Marchpsn

March 2015Volume 21 Number 11

FREE

Continued on page 10

Enjoy 80+ free comics everyday.

Plus news and games.

2014 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Visit Us Online at www.pittsburgh seniornews.com

UPMC Health Plan has part-nered with LifeSpan, Inc.’s Resources and Services for Seniors, which provides older adults in Allegheny County with a variety of services and equipment designed to help them lead healthier, more active lives.

Events celebrating the partnership were held last month at LifeSpan commu-

UPMC Health Plan and LifeSpan team up to help older adults lead healthy, active lives

Pat Martin of Carnegie gets moving on the treadmill.

Chuck LeClaire/Pittsburgh Senior News

nity centers throughout the Pittsburgh region. A grand opening took place on Janu-ary 12 at Chartiers Resource Center, located at 300 Lin-coln Avenue in Carnegie. On January 22, a grand opening was also held at Mon-Valley @ Olympic Resource Center, 4313 Walnut Street in McK-eesport; and on January 30, 2015, another took place at Knoxville Meals on Wheels,

located at 320 Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh.

“UPMC Health Plan is pleased to team with LifeS-pan to bring programs that will help to enhance the lives of older residents and keep them as healthy as possible while still living at home,” says John Lovelace,

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Lynn Webster

Publisher’s Corner

Owner/Publisher: Lynn Webster

Editor: Gina Mazza

Art Director: Burnfield Consulting

Sales Executive: Wallace Webster

Photographer:Chuck LeClaire

Contributing Writers:Barbara Bush

Judy DoddGina Mazza

Henry Peter GribbinPamela Toto

Intern:Kara Boyle

Printing Company:Knepper Press

Volume 21, Number 11Published monthly by

Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc.P.O. Box 11126

Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 367-2522

www.pittsburghseniornews.com

[email protected]

Pittsburgh Senior News is distributed monthly in the Allegheny County area. Copyright 2015 by Pittsburgh Senior News, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All advertisement in Pittsburgh Senior News is subject to the approval of the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

In Memory of Carmella M. Hogan John A. Hogan, Sr.

Michael J. Hogan, Sr. Wayne Hogan

MiKelCo Lifts • 412-421-LIFTReliable and Economical Lift Solutions

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Visit our website at

www.pittsburghseniornews.com

View the most recent issues of • Pittsburgh Senior News,

• Beaver County Senior News, • Butler County Senior News,

• Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide

• Beaver County Senior Resource Guide

Crossword Puzzle Answer(See page 29)

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This month, we begin a se-ries of articles on adaptive equipment and assistive devices that can help older adults age in place. Need a little help getting in and out of your car? This month’s ar-ticle is featured on page 20.

It’s tax time once again! Turn to page 18 to learn about programs for getting assis-tance with preparing and filing your tax returns.

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on March 8.

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St. Barnabas partners with renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon

St. Barnabas Health System (SBHS) recently announced that it has partnered with Dr. Joseph Maroon, a world-renowned neuro-surgeon, nutritional expert, concussion specialist and brain health expert, in or-der to develop a communi-ty based brain health initia-tive called “The Cognitive Brain Health Program.”

Joseph Maroon, MD is a practicing board-certified

neurosurgeon in the Pittsburgh area. He obtained his medical and neurosurgical training at Indiana University, George-town University, Oxford University and the University of Vermont. He is regarded as a premier specialist in the surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the brain and spine using specialized microscopic and minimally invasive techniques.

“The goal of this initiative is to provide scientifically proven methods shown to aid in persevering brain health even as we age and to introduce healthy brain interventions that can last a lifetime,” states Dr. Maroon.

The initiative will emphasize four major brain health areas: changes in diet and the proper use of dietary supplements, brain specific physical activity, elimination of environmental pollut-ants that target the brain, and improved stress management.

“This is a program of empowerment. We don’t have to accept that conditions like adult-onset diabetes, dementia and Al-zheimer’s disease always comes with aging,” says Dr. Maroon.

Coordinating the program at St. Barnabas will be Karen Tabac-chi, senior vice president for Clinical Services. Dr. Maroon and Jeff Bost, his neurosurgical physician assistant, will oversee the program’s development.

For more information, contact Robin Taylor at (724) 444-5580 or [email protected]. PSN

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Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas, an organ that sits behind your stomach. Insulin is needed to move glucose, the sugar in blood, from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. The cells use the sugar in blood as fuel to do their work. Insulin also helps the body store fat for future energy use.

How much insulin you need each day depends on your blood sugar levels and type of diabetes you have. When you have type 1 diabetes, you do not produce insulin. When you have type 2 diabetes, you either do not produce enough insulin or your body’s cells do not respond to the insulin properly. This is known as insulin resistance.

Your blood sugar changes during the day so the number of shots of insulin you need may vary. When you start using insulin, you need to check and write down your blood sugar levels two or more times a day.

Your healthcare provider will use these results to decide the type and how much insulin you need. Insulin is not the only way to treat diabetes. Your doctor may also prescribe tablets and recommend lifestyle changes to lower your blood sugar.

Insulin comes in different types, based on:

• How long it takes for insulin to start lowering blood sugar, called “onset”

• When its effect is strongest, called the “peak”

• How long its effect lasts, called “duration”

The following table tells you about some of the different types of insulin.

*This is only a sampling of the different types of insulin available. Please check with your healthcare provider to determine which type of insulin and medication regimen is best for you.

Diabetes Support through Texting:

Care4life is a personal diabetes support program with tips delivered right to your phone. This six-month text messag-ing program, which is available in both English and Spanish, will help you to:

• Get personalized diabetes education

• Set and track blood glucose, weight and exercise goals

• Set reminders to take medication, log blood glucose and make appointments

Go to www.care4life.com and click the “Sign Up Now” button.

Type of Insulin Starts working within…

Peaks in….

Lasts...

Rapid acting (Aprida, Humalog, Humalog

Mix, Novolog, Novolog Mix)

5 minutes

About 1 hour

2-4 hours

Regular/short acting 30 minutes

2-3 hours

3-6 hours

Intermediate acting (NPH)

2-4 hours

4-12 hours

12-18 hours

Long acting (Lantus/Levemir)

2-4 hours

------------------

24 hours

Living With Diabetes: Understanding InsulinYou may need only one type of insulin to control your blood sugar.

• If your blood sugar is hard to control, you may need to take two types of insulin.

• When you need two types of insulin, you will need to mix your own or you may be able to use pre-mixed insulin. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about mixing insulin or if you need it pre-mixed for you.

• Not all types of insulin come pre-mixed in bottles.

Storing Insulin

• The bottle of insulin being used should be kept at room temperature.

• Any insulin that will not be used in 30 days should be stored in the refrigerator.

• If a bottle kept at room temperature is not used within 30 days, throw it away.

• Do not store insulin in the freezer or in hot places, such as the glove box of a car or on the windowsill.

• If your insulin is normally clear but has become cloudy, clumped or crystallized, throw it away and open a new bottle.

• Always have an extra bottle of insulin on hand.

• Do not share your insulin with others.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about insulin. People with diabetes can also help control their blood sugar by eating a healthy diet, doing moderate exercise and maintaining a normal weight. Remember to write down your blood sugar levels in a daily journal when checking your readings and bring it to your healthcare provider at each visit. That way, they can adjust the amount of insulin you need to keep your sugar controlled.

*Content adapted from the American Diabetes Association

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The craft of knitting, crocheting and other types of fiber art are enjoying a robust comeback

these days. Part of the upsurge in their newfound popularity is due to the Internet, which has enabled fiber artists from across the country and around the world to connect and share their passion. Another reason is the availability of an increasing variety of luxurious yarns with beautiful colors and fiber content, as well as fabulous patterns for everything from socks to shawls.

And yet the technique is still the same, says Barb Grossman, a longtime avid fiber artist and founder of the in-creasingly popular Knit and Crochet Festival, now in its 11th year. “We all still knit and purl just like our grand-mothers did, and we honor the tradi-tion by continuing to make wonderful things for our families and friends to treasure.”

After traveling to yarn festivals all around the country, Barb thought it was time for Pittsburgh to have its own. The local event started small in 2005 as a fundraiser for the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh, but was such a success that it was moved to a larger space in Parkway Center Mall. The festival continued to grow quickly and was relocated again to an even larger venue: the Crowne Plaza in the South Hills. From 2010 through 2014, it grew into a three-day event and was held at the Four Points Sheraton in Mars (now the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township). Today, approximately 3,500 people at-tend the event.

The Westin Convention Center down-town will be the site of this year’s fes-tival, to be held from Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29. Show hours are Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special events

Knit and Crochet Festival creates forum for all types of fiber art

on Friday and Saturday evenings. “It is a great opportunity to feed your artistic soul by immersing yourself in all forms of fiber art, including knitting, crochet-ing, weaving, tatting, spinning, needle felting, rug hooking and jewelry mak-ing,” Barb notes.

The event offers lots of educational op-portunities; about 80 classes are being taught by local teachers and guests of honor. If you’re a fiber arts aficionado, you will recognize names like Steven “StevenBe” Berg, Alasdair ” Extreme Double Knitting Master” Post-Quinn, Drew “The Crochet Dude” Emborsky and Charles “The Sock King” Gandy. Also joining the event this year will be Portuguese knitting master Andrea Wong, crochet master Robyn Chachula and Charles Voth from Toronto.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy visiting the marketplace of more than 75 vendors. Other fun special set-ups and activities include the following. Please be aware that some of these events and the classes, mentioned above, may have a separate per person fee.

• A Crochet Superbooth

• Yarn Tasting Party (try some yarn before you buy it)

• PJ Party (a sleepover party for those are staying overnight)

• Pop des Fleurs “Pop In” lounge

• A 78-feet Waterfall of Yarn installation

• A Warm-Up America Lounge (where you can knit or crochet squares for blan-kets that are donated to local shelters and other charitable organizations)

• Stretch and Renew sessions

• Knitsy Knitter demos, spinning and weaving demos and more

• Free Teach Me 2 Knit and Teach Me 2 Crochet classes, sponsored by Coats and Clark

• Other free classes for making neck-laces, belts, needle-felted wall hangings, amulets and brooches

This year, it’s easier than ever to get to the festival. Pittsburgh Tours & More is providing shuttle service to the Westin Convention Center from all points East, West, South and North of downtown, including some senior living facili-ties and senior community centers. To make ride arrangements, email info@[email protected] and write KNIT in the subject line. Anyone using Pittsburgh Tours & More will receive a free admission pass to the Yarn Tasting.

Admission is $15 at the door, $10 in advance, with multiple-day rates avail-able. A very special day rate is available on Sunday only, sponsored by UPMC: adults ages 65 and older can attend that day for only $5. If you are a resident of any of the 17 UPMC Senior Communi-ties in the Pittsburgh region, you are able to attend any day (not just Sunday) free of charge (proof of residency must be shown at the door). PSN

For more information about the event, contact Barb Grossman at (412) 963-7030 or [email protected] or visit www.pghknitandcrochet.com.

Credit Lynne Saad

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Just Harvest and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank co-host 20th annual Empty Bowls dinner

The 20th annual Empty Bowls Dinner will serve up a simple meal of soup and bread as a reminder that too many people throughout our region are facing hunger

with “empty bowls.” The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest will co-host the Empty Bowls dinner from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

Attendees will begin by choosing an “empty bowl” to take home from the 1,200 to 1,500 bowls provided by local amateur and professional potters. New potters’ wares are welcome; anyone who wishes to donate bowls is asked to contact Ken at Just Harvest at (412) 431-8960.

Restaurants and caterers are donating bread and several hundred gallons of soup, including unusual selections such as Roasted, Cauliflower, Green Curry and the ever-favorite Chicken Noodle. The soup will be served by local celebrities, TV personalities and elected officials.

Empty Bowls is known for its family friendly atmosphere with children’s activities, a bake sale, live entertainment, silent auction of ceramic art and celebrity autographed bowls, and even soup-to-go.

Those who would like to have greater involvement in Empty Bowls can also participate in bowl-making events that are taking place leading up the event. Event hosts include:

• The Union Project, 801 North Negley Avenue in Highland Park from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 1 and 8. No pre-registration is required.

• Pittsburgh Center for the Arts from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. This session is for experienced potters only.

• Carlow University will host its annual “Bowls in the Night” pottery marathon from 5 on Thursday, February 5 to 1 a.m. the next morning (Friday). This event is open to predeter-mined students and professional potters. PSN

For further information about Empty Bowls or to purchase tickets ($22 each), visit the Food Bank and Just Harvest web-sites at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org and www.justharvest.org, or call Just Harvest at (412) 431-8960. Tickets will also be available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest.

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Casey Ball Supports Coordination, LLC

(412) 793-0200 or (844) 793-0200www.cbscllc.org

[email protected]

Proudly providing service coordination under the following waivers:

Act 150, Adult Autism, Aging, Attendant Care, Commcare, Independence, Obra.

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Casey Ball Supports Coordination, LLC is approved to provide Service Coordination to participants in the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL), PA Department of Aging (PDA) Waivers/Programs and under the Adult Autism Waiver. These services assist participants in gaining access to needed Waiver/Program services and other state plan services, as well as medical, social, educational and other services regardless of the funding source. Service coordination is working with and at the direction of the participant whenever possible to identify, coordinate and faciliate Waiver services.

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Office Volunteers NeededOffice volunteers are needed at OASIS, a non-profit tutoring program serving Grades K-4. The tutors offers support to students in both the Pittsburgh and Woodland Hills School Districts.

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This program is operated in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council

president of Government Programs for the UPMC Insurance Services Division. “Helping this population to live health-ier lives is one way UPMC Health Plan fulfills its mission of contributing to the health of the communities it serves.”

As part of the partnership, UPMC Health Plan has been providing ser-vices and supports such as health coaches, mobile screening services, exercise equipment and health man-agement programs. UPMC Health Plan is helping LifeSpan implement evidence-based health management programs throughout the year at LifeSpan centers in Bethel Park, Mon-Valley, Chartiers and Knoxville. The partnership will help LifeSpan improve

UPMC Health Plan and LifeSpan team up to help older adults lead healthy, active lives

Continued from page 1

Feel better.

Be in control.Do the things you want to do.

Life

This program is supported by Highmark, the Allegheny County Medical Society, and the United Way of Allegheny County.

Sign up for a FREE on-line workshop. designed by Stanford University for adults with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, anxiety, heart disease, chronic pain learn pratical ways to manage pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise options and many other self-management hints

Visit: www.alleghenybetterhealth.orgOr call Vintage 412-361-5003.

Did you resolve to get healthy in 2015?

Karl Pastorak of Carnegie gets a cardio workout.


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the health of its community through lifestyle changes that include fitness, nutrition management, health educa-tion and health screenings.

Since it was founded in 1973, the nonprofit LifeSpan has been assisting Allegheny County adults ages 60 and older and their families by providing affordable, essential and innovative services. LifeSpan serves older adults in ways that maintain their dignity and enrich their lives.

“LifeSpan is eager to continue to en-gage the services and expertise that UPMC Health Plan has made available at our four main community resource centers and also to the persons in our Meals on Wheels/Home Delivered Meals service,” says Virginia Jurofcik, CEO of LifeSpan. “Thanks to the sup-port of UPMC Health Plan, we have secured state-of-the-art fitness equip-ment for our centers and have sched-uled new programs in the next year that will promote healthy aging lifestyles.”

UPMC Health Plan’s UPMC for Life serves older adults through its suite of Medicare HMO, PPO and Special Needs plans — including UPMC for Life Medicare Advantage, UPMC for You Advantage and UPMC for Life Op-tions. UPMC for Life’s HMO and PPO plans earned a four-star rating (out of

Mac McKee of Carnegie enjoys weight training.

five) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. UPMC Health Plan, the second-largest health insurer in western Pennsylvania, is owned by UPMC, an integrated global health enterprise. Its local provider network includes UPMC, as well as community providers, totaling more than 125 hos-pitals and more than 11,500 physicians throughout Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. To learn more, visit www.upmchealth-plan.com. PSN



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IW Abel Place

Lawrenceville Now accepting applications for 1-bedroom apartments.Eligibility: 62 years or older.

• HUD subsidized rent based on income

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Call [email protected]

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Lynn Williams Apartments

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• Income limitations apply.

Come see all that we have to offer!

Call (412) 734-4229

West LakeAPARTMENTS

1015 Crucible St. West End, PA 15220

RENT-ASSISTED HOUSINGPERSONS AGE 62 or OLDER

1 bedroom apartments • equipped kitchen • A/C

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62 years of age and older Each unit features • wall-to-wall carpet

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John Paul Plaza

Brinton Towers Apartments• One Bedroom and Large Efficiency Apartments

• Wall to Wall Carpeting • Public Transportation at Door

• Equipped Kitchen ‑ Frost‑free Refrigerator

• Community Room ‑ Lounge Areas ‑ Billiard Room

• Laundry Facilities on Each Floor • Air Conditioning

• Card Entry Access ‑ Intercom System

• Lunch Program Available • Off Street Parking

• Affordable Living ‑ Rent Based on Income

• 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance Service • Hair Salon

• Residents 55 plus or Disabled/Handicapped

Hours: Mon‑Fri. 8 a.m.‑5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.‑1 p.m.

Don’t wait, call today! (412) 824-9000

3000 Locust St., Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Lloyd McBride Court614 Lincoln Ave.

Millvale, PA 15209

• Affordable housing for seniors

62 years of age and older.

• HUD subsidized rent

based on income

• Income limitations apply.

Come see all that we have to offer!

Call (412) 821-4474

Milliones Manor

Apartments 2827 Bedford Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for one and two bedroom units

• All household members

must be 62 years of age or older.

• Income restrictions apply.

• Section 8 vouchers and

certifications accepted. For more details call (412) 681-6350

Wood Towers Apartments

810 Wood St., Wilkinsburg

• One bedroom • Section 8 Certified Housing • 62 Years of Age or if disabled must be mobility or sensory impaired • On-site

management • Central air and heat • Laundry facility • Balcony • Intercom

system • Community room

(412) 244-8180 and

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Now accepting applications 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday thru Friday

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ORMSBY MANORAPARTMENTS

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RENT-ASSISTED HOUSINGPERSONS AGE 62 or OLDER

1 bedroom apartments • equipped kitchen • A/C

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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONSPLEASE CALL:

(412) 829-3910 or (800) 238-7555

Mon.-Fri. 9 am to 5 pmEQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

493 Castle Shannon Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older or mobility impaired

HUD subsidized onebedroom apartments

Call 412-563-6566 or visit www.baptisthomes.org

Steelworkers TowerElderly Hi-Rise

2639 Perrysville Avenue • Now accepting applications

for efficiency and onebedroom apartments

• Eligibility: 62 years old or in need of features of an accessible unit

• Section 8 certified• Equipped kitchen, W/W carpet,

A/C, FREE laundry facilities, lounge area, community room and balconies.

• Equal Housing Opportunity

Call (412) 321-2460 [email protected]

Forest Hills Senior Apartments

2111 Ardmore Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

RENT ASSISTED HOUSINGPERSONS AGED 62 OR OLDER

1 BEDROOM APARTMENTSEquipped Kitchen, W/W Carpeting,

A/C, Window Coverings, Community Room, Laundry Facility,

Secure Intercom Access, Public Transportation, Walk-In Shower

Income Limits Apply

Equal Housing Opportunity

1 (800) 238-7555

Housing for Seniors (62 or older)

or Mobility Impaired (18 or older)

HUD subsidized rent based on income

1 Bedroom Apartments Now Accepting Applications

• Elevator Building • On-Site Parking

• On-Site Management

10100 Old Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090 (724) 935-7411

Alexis Manor, Inc.

Tiffany Apartments925 California Ave


Lovely updated units. 1BR $650-670+e.Includes central AC & heat.Elevator, laundry, social room.Parking garage available.

412-242-0273www.steiner-realty.com

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More Than Just A Place To Live

www.cmshousing.com TDD: 1-800-545-1833

Beautiful, Senior Apartments Near You!

Affordable Rents Include Utilities

a.m. Rodriguez Associates inc. and CMS Management proudly present...

Carson Retirement Residence 2850 East Carson Street * Pittsburgh, PA 15203 * 412-481-0700

Carnegie Retirement Residence 200 Railroad Avenue * Carnegie, PA 15106 * 412-276-0102

Munhall Retirement Residence 1000 Andrew Street * Munhall, PA 15120 * 412-462-3200

Retirement Residence of PLUM 620 Repp Road, New Kensington (Plum Borough), PA 15068 * 724-339-2925

RossHill Retirement Residence 7500 Ross Park Drive * Pittsburgh, PA 15237 * 412-847-0161

South Hills Retirement Residence 125 Ruth Street, Pittsburgh (Mt. Washington) PA 15211 * 412-481-8100

Summit Retirement Residence 125 South Sixth Street * Duquesne, PA 15110 * 412-466-7755

The Oaks Retirement Residence 2967 Jacks Run Road * White Oak, PA 15131 * 412-675-0412

WoodCrest Retirement Residence

1502 Woodcrest Avenue * Moon, PA 15108 * 412-264-0918

Free bus trip for WWII and Korean veteransA free bus trip to Wash-ington DC for WWII and Korean veterans will take place May 5. The trip will include a visit to WWII, Korean and Iwo Jima Memorials. An added addition is a stop at Arlington Cemetery to view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Meals are provided. Wheelchairs are provided upon re-quest; a nurse will be on each bus. Accomodations are only for veterans. Pick up points will be Ross Park Mall, North Hills; Parkway Center Mall, Greentree; and at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center, Monroeville. For reservations or more information call (724) 709-3614. PSN

Chartier Senior Center presents Wildwood, NJ. tripChartier Senior Center presents a trip to Wildwood, NJ. May 17 to 20. Cost is $339 PP/DBL and includes the fol-lowing:

c Transportation

c Accommodations at the Port Royal Resort

c 3 Breakfasts

c 3 Dinners

c Entertainment

c A day in Atlantic City

c Afternoon pizza party

c Ice cream social

c A visit to the Cape May Zoo

c Moonlight trolley ride through Cape May

c Free time to enjoy Wildwood boardwalk

c Free time to enjoy the beach and pool

Also includes all taxes, dinner gratuities and luggage handling.

A $50 deposit is due at the time of reservations. Call Karen at (412) 276-5056 for details. PSN

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Entertainment and Events2 Cumberland Woods Village, locat-ed on the UPMC Passavant campus, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., Allison Park, offers free movie matinees in March. The Apartment, March 2; When the Game Stands Tall, March 9; Alexander and the Terrible, Hor-rible, No Good, Very Bad Day, March 16; Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, March 23; and The Giver, March 30. All movies will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, visit TheLegacyL-ineup.com or call (412) 635-8080.

2 A Pre Purim seniors lunch will take place at noon March 3 at Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Rd., Mt. Lebanon. Enjoy lunch, special Purim program, hamentashen, and raffle prizes. $5 suggested donation. Wheel-chair accessible. Registration strongly suggested. Call Barb at (412) 278-2658.

* The second annual LIFE Program Purse Bash will take place from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 7 at the Mars VFW, 331 Mars Valencia Rd., Mars. Admission

is $25 per person and includes food, bev-erages and four chances to win. Winner need not be present to win. Only 250 tickets to be sold. Call (724) 302-2487 to purchase tickets or for more information.

* The second annual Celebration of Chocolate will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 7 at the Regional Learn-ing Alliance, 850 Cranberry Woods Dr., Cranberry Township. Families can enjoy chocolate vendors, a chocolate fountain, hourly chocolate demonstra-tions, a children’s area, appearances by Willy Wonka and a Golden Ticket raffle. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Save $1/per adult admission by bringing a non-perishable donation to support Glean-ers Food Bank. Call (866) 856-8444.

2 Lighthouse Pointe Village at Cha-pel Harbor, 500 Chapel Harbor Dr., Fox Chapel, presents Jim Haller of the Heinz History Center at 2:30 p.m. March 12. Jim will tell his tale of grow-ing up in Pittsburgh and following the

Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band will perform at 2:30 p.m. March 19. Relive the sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Registration is free and open to the public. To register for one or both of these events, call (412) 781-2707

2 The 2015 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be celebrated at 10 a.m. March 14 in downtown Pittsburgh. Visit www.pittsburghirish.org/pa-rade/ for details.

2 Again this year, Irish or not, join the Retired Men’s Luncheon Group of Pleasant Hills and special guest Dennis Smalley, for a program of music and humor to celebrate St. Pat-rick’s Day. The meeting will be held at noon March 19 in the Fellowship Hall of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church, located at the cor-ner of Old Clairton Road and Audrey Drive in Pleasant Hills. Cost for lunch is $7. Call (412) 655-2000 by March 13 to be included in the lunch order. PSN

Pat’s Landscaping and Tree Service

Call Patrick Bolen at (412) 327-9899.

• Lawn Maintenance • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Firewood • Onsite Log Splitting

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K.B. Contracting* New Windows * Window Repair

* Siding * RoofingCall Ken for your home remodeling needs!

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Continued on page 16

By Gina Mazza For Pittsburgh Senior News

Change is inevitable in life. Yet like it or not, one of the few things that will most

probably never change is hav-ing to file and pay income taxes. Fortunately for many older adults in Allegheny County and beyond, help is readily available for filing their annual federal, state and local returns.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), for ex-ample, offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited-English-speak-ing taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. At sites located throughout Allegheny County (some of which are senior centers), IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. For those with incomes above this thresh-old, services are provided on a donation basis.

“The VITA program is a good value and very affordable,” notes Nici Edwards-Patalsky, communications and outreach coordinator at Plum Senior Center. “Our seniors take it very seriously and usually book their appointments soon after we start scheduling them in early February.”

Free IRS-sponsored programs assist older adults in filing their annual tax returns

“It’s a great service and one that seniors really need and take ad-vantage of,” agrees Karen Sei-bel, regional manager of LifeS-pan Chartiers Resource Center in Carnegie. “The IRS-certified volunteers who come in also help seniors with their property tax / rent rebate forms, if they qualify for that.” Some of the sites are already booked but a waiting list is avail-able, according to Karen.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)

In addition to VITA, the IRS’ Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all

taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializ-ing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide TCE tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with nonprofit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

At some VITA and TCE tax sites, you may have an option to prepare your own basic federal and state tax returns for free using Internet-based tax preparation software with an IRS-certified volunteer to help guide you through the process.

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VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neigh-borhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other conve-nient locations around town. To lo-cate the site nearest you, call (800) 906-9887 or go online and use the VITA Locator Tool at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.

AARP Tax Aide

Since 1968, the AARP Founda-tion’s volunteer Tax-Aide program has been offering free, individual-ized tax preparation to nearly 50 million low-to moderate-income taxpayers nationwide—in particu-lar, individuals age 60 and older. Because AARP Foundation Tax-Aide never charges for its service and helps taxpayers ensure they receive all applicable tax credits and deductions, they have more discretionary income for everyday essentials like food and housing. (It is estimated, for example, that 20 to 25% of low-income workers don’t claim their Earned Income Tax Credit.)

There are about 20 Tax-Aide sites scattered through Allegheny County and the Pittsburgh metropolitan re-gion. To find the location that is most convenient to you, go online to the AARP website, click on this link and type in your zip code: http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLoca-tor/searchTaxAideLocations.action.

The addresses, phone numbers and hours of operation for each site are all listed on this website page.

This valuable program, which is of-fered in cooperation with the IRS, would not be available without the help of volunteers, many of them seniors themselves. The volunteers are trained and tested annually.

United Way’s Money in Your Pocket Coalition

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging, Just Harvest, a number of YMCAs and other nonprofit com-munity associations are all taking part in the Money in Your Pocket Coalition, sponsored by the United Way. Through this program, IRS-certified tax preparers are helping individuals get the full refunds they deserve, with no hidden fees or charges.

During the 2014 tax season, for example, the IRS-certified volun-teers prepared more than 6,600 tax returns and delivered $11 million in refunds back to local residents, including $4.8 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. You may qualify for this program if your 2014

total household income was up to $40,000, or up to $20,000 if filing as an individual.

Here is a listing of the Money in Your Pocket free tax preparation sites in Allegheny County:

Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Downtown Pitts-burgh, Monday through Wedned-say: 5:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, Natrona Heights, Mon-day from 10 a.m. to noon; Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill of Southwestern PA, North Side, Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Human Services Center Corpo-ration, Turtle Creek, Monday from noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m.

Just Harvest, South Side, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Just Harvest, CCAC Boyce Cam-pus, Monroeville, Monday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday from 1 to 9 p.m.; Satruday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Just Harvest, Robert Morris Uni-versity, Moon Township, Monday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Just Harvest, Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh, Bedford Hope Center, Hill District, Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free IRS-sponsored programs assist older adults in filing their annual tax returns

Continued from page 15

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North Hills Community Outreach, Bellevue, Monday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

North Hills Community Outreach, Millvale, Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA, South Side, Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Ha-zelwood Branch, Tuesday through Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.; Thurs-day through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Homewood–Brushton Branch, Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Headquarters (Downtown), Tues-day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thurs-day from 5 to 8 p.m.

YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Homewood-Brushton Community Center, Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

You must make an appointment, as walk-ins are not accepted. To make an appointment at any of the above tax preparation sites, call 2-1-1 or (888) 553-5778, or go online at www.swpafreetaxes.org. Non-English speakers must bring a translator.

To all seniors out there: Best wishes with filing your tax returns, and as always, don’t forget that the filing deadline is April 15! PSN

What to bring to the tax preparation site:4 Photo ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)

4 Social Security card or Indi-vidual Taxpayer Identification

4 Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse and each person to be claimed on your return

4 Birthdates for every person on the return

4 W-2 forms for all jobs held in 2014

4 All 1099 forms, including income received from unemployment (1099-G), social security (1099-SSA), pension payments (1099-R), bank ac-count interest (1099-INT), and dividends (1099-DIV)

4 Form 1095 with health insurance information and/or health insurance exemption certificate

4 A list of who on your tax return had health insurance for 2014 and for which months they were covered

4 Record of tuition payments (1098-T), student loan interest paid (1098-E), plus receipts for postsecondary materials and books

4 If you paid for childcare: total expenses and name, address, and tax ID number of provider(s)

4 Mortgage interest statement and property tax receipts, if you own a home

4 Local tax forms or any tax booklets you’ve received in the mail

4 Anything that says “This is important for your taxes”

4 A copy of last year’s tax return (not necessary, but helpful)

4 A 2014 pay stub from each job if available (not required)

4 If you are married filing jointly, you’ll need to bring your spouse to sign your tax documents.

4 Your checkbook to see the routing and account number for direct deposit. (This will help you get your refund faster.) PSN

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By Gina Mazza For Pittsburgh Senior News

Many (if not most) older Americans are on fixed incomes or have a finite amount of financial resources. So when a valuable program comes along that assists seniors with bal-ancing their budgets and using their resources wisely, it’s a welcome op-portunity—especially when that help comes at no cost. In today’s world, where there is an increased risk of financial exploitation among seniors, this type of help is even more needed.

One such program is the Checks and Balances Program (formerly called the Money Management Program). Based on the national AARP Money Management Program, Checks and Balances is administered locally by Ursuline Senior Services through a contract with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (DHS/AAA). The program promotes independent living for older people on a limited income who are at risk because they are hav-ing trouble managing their financial affairs and do not have friends and family who can help. Trained program volunteers provide clients with the assistance that they need to remain in their homes and get help with hav-ing their bills paid while maintaining control over their finances.

A good example is Laurie, 75, a vision-impaired client of the program who was able to stay in her home thanks to the business acumen a program volunteer named Marie who, in her role as a Checks and Balances bill payer, came monthly to Laurie’s home to assist with the payment process. Laurie had been gradually losing her eyesight since 1977 while taking care of her mother until she died in 2000.

Laurie could not seem to manage her financial affairs: the mail overflowed and bills went unpaid. In the darkness, Laurie feared losing her home. In an effort to reduce her own funeral costs, she purchased a whole-life insurance policy that wasn’t right for her. When a social worker told her about the Checks and Balances Program, and Marie came to Laurie’s home with a ledger and a calculator, Laurie quickly learned that she could stay in her home despite her financial and health challenges.

Financial exploitation is rampant among older adults today, and an elderly individual is no match for predators, according to Karen Tobin, director of Ursuline’s Checks and Bal-ances Program. “Physical changes, as well as the loss of a spouse, can sometimes trigger the inability of an elder to maintain their checkbook with accuracy, pay bills on time or respond to vital incoming mail in a timely man-ner,” she explains. “The Checks and Balances Program successfully en-ables seniors to remain in control of their financial situations.”

Ursuline Senior Services and local volunteers have been reaching out to older adults through the Checks and Balances Program for more than 10 years. As in Laurie’s case, the goal is to help seniors maintain their financial independence without losing control of

the resources they have left. Volun-teers like Marie are trained, carefully screened and matched with adults that they can help.

As of 2014, the Checks and Balance Program now offers Representative Payee support for appropriate referrals who are agreeable to using Ursuline in this capacity. Through a special agree-ment with the Social Security Admin-istration, Ursuline can offer the same support as it does for its bill-paying clients but with the additional control and protection that comes with having an assigned representative-payee.

In some cases, the program’s director receives referrals from consumers and caregivers about other assis-tance regarding financial matters, including complex financial situations that seniors cannot manage on their own. A program representative meets with these consumers one-on-one to assess their individual needs. If an individual’s needs exceed the Checks and Balance Program’s offerings, that person is guided to the appropriate agencies in Allegheny County that of-fer different types of assistance.

According to AAA, the program is so successful that more volunteers are currently needed to expand the program. In fact, statistics from the National AARP Foundation Bill Payer Program show that 80 percent of participants gave the program a rat-ing of an eight or higher on a scale of one-to-10 when asked if it made a big difference in their lives—and that’s as good as having a sturdy umbrella for whenever the rain may fall. PSN

To volunteer or to learn more about get-ting assistance through this program, call Karen Miller-Tobin, director of Ur-suline’s Independence Support Services at (412) 224-4700.

Free bill-paying assistance program helps seniors maintain financial independence

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This menu is for senior centers and home-delivered meals funded in part by the DHS AAA. Centers are open Monday through Friday. Call (412) 350-5460.

Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Area Agency on AgingBirmingham Towers, 2100 Wharton St., Second Floor


Serving the older adults of Allegheny County Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County ExecutiveWilliam McKain, Allegheny County Manager

Marc Cherna, DirectorMildred E. Morrison, Administrator

Volume 6, Issue 5

March Menu

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Contact Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging’s SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460;

Toll Free – (800) 344-4319; TDD – (412) 350-2727 or visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/aaa.

SOCIAL SERVICESInformation and AssistanceCare ManagementAdult Day ServicesAdult Foster CareHome Delivered MealsHome Health Services Personal Care/ Home Support ServicesProtective ServicesLong Term Living CounselingHealth Insurance CounselingFamily Caregiver SupportCompanions for HomeboundNursing Home Resident Advocacy

Information and Assistance Service Partner Agencies At Senior Community Centers

Allentown Senior Center (412) 481-5484Catholic Youth Association (412) 621-3342Citiparks (412) 422-6570Eastern Area Adult Services, Inc. (412) 829-9250Hill House Association Senior Services (412) 392-4450Jewish Community Center (412) 521-8010LifeSpan, Inc. (412) 464-1300

Lutheran Service Society (412) 734-9330Northern Area Multi-Service Center (412) 781-1176Penn Hills Senior Center (412) 244-3400Plum Senior Community Center (412) 795-2330Riverview Community Action Corp. (412) 828-1062Seton Center, Inc. (412) 344-4777Vintage, Inc. (412) 361-5003

SENIOR CENTER SERVICESEducation ProgramsExercise and FitnessVolunteer OpportunitiesSocial and Recreational ProgramsCongregate MealsLegal ServicesAssistance in Applying for Benefit ProgramsHealth Insurance Counseling

Monday, March 2: Turkey burger, whipped potatoes, carrot coins, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday, March 3: Teriyaki meatballs, parsley potatoes, tossed salad, apple.

Wednesday, March 4: Chicken Waldorf salad, marinated green beans, sliced beets, mandarin oranges.

Thursday, March 5: Pepper steak sandwich, orzo with peas and corn, banana.

Friday, March 6: Cod, macaroni & cheese, Italian stewed tomatoes, pineapple tidbits.

Monday, March 9: Chicken breast, broccoli florets, brown rice pilaf, peach slices, oatmeal-raisin cookie.

Tuesday, March 10: Shredded barbecue pork with sauce, gourmet potatoes, baby Brussels sprouts, apple.

Wednesday, March 11: Roast beef with gravy, O’Brien potatoes, carrot coins, orange.

Thursday, March 12: Meatloaf, cauliflower florets, baked yam, cherry gelatin.

Friday, March 13: Tuna salad, marinated cucumber slices, corn and black bean salad, banana.

Monday, March 16: Apple spice boneless pork chop, Mexi-corn, brown and wild rice, pear slices.

Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day menu: Corned beef and cabbage, whipped horseradish potatoes, cabbage with caraway seeds, sugar cookie with green sprinkles.

Wednesday, March 18: Chicken dinner salad, sliced beets, apple.

Thursday, March 19: Salisbury steak, barley casserole, carrot coins and broccoli florets, banana.

Friday, March 20: Baked cod, au gratin potatoes, stewed tomatoes, orange.

Monday, March 23: Chicken leg and thigh, yams with cinnamon and brown sugar, broccoli florets, sliced peaches.

Tuesday, March 24: Cold roast beef, tomatoes and cucumbers, baby corn and pea salad, tapioca pudding.

Wednesday, March 25, Birthday menu: Stuffed cabbage, paprika potatoes, mixed vegetables, fudge brownie.

Thursday, March 26: Sliced turkey with gravy, whipped potatoes, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, cherry gelatin.

Friday, March 27: Tuna salad, Italian rice salad, marinated carrots, apple.

Monday, March 30: Chili dog with cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges and pear cuts.

Tuesday, March 31: Boneless pork chop with gravy, lemon and herb penne, vegetable medley, fruit cocktail. PSN

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By Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh For Pittsburgh Senior News

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a series that shares information about adap-tive equipment and assistive devices that help older adults age in place.

Getting in and out of a car can be a challenging activity for some people. General weakness, poor balance, and stiff or painful joints can make it dif-ficult to safely sit down and rise from the car’s seat. Often, the design of the car itself provides no stable options for hand support. Because of this difficulty, individuals may be reluctant to leave home and go out into their community if they have to travel by car; or, they may only travel when they are with others who can assist them.

Luckily, there is a tool on the market that solves this problem. The Handybar is a device created to increase the ease,

Need help getting in and out of your car? This assistive device can help.

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• Books

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safety and independence of getting in and out of a vehicle. It is simple to use, easy to install and remove, and fits most vehicles. The device has a non-slip rubber handle and a solid metal extender. When the car door is open, the metal extender is fully inserted into a U-shaped latch that is located on the frame of the car (not the door) with the rubber handle facing away from the car. Once the Handybar is firmly in place, the handle provides hand support for the user. The handle can also provide support to those who tend to “plop” or fall into the seat when getting into the car. When not in use, the Handybar® is easily removed by simply lifting up on the handle and removing it from the latch.

The Handybar is a convenient size that can fit into a purse, glove compart-ment or in a side pocket of a car door. It can be used on either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle, and is safe for individuals who weigh up to 350 pounds. The device comes with a few additional safety features:

1) The handle has a built-in seatbelt cutter and 2) the solid metal extender can be used to break glass. These fea-tures may be critical for safety in a car accident or other emergency.

The Handybar ranges from $20 to $45. Many online resources (including Ama-zon.com) sell the tool and large-chain retailers are also beginning to keep this device in stock.

The Handybar is just one of many tools available to help individuals who are having trouble with community mo-bility and driving. Local Area Agency on Aging and AARP centers, as well as occupational therapy programs in

the community, offer information on additional devices that improve ease, safety and independence for driving through an educational program called CarFit. The program offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. To learn more about CarFit, visit www.car-fit.org.

If you or a loved one are having in-creased difficulty managing your daily activities, ask your doctor for a referral to occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can offer additional ideas, assistive devices and strategies that can help you keep your independence and stay safe. PSN

Dr. Toto is board certified in gerontol-ogy and has more than 25 years of experience helping older adults main-tain independence in their homes and communities. She can be reached at (412) 383-6620. To learn more about the University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy, visit https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/OT.

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Caring for the Caregiver

Q: How was Gallagher Home Health Services founded?

A: In 2004, Diane Karcz, RN and her brother, Gary J. Gallagher, created this agency in honor of their mother, Iva R. Gallagher. They wanted to follow in her footsteps and “treat everyone like fam-ily.” Using this motto to guide them, the business has grown from three employ-ees to 103, and one patient to an average daily census over 600. Gallagher Home Health Services has been named to the “Home Care Elite” every year since its inception, with top scores in improving patient outcomes and our community set us apart from our competitors.

Q: What is the difference between Home Health Services and Home Care Services?

A: Home Health Services include skilled care such as skilled nursing, physi-cal therapy, occupational and speech therapy, social services, home health aide

visits and mental health nursing (these are intermittent skilled visits provided in patients’ homes to help them recover from an illness, surgery or other medi-cal condition). Home Care Services are typically non-medical services to help patients stay in their home safely, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, companion, homemaking, medication reminder and more. Care can be provid-ed in hours, visits or shifts in the home.

Q: Who typically pays for both Home Health and Home Care Services?

A: Home Health Services must be or-dered by a physician and are paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and a variety of commercial insurances. The recipi-ent must meet certain criteria that may include homebound status to qualify for services. Home Care Services can be paid for through private pay, PDA Waiver, VA Services and most long-term care insurance policies.

Q: When looking for Home Health or Home Care Services, what are some important questions patients and their families should ask?

A: Is the provider licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health? Are caregivers bonded and insured? What type of screening process does the agency require? How does the provider select and train their caregiv-ers? Does the agency provide nurses to oversee the care clients are receiving in their homes? How does the agency compare to its competitors? Does the agency have a patient advocate to serve its clients? Does the agency provide a free nursing assessment to its potential clients? PSN

For more information on Gallagher Home Health Services, call (412) 279-7800; to learn more about Gallagher Home Care Services, call (412) 279-2257 or visit www.gallagherhhs.com.

A Q&A with Gallagher Home Health Services

A Division of Gallagher Home Health Services Home Care Services

For information on Gallagher Home Care Services contact:

Katie Poeschel, Director of Home Care Development

[email protected]

We’ll take care of you like family . . . because those are the values instilled in us by our Mom

Our Home HealthDivision can provide you with Skilled Servicesordered by your physician and generally paid for by your insurance company. This may include:

• Skilled Nursing • Mental Health Nursing • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Social Work • Home Health Aides

Do you have questions?

Call us at

412-279-7800Or visit us at

www.Gallagherhhs.com

Iva Gallagher Our Mom, Our Motivation

Care can be Provided in Hours, Visits or Shifts • Personal Care

• Bathing, Dressing, Grooming, Toileting • May include Companion & Homemaking Services

• Companions • Medication Management

• Homemaking • Private Duty Nursing or

Home Health Aides • PDA and VA Services • Long Term Care Insurances • Worker’s Compensation

Gallagher Home Care can provide you with the Medical or Non-Medical services you need to stay in your home safely. Over 5,000 people have trusted us to provide their care and you can too.

(412) 279-2257

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By Judy Dodd, MS, RDN, LDN Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh Nutrition and Dietetics For Pittsburgh Senior News

Every month seems to have a theme and along with the old

one of “lions and lambs”, March also has an empha-sis as National Nutrition Month. Supported by the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), this em-phasis will be seen where there are registered dieti-tians/nutritionists and di-etetic technicians, as well as by others who support eating for health, doing safe exercises and activities, and aiming for a health-promoting lifestyle.

All of this is a tall order, especially if you are over-weight, have risk factors

March is a good month to bite into a healthy lifestylethat include diabetes and high blood pressure, and otherwise tend to ignore health guidelines! For some of us (who had the good for-tune of picking parents with low-risk factors or are just lucky), a change in lifestyle may seem like a waste of whatever time we have on the calendar of life.

Enter the Dietary Guide-lines for Americans and evidence that there are benefits to be gained from a “healthy” lifestyle. Na-tional Nutrition Month is a good time to start. Your healthcare team (hopefully including a registered di-etitian/nutritionist) can help you focus on the im-portant factors for your own healthy lifestyle: a reasonable-for-you weight, food choices that fit your budget, wants and health needs, and exercise to keep you ahead of the changes that come with aging and fit your needs.

March is also a good time to put a focus on one or

two “tweaks” to keep your lifestyle on a healthy track. Consider these for starters and, hopefully, they will in-spire you to make it a habit.

2 Find a friend or two and cook together with the goal being introducing new foods, changing a favorite into a healthier option, or trying a new recipe in place of an old favorite: going vegetarian, trying quinoa (a whole grain), experimenting with some herbs and spices to keep the

sodium down, oven “fry-ing” rather than the usual deep fat frying of fish, po-tatoes, zucchini.

2 Try a new-to-you food each week during March, with emphasis on easy ideas like whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean pro-teins like fish and chicken, Greek-style yogurt in place of the usual sour cream in your dip. Make it fun.

2 Take a hike at least 5 days a week. Yes, it can be around the inside of an indoor mall or 10-minute spurts in your living room (while you watch TV). Just get moving. If walking isn’t possible, check out options for using stretch bands or in-place activities that are safe.

2 Plan to plant a garden or at least some pots of herbs (basil, parsley, chives are easy). Gardening season is almost here!

2 Need more ideas? Visit www.eatright.org. PSN

View current and past issues of Pittsburgh Senior News.

Visit our website at www.pittsburghseniornews.com

Call (412) 367-2522 or visit www.pittsburghseniornews.com

for more information.

Looking for Senior Resources?

Don’t let the flu catch you. Protect yourself and family!

Covered by most insurance companies. No appointment needed.

Bridgeville (412) 257-3244 Coraopolis (412) 262-1570 Moon Twp (412) 859-0136

North Hills (412) 369-9712 North Versailles (412) 823-7270 West View (412) 931-1702

Get your flu shot at K-Mart today

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RivermontSENIOR APARTMENTS965 Rivermont DrivePittsburgh, PA 15207

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Call (412) 422-6191 for more information.

Rivermont was designed for independent seniors. Prices start as low as $825 per month and

range from 617 to 975 square feet.

Amenities include:

• Close to public transportation • Air conditioning • All utilities included • Hot meal provided daily

• Off-street parking • On site laundry • Secure entry • 24/7 security

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965 Rivermont Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15207

For residents 62 years of age or older

Open House/Luncheon every Wednesday. Call to RSVP.Absolutely . . . NO COST or OBLIGATION EVER!

Do you know someone in need of Assisted Living or Personal Care? Have our expert team of Senior Advocates lead you down the

right path to a secure future and a carefree lifestyle.

Senior Lifestyle Connections, LLC

Call 7 Days a Week! (724) 787-7030 www.seniorhelpfree.com

Email: [email protected]

We will assist you with: • Negotiating the best pricing • Exploring financial benefits

• Facility comparisons and educating families • Asking the right questions

Hiland Presbyterian Church

Hiland Presbyterian Church has an equipment lending program for du-rable medical equipment. Anyone may borrow the church’s items (avail-able for pickup only) which include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, bedside commodes, shower and tub benches. A release form must be signed before bor-rowing the used equipment. Equipment donations are accepted. Call (412) 364-9000 or visit www.hilandchurch.org.

Penn Hills Service Association

Penn Hills residents can borrow wheel-chairs, walkers, commode chairs, tub benches, crutches, canes and beds (including electric hospital beds).

There are no time limits for borrow-ing. Call (412) 798-9449 or visit www.pennhillsservice.org.

Southminster Presbyterian Church

Anyone may borrow wheelchairs, bed-side commodes, shower and tub chairs, walkers, crutches and canes. There are no time limits. Equipment is available by pick up only. Donations of similar equipment or money are accepted. Call (412) 532-6332.

Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL) Lending Programs

Assistive Technology Lending Library

Pennsylvania residents with disabili-ties can access the Assistive Technology Lending Library. This “try before you buy” program offers loaners of assis-tive technology devices for approxi-mately six weeks. Call (412) 371-7700, (800) 633-4588 or visit www.trcil.org.

Into New Hands

A recycling program for individuals who donate equipment to our system receive a receipt for a tax deductible donation for the value of the items donated.

Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP)

A classified listing of items of assistive technology available for sale or dona-tion. (An assistive technology device is any device used by a person with a disability in order to communicate, work, play, learn, do chores at home or get around in the community.) PSN

If you or a loved one needs durable medical equipment for a one-day outing or an extended period of

time, there are a number of consumer-oriented groups that loan wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

Equipment lending programs

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HARRISON HI RISE Senior Apartments

2006 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights, PA 15065

Rent Assistance

Harrison Hi Rise is a Secure Apartment building conveniently located near shopping and public transportation.

Amenities Include:

All Utilities Community Room

Air Conditioning Video Surveillance

Individual Balcony Community Life Services

Laundry Facilities Fitness Room

Call (724) 224-4571 for more information.

AARP NewsBauerstown AARP #2490 meets at noon on the second Tuesday of each month at Bauerstown Fire Hall, 15 Wible Run Rd., entrance in rear. All area seniors are welcome to visit and consider becoming a member.

Dormont AARP #3016 will hold its next several meetings at Advent Episcopal Church, AKA Church of the Advent, 3010 Pioneer Ave., Brookline. The March meeting will take place at noon March 12.The church is next to St. Pius Catholic Church, parking shared by both churches. This change is due to scheduled renovation to take several months at St. Catherine’s church hall. Coffee, tea and pastries available for a small donation. Member donations requested for this month for local Food Banks: Wrapped Easter Candy.

Glenshaw AARP #3744 will meet at 7 p.m. March 10 at Elfinwild Presbyte-rian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd. The

meeting will be followed by refresh-ments and entertainment by singer Brian Mohan.

Kennedy AARP Chapter #2203 would like to invite seniors 55 and older to join meetings held at noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Kennedy Township Fire Hall, Pine Hol-low Road. The meeting is followed by refreshments and bingo. Every other month there is entertainment. Call (412) 771-5183.

Moon Area AARP #3451 will meet at 1 p.m. March 26 at Sharon Presbyterian Church, 522 Carnot Rd., Moon Town-ship. The program will be Judy Elias’ Choir from St. Margaret Mary Church. Coffee and pastries will be served af-ter the program. New members and guests welcome.

Perrymont AARP Chapter #2991 located in Northmont Church at the

H.A. English and Associates, P.C.Attorneys at Law

4000 Mt. Royal Blvd. and Duncan Ave.Allison Park, PA 15101

(412) 486-1923 • www.halenglish.com

• Estate Administration

• Special Needs Trusts

• Power of Attorney

• Guardianships

• Medicaid Planning

• Elder Law

• Probate

• Wills

Hal English Attorney Since 1987

corner of Perrymont Road and Route 19 in the North Hills holds meetings at 11:30 a.m. every third Thursday of the month from September through May. A light lunch is served. Call (412) 389-2369.

Pittsburgh-West AARP #638 will meet at 1 p.m. March 16 at the Ingram Borough Building, 40 West Prospect Ave., Ingram. Entertainment and light refreshments will be provided. Mem-bers and guests welcome. Call (412) 331-2669.

Whitehall AARP Chapter #2050 holds monthly meetings at noon on the first Thursday of each month at the Whitehall Presbyterian Church, 4935 Willock Ave. Bring lunch, coffee, tea and doughnuts are served for a donation. Entertainment is provided every month. All are welcome. Contact Chris Lakomy with questions at (412) 881-1726 or [email protected]. PSN

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NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS

Affordable Retirement Living“A Gracious Experience”

Parkview TowersSENIOR CITIZEN

RETIREMENT LIVING111 Caroline Street • Munhall, PA 15120

(412) 461-2993 • www.umcu-parkview.comEQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

A United Methodist Church Union FacilityIncome Limits Apply

Efficiencies availableimmediately to qualified individuals.

By Henry Peter Gribbin For Pittsburgh Senior News

In 1932, Carl Olson became head coach of the University of Pitts-burgh track and field and cross

country teams. He remained in this position till 1959.

During those 27 years, his teams won a large number of track and field titles in both sports and two of his runners, John Woodruff and Herb Douglas, won medals at the Olympics. Woodruff won the gold medal in the half–mile event in 1936 and Douglas took home the bronze in the broad jump in 1948. Other noted runners that Olson coached were Arnie Sowell, Frank Ohl, Al Ferrara, Dick Mason and Art Thomas.

When you read about Olson or talk to people who knew him, the word “great” arises quite often when

Struggling Pitt track team owed success to Carl Olson

describing him. My friend, Jim Bo-damer, has been involved with Pitt ath-letics for over 50 years. He remembers

Olson well and had this to say about him: “Carl Olson wasn’t a big man, but he had a lot of brains and was a well

John Woodruff Herb Douglas

Gable Ridge

8000 Beacon Hill Dr., Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

62 and Older

u Community/Game Room u Controlled Access

u Elevator u Emergency Call System

u Library u One-Bedroom Floor Plan u On-Site Laundry Facility

u Service Coordinator u Utility Allowance

(412) 241-9474Alia Carter, Senior ManagerRent is based on income. HUD subsidized. An affiliate of National Church Residences

Riverview Manor

Age 62 or Mobility Impaired

1500 LeTort St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 • (412) 734-0741Dave Carlton • (Property Manager)

Affordable, Comfortable Retirement Living

Rent is based on income.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blackhistory2007/news/story?id=2780877

www.pittsburghpanthers.com/genrel/042111aaa.html

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rounded individual. He was a great man and a maker of great track stars.”

One must remember that coaching back in those Depression years and during World War ll was very differ-ent from coaching today. The former Pitt track house, located above Pitt Stadium where the Veterans Hospital now stands, was a wooden building with poor heating and numerous broken windows. One section of the building served as a dormitory for the student athletes. The track house did have an indoor track and it had a pole vaulting area.

As if horrid conditions and a poor training facility weren’t problems enough, sometimes feeding the ath-letes proved to be the biggest dilem-ma. During the Depression, money was understandably tight. Sometimes the athlete’s families helped out with food, sometimes the athletes had to find work to raise extra money. Even this was often not enough.

In Hail to Pitt, a book on Pitt Athletics edited by Jim O’Brien, former Pitt Ath-letic Director Frank Carver remembers those hard days of the Depression. “Carl Olson had a friend in the whole-sale grocery business and about once a month he would provide a huge pack-age box full of canned goods and bread. Towards the end of each period a lot of young men were subsisting on bread and molasses until the next shipment arrived.” Carver also remembers Olson once supplying the team with coats to get them through a cold winter. Dur-ing World War ll student athletes were required to have food ration books.

On Memorial Day, 1948, the track house, officially known as Trees Gym-nasium, burned to the ground. It opened the door for a new facility to be constructed. The Pitt Field House was dedicated in December, 1951. It was a state-of-the-art facility put to good use by all the athletic coaches. It did contain a 220-yard dirt track.

Carl Olson played a big part in the Pitt Athletic Department. He expected the best, not only from his athletes, but from the whole athletic department. Sometimes he butted heads with his co-workers. His feud with one time head football coach Clark Shaugh-nessy was widely known. But he did earn the respect of all those he came in contact with.

Olson’s track teams were Pittsburgh’s best kept secret. As coach he would showcase his team to sold-out stadiums across the country, but Pitt Stadium was more like a tomb when the same track team appeared at home.

It’s a sorry thing because many Pitts-burghers missed out on a lot of excite-ment. They also missed getting to know one of the greatest athletic coaches this area has ever known. PSN

Affordable Housing for Seniors

Equipped Kitchens Mini blinds

Laundry facilities Wall to wall carpet

24 hour emergency maintenance Cable TV ready

Individually controlled heat/air conditioning Utilities Included *

AJ Demor Towers – Verona

412-‐820-‐0388 *Emory Senior Housing, E. Liberty

412-‐363-‐6894 *Lavender Heights, Penn Hills

412-‐798-‐1341 Ridge Avenue, New Kensington

724-‐337-‐4080

Income and age restrictions apply. Contact the community of your choice for details.

Professionally Managed by:

Affordable Housing for Seniors

Equipped Kitchens Mini blinds

Laundry facilities Wall to wall carpet

24 hour emergency maintenance Cable TV ready

Individually controlled heat/air conditioning Utilities Included *

AJ Demor Towers – Verona

412-‐820-‐0388 *Emory Senior Housing, E. Liberty

412-‐363-‐6894 *Lavender Heights, Penn Hills

412-‐798-‐1341 Ridge Avenue, New Kensington

724-‐337-‐4080

Income and age restrictions apply. Contact the community of your choice for details.

Professionally Managed by:

AJ Demor Towers-Verona (412) 820-0388

*Emory Senior Housing, E. Liberty (412) 363-6894

Equipped Kitchens • Mini Blinds • Laundry Facilities • Wall to Wall Carpet • 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

• Cable TV Ready • Utilities Included* • Individually Controlled Heat/Air Conditioning

BRIGHTWOOD PLAZA

• Huge floor plans with sunken living rooms, large bay windows • Controlled access buildings with intercom and door cameras • Easy Access showers available in two bedroom units • Convenient to bus and trolley

All utilities are included!

Brightwood Plaza Apartments 4940 Brightwood Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102 Office (412) 831-9454; Fax (412) 831-5733

Email [email protected]

$950 1 Bedroom

$990 1 Bedroom With Den

$1060 2 Bedrooms

2 BathsElliott Heights1110 Steuben St., Pittsburgh, PA 15220

62 and Older

Alia Carter, Senior Manager(412) 920-7181

Rent is based on income. HUD subsidized.

➻ Community/Game Room ➻ Controlled Access ➻ Emergency Call System ➻ Utility Allowance

➻ Elevator ➻ Library ➻ One-Bedroom Floor Plan ➻ On-Site Laundry Facility ➻ Service Coordinator

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Taken from www.ahajokes.com.

Purchasing a turkey

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the gro-cery store, but couldn’t find one big enough for her family.

She asked a stock boy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?”

The stock boy replied, “No ma’am, they’re dead.”

Wise cooking advice

This weekend, I discovered a cooking tip I haven’t seen listed in any cookbooks.

While you are preparing the food, and after the guests have arrived, you contrive to fill the house up with smoke, preferably enough to get at least two smoke detectors going.

Then you go rushing about the house, opening all the windows, setting up fans, and generally doing everything short of calling the fire department.

Let the guests sit for about 1/2 hour at 50 degrees (as a result of opening the windows) and serve the food.

By this point, you have established expectations in your guests’ minds that you can’t fail to exceed!

Beechtree Commons6460 Leechburg Rd. Verona, PA 15147

62 and Older

➻ Central Air ➻ Community/Game Room

➻ Controlled Access ➻ Elevator

➻ Emergency Call System ➻ Library

➻ One-Bedroom Floor Plan➻ All Utilities Included

(412) 798-5589Alia Carter, Senior ManagerRent is based on income. HUD subsidized.

Opening Soon

Northside Coalition Senior Housing 1500 Brighton Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

RENT ASSISTED HOUSING FOR PERSONS AGED 62 OR OLDER 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

EQUIPPED KITCHEN, W/W CARPETING, A/C, WINDOW COVERINGS, COMMUNITY, COMPUTER ROOM & LAUNDRY FACILITY,

SECURE INTERCOM ACCESS, PUBLIC TRANS Income Limits Apply: 1 Person…$20,250/yr; 2 Persons…$23,150/yr

Please contact SUPPORTIVE HOUSING MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC

PHONE: 1 (800) 238-7555

$25,200/yr.$22,050/yr.

Northside Coalition

Available UnitsEva P. Mitchell Residence

1621 Lincoln Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15206Now accepting Housing Applications. Age 62 and older or Mobility Impaired.

Section 8 assistance available to those who qualify. Rent reduced to 30% of tenant income.

Income Limits Will Apply• Newly renovated spacious efficiencies and 1 bedroom apartments • Carpet and central air conditioning • Controlled building entry • Emergency call systems in units • On-site service coordinator

• Community room/planned activities • On-site laundry facilities

For information on placing an application, call

Donna Rivers at (412) 363-4169

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Crossword Puzzle answer on page 2

©King FeaturesACROSS1 Tobacco amount4 Moviegoer’s memento8 One of the Three Bears12 Vanity13 Zilch14 — -friendly15 Missouri’s state trees17 Hard to find18 Sticky stuff19 Solver of the Sphinx’s

riddle21 Light wind24 Egyptian boy king25 Always, in verse26 Mess up28 Tin star32 Abound34 Listener36 The Big Easy, for short37 Extemporize39 Oktoberfest souvenir41 Understand42 Pouch44 Points a finger at46 24-Across, e.g.50 Eggs51 Doozie52 Night shift of a sort56 Hebrew month57 “In — -horse open

sleigh”58 Public radio’s Flatow59 Knighted woman60 Boot attachment61 Demure

DOWN1 Marry2 Past3 Humorous verse4 Nap5 Excessively6 Loosen7 Surround8 Strict moralist9 W/O delay10 Machu Picchu site11 Belligerent deity16 Travail20 Tweak the

soundtrack21 Software test version22 Clarinetist’s item23 Previous to27 Aries29 Opinionated30 Jane Lynch’s show31 Chows down33 Blunder, as a ref

might35 Massage38 Sheepish remark?40 Sullen look43 Musical endings45 Actress Gardner46 Begged47 Luau entertainment48 Grad49 Earring type53 Bearded beast54 — -Magnon55 Fodder for Dobbin

Bellefield DwellingsHistoric building located in the Oakland Civic Center

1 & 2 bedroom apartments availableLocated on a bus line, convenient to shopping,

cultural activities and health care facilities. Building with on-site laundry and roof garden.

Income-based rent, Section 8 with utilities included.Applications accepted daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

4400 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

*MUST BE 62 YEARS OR OLDER OR DISABLED* (412) 621-1132

6560 Leechburg Rd, Verona PA 15147 62 and Older

Beechtree Commons II

Rent is based on income. HUD subsidized.

Alia Carter, Senior Manager Office (412) 793-8693 Fax (412) 798-3210

➻ Community/Game Room ➻ Controlled Access ➻ Emergency Call System ➻ Utility Allowance

➻ Elevator ➻ Library ➻ One-Bedroom Floor Plan ➻ On-Site Laundry Facility ➻ Service Coordinator

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All About NumbersChoose the correct number for each question. Answer correctly for a chance to win $30 cash.

To enter, mail your answers to Pittsburgh Senior News Contest, P.O. Box 11126, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. One entry per person. Correct entries will be eligible for our drawing. One winner will be drawn. Entries must be received by the 15th of this month. Answers will be published in the next edition of Pittsburgh Senior News.

Name________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Phone____________________________Age________________

Congratulations to Helen Lamison who won last month’s contest. The answers were: 1. Life; 2. Ugly; 3. Blue; 4. Holiday; 5. Annie; 6. Roses; 7. Land; 8. Dark; 9. Alice; 10. Dog;

11. Shout; 12. Planet; 13. Family; 14. Hawaii; 15. Love; 16. Truth.

1. How many face cards (also called picture or court cards) are there in a pack of game-cards? A. 4; B. 12; C. 8; D. 16

2. How many Wonders of the Ancient World were there? A. 7; B. 5; C. 3; D. 9

3. For how many days did it rain at the times of the Great Flood? A. 40; B. 36; C. 100; D. 72

4. What is a popular nickname for the clubhouse at a golf course? A. The Nineteenth Hole; B. The Seventh Day; C. The Seventh Heaven; D. The Eleventh Commandment

5. Name the title of the famous book written by George Orwell in 1948. A. Nineteen Eighty-Four; B. Sixteen Eighty-Four; C. Seventeen Eighty-Four; D. Eighteen Eighty-Four

6. Complete the title of the famous 1961 book by Joseph Heller. ‘Catch ______’ A. 42; B. 12; C. 22; D. 2

7. How many different ball colours are to be found on a snooker table, in total? A. 8; B. 6; C. 7; D. 10

8. How many different animals are represented in the Chinese calendar? A. 9; B. 14; C. 10; D. 12

Our Services and Specialties include:• Heating and air conditioning installation and repair

• Water tank installation and repair

• New furnace installation

• Furnace repairs

• Furnace cleaning and check-up

• Boiler repairs

• Air purification systems

• Plumbing

• Free estimates

Eugene Beck Company, Inc.• Heating

• Air Conditioning • Plumbing

924 Western Ave., Pittsburgh, 15233 (412) 321-3356 • (412) 931-0949 http://eugenebeckcompany.com

24 Hour Emergency Service • (412) 635-8424

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Great songs sweetly sung-musical theater, big band, ethnic and folk, oldies, operetta and opera. Catherine Bomstein (412) 6000577.Entertainment: Christmas (Mrs. Claus), St. Patrick’s (Leprechaun), Patriotic, Hawaiian Luau, Ethnic (Italian, Mexican, etc.) Strolling Mandolin, Sing-a-Long, Affordable! (412) 731-1322.Frank Sinatra Tribute: Singing perfomance by Bobby Avella featuring the Best of Sinatra’s songs. (412) 487-3134.Always fun! John Cigna’s favorite entertainer, Jimmy Sapienza, and his gifted blind pianist, Keith Stebler, are ready to perform for your group. Email: [email protected]. Call Jimmy (412) 916-6055. Don’t delay. Reserve your date today.Pianist Craig Zinger. Knockout Victor Borge-style show: Boogie, hilarious parodies (Pierogi Polka), toe-tapping singalongs. (412)-608-8429. Sings 50’s and 60’s love songs for seniors. Call Brian (724) 205-1429.Singer-Songs of Love by Dean Martin, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, Bobby Vinton and other all time favorites. Bob (412) 487-3134.Frankie Capri presents The Dean Martin, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Tribute Variety Show. (412) 4692299.Comedy Magician Al Mazing (412) 600-4903 or almazing.com.Sue Gartland: Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist; Folk and Country Music (724) 889-6986.Singing for AARP, Christmas, Valentines, Birthdays, featuring Dean, Elvis, Frank, Oldies. Bob (412) 487-3134.Ventriloquist Cindy Speck. Seniors are my favorite audience. (724) 452-5889.Everything Old Is New Again, a lighthearted musical comedy by Sheila Cartiff. Entertainer available for day or evening performances. Contact Sheila (412) 856-1259 or [email protected] Ryan. Solo ragtime piano and dance trio. (412) 331-8368.Dennis Smalley sings Inspirational Songs and Military Tributes (412) 901-6327.Joe Marotta: Singer/Showman. (724) 836-3362.Patty Hahn, Vocalist. Featuring the “Hits of Rosemary Clooney” and songs from the 40’s and 50’s. (412) 793-2637.Master Magician Chuck Caputo. Live bunnies/birds. Reasonable. (412) 825-0822.Bobby Shawn. Singer-entertainer. (724) 745-3064; www.bobbyshawn.com.Dean, Rock and Roll and A Little Blue-Eyed Soul. (412) 605-9536.Popular Broadway Songs from South Pacific, Carousel, Camelot, Sound of Music, Showboat and King and I. Bob (412) 487-3134.Patti Eberle. Comedy, variety and musical fun. (412) 561-7161.Sassy Seniors (formerly BTEI) Musical Theatre Troupe, songs, dancing, comedy skits. (412) 367-3093. Edwardo, Accordionist, One-Man Band. (412) 687-6416; www.edwardomusic.com.Eddie Ace: Magician and Comedian. Guaranteed Fun Show. (412) 462-1557.Speakers Available:Senior Lifestyle Connections. Exploring senior living options. Stan (724) 787-7030Pittsburgh Computer Help. Tech lectures and instruction. Amy (412) 589-9573.Crime Prevention presentations by Deputy Sheriff S. Jason Tarap. (412) 350-6374.Vector Security has speakers available for your group. Jack (800) 756-9161.

Entertainers

The Rapp Funeral Home, Inc.10940 Frankstown Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15235

(412) 241‑5415

Fax: (412) 241‑0312

Bernadette L. Rose, Supervisor

Following is a list of resources that are relevant to issues ef-fecting seniors. We are providing this as an easy reference for information that you may need now or in the future.

AARP: www.aarp.org. The National site for AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people, ages 50 years and older. Call (888) 687-2277.

Alzheimer’s Association: www.alzpa.org. Programs and services for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders. Call (800) 272-3900.

Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging: www.allegh-enycounty.us/dhs/aaa. Gives detailed information on aging programs. Call SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460; Toll Free – (800) 344-4319; TDD – (412) 350-2727

Benefits Checkup: www.benefitscheckup.org. An on-line questionnaire to help search for a list of all state and federal benefits.

COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services): www.compass.state.pa.us. Enables Pennsylvania citizens to apply for social services programs online. Call (800) 692-7462.

Eldercare Locator: www.eldercare.gov. Contains informa-tion on the complete array of services and programs of interest for older adults. Call (800) 677-1116.

Government Benefits: www.GovBenefits.gov. The of-ficial benefits website of the government that connects people in need to government assistance programs. Call (800) 333-4636.

Medicare: www.medicare.gov. The official government site for Medicare consumer information. Call (800) 633-4227.

Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center: www.pahunger.org. A non profit organization working to end hunger and ensure food security for all Pennsylvanians. The link for Pennsylva-nia food programs provides information on various nutrition resources in our state. Call (800) 634-2033.

Pennsylvania Long-Term Care: www.helpinpa.state.pa.us. Provides long-term care information on available service op-tions, including home care, public and private financing of those options, and other issues. Call (866) 286-3636.

Senior Resources

Name________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Phone____________________________Age________________

Do you have Spinal Stenosis in your lower back?

For more information, please call 412-623-1714.

If you do, you may be eligible to participate in a University of Pittsburgh research study on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, or arthritis of the spine.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You must:• be 60+ years of age, • have been diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis confirmed by imaging (CT or MRI), • currently have difficulty walking but can walk at least 50 feet without a cane or walker, and • be able to participate in mild exercise.

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Participants will receive study treatment at no cost and may be compensated up to $230 for their time.

PITT RESEARCH TO STUDY LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSISUniversity of Pittsburgh researcher Dr. Michael Schneider has obtained one the first research grants from the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study non-surgical treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis—known by patients as “arthritis of the spine”—is a condition that is very common; found in about 30% of older adults. It is the most common reason for people of Medicare age to have back surgery.

However, a large number of patients with stenosis may not need back surgery and can be treated with other methods, such as physical therapy, chiropractic, exercise, and medication. But we just don’t have enough good research to tell us which treatment works best for which patient and under which circumstances. This research study hopes to provide more information about the effectiveness of three common non-surgical choices for managing stenosis:

1) Medical care that involves prescription medications and/or spinal injections

2) Group exercise in supervised classes given in a community center setting

3) Hands-on (manual) therapy and rehabilitative exercises given in a clinic setting by physical therapists and chiropractors

If you, a friend, or family member would like more information about participating in this study, please call the stenosis research phone line at (412) 623-1714.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Marchpsn

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