IN Woodland Hills

FALL 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

oodland Hills

oodland Hills

Can Fall Be Far Behind?

Kids Are Heading Back to school-

Tony Buba Shares His Braddock in Film

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Woodland Hills | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

issues can usually be resolved with custom molds and poor sound quality can be alleviated with the use of specialized filters. If you or your loved ones are around noise regularly please get your hearing tested regularly. Baselines are important so do not wait until you have a hearing problem to get your first hearing evaluation. Please discuss hearing protection with your hearing care provider. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your hearing.

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Suzanne Yoder at the HearWell Center. Contact her at 412.271.3002 or [email protected]

Recreational Events May Be Harmful to Your Ears

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for workplace noise and requires workers to wear hearing protection if they

are exposed to 90-decibel noise for eight hours. When it comes to consumers and spectators, exposure is “at your own risk.” New York City came under scrutiny recently in an article in the New York Times for its indoor noise. Sound levels were measures in several places including restaurants, clothing stores, bars and gyms and many were above dangerous decibel levels. These types of venues are not usually a target of OSHA’s scrutiny. Hearing conservation experts recommend that people should not be exposed to 100 decibels for more than 15 minutes without hearing protection. In the cited article a level of 100 dB was reached at a spin class on the Upper West Side. (Buckley, C., New York Times, 7/19/12)

Author’s Note: Hearing protection is largely under-utilized by the general populace. At HearWell Center we put a basket of earplugs in the waiting room for patients to pick up. Most are unsure what to do with them. As an audiologist, I have seen firsthand the damage of noise over time. I used to assist in providing industrial audiology testing for companies that needed to meet OSHA’s standards for hearing conservation. Workers who did not use their protection showed marked decrease in hearing over time according to annually compared records. Those who did use their earplugs showed slower progression and in many cases no progression of hearing loss over time. It is exciting to see that noise-induced hearing loss CAN be prevented but frustrating to see that many people are not thinking about their hearing until permanent damage is done.

Hearing protection is a good idea for all loud noises whether it is running the lawn mower or other lawn equipment, using a shop vac or power tools, attending a concert, using a firearm, working in a noisy industry or attending a loud sporting event. Some people try hearing protection and do not like it so they quit using it. There is a good chance that the wrong type of protection was tried. There are many types of hearing protection devices and many common complaints can be resolved. Fit and comfort

Industry Insight

Winter Content Deadline: October 7

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Woodland Hills

Welcome to the Fall issue of Woodland Hills Magazine! As I write this, we are having one of the hottest summers on record, and it doesn’t look like the record-breaking temperatures will end just because the leaves will be changing colors soon. So while this is the fall issue, I want to reiterate some summer tips from the health department to help you stay safe in the heat. The last two points are probably the most critical because they deal with children and the elderly.� Stay cool indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. Fans don’t help much when temperatures are in the 90s. A cool bath or shower is a more effective way to cool off, if you don’t have air conditioning. Better yet, visit someplace that does, such as a senior center, theater, mall or neighbor’s house.� Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight cups a day, but avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which actually cause you to lose more fluids. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, which add heat to your body.� Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat pro-vides shade and helps keep the head cool. Sunscreen can prevent sunburn, which can affect your body’s ability to cool itself and also cause a loss of body fluids.� Avoid strenuous physical activity, particularly during the hotter part of the day.� Never leave a child, or a pet, in a vehicle alone on a hot day. A child may become dis-oriented in just five minutes, unconscious in 10 and brain-damaged in 20.� Use the buddy system and check on the elderly and the infirm who do not have air conditioning and are less able to take care of themselves. For senior citizens, local governments also establish cooling centers to help people beat the heat. Contact your local municipality for the one nearest you before the tem-peratures top 90 again. As always, enjoy your fall, Woodland Hills!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

Some of the best stories we hear are how two people happened to get together. Some met in bars, some in supermarkets, others met in more unique circumstances. Send us your story of how you met your spouse. We’ll run the best ones in the next issue. Also include a photo of you and your spouse, how many years you’ve been married and when your anniversary is. Send your story to [email protected] or mail it to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. You can also fax us at 724.942.0968.

WE WANT TO KNOW: How did you meet your spouse?

oodland Hills

oodland Hills

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 4

INSIDE

FEATURES

Back to School ................................... | 28

Back to School Lunch Ideas............. | 30

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

HearWell CenterRecreational Events May Be Harmful to Your Ears .................................. | 1

Juniper Village Celebrates National Assisted Living Week ..... | 6

Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy Got Back Pain? ............................................... | 8

IN Woodland Hills | FALL 2012 |

ON THE COVER | It’s back to school time! Photo by Brad Lauer

26

7

UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012

What’s Inside2 Have You Scheduled Your Annual Mammogram?

3 Give Your Back a Break

Using Your Blood for Natural Healing

4 A Partnership of Hope and Transformation

6 Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests

7 When Wounds Don’t Heal

Get Ready for FallSoon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.

13 24

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Resident Profile -Tony Buba ............................................. | 7

Woodland Hills School District News ........................... | 9

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ........... | 13

Car Buffs Abound in Region .............................................. | 21

Habitat for Humanity .......................................................... | 24

Western PA School for the Deaf ...................................... | 26

IN Woodland Hills is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Woodland Hills area 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.





September 11, 6:30 p.m. � Aging GracefullyJoin us as Dr. Joanne Andorio, P.H., NHA from Gateway Hospice presents information on the new concept of “Aging in Place” and discusses what you and your family can do to help you age gracefully through the years. This com-munity educational presentation is free and open to the public however RSVP’s are encouraged. September 12, 1:30 p.m. � Caregiver Support Group MeetingGain support and education with our monthly caregiver support group meet-ings. This month we will discuss the benefits of socialization and ways to increase social activities for loved ones with memory loss. Juniper Village’s monthly support group meetings are approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association. Everyone welcome. RSVP’s encouraged.September 13, Noon � Bring A Friend To Lunch DayNew and old friends are invited to Juniper Village’s Bring A Friend To Lunch Day. Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch while local impersonator Nick Fiasco performs hits from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bobby Darin. Admission is free for all of our friends, however RSVP’s are required.

� Juniper Village at Forest Hills offers senior living, personal care and specialized memory impairment care. For more information, to schedule a personal tour, or RSVP to attend any of the above free activities, contact Juniper Village at 412.244.9901 or visit the web site at www.junipercommunities.com.

In the late 1980s Dr. Lynne Katzmann, Juniper Communities founder, Presi-dent and CEO, believed that America was not embracing the aging popula-tion and providing environments that would enable seniors to continue to

lead productive, fulfilled lives. Motivated by her own grandmother, who at the age of 70 was still riding a motorcycle, Dr. Katzmann decided to begin offering senior care that nurtured the spirit of life and rejoiced in the aging process. In 1988 Dr. Katzman founded Juniper Communities and built a team committed to understanding the resi-dents, families, and staff in the communities they serve. Over the years, Juniper Communities has expanded to include 16 facilities in four states – Florida, Colorado, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Juniper Village at Forest Hills and Juniper Village at North Huntingdon are the Pitts-burgh area locations. “At Juniper Communities, the focal point for healthy aging is to nurture the spirit of life in each individual served by providing an environment that encourages an active body, an engaged mind, and a fulfilled spirit.” states Dr. Katzmann. “Our buildings are designed to emphasize comfort, interaction with others, and security. Juniper’s unique, exclusive programs educate, stimulate and involve residents and staff on a daily basis.” Juniper attributes the success of its communities to the continuous devel-opment of creative and innovative programs that provide the staff with tools to understand and appreciate the aging process and enhance the well-being of residents and associates by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit. To discover the Juniper Village Difference, the public is invited to visit Ju-niper Village at Forest Hills during National Assisted Living Week, September 9-15. Some of the free community educational activities scheduled include: September 10-14 � Open House WeekIn honor of National Assisted Living Week Juniper Village at Forest Hills will be hosting an Open House all week long. Members of the community, families and friends are invited to stop by anytime from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to attend a free class, tour the community or just say hello. All visitors will receive a free dessert to take home, compliments of their friends at Juniper Village.

n the late 1980s Dr. Lynne Katzmann, Juniper Communities founder, Presi

National Assisted Living Week Celebrates

Juniper Village at Forest Hills

Our Goal is to nurture the spirit of life in each individual we touch so that they may live life fully throughout all seasons of their life.

Industry Insight


The famous film director Robert Altman once said, “Filmmaking is a chance to live many lifetimes.”

Braddock native and award-win-ning filmmaker Tony Buba would most certainly agree with this assessment, as he has been making films for over 40 years…and loving every minute of it. Buba started film work while studying at Edinboro University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He went on to earn a master’s degree in film produc-tion from Ohio University and an honorary doctorate from Al-legheny College. During his time at Ohio University, where he was trained extensively in audio and editing work, he began to document stories of Braddock. He first completed a short film about his grandfather’s shoe shop that was closing down after many years. It was a sentimental piece, and it ignited his passion for filmmaking. In 1975, Buba went to work with famed director George Romero on the vampire movie “Martin.” This led to other feature film credits such as “Day of the Dead,” “Dawn of the Dead” and “Knightriders.” He also continued to work on his own films. In fact, since 1972 his films have been screened at Sundance, Toronto, Berlin and other major international film festivals. Buba also spent a great deal of time in the area working on industrial films for Westinghouse and WQED, among others. With all his success he never lost interest in

Tony Buba Shines a Light on Braddock Through FilmBy Matthew J. Fascetti

Braddock, even incorporating his own film company called Braddock Films in 1992. Buba has created multiple pieces about his hometown over the years. His most notable ones are the films “Lightning over Braddock” (1988) and “Struggles in Steel” (1996); and there are two others currently in progress, one entitled “Thunder over Brad-dock.” A separate film in the works, “L’America,” is about his mother’s hometown in Italy. Buba explained that once he started

experimenting with films in college, there was no turning back. “Film was one of the few things I was good at,” he joked. “It really did come natural to me. My working class work ethic and sense of humor helped me in my early films because people could relate to it. I developed a passion for telling stories.” When asked what about Braddock in par-ticular he found interesting, Buba did not hesitate. “There have been so many characters in Braddock over the years, so many interesting people to talk to,” he said. “Plus, there is so much material in Braddock to choose from because it has such a long, rich history. The first integrated mill in the United States was in Braddock, for example. Because of Braddock’s age, it was also among the first steel towns to decline, which I have documented on film.” Buba has had an amazing and impactful film career, one that should make his hometown of Braddock very proud. For a complete filmography and more information about Tony Buba, visit www.braddockfilms.com.

Tony Buba Shines a Light on Braddock Through FilmBy Matthew J. Fascetti

Resident Profile

Woodland hills area


Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy is a privately owned practice, with three Pittsburgh locations. All therapists hold doctorates of physical therapy and practice using the latest research techniques. ACPT

has experts in musculoskeletal disorders and lymphedema management. Now, they have added pelvic floor rehab to their areas of expertise! For more infor-mation visit www.AlleghenyChesapeake.com or call 1-800-NEW-SELF.

You’re not alone! At any given time 25-30% of people in the United States report having had low back pain in the past three months.

What are the Symptoms? The symptoms vary from person to person. You may experience a dull ache, burning sensation, or sharp pain. The pain may be located at a specific point or over a broad area. Sometimes, it might radi-ate into one or both legs. Low back pain is categorized as acute, recurrent, or chronic. Acute pain lasts less than three months. Recurrent describes acute symptoms that come back. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months. Most of the time, low back pain will resolve within two weeks without medical intervention. However, 60-80% of patients with low back pain will have a recurrence within one year.How Is It Diagnosed? Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation that includes: � Complete health history to screen for possible metabolic, neurological, and cancer related causes.� Questions about your specific symptoms� Assessment of posture, flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility, movement patterns, gait, and ergonomics

Will Physical Therapy Help? Yes, and generally without surgery or medica-tion. Your physical therapist will tailor your treatment to fit your symptoms, diagnosis, and lifestyle. Following evaluation, your physical therapist will identify the factors that have contributed to your specific back problem, and design an individualized treatment plan. At first, your therapist may use ice, heat, or electrical stimulation to help relieve pain. As you progress, your program may include:� Manual therapy, including spinal mobilization� Strengthening, with specific focus on the core musculature � Flexibility exercises (Tip: tight hamstrings are often a culprit in low back pain)� Education about how you can take better care of your back� Training for proper lifting, bending, and sitting

Can this Injury or Condition be Prevented? A physical therapist not only treats persistent or recurrent low back pain, but also plays an important role in preventing it. Some of the preventative strategies include:� Exercises to keep your back, stomach, and leg muscles strong and flexible� Good body positioning at work, home, or during leisure activities� Proper lifting techniques� Maintain a regular physical fitness regimen—staying active can help to prevent injuries

Ylow back pain in the past three months.

TRUE OR FALSE:� 80-90% of adults in the US will experience back pain at some time in their lives. TRUE� Fewer than 2% of people with low back pain have a herniated disk. TRUE� Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work and the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office. TRUE� MRI, CT scan, and X-ray are the best tools to diagnose the cause of low back pain. FALSE, Most of the time imaging tests will not show a muscle spasm or ligament strain, which are the most common causes.� Physical therapy can resolve your low back pain in as little as one visit. TRUE� Sciatica is the medical term for severe low back pain. FALSE, Sciatica is leg pain caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.� Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain. TRUE� A week of bed rest is the best treatment for low back pain. FALSE, Bed rest can actually make back pain worse and even lead to other conditions.

Got Back Pain? Industry Insight


newsSCHOOL DISTRICT

Woodland Hills

On behalf of all the teachers, administrators and support staff of the Woodland Hills School District, it is my pleasure to welcome all the members of our community family to the start of the 2012-2013

school year. In this column I would like to take a few minutes of your time to share our goals and just a few of our initia-tives for the new school year. But first I would also like to share some of the results from the 2012 administration of the state’s Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests here at Woodland Hills. And there is some very good news to share. We are very proud to be able to announce that Woodland Hills High School has achieved the state designation of having achieved Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP for short. Achieving AYP means that our high school has been able to demonstrate that a majority of its students achieved a year or more of academic growth during the 2011-2012 school year. This is the first time the High School achieved AYP and it is a great success. I am also pleased to announce that our District as a whole has been upgraded to the status of Making Progress. What that means in short is that, as a school district, we are moving the achievement of our students in the right direction. It would be great to be able to say that we are finished making changes as a result of this but that would not be honest or true. We still have much to do. While virtually all of our schools demonstrated growth in both Reading and Mathematics, only the high school progressed enough to attain the AYP status. But, as I pointed out, we are moving and we showed growth across all of our various student groups and schools and that is what is most important. Every year school districts across our state set yearly goals for themselves and they establish action plans for attaining those goals. At Woodland Hills, we have set some very ambitious and exciting objectives for our schools in this new school year. Our first and primary goal is to make Ad-equate Yearly Progress at all schools. We know that we can do that. All of our schools have been able to achieve AYP during one or more years. This year we need to have all our schools do that at the same time. A second major goal for this year is to build literacy skills across all grade levels. Our district was fortunate to receive a Keystones to Opportunities grant this year and we will use this award (worth nearly one million dollars a year) to build our capacity to teach reading

from pre-school to high school. Another major goal is to work hard to close the achievement gap between various groups of students in our district. Something that is not talked about very often, but should be, is the fact that African American male students in schools nationwide tend to have lower grades and a higher risk of dropping out of school than any other group of students. It is not because they are less capable. It is because our system of education in this country needs to change to better meet the needs of all students. We were again fortunate to have received a grant from the Heinz Endowments and this grant is intended to help us do exactly that. Known in our dis-trict as the Delany Scholars program, we are using the funds from this grant to achieve our goal of significantly increasing the number of African American male students who enroll in honors and Advanced Placement courses and who then also go on to enroll in and complete a four year college program. We are partnering with many agencies and institutions in this exciting initiative and I hope to share more about this with you in the coming months. We are also redesigning how we provide professional development for our teachers and many other efforts that I simply don’t have the time or space to delve into here. I want to close this column out by sharing with you our last, and in many ways one of our most important, goals for the 2012-2013 school year. And that goal is to increase our com-mitment to what I call customer service. We recognize that parents now have many choices they can make when choos-ing where and how to educate their children. Public schools are no longer the only option. We believe, however, that public education is still the BEST option and we want to prove that to you. We are committed to doing a better job of responding to the needs and concerns of our parents and community mem-bers. We will strive to provide prompt and courteous attention to your inquiries and problems. Whether it be by telephone, email or even old fashioned postal mail, we will work to answer your questions in a timely, respectful and responsive way. We may not always be able to give the answers someone is look-ing for but we will at a minimum show that their concerns are important to us. I conclude by again welcoming you to the 2012-2013 school year and by taking this opportunity to sincerely thank you for choosing to be a part of the Woodland Hills School District. We are the home of the Wolverines!

A Message from the Superintendent


SCHOOLDISTRICT

In March, Dr. Jody Markley, Director of Penn State’s Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program contacted the high school’s Project GRAD College Access Program to help her find students for their 2012 summer program. This is the 13th year that Penn State offered the program and it was previously only available to students from Philadelphia, Reading and Harrisburg. This year they wanted to expand to the Pittsburgh area. Because of the connection that PSU has with the Project GRAD College Access Challenge Grant Program, they chose Woodland Hills to be the first Pittsburgh school to be involved. Students were eligible for the program if they were first gen-eration college-bound, had some specific income levels, and received average grades in math and science. The opportunity was presented to all of the 9th grade stu-dents. From a pool of 90 students who were initially interested in the program, 25 completed the application process, 20 made the first cut, and after interviews, 12 were chosen to participate in the program. The only reason that all 20 final-ists were not accepted was because the space available at PSU was limited. All of our applicants were worthy of this honor. The now-10th graders chosen to participate are:Nicholas Madison-Pegeron (Rankin)Marcel McCaskill (North Braddock)Shawn McDonough (Forest Hills)Londale Payne (Braddock)Jonathan Shropshire-Simpson (Turtle Creek)Jeffrey Tito (East Pittsburgh)Sierra Anderson (East Pittsburgh)Myasia Cherry (Braddock)Amber Hall (Wilkins)J’Vonha Moore (Swissvale)Mecca Nelson (Braddock)Kena Wilson (Rankin) The students left WHHS on June 17th, and lived on the Penn State main campus for six weeks. They received intensive instruction in math, science, and language courses and experienced hands-on research with faculty at Penn State’s premier research facilities in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the Eberly College of Science. Students attended workshops on study skills, time management, and financial aid; met and worked closely with students from across the state; went on trips to museums, science centers, and cultural events; and had first hand experience of life on a major college campus. In addi-tion, students were given a stipend for incidentals (laundry, snacks, etc.). At the end of the program the balance of the allotted stipend ($1,000), was paid to them upon their return to Woodland Hills. All UBMS program services are offered at no cost to participants as a result of a Department of Education TRIO grant, and the generosity of

Pittsburgh’s Bayer Corporation. Each of the twelve Woodland Hills students was on a different research team. Some of the research topics were: “Microbial Live and Redox Chemistry in Natural Waters; Micro-fluidic Devices; PAD4 Inhibitors and Cancer; Nanoparticles and Cancer; Mg-Ni Compounds; The K.O. of nrxIV in Drosophila, Revealing a New Method of Fingerprinting Development (CTS); and Light and Human Tissue. During the last week of the UBMS Program, the students made formal presentations of their summer’s projects. Their presentations were detailed, professional, and given in a lecture hall holding 70 other high school students, dozens of

undergraduate and graduate students, and many university professors. Their presentations were judged by a panel of ex-

perts on knowledge of the material, accuracy, length of presenta-tion and PowerPoint, and overall communication skills. All twelve

students were recognized with certificates of achievement and/or medals for their original work.

Upon their return to Pittsburgh, the students were guests of the Bayer Corporation who hosted a recognition picnic at Baywood Country Club in Moon Township. The students spent a fun afternoon swimming, meeting students from another (international) program sponsored by Bayer, and enjoying a first class picnic buffet (shrimp, scallops, ribs, hot dogs, and a sundae bar). This is only the beginning! Our twelve Woodland Hills students are

eligible to continue to attend the summer program at Penn State for two more summers. Plus, throughout the school year, in addition to academic guidance, career and college counseling, and tutoring, students will partici-pate in visits to local work sites with mentors, trips to various educational sites and postsecondary institutions and cultural activities. Parent informa-tion sessions and seminars, activities on the UBMS Online Learning Center and personalized assistance through the college application process will be provided. The twelve young, timid 9th graders who left the high school parking lot on June 17th have returned as mature 10th graders who will be academic leaders in their classes until they graduate. What a wonderful opportunity for them, and for the Woodland Hills High School! The wonderful story continues…. ~Joyce Fratangelo, College Access Center Woodland Hills High School

Pittsburgh’s Bayer Corporation. Pittsburgh’s Bayer Corporation. Each of the twelve Woodland Hills students was on a different research team. Some of the research topics were: “Microbial Live and Redox Chemistry in Natural Waters; Microfluidic Devices; PAD4 Inhibitors and Cancer; Nanoparticles and Cancer; Mg-Ni Compounds; The K.O. of nrxIV in Drosophila, Revealing a New Method of Fingerprinting Development (CTS); and Light and Human Tissue. During the last week of the UBMS Program, the students made formal presentations of their summer’s projects. Their presentations were detailed, professional, and given in a

Pittsburgh’s Bayer Corporation. Each of the twelve Woodland Hills students was on a different research team. Some of the research topics were:

undergraduate and graduate students, and many university professors. Their presentations were judged by a panel of ex

perts on knowledge of the material, accuracy, length of presentation and PowerPoint, and overall communication skills. All twelve

students were recognized with certificates of achievement and/or medals for their original work.

Upon their return to Pittsburgh, the students were guests of the

eligible to continue to attend the summer program at Penn State for two

Woodland Hills Students Spend Summer Doing Research at Penn State University


Delany ScholarsThe Delany Scholars program is an initiative in the Woodland Hills School District funded by a grant from the Heinz Foundation. The purpose of the Delany Scholars program is to create more honors and gifted level African-American male students. Also, the program seeks to create a sustainable environment that produces more African-American male honors and gifted-level students through curriculum changes and staff development. This will be accomplished by implementing the Scholar Identity model from Vanderbilt Professors Drs. Gil Whiting and Donna Ford. The model is based on nine characteristics that Dr. Whiting, through research, identi-fies as attributes of high-performing African-American male students: Self-efficacy, Future Orientation, Willingness to Make Sacrifices, Internal Locus of Control, Self-Awareness, Strong Need for Achievement, Academic Self-confidence, Racial Pride, and Masculinity. Reginald Hickman serves as Program Director, Michael Morris as Assistant Program Director, and Marlon Youngblood as Program Facilitator. Contact 412.731.1300 ext. 0177, ext.0190, or ext. 0175 for more information.

California University of Pennsylvania, the Community College of Allegheny County, Point Park University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania have formed a consor-

tium, which includes Woodland Hills, to recruit African Ameri-can males into the teaching profession. The consortium also includes representatives from Carrick High School, Point Park University, Gateway School District and the Wilkinsburg School District. The number of school districts will be expanded during the three years of the grant. The Heinz Endowments of Pittsburgh awarded a 3-year grant which is designed to increase the number of African-American men in teacher preparation programs in colleges and universi-ties. The grant proposal was authored by Dr. Robert Millward, a professor in the professional studies in education department at IUP. Currently, African-American males represent less than 2 percent of the 3 million teachers in our nation’s schools. The program’s goal is to increase the population of black males in colleges of education to 5 percent. The project will focus on several objectives, including the construction of a web page to promote a career in teaching that focuses on African American males in middle and high school. We will create a DVD that presents current black teachers talking about the rewards associated with a teach-ing career. During the first year, Millward and the consortium members established an organizational structure that can be sustained through the next decade. The group is actively work-ing to employ a number of methods to reach African-American males and help them succeed in education over the next three years:� Use social media and other technology to reach students at the middle- and high-school level

� Provide a one-day summer seminar for teachers and counselors to make them aware of the need to encourage African-American students to become teachers� Establish a strong working relationship with community and regional colleges. “The Community College of Allegheny County will be a very important link to attracting African-American men, considering that 30 to 50 percent of CCAC’s enrollment consists of minority students, and 20 percent of our current teachers got their start in a community college,” Millward said.� Provide seminars for college recruiters and faculty mem-bers to help recruit qualified African-American males specifi-cally for colleges of education� Form some type of cohort mentoring groups that include gender balance, racial diversity and geographic identity to offer support to students in the cohort. These groups could become ambassador groups for recruiting additional African-American students into colleges of education.� Create community mentoring programs. “One of the most life-altering challenges facing school-age African-American males today is whether to stay in school or to drop out,” Millward said, adding that current dropout rates among African-American students often range from 25 to 50 percent. He cited Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh as having a successful youth mentoring program that could serve as a model for this project. The program will be evaluated yearly. The Heinz Endowments supports efforts to make south-western Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Fall 2012

© 2012 UPMC

What’s Inside2 Have You Scheduled Your Annual Mammogram?

3 Give Your Back a Break

Using Your Blood for Natural Healing

4 A Partnership of Hope and Transformation

6 Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for Guests

7 When Wounds Don’t Heal

Get Ready for FallSoon the leaves will change color and fall to the ground — a welcome mat for cooler days, chilly nights, football games, hayrides, warm sweaters, and everything else that makes fall special.

2 UPMC.com/Today

One in eight women in the United States can expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. A mammogram is still the best test your doctor has to detect breast cancer sooner — sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. If breast cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rate is 98 percent. If it is diagnosed late, the survival rate drops to 27 percent.

The digital advantage

Digital mammography, among the latest in breast imaging technology, has been available at UPMC McKeesport since 2008. Although traditional film and digital mammography are done in the same way, the digital technique has many important advantages for both doctors and patients. “It cuts exam times in half, something patients appreciate,” says Rachelle Gebis, director of Imaging Services at UPMC McKeesport. “Digital also produces sharp images and uses a relatively low dose of radiation,” she adds.

“Digital images can be manipulated to improve contrast and magnification, allowing the radiologist to see things that may have been obscured on a film mammogram,” says Marvin Abdalah, MD, a radiologist specializing in mammography at UPMC McKeesport who completed a fellowship in women’s imaging at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

The fear factor

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly mammogram screenings beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer. But one in two women avoid regular mammograms. Fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer is one of the top reasons women skip regular mammograms, however the vast majority of screenings come back negative.

“Not surprisingly, a patient’s anxiety level rises when an abnormality is detected,” says Marcy Vasko, RN, nurse navigator for Breast Imaging services at UPMC McKeesport. It’s her job to ensure that the process of moving patients from screening to diagnosis and treatment is as seamless and stress-free as possible. “Having someone who knows what to expect, can answer questions, help schedule appointments, or just listen is a real comfort to them,” says Ms. Vasko.

And after a patient completes therapy? “I get them back on a regular cycle of mammograms,” she replies.

To learn more about digital mammography and other imaging services at UPMC McKeesport, call 412-664-CARE (2273).

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The pink ribbon is a powerful reminder that in the battle against breast cancer, early detection can save lives. When you combine mammography with a clinical breast examination, the chances of finding cancer early are even better. Many breast problems are found by women themselves. By regularly examining your breasts, you’re more likely to notice changes. Call your doctor to report changes you see or feel in your breasts, but remember: most breast changes are not cancerous.

Underinsured or uninsured women in Pennsylvania may be eligible for free breast cancer screenings through the Healthy-Woman Program. For more information, including eligibility standards, call 1-800-215-7494.

You’ll find the ACS breast cancer screening guidelines, as well as instructions on how to examine your breasts, at UPMCMcKeesport/Today.

Have You Scheduled Your Annual Mammogram?Just being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast cancer.

UPMC222169_UPMC Today_McKeesport_Fall_2012_Final.indd 2 7/30/12 3:38 PM

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain.Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away.

Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.

“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds.

To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following:

Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier.

Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles.

Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either.

Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load.

Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt.

Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if:

• You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss.

Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today.

Source: National Institutes of Health

Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.

Who should use PRP therapy?

“PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.

It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including:

• Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee

For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.

Is PRP therapy covered by insurance?

Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.”

For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan


2 UPMC.com/Today

One in eight women in the United States can expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. A mammogram is still the best test your doctor has to detect breast cancer sooner — sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. If breast cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rate is 98 percent. If it is diagnosed late, the survival rate drops to 27 percent.

The digital advantage

Digital mammography, among the latest in breast imaging technology, has been available at UPMC McKeesport since 2008. Although traditional film and digital mammography are done in the same way, the digital technique has many important advantages for both doctors and patients. “It cuts exam times in half, something patients appreciate,” says Rachelle Gebis, director of Imaging Services at UPMC McKeesport. “Digital also produces sharp images and uses a relatively low dose of radiation,” she adds.

“Digital images can be manipulated to improve contrast and magnification, allowing the radiologist to see things that may have been obscured on a film mammogram,” says Marvin Abdalah, MD, a radiologist specializing in mammography at UPMC McKeesport who completed a fellowship in women’s imaging at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

The fear factor

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly mammogram screenings beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer. But one in two women avoid regular mammograms. Fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer is one of the top reasons women skip regular mammograms, however the vast majority of screenings come back negative.

“Not surprisingly, a patient’s anxiety level rises when an abnormality is detected,” says Marcy Vasko, RN, nurse navigator for Breast Imaging services at UPMC McKeesport. It’s her job to ensure that the process of moving patients from screening to diagnosis and treatment is as seamless and stress-free as possible. “Having someone who knows what to expect, can answer questions, help schedule appointments, or just listen is a real comfort to them,” says Ms. Vasko.

And after a patient completes therapy? “I get them back on a regular cycle of mammograms,” she replies.

To learn more about digital mammography and other imaging services at UPMC McKeesport, call 412-664-CARE (2273).

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The pink ribbon is a powerful reminder that in the battle against breast cancer, early detection can save lives. When you combine mammography with a clinical breast examination, the chances of finding cancer early are even better. Many breast problems are found by women themselves. By regularly examining your breasts, you’re more likely to notice changes. Call your doctor to report changes you see or feel in your breasts, but remember: most breast changes are not cancerous.

Underinsured or uninsured women in Pennsylvania may be eligible for free breast cancer screenings through the Healthy-Woman Program. For more information, including eligibility standards, call 1-800-215-7494.

You’ll find the ACS breast cancer screening guidelines, as well as instructions on how to examine your breasts, at UPMCMcKeesport/Today.

Have You Scheduled Your Annual Mammogram?Just being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast cancer.


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Give Your Back a Break Tips that can help you avoid back pain.Amazingly complex, remarkably strong, and incredibly flexible, your back is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you couldn’t stand up straight, walk on the beach, chase after the kids, or dance the night away.

Like most people, you probably take your back for granted — until it starts to hurt. “Eight out of 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives,” says M. Melissa Moon, DO, a physician in the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

So what’s causing all those achy backs? “Everyday habits like hunching over your computer, toting a heavy purse or backpack, or picking up a toddler are often to blame for the pain,” says Dr. Moon.

“And studies show that smokers have more back problems than non-smokers, which is another good reason to quit,” she adds.

To help keep your back healthy and strong, Dr. Moon also recommends the following:

Sit up straight. Use good posture when sitting or standing. That improves muscle tone and makes breathing easier.

Work out. Back and abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles that support your back, while low-impact aerobics strengthens bones and improves blood flow to muscles.

Lose it. Being overweight puts added strain on your back muscles. Carrying weight around your midsection isn’t good for your heart either.

Think before lifting. Remember to keep your back straight and bend at the knees or hips when lifting something. Ask for help with a heavy load.

Pay attention. If you feel back pain during any activity, stop and rest. Your body may be trying to keep you from getting hurt.

Call the doctor. Most back pain can be relieved with self-care. However, Dr. Moon recommends that you see a doctor if:

• You have pain after a fall or injury. • You have weakness, pain, or numbness in one or both legs. • The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medication and rest. • The pain is accompanied by trouble urinating, fever, or unintentional weight loss.

Learn more about building a healthy back at UPMC.com/Today.

Source: National Institutes of Health

Using Your Blood for Natural Healing Even after having surgery for a sports-related groin injury, recovery was slow for Megan Cortazzo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with UPMC. A fellow physician suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — and her results were so positive that she now offers the service to patients at UPMC.

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy (RIT) that promotes the healing of injured or deteriorated tissue. “Platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate healing,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “We draw a small quantity of the patient’s blood and spin it in a special centrifuge machine. The process extracts platelets, which we then inject at the point of injury or inflammation,” says Dr. Cortazzo.

Who should use PRP therapy?

“PRP therapy’s use by professional athletes has generated tremendous interest in the procedure,” says Dr. Cortazzo.

It also can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients with a wide range of conditions, she says, including:

• Chronic tennis elbow (tendinosis) • Mild to moderate rotator cuff tears • Chronic ankle sprains • Mild arthritis of the knee

For best results, Dr. Cortazzo recommends combining PRP therapy with physical therapy.

Is PRP therapy covered by insurance?

Because it is still in its infancy, medical insurance does not cover PRP therapy. “Although it’s a self-pay procedure, many patients feel it’s worthwhile because it can eliminate lost work time and the cost of a deductible for surgery,” explains Dr. Cortazzo. “Most of all, they want the relief from pain it offers.”

For more information about PRP, call UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at 412-692-4400, or go to UPMC.com/prp.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan


4 UPMC.com/Today

A Partnership of Hope and TransformationEvery year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cutting-edge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).

p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.

“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter.

“From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”

A network like no other

UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC McKeesport — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients.

“One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”

Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts

“Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.

“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”

Pillar I: Clinical Care

From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include:

• Conventional chemotherapy • Targeted therapies • Stem cell transplants • Hormone therapy • Biological therapy • Perfusion therapy


Pillar II: Specialized Care

Pillar III: Research

Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under

construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u

4 UPMC.com/Today

A Partnership of Hope and TransformationEvery year, the lives of 74,000 cancer patients and their families are transformed by the care, specialized services, and research of UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Applying good science, investing in smart technology, and putting patients first. That’s the philosophy driving the cutting-edge research and lifesaving care offered through UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).

p UPMC is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having one of the best cancer programs in the nation.

“We’re committed to being a leader in the fight against cancer today and tomorrow, with the patient always at the center of all we do,” says Nancy Davidson, MD, director of UPMC CancerCenter.

“From the groundbreaking research that takes place in our laboratories to our delivery of the latest cancer therapies in locations throughout the region, we’re at the frontline of cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” she says. “We also play a key role in inspiring and educating the next generation of bright young scientists and cancer specialists.”

A network like no other

UPMC CancerCenter is one of the nation’s largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists. Its more than 30 locations throughout western Pennsylvania and Ohio — including UPMC McKeesport — bring outstanding cancer care close to home for many patients.

“One of the main strengths of the UPMC CancerCenter network is its ability to obtain virtually identical results wherever patients are treated,” says Peter Ellis, MD, director of the medical oncology network. “Our Clinical Pathways are evidence-based care standards that provide uniformity across the network.”

Three powerful pillars supported by 1,700 experts

“Through our quarter-century-long partnership, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter have identified three pillars that enable us to achieve our common goals: clinical care, specialized care, and research,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC CancerCenter.

“It’s not always easy to see the ‘behind the scenes’ story of who we are and what we do. With these three pillars, we marshal the resources of nearly 250 medical, radiation, and surgical oncology physicians; more than 1,160 nurses, technicians, and staff; and 350 research and clinical faculty,” he explains. “Few organizations in the country can match the level of scientific and medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and physical locations found here.”

Pillar I: Clinical Care

From the moment of diagnosis, UPMC CancerCenter’s network of nearly 100 medical oncologists links patients to a full range of treatments and services that include:

• Conventional chemotherapy • Targeted therapies • Stem cell transplants • Hormone therapy • Biological therapy • Perfusion therapy


1-800-533-UPMC 5

p Mark Sosinski, MD, a nationally recognized lung cancer specialist who joined the UPMC CancerCenter and UPCI team in 2011, says “This was a good fit for

me and my research, but the strong leadership really stood out.”

The UPMC CancerCenter radiation oncology network includes radiation oncology network includes radiation oncology network16 community-based radiation oncology centers and 10 dual radiation and medical oncology centers. Many of these sites offer innovative, advanced technology that allows for more precise tumor imaging and radiation treatment.

The surgical oncology network specializes in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including many rare and difficult tumors. Its multidisciplinary team of physicians has attracted national attention for work in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery; specialized procedures, such as the pancreatic Whipple; and regional perfusion therapy, which directs high concentrations of chemotherapy to the tumor site.

Pillar II: Specialized Care

For patients with challenging or late-stage cancers, UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center is a beacon of hope and innovation. It is home to internationally regarded surgical, medical, and radiation oncology specialists who perform treatments and procedures unavailable elsewhere in the region. Hillman also has the area’s most advanced imaging technologies to detect cancer and monitor treatment.

Nationally ranked Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC features dedicated and comprehensive women’s cancer care, including breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.

For patients with hard-to-treat cancers, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter offer disease-specific multidisciplinary clinics called Specialty Care Centers (SCC) designed to provide quick access to leading specialists. Many SCC reviews are done over the Internet, eliminating the need for long-distance travel.

Care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer is provided at the highly-ranked Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

Pillar III: Research

UPCI physicians and scientists are recognized leaders in molecular and medical oncology research. Their primary goal is to discover new ways to prevent, treat, and cure all types of cancer, particularly those with the lowest survival rates. Working hand-in-hand with UPMC CancerCenter, UPCI’s investigators strive to translate their research into actual treat-ment. More than 300 clinical trials now underway at UPCI give patients access to cutting-edge therapies long before they are broadly available.

The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 12th most-funded cancer research institution, UPCI received more than $174 million in support in 2011. UPCI is also western Pennsylvania’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

To learn more about UPMC CancerCenter, Partner with University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.

Hillman Cancer Center Celebrates 10-Year AnniversaryWhen the Hillman Cancer Center opened its doors in 2002, it was hailed as an architectural gem — its spectacular, glass-block walled atrium serving as a symbolic link between research and patient care.

Today, Hillman Cancer Center is the treatment and research flagship of the growing UPMC CancerCenter network. A 350,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center, Hillman is home to UPMC CancerCenter’s pre-eminent clinical care for patients and UPCI’s internationally recognized academic and research programs. Here, patients and their families have access to specialized cancer diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment, including multidisciplinary outpatient stem cell transplant services.

Opening in January 2013, the new Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers will offer comprehensive diagnostic services, individually designed treatment plans, and long-term follow-up services to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other blood malig-nancies.

For more information, visit UPMCCancerCenter.com.

Architectural rendering of the patient waiting area of the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, currently under construction at Hillman Cancer Center. u

6 UPMC.com/Today

It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care.

That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at Magee- Womens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.

p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.

“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.”

Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent.

“Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.

“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”

Emphasizing patient and family-centered care

Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television.

“Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”

Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.”

Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee.

The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q

Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for GuestsNew state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.


1-800-533-UPMC 7

For most people, a cut, blister, or scrape on the foot usually heals quickly. But for millions of Americans, wounds that don’t heal pose a major health threat that requires special treatment to avoid serious infection, amputation, and even death.

“Chronic wounds are usually the result of serious underlying health issues. It’s a big problem with our aging and obese population,” says Marc Cordero, MD, a general surgeon and wound care specialist at UPMC McKeesport. People with diabetes and vascular disease are particularly vulnerable to slow healing and chronic wounds because of poor circulation.

State-of-the-art wound care close to home

The new wound healing services at UPMC McKeesport will offer a comprehensive, hospital-based outpatient program providing specialized treatment for chronic wounds, including those resulting from diabetes, vascular disease, pressure ulcers, burns, and other traumatic injuries.

“It’s a huge advantage for area residents. Patients won’t have to travel far to receive a high level of wound care treatment, and problems can be resolved more quickly,” says Dr. Cordero.

Advanced wound care available at the new facility will include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) — an established and highly successful method for treating many types of non-healing wounds. Opening fall 2012, the center will have double the capacity of most area wound clinics, with two pressurized hyperbaric chambers.

“We are providing the community with an invaluable tool. HBOT is a strong and proven medical technology that facilitates healing,” says Sandeep Kathju, MD, a plastic surgeon at UPMC McKeesport.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy brings hope

In HBOT, patients are placed in a sealed chamber where they breathe 100 percent oxygen under pressure. It increases oxygen in the bloodstream, improves circulation, stimulates growth of new blood vessels, and promotes healing. The intense treatment requires daily hour-long sessions, often over a course of weeks or months.

“HBOT can make a difference in whether or not someone loses a limb, but undergoing daily treatment can be challenging. Having it available close to home is a tremendous benefit for patients and their families,” says Dr. Cordero.

A team approach to wound care

The new service will offer a multidisciplinary team of wound care specialists, including general, orthopaedic, and vascular surgeons; a podiatrist; and nurses, who will work together to treat wounds and help prevent amputations. The patient’s own doctor can partner with the wound healing team throughout treatment.

“Everyone brings the expertise we need to comprehensively manage non-healing wounds,” explains Dr. Kathju. “Our goal will be to avoid amputation by providing expert treatment from wound healing specialists using the latest tools and technologies.”

For more information about the new wound healing services at UPMC McKeesport, call 412-664-CARE (2273).

When Wounds Don’t Heal If you’re at risk, a simple cut or blister can quickly escalate into a major health problem.

Foot Care TipsIf you have diabetes or vascular disease, inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, swelling, or foul odor. If you can’t bend over, use a plastic mirror to check the bottoms of your feet, or ask a family member to help. And be sure your doctor inspects your feet at every visit.


6 UPMC.com/Today

It’s no coincidence that the words hospital and hospitality share the same Latin root, hospes, which means to treat guests with kindness and care.

That spirit of welcome is immediately evident in the thoughtful design of two newly opened patient care units at Magee- Womens Hospital of UPMC — one of Magee’s major expansion projects during a century of providing medical service.

p The patient rooms are warm and spacious, with a comfortable sleep sofa to encourage overnight stays by a family member or close friend.

“We wanted Magee’s latest major construction to focus on our patients with the greatest medical needs: those requiring intensive care and women undergoing cancer treatment,” says Leslie C. Davis, hospital president. “We’re still among the leading deliverers of babies in the nation, but we also care for men and children, from infants to centenarians. The additional beds also allow us to expand our core obstetrical (OB) services to the units that relocated. Adding space for our OB patients was a primary reason for this expansion.”

Two floors were added to a three-story section of the hospital to create the new 14-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28-bed Cancer Care Unit, more than doubling the number of critical care beds. Completed in record time, the new units increased the hospital’s overall bed capacity by 13 percent.

“Before starting the project, we sought the advice of former patients, as well as our doctors, nurses, and staff,” says Joseph Kelley, MD, director of both the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Magee.

“Their ideas and suggestions helped us create a quiet, calming, and safe environment for patients and caregivers. Each patient room is filled with natural light and decorated in soothing earth tones, blending comfort with technology. That kind of setting is very important to healing.”

Emphasizing patient and family-centered care

Because studies confirm that the presence of loved ones promotes recovery, each patient room in the new unit features a comfortable sleeper sofa to encourage overnight stays. Family members also can order in-room meals for a modest fee, and all patient rooms have free Internet access and cable television.

“Every room has separate zoned areas for families and caregivers, minimizing disruption and reducing infection,” explains David Muigai, MD, medical director of Magee’s ICU. “Visitors comment on how quiet it is here, thanks to acoustical features to minimize sound. And the ICU rooms are designed to accommodate changes in a patient’s condition, eliminating the need to transfer patients as they continue to recover.”

Each floor also has a family lounge and a meditation room. They offer privacy when needed, and company when desired. Both floors also incorporate the latest technology and best practices in green building solutions to minimize environmental impact.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our newest addition,” says Dr. Kelley. “It reflects the kind of signature care and compassion Magee has delivered for more than 100 years.”

Several of Magee’s programs, including cancer care, are again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report (2012-13). Learn more about Magee’s services for women and men at UPMC.com/Magee.

The meditation room on each floor provides patients and families with a private space that is peaceful and soothing. q

Magee’s Newest Baby Is Two Stories Tall — and Ready for GuestsNew state-of-the-art intensive care and cancer care units blend the latest in medical technology with the best in patient comfort.


1-800-533-UPMC 7

For most people, a cut, blister, or scrape on the foot usually heals quickly. But for millions of Americans, wounds that don’t heal pose a major health threat that requires special treatment to avoid serious infection, amputation, and even death.

“Chronic wounds are usually the result of serious underlying health issues. It’s a big problem with our aging and obese population,” says Marc Cordero, MD, a general surgeon and wound care specialist at UPMC McKeesport. People with diabetes and vascular disease are particularly vulnerable to slow healing and chronic wounds because of poor circulation.

State-of-the-art wound care close to home

The new wound healing services at UPMC McKeesport will offer a comprehensive, hospital-based outpatient program providing specialized treatment for chronic wounds, including those resulting from diabetes, vascular disease, pressure ulcers, burns, and other traumatic injuries.

“It’s a huge advantage for area residents. Patients won’t have to travel far to receive a high level of wound care treatment, and problems can be resolved more quickly,” says Dr. Cordero.

Advanced wound care available at the new facility will include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) — an established and highly successful method for treating many types of non-healing wounds. Opening fall 2012, the center will have double the capacity of most area wound clinics, with two pressurized hyperbaric chambers.

“We are providing the community with an invaluable tool. HBOT is a strong and proven medical technology that facilitates healing,” says Sandeep Kathju, MD, a plastic surgeon at UPMC McKeesport.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy brings hope

In HBOT, patients are placed in a sealed chamber where they breathe 100 percent oxygen under pressure. It increases oxygen in the bloodstream, improves circulation, stimulates growth of new blood vessels, and promotes healing. The intense treatment requires daily hour-long sessions, often over a course of weeks or months.

“HBOT can make a difference in whether or not someone loses a limb, but undergoing daily treatment can be challenging. Having it available close to home is a tremendous benefit for patients and their families,” says Dr. Cordero.

A team approach to wound care

The new service will offer a multidisciplinary team of wound care specialists, including general, orthopaedic, and vascular surgeons; a podiatrist; and nurses, who will work together to treat wounds and help prevent amputations. The patient’s own doctor can partner with the wound healing team throughout treatment.

“Everyone brings the expertise we need to comprehensively manage non-healing wounds,” explains Dr. Kathju. “Our goal will be to avoid amputation by providing expert treatment from wound healing specialists using the latest tools and technologies.”

For more information about the new wound healing services at UPMC McKeesport, call 412-664-CARE (2273).

When Wounds Don’t Heal If you’re at risk, a simple cut or blister can quickly escalate into a major health problem.

Foot Care TipsIf you have diabetes or vascular disease, inspect your feet daily for cuts, sores, redness, swelling, or foul odor. If you can’t bend over, use a plastic mirror to check the bottoms of your feet, or ask a family member to help. And be sure your doctor inspects your feet at every visit.


1-800-533-UPMC • UPMC.com/WeSee

With convenient locations at:

WE PICTURE YOU AS A MOTHER.

WE PICTURE YOU AS A DAUGHTER.

WE PICTURE YOU AS A SISTER.

ABOVE ALL, WE PICTURE YOU AS A WOMAN.

WHICH IS WHY WE’LL NEVER PICTURE YOU AS JUST ANOTHER PICTURE.

At UPMC McKeesport, you’ll receive comprehensive,

state-of-the-art mammography services.

You’ll also receive something else — expertise,

compassion and a dedication to helping

women just like you.UPMC McKeesport Forest Hills Outpatient 2020 Ardmore Blvd • Pittsburgh, PA 15221

UPMC McKeesport 1500 Fifth Ave • McKeesport, PA 15132

UPMC McKeesport1500 Fifth Ave.McKeesport, PA 15132

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.



1-800-533-UPMC • UPMC.com/WeSee

With convenient locations at:

WE PICTURE YOU AS A MOTHER.

WE PICTURE YOU AS A DAUGHTER.

WE PICTURE YOU AS A SISTER.

ABOVE ALL, WE PICTURE YOU AS A WOMAN.

WHICH IS WHY WE’LL NEVER PICTURE YOU AS JUST ANOTHER PICTURE.

At UPMC McKeesport, you’ll receive comprehensive,

state-of-the-art mammography services.

You’ll also receive something else — expertise,

compassion and a dedication to helping

women just like you.UPMC McKeesport Forest Hills Outpatient 2020 Ardmore Blvd • Pittsburgh, PA 15221

UPMC McKeesport 1500 Fifth Ave • McKeesport, PA 15132

UPMC McKeesport1500 Fifth Ave.McKeesport, PA 15132

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.


Car Buffs Abound in the

For some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the sunshine and the strains of ‘50s music take them back to their younger days. In their minds, they go back to a time when having good weather and a great car for the afternoon, and the free time to

enjoy it, were all that you needed for some fun. Thankfully, it’s been a good summer to lower the convertible roof on the car and go cruising, allowing the wind to blow through your hair, smelling the flowers and watching the gawkers staring at you as you roll past them in your classic car. After all, what’s the sense of having an antique car or a classic muscle car if you can’t show it off and allow others to enjoy it? Sharing the love of design, beauty and mechanics of a classic car or muscle car is part of the joy of collecting such vehicles. Car cruises are an American tradition in which owners of classic and high-performance cars meet together in parking lots and other wide-open spaces, to show off their vehicles and to enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun with other car lovers. Often these events include music or entertainment and food, and sometimes, they even have races.

Western Pennsylvania is home to many of these events, thanks to the many gearheads who live in the region.

Here is a sampling of some of the many popular car cruises in the Pittsburgh

area:

Mineral Beach (in Finleyville) – This popular event happens every Friday night and often includes motorcycles as well as cars. This larger cruise usually includes several hundred cars.Wendy’s (in Peters Township, along Rt. 19) – This cruise is every Monday night, and is a smaller cruise that usually has about 50 to 100 cars.McDonald’s (Meadowlands - Racetrack Road) – This event is held every other Saturday. It is a medium-sized cruise sponsored by The Washington Cruisers Car Club (www.washingtoncruisers.com).Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise (Wexford) – Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is held every Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., through Labor Day. This is one of the largest weekly cruises in the region, and usually has more than 1000 cars attending each week. The Wexford Star Lite Car Cruise is free and is hosted and presented by North Way Christian Community (www.starlitecarcruise.com).Ultimate Car Cruise (Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills) – Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., through October. This cruise and many others can be found listed at the website www.carcruises.com. Flashlight Drags (Waynesburg) – Features a car show, a car cruise, a vendor’s midway, music, food and more. The idea behind this event sprang from the need for local hot rodders to have a place to legally and safely race each other. The essence of the event is providing a safe environment in which to enjoy the excitement of street racing, with an

equal measure of nostalgia—which is where the antique and classic cars displayed at the event make their greatest impact. www.flashlightdrags.com.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix International Car Show (Schenley Park, Pittsburgh) – Held every July

and touted by international media including National Geographic magazine, the Vintage Grand Prix once hosted

competitive races between racers in vintage cars around the park’s winding roads, but for years the entire event has been

for show, and as always, still benefits charity. More than 2,000 cars, many of them very high-end,are displayed

at the event, in which all makes of car are welcome. Held annually since 1983, the Vintage Grand Prix

has raised more than $2.75 million to benefit autistic and developmentally disabled people.

All local car cruises are weather-dependent. Check the web sites for

RegionCar Buffs

For some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the sunshine and For some, the smell of car wax, the heat of the sunshine and F

Abound Abound By Jonathan Barnes

Continued next page


Tony Santercangelo, a 22-year-old Woodland Hills High School graduate, was raised with a wrench in his hand. Now in his fourth year at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where he majors in industrial design, Santercangelo first began

working in his father’s East Hills collision repair shop when he was eight years old. He took over the business at age 19, when his father retired, and also reserved the second floor of the shop for his own custom design and building company, Custom Touch.

The young entrepreneur uses his industrial design background to bring a fresh perspective and unique approach to custom builds and designs for street cars and hot rods. “I like to think outside of the box for everything I do,” he said. “It’s all about imagination and doing things differently. Where someone else might do custom paint, if [customers] come to me I give a totally modified and revamped vehicle from the ground up however you want it—complete customization.” Santercangelo chose to enroll at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to broaden his education and experience with full-body customization despite spending most of his life in a garage. The Turtle Creek resident wants to hone his skills to provide his high-end clientele with unparalleled service in the greater Pittsburgh area. “I was raised ‘old-school’ so I used to do everything with a pen and pad,” said Santercangelo. “I chose to go to AIP because it gave me even more knowledge as to the technological aspect of the business so I can be more precise and do what I want to do with the customizations for my clients.” Business is good for the Woodland Hills grad who is currently in the process of four custom client builds. In the second floor shop right now is a 1965 Ford Falcon Wagon, which is in the process of a custom paint job, a 1956 Chevy 210 Gasser undergoing a full custom build, and a 1965 Belvedere being restored on a full build. Santercangelo is also in the process of a full, radical custom build on a client’s 2009 Dodge Challenger, which involves drastic modifications to the vehicle’s body and engine to create a stand-alone, one-of-a-kind custom piece of work. Despite his active client base, Santercangelo finds the time to restore and customize several of the vehicles in his personal automobile collection. He is currently restoring a 1963 Chevy Impala SS 409 purchased from an elderly man in Connellsville and wants to rebuild it as a ‘60s-style drag racer in a recreational gesture of nostalgia. Santercangelo is also in the process of restoring a 1960 Chevy Biscayne and 2002 Trans Am WS6, which he plans to use as weekend

cruisers. The mechanic’s true pride and joy, though, is the 1962 Corvette he is completely rebuilding in a full, radical customization that he’s been working on for over 18 months. The Corvette will be dramatically transformed from its original form when the customization is complete. Santercangelo plays the restoration plan close to his chest as he doesn’t want to give away any surprises before it’s registered for the Ridler Awards in Las Vegas later this year. “It’s like the Grammys for custom hot rod designers,” he said. “I’m really excited to see how it’s received. It’s a really imaginative design. I’m pretty proud of it.” -Brady Ashe

1960 chevy biscayne

Continued from page 21

each cruise regularly to determine if a cruise will be held when foul weather could be imminent.

While each car cruise is unique in its location and the makeup of vehicles, owners, and attractions, every car buff comes to the hobby by his or her own path. It could have started with a secret childhood yearning for a hot rod, or by catching a glimpse of something extraordinary in a shop window, seen totally by happenstance. Like a lover retelling the story of his romance, each classic car owner has a tale to tell about how he and his car were united.



homeWe have all been there: after a long day of work, a

trying day of college exams, or fighting traffic, all you want is to go home and kick off your shoes, eat some

dinner and relax. Owning a home is part of the “American Dream.” Sadly, there are those without a safe, structurally sound home. Nearly two billion people around the world live in sub-standard housing, and 100 million are homeless. Some of these resi-dents living in dilapidated housing are right in our neighbor-hood. Pittsburgh’s Habitat for Humanity organization brings people together to build or rehabilitate homes, all while spreading hope. In our area it serves Braddock, North Braddock and

By Judith Schardt

Rankin. To build homes, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pitts-burgh (HFHGP) works in partnership with hundreds of volun-teers and low-income families who then purchase the homes through special no-profit/no-interest mortgages. Since 1986, 71 families in Pittsburgh have moved into their own homes made possible because of Millard Fuller who said, “All God’s people deserve a simple, decent place to live.” In 1976, Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity. HFHGP is among 2,300 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International serving 100 countries. It is a Christian, nonprofit housing organization help-ing individuals needing decent homes in good neighborhoods. HFHGP builds and renovates houses so people can build a life for themselves and their children. Maggie Withrow, executive director, is proud that HFHGP’s mission is to eliminate substan-dard housing in Allegheny County, making decent shelter a matter of conscience. How does home ownership become a reality? First, the organization selects a family who needs a house but cannot afford or qualify for a conventional mortgage. Habitat serves in accordance with federal, state and local laws and the HFHGP Board of Directors approves the selected family. The future homeowners must acquire “sweat equity” hours by providing 350 hours of labor at other house construction sites. After 50 hours of working on another family’s house, a site is chosen for their own home. Then dozens of enthusiastic volunteers work side by side with the family to build the house. The construction experience helps family members learn maintenance skills and instill a sense of pride, accomplishment, and responsibility. All Habitat mortgage payments are recycled and used to fund additional homes as a “Fund for Humanity.” By includ-ing the closing costs in the mortgage, a family needs only a nominal down payment. The mission and efforts of Habitat for Humanity touch the hearts of the new homeowners and the volunteers. Habitat believes that the soul of every house built is

The ache for home lives in us all; the safe place we can go as we are and not be questioned. – Maya Angelou, author/poet

The ache for home lives in us all; the safe place we can go as we are and not be questioned.we can go as we are and not be questioned.

homewelcome

Barbie Jackson working on partner family home - earning her sweat equity


there because of the volunteers. There are many ways to serve. The operating committees need members for Construction/ Development; Family Selec-tion; Family Liaison; Fundraising/Marketing; Faith Relations and Volunteer Recruitment. HFHGP always welcomes work-ers for construction (16 years old minimum). No specific skills are needed, except a willingness to learn. An experienced supervisor is at each work site. Arrival at the site is 8:15 a.m. daily when introductions, safety instructions and task assignments are given. Every seven minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps another family in need of housing. With volunteers offering their gifts of labor, time, financial resources, and of course, prayer, Habi-tat for Humanity will make sure that families have a chance to get home, kick off their shoes and relax in that place where we all feel comfortable. For more information please visit the website www.pittsburghhabitat.org.

Frank Polito - Comcast Cares

Staff and Display June 2012 at Soldiers and Sailors Veterans Event


Imagine crossing the street and not hearing sirens from a fast approaching emergency vehicle: you wouldn’t know to get out of the way. Music, children’s laughter, movie dialogues or rain on a galvanized roof are all sounds that

someone with hearing loss may never experience. How do you manage without hearing in a hearing-oriented world, and where would you learn adapting skills? The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), founded in 1869, is a

nonprofit, tuition-free school with ambitious academic expectations. Located on Swissvale Avenue it is housed in a beautiful Georgian building that many people drive by every day, never knowing the wonderful things that are happening inside. It provides quality educa-tional services and a complete extracurricular program to 300 deaf and hard-of-hearing children from birth through grade 12 in 48 Pennsylvania

counties. The school provides an all-inclusive communication/language atmo-sphere. Fifty-two percent of the students are outfitted with hearing aids and 29% have had cochlear implants. According to Vicki Cherney, director of marketing, every student is given the most important thing of all: the guidance to thrive. The needs of the individual student determine the types of communication he/she will learn, with an emphasis on the development of both English and Ameri-can Sign Language. The curriculum incorporates state and national standards. The staff includes speech language pathologists, audiologists, a psycholo-gist, a communication teacher, an occupational/physical therapist, guidance counselors and an art therapist, all well-versed in sign language. If you visit the Pittsburgh campus in Edgewood, the staff and students alike will greet you with a smile and some good news for the day. It is clearly evident that everyone likes being here. The school sits on 21 beautiful acres with trees, flower baskets, history-rich buildings, state-of-the-art equipment and cheerful decorations that make it feel like a museum, arboretum, play area and school all in one. WPSD offers a private elementary school, a public vocational training center and afterschool programs including clubs, a fitness center and comprehensive athletic programs. The residential program, open to students from preschool through 12th grade, is an essential part of the school. The residential staff provides care and guidance in a warm, yet structured, family-like atmosphere to the 100-plus out-of-towners needing their services. The school transports students needing a ride to meet their parents for the trip home. American Sign Language classes for adults are offered on campus and at a variety of off-campus locations. WPSD’s Choices for Children program provides intervention through home and on-campus activities to deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, toddlers and their families. The earlier a guidance program is in place, the sooner a child can adapt and thrive. Cherney said that in June, 30 students participated in the 2012 commencement ceremony at WPSD. The students and their families enjoyed a pre-graduation dinner on campus. Peter Bailey, associate executive director of the Learning Cen-ter for the Deaf, delivered the commencement address. Many graduates received awards and Joanna Cernicky, valedictorian, gave a speech. Hearing loss does not deter the students once they leave WPSD. Most of the graduates continue on to post-secondary education through a mixture of college, technical and vocational programs. With advance preparation and a solid foundation, most life challenges can be met and overcome. For 143 years, WPSD has guided and trained thousands of students, giving them language and communication skills to live normal, hopeful lives in a hearing world. Please contact Vicki Cherney for a tour and information: 412.371.7000; [email protected]. By Judith Schardt

Imagine crossing the street and not hearing sirens from a fast approaching emergency vehicle: you wouldn’t know to get out of the way. Music, children’s laughter, movie dialogues or rain on a galvanized roof are all sounds that

someone with hearing loss may never experience. How do you manage without hearing in a hearing-oriented world, and where would you learn adapting skills? The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), founded in 1869, is a

counties. The school provides an all-inclusive communication/language atmosphere. Fifty-two percent of the students are outfitted with hearing aids and 29% have had cochlear implants. According to Vicki Cherney, director of marketing, every student is given the most important thing of all: the guidance to thrive. The needs of the individual student determine the types of communication he/she will learn, with an emphasis on the development of both English and American Sign Language. The curriculum incorporates state and national standards. The staff includes speech language pathologists, audiologists, a psychologist, a communication teacher, an occupational/physical therapist, guidance

Turning Challenge into Success


Name of nominee: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________

Category (circle one): Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger); Small Nonprofit (staff of 10 or less); Large Nonprofit (staff of 11 or more)

Which IN Community Magazine is this nomination for? _____________________________________________________________________

Name of person submitting nomination: _________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________

Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? (Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words.)Send nomination form and statement to: Monica Haynes, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317If you have any questions, please contact Monica Haynes at [email protected] or 412.254.8704. Deadline for nominations is 09/21/2012.

IN Community Magazines (ICM) is seeking nominations for its Community Awards for Service Excellence (C.A.S.E.).

We know that what makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort to help others. ICM would like to honor those special people, but we need your help.

IN Community Magazines’ C.A.S.E. Dinner will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 36 magazines. Awardees will be

selected in the following categories: • Volunteer of the Year • Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger) • Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 or less) • Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more).

Awardees and those who nominated them will be honored at the awards dinner in Spring 2013. During the dinner an awardee from the Volunteer of the Year and Youth Volunteer of the Year categories will be selected to receive a donation for his or her chosen charity.

COMMUNITY MAGAZINES SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS


The Fall is not just a time of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s a time when the dormant diesel engines of the school buses fire up, SAT applications and college inquiry letters are sent, and students return to college campuses across the nation.

In the United States, education is a $900 billion a year business, and that investment, either by the federal and state government, parents and students themselves via student loans, is a testament as to how important learning is to making a name for yourself in the world.

Fortunately, for individuals and the economy as a whole, everyone is different and educational opportunities abound for people no matter what their interests or aptitudes.

College: College remains one of the most traditional avenues for graduated high school students to pursue. Colleges can be public or private and offer two-year or four-year degrees. While post-secondary education is not a requirement for securing work, those who obtain a college degree can expect estimated lifetime earnings of $2.1 million, according to the US Census Bureau. A master’s degree boosts that to $2.5 million, a professional degree averages $4.4 million, and a doctoral degree $3.4 million. High school graduates are estimated to earn just $1.2 million over the course of their lifetime, according to the same report. With a high percentage of Woodland Hills graduates continuing on to college, choosing the right institution of higher learning is a must.

Trade Schools and Vocational Careers: While vocational training can start in high school, thanks to regional vocational/technical centers that serve school districts, post-high school programs can take graduates from apprentices to masters of their field. What’s more, vocational programs aren’t like they used to be in the latter half of the 20th Century. Today’s vocational schools still cover trades such as carpentry,

plumbing and stonemasonry, but they also excel in specialty fields such as computer networking, HVAC, and robotics.

Online Learning: Online learning is a relatively new form of degree program using the power of the Internet to bring students and schools together. Also known as E-learning or distance education, online programs have brought some big names into the fold as Harvard and MIT recently joined forces, offering a variety of free, online courses. Online education typically costs less than bricks and mortar schools.

Financing Education: No matter where you end up after high school, chances are you’re going to need to take out a few loans to make your goals attainable. Student loans come in a variety of forms ranging from federal to private. Scholarships often are attainable for eligible students, and are nice to have, but realistic students shouldn’t expect to garner enough scholarship money to cover their entire academic career. Programs such as the Federal Stafford Loan can offset up to $23,000 of tuition, which can be increased to $46,000 if parents do not qualify for the Parent PLUS program. The downside to student loans is that you will be graduating with substantial debt to pay down. The upside, however, is that student loan interest rates are generally low, tax deductible and the loans themselves can be deferred until you are in a position to make payments on them, such as the time necessary for you to find a job.

Benefits of Tutoring Services: One of the keys to acquiring scholarships is good grades. While that’s totally on the student to achieve, there are many services available that can help that student put in the extra effort to make the grade. From SAT preparation centers to study centers that cover a broader range of curricula, these investments are well worth the cost if the result is several thousand dollars


coming off your tuition bill because you got a 4.0 versus a 3.8 GPA..

Private Schools: If a student needs more attention or one-on-one help from teachers, private schools might be a good option. According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of private school tuition tends to be around $17,441.

Benefits of Preschools: When it comes to early cognitive development, researchers have found that that children who attend preschool tend to show higher intelligence quotients than those who do not, according to Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Although sending your child to preschool can help them academically, it also improves their early social skills. Preschool is the time when children become aware of sharing and learning how to interact with one another. The classroom gives the young students a friendly, safe environment that allows them to grow and prepare for the later education in kindergarten and Grade School. Children who attend preschool are usually between 3-5 years old.No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success.

Special Needs Education: Technology has opened many educational doors to children with disabilities. Alternative solutions from the world of technology are accommodating physical, sensory, communication or cognitive impairments in many ways. Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It can include mobility devices (walkers and wheelchairs), as well as both low and high tech solutions that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or general education materials. For example, children with limited hand function may use a pencil grip for handwriting or an adapted keyboard to use a computer. Children with a speech/language impairment may use a high tech solution such as a speech generating device to communicate. An Assistive Technology Team consists of specialists with backgrounds in occupational therapy, physical therapy, education and speech-language pathology. They strive to provide best practice to support the success of special education students in the areas of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Services may include training and support for AT and AAC systems and strategies, as well as for the adaptation and modification of curriculum. The AT team works in partnership with the educational team which includes families.

No matter what your path in life may be, being prepared academically for that path is the key to future success.

Our Back to School partners

Carlow University is a comprehensive master’s institution dedicated to learner-centered education. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, the university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and certificate programs, as well as graduate programs in education, management and technology, business, nursing, and the humanities. New degree programs include forensic accounting; an MS in Fraud and Forensics (earned 100% on-line); an MBA program with an option to earn that degree entirely on-line; a doctoral program in nursing practice (DNP); and a doctoral program in professional counseling (PsyD). Carlow is a leader in providing continuing education programs designed for students seeking flexibility.

Carlow University800.333.22753333 Fifth Ave., Oaklandwww.carlow.edu

New Story offers a unique family-like learning environment and a host of therapeutic services to help children achieve success while dealing with the most serious and complex educational and behavioral challenges. New Story’s ten schools are private licensed schools serving children from kindergarten to 21 years. New Story services and programs are provided in public/private schools, the community or the home. For more information visit www.NewStory.com or call 1.877.622.7245.

New Story877.622.7245www.NewStory.com

The Stern Center for Developmental and Behavioral Health strives to meet the counseling needs of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our six loca-tions in five counties (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Butler, and Westmore-land) offer counseling services for all ages. Services include Outpatient Therapy, Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS), Family Based Mental Health (FBMH), Strength Based Therapy (SBT), Parent Child In-teraction Therapy (PCIT), Waiver services, and Psychiatric services. The Stern Center accepts most insurances.

The Stern Center for Developmental and Behavioral Health1.877.626.9941www.thesterncenter.org

30 724.942.0940 to advertise | Woodland HillsWoodland Hills

In the rush to get everyone off to school, it’s easy to fall into a food rut, serving the same things for breakfast, lunch and snacks. But with some inspiration and a little

planning, going back to school can taste a whole lot better than it used to. To make things even more fun, have the kids help with these recipes and ideas. Once they get the hang of it, they can experiment with new ingredients and do it themselves, taking one more thing off your to-do list.Breakfast: Start the day off with pizza — Breakfast Pizza, that is. This recipe layers eggs, cheese, turkey bacon, hash browns, sour cream and guacamole on your favorite pita or flatbread. Kids can make it as hot or as mild as they like. It’s a great way to sneak in avocados’ 20 vitamins and minerals, and it will give them energy to get going on their busy day.Lunch: Skip the same old sandwiches and liven up the lunchbox with these tasty creations. Try a Tortilla Wrap made with chicken, Wholly Salsa, Wholly Guacamole and a hint of lime juice. Experiment with different kinds of tortillas, from whole wheat or sundried tomato, to spinach or jalapeño. For a full-of-flavor favorite, make a Mexican Turkey Torta. Thin turkey slices get topped with a zesty black bean and corn relish, crisp lettuce and your favorite guacamole. To help keep all the delicious flavors inside the roll, hollow it out a bit so the other ingredients don’t fall out.AfterSchool Snack: Whether they need something to hold them over until dinner or a quick bite on the way to practice, these Wrap It Ups will do the trick. Turkey, garlic and herb spread, Havarti cheese, guac, lettuce and tomato get wrapped up in a tortilla or flatbread, then sliced into bite-sized swirls of deliciousness. Make them ahead of time, then just slice when it’s time to enjoy. Get more back to school inspiration — including quick-fix dinner recipes for busy school nights — at www.eatwholly.com. Ban the Boring Lunchbox:Keep school lunches interesting — and healthier — by including something nutritious to munch on. Guacamole and salsa are perfect for dipping into, and individually portioned packs of all natural Wholly Guacamole and Wholly Salsa are the perfect fit for a lunch box. Here are some “and” options to make lunch something fun to dip into:

Make Back to School Taste Better

Yield: 1 1 flatbread (tortilla, wrap, lavash)

1 tablespoon garlic and herb flavored

spreadable cheese 2 tablespoons Wholly Guacamole classic avocado

1/4 cup shredded lettuce 1 small tomato, diced 2to 3 slices Havarti cheese 2 to 3 slices turkey (optional) Spread the garlic and herb spreadable cheese on flatbread.

Spread guacamole on top.On one end of the flatbread, sprinkle a line of lettuce and diced

tomatoes.Layer cheese and sliced turkey beside lettuce and tomatoes,

leaving at least two inches of untopped bread at the other end.

Starting from the lettuce/tomato end, roll up bread/tortilla,

tucking in the vegetables with the first roll and proceeding to the

cheese/meat.Stick in toothpicks to keep the roll rolled, and slice in two-inch

thick spirals.


Guacamole and… Zucchini sticksBaby carrotsWhole grain pretzelsSweet potato chips

Salsa and…Blue corn chipsSliced jicamaCucumber slicesBaked pita chips

WRAP IT UPS Yield: 1 1 flatbread (tortilla, wrap, lavash)

1 tablespoon garlic and herb flavored

spreadable cheese 2 tablespoons Wholly Guacamole classic avocado

1/4 cup shredded lettuce 1 small tomato, diced 2to 3 slices Havarti cheese 2 to 3 slices turkey (optional) Spread the garlic and herb spreadable cheese on flatbread.

Spread guacamole on top.On one end of the flatbread, sprinkle a line of lettuce and diced

tomatoes.Layer cheese and sliced turkey beside lettuce and tomatoes,

leaving at least two inches of untopped bread at the other end.

Starting from the lettuce/tomato end, roll up bread/tortilla,

tucking in the vegetables with the first roll and proceeding to the

cheese/meat.Stick in toothpicks to keep the roll rolled, and slice in two-inch

thick spirals.


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| IN MT. LEBANON |

| IN MURRYSVILLE |

| IN NORTH ALLEGHENY |

| IN NORWIN |

| IN PENN HILLS |

| IN PETERS TOWNSHIP |

| IN PINE-RICHLAND |

| IN PLUM |

| IN ROSS TOWNSHIP |

| IN SENECA VALLEY |

| IN SEWICKLEY AREA |

| IN SHALER |

| IN SOUTH FAYETTE |

| IN UPPER ST. CLAIR |

| IN WEST ALLEGHENY |

| IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS |

| IN WEST MIFFLIN |

| IN WEST COUNTY [Erie] |

| IN WOODLAND HILLS |

IN Woodland Hills

Documents

hearing protection

hearing problem

hearing evaluation

progression of hearing

hearing care provider

hearing conservation

noiseinduced hearing

decibel noise