in west mifflin

Special Section: Health & Wellness

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Slam Dunk

Spectacular

WINTER 2013i c m a g s . c o m

Healthy digestion is something we all

take for granted — until something

goes wrong. From heartburn, diarrhea,

and bloating, to constipation, nausea,

and vomiting, gastrointestinal woes can

wreak havoc with your life.

Sudhir Narla, MD, chief of gastroenter-

ology at UPMC McKeesport and

director of the hospital’s Center for

Digestive Health, says prompt diagnosis

is key to resolving digestive problems.

“An early diagnosis usually means we

can cure it,” says Dr. Narla. “But if you

wait too long, all we can do is treat it.”

At UPMC McKeesport’s Center for

Digestive Health, board-certified gastro-

enterologists use the latest tests and

technology to prevent, diagnose, and

treat a wide range of digestive conditions,

including colorectal cancer and disorders of the esophagus,

stomach, small bowel, colon, pancreas, liver, and biliary tract.

Providing comprehensive care As a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient unit, the center

offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal

(GI) procedures. Featuring the latest technology, the center was

designed with the comfort and privacy of patients and family

members in mind.

Each month, gastroenterologists perform hundreds of procedures

in the fully equipped GI unit — certified by the American Society

for Gastro-intestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) for promoting the highest

standards of safety and quality. Because the center is located

within UPMC McKeesport, many therapeutic procedures can be

performed immediately.

“We can take care of anything, from a simple polyp to bleeding or

cancer,” says Dr. Narla. “As a full-fledged GI unit, we can provide

immediate treatment.”

Preventing colon cancer “When caught early, colon cancer

is curable,” says Dr. Narla, who

recommends colonoscopy screening

for everyone age 50 and older.

“Screening enables us to remove

polyps before they become cancerous.”

One of the most powerful tools

available for preventing cancer is the

colonoscopy, which uses a small

camera to examine the colon.

Colon cancer often has no symptoms,

which is why screening is so important.

A colonoscopy detects polyps —

abnormal growths in the colon or

rectum, which are removed and tested.

Most forms of colorectal cancer are

slow growing, taking five to 10 years to

develop, he adds.

A wide range of tests In addition to colonoscopy screenings and polyp removal, the

center offers a wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures to

evaluate and treat problems of the digestive tract, including:

• Upper intestine — abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux

disease (GERD), difficulty swallowing, ulcers, and intestinal

bleeding.

• Colon and rectum — lower abdominal pain, rectal bleeding,

hemorrhoids, rectal spasm or pain, and diverticular disease.

• Gallbladder and pancreas — diseases of the pancreas, gall

bladder stones, tumors, and blockage of bile ducts.

To learn more about UPMC McKeesport’s Center for Digestive

Health, call 412-664-2119.

Dealing with Digestive Disorders

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

UPMC McKeesport’s Center for Digestive Health offers the latest technology for early detection and treatment of digestive disorders.

INCommunity_UPMC_McKeesport_Winter_2013_Final.indd 1 11/8/13 1:30 PM

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CONTENTSfeatures11 Special Section: Health & Wellness

How to live a healthier, happier, longer life.

22 West Mifflin Hosts Coastal Carolina Positional and Pitching CampsWest Mifflin facility courts national attention.

25 O Christmas Tree Choosing an evergreen tree in West Mifflin.

26 Restoration of the Century Century III Mall revitalization will make iconic mall competitive again.

28 Top Fuel Time Machine How the smell of burning rubber still lingers after 40 years.

w i n t e r • 2 013

Elijah Holt of Skydunk takes it to the net during a motivational assembly that left everyone’s mouths open with amazement. PHOTOS B Y PRIMETIME SHOTS

on the cover

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

28

8

departments

4 From the Publisher

6 IN the Loop

8 IN Events

10 Sharing the Harvest

25 O Christmas Tree

32 INCognito

5432 ANY STREET WEST, TOWNSVILLE STATE 54321 | p: 555-543-5432 | f : 555-543-5433WWW.YOURWEBSITEHERE.COM

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Best quality anD Best PriCing in PittsBurgh. We can beat nearly every price. let us quote your printing job.

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sponsored content Industry Insights 16 Caring for Your Vision: Associates in Ophthalmology 18 True Health Care: Steel City Chiropractic 21 Obesity!: Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists

West Mifflin | Winter 2013 | icmags.com 3

Send Us Your Story Ideas!We’d love to hear from you if you know someone in your community who is making a difference or has done something extraordinary. We’re also looking for interesting story ideas (little-known facts, history or other news) within your community.

If you have suggestions, email us at [email protected].

To AdvertiseAs the largest magazine publisher in Western Pennsylvania, IN Community Magazines are direct mailed to more than 518,000 households, reaching 1.15 million readers. If you’d like to partner with us, please contact our general sales manager, Tamara Myers, at [email protected].

Top-notch health care, education, banking and technology are what make Pittsburgh known, but our communities are what make us home. Home – where you live, go to school, shop, work and play – is what IN Community Magazines is all about. Each quarter, we bring you the latest news and information about schools, businesses, nonprofits and the people who make them exceptional. We also bring you coverage of interesting events and articles about historical sites you may pass every day without even knowing. We like to surprise you with little-known facts about your community and profile intriguing people who’ve made their mark locally – and sometimes even globally.

One thing that makes our communities in western Pennsylvania special is the beautiful seasons. As autumn comes to an end and the snow begins to fall, we hope you take some time to enjoy the many winter activities our area has to offer and hit the slopes, sled ride, cross-country ski or ice skate at one of our many beautiful parks. Or simply build a snowman in the backyard!

The staff at IN Community Magazines wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year!

Wayne Dollard Publisher

At Seven Springs with my wife Lisa and our three sons.

PUBLISHERFROMTHE

PUBLISHERWayne DollardEDITORIAL DIRECTORJulie [email protected] EDITORSMark Berton [South, West and Erie][email protected]

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ICM PRINTING SALES MANAGERTom Poljak

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l aunching fir st i ssue December 2013

Pittsburgh’s premier guide to stylish living, sophisticated design and the best resources in Pittsburgh

and surrounding regions.

To advertise contact Leo Vighetti at 724.942.0940 or [email protected]

Pittsburgh Home and Lifestyle.com 7

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From gardEnto home

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your flower box

In ThE GARdEn

PiTTsburGh hoME & lifestyle magazine

(formerly Designing Home Lifestyles)

introducing

GIVE SOMETHING AND GET SOMETHING Ring in the Christmas Spirit, Join the Fun and Kick Off the Salvation Army Red Kettle Season

Give something. Get something. Join in the fun! The North Versailles Walmart is ready to ring in The Salvation Army’s Christmas season.

Marcy Park, Walmart market manager and member of The Salvation Army’s Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board, plays a key role in the Red Christmas Kettle Campaign.

“Marcy and our friends at Walmart have become a part of The Salvation Army family,” said Major Mark Mackneer, The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division’s Allegheny County coordinator. “Walmart is a critical part of this campaign. We raise almost 30% of our total Red Kettle dollars in front of Walmart stores. Thousands of our needy families rely on them for support.”

Weekly results will be tallied and displayed on posters prominently displayed in each store located in the following communities: West Mifflin; North Versailles; Robinson; Bethel Park; Pittsburgh Mills; Gibsonia; Natrona Heights; Carnegie; and Freeport Road. In 2012, Walmart Red Christmas Kettles raised more than half of one million dollars for The Salvation Army’s 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division, Red Kettle income remains within the communities in which it is raised. The 2013 Red Kettle goal is more than 3 million dollars.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.

VFW POST 914 IS LOOKING FOR YOU!

VFW Post 914 Intrepid meets on the last Thursday of each month (except December) at 7 p.m., at the Thompson Run Athletic Association, 4901 Ball Avenue, West Mifflin. If you wish to join the post, please come to a meeting with your DD214s at 6:30 p.m. You must be a U.S. citizen, have served honorably, and served in a campaign in which you were awarded a campaign medal or served in Korea for 30 days.

WEST MIFFLIN LIONS WANTS OLD GLASSES FOR RECYCLE FOR SIGHT Old Glasses Give New Life

Eyeglass recycling is one of the Lions’ most popular activities. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have been collecting glasses for more than 80 years.

Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in developing nations lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to lend their support to the Lions Recycle for Sight Program.

If you have used eyeglasses and hearing aids and would like to donate them, they can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Homeville Fire Hall (box outside of hall)• Renee’s Flowers (Rte. 885 past CCAC)

What’snews in

West Mifflin?

inthe

LOOP


• Giant Eagle (Kennywood & Century III)• Walmart (eyeglass store – no hearing aids accepted)• Sam’s Club (optical department)• Resurrection Church (Homeville)• St. Rita’s Church (Whitaker)• Century Heritage FCU (Regis Avenue)• West Mifflin Borough Building Lobby

NEW BOOK CAPTURES PITTSBURGH DURING THE GREAT WAR “Pittsburgh in World War I Arsenal of the Allies” by West Mifflin’s Elizabeth Williams is out now.

When the whole of Europe went to war in 1914, Pittsburgh watched the storm clouds gather at home. Yet Pittsburgh was a city of immigrants—the large Polish community urged leaders to join the side of the Allies, while German immigrants supported the Central powers. By the time the country entered World War I in 1917, Pittsburghers threw their support into the war effort united as Americans. With over 250 mills and factories, the Steel City and Allegheny County produced half of the steel and much of the munitions used by the Allies. Pittsburgh gave more than steel—60,000 men went to war, and women flocked to the front lines as nurses. One of the first gas masks on the western front was developed at the Mellon Institute, while the city’s large Red Cross provided tireless support on the home front. Historian Elizabeth Williams traces the remarkable story of Pittsburgh during the Great War.

Elizabeth Williams is the college archivist at La Roche College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in marketing from La Roche College in 2007, and her master’s degree in public history from Duquesne University in 2009. Besides western Pennsylvania history, Williams’s areas of interest include 20th century American history, cultural history and public history.

WEST MIFFLIN MUSICAL PERFORMANCES THIS WINTER

Clara Barton Elementary ChoralChristmas Show (Clara Barton Multi-purpose Room)December 12, 2 p.m.

HS/MS Orchestras (Grades 6 – 12) Winter Concert (HS Auditorium)December 12, 7 p.m.

Emerson Elementary Choral Christmas Show (Emerson Auditorium) December 13, 1:30 p.m.

HS Chamber Strings Music at the Mall (Century III Mall Stage)December 14, 1 p.m.

Homeville Elementary Choral Christmas Show (Homeville Auditorium)December 18 (parent show), 10 a.m.

HS Bands Winter Concert (HS Auditorium)December 17, 7 p.m.

MS Choirs & 6th Grade Band Winter Concert (MS Auditorium)December 18, 7 p.m.

HS Choirs Winter Concert (HS Auditorium)December 19, 7 p.m.

HS Titan Chorale & Show Choir Nursing Home Performance (The Palms Nursing Home)December 20, 8 a.m.

WEST MIFFLIN-AREA ONCE UPON A CHILD ACHIEVES ’GOLD STANDARD’ Children’s resale franchise location measures among best in the brand

Once Upon A Child in West Mifflin, located at 3527 Mountain View Drive, has gone gold! The local gently-used children’s reseller was recognized for achieving a “Gold Standard” measurement.

The Gold Standard is reached when a store achieves a set of standards set forth by the franchisor during the evaluation process. The West Mifflin store achieved the customer experience, store operations and consistent brand identity to earn Gold Standard recognition in 2013.

“Being recognized as a Gold Standard store is a very significant accomplishment, but even more, it means we’re succeeding in providing our customers the best shopping experience possible,” said Christine White, owner of Once Upon A Child in West Mifflin. “Portraying a standardized look and maintaining a high level of experience for my customers helps ensure a consistent brand appearance, which in turn contributes to a more positive shopping experience. By reaching the Gold Standard, we’re helping create an identity that customers recognize and value.”

Franchised and branded under Winmark Corporation—a company that develops and supports franchises and provides financial services for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise—Once Upon A Child® has over 240 locations in North America, and all stores are individually owned and operated.

“We are very proud to recognize the West Mifflin location for reaching [its] goals and contributing to the Once Upon A Child overall mission to deliver the best brand experience in the industry,” said Brad Spencer, director of Once Upon A Child.

For more information on Once Upon A Child in West Mifflin, please contact Christine White at 412.650.6822. ■


INEVENTS

SLAM DUNK SHOW NETS BIG APPLAUSE IN WEST MIFFLINWest Mifflin Area Middle School students were treated to a one-of-a-kind slam dunk spectacular showdown assembly in the school gymnasium geared toward teaching the students about self-confidence and positive thinking. While the show had a great message for the students, it had even better visuals, as athlete acrobats each took the basketball to the rim in a show of skill and grace that amazed everyone. PHOTOS B Y PRIMETIME SHOTS


Great Waysthe

sharingharvest

County: AlleghenyKip’s Deer ProcessingPadgelek, Paula3 Saint John’s DriveCarnegie, PA 15106412.279.6527

County: ButlerBims BoloneySlater, Bim145 Morris Road Petrolia , PA 16050724.894.2569

McKruit’s Custom Meat CuttingMcKruit, Tracy1011 Bear Creek RoadCabot, PA 16023724.352.2988

Romes Meat & DeliRome Sr., Ronald312 Bonniebrook Road Butler , PA 16002724.285.1236

TA Giger Deer ProcessingGiger, Tim121 Kyle Road Valencia , PA 16059724.898.2244

County: ErieMcDonald Meats, Inc.McDonald, Neeli10445 Ridge RoadGirard, PA 16417814.774.3507

Pacileo’s Great Lakes Deer ProcessingPacileo, John8890 Wattsburg Road Erie , PA 16509814.825.3759

Scott’s Custom Deer ProcessingMills, Scott212 S. Main StreetAlbion, PA 16401814.449.5335

County: WashingtonBobeck’s Deer ProcessingBobeck, Mary139 Craig Road Monongahela , PA 15063724.258.2298

Lenik Deer ProcessingLenik, Ron204 Railroad Street Finleyville , PA 15332724.348.7019

Shuba’s ProcessingShuba, Steve1116 Allison Hollow Rd-ShopWashington, PA 15301724.255.4861

County: WestmorelandCustom Deer ProcessingMonteparte, Samuel J.131 Flowers Road New Alexandria, PA 15670724.668.8950

Espey’s Meat MarketEspey Jr., Joe319 Espey Meat Market LaneScottdale, PA 15683724.887.3226

G. Karas PackingKaras, Sharon606 Story Road Export , PA 15632724.468.5811

Hoffer’s Ligonier Valley PackingZimmerman, Denise582 Darlington Road Ligonier , PA 15658724.238.7112

The program is simple and rewarding – you go hunting, you arrange with your nearest participating processor to donate the deer (or elk, moose and caribou where applicable), and you make a tax-deductible $15 donation to help cover the cost of processing. All donations, whether monetary or deer meat, are recognized by a letter for your taxes and a window decal to let people know that your hunt helped feed the hungry.

From the processing plant, your deer meat will be butchered and distributed to area food banks and charities throughout the state. Your average-sized deer can provide up to 200 meals to help those in need. As a hunter, you probably already know that deer meat is an extremely healthy food source that’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat. It has more protein and fewer calories than other processed meats, and is on par with other meats for nutritional content such as vitamins and minerals. For more information, call 866.474.2141 or email [email protected].

The meat processors serving the region for 2013 are:

If you’re a hunter but your freezer’s full, please consider donating your deer to

Hunters Sharing the Harvest, a program that’s been helping to feed Pennsylvania’s

hungry for more than 22 years.


Though finding the fountain of youth (or miracle product) is unlikely, you can embrace

the following ways to feel and look younger. Gleaned from age-defying experts

this list is a must-keep for your desk or refrigerator.

So turn the page — hack into the havoc that aging can wreak on your body! ››

Great Ways

BY MICHELE THOMPSON

West Mifflin

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SECTION

to Live a Healthier, Happier, Longer Life in West Mifflin


TAKE SUPPLEMENTS. Don’t mega-dose, just take a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

GET AEROBIC. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting moderate aerobic activity 30 minutes per day, five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity, three days per week.

BREAK IT UP. Instead of 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, break up your cardio into 10-minute segments throughout the day.

MAKE WORKING OUT FUN. Getting out of the house and traveling to interesting places where you can walk around is one of the best ways to get exercise without even trying, and you get to enjoy the sightseeing, too.

PUT A SET OF DUMBBELLS BY YOUR TELEVISION SET — and use them!

PUMP IT UP. Margaret Richardson, author of Body Electric, says one pound of fat burns three calories a day while one pound of muscle burns 30-plus.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF. To counteract age-related muscle loss, do exercises with progressively challenging resistance.

EXERCISE TO LIVE LONGER. West Mifflin has many walking and biking trails to help you stay fit. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces the risks of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. Not to mention you will look and feel better!

WARM UP AND COOL DOWN. Regardless of the types of exercises you do, warming your muscles as well as cooling down with slow rhythmic stretches is key to avoiding injury, reducing soreness, and speeding up your recovery.

COMMIT TO DAILY FITNESS. Getting out there and staying active translates into better health and well-being — both physically and mentally.

FOCUS ON TOTAL FITNESS. ACE recommends aerobics and muscular conditioning along with exercises to stretch your body and promote good posture.

YEAR-ROUND EXERCISE. Don’t ditch your fitness routine because of inclement weather. Try new activities, such as snowshoeing, swimming at an indoor pool, or fitness classes at your local fitness or senior housing facility.

JOIN A HEALTH CLUB. Be social and get fit. This one’s worth its weight in sheer motivation points.

STOP SMOKING. Nuff said.

GO GREEN. Eat organic, use eco-friendly products and practice green living to protect your health as well as the environment.

HEALTH & FITNESS

“Even though the Athletic Club at the Carnegie Library of Homestead is over 115 years old, our exercise and fitness physiology practices, fitness

equipment, indoor pool and group exercise classes are all modern.”Carol Shrieve, Carnegie Library of Homestead director of administration

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S / West Mifflin


ORAL HEALTH & HEARINGBRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH. According to research, chronic inflammation caused by periodontal disease has been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

TURN IT DOWN. According to the House Ear Institute, noise-induced hearing loss is a leading cause of permanent hearing loss that can be prevented by turning down the volume on your TV, radio, or headsets to a level that you can comfortably hear.

MUSIC THERAPY. Music can regulate mood, decrease aggression and depression, improve sleep, and, because old songs are stored in memory, even create new brain cells.

BRAIN FOOD. Keep your mind sharp by eating salmon, nuts, olive oil, soy, meat, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, beans, oatmeal and dark skinned fruits.

COGNITIVE BOOSTERS

POSTUREAVOID SITTING CROSS-LEGGED. Pain management specialists at New York Chiropractic warn that crossing your legs puts excessive stress on your knees, hips and lower back.

SIT UP STRAIGHT. When you slouch or strain to look at the screen, these patterns stick and posture learns these positions.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. See a chiropractor, physical therapist or post-rehabilitation specialist for postural exercises to reduce pain and risk of injury.

STRETCH. Stretching your neck and chest can prevent short and tightened muscles that can lead to injury. A simple stretch involves bending your head to your shoulder, holding it there and slowly bringing it back to the mid line and then switch sides.

BELLY BUTTON TO SPINE. Not only will this exercise help you stand taller, it will take five pounds off your waistline!

HEAD UP. Instead of scrunching your head to your shoulder to hold the phone, get a headset and avoid injury to your neck and shoulders.

TRAIN YOUR BRAINWorking a daily crossword, Sudoku puzzle or another brain teasing game can help improve your mental fitness.

PRACTICE HEALTHY SLEEPING HABITS. Not getting enough nightly rest puts you at risk for accidents, depression and other illnesses, and it decreases your quality of life.

P


P


EAT HEALTHYEAT AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET. Holistic guru Dr. Andrew Weil recommends eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal processed foods to reduce inflammation in your body.

EAT ALL NATURAL. Avoid high-calorie foods full of sugar, fat and artificial ingredients and concentrate on eating high-nutrient, high-flavor foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

EAT MANY SMALL MEALS. Eat something every three hours to keep your metabolism high and your blood sugar and insulin levels steady.

DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST. The easiest meal to skip but the most important. Eat something small, even if you aren’t hungry.

READ LABELS. Opt for products with at least three grams of fiber, low sugars and no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

EAT LESS AND LIVE LONGER. Maoshing Ni, author of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, suggests the “three-quarters rule,” essentially not eating any more after you feel three-quarters full.

DRINK TEA. Ni recommends daily tea because tea is a proven preventive and treatment for hardening of the arteries and has potent antioxidant powers.

SLIM DOWN WITH SOUP. People who eat soup before a meal reduce the total number of calories they consume.

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO SUPERFOODS. Experts say superfoods can help ward off heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, bad moods, high blood pressure, and improve digestion, skin, hair, nails, bones and teeth. Superfoods recommended by WebMD.com are beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, salmon, soy, spinach, green and black tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

EAT MORE HEALTHY FATS. According to University of Michigan Integrative Medicine, healthy fats to include in your diet are monounsaturated fats, found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and some plant foods as well as polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3s found in fatty fish and omega-6s found in nuts.

EAT AND DRINK COCONUT. The type of saturated fat in coconuts does not contribute to heart disease and it is rich in lauric acid, which boosts your immune system.

AVOID BAD FATS. Bad fats include saturated fats, which are primarily derived from animal products, and trans fats, which are used in commercial fried foods, margarines, and baked goods like cookies and crackers.

SPICE IT UP. Dr. Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients, recommends high-antioxidant spices and herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, curry, rosemary, thyme, oregano and red pepper.

DRINK UP. Drinking water throughout the day can decrease your urges for sweets, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, minimize pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and colitis, hydrate your skin, and help with your digestion.

LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE TO ONE OR TWO DRINKS PER DAY. According to the Centers for Disease Control, too much alcohol can increase your risk for developing various diseases and physiological and social problems.

SIDELINE THE SODA. The phosphoric acid in carbonated beverages, particularly colas, can put you at risk for osteoporosis.

DRINK RED WINE. Red wine is renowned for its many health benefits, primarily for the heart. However, new research from the Institute of Food suggests that wine may also protect you from potentially fatal food-borne pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and H. pylori.

MARINATE YOUR MEAT. Research from the Food Safety Consortium recommends marinades with rosemary, thyme, peppers, allspice, oregano, basil, garlic and onion to cut down on carcinogens.

EAT A VARIETYEating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and omega-3 fats better ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs.

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continued on page 16


Eye Care SponSored ContentIndUStrY InSIGHt

ssociates in Ophthalmology (AIO) is a premier, multi-specialty eye care practice in the greater Pittsburgh area, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, diseases of the

cornea, retina (including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic eye care, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, flashes and floaters), glaucoma, and other vision correction treatments and surgeries.

AIO’s surgeons, board-certified and fellowship-trained in their respective areas of expertise, are passionate about patient care and are dedicated to enriching each patient’s quality of life through research and innovative methods of enhancing vision.

With seven locations in western Pennsylvania and Wheeling, W.Va., AIO offers patients easy access to the latest in vision care procedures and technology. Associates Surgery Center, located in AIO’s main facility in West Mifflin, is an accredited, state-of-the-art ambulatory outpatient surgery center, which allows AIO’s surgeons to provide the most comprehensive ophthalmology surgeries in a convenient, comfortable setting.

There has been a rapid evolution in cataract treatment over the past few years, which translates to added patient benefits, including improved visual outcomes and faster recoveries. AIO was the first practice in

western Pennsylvania to offer the latest technological advancement available – laser-assisted cataract surgery with the Alcon LenSx® Femtosecond Laser. This image-guided laser allows the surgeon to perform cataract surgery with more accuracy, precision, and less stress to the eye than with standard surgery. Additionally, the laser allows for better management of astigmatism, increasing the likelihood of not needing glasses for distance after surgery.

During cataract surgery, a new artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace the cloudy lens that was removed. There is a variety of intraocular lens types available, including standard monofocal, multifocal, accommodative, and toric. Based on patients’ lifestyle needs and findings during examination, a suitable lens is recommended for each individual. “Lifestyle lenses,” including ReSTOR®, Tecnis Multifocal®, and Crystalens®, unlike a standard IOL, can treat both a person’s cataracts and presbyopia – loss of near and intermediate vision that begins as we age. These types of lenses provide the most spectacle independence following cataract surgery. AIO’s cataract surgeons were among the first to implant the newest IOL available in the United States, Trulign Toric® – an accommodating IOL which is designed to correct astigmatism and give patients a broader range of vision, reducing dependency on glasses.

Surgical expertise and state-of-the-art technology are also available for patients who desire laser vision correction, such as LASIK or PRK. AIO offers all-laser LASIK using two different lasers to complete the procedure. AIO is the only practice in western Pennsylvania that offers the advanced Wavelight FS 200® Femtosecond Laser.

AIO is at the forefront of innovative treatment for glaucoma. With iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent®, patients now have access to the first minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery available. One of the first iStent procedures performed in this country was by our glaucoma surgeon. iStent is designed to control eye pressure in patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, and is performed in conjunction with cataract surgery.

The retina specialists at AIO are highly regarded for treating many complex retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. They utilize the most advanced therapies and surgical approaches, combined with unfailing attention to detail, to provide the best treatment available. AIO was the first practice in western Pennsylvania to offer the CONSTELLATION® Vision System, a state-of-the-art technology for advanced sutureless vitreoretinal surgery.

The Clinical Research Department at AIO was created to explore high quality pre-clinical and clinical trials in vision research. Our clinical research department extends new technologies to patients and increases the overall standard of vision care. Studies currently underway include exciting new therapies for prevention and treatment of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration, new intraocular lenses, glaucoma devices, and pharmaceutical therapies. AIO is the only practice in the area participating in an important trial for the experimental treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration.

To obtain additional information, or to schedule an appointment with any of the eye specialists at AIO, please call 412.653.3080.

Caring for Your Vision

A


STRESS CONTROLSMILE. Smiling lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol.

AROMATHERAPY. Essential oils improve your mood, reduce stress and even improve your memory. Try lavender, lemongrass, cinnamon or cedarwood.

LET NATURE TAKE YOUR STRESS AWAY. Being outdoors with green plants, fresh air and the sounds of nature is a proven stress buster.

YOGA. The Mayo Clinic recommends practicing yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

GET KNEADED. Research from the Touch Research Institute indicates that regular massage lowers heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety levels, depression, hostility, and the stress hormone cortisol.

SEE A THERAPIST. Mental health professionals can help you deal with stress.

BEGIN WITH BREATHING. The first thing you ever did for yourself was breathe. And consciously focusing on your breath remains the epitome of self-care throughout your entire life.

GET FIT IN WEST MIFFLIN

HUMOR YOUR STRESSLaughing improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, releases tension, and improves your immune system.

P

Athletic Club at the Carnegie Library of Homestead510 East 10th Ave., Munhall; 412.462.3444 homesteadlibrary.org

Not sure if you want to try spinning, yoga, Zumba or an aqua fit class? Now you can try them all for under $10 a class at the Athletic Club at the Carnegie Library of Homestead! Check out the website for details, featuring affordable, pay-as-you-go membership options.

Adult Swim at West Mifflin Area High School Pool91 Commonwealth Ave., West Mifflin; contact Laura Dolton at [email protected]. • wmasd.org

Swimming is not only easy on the body’s joints, but a great way to get fit! Take advantage of an adult swim program at the West Mifflin Area High School Pool that has “2-3 lanes (depending on crowd) that will be available for lap swimming while the other side of the pool is available for exercising or general recreation. Please check calendar for information. Adult swim is open to those over 18 or to any VARSITY swim team member for training purposes.” The cost is just $2 for adults. Visit the website for available dates and times and information on other aquatic programs.

Fitness2472260 Lebanon Church Rd., West Mifflin; 412.655.7791fitness247.com

There are no more excuses for why you aren’t able to work out, when even your child care is covered! Fitness247 offers a monthly membership fee under $30, which includes the use of the gym, aerobics, tanning and day care. Call or visit the website for more details.

West Mifflin Century III Mall Resource CenterLevel 2, Century III Mall, West Mifflin; contact Nancy Biddle at 412.216.3169 • [email protected]

Get active and join other seniors in increasing mobility and flexibility, or improving joint pain caused by arthritis! A free, 10-week Arthritis Foundation exercise program and “10 Keys” to Healthy Aging-Prevention, sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh, will be offered twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, from 10 to 11 a.m., starting January 27. Call or email to learn more about registration, restrictions and other information.

Here are just some of the fitness classes available:

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McKees Point Trailhead at the Great Allegheny Passage100 5th Ave., McKeesport; 1.888.282.BIKEatatrail.org

Dust off your hiking boots, snow shoes or cross-country skis and enjoy the picturesque, multi-use, non-motorized, recreational rail-trail that spans 150 miles and runs from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh. Call or visit the website for more information.

continued from page 14


Imagine – for the first time in four generations, a child’s life expectancy may not match his/her parents. One in 10 American children is obese, and between 16 to 25 percent of children are overweight. Children average a weight of about nine pounds heavier today when compared to the 1960s, and the average teenager’s weight has increased by 12 to 16 pounds, according to government statistics. Beyond the issue of just being overweight is the risk factors associated with obesity, including heart disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Fit-Trix Fit Kidz, located in Bethel Park, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is devoted to the prevention of childhood obesity in the western Pennsylvania region. The purpose of Fit-Trix Fit Kidz is to educate children and parents on the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight by adopting increased physical activity and healthy eating.

“We promote fitness, proper nutritional habits and self-esteem in a fun, positive and safe environment,” said Lynn Ross, owner of Fit-Trix Fit Kidz. “Our 45-minute program provides a full body workout regardless of fitness ability. We focus on cardio, hydraulic and resistance training with kid-friendly equipment, including BOSU balls, punching bags and agility ladders.”

Fit-Trix Fit Kidz also encourages small lifestyle changes that may provide immediate health benefits for children, such as lower blood cholesterol levels, increased independence and productivity and reduced demands for health care services. And, staff members are committed to disseminating these healthy lifestyle messages to children of

Fighting Childhood Obesity

By Heather Holtschlag

all ages, regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status.Ross said that the main purpose of Fit-Trix Fit Kidz is to

teach kids that fitness can be fun, so that they can develop a healthy lifestyle to maintain throughout their entire lives. The

staff members do this by providing a fun and safe environment where they teach healthy behaviors to

children at young ages, hoping that by doing so, the children will carry their good habits well into

adulthood. “At Fit-Trix Fit Kidz, we believe that

exercise and proper nutrition are the pinnacles of preventing obesity

in children and adolescents,” Ross explained. “We differ

from other gyms in that we work by appointment, which helps make the children we see to remain accountable to their fitness goals and gives the staff the opportunity to work with and get to know each child on an individual basis.”

According to Ross, there are a number of

benefits that can have an impact on children as they

begin an exercise program. These include an improved body

mass index (BMI), an increase in self-esteem, a boost in athletic

performance, increased flexibility and endurance, and an increase in lung capacity and fat burning through cardio exercise.

“Strength conditioning also will increase a child’s bone density and improve tendon and ligament

strength,” Ross noted.For more information about Fit-Trix Fit Kidz, call

412.831.1200, stop by the facility located at 4941 Library Road in Bethel Park, or visit the website at www.fittrix.org.

One Child at a Time


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and wellness we encourage you to give us a call. The office number is 412.205.3094 or you can check us out on our website at www.steelcitychiropractic.net.

T he holidays are rapidly approaching. There is so much to do, so little time. You are stressed to the max. You wake up one morning and you feel ill. You think to yourself, this happened last year. It always happens at the most in-

convenient times. I wonder why?No matter what the health crisis, stress is the cause. There are 3 types of stress. The

first one is physical stress. These include things you do and have done to yourself. They include slips and falls, auto accidents, or sporting injuries. By the time a child turns 5 he/she will fall over 200 times. Think about what you do in a day, in a week, or a month. Think about the wear and tear and abuse on the body. Are you really sur-prised you feel so horrible? Putting things in perspective imagine you are the age you are now but have never gone to the dentist. Do you only visit the dentist when your teeth are falling out? Truth is some people do, but they are not surprised when they are in severe pain. Why are people surprised they have neck and back pain when they have never taken care of their spine or nervous system?

The second type of stress we absorb is chemical stress. These include what we put in and on our body. Again, think about what foods you eat? What are they? Are they processed, box, pre-packaged? Look at the ingredients on the side of the box and tell me if you can recognize what they are. Can you even pronounce them? There are so many toxins our bodies are subjected to everyday. Are you surprised you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol? I know what some of you are going to say—it runs in my family. There are some truths to that. However, if you know your family has a history of high blood pressure, don’t you think you should make a con-scious effort to make better choices about what you eat? I agree with you!

The last and one of the most damaging stresses is mental stress. The things we think about that burden us every day. Now the truth is you can’t avoid this, but it is how we deal with this stress. Some people cannot handle any news, good or bad. As I say this you know those types of people. I have been reading a book written by a world renowned quantum physicist. He wrote about how thoughts can affect every-thing and everyone around you. One of the most profound statements in the book that resonated with me is, “If thinking about something can make you feel sick, why can’t it make you well”? Think about what that means. Haven’t you had an accident or event that the mere thought of it makes you cringe or gives you butterflies in your stomach? If you can reverse your thinking or retrain your thought process, you could manifest and create what you want. Amazing isn’t it?

We don’t offer health care in this country. We offer sick care. We only seek out help or resolution to our problem once we are in crisis. By doing that, are you really preventing the problem or merely seeking temporary relief? There is no prevention in the medical model. They don’t prevent problems, they detect problems. Once you go in to get checked they diagnose what you have and give you something to do to handle the problem. The definition of PREVENTION is: to keep from occurring, to stop, to act ahead. Does this really happen? The answer is NO! In addition, if you were to take preventative measures to avoid something, does that action or should that action cause side effects or negative repercussions? What our society needs is a true health and wellness system. Here at STEEL CITY CHIRO-PRACTIC we offer that to our patients and our community. If we could help you or someone you know suffering from crisis, from high blood pressure to neck and back pain, would that be something you would like? I would hope the answer to this is YES. If so, then what are you waiting for? If you do have some of the prob-lems we mentioned, remember they do not get better by avoiding them or burying your head in the sand.

If you or someone you know needs or want to change how they have been dealing with a problem, encourage them to give chiropractic a try. STEEL CITY CHIRO-PRACTIC is located in West Mifflin on Lebanon Rd, RT 885. Every month we have a PHILANTROPIC drive to help people in our community. In NOVEMBER we have our GENTLY WORN COAT DRIVE and in DECEMBER we have our ANGEL TREE. For any NEW PATIENT interested in chiropractic, we are asking them to participate in our monthly philanthropy. By doing so, you get the first day evaluation for your generous donation. If you truly want to embrace a different approach to health

Chiropractics SPONSORED CONTENTINDUSTRY INSIGHT

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. John.

Dr. John is a graduate of Palmer Chiropractic College and member of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. He is certified in Passive and Active Rehabilitation, Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique, Kinesio Taping, and Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy. E-mail: [email protected].

TRUE HEALTH CARE


Your mother was right when she warned you that loud music could damage your hearing, but now scientists have discovered exactly what gets damaged and how. In a research report published in the September 2013 issue of The FASEB Journal, scientists describe exactly what type of damage noise does to the inner ear, and provide insights into a compound that may prevent noise-related damage.

“Noise-induced hearing loss with accom- panying tinnitus and sound hypersensitivity is a common condition which leads to communication problems and social isolation,” said Xiaorui Shi, M.D., Ph.D., study author from the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the Oregon Hearing Research Center at Oregon Health and Science University. “The goal of our study is to understand the molecular mechanisms well enough to mitigate damage from exposure to loud sound.”

To make this discovery, Shi and colleagues used three groups of six- to eight-week-old mice, which consisted of a control group, a group exposed to broadband noise at 120 decibels for three hours a day for two days, and a third group given single-dose injections of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) prior to noise exposure. PEDF is a protein found in vertebrates that is currently being researched for the treatment of diseases like heart disease and cancer. The cells that secrete PEDF in control animals showed a characteristic branched morphology, with the cells arranging in a self-avoidance pattern which provided good coverage of the capillary wall. The morphology of the same cells in the animals exposed to wide-band noise, however, showed clear differences - noise exposure caused changes in melanocytes located in the inner ear.

“Hearing loss over time robs people of their quality of life,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. “It’s easy to say that we should avoid loud noises, but in reality, this is not always possible. Front-line soldiers or first responders do not have time to worry about the long-term effects of loud noise when they are giving their all. If, however, a drug could be developed to minimize the negative effects of loud noises, it would benefit one and all.”

SAY WHAT? Protect

symptoms of a concussion

YOUNG ATHLETES

SOURCE: MEDICAL NEWS TODAY

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty completing tasks

Changes in behavior

Worsening headache

Persistent double vision

Excessive drowsiness

Stroke-like symptoms

SOURCE: UCF PEGASUS HEALTH/UCF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

The risks of sports-related traumatic brain injuries among professional athletes are making national headlines. However, prevention should begin at childhood, especially among those involved in contact sports.

Each year, approximately 300,000 people in the United States experience sports-related concussions.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury most often caused by a sudden bump or blow to the head or other parts of the body. It also can be caused by a fall. As a result of the sudden impact, the brain moves around in the skull causing chemical changes. These changes make the brain more sensitive to stress and other injuries until it fully recovers. In addition, the immature brain of a young athlete is known to take longer to recover.

Most people who have experienced a concussion realize that something is wrong, however, the symptoms can be tricky, so those around the injured person must pay close attention for the warning signs. This is especially apparent among football players who are conditioned to being knocked down and getting back up again, only to realize later that they’ve been hurt.

Many athletic directors for public schools require that athletes who participate in “high-risk” sports must have a baseline

neurocognitive test before their first contact football practice, within the first week of cheerleading or before the first game for other sports.

Although treatment for concussions is individualized, almost all physicians recommend physical and mental rest immediately after the injury. This includes no texting, video games, TV, reading or physical activity. It’s also important to understand that medications will mask the pain and do not heal the brain. In fact, anti-inflammatory medications can be dangerous because they increase the risk of bleeding. However, there are situations where medications are warranted.

It is paramount to have an evaluation and obtain clearance by a physician experienced in diagnosing and treating concussions before returning to sports activities.


Associates in Ophthalmology www.aiovision.com

Associates in Ophthalmology (AIO) is a premier, multi-specialty eye care practice in the greater Pittsburgh area, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, diseases of the cornea, retina (including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic eye care, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, flashes and floaters), glaucoma, and other vision correction treatments and surgeries. For information about AIO, please call 412.653.3080.

Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists 412.469.7110www.jeffersonsurgical.net

With over 150 years of combined surgical experience in the fields of General Surgery, Breast Care, Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Colorectal Surgery and Screening, Capsule Endoscopy, Advanced Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Wound Care, and Emergency Surgical Care, Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists is one of the premier general surgery practices in the Pittsburgh region located conveniently in the South Hills suburbs.

HEALTH & WELLNESSDIRECTORY

SURGERY OF THE FUTURE IS NOW

A relatively new approach to gynecological surgery is revolutionizing the standard of care in obstetrics and gynecology.

daVinci is a technology that enhances a surgeon’s capabilities while offering patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such as less surgical trauma, smaller incisions and a faster recovery time.

“daVinci is like an extension of the surgeon’s hands,” said Shannon McGranahan, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at St. Clair. “It can mimic the natural movements of my hand while causing less bleeding, less pain and fewer complications than traditional surgery.”

Gynecological procedures being performed with daVinci include hysterectomies, which is the most common utilization; complicated hysterectomies; pelvic pain present with endometriosis; and myomectomies, or removal of fibroids. daVinci also

is being used across many other disciplines as well, including urology, colorectal surgery and thoracic surgery.

“In the past, surgery such as hysterectomy would require an extended recovery period of several weeks or more, which is a large reason why many women procrastinated with their care. The long recovery interfered with their daily responsibilities,” Dr. McGranahan said. “Surgery performed with daVinci, however, usually requires only one overnight stay in the hospital, and the woman can return to work in about one to two weeks.”

A common patient misconception, however, is that daVinci is a programmed robot that will be performing the surgery. “That’s simply not true,” Dr. McGranahan noted. “Board-certified surgeons are still managing and performing the operation. daVinci is there to enhance their capabilities.”

Call Now! See for yourself the Beauty and Value that is Locust Grove!

4043 Irene St • West Mifflin, PA 15122www.locustgrovesrliving.com

(412) 461-7210

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Health Care SPONSORED CONTENTSPONSORED CONTENT

Which avenue of weight loss is right for a person who is morbidly obese?The best way to find out is to first make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your obesity and health issues. A referral to our bariatric program may be the next best step to evaluate all the medical and surgical options that best suit your individual needs. Find out more at www.jeffersonsurgical.net or www.hopebariatrics.com. To set up an appointment/inquire about the Bariatric Surgery Program through Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists/Hope Bariatrics, please contact Patricia Patton, RN, Bariatric Nurse Specialist at 412.267.6260. For a surgical consultation at Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists, please call 412.469.7110.

Are you or a loved one affected by obesity? Are you looking for help? Your answer could be right here in your own community. At Jefferson Hills Surgical Specialists along with Hope Bariatrics, Dr. Tunc

Aksehirli is here to answer your questions and help you control the biggest fight of your life – your weight. What is obesity?Obesity is a medical condition that is associated with having excess body fat. If your body weight is more than 20% higher than it should be, you are considered obese. Morbid obesity is when you are more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight. The standard used to measure body weight is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight.How can obesity be unhealthy for you?Most people who are obese suffer from many common medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, sleep apnea, heartburn and arthritis to name a few. Large medical studies have also suggested a two-fold increase in endometrial and breast cancers in those who are morbidly obese, a decrease in life expectancy of 10-15 years, as well as a 50 to 100% higher rate of death from all causes.Does losing weight help to lessen these medical problems and risk of death? The good news is that losing weight is very effective in controlling or eliminating many obesity-related illnesses. Here are some examples of how weight loss can improve your health: Type II Diabetes 82-96% resolved Hypertension 62-70% resolved Obstructive Sleep Apnea 74-98% resolved Heartburn 72-95% resolved Risk of Mortality (Death) 89% decreased in a 5-year period Quality of Life 95% improvedIs it possible to lose weight on my own with diet?Unfortunately, the answer is very hard to predict. Many of the conditions associated with obesity make it very difficult to lose weight with conventional diet plans. The body will crave food with insulin spikes and most people, after they lose the weight, will gain it all back. The odds are that many of you reading this article may have already experienced that.How does a person go about losing weight to help live better and longer?There are three recommended treatment options for obesity, depending on the individual’s BMI: 1. Lifestyle Modification (for BMI > 25) These include changes to your diet, behavior, and physical activity. 2. Pharmacotherapy (for BMI > 30) These include medications for individuals dealing with medical issues as a result of their obesity. 3. Bariatric Surgery (for BMI > 35 with other medical conditions or BMI > 40 with no other medical conditions).What types of bariatric surgeries are offered?Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic surgery, is often indicated for patients who are morbidly obese. We offer three types of minimally invasive surgeries, and we would discuss which surgical option would be best suited for you based on your criteria.

OBESITY!

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Sleeve GastrectomyAdjustable Lap Band

Article submitted by Tunc Aksehirli, M.D., Fellowship trained Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, American College of Surgeons.

MAIN OFFICE1200 Brooks Lane, Suite 170

Jefferson Hills, PA 15025

BETHEL PARK1000 Higbee Drive, Suite 102

Bethel Park, PA 15102

CHARLEROI1200 McKean Avenue, Suite 107

Charleroi, PA 15022

PETERS TOWNSHIP455 Valleybrook Road, Suite 300

McMurray, PA 15317

BRENTWOOD3720 Brownsville RoadPittsburgh, PA 15227


West Mifflin facility courts national attention.

West Mifflin Hosts

CoastalCarolinaPositional and Pitching Camps


If baseball’s your pastime of choice

and you’re looking to be seen by

college scouts, then West Mifflin

was the place to be this summer.

High school students not only go to show off their chops, but received some tips from players who have some real major league aspirations.

For those who aren’t college sports fanatics, Coastal Carolina is a Division I program, with the university participating in 12 of the last 13 NCAA tournaments. Its teams also had the most wins in 2010 in the country.

In addition to the CCU Chanticleers, attending universities included: North Carolina State, Seton Hill, LaRoche College, Waynesburg University, Penn State – Allegheny, Pitt-Greensburg, Pitt-Johnstown, West Virginia Tech and Point Park University.

The choice of West Mifflin wasn’t surprising since it opened a new $2.3 million baseball complex earlier this year, complete with turf fields. The complex has been a crown jewel for the baseball program, luring not only nationally-recognized organizations like Coastal Carolina, but the WPIAL playoffs as well.

West Mifflin Athletic Director Scott Stephenson said the event was basically a showcase for everyone involved – West Mifflin, Coastal Carolina and the participating athletes and schools.

“We have great facilities and Coastal Carolina researched that. [Its leaders] contacted us about using it because it benefits their program and expands their recruiting boundaries,” Stephenson said. “This is the farthest north they’ve ever come, and they got the opportunity to observe our kids and the kids from all over the region who were able to attend.”

Stephenson said the benefit to West Mifflin students is that exposure at the camp can get their names onto the recruiting wire, which is a database that colleges use to get information on talented athletes that their coaches would want for their teams.

BY MARK BERTON


“Even though Coastal Carolina wanted to see them in person first hand , there are so many recruiting websites now, you can put your own video on and get exposure,” he said. “And we did have a lot of parents in attendance videotaping and taking photos for that reason.”

For West Mifflin, Stephenson said he thinks that the exposure from this camp’s success will make their facility desirable for even more camps in the future.

“There are a lot of northern schools that are always looking for a place to go, and because of our artificial turf, it eliminates a lot of the weather issues that a natural field may have,” Stephenson said. “They can schedule a day or two in the summer and nobody has to miss anything for it. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’re not going to have to cancel the program because of muddy fields. The only thing that would cause us to delay it would be lightning, which we could wait out. So the recruiters aren’t wasting their time if the weather doesn’t hold out.”

In addition to collegiate recruiters, Stephenson said that he expects some Major League scouts and camps to come to West Mifflin in the near future for the same reasons. ■

LOCAL SERVICE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

At Cusumano Insurance, we work with you to identify the insurance coverage and price options that work best for you. As an Independent Insurance Agent, we believe it’s important to partner with companies which deliver outstanding service and support.

PROUDLY REPRESENTING:

178 Clairton Boulevard (Rt. 51) • Pittsburgh, PA 15236� • 412-6�55-4432 Fax: 412-6�53-4430 • [email protected] • www.cusumanoinsurance.com

FRONT ROW: Joann Cusumano Sciulli, Michael Sciulli, Rosann Cusumano ElinskyBACK ROW: Gena Bradburn, Connie Wichelmann, Gail Hagerty, Teresa Rider, Tonya Piscitelli

West Mifflin Hosts

CoastalCarolinaPositional and Pitching Camps

This is the farthest north they’ve ever come, and they got the opportunity to observe our kids and the kids from all over the region who were able to attend.

“

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Choosing a live evergreen tree in West Mifflin


Choosing a live evergreen tree in West Mifflin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and choosing a real Christmas tree is a season highlight for many families. Wheth-er you make the trek to a tree farm to cut down your own, or

head to your neighborhood tree lot, the smell of fresh pine in your home signals the beginning of the holiday season. Your tree selection is often the result of personal preference and budget, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Perhaps the most popular type of tree is the Fraser Fir. It has one-inch needles that are silvery-green and soft to the touch. Because there is space between the branches, the Fraser is easier to decorate and the firm branches hold heavier ornaments. Also very popular is the Noble Fir, with a deep green color, soft needles and well-shaped, sturdy branches. Other varieties include the Colorado Blue Spruce, known for its blue foliage and pyramidal shape with strong limbs that can hold heavy ornaments. The Grand Fir has glossy dark green foliage and is soft to the touch, however it may not hold heavier ornaments. The Balsam Fir is a wonderful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches and a pleasant fragrance. The branches are not as sturdy so it’s not the best choice for heavy decorating.

The White Fir has a pleasing natural shape and aroma and good needle retention. The Eastern White Pine is known for making garlands, wreaths and centerpieces due to its long, feathery-soft needles. Though it’s a beautiful tree, the branches can be a bit too flexible to use as a Christmas tree. Finally, the Douglas Fir makes a visually appealing tree with soft, shiny green needles and wonderful aroma. If you purchase your tree at a lot, keep in mind some pre-cut Christmas trees may have been cut weeks earlier. Try to buy your tree early to extend its freshness. Check the tree for brown needles and perform a “drop test.” Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and then firmly place the tree trunk on the ground. If green needles drop, it could indicate the tree may have been cut for some time. Once you get your tree home, make a straight cut at the bot-tom of the trunk, removing about one inch. This will improve the tree’s ability to absorb water. Place the tree in a container that holds at least one gallon of water and add more as needed. The base of the trunk should always be in water which will help sustain the beauty of the tree for as long as possible.

O Christmas Tree

Find it here...e Sam’s Club 2251 Century Dr.

e The Home Depot 9971 Mountain View Dr.

e Meder’s Home and Garden Showplace 360 Regis Ave.

e Chapon’s Greenhouse 4846 Streets Run Road

By Matthew J. Fascetti


Restoration of the Centuryut with the old, in with the new the saying goes. But not when the old is an iconic part of the community such as Century III Mall in West Mifflin. When the mall opened its doors more than 30 years ago, it was one of the largest

enclosed malls in western Pennsylvania. Sadly, over the years, it slowly began to decline both in appearance and in tenant occupancy, which has led to fewer patrons. But a Las Vegas investment fund, Moonbeam Capital Investments, has recently bought the property with grand plans to revitalize it. Its leaders believe when the project is complete, Century III will be able to compete with any mall in the region.

The first step Moonbeam took was to conduct a complete analysis of the building. It found that the exterior and the basic foundation of the structure were very solid, but certain aesthetics had been completely let go over the years and needed renovation. The company is currently in the process of replacing the roof, installing new carpeting and flooring, new doors and locks and upgrading the emergency systems. Aesthetic exterior changes include refurbishing of the parking lots and new landscaping around the property. Patrons will be glad to know that Moonbeam, despite low crime rates at the mall, has increased the security force at the mall to 18 employees and also is working closely with the West Mifflin Police.

According to Moonbeam’s operations manager Darrell Huggins, this revitalization project has received fantastic local support.

“The community involvement has been incredible,” said Huggins. “We have met with senate communities, the police, the fire departments and many citizens, and everyone is really excited about this project. Most have fond memories of what this mall used to be and are eager to see it return to its glory days. We are excited to make that happen for them.”

The excitement among the community is understandable considering not only the history of the mall, but the fact that the mall is the perfect place to revitalize…it is centrally located, highly trafficked and it means a great deal to many residents from an emotional standpoint. There are plenty of great stores currently at the mall, like Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Hometowne Sports. Moonbeam believes that picking the correct tenants to fill out the mall will be vital, which is why it is working with Langholz Wilson Ellis to create attractive real estate packages for prospective clients. The mall is currently at 60% capacity (110 tenants), but Huggins expects the property to be at 100% in 3-5 months. “We plan to have a wonderful selection of retailers, restaurants and entertainment spots that will suit the needs of everybody,” Huggins added.

While not ready to comment on specific clients, Huggins believes Moonbeam’s concentration on entertainment and fine dining fills a very big need for the area. A movie theater and a comedy venue are among

Century III Mall

revitalization will make

iconic mall competitive

again.

“When this project is complete, Century III Mall will reclaim or

exceed its market share.”

O


BY MATTHEW J. FASCETTI

Restoration of the Centurysome of the things that are being discussed but have not yet been finalized. He believes it is important to have everything one desires to do under one roof. “We are going to have great restaurants, lots of entertainment, great shopping, and it will all be under one enclosed roof. When this project is complete, Century III Mall will reclaim or exceed its market share.”

Moonbeam has been incorporating a comprehensive public relations and marketing campaign so the community knows about the project. Over the summer it held West Mifflin Community Days in the mall parking lot; 9,000 people attended throughout the week for rides, food, games and to learn more about the revitalization of Century III Mall. It has also held multiple community meetings and a full-time marketing director has been hired to handle all marketing initiatives.

“This community deserves to have a top shopping, dining and entertainment facility nearby. It is a shame that people have been driving distances to go to other newer, more up-to-date properties when there is a property here with great potential,” Huggins stated. “Well that is going to change. The community has shown us great passion and emotion for this property, and we will not disappoint them. This will be everything they dreamed of and more.”

It is wonderful and refreshing to see a project that involves reviving an old area icon rather than tearing it down and building another cookie-cutter strip mall. That is not what this area needs. It needs the king to return to its throne as one of the best retail, dining and entertainment facilities in the Pittsburgh area. Century III Mall, it will be great to have you back! ■


Time MachineTop Fuel

BY MARK BERTON

How the smell of burning rubber still lingers after

more than 40 years.


Daytona, Dover, Indianapolis, South Fayette. Those four names read like a softball question on a multiple choice test asking which locale is not affiliated with

NASCAR. If you answer South Fayette, well, you’d be wrong. And you’d probably be younger than 40.

In fact, South Fayette was the home of the Pittsburgh International Dragway, a fully-sanctioned National Hot Rod Association drag strip that was responsible for the NASCAR division of drag racing in Pittsburgh.

“God himself couldn’t have designed a better drag strip,” said Jim Senkewitz, who managed the PID until it closed in 1976.

“It was situated in a valley, where you had hills on both sides. Spectators stood along the hills on the one side and [there were] grandstands and bleachers on the opposite side,” Senkewitz said. “You could pull into the staging lanes, shut your engine off and coast to the starting line and there was another hill at the finish line, where drivers could coast up the hill, turn around and coast all the way back to the pits with their engines off.”

Senkewitz, who grew up in Forest Hills and now lives in Churchill, got involved with the PID in high school. His older brother was into the hot rod scene and the younger brother wanted to hang out with the bigger kids. He never raced, but did sport a hot rod Corvette convertible that he later traded for a Cadillac with cruise control and air conditioning later in life.

“I was just a punk kid,” Senkewitz said. “I worked through the ranks and actually started running the track. We ran twice a week – Fridays and Sundays. A lot of guys did very well in

the sport and went on to compete nationally. In fact, when I was touring the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in [Ocala], Florida, I realized that anybody who’s anybody in drag racing came through Pittsburgh.”

But all dynasties must come to an end, and the PIDs ended in 1976. The timing equipment found its way to Keystone Raceway, Senkewitz said. He said he heard rumors that the bleachers went to Norwalk Raceway in Ohio, but can’t confirm it.

While the pavement of the PID is cracked and faded with time, its memory is anything but.

When Senkewitz, who moved away from Pittsburgh for a time, moved back to Pittsburgh 15 years ago, he decided to start a reunion and see who showed up. The response was greater than he had hoped.

“We had more than 300 people come,” he said. “And

that’s for a place that closed in 1976. It’s only gotten bigger from that.”

Now, he not only organizes an annual September reunion drag race at Pittsburgh’s Raceway Park, he and other volunteers started a Hall of Fame, with 50 members inducted so far. Those successes have snowballed into other venues for enthusiasts to join in with the reminiscing.

“We did a car cruise at the Sonic in [Collier] in July and 800 cars showed up,” he said. “Some guys counted 822 and others counted more, but I

God himself

couldn’t have designed

a better drag strip…


tell people at least 800 [were there]. That’s the power of this thing. It’s amazing. There are no trophies, no dash plaques. These are people showing up for the memory of the PID.”

Quaker Steak and Lube caught wind of the Sonic cruise and now is holding one in Pleasant Hills each year. After that, the Pittsburgh World of Wheels asked Senkewitz to host a booth at its annual hot rod show, and that’s when he realized that the power of the PID is getting stronger with time.

“We got a couple of old cars and put the old Christmas tree from the PID in there, and I’m handing out pamphlets for our upcoming events to old, gray-haired guys passing by. Then it dawned on me that there were these 20-year-old guys coming along as well,” he said. “These younger guys are so good at Googling and using the internet that they know more about these muscle cars than I do, and I was there. Their parents and

grandparents raced back at this track and now they’re into it as well.”

With so many events and such a rich history to celebrate, Senkewitz said there’s still one banquet that is more sentimental than most—the one that takes place at the South Fayette fire hall, just down the road from where the PID once stood.

“It’s so well attended and people can’t believe we’re still here. We’re fortunate to be able to celebrate it. A lot of these guys were 40 years old 40 years ago, so do the math there. [We] get together while we’re still here, enjoy the memories,” he said. “It was ’64 to ‘76, and it was just a special period of history in this country. It’s not going to happen again. We got to do the American Graffiti thing. That was the life we lived. And now, we get to be 19 again for one day.” ■

Time MachineTop Fuel

Their parents and grandparents raced at this track and now they’re into it as well.

Photos courtesy of the Bill Trudy Collectionwww.pittsburghinternationaldragway.com


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INCOGNITO

September 3 marked the 23rd year since West Mifflin lost an icon, a provocateur of screams, clenched fists and cries of joy. The Laser Loop at Kennywood

Park made its last loop at the end of the day’s business in 1990 to make room for the Steel Phantom. One of the fasted rides of the time endured for over a decade at the park, zooming riders from 0 to nearly 55 mph in under 3 seconds. The ride itself didn’t last much longer, taking a little more than half a minute from start to finish for a full loop forward and a full loop backward. It’s estimated that more than 12 million people took that ride during the coaster’s career. But, despite its popularity, park officials at the time said it was too expensive to maintain. While it was supposedly destined for a European park after it was dismantled, the Laser Loop stands proud today more than 2,300 miles away in La Feria de Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City, where it’s known affectionately as “Cascabel,” or “Rattle,” short for rattlesnake. There, the Laser Loop continues to shuttle riders back and forth – as long as they are 1.5 meters or taller.

In its stead, of course, Pittsburghers got a larger, faster ride in the Steel Phantom, which was upgraded to the Phantom’s Revenge, and features a 250-foot drop and speeds topping 80 mph, but the nostalgia for the Laser Loop remains in an entire generation that spanned big hair and Barney Miller to Doc Martens and the Macarena, and the brave parents who put their hands in the air to wait for the countdown to liftoff. ■

OUT LOOPBY MARK BERTON

Did You Know? We are looking for little-known facts, history or other interesting stories about your community. Please send your ideas to [email protected].

of the


Whether you have a minor concern or a more serious medical issue, your primary care physician (PCP) is the first line of defense in getting well and staying well. If you don’t already have a PCP, it’s best to find the right one before you get sick.

A trusted partner in your good health

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Someone to watch over you

Research indicates that people who have an ongoing relationship with a PCP are healthier than those without one. “Personalized care leads to patient trust, and that is vitally important in the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Harinstein. Patients who trust their doctors are shown to have improved outcomes, such as better control of their diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

If you need advanced care, your PCP is the most effective and efficient link to medical specialists, or advanced services or treatments. “For patients and their families, having a PCP to coordinate their care with specialists and other providers is a huge relief,” adds Dr. Harinstein.

Since early detection can minimize the impact of many illnesses, your PCP will recommend screenings, including annual physicals, ap tests, breast examinations and mammograms; prostate screenings, and colonoscopies. “Without a PCP, you might ignore important health maintenance issues,” he says.

Make a date with your doctor

When you’re in good health, it’s easy to put off going to the doctor. But regular checkups can help you stay healthy, and avoid disease and disability. “Your annual exam is the perfect time to talk with your doctor about illness prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and any screenings,” says Dr. Harinstein. “That information helps you and your doctor create a plan to maintain your health, or get you started on making changes to improve your health.”

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To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harinstein or another UPMC physician, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/FindADoc.

Your Doctor and You: A Healthy Relationship

This advertorial has been provided by UPMC. © 2013 UPMC

INCommunity_UPMC_McKeesport_Winter_2013_Final.indd 2 11/8/13 1:30 PM

What makes communities great are the special people who volunteer their time, talent and effort in order to help others. At IN Community Magazines, we would like to honor these special people who have made a positive impact in their community and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for us all.

IN Community Magazines' second annual C.A.S.E. Awards will recognize volunteers from each of ICM’s 35 magazines. Awardees will be selected in the following categories:

Volunteer of the Year Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger)

Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) Large Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 11 or more)

Awardees will be honored at an awards dinner in Spring 2014.

SponSored by

Seeking nominationS for 2014Community awardS for ServiCe exCellenCe (C.a.S.e.)

Time for our area VolunTeers

to Shine!

Name of Nominee_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________

Category (check one)

❍ Volunteer of the Year ❍ Youth Volunteer of the Year (21 years and younger )

❍ Small Nonprofit of the Year (staff of 10 people or less) ❍ Large Nonprofit of the Year ( staff of 11 or more)

Which community is this nomination for?___________________________________________________________________________

Name of person submitting nomination_____________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________

Why are you nominating this person or nonprofit organization? Please submit a typewritten statement of no more than 600 words. Send nomination form and statement to: Wayne Dollard, IN Community Magazines, 603 E. McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Mountain at 724.942.0940. Deadline for nominations is February 1, 2014.

PlEAsE fIll out foRM bEloW AND sEND IN youR NoMINAtIoN

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PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO. 887603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317

724.942.0940www.icmags.com

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