in-hampton-fall

Growing GoodCommunity Garden Feeds Needy Families

Depreciation Lands Museum New Director

Ready for Hydref Festival&

FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

INSIDE: North Hills PCPs withAccess to UPMC Passavant

Thank you, Pittsburgh.

At UPMC Health Plan, we don’t set out to win awards. We simply focus on doing what’sright for our members. Like providing them with access to world-renowned UPMC doctorsand hospitals as well as outstanding community hospitals and physicians. Giving them thetools and programs they need to live a healthy lifestyle. And offering them a personal HealthCare Concierge and online chat capabilities to answer all of their questions. So when J.D.Power and Associates ranked us Highest in Member Satisfaction among Commercial HealthPlans in Pennsylvania, we don’t see it as adding another award to the trophy case. We see itas doing our jobs.To learn more visit upmchealthplan.com.

UPMC Health Plan received the highest numerical score among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Member Health InsurancePlan StudySM. Study based on 33,039 total member responses, measuring 11 plans in the Pennsylvania-Delaware Region (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are

based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed December 2010-January 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Pennsylvania”

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Hampton

Welcome to the Fall issue of Hampton magazine.As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go

back to school, I sincerely hope that you and your family hadsome time to get away from it all and relax. It seems that thesedays, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with theirsports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow paceof an ever more elusive “lazy summer.”

Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around afamily table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone rememberboard games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then youmight be trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can dothat – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that lifeshould be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some time witheach other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Family time isan important part of being a community. And every community should value qualitytime with their families – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and moreimportantly, how to participate in a family structure so they can pass on to their kids whatyou have worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut offthe main power to the house so that the family could enjoy dinner together and blamedthe outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. Thekids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened. While the commercialwas pushing some tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable – you have tomake family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to make familytime a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours.

Have a great fall!

Wayne DollardPublisher

Hello and welcome to the fall issue of Hampton magazine. As I write this, the late summer temperatures are still scorching

outside and I find myself wishing away the days until I feel thatfirst crisp breeze of autumn. I have to admit, fall is my favoriteseason.

I love the cooler temperatures, the blazing colors of fallfoliage, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, and thesmell of the season’s first bonfires. Maybe it is because there is apart of me that anticipates new chapters in life each September, muchlike the start of a new school year – only now I am busy getting my children ready to goback to school.

Come October, our family’s weekend schedule will become packed with all of the fun fallactivities our region has to offer, from trips to the farm for pumpkin picking to a host of fallfestivals and not-so-spooky Halloween events. Each year I find it more challenging to fiteverything in that we want to do and see.

It’s my favorite time of the year for family outings, because no matter where you go orwhat you do – the western Pennsylvania foliage assures that getting there will bespectacularly beautiful.

We hope that you will utilize this magazine to find all the interesting people and places there are to explore in the community during this season and throughout the year.

Happy Fall,

Dana

FALL 2011IN Hampton is a non-partisan communitypublication dedicated to representing, encouragingand promoting the Hampton area and itscomprising municipalities by focusing on thetalents and gifts of the people who live and workhere. Our goal is to provide readers with the mostinformative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

REGIONAL EDITOR

Dana Black McGrath [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Pamela PalongueKelli McElhinny Kathy Rudolph

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ginographyRebecca BaileyGaryyonphotography.comOne Way Street Productions

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This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to:

IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Winter content deadline: October 10www.incommunitymagazines.com

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.



t has become a late summer tradition that many look forwardto year after year.The Family House Polo Event—which serves as the

primary fundraiser for Family House, an organization that provides affordable, well-furnished accommodations for thoseundergoing medical treatment at area hospitals and their families—will come to Hartwood Acres once again on Saturday, Sept. 10.This year, there is an even greater focus on children’s activities at

the popular event.“The activities for children have improved yearly thanks to the

efforts and input of volunteers at Family House and parents that siton the committee,” says Dr. Peter Shaw, who has been volunteer-ing with the organization for more than five years. For the past fewyears he has served as chair of the children’s tent area, overseeingmany of the activities including the crowd-pleasing “finger cast”activity and the photo booth.The father of three children, Shaw says he became active in

Family House Polo because he wanted to get involved in the community by helping a worthwhile nonprofit organization.Working in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Children’s

Hospital of Pittsburgh, he was aware of Family House becausesome of his patients and their families utilized it for lodging while inPittsburgh for medical care. After touring there, he immediatelywanted to get involved.“It truly is a unique place which provides an invaluable service to

people who travel to Pittsburgh for medical care with warmth.” Family House’s four locations welcome more than 10,000 guests

each year who travel from every state in the nation and from loca-tions around the world.

“I became involvedwith helping to organize the children’s activities earlyon because I wanted children, including my own, to enjoy the polomatch as much as their parents,” says Shaw. “We have wanted to attract a younger crowd over the last few years, and ifchildren are occupied and having fun, their parents can enjoy theday as well.”The day will include a Boutique Village, vintage car display, and

the children’s activities, in addition to the main event – a matchbetween the Virginia Polo Club and Potomac Polo Club. The teams will demonstrate polo shots for spectators before the matchand, during halftime, the crowd will be invited onto the field to stomp the divots.This is the 28th year for the match that started in 1983 and has

grown to draw more than 2,000 spectators. Over the past 27 years,the event has raised more than $3 million dollars to support FamilyHouse, which has grown from the original location in Oakland toinclude three others – Family House Neville, Family HouseShadyside, and Family House University Place. It is the largest hospital hospitality house network in the nation.For more information about the event, visit the website at

www.familyhouse.org.

a Family Event

Family House


The Depreciation Lands Museum has welcomed a new directorand is looking forward to its annual Hydref Fall Festival.Robbie Seibert was appointed to the director’s post, replacing Sue

Addis Stany who left in May. Seibert had been volunteering at themuseum for about a year, and when Stany announced her departure,Seibert asked the board to consider her for the position. “I just love being up here,” says Seibert. “It has been a lot of fun.”

Seibert grew up in the South Hills and lived in Shaler for 17 yearsbefore moving to West Deer, just a few miles from the museum.Previously she had worked for the Shaler North Hills Library for near-ly 20 years before her retirement.Bringing that experience to her newest position, she hopes to get

some new programs started at the museum. For instance, she saysshe would like to get some story hours going for preschool age chil-

The Depreciation Lands Museum New Director Gears Up for

Hydref Fall Festival


dren that incorporate a historical background. She also is planning tostart programs for older youths, 12-15 years, in an effort to gain theirinterest and keep them on as volunteers as they get older.Another new program, Cooking in the Cabin, will offer the opportu-

nity to cook lunch and learn an enduring craft or skill.These are just some examples of the new programming Seibert is

planning to initiate at the museum – programs that she intends to uti-lize to help support the organization.“Depreciation Lands Museum now is self-supporting, so we need

programming to generate revenue to help meet our operatingexpenses,” she explains. “With aiming for education, we hope peo-ple will find the programs to be valuable and will come and see whatwe have to offer.”One of the most popular offerings at the museum is the annual

Hydref Fall Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Continued on next page

The event mirrors what early settlerswould have gathered in the fall to doas a community so the workload wasspread out, Seibert explains.There are many vendors who partic-

ipate and event organizers try toencourage those with 18th centuryitems. Volunteers staff each buildingon the property, performing tasks thatwould have been done during that timeperiod.Activities include post-Colonial reen-

actors ; demonstrations by a black-smith, beekeeper, potter, and weavers;music, food and children’s activities.The Mercantile Store and crafters willbe offering items for sale.One of the festival’s featured events

is the pumpkin growing contest. (Seebelow)Still, even with all of these efforts,

there are many area residents who are unaware of all that the Depreciation LandsMuseum has to offer. Many visitors admit to not being aware of the museum’s existence,Seibert says.Located just off Route 8 at 4743 Pioneer Rd. in Allison Park, the living history museum is

open Sundays, May through October, from 1 to 4 p.m. Costumed demonstrators throughoutthe village bring history to life. The museum also opens at other times for special eventsand by appointment.“It’s hard to get the word out to let people know we’re here and what we have to offer,”

says Seibert. And, as the facility expands its programming and volunteer staff, “we wantto be able to meet the demands of the people who call or contact us,” she says.In addition to the Hydref festival, upcoming events at the museum include a Talley

Cavey Tavern Night on Sept. 17, and lantern tours on Oct. 22 and 29. Sunday, Oct. 30, is thelast Sunday of the regular season, but special events will be offered through the wintermonths. For more information about the museum and its programs, visit the website atwww.depreciationlandsmuseum.org.

All summer long, visitors to the Depreciation LandsMuseum have been encouraged to plant pumpkin

seeds in anticipation of the museum’s Great PumpkinContest, which will be conducted during the Hydref FallFestival. Families who visited were given pumpkin seeds in a cupto take home and start growing.The Great Pumpkin and The Small Pumpkin contests give many opportunities for

awards. While the Great Pumpkin title is bestowed upon the heaviest entry, the SmallPumpkin contest offers several categories of competition including the ugliest, funniest,most orange, perfect, lopsided, freckled and more. Those planning to enter the Small Pumpkin contest should bring their pumpkins on

the morning of the festival. They will be displayed during the festival and owners maytake them back home afterward.Growers hoping to capture the Great Pumpkin title should be aware that the pump-

kins will be weighed the morning of the festival, then donated to the museum for thecontest. Tickets will be sold for chances to guess the weight of the pumpkins, andthose guessing closest will win the pumpkin. Proceeds will benefit the museum.Those planning to enter should contact Phyllis Jones at 724.443.7413 or

[email protected] during the last week of September to make arrangements.Last year’s winning Great Pumpkin, which was grown locally, weighed in at a whop-

ping 102 pounds!


Continued from page 7

We all know the importance of aphysical checkup with our doctor toassess our health, but a financial

checkup with a professional financial advisor isjust as important. Too often, many peoplepostpone considering their financial healthuntil retirement or until a major event impactstheir life. Now is the time to set and keep anappointment with your financial advisor inorder to tell if you are on track to financialwellness.

When you meet annually with your financialadvisor, you are likely to review your goals andany anticipated changes that may requireadjustments to your budget and investmentstrategy. Consider major changes that couldalter your income and lifestyle such as jobchanges, a new baby, college tuition, a newhouse or relocation, even an inheritance.Allocating just a few hours annually with yourfinancial advisor will help you prepare inadvance for new financial obligations and willmake the transitions much smoother.

Face it—people are living longer but are notnecessarily able to work longer. A long-termplan will help you to avoid financial pitfallsduring your life and will set your course towardfinancial independence.

Consider the following questions before afinancial checkup?� Do you have specific financial goals? � Is your debt under control?

� When was the last time you reviewed the performance of your investments?

�Are you investing with an appropriate risk level?

�Are your investments generating asatisfactory rate of return?

� Have you started saving for retirement? Financial planning is a process. What you

focus on often gets better with time. Whenyou visit your financial planner on an ongoingbasis, you are likely to review your cash-flow,pre and post retirement, which may driveasset allocation decisions. In addition, youwill assess your tolerance to risk of loss, andgain a new perspective toward preventingemotional decisions. A professional financialplanner will also discuss insurance, tax andestate planning concerns.

Very few of us have the expertise to puttogether a comprehensive and balancedfinancial plan that will build our wealth andachieves financial freedom.

There is a better way to navigate! Speakface-to-face with your advisor at leastannually. The professional and expert adviceyou receive now will help ensure yourfinancial wellness and will alleviate futureconcerns. Wow! Wouldn’t it be nice to notthink about retirement but for a few hours ayear? So start today—make and keep andappointment with your financial advisor.

ointmentFinancial Advisor

Now is the time to setand keep an

appointment with yourfinancial advisor in

order to tell if you areon track to financial

wellness.

Keep Your Appwith your

This Industry Insight was written by Ward L. Garner, CFP®.Bill Few Associates, Inc.107 Mt. Nebo Pointe, Suite 200Pittsburgh, PA 15237412.630.6000www.billfew.com



he Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden, an organic communitygarden developed through North Hills Community Outreach,

will help to bring fresh produce to area families in need.Two food banks supported by NHCO – the Loaves & Fishes

Food Pantry, located in Hampton/Allison Park, that serves resi-dents from Hampton, McCandless, Ross, lower Richland, andupper Shaler; and the North Boroughs Food Pantry, located inBellevue, which serves serves Bellevue, Ben Avon and Avalon –will distribute produce harvested from the garden to their clientsalong with dry goods and canned goods.Those who meet income and residency requirements are eligible

to utilize the food pantry services once a month for one year.During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the pantries served 1,248 families.While the pantries do sometimes receive fresh products for

distribution, what is donated isn’t always the freshest, explainsRosie Wise, garden coordinator. Items from the community garden will be harvested fresh and taken directly to clients.The land that houses the garden was donated to NHCO by

Teresa Amelio back in 2008. She asked that the land be utilized for a garden to provide the needy with fresh produce.This year, the project finally was able to get rolling thanks to a

grant from Allegheny Grows, with support from the WesternPennsylvania Conservancy, Grow Pittsburgh and AlleghenyCounty Economic Development. Additional funding was receivedfrom the Comcast Foundation and the Grable Foundation.“It really pushed us ahead to have our first planting season this

year,” says Wise.Funding from the Grable Foundation enabled NHCO to hire

three youth leadership coordinators to work on the garden. Theyhelp with any and all garden chores, including weeding, watering,and coordinating volunteer efforts. The garden, which is located on Davis Avenue in

Bellevue, has provided an outlet for those looking forvolunteer opportunities, Wise says. Volunteer work-

days are scheduled at the garden, and volunteers have ranged inage anywhere from four to 80 years old.“The garden is a good opportunity for volunteering,” Wise

explains. “We often get requests from younger students to volunteer, and this is a good fit.”The experience, she says, is a very hands-on, learn-as-you-go

task, with “no green thumb required.”Amelio’s family, who previously owned the land, lived in a

house across the street from the property. Because the plotwhere the garden is now located was never developed, NHCOwas able to actually plant in the ground. Several cleanup dayswere held in March in preparation for the planting, and volunteerWade Cupcheck cleared the land for his Eagle Scout project.Planting started in late winter/early spring. A volunteer

workday was held in April to build two raised beds, one at 2feet high and one at 4 feet high, to allow those who may havesome physical impairment that prevents them from bendingto participate in the effort.Grow Pittsburgh helped with plowing in April. Then volunteers

utilized the lay of the land, following the property’s contours, inthe garden design. Plantings include tomatoes, peppers, cucum-bers, zucchini, potatoes, parsley, basil, onions, pumpkins andchard.The food pantries surveyed their clients to see what types of

produce they would like to receive. That input was taken intoconsideration when deciding what types of vegetables to growin the garden. And some plants, like the chard and parsley, weredonated.Chard, planted in April, already has been distributed and is so

plentiful that volunteers are working on finding recipes to pass alongto food bank clients so they can learn how to prepare it. Tomatoes

and peppers were expected to be ready by midsummer.Nearly 75 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the garden, which was held in June.

Photos by Gary Yon

O rganizers of the Pink RibbonRound-Up, a two-day charityevent for breast cancer

research that includes a Western-themed gala followed by a horse-back ride, are hoping to lasso evenmore supporters this year.This is the sixth year for the

event, according to Linda Murphy,its vice president of public relations.

Her friend and event president and founder, PatriciaHodder, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and underwent treatment.Around that time, she and a group of friends started to talk about how they enjoyedriding horses and joked about creating an event involving equestrian pursuits.They thought about doing something to raise funds and awareness. “The whole focus

was on the equestrian community in western Pennsylvania,” Murphy explains.What emerged from that brainstorming session was a horseback ride at North

Park. But, as organizers were planning the ride, they found that there were manypeople interested in supporting the effort who didn’t ride. To include those supporters, a Western-themed gala was planned.Now the Pink Ribbon Round-Up is a two-day event that starts with an evening gala,

followed by the ride the next morning. This year’s gala is set for Friday, Sept. 30, with theride following on Saturday, Oct. 1.Each year since its inception, the event has grown steadily in size. What started out

with a group of about 20 has grown to an estimated 250-300 at the gala and 30 riders.The gala, which previously had been held at Lexus of North Hills, has

grown too large for the dealership, so this year the venuewill shift to The Chadwick in Wexford which can

accommodate a larger crowd.“People wear boots,

jeans, cowboy hats…it is a really fun casualevent,” says Murphy.Honorary chair this year is Mary Robb Jackson

of KDKA-TV, a cancer survivor herself. Master ofceremonies is Stoney Richards of Y-108.The ride starts at the North Park Show Ring

and is about a three-hour ride through the park,with treats for both riders and horses along thepath. It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., followedby a picnic buffet.“It’s a really good, fun event,” says Murphy. She

says organizers expect the same, if not greater,numbers each year thanks to a loyal group of riderswho participate in the event. Each year, attendanceat the gala grows as well.“Cancer is a disease that needs to become

continuously focused on by the scientific commu-nity,” Murphy says. So far the Pink Ribbon Round-Up has raised

$170,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the CurePittsburgh affiliate, which ranks as the largestindependent fundraiser, according to Murphy.The event goal is to raise $200,000 by 2012.“We are very proud of it,” says Murphy.

“Everyone works hard to make it grow. Our focusis to continue to make money for cancerresearch.”For more information, registration or tickets,

visit the website at www.pinkribbonroundup.orgor call 412.638.9963.


FA L L 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 Reversing Dementia at

UPMC Passavant

page 3 Use Your Head to Stop Strokes

page 4 Healthy Eating for Busy FamiliesAchoo! Don’t Get the Flu

page 5 A Matter of ChoiceMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves

page 6 A New Level of Pinpoint AccuracyThat’s Patient Friendly

page 7 Welcoming New PhysiciansWhat’s Happening at UPMC Passavant

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

Reversing Dementia atUPMC PassavantNormal pressure hydrocephalus is the most treatable form of dementia, using a minimally invasive brain procedure offered by UPMC Passavant’s Cranial Neurosurgery Program

Janet Wilson’s world fell apart when the 52-year-old substituteteacher from Cranberry suddenly started experiencing memory loss and tremors in May 2010. CT scans ruled outsome problems (such as a brain tumor), so she underwent a battery of tests to determine if she had a rare form of dementia known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

The brain’s many tasks include making a clear fluid that protects, cushions, and nourishes itself and the spinal cord.Hydrocephalus occurs when that fluid doesn’t drain properlyand puts pressure on the brain.

Important warning signs“In older adults, the form of hydrocephalus called normal pressure hydrocephalus can cause symptoms of dementia. It’s often misdiagnosed because it mimics those of Parkinson’sor Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Arlan Mintz, MD, FACS,FRCS, director of the Cranial Neurosurgery Program atUPMC Passavant. Symptoms of NPH may include:• Memory loss, difficulty in thinking clearly andproblem solving• Problems walking• Inability to control bladder

Diagnosing NPHUp to five percent of all dementia patients have NPH, and there is no known cause. The good news is that it often can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure. Janet underwent a battery of memory and gait tests — plus a procedure known as a lumbar drain trial — to confirm her diagnosis of NPH.

“During the lumbar drain trial, patients are hospitalized forthree days while a catheter in the lower back drains built-upfluids,” says Dr. Mintz. “Patients who show progress are good candidates for having a shunt implanted.” A shunt is aflexible tube that allows the built-up fluid in the brain to drain. Janet started seeing results within 24 hours, noting, “I began feeling like myself again.”

In July 2010, a permanent shunt was inserted in Janet’s brain,connected by a tube to her abdomen, where the clear fluiddrains and is absorbed by her body. Two days later, she returned home.

“We use programmable shunt valves that allow us to use magnets on the skin’s surface to adjust the drainage flow based on pressure,” says Dr. Mintz. “Only my hairdresserknows for sure,” laughs Janet. “The shunt just feels like a little bump on my head.” She also sees Dr. Mintz twice annually for check-ups.

Seeking help for NPHIf you suspect that you or a family member may have NPH,consult with your family doctor, then a neurologist, to start the diagnosis process. The best results are seen with patientswith early stages of NPH.

Located in Passavant’s state-of-the-art pavilion, the new Cranial Neurosurgery Program offers comprehensive care topatients with brain-related illnesses and diseases. “Residents of Pittsburgh’s northern communities no longer need to travel far to have access to expert surgeons and a full range of diagnostic and surgical tools,” says Dr. Mintz. For more information, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

• One in 200 adults over age 55 has NPH.

• More than seven million Americans have some form of dementia.

• Fourteen percent of assisted living/nursing care residents have NPH.

Did You Know?

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Use Your Head to Stop StrokesBe smart about your heart — and stroke treatment — to protect your brain

The myths about stroke are numerous. Among the most popular — and perhaps one of the most dangerous — is that stroke is something that happens only to older adults.

In fact, a recent report by the AmericanStroke Association showed a sharp rise instroke hospitalizations among men andwomen ages 15 to 44, while rates declinedby 25 percent among older adults.

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking it won’t happen to them,” saysTudor Jovin, MD, director of the UPMCStroke Institute. “Strokes can happen toanyone, at any age,” he says.

Lowering your risk is the best way to avoid the life-changing impact astroke can have on you and your family. When a stroke does occur, fast action is critical to minimize damage. The window of opportunity for the most successful stroke treatment is just three hours after onset.

Prevention: What you can do“Heart disease increases your chances of having a stroke, so it’s importantto control the risk factors,” says Lawrence Wechsler, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at UPMC.

While you can’t do anything about your age, family history, or ethnicity(African-Americans have a higher incidence of stroke), you can controlhigh blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.

“You’re at risk any time your blood pressure or cholesterol are up. It’s far better to prevent a stroke than to deal with the consequences,” Dr. Wechsler says.

Treatment: Time lost is brain lostEvery minute after the start of a stroke means greater risk of permanent damage or death. One of the best treatments for ischemic strokes — where a clot blocks blood flow to the brain — is the quick administrationof the clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). While UPMC doctors have had success beyond three hours with a special procedure to retrieve the blockage or dissolve it with drugs administered directly into the clot, time is critical.

For patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, fast action is needed to repair the leaking blood vessel.

Call 911If you suspect someone has suffered a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately so treatment can begin without delay.

Specialized stroke centers — such as UPMC’s Stroke Institute at UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, andUPMC Mercy — have experts available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to diagnose and treat patients. The UPMC Stroke TelemedicineProgram also uses technology to provide fast treatment to patients at other UPMC hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania.

“You’re at risk any timeyour blood pressure orcholesterol are up. It’sfar better to prevent astroke than to deal withthe consequences.”— Lawrence Wechsler, MD

Think FASTUse this simple acronym to help determinewhether you’re witnessing a stroke:

Face: Can the person smile (or does oneside of the face droop)?

Arms: Can the person raise both arms (or does one side drift downward)?

Speech: Can the person speak clearly or repeat a simple phrase?

Time: Call 911 immediately if someone exhibits any of these warning signs!

Act FASTStrokes require immediate medical attention,so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says William Kristan, MD, chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UPMC Passavant. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:

• Paralysis or weakness in the face or limbs,especially on one side of the body

• Problems with balance or walking

• Vision problems

• Slurred speech

• Confusion

• Problems speaking or understanding

• Severe headache

To learn more about stroke prevention andtreatment, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.


Healthy Eating for Busy FamiliesAmerica is getting fatter and Pennsylvania is helping to lead the way as one of the nation’s top 20 “most obese” states. Our busy lifestyles encourage unhealthy eating habits, like eating on the run and high-fat/high-sugar snacking. But with a little effort,you can gradually transform your family’s diet from “fat” to “fit”!

Start your day off rightBreakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kids who eatbreakfast — especially those packed with “brain food” like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 — are more alert and focused in school; adults have more energy and concentrate better. • Is cereal your family’s breakfast of choice? Look forlow-sugar, high-fiber optionsand top with fresh fruit and low-fat milk (1% or fat-free).

• Get your creative juices flowingwith easy-to-make fruit and yogurt smoothies.

• Crunched for time? Grab a hard-boiled egg and toast, or top an apple or banana with peanut butter for a tasty “breakfast to go.”

Think smart when it comes to fast-food lunchesNo time to pack your own lunch? Use these healthy strategieswhen dining out:• Say no to fried, sautéed, or creamy foods. Opt for roasted,grilled, broiled, steamed, or baked meals.

• Beware of add-ons (like mayo, butter, and salad dressing) that quickly increase calorie counts.

• Replace sodas with water or fat-free or 1% milk. Even diet sodas can be bad for you!

• Go online for the nutrition information on your favorite meal. Don’t just focus on calories: look at factors like fat and sodium content.

Make dinner a family affairEating together as a family offers countless benefits — including serving more balanced, nutritious meals and the chance for parents to serve as “healthy eating” role models.• Talk to your children about portion control, with fruits and vegetables comprising half of every plate.

• Reduce the amount of meat your family eats by gradually introducing healthy alternatives into your meals, like fish, whole grains, and beans.

• Look for seasonal produce that is grown locally. In the fall, that means vegetables like pumpkins and squash, and fruits like apples and pears.

Interested in learning more about nutritious eating? Check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new guidelines at www.choosemyplate.gov.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Achoo!Don’t Get the FluUnpredictable. That’s the best way to describe flu season, which officially begins in late October and winds down in May.Winter is prime flu season, but it can peak as early as Octoberor as late as April.

It’s impossible to know what the 2011-12 flu season has in storefor us. What we do know is that the flu is a highly contagiousrespiratory illness that can cause mild to severe reactions, and it can even be fatal. Every year, more than 200,000 people inthe United States are hospitalized with the flu. The best way toprotect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated every year.

Who is at risk?Even healthy children and adults can become very sick from theflu and spread it to family and friends. You can pass on the flubefore even knowing you are sick!

Who should get the flu vaccine?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendthat everyone over the age of six months gets vaccinated. Those at higher risk for serious complications include:

• People age 65 and older

• Children younger than five, but especially children younger than two

• People with health conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as kidney, liver, and neurological disorders

• Pregnant women

Others who should get a flu shot:• Health care workers

• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as family and friends who have contact with a resident

• Caregivers of young children, especially infants under six months who are at the highest risk of flu-related complications

What is the best time to get vaccinated?The sooner you get a flu shot, the sooner you’ll be protected.However, experts agree: it’s never too late.

If you have questions about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor. To locate a physician in your area, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1-800-533-UPMC 5

Do You Have UFTs?Dr. Perryman says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a pin or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” he explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.”

He advises that women be alert to these early symptoms:• Heavy bleeding • A sense of pelvic pressure• Pain during intercourse

“Symptoms usually appear in the late 30s and 40s, and they oftencan be controlled through birth control pills or other medication,”says Dr. Perryman. “But others require more aggressive treatment,such as surgery or uterine fibroid embolization.” For most women,the symptoms of fibroids significantly diminish during menopause.

It’s important to know that other conditions can cause symptomssimilar to those of UFTs. That’s why it’s vital to have regular checkups, and keep an open line of communication with your gynecologist or family doctor.

For more information, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

A Matter of ChoiceMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them

Robin Eberle of Butler, Pa., never had a problem with herperiods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s,her periods became heavier and lastedlonger. “There were times I couldn’t evenleave the house,” she recalls.

Her gynecologist, Charles Perryman, MD,of UPMC Passavant, prescribed anultrasound, then an MRI. Based onthose results, he diagnosed Robin withuterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referredher to the Fibroid Treatment Center atMagee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

As many as three out of every fourwomen have UFTs, but the majority nevereven know it. For women like Robin,though, these non-cancerous growthsin the wall of the uterus can literallytake over their lives.

The Fibroid Treatment CenterEstablished in 2008, the Fibroid Treatment Center offers the region’s most comprehensive approach to UFTs.“We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensiveexpertise in treating fibroids,” says RichardGuido, MD, the center’s founder and director. “Our focus is educating women on their full options so they can choose the best treatment plan for themselves.”

The center also offers women much-valuedconvenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.

In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only

way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have children or who are some years away from menopause may want to considerother options.”

For Robin, her treatment of choice was auterine fibroid embolization, a minimallyinvasive procedure requiring little downtime.Using a thin catheter, about the size of a spaghetti strand, Dr. Orons injected small particles into the blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids to stop theflow of blood to them.“The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.

The center offers a full range of other options, including pain medication, hormonal therapy, and surgery. It also has a research component that includes trial procedures unavailable elsewhere.

FibroidsBefore embolization

After embolization

To learn moreWomen are encouraged to first have a conversation with their doctor if they think they may have UFTs. If you’re looking for a physician in your area, visitwww.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

You can also visit the Fibroid Treatment Center’s webpage at www.UPMC.com/Magee. The center also will host a Community Health Talk at Magee on Thursday, Sept. 29. For details, call 412-641-4435.


Martha Makin of Somerset, Pa., says she’s “done it all”since being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Not a candidate for surgery, the 69-year-old grandmother first received chemotherapy, followed by multiple radiation treatments that required her to remain still on a hard surface for long periods.

But her most recent radiation treatment in April used a new form of technology that left her impressedand enthusiastic. “I was amazed at how fast and comfortable it was,” she says. “It’s definitely my choice for future treatments!”

Determining the right treatment“We see many cancer patients who are not good candidates for conventional surgery, particularly among the elderly,” explains Neil Christie, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UPMC. “Additionalmedical complications or hard-to-reach tumors justmake surgery too risky.”

Radiation therapy is often used in such instances toshrink or eliminate tumors. For Martha, her age andtype of tumor made her a good candidate for the Novalis® powered by TrueBeamTM STx system, selected byUPMC cancer specialists for the precision, speed, and comfort it offers patients.

“TrueBeam is one of the most advanced radiation technologyavailable,” says Dwight E. Heron, MD, FACRO, professor of radiation oncology and otolaryngology, and vice chairmanfor clinical affairs, Department of Radiation Oncology atUPMC Cancer Centers. “It’s letting us treat challenging cancers of the brain, lungs, spine, neck, and prostate with much greater precision.”

Another UPMC first When UPMC introduced TrueBeam STx to Pittsburgh last November, it became one of the first 20 medical centersworldwide to do so. But like all technologies, TrueBeam is just a tool. Its real potential is realized through the talents of those who use it.

“In the late 1980s, UPMC was the first center in the UnitedStates to use Gamma Knife® technology for radiosurgery of the brain. Since then, we’ve advanced our knowledgethrough research and the innovative use of technology,” notes Dr. Heron. “Our multidisciplinary team approach gives patients a highly individualized plan of treatment based on their specific needs. TrueBeam now extends the kind of care we can offer them.”

How it works Some cancerous tumors are located in a hard-to-reach part of the body, while others “float” in an organ, or shift positionwhen a person breathes or coughs. Just like a sharpshooteroften struggles to hit a moving target, such cancers make it hard to directly aim radiation at a tumor.

“But TrueBeam’s built-in imager produces sharp, ‘real-time’ 3D images that fine-tune a patient’s position during treatment,even while breathing,” explains Dr. Heron. “It’s able to track a tumor’s exact location within a millimeter.”

UPMC specialists are combining TrueBeam technology with RapidArc®, another radiotherapy technique that delivers a powerful, faster, more uniform dose of radiation. Radiosurgery and other radiation treatments can now be accomplished two to eight times faster, with fewer side effects reported by patients.

“These and other minimally invasive treatments are really redefining how we treat cancer,” notes Dr. Christie.“We’re no longer limited by conventional procedures.”

To learn moreThe TrueBeam system is housed at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside. UPMC provides access to a number of physicians that can refer interested patients to the center. For a list, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

A New Level of Pinpoint AccuracyThat’s Patient FriendlyTrueBeamTM allows UPMC cancer specialists to enhance treatment and patient comfort

1-800-533-UPMC 7

What’s Happeningat UPMC PassavantThese free events are offered by the Passavant Hospital Foundation

Welcoming New PhysiciansTo schedule an appointment, or for more information about any of our physicians, visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Emily S. Burns, MDInternal Medicine

Jamie M. Cannon, MDGynecology

James J. Garver, MD, PhDGynecology

Ravindra S. Godse, MDInternal Medicine

Shailen F. Greene, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Frank N. Grisafi, MDOrthopaedics

Jennifer M. Holder-Murray, MDColorectal Surgery

Justin S. Hong, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Henry N. Huie, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Praveen Jajoria, MD, MPHRheumatology

Geetha Jeyabalan, MDCardiovascular Surgery

Sandeep Kathju, MD, PhDPlastic Surgery

Sameer J. Khandhar, MDCardiology

Forozan Navid, MDThoracic Surgery

Michael R. Pagnotto, MDOrthopaedics

Amrish D. Patel, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

James F. Pingpank Jr., MDGeneral Surgery

Michael T. Ryan, DPMPodiatric Surgery

William E. Saar, DOOrthopaedics

Jo-Anne M. Salangsang, MDInfectious Disease

Maddie Sharma, MDRadiation Oncology

Jonathan P. Shepherd, MDGynecology

Atrial Fibrillation Tuesday, Sept. 20 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: Sandeep Jain, MD Symptoms, causes, risks, and potential treatment options, suchas advanced medical therapy,pacemaker insertion, and surgicalstrategies will be discussed.Please call 412-369-3701 to register.

Pain in the ElderlyWednesday, Sept. 21 12:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal Building Speaker: Frank Kunkel, MD Learn how pain in the elderly can be diagnosed and what treatments are most effectivewithout adverse side effects.Please call 412-367-6640 formore information.

Diabetes SymposiumThursday, Sept. 29 Doors open at 8:45 a.m.Conference Center Legacy Theatre,Cumberland Woods Village Free screenings, vendor displays, informational tables,and presentations throughout the day. For more informationplease call 412-367-6640.

Common Foot and Ankle Problems: Diagnosis and TreatmentTuesday, Oct. 18 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: William E. Saar, DO Learn about the causes of footand ankle pain, foot and anklearthritis, and available treatment options. Please call 412-369-3701to register.

Shoulder Pain as You AgeWednesday, Oct. 19 12:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal BuildingSpeaker: Joshua Szabo, MD Learn about the causes of shoulder pain and new treatment options. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Weight Loss and Weight ManagementTuesday, Nov. 1 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: Registered dietitian,UPMC PassavantYour body is absolutely unique.To lose weight and keep it off, you need to know about a variety of factors that will improve your health, allowing you to lose weight and maintainthe weight loss. Please call 412-369-3701 to register.

Healthy Living with DiabetesTuesday, Nov. 15 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North Campus Speakers: Patrick McCarthy, RN;LuAnn Berry, RD, CDEPlease call 412-367-3701 formore information.

Wednesday, Nov. 1612:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal BuildingSpeaker: Patrick McCarthy, RN November is National Diabetesmonth. Learn what diabetes is, what medicines are availablefor treatments, and current recommendations for stayinghealthy with diabetes. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Legacy Music Series: Holiday Performance Friday, Dec. 27:30 p.m.Conference CenterLegacy Theatre, CumberlandWoods VillageThe Passavant Hospital Foundation staff invites you toenjoy a special musical programcalled Sounds of the Season.Please call 412-367-6640 formore information.

Bridge to Hope Family Support Group Every Wednesday7 p.m.Conference CenterConference Room #1, Cumberland Woods VillageDrug and alcohol addiction andits accompanying tragedies havetouched countless Americansfrom all walks of life and from all backgrounds. The Bridge toHope provides education andsupport to affected families.Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Legacy Music Series UPMC Passavant McCandlessPassavant Hospital Foundation is seeking talented musicianswho want to help lift people’sspirits and volunteer their time to give the gift of music. Applications are now being accepted for upcoming dates.Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

For more informationabout classes at UPMC Passavant and affiliated outpatientcenters, call UPMC Physician Referral at 1-800-533-UPMC(8762).

UPMC Passavant9100 Babcock Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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

This publication is for informational 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.

From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, Megan was always up for an adventure. But an unfortunate ATV accident left her with

a broken back and neck, and unable to move her legs. After recovering from 17 hours of surgery, Megan elected to go to the UPMC

Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient rehabilitation. It was a daily struggle, but working with world-class doctors, therapists, and

state-of-the-art equipment, she worked to sit up, stand, and walk again. She’s come so far, in fact, she’s not only riding her horse again,

but she is soon jumping into life’s ultimate adventure. This October, Megan will be, quite literally, walking down the aisle to be married.

To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s seven locations, including UPMC Passavant,

call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab.

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

years ago, Honorable Moses Hampton, a judgeand member of the U.S. House of Representatives

from Pennsylvania, signed the required documents to establishHampton Township in 1861. A two-day celebration to commemorate the 150th anniversary was recently held at The Hampton Community Center.

There was something for every resident at the celebration.Family activities such as free swimming, inflatable bouncers,hay rides and a petting zoo were offered. History buffs weretreated to 18th Century artillery live fire demonstrations, musicand objects courtesy of The Wildwood Longrifles Group andThe Depreciation Lands Museum. Community and food

With A Two-Day Celebration

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�booths gave residents a chance to purchase food, t-shirts andgifts to benefit Hampton Township school groups and organi-zations. Live music by The Macquires, Swingtet 8 and TheClarks provided a “music festival” atmosphere where neighborsand friends listened and lounged on the lawn to the differentstyles of music. Finally, a jet flyover, Marine Corps HonorGuard and fireworks by Pyrotecnico provided the communitywith a poignant and patriotic ending to a special celebration.

To learn more about Hampton Township’s history or upcoming events, please visit the website at http://hampton-pa.org/.


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he chances of giving birth to twins are about one in 80; thechances of triplets are one in 6,400.

Sharon Arcuri of Hampton Township, a mother of four,is one of those multiple moms. Twenty three months afterthe birth of her first child, she delivered a set of twins, andnearly five years later delivered another child.

After delivering her twin boys, she joined the North PittsburghMothers of Multiples Club, where other moms in her situation haveoffered help and support for the challenges and situations that areunique to raising multiples.

“It has been immensely helpful,” Arcuri says. “I have received awealth of information from other women there.” Experiences sharedinclude everything from the basics like potty training and feeding, tosocialization issues for older children.

Another club member, Connie Vitale, was the one in 6,400 who gavebirth to triplets. Three and a half years ago she welcomed daughtersSarah, Jenna and Mia.

Because of the unique situation presented to mothers of multiples,having a support network is extremely important, because planning formultiple children doesn’t mean you take the planning for one child anddouble or triple it. There are specific challenges that presentthemselves to mothers of multiples, where having the guidance ofsomeone who’s been there before helps.

North Pittsburgh Mothers of Multiples offers that guidance, and,while Vitale didn’t find them until after she delivered, the group can

start helping mothers as soon as they know that they will be havingmore than one child.

“It’s for anybody who is expecting or a mother of multiple birth children – twins, triplets – they’re all welcome in the club. The main focus with the group is to provide support and resources to the members who have specific needs that are different than mothers of a single child,” said Vitale, who also serves as the group’s spokesperson.

“There are differences. Normally you would assume you’d need two or three of everything. I had triplets and that wasn’t necessarily the case. The group gave advice. They said you could do with one of these or triple of these or more. There are also complications with the pregnancy that some of the members have experienced, so there’s a lot of emotional support.”

Being pregnant with multiples doesn’t always mean multipleupsides.

While there are more children involved, the risk factors to the expectant mother increase as well. Multiple birth children often are premature, have a lower birthrate and chance of survival, and increase delivery complications for the mother. Mothers often are in need of bed rest prior to delivery. Mothers of Multiples steps in with that emotional support.

The meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday of everymonth at the North Hills Community Baptist Church. Annual duesare just $40, and the group holds fellowship events and fundraisersthroughout the year.

Mothers ofMultiplesmembers learnself-defensetechniquesduring a recentmeeting.


“We have monthly newsletters thatgo out to the club and a club librarythat moms can borrow books fromon specific issues,” Vitale said. “Wehave mothers of newborns up toteenagers in the group. You formfriendships through the group, andyou stick around for that and to give support to others as they comeon board.”

Vitale said the group usually has guest speakers come in to speak ontopics such as sibling rivalry, which gets to be a huge issue once thechildren are toddlers; discipline, getting organized, and other topics ofinterest to the group.

“Right now, because my girls are 3-and-a-half, I’m getting a lot ofsupport on potty training, switching from cribs to toddler beds andchoosing a preschool or daycare,” Vitale said. “We have generaldiscussions at our meetings. A recent discussion included preparing thenursery, and breast-feeding multiples. Our membership chair stays incontact with everyone, and there is a club email chain and a websitewith forums.”

For more information on North Pittsburgh Mothers of Multiples, visitwww.npmoms.org or attend a meeting. Expectant mothers and newmoms are encouraged to attend a meeting before joining. The address forthe meetings is 7801 Thompson Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237.


off KindergartenerSarah White haswon first place in

the Kindergarten Divisionin this year’s PBS KIDSGO! Writers Contest forher story, titled “TheRunaway Bunny.”

As her prize for placingfirst in her division, Sarah won a Nook E-Reader, and was invited toread her story at the 11th Annual Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’sSummer Reading Extravaganza. The event was held from noon to 5p.m., Sunday, June 12, at the Carnegie Library’s Main Branch inOakland in the Children’s Room.

Following reading time, an awards ceremony was held, duringwhich time winners picked up their certificates and prizes.Throughout the day, the PBS Kids Fun Tent was set up, and select characters from PBS Kids were on hand to meet andgreet guests.

The Hampton High School Robotics Club recently attended the Global Conference on Educational Roboticsin Orange County, California, where they became World Champions.

In the International Botball Tournament, the team earned first place in the Botball Double EliminationWorld Championships; sixth place in the seeding rounds; and fourth place for their combined scores of

HHS Robotics Club Earns World Championshipat International Botball Tournament


Robotics team members at Botball


seeding, double elimination and projectdocumentation.

A total of 63 international teamscompeted in theInternational BotballTournament. Hampton's entry

also won aJudges’ Choice Award forOverall Engineering and Design.

Club members Adam Farabaugh and Evan Wilson won anaward for Best Conference Paper for their submission, “The Camera:Botball’s Most Underrated Sensor.” Club members Oliver Ebeling-Koning,Adam Farabaugh and Evan Wilson were in attendance at the conference.Other members of the club include: Jeff Aquaviva, Matt Doutt and George Uehling.

Botball is a standards-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,Math) competition in which teams design, construct and program fully-autonomous robots that accomplish tasks within the constraints of agame. The club is actively seeking sponsorships to continue their participation in this vital STEM-oriented activity that provides real-worldexperience to high school students.

For more information about Botball or the Hampton High SchoolRobotics Club, contact club advisor Mr. Vince Kuzniewski at [email protected].


Principal Jeff Finch is pleased with the results for a number of

reasons, including making Newsweek’s list in the first year that anew selection format was introduced. Making the rankings in thefirst run means that there was no manipulation of goals to meetthe criteria.“They took us as we are, and that is very rewarding,”

says Finch.Newsweek has been ranking America’s top public high

schools more than 10 years and Hampton has earned a spot onthat list four years in a row. But this year criteria for the listchanged, making placement even more challenging.Previously the magazine’s rankings were based on data from

advanced placement college-level courses. This year, six detailedcriteria were utilized to determine which 500 schools would earn

a spot on the prestigious list. They included four year, on-timegraduation rate; percentage of 2010 graduates who enrolledimmediately in college; AP/IB/AICE tests per graduate; averageSAT and/or ACT score; average AP/IB/AICE exam score; andAP/IB/AICE courses offered per graduate.Only two western Pennsylvania high schools were named to

this year’s list: Hampton and North Allegheny. Hampton is rankedat 335 and North Allegheny is ranked at 372.

Many of the other schools included on the list are part ofmuch larger school systems, some with multiple high schools inone district. Also, the list includes many magnet or academyschools, which have high admission criteria resulting in enroll-ment of the top performing students in the system, Finch explains. Schools of this nature, although considered to be public, often

receive higher levels of funding. Such schools dominated the tophalf of the list.“What would Hampton look like if we took only the top stu-

dents into the high school?” asks Finch. “It’s hard to compareapples to apples.”


Finch says he is especially pleased withthe most recent Newsweek ranking becauseearlier rankings were focused more on thedegree of challenge, not actual performance.“What I like [about the set of criteria] is

that it puts more stock into the quality of per-formance, not the attempt.”He credits the school’s achievement in

large part to Hampton’s community culture.“Culture is a huge driving force in deter-

mining potential,” he explains. “One thingthat is unique about Hampton is that, as acommunity, the bar is set very high as far asthe level of expectation, especially that of ourparents.”Most parents in the district expect their

children to do well and they place a high pri-ority on academics and education, heexplains. Parents are partners in the educa-tion of the district’s students.

“Here it i s not uncool to be at the top ofthe class.”Statistics

support thatstatement.Usually about42 percent ofstudentsgraduate withhigh honors,so a student

could graduate with honors and still not be inthe top half of the graduating class.

Finch also is quick to credit the expertiseof the teaching staff when listing the reasonsthe school receives national recognition.“Our teachers have the capacity to enrich

and go beyond the basics, and the studentsare willing to accept that,” says Finch.Rather than take an antiquated approach

to education under which students wererequired only to regurgitate facts, the educa-tors at Hampton put priority on the practicalapplication and global importance of whatthey are teaching.“To retain something, you need to connect

it,” he explains. “We challenge kids to com-bine disciplines and apply what they havelearned so that knowledge is retained anddoesn’t go away easily, so they truly own thatknowledge.”

Finch says he is looking forward to thefirst day of school so that he can pat his stu-dents on the back for all that they haveachieved.

“It’s nice to remind them that the world isa bigger place and, in that market, they arerecognized. It is another step toward improv-ing performance.”

Good News for the Second Half of your Life34 724.942.0940 to advertise | Hampton

When the dog days of summer are behind usand that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, energyseems to make a rebound and even theanimals around Hampton seem livelier, morealert. It won't be long before we hear the rum-bling of the Hampton High School MarchingBand drum line and watch the Talbots take thefield.During this time, there’s nothing more won-derful than taking advantage of those last days ofwarmth to get outside and enjoy the outdoors bydoing a little yard work.

This is a great time to rake up all those leaveson the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are greatfor composting and may have as much as threetimes the amount of minerals as fertilizer. Theyneed to be shredded to be easier to work with,but this is easily accomplished by running amower back and forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen

to your compost pile with the leaves. If your summer flowers have faded, be sure

to trim back dead leaves and blooms and addsome fall flowers for some more vibrant color.Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in potsto accent any garden with a fall palette, but don’t forget purple as a great contrasting color to oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purple accents are pansies, purpleconeflowers, asters and mums. All of these willgrow well in zone 6. For some green accent, you might try growing some arugula in a pot orself-watering container. This spicy, leafy planthas long been popular in France and Italy and actually grows better in the fall than in the summer. The leaves will add zest to your saladsand other fall dishes. Although the planting time for arugula is in the spring, seedlings canbe purchased and transplanted, however theyalso do well if left in containers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good at growing plants and flowers, there are many ways to accent your lawn and garden with minimal effort and maintenance. Brightly colored pumpkins placed around pathways and steps give a whimsical touch to decorating.Avoid placing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground and your pumpkin may well last for two to three months in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extra seating in outdoor areas.

Summer may be over but your yard can still be a bright, cheerful place full of beautiful,living things.

REAL ESTATE hampton

IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensive look at the Hampton real estate market. In this section, you’ll find interesting information

about creating beautiful spaces to live in, and other interesting facts about your community.

FEATURE STORY

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS

- by Pamela Palongue


According to a study conducted by thePew Research Center in Washington, D.C.,homes where multiple generations of family haveblended together under one roof are onthe rise. It is not uncommon in Hampton, andthroughout the region, to find three generations of a family living under one roof.

With economic constraints and the high cost ofchild care, it is easy to see why children, parents andgrandparents living together in one dwelling makessense in many situations. It’s easy to see why multi-generational dwellings which appeal to the needs of all ages are quickly becoming the trend.

From this perspective a ranch-style house onone floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobilityproblems will not have to deal with steps, but alsoparents will not have the added worry of theiryoung children falling down stairs. Anotherimportant feature of multi-generational homes isthe ‘mother-in-law suite,’ which could just as easily be called the ‘father-in-law suite.’

This is generally an area of the house thatis designed for an aging parent, giving them

a degree of privacy and independence whilestill being a part of the nuclear family household.They are sometimes located in a basement for easier access for those with mobility issues andoften times will have a separate entrance, giving itthe appearance of a mini-apartment. They usuallyalways include a bedroom and private bath, however they may also come with kitchenettesand a small living area as well.

When accessibility becomes an issue with anolder adult, there are many options for making thehome more accessible without giving itthe industrial-style, nursing home appearance.

This is an important consideration when itcomes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if anindividual is wheel-chair bound, doorwaysmust be made larger to accommodate the

chair. With a modern contemporary home,this may be accomplished by removing wallsfor a more open floor plan which appealsto buyers or widening doorways with attractivearchways. This will make the change look moreintentional and less like a temporary fix for amobility problem. There are qualified professionalsaround the Hampton area to help with both theconstruction and the financing of these types ofmodifications.

Many times it becomes necessary to install grabbars in baths and showers for the safety of seniorfamily members. Although there are many industrial style models from which to choose,there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars andoffer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk- inshowers and baths can be constructed with attrac-tive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s style andare still accessiblefor seniors.

A few changes to your home can help makeit safer for seniors and children and morevaluable when it comes time to re-sell.

MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS

REAL ESTATE hampton

- by Pamela Palongue

hose who aren’t involved with the Girl Scouts may not realizethat Hampton is home to a summer day camp that is one of thestrongest programs in the region.

“Hampton has to be one of the longest running and well-establishedcamps in the North Hills,” says Barbro Kelley, director of the day campand leader for Troop 50339, a Junior troop of 13 girls who are about toenter fifth grade.

All Girl Scout troo ps in Hampton are invited to attend the day camp.There are more than 40 troops in the township and that pushes thecamp’s attendance to more than 250 campers each year, with morethan 100 parent volunteers on hand to help.

Each year the all-volunteer-run camp is held during the third week ofJune for four weekdays. (The fifth day of the week is Hampton’s day atKennywood.) Camp is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at HamptonCommunity Park. Kelley has served as director for the past four yearsbut has been involved with the program for five years, and the campitself has been running for more than 20 years.

“I absolutely love it; it is so much fun,” saysKelley. “It is so worthwhile to give girls a chanceto do what they wouldn’t normally do.”

Girls can join Girl Scouts as young asKindergarten age, as Daisie s, and advance toBrownies, Juniors, Cadettes and eventually, atage 18, become Ambassadors.

At the day camp, all ages and levels are wel-come to participate. Daisies through Cadettes

attend as campers, and eighth graders serve as unit aides, whileAmbassadors help to run the camp. This year’s theme for the campwas Mythology. A different theme is chosen each year and activitiesare designed to revolve around that theme.

Campers cook outside for two days, and because the camp themecentered on Greek and Roman mythology, many of the foods thatwere prepared were of Greek origin. “One afternoon it rained thewhole time we were cooking chicken on the grill,” Kelley laughs.

Other activities included archery, a Medusa head craft, weaving,painting names using the Greek alphabet, dressing in togas, and per-forming skits based upon myths. And, each year, camp programsinclude many Girl Scout traditions, such as singing songs, playinggames and service to others. This year’s campers collected food forNorth Hills Community Outreach and planted a tree at the commu-nity center in the park.

The girls also took a group photo and had it printed on a bannerto help boost the spirits of the mom of three scouts w ho is battlingcancer, and sent cards to the hospital.

Kelley says the theme for next year’s camp already has beenchosen. In honor of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts,

next year’s camp theme will be “Back to Basics” whichwill include learning skills like starting a fire and play-

ing basketball.Although preparing for camp takes months of

planning by the volunteer parents, usually startingaround Jan uary, Kelley says, “The girls’ smiles make

it worthwhile. It’s pure innocent fun.”



You don’t have to live withpainful varicose and spider veins.Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at theend of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answerquestions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were veryimportant as were the answers that were given. Here are someexamples:

What is Phlebology?Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the

disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement ofthis field are The American College of Phlebology and the AmericanVenous Forum.

Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important tobe proactive in the choice and research of who will become medicallyresponsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venousdisease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious healthproblem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, orboard certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision.

Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who hastaken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment ofvenous disease. Not only is the physician often a member oforganizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) andthe American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additionalrequirements set by the certifying board. After meeting theserequirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing thephysician to identify him or herself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of

a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many differentorganizations, these organizations only require an interest in the fieldfor joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification wherequalification is determined through training and testing. Here’s howthe ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a BoardCertification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebologyand those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills andexperience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at ahealth fair and was told thatI don't have venous disease,but I still have aching, painand discoloration at theankles. What should I do?

While free screenings can beinformative, remember that this isjust a brief glance into a patient'svenous system. A complete venousexam and venous mapping by aboard-certified phlebologist is best todetermine if a patient has venousdisease.

Since a proper venous ultrasound issuch an integral part of this evaluation,the American College of Phlebology hasset requirements for it that include thefollowing:• A venous ultrasound should be ordered by aphysician.

• A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankleto groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may resultin outright treatment failure.

• Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patientin the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate forthe detection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters.

• A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or aregistered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and theninterpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?

Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ because patientsare often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nursepractitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, mostinsurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questionsabout the second opinion being covered, contact member services onthe back of your insurance card.

This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.

Terrance R. Krysinski, MDGeneral SurgeonBoard Certified PhlebologistVein Institute of Pittsburgh724.934.VEIN (8346)

724-934-VEIN (8346)


Hampton Township School District is offering a property tax rebate pro-gram for the 2011-2012 school year, which will benefit senior citizens,widows/widowers and disabled persons on fixed or limited incomes. The

program provides rebates to taxpayers whose reported income on their 2010Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program (PA-1000) application,Line 1, Proper 2, is $18,000 or less. The rebate will be equal to 50 percent of thePennsylvania paid standard rebate.

Application forms now are available online at the district's website,www.ht-sd.org.

Claims for a property tax rebate can be filed with the District Director ofAdministrative Services between July 1, 2011 and April 1, 2012. Each claim must include the following:� The School District’s completed rebate form; � A signed copy of the PA-1000 for 2010, verifying income; � A copy of the PA rebate check received after 7/1/2011 or acopy of the bank statement indicating the direct depositamount received from the PA Department of Revenue; and � A copy of the receipted school tax bill for the 2011-12 taxyear. All School District taxes must be current before filing.

The program only is effective for one year, and will beconsidered for renewal by the School Board next year.Questions concerning thepolicy or how to apply forthe rebate should bedirected to Jeff Kline,District director of admin-istrative services, [email protected] or bycalling 412.492.6308.

Workshops, which willhelp instruct residents onhow to properly fill outthe required paperworkto be considered for therebate program, will beheld this fall. Notices willbe posted advertisingthose events.

Property Tax Rebate ApplicationAvailable Online

More than 16 varieties of wines and over 20 restaurant andspecialty foods were sampled by guests and gourmets at thefourth annual Food and Wine Classic hosted by The Chamber

of Commerce, Inc.The Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a non-profit organization that

includes members from the North Shore into Zelienople, and from Route8 to Beaver County, including members from Hampton area businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce, Inc., which serves businesses andcommunities throughout the northern region, hosted this event in June atthe Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

Since merging the Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce and theNorthern Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce in January of 2010,the Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has grown to approximately 950 members.

The Classic was sponsored by UPMC Passavant, ConsolidatedCommunications and many other North Pittsburgh businesses, theevening included wine connoisseurs, beer experts and a chocolatechamber for dessert lovers.

“The Food and Wine Classic is part of our six signature eventsincluding the Neighborhood Business Expo, Golf Outing, ChamberChase, Taste of Cranberry and Holiday Social,” said Susan H. Balla,executive director. “Tonight we invited the community to come in andsample food and wine, see what we are all about and help raise money forthe recipient that we select to give part of the proceeds to. The funds alsogo to programs and services for our members.”

“Joining the Chamber is the first step and becoming involved in theChamber is the second step to success,” said Mike Hall, Chamber boardmember and owner of General Rental Center in Cranberry. “It is great tohave a line of communication to government. They listen to our opinions.”

Kathleen Sain, Esq., of Sain Law, LLC, chair of the Chamber board ofdirectors, said, “Merging the two Chambers together was a positive movethat has made us stronger,” and continued, “It is also nice to be able toprovide service to the community.”

Another function of the Chamber is to give back to the community;such as donating part of the proceeds from The Food and Wine Classic toHEARTH. HEARTH provides transitional housing for homeless womenwith children and permanent affordable rental housing for workingfamilies and individuals. HEARTH recently moved from BenedictinePlace to temporary housing in Scott Township for their transitionalhousing. They plan to purchase the former Zoar Home in Shaler for theirnew facility and are embarking on a $1.5 million capital campaign.

“We are using the proceeds from The Food and Wine Classic foroperational costs such as rent and utilities,” said Judith Eakin, executivedirector. “In 2009 we served 15 families and today we serve 32 families.”Along with donations, volunteers are needed to help at both locations. Ifyou would like to learn more about The Chamber of Commerce, Inc.,please visit their website at http://thechamberinc.com/. If you would liketo find out more about HEARTH, please call 412.366.9801.

� �� HEARTH

Susan H. Balla, Executive Director

Kathy Sain, Chamber Board of Directors Chair and Mike Hall, Chamber Board Member

Crystal Manning and Ron Smuch

of JRG Advisors

Caryl Skinneir and Henri Chatman

Lucy Kish, Rose Vange, Armin and Becky Hooman

Donna Phillips, Mari Williams, Lori Bullman, Diane Munizza


By Jason J. Mazzei, Esquire

Medical BillsTax Levies Utility Shut-Offs Collection Calls Lawsuits

ForeclosuresRepossessionsCreditor HarassmentWage GarnishmentsCredit Card Bills

CAN ST P:(800) 226-5787 or (412) 765-3606

1-800-BANKRUPT

As a bankruptcy attorney, I hear many misconceptions aboutbankruptcy. Here are a few examples:

• Bankruptcy will ruin my credit. Not True!• I will lose my home, car and personal belongings if I file. Not True!• Most of my debts are not dischargeable. Not True!• Bankruptcy is immoral. Not True!• I must have no money in order to file. Not True!• My taxes cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Not True!• I can lose my job if I file for bankruptcy. Not True!• Bankruptcy can not help with student loans. Not True!• Bankruptcy is only for businesses. Not True!

Although there may be some limited exceptions to some of theabove myths, for the most part, they are all false when it comes down to the law.

If you look up the word bankruptcy in the dictionary, you usuallyget words like “failure” and “defeat”; however, bankruptcy is simply aperson or business declaring they are unable to pay creditors. Whenplaying the game Monopoly, when someone goes “bankrupt,” it meansthat their debts are wiped out, and they start a new game with a “freshstart.” Like the board game, bankruptcy offers a person or a businessthe ability to start over with a clean slate by wiping out the debt theyare saddled with. Bankruptcy is a legal process conducted underFederal Law, which means it’s the highest form of law in the Americanlegal system. With predatory loans and unfair lending practices on therise, it is difficult to navigate through the small print and know yourrights. Every day there are news stories showing the financial difficultybusinesses, states, local governments and businesses are experiencing.It should be no surprise that many families and businesses in yourneighborhood are having financial difficulties as well. All around us we see signs of the troubled economy, including rising costs of fuel and increased costs of living. Credit card companies have beentightening their credit limits, and increasing the minimum payments.Home foreclosures are on the rise, with no end in sight. One setback, such as a loss of a job, health trouble, divorce, a new child and a family’s financial troubles worsens. Mazzei & Associates isPennsylvania’s #1 debt relief agency who helps people and businessesget though these financially difficult times by filing for relief using the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Mazzei & Associates focuses on personal and small businessrepresentation. By limiting our practice to bankruptcy law cases, we aremore familiar with bankruptcy law than lawyers who do not limit theirpractice. Concentrating the practice also increases a lawyer's efficiencyin handling a case, as it is likely that a similar case or matter washandled before. Our team of experienced lawyers and debt reliefprofessionals work together to help people keep their most valuableassets and using the bankruptcy laws for them–not for their creditors.We will STOP the foreclosure or tax sale on your home We will STOPthe repossession of your vehicle. We will STOP utility shut-offs. Wewill STOP harassing credit card companies, and reduce or eliminate

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