Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health – Spring 2025
INSIDE: Health Care Profiles
SPRING2025
Celebrating 20 Years • 2005 – 2025
Effective Strategies for Rebuilding and Maintaining Bone Density
St. Clair Doctors Help Detect Lung Cancer Earlier
WVU Medicine’s
Dr. Scheel Emphasizes Importance of Stretching
Pittsburgh New Church School: Overcoming Dyslexia and Other Learning Challenge
Treating Dizziness with Physical Therapy
Medical Profile: Dr. Alicia Bianco-Floom
Non-Invasive Knee and Lower Back Treatment
A Healthy Heart is a Gift for Life
Senior Guide
Senior Living Options, Home Care, Hospice, Senior Resources
By Kevin Brown
Conti Law: Estate Planning and Settlement
After a lifetime of working, saving and building an estate, many people assume their treasured assets will be distributed easily and quickly after they die. What happens to our estates, however, can be a complicated and stressful process for our loved ones.
“Nobody wants to think about passing but I think the best gift we can give to those we leave behind is having things in an organized manner so they can grieve and not spend all of this time and money going through the court process,” says Michele Conti, a tax and estate planning attorney and founder of Conti Law located in Oakdale. Conti Law specializes in estate planning and settlement services.
Many people feel that an estate plan is for the very rich. “I wish more people were aware that they don't have to be Elon Musk- or Mark Cuban-wealthy to have an estate plan,” Michele says. “There are more options besides just creating a will.”
There are many twists and turns in the settlement process. For example, it’s a common misperception that, if you are married when you die, your spouse will inherit everything.
“If the decedent is married, traditionally, the assets are jointly titled with the spouse, so that not much has to be done,” Michele explains. “If a joint owner dies, then that asset passes to the surviving joint owner. If there's an account with a beneficiary named, then all that company requires is a death certificate and the company will contact the listed beneficiary directly so they can fill out the claim form and obtain the asset,” she notes.
However, that is not always the case, according to Michele. “I've had clients who are married and the house or bank account is just in one spouse's name. If that's the case, or the second spouse is the one to die, then it really just depends if there's a will in place,” she says.
Michele explains further. “In Pennsylvania, it is not required to die with a last will and testament. If somebody passes away without a will in place, then Pennsylvania intestacy law kicks in, and Pennsylvania will tell us who inherits. If there is a spouse, they may get a percentage. If there are children, they may get a percentage. But they look to see who the next of kin are, and the assump-
tion is, well, if the spouse is surviving, the spouse inherits it all. That's not the case,” she says. Pennsylvania Intestacy law dictates who inherits what based on the relationship of the next of kin.
“When we're structuring the estate,” says Michele, “all of those relationships are important, because ultimately, we want to know who you want to inherit your assets when you die. If it's just a spouse, then we have to either add joint owners or beneficiaries or at least have a will in place. It really depends, is there a will and what does the will say? But if there's not a will, that's when it becomes more complicated. We have to figure out who has survived the decedent, what's their relationship to them and then we figure out the percentages of what each party receives,” she says.
Also to be figured in the settlement process is probate. This occurs when the local Register of Wills reviews the will to certify its authenticity and the beneficiaries, or when there is no will the law determines who inherits the assets. Probate can be an expensive and lengthy process that can take up to a year if the will is uncontested. In addition to probate, there is the Pennsylvania inheritance tax return that has to be filed and the inheritance tax paid within a specified timeframe.
The inheritance tax return is due within nine months of the decedent’s death. If the estate makes an estimated payment within three months of death, the Commonwealth will provide a five percent discount on the tax due. Therefore, it’s important to begin the settlement process sooner rather than later. The tax is based on the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent, and it ranges between 0-15 percent.
Having a trust, such as a revocable living trust or asset protection trust, can save time and money in the settlement process. “When someone passes with a trust, it’s much smoother in that we don’t have to go through probate and the one-year wait to contend with,” says Michele. “The state inheritance tax return is still required,” she notes.
Planning ahead can help your heirs avoid complications and ease the stress inherent in the estate settlement process. Conti Law’s website has informative articles about estate planning and settlement. Visit www.contilawpgh.com. To make an appointment or for more information, call Conti Law at (724) 784-0239 or email to reception@contilawpgh.com. The firm is located at 7880 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071. Conti Law will open a second office on April 1, 2025, at 3157 Mount Morris Road, Suite 104, Waynesburg, PA 15370.
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Michele Conti, Founder of Conti Law
By Andrew Wilson
New Bronchoscope Technology Helps St. Clair Doctors Detect Lung Cancer Earlier
The average person might think of the lungs as a balloon, filling with air when we inhale and deflating when we exhale.
Instead of a balloon, Richard H. Maley, Jr., M.D., Chief of Thoracic Surgery at St. Clair Health, says the lungs should be compared to a different household item.
“The lungs are more like a sponge, with microscopic air sacs that fill up with air when we breathe,” he said. “Within those air sacs, oxygen is dissolved into the bloodstream and is replaced with carbon dioxide when we exhale.”
In most people, this complex process is taken for granted as it is repeated many times each minute – varying, of course, with each person’s current level of activity and overall fitness. In some people, however, this process can be disrupted by lung disease. There can be a problem with the blood vessels in the lungs, airways, or interstitial lung tissue. In some cases, particularly if lung cancer is suspected, a biopsy is required to determine the problem.
One of the new tools that doctors at St. Clair Health have at their disposal is an ion robotic bronchoscope, which allows more precision in navigating through a person’s lungs. While bronchoscopes have been around for decades, Dr. Maley says the difference is the ion robotic bronchoscope allows doctors to probe further into the peripheral airways of the lungs.
“With a traditional flexible bronchoscopy, the diameter is about the thickness of your little finger. You can only probe so far into the lungs because eventually you will reach a point where the scope is jammed and it won’t go any further,” he said. “With the ion robotic bronchoscope, the scope is just a few millimeters thick so you can go into narrower airways, and with the technology that Intutive.com is calling shapesensing technology, the computer knows exactly where the scope is. It can show the nodule and how it relates to the patient’s airways.”
“There are many ways to do biopsies and all of them are useful in certain situations,” said Dr. Maley. “Only 10 percent of nodules in the lungs are cancer, - 90 percent are benign – but if there is a lung malignancy and we catch it early, we can increase their chance of survival significantly.”
Such precision allows doctors to reach smaller nodules – abnormalities that may show up in imaging but are too difficult for a traditional bronchoscope to reach. If the biopsy determines that the nodule is malignant, the cancer is caught at a much earlier stage when cancer is much more curable.
“Using the shape-sensing technology offers a 90 percent chance that we will get an answer,” said Dr. Maley. “There is also a chance that as this technology improves, it will enable us to do more than diagnostics. It could also allow us to deliver therapeutics, such as freezing the lesion or implanting radiation seeds, similar to what is currently done in the treatment of prostate cancer. We’re not at that point yet though.”
Compared to other biopsy methods, patients who undergo an ion robotic bronchoscopy procedure have a lower risk of complications. Some patients report a sore throat or cough up a bit of blood the next day but usually is self-limiting. It is an outpatient procedure, but anesthesia is required so patients will need to have someone to drive them home afterwards.
“Overall, the goal is to get more accurate with these smaller nodules, and this technology helps us achieve that,” said Dr. Maley.
Richard H. Maley, Jr., M.D., is Chief of Thoracic Surgery at St. Clair Health and is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He earned his medical degree at Hahnemann University Medical School and then completed residencies in general surgery at the University of Kentucky and in cardiothoracic surgery at UPMC. Dr. Maley also completed fellowships in trauma/critical care at the University of Kentucky and in thoracic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. He practices with St. Clair Medical Group Thoracic Surgery and was named a Top Doctor by Pittsburgh Magazine in 2024
Appointments can be scheduled by calling (412) 942-5710:
Dr. Maley sees patients at the location listed below. 1050 Bower Hill Road, Suite 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15243; 1 Robinson Plaza, Suite 410, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Dr. Richard H. Maley, Jr.
T NG HOSPITAAL WHEELI
WVU Medicine’s Dr. Scheel Advises Stretching Well Before Starting Activity
By Andrew Wilson
With the return of sunny days and warmer weather, most people can’t wait to get moving again after a winter of limited activity. But before jumping in at full speed, Michael Scheel, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with WVU Medicine, says most people neglect an important part of Spring or Summer activity.
“Nobody stretches enough, and it can lead to injuries,” he said. “Especially among the weekend warriors who get right out there trying to recreate past glories. Take some time to stretch before you begin any activity.”
Dr. Scheel identifies three problem areas that everyone should be sure to stretch: hamstrings (muscles in the back of the upper leg), Achilles (tendon at the back of the ankle), and the iliotibial band or IT band, which runs from a person’s buttocks to their knee and can become inflamed from rubbing against the hip or knee bones.
“Before starting a Spring program, take 5-10 minutes to warm up each of the muscle groups by focusing on stretches for each of the problem areas,” he advises. “If you can also take a brisk walk before beginning your activity, you will be way ahead of the curve.”
Dr. Scheel says the most common injuries orthopedic surgeons see in the Spring are meniscus tears in the knee, as well as tendinitis, and bursitis. Ankle sprains are also common, even among people who have stayed in shape by spending the winter walking or running on a treadmill or in a gym. It’s as simple as the different surface that exists inside versus outside.
“Most ankle sprains are due to taking a step on some uneven ground and then the ankle turns awkwardly,” he says. “That’s just bad luck.”
In his practice, Dr. Scheel specializes in total knee and hip replacements, as well as minimally invasive procedures on both the hip and knee. He says that there are a number of factors that go into determining when to perform a minimally invasive procedure or a total joint replacement.
“Obviously the minimally invasive surgery has a quicker recovery time, but it’s not one size fits all,” Dr. Scheel said. “Procedures need to be tailored to the specific pathology a patient has as well as the specific goals and expectations each person has.”
The type of procedure is not age-dependent either.
“I don’t just consider the chronological age of the patient but the physical age as well,” Dr. Scheel emphasizes. “I’ve seen a lot of otherwise healthy 70- or 80-year-old patients in need of a knee or hip procedure, who are in better shape than some younger people.”
New technology in the form of robotic knee replacement surgery has Dr. Scheel excited at what the future holds. In traditional knee replacement surgery, the surgery is guided by an anatomical average of the population, which may work for the majority of people, but sometimes leads to less than a perfect fit for certain people.
“We can customize a total knee replacement that is specific to that patient’s needs,” he said. “Robotic surgery is a computer-navigated knee surgery in which we take certain data and anatomical points specific to the patient.”
He says the data from the anatomical points and the sensors of the computer can pinpoint precisely where he needs to cut to get the best possible fit for that patient.
“We are never going to reproduce the anatomy we were born with, but this procedure is really good,” he says. “WVU Medicine is committed to this program.”
Dr. Scheel began his affiliation with WVU Medicine in 2022.
“What encouraged me and prompted my move to WVU Medicine was the ability they gave me to sculpt my practice the way I want to,” he said. “It suits my skill set and fits with what is needed in the region. We are building a center of excellence at Reynolds and at Wheeling, which will be a model for the next generation of surgeons coming in.”
“Before starting a Spring program, take 5-10 minutes to warm up each of the muscle groups by focusing on stretches for each of the problem areas. If you can also take a brisk walk before beginning your activity, you will be way ahead of the curve.”
Dr. Michael Scheel
Michael Scheel, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon who practices with WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital and Reynolds Memorial Hospital. He served three and a half years in the Air Force as a surgeon and was deployed for six months to Baghdad, Iraq.
Dr. Scheel is a graduate of Penn State and earned his medical degree at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His residency was completed at WVU. After graduation, Scheel served 3 1/2 years in the Air Force and spent six months of his tour in Iraq treating wounded soldiers.
Dr. Scheel is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and is board certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He performs surgeries at Wheeling Hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery Center in Bridgeport and Reynolds Memorial Hospital.
His specialties include:
• Total hip replacement
• Total knee replacement
• Minimally invasive anterior supine total hip
• Minimally invasive partial knee
• Revision procedures for failed replacements
To make an appointment, please call (304) 221-4520 or (740) 676-2553.
Dr. Scheel sees patients at the following locations: Reynolds Memorial Hospital Orthopedic Clinic 800 Wheeling Ave, Glendale, WV Bellaire Health Clinic, 3000 Guernsey St, Bellaire, OH
At WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, the pursuit of excellence in healthcare and high-quality patient outcomes undoubtedly runs through the dedicated professionals who make that care possible. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are a cornerstone of WVU Medicine’s success, delivering expert anesthesia services and critical support in operating rooms, outpatient clinics, and beyond. Recognizing the essential role CRNAs play, WVU Medicine has made a resolute commitment to hiring and retaining the very best in the field.
CRNAs at Wheeling Hospital are trusted leaders in anesthesia care, playing a vital role in delivering highquality, cost-effective services across diverse patient populations. The organization’s investment in these professionals begins with its robust recruitment strategy, which highlights competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. For CRNAs seeking to advance their careers, Wheeling Hospital offers a work environment that fosters learning and collaboration alongside some of the nation’s top healthcare providers.
One key pillar of Wheeling’s approach is its dedication to creating a supportive and fulfilling workplace culture. CRNAs are empowered to practice at the top of their licenses, ensuring they can apply their full expertise while enjoying professional autonomy. The institution’s focus on teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration enhances not only patient care but also job satisfaction among providers.
WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital: Elevating Care Through a Commitment to CRNAs >
Retention is another area where Wheeling Hospital excels. Recognizing that CRNAs thrive in environments where they are valued and supported, WVU Medicine as a system has implemented initiatives to foster long-term engagement. Programs for continuing education, leadership training, and mentorship help CRNAs expand their skills and advance their careers without needing to look elsewhere. Additionally, flexible scheduling and wellness resources acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, a critical factor in maintaining a sustainable and satisfied workforce.
Wheeling Hospital’s commitment to CRNAs is more than a recruitment strategy; it is a reflection of the organization’s broader mission to prioritize people—patients and providers alike. By investing in top-tier talent and creating an environment where CRNAs can flourish, WVU Medicine ensures the highest standard of care for its patients while cultivating a workforce poised for excellence.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s steadfast focus on CRNAs underscores its leadership in both patient care and provider satisfaction, making it a model for institutions nationwide.
For more information, visit WVUMedicine.org/Careers/Wheeling
Finding Balance: Treating Dizziness with Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
Dizziness can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages. Whether it's a sensation of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness, dizziness can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy offers a variety of effective treatments to address dizziness and help individuals regain their balance and confidence.
Before we delve into the treatments, it's essential to understand the common causes of dizziness. Dizziness can be attributed to various factors, including inner ear problems, vestibular disorders, orthopedic issues, and neurological conditions. Physical therapists play a crucial role in assessing the root cause and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
For many individuals suffering from dizziness, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is the primary treatment approach. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps maintain balance and spatial orientation. VRT consists of exercises and maneuvers designed to strengthen the vestibular system and improve its function. These exercises may include head and eye movements, balance training, and habituation exercises.
2. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
If the dizziness is due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common inner ear problem, physical therapists can perform Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers. These maneuvers involve carefully moving the head and body to reposition displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, alleviating symptoms of vertigo.
3. Gaze Stabilization Exercises
Dizziness often leads to difficulties with eye coordination, making it challenging to focus on objects or maintain visual stability. Gaze stabilization exercises are designed to improve eye movement control and help individuals maintain a steady gaze even when the head is in motion.
4. Balance Training
Loss of balance is a common complaint among those experiencing dizziness. Physical therapists develop personalized balance training programs to address this issue. These programs typically include exercises that challenge stability, such as standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, and performing various balance drills.
5. Strength and Conditioning
Sometimes, dizziness can result from musculoskeletal weaknesses or poor conditioning. Physical therapists may incorporate strengthening exercises to improve overall physical fitness, enhancing an individual's ability to maintain balance and reduce dizziness.
Educating patients about their condition is an integral part of physical therapy. Therapists provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, fall prevention strategies, and techniques to cope with dizziness in daily life. Empowering patients with knowledge is essential for long-term management.
It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating dizziness with physical therapy. Each individual's symptoms and underlying causes are unique. Therefore, physical therapists create customized treatment plans tailored to the patient's specific needs, addressing their unique challenges and goals. Dizziness can be a formidable obstacle, but it doesn't have to control your life. The journey to overcoming dizziness through physical therapy requires commitment and patience. Progress may be gradual, but with consistency and guidance from a skilled physical therapist, significant improvements are achievable. It's important to follow the prescribed exercises and attend therapy sessions regularly.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dizziness, consider consulting with FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers for a physical therapist experienced in vestibular rehabilitation. With the right guidance and dedication, you can find your equilibrium and step back into a world of stability and confidence.
McMurray location: (724) 941-7070
www.fyzical.com/mcmurray
Bethel Park location: (412) 347-0022
www.fyzical.com/south-hills
Cecil/South Fayette location: (724) 338-2062
www.fyzical.com/cecil
Monroeville location: (412) 457-8200
www.fyzical.com/monroeville-pa
Bridgeville location: (412) 319-7689
www.fyzical.com/bridgeville-pa
Hearing Loss May Increase Dementia Risk
Research shows a strong connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline, with studies linking untreated hearing loss to an increased risk of dementia1 and memory issues. Let’s explore why hearing plays a crucial role in brain health.
Hearing Loss Taxes Your Brain’s Resources
With hearing loss, the brain has to work harder to process sound, leading to cognitive overload. This increased effort can divert mental resources from other functions like memory, problem-solving, and concentration. Over time, this excessive cognitive load may contribute to brain atrophy and increase the risk of dementia.
The Science Behind Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
Research has repeatedly demonstrated a strong correlation between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. A landmark study1 published in The Lancet found that untreated hearing loss is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia. The study highlights that individuals with untreated hearing loss are at a much greater risk of developing dementia than those with normal hearing.
One of the key reasons for this link is the brain’s need for auditory input. When sound signals diminish due to hearing loss, the
areas of the brain responsible for processing sound start to weaken. This deterioration can lead to cognitive deficits and structural changes in the brain, accelerating the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Can Hearing Aids Reduce Dementia Risk?
Studies show that early intervention with hearing aids may help2 protect cognitive function over time. Properly fit hearing aids may help slow the rate of cognitive decline by up to 48% in older adults at higher risk. In addition to improving quality of life, there is evidence that for many individuals at higher risk of dementia, prioritizing hearing health may also support long-term brain health. The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline is well-established, and early intervention matters. Don’t let hearing loss steal brainpower that helps you think, focus, and remember. Diagnosing and treating hearing loss early is more important than ever.
Contact Rametta Audiology & Hearing Aid Center at (724) 389-2057 to schedule a hearing evaluation today.
1 Lin FR, et al. Hearing Loss and Incident Dementia. JAMA Neurology. 2011;68(2):214–220. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2010.362 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21320988/ Accessed 2/12/25
2 Lin FR et al. Hearing Intervention Versus Health Education Control to Reduce Cognitive Decline in Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a Multicentre, Randomised Controlled Trial. The Lancet. 2023; 10404:786–797. https://www.achievestudy.org/key-findings Accessed 2/12/25
Effective Strategies for Rebuilding and Maintaining Bone Density
By Katy Walker
Maintaining strong bones is essential for overall health, especially as we age, as bone density naturally decreases over time, leading to conditions like osteoporosis, which makes bones more fragile and prone to fractures. However, there are several ways to rebuild and improve bone density, even later in life. By incorporating specific lifestyle changes, exercises, and dietary adjustments, you can strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of bone-related conditions. One of the most effective ways to rebuild bone density is through weight-bearing and resistance exercises.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, hiking, and dancing, help stimulate bone growth by forcing the bones to support your body weight. Resistance training, which includes activities like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises (such as squats and pushups), is also beneficial for building bone strength. These exercises create mechanical stress on the bones, prompting them to become denser and stronger in response.
In addition to physical activity, a balanced and nutritious diet plays a crucial role in bone health. The body requires certain nutrients to rebuild bone tissue and maintain bone density. Calcium is the most important mineral for bone strength. Dairy products like
milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, but if you are lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy options, leafy green vegetables, fortified plant-based milks, and tofu are excellent alternatives. Vitamin D is equally important as it helps the body absorb calcium. Exposure to sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, but it can also be found in foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals. Magnesium and vitamin K2 are also essential for bone health, found in foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and certain fermented foods. Limiting or avoiding alcohol and smoking is another important aspect of maintaining and rebuilding bone density. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption negatively affect bone health. Smoking decreases the body's ability to absorb calcium and interferes with the production of bone-forming cells, while excessive alcohol intake inhibits the absorption of important nutrients and hormones required for bone maintenance. Reducing or eliminating these habits can significantly improve bone health.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is also critical for bone strength. Being underweight increases the risk of bone loss, while being overweight can put excess strain on bones and joints. Aim for a balanced weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.
If you're unsure about your weight and bone health, consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist can help create a personalized plan that supports bone density. A healthcare provider may recommend supplements to help rebuild bone density.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are commonly prescribed if dietary intake is insufficient. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before starting any supplementation, as overuse of certain supplements can lead to adverse effects. Stress management is another factor that can influence bone health. Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that, when elevated for extended periods, can contribute to bone loss.
Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or even simple leisure activities, can help reduce the negative impact on bone density.
Finally, regular bone density testing, particularly for individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis, can help monitor progress and detect early signs of bone loss. These tests can help guide treatment options and ensure that steps taken to rebuild bone density are effective.
Rebuilding bone density requires a multifaceted approach involving physical activity, proper nutrition, healthy habits, and stress management. By staying active, eating a bone-healthy diet, avoiding harmful habits, and consulting healthcare professionals, you can work towards strengthening your bones and improving your overall bone health, ensuring better quality of life as you age.
Katy Walker, Fitness Supervisor, Township of Upper St. Clair, can be reached at kwalker@twpusc.org or (412) 221-1099 ext. 6190.
If you've ever experienced persistent knee or lower back pain, you know how significantly it can disrupt your life.
Simple activities like climbing stairs, playing with kids or grandchildren, gardening, or even enjoying a leisurely walk can quickly become painful. Most treatments available today may offer temporary relief but often fail to address the root causes of pain, leaving you stuck in an exhausting cycle of discomfort and limited mobility. Think of it like a leaky roof - a bucket placed beneath it temporarily catches water, but the leak itself remains unfixed. Similarly, common solutions such as medications or injections may mask pain momentarily but rarely address the underlying issues causing it. Surgery could be an option when other treatments fail, but it may come with risks, discomfort, and recovery times. It's understandable if the thought of surgery makes you hesitant.
Here is where the game-changing solution called Apos comes in. Unlike other treatments, Apos helps with the pain by addressing its underlying causes. Specially trained Apos physical therapists carefully consider your unique anatomy, biomechanics, neuromuscular responses, and medical history, creating a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Central to the Apos approach is a foot-worn medical device with custom-calibrated convex pods. This innovative technology works in two important ways: it shifts pressure away from your painful areas, providing immediate relief with each step, and simultaneously retrains your muscles to move better. Over time, your body learns new movement patterns, breaking the cycle of pain—even when you're not wearing the device.
One of the most appealing aspects of Apos is its simplicity and convenience. There is no need for frequent visits to therapy clinics or invasive procedures. You wear the device for about an hour daily while doing your normal routine. Sipping your morning coffee, preparing a meal, or walking around your home can be effective treatment time. It's seamless and effortless and fits easily into your everyday life.
Apos is FDA-cleared for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and FDA-registered and evidence-based for lower back pain. It is clinically proven to relieve pain, improve mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Apos has already treated over 150,000 people worldwide and is backed by over 70 clinical trials, with no severe adverse events recorded during these studies.
For a full list of risks and warnings, visit https://www.aposhealth.com/risks-warnings/.
Isn't it time you moved beyond temporary fixes? With Apos, you can fight “father time” and get you back to doing what you need and love to do.
To learn more, visit www.startapos.com
By Andrew Wilson
Summer Can Be a Time for Students to Learn About Careers in Healthcare
One of the most daunting questions a teen can face is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most times, the answer is shaped by the experiences that teen has had. At a minimum, a child of a healthcare professional may have a better understanding of what it takes to have a career in healthcare than a child of a parent from a non-healthcare occupation.
But there are other pathways to a career in healthcare than just being born into a family of caregivers. There are numerous summer workshop or camp opportunities to learn from healthcare professionals in the field for students in western Pennsylvania who think they might be interested in a career in healthcare.
“Our passion is finding students who don’t know how to get into
a health career,” said Lynne Williams, MD, PhD, executive director of the Southwest Pennsylvania AHEC - which stands for Area Health Education Center.
Karen Narkevic, MA, director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Health Career Scholars Academy agrees with that sentiment.
“We want to encourage young people to go into healthcare,” she said. “The goal of our program is to expose them to a wide variety of career opportunities. Healthcare is not just doctors and nursing.”
Indeed. Even teens who respond “doctor” or “nurse” to that daunting question of what they want to be may be surprised to learn how many career paths are available under those two broad categories, as well as the career fulfillment that might await them in fields such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, or pharmacy, to name just a few.
Carlow University’s Prepare to Care workshop is a two-day program that features opportunities to learn from faculty and staff.
“The format of the entire workshop is focused on helping students learn about healthcare career fields, and we'll be partnering with Nursing, Perfusion, Intraoperative Neuromonitoring, Respiratory Therapy, and other program faculty,” said Meredith Weber, associate director of Dual Enrollment and School Relations for Carlow. “It's highly interactive as we have set up lab activities with each program, so students experience hands-on learning.”
The interactive or hands-on experience is important to all the programs, too. It is understood that no students want to spend their summer days being lectured about what a career in healthcare is like. If possible, they would like to experience for themselves what a certain career involves.
To that end, Pitt’s Health Career Scholars Academy may have representatives from pharmacy lead a lab where they create their own ChapStick, someone from nursing might show them what to look for when they strike a patient’s knee with the reflex hammer, or they might get the opportunity to put sutures into a pig’s foot, bought from a local market. The AHEC summer program also includes suturing pig’s feet, as well as using a mannequin to demonstrate how to intubate a patient, an ophthalmologist’s slit lamps for examining eyes, and activities at the Pitt Dental School and the WISER simulation center. Carlow’s Prepare to Care also features the opportunity for students to observe an actual open-heart surgery.
The programs vary in cost and duration, but the goal is the same: encourage students to explore the numerous healthcare careers available to them.
Visit www.guidetogoodhealth.com for listing of local summer programs for students.
Medical Practice Spotlight: St. Clair Medical Group Internal Medicine
Dr. Alicia Bianco-Floom’s Calling to Internal Medicine Has a Beat You Can Dance To
By Andrew Wilson
As a dance enthusiast and competitive dancer, Alicia Bianco-Floom, M.D., knows the difference between an arabesque and a jete. As an internal medicine physician, she knows the importance of regular exercise and movement for the health of her patients, even if they may have difficulty distinguishing a foxtrot from a rumba.
“Get outside and go for a walk. Fresh air alone helps anyone,” advises Dr. Bianco-Floom, adding, “People can get into ruts with exercise, so change it up a bit from time to time. Change up the route you usually walk or go for a bike ride. There are a lot of bike trails in western Pennsylvania.”
And does she recommend dance for her patients?
Dr. Alicia Bianco-Floom
“Dance is way more fun,” says the competitive dancer who has enjoyed classes in ballet, jazz, and tap dance and recently became a new mom. “Now that my son is born, I am super excited to get back to dance classes.”
While it is important to learn the proper steps for any dance, Dr. Bianco-Floom didn’t follow the usual choreography in her path to becoming an internal medicine physician.
“I knew I wanted a career in healthcare, but I didn’t know where I fit in,” she says. “My father is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and my oldest brother is a cardiologist, but I took a non-traditional route.”
She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a dental hygienist for 15 years, but she learned that she wanted more from her career.
“I think I needed all that experience as a dental hygienist to get to the point I’m at now,” she says. “Medicine is a calling, and I felt called to go to medical school.”
Dr. Bianco-Floom said she especially enjoys caring for her patients.
“I have a sense of fulfillment at the end of the day that I didn’t experience in my previous profession,” she says. “What I like about internal medicine is that I get to treat all the systems in the body at once and figure out how one system can affect all the others.”
In addition to her father and oldest brother, Dr. Bianco-Floom names the late Dr. Joseph Fine as a role model and mentor for her. Dr. Fine was a pediatric anesthesiologist for many years, but that’s only part of his story.
“He was a family friend and a Holocaust survivor,” Dr. Bianco-
Floom says. “His life story was inspiring. I appreciated hearing his advice and opinions as I was contemplating applying to medical school. He passed away before I graduated, but I remember how excited he was for me when I was accepted into medical school.”
Dr. Bianco-Floom believes she carries all of the advice she has received as well as her rich life experience into her practice today - which benefits her patients
“During a first visit, I like to take the time to get to know someone, not just healthwise, but other things outside of their general health,” she says. “I ask a lot of questions during that first visit. I like to hear for myself about a patient’s life, and not just what’s in their history that was taken by a nurse or an aide.”
She may ask if they have any pets or taken any trips recently. She says all of that information might matter, especially if they are showing signs of something out of the ordinary. For example, if they have traveled somewhere that is experiencing an outbreak of some disease or affliction, it may be important information that reveals why a patient is feeling poorly right now.
“That’s why I take a little more time to get to them during that first visit,” she says. “It can make a big difference.”
As for life advice she can impart to her patients or anyone else interested in a career in healthcare?
“If you are thinking of making a career change, maybe something out of your norms, I say go for it! There are a lot of opportunities in health care,” Dr. Bianco-Floom says. “Don’t hesitate and then have regrets later.”
It’s wisdom gained from personal experience.
Alicia Bianco-Floom, M.D., specializes in internal medicine. She earned her medical degree from the Windsor University School of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine from Western Reserve Hospital.
>Dr. Bianco-Floom practices with St. Clair Medical Group
Internal Medicine and see patients at the following locations:
Pittsburgh: 5301 Grove Road, Suite 631 (412) 942-9105
Bethel Park: 2000 Oxford Drive, Suite 420 (412) 942-8500
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Lois Thomson
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HOW TO REACH US: ADVERTISE / SUBSCRIBE goodhealthmag@aol.com (412) 877-5321
Looking For Advice on Medicare? PA MEDI Program Can Help You
by Wesley Family Services
The PA MEDI program helps individuals understand their Medicare and other health insurance benefits, and assists them in making informed decisions about their health care options.
PA MEDI counselors work individually and confidentially with individuals to determine their health care needs and preferences, compare health insurance options, plan ahead for long-term living, and obtain Medicare and supplemental coverage that fits their lifestyle and their budget.
Wesley Family Services can help with the following programs and explain how Medicare interacts with each:
• Medicaid
• Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities
• Medicare Savings Program
• Home and Community Based Services Extra Help
• PACE
• Pennsylvania Patient Assistance Program
PA MEDI is a Pennsylvania state program and in Allegheny County, the program is operated by Wesley Family Services in partnership with the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging. PA MEDI assists clients over the phone, via email, and in person.
Contact Wesley Family Services today with your Medicare questions or to schedule a one-on-one counseling session. To receive PA MEDI program information and support, contact Wesley Family Services at (412) 661-1438 or email PA.MEDI@wfspa.org.
2025 Annual Healthcare Profiles
Arc Human Services
For most people today, technology is a part of everyday life— helping us stay connected, work efficiently, and manage daily tasks. But for individuals with different abilities, the right technology can be life changing.
At Arc Human Services, we believe everyone should have access to tools that support independence, safety, and well-being. From simple smart home devices that control lights and appliances to medication dispensers that ensure timely doses, and smartwatches that can track heart rate or detect seizures, we KNOW technology is a powerful enabler of a full and independent life.
Technology That Empowers: Finding the Right Tools for Everyday Life >
Technology can empower, connect, and transform lives. Let’s find the right tools together.
Visit us to Try, Learn, and Find the Right Fit
Visit our Technology Libraries located in Canonsburg, PA, (and soon Rochester, PA) for a hands-on space where, regardless of your abilities, you can explore, test, and experience a variety of assistive devices to see what might work for YOU.
• More Independence: Imagine controlling your home with just your voice—turning lights on, adjusting the thermostat, or even locking the door.
• Communication: For people with speech or hearing challenges, text-to-speech apps, AAC devices, and hearing loop systems make conversations easier and more natural.
• Greater Access to Work and Learning: Screen readers, speech recognition software, and adaptive keyboards help individuals with visual or mobility challenges use computers and engage in work or school.
• Support for Health & Wellness: Devices like seizure-detecting smartwatches, GPS trackers for safety, and remote health monitoring tools allow individuals to manage their well-being with greater confidence.
• More Ways to Stay Connected and Have Fun: Adaptive gaming controllers, real-time captioning tools, and inclusive apps ensure that everyone can enjoy entertainment, social media, and community events.
Visit Us Today!
If you or someone you know could benefit from assistive technology, we invite you to stop by and explore. Whether you need support with communication, learning, mobility, or health, we’re here to help.
Canonsburg Office: 111 W. Pike St., Canonsburg, PA 15317
Learn more at the website: www.archumanservices.org
Pittsburgh New Church School
Reading, Writing and ‘Rithmetic: Overcoming Dyslexia and Other Learning Challenges
By Kevin Brown
Pittsburgh is home to a unique, advanced school that offers education to children with language-based learning challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. The Pittsburgh New Church School (PNCS) was established in 1885 on the Northside and moved to its current location in Point Breeze in 1929.
Originally formed to provide education to children of the church members, it has grown to include non-church members as well and draws students from a 50-mile radius. Today, it offers instruction to kindergarten through eighth grade in multi-graded classrooms. Its small enrollment, 31 students, allows teachers to offer highly individualized instruction. In 2018, the school added education for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning challenges.
Dyslexia, a difficulty with reading, is perhaps the most well-known of the learning challenges. Dysgraphia is difficulty with handwriting and written expression and dyscalculia is a difficulty with arithmetic and mathematics.
In a Welcome Message on the PNCS website, Cyndi Glenn, principal of PNCS, describes what PNCS is all about. “We cater to families who are looking for a New Christian education for their children. Our entire staff is trained and most are certified as well in the Orton-Gillingham method, a multi-sensory instructional approach to reading and math. We are highly trained to help students with language-based learning challenges, however, our school is open to all students with or without learning challenges.
“We have a small, family-style atmosphere where students of all ages play and learn together. Our classes are multi-graded which means more than one grade is assigned to a teacher in any subject. Most classes have a range of three grades or fewer. These multi-graded classrooms allow students to work to their own level and ability in each class. For example, a student in 5th grade might be doing 3rd-grade reading, 7th-grade math, and 5th-grade science and social studies. In this way, prescriptive learning plans for each child can be designed and implemented to augment their strengths and shore up their weakness,” she explains.
How do you know if your child has dyslexia or another learning difficulty? According to Cyndi, “Early symptoms can include trouble with rhyming. You ask them to give you a word that rhymes with goat, and they say ‘cat’. With toddlers, they’ll mispronounce words, like ‘bisquetti’ instead of saying ‘spaghetti’. Also, having difficulty with directionality,
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knowing left from right, can be really difficult sometimes, or learning how to tie their shoes. A big red flag is a child who avoids reading at all costs,” she says.
Dysgraphia is a difficulty with handwriting and written expression. “Students can't hold the pencil well and their handwriting is sloppy. It also includes children who have struggles getting their ideas down on paper. Writing a story is very difficult for them,” she notes.
Dyscalculia’s core deficit is trouble understanding quantity. “I had a student who had fairly severe dyscalculia. I'd put five M&M's in front of her and have her count them one by one and touch them. When asked how many M&M’s, she'd say, seven, nine,” Cyndi recalls.
Cyndi is currently getting her certification in dyscalculia training. “That's a new training worldwide and, with very few people trained in it, I'll be one of the first people to be certified in dyscalculia instruction. I'm super excited,” she says.
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, there are steps you can take to determine whether he or she has a language-based learning challenge.
“If you have concerns,” Cyndi advises, “go to your school, tell them you have concerns, and ask them if they will test your child. Public schools will do the neuropsychological testing for free. That level of testing isn't going to be as comprehensive as if you get a private evaluation through a psychologist, but the first step is to contact your school district and see if you can get your child tested,” she says.
What methods are used to teach children with learning challenges? Cyndi explains that “The key approach to teaching children like this is that they must have explicit, direct instruction, and that instruction has to be systematic, sequential and cumulative. We also make it multi-sensory. For example, if a child has trouble with the visual input into their brain, we will have them use their tactile or kinesthetic senses. They'll have to touch something. They'll trace a letter with their fingers, almost like teaching a blind person Braille. If they are not hearing things properly, then we show them pictures
or teach them how the mouth forms the sounds. We'll have them repeat words or sounds and focus on how their mouth is forming the words or sounds. We try and use as many senses as possible at the same time. It's called multi-sensory instruction with simultaneous processing.”
If you suspect your child may have a learning challenge like dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia, there is local help available for testing and education.
>For more information, visit the Pittsburgh New Church School website at www.pittsburghnewchurchschool.org, email info@pittsburghnewchurchschool.org, or call (412) 731-0122. They are located at 299 Le Roi Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15208.
Summer Enrichment Camp Makes Learning Fun!
Pittsburgh New Church School Summer Camp
June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30-July 3
Our Summer Enrichment Camp is the perfect opportunity for students who have completed kindergarten through 6th grade to engage in hands-on, multisensory learning. Each day is filled with exciting activities that inspire creativity, spark exploration, and foster discovery – all while making learning fun. Cost per week is $350. Scholarships may be available. Tuition due by May 30th. Register at https://form.jotform.com/243534958045160
Or email goodhealthmag@aol.com and sign up for a FREE digital edition
To receive your own print copy direct mail, complete the following subscription for $16 (4 issues) and mail to Western Pennsylvania Guide To Good Health, 2574 Oldfield Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Gateway Rehabilitation Center
GRC’s Extended Care Programs Offer Hope and Healing for Addiction Recovery
By Nancy Kennedy
At Gateway Rehabilitation Center (GRC), a team of highly skilled and deeply caring professionals are helping thousands of people to achieve and sustain recovery from addiction. The GRC staff accomplishes this with an innovative approach to addiction recovery that combines state-of-the-art medical management with compassionate psychosocial treatment. Individuals with addiction who seek help at GRC will find an environment of care that is both visionary and realworld pragmatic, offering individualized, whole person care that facilitates a personal path to recovery. At GRC, you CAN recover from addiction.
GRC provides a full continuum of care, through an expansive regional network of clinical settings and programs that can provide up to a year of treatment. This network encompasses multiple levels of care, explains Clare Morris, LCSW, GRC’s Regional Executive Director of Extended Care. In-patient care, outpatient care, virtual care and extended care are among the options available, determined by an assessment of the patient’s needs and ongoing progress. Extended care programs provide two levels of care and are designed to serve the needs of specific groups. Extended care can include both outpatient care and residential care in halfway houses.
“Usually, patients come in for withdrawal management and stabilization in our residential facilities. This may take several weeks, followed by extended care programs for ongoing support. The appropriate level of care and treatment plan depends on one’s evolving needs and circumstances,” Morris says. “Standards for this placement and subsequent transitions are set by the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM); the highest level, level 4, is in-patient care, and the lowest level is out-patient care.
Our extended care teams work closely with the inpatient staff and have case consults on every patient. After the primary treatment in inpatient care, it is essential to provide ongoing support and preparation for returning to the community, to society. GRC has six extended care programs plus a new one in development; each program has a manager, therapists, and treatment support technicians.”
Halfway House settings provide supervision and care, and offer a degree of autonomy to patients. They reside at the halfway house and have a treatment plan, therapy and training programs, but they
also have recreation and community service activities. “The goal is to engage in education or gain employment,” Morris says. “Patients need the ability to think beyond their program here. They have to prepare to leave and transition to the community. Our training programs include life skills classes such as managing money, GED preparation and developing a resume. Community service means giving back to the community through volunteer activities.”
One of GRC’s most popular community partners is Communicycle, a bike repair shop in Beaver County that rehabilitates old or broken bicycles and then gives them to children. According to Morris, “Many people with addiction feel that they have taken from the community and they want to change that. This is a way for them to reconnect and repair relationships. They learn new skills and are part of a team. We believe that service is part of recovery and can even be life changing.”
Clare Morris has extensive experience in addiction recovery and has spent most of her career in various roles at GRC, even serving as an “adventure therapist.” She finds tremendous satisfaction in her current position, overseeing all extended care programs. “I have the reward of seeing people blossom and grow as they recover. I see them come alive. I call this ‘the joy of recovery’ and it’s an experience the staff shares with patients.
Our team does an incredible job; we know that the longer a person stays in treatment, the greater their chance for success, so we want to offer that opportunity to them. Some of our treatment support technicians are recovery specialists who have experienced recovery themselves and now have amazing careers helping others with addiction.”
Renowned throughout the region and the nation for groundbreaking care, leadership and successful outcomes, GRC continues to be dynamic, expanding and innovating to meet evolving community needs. With compassion, experience and a firm commitment to individualized care, hope has a home at GRC.
For more information about GRC’s network of facilities and programs, visit www.gatewayrehab.org
Clare Morris
Heritage Valley Health System’s Heart & Vascular Center
A Healthy Heart is a Gift for Life
If you find yourself in need of cardiac care, the board-certified Cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Vascular Surgeons of Heritage Valley Health System’s Heart & Vascular Centers offer a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, management and treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease.
Heritage Valley’s Heart & Vascular Centers include a team of expert physicians who work with your primary care physician to help identify and treat heart and vascular issues, and who are committed to being leaders in providing high-quality cardiac care. Our Cath Lab suites at the John “Tito” Francona Heart & Vascular Center at Heritage Valley Beaver are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and run by highly-trained staff and Interventional Cardiologists.
Our Electrophysiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of issues with your heart’s electrical system. If your heart has an irregular rhythm, the Electrophysiologists at the Heart & Vascular Centers will determine why your heart’s electrical signals aren’t going through normal pathways, and how to best treat it.
At Heritage Valley, we take care of your heart so your heart can take care of you. According to Dr. Kenneth House, Medical Director of the Heritage Valley Heart & Vascular Centers, “We value our patients' trust and confidence in us and will continue to provide high levels of care for our community.”
Our Heart & Vascular Centers are located in Beaver and Leetsdale. Our physicians also have offices in Calcutta, OH; Ellwood City; and Kennedy Township.
>To make an appointment with any of our Heart & Vascular Center Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists, call (724) 773-4502. To schedule an appointment with our Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, call (724) 773-8289. For more information on heart and vascular health, visit https://www.heritagevalley.org/ services/ heart-vascular-health/.
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Voices for Independence VFI Adding 'Another Layer to Improve Caregiver Experience'
By Lois Thomson
The Voices for Independence (VFI) facility in Erie has grown so much at its current location, that personnel are excited to be adding another one conveniently situated a block down the street. "This was something we've been eyeing for a long time," said Steve Johnson, director of marketing for VFI in both Washington, PA, and Erie. "We do weekly training for new caregivers and annual recertifications here, and the training room is adequate, but we knew we could do more with more space."
Fortunately for VFI, M Café – a restaurant just a block away from the current VFI building – never reopened after the pandemic, and it was just "sitting there, dormant, as unutilized prime real estate. We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to acquire the building and grow."
The new facility, the VFI Training & Conference Center, has the space to offer hands-on training. Because the building had housed a restaurant, it already had a kitchen that can now be used for specialized cooking classes, giving the trainees more room. Renovations added a mock bedroom. "It has a hospital bed, a TV, a dresser. So, when people go in to do training, they will see what real life will be like in the field." The facility also has a mock accessible bathroom, with a tub and roll-in shower.
"We can tell trainees, 'everybody's different, there will be obstacles,' but we'll be able to show that in a different light. 'Here's a situation you'll encounter, this is how you should transfer clients.' It will be close to what they will encounter in the field, rather than working from diagrams or listening to
stories from past services."
He added that any time you're dealing with people's lives, you want to learn as much up front as you can, so that when you get to work, you're doing the best job possible. "It breathes new life into the hands-on aspect."
Johnson said the location of the new building is "simply more accessible and visible to the public and to those attending our trainings." He said the current facility is approximately one block removed from a major bus route. "The VFI Training & Conference Center is on a main road, directly on a bus route, and right next to a local deli where visitors can go for lunch. There will also be adequate parking, so they won't have to think of anything else, they can just focus on training."
Steve Johnson, director of marketing for VFI, can appreciate the new training facility from a personal perspective. Johnson used to be a caregiver, and he said he didn't have training like this facility offers. "I'd go into homes to help individuals, and I'd be flying by the seat of my pants, not knowing what to expect or what the needs were." He said it seemed as if he spent the entirety of his first shift simply becoming acquainted with the client's care needs. "It was frustrating to me. That’s why I’m so excited to see that VFI is dedicated to enhancing training for all of our caregivers, both new and experienced."
Johnson admitted, "At first, I wasn't sure how the new space would be utilized but seeing that we're using it as an opportunity to expand upon our current training curriculum, it's the best use I could have imagined. It's another layer to improve the caregiver experience. I don't know of another organization that has a dedicated building for enriching the training experience."
For more information, call (724) 223-5115 or visit www.vficil.org.
Petruso Hearing and Audiology Centers
By Lois Thomson
Ken Johnson is a Hearing Aid Specialist at Petruso Hearing and Audiology Centers, a company that has been in business for 52 years. "It's a family-run practice," Johnson said, "and the actual family members have been doing the work for many years." He said there have been very few changes to the way Petruso has done business during that time, and added, "People like consistency, they like to see the same faces, and we must be doing something right."
Petruso can handle most problems involving hearing loss, which can be caused by a number of factors – age, noise exposure, trauma, etc. The company offers a variety of services, including hearing tests, hearing aid repairs, hearing protections, and industrial hearing tests.
As a hearing aid specialist, Johnson can test and determine the type of hearing loss a person has and discuss solutions. "I'll give options on the type of hearing aids available; we can do a study demo as to what they sound like, and let you hear what you've been missing."
Johnson, who has been at Petruso for more than 15 years, said, "I've been doing this for a long time," and the results are one thing that keep him in the business. "People who come into the office are having trouble hearing, and when we take care of them
they're so happy. They come back for a follow-up and say, 'I can hear the birds in my yard.' It is one of the most gratifying professions you can get into."
Regarding hearing aids, Johnson said, "We see a lot of over-the-counter ones being sold, and for some people they will work, but they are for very mild symptoms. My suggestion is to go to a professional to have your hearing tested first to see if the OTC will work."
Johnson recommends getting a hearing test on an annual basis. "We absolutely recommend it, especially if you notice a hearing loss. It's like going to the dentist; a lot of people don't like to, so they wait until the last minute, and then they have to get a crown or a root canal. The sooner you notice issues with hearing, it will be easier to get used to hearing aids if you need them."
He added that it's important for people to become their own health advocates and look after themselves. "Get an evaluation with a professional. Most people who are on Medicare have a Medicare supplement that has a hearing aid benefit. We can find out for you. Our customer service is second to none, and I can't think of anything more important than putting the patient first."
For more information, call (724) 807-8524 or visit www.petrusohearing.com.
Ken Johnson talked about the dangers of not getting a hearing exam: "Untreated hearing loss can lead to dementia. Studies have shown that if hearing loss is not treated, it can increase the risk of dementia by 50 percent. When we don't hear well, we isolate ourselves. 'I don't hear people talking to me so I don't want to go out; I don't want to go to that restaurant because it's too noisy.' Isolation can lead to depression, which can lead to dementia. Hearing loss can then affect the whole family."
By Lois Thomson
Westmoreland Manor
Westmoreland Manor Celebrating 175 Years
Celebrating a 175th anniversary is a pretty good indication that a facility or organization has been doing something right for a long time. That perfectly describes Westmoreland Manor.
Westmoreland Manor is a nursing home that offers complete care services, and as Jennifer Fullman explained, "We are a skilled nursing facility, and our nurses are here to provide recovery from surgical procedures. We have wound care, we have a respiratory team, we can do IVs. We also have skilled therapy such as OT, PT, and speech; we offer therapy to those who are in need of rehab services. Any condition, whether caused by an accident or something a little more long-term, we're able to provide the nursing care needed to get them moving and back on their feet."
Fullman is Director of Social Services and Admissions at Westmoreland Manor; for the latter, she and her team review referrals, making sure the appropriate level of care can be provided and residents are placed accordingly within the facility. The Social Services Dept. handles admissions, discharges, and "everything in between." She helps people adjust to community living, advocating when needed, making referrals where required, and providing education and counseling. "If you're coming in we help you adjust; if there are problems along the way we help you cope; then if you're safe to go home, we make sure you have the equipment or services you need to succeed." On the other hand, if residents are transition-
One of the reasons for Westmoreland Manor's 175-year success is that it is the largest care facility in Westmoreland County and one of the largest in the state. Regarding Westmoreland Manor's capacity to care for 408 residents, Jennifer Fullman, Director of Social Services and Admissions, said, "We do have a good reputation because families have continued to bring their loved ones back to us, so we're definitely doing something right."
ing to end-of-life care, they and their families receive support during that difficult time.
Fullman is also part of the planning committee for the anniversary celebration, but as she pointed out, "Care is hard to capture and measure through photographs." With Westmoreland Manor's
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beginnings dating back to the mid-1800s, mementos are hard to come by, and regarding photos, Fullman said, "That can be touchy, because of confidentiality. A hundred and seventy-five years ago they weren't photographing and documenting like we are today, and if they were, it wouldn't be public material." She added, "The celebration is not so much about having an actual hard photographical journey; we're just happy to be here and be continuing to celebrate the tradition of care."
She described the plans by saying, "It will be a big party, and we're going to plan accordingly. Most celebrations include food and reminiscing, and that's what we're going to do." Fullman acknowledged that the residents, their families, and the staff will be invited, although no formal invitation will be issued. "Information will go out on social media. We'll be letting our residents and families know to come join us, come celebrate with us (the staff). We're just acknowledging the fact that we are fortunate and we've been blessed to be able to care for people for as long as we have."
Westmoreland Manor will be celebrating its 175th year of caring for the community in April 2025.
For more information, call (724) 830-4000 or visit www.westmorelandmanor.org.
Clearing up Confusion About Vitamin D3
by Lois Thomson
You may have heard talk about Vitamin D3 and wondered how it differs from Vitamin D. The answer is, it doesn't. There are two types of vitamin D in the human body: D2 and D3. Both are simply called "vitamin D," so there is no real difference, just that vitamin D2 is found in plants and yeast, while D3 comes from animal sources.
Vitamin D is essential for growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as increased resistance to certain diseases. While a blood test is the best way to determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency, initial signs include:
• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps
• Mood changes, like depression
• Poor quality sleep
• Hair loss
• Dizziness
• Increased dementia
Seniors Helping Seniors® Advocates for Employment Opportunities and Quality In-Home Care for Seniors Seniors Helping Seniors®
In honor of National Older Americans Month in May, Seniors Helping Seniors® Southwestern PA and Pittsburgh Northeast are raising awareness of the need for quality in-home care for aging seniors while encouraging local business owners to employ seniors in the community.
Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home senior care services is a franchise with 350 territories nationwide and over 180 franchise partners in 38 states.
National Older Americans Month, an observance that began in 1993, was launched by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to underscore the importance of honoring and supporting older Americans in our community. The 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.
“The mission and vision of Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home senior care services is to pair compassionate caregivers, who are seniors themselves, with aging members of the community who have a desire to remain independent in their own homes. Through connection and quality assistance with day-to-day tasks — as well as beautifully shared moments — senior caregivers work to brighten and empower the lives of their care recipients,” said C.J. Girod, President of Seniors Helping Seniors® Southwestern PA.
"The theme of 'Flip the Script on Aging' is one that really resonates with our mission. At Seniors Helping Seniors® home care, we’re not
just about providing day-to-day assistance; we’re deeply committed to pairing aging seniors with care providers, who are also their peers, as we’ve seen the dramatic impact that these connections can have on the well-being and health of both the client and the caregiver," said Travis Hudson, Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors® Pittsburgh Northeast.
As National Older Americans Month is celebrated, Seniors Helping Seniors® Southwestern PA and Pittsburgh Northeast invite the community to learn more about providing both quality employment and care for seniors in their community, and to celebrate the immense value seniors bring to our lives.
“Over the past 25 years, we’ve put a lot of work into ensuring that Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care is not only the best option for our seniors, but also for caregivers across the country,” said Namrata Yocom-Jan, Seniors Helping Seniors® President. “That’s something we are extremely proud of, but it’s not something we take for granted. We will continue to make sure anyone who has the passion and skills to be a great caregiver will find a great opportunity to grow and make an impact with Seniors Helping Seniors® services. Our caregivers truly have … a way to give and receive®.
For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.
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Community LIFE helps seniors confidently a with an all-inclusive program and insurance p and Wellness Centers throughout the regi provided, you can drop by and have a cup of coff andtakecareofyourhealthallatonce.Fora and safely live at home plan. With eight Health ion and transportation ee, laugh with friends, acommunitythat’sfull
and t e care of your health all at onc . For a c unity tha s full of LIFE , call 866 -419 -1693 or visit commlife.org to learn more
The Hospice of Choice
In 1978, a terminally ill cancer patient in Florida told an unlikely duo, “I don’t want to die in the hospital. I want to be at home.”
Esther Colliflower, a nurse and teacher, and Hugh Westbrook, a United Methodist minister, were happy to oblige.
As the founders of the company that eventually became VITAS Healthcare, Esther and Hugh were developing a model of care called “hospice” to help patients near the end of life find comfort and dignity. Over more than four decades, VITAS spread the hospice model across the country and lobbied for legislation that safeguards patients’ access to their preferred care near life’s end.
Today, VITAS is the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, serving over 19,000 patients every day. VITAS first began providing care in Western Pennsylvania in 2005, and today cares for more than 200 patients and their families daily.
Hospice has grown since the late 1970s, yet its methods and practices are often mysterious to those who haven’t experienced them firsthand. This arm’s-length approach to the end of life has led to some misconceptions about the care that surrounds it. Our goal is to dispel the myths with facts and hope:
• Hospice is not a place. It’s a model of comfort-focused care, usually provided in a patient’s home or preferred setting (e.g., nursing home or assisted living facility).
• Choosing hospice does not mean giving up; in fact, studies suggest that hospice patients live longer, higher-quality lives than patients who continue curative treatment until death.
• And hospice does not rely on high-dose narcotics to dull patients’ senses. While pain-relieving drugs might be prescribed to ease symp-
toms as needed, VITAS offers integrative services such as music, massage and art therapy to provide relief with greater awareness and fewer side effects.
VITAS proudly offers services and treatments that other hospices cannot or do not. From veteran-focused programs to pet visits from our beloved Paw Pals®, VITAS supports patients on emotional, social and spiritual levels while providing compassionate clinical care.
Music therapy is especially popular with our patients and families. Licensed music therapists promote calm, pain relief and memory recall through evidence-based interventions such as collaborative performances, singing, active listening, writing and movement.
Even patients who struggle to articulate feelings or communicate verbally can benefit from the presence and talents of a guitar-strumming or keyboard-playing music therapist. Unresponsive patients often “light up” at a favorite song or clap to the rhythm of a new tune.
These unique professionals supplement the comfort-focused care delivered by our hospice teams, each comprising a physician, nurse, hospice aide, social worker, chaplain, volunteer and bereavement specialist. Hospice teams also support patients’ families and day-to-day caregivers. For everyone at VITAS, from admissions to marketing, from home care to our talented music therapists, hospice is more than a job–it’s a calling. And for those of us in Pennsylvania, it’s our calling–and our honor–to help you or your loved one.
For more information about end-of-life care services, call VITAS Healthcare at (866) 759-6695 or visit VITAS.com
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Senior Living Options
Are you or a loved one looking for senior housing?
Our Senior Living Options section is a great place to start your search!
Meet Joan: Active and Safe in Personal Care at Westminster Place Senior Living Options
Joan never planned on living in a personal care home. She was happy living at home in suburban Pittsburgh. Well into her eighties, she hosted family gatherings with homemade desserts, drove herself regularly, and was active in her local Catholic church.
However, an unexpected accident changed everything. Suddenly, Joan was no longer able to go back home and take care of her lawn and flowers, or feed the birds, like she used to do.
Her four daughters arranged for a tour of Westminster Place, a personal care community in Oakmont from Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, choosing it because of exemplary care their father received years ago at a skilled nursing community on the same campus.
That was two years ago. Now, Joan can’t imagine living anywhere else. “I didn't initially want to move out of the home I loved so much, but after a while, I really started to like it,” Joan said. “There’s a lot to do and I’ve made many friends. My daughters know I’m safe. The place is beautiful, the staff’s wonderful, and the residents are great.”
Joan’s favorite activities include dice games, sing-a-longs, card games, and cookouts on the patio. She enjoys visiting the resident store to buy household items. To keep her mind sharp, Joan and several of her friends challenge themselves by playing “Word Wipe,” a word-making game, on a large screen in the activity room, excitedly calling out clues and answers.
She attends exercise class six days a week and walks as often as she can along the landscaped yard. “I’m 91 years old,” Joan said. “We all need to exercise. I appreciate that so much. My daughters are very supportive of me walking, so they bought me a Rollator. I love that Rollator.”
And she remains active spiritually. She attends weekly bible study and nondenominational service on Sunday, arriving early to distribute bulletins. After service, she assists Chaplain Mark with the preparations for afternoon tea. “Once a month, we have Catholic mass here, and I appreciate that so much,” she said.
>For more information on Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Westminster Place, call (412) 828-5600 or visit the website SrCare.org
Conti Law
ELDER
LAW
724-784-0239 www.contilawpgh.com
HOME CARE
LIFE Pittsburgh 412-388-8050 www.lifepittsburgh.org
Brightwood Plaza Apartments 4940 Brightwood Rd, Bethel Park 412-831-9454 brightwoodplaza@verizon.net
CMS Housing
800-545-1833 • www.cmshousing.com
Christian Housing, Inc 412-646-5193 www.christian-housing.org
Safe, comfortable, community living for adult seniors and persons with disabilities at 15 facilities throughout Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Elk County and Indiana, PA.
SENIOR LIVING
Heritage Valley Senior Living 412-331-613
https://www.heritagevalley.org/ services/senior-living/ Independent Living; Personal Care, Memory Care
Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh 412-456-5000 • www.hacp.org
Offers seniors safe housing and a high quality of life. Amenities such as security cameras, appliances, digital literacy services, Tenet Council events and more.
Westmoreland Manor / Eagle Tree Apartments 2480 S Grande Blvd, Greensburg 724-830-4000
