A Good Lesson

WINTER 2007
2006 A N N U A L R E P O RT A N D D O N O R L I S T I N G S — PA G E S 7 - 1 0
Computer
addiction
How much time
is too much?
Page 11
Page 2
A Good
Lesson
“ Not being able to
teach again would
have been the most
devastating effect.”
Child care
changes
A refresher
course for
grandparents
Page 13
Health-O-Rama
Check out the
offerings for this
mega-health fair
Page 14
Health News
& Information
for Healthy
Living
WINTER 2007
Healthy
Living
Altoona Regional
Health System’s
Healthy Living
Magazine is published
four times a year by
the Marketing and
Communications
Department.
Senior Vice President,
Corporate Development
Ronald J. McConnell
Director, Marketing and
Communications
Dave Cuzzolina
On the cover:
Vicky leads a class
discussion at Glendale
Junior-Senior High School
in Flinton, Cambria County.
Staff Writers
Patt Frank
Jay Knarr
Anne Stoltz
Vicky reunites with
speech-language pathologist
Christa Kozminski at Altoona
Regional’s Mallery Speech
and Hearing Clinic.
Design
Barash Advertising,
State College, PA
Quick action after onset of stroke
symptoms saves woman from
destructive effects
PLEASE
NOTE:
President
and CEO
Jim Barner’s
column
appears
on Page 7
as part of the
system’s
annual
report.
What started out as a
routine day of work on
April 3, 2006, became a
nightmare for 59-year-old
Vicky Zeoli of Altoona.
For more information,
please call or write to:
Altoona Regional
Health System
Marketing and
Communications Dept.
Altoona Hospital Campus
620 Howard Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
814.889.2271
814.889.3115 FAX
info@altoonaregional.org
A nonprofit community
health care system
www.altoonaregional.org
2
That morning, Vicky
had a slight headache
when she was called in
as a substitute English
teacher at Bellwood-Antis
High School. She has no
recollection of the events
that occurred between
the time she left for school
and when she awoke in
the emergency department
at the Altoona Hospital
Campus.
Vicky arrived at the
emergency department
at 9:20 a.m., unable to
speak and with a severe
headache. She also was
staring off to her left and
had difficulty looking to
the right. In response to
her symptoms, the ER
immediately activated a
“Code Gray” — the pager
system code for a stroke
patient. Within an hour,
she had been evaluated
and physicians had her
CT scan results in hand
so they could begin
treatment.
“People told me that I had
difficulty understanding
a seating chart, so I went
to the school nurse,”
Vicky said. “Since I’m a
diabetic, the nurse tested
my sugar, but that wasn’t
the problem. I was having
a stroke, and the nurse
called 911 right away.”
“Time is of great
importance for stroke
patients,” according
to Christi Wimer, R.N.,
B.S.N., C.N.R.N.,
clinical coordinator of
neurosciences at Altoona
Regional. “A clot buster
medication known as tPA
can lessen the effects
of stroke if administered
within three hours of the
onset of symptoms.”
For Vicky, the tPA was
given quickly enough to
break up the problematic
blood clot in her brain.
No lifestyle changes or
physical therapy were
required for her recovery.
She needed some therapy
for speech and to recover
short-term memory, and
she completed that in
four months at Altoona
Regional’s Mallery Speech
and Hearing Clinic.
Vicky has had a
remarkable recovery. She
never lost her passion for
teaching and returned
to the classroom the
following school year.
“When you think about
stroke, you think about
people who can’t use their
arms, or who can’t talk,
or who can’t walk,” Vicky
said. “Not being able to
teach again would have
been the most devastating
effect. I’m so fortunate
to have received the
wonderful care that I did
at Altoona Regional.”
In September, Altoona
Regional earned
certification from the
Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations, making it
the only certified Primary
Stroke Center between
Pittsburgh and Lancaster.
Each year, about 700,000
people experience a
new or recurrent stroke,
which is the nation’s third
leading cause of death.
On average, someone
suffers a stroke every 45
seconds and someone
dies of a stroke every
3.1 minutes. Stroke is a
leading cause of serious,
long-term disability in the
“We looked at
the fact that the
stroke death
rate in Blair
County was
significantly
higher than the
state average
and knew it
was a health
problem we
needed to
address.”
— James W. Barner,
Altoona Regional
president and CEO
KNOW the signs and symptoms of a STROKE
Stroke has been upgraded to a priority ambulance dispatch in Blair County — the same level
as a heart attack. It is imperative that patients who are experiencing symptoms of a stroke,
or “brain attack,” receive urgent medical attention.
Stroke symptoms usually come on suddenly and for no apparent reason. Call 911
immediately if you or someone you’re with experiences any of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Feelings of weakness or tingling on one side of the body
Facial numbness (mouth may droop to one side)
PROGRAM ALERT:
Stroke Alert!
See Page 15
for date, time
“We live in an area
where stroke risk
factors . . . are
very prevalent.”
— Dr. Mark
Lipitz
Inability to speak or understand someone else
Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
Severe headache without known cause
Blurred vision in one or both eyes
Sudden confusion
“Any of the above symptoms may be temporary and last only a
few minutes. This may be due to a ‘ministroke,’ called a ‘transient
ischemic attack’ (TIA),” explained James Burke, M.D., Ph.D., chief
of Neurosurgery at Altoona Regional. “TIAs are extremely important
indicators of an impending stroke. Don’t ignore them! If symptoms
appear, call 911 to get medical attention immediately.”
REDUCING
YOUR RISK
OF STROKE
United States, with about
4.7 million stroke survivors
alive today.
minimizing the damage.
“We looked at the fact
that the stroke death
rate in Blair County was
significantly higher than
the state average and
knew it was a health
problem we needed to
address,” said James W.
Barner, Altoona Regional
president and CEO. “As a
certified stroke center we
are able to provide patients
with rapid emergency care
upon arrival that ultimately
improves their outcomes.”
“Certain medications
can be given, depending
upon what type of stroke
it is, and procedures
are in place that help
us immediately identify
what is taking place in
the patient’s brain, which
is literally under attack,”
explained Mark Lipitz,
D.O., medical director
of the Regional Stroke
Center. “The sooner
patients get to the hospital,
the better. They should
always come as soon as
symptoms appear.”
Along with aggressive
diagnosis and treatment,
and early rehabilitation
therapy, an important
aspect of the regional
stroke center is increasing
awareness of the signs
of a stroke. Recognizing
the signs early and
getting treatment is key to
The stroke center is part
of the neuroscience
services offered at Altoona
Regional, which include
many different medical
and surgical specialties.
A special team has been
established to respond
swiftly to patients both in
the emergency department
and elsewhere in the
hospital who have stroke
symptoms less than six
hours old. The “Code
Gray” pager system alerts
team members to rush to
the patient’s bedside.
The neurologist is only one
component of the stroke
care team. Others include
an emergency physician,
emergency nurse, stroke
nurse, critical care nurse,
CT scan technician, lab
technician, radiologist,
respiratory therapist and
a chaplain.
Radiologists are available
24 hours a day, and
Altoona Regional
recently welcomed
neuroradiologists to
the stroke team. They
are specifically trained
in stroke and brain
imaging techniques.
Technologically, Altoona
Regional offers the latest
generation of testing that
allow physicians to quickly
determine what type of
treatment would be best
for each patient.
“We live in an area where
stroke risk factors — such
as hypertension, diabetes
and heart disease — are
very prevalent,” Dr. Lipitz
said. “Our community is
very fortunate to have the
various specialists and
cutting-edge technologies
available at Altoona
Regional for treating
stroke.”
Vicky’s students at
Glendale Junior-Senior
High School are happy
about whatever it took to
bring her back to them.
“I like being in her class
and I’m glad she’s back,”
Jon “Mike” Hommer said.
“She is one of our best
substitutes,” Gary
Walstrom Jr. added.
3
While a stroke can’t be
prevented, modifying
and/or treating certain risk
factors will help reduce
your stroke risk.
Risk factors you can
control or treat:
• Obesity or being overweight
• Diabetes mellitus
• Tobacco use
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Physical inactivity
alcohol intake or
• Excessive
illegal drug use
or other artery
• Carotid
disease
• High red blood cell count
Risk factors you can’t change:
• Age
• Heredity
• Gender
• Prior stroke or heart attack
For more information,
please call
Altoona Regional’s
Stroke Center at
814.889.3249.
IN THE U.S., MORE THAN 500,000 WOMEN DIE EACH YEAR
OF HEART DISEASE — ONE EVERY MINUTE. HEART DISEASE
IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN WOMEN OVER 40,
ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.
Women’s symptoms are different
Women need to be aware that they may experience
different symptoms than those traditionally described
and experienced by men, Dr. Gattuso said. Often women
experience a sense of heaviness or heartburn-like
sensation accompanied by anxiety when having a heart
attack.
“The anxiety may be misconstrued as nothing more than
anxiety,” Dr. Gattuso said.
Other symptoms sometimes experienced by a woman
include shortness of breath, an isolated pain in the midback and an isolated pain in the jaw or elbow. She may
have one or more of these symptoms.
Connie Hartman’s heart attack manifested itself with
shortness of breath and a pain in her neck. “It was like I
had a kink in my neck from sleeping wrong on it and I just
couldn’t work it out,” the 58-year-old Duncansville woman
said. “I didn’t recognize it as a heart attack. I thought I just
needed my diabetes medicine.”
Connie and Dixie exhibited some of the risk factors for
coronary artery disease, Dr. Gattuso said. Family history,
diabetes, hypertension, stress and smoking are major risk
factors.
Heart
of a woman
It can display
unexpected
symptoms when
under attack
PROGRAM ALERT:
Looking for a
lifestyle change?
Try yoga!
See Page 15
for date, time
Connie Hartman
prepares a
heart-healthy
vegetable stir fry.
4
The pain ripped into the center of Dixie Claar’s
chest like a knife, waking her from a sound sleep. It
couldn’t have been a heart attack, she told herself,
because the pain only lasted about five minutes.
Cardiologist Joseph W. Gattuso Jr., M.D., F.A.C.C.,
diagnosed Dixie, 53, of Claysburg, with coronary
artery disease. Her pain was caused by a 90
percent blockage in one of her heart’s main arteries.
Dr. Gattuso’s associates, Hany F. Shanoudy,
M.D., F.A.C.C., and Ziad Khoury, M.D., F.A.C.C.,
performed a heart catheterization and inserted a
stent, an appliance that props open the walls of the
clogged vessel, much like spokes open an umbrella.
“I can’t believe the difference in my energy level,”
Dixie said recently. “I’m amazed at the way I feel.
And everyone was wonderful during my treatment
and showed me so much kindness.”
Dixie said she considers the chest pain she suffered
a “blessing because it got me to go to the doctor
right away.”
Dixie’s family history includes three uncles in their 50s
who died of heart attacks; her mother had coronary artery
disease and heart bypass surgery at age 60. Dixie suffers
from hypertension, which she controls with medication.
Connie’s family history includes type 2 diabetes and high
cholesterol, and she has both. Her mother, sister and
brother also have heart disease.
Controllable risk factors
Stress is one of the risk factors associated with heart
disease, along with smoking, that a person can control.
“A family history of heart disease makes the need for a
healthy lifestyle that much greater,” Dr. Gattuso said, and
consists of a diet low in fat and starchy foods, combined
with regular, moderate exercise.
“With these healthy habits, women can reduce the risk of
developing diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery
disease. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, they diminish
the likelihood of blocked arteries.”
Both women say they have changed the way they eat:
few sweets, a lot more vegetables, chicken, fish and fruit.
“I try a lot of different recipes,” Connie said. “My husband
has been terrific because I don’t cook two different meals
— he eats what I eat. That support is so important.”
She’s lost weight and her cholesterol levels have
improved, too.
“Some days I really screw up,” she admits. “You have to
forget that day and start again tomorrow. You have to.
If you dwell on it too much, it gets too frustrating.”
Drs. Gattuso, Shanoudy and Khoury practice at
Cardiology Associates of Altoona, 1321 11th Ave.,
Altoona; phone 942.2411. They are specialists in
cardiovascular diseases and preventive cardiology.
s
p
i
T
FOR SELFDIAGNOSIS
Call in
or
go to
work?
Some tips
to help
you decide
You awake to the alarm clock’s buzz
feeling tired, and before you even sit up
in bed you realize something’s not right.
Your sinuses are congested;
your mouth and throat are dry;
you’re sweating, and you have the chills.
Yeah, you’re probably sick.
Now you have a decision to make.
On one hand, it could just be allergies
and not worth using those precious and
limited sick days you’ve been saving.
On the other, if you drag yourself to
work with a bad cold or the flu,
you’ll surely be unproductive and
may infect coworkers.
While that achy feeling,
stuffiness, coughing,
sneezing and even a fever
may be present for both,
Robert D. Sullivan, M.D.,
an infectious disease
specialist, says you don’t
need a medical degree to
tell a cold from the flu.
contagious just
“Usually, influenza hits you
quickly and hard enough
that you’re down and out,”
Dr. Sullivan explained.
“I always say a cold is
like a smack in the face,
but the flu is like being
knocked to the ground.”
(the flu)
Still not sure which you
have? Ask yourself these
questions:
• Am I sniffling, maybe a
headache, but not achy,
feverish or coughing?
If so, maybe you have
allergies and can go to
work.
• Are my sniffles
accompanied with
sneezing, an achy, tired
feeling and a fever? If so,
you probably have a cold
and could go to work, but
remember you won’t be
your productive self and
can still infect people, Dr.
Sullivan noted.
• Do you have everything
— body aches, chills,
a dry cough, extreme
fatigue and/or weakness,
a fever (101 degrees),
headache, sore throat
and stuffy nose? You
have the flu. Call in sick,
then call your doctor.
AVOIDING
“You are most
By November, warnings
of the impending flu
season, which can run
from December to March,
scream from newspaper
headlines and fill the
broadcast airways.
before your
symptoms hit.
That’s how
Because of the stealthy
nature of influenza, an
ounce of prevention — or
in this case, a minute of
hand-washing — truly is
worth a pound of cure.
spreads so
“You are most contagious
just before your symptoms
hit,” Dr. Sullivan said.
“That’s how it spreads
so effectively. Twentyfour to 48 hours prior to
coming down with fullblown flu symptoms, you
have probably unwittingly
already spread the germ.”
effectively.”
TAKE
Your best bet in any
situation is to see your
doctor, but if your
schedule and that of your
doctor don’t jibe, you may
turn to an over-the-counter
medication or a trusted
home remedy. Remember
these tips:
• Wash your hands! And
often! And with hot,
soapy water for the
length of time it takes
you to sing “Happy
Birthday!”
• Rest! If you lay low for a
day, you’ll likely recover
more quickly.
• Try to limit your exposure
to coworkers’ personal
items, such as phone,
computer keyboard or
mouse.
• Hydrate! Drink lots of
fluids.
• Tylenol works well to
keep your fever down.
• Get a flu shot. It’s your
best defense. And while
the flu may only be a
few unpleasant days
for healthy adults, it is
dangerous for the very
young, the very old
and those with medical
conditions.
If you do get to see your
doctor, you may be given
an antiviral medication, but
Dr. Sullivan said those are
most effective within the
first 48 hours. Even then
they may shorten your
illness only by one or one
and a half days.
And do your part not to
spread the germs. Cover
your mouth when you
cough by burying your face
in the inside of your elbow.
Coughing in your hand just
transports the germs to the
next thing you touch.
Usually, viral infections like
the flu last three or four
days, Dr. Sullivan said, and
if your symptoms don’t
improve after that, get to
a doctor.
Effective
Dr. Sullivan practices
at 2323 Broad Ave.,
Altoona; phone
814.944.2015.
Handwashing
7 Steps to Prevent the Spread of Germs
To call in sick or not to call in sick —
that’s the question.
1 Turn on water to a comfortable temperature and moisten hands and wrists. 2 Apply a generous portion of liquid soap.
3 Generate a heavy lather and wash well for approx. 15 seconds. Clean between fingers, nail beds, under fingernails
and backs of hands. 4 Rinse well under running water, keeping hands low in sink to prevent splashing. 5 Hold hands so
that water flows from the wrist to fingertips. 6 Dry hands completely with clean paper towels. 7 Use the paper towel to
turn off the faucet so your hands remain clean.
5
PROGRAM ALERT:
Free osteoporosis
screening!
T H E I N S I D E
See Page 15
for date, time
S T O R Y
your
health
Invest some time in
— the payoff could
be priceless
An important part of staying healthy is preventing problems. Monitoring one’s body takes an investment of time,
but the payoff can be a longer, more active, healthier life.
One Hollidaysburg couple makes such an investment.
Ray Mills, 80, of Hollidaysburg tracks the results of annual
blood screening tests. Ray and his wife get a 36-test blood
screening at a yearly event sponsored by Altoona Regional
and the Hollidaysburg Rotary Club at the Hollidaysburg
YMCA. The event also features a colorectal screening kit
and optional prostate cancer test.
“It keeps us up to date. We’ve been doing it for healthful
living,” Ray said. They share the results with their primary
care physician. Ray even keeps a chart so he can see the
trend of the various levels, such as his cholesterol, over the
years.
The body typically requires such preventive care, said
Patrick K. Lenz, M.D., of Mainline Medical Associates
in Cresson. How much care you require often depends
upon heredity. If you have a family history of heart disease,
diabetes or colon cancer, you are at a higher risk.
RECOMMENDED SCREENINGS
GENERAL
PHYSICALS
Children: 2 weeks after
birth, then at 2 months,
4 months, 6 months, 9
months, 12 months, 15
months and 18 months;
yearly from 2 to 6 years,
then at 8 years and 10
years; once from 11 to
14 years, and once from
15 to 17 years.
Men and women 18-40
should have a physical
every two years, then yearly
after 40 or at the discretion
of your physician.
EYE
EXAMINATIONS
Children screened at
general exam by physician
Age 18-40 — every two
to three years.
40-60 — every two years.
61 and older — annually.
HEARING
Children up to age 6 at
general exam, then at
discretion of
physician.
TEETH/MOUTH
SKIN CANCER
Dental exam beginning at
age 3-5, twice a year. Age of
starting dental exams may
vary by recommendation of
dentist.
At discretion of physician.
CHOLESTEROL
Men and women 20 and
older — every five years
if in desirable range. May
screen earlier at discretion
of physician if family history
of heart disease, high
cholesterol and obesity.
DIABETES
Men and women age 40
with no symptoms — every
three years.
If family history of type 2
diabetes or obesity, may
start screening earlier and
screen annually.
HIGH BLOOD
PRESSURE
Under 18 —
at general exams.
18-40 — every two years.
40 and older —
annually.
“The purpose of screening is to find conditions early
— before the condition results in a problem,” he said.
“There are several screening guideline recommendations
from many medical societies and committees. Please be
sure to discuss screenings with your physician.”
Dr. Lenz practices at 792 Gallitzin Road, Cresson;
phone 814.886.8161. Mainline Medical Associates
also has offices at Station Medical Center, 9th
Avenue, Altoona; phone 814.941.8811.
6
Women over 35 — annual
screening mammogram,
annual CBE, monthly SBE.
Screen younger with family
history of breast cancer at
discretion of physician.
At 50, men and women of
average risk should have
a screening colonoscopy
every 10 years. If family
history of polyps or colon
cancer, start at age 40 or 10
years younger than the age
of diagnosis of your family
member. Other screening
strategies can be done,
including barium enemas,
flexible sigmoidoscopies,
in conjunction with fecal
occult blood tests.
PROSTATE EXAM
Men over 50 — annually.
Age 40 if family history
or other risks.
FECAL OCCULT
BLOOD TEST
(checks for blood in the stool)
Men and women 40 and
over — annually.
Take cholesterol levels. A person can exercise, eat a
diet high in vegetables and low in fat and red meat,
Dr. Lenz said, and be shocked to find out they have
high cholesterol. Careful questioning may reveal that
he or she has a family member with high cholesterol.
Fortunately, if the cholesterol screening has been
performed when the person is in his or her 20s
before too much plaque has built up in the arteries,
cholesterol-lowering drugs can be used to keep the
arteries clear.
Sometimes patients resist being tested out of fear
of what the tests will reveal. Dr. Lenz estimates
that two out of every 10 patients who undergo
screening tests are found to have a silent condition
that can be helped with treatment.
Women 20-35 — clinical
breast exam (CBE) every
three years and self-breast
exam (SBE) monthly.
COLONOSCOPY
(not pregnant)
While everyone should be screened for these diseases,
people at higher risk should receive tests at earlier ages
than those without risk factors, he said.
“Waiting until you are 40 to have this test performed is
often too late,” Dr. Lenz said. “You’ve lost precious time.”
BREAST
EXAMINATION
CERVICAL
CANCER
Women 21 or who have
been sexually active for
three years should be
screened annually.
H
Beginning at 30, women
who have had three normal
Pap test results in a row
may get screened every two
to three years, plus the HPV
DNA test. Women with certain risk factors should continue annual screenings.
Women 70 and older who
have had three or more
normal Pap tests in a row
and no abnormal Pap tests
in the last 10 years may
choose to stop having cervical cancer screening. Women with risk factors should
continue to have
annual screenings as long
as
they are in
good health.
2005-2006
ANNUAL
REPORT
A year of
achievement and challenge
A message from
Jim Barner,
President/CEO
Our first full fiscal year (July 1, 2005 to June
30, 2006) as Altoona Regional Health System,
while replete with successes, was not without
its challenges. The rising costs of medical supplies and technology, unfair competition from
for-profit services, and persistently inadequate
payments for our care to patients, weakened
our bottom line.
Although Altoona Regional remains financially
strong and continues to be an economic
catalyst for the region, these external pressures
come at a time when we look to consolidate
services for optimum efficiency and patient
convenience.
It is, therefore, imperative that we aggressively
address these concerns. For fiscal 2007, we
have set a goal of a 2 percent operating margin
and adopted a three-pronged strategy for
achieving it:
1
Maintaining prudent staffing levels that
preserve high quality patient care while being
mindful of personnel costs.
2
Paying less for supplies by maximizing what
we buy in bulk and negotiating lower prices
for those purchases.
3
Negotiating with insurance companies for
sufficient reimbursement to cover the costs
of providing high quality tertiary care.
We left fiscal 2006 with much
to look forward to in fiscal ’07,
including the installation of
a revolutionary new imaging
technology, a proactive
program to save the lives of
people at risk for heart disease,
and the accreditation of a
Regional Stroke Center.
We have every confidence in our plan and our
ability to achieve our goal for the coming year.
Looking back on fiscal 2006, we see a year
marked by many accomplishments. Here is just
a sampling:
• A health care research company named our
Regional Surgery Center No. 1 in the nation
for “excellent” quality of care.
We installed a digital system that gives
physicians secure access to all radiology
images, such as X-rays, CT scans, etc.
• We received high praise and a three-year
accreditation from the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
during its first quality and safety survey since
our merger.
• We brought to our region PET/CT scanning
technology, which is especially useful in
cancer care.
We left fiscal 2006 with much to
look forward to in fiscal ’07, including
the installation of a revolutionary new
imaging technology, a proactive program to
save the lives of people at risk for heart disease,
and the accreditation of a Regional Stroke
Center (see story on Pages 2 and 3).
In everything we do, our purpose is to keep
Altoona Regional on the cutting edge of
health care technology while employing
skilled, compassionate people who will
provide exceptional care to our patients.
In doing so, we will achieve our vision
of becoming a world-class health care
organization.
Sincerely,
• We began our journey to becoming a worldclass health care organization through our
service and excellence operational initiative.
Launched in August, we now build our
infrastructure with quarterly educational
programs for employees; quarterly
Leadership Development Institutes to
educate and engage leaders, and surveys of
patient, physician and employee satisfaction.
• We merged our two medical clinics that
provide free care to the uninsured in our
region. Adopting the Partnering for Health
Services name, the merged clinics improve
access to care by making more physicians
available to patients and providing more
people with lifesaving medication.
• We initiated Rapid Response Teams so
an inpatient’s nurse, along with a critical
care nurse and a respiratory therapist,
can intervene quickly when that patient’s
condition is declining.
7
Highlights:
KEY HOSPITAL
STATISTICS
ADMISSIONS
22,229
Clinical and community service
(includes newborns)
INPATIENT DAYS
AVERAGE
LENGTH OF STAY
102,983
4.63
OUTPATIENT
VISITS
473,451
EMERGENCY
ROOM VISITS
58,838
INPATIENT
SURGICAL
PROCEDURES
7,266
OUTPATIENT
SURGICAL
PROCEDURES
21,382
2006
JULY
JANUARY
The system begins
offering PET/CT scanning
technology, especially
useful for accurately
detecting cancer and
pinpointing its location in
the body.
of service excellence
initiative to keep
employees informed of
health system endeavors
and accomplishments.
Pharmacy begins
installation of automated
technology designed to
significantly reduce the
possibility of medication
errors.
First quarterly Leadership
Development Institute is
held to educate and engage leaders in the service excellence initiative
process.
AUGUST
System launches the
Healthy Living Club,
a health and wellness
program, to help adults
of all ages achieve and
maintain better health.
The club will end the
fiscal year with nearly
20,000 members.
Phase one of a Web site
redesign and content enrichment is completed.
Pastoral Care expands its
schedule of Masses and
services to better provide
for the spiritual needs of
patients.
OUR PATIENT
CARE REVENUES
COME FROM:
Medicare
50.16%
Medicaid
9.14%
Commercial
insurances
13.5%
Managed care
2005
1.74%
Other
6.43%
Altoona Regional Health
System celebrates its
first birthday (Nov. 1).
System conducts first
physician and employee
satisfaction surveys on
its road to a culture of
service excellence.
Rapid Response Teams,
a new lifesaving quality
initiative, offer fast intervention by an inpatient’s
nurse, a critical care
nurse and a respiratory therapist when that
patient’s condition is
declining.
SEPTEMBER
The Joint Commission
on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations
offers high praise during
its first quality and safety
survey since the merger,
awarding a three-year
accreditation.
Local fire companies
receive $18,000 in
federal bioterrorism
grants through Altoona
Regional.
19.03%
Self-pay
NOVEMBER
WHERE WE SPEND
OUR DOLLARS:
PACS (picture archiving
and communication
systems) is launched,
allowing physicians secure digital access to all
radiology images, such
as X-rays, CT scans, etc.
Quarterly Educational
Forums begin as part
Hospital
Salaries and
wages
37%
Financial
Employee benefits
11%
INCOME STATEMENT
Professional fees,
supplies & others
43%
Depreciation and
amortization
5%
7/1/05 to 6/30/06
The Master Facility
Planning Process, an
exciting and ambitious
plan to improve
community health care
by exploring clinical
redistribution and
service options, begins.
APRIL
Occupational Medicine
programs, serving
hundreds of employers
in the region, are
combined on the
Bon Secours Hospital
Campus.
JUNE
Our Regional Surgery
Center wins two national
awards for excellence in
customer service from
a health care research
company, including
No. 1 in the nation for
“excellent” quality of
care.
The health system
laboratory acquires new
instruments that will
mean faster results for
patients and physicians
on 16 tests that
previously had to be
sent out of town.
BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Current assets
57,596,291
Assets whose use is limited
78,943,257
Other assets
Total assets
125,303,849
261,843,397
284,638,638
Liabilities
Total operating expenses
287,083,191
Current and other liabilities
55,376,431
Long-term debt
46,928,715
(2,444,553)
Provision for bad debt 3%
Nonoperating gains
4,849,377
Interest
Excess of revenue over expenses
2,404,824
8
FEBRUARY
In a continuing effort
to increase patient
satisfaction, Altoona
Regional expands
the Altoona Hospital
Campus Emergency
Department by adding
eight beds. The
expansion will help staff
see patients faster and
treat and discharge
them sooner.
Total operating revenues
Loss from operations
1%
Altoona Regional
sponsors and
participates in the
Health-O-Rama at the
Blair County Convention
Center. The health fair
attracts about 1,000
people each year.
DECEMBER
OCTOBER
Information
Two medical clinics,
formerly associated
with each hospital and
providing free care to the
uninsured in our region,
merge under Partnering
for Health Services. By
combining, the clinics
improve access to
care by making more
physicians available to
patients and providing
more people with
lifesaving medication.
MARCH
Fund balance
Total liabilities and fund balance
159,538,251
261,843,397
Report
REVEALING THE ANGELS
of charitable giving
Following is a list of those who generously extended
financial support to Altoona Regional Health System
during fiscal 2006 (July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006).
As a nonprofit charitable organization, Altoona Regional
is grateful to every donor for helping us strengthen and
enhance health care in our community.
DEPARTMENTAL GIFTS
Behavioral Health
Department
Compassionate Friends
Center for Cancer Care
Anonymous
Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit
The Samuel and Rose Port
Philanthropic Fund
Donna Jean Hospitality
House
Anonymous
Drug & Alcohol
The EADS Group
Hyperbaric Lab
Pediatrics Department
Maternity
Radiology Department
Neonatal Bereavement Fund
Trauma
Orthopedics
Victor Organek
Scholarship Fund
Paul E. Grabill
Weis Markets Inc.
Mrs. Judith M. Hollern, R.N.
Your Jewelry Box
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Emergency Department
General
Pastoral Care, Bon Secours
Hospital Campus
Altoona Area High School
Class of 1985
Mrs. Dorothy Karns
Ms. Ruthanna Vogel
Mrs. Vicki L. Wertz
Weis Markets Inc.
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Mr. Richard and Dr. Elissa Palmer
Partnership for
Medical Services
Blair County Chamber
BASICS Project
M&T Charitable Foundation
Curves Coalport Members
Curves Coalport Members
In honor of Martha A. Szczerba
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McIntyre
Center for Cancer Care
In honor of Floyd Mitchell
Anonymous
In loving memory of
James A. Van Ormer
Atlas Realty Management Co. Inc.
Critical Care Unit
In memory of Charles Eboch
Clearfield Post Office
Dialysis Fund
In memory of Michael Hencherick
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Caretti
Ms. Agnes M. Marco
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Muffie
In memory of Lawrence LaVelle
J.E. Van Zandt VA Med Center
Executive Affairs Office
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph F. Weyant
Robert Weyant
Donna Jean Hospitality
House
In memory of Margaret Brice
Koontz
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Koontz
Proceeds from the 2005 campaign, conducted on both
campuses of Altoona Regional Health System, were
directed to Partnering for Health Services. This free
medical clinic provides health care to the working uninsured.
The free clinic operates through the help of generous
volunteer physicians, nurses and clerical support and relies
on the community for financial support.
General
In memory of Paul Breon
Ernie and Lois Eakins
Anonymous (7)
Blair Electric Service Co.
Century Business Services Inc.
Ms. Cora Conte
The Hite Company
Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
Judge Thomas G. Peoples Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Neil M. Port
Sam’s Club
Ms. Wendy S. Schultz
V-Force Inc.
DBA Christian Ride & Courier
Mrs. Dorothy L. Westwood
In memory of
Paul and Ann Brubaker
Sonya Black
In honor of
Aaron Joseph Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Angela Elizabeth
Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Brumbaugh Jr.
In honor of Ian Byron Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Byrne Family
Jo Ann Byrne
Honor/Memorial
Mr. and Mrs. David Detar
In memory of Allen W. “Pete”
Family
In memory of Palma Buchanan
Kathy Walls
In memory of Betty J. Adams
John C. Adams
In loving memory of wife
Emma G. Burk
Husband Don Burk
In memory of
Francis (Shung) Agosta
Betty Ann Agosta
In honor of Terry Byer
Kenneth and Carol Graham
In honor of Dick Byrne
Wife Jo Ann Byrne
In honor of Altoona Regional
Health System Tower 10 Staff
Josephine Neugebauer
General Fund
In honor of Howard Black
Mr. and Mrs. Hiram C. Koons
In memory of Margaret Brice
Koontz
Ms. Anna M. Koontz
In memory of Patricia Daloisio
Weis Markets Inc.
In memory of Charles Eboch
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Oros
On behalf of Ronald J. McConnell
WordWrite Communications
Glover Memorial
Library Fund
In memory of Mr. George Zlupko
Altoona Regional Health System
Medical Staff
Palliative Care Suite
In memory of Hung-Tzi An
Blair Medical Oncology
In loving memory of
Elizabeth R. Carruthers
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Carruthers
In memory of Russell (Jack)
Counsman
Mrs. Linda M. Settle
In memory of John C. Gauntner
Family of John Gauntner
In memory of John L. Glunt
Connie Glunt
In memory of Joe Campolong Jr.
Mary Jo Campolong
In memory of James Astore
Mrs. Maria M. Astore
HONOR/MEMORIAL GIFTS
Transitional Care, Bon
Secours Hospital Campus
Revealing the Angels is a holiday fund-raising campaign
coordinated by Friends of Altoona Regional Health System.
The holiday appeal invites individuals and organizations to
make monetary contributions in honor of living or in memory
of deceased family members, friends, neighbors, health care
providers and business associates who have touched
their lives.
In memory of Gertrude Canole
Deborah Canole
In memory of Harry Auker
Robert and Marian Auker
In memory of Helen Klausman
Ms. Patricia J. Klausman
In memory of Carole Kowalczyk
Friends of Carole Kowalczyk
In memory of Owen Canole
Deborah Canole
In memory of Lola Auker
Robert and Marian Auker
In memory of George Cassarly
Shirley Cassarly
In memory of Matthew Barton
Rosemary Barton
In memory of Earl Beldin
Daughter Eileen Rabish
In memory of Cecchine Family
deceased
Kathy and Allen Cecchine
In memory of Ruth Beldin
Daughter Eileen Rabish
In memory of Travis Chuff
Ernie Podrasky
In memory of Gene Bell
Bonnie Bell
In loving memory of June M. Cicero
Husband Joe Cicero
In honor of Berry Family members
Mr. and Mrs. Gene B. Berry
In memory of Mary G. Clapper
Daughter Viola Clapper
In memory of Edith J. Bidoli
Grace Steinbugl and Thomas Bidoli
In memory of Walter L. Clapper
Daughter Viola Clapper
In memory of Barb Myers
Ms. Deb Semanchik
In memory of Ralph and Sara Black
Sonya Black
In memory of Bill Clemens
Kathleen Clemens
In memory of Helen Nickum
Anonymous
In memory of Theo Bolan
Andrea and Vance Bolan
In memory of Thelma Cohn-Wolf
Anonymous
In memory of Leo and Clare Noll
Anonymous
In memory of Mark Bookman
Tom Hoyne, Dembert & Hoyne, CPA
In memory of Cheryl Porter
Ms. Becky Diggins
In memory of Eric Bordell
Renney’s, Rodkey’s and Wherry’s
In loving memory of
Truman A. Rafferty
Gary L. Rafferty
In memory of Lauren Bower
Grandma Miriam Bower
In memory of Al Colello
Daughter Loretta Wyland
In memory of Phyllis Connelly
Jerry Connelly
Don and Sharon Squillario
In loving memory of
John A. Lloyd
Richard W. Lloyd
In memory of Anna May Martin
Ed Martin
Mrs. Dee R. Martin-Spallone
Mrs. Joyce Wertz
In loving memory of Clara
(Bonsell) Miller
Mrs. and Mr. Marian J. Nagle
In memory of
Joseph P. Rosenhamer
J.A. Rosenhamer
In memory of Becky Welsh
Ms. Kelly C. Wike
In memory of Frank Corrado
Diane and Ozz Osgood
In memory of Paul V. Bower
Miriam Bower
In memory of Robert Cramer
Anonymous
Helen Cramer
In memory of Ruth M. Boyer
Jeanine Chestney
In memory of Blanche Crum
Crum’s Auto Body, Duncansville
In memory of Jean Brenner
Shirley F. Riley
In memory of Antonio D. Cruz
Wilhelmina P. Cruz-Vetrano, M.D.
In memory of Bernice Breon
Ernie and Lois Eakins
9
In memory of Dawn
Betsy Kline and Family
In memory of Edith M. Hollen
Rick Hollen
In memory of Joseph Masic
Mary Masic
In memory of LeRoy M. Riley
Shirley F. Riley
In honor of children of Bea Depp
Bea Depp
In memory of Wesley L. Hollen
Rick Hollen
In memory of Phyllis J. Riling
Jeanine Chestney
In honor of grandchildren of
Bea Depp
Bea Depp
In memory of Lillian J. Hoover
Mark, Mary and Eric Hoover
In memory of Rose Maurer
Daughter Theresa Murray and
Family
In memory of Roger Hoover
Mark, Mary and Eric Hoover
In memory of DiMemmo Family
deceased members
Paul and Kathy Vincent
In memory of Dean Hostetler
Mike and Carol Vladic
In honor of Erin Dodson
The Dodson Family
In memory of Tim Hostetler
Mike and Carol Vladic
In memory of Helen G. Dodson
Susan Ann Dodson
In memory of Donna J. Hostler
ARHS Monday Greeter Volunteers:
Mona, Janet, Tim, Ann, Betty Ann,
Max, Les, Joe, Dave, Ron
ARHS Wednesday Greeter
Volunteers
Husband Glenn and children
Mona L. Greco
In memory of Paul S. Downing
Daughter Debbie McClellan
In memory of Kitty A. Duganne
Family
In memory of Joe Durbin
Bill and Linda Harshberger
In memory of Charles Humm
Shirley Humm and Family
In memory of Catherine Eakins
Ernie and Lois Eakins
In memory of John W. Humm
Shirley Humm and Family
In memory of Ernest E. Eakins
Ernie and Lois Eakins
In honor of George R. Ickes
Wife Pat Ickes
In memory of Robert E. Edwards
Altoona Regional Health System
Tuesday Greeter Volunteers
In memory of Floretta Johnston
Dave Shellenberger
In memory of Mary Elder
Kay Adams
In honor of Janet Ellis
Old friends from Admissions/
Outpatients/Preadmissions Bldg C
In memory of Albert C. Evangelisto
Flora L. Evangelisto
In memory of Grandmother Mary
Jones
Vickie Jones
In memory of Dad Sam Jones
Vickie Jones
In memory of Dr. Karu’s brother
Tom Hoyne, Dembert & Hoyne, CPA
In memory of Elaine Evangelisto
Flora L. Evangelisto
In memory of Kauffman Family
Jo Ann Byrne
In memory of Daniel D. Fanelli
Mary Fanelli
In memory of Ralph Keefe
Tish Keefe
In memory of Robert Fanelli
Elfrieda Fanelli
In memory of John Keller
Shirley Ullery
In memory of Tom Fanelli
Mary Fanelli
In memory of Patrick Kenney Sr.
Anonymous
In memory of Bernard Fifer
Marian Fifer
In honor of Dr. Kline
Anonymous
In memory of Linda Flaherty
Anonymous
In memory of Nema Labriola
Daughter Janice
In honor of Fozard Family
Mary Ann Fozard
In memory of Bekah Lampenfeld
Jayne, PeeWee, Marlaina and Mitch
In memory of Almerinda E. Frezza
Mark, Mary and Eric Hoover
In honor of Laureen, Aurora
and Kylie
Dr. Abraham T. Appleton, M.D.,
and Laureen P. Golden
In memory of Marion D. Frezza
Mark, Mary and Eric Hoover
In memory of Richard Halbritter
Diane and Ozz Osgood
In memory of Alan Harshberger
Linda and Bill Harshberger
Shirley Ullery
In memory of William L.
Harshberger
Bill and Linda Harshberger
In memory of Sprague Carter
Hazard
Jim and Louise Barner
In memory of David Heininger
Mom and Dad
In memory of Betty Manley
Pat Shellenberger
In memory of Bill and Evie Hilling
North American Communications
In memory of Thomas Marlett
Rose M. Marlett, wife
In memory of Ferdinand J. Hite
Dianne and Paul Hite
In memory of E.H. Holland
Anonymous
10
In memory of Steve J. Rozick
Wife Rose Rozick
In memory of Sharon Meintel
Dick and Marian Meintel
In memory of Donald and
Roberta Runk
Mr. and Mrs. Byron E.
Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of
Lynwood (husband) Teufel
Wife Christine Teufel
In memory of Doris Merritts
Becky and Ben Levine
In memory of Miller Family
deceased members
Kathy and Allen Cecchine
In honor of My New Environment of
Care Family at Altoona Regional
Tonya Smarsh
In memory of Rinaldo Russo
Anthony and Phyllis Russo
In memory of James Salmond
Jean Johnstone
In memory of Sandy and Dee
Duane and Carolyn Bordell
In memory of Ed Neugebauer
Josephine Neugebauer
In memory of John W. Savage Jr.
Pat Savage
In honor of Nursing Staff,
Altoona Regional Health System
Judy and Dave Boerger
In memory of Robert Schreiber
Wife Barbara Schreiber
In memory of Nancy Thayer
Anonymous
In memory of
Anna Mae Thompson
Linda and Bill Harshberger
Shirley Ullery
In memory of Lula Thompson
Loving husband Lester
In honor of Rose Turchan
Gregory A. Demetrick
In memory of Ron Ullery
Shirley Ullery
In memory of J. Thomas Shaffer
Dave and Monty Smouse
In memory of Vincent Family
deceased members
Paul and Kathy Vincent
In honor of sick children
Ms. Deborah Kapustka
In memory of Leona Watkins
Niece
In memory of our parents
Robert Aiken
In memory of Sickles’ loved ones
Charles and Barbara Sickles
In memory of our parents
Pat, Gina and Patrick Kirby
In memory of Butch Skupien
Tom Skupien
Wife Ruth Skupien
In honor of the Weise
children and grandchildren
Hazel L. Weise
In memory of Our Brave Soldiers
Who Defended Our Country
Anonymous
In memory of parents
Duane and Carolyn Bordell
In memory of Edward J. Perrell
Jeanine Chestney
In memory of Kathryn Pfeffer
Bill and Bonnie Pfeffer
In memory of Margaret E. Werner
Pat Savage
In memory of David Skupien
Wife Cindy and son Tom
In memory of Billie Lou Whetstine
Charles W. Whetstine
In memory of son David Skupien
Mother Ruth Skupien
In memory of
Raymond H. Willnecker
Linda Willnecker
In memory of William G. Pfeffer
Bill and Bonnie Pfeffer
In memory of
Robert Craine Slutzker
Richard C. Slutzker
In memory of Sis Pike
Anonymous
In memory of Mary Jo Smith
Anonymous
In memory of Esther Wolfe
Crum’s Auto Body, Duncansville
In memory of Anthony R. Pirozzola
Sandy Young
In memory of Verna M. Smith
Altoona Regional Health System
Environment of Care Department
In memory of Norm Young
Sally Young
In memory of Edward Plewa
Carolyn J. Plewa
In memory of Joseph J. Pufka
Janet L. Pufka
In honor of Savannah Quick
Drew and Annie Appleman
In memory of Merle Malloy
Merlann Malloy
In memory of Charles B. Hess
David S. Hess
In memory of James McDowell
Sharon and Family
In memory of Geraldine M.
Lingenfelter
Son David Lingenfelter
In memory of Ann Malloy
Merlann Malloy
In memory of Mina Herman
North American Communications
In memory of Carolyn Talko
Carolyn J. Plewa
In honor of Lainey Grace Quick
Drew and Annie Appleman
In memory of Edward Maillard
Your Daughter Carole
In memory of Robert Henshaw
Diane and Ozz Osgood
In memory of Chester Rogal
Jean Johnstone
In memory of Philomena
McConnell
Ron and Lauren McConnell
In memory of Elizabeth Levine
Becky and Ben Levine
In memory of Dr. Richard B.
Magee
Louise Magee
In memory of Nancy Robison
Dana Shade and Janice Penrod
In memory of Jeff Strittmatter
Anne Stoltz
In memory of Franklin D. Roesch
Mary Turnbaugh
In honor of Daryn Quick
Drew and Annie Appleman
In honor of Don MacDonald
Helen MacDonald
In memory of Anthony Roberts
Wife Mary Roberts
In honor of Ronald E. Strasser
Kathy and Allen Cecchine
In memory of
John W. Sweeney, Esq.
Kathleen E. Sweeney, D.O.,
and Family
In memory of Dick McConnell
Ron and Lauren McConnell
In memory of Jane Lear
Niece Erica Kaurudar
In memory of Kevin Lucas
M&T Bank, 301 West Plank Road
In memory of Cameron Louise
Hazard
Jim and Louise Barner
In memory of
Liam Sean Patrick McCaulley
Norma Smith (Grammy)
In memory of Joseph F. Strasser
Daughter JoAnn Langemann and
Family
In honor of Dennis E. Rapp, father
Rick, Shelly and Joyce Hettinger
In honor of Marsha L. Rapp,
mother
Rick, Shelly and Joyce Hettinger
In honor of Henry Rawls
Robert and Marian Auker
In honor of Lessie Rawls
Robert and Marian Auker
In honor of Paul A. Reagan
The Dodson Family
In memory of Mary Reed
Shirley Ullery
In memory of Foster Rhian
Kenneth and Carol Graham
In memory of Anna S. Rhodes
Susan Ann Dodson
In memory of Nicole Martin
Ernie Podrasky
In memory of Lynne G. Rice
Doug, Julie, Katherine and
Gregory Decker
In memory of Emma Masic
Mary Masic
In memory of Nina Rickens
Kay Adams
In memory of Justine Smouse
Dave and Monty Smouse
In memory of Wm. D. Snyder
Kenneth and Carol Graham
In memory of Edna Speacht
Anonymous
In memory of Edward and
Mary Squillario
Don and Sharon Squillario
In memory of Scott Stevens
Sonya Saive
In memory of Robert and
Elizabeth Stoltz
Anne Stoltz
How
In honor of Catherine A. Wilt
Cindy Skupien
In memory of Rose Marie Zerbee
Altoona Regional Health System
nursing supervisors and their
director
In memory of Christen Zorger
Linda and Charlie Zorger
Please note: We have tried to
ensure the accuracy of this list
of donors. If we have misspelled
or omitted your name, please
accept our apologies and
contact our Development Office
at 814.889.6406.
to give
Through a variety of tax-deductible options, donors are able
to support specific programs or make unrestricted gifts for
programs and services where the need is most urgent. Gifts to
Altoona Regional Health System are tax-deductible and directly
impact the well-being of the thousands of patients and families
we touch each year. As a donor to Altoona Regional, you have
the opportunity to make a difference for your friends, neighbors
and family in the community.
If you would like to make a gift to Altoona Regional
Health System, please contact the Development Office at
814.889.6406, or visit www.altoonaregional.org.
Healthy
computing
habits
Is your CHILD
computeraddicted?
Most parents will agree that
it’s difficult to maintain a
healthy balance between
physical activity and
entertainment media in
their children’s lives.
Thanks to the Internet,
that challenge has grown
into more than just worrying
about television habits.
Instead of doing homework
or research, kids spend
hours online instant
messaging with friends,
playing games and talking
in chat rooms. And when
they finally step away from
the computer, kids can
head toward the television
to play video games.
You probably wonder
how much is too much.
Children use computers
for educational purposes
almost daily. Why not
add a few more hours for
computer-related leisure?
When time spent on the
computer reaches a point
that it harms a child’s family
and social relationships,
or disrupts school life,
that child may be caught
in a cycle of addiction,
according to Steve Cartun,
M.D., Altoona Regional
psychiatrist.
“For the child, a fantasy
world online or in a game
has replaced the ‘real
world,’” he explains.
“Exploring that fantasy is
more appealing than the
everyday world of family,
friends or school.”
Dr. Cartun encourages
parents to monitor their
children’s computer time
and to look for symptoms of
compulsive Internet use.
“Ask yourself if your child’s
Internet use affects his or
her school performance,
health and relationships
with family and friends,”
he suggested. “Does
your child skip meals or
showers? Are your child’s
grades dropping due to
incomplete assignments?”
As children continue to
spend longer hours on
computers — both at school
and at home — they need
to learn healthy computing
habits to protect them from
physical injury.
Too much
plugged-in time
can have
unhealthy
side effects
“Children can develop
repetitive stress injuries, like
carpal tunnel syndrome, or
chronic pain in the hands,
back, neck or shoulders,”
says Altoona Regional
occupational therapist
Nancy Forshey. “These are
all harmful side effects of
excessive computer use
that can last a lifetime.”
OTHER SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER ADDICTION INCLUDE:
• Inability to stop and/or craving more time on computer.
• Choosing the computer over family and friends.
• Feeling empty, depressed and irritable when not at the computer.
• Lying to family and friends about computer use.
• Falling asleep at school.
• Dropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports).
• Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer.
Although millions of children use the Internet regularly, only 10 to 15 percent develop problems,
according to Computer-Addiction Services at Harvard Medical School, which recognizes the
most vulnerable children as those who are lonely and bored or from families where nobody is
home to relate to after school.
TO ESTABLISH THAT HEALTHY BALANCE ALL PARENTS STRIVE FOR,
DR. CARTUN OFFERS THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:
• Speak with your child about your concerns.
• Examine your own online habits. Remember, you are your child’s most important role model.
• Don’t ban the Internet. It’s an important part of kids’ social lives.
• Help your child socialize offline. Children need to interact with others in person to develop
necessary social skills.
• Establish family Internet rules about when your children can get online, how much time they
can spend and what they can do there — and stick to them.
• Keep the computer in a family room.
• Encourage and support your child’s daily participation in
physical activities.
• Suggest alternatives. If your child enjoys fantasy role-playing
computer games, encourage him or her to read fantasy books
instead.
“It’s normal for your child to want to play games and chat
with friends online — within limits,” Dr. Cartun reminded.
“Parents need to be aware that social networking and
instant messaging have obsessive qualities built
right into them.”
It is possible that your child’s compulsive
Internet use is masking a more serious
problem, such as depression, anxiety or
low self-esteem. If you suspect deeper
problems, contact Altoona Regional’s
behavioral health experts at 814.889.2141.
11
To reduce the possibility of
your child suffering painful
computer-related injuries,
Nancy offers the following
advice:
• Remember that it’s
necessary to make
adjustments to an
adult-sized computer
workstation for a younger
child.
• Position the computer so
the top of the screen is at
the child’s eye level.
• Teach your child to sit
“square in the chair,” rather
than in a twisted position.
• Reduce eye strain by
making sure there is
adequate lighting and no
glare on the screen.
• Keep keyboard and mouse
on the same level to form
a 90-degree angle from
the shoulder, elbow and
wrist.
• Wrists should be in a
neutral position while
typing or using the mouse.
• Follow the “20-20-20 Rule”
— Every 20 minutes look
20 feet away from the
computer for 20 seconds.
• Your child’s knees should
be positioned at a right
angle. If necessary, use a
footrest.
• Limit your child’s time at
the computer — no more
than an hour without taking
a break.
“Repetitive strain symptoms
include tingling, numbness
and searing pain,” Nancy
explained. “If your child
complains of any of these
symptoms, or excessive
fatigue or stiffness in the
neck or back, speak with
your pediatrician.”
To ease the grief for others, family
revitalizes bereavement box fund
The hospital elevator doors open. The kindergartner and
his father walk on and press the button for the maternity
floor. An older woman walks on behind them, smiles at
the little boy and innocently asks, “Did you have a little
sister or a little brother?”
For Julia and Michael
Woodling of Williamsburg
and their son Maverick,
seeing the grief on other
people’s faces each time
they had to break the
news of little Daniel Mark’s
stillbirth showed them how
much he was loved.
The boy replies matter-of-factly: “A little brother.
He died.” The woman’s smile freezes. “I’m so sorry,”
she stammers. The father nods, and in awkward silence
they watch the numbers lighting the way to their floor.
“It’s amazing how many
lives this little guy touched
and changed,” Julie said.
“He didn’t breathe outside
of me, yet he affected so
many people.”
“It’s amazing how many
lives this little guy touched
and changed.”
Many of the people whose
lives Daniel touched remain
strangers to the Woodlings,
but their hearts share the
same grief. The Woodlings
channeled the donations
made in memory of their
son to Altoona Regional’s
Neonatal Bereavement
Fund to help provide special
keepsake memory boxes
to families who experience
the loss of a child through
stillbirth, miscarriage or
neonatal death.
— Julie Woodling
Called bereavement boxes,
the kit contains a place for
photographs, locks of hair,
footprints, outfits and any
other mementos the family
wishes to treasure.
Five days away from giving
birth via C-section, Julie
woke up on Saturday, Feb.
5, 2005, and didn’t feel her
baby’s usual movements.
“I’d just had a checkup
Thursday and everything
was
great,” she
remembers.
She speaks highly of the
sensitivity and compassion
shown to them by her
physician, Edmundo
Grab of Altoona OB/GYN
Associates (now retired),
and the maternity staff.
“It’s one of those moments
that’s emblazoned on
your brain,” she said. “He
told me, ‘There’s no easy
way to say this ... your
baby has died.’ I don’t
remember everything he
said after that except he
said all the right things.
Then, he left us alone to
start to call our families.
He came back a while later
and just sat and talked to
us. That meant a lot.”
Maternity nurse Cindie
Huhn also provided
comfort and support. It
was she who explained
the bereavement boxes
to Julie before she left the
hospital.
Before returning to work
as a librarian at Juniata
College, Julie asked
coworkers to spread the
word of the family’s loss
among other coworkers
and associates. She also
asked them to tell those
This summer, Julie, Mark and Maverick Woodling placed a plaque in
front of a tree in their yard. The tree was planted in memory of Daniel.
COPING with the aftermath...
Here are some practical suggestions on how to cope with a
neonatal loss and what to say to those who experience it.
Express your sympathy in the way that is comfortable for
you. Don’t just avoid the couple/family.
WHAT to say
WHAT not to say
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“You can have another child.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“People who avoided us were the hardest to face,” Julie
said. “There’s never going to be a ‘normal’ again nor should
there be. Things are never the same. You have to find a new
‘normal.’” The couple received telephone calls, cards, letters,
poems, books and cash donations.
“Even an understanding or
sympathetic look is fine,”
Julie explained. “What you
say doesn’t matter as much
as your presence.”
12
“There must have been
something wrong with him or
her.”
“You still have your other
children.”
Julie
Woodling
looks through Daniel Mark’s
bereavement box, which contains
his footprint cards, locks of hair
and other mementos.
she came in contact with
in her daily routine outside
the college, such as the
local convenience store.
It made returning to work
a bit easier if she didn’t
have to answer a flood of
“How’s the baby?” and
“What did you have?”
questions from wellmeaning people who may
not have heard that her
baby had died.
After her experience, Julie
was surprised to discover
how many other families
have had such a loss.
“What amazed us is how
many people shared with
us stories of their own
losses that we didn’t
know about,” she said.
“Even though for some of
these women their loss
happened 20 or 30 years
ago, it was obvious that it
still grieved them, and our
loss brought it all back.”
Unlike many of them,
though, Julie and her
family will have Daniel
Mark’s memory box to
provide some comfort
through the years.
.
.
.
s
id
k
e
h
t
s
e
h
c
t
a
When Grandma w
,
ods
mes urse
i
h
t
t
e
e
nm
Som sher co
r
e
d
o
re
a ref ety and m
af
POISON
ING
on s od idea
o
g
is a
Times have changed,
and the demands of
raising a family usually
mean two working
parents and one huge
struggle to find a suitable
babysitter.
Coupled with the trust
factor, not having to worry
about what your kids are
being taught, how they’re
being disciplined or what
they’ll be eating makes
grandma and grandpa’s
house an attractive
alternative to daycare.
Helen Seidel, a nurse
educator with Altoona
Regional, teaches a
program called Safe Sitter,
providing adolescents
ages 11-13 the confidence
and skills required to care
for a child. Helen says
grandparents, having
raised children of their
own, are likely not lacking
confidence or basic skills,
but can always use a little
brushing up on what’s
changed in the past 20 or
30 years.
“You can’t prevent every
single emergency, but you
can prepare for what to
do when an emergency
happens.” Helen said. “It’s
good advice, no matter
your age.”
ATION
PREPAR EY
IS K
First, remember to pace
yourself, especially if
you’re not used to chasing
or continually lifting a 10to 25-pound child, Helen
suggested.
Then, begin baby- or
toddler-proofing your
home. Gates at every
stairway are important.
Crawl around on your
hands and knees to get
the child’s perspective,
watching for sharp
furniture edges and curtain
or drape cords that could be
strangulation hazards.
Inspect couch cushions
for paper clips, coins, small
toys and pen or marker caps
— anything that would pique
a child’s natural inquisitive
nature and cause choking.
Toiletries or cleaning
products should be locked
away, and a plethora of
safety and locking gadgets
are available to help make
everything from kitchen
cabinets and drawers, to
toilet seats and VCRs, childresistant, but not childproof.
There’s no substitute for
supervision, Helen added.
THINK
‘AG
APPRO E
PRIATE
’
Houseplants are warm
and inviting, but many
are harmful if ingested,
especially poisonous
holiday plants like
poinsettias and mistletoe.
They should be put up and
away from exploring little
hands, Helen advised.
Keeping grandparents’
prescription and
over-the-counter
medicines in an
inaccessible location is
extremely important.
The U.S. Product
Safety Commission
claims such
medicines
are responsible
for 20
percent
of all child
drug poisonings.
Make and clearly post a
list of important numbers,
starting with 911, the cell
phones of parents and
the numbers where they
are going to be, and the
national poison control
number, 1-800-222-1222.
Despite advancements in
safety, some grandparents
are enticed by the nostalgia
of using the same crib,
bassinet, highchair, stroller
and toys for a grandchild
that they used for their own
children 30 years ago.
“Companies have spent decades doing research and
improving the safety of child
care products,” Helen said.
“The same rule applies to
cribs and highchairs, and to
toys: Get rid of old ones, and
follow age recommendations
on new ones.”
For example, if the slats on
a crib are wide enough to
accommodate the width of
a soda can, a child’s head
could also fit through and
cause strangulation, Helen
warned. And balloons, which
seem like the perfect child’s
toy, are choking hazards
once deflated, whatever the
child’s age. Visit the U.S.
government’s product safety
Web site at www.cpsc.gov
to search specific products.
13
KING
A CHO T
EVEN
More than any other
accident, choking events
send children and their
sitters to the emergency
room.
Food for infants and young
children, such as hot dogs,
cheese or grapes, should
be cut into pieces no
larger than one-half inch.
Insist children chew their
food well, and insist they
eat at the table and never
while walking, lying down
or playing. Never heat
food in a microwave, as it
cooks internally, creating
deceptive “hot spots,”
which can also lead to
choking or burns.
If a child does choke,
encourage him or her
to cough; it’s the body’s
natural defense against
choking. But never slap
a child on the back while
they are choking, which
Helen said may cause the
food or object to lodge
deeper into the throat.
Helen Seidel,
a nurse educator with
Altoona Regional,
demonstrates the child and
infant CPR techniques she
teaches to 11- to 13-year-olds
through the system-sponsored
Safe Sitter
babysitting
classes.
It is important to learn
basic life support skills,
such as first aid, CPR and
the Heimlich maneuver.
The Education Department at Altoona Regional
offers local classes that
teach basic first aid,
CPR and emergency
prevention throughout the year.
Call 814.889.2731
for scheduling
information.
For more on
choking prevention,
visit the American
Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP)
Web site at
www.aap.org
PROGRAM ALERT:
Is your child’s car
safety seat installed
correctly?
See Page 15
for date, time
HEALTH-O-RAMA
is a one-day, one-stop
health happening
SCHEDULE OF PHYSICIAN PROGRAMS
9:30-11 a.m.
11 a.m.-noon
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Hips and Knees: What Can
Be Done About the Pain?
Diabetic Wounds and
Leg Ulcers
Diabetes: Prevention
and Treatment
Rooms 205-206
William Tyndall, M.D.; Jack
Rocco, M.D., and Christopher
McClellan, D.O., orthopedic
surgeons, of University
Orthopedics
Join Drs. Tyndall, Rocco
and McClellan for this panel
presentation on the latest in
nonsurgical treatment of hip and
knee pain, as well as a discussion
on hip and knee replacements.
If hip and/or knee pain is
keeping you from doing the
things you enjoy, don’t miss this
presentation!
10-11 a.m.
Stressed Out? Identifying
and Managing Stress
Rooms 207-208
Dan Wilshire, Ph.D., consultation
and education specialist for
Altoona Regional’s Behavioral
Health Services
You’re invited to the region’s largest health fair —
the fifth annual Health-O-Rama.
This spectacular health information and screening event
will take place Saturday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the Blair County Convention Center.
Stress affects your immune
system and, consequently, your
health. Join Dr. Wilshire as he
explains how to identify stress,
how it affects your health, and
how to cope with and manage it.
Altoona Regional is the major sponsor of the event,
which features informative and entertaining exhibits,
interactive demonstrations, screenings and hands-on
product displays.
10-11 a.m.
Peripheral Vascular Disease:
What’s It All About?
Several members of the Altoona Regional Medical Staff
will present educational seminars (see information at right).
Rooms 202-204
Arthur DeMarsico, D.O.,
vascular surgeon, of
Cardiovascular and Thoracic
Surgery of Altoona Inc.
“This is an opportunity for area residents to quench their
thirst for health information all in one place,” said Dana
Shade, Community Education coordinator at Altoona
Regional. “It’s so convenient for the public to explore the
very latest on health issues that affect them.”
If you experience pain while
walking or poor circulation, or
if you have concerns about
abdominal aortic aneurysm or
stroke, join Dr. DeMarsico as
he discusses the signs and
symptoms of peripheral vascular
disease, its prevention and
treatment.
Find out how to start on the road to wellness, beat
insomnia and master migraines from some of our top
physicians in their fields. Learn how to maintain a
healthful diet, get plenty of exercise and sleep, and
quit bad habits, like worrying excessively.
11 a.m.-noon
INFO TO GO
“It’s a fun and efficient way to start the new year off
healthier,” said Dana, who also coordinates Altoona
Regional’s Healthy Living Club. “It’s a great way to
reinforce those New Year’s resolutions and find good
health and happiness.”
WHO: Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors
Bureau and Altoona Regional Health System.
WHAT: Health-O-Rama 2007 — Meet the doctors, hear
the experts, see hands-on demonstrations and learn
life-enhancing information.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
ADMISSION: Adults and children $2.
WHERE: Blair County Convention Center —
Turn onto Convention Center Boulevard from either
Plank Road (Route 220) or Logan Boulevard (Route 36)
and watch for the Convention Center entrance.
FOR INFORMATION: Call the Allegheny Mountains
Convention and Visitors Bureau at 943.4183 or 800.842.5866.
Freedom From Arthritis Pain
Rooms 202-204
Michael W. Molter, D.O., physical
medicine and rehabilitation
specialist, of Blair Orthopedic
Associates and Sports Medicine
Do you have arthritis and just
want to get back to living without
the pain? Since many people
are not candidates for surgery or
simply do not want it, Dr. Molter’s
job is to return you to the lifestyle
you once knew, using nonsurgical
methods.
“A great way to . . .
Rooms 207-208
Michael Humphrey, D.O.,
endocrinologist, of Blair
Medical Associates
Diabetic wounds and leg ulcers
are wounds that just won’t heal
and can lead to infection and
complications. Dr. Penny will
discuss these conditions and
answer your questions regarding
the prevention and treatment
of open wounds, sores and
leg ulcers.
Does diabetes run in your family?
Do lifestyle factors put you
at risk for this disease? Have
you already been diagnosed?
What can you do to prevent or
control this debilitating disease
before it takes control of you?
Dr. Humphrey will answer these
questions and discuss ways to
put you on the road to wellness.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 pm
My Head Is Pounding:
Migraine Types, Causes,
Treatment and Prevention
Rooms 205-206
Joseph Clark, M.D., neurologist,
of Blair Medical Associates
Do migraines impair your daily
life? Do you know the difference
between a migraine headache
and a “regular” headache? What
causes a migraine? Dr. Clark
will answer these questions
and discuss the diagnosis
and treatment of migraine
headaches.
1-2 p.m.
Common Conditions of
the Hand
Rooms 202-204
Andrew W. Gurman, M.D.,
orthopedic surgeon, of
Blair Orthopedic Associates
and Sports Medicine
Dr. Gurman will speak about
common conditions affecting
the wrists and hands, including
carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger
fingers, tendonitis and arthritis.
He will discuss nonsurgical as
well as surgical treatments,
followed by a question-andanswer period.
1-2 p.m.
The Other Side of
Plastic Surgery
Rooms 205-206
Roberto Gonzalez, M.D.,
plastic and reconstructive
surgeon, of Blair Plastic Surgery
Did you know plastic surgery
is more than personal
enhancement? Dr. Gonzalez
will discuss and answer your
questions regarding surgery for
lower extremity deficits, breast
reduction, breast reconstruction,
post-gastric bypass surgery,
as well as the personal
enhancement services of
his specialty.
find good health and happiness.”
14
Rooms 207-208
Harry Penny, D.P.M., podiatrist
and certified wound specialist,
of Blair Medical Associates
2-3 p.m.
Insomnia: Treating a
National Epidemic
Rooms 202-204
Steven Cartun, M.D.,
psychiatrist, Altoona Regional
Health System Behavioral
Health Services
More than 40 million Americans
suffer from chronic long-term
sleep problems. Dr. Cartun
will discuss the causes of
insomnia (including daily stress
and anxiety, mood disorders,
sleep apnea and restless leg
syndrome), treatment (ranging
from medication to surgery)
and prevention.
2-3 p.m.
The Road to Wellness:
Prevention and Education
Will Get you There
Rooms 205-206
Altoona Family Physicians
Want to add years to your life
and life to your years? What
makes you at risk for disease?
What steps can you take now
to prevent the onset of disease
later? Doctors from Altoona
Family Physicians will answer
these questions and more to
put you on the road to wellness!
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Reverse Shoulder
Replacement
Rooms 207-208
Joshua Port, M.D.,
orthopedic surgeon, of
Blair Orthopedic Associates
A rotator cuff injury may
result suddenly from a single
traumatic event, such as a
fall, or develop gradually from
repetitive overhead activities,
such as pitching or painting a
ceiling. Doctors can now repair
rotator cuff injuries, including
related muscles, tendons and,
sometimes, bony fractures
deep within the shoulder,
through arthroscopic surgery.
Join Dr. Port for the details.
PROGRAMS
Healthy
Living
January, February,
March 2007
Programs are open
to all adult age groups
unless otherwise specified.
In the event of inclement
weather, please check
local radio and television
for program cancellations.
We will also leave a
message regarding
program cancellation
on the 889.2630
phone line.
Altoona Hospital Campus
is at 620 Howard Ave.
Bon Secours
Hospital Campus
is at 2500 7th Ave.
DAYTIME
PROGRAMS
PEPPI!
(Peer Exercise Program
Promotes Independence)
Every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday at 8:15 a.m. or 10 a.m.
Fourth Lutheran Church,
Altoona.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.800.313.4665.
Are you 55 or older and looking to
improve your strength, flexibility
and balance? Is your New Year’s
resolution to meet new people,
get in shape and have fun while
doing it? If you answered yes to
either of these questions, then
PEPPI is for you! PEPPI can help
you do all this while combating
chronic conditions such as
arthritis and osteoporosis.
Child Safety Seat
Installation Checkup
Station
Friday, Jan. 12, 9:30-11 a.m.
Altoona Hospital Campus
parking garage, Blue Level.
Friday, Feb. 9, 9:30-11 a.m.
Altoona Hospital Campus
parking garage, Blue Level.
Friday, March 9, 9:30-11 a.m.
Altoona Hospital Campus
parking garage, Blue Level.
Look for the Safe Kids van.
No fee. By appointment only.
Call Safe Kids Blair County at
814.889.7802.
Find out if your child’s safety seat
is installed properly. Your child’s
life may depend on it.
Osteoporosis Screening:
Free Heel Scans
By appointment only on Friday,
Jan. 5, 12:30-3 p.m.
For women only
Allegheny Room,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus.
By appointment only on Friday,
Feb. 9, 12:30-3 p.m.
For men and women
Kaufman Dining Room,
Bon Secours Hospital Campus.
By appointment only on Friday,
March 2, 12:30-3 p.m.
For women only
Allegheny Room,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus.
Depression in the
Golden Years
Friday, Jan. 26
Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by
program until 1 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center, 2621 8th Ave.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Most people hope their “golden
years” will be simpler and less
stressful. But for many, that is
not the case. When life becomes
overwhelming, depression can
occur. Dr. Joseph Antonowicz,
a psychiatrist with Altoona
Regional’s Behavioral Health
Services, will discuss causes and
treatments, and offer suggestions
for avoiding depression. Ample
time will be allotted for your
questions.
Telehealth: What Is It?
How Does It Work?
Is It for You?
Friday, Feb. 16
Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by
program until 1 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center, 2621 8th Ave.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Q: How can you check your blood
pressure, pulse rate, oxygen level
and more while you’re at home?
A: Telehealth!
Telehealth, also called
telemedicine, is a rapidly
advancing technology making
health care in the home more
effective and specialized.
Telehealth has proven to be
effective in helping people with
chronic conditions like congestive
heart failure avoid hospitalization
and emergency room visits.
Dotty Fazenbaker, R.N., manager
of telehealth at Home Nursing
Agency, will demonstrate how this
new technology helps patients
take an active role in managing
their health conditions while
working hand-in-hand with their
health care provider. Ample time
will be allotted for your questions.
Altoona Regional Health
System: Looking Forward
Friday, March 23
Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by
program until 1 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center, 2621 8th Ave.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
When Altoona and Bon Secours
hospitals merged in November
2004 to become Altoona Regional
Health System, we set forth a
vision to become a world-class
health care organization. Come
hear Ron McConnell, senior vice
president, and others discuss
initiatives, plans and our vision to
move Altoona Regional toward
becoming a world-class health
care system with new services
and the latest technology. Ample
time will be allotted for your
questions.
Don’t Put It on the Table
Until You Read the Label:
Giant Eagle Store Tour
Wednesday, March 28,
2-3:30 pm
Giant Eagle Grocery Store,
Logan Town Centre, Altoona.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
“Light,” “low fat,” “no cholesterol.”
These terms and more bombard
us while we do our grocery
shopping. What do they really
mean? Which are the healthiest
foods to buy? Join Randy Grabill,
Altoona Regional clinical dietitian,
as he shows you how to read and
understand food labels. Learn
how to choose healthful and
nutritious foods for you and your
family.
EVENING
PROGRAMS
AARP Driver Safety
Program
All classes from 6-10 p.m.
Logan Room, sixth floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus.
Tuesday, Jan. 9, and
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Or Tuesday, Feb. 13, and
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Or Tuesday, March 13, and
Wednesday, March 14
Fee $10. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
This classroom refresher course
covers age-related physical
changes, perceptual skills,
rules of the road and more. All
automobile insurance companies
in Pennsylvania provide a premium
discount to graduates age 55 and
older. Most require both spouses
insured under the same policy
to take the class to receive a
discount.
Did you know that on average,
someone suffers a stroke every 45
seconds? We live in an area where
stroke risk factors are prevalent.
Join Dr. Arthur DeMarsico, board
certified vascular surgeon, as he
discusses the warning signs of
stroke, what you should do if you
or a loved one has a stroke, and,
most important, how to reduce
your risk factors.
Yoga
Six-week series:
Tuesdays, Jan. 16 through
Feb. 20
Tuesdays, March 6 through
April 10
Beginners: 5:30-6:40 p.m.
Intermediate: 6:50-8 p.m.
Fee $30.
Rotunda, sixth floor, Outpatient
Center, Altoona Hospital Campus.
Register now as class is
limited to 25. Call 889.2630 or
1.888.313.4665.
Gail Murphy, instructor in Hatha
Yoga, leads this program, which
offers mind/body exercise,
breath control, stretching and
strengthening to promote mental,
physical and spiritual well-being.
Sign Language Classes
Beginners class,
12-week course.
Classes on Tuesdays, March 6
through May 22 inclusive.
7-8:30 p.m.
Logan Room, sixth floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus.
$25 fee. Registration required.
Class limited to 30.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Pastor Robert Smith of the Pastoral Care department of Altoona
Regional will be the instructor
for this course in conversational
sign language. There will be assignments with the lessons, and
a certificate will be given upon
completion of the course. A threering binder will be needed.
Winter Craft:
Crackled Candle Holder
Friday, Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m.
Juniata Room, sixth floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus.
Cost $7. Pre-registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Join Sharon Rydbom, our own
craft diva, as she guides us in
transforming an ordinary terra cotta
pot into an adorable candle holder.
Choice of colors will be available.
Materials needed for class include:
one Styrofoam plate for paint,
three paper towels, scissors, and
hairdryer (if you have one). This is a
quick and easy project to complete
just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Stroke Alert!
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-8 p.m.
Rotunda, sixth floor, Outpatient
Center, Altoona Hospital Campus.
No fee. Register by calling
889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Class size is limited.
Healthy refreshments will be
served.
Not Getting Enough Z’s?
Wednesday, March 21,
6:30-8 p.m.
Rotunda, sixth floor, Outpatient
Center, Altoona Hospital Campus.
No fee. Register by calling
889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Class size is limited.
Healthy refreshments will be
served.
A recent national sleep study
indicated that 75 percent of all
adults report a sleep problem.
Are you one of them?
Dr. Timothy Lucas of Altoona
Lung Specialists, medical director
of Altoona Regional’s Institute for
Sleep Medicine, will talk about
some of the reasons our sleep is
disturbed. Are sleep aids a help
or hindrance? Dr. Lucas will
address these questions and
provide us with some tips for
getting a good night’s sleep.
Altoona Regional has purchased new equipment with a $10,000
donation from Weis Markets. Imaging Services purchased a highresolution transducer for ultrasound imaging of the breast. The
Maternity department purchased a BiliBed for newborns with
jaundice. At the check presentation were (from left): front —
Jerry Hatch, Weis regional director; Andrea Pyo, R.N., Maternity, and
Ron McConnell, Altoona Regional senior vice president for Corporate
Development; back — John Klisiewicz, store manager; Bob Klisiewicz,
district manager, and John Rabold, store manager, all from Weis, and
Michael Corso, director, Imaging Services.
15
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Altoona Regional
Health System
Emmanuel A. Osagiede,
M.D., is a neuroradiologist
who practices with
Sylvan Radiology,
Altoona Hospital Campus,
620 Howard Ave.,
Altoona.
ASK THE SPECIALIST
A neuroradiologist
has all the training
of a radiologist plus
training in the structures
of the brain, spinal cord,
face and its structures,
such as the neck, eyes,
ears, nose and throat.
This additional training
enables us to work
especially well with
the trauma surgeons,
neurosurgeons, ear, nose
and throat specialists, and
orthopedic surgeons.
While it is not a new
specialty, not every facility
has neuroradiologists
on staff. Typically, we
are found at the larger
facilities. Altoona Regional
is fortunate to have myself
and Dr. Vivek Sharma.
What types of
patients do you
see?
We see a gamut
of patients — all
ages and types of illnesses
and injuries. We work
with patients injured in
accidents, those with
inflammatory disease,
and we may be the ones
who first diagnose a
cancer in someone. We
work with the neurologist
when a patient has a stroke
or an aneurysm. We work
with the orthopedist when
someone has a back injury,
for example.
What else does
a neuroradiologist
do?
We also see
patients who have
more “routine” illnesses
and are diagnosed through
MRIs, CTs, ultrasounds,
nuclear medicine,
fluoroscopy and PET/CT.
At the other end
of the spectrum, a
neuroradiologist performs
interventional procedures,
which means we use
imaging equipment
combined with various
invasive techniques
to treat patients. We
do kyphoplasty and
vertebroplasty (two
procedures used to correct
spinal column problems)
and we can even repair
certain types of brain
aneurysms.
We also open narrowed
arteries by using stents.
Stents function like the
spokes on an umbrella and
prop the vessel walls open.
Often stents are coated
with a medicine that
wards off plaque, a sticky
substance that adheres to
and narrows the vessel.
P R O F I L E
Dr. Osagiede is
board certified by
the American Board
of Radiology. He
graduated from the
University of Ibadan,
College of Medicine
and Dentistry, and did
an internship at Specialist
Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Altoona Hospital Campus
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
What is a
neuroradiologist?
He did his residency training at
Cook County Hospital in Illinois
in diagnostic radiology, and at Washington Hospital
Center, Washington, D.C., in general surgery. He
also received fellowship training in neuroradiology
at Indiana University Medical School.
He and his wife Uju have four children and reside
in Hollidaysburg.
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