Network Magazine | Issue 31 | Summer 2023

And Restaurants “Under Pressure”?

16 Pennsylvania Appeals Court Rejects Non-Bio Mom's Bid for Custodial Rights

18 An Overview and Comparison of Social Security’s Disability Programs

20 Bluetooth, Streaming, Rechargeable Batteries, AI…

22 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Recurring Nightmare

24 Craniosacral Therapy...An Effective Necessity

28 Are you tired of reviewing medical jargon which takes forever to interpret?

32 Spine-Chilling Accident Leads to Miraculous Recovery for 6-YearOld Trace

34 Fair Housing Education Expands for Local REALTORS®

38 Health Care Payments Technology

40 Why United Healthcare should be your Medicare Insurer

42 Insurance Rate Increases—the Perfect Storm

44 Secrets Moxche Resort: A New All-Inclusive Resort in the Riviera Maya

46 Lessons I learned as a new teacher.

48 Creating Collaboration through Networking

50 History in the Making at the National Museum of Industrial History

The partners of NETWORK MAGAZINE™ proudly present the latest edition of the Lehigh Valley's first ever, high end, business leader driven B2B magazine. Our goal is to continually present our readers relevant content to build your organization, from the region's top business leaders and experts on today’s industry news and trends.

Our leading contributors will continue to change quarterly, sharing information that stays fresh and current. The opinions, tips, and insights on how to best navigate business pitfalls are all provided by the Lehigh Valley's best thought leaders. Our writers are un-censored giving you profound insight from their years of experience from their given field of expertise.

To learn more about how you can become a part of NETWORK MAGAZINE™ as a Contributor or an Advertiser, please contact Ray Bridgeman: ray@mynetworkmag.com

PUBLISHERS

Ray Bridgeman & Chris Morganelli

ART DIRECTOR Casey Damrose

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Ray Bridgeman

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Jenn Ebert

COVER PHOTO Frank Smith

EVENT PHOTOS Kate Lynn of K8 Pics For

Crash Course: What to Do If You Are in A Car Accident

HON. EMIL GIORDANO NORRIS MCLAUGHLIN, P.A.

The fear of being in a car accident plagues many drivers when they get on the road. Unfortunately, it is a reality that many must face. In 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported an average of 323 reportable traffic crashes occurred, statistically meaning about 13 crashes happened every hour, per day. Every day, 3 persons were fatally injured in reportable traffic crashes, and 191 persons were injured in reportable crashes. See the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s report on car accidents.

Hopefully, you will never be among those who must deal with a car accident, but it is essential to know what to do if it happens. This article seeks to provide a guide in case you are in an accident, however major or minor it may be.

Ensure the Health and Safety of Yourself and Any Passengers

Arguably, this is your top priority. Assess the situation. If necessary, call for an ambulance and document any and all injuries. STOP immediately and move only if it is safe to do so OR if your vehicle is in direct line of traffic and is not too damaged to move yourself.

If you suspect you've sustained injuries, immediately seek medical attention, and go to the hospital. The shock of the car accident may initially repress the pain of physical injuries.

It is imperative that you have medical advisement and documentation to be prepared for any possible legal action.

Get Information from the Other Driver

Exchanging information with the other driver is critical in the event of an accident. It is also important that information about any passengers in the car is noted and information obtained. Also, remember to document the other driver's license plate.

Document the Scene with Photographs and Videos

Be sure to include any and all damage to the vehicle, any injured parties, skid marks on the road where the accident happened, and the road itself, including any traffic lights or signs.

Involving the Police

The police can be a very valuable resource for documenting the accident. The police can file a report, which will be incredibly important for any follow-up actions. Cooperate with the police but do not accept responsibility without deeper examination. If you are potentially responsible for the accident, talk to a lawyer before accepting responsibility.

Do I Need to Report My Pennsylvania Car Accident?

Under Pennsylvania law 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3746 (2023), you must report an accident to the nearest police department if the accident caused:

• any injury or death, or

• vehicle damage that incapacitated a vehicle or made it unsafe to drive from the scene.

If the police don't investigate the accident, you must complete a Driver's Accident Report Form and file it with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days of the accident (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3747 (2023)).

If the police did investigate your accident, get a copy of the police report. You can do that by making an Online Crash Report Request with the Pennsylvania State Police.

In the time following a car accident, you should immediately contact your insurance agent. Depending on the severity of injuries and damage, it would be wise to contact an attorney.

The Pennsylvania Car Accident Statute of Limitations

A "statute of limitations" is a law that sets a deadline on your right to file a lawsuit. If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court is almost certain to dismiss your case unless some rare exception applies to extend the deadline. There is a 2-year Statute of Limitations policy in place for car accidents in Pennsylvania.

If you have any questions about Pennsylvania Car Accident laws or any related matter, please feel free to contact me at egiordano@norris-law.com.

Language Barriers: A Due Process

Issue-Specific To People With Limited English Proficiency

There is a Constitutional obligation to provide everyone with access to the courts. Every step of a case is important. Statements by attorneys and/or judges at conferences, hearings, and/or trial can help you piece your argument together; testimony by other witnesses alert you to things you may want to mention in your testimony; being able to communicate with your attorney at trial is essential to your case; and let’s not forget the importance of your own testimony.

The concept of Due Process is found in both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. In pertinent parts, the Fifth Amendment guarantees that no person shall be deprived of “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,” while the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that no STATE shall “deprive a person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”

Today, Constitutional Due Process, which has a substantive and procedural component to it, has been interpreted to protect the public at large. Substantive Due Process protects the public from unwarranted government intrusion interfering with a person’s fundamental rights. Procedural Due Process limits state and federal powers by requiring certain procedures to be followed in civil and criminal matters. Due Process guarantees that you will have your day in court—you must be provided with both notice and an opportunity to be heard. For a person with limited English proficiency (“LEP”), such constitutional guarantees are impeded.

The United States applauds itself for being the world’s melting pot. We have a large population of people with LEP. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 4402, a person with LEP exclusively or primarily speaks a language that is not English and cannot sufficiently speak or

understand English. People with LEP cannot fully participate or be heard in judicial proceedings unless their interpreter accurately interprets everything that is said in court.

An interpreter’s job is a highly skilled one. The Pennsylvania State Court Administrator established Rules of Professional Conduct for Judiciary Interpreters in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 4411(e) and 4431(e). Rule 2 states that “[i]nterpreters shall render a complete and accurate interpretation or sight translation, without altering, omitting, or adding anything to what is stated or written, and without embellishment or explanation.” In the comments to Rule 2, it is further explained that the emotional emphasis of the speaker should also be conveyed during interpretation, along with “every statement spoken, even if it appears to be non-responsive, obscene, rambling, or incoherent.” However, verbatim, or literal oral interpretations are not deemed appropriate if it distorts the meaning of what is being translated.

Rule 2, essentially, prohibits interpreters from changing a person’s testimony while also giving them the discretion to make changes to testimony, if deemed necessary, so that the meaning of what is actually stated does not change. Query: what happens when a person with LEP has an interpreter who, within their discretion, misinterprets information and no one in the courtroom or conference room catches the error? Without proper language assistance, people with LEP may be excluded from meaningful participation in the judicial process— often times regarding their own case.

Spanish is my first language. I became an attorney in October 2021. In my short time practicing law, I have represented people with LEP. I have observed that interpreters paraphrase and give incorrect

JENNIFER BOLIVAR, ESQUIRE, AN ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY AT CROSSON RICHETTI & DAIGLE, LLC

interpretations and that there are blatant issues that come with using telephonic interpretation services. In all of these situations, the finder of fact did not recognize the problem. The parties did not know that there was an issue with interpretation, but because Spanish is my first language, I was able to alert the finder of fact. People with LEP do not always have an attorney who speaks their primary language. The lack of accurate interpretations can cause unnecessary issues to arise in a case. When an interpreter misinterprets statements in a judicial proceeding, it may cause frustration to the finder of fact and may lead to unnecessary and additional judicial proceedings.

From my observations, improper interpretations have created appeals and trials that could have otherwise been avoided. When that happens, people with LEP are left with a bigger bill from their attorney, and the courts with a bigger docket of cases to hear.

There are many issues that our justice system needs to address because, as many know by now, it is not perfect. The legal system, as a whole, has a duty to make it easier for people with LEP to navigate the judicial system with more ease—our Constitution, specifically Due Process, requires it..

School’s Out for Summer: Now What?

Top Tips for Establishing a Summer Custody Schedule

If you’re a newly separated parent or heading in that direction, you may have yet to experience the process of establishing summer custody arrangements for your children. Whereas the school year schedule can be fairly rigid and routine, the summer calendar can appear as uncharted territory. This change in season can present opportunities for confrontation, with both parents having competing plans or ideas about the children’s summer break. Be proactive and consider how to make the summertime livin’ easy for you, your co-parent, and your children.

Summer custody challenges

That annual beach trip to OBX? Watching fireworks at a grandparent’s house for July 4th? Summer sports camps for four weeks? While these were all plans you made for your family when it was an intact unit, you are no longer functioning this way. Here are some strategies for anticipating summer custody challenges and working successfully through them:

• Start early - Anticipate the opportunities coming up in the summer and start communicating them with your co-parent and, perhaps, your attorney well in advance, giving you time to resolve discrepancies and work your way through the court system, if needed.

• Be fair and appropriate - If you ask for a two-week trip with your children, your ex will likely be entitled to that too; what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

• Protect traditions and make new ones - If summer typically involves a special day or event for your family, seek to honor

past traditions. This is particularly important if those traditions bring great joy to your children, whether it benefits you or your spouse. Also, be willing to create new traditions and make new memories.

Seek court intervention - Even if you and your co-parent have the most amicable relationship, things can go sideways quickly; once you work out your summer custody agreement, be sure to memorialize it appropriately. If you reach an impasse with your co-parent, seek court intervention to resolve the issues presented by summertime.

Summer flexibility and provisions

Where the school year requires meticulous scheduling, summer can offer opportunities for expanded custodial time, like having your children for multiple weeks or extended time periods. Parents can avoid frequent shuffling and exchanges, embracing the freedom and flexibility of a school-free calendar. It is an opportunity to explore alternate arrangements with your children. Perhaps the primary physical custodian is flipped, and the party that typically has the children the majority of the time only exercises partial physical custody during the summer. Or perhaps you each opt for an entire month, of course, noting any important blackout dates for camps or special holidays (depending on the standard holiday provisions schedule or whatever else you have arranged). Of course, you can choose to keep a consistent schedule similar to the school year exchanges while filling your days with camps and other family-focused activities.

You should also consider whether or not flexibility works based on your co-parent's living situation, the geographical location of

CATHERINE A. CURCIO, FITZPATRICK LENTZ & BUBBA, P.C.

each parent’s home, and any red flags or special concerns that you may have. Be sure to also discuss any travel plans, especially international travel, requiring a passport. Your summer custody agreement can provide where travel is permitted to occur and address the parameters within which that travel may occur.

Using summer as make-up time or for making change

Perhaps you or your former partner relocated a reasonable distance away from your children amidst the divorce. If one parent has primary custody, the other may be looking for summer to enjoy more substantial time with your children, where the geographical limitations prevent that from occurring during the school year. While this may at first seem unfair, take a step back and try to look at the year in totality. See the summer as an opportunity to complement the school year schedule and provide opportunities to connect with your children where one of you was less able to before. Also, summer can be a great time to consider what did and did not go well during the school year and propose changes to the schedule. Perhaps you want to step in and coach your child's sports team. Maybe the year at school didn't go well, and it's time to consider new schooling options. Use the time and space of summer to reflect on your children's experience and seek to make life better and more agreeable for them primarily, as well as yourself.

Communication, communication, communication

Regardless of how you spend your summer, know that the first summer as a multi-household family is often the hardest, as you now function as separate family units versus one. While "mom" may have scheduled all the summer camps and booked the big family vacation, these things must be discussed in advance, documented, and agreed upon by the parties. A communication breakdown is often at the root of any custody-related issue, and summertime is not immune to those issues. Communicate early and communicate often.

Sports tournaments, holidays, and annual extended family gettogethers or vacations often take place in summer - how do these fit into or impact your custody arrangement? Your decisions should be firmly entrenched in what is best for your child or children. Working with your ex may be challenging. Working with your family attorney to determine the best approach to your summer-related issues and to devise a summer custody schedule that honors your children’s needs and best interest is the best way to overcome those challenges.

STOP, COLLABORATE, AND LISTEN: MUSICIANS AND RESTAURANTS “UNDER PRESSURE”?

ZACHARY R. FOWLER, PARTNER, GROSS MCGINLEY LLP

Imitation is the best form of flattery.

Plagiarism is theft.

Both statements are widely accepted as true, but the Blurred Lines between imitation and plagiarism, especially in music, have long been scrutinized. (That was a terrible play-on-words; please keep reading).

By now, you have seen artistic disputes spill from the sound booth into the court of law. Whether this publication reaches Vanilla Ice, Led Zeppelin, Puff Daddy, Ed Sheeran, or just a curious observer like me who clumsily strums cords together in private, an explanation is in order.

At its simplest form, musicians enjoy protections under the Copyright Act – a law that provides exclusive rights to the owner of a song. That protection protects both the music itself and the lyrics. Infringement of those rights can, and often does, lead to disputes, especially when lost royalties are projected into the millions. The potential damages are clearly not trivial. Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs recently claimed to pay Sting $5,000 per day for Puff Daddy's I’ll Be Missing You, which

borrowed (or outright copied) Every Breath You Take. While there is some dispute about the deal between Vanilla Ice and Queen, Vanilla Ice purportedly avoided royalties into perpetuity by purchasing publishing rights to Under Pressure for $4 million.

Proof of copyright infringement requires proof that: (1) the claimant owns a valid copyright in the song and (2) the alleged infringer copied protected aspects of the song. Copying in this context can simply mean that the infringer had access to the original work and the infringer's work is "substantially similar."

The debate over the term “substantially similar” rages on in courtrooms throughout the United States, including as recently as the first week of May when a jury returned a verdict in Ed Sheeran’s favor, finding that he did not copy Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On. There are a finite number of notes and cord progressions from which to create a new song that is completely dissimilar to all songs that came before it. “Substantially similar” is a difficult concept because essentially all rock music of the 20th and 21st Centuries share common elements of the 12-bar blues. So, while independent creation

is a complete defense to infringement claims, it is also a concept that undoubtedly leaves even the most sophisticated musician Dazed and Confused. (I promise, that is the last corny play-on-words).

If you have made it this far into the article, you may be asking, “What does this have to do with me?” Stop, collaborate, and listen. (Okay, one more bad joke). If you are a small business owner of a restaurant or an amateur musician whose local band plays covers for financial gain, these financial pitfalls may still apply. (Amateur musicians who play publicly for free, receiving no financial gain, are protected). Playing cover songs without a license can result in a claim of $750 per song or more, and attorneys’ fees.

Local restaurants can reduce their liability exposure—and the exposure of every cover band that insists on playing Free Bird in their establishments—by paying an annual licensing fee to Performing Rights Organizations (“PROs”). PROs are organizations comprised of songwriters, lyricists, and publishers. PROs can grant licenses to authorize public performances of members' songs for an annual fee. That annual fee is based on individualized factors, which take into account the size and business capacity of the restaurant, the type of music (live versus recorded), and whether there are cover charges for patrons. Live music comes at a premium and at an increased cost to the establishment.

Before performing a risk analysis and evaluating whether it is worth paying an annual fee for a license, know that PROs hire “secret shoppers” – customers who have no real interest in patronizing a local establishment. These secret shoppers exist only to compile evidence of copyright infringement for future demands that can easily exceed six figures when the recovery of attorney's fees is also available. As a result, for a restaurant industry that already exists on thin margins, consultation with an entertainment and/or business services attorney is, surprisingly, prudent. Additionally, at the first sight of a demand letter, consultation with a litigation attorney could save a business hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So the next time you find yourself on a nine-mile skid on a ten-mile ride, you can remain hot as a pistol but cool inside. (Sorry, had to do one more).

Zachary R. Fowler is a Partner and commercial litigator at Gross McGinley, LLP, representing businesses in court and developing best practices for litigation avoidance.

Pennsylvania Appeals Court Rejects Non-Bio Mom's Bid for Custodial Rights

For many couples wishing to become parents, assisted reproductive technology (ART) gives them a hopeful option for building their families. The law can be unclear at times, and a recent case out of the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Glover v. Junior, highlights how crucial it is for LGBTQ families to take steps to protect their parental rights when pursuing IVF or other ART methods.

Background Information

A lesbian couple planned to have a baby using in vitro fertilization, but when their marriage started to crumble, they found themselves in court arguing over custody. The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled 2-1 in favor of the biological mother, saying there was no “enforceable contract in place” conferring rights on the bio mom’s spouse.

According to the court's decision, Chanel Glover and Nicole Junior married in California in 2021 and later moved to Philadelphia, where they pursued in vitro fertilization. Doctors at a fertility clinic retrieved Glover's eggs, and she contracted with a local cryobank for storage in February 2021. Glover is listed in the agreement as the "Intended Parent" and referred to as "Client," and Junior is listed as the "CoIntended Parent." The contract states: "Client will be the legal parent of the child born to Client with the use of donated sperm and will be responsible for their support and custody."

Glover and Junior jointly selected the sperm donor and later signed an updated fertility clinic document that listed Glover as “Patient” and Junior as “Partner.” Ultimately, Glover became pregnant in August 2021, and the couple hired a lawyer a few months later to prepare for Junior to adopt the child. In December, Glover signed a document indicating that she intended for Junior to be a parent to the child with full rights, according to the court decision.

The couple separated in January 2022, and Glover filed a complaint for divorce in April. Junior subsequently filed a petition seeking the pre-birth establishment of her parentage and an emergency petition to establish the same.

In a May 4 court order, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas confirmed Junior’s custodial rights. The trial court based its ruling on the December 2021 document in which Glover said she intended for Junior to have full parental rights. The court also noted that both parties had contracted with a fertility clinic, sperm bank, and birth doula in preparation for the child’s birth.

The child was born on May 25. Glover appealed the trial court’s ruling.

Documents Didn’t Establish Non-Bio Mom as Legal Parent

The Superior Court reviewed several decisions that weighed in on establishing parentage by contract and concluded that "an enforceable contract" is required to confer "legal parental status” in Pennsylvania when a baby is conceived via assistive reproductive technology. Then, looking at the facts of the case, the court reversed the trial court’s ruling on the ground that none of the applicable documents identify Junior as the legal parent to the child.

Specifically, the court noted that Junior was not a party to the cryobank sperm donation agreement. Both Glover and Junior had signed an agreement with the fertility clinic. However, this agreement explained the procedure and payment obligation but did not confer parental rights on Junior, the court said.

As for the adoption documents, the court pointed out that there was no requirement that Junior be listed on the child’s birth certificate or that the adoption process be waived. “To the contrary, [the documents] demonstrate that the parties intended that a formal adoption process was necessary before any legal parentage rights could be conferred on Junior,” the court said.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Mary Jane Bowes said Junior had demonstrated a contract-based right to parentage based on “the couple’s collective intent and shared cost in conceiving a child.”

Take Action to Protect Your Parental Rights

It’s important to note the decision is an unpublished, nonprecedential decision, which means that its weight and influence are uncertain at this point.

Still, LGBTQ individuals – and other people pursuing ART to have children – should take precautions to protect their parental rights. It would be wise for anyone signing pre-birth documents to consult with independent counsel. An experienced ART/adoption or family law lawyer can help explain what these documents mean and ensure your parental rights to an unborn child are protected.

DOROTA GASIENICA-KOZAK, FAMILY ATTORNEY AND ADOPTION ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY LAW, KINGSPRY

An Overview and Comparison of Social Security’s Disability Programs

KELLY CORRENTY, ESQ. WINEGAR, WILHELM, GLYNN & ROEMERSMA, P.C.

While most are familiar with the Social Security Administration’s (“SSA”) disability program, it is helpful to understand the different types of SSA disability programs and the key differences between these programs.

Often referred to using their similar abbreviations – SSDI and SSI – these programs have the same medical requirements. That is, if an individual’s condition met the definition of disability under one of these programs, he or she would meet the definition of disability under the other programs. These programs differ in their non-medical eligibility requirements, such as work history or financial need, and how payments are calculated.

Social Security Disability Insurance

The Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) program was designed for disabled workers and functions like an insurance program. Individuals work and “pay into” Social Security for a certain amount of time. The amount of time an individual must work and pay into this program varies by the age of the applicant, whether their past work was part- or full-time, and how much they earned while working. When an individual becomes disabled and can no longer work, they have a window of time – their “insured status” – to apply and be found disabled. The “date last insured” refers to the end date of this “insured status.” It follows that an individual who waits too long to apply for the traditional SSDI program may find themselves uninsured and no longer a candidate for the SSDI. However, as a rule of thumb, an individual who works about half of the ten years preceding their alleged disability date will have insured status for a period of about five years. Younger individuals have similar requirements but need not work as many of the preceding years.

If approved, the individual receives a monthly benefit commensurate with the individual’s prior income level. Getting approved for this program is much like receiving early Social Security retirement but without a penalty. Backpay, known as “past-due benefits,” is payable up to one year prior to the date of application.

Supplemental Security Income

While SSDI requires an applicant to have a certain amount of work leading up to their alleged disability date, Supplemental Security Income (“SSI)” has no such requirement and is a need-based program. Instead, to be eligible for the SSI program, one must meet SSI’s financial requirements. SSI’s financial requirements are limited – SSA considers any income, including that from pensions, gifts, and assets. While there are exceptions to the countable assets, for an individual, the SSI asset limit is $2,000.00; for a couple, the SSI asset limit is $3,000.00.

If approved for SSI, the individual receives a monthly rate set by federal statute, although that rate may be lowered based on the individual’s living situation, i.e., living with family. Past-due benefits are only payable from the date of application.

Disabled Adult Child Benefits

The program, often referred to as the program for “adults with disabilities since childhood,” is part of the SSDI program but has elements from both the SSDI and SSI programs. The young adult must be found disabled prior to the age of twenty-two. The young adult does not need to be under the age of twenty-two when they apply, but SSA must find them disabled as of any date prior to the individual’s twenty-second birthday.

Our philosophy is to be passionate advocates for you, our client. Because we represent our clients as though we represent our clients as though we are the client, our attorneys focus on achieving the best results possible in an efficient, cost-effective manner. We are committed to building positive relationships and offering personal attention and guidance throughout your case. So, you can rely on us to always promote and defend your best interests as if they were our own.

Winegar, Wilhelm, Glynn & Roemersma is a full-service law firm with more than a combined 100 years of experience We strive to provide outstanding representation in various areas of the law and routinely help clients in matters involving:

Like SSI, the adult "disabled child" does not need work history to qualify for this program. To qualify for this program, the young adult need not meet SSI’s financial requirements (although the adult child might also qualify for SSI based on financial need). Instead, SSA uses the young adult’s parents’ earnings records. However, the young adult is not able to begin collecting these unique benefits until and unless either parent is receiving SSDI, SSA’s retirement benefits, or is deceased. It can take years for the individual to begin collecting their adult child benefits, but the individual’s eligibility for this program requires SSA to have found them disabled prior to the age of twenty-two.

There are other variants and features of these programs, but understanding the key distinctions between SSA’s largest disability programs is helpful when working with someone who is interested in applying for or is already receiving disability benefits. The application process is lengthy and often requires appeals and a hearing. Applicants will benefit from consulting with an attorney who has experience with the SSA’s disability process.

Kelly Correnty, Esq. has been practicing law since 2015, and she concentrates her practice in social security disability and employment law. Kelly is driven by her passion for helping others and her community. This drive is the reason why she is an attorney today. She actively listens to her clients and works hard to provide them with the attention and care they deserve. Kelly is passionate about fighting for the rights of wronged employees, injured workers, and those with disabilities. She strives to pursue justice for all of her clients.

Call one of our offices in New Jersey or Pennsylvania to schedule a free consultation

(908)-454-3200

PA

Bluetooth, Streaming, Rechargeable Batteries, AI…

You might think by the title of this article that I am talking about earbuds or a cell phone, but I'm talking about hearing aids. As you know, technology has come a long way, and hearing aids have seemed to grow the most in the past five years. I recently had a patient bring in his mother-in-law to get the same hearing aids I fit him with the month prior. When she sat down in my office, she said immediately that she didn't need the hearing aids that he has because they don't have to "do all of that fancy stuff with my phone.” I couldn’t help but laugh because I know as I get older, I will want to keep things as simple as possible. The reality is that almost all prescription hearing aids have “all the fancy stuff.” I explained to her that she does not need to use any of the features of the hearing aids that she is overwhelmed by and that I do have many patients who do not use those features as well. The good news is with the prescription hearing aids you get from a

provider such as myself, an Audiologist, I can turn off any of the features you want. On top of that, I can add them back if you change your mind. I can help you to use them in a way that will fit your needs and help you to communicate in the best way possible. It's important that you discuss these wants and needs initially so that I can help you make the best decisions about your prescription hearing aids. I have listed below some of the features that you may not be aware of when purchasing hearing aids.

Bluetooth

Almost all hearing aids are now Bluetooth-compatible. The Bluetooth allows you to pair to your phone to make minor volume control and noise reduction adjustments on your own. Some phones will allow you to stream phone calls, podcasts, and music directly into your hearing aids. It might even be possible to answer your phone by tapping your hearing aid. I have some patients who are amazed when the phone automatically connects to their hearing aids when it rings.

Rechargeable Batteries

There was a time many years ago when I would steer a patient away from purchasing rechargeable batteries for their hearing aids. It was a great idea, but the technology wasn't there yet. The technology has since improved, and I now welcome rechargeable batteries. I even wear a hearing aid myself that has rechargeable batteries. The charge lasts more than a day and charging them while you sleep is as simple as putting them in their case.

Artificial Intelligence

Some hearing aid manufacturers are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve your speech understanding while exposed to background noise. This is one of the most common complaints for people with hearing loss and hearing aids.

Embedded Sensors for Fall Detection

Most people with hearing loss are at risk for falls. There is now technology that can detect if you have fallen and alert a preferred contact person to let them know. This not only provides a benefit for the wearer of the hearing aids, but it can give peace of mind to the family members and caregivers.

Please make sure to discuss your needs and the type of phone you have with your Audiologist, as this is an overview of

features, and not every phone is compatible. Hopefully, this will help you to make an informed decision about your hearing healthcare!

DR. JENNIFER STINSON, AU.D., DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY OWNER STINSON AUDIOLOGY SERVICES

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Recurring Nightmare

When you think about summer, what are some of the first thoughts, ideas, or memories that pop into your head? Most people would typically list things like going to the beach, swimming pool, cookouts, fireworks, and no school. For most, this time of year can be an enjoyable time filled with many opportunities to enjoy themselves and build lasting memories for years to come. Unfortunately for others, the opposite may be true, as some of these events or means of entertainment could cause feelings of dread, fear, anxiety, or other physiological responses. The most common time of year for this dichotomy to be present centers around Independence Day and the typical fireworks displays nationwide in celebration. It is often because one in eleven people have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime in America. You may find yourself asking questions like: What is PTSD? Where does it come from? How do I know if somebody has PTSD? What should I do if somebody is having a PTSD response to something? All these questions are necessary to ask to gain a better understanding of the condition and how to best help those suffering.

First, let’s address what PTSD is by looking at the definition provided by the American Psychiatric Association: a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events, or set of circumstances and whose symptoms have persisted through methods of coping and overtime. As for the second part of the question,

where does PTSD come from? It is important to understand exactly what trauma is. Trauma is defined as an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing because of their impact, or potential impact, on a person’s ability to function. In essence, those suffering from PTSD have experienced, been exposed to, or have witnessed an incident or series of events that have disturbed them so greatly that their mind and body are struggling to cope and handle the stress put on them by that event.

Understanding the diagnosis is merely the first step. It is also important to identify the symptoms of those suffering. The symptoms of PTSD are broken down into four categories: Reexperience, Avoidance, Negative thoughts, and Hyperarousal. Re-experience symptoms are exactly what they sound like, symptoms that mimic the event that caused the PTSD and include things such as nightmares or flashbacks and can be brought on by triggers associated with that event, such as sights, sounds, or smells. Avoidance symptoms are symptoms associated with behaviors designed to avoid stimuli that could trigger a PTSD response, which would typically be seen as wise, but these are often taken to the extreme and cause impairments to the person’s ability to function. Negative thought symptoms relate directly to the person’s outlook on the world, their ability to feel or experience positive emotions, intense feelings of shame or guilt, and distrust in others or the world in general. The final

VANCE P. FARRELL, M.S. ASSISTANT CLINICAL COORDINATOR, BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST, & CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH TRAINER | NEW LEAF SUPPORTS

category of Hyperarousal refers to always being on high alert, where somebody is more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, have difficulty concentrating, have trouble sleeping, and appear easily startled.

What should I do if somebody is having a PTSD response to something? Should you ever find yourself in this situation, it is important to remember that the individual may be experiencing some or all the symptoms mentioned above, so patience is a key factor in helping them through their experience. Being there to listen, but not forcing it, if they want to talk can have a large impact on the person suffering as they may feel alone in their struggle since they are the ones being bombarded with intense emotions and thoughts. Should the conversation start to become too intense for you or them, seek help from professionals, such as psychiatrists or therapists who specializes in helping those with PTSD, or by calling 911 for emergency assistance to ensure the health and safety of everybody, especially if, the conversation turns to talk of suicide. While being there for them at that moment is key, it should never come at the cost of your own mental or physical health or well-being.

Craniosacral Therapy... An Effective Necessity

Do you suffer from frequent headaches and/or migraines?? Have conventional treatments/medications been ineffective or limited in their result? Are you looking for a non-medicinal option? Read on!

Q: What are some of the causes of headaches and migraines?

A: Tension, stress, environmental, a blow to the head, a concussion, and whiplash are the most common, just to name a few.

Q: What are some of the natural responses to a headache or migraine?

A: The most common are light sensitivity, pressure, sound sensitivity, dizziness, and nausea.

While medicinal options help many who are suffering from headaches and migraines, what about those for whom medicinal options are ineffective or are allergic to or otherwise opposed to medicinal intervention? The answer may be craniosacral therapy. The benefits of craniosacral therapy are profound, while the treatment itself is very subtle. It does not involve the taking of any over-the-counter or prescription medications, which can have a host of unknown and foreseen effects on the body.

So, you’re probably wondering, how do I know if craniosacral therapy is right for me?

Starting off with a deep dive into the cause helps identify the best course of treatment. Knowing the "What" can help you get to the bottom of the "Why" and the "How" can help you get to the "Ahh…much better!"

Sometimes you don't know the cause, and that's ok! Sometimes, it's a gradual progression of increased symptoms. All of the causes of headaches and migraines result in increased pressure and make the cranial bones jam/lock up instead of articulate (your cranial bones are not fused!) due to increased pressure and tension in the muscles. Being in a calming, soothing, dark environment (sound-proofing is a great bonus!) will help put you at ease and allow you to fully relax, clear your mind and allow your therapist to feel the cranial rhythm to start to alleviate the pressures and unravel the tension built up. While you are relaxing on the table, you may notice a very light pressure. In fact, the super-majority of people don’t even recognize this slight pressure. This is completely normal and correct! The pressure therapists use to feel the cranial rhythm is the weight of a dime, but don't worry, this won't be a waste of your time. If you're calm enough and in tune with your treatment, you can actually feel the shift. It is definitely a unique experience. Each session should result in less frequent or significantly diminished headaches and migraines. Like any other form of treatment, this is not a "one and-done" fix-all. However, you should see drastic results as long as you're seeking treatment regularly and being proactive in your own progress. After treatment, you should feel lighter, clearer (mentally less foggy), and rejuvenated.

But what about the “sacral” portion of the “craniosacral” therapy?

Well, that treats a wide variety of ailments also! One of my more uncommon uses for craniosacral therapy was probably one of my biggest success stories. One of my clients came in with Tarlov Cysts. What are they? In short, they are fluid-filled nerve root cysts found most commonly at the sacral level of the spine. So, knowing the cause of them, and treatment options, I decided to take on this client, who

JESSICA PRINCE, LMT, MMP, OWNER AND LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST, MEDICAL MASSAGE PRACTITIONER MEDTHERAPY SOLUTIONS, LLC

had been unsuccessful with other clinicians and therapists. It was a challenge I was willing to accept to help someone in need who could not find relief anywhere else. In fact, a spine specialist had referred this patient based on the benefits of craniosacral therapy - and I'm glad they did because after a few months of regular treatment, this client returned for additional scans, and the Tarlov Cysts had completely disappeared!

Looking at the other reasons to use craniosacral therapy, it can help those suffering from mental fogginess, birth trauma, trauma to the sacrum, cerebral palsy, bell's palsy, multiple sclerosis (MS),…etc. But what benefits come from treatment? With regular treatment, you can experience mental acuity, less pain and pressure, increased mobility, relieving tension in the central nervous system (CNS) - which helps boost your immune system and fight off infections - and increased productivity. While not a cure-all, the benefits of craniosacral therapy are truly amazing.

I hope you found this article helpful and that you try craniosacral therapy treatment in the near future!

Are you tired of reviewing medical jargon which takes forever to interpret?

DR. LENDRA JAMES DNP, RN DL JAMES CONSULTING & PREMIER INFUSIONS & WELLNESS

As a legal nurse consultant (LNC), Dr. Lendra James DNP, RN works with attorneys to act as an expert in cases that involve medical malpractice, personal injury, nursing home abuse, workers' compensation, and any case where illness, injury, or wrongful death is an issue. Lendra can be a testifying expert, review cases for merit, and provide brief case reports. Her knowledge of medical record review allows her to identify deviations from standards of care which helps attorneys to save time and money.

How can a legal nurse consultant help attorneys? Let me count the ways!

Legal nurse consultants can work across the US and collaborate with plaintiff and defense attorneys. A legal nurse consultant can help attorneys decipher whether a case has merit from the very beginning by screening medical-related legal cases and eliminating non-meritorious lawsuits. A careful screening process will save time, effort, and money.

Legal nurse consultants can conduct audit trail investigations of the electronic health record to confirm data integrity, identify record tampering, and identify behaviors of the end users from the actions that they perform in the medical record. They can prepare the attorney's client for independent medical examinations in addition to attending and reporting on such.

Most times, attorneys hire physicians as medical experts on their medical malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. The education and experience of a nurse are just as valuable and possibly more appropriate to the evaluation of patient care and policies and procedures. A large part of the medical records is written and created by nurses, so it makes sense to work with the creator. In addition, an LNC can save you hours, leaving you time to concentrate on strategy and legal instead of trying to figure out the medical record.

There is no better way to make money than to win your settlement and save time. Get in touch with Lendra directly to learn more about what D.L. James Consulting can do for you!

You can contact Lendra at info@dljamesconsulting.com or www.dljamesconsulting.com

In addition, Lendra has a mobile IV hydration business that provides specially formulated IV vitamin drip solutions individualized to meet the health needs of each client. Lendra's hydration business operates as Premier Infusions & Wellness and will come to your home, office, or gym.

Benefits of IV hydration therapy

Taking vitamins and supplements orally is excellent for your health, but the strength of the nutrients decreases as they pass through your digestive system. They are less potent and cannot fully reach the parts of your body that need vitamins

and nutrients. IV hydration therapy is different. IV hydration therapy delivers vitamins, nutrients, and water directly into your bloodstream. That means you are receiving the vitamins and nutrients at their full strength.

The human body is made of 60-75% water. When a person becomes dehydrated, the chemical reactions in your body that require water to occur will slow down or stop. IV hydration therapy is the safest, fastest, and most effective rehydration method. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you can receive with IV hydration therapy at Premier Infusions & Wellness.

• Improve energy levels

• Maintain muscle and tissue strength

• Remove free radicals from your system

• Enhance your complexion

• Elevate your immune system

• Improve athletic performance

• Slows the aging process

• Improve hair/skin/nail strength

• Reduce signs of aging

Premier Infusions & Wellness services wedding parties, athletes, and those in need of immunity support, weight management, and more. Their service areas encompass Monroe, Lehigh, and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Morris, Union, and Bergen counties in New Jersey.

Make an appointment with us today to experience IV hydration therapy's remarkable properties for yourself!

For more information, please visit Premier Infusions & Wellness's website at https://www.preminfusions.com

D.L. James Consulting was founded by esteemed entrepreneur Dr. Lendra James DNP, RN, a mother and nurse who began her nursing career in 2001 with an Associate of Applied Science.

After achieving her DNP degree, Lendra started D.L. James Consulting, LLC, which blends nursing, legal, and wellness roles.

Recognizing her passion for operational management and the business side of healthcare, Lendra embarked on a new chapter as an entrepreneur. In 2022, she launched her own company, leveraging her leadership skills and her certifications as a nurse executive and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

www.bucknolisicky.com

Helping you navigate through tax regulations both today and tomorrow.

Spine-Chilling Accident Leads to Miraculous Recovery for 6-Year-

Old Trace

Faith, perseverance, and pediatric neurosurgeon are the backbone of an incredible healing journey

On Sept. 14, 2022, every parent’s worst nightmare became Adam and Erin Servin’s reality.

Traveling abroad in Sweden for work, Erin and Adam received a call that their sons and Erin’s mother had been in a terrible car accident. Candy Duffy was on her way home from picking up Trace (6) and Silas (4) from school when their vehicle was T-boned by a garbage truck. The impact sent the vehicle 30 feet into the woods, smashing into two trees.

Duffy suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while their two sons were flown via LVHN–MedEvac to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

After falling to their knees from the news, Erin and Adam hopped on the next flight home.

The longest flight of the Servins’ lives

The extent of the boys’ injuries came to light as the hours passed. Thanks to family members who stepped in and advocated for the boys in their parents’ momentary absence, along with Wi-Fi on the plane, Erin and Adam were able to be kept up to date in real-time and communicate with the Children’s Hospital’s trauma team as more information was revealed.

Despite showing no signs of consciousness at the crash scene, scans thankfully revealed that Silas did not sustain any neurological damage. He would, however, require time in the Children’s Hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to recover from fracturing his jaw, fracturing his pelvis in seven places, bruising his lungs, being severely concussed, and the other injuries he sustained. While Silas was expected to heal and fully recover, Trace was left fighting for his life.

“It was nothing short of a miracle that our sons were even alive,” says Erin.

The race to save Trace

Trace arrived at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital intubated, sedated, and in critical condition. In addition to fracturing several bones and suffering internal organ damage, Trace sustained injuries that one typically wouldn’t survive.

“Due to the force of the crash, Trace fractured integral vertebrae in his neck and ruptured most of the ligaments connecting his skull

to his spine,” says David Hong, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. “Known as an atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD), this highly unstable craniocervical injury left Trace in a compromised position where his neck was not stabilized to his spine. Historically, AOD is associated with significant neurological morbidity and is mostly a lethal injury.”

Emergency surgery

Trace required immediate spinal fusion surgery.

“In Trace’s case, spinal fusion surgery permanently fused Trace’s first and second vertebrae to his skull, allowing us to stabilize his neck,” Dr. Hong explains. “This surgery would protect his spinal cord from paralysis, but at the cost of some of the mobility and range of motion of his neck.”

“We were devastated by the news,” says Erin. “Trace is a very mentally and physically advanced kid for his age. Spinal fusion would only allow minor mobility of his neck and prohibit him from participating in contact sports, motocross riding, and doing all the things that made Trace, Trace.”

"Dr. Hong made us feel really secure in our decision to move forward with the surgery, and we had confidence in him and his expertise," Erin says.

A halo without the wings

Surgery was a team effort, requiring Dr. Hong, his physician assistant, his surgical team, an ENT specialist, an anesthesiologist, and an ortho team all working on Trace concurrently. Outside of the operating room, there were thousands of people blanketing Trace in prayer as his story began to spread.

After hours of praying and waiting, Erin and Adam received the good news from Dr. Hong: The spinal fusion was a success, and a halo device was installed to help stabilize his neck.

“I told Dr. Hong, ‘I don’t think you’re a hugger, but I have to hug you,’” says Erin.

Healing is a marathon, not a sprint

While the surgery went well, Trace had a long road of recovery ahead of him.

Erin and Adam spent countless nights in the Children’s Hospital’s

CARLY KUCHOVA, LVHN

PICU. They sang worship songs, read to him, talked to him, and did all they could to let Trace know they were there. Family, friends, and the PICU care team swiftly followed the Servin's lead in making sure Trace knew he was not fighting this battle alone.

“God sent angels to our family in the form of PICU nurses,” Erin recalls. “The PICU nurses at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital are phenomenal people and treated Trace how they would treat their own kids. They talked to him the way we would have, and they were compassionate and very communicative with us.”

“Treating him with such respect like that was big to us. Trace was humanized.”

Trace continued to heal. Successful ventilator trials led to the removal of the ventilator. Once he could breathe on his own and was awake, Trace began working through residual neurological deficits. He was tasked with relearning the “basics” all over again – how to talk, sit up, stand, walk, eat. However, from Dr. Hong to pediatric speech pathologist Rebecca Letting, Trace had the Children’s Hospital’s team of dedicated and skilled medical professionals by his side through it all.

“We saw Trace gradually get his spark back little by little every day,” says Erin.

Trace’s journey from the hospital to home

After spending 16 days in the hospital, Trace was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation at Good Shepherd Pediatrics. Here he continued building upon his progress, working toward gaining strength back, improving his motor skills, walking, talking, and being able to consume real food and liquid on his own.

Thirty-seven days after the accident, Trace was discharged to home. Every obstacle Trace triumphed over was a monumental step in a propelling recovery.

“Here we are a month later, with this absolute warrior child beating

every single odd, conquering every new fear and every new failure with such determination,” says Erin.

“Children like Trace are pretty amazing,” says Dr. Hong. “Overall, the things that he went through – including the hospitalization, the injury, and the recovery – he was able to go through that without breaking down and still maintain his spirit and appreciate the joy in his life.”

“It’s just always incredible how much children can recover,” Dr. Hong continues. “I’ve seen so many children with devastating injuries. On the other hand, you see kids you don't think will walk or talk again, and they're out there living normal lives. Equally tragic situations and equally amazing situations, and Trace is one of the latter.”

“Dr. Hong saved my life,” says Trace.

Led by faith and perseverance, Trace continues his remarkable recovery

Trace is continuing to heal, defying odds, and leaving follow-up physicians stunned as he overcomes obstacle after obstacle.

“We get him back a little bit more each week,” Erin says. “We can’t control his trajectory, but we can certainly control ourselves and our attitudes toward his recovery. That Trace, our strong-willed, determined little boy, is a fighter.”

“Healing has been a journey and will be for years,” says Erin, “but having someone like Dr. Hong – someone who is meticulous in surgery and his practices, but also is compassionate and has that next-level bedside manner – has truly made the difference. Because of his love for Dr. Hong, Trace doesn’t see follow-ups as a burden. It’s exciting at this point.”

Trace didn’t just survive a life-threatening injury; he's thrived from it. Now more emotionally mature and determined than ever, Trace has a simple explanation for his miraculous recovery.

“Because God’s not done with me yet,” says Trace.

David Hong, MD Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute

Fair Housing Education Expands for Local REALTORS®

There is no community without unity. There is no justice without equality. And there is no America without diversity. Our country’s vibrant mix of cultures is what makes us great and gives us strength. It makes us who we are.

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) ensures opportunity is available to everyone, which is why we are proud to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on non-compliance with the Fair Housing Act.

The enactment of the federal Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968, expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap, and family status.

GLVR has also signed the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s LGBTQ Business Council’s Business Pledge, affirming that the association and its affiliated real estate businesses are LGBTQ+-friendly and will ensure the celebration of diversity and inclusivity.

Although your local REALTORS® have consistent access to Fair Housing education through the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy in Bethlehem, Pa., and its online partner, The CE Shop, GLVR stands behind the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recent decision to require new-member applicants to complete two hours of fair housing training and existing members to complete two hours of fair housing training every three years as a condition of REALTOR® membership.

The new requirement was approved by NAR’s Board of Directors in May. The three-year cycle coincides with NAR’s existing Code of

Ethics training requirement and begins in 2025.

The recommendation came out of a work group appointed by NAR’s Member Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee, which advanced the recommendation to the Board of Directors. NAR's Association Executives, Professional Development, Diversity, and Fair Housing Policy committees also voted in support of the new fair housing training requirement.

NAR's Fair Housing Action Plan: ACT! aims to ensure REALTORS® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America, emphasizing accountability, culture change, and training.

Diversity and Community Involvement Scholarship

GLVR is ensuring the future of the real estate industry, nurturing future REALTORS®, and planting the seeds of a bright future with a scholarship program geared toward local high school students interested in pursuing a career in real estate.

Scholarship recipients are chosen by an interview panel comprised of members of the association’s Diversity and Community Involvement Committee and the chairperson of the

Education Committee. The panel utilizes a weighted interview scorecard with careful consideration of scholarship applications, essays, transcripts, and in-person interviews.

A scholarship in the amount of $2,000 covers the cost of the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy’s pre-licensing package, association dues for one year, and a year of Multiple Listing Service access. GLVR owns and operates the Greater Lehigh Valley Real

JUSTIN POREMBO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY REALTORS®

Estate Academy. The school is highly regarded as the primary source for real estate education in the Lehigh Valley. Its mission is to educate and develop its students into leaders who advocate for their clients and are actively engaged in their community.

GLVR’s Board of Directors recently approved the recommendation of the Diversity and Community Involvement Committee to grant Francheska Tabb, a senior at Dieruff High School, the 2023 scholarship and to be considered for admission to the Academy.

Previous scholarship recipients have already made their way through the Academy. Christine Nicholson, a graduate of Easton Area High School, completed her coursework in 2020. Jayla Evans, a student from Parkland High School, completed her coursework in 2022.

Fair Housing Resources

GLVR has resources available to consumers in relation to fair housing. You can find a local REALTOR® dedicated to housing equality and Fair Housing resources at www. greaterlehighvalleyrealtors.com.

Courses satisfying the new NAR requirement are:

• At Home with Diversity, a course to help real estate professionals work successfully in an increasingly diverse marketplace

• Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing, a course to help real estate professionals identify and interrupt stereotypical thinking to avoid fair housing pitfalls

• Fairhaven, NAR's online fair housing simulation, will be updated to meet the stated learning objectives and a two-hour minimum time frame so that it can qualify and serve as the no-cost option.

• Qualified equivalent courses provided by state and local associations, institutes, societies, and councils, and their partnered providers

• Qualified equivalent fair housing courses approved by state licensing authorities for an existing state fair housing requirement

• A to-be-created non-residential practitioner course focused on bias and anti-discrimination training.

“don’t.”

Selling your home? Tempted to DIY? Consider this: For Sale by Owner homes on average net $120,000 less than those listed by a Realtor®. They also tend to sit on the market longer.

If you have it in you to remodel that upstairs bathroom on your own, go for it. But for a complex transaction like selling a house, you’re better off with an expert by your side.

Work with a Realtor®. It’s worth it.

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY REALTORS®

www.greaterlehighvalleyrealtors.com

When DIY is a

Health Care Payments Technology

Previously, I wrote about current trends in healthcare payments [Network Magazine, Fall 2022.] Whether you collect payments at the time of service or offer a recurring payment plan, your goal remains focused on optimizing revenue and making your patient experiences frictionless through healthcare technology solutions. Practice managers are looking for payment efficiencies to manage patient obligations as their share of healthcare costs continues to rise, and the 'patient as payer' means practices must devote many hours and resources to capturing patient payments, posting and reconciling, managing billing, protecting patient payment data, and reporting. There are many moving parts, and to avoid the practice revenue paradox, the practice management software should be unified with a seamless interface between payments and patient EHRs.

The practice revenue paradox:

• 43% of patients desire payment automation.

• 44% of patients report being offered a payment plan.

• 43% of patients will store payment information with their provider.

• 54% of patients want to access EHRs digitally. But…

• 40% of patient obligations are slow-pay, delinquent, or uncollected. [Alite Group]

• 20% of all claims are denied for administrative, clinic, or policy coverage.

• 60% of returned claims are never resubmitted [AHIMA April 2022.]

• 73% of patients decline an offer for a third-party credit card.

In today's healthcare economy, practice managers balance self-pay arrangements, higher co-payments and deductibles,

exceptions to insurance coverage, and claims rejection and denial – all of which impact the patients' experience. Patients want online scheduling and appointment reminders, waitlist management, and a suite of tools for educating patients. They seek convenience with text-to-pay and QR codes to initiate payments, and 80% of patients prefer using digital channels to pay their healthcare bills.

Payments-as-a-service [PaaS] is embedded in many practice management platforms. This module is often required for integrating payments with EHRs. Many healthcare providers have expressed frustration by adopting their vendor's sole option. Practices are paying 6% or more for their cost of acceptance. Practice managers believe that since their vendor is their only option, they must accept their costs. For control and access to practice revenue, some prefer to keep payments external but with duplicate data entry – one to accept payments, the other to post the transaction to the patient billing record. We know this is not the case, and there are alternatives, including payment management that works with any practice management software.

Today's advanced practices are demanding more control over their revenue and now want to source a more cost-effective end-to-end healthcare platform that optimizes technology to see better outcomes.

Practice management platforms also focus on compliance training and documentation. No practice should tackle HIPAA requirements alone, and best-in-class solutions provide strategies for compliance. Likewise, the Payment Care Industry [PCI] Data Security Standards [DSS] continue to evolve and become more complex. HIPAA and PCI DSS modules secure and protect patient data.

MICHAEL LICHTENBERGER, GROUP EXECUTIVE & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ENTRUST HEALTHCARE PAYMENTS, A COMPANY OF SHERWOOD MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC

Of course, in addition to payment technology, HIPAA, PCI DSS, OSHA, and patient experiences all combine to overwhelm the staff with even the best-organized practice. Because automation can touch many parts of a practice, there are different types of benefits and ROI.

Technology utilization can also reduce administrative expenses. A Stanford University study reported that the rate of increase in administrative costs had outpaced that of overall healthcare expenditures. By automating tasks like billing and patient payment capture, your practice can see an increase in efficiency that can also increase cash flow. Some parts of your practice likely employ automated processes, and nearly 78% of healthcare systems are currently automating their revenue cycle operations.

Automatic payment posting frees up staff time and can now be assigned to the overall patient experience. With universal compatibility with practice management platforms, payments are posted to the ledger without manually and repeatedly entering data.

Practices can create a friction-free payment model by giving patients multiple ways to pay. Whether in-person, online, pay-by-text, or QR codes, there is flexibility with financing options for a positive payment journey. Payments-as-a-service allow patients and providers a look at data in real-time.

PaaS benefits are healthcare specific and have four components: cash flow, convenience, cybersecurity, and collaboration. What does this all mean to your practice?

Cash Flow – reliably capturing payments to decrease days in accounts receivable. A positive cash flow makes it easier to prioritize day-to-day operations.

Convenience – technology makes achieving your goals possible. And patients that utilize digital registration can submit health histories, current medical status, insurance information, and payment preferences.

Cybersecurity – healthcare organizations often find themselves targeted by malicious activity. SaaS and PaaS solutions that comply with HIPAA, EMV, and PCI secure sensitive patient information.

Collaboration – occurs between providers, staff, patients, and payers for a seamless experience. While many practices utilize electronic health records to keep track of patient information, SaaS solutions that interface with these records can reduce duplicate work and improve administrative efficiency.

Your selection of a payment solution can make the difference between data protection and a breach.

Why United Healthcare should be your Medicare Insurer

MIRIAM BRIDGEMAN, PARTNER BRIDGEMAN STRATEGIC CONCEPTS

Did you know that the baby boomer generation consists of people born in the years 1946 to 1964? This is the biggest generation by far. The first boomers started turning 65 in 2011 and they won’t stop until 2029! Why is this important? There are 10,000 boomers turning 65 each day for the next 7 years! If you are in the senior markets with your business, you can help educate and attain clients just by marketing to this target. I am in the business of Medicare. Medicare is insurance for people 65 and older. Meeting the insurance needs of these clients is unique and presents a huge opportunity. This group is bombarded with tons of mailers, commercials, flyers, and phone calls as soon as they turn 65 from various Medicare agents and carriers. The anxiety some seniors feel deciding on the perfect plan for their future is intense. I’ve taken the task of helping educate my clients about Medicare so they can make the right decision for their health and wealth. Who do you trust to help you make the right decision in this uncertain time? Talk to a certified Medicare agent who can walk you through the alphabet soup of options to help you understand your personal situation.

The company I chose to work with is United Healthcare (UHC). Why United Healthcare, you ask? They have the biggest pool of Medicare participants in the country. UHC can adjust the risk of their participants due to the sheer volume of people they insure – risk can be spread across many insurers. In the insurance world this is a good thing! This keeps prices stable and benefits top notch. They are a nationwide company that covers the entire country with their plans. Their Medicare Supplements are endorsed by AARP which is the only Medicare carrier to have this designation. UHC offers support and resources to their agents as well as consumers. Agents can help clients with a variety of questions and can offer additional support as needed. UHC is a stable, competitive, and well-known product that offers security to all who join their plans. They pay their providers within a week of receiving their invoices after approval. They pride themselves on offering great benefits tied with great service to members and providers they work with. Looking at their wide network of providers, they aren’t just zip code based if you travel domestically, there’s a good chance if you need an in-network doctor or facility you would likely find one where you are traveling.

United Healthcare is part of United Health Group, which is the largest health insurance company in the United States by total members as well as revenue. In 2023, UHC ranked number 10 on the Fortune 500 Employers List. Among the other rankings Amazon, FedEx, Home Depot – no other insurance companies made the top ten. This strength and stability are shown in their products and services they offer. Each year their benefits get better and better, offering additional benefits to their members. UHC listens to the feedback from their customers and agents on how to improve their services and benefits.

I’ve worked with United Healthcare for more than seven years. Their consistent product offerings, stability in rate increases, customer service, agent services, ability to show growth and forward thinking in this ever-changing environment has always been bar none above the rest. I continue to support and offer my clients the best utilizing all that UHC has to offer.

If you are on Medicare and haven’t shopped since you first became eligible perhaps it’s time for a checkup. A checkup on your health insurance to make sure it’s providing all that it should. Life changes, health changes, circumstances change, and you deserve to receive the best benefits, service and treatment there is to offer. If you’re not quite 65 but thinking about what Medicare looks like, set up a time to get educated. Bridgeman Strategic Concepts offers an environment of learning and education on product offerings so you can understand and make decisions that are best for your situation. If you are a professional that works in the senior markets and have been asked Medicare questions from clients – partner with us. Let us show you how Medicare works and provide a trustworthy partner to share with your clients. If you are an insurance agent and not offering Medicare in your suite of products, contact us – you’re missing the boat. We can show you how to get certified, educated, and ready to sell.

Insurance Rate Increases— the Perfect Storm

Have you opened your most recent renewal bill from your car and home insurance company only to be met with sticker shock? A rate increase can be frustrating, especially when you have a clean driving record and maybe never even submitted one claim.

The rate increases are not arbitrary, albeit they are annoying.

According to Mark Friedlander, a New York City-based nonprofit Insurance Information Institute spokesman, "Some industry leaders have indicated 2022 will be their company's worst auto underwriting year on record." Much has contributed to this perfect storm which has rocked the brand-named insurers, re-insurers, and insurance product consumers feeling the impact of rising prices.

The main culprit behind these steep rate hikes has been the effects of inflation. Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions US Auto Insurance Trends Report cites, "US auto insurance carriers continued to navigate a precarious mixture of increased costs, limited vehicle sales, rising accident severity, and regulatory pushback on proposed rate increases." Once an insurance carrier forecasts its needed revenue to cover its pre-tax operating expenses and predicted loss ratios, it will file its rates with the respective state insurance departments. It can take many months to get those rates approved and once implemented, a whole year of rolling them onto their customer bases' renewal policies before they impact overall profitability. This is one of the reasons why the rate impact was so severe this year for property and casualty policy renewals.

Labor costs are also on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index shows that wages and salaries are up 5.1% from March 2022 to March 2023 and 5% from March 2021-2022. Many reading this may sharply rebuke this statistic with a "my wages didn't go up,” but consider your local auto repair shop or the local contractor being called to repair the water damage from a leaking pipe. Their costs have increased and are being passed to the insurance companies as part of the claim expense. These industries were drastically affected by the shutdown during the coronavirus, the supply chain disruption, workforce shortages, and the increased

cost of financing business capital. Many businesses are also trying to make up for all their lost income from 2020-2021. Have you noticed a "supply chain fee" tacked onto a vehicle's window sticker? This all circles back to the coffers of your insurance companies and their ability to meet these pricier obligations to make their customers whole after a loss.

Natural disasters also contribute to what we’re finding in our insurance renewal envelopes. Swiss Re reported that reinsurance rates are at a 20-year high for January 2023 renewals. Hurricane Ian landed in a densely populated area with high economic values costing the insurance industry an estimated $50-65 billion. Swiss Re Group chief economist Jerome Jean Haegeli states, “Hard market conditions to persist through 2023 due to increasing interest rates which will lead to higher financing costs, and as a result, capacity providers are likely to remain more cautious in the deploying capital for a number of reasons including risk assessment and loss experience". In layman's terms, the appetite for insurers to meet the demand for increased catastrophic loss coverage to replace buildings and cars—will shrink. Fewer insurers coupled with higher demand equals higher prices.

Some things you can do to lower your insurance costs include shopping your rate among various carriers. Insurance companies have different market segments for which they’re priced. One may love to insure your new Tesla/Kia/Honda, while another may shy away from that particular vehicle brand. Take advantage of your carrier’s telematics programs. Most carriers use the data only to provide a discount. While it is true that the overall data may impact insurance rates for a particular demographic or area, ex: rates go up because 21-year-old customers are heavy on the gas pedal, overall, most carriers don’t use the data to raise the rates of the particular customer using their telematics program. Lastly, bundling your auto and home or renters’ insurance often generates a better underwriting cut score making you more attractive to the company to want to retain or earn you as their customer.

REGINA WAGNER, CLU, LUTCF COMPARION INSURANCE AGENCY

Secrets Moxche Resort: A New AllInclusive Resort in the Riviera Maya

JENNIFER DONCSECZ, CTIE, PRESIDENT VIP VACATIONS INC

The beautiful Secrets Moxche Resort is a new all-inclusive located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Moxché translates to "tree surrounded by roots" in Mayan. Keeping the meaning of the name in mind, the architects of Secrets Moxche incorporated the wooded nearby jungles and gorgeous beach at the forefront of their design.. This adults only resort is set on a pristine stretch of white sand beach and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The aesthetic is a combination of boho chic meets Bali! From the bean bag chairs near the beach, to the sand bottom, zero entry pool that looks like a private cove, this resort has taken elements from places like Thailand, and the Maldives and interwoven them into their surroundings. The resort features 485 spacious suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace and outdoor tub or swim up. The suites are decorated in a modern style and offer all the amenities you need for a luxurious vacation.

Secrets Moxche has 8 pools (Including a roof top pool for Club level guests) plus 3 man-made cenote pools that offer more privacy. There are several swim up bars and beach butler service too.

The Secrets Moxche Resort offers a wide variety of dining options, including 11 restaurants, several bars, and 24-hour room service. There is even a busy coffee shop (which is included in the all inclusive stay) as well as an evening taco cart that can be found near the pools, if you are looking for a late night snack. Tucked away behind a hidden door in the pharmacy at the resort, is the entrance to their speak easy night club. The password to enter this club changes weekly. Nightly entertainment is also provided at their state of the art Theater.

This is not your cookie cutter, massive resort with the typical thatched roof bars. This resort has a unique vibe and feel.

If you are looking for an adults only experience and don’t want to fly to Bali or Thailand, this resort is the perfect choice!

Lessons I learned as a new teacher.

WILLIAM CHILDS, ADVERTISING DESIGN LEHIGH CAREER & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

If I've learned anything throughout my career, it's that if you want to succeed, you must accept that learning is a lifelong pursuit and must never stop. After spending nearly forty years in advertising and marketing, I accepted an Advertising Design instructor position at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. I love a good challenge, and if my first year taught me anything, it was that I still had much to learn.

Teaching is simultaneously one of the most challenging and rewarding things I've ever done. As a new teacher, I was amazed at the emotions I felt during the first few weeks. Excitement was the first feeling that showed up. I knew I had much to offer the students regarding what I had learned throughout my career, but as I saw it, the real challenge would be conveying that knowledge and getting it to stick.

During the first two weeks of the school year, according to my step tracker, I was doing over 10,000 steps per day. That's the equivalent of walking four miles. Thankfully, things settled down after several weeks, and I could focus on what I was hired to do. What I’ve quickly learned is that teaching happens in the little moments. Those one-onone interactions where you see a student responding and connecting to the material. When you witness their confidence soar or see them step outside their comfort zone, that's where the real magic lives.

I also believe in creating a positive, supportive environment for the learning to take place. I'm not a fan of hammering useless facts into students' brains without context. For other subjects, that might be what's necessary. Still, advertising design is more about learning how to think and embrace ambiguity, being comfortable with being uncomfortable, and showing up for the process. That's what successful designers/artists do every day. I'm teaching my students to be open to fresh perspectives and to make peace with the prospect of failure. Failing is how real learning happens. That's true for the industry or the classroom.

Another thing I discovered is that teaching can be a lot like surfing. One day you're catching the tastiest waves, riding them beautifully, and in the flow. The next day, you try to duplicate yesterday's classroom performance and realize quickly that you can't. It's a different day, and whatever waves you rode yesterday are long gone. All you can do is push forward, adjust on the fly, and try not to be too hard on yourself.

Coming from the industry, I'm used to hearing immediate feedback upon completing a task. However, teaching is vastly different in that you might not know your lessons had any impact until after the students graduate and work in their chosen professions. I must trust and believe that the lessons I'm trying to impart will seep into their hearts and minds. The ability to form authentic connections is at the heart of every great teacher. I have found that everyone learns differently, and I must meet my students on their level to inspire them to dream big.

Students need to know that their teachers want to see them succeed. Good teachers push and guide students to become the best version of themselves. Teachers need to recognize their influence can reach far beyond the classroom, so they must model good behavior for their students to emulate.

Ultimately, I'm trying to emulate the teachers that impacted me in high school. Someone authentic, personable, determined, trustworthy, passionate, dedicated, and willing to share their knowledge. If I can be all those things, and do them consistently, without any loss of enthusiasm, then I can rest easy knowing that I have given my students all the tools they need to build a rewarding career.

Antonia Trigiani

Jeff Barber

Paul Fenelle Kim Saraka

Lewis Edwards

Creating Collaboration through Networking

MARTA COUNTESS, PRESIDENT COUNTESS COMMUNICATIONS

For most of us, the idea of introducing yourself to strangers isn’t all that appealing. Networking is work. Hard work!

Here's the truth, developing a powerful network of collaborators, champions, and friends is at the core of growing a successful career or business. Putting in the hard work to build a strong network can offer greater credibility, visibility, and growth.

Don't believe me? Here are five networking statistics worth a minute of your time:

• 95% of professionals think in-person networking is crucial to maintaining business relationships. Source: Harvard Business Review

• 70% of people report that networking helped them to find their current job. Source: PayScale

• Networking is responsible for filling in 85% of job vacancies. Source: HubSpot

• 7 out of 10 job openings aren’t publicly advertised. Source: CNBC

• Nearly every second, freelancers find job opportunities through their family and friends. Source: Fit Small Business

At its core, business networking encourages connections not only with likely customers or clients but also with others who might refer business. It can also be a wonderful way of locating reputable vendors to hire.

So, let’s look at some tips on how to make networking work for you.

1. Attend networking events

Yes, you have to get out and mingle. Network Magazine events are a perfect example of private groups that connect people. The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber also hosts multiple monthly gatherings, many aimed at the diverse population it serves. It’s also worth researching and attending meetings for professional associations and societies related to your field.

2.

Choose a goal

If you want your networking efforts to pay off, you need to be strategic. So set a goal before you go. Are you there to make new connections? Meet people in your field? Find a place or cause to volunteer your time? Be clear on what you hope to get out of the time you're spending.

3. Refine your elevator pitch

Whether your goal is to connect with people in your field or build a referral network, you need to explain who you are and what you do in 30 seconds or less. Make it engaging so you open a conversation that allows you to explain more about what makes you stand out in your field.

4.

Work on some icebreakers

Beginning a conversation is only easy if you're a natural extrovert. If people are wearing name tags, use them as a guide. Ask about their business and actively listen to the answer. If the name tags don't guide you, consider opening with a compliment. If you’re listening closely, your next question should come out of their answer. Another pro tip, show up early. It’s much easier to approach people before they settle into groups.

5.

Don’t be selfish

Whether chatting at an event or attending an informational meeting, it’s important to remember that networking is about give and take. If you’re always the person asking for favors, people will figure you out fast. Make sure you’re giving as much as you’re receiving and look for opportunities to help your networking contacts prosper.

6. Increase your visibility

Building a solid reputation can help you attract more career opportunities and business partnerships. Regularly attending networking events helps to make your face known to hundreds of people. Networking can help you meet industry experts you otherwise wouldn't have a chance to meet.

Finally, let me leave you with a success story. We met the creators of Network Magazine a year or so after we launched our video marketing business. We've been regular magazine contributors and worked on business and charity opportunities together over the years. Our new project is the Network Magazine Executive Forum video series, which launches this month. The series aims to be a brief yet deep dive into the success stories and journeys of Lehigh Valley's top business leaders and companies. It's a partnership born out of networking, time spent building relationships, and meeting meaningful connections. Our first guest is City Center Investment Corporation President, J.B. Reilly, who, you guessed it, we met at Network Magazine’s very first magazine launch party!

We look forward to the series and seeing you all at a networking event soon.

Watch the 1st installment now by scanning the code:

History in the Making at the National Museum of Industrial History

MEGAN PILDIS, VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NMIH

The history of American industry is a story about the people, machines, ideas, and resources that transformed the nation from an agrarian society to a global industrial power. At the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) in Bethlehem, PA visitors can explore the industry's past, present, and future through dynamic interactive exhibits and engaging programs that stimulate the senses. Visitors can try their hand at lifting pig iron, carrying a silk thread bobbin board, generating horsepower, and stepping into the basket of a hot air balloon.

“Our mission, in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, is to forge a connection between America’s industrial past and the innovations of today by educating the public and inspiring the visionaries of tomorrow,” said President & CEO Kara Mohsinger. “Since opening to the public in 2016, we’ve welcomed visitors of all ages from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries.”

Housed in the 1913-built Electric Repair Shop of the sprawling former Bethlehem Steel plant, the museum is the historical anchor of the vibrant arts and cultural district in South Bethlehem. Steps away from the iconic Bethlehem Steel Blast furnaces, NMIH showcases a worldclass collection of artifacts and archival materials, including many of the first-made, last-produced, oldest-surviving, and longest-running inventions in US history.

In addition to long-term indoor and outdoor exhibits on the American Industrial Revolution and the 1876 World’s Fair, silk and textiles, iron and steel, propane, and more, NMIH offers a robust schedule of changing exhibits and special programs as well as providing mobile

tours, group tours, school field trips, live demonstrations, and handson youth programs. On select dates, visitors can operate a restored 1941 narrow gauge locomotive or witness a live demonstration of a massive 100-year-old 115-ton Corliss steam engine. During Free Family Sundays, youth 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Guests can participate in hands-on Metal Melting and STEAM Adventure programs on select dates. Annual events include Steel Weekend & Steelworkers Reunion, a two-day exploration of all things steel, and World's Fair Weekend, where visitors can step back in time to experience the first World's Fair on US soil.

“We are particularly proud of our educational initiatives. Not only are we connecting with local school children for in-person field trips, but also providing virtual experiences and digital resources for students around the globe,” said Mohsinger. “We aim to foster a deeper understanding of how significant a role industry past and present play in our lives and to inspire young people to invent and innovate.”

The National Museum of Industrial History, located at 602 East Second Street in Bethlehem, PA, is open from 10am-5pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Discounts are available for Veterans & Active-Duty Military, Seniors, Students & Educators, Youth, and EBT/ Snap cardholders. Guided tours, field trips, and group discounts are available with advanced reservations. Space rental is also available for a wide variety of corporate and social events. Full details on tickets, upcoming exhibits, and events can be found on their website at www.nmih.org