February 2024 issue • Northern Connection Magazine

February 2024

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 25 YEARS

Advanced Heart & Vascular Care Also in this issue...

Health Care Guide 2024 Summer Camps Medication Basics February Happenings

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TABLE CON T ENOF T S CONTENTS

P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444

8 UPMC Passavant has grown over the past 20 years to become a destination for advanced heart care and services.

Camps/Kids/Education 26 30

Katie’s Clay Studio School Movers & Shakers

Health/Wellness 8

10 12 14 16 18 20

Cover Story: As the Heart of the Community Grows, So Does UPMC Passavant’s Heart and Vascular Care Groundhog Day: When Every Day Feels the Same Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C Medication Basics: Be Aware, Be Wise, Be Safe Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm Choosing the Right Rehabilitative Care Richard Senelick, MD Heart of the Matter: Arterial Age—Top Indicator of Biological Age Marla Turnbull What is a Health Care Patient Advocate and Why You Should Consider Using One? Jeff Weinberg, M.Ed, M.PH, NHA Running Up the Mountain Singing: Yes, Acupuncture Treats That

NC Features 22 24

Enjoy an Energizing Evening with Joey Jones April 25 Happy Leap Year from a “Leap Mom” Paula Green

Advertorials

FEBRUARY 2024

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The Doctors at Tri-State Neuropathy Centers Give Peripheral Neuropathy Suffers Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

In Every Issue...

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25 31 32 34 36

Movers & Shakers Mover & Shaker of the Month: Walter Payton Award Paula Green Support Our Troops: United States Vice Presidents Who Served in the Military Paula Green From the Editor: Bad Romance Janice Lane Palko MOM2MOMS: Galentines & Valentines Sofya Stearns The Flip Side of Eggs Ron Eichner February Happenings Trivia Connection: Shadow Trivia Paula Green

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Laura Lyn Arnold Publisher Emeritus & Contributor

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Janice@northernconnectionmag.com Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Paula@northernconnectionmag.com Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing , LLC Core Writers

Maura Brown Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula Green Janice Lane Palko Sofya Stearns

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, (724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.

The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

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MOV ER S / SH A K ER S

Farmers National Bank is expanding and strengthening its Wealth Management Team in Western Pennsylvania with the hire of David Kraemer as Banking Officer, Senior Investment Executive.

Five local veterans have been selected as first-place winners in the 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. U.S. Army Veteran Krystal Anspach has been selected as a first-place winner in the 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, Art Division. Anspach took first-place for her Diorama, Mini She Shed. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Lori Ceder has also been selected as a firstplace winner in the Art Division under two categories. Ceder took first-place for her Original Design in Needlework, Illusion of Movement, and for her Leather Kit, Retro Classic. U.S. Air Force Veteran Terrance Blair took first-place for the second

year in a row with a Figurine Painting Kit entry, Hometown News. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran William Howrilla took first place in the Art Division for his carving, Special Friends Deserve Special Care.

Food21 of Pennsylvania has been awarded a grant from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation to support the ongoing work of the Food21 Center for Value Chain Development. The $150,000 grant will assist with the continued growth and development of Food21 projects including Farm to Tap, Farm to Energy and Farm to Fork, benefiting Westmoreland County farmers and consumers throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

Western Pennsylvania Hospital. She is currently a certified school nurse in the North Allegheny School District.

The Musuneggi Financial Group opened its new offices in the Southpointe Business Park at 4600 J Barry Court, Suite 410, Canonsburg. The new offices provide easier access and room for expansion. It features state-of-the-art media technology for virtual client visits and space for educational and training events.

The Joe Beretta Foundation announced the appointment of Lisa Marie Allen as a new board member.

Allen has 39 years of nursing experience, having worked at AGH and

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Scoring for the Community with the

WALTER PAYTON AWARD

By Paula Green

His nickname was “Sweetness,” and he was regarded as one of the greatest football players ever. Walter Jerry Payton was an American professional football running back who played in the National Football League. He was the Chicago Bears’ first-round choice and the fourth player selected in the 1975 NFL Draft. Payton developed into a superstar of unusual dimensions during his 13-season NFL tenure from 1975 to 1987, all of which he spent with the Bears.

FEBRUARY 2024

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n 1977, Payton won the NFL Man of the Year Award. Established in 1970, this prestigious accolade celebrates the player’s volunteer and charity work and his excellence on the field. The honor is given out annually. Every NFL team has one player nominated.

Despite his superstar status, Payton could not overcome his medical illness. On November 1, 1999, he died from complications from bile duct cancer. Payton was 46 years old. Following his death, the NFL renamed their NFL Man of the Year Award to honor his legacy as a humanitarian. The league now calls the annual tribute the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Since its inception, the Pittsburgh Steelers have proudly had four players (all Hall of Famers) win NFL Man of the Year honors. Three recipients played for the black and gold during their Steelers 70s dynasty. In 1976, Franco Harris was given the award for being an active supporter of various causes in the Pittsburgh community. In 1979, Joe Greene demonstrated that maybe he wasn’t so “mean” when he accepted the Man of the Year Award.

Then in 1981, wide receiver Lynn Swann snagged the honor.

Fast forward 20 years to 2001 when running back Jerome Bettis, nicknamed “The Bus,” ran away with the accolade. Bettis founded the Bus Stops Here Foundation. Looking to improve the quality of life for troubled and underprivileged inner-city youth. This foundation provides financial resources and other recreational programs for youth to participate in. From computer engineering programs to reading classes, it is designed to enrich the lives and future of disadvantaged young people.

The 2023 Walter Payton Award will be announced this year on February 8 at the NFL Honors ceremony in Las Vegas. Each nominee receives up to $55,000, and the winner will be awarded $250,000 to an organization of their choice. This year’s nominee for the Pittsburgh Steelers is Cameron Heyward; it is his sixth nomination. In 2015, the Steelers defensive end and five-time Pro Bowler founded the Heyward House.

The facility focuses on two primary causes: children in need and cancer awareness. The Heyward House supports organizations such as Kids Voice, which provides resources for abused, neglected, and atrisk kids; the Boys and Girls Club; and the America Cancer Association.

Cam’s heart is centered on kids – visiting with sick children, taking kids’ clothes shopping, or giving birthday presents to kids who rarely get celebrated. He knows every kid needs to have one person in their corner, rooting for them. In turn, Steeler fans will be rooting for Cam on February 8; we wish him the best of luck! n Sources: www.profootballhof.com/players/walter-payton/, www.payton34.com/man-of-the-year, www.nfl.com/news/ walter-payton-man-of-the-year-0ap3000000589312, nfl-pe.azurewebsites.net/life/articles/heyward/, www.thecameronheywardfoundation.org/about-us.html

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COV ER S TORY

As the Heart of the Community Grows, So Does UPMC Passavant’s Heart and Vascular Care A Regional Center for Advanced Heart Care and Services This content is sponsored by UPMC.

Over the past 20 years, UPMC Passavant has grown from providing essential cardiac care to becoming a destination for advanced heart care and services. The UPMC Passavant campuses in McCandless and Cranberry Township offer specialized services through the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, one of the world’s premier centers for comprehensive cardiovascular care. Many of the programs cater to specific populations with unique risk factors.

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FEBRUARY 2024

ne such initiative, is the UPMC Magee-Womens Heart Program, a dedicated women’s cardiology program and collaboration between UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. The program provides complete care for women who have heart disease or are at risk for it.

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Sam A. Buffer, MD, is a cardiologist and chair of the Cardiovascular Department at UPMC Passavant.

Venmathi Indramohan, MD, a noninvasive cardiologist, is part of the UPMC MageeWomens Heart Program of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant.

Specialized Care for Women

“When people think of a heart attack, they picture a man clutching his chest,” says Venmathi Indramohan, MD, a noninvasive cardiologist. “But heart disease does not only happen to men. It is equally present in women, who tend to have additional gender-related risk factors and present with atypical symptoms.”

Women tend to wait longer than men before getting cardiac care — in part

because their symptoms can be different.

“Women do not have to experience textbook symptoms like crushing chest pain or pain going down the left arm,” says Dr. Indramohan. “Sometimes, they just do not feel well, have excessive fatigue or may be out of breath, and they cannot climb steps without stopping to rest.”

Other heart-related symptoms that are more common in women include pain mimicking acid reflux, nausea, and sweating.

“The key to combatting heart disease is early and accurate detection,” says Dr. Indramohan. “That’s why it’s important for women to understand their risks and not ignore symptoms.”

The UPMC Magee-Womens Heart Program at UPMC Passavant offers complete cardiovascular care for women in every stage of life. Services are offered to

women who have been diagnosed with heart disease or who have worrisome symptoms or risk factors. Initial evaluations are provided at UPMC Passavant– Cranberry.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant provides adults of all ages with leading treatments and individualized care.

A Team Approach

“It’s more than just care, it’s the heart team approach,” says Sam A. Buffer, MD, chair of cardiology at UPMC Passavant, noting that the team includes physicians, cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons, technologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other experts. “This collaboration leads to the great patient outcomes we have here.”

An example of this collaborative approach can be seen in the expanded transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) program at UPMC Passavant. This procedure is used to treat severe aortic stenosis – a condition that involves the narrowing of the heart’s aortic value. The innovative, minimally invasive surgery replaces traditional open-heart surgery and provides many benefits including a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and faster recovery.

Dr. Buffer notes this service requires many experts to work together including the patient’s primary care doctor, cardiologists, surgeons, and radiologists.

“It takes that team approach to determine what the best care plan is for a particular patient; and to identify if this person is best suited for a TAVR procedure,” he adds.

Center for Cardio-Oncology, a collaboration with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, that helps cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment avoid damage to their hearts.

Heart Wellness, Rehabilitation, and Education

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant also offers heart wellness, rehabilitation, and education programs. These initiatives include cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, which brings together specialized teams including nurses, exercise physiologists, respiratory therapists, and dietitians, to help patients make lifestyle modifications through personalized diet and exercise plans. UPMC Passavant also offers community education programs on hearthealthy topics such as smoking cessation, nutrition, and stress management. Heart health and other screenings take place at outpatient centers, community locations, and the two UPMC Passavant campuses.

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute recently received a new entrance at the UPMC Passavant–McCandless campus, making it more visible and accessible for patients.

The growth and expansion at both campuses reflect UPMC Passavant’s evolving role of providing more advanced care and services to residents of Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler Counties. n WATCHMAN™ is a trademark of Boston Scientific.

February is American Heart Month The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant is dedicated to improving heart and vascular health. During American Heart Month in February, learn more about these general and preventative heart and vascular services available through UPMC Passavant and nearby UPMC outpatient centers.

General Cardiovascular Services • Cardiac catheterization • Cardiac rehabilitation • Congenital heart disease management • Heart imaging and diagnostic testing • Women’s heart health program Preventive Cardiovascular Services • Medical management • Cardiovascular screening events • Screenings for vascular disease • Community outreach programs • Heart disease risk prevention programs Treatments for Specialty Conditions • Advanced heart failure • Aortic diseases • Atrial fibrillation (AFib) • Heart muscle disease • Mitral valve disease • Vein conditions and diseases To find comprehensive heart and vascular care here in the north, visit UPMCPassavant.com/HVI. © UPMC 2024.

Advanced Treatments

Recent improvements to the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute reception area were part of the Specialty Pavilion Expansion at UPMC Passavant, a multiphase, multiyear project enhancing the patient experience.

FEBRUARY 2024

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant–McCandless is a tertiary care center — meaning the advanced, high-quality care and the resources of an academic medical center are available to residents in Pittsburgh’s northern suburbs, closer to home.

In addition to TAVR, advanced care includes mitral valve surgery, open heart surgery, and WATCHMAN™ implants for atrial fibrillation (AFib).

UPMC Passavant also employs resources of the UPMC Center for Inherited Heart Disease, which focuses on heart rhythm disorders, and partners with the UPMC

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Groundhog Day: When Every Day Feels the Same

By Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C

FEBRUARY 2024

Every February 2, the rural town of Punxsutawney, Pa., becomes a place of national focus and local celebration. Having grown up in nearby DuBois, Pa., making the trip to Gobbler’s Knob during those cold morning hours was often considered a rite of passage. As everyone awaits Punxsutawney Phil’s weather predictions, hoping he will forecast a speedy end to winter, it’s kind of fun to lean into the superstition of it all. Punxsutawney (or Punxsy, as we often call it) eventually drew the attention of Hollywood with the 1993 film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray as Phil and Andie McDowell as Rita.

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hose familiar with the film will recall Phil being stuck in a time loop that has him reliving February 2 day after day, becoming increasingly frustrated and desperate to move forward. In the therapy setting, I often encounter patients who compare their current circum-

stances to this iconic film, longing for the changes that will propel them forward. Through listening to their circumstances and ongoing struggles, we work together to identify opportunities for change. It’s not uncommon for someone to genuinely believe they are stuck, with little

to no way out of their current circumstances. It’s okay to start with small goals, even very small, daily goals, to remove yourself from your own personal “time loop.”

So, what are some strategies for becoming “unstuck?” The first may seem obvious, but it’s incred-

ibly important: recognize that you are stuck and that you actively want to make a change. Take inventory of what is occurring in your life that is contributing to these feelings. This could include a stressful daily commute, an unfulfilling career, remote work that feels isolating, lack of socialization with friends and family or just generally feeling like you do the same thing every day and are unfulfilled. Next, make the choice and commitment to change. Motivational Interviewing is a common and effective tool many therapists and coaches utilize with clients to elicit readiness, as well as strategies to start implementing it. It’s important to make change goals reasonable and attainable, such as adding one new activity per week, one social outing or incorporating one workout per week as a start. Travel is also an effective way

to shake things up, and it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Even periodic day trips, weekends, staycations with new places in your own town or city can help to shift your mindset.

Perhaps it’s your job or career that is the most significant contributor to your personal Groundhog Day. Evaluating what is within your control to change at your current job (can it be hybrid remote, changing schedule, new projects, etc.) and taking action to explore these can be helpful. If you find you are genuinely unhappy in your current job/career, consider evaluating what steps you would like to take in changing this.

Even casually searching/applying for jobs while you remain employed can aid in feeling more empowered and in control of your circumstances. Assess and reflect on your career values and goals and consider how they may

shape your decisions going forward.

However you may find yourself feeling stuck, please know that change and happiness are possible.

Starting with the smallest, most attainable items can help build momentum for making lasting, meaningful changes. n Maura Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker currently in practice at Cranberry Psychological Center. She is a certified perinatal mental health provider, as well as a contributing staff member with Postpartum Support International. While her primary focus is treating PMADs, she also treats a variety of conditions and clients of all ages. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Brendan, daughter, Sloane, and dog, Max.

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HE A LT H / WEL L NE SS

Medication Basics: Be Aware, Be Wise, Be Safe

By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

Medication is prescribed by your physician to help you, but if you take too much or take with other medications or supplements, it can work against you.

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ith the increase in the use of prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements, there has been a marked increase in adverse drug events, which is becoming a serious public health concern. This list includes allergic reactions, side effects, drug interactions, overmedication, and medication errors.

Over 80% of the adult population takes at least one medication, which includes OTC and supplements. About 30% takes over five different medications or supplements, which is called polypharmacy and is on the rise.

Out of this number, at least a million people end up in the emergency room, with about 350,000 admissions to the hospital. This number is expected to increase for a number of reasons, including the aging population, increase in poor health, and the increase of new prescription and OTC medications and supplements.

Please follow the below tips of managing your medications:

For OTC medications, it is important to read the back label. Yes, the print is tiny, so magnifying glasses or eyeglasses are needed. You need to look at the active ingredients, inactive ingredients, directions for use, warnings, storage requirements, and a contact number for questions or comments. There can be multiple OTC medications that contain ingredients such as acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Also, through the years, the ingredients have changed within some brand OTC medications, and these new ingredients could cause interactions.

Drug interactions happen when a medication interacts with another medication, food, condition/disease, or alcohol, which can alter the way it works in the body. These effects can increase or decrease absorption into

the body or cause interactions within the body. Foods such as grapefruit, dairy, aged cheese, cured meats, ripe bananas, alcohol are not recommended with certain types of medications.

Ask your physician or pharmacist, or find the list online.

For liquid medications, dosing errors are a concern, especially for children. There has been confusion of the units of measurements. The easiest solution is to use spoons for eating food and use dosing cups or oral syringes for taking medication because they are measured in milliliters (ml). Also, regular food teaspoons come in many sizes and may be too much of a regular dose for a child. If you do not understand the directions or need a dosing device, ask your pharmacist.

Medication storage location is especially important in regard to maintaining integrity of the medication, so store in a cool dry place, and

not the bathroom or kitchen due to moisture and heat. Also, keep out of reach of children. Find the safest place in your home. For traveling, locate the safest place first. Try a lock box for home or travel. Ask your visitors to keep medications hidden away and out of reach. Call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately if you think that you, your child, a family member or even your pet might have gotten into a medication, supplement, or vitamin. Do so even if you are not completely certain.

One way to make sure that you are taking medications as directed, create a medication instruction list. Also include allergies, side effects, and any top interactions with food, supplements, or other medications. You can get this information online or ask your pharmacist. Give a copy to your family or friend. Do not give a copy to your

pet, because they may just chew it up.

Lol. Carry it with you, and take it to your physician appointments.

Prior to your appointment, write up some questions to ask. It is hard to remember your questions during the office visit because so much is going on. Since most physician offices electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy, ask for a copy before you leave, and have them include the reason you are taking the medication.

This way you can get more information and have questions for the pharmacist when you pick up your prescription. Always use the same pharmacy, so the pharmacist can identify a drug interaction during their clinical screening process.

There are so many more tips on medication safety, so please do a little research on your own through the library or internet.

“I know I want to avoid a nursing home. What other choices do I have?”

Always consider researching a medication, OTC, vitamin, or supplement that you add to your medication list. You will be surprised to find that there are possible drug interactions, from mild to severe. Also, be aware of certain foods that you cannot eat while taking some medications.

Always Be Aware, Be Wise, Be Safe. n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

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Choosing the Right Rehabilitative Care

By Richard C. Senelick, MD

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fter experiencing a life-changing stroke or other illness, your doctor may recommend rehabilitation as the next step in your journey to recovery—but what does that mean, and where should rehabilitation take place? These settings—known as post-acute care—include home health, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing homes and long-term acute care hospitals. Should you need additional care, your care team could refer you to one of these settings based on your abilities and goals; but as a patient, you have the right to choose where you go for post-acute care.

Your doctor said you need rehabilitation. What next?

Independent studies show that inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are a better setting for stroke, hip fracture, and hip replacement patients. Unlike skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are required to provide at least three hours of therapy five days a week and will allow access to trained physicians and rehabilitation equipment and technology that may not be available elsewhere. On average, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals have a lower length of stay and discharge more patients home than skilled nursing facilities. This means inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are able to help individuals return to their families, their jobs and their communities more effectively and more quickly.

The services delivered at inpatient rehabilitation hospitals serve as a next step for many patients who are ready to leave the acute care hospital, but need extra rehabilitation and recovery before returning home. Doing your research and selecting the right inpatient rehabilitation hospital is a critical step for a successful recovery. n

THE TRUSTED CHOICE

FEBRUARY 2024

Getting over a major medical crisis isn’t easy, but a trusted provider can help ease the burden. At our hospital, we create rehabilitation programs that are specifically designed for each patient’s needs, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. It’s why so many people and their caregivers choose us. And why we are the trusted choice of a growing number of medical professionals.

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Harmarville • Sewickley • Kennedy encompasshealth.com/pittsburghrehab ©2024:Encompass Health Corporation:MyTurn

Sign up for a free health seminar!

Passavant Hospital Foundation partners with UPMC Passavant to provide health and wellness education programs which are open and free to the public. Each interactive seminar is led by an expert in the field who provides up-to-date medical information in terms everyone can understand, and includes a questionand-answer session. Some upcoming events include: Robotic Bronchoscopy Tuesday, February 20, 2024 n 6:00 – 7:30 PM Assembly Hall at UPMC Passavant – McCandless Navid Ajabshir, MD, UPMC Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UPMC Passavant, will explain how the MONARCH Flexible Bronchoscopy Device and its minimally invasive procedures can improve patient outcomes for peripheral lung issues.

Solutions for Hip or Knee Pain...

Including Robotic Joint Replacement Tuesday, March 19, 2024 n 6:00 – 7:30 PM Assembly Hall at UPMC Passavant – McCandless Learn to manage — and possibly eliminate — your debilitating arthritic joint pain as various surgical and non-surgical options are explained. Orthopedic Surgeon Eric A. Chen, MD, will lead the class.

Learning About COPD Tuesday, February 27, 2024 n 6:00 – 7:00 PM Northland Public Library

Jaw Pain – Common Causes and Treatment Thursday, March 28, 2024 n 6:00 – 7:00 PM Northland Public Library

Speaker Joann Kim, MD, FCCP, Pulmonary Partners – UPMC at UPMC Passavant, will answer everything you’ve wanted to know about COPD but haven’t known to ask!

Understand the signs, symptoms, common causes, treatments, and interventions of TMJ-related pain and dysfunction. Natalie Novak, PT, DPT, OCS, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, will lead this seminar.

To register for a class, go to PassavantHospitalFoundation.org or call 412-748-6641

PASSAVANT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

9100 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 n 412-748-6640 n passavanthospitalfoundation.org

ADVERTORIAL

Heart of the Matter: Arterial Age— Top Indicator of Biological Age

By Marla Turnbull

What would you call a man who skipped heart surgery and decided to follow a rarely recommended program?

Considering that he was obese, had trouble catching his breath, and his cholesterol was over 300…

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razy might be the first word that came to your mind but trust me this patient’s results were no less than amazing!

In the 1600s, Dr Thomas Sydenham said, “A man is as old as his arteries.”

The number one cause of death is cardiovascular disease. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke,

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heart attack, peripheral artery disease and congestive heart failure. Your arteries hold the secrets to longevity.

Your body might not show signs of what is happening inside. Without knowing your arterial age, you are missing a crucial piece of the longevity puzzle. The test to measure arterial age is rare, but there is time to detect

and start reducing the inflammation.

Taking control of your health journey is extremely important as we age.

If there are concerns about your heart health and you are worried about calcium deposits in your arteries, you can request a coronary artery calcium test from your doctor.

The process of a coronary artery calcium test is a non-invasive screening method that utilizes a CT scan to capture images of the coronary arteries. The presence of calcium in the arteries can be indicative of plaque buildup, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.

Receiving a negative test result means that no significant calcium deposits were detected in the coronary arteries, suggesting a lower risk of heart-related issues. On the other hand, if calcium is present, the individual is assigned a coronary

calcium score, typically ranging from zero to 400.

Individuals with a score of 100 to 300 have moderate to high levels of plaque deposits. They may experience other concerning conditions, including heart disease or heart attack, over the next three to five years. Scores greater than 300 are especially concerning as they indicate a heightened risk of heart disease and the development of other severe diseases.

This score, combined with other risk factors such as lifestyle habits, family history, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, helps healthcare professionals assess the overall risk of heart disease and determine appropriate steps for prevention or intervention.

The good news is that we can interrupt the aging of our blood vessels and begin reversing the inflammation leading to atherosclerosis, narrowing of the arteries. Just like my cli-

ent who experienced amazing results in partaking in my program. In three months, he is no longer insulin resistant, his total cholesterol decreased by 50 points, his stress and blood pressure are within normal ranges and in 1 ½ years he is down 120 pounds.

Take control of your arterial age through my personalized programs ranging in length from 3- to 12-month commitments. I help you take small sustainable steps to regaining your health through lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, improved sleep, and stress reduction. I work with your healthcare provider for optimal recommendations on supplementation with essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally,

Marla Turnbull, NBC-HWC Nature’s Divine Healing – Optimal Recovery, LLC Marla@NaturesDivineHealing.com 412-302-4638

PRP Injection Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

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I can incorporate binaural frequencies and energetic healing to address emotional well-being and promote the body’s return to homeostasis.

Discover a New Path to Heart Health with Nature’s Divine Healing Optimal Recovery.. Let’s embark on a journey to a healthier, stronger heart together! n

Years ago, Tri-State Orthopaedics was one of the first practices in PA to provide PRP treatments in office!

PRP is widely recognized as a treatment for certain orthopaedic conditions, for non-athletes and athletes alike!

An in-office consultation with one of our PRP trained orthopaedic physicians can determine if you might benefit from this treatment.

Schedule your appointment with Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today!

412-369-4000 (option 2) www.tristateortho.com

FEBRUARY 2024

ince 2009, Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has offered PRP injections to select patients and athletes. PRP is a concentration of platelets and beneficial growth factors created from a small amount of your own blood, injected into the injured area of the body. These increased levels of growth factors aim to improve the movement of cells to the injury site to control inflammation and accelerate healing. There have been several studies that have shown good results when using these factors. If you are a candidate for PRP injections, the process is easy and relatively painless. Contact Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Inc. to schedule an appointment, or visit tristateortho.com for more information regarding our PRP services.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

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ADVERTORIAL

What is a Health Care Patient Advocate and Why You Should Consider Using One?

By Jeff Weinberg, M.Ed. M.PH. NHA , President of Caregiver Champion. LLC

Often times, people who need help with a health care crisis or with their aging parents search Google for someone to help them. What they end up finding is that they need a patient advocate. After hiring me, the first question asked is: what is a patient advocate?

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s a nationally certified health care patient advocate with over 25 years of health care experience, we talk about how an advocate is a person who represents and works with the family and their loved one to navigate the bureaucratic healthcare maze.

As your health care advocate, my team and I will provide you and your family with resources, information, and alternatives, so you can feel empowered to make intelligent decisions about your choices, whether it’s when you are in a hospital or nursing home, or living independently, our role is to protect YOUR patient rights.

It is important to note that independent patient advocates, like me, are not employed by the hospitals or insurance companies.

We are independent professionals who partner with you—the client—and no one else.

FEBRUARY 2024

Some examples of the types of services the Caregiver Champion team and I have recently provided are:

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• We have a client who is a quadriplegic and developed pressure sores because the specialized mattress he was using at home was not working properly. He was hospitalized, then he was sent to a nursing home for rehabilitation. His wounds were healing, and he was getting stronger; however, the insurance company wanted to discharge him to home before he was ready.

We worked to appeal this decision and after a lengthy conference call with his Caregiver Champion Advocate, the insurance company representative, and his medical team, it was determined that his wounds had not healed enough for him to safely go home. The appeal was won, and he was granted extra time in the nursing facility to continue healing.

• We worked closely with a client who has dementia and is in a personal care home that specializes in dementia care. He has

no other family or friends in Pittsburgh to oversee and monitor his care. Our team provides weekly visits to monitor his care, and offer companionship so he does not feel isolated.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a patient advocate is being the boots-on-the-ground-and-the -eyes-and-ears for family members who live outside of Pittsburgh and are worried about their ill and/or elderly loved one who still lives here.

Additionally, advocates like our team, provide care management services including: • A comprehensive medical, psychosocial and safety assessment to attempt to determine if there are hidden needs that could put their loved one at risk.

• Developing a Plan of Care so the patient and their family are on the same page for what is needed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

• Overseeing and monitoring the Plan of Care so that a neutral party (us) can be the buffer between the patient and the family, if the family is not local and/or the patient is not always cooperative in taking care of themselves.

Health Advocates adhere to a Code of Conduct which includes practicing compassion and respect for the clients and families with whom they work as they guide and assist their clients in medical decision making but at no times will make decisions about health or medical care or payment for medical services on their behalf. n

For more information, visit our website: caregiverchampionadvocate.com

FEBRUARY 2024

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ADVERTORIAL

Running Up the Mountain Singing: Yes, Acupuncture Treats That The two most common questions we get as Practitioners of Oriental Medicine are, “What can acupuncture treat?” and “Will insurance cover acupuncture?” So let’s just go ahead and address these now:

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cupuncture (and Oriental Medicine) can effectively treat just about anything. Yes, anything. More on that in a moment.

Insurance will cover acupuncture… sometimes. It depends on your plan, but increasingly the answer is yes.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is so much more than sticking (very thin) needles in you to treat your condition - it’s an entire system of internal and external medicine which has been researched, honed, and studied for thousands of years.

Have you heard of cupping, which

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creates those I-got-into-a-fight-withan-octopus-and-won marks? That’s part of Oriental Medicine. Have you heard of guasha (your esthetician might use this technique on your face)? Also Oriental Medicine. What about moxibustion - that technique of burning mugwort on or near the skin (which smells like weed - but isn’t!)?

Or Chinese herbal formulas? All of these fall under the scope of practice of an Oriental Medicine practitioner, and they’re all based in the same system that believes in the radical notion that:

“Love love love my experiences at Bridges! It’s basically my first acupuncture and I love pestering Tyler with questions about Oriental Medicine every time I go! I appreciate that he’s patient, thoughtful, and considerate of the whole picture before coming up with a treatment plan.” — Christin B. Human beings are whole systems capable of remarkable self-healing; not separate body parts that just randomly “break.”

This is why Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can treat “anything.” By looking at you as a whole person, we have a much more profound understanding of why you don’t feel well, and we have many tools and techniques to restore you back to your natural state of balance.

In this medicine, your tendency to overthink is probably connected to your IBS; your ankle injury from 10 years ago might be connected to your

“Acupuncture is the greatest life hack!”

recent headaches; and your frustration with feeling stuck at work could be related to your joint pain (yes, really!). We regularly see patients with chronic pain, new injuries, menstrual imbalances, digestive issues, respiratory issues, stress/anxiety/depression, acute and chronic trauma, Lyme disease, urinary issues, skin issues, metabolic issues, emotional instability - even patients who struggle with intimacy with partners.

“I feel like a whole, functioning body again!”

The ancient classics even describe certain acupuncture points as being good for patients who “take off their clothes and run up the mountain singing.” So…yes: acupuncture can probably treat whatever you’re experiencing right now.

The next most common question we get is “How long will I need treatments?”

This one varies hugely, but what is true across the board is that almost all patients who get acupuncture consistently for at least three months will see lasting, long-term results and start to build up prevention of future health concerns.

(412) 339-1782 Main (412) 754-3088 Fax Info@favoredwellness.com www.favoredwellness.com

Wexford | Warrendale | Cranberry 105 Maple Drive, Warrendale, PA 15086

Our 2nd location proudly serves the North Hills of Pittsburgh offering in-person & telehealth counseling, medication management, and nutritionist services. *We accept all major commercial insurances & Allegheny County Medicaid. Medicare soon!

stress better, and more because acupuncture doesn’t just treat one main symptom: it treats the whole person.

This is why we love what we do.

We love building relationships with our patients and seeing their lives change week to week. We love the medicine that we practice and its compassionate, elegant power to restore true, lasting health. And we love talking about it. Have more questions?

Come ask us! n

Bridges AOM 2469 Evan City Road Harmony, Pa. 16037 724-453-4335 @bridgesaom @bridgesacupuncture Laura Ellis, L.Ac. is the founder of Bridges Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, where their mission is to provide excellent, expert, whole-person care, integrating ancient wisdom with modern knowledge, and practicing both medicine and business with transparency and integrity.

“The anti-COVID regimen you put me on worked.”

— Christiane U.

FEBRUARY 2024

Think about it: you don’t go to the gym once a month and expect to build a six-pack for your summer beach trip.

Healing is a transformative process, and transformation takes time. Many of our patients who come consistently for treatment end up not “needing” the last few of those initial three months, but come anyway (and book for more) because they find such overall benefit in all areas of their life. They’re sleeping better, digesting better, reacting to

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Enjoy An Energizing Evening with Joey Jones April 25

FEBRUARY 2024

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Tickets are on sale now!

oin us for an invigorating evening on April 25, 2024, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Twp, as St. Barnabas Charities celebrates Founder’s Day. The event, honoring Johnny “Joey” Jones, a retired U.S. Marine and Fox News Contributor, aims to support the Free Care Fund at St. Barnabas, benefiting residents and patients. Jones will receive the prestigious 2024 St. Barnabas Hance Award, recognizing individuals of national acclaim who embody benevolence, patriotism, and service.

Named after St. Barnabas founder Gouverneur Hance, the award has previously honored figures like Elsie Hillman, Fred Rogers, and President Gerald Ford.

Jones, a standout athlete and honors student from Dalton, Georgia, endured lifechanging injuries during his service, losing both legs above the knee and sustaining severe damage to his forearm and wrists.

The Founder’s Day Celebration, commencing at 5:30 p.m., will feature a cocktail reception, auctions, and raffles, followed by a dinner celebration. Corporate sponsors, business leaders, and the community will gather to pay tribute to Joey Jones. Event tickets, ranging from $300 to $500, can be obtained by calling 724-6253770 or visiting stbarnabashealthsystem. com/founders-day/. Proceeds will support the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, assisting elderly patients and residents in need of care. Don’t miss the chance to be inspired

by Joey Jones’ motivational speech after receiving the Hance Award. n

SUPP OR T OUR T RO OP S

United States Vice Presidents Who Served in the Military

By Paula Green

Out of the 46 United States presidents, 31 served in the military. Regarding the second in command, 21 vice presidents enlisted in the military. There is, of course, some crossover because 11 of those vice presidents were eventually elected as president. This month, we will look closer at those VPs who served.

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Sources: www.quora.com/How-many-vice-presidents-served-in-the-military-What-are-their-names, www. military.com/history/29-american-presidents-from-military.html, www.militarytimes.com/news/yourmilitary/2021/02/15/31-presidents-who-served-in-the-military/simple.m.wikipedia.org.

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ccording to Britannica, a militia is a military organization of citizens with limited military training and is available for emergency service, usually for local defense.

Several VPs (who eventually became U.S. Presidents) served in the militia. Thomas Jefferson was part of the Virginia militia. He achieved the rank of Colonel and fought in the Revolutionary War. Another VP serving in the Virginia militia was John Tyler, a Captain during the War of 1812. Millard Fillmore and Chester Arthur were members of the New York State militia. They also fought in the Civil War. Fillmore was a Major, and Arthur was a Brigadier General.

A few other military VPs who ascended to the presidency included Andrew Johnson, a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. Theodore Roosevelt was a Colonel in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt was bestowed with the Medal of Honor. He is the only U.S. President to have received this award. Harry Truman was a Colonel in the Army Reserve Corps during World War II. Four VPs (former presidents) served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Richard Nixon was a WWII Commander who was awarded two Service Stars. Lyndon Johnson was also a Commander and earned a Silver Star. Gerald Ford was a Lieutenant Commander during WWII. George H.W. Bush was a Lieutenant (junior class) in World War II. Bush received a Distinguished Flying Cross.

Other VPs who served in various military branches included Aaron Burr, who was a Lieutenant Colonel during the Revolutionary War. George Clinton was a VP who served under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. He was a Lieutenant, then Brigadier General.

Clinton fought in the French & Indian War and the American Revolution War. He was the first Vice President to die while in office.

Richard Mentor Johnson was a Colonel in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. John Breckinridge was a Major General of the Confederate Army in the Civil War, while Henry Wilson was a Colonel in the Union Army during the same conflict. Charles Dawes was a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. In 1925, he was a cowinner of the Nobel Prize for his work on the Dawes Plan for World War I reparations.

Spiro Agnew served in WWII and the Korean War as a U.S. Army officer. Agnew received a Bronze Star Medal. Walter Mondale was a Corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II. Dan Quayle was a Sergeant in the Indiana Army National Guard. Al Gore served as an Army journalist during the Vietnam War. Northern Connection honors and salutes all our vice presidents who served our country in the U.S. military. n

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NC FE AT URE

Happy Leap Year from a “Leap Mom”

By Paula Green

In June 1999, my husband Paul and I were elated to discover we were expecting our first child. We traveled a long, bumpy road to reach that point, but God answered our prayers. After my pregnancy test was positive, I visited my OB/GYN office to confirm the results. They pulled out the calendar and gave me my due date. I was told, “Your due date is March 7, 2000.” As I walked out the door, I mumbled, “Who are they kidding? I will have this baby on Leap Day.”

FEBRUARY 2024

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ou know the saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” I wasn’t wishing for a Leap Day baby, but I strongly suspected it would happen, obviously, it did.

At 6:17 p.m., February 29, 2000, I gave birth to my son Tyler David. He was born at AHN and was the fourth baby delivered on that day. Strangely, when I had him baptized, four babies were also baptized at our church. So, the boy with the fouryear birthday fell into some coincidental quads.

There are some good things about being a “leaper” and a few downfalls. When Toys R’ Us was around, you could have Geoffrey the Giraffe call, and he’d sing Happy Birthday to your child. When it wasn’t a leap year, our phone never rang. I contacted them, and they re-listed his birthdate to February 28 to ensure that we would get called.

It broke my heart when Tyler would come home at the end of February (during a regular 365-day year). I’d ask, “Did any of your friends remember to wish you a Happy Birthday?” He would sadly respond, “Nope, nobody remembered.”

On the flip side, when it is a Leap Year, everyone remembers him. Folks seem to come out of nowhere to wish him a happy birthday. Some stores and restaurants give out freebies to “leapers.”

One cool thing about Tyler’s birth date is that he was born in 2000, so obviously, it was the turn of a century. A leap year only occurs at the turn of the century every 400 years. This rare event won’t happen again until 2400.

One question I hear frequently is, “When do you celebrate his birthday?” I always leave it up to Tyler. He is clever; when it’s not a leap year, we celebrate two days in a row, February 28 and March 1.

A few famous folks were born on Leap Day. The lucky leapers are actress Dinah Shore, actor Dennis Farina, model Antonio Sabato Jr., motivational speaker Tony Robbins, and rapper Ja Rule. Did you know there is an honor society for leapers? It can be found at www.leapyearday.com/honor-society-of-leap-year-day-babies The bottom line is we have to have a leap day every four years, or our calendar would be out of alignment. Enjoy that extra day this year. If you know anyone celebrating a “leap day” birthday, be sure to wish them a happy one! Happy 24th birthday Tyler! n

FROM T HE EDI TOR

Bad Romance Janice Lane Palko

Recent research by the Society for Risk Analysis has revealed that Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is more risk averse than previous generations, leading to stress, anxiety and, in some cases, mental health issues in those of that age group.

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planned, but to the drive-in in South Hills.

On the way, he stopped at the liquor store for a gallon jug of cheap wine. Trying not to get alarmed, I remained calm.

When we arrived at the drive-in, which was playing such classics as Roller Boogie and Skate Town USA, he shut off the car, put on a straw hat, (which he informed me was his “drinking hat”) and began to drink directly from the jug. When he passed the jug to me, I refused and snidely replied, “What’s next? Corn cob pipes?”

My sarcasm and cold shoulder kept him at bay. These were the days before cell phones. How I made it through a doublefeature and back home to the North Hills with this loser is a wonder.

Not long after that at this time of year, I was asked out on a blind date. It was a double date with a girlfriend, her boyfriend, and his best friend. We went to the hockey game and had a decent time.

This date sent me a bouquet of flowers for Valentine’s Day. When he called me, I thanked him for the flowers. He then proceeded to ask me out for another date and numerous dates all the way up to his company picnic in September. I said that maybe we should go a little slower and take these dates one at a time, to which, he got incensed and replied that if that was the case, he “wanted his flower arrangement back.” To which I told him, come and get it.

(He didn’t.)

My sister and brothers also told tales of their days in the trenches of the dating scene, but the point of this is not some trip down memory lane dating hell, but that life is risky. None of us is getting

out of it alive. Don’t throw caution to the wind; evaluate the risks. But you’ve got to take chances in life and love.

And if things don’t work out, at least you’ll have some great dating horror stories with which to laugh about and entertain your nieces and nephews later in life. n

CONFUSED ABOUT MEDICARE?

Medicare is confusing – call for a one-to-one, no charge consultation with a Medicare expert!

Remove the FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND COSTLY MISTAKES from the Medicare enrollment process.

Crystal A. Manning Dvonya Sedlacko-Stephens Medicare Advisors

Call Crystal: 412-716-4942 or Dvonya: 412-657-3889

email : crystalmanning33@gmail.com

FEBRUARY 2024

ccording to a recent post by Freya India, this risk aversion by Gen Z is also leading to them dating and marrying less, she noted that that nearly “45% of men 18-25 have never approached a woman in person.” She further states that a Pew Survey “found that half of single men between 18 and 30 are voluntarily single, which some suggest is in part because of fear.”

These findings brought to mind a recent conversation I had with my family members on Christmas Day as we related dating horror stories to my nephew who had just recently had a bad experience going to a Homecoming Dance.

I told him about the time I was set up with a friend of a friend, who asked me to go to The Meadows. On the way there, my date asked if I minded if we picked up his friend who wanted to go to the races but whose car had broken down. We picked up this guy at his house. He was about my age, which was about 19 at the time, and he was already married and had a twoyear-old baby. The evening was fine, and I learned a lot about horse racing from my date and his buddy. When we dropped off his buddy, his young wife asked how it had gone. He shook his head dejectedly, while she began to scream and cry, “You gambled away all the rent money?” As she started to throw things at him and the baby began to scream, we slinked away.

Another gem of a date was with someone who had seen me at my friend’s wedding and got my number from her. He asked me to go out to dinner. He picked me up and informed me that we were not going downtown to a restaurant as

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2024 Summer Camps Guide

CAMPS BEGIN

JUNE 10!

PITTSBURGHCLO.ORG/SUMMERCAMPS 412-281-2234

Katie’s Clay Studio

FEBRUARY 2024

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atie’s Clay Studio provides a secure, imaginative, and enjoyable environment aimed at fostering children’s artistic development and personal growth. We take pride in our comprehensive understanding of child development and various artistic mediums, seamlessly integrating them into a studio teeming with a curriculum suitable for all ages, backgrounds, needs, and skill levels.

Explore our website for detailed information on pricing, dates, and exciting summer camp themes.

Our Monday through Friday day camp, running from 11 am to 4 pm, caters to a range of ages, starting from 8 years old and above.

At Katie’s Clay Studio, we firmly believe that everyone benefits when they GET MUDDY! Our studio philosophy is centered on the idea that getting hands-on with clay leads to a richer and more rewarding experience.

Discover the perfect blend of fun and learning through our summer camp, where activities are molded, rolled, squeezed, and smashed into four immersive days. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Register today by calling 724-502-4700. n

FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

Call today to feature your camp or summer program in this informative guide.

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(724)940.2444 info@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

F L O U R I S H

The Woodlands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness. Our fully accessible 52-acre campus provides year-round overnight and day camps for all ages.

Summer Camp Registration Opens March 20th! www.mywoodlands.org/programs

134 Shenot Road | Wexford, PA 15090 724.935.6533 | mywoodlands.org United Way Contributor Choice #933107

Woodlands Northern Con Ad 3.5x4.75.indd 1

1/18/24 12:28 PM

Providence Heights Alpha School Students at Providence Heights Alpha School celebrated the birth of Baby Jesus on December 20. As part of the school’s focus on sharing and giving back to the community, Baby Jesus’ Birthday Celebration kicked off with students preparing 100 packages of personal care items for North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO).

Younger students were paired with their middle school “buddies” to fill the packages. The birthday celebration, which was organized by the 8th grade students, included a prayer service and culminated with the student body singing Christmas carols to the Sisters of Divine Providence outside of their residence. For decades, Baby Jesus’ Birthday Celebration has been an annual event that promotes servant leadership among Alpha’s students and reinforces the school’s commitment to serving our community.

FEBRUARY 2024

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K IDS / EDUC AT ION

School Movers & Shakers H.E.L.P.

H.E.L.P. (Home Education Learning Partnership), a homeschool resource center had three-chapter winners for the Daughters of the American Revolution annual essay contest submitted by the Kushkushkee Trail chapter of the DAR. Those entries are now being judged at the state level. The winners are Madelyn Abramowitch (8th grade), and Michael Gallagher (6th grade). The high school winner is Luke Schroeder. The student’s teacher is Mrs. Ruth Butler.

Congratulations to all!

Dunham, Lindsay Gould, Patton Johnson, Elliott Broyles, Jack MurrayKrezan, and Joshua Shah.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students were named speech and debate winners in the Dalmasse Sterner Steel City Invitational. The students are, from left to right, Swati Mylarappa, Ulyana Kubini, Joanna Li, Zachary Rubin, Moonyoung Hwang, and Adhitya Thirumala.

Mars Area

FEBRUARY 2024

Fox Chapel

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Fox Chapel Area School District students held their 34th annual telethon December 22, and raised $66,775. This year’s total brings the money raised

by Fox Chapel Area students and staff to more than $1,188,268 over the last 34 years for various local and regional charities.

Eight Fox Chapel Area High School students were selected by audition to perform with the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 East Band. The students are Elijah Herzer, Chloe Kim, Marina

Basketball Team earned first place in the PRYC Holiday Basketball Tournament.

Mars Area High School students Austin Campbell, Ryan Ceh and Drew Navetta were selected for the 2023 Boys AllTournament Team the Innisfree Hotels Beach Basketball Tournament. The Fightin’ Planets Boys Varsity Basketball Team took first place at the event.

Mars Area Centennial School sixth-grader Alena Salvini earned a Performance AllStar Award at the 2024 Junior Theater Festival (JTF), held Jan. 12-14 in Atlanta, Ga.

Mars Girls Youth Basketball Associations’ Fourth Grade Girls Gold Travel

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Check Out our Special Trial Offer Scheduled at Your Convenience Kung Fu - Tai Chi - Kids Friendly Staff Call or Schedule Online

The Dragon physical techniques are executed without strength, with emphasis placed on breathing. Movements appeared long, flowing, and continuous.

MOM2MOMS

Valentines & Galentines

By Sofya Stearns

Whether you find yourself single, dating, or happily married, it’s fun to partake in the festivities of St. Valentine’s and the newer Galentine’s Days. Everywhere you look, there are doughnuts adorned with pink glaze and sprinkles, heart-shaped bagels and pizzas, beautifully wrapped chocolate boxes tied with a red velvet ribbons, an abundance of roses in every flower shop, and a variety of stuffed plush animals and cards. Love is in the air, and our loved ones are captivated by the enchanting idea of exchanging gifts.

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Rumor has it that he was the Greek god of Love, Eros.

Only during the Hellenistic period did he start being portrayed as the mischievous child widely featured on Valentine’s cards.

For those who know me, they are aware that I am the most romantic person on this planet. I adore being in love, savoring heart-shaped chocolates, and relishing pink bubbly. Romantic music and rewatching classic love stories like Roman Holiday, Casablanca, and The Notebook are my guilty pleasures.

Every time, the endings tugs at my heart, I realize I’m a hopeless romantic. Love didn’t find me right away; it took 15 years, and I consider myself the luckiest gal out there. I believe in love. I also believe that love finds you. If, for some reason, you haven’t found love yet or have lost someone you loved, remember you still have friends. Therefore, celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day because it is the only day of the year when you can indulge in chocolate, and watch dreamy movies, and no one can judge you.

Wishing all my readers a magical month!

La Dolce Vita! n

FEBRUARY 2024

id you know that 145 million Valentine’s cards are sold each year? Galentine’s Day was coined by Leslie in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation and celebrates women’s friendship. The very first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates was crafted by Richard Cadbury in 1868. Yet, amidst the Hallmark moments, it’s easy to overlook the fact that there must be a story behind these traditions.

The Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration held from February 13-15, was dedicated to spring and fertility practice and paired women and men by lottery, which may have evolved into observing Valentine’s Day. Little is known about St. Valentine, who was a Roman priest martyred during Emperor Claudius’ reign. Legend has it that he was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. It is believed that while imprisoned, he healed his jailer’s daughter of blindness. Before he was executed, he left her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that continues to be in use today.

And what about the pudgy Cupid, the naked cherub launching arrows of love at unsuspecting lovers?

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FAC T S FROM T HE FA RM

The Flip Side of Eggs

By Ron Eichner

Hi folks, It’s February! Some pet owners enjoy chat-

ting with their pets, and I must confess, I often find myself conversing with our laying chickens. In the midst of winter’s limited outdoor activities and the hens roosting in their chilly pens, I shared with them a glimpse into the past. I recounted how, in the 1960s, we had three times the number

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FEBRUARY 2024

Pete Piotrowski, Agent 11565 Perry HWY, Suite 4 Wexford, PA 15090

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Bus: 724-935-6330 pete@petesinsurance.com www.petesinsurance.com

State Farm Bloomington, IL

of laying hens. The question on everyone’s mind then was whether we could bounce back and employ more laying hens for job security. My revelation about the challenges of 1968 ruffled some feathers, but the hens seemed to say, “Don’t tell us, but share the story. People will likely buy more incredible, edible eggs.”

So, let’s delve into the incredible egg, one of God’s creations with numerous benefits. It’s fascinating that of all the foods humans consume, only one has been specifically targeted for restriction to reduce cardiovascular disease risk — the egg!

The most widely known dietary recommendation worldwide, based on theory rather than science, came in 1968 when the American Heart Association warned people to consume no more than three egg yolks per week. That was combined with a low-fat, high-carb diet. Little did we know back then that these guidelines, formulated on theories and misunderstood data, would adversely affect the general public for generations in terms of nutritional needs. The fallout includes elevated diabetes and pre-diabetes rates and increasing levels of obesity.

Now, experts are advising a shift towards eating more healthy fats and proteins while restricting carbs. Coming full circle, the incredible edible egg seems to crack the code for this new diet.

They say, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away,” but under the old 1968 guidelines, eating more than three eggs a week meant a doctor’s visit. Yet, Emma Martino Luigia Morano, who lived to be 117, ate three eggs a day, challenging the fake science that attacked eggs in 1968.

The shift from eggs for breakfast to high-carb cereals in the last 50-plus years might not have been the best approach to weight maintenance and likely contributed to our nutritional obesity issues. As egg prices decrease, people consume more eggs, and the complete protein source, low in carbs, positively impacts public health.

The term “generic eggs” is associated with what’s produced on large corporate farms, with cage-styled housing and a micro-managed feed program focused on minimizing egg production costs.

When eggs were wrongly attacked in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, sales plummeted, forcing many small family farms to reassess or quit egg production. This created a vacuum, allowing large corporate farms to expand or emerge. These large farms lobbied the federal government for additional subsidies, receiving over $38 billion in the last few years, compared to the $17 million awarded to large corporate fruit and vegetable growers Folks, small family farmers like ours earn subsidies through hard work, seven days a week, with long hours, embodying the spirit of “So God Made a Farmer.”

With this work ethic, we support our communities and rely on year-round customer support. Dairy cows are milked two to three times a day, and laying hens’ eggs are gathered several times a day — we need our valued year-round customers.

I’ve shared half of the incredible egg’s story. Stay tuned for the second half, where I’ll delve into the incredible nutrition value of the egg. I’ll let you in on a secret — feel free to stop by our farm market and support our laying hens that produce the best, all vegetable-based, nutritionally fortified, high-energy eggs, forming the foundation for a healthy diet.

Make Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses a destination and experience Farm-to-Table at 285 Richard Road in Wexford. Bring a friend, become a friend of our family farm, and discover the “rest of the story.” n

FEBRUARY 2024

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E V EN T S

February Happenings Allison Park AARP 3736 meeting, 1 pm, Thurs, Feb. 8, at the St. Ursula Social Hall, 3945 Kirk Ave., Allison Park. Entertainment is Debbie Wagner, the “Cookie the Baker,” For info, call (412) 486-7465.

FEBRUARY 2024

Carnegie Science Center is hosting TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition through Mon., April 15. Visitors will experience the grandeur of the RMS Titanic through full-scale room re-creations and 154 authentic artifacts on display within the Science Center’s PPG SCIENCE PAVILION®. For info, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org/Titanic.

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Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1 pm the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.

Members must be residents of Cranberry Township. The Club features activities, social opportunities, and visits to nearby points of interest. For info, contact Bill at (724) 776-1933.

Edgeworth Bridge Club games are played every Wednesday at 12:15 pm, at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley. For info about playing bridge

or lessons, email EdgeworthBridgeClub@ gmail.com.

Fox Chapel Area School District fall kindergarten registration for children who will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2024 is scheduled for March. The district also offers pre-registration events (including parent/guardian orientations and 2024-2025 kindergarten story times) held beginning in February. For info, visit www.kdgfcasd.com/.

Free Matinee Movies on Mondays: 2 pm, Feb. 5, You Hurt My Feelings; Feb. 12, Paint; Feb. 19, The Miracle Club; Feb. 26, My Happy Ending, at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Crossing in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Friends and Fun, open to 55+ singles, the group meets at 7 pm every 3rd Friday at Divine Grace Parish (St. Ferdinand Church), Cranberry Twp, Holy Family Room. Games, movies, local trips, and activity planning. For info, call or text George (724) 719-0292.

Hopeful Hearts Valentine’s Gala, 6 pm, Feb. 10, Grand Hall at The Priory.

Silent auction, dancing, and entertainment by No Bad JuJu. Sponsored by the Joe Beretta Foundation which meets the essential, non-medical needs of advanced heart failure patients. For details, visit www.thejoeberettafoundation.com/valentines-gala.

“I Will Be Seeing You” A Live Love Letter Reading, 7:30-9 pm, Feb. 9, at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, Pittsburgh. For details, visit www.soldiersandsailorshall.org/ Glenshaw AARP 3744 meets at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, Mt. Royal Blvd.

2 pm, second Tuesday of the month.

Call (412) 487-1041 for more info.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable meeting. Before Mother and God, They Cry Out for a Surgeon.

Civil War Medicine presented by Fran Feyock & Rick Schroeder, 7 pm, Monday, February 19 at Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd, Allison Park. Lecture is free and open to the public.

Ingomar Garden Club monthly meetings 10:30 a.m., meeting, light lunch and guest speaker, March through November at Northmont Church, 8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh 15237. For details, visit www.ingomar-garden-club.com for additional information.

Main Stage Live Concert, 7:30 pm, Feb. 12, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in downtown Pittsburgh. Presented by Chamber Music Pittsburgh. For info, visit chambermusicpittsburgh.org.

Move It for Parkinson’s Research, 11 am-2 pm, April 27, Rose Barn, North Park. Food trucks, live music, raffle/ games. Rain or shine. Donate to give. michaeljfox.org/MOVEIT. For details, contact Luanne Radermacher at luanner@ moveitpd.com or (412) 298-9155.

North Pittsburgh Quilters Guild Quilt Show, “Let’s Go Crazy,” 10 am-5 pm, April 19; 12 pm-4 pm, April 20-21, at the Ross Township Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Dr. Quilts of all spaces & sizes. Admission is $10, free parking.

Visit www.npqg.org/ for more information.

Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for February. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org.

Passion Play, 8 pm., March 22 & March 23 at the Ryan Center at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy, (St. Aidan / St. Alphonsus), Church Road in Wexford.

Resonance Works presents This Love Between Us, a choral-orchestral concert featuring Bach’s sparkling Magnificat.

There will be two performances, 7:30 pm,

Rummage Sale, 8 am-2 pm, March 2, and 11 am-2 pm, March 3, St. Matthew Parish at St. Aloysius Church, Mt. Troy Rd., in Reserve Twp. Huge selection of kitchen items, jewelry, books, seasonal items, clothing etc. Bake goods available on Saturday. If you have furniture to donate, call Deb at (412) 337-1713 or Claire at (412) 360-9866.

Shake Your Booties Gala, April 20, at The Rivers Casino. Sponsored by The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center. Entertainment by the Pittsburgh band ‘Totally 80s’ and be emceed by CBS Sports reporter, Aditi Kinkhabwala. For details, visit www.childrenshomepgh.org/SYB.

Contact me to get started.

Mary Simpson, REALTOR®

(O) 724-776-9705 (C) 412-613-0249

MarySimpson.TPRAgent.com

A member of franchise systems of BHHS Affiliates, LLC

UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary Membership Opportunities! Are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals—UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets at 10 am the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept. through June). New members are always welcome! For more info, visit passavanthospitalfoundation.org/. Call (412) 7486639 if you plan to attend a meeting.

Vintage Market is a nonprofit store in Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board.

Open 10 am-3 pm every Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler Street & Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness).

FEBRUARY 2024

Providence Heights Alpha School Open House for prospective students, 1-3 pm, Feb. 25, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Twp. For details, visit www. alphaschool.org/.

Feb. 2, at Trinity Cathedral, downtown & 4 pm, Feb. 4 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. For details, visit www.resonanceworks.org/this-love-between-us.

BUYING OR SELLING?

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T RI V I A CONNEC T ION

Shadow Trivia

By Paula Green

S

hadows are formed when an object blocks light, creating a dark area behind it. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs frequently. So why is it that every February 2, thousands of people congregate in a small Pennsylvania town to witness a shadowy event involving a furry rodent?

According to legend on February 2, if the groundhog (Punxsutawney Phil) sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. There will be an early spring if he does not see his shadow. It’s certainly not a reliable weather prediction, but it’s a long-standing tradition for many.

This month, we will look at shadowy TV shows, movies, and songs. See if you recognize any of these shaded things.

The Shadow was one of the most popular radio shows in history. The program debuted in August 1930 and ran until 1954. The famous opening line was, “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!”

On television, a gothic soap opera called Dark Shadows ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971. The weekday series brought vampires, werewolves, and ghosts to daytime television. In 2012, a movie version of the show was released. It starred Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Eva Green.

There was a TV drama called The White Shadow. The show was about a white former NBA professional basketball player who retires from the pro game and gets a job as a basketball coach in a predominantly black inner-city high school. Ken Howard starred as coach Ken Reeves.

Other silhouette-themed TV shows include Chasing Shadows, Shadow and Bone, and What We Do in the Shadows. Speaking of shadowy silhouettes, Alfred Hitchcock had one of the most recognizable ones of all time, made famous in his television anthology series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents. There were a few movies with shaded titles, such as Shadow of Doubt, Shadow of Fear, Shadow of a Woman, Shadowheart, and The Whispering Shadow.

Some songs follow the eclipse mode. Here are some of those memorable ones: Me and My Shadow, The Shadow of Your Smile, Moon Shadow, Love in the Shadows, Shadow Dancing, Caught in My Shadow, Complicated Shadows, Shadow Days, Shadows in the Moonlit, Shadow of a Man, Shadow on the Wall, Stay in Shadow, We Kiss in a Shadow, and White Shadows.

Finally, Shadow the Hedgehog is a platform game developed by Sega Studios USA. Since we

have reflected on several shadowy items, we must now center our thoughts on this shady query.

Get set to don those thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.

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In 1994, The Shadow film was released, which actor starred in the lead role?

Name the area in Punxsutawney where the Groundhog Day festivities take place.

This actor was the first person to voice The Shadow on the radio show.

Jonathan Frid portrayed this eerie vampire in the Dark Shadows TV series.

In 1970, Dark Shadows had a movie released. What was it called?

Which NBA basketball team did coach Ken Reeves retire from in The White Shadow?

Name the action-packed 1998 film that starred Michael Caine and James Fox. The 1993 film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey features a golden retriever named Shadow. Which famous actor voiced Shadow?

9. What was the 1999 documentary film on Alfred Hitchcock called?

10. This Hill Street Blues actress starred in the 1994 movie Shadow of Obsession.

11. Joanne Woodward, Christopher Plummer, and Valerie Harper star in this 1980 film.

12. Moving figures placed between a light and a screen create the illusion they’re moving. What are these figures called?

13. A frame that is designed to showcase and display three-dimensional objects or artwork is called?

14. Who sings the song Standing in the Shadows of Love?

15. Which female songstress released the hit Shadows of the Night in 1982? n

1. Alec Baldwin 2. Gobbler’s Knob 3. Orson Welles 4. Barnabas Collins 5. House of Dark Shadows 6. The Chicago Bulls 7. Shadow Run 8. Don Ameche 9. Hitchcock: Shadow of Genius 10. Veronica Hamel 11. The Shadow Box 12. shadow puppets 13. shadow box 14.

The Four Tops 15. Pat Benatar

FEBRUARY 2024

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Sources: www.groundhog.org/phil-faq, thewrightoperahouse.org/events/theater/the-shadow-radiomystery, www.britannica.com/topic/The-Shadow-American-radio-program, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_ Shadow_(1994_film), giggster.com/guide/movie-location/where-was-homeward-bound-the-incrediblejourney-filmed, www.imdb.com/title/tt0202907/, /qa.answers.com/music-and-radio/What_are_song_ titles_with_shadow_in_the_title

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