established presence before then. As the Girl Scouts grew in size and scope, their core principles remained the same—to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. The number of girls reached 1.5 million by the 1950s and the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low opened as a museum and program center. Girl Scouts blossomed over the next several decades providing community service and learning opportunities and dividing into age groups to encourage participation from kindergarten through graduation. Today, there are 3.4 million girls and 890,000 volunteers involved in the U.S. The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides includes over 10 million girls and volunteers. In honor of the 100th anniversary, 2012 has been deemed “the year of the girl.� Throughout this year many national and local celebrations have been planned and a special 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts
Molly Hoffman researched and dressed as Juliette Low for the elementary enrichment project 84 724.942.0940 to advertise |
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h Anniversary t 0 0 of the 1
Girl Scouts
The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be: honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
commemorative silver dollar coin was created. President Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Juliette Gordon Low posthumously. To help celebrate the centennial, Girl Scouts from Upper St. Clair have been busy this year engaged in many fun, educational and community service activities. Several troops took the trip to attend the national “Rock the Mall” celebration in Washington, D.C. in April. They camped in Reston, Va., and had the opportunity to meet thousands of Girl Scouts from all over the country and see the difference that a group this strong can really make. On a local level, the positive impact of the Girl Scouts can be seen throughout the community. The Upper St. Clair Service Unit has over 40 troops consisting of approximately 500 girls and at least 150 adult volunteers. They include all schools in the district plus troops from St. Louise de Marillac and St. Thomas More private schools and are part of the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania (GWSPA) council, serving more than 36,000 girls throughout 27 counties. Troops are started as young as kindergarten and can continue all the way through graduation from high school. Upper St. Clair is one of the larger programs in the council with a high participation ratio of girls in the district. The enthusiasm here is mainly due to the large number of volunteers in the program. “Our volunteers are amazing, not only giving their time and energy, but many of them are carrying on things they learned from their mothers and grandmothers when they were Girl Scouts,” said Nancy Irwin, director of marketing and communication for GSWPA. Local troops are making a difference in Upper St. Clair and beyond True to its mission, the Girls Scouts of Upper St. Clair are making a difference, starting right in their own neighborhoods. Some great examples of Girl Scout projects that encourage leadership and benefit the community include: • Troop 51241 cleaned up the Girl Scout Cabin in South Park to earn their Bronze Award. The cabins in South Park and North Park are county owned but used by the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as other groups throughout the year, so their project benefitted a larger part of the community. • Several scouts from one of the Cadette (grades 6 to 8) troops studied a situation at a local school where the buses were idling right outside the continued on next page Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 85
Upper St. Clair
Troops Celebrate Anniversary h of the Girl t 0 10
scouts
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intake vent causing the fumes to go into the school. For their Silver Award, they identified the problem and created a sustainable solution to solve it with a positive impact on all students in the school. • USC Senior Kyla Colcombe, who has been a Girl Scout for 12 years, just earned her Gold Award, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive and requires an 80-hour community service project. Kyla developed a four-day Girl Camp for ages 9-14 in an effort to show them that they are perfect just the way they are. Positive messages about eating healthy, being themselves, handling peer pressure, and understanding the manipulation of media photos were covered through engaging activities.
Priscilla Fleming Introcaso in her uniform in 1958. Her daughter, Jen Farmerie, and granddaughters Lilly and Natalie are Girl Scouts today.
• Upper St. Clair Girl Scouts host a day camp each year during the summer in South Park. The USC camp is not only one of the largest in the area with over 100 campers, but they also go all-out in making it an exciting, educational, and confidence-building experience. The older girls are actively involved in planning activities and helping the younger ones with crafts, cooking, songs, and other outdoor skills such as archery, knot tying and more. This year the camp activities centered around the 100th anniversary. • Girls Scouts have long celebrated World Thinking Day on February 22 in honor of the friendship and the sisterhood of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the globe. The Upper St. Clair Service Unit takes this one step further and hosts the International Day Games each year where troops pick a country and set up a game native to that area so girls can learn about different cultures around the world. • All of the troops in our area are selffunded, which means they have to raise money for all of the activities they do. Girls work hard setting goals and earning funds through the infamous Girl Scout Cookie and MagNut sales each year. Troops in Upper St. Clair have chosen to donate cookies, or some of their cookie profits, to local organizations such as the Washington City Mission, Meals on
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Upper St. Clair
Wheels, and the Ronald McDonald House and sent cookies to troops overseas this year. They also learn about how these organizations help by taking trips to their facilities. A big part of the Girl Scouts involves building leadership and friendship through various journeys where girls can discover themselves and their values, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. “There are many activities that the girls can choose and the program allows them to make the journey what they want,” said Jim Corona, service unit leader for Upper St. Clair who has two daughters in the program. Leadership and service activities are encouraged by the many volunteers as well as other community organizations that look to the Girls Scouts for support. And, the friendship part comes easy. Several of the USC senior troops active today are girls who have stayed together since early elementary school. USC Girl Scouts of all ages have the opportunity to participate in many activities including overnights at places such as the Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Science Center, and camps as well as trips to the Underground Railroad, Soldier & Sailors Memorial Hall, Petco, Market District and more. It’s a homegrown recipe for building great memories and great values. It is estimated that over 59 million women have participated in Girl Scouts while growing up. Their early experience with making friends, trying new things, setting goals and achieving them through the cookie sale, projects, and more has helped them to become the leaders of today. “This organization shows girls how they can be leaders and have an impact way beyond themselves,” said Corona. The Girl Scout organization will continue for the next 100 years promoting leadership, education, and good citizenship to make a difference in the world. They believe: “When girls succeed—so does society.” Who can argue with that?
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 87
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Upper St. Clair
ltimately, we want to win the section, win W.P.I.A.L.s, and make a good run into the state playoffs,” senior captain Jordan Serio stated. The Upper St. Clair girls basketball team has lofty goals and they aren’t afraid to put the work in to make these goals reality. The Lady Panthers are coming off an impressive run into the W.P.I.A.L. playoffs last season where they upset two opponents to make it to the semi-finals but lost to eventual W.P.I.A.L. champion Mt. Lebanon. When asked what game the senior captain is most looking forward to, like any true competitive Panther athlete, she responded, “Mt. Lebanon.” Jordan Serio will get help leading the Lady Panthers from fellow senior captain Erika Malarkey. Both Serio and Malarkey will be in their second season of leading the Lady Panther squad. They will be joined by two 2-year returning starters, juniors Constance Raftis and Elayna Kaylor. Senior post player Natalie Condo and sophomore guard Madison Serio will most likely round out the starting lineup for Upper St. Clair this upcoming season. Madison is the younger sister of senior captain Jordan. The USC girls basketball team has a long tradition of hardworking teams that produce results. This year’s team will attempt to build on their strong finish last year and make it back to the W.P.I.A.L. championship game. They will look to use young talent to integrate into the otherwise veteran team. “We are going to try to make sure we aren’t completely separated by grade level or by whether we start or not. We will make sure that the team is completely unified and we hope to make sure that we all keep positive attitudes throughout all the ups and downs of the upcoming season,” Jordan claimed. And ups and downs there will be. Throughout a season of 20-some games, even the best high school basketball teams will struggle at one point or another. With outstanding teams like perennial rival Mt. Lebanon looming in the W.P.I.A.L., the Lady Panthers know that they will have to have just the right blend of chemistry amongst the athletes on the varsity team. Senior Alivia Fink isn’t worried about her team’s chemistry though, and said, “We are a very close team. Most of us were friends with each other before high school basketball and we have become even closer throughout the years.” The five seniors, whether they are labeled starters or not, will look to use every bit of experience and leadership skills that they can muster for the upcoming season. Serio and Malarkey will also have seniors Fink, Lexi Cherup, and Condo
Excited for 2013 Season
to rely on. Beside experience and leadership, which the Panthers undoubtedly have going into the season, they also have a great deal of talent. From solid and smart point-guard play from Jordan Serio, to middle-range sharp shooting from Raftis and Madison Serio, to dominating post play by Kaylor and Condo, the Lady Panthers have more than enough talent to make a real run at the championship this year. The girls will be led once again by veteran coach Ernie Koontz, who celebrated his 500th win last season, a feat not many coaches across the country can boast. The other coaches on the staff are also described as being extremely dedicated as well, for which the players are grateful. When the Lady Panthers take the court in December for their first game, they will start a season which they hope will end with adding another year to the W.P.I.A.L. title banner that hangs in their gym. The team will rely on every bit of their skill, leadership and experience, and most of all, their excellent chemistry on and off the court.
We are a very close team. Most of us were friends with each other before high school basketball and we have become even closer throughout the years. - Alivia Fink, senior Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 89
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Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 93
Business Directory
Upper St. Clair Resident Featured in Times Square in New York City
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hloe Kondrich of Upper St Clair appeared in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 22, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) annual Times Square Video Presentation, which embodies the NDSS mission to promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The photo of Chloe Kondrich, who has Down syndrome, was selected from over 1,000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Over 200 photographs appear in the video, which was shown on the News Corporation Sony Screen, located in the heart of Times Square. Chloe Kondrich is pictured in her Angel Baseball uniform batting at Casey’s Clubhouse Miracle League Field.
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Upper St. Clair
Chloe Kondrich Helps Kick Off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Unique Video Presentation
The Times Square video presentation kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The video presentation was followed by the 18th Annual New York City Buddy Walk速 in Central Park. This year, Buddy Walk events were held in more than 250 cities across the country, as well as select international locations, in and around October. For information about the NDSS Buddy Walk Program, visit www.buddywalk.org or call 800.221.4602. The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization with more than 350 affiliates nationwide representing over 400,000 Americans who have Down syndrome. The mission of NDSS is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.
For more information, visit www.ndss.org.
Upper St. Clair | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 95
Plan to Reduce the Tax Hit in 2013 A
ct now before it’s too late to take advantage of opportunities that will be gone with the change of tax legislation. Unless Congress decides to act, the federal government will take a larger bite out of your salary, investment income, and the legacy that takes a lifetime to build. Below is a simplified summary of the federal tax changes which will take effect in 2013, and general solutions. These changes will result in higher income tax rates for everyone who pays taxes.
Ultimately, an advisor who is qualified in tax, financial planning*, and investment management*, with knowledge about your complete financial picture, can provide the optimum advice for your individual situation. *Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member SIPC Advisory services offered through H.D. Vest Advisory ServicesSM 6333 N. State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, TX 75038 (972) 870 -6000. Asset allocation does not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. Ivana Liberatore & Associates is not a registered broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm.
Current Tax Rate 2013 Tax Rate 10.0% 15.0% 25.0% 28.0% 28.0% 31.0% 33.0% 36.0% 35.0% 39.6% There is a new earned income Medicare surtax of .9% on earned income over $200,000, single, and $250,000, married filing jointly (MFJ). Long-term capital gain rates will increase from a maximum of 15% to 20%. Dividends tax rates are currently capped at 15%. In 2013, there is no cap. The additional investment income Medicare surtax of 3.8% is on net investment income over $200,000 single, and $250,000 MFJ. This includes interest, dividends, taxable annuity distributions, passive royalties (including gas) and rents. Municipal bond interest is exempt. Solutions include income acceleration into 2012, such as Roth conversion, capital gain harvesting, and additional retirement distributions. Maximize contributions to your retirement plan. Review the allocation of your investment portfolio and assess whether tax deferred, or tax free investments are beneficial. Itemized deductions phase out for those who have income of over $175,000 (MFJ). The federal estate tax exemption is set to be reduced from $5,120,000 to $1,000,000. The tax rate on the taxable portion is set to increase from This Industry Insight was written by Ivana Liberatore, * CPA, CFPÂŽ. She has been providing tax and wealth management solutions for individuals and businesses for over 25 years. She is a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Ivana Liberatore & Associates, A Tax and Wealth Management Firm is located at 222 E. McMurray Rd., Suite A, McMurray, PA 15317. 724.942.3340 / www.IvanaCPA.com.
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35% to 55%. In 2013 the estate of a single decedent, with an estate of $2,000,000 will pay from 35% to 55%. In 2013 the estate of a single decedent, with an estate of $2,000,000 will pay $435,000, when under the 2012 rules the tax is -0-.
Upper St. Clair
Lending a Hand How one local bank’s history of service, award-winning track record, and desire to make responsible loans is making the difference right here in Upper St. Clair.
“While many other banks continue to find it challenging to help customers get the loans they need, we are actively lending,” says Chris Claspy, Manager at Northwest Savings Bank in Upper St. Clair. “Northwest is an experienced, local bank with expert lenders. Our low rates and fees make it easier to do what you need to do, with monthly payments to fit your budget,” Mr. Claspy adds. “Best of all, we can make it happen right here in our Upper St. Clair office.” Northwest Savings Bank prides itself on local decision making, quick turnaround, and competitive rates on: • Mortgages* with fast, free pre-qualifications so you can qualify before you buy. • Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit* to use your home to pay for the things you need. • Personal Loans* for other necessities, such as purchasing a car, consolidating debt, or paying for medical expenses.
In addition, Northwest Savings Bank has been nationally recognized for exceptional service and trust. For the third consecutive year, Northwest was awarded “Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Mid-Atlantic Region” by J.D. Power and Associates, 2010–2012. And, for the second time, in analyzing more than 8,000 publicly-traded companies across the country, Forbes named Northwest one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2012. For 116 years, Northwest Savings Bank has been committed to the communities it serves. There are plenty of them, with 167 Northwest offices across four states — 28 right here in the Greater Pittsburgh area. loan?
Need a Manager Chris Claspy and Upper St. Clair’s Northwest Savings Bank can make it happen.
Northwest customers enjoy convenient services including Online Banking and Bill Pay, eStatementsplus, Mobile Banking, GO! Rewards Check Cards, and 43,000+ service charge free ATM locations. Not yet a Northwest customer? Interested in a loan? Visit Chris Claspy at Northwest’s Upper St. Clair office to get started today.
2600 Old Washington Rd, Upper St. Clair (412) 851-1493 Chris Claspy, Manager Northwest Direct: 1-877-672-5678 www.northwestsavingsbank.com *Credit approval required. Northwest Savings Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the Mid-Atlantic region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2012 Retail Banking Satisfaction Studies.SM Study based on 51,498 total responses measuring 31 providers in the Mid-Atlantic region (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA & Wash., D.C.) and measures opinions of consumers with their primary banking provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed January-February, 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Member FDIC
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