IN Bethel Park

Head Over Heels for

Homecoming

WINTER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

From the Publisher I hope that the slow descent into cooler temperatures and

the start of the changing leaf colors bring a smile to your face, as they do mine.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. It marks the start of

ski season, a sport I share with my whole family. It also means warm cider on chilly nights, the return of some amazing stargazing as the skies darken earlier, and lower electric bills as the air conditioners can finally be removed from the windows. We also have Halloween, of course, which allows us to share some fun with the kids either through haunted hayrides and houses, or just making the rounds from door to door, filling that pillowcase to the brim with sugary delights.

Halloween kicks off the holiday season, and it seems that every year, the last three months on the calendar flip faster than the previous nine. Thanksgiving gives way to Christmas and Hanukah, followed by New Year’s. It will be over before you know it, so take some time to have that extra cup of cider, make a few extra wishes on those stars, spend a few more runs down the slopes, and take the time to walk door-to-door with the kids this Halloween. This time is something we can never get back, which makes it one of the most valuable things we have.

Enjoy your fall with the ones you love,Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Spring content deadline: 1/28/13

It’s time to start thinking about the holiday season. While it’s always better to give than receive, we want to know what the best gift you’ve ever received was, and we don’t necessarily mean material things. Let us know! Email your story to [email protected] or mail them to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Please indicate which of our magazines you receive so we know where to place your story. Photos are encouraged and should be 1MB or greater. Actual photos are accepted as well, but cannot be returned.

WE WANT TO KNOW...

What was the best gift you ever received?

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Bethel Park

Industry InsIghts

Northwest Savings BankLending a Hand .................................... | 3

Jennings ChiropracticCan Chiropractic Help with My Headaches? ......................................... | 19

Pediatric AllianceWhat’s Up With Whooping Cough? ......... | 21

Bill Flinn AgencyWhat’s Your Excuse? ............................. | 23

Dr. Daniel RairighStraighter Teeth in Six Months ............... | 24

The Goddard SchoolChoosing Your Child’s Preschool ............. | 38

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.Here Come the Golden Boomers .......... | 43

BusIness spotlIght

Newbury ............................................... | 10

Attorney Betty Dillon .................... | 56

on the cover | Bethel Park Band members marching to the beat of a different drum for homecoming 2012

UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 What You Can Do to Beat the Flu

3 Absent From Pain

4 Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking

Brittle Bones

5 Shedding More Than Pounds

6 Growing Up With Heart Disease

7 Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down

Stay Well This WinterSome people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.

UPMC Today_Mercy_Winter_2012_Final.indd 1 10/15/12 5:20 PM

IN Bethel Park Magazine | WINTER 2012 |Head Over

Heels for

Homecoming

WINTER 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINEINSIDE IN Bethel Park is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Bethel Park area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Features

Bethel Park Troops Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts .............................................................................. | 6

Volunteers from Christ United Methodist and Westminster Presbyterian Churches Create 134,898 Meals for Stop Hunger Now ...................... | 12

Health & Wellness - The Whole Picture ............................... | 16

With Wisdom, Comes Age ............................................................. | 36

How We Met ......................................................................................... | 40

Mia Rigatti Receives Governor’s Award .................................. | 47

To Zimbabwe and Back - Four Times ........................................ | 50

communIty Interests

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ..................................... | 25

Community Announcements ............................................... | 33

Bethel Park School District News ...................................... | 45

IN Bethel Park is a community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Bethel Park area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

ne hundred years ago on March 12, 1912 Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls from Savannah, GA for the first meeting of the American Girl Guides. Her aim was to provide an opportunity for girls to develop resourcefulness, self-reliance, and become professionals and leaders in the arts

and business. The following year, their name was changed to Girl Scouts and a legacy was born for the group that

would become the largest educational organization in the world for girls. By 1920, there were over 70,000 Girl Scouts, which quickly grew in the next decade to 200,000 and included Native American and overseas troops. It is estimated that the Girl Scouts came to Western Pennsylvania over 90 years ago. One of their facilities, Camp Redwing, was built in 1923 indicating that Girl Scouts had an established presence before then.

As the Girl Scouts grew in size and scope, the core principles remained the same—to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. The number of girls reached 1.5 million by the 1950s and the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low opened as a museum and program center. Girl Scouts blossomed

over the next several decades providing community service and learning opportunities and dividing into additional age groups to encourage participation from kindergarten through graduation. Today, there are 3.4 million girls and 890,000 volunteers involved. The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides includes over 10 million girls and volunteers.

In honor of the 100th anniversary, 2012 has been deemed “the year of the girl”. Throughout this year many national and local celebrations have been planned and a special 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts commemorative silver dollar coin was created. President Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Juliette Gordon Low posthumously. Molly Hoffman, a junior Girl Scout from troop 50415 did her enrichment research project on Juliette Low. “She was a good role model. She encouraged girls and made them feel good about themselves and helped them be leaders. I think she would be proud of the Girl Scouts today,” she said.

Molly and many other Bethel Park scouts had the opportunity to participate in Pittsburgh’s Grand Celebration Weekend in August to honor the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. The weekend included a parade in downtown, exhibition, educational programs exploring nature, history and science, a bridging ceremony and many opportunities for the girls to meet new people, learn, and grow.

The BP girls created floats for the parade. One was a cake that was constructed completely from recycled or reused items including wooden pallets, outdoor grass, curtain sheers, and donated artificial flowers. Several troops worked together with each other, creating a different part of the float. Brownies painted the foam insulation board and other troops created the lighted campfire, wired together all of the garland and tissue paper flowers, and designed the Girl Scout model. BP Girl Scouts also had a float with a bell on it recognizing

Bethel Park Troops Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts

The Girl Scout PromiseOn my honor, I will try:To serve God and my country,To help people at all times,And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

O

Troop 51466 taught residents of the Grand Residence to make blankets.

Girl Scouts at Camp Redwing in the 1930s

Above, Priscilla Fleming Introcaso in her uniform in 1958. Her daughter, Jen Farmerie, and granddaughters Lilly and Natalie are Girl Scouts today.


their service projects including Operation Quiet Comfort and Cookies for the Troops. Beth Scarlett was fortunate enough to be able to take 13 of the girls from her troops of

Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts to the national celebration in Washington, D.C. in April. “It was an amazing opportunity to take my Girl Scouts to Washington, D.C. for the Rock the Mall 100th Anniversary Celebration. They got the chance to meet other Girl Scouts from around the world and be a part of history. I think it helped them realize they are members of a global group that can really make a difference in the world,” she said.

Local Troops are Making a Difference in Bethel Park and Beyond Bethel Park has strong Girl Scout participation with 39 troops consisting of 426 girls

and over 270 adult volunteer members. The Bethel South service unit covers the areas of George Washington, Memorial, and William Penn schools with 17 troops and Bethel Central has 22 troops that include the areas of Ben Franklin, Lincoln and several private schools in the municipality. They are part of the GWSPA council, serving more than 36,000 girls throughout 27 counties.

Troops are started as young as kindergarten and can continue all the way through graduation from high school. Bethel Park is usually among the top five in the council with over a 30% participation ratio of girls in the district. The enthusiasm here is mainly due to the large number of volunteers in the program. “Our volunteers are amazing, not only giving their time and energy, but many of them are carrying on things they learned from their mothers and grandmothers when they were Girl Scouts,” said Nancy Irwin, Director of Marketing and Communications for GSWPA.

Troop leader Jen Farmerie became a Girl Scout because of her grandmother Elise Fleming, who attended Camp Redwing in the 1930s. “My gram is 98 and she still talks about Girl Scout Camp,” said Farmerie. Her mother, Priscilla Fleming Introcaso, was also a Girl Scout growing up in Bethel Park in the 1950s, making her daughters the fourth generation to wear the uniform.

True to their mission, the Girls Scouts of Bethel Park are making a difference, starting right in their own neighborhoods. Some great examples of Girl Scout projects that have encouraged leadership and benefitted the community include: • Troops from Bethel Central are working on a year-long collection drive for South

Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) where they are challenged to collect 100 of a specific item each month to donate in honor of the 100th anniversary. Each troop selected from a list of most needed items which included staples such as peanut butter, rice, diapers, and other

Bethel Park Troops Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Girl ScoutsBy Tracy Fedkoe

The Girl Scout LawI will do my best to be:honest and fair,friendly and helpful,considerate and caring,courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,and to respect myself and others,respect authority,use resources wisely,make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Above, Troop 53609 used cookie profits to donate items to the Washington Area Humane Society

Below, Troop 51395 at the Animal Ridge Animal Shelter

BP Girl Scouts downtown during the Grand Celebration in their KDKA shirts with the year 1924 signifying the year the “Radio Scouts” started with broadcasts on KDKA allowing girls to participate in scouting from home.

Bethel Park | Winter 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Brownies moving up to Junior Girl Scouts throw their vests in the air at the bridging ceremony during the Grand Celebration


canned goods and then came up with their own creative ideas on how to obtain the donated items. • Junior Girl Scout Troop 55043 (grades 4 & 5) from Bethel South

initiated a recycling program at Simmons Park working with Mayor Cliff Morton and the Director of Community Services. Bethel supplied two recycling containers and the girls did everything else, starting with creating a plan, gathering supplies such as bags, gloves, and wipes, and charting their progress. Each girl was tasked with visiting the park three to six times during the summer to collect the recyclables, count them, and remove any trash accidentally placed in the recycling containers. Although it was messy at times, the project was a huge success and the girls prevented 2,388 items from being dumped in landfills. • Audrey Miller earned her Gold Award with a project that involved making posters

to encourage nutrition in Nicaragua and facilitating donations of vitamins for distribution to children. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive and requires an 80-hour community service project that addresses an issue, creates a sustainable change and involves leadership educating and guiding others. All 7 girls from one of Gina Koenig’s troops stayed together for 13 years and received their Gold Awards before going off to college. • BP Cadette troops (grades 6-8) are earning their Silver Awards before they move on

to Senior Cadette levels. Cassie Cipriani, Brittany Kach, Bailey Lawrence, Katelyn Vacca and Kaylyn Zola of Troop 51466 collected donated material and taught residents of the Grand Residence Assisted Living Home how to make fleece blankets and learned from the many stories they heard from the elderly. Cadette Troop 50423 reupholstered the sound boards in the gym at Independence Middle School for their Silver Award project. • Brownie Troop 51395 (grades 2 & 3) donated $280 of their cookie sale profits to the

Angel Ridge Animal Rescue Shelter and created homemade crafts for animal lovers that were sold at a craft fair. Troop 53609 used some of their cookie profits to donate to the Washington Area Humane Society.• The youngest Daisy Girl Scouts (grades K & 1) created their own Girls Scouts 100th

Anniversary Special Edition Build-A-Bears complete with uniforms.

It is estimated that over 59 million women have participated in Girl Scouts while growing up. Their early experience with making friends, trying new things, setting goals and achieving them through the cookie sale, projects, and more has helped them to become the leaders of today. The Girl Scout organization will continue for the next 100 years promoting leadership, education, and good citizenship to make a difference in the world. They believe: “When girls succeed – so does society.” Who can argue that?

Molly Hoffman researched and dressed as Juliette Low for the elementary enrichment project.



Volunteers from Christ United Methodist and Westminster Presbyterian Churches Create

134,898 Meals for Stop Hunger NowB y Tr a c y F e d k o e

Hunger is something many of us don’t think about every day. We’re lucky enough not to have to.

But for 925 million people in this world who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, hunger is a life-threatening concern. More than 25,000 people die of hunger-related causes every day, 16,000 of them children. Even more shocking is that the world produces more than enough food each day to feed everyone several times over.

Stop Hunger Now has made it their mission to end world hunger by providing food and life saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable areas. Less than 15 years after their founding, they have delivered food aid and disaster relief supplies including meals, medicines and medical supplies, clothing, and blankets to needy people in 76 countries worldwide with Nicaragua, Kenya, Liberia, El Salvador and Guatemala being among the largest recipients.

Their meal packing program started in 2005 and offers turn-key solutions for organizations to

streamline the process of proving food aid to the hungry. The meals are comprised of rice, soy, vegetables, flavoring and a

packet of 21 essential vitamins and minerals. Each meal contains 220

calories with 11 grams of protein and 60% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A

and iron. With six servings per package, the cost to provide

a meal is only $0.25 and the packages can be easily transported and stored for up to five years.

To date, Stop Hunger now has provided nearly

75 million meals through the efforts of over 150,000

volunteers. Stop Hunger Now works

One Day. One Goal. One World.


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with established in-country partners to ensure that the meals get to those who need them most. They distribute through school feeding programs to help encourage education, gender equality and economic production.

Both Christ United Methodist and Westminster Presbyterian Churches are very mission focused and have many outreach programs already in place. Stop Hunger Now’s streamlined program made it an easy way for the churches to reach beyond our borders and make an impact in the world. Christ United Methodist ran a successful Stop Hunger Now program last year and was able to package 54,000 meals. When they exceeded their goal of 50,000 meals, Duane Thompson, Senior Pastor, said in a passing comment, “We should strive for 100,000 next year.”

So they did. They set their goals to raise enough funds and recruit 750 volunteers to create 100,000 meals. With a church very involved in outreach already, it would be a challenge to ask the congregation to give even more. Partnering with neighboring church Westminster Presbyterian was the perfect solution. “It became a true community event that was intergenerational and fun,” said Jeanna-Mar Simmons, outreach coordinator for Christ United. “Together, we could do so much more.”

Both churches agreed to raise half of the money and were striving for 400 volunteers each, although Westminster’s congregation size is only roughly half of that of CUMC. “We agreed


One Day. One Goal. One World.

a year ago and part of me said ‘YES!’ but a part of me said ‘Oh my gosh, how are we going to do that?’,” said Jan Baumann, volunteer coordinator at Westminster.

But the giving spirit of God took over and both congregations came through in a BIG way. All of the volunteer slots were filled more than a week prior to the event and they raised so much money that they were able to increase their goal from 100,000 meals to 130,000.

On Saturday, September 29, a total of 858 volunteers donated 90 minutes or more to help with the event, held at Christ United Methodist Church on Highland Road. Some helped with registration and selling t-shirts while most people opted for the grunt work of assembling, sealing and packing the rice bags. Five-person teams added ingredients to the bags and the runners took them to the weigh stations

where additional rice was added if needed to reach the proper weight of 379 to 384 grams.

After sealing, the middlemen would take the rice to the next station where another team would lay 36 bags on a template to prepare for packing in boxes. The heavy lifters would place the boxes on the cart and wheel them out to two 26’ box trucks waiting to be filled. It was a calculated and efficient assembly line that would have made Henry Ford proud. It may sound simple but with 50 lb bags of rice, an average of 26,000 meals required per shift, and specific weight requirements for each bag, it was definitely a challenge.

Each shift started out awkwardly as everyone was waiting on the meal assembly teams to get started. But minutes later when the bags started coming out, everything just fell into place. Volunteers from 5


One Day. One Goal. One World. to 95 worked together with their families, friends and total strangers to create the synergy needed to focus on the big picture and get the job done. “It was amazing that everybody put aside their typical Saturday activities and changed their focus to give back,” said Baumann.

The excitement was intoxicating as the coordinators from Stop Hunger Now would bang the gong every 3,000 meals. The music played up tempo tunes, and people packed faster, danced to the beat, and smiled from the inside out. Some were lucky enough to look up and get a glimpse of the cart full of boxes being hauled out to the truck when the realization struck them that the efforts of one person as a small part in a huge operation could really make a difference. Everyone there knew that someday, somewhere, there would be a person on the other side of the world thanking God for that meal.

What a motivation to have. What a goal to reach. The community effort and giving spirit behind this successful event was able to exceed the original goal of 100,000 and create 134,898 meals to be shipped to another country to save someone’s life. Pretty amazing for a typical Saturday in the South Hills.

For more information on how you can support Stop Hunger Now, go to www.stophungernow.org. Information on church services, activities, and outreach programs can be obtained by going to www.christumc.net or www. westminster-church.org.


any people think of health and wellness as just diet and exercise. While those are two key components, there are many more factors that affect

an individual’s overall vitality. Other areas of focus include dental and vision; specialties such as podiatry and audiology; preventative measures such as chiropractic visits and acupuncture/massage. Even feel-good procedures such as hair replacement and cosmetic surgery can boost a person’s demeanor and self-confidence. With all of these areas of wellness to consider, it can be a daunting task to pay for the treatments and procedures that enhance the quality of our lives. So how do we decide what to spend our health-care dollars on? Which procedures are the most effective and beneficial? The following is a review of what to consider when choosing a healthier lifestyle.

• Fitness •Exercise is the one thing most doctors stress when the subject of health and wellness is broached. Certainly there are other factors such as genetics, eating, smoking, drinking and medication that can play a significant role, but exercise is at the core of health and wellness. So what is the best way to stay fit?

There is no perfect answer as it is different for each individual’s needs and desires. There are many ways an

individual can exercise on their own such as walking, running, biking, hiking, at-home workout DVDs or weight training, just to name a few. Many Americans join gyms to help them stay fit. There are advantages to having a gym membership which include a wide array of equipment, fellow members to help motivate you, professional trainers and a monthly monetary obligation that can help you stay

committed to your fitness goals.

Unfortunately, gym memberships are not covered by health insurance, so it is up to the individual to not only foot the bill but to select one that best suits our needs. Most gyms have monthly payments, but some also have yearly or bi-yearly options as well. Depending on the facility and the region you live in, the average gym membership can vary from $10 a month to $100 a month. While gyms, fitness programs and personal trainers can be an excellent way to achieve cardiovascular health, just remember they are not the only way. If money is tight there are plenty of free alternatives that may work just as well for you.

• Acupuncture and Massage •If you’ve ever been treated to a massage, you probably don’t need a list of advantages to persuade you to have one on a regular basis. Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and feet. There are over 80 different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. Massage is usually only covered by insurance in very special circumstances, so be prepared to pay out of pocket for these services.According to www.mayoclinic.com, acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as qi or chi, (pronounced CHEE), believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears

By Matt Fascetti

M


to boost the activity of your body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow. Reasons for having an acupuncture procedure include chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, fibromyalgia, headaches, labor pain, low back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and tennis elbow. As with massage, acupuncture is generally not covered by insurance.

• Chiropractic Care •According to www.chiropractor.com, chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems

from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. The field of Chiropractic

is considered holistic, improving people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system.

Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones, digestion and cardiovascular. Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems, but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions

better.A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist

disease and ill health. Chiropractic restores the body’s nervous system, thereby increasing its resistance to illnesses.

Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system by locating subluxations or misaligned vertebrae and adjusting them. There is one issue that will arise with chiropractic care…visits are sometimes not covered by insurance. Although suggested by many health care practitioners, including primary care physicians, some insurance companies still consider chiropractors luxury visits in some instances. One session with a chiropractor can cost anywhere from $35-$100 depending on the region you live in, with additional fees for more completed procedures. When it comes to chiropractic care, one must decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.

• Dental Work •Dental care is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Many people incorrectly believe that dental care is important for aesthetic reasons only, but this is far from the case. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a link between poor oral health and conditions such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, although researchers are not sure of the role that oral health plays in causing heart problems. Recent studies have also shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk for delivering a preterm infant than those who are periodontally healthy. There may also be a link between oral health and diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain immune disorders. Whether you have a cracked tooth, a cavity, braces, dental implants or are needing a simple whitening or cleaning, dental care is a priority for most people. Because the costs of dental care keep increasing, some are choosing to cut out dentist visits all together. This is not recommended. However, if carrying dental insurance is not an option, then an individual should still stick to routine check-ups. According to ehow.com, the national average cost for a regular cleaning can range anywhere from $50-130 depending on the region in which you live. Skipping these checkups and cleanings can lead to more serious issues down the road that can cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, as is the case with most health-related issues, prevention is the key. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss after every meal and you drastically increase your odds of having great oral health.

Our Health & Wellness Partners

Tom Coates, a graduate of Pittsburgh Technical Institute in 2011, has apassion for not only making people feel better through massage therapy butalso through laughter. Whether it is your first massage or your twentieth,your experience with Tom will be unique as he puts everyone completely atease and leaves them feeling amazing.

Tom CoatesJennings Chiropractic

412.283.1060

The Physical Therapy Institute (PTI) is an independent out-patient physical therapy provider that serves Canonsburg, Washington, Houston, and Peters Township. We provide services for athletic injuries, work injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, auto accidents, balance and dizziness problems, and specialize in the lower extremity, including foot and ankle disorders. PTI also offers the latest computerized equipment for muscle testing and balance disorders.

The Physical Therapy Group

724.655.4778www.pt-institute.com

At Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh we treat our patients like family in a compassionate environment while using the most advanced technology available. We offer all phases of emergency, cosmetic, restorative and general dentistry, including Six Month Smiles® cosmetic braces, Botox, and Juvederm. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who are apprehensive about receiving the dental care they need to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh

412.854.2310

At Pediatric Alliance-St. Clair, we know children. It’s all we do! We believe that infants, children and adolescents are different from adults and require a physi-cian with training specific to their needs. We provide that special level of care and expertise for your children from birth through age 21. All of our five physicians are board certified in pediatrics and are on staff at Children’s and St. Clair Hospitals.

Pediatric Alliance 412.221.2121

www.PediatricAlliance.com


• Vision Care •Many of us take our vision for granted. But we would certainly be completely lost without it, so it is essential we take good care of our eyes with regular exams and wearing glasses or contacts, if needed.According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults need some sort of vision correction. Although drugstores sell non-prescription glasses for reading; which means anyone can buy them without seeing their eye doctor for an exam, there is no substitute for a professional vision exam by an eye doctor, with a customized prescription for glasses or corrective lenses. Approximately 30% of the American population is near-sighted and must use glasses for activities such as driving and schoolwork. About 60% of Americans are far-sighted meaning that they have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance. The majority of young people who wear glasses are near-sighted. As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for far-sightedness. About 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they get older. The recommendations for the frequency of vision exams varies somewhat, but generally individuals are advised to have an eye exam, somewhere between one to four years, depending upon their age group.

• Podiatry •Podiatry is the specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the foot. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most people log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can ensure that your feet are up to the task. With proper detection and intervention, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented.Many people are unaware of the many issues that can affect feet. Arthritis, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, common injuries (sprains, strains and fractures), Haglund’s deformity (bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone), heel pain and tendinitis can all create mobility problems for individuals.

There are various skin disorders including athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, psoriasis, skin cancer of the feet, as well as toe joint and

nerve disorders such as bunions, hammer toes and neuromas to consider. Individuals may also suffer

from ingrown toenails.Some basic but effective foot care tips include washing your feet daily, making sure to rinse off all soap and water especially between the toes and

trimming nails straight across and not overly short to avoid cutting or digging at corners. Over the counter

medications are not recommended for removing corns or calluses. A qualified podiatrist should be consulted for treatment and removal. Wear clean socks or stockings changed daily and make sure that they are not too tight. Always wear properly fitting shoes. If you do suffer a foot ailment, there are various ways to treat them. Prescription, custom orthotics, which are specially-made devices, are designed to support and comfort your feet and may correct the problem. For more severe issues, surgery may be needed in cases when pain or deformity persists.

Health & Wellness

Our Health & Wellness Partners

The Bill Flinn Agency in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, started with The ERIE Insurance Group in 1972. Launched from scratch, the $5 million agency now serves 5,500 Policyholders. Now in its second generation, agency principal Jason Flinn continues the philosophy that “service is what we sell”Bill Flinn Agency

412.833.5351www.billflinnagency.com

The Academy Of Podiatry, with offices in Bethel Park, McKeesport and Banksville, provides complete foot and ankle care. Since 1997, our friendly and knowledgeable staff offer the best treatment options possible. Dr John Snyder D.P.M. and Dr. Jason Hughes D.P.M. are highly skilled professionals with extensive backgrounds in education, memberships and hospital privileges.All procedures are performed at our state-of-the-art medical facilities, and we offer conservative and surgical treatments.

Academy of Podiatry412.831.1515


Health & Wellness


Health & Wellness• Audiology •

Audiology is the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. It is an important component to health and wellness, yet it tends to be ignored unless there is a noticeable problem. Individuals should get their hearing checked yearly to ensure that

everything is as it should be.An audiologist, commonly called an ear doctor,

prescribes and fits hearing aids, assists in cochlear implant programs, performs ear or hearing related surgical monitoring, designs hearing conservation programs and provides newborn screening programs to test hearing levels. Audiologists may also provide

hearing rehabilitation such as auditory training, speech reading and listening skills improvement.

What many people don’t realize is that almost all types of hearing loss are treatable by an audiologist. No one should

ever feel there is no hope with hearing loss. Some hearing related problems include occupational; earwax blockage; hearing loss related to aging; acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor on the hearing nerve; Meniere’s disease, a serious tumor on the nerve ending; ringing in the ears; and fluid on the ear. Most hearing-related procedures and tests will be covered by most insurance companies.

• Family Medicine •According to the American Academy of Family Medicine (AAFP), family practice is health care for the individual and family that integrates the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes and every organ system of the body. Common services provided in family medicine include bone density screenings, EKGs, hospital care, immunizations and flu shots, lab services, minor surgery (warts, lesions, stitches), newborn health, gynecology and obstetrics, school and sports physicals and preventative visits.Family Medicine physicians work closely with patients to prevent disease and offer them a long and healthy life. Healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight control are often points that are stressed to all members of the family. For those with a personal history of chronic disease, specific measures are taken to ensure that they are being monitored and that their disease is being managed effectively. This is usually achieved with regular health maintenance exams and by keeping up with what is going on in their lives. The main focus and advantage of family medicine is the very personal and intimate care that is normally received. The attending physician almost becomes a member of the family.Another particular benefit of family medicine is that it concentrates on education as well. Everyone in the family should understand what good healthy living is and all the ins and outs of how to achieve health goals. This is done with open discussions with your physician.

• Pediatrics •Arguably, pediatric medicine is one of the most important areas of medical practice because it deals with our children. This branch of medicine deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. The ages treated usually range from birth to 18 years. According to www.news-medical.net, pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many aspects. The obvious body size differences are paralleled by maturational changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance and developmental issues are areas of greater concern for pediatricians. Treating a child is not like treating a miniature adult. A major difference between pediatrics and adult medicine is that children are minors and in most jurisdictions, and cannot make decisions for themselves. The issues of guardianship, privacy, legal responsibility and informed consent must always be considered in every pediatric procedure. In a sense, pediatricians often have to treat the parents and sometimes, the family, rather than just the child. Adolescents are in their own legal class, having rights to their own health care decisions in certain circumstances.Pediatrics is a fairly new practice, only becoming a specialty in the mid-19th century. Today it is one of the biggest medical specialties in the United States, mainly because individuals tend to care more for their children than they do themselves and are therefore more likely to seek regular and consistent medical care for their children.According to www.plasticsurgery.org, hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging,


What’s up withWhooping Cough?

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. McGarrity. Dr. McGarrity grew up in Webster, NY. She attended University of Notre Dame for her undergraduate degree in Biology, and then attended SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse for medical school. Dr. McGarrity did her pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and has been practicing general pediatrics for 20 years at Pediatric Alliance, St. Clair division. She resides in Upper St. Clair with her 3 children.

ertussis, also known as whooping cough, has made a comeback recently, both nationally and in our

communities. Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, and is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Pertussis is spread by person to person contact, usually by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others.

Pertussis begins with mild symptoms similar to the common cold, and fever is absent or minimal. The disease can progress to spasms of violent coughing which can often make it difficult to breathe. The name “whooping cough” comes from the sound a person can make after a coughing spell, leaving them gasping for air. These spasms of cough can be followed by vomiting, as well. Coughing due to pertussis usually lasts 1 to 6 weeks, but can persist for 10 weeks or longer.

Once a child or adult is diagnosed with pertussis, he or she should be placed on antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment can reduce the chance of spreading the disease to others, but usually does not reduce the duration of illness in someone who is diagnosed with pertussis. Close contacts and household members of a person who tests positive for pertussis should be treated with antibiotics as well. The drug of choice is azithromycin. Children who have tested positive for pertussis should remain out of childcare or school until they have completed five days of antibiotics. Similarly, if an adult tests positive, he/she should remain out of work for five days while taking the antibiotic.

Pertussis can be most severe for infants less than one year of age, who often do not cough but, instead, may have life-threatening pauses in their breathing, or “apneic” episodes. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than half of infants younger than 1 year of age must be hospitalized, and 1-2% of these hospitalized infants die from respiratory complications due to pertussis.

The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis) should be given to all children at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age for a total of five doses. A booster dose, or Tdap, is given at age 11-12. The Tdap vaccine should also be given to pregnant women in their late 2nd or 3rd trimester, and adolescents or adults who did not received one previously. Since infants cannot begin their vaccinations for pertussis until 2 months of age, it is essential that parents, grandparents and caregivers update their own vaccines. The Tdap vaccine can be given no matter when the last tetanus shot was given.

The CDC estimates that children who are not vaccinated are at 8 times higher risk for contracting the disease. Even vaccinated children and adults can contract the disease, as immunity can wane over time. However, vaccinated individuals who do develop pertussis tend to have a milder course.

No one knows for sure why there has been an increase in pertussis recently. Other than waning immunity, some reasons given for the recent increase in pertussis cases include: more bacteria circulating, better diagnostic tests, increased community awareness, and improved reporting.

As we head into another long winter in the Pittsburgh area, let’s try to have less whooping cough. If you suspect you or your child might have pertussis, contact your physician. Please make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Parents of very young infants may want to avoid having their infant in contact with a person who is coughing. Parents, grandparents and adolescents should get their Tdap vaccine as soon as possible, either at their primary care physician, or at a local pharmacy. Through all of these methods, we hopefully will start seeing less whooping cough in our community.

P

www.PediatricAlliance.com

“Exceptional Care for Your Children, St. Clair Division


Health & Wellness• Geriatrics •

Geriatric medicine is quite unique because it usually deals with health issues related to age such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and more. Despite these challenges, geriatric wellness is better than it has ever been before. People are living longer and taking better care of themselves.Retirement goals for the senior citizen of today differ widely from the objectives of retirees in years past. Today’s senior has a desire to not only stay healthy and prevent disease, they are passionate about living an active lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to increase longevity and quality of life.According to livestrong.com, the five categories of fitness include aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility. For the geriatric exercise participant, balance also plays a huge role in the development of their wellness program. For example, working on strength and balance to prevent falls is important, but in reality, a trip, slip or fall will eventually happen. Exercises that build bone density and joint integrity along with flexibility are important to prevent fractures and other injuries.The American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for men and women 65 and older includes cardiovascular exercise at a moderate pace for 30 minutes, five days a week to improve aerobic fitness. It is also recommended that older adults engage in strength training two days per week. The focus should be on large muscle group exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as standing, reaching overhead and pulling. It is also suggested that flexibility exercises be added at least two days per week. One should also utilize balance exercises to create a well-rounded program that focuses on both performance and prevention.

• Hair Restoration •It is no secret, we live in a society where looks are important to many people. So naturally,

hair replacement has become more and more popular.According to www.plasticsurgery.org, hair loss is primarily caused by a combination of aging, a change in hormones, and a family history of baldness. As a rule, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become. Hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a

reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance.Baldness is often blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff,

and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved. Hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but the results are not always what you envisioned. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. It’s important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair.Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken. Transplant techniques, such as punch grafts, mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts and strip grafts are generally performed on patients who desire a more modest change in hair fullness. Flaps, tissue-expansion and scalp-reduction are procedures that are usually more appropriate for patients who desire a more dramatic change.Remember, there are limits to what can be accomplished. An individual with very little hair might not be advised to undergo hair replacement surgery.

• Cosmetic Surgery •Cosmetic surgery is a very popular procedure in the United States these days. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Americans spent a staggering $10.7 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2010.According to www.cosmeticsurgery.com, the most popular cosmetic procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, BOTOX®, eyelid surgery, thermage, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and buttocks implants.While cosmetic surgery is generally a safe procedure, when it does go bad results can be disastrous. The key is to research your doctor thoroughly, making sure they have extensive experience and many references from satisfied patients.Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery, so it is a rather expensive, completely out of pocket expense. For example, a liposuction can cost around $10,000. The only kind of cosmetic surgery that is generally covered by insurance are those that may interfere with someone’s overall health and wellness.Good health is not just a linear concept of adhering to a rigid routine for everyone. Each individual is different and their personality, lifestyle and priorities must be taken into account.



hen people hear that someone is getting braces, immediatelyimages of “metal mouth” come to mind. This treatment ismost commonly associated with teenagers and at one time

may have led to embarrassment and insecurity. However, todaybraces are so widely accepted during the school-age years thatchildren are sometimes eager to begin orthodontic treatment. It isrefreshing to see this shift in acceptance among teenagers.

What about the adults who have crooked, crowded, uneven, orspaced smiles? There are adults who may have missed theopportunity to straighten their teeth when they were younger andare now looking at their options. The workplace can be asunforgiving as high schools once were. However, this shouldn’tlimit adults from the opportunity to have a straighter, moreattractive smile. There are currently a few options for adults tohave their teeth straightened.

The traditional method of metal braces and wires over atreatment time of a couple years is still a great option for a

straighter smile. For some patients’ teeth this may be the only realoption. Many people do, however, fall into a category that canbenefit from Invisalign or “Short Term Orthodontics.” Almosteveryone has heard of Invisalign, and it is a great treatment optionfor patients with mild crowding and moderate spacing. However,there are limitations in tooth movement for more severe cases.Short Term Orthodontics can provide an alternative to traditionalbraces and Invisalign. All three options have their benefits andlimitations that should be explored before making a decision.

6 Month Smiles is a cosmetic short-term orthodontic optionthat uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The averagetreatment time is six months. The technique works by focusingtreatment on the patient’s primary concern. The faster treatmenttimes are accomplished by treating only the teeth you see whenyou smile, not by increasing the forces on the teeth. 6 MonthSmiles does not make major changes to the alignment of the backteeth as traditional braces can. Fortunately, most adults’ primarycosmetic concerns do not involve the back teeth. The treatmentcomfort is comparable to traditional braces. With 6 Month Smiles,your smile can be straighter and more symmetrical in 5 -8 months.Whitening is also included with treatment. Another benefit of 6Month Smiles is that it is typically a more economical choice dueto shorter treatment times and lower cost.

6 Month Smiles is not a replacement for traditional braces, butrather an alternative that can provide a more symmetrical andpleasing smile for adults who are not interested in the time, costs,or cosmetics of traditional braces. Children are still best treated bytraditional comprehensive orthodontics, but it is nice for adults to have one more option for a straighter smile. Dr. Rairigh is acertified Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles provider. Learn more atPittsburghIsSmiling.com or 6MonthSmiles.com.

Wa f t e r

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Daniel Rairigh. Dr. Daniel Rairigh practices at Advanced Dental Solutions of

Pittsburgh on Fort Couch Road. He received his degree from WestVirginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Rairigh is a member of theAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of GeneralDentistry. He is a certified Invisalign provider and is certified in MDIplacement. Dr. Rairigh is also an accomplished artist who has wonnumerous awards for his artwork. You can learn more about Dr.Rairigh or send him an email if you have article suggestions atwww.pittsburghissmiling.com.

Straighter Teeth in Six Months

before

InBBW-Summer2012_09McKeesport_winter 10/18/12 9:44 AM Page 68


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Winter 2012-13

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 What You Can Do to Beat the Flu

3 Absent From Pain

4 Butt Out: New Reasons to Quit Smoking

Brittle Bones

5 Shedding More Than Pounds

6 Growing Up With Heart Disease

7 Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down

Stay Well This WinterSome people seem to sail through winter without a sniffle or a grumble. These simple steps may help you do the same: Spend some time in the fresh air, de-stress your holiday planning, wash your hands often, get plenty of sleep, and get a flu shot.


2 UPMC.com/Today

Each year, millions of Americans get the flu. Some recover easily. Others — especially older people, young children, and those with serious health problems — are more vulnerable.

“The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications,” says Mohamed Yassin, MD, chief of infectious diseases at UPMC Mercy. “More importantly, the flu can be deadly.”

Here’s how you can help zap the flu bug this season:

Get a shot, not the flu

“Getting a flu shot is an effective, easy, and inexpensive way to protect yourself and others,” says Kathy McElheny, employee health coordinator at UPMC Mercy.

“The flu vaccine is safe, and it can’t cause the flu,” adds Dr. Yassin. “In fact, it’s one of the biggest lifesavers in terms of infectious diseases.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over 6 months of age get a flu shot. People at higher risk of complications because of age or poor health, health care workers, and anyone who lives with or cares for older adults or young children should definitely be vaccinated.

Since it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, health professionals recommend getting the vaccine now.

Keep your germs to yourself

“Because the flu is so contagious, it can spread quickly when people are in close quarters — in the classroom, office, gym, an airplane, or the grocery store,” says Ms. McElheny.

Good behavior can help limit its spread. For example, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then trash that tissue. No tissue? Use your inner elbow instead of your hands.

A flu virus can live up to several hours on hard surfaces, such as desks, doorknobs, tables, and keyboards. “Good hand hygiene is key to controlling the spread of the flu, so wash your hands often,” says Juliet Ferrelli, infection control coordinator at UPMC Mercy. Using soap and water, rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

And remember to keep your hands away from your face. “People touch their faces more than 3,000 times a day, giving flu germs plenty of chances to get into the body, ” says Ms. Ferrelli.

Mind your manners

Being around others when you’re sick with the flu is just bad manners. A recent survey of 1,000 flu sufferers by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases showed that nearly two-thirds admitted to going about their daily activities — going to work, taking a business trip, having dinner with family or friends, even visiting an ailing parent or grandparent — while they were sick.

“There’s too much harm that can come from the flu,” says Dr. Yassin. “We all have to be responsible for controlling its spread.” So when you’re sick, just stay at home. Your family, friends, and co-workers will thank you.

What to do if you get sick

If you’re in good health otherwise, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. If your symptoms are unusually severe or you have trouble breathing, call your doctor immediately.

If you’re over age 65, have chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, or have a sick child under the age of 2, see your doctor as soon as flu symptoms appear.

Time to roll up your sleeve

It may be difficult to predict exactly when flu season will arrive or how severe it will be, but finding a place to get a flu shot is easy.

In addition to your doctor’s office, flu shots are available at the UPMC Mercy South Side Walk-in Primary Care Clinic without an appointment. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 412-488-5705.

What You Can Do to Beat the FluJust because you’re healthy now doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu. Take precautions to protect yourself and others.


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Anesthesia makes possible some of modern medicine’s greatest miracles. Can you imagine undergoing surgery without it?

The father of Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes is generally credited with bringing the term into popular use in 1846, though references to anesthesia can be traced back to 1741. The term is based on a Greek word meaning “lack of sensation.”

“Anesthesiology uses medicine to eliminate your ability to feel pain or other sensations,” explains John Williams, MD, the Peter and Eva Safar Professor and chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Anesthesiology. “Your anesthesiol-ogist partners with your surgeon to manage your vital functions before, during, and after surgery. Everything from breathing, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood clotting, and fluid loss is consistently monitored.”

A team of professionals

Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete four years of residency after finishing medical school. Their extensive preparation includes training in cardiology, critical care medicine,

internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. Many also pursue subspecialty training in such areas as pain medicine, and pediatric, cardiothoracic, or obstetric anesthesia.

In today’s complex surgical suites, anesthesiologists lead an entire team of skilled professionals, which can include a certified registered nurse anesthetist, resident physician, student nurse anesthetist, and anesthetist assistant. “It’s a true team effort, with each member playing a distinct role in delivering patient care,” says Dr. Williams.

Anesthesia’s role in health care extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists offer pain management in a variety of settings, enhancing the daily lives of patients with chronic diseases or complex medical conditions.

Getting to know you

For minor operations, you’ll typically meet your anesthesiologist at the hospital, shortly before surgery. For major surgeries, you will be asked to participate in a pre-surgery consultation. “With patients who live at a distance, we’re now using telemedicine to conduct pre-op visits,” says Dr. Williams. “It allows us to get to know you, address your questions and concerns, review options, and determine if any additional tests or consultations are needed.”

What to tell your anesthesiologist

Prior to surgery, you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself. “Be candid and comprehensive. What you share will be held in strict confidence,” advises Dr. Williams.

Be sure to include the following: • Previous reactions you or other family members have had to anesthesia • Any food, medicine, or latex allergies you have • Prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you take • Your use of alcohol or recreational drugs

Absent From PainMost of us think of anesthesiology as the medical specialty that “puts you to sleep,” but it’s really all about pain relief.

Did You Know?There are four basic categories of anesthesia:

Local: Numbs a small, specific part of your body

Regional: Numbs a larger area of your body, usually below the waist

Twilight: Sedates and provides pain relief

General: Renders you unconscious


4 UPMC.com/Today

Butt Out Despite dire health warnings, one out of five Americans still smokes. If you’re one of them, here are some new reasons to crush that butt.Before you light up your next cigarette, consider this: With every puff, you’re inhaling more than 7,000 chemicals.

Hundreds of them are poisonous, and about 70 can cause cancer. And no organ or tissue in the body is immune to this toxic cloud.

Most people know that cancer, heart disease, and lung disease are major health threats caused by smoking. But are you aware that smoking increases your risk of getting diabetes by 44 percent?

That’s just one of the not-so-obvious reasons to put that butt out. Here are five more.

1. See the difference. If you smoke, your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, doubles. Smokers also have double the risk of developing cataracts.

2. Heal better. Smoking weakens the body’s ability to heal from surgery, disease, broken bones, and even minor back strains.

3. Now hear this. Smokers are more likely to develop hearing loss. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts former smokers and nonsmokers at risk.

4. Stand tall. Smoking weakens bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in men and women.

5. Keep your head. If your mind is cloudy, smoking may be the culprit. It’s been linked to memory problems and poor reasoning skills in middle-aged smokers.

You’re not just hurting yourself

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that secondhand smoke kills about 50,000 people every year and sickens many more. Children who live with a smoker are especially susceptible to lung and breathing problems, and they run an increased risk of hearing loss as adolescents.

If you’re among the eight out of 10 smokers who want to quit, talk to your primary care doctor. To locate a doctor in your area, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call toll-free 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Journal of the American Medical Association.

Brittle Bones Osteoporosis is quickly becoming a national health care concern.It’s estimated that 10 million Americans now have osteoporosis and 34 million are at risk. Whether you’re young or old, male or female, chances are good that you — or someone you love — will be affected by the disease.

“In osteoporosis, your bones become thin and brittle, putting you at increased risk of a bone fracture,” says Susan Greenspan, MD, UPMC’s director of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. “In advanced stages, simple acts like lifting a baby or sneezing can lead to a fracture.”

Here are four facts everyone should know about osteoporosis:

1. Osteoporosis can appear at any age. But after the age of 50, one out of every two women — and one out of every four men — may experience a fracture due to the disease. These breaks occur most often in the hip, wrist, and spine.

2. Osteoporosis is silent. It’s often diagnosed only after a fracture. Menopause, family and medical history, physical build, and your lifestyle and diet can increase your odds of the disease.

3. You can take proactive steps at any age to promote bone health. These include: eating foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cottage cheese, and calcium-enriched juices; exercising (weight-bearing exercise like walking); stopping smoking; and limiting alcohol use. If needed, consider taking a calcium supplement and vitamin D daily.

4. The good news is early detection is easy. If you’re 65 years of age or older, Dr. Greenspan recommends talking to your doctor about your risks. A simple bone mineral density test can assess your bone health.

To learn more about osteoporosis, talk to your primary care provider, or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website at nof.org.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan


1-800-533-UPMC 5

It’s well known that bariatric surgery can produce impressive weight loss. But there’s increasing evidence that it offers other health benefits, too. For example, a recent Swedish study showed weight-loss surgery can prevent diabetes among individuals who struggle with obesity.

That news came as no surprise to Anita Courcoulas, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s another study demonstrating the lasting impact of bariatric surgery on health improvement,” says Dr. Courcoulas. “The changes are real and durable.”

A life-altering surgery

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 72 million Americans are considered obese and nearly 200,000 undergo bariatric surgery annually.

UPMC is a leader nationally in bariatric surgery and in the number of bariatric procedures performed annually.

Dr. Courcoulas says bariatric surgery (including gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric sleeve) can help reverse a variety of serious obesity-related health conditions, such as:

• Diabetes • High blood pressure • Sleep apnea • Heart disease • High cholesterol

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

Current national guidelines recommend bariatric surgery for patients who are 80 to 100 pounds overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI of 35 or more for those with one or more significant obesity-related health conditions.

Those guidelines may change, though. For example, at UPMC — one of the most highly funded centers of bariatric research in the country — Dr. Courcoulas is heading a study examining the impact of bariatric surgery on diabetic patients with lower BMIs (30–35).

She predicts more and more patients will seek out bariatric surgery for health reasons — not just weight reasons. “We’re just beginning to understand its full potential,” she says.

Shedding More Than PoundsBariatric surgery helps free patients from a range of life-threatening health problems.

Bariatric Surgery Centers at UPMCEach of UPMC’s four bariatric surgery centers has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Our multidisciplinary approach to weight loss through both surgery and lifestyle changes is available at:

UPMC Hamot: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, and gastric sleeve. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Amjad Ali, MD, or Rodolfo Arreola, MD, call 814-877-6997.

UPMC Horizon: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Myers, MD, call 724-588-6660.

UPMC St. Margaret: Pittsburgh Bariatrics offers gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, and revisional surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Joseph Colella, MD, or LeeAnn Peluso, MD, call 412-784-5900.

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC: Offers gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve, revisional surgery, and clinical trials. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Anita Courcoulas, MD, director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; George Eid, MD; Giselle Hamad, MD; Carol McCloskey, MD; or Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, call 412-641-3632.

Each center offers free monthly information sessions. To learn more about bariatric surgery, or to find out if you’re a candidate, visit UPMC.com/bariatricsurgery.

UPMC Today_Mercy_Winter_2012_Final_2.indd 5 10/16/12 6:16 PM

6 UPMC.com/Today

Alexis Laney was only 14 months old when she underwent open heart surgery in Cleveland to repair a faulty valve. She had annual checkups until age 17, when her pediatric cardiologist referred her to an adult cardiologist. She scheduled sporadic checkups, but stopped going after giving birth to a son in 2005. “I felt fine,” says Alexis.

Now 27, the young wife and mother finally gave in to her family’s urging last year and saw a cardiologist near her home in Youngstown, Ohio. Although her EKG and echocardiogram were normal, he urged Alexis to see a specialist at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, saying, “I don’t know what to look for, but they will.”

Tests conducted by Stephen Cook, MD, director of the ACHD Center, found scar tissue blocking blood flow to her aorta — a serious condition putting her at risk of sudden death. “I was shocked. I could have collapsed and died,” Alexis says.

Lifelong expert care

Alexis is part of a growing population of adults born with heart defects who had lifesaving heart surgery as newborns and children. Thanks to advances in medicine and improved surgical techniques, “the number of adults with congenital heart diseases has outgrown the number of pediatric congenital heart disease patients,” says Dr. Cook.

The ACHD Center — a joint program of Children’s Hospital and UPMC Presbyterian — provides specialized transition support and care for patients with congenital heart disease.

“Despite surgery, patients can experience complications as adults, including arrhythmias, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Our care and follow-up enables these young people — now in their prime — to lead long, productive lives,” Dr. Cook says.

A healthy outlook

Before her diagnosis, Alexis thought she was in great shape; she had lost 100 pounds, was running daily, and had completed a two-mile race. But her conditioning actually helped disguise her declining health. After undergoing surgery at Children’s last April to restore blood flow, she now realizes how much better she feels. This summer, she ran the race again.

“Last year, I was better conditioned, but I couldn’t breathe after the race. This year, I felt fantastic,” Alexis says. “I’m glad I went to Children’s. I’m more confident about exercising now. I know my heart can take it.”

Growing Up With Heart DiseaseChildren’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is responding to the special challenges facing adults born with congenital heart disease.

ACHD Center Fast FactsA single childhood surgery is seldom a permanent cure for patients born with a heart defect. The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center provides lifelong care and follow-up for patients with congenital heart disease who are:

• Ages 18 and up with conditions ranging from simple to severe

• Women of childbearing age needing pregnancy counseling or contraception

• Adolescents (13 to 17) who receive guidance, support, and care during their transition to adulthood

For more information, contact the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at 412-692-5540 or email [email protected].


1-800-533-UPMC 7

When the days get shorter and temperatures plunge, many people go into “hibernation mode” — staying inside, curling up in front of the TV, and cutting back on exercise. But packing away those summer sneakers can cause you to pack on the pounds and lose stamina, strength, and flexibility.

“No matter what your age, the best thing you can do to main-tain your health is to keep moving during those long winter months,” says Mitchell Rothenberg, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy. “You’ll feel better and be in better shape for spring and summer sports and outdoor activities.”

“Weekend warriors who winter on the couch then head to the golf course, tennis court, or playing field in the spring are at risk of injury, including sprained ankles, shin splints, tennis elbow, and foot pain,” adds Lisa Blackrick, MD, also an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC Mercy. People who hibernate can quickly lose muscle tone, balance, and strength, which can increase their chance of falling and breaking a bone, she adds.

“You have to use it, or lose it. Staying active throughout winter helps you stay in shape and avoid injury and weight gain,” says Dr. Rothenberg.

Drs. Rothenberg and Blackrick agree that fitting in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days can provide health benefits. If you have trouble finding time in your busy schedule, try breaking your exercise time into three 10-minute segments throughout the day. Here are a few more of their tips for keeping up with winter workouts:

Turn it on

Fitness videos and programs on TV and online can help you improve strength and flexibility. Or try doing crunches, arm curls, or leg lifts while watching your favorite show.

Play it safe

Walking is the easiest and least expensive way to stay active. If you can’t fit in a brisk walk outdoors or in the mall, try adding these extra steps throughout your day:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator • Park a healthy walk away from your office building or grocery store • Use part of your lunch hour to walk through your building or up and down the stairs • Get out of your car instead of using the drive-thru at the bank, pharmacy, or coffee shop

Shake it

Use household tasks such as vacuuming or dusting as opportunities to move vigorously. Put on music and put some muscle into mopping your floors. By picking up the pace and maintaining intensity, you can clean your house and get a workout.

Dress right

If you do exercise outdoors, be sure to take steps to keep your workout safe and enjoyable. Dress in layers; keep your head; hands, and feet warm; stay hydrated; wear reflective gear; and be cautious on ice or slippery surfaces.

Get moving

Although moderate physical activity is safe for most people, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Drs. Rothenberg and Blackrick see patients at UPMC West Mifflin, located at 1907 Lebanon Church Road (near Century Square Mall).

Dr. Rothenberg earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He completed an internship in general surgery and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Maryland Hospital and a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Blackrick earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at UPMC and a fellowship in traumatology at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rothenberg or Dr. Blackrick, call 412-687-3900.

Don’t Let Winter Slow You DownStaying active during winter can be easier — and more beneficial — than you think.


UPMC Mercy1400 Locust St.Pittsburgh, PA 15219

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC.

This publication is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment.Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

Holidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC Mercy physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases even offer same-day appointments.

Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/Patient Careand we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’tmatter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.

take time to take care of you

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

1261_UPMC_NB.Mercy.indd 1 9/28/12 12:58 PM


Announcements

A “Holiday Craft Fair” is taking place on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park (across from Village Square Mall). Sixty-two crafters will be on hand with many one-of-a kind items! Dried and silk florals, ceramics, embroidery, clothing, jewelry, and much more will be available to the public from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. A bake sale, silent auction, lunch and refreshments all add to the day and there is free admission for everyone! Proceeds benefit Prime Time Adult Care, a non-profit organization offering medical supervision and physical and mental stimulation of the frail elderly or those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Holiday Craft Fair

The DeMarillac Guild’s “Joy of Christmas” Craft Show will be held at St. Louise de Marillac School and Parish Center on Saturday, November 17, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our Craft Show features handmade crafts from 115 different crafters, a candy sale, bake sale, and Chinese Auction. Lunch is also available for purchase in the school cafeteria.

“Joy of Christmas” Craft Show

The John McMillan Presbyterian Church will be hosting its annual Christmas Affair on Saturday, November 3rd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event includes over 55 crafters and features the “JMPC Bakery,” “Gingerbread House,” a “Chinese Auction,” “Kris Kringle Kafe,” and an “Angel Emporium Tree.” Admission is free and all proceeds benefit local and world-wide missions. Don’t miss the Christmas Affair at John McMillan Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park on Saturday, November 3rd. For more information call 412.833.704 or email us at [email protected] or visit us on Facebook at John McMillan Christmas Affair Craft Show.

John McMillan Christmas Affair


Bethel Park Band celebrates Homecoming 2012

Congratulations to Bethel Park, which celebrated homecoming with style! The Bethel Park Blackhawks football team won a resounding game against Canon-McMillan 44-0 to finish off homecoming week.



By Judith Schardt

etty White, a 90 year old actress, once said that “Getting old is not for sissies.” As one’s body ages, the joints become stiffer and less inclined to work with the rest of the body. The skin loses its tautness and doesn’t seem

to fit anymore and sometimes the hearing, vision and memory play tricks on you. The youth fear the old, the middle agers

deny the coming of old age and seniors often feel like the good old days are behind them. However, the

years don’t have to be a depressing, limiting time. In fact it can be a time of acceptance,

freedom, senior discounts and the memory often helps you remember the good and

forget the bad. The elderly can show tremendous grace, resiliency and courage. After all, they had to survive the trials of the Great Depression, a world war and illnesses that wiped out entire families for which we now have vaccinations or cures. Where can a senior go to be accepted, cared about

and where age appropriate fun and stimulation are readily available?

LifeSpan has been assisting adults over the age of 60 and their families since 1973.

It is a non-profit corporation and is funded, in part, by the Allegheny County Agency on

Aging and United Way. It operates 12 Senior Resource Centers, one Satellite Center and

three Community Program Extensions (CPEs). These facilities have a membership of almost 1,300.

In the Bethel Park Community Center, under the direction of site coordinator Barbara Null, is one such Senior Resource Center of LifeSpan. Mrs. Null has been the coordinator for 20 years and said that the center started in a little house years ago on Bethel Church Road. They moved to the Bethel Park Community Center where they now rent space for five days a week, Monday through Friday. She oversees 18 volunteers, the oldest being 92 years old ( Jane Boucher) and numerous programs like crafts, games and helping the attendees obtain ACCESS tickets, bus passes and OPT (Older Person Transportation) tickets. LifeSpan values the important work of volunteers and they are a huge part of the inner workings of LifeSpan and

its centers. Without them, they could not offer the services they do. They also need community support and donations to keep all systems going.

Mrs. Null said her center provides one daily meal (lunch) for a nominal charge of $1.50 and the lunches are catered, healthy and delicious! She said they have exercise and line dancing classes and even bereavement counseling and monthly blood pressure screenings. When you visit the facility and chat with the attendees, you can’t help but feel their enthusiasm for being there. Some play cards, some are reading, some are tallying the lunch money; but they are ALL a family of sorts. They are happy, safe and delighting in each other’s company.

The volunteers help with kitchen duties, manning the front desk and lunch donations. They

Carolyn Dagg made the bear and entered it in Washington County Fair 2012. She is a regular attendee to Bethel’s LifeSpan Center.

Jane Boucher, oldest volunteer (92)


help with organizing their weekly Big Bingo games and various special events and parties. Big Bingo, played on Wednesdays, is when the players get some nice monetary prizes, while the facility also gets some profits for their working budget, which helps supplement the county funds. It is very popular, often seeing 80 in attendance. They also do an annual roast beef or turkey dinner to raise funds.

Like at all Resource Centers, the Bethel Park one provides services that are affordable and innovative. They believe in maintaining seniors’ dignity while enriching their lives. LifeSpan knows the importance of a competent site coordinator and increases the level of excellence through ongoing training and recognition.

There are numerous services offered by LifeSpan. The Care Management staff consists of 28 dedicated professionals. Each is responsible for monitoring approximately 50-60 consumers. Eligibility requirements: the person must be sixty or over, live in Allegheny County, and in need of any of the following services: In-home Bathing/Grooming Assistance, Meal Delivery, Telephone Reassurance (calls made by volunteers to check on the seniors), Senior Companion Program, Caregiver Relief Program, Adult Day Care, Volunteer Escort Opportunities (where volunteers help with getting the senior to and from outings) or the Frozen Meal Program--a unique program involving a meal a day being delivered to the consumer’s home for a small cost that the senior heats up him/herself.

Mrs. Null said the Community Services Program of LifeSpan allows her to offer social and recreational activities at the Bethel Park center, just like those in any of the other eleven senior centers. The one thing she’s very proud of is the 55 ALIVE Class. This is a two day course to enhance driving skills for those 55 and over. Once they pass,

they get a five percent discount on their car insurance for three years. Each November the program

is free for all military veterans and their families. It keeps everyone safer

on the road and gives them an insurance discount--a win/win

situation. The Resource Center in

Bethel Park is known for its fitness classes for older adults. All seniors are invited

to come and experience a fun, personalized fitness class

specifically tailored for older adults. The one hour classes are

designed to maintain and improve function, core strength, balance and flexibility. The Center incorporates cardio and strength training with free weights and bands and the environment is casual and relaxed. The classes are comfortably paced

where everyone progresses at their own individual pace. Beginners are always welcome and the first class is free! They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.

If you are a senior and need anything to make your life easier or you need some recreation, companionship or questions answered and you live in or near the Bethel Park area, please contact Barbara Null at LifeSpan Senior Services at the Community Center. Her number is: 412.831.7111 and her email is: [email protected].

Arthur Rubinstein

Blanket with ribbon won “Best of Show” in Washington County Fair 2012--made by Bethel Community Center LifeSpan attendee, Marlene Hawk.


hoosing the right preschool for a childmay be one of the most complicated

decisions parents have to make. An estimatedfive million children are in preschool programs(children from six weeks to six years old), andthe number is growing. According to theFamilies and Work Institute, children benefitfrom quality programs with a competent facultyand good ratios. They suffer fewer behavioraltroubles, have larger expressive vocabularies,feel close to their teachers, and enjoy morecomplex, less aggressive play with peers.

In his book Me, Myself and I, author Kyle D.Pruett, M.D.(world renowned ChildPsychologist practicing at Yale University)states “Schools can help a great deal by havingchildren listen to both read and told stories,and then discussing their content. Thisencourages a sense of cooperatio n by listeningand playing with others, and rehearsing self-reliance. Quality schools can further assistchildren by allowing them to practice sharingand using their imaginations to learn languagethrough play, songs, and stories.”

When assessing a preschool program,parents should seek schools that encouragelearning through play. Play and imagination arepossibly the most important resources childrenpo ssess. In fact, Dr. Pruett stresses theconnection between play and imagination bysuggesting that “imagination surfaces when a child takes what she has learned through play about how past experiences can besymbolized, and starts to ‘imagine’ things,beyond mere repetition.”

Parent TipsParents can begin to evaluate preschools byasking the following questions:• Do the lead teachers have a 4 year degree

in Education (certified by the PA Department of Education (PA DOE))?

• Is the school accredited? If so, as a school or a daycare?

• Will my child’s curiosity and creativity be encouraged?

• Do the teachers write their own lesson plans?

• Is the school cheerful and bright?• Are all faculty members First Aid/CPR

certified?• Are daily activity reports prepared for

each child?• Is the school licensed by the PA D OE?• Does the school offer parent teacher

conferences?• Are parents welcome to visit at any time?• Is an internal quality assurance program in

place?• Is the school’s environment multi-cultural

and developmentally appropriate?• Is a wellness policy in place?• Are teachers provided ongoing training as

well as other opportunities for professional development?

Preschool CurriculumPreschool classrooms should be arranged toencourage imagination and play in order toenhance your child’s learning experience. Theyshould include easily accessible age-appropriateeducational materials, art supplies, books, andmusical instruments. Children should beencouraged to explore learning centers such as

creative art, math, dramatic play, science,music, and computers; to ask questions; and totake time making friends and socializing.Teachers should provide enriching activitiesand balance each day with quiet activities,spirited music and movement, and plenty ofoutdoor climbing, running, and jumping.

Preschool programs should encourage theirteachers to develop their own lesson plans. Infact, be wary of programs developed by acentralized entity or corporation – theytypically neglect some children’s individualneeds wi thin each classroom. Unique lessonplans allow teachers to consider your child’sdevelopment as well as integrating play andimagination. In other words, in a qualitypreschool program, dinosaurs are not extinctduring “Prehistoric Phrenzy Week.” Rather,your child may learn about the foods thatcarnivores and herbivores eat by sampling‘dinosaur snacks,’ and discussing thedifferences between various din osaur footprintswhile stamping colorful dino-prints on theirclassroom floors.

The most ingenious preschool programsare integrating specialty enrichment resourceprograms, such as a second language, signlanguage, math, science, fitness, and music, intotheir curriculum. This seamless assimilationprovides optimum learning opportunities forchildren in a convenient ‘all-in-one’ package.Choosing the right preschool means your childwill make friends, discover that learning is fun,and feel safe every day.

Choosing YourChild’s Preschool

This Industry Insight waswritten by Bob & Lori Santo.Bob & Lori Santo are theowners of The GoddardSchool®, located at 825 East McMurray Rd. in Peters Township. Goddardoffers both full- and part-timeInfant/Preschool/K programs.For more information, visit www.goddardschools.comor call 724.941.6464.

C

Anti-Gravity Treadmill at Summit Physical Therapy Has Patients Reaching New Heights

InPT.Oct-Nov12_09McKeesport_winter 10/16/12 10:03 AM Page 74



How We Met...

Reid and Dorothy McGibbeny In 1943, I lived in Charleroi and was going to a party in

Monongahela on the “trolley” due to gas rationing. My now husband was attending Cal U – at the time called California State Teacher’s College. He was going home to Baldwin Township for the weekend, as his girlfriend was going away with her parents.

He was on the streetcar when I boarded and I sat a few rows in front of him and on the other side. He got up to ask the conductor when we arrived in Pittsburgh, already knowing the answer as he had taken the trip for years. When Reid came back, he asked if he could sit next to me. I said, “Yes,” to this tall, dark, handsome young man.

We talked and found so many things in common. He asked for my phone number and I gave it to him. In those days, you could speak to strangers and not worry.

I never dated another again after that meeting. Neither did he. When he got home, he told his sisters he had just met the gal he was

going to marry. We just celebrated our 68th wedding anniversary happy and as blessed as ever.

Joan and Paul Gre enaway West View Park and a company picnic was the beginning for us.I was engaged at the time, but was beginning to have doubts. I was

looking forward to a fun day out at the park with my best friend Pat and co-workers.

Pat’s brother, Paul, was home on leave. He was in the Air Force, and she told him to come along. He might meet someone. (As he tells it now; sure, there I am with my sister, a former girl friend and a girl who’s engaged.)

We were standing in front of the “Loop 0 Plane,” a favorite of mine, when he dared anyone of us to ride it with him. Of course I took the dare.

We rode together the entire day and at the end of the evening he said, “If you ever take that ring off, give me a call.”

I did just that, we had one date before his leave was up and that’s all it took.

The park is long gone but not us. We were married on September 2, 1957, and have spent 55 happy years together.


How We Met...

An Open Letter t o my Chi ld r en: How I Met Your Mother

We met as freshmen at Grove City College, studying (separately) in the library. To be fair, I should say that Janice was studying. I was mostly sleeping & hoping that, as a Biology major, I’d get special dispensation to learn by osmosis. That part didn’t work out so well.

We saw each other at the library regularly and would smile and say hello. Janice was dating someone else at the time, so that’s as far as it went for awhile. Somewhere along the line I got a really bright idea, as creative college students with ulterior motives often do. I sent Janice a note telling her that if she didn’t agree to go out with me, that I would just have to end it all and jump into Wolf Creek. I gave her the date & time to witness my demise. Was I ever surprised when she showed up! As I saw her approach hesitantly, I plunged a plastic knife into my ketchup-filled “heart”, then jumped off the bridge into the creek. It was pretty dramatic, if I must say so myself. And the water was freezing! It must have made a good impression because, not long afterwards, Janice & I began dating.

On August 19, 1972, even before finishing college, we were married. Because Janice wasn’t old enough at the time, her father had to sign for her marriage license. It was a decision that we’ve never regretted. Forty years, two children, numerous jobs, & several family pets later, here we are – still together.

Paul & Jani c e StudtMarried August 19, 197240 years of wedded bliss


How We Met...

For over a decade, I sold pharmaceuticals from the trunk of my car. Accurate, but not as dramatic in real life, my job as a pharmaceutical sales representative meant I had to convince physicians to use our products. Chances doctors would write prescriptions increased when we gave them samples that we kept in the trunk of our company cars. Anyone who has sold anything will tell that you have to grow a thick skin very fast or move on to another job. As our skins got thicker, we became a bit more cynical in attitude. An example of this happened during lunch shared with some other single female colleagues as we discussed the dating scene. Some already had boyfriends, or were engaged, but two of the women were recently married (but not to each other). Curious, we asked how they met their husbands. By chance, when they weren’t even looking? (Everyone said THAT!) One friend told me that she used Match.com and Bingo! found love. But when the second drug rep told us that she also met her new mate on Match.com, I had to speak up. “Come on, really? You’re basically telling us that out of the thousands of single men on that website, you actually found THE ONE?” It was just some crazy coincidence.

To prove it, I joined Match.com the very next day. It took hours to write a reasonably accurate profile, and even longer to take a decent photo of myself. I never photograph well because I don’t have a “best” side and am never ready when the picture is snapped. As a result, I tend to have shock/unexpected/ surprised look on my face as though caught in the midst of a prison break. I managed to get one somewhat flattering shot and next thing you know, I was on Match.com.

Not that I ever really utilized my membership other than accept a few promising dates if I remembered to boot up my computer. Early one Wednesday morning, I remembered. Although it had been six weeks since I looked online, my expectation (remember, cynical) was that possibly my next potential suitor would not only resemble his photo, but also have measured himself accurately when describing his own height and weight (mostly weight). And as my machine booted up, familiar hazel eyes stared deep into my almost black ones. (Technically brown, but pupils dilated in say, surprise, really do look black. Just trying to be accurate…)

Those hazel eyes belonged to the same guy who pushed me down into the snow during one of our neighborhood snowball fights. I remember looking up into those teenage eyes and catching my breath. I just thought I was winded, but Mark swears he took my breath away that night. Since Mark has a few years on me, I dismissed his comment as one stemming from age-related dementia. But, he was 17 to my 13 at the time.

That age difference also meant he was out of my league as an upperclassman and the drum major at our high school. I say this because despite having the same friends, Mark never spoke to me, confirming my assessment that he was a stand-offish senior and got to direct the marching band. He never even offered us a ride to school – just

drove past our bus stop. One buddy of Mark’s offered that he couldn’t give anyone a ride because that Volkswagen Beetle was too full of band instruments….

And so it went, Mark and me attending the same high school, marching in the same band, living in the same neighborhood yet never spoke. We attended the University of Pittsburgh at the same time, walked Cardiac Hill on a daily basis, and still no greeting or wave. Some years after college, Mark and I ended up in the same musical, “The Pirates of Penzance”. He playing trombone with the orchestra and me dancing and warbling onstage. I greeted Mark when I recognized him, and he mumbled something back. That was all he said, because the female musician seated next to him not only interrupted the conversation, but inconveniently turned out to be his wife at the time.

It’s possible the wife had a job in security, because the next time Mark and I crossed paths, she stood firmly in the way as I tried to reach out my hand to greet Mark at his high school reunion. While it was not MY reunion, somehow I ended up there since I’d been dating another guy who graduated with Mark.

Life is all about timing, my dad used to say. This time, Mark found me on Match.com. After I got past those hazel eyes on the computer screen, I saw that Mark had sent me a message, “Will you give me a call?” So I did, interrupting a trombone rehearsal (yep, he still plays) and we made plans to meet. He suggested we meet at a local brewery, a perfect choice since neither of us drink beer. Over tall, unlimited glasses of water something amazing began. Our relationship instantly felt familiar since we came from similar backgrounds and families. One of us will voice the very thought the other is just thinking. Not “soul mates” (a phrase Mark detests) or “best friends” (Gag!). We are defined by our passion, magic, respect, love, and the knowledge that we always have each other’s back. Mark truly is the other half of me – the puzzle piece that fits exactly where it belongs.

It has been over 6 years since Mark and I got married on June 10, 2006 on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Sometimes it seems like yesterday, other times it feels like forever. We have become better versions of ourselves during those 6 years, because we finally got the timing right.

One question Mark has yet to answer for me, though. Why did it take you 20 years to find me when you could’ve walked the 200 yards to my house and simply knocked on the door?

Mark and Donna Matty


fter doing some yard work, I stop at Dave DeLallo’s restaurant to consider my aching knees, back and neck. I think to myself “this getting old is no fun. I use to run a half marathon to feel this sore.” Amy is the bartender. I asked if she has something to ease my pain. She slips me a cold libation. I begin writing this article dedicated to those who are feeling a little older. The leading edge of the Baby Boom generation is reaching the age at which that old Beatles song “When I’m 64” will actually refer to a time in their past. On January 1, 2011, the first Boomers (defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as being born between 1946 and 1964) will turn 65. Even though age 65 no longer represents the landmark it once did, it still is a symbolic milestone. Baby Boomers are now transforming into so-called Golden Boomers. Some are already there, having retired at an earlier age. Others are closing in on retirement, though the youngest of the Baby Boom generation (those born in the early 1960s) may still be years away from it. With retirement at hand or approaching, financial matters begin totransform. It’s a time when most people begin to focus less on accumulating wealth or buying insurance to protect their family against lost income, and more on finding a way to replace the regular paycheck in retirement and protecting against the risk of running out of money. If you are a pending Golden Boomer, there are a number of issues you should address as you enter this next phase of life.

Meeting Health Care Needs Medicare first becomes available at age 65. I you aren’t already receiving Social Security, contact Medicare three months prior to your 65th birthday to enroll. If you retire prior to age 65, you will need to find your own medical coverage before you become eligible for Medicare, either by carrying over insurance from a former employer (taking advantage of COBRA provisions in the law) or finding private insurance coverage. Even after you reach age 65, it is important to realize that only Medicare Part A is free. Medicare Part B and Part D (prescription drug coverage) come with a monthly cost. Beyond that, many retirees purchase supplemental insurance to cover expenses that Medicare doesn’t. You should also prepare for long-term care expenses that can become a factor as you grow older. This includes costs such as nursing home stays or home health care. Many nearing retirement invest in a long term care policy to help protect against excessive expenses for these services.

Timing Social Security Today, individuals don’t qualify for full Social Security benefits until age 66 – with the threshold gradually rising to 67 in the future. You can still receive benefits as early as age 62, but the sooner you take the money, the lower your monthly benefits. What’s more, if you continue working up to your full retirement age while collecting Social Security, you will forfeit $1 in benefits for every $2 of earnings above $14,160 (in 2010). The longer you can delay Social Security, the higher your monthly benefit will be. That may be an important factor to consider, particularly if you anticipate (based on family history of longevity and personal health factors) spending many years in retirement.

Covering Essential Expenses One issue for retirees is making sure they have enough money on hand to pay for essential expenses (housing costs, utilities, food costs, automobile expenses, insurance, etc.). Reliable income streams such as Social Security and, if you receive one, a pension, can contribute toward these defined expenses. In addition, a strategy many use is to annuitize a portion of their retirement savings to assure that a guaranteed stream of income is available that is sufficient to pay the rest of their essential expenses. This is an example of the different kind of investment thinking that comes into play as you become dependent on your own savings to create a paycheck in retirement.

Preparing For Inflated Living Costs In The Future Given that many of us can expect to spend 2 – 3 decades or more inretirement, investing usually cannot be limited to putting all of your money into fixed income investments. You also need to protect future purchasing power. Living expenses will double in about 24 years if the annual inflation rate is just 3%. If your retirement lifestyle costs you $5,000 per month when you reach age 65, it is reasonable to expect it to cost $10,000 per month if you live to age 90. In order to ensure you have enough money to keep up with the rising cost of living through retirement, you may need to put a portion of your savings in investments that have the potential to generate returns which can outpace inflation, such as equities. At the same time-as many retirees learned the hard way during the market downturn of 2007 – 2009 – you don’t want to expose yourself to too much risk by putting all of your money into the stock market. If you’re a Baby Boomer with your sites on retirement, work with a financial advisor to find a balance that works effectively for your circumstances.

This Industry Insight was written by Dan Martin, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors). Contact his office in Bethel Park at 412.831.6240 extension 208 or by email: [email protected]. Dan is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the state of PA, OH, WV, AZ, CA, CT, FL, IL, IN, MD, MI, NJ, NV, NY, SC, TX, and VA.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.

©2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

AHere Come the Golden Boomers


BPSD WINSTWO AWARDSFROM PSBA

THANK YOU, ROTARYCLUB OF BETHEL PARK!

The Rotary Club of Bethel Park recently visited all BethelPark elementary schools and presented copies ofWebster’s Dictionary for Students to all of thedistrict’s third grade students. These are not classroomdictionaries—they are the students’ personal copies tokeep. Thank you, Rotarians, for your generous gift to ourthird graders!

This past summer, 21 lucky BPHS French students, parents and teachers toured Francefor nine days in July. Highlights included seeing the famous monuments in Paris, takingthe high-speed train known as the TGV, visiting huge open air markets in the south ofFrance and spending a day on the beaches of the French Riviera. The BPHS studentstraveled with two other groups from Texas and one group from Ohio. Another trip isbeing planned for the summer of 2014. Any Bethel Park French student or parent whois interested in receiving information about this non-school sponsored trip should emailBPHS French Teacher Tracy McCoy at [email protected].

The Bethel Park School District earned two awards in the Special PurposePublication category in the 43rd Annual PSBA Educational Publications Contest,sponsored by the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association. Earning anAward of Excellence was “Past Times at Bethel High,” a commemorative newslettercreated for the farewell event held on September 10, 2011 in the former Bethel ParkHigh School gymnasium. This publication was on display at the 2012 PASA-PSBASchool Leadership Conference, October 16-19 in Hershey.

Earning an Honorable Mention Award was “The New Bethel Park High SchoolDedication Ceremony,” a commemorative program created for the February 18,2012 dedication of the new Bethel Park High School and community open house.

IMS NEWSThe IMS PTSO will be holding their annualHoliday Vendor/Craft Show on Saturday,November 24 at IMS from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If youare a vendor or crafter who is interested inparticipating in this show, please contact TammyKelly at [email protected] or 412.606.8613or Robert McCormick at 412.628.6639. If you’re ashopper, circle the date on your calendar and planto come out and get a jump on your holidayshopping!

DISTRICT IS LOOKINGTO HIRE SUBSTITUTES

The Bethel Park School District islooking to grow its list of substitute schoolnurses, health room aides and specialeducation paraprofessionals. Substitutenurse and health room aide candidatesshould submit a resume and letter of interest to Rita Urian; Human ResourcesDepartment; 301 Church Road; Bethel Park, PA 15102 or call at 412.854.8404.Substitute Special EducationParaprofessionals should submit a letter ofinterest and resume to Helen March;Special Services Department; 301 ChurchRoad; Bethel Park, PA 15102 or call412.854.8410.

SCHOOL DISTRICT

OtherNews

InBethelPark winter12_In Canon Mac_Fall 10 10/31/12 9:30 AM Page 7


BPSD WINSTWO AWARDSFROM PSBA

THANK YOU, ROTARYCLUB OF BETHEL PARK!

The Rotary Club of Bethel Park recently visited all BethelPark elementary schools and presented copies ofWebster’s Dictionary for Students to all of thedistrict’s third grade students. These are not classroomdictionaries—they are the students’ personal copies tokeep. Thank you, Rotarians, for your generous gift to ourthird graders!

This past summer, 21 lucky BPHS French students, parents and teachers toured Francefor nine days in July. Highlights included seeing the famous monuments in Paris, takingthe high-speed train known as the TGV, visiting huge open air markets in the south ofFrance and spending a day on the beaches of the French Riviera. The BPHS studentstraveled with two other groups from Texas and one group from Ohio. Another trip isbeing planned for the summer of 2014. Any Bethel Park French student or parent whois interested in receiving information about this non-school sponsored trip should emailBPHS French Teacher Tracy McCoy at [email protected].

The Bethel Park School District earned two awards in the Special PurposePublication category in the 43rd Annual PSBA Educational Publications Contest,sponsored by the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association. Earning anAward of Excellence was “Past Times at Bethel High,” a commemorative newslettercreated for the farewell event held on September 10, 2011 in the former Bethel ParkHigh School gymnasium. This publication was on display at the 2012 PASA-PSBASchool Leadership Conference, October 16-19 in Hershey.

Earning an Honorable Mention Award was “The New Bethel Park High SchoolDedication Ceremony,” a commemorative program created for the February 18,2012 dedication of the new Bethel Park High School and community open house.

IMS NEWSThe IMS PTSO will be holding their annualHoliday Vendor/Craft Show on Saturday,November 24 at IMS from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If youare a vendor or crafter who is interested inparticipating in this show, please contact TammyKelly at [email protected] or 412.606.8613or Robert McCormick at 412.628.6639. If you’re ashopper, circle the date on your calendar and planto come out and get a jump on your holidayshopping!

DISTRICT IS LOOKINGTO HIRE SUBSTITUTES

The Bethel Park School District islooking to grow its list of substitute schoolnurses, health room aides and specialeducation paraprofessionals. Substitutenurse and health room aide candidatesshould submit a resume and letter of interest to Rita Urian; Human ResourcesDepartment; 301 Church Road; Bethel Park, PA 15102 or call at 412.854.8404.Substitute Special EducationParaprofessionals should submit a letter ofinterest and resume to Helen March;Special Services Department; 301 ChurchRoad; Bethel Park, PA 15102 or call412.854.8410.

SCHOOL DISTRICT

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bpSTUDENT NEWSbp

· Congratulations to the following BethelPark High School students, who successfullyapplied and have been accepted to participatein the Apprenticeship Program sponsored bythe Allegheny Intermediate Unit: MadilynCarothers (Musical Theater), Jarrod Cingel(Astronomy), Krista Colarosa (ContemporaryDance), Sydney Craig (Zoo Animal Care),Walter Donellan (Robotics), Hayley Dowd(Advertising/Public Relations), Jordan Dunn(Nursing and Healthcare Careers), RachelDunn (Engineering), Matt Ennis(Engineering),Mackenzie Happe (JournalismCareers), Julia Klinger (Marine Biology),Shannon Mueser (Journalism Careers),Rebecca Najdzinski (Acting), EmilyRobinson (Contemporary Dance), NicoleShannon (Engineering) and Katie Zilcosky(Journalism Careers). Students who areaccepted into these programs have theopportunity to work regularly withprofessionals in the Pittsburgh area to furtherexplore career areas of interest.

· The staff of Hawk Eye, the Bethel ParkHigh School student-produced onlinenewspaper earned two more awards from thePennsylvania School Press Association. The site

earned a Bronze Award for Website Critiqueand senior Vincent Mamone earned a SilverAward in the Features Writing category for hisarticle, “Chronicles of a Black Friday Shopper.”

· Bethel Park High School senior DanielTelek was named a Young Achiever by theTribune Review in its October 4 issue forwinning two Gold Medals and two SilverMedals in the Pennsylvania School PressAssociation’s Summer Awards Program.

· Congratulations BPHS juniors whosuccessfully applied and were selected toattend the Westinghouse Science HonorsInstitute Saturday lecture series: JonathanAnischenko, Jarrod Cingel, PatrickGillece, Brandon Hanson, ChristianHokaj, Anthony Holden, Katerina Kimes,Hayley Lazzari, Ryan Matthews, LauraSaleh, Michael Stephenson and LoganTuite. Approximately 400 area juniors areaccepted into the program, that consists of 10Saturday morning lectures on selected topicsin science and engineering. Students also havethe opportunity to take an optional trip to tourPenn State University’s Breazeale nuclearreactor.

· Ten Bethel Park High School musicianssuccessfully auditioned and have been selectedto participate in the Pennsylvania MusicEducators Association’s Honors Band Concert,which will be held on Sunday, November 25 atthe Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland.Congratulations to:

· Joe Beaver (trumpet) – Joe earned thehighest score in his section at the auditionsand will be First Chair at the concert.

· Travis Butler (percussion) – Travisearned the highest score in his section at theauditions and will be First Chair at the concert.

· Lucas Beaver (bassoon) – Lucasearned the second-highest score in his sectionat the auditions.

·Mary Hannah Swaney (flute) – MaryHannah earned the second-highest score inher section at the auditions.

· Alex Light (alto saxophone) – Alexearned the fourth-highest score in his sectionat the auditions.

· Tori Chorey (e-flat soprano clarinet)

· Corey Kroboth (b-flat clarinet)

· Joey Wasko (tuba)

· Sharyn Braff (trombone/alternate)

· Phoebe Gorges (French horn/alternate)



From left to Right:Mayor Cliff Morton, Mia Rigatti, Chief John Mackey

BP Senior Receives Governor’s Award

ethel Park High School senior Mia Rigatti recently received the 2012 Governor’s

Award for Outstanding Citizen Crime Prevention Efforts from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The award is based on outstanding volunteerism and is given to those who display a dedication to preventing crime in local communities and support law enforcement in protecting the public.

Mia has been volunteering her time since age 13, and last year clocked more than 200 hours working on projects such as the Police Pals Food Drive, the Adopt-A-Family Program, Child ID Cards, Business Emergency Contact updates, recruiting new members to the Crime Watch Program, assisting at the annual Steelers vs. Police Pals Basketball Game, serving at the Rotary Club’s Spaghetti Dinner, and participating in the Crime Watch and Citizen Police Academy.

Next year Mia plans on attending California University of Pennsylvania to major in Elementary Education.

B


Bethel Park Industrial Park Revitalizes Business Owners Association

Ameri-Source Specialty Products, PS Wood Machines, Management Consultants International, South Hills Movers – these are just a few of the businesses in the Bethel Park Industrial Park, located at the intersection of Industrial Blvd. and South Park Road. For almost 50 years, this former slurry dump site turned industrial park has served Bethel Park and its surrounding townships with everything from auto body repair and kitchen design and renovation, to restaurant supplies and laboratory technical services. The industrial park is also home to several international companies who supply proprietary technologies products to the defense, aerospace, electronic, chemical and general business industries. Bethel Park Industrial Park’s initial buildings were constructed in the late 1950s with development continuing throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and into the ‘80s. Since there was never a master plan for development, it grew somewhat inconsistently and through several iterations of Bethel Park’s

local building codes. A current estimate indicates there are more than 100 businesses in the park, which employs more than 500 people.

As well, the businesses are not managed by any one entity. While some may own their own property and buildings, others lease. This also means the park is under no obligation to abide by any covenants, or guidelines for how the outward appearance of the parks’ buildings and property should be maintained.

Enter the Bethel Park Industrial Park Association. “During the seventies and eighties, there was a business owners association, which represented the owners,” said Tom Diener, president and co-owner of Ameri-Source, on Enterprise Blvd. “However, it has not been active for a number of years. And, because of the general age of the park and the somewhat uncoordinated development, there are number of issues that need attention.”

With this go-round, the association hopes to stay focused on marketing their services to the public, providing a unified voice to local government and supporting the community. “There is a lot of interest in the industrial park by Bethel Park’s council members. It is a valuable asset to the community,” said Diener. “We contribute generously to the tax dollar pool and I am confident council wants our initiative to be successful. Their difficulty in the past has been the lack of a consolidated business owners’ voice. It’s in all of the business owners’ best interest to get involved with the association now to help promote ourselves as one unit.” Since April, more than a dozen businesses have met monthly to begin the process of prioritizing what needs to be changed in the park. They’ve discussed topics like how to formalize the association, prioritize the park’s needs, and get local government involved in their plans. In particular, the parks’ infrastructure is a main concern. At the September association meeting, Bethel Park Council Member Tim Moury raised his hand in support of the association. “We’re definitely

By W.B. Fresa


here to help,” said Moury. “We haven’t done enough to work with the park.” And with that, the association attendants began listing the issues they would like the council to address: zoning, parking, lighting, water drainage, power outages during storms, traffic flow, and more. Mr. Moury was there to hear it all, give his opinion and offer solutions. “The Municipality of Bethel Park has resources that can help,” said Moury. “We have a full-time development planner that can assist and I encourage you to meet with the planning commission to detail the issues facing the industrial park.”

But admittedly, the Bethel Park Industrial Park was not well designed from the beginning. “For example, some of the buildings were constructed with one setback distance from the road and an adjacent building might be at another setback distance,” said Diener. “It has led to a somewhat unorganized look, which is not easy to overcome. In any event we want to improve the general attractiveness of the park where possible.”

When all is said and done, the Bethel Park Industrial Park Association hopes to be a better-defined and identified business center. A website is in development that will help seekers of businesses like Verichek Technical Services, Servi-Sel Mechanical Repair and Replacement Parts, Clark Renovations and RACO International to be located online in one location.

“We’re all really looking forward to the changes to come,” said Diener. “In the end, we all do business in Bethel Park and we want to continue to be a positive contribution to the community.”


Sue Bower knew she would go back. Back to a place that may not have been on her “Must See Destinations” list. This place was in a rural setting in a country that was on “The World’s

Worst List” – Zimbabwe. Sue knew the facts. The country’s economy was bankrupt with a monetary inflation of 8,000 percent, food and fuel shortages abounded, HIV-AIDS was rampant, and 25 percent of children were orphaned. Instead those facts drew her in to be a “stakeholder” in the lives of the people and the programs of the United Methodist Mission in Nyadire, Zimbabwe.

The year was 2006, and she and 17 volunteers from Christ United Methodist Church,

First Bethel United Methodist, both in Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon United

Methodist Church, and St. Paul’s United Methodist in Allison Park traveled the 8,400 miles to Nyadire. Their goals were: 1.) work with the Nyadire Hospital; 2.) build separate rooms in the Nursing School dormitory; 3.) help at the Home of Hope Orphanage; and 4.) conduct a Vacation Bible School.

What did Sue and the team find? Empty shelves in the grocery stores in Harare, the capitol; more empty shelves in the Nyadire Mission Hospital Pharmacy; broken equipment and lack of supplies in the hospital; and happy, but needy children. The team also realized the Zimbabweans value relationship over “stuff,” that they will stop what they are doing to help someone in need, a cultural custom called Chabadza. The people are a resilient, grateful culture who find joy in the everyday despite their hardships and come up with the most ingenious ways to carry on.

When the team returned to the states, they knew they wanted a continuing relationship with the Nyadire Mission and organized The Nyadire Connection (TNC) and welcomed the work awaiting them. The mission, founded in the 1920s, had long been a center for medical, educational, and spiritual support

for a wide rural area. The campus-like mission contained a hospital, nursing school, orphanage, school-system for 1,200 children, church, farm

and teachers’ college.Sue Bower’s experience as an

emergency room nurse was valuable in evaluating and understanding

the needs of the hospital and nursing school. She worked on

organizing medical supplies, forms for hospital records and medications, and did a lot

of observing. She realized

TO ZIMBABWE AND BACK – FOUR TIMES


that the hospital had few resources, and that sporadic availability of electricity and water often brought health services to a standstill. TNC identified three most critical concerns for the hospital: 1) a reliable supply of clean water; 2) a program of anti-retroviral drugs for HIV-AIDS; 3) and space for medical storage, including pharmaceuticals.

To date, all three goals have been realized through the partnership TNC has forged with the mission. The organization has expanded its support to include regular shipments of medications and hospital equipment, sponsorships for orphans of the Home of Hope Orphanage, rural pastor support, an outreach program for rural orphans for school fees and

backpacks and most recently a

micro-loan program and help with invigorating the 4,000 acre farm. Sue has continued her work with the hospital, medical supplies, and nursing program by obtaining donated supplies from many sources. Contributions from Brothers’ Brother, Global Links, Chosen, Americares, SW Retired Nurses Club, Tri-Community Emergency, and others have filled her garage to its bulging point. When the Nursing College started a Midwifery Program, Sue obtained the necessary models and equipment with TNC funds to carry over in a suitcase. Imagine the custom official’s surprise when he opened the suitcase to find a woman’s torso!

Her commitment to Nyadire is not one sided. Sue Bower met Sue Dzike on one of her mission trips. The two Sues bonded, sharing their profession as nurses. They have exchanged many letters, and the Pittsburgh Sue has provided a steady stream of chocolate to the Nyadire Sue. Sue Dzike says the first thing she does when she arises is to say “Good morning, Sue” to the photo she keeps near her bed. The photo is of Sue Dzike holding another photo – that of Sue Bower and her husband, John.



On her trip to Nyadire this May, Sue spent a great deal of time with her colleague, clinical pharmacist Irina Sheyko, working in the new hospital storeroom organizing medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. They worked with Wilson, the pharmaceutical technician to develop an inventory system that works for the hospital and its staff.

A few days before she was to leave for her fourth trip this summer Sue Bower was given $20 by fellow nurse, Cindy Nelson. Cindy told Sue to use it wherever it was needed. Sue clipped the bill inside her journal and forgot about it.

Fast forward. A week later at the Nyadire Hospital in Zimbabwe, station chair, Ngoni Kadonhera, arrived holding a baby he found abandoned on the side of the road. The nurses, personnel, and mission team fussed over the infant and took turns holding her. They named her Gracious, but were concerned. Gracious would need milk, and there was no mother, no breast milk. Sue Bower removed the $20 bill

from her notebook and exclaimed, “We can buy formula starting with this.” Within moments enough money had been given by team members to buy a six-month supply of formula for Gracious.

Back home, Sue Bower shows Cindy Nelson and others the photos of Gracious and tells the story of how the $20 gift started the fund for formula. Cindy is energized to do more, and many more have added to the fund that TNC members have started. This story has two happy endings. When Mark LaRosa, team leader of the August Mission Trip was going through Zimbabwe customs, one official wanted to see the suitcase carrying the orthopedic drill. Upon opening it, the official saw Pampers earmarked for Gracious, put his hand on his heart and said “Ahh-h-h,” and forgot about the drill that may have caused some delay.

And Gracious is comfortably settled with a family who want to raise her.Sue Bower has many stories to tell about her experiences. They are not just “do

gooder” stories, but more about a deep relationship between people 8,400 miles apart.For more information about TNC and its programs, visit www.nyadire.org or contact

Drew Harvey, chair, at www.infonyadire.org.



WHEN A PHONE OR TABLET GOES MISSING, SO DOES A LOT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION – AND THAT CAN LEAD TO IDENTITY THEFT.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, and thieves can get personal information via your mobile device.

Here are two things you can do to help protect your identity:

Password protect your device. A recent study by Javelin Strategy and Research found that even though many smartphones are being used to handle sensitive financial information, only 33 percent of smartphone owners password-protect their devices. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, you could make it very easy for someone to access your personal information and steal your identity.

Consider getting extra protection. There are a growing number of tools available to help you monitor and protect your identity as well as restore your name and credit, should your identity get stolen. Specialty insurance programs offer alerts of any changes that could indicate someone else is using your information.

Taking time to protect your devices now can reduce your risk of falling victim to identity theft later.

Protect Your Mobile Devices – and Your Identity


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Let Bethel Park’s Attorney Betty Dillon Help You Navigate Your Legal Terrain

or more than 30 years, Attorney Betty Dillon has been helping her clients

with their changing life situations ranging from premarital agreements to divorce to step-parent adoption to wills, estates administration, and real estate.

The majority of her work is evenly split between family law cases and wills and estate planning and administration.

“My clients come to me because I give them personalized service during their difficult times,” Dillon said. “I focus on their needs and do my best to help them through the process, educating them as we go. You can’t just see a client as a divorce case – you need to be concerned about their entire family, especially their children and their welfare.”

Dillon said people going through a divorce are often overwhelmed with the process because it includes not only dissolving a marriage, but creating issues of child support, spousal support, custody and special arrangements for other children’s issues that may arise.

“Not everyone gets divorced,” she said. “I’ve had cases where people have been separated for years, and, in those cases,

you still have to create an arrangement that benefits the children of that relationship.”

On the wills and estate planning front, Dillon helps her clients create wills and powers of attorney for finances and healthcare, and addresses Medicaid issues.

Because of the nature of her work, as necessary Dillon will make in-home and in-hospital visits for her clients.

“There can be a lot of complications in dealing with estate planning issues,” she said. “In this age of the Internet, a lot of places advertise that you can just buy legal documents online, but that’s pennywise and pound foolish. Sometimes not all the questions an attorney will ask you are in there. You really need to sit down with people and figure out what their needs are. If you have a family with young children, what happens if the entire family is killed in a disaster? That’s not likely, but a comprehensive will can address that.”

Dillon also said that online services aren’t as thorough and complete as a live attorney sitting across the desk from you.

“It could be something as simple as not signing the documents properly and all of a sudden, you’ve invalidated your will,” she

said. “I work very hard for my clients. There’s no harm in shopping around for prices with attorneys, but my clients have found that my fees are more than reasonable. Most of my clients don’t have thousands of dollars sitting around in the cookie jar to shell out for legal fees, and I’m very cognizant of that. And I try to make it as convenient as possible for them to get the help they need.”

Dillon’s office is located at 1725 Washington Road, Suite 503 in Bethel Park, which is about as convenient as it gets in the South Hills. The site has plenty of free parking, so you won’t be driving around the block looking for spaces.

Dillon also is an active member of the community she serves. She and her husband have been residents of Bethel Park since 1974. Both her daughter, who also is an attorney in suburban Columbus, Ohio, and her son, are graduates of the Bethel Park School District. She has been a longtime member of John McMillan Presbyterian Church and serves as the church’s corporate counsel.

For more information, call 412.835.0933 or go to www.dillonlawoffice.com online.

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