Altoona Regional Health System - News/Press Releases

News: Press Releases

Here you will find the latest information, feature stories, plus comprehensive articles in the latest treatment options and research at Altoona Regional Health System.

3/8/10 - COLORECTAL CANCER: THE RISKS AREN'T EQUAL
3/5/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION FROM WEIS MARKETS INC.
3/4/10 - NURSE MANAGER ACCEPTS NEW POSITION
3/4/10 - NURSE EDUCATOR APPOINTED TO STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION POSITION
3/3/10 - PENN STATE ALTOONA LADY LIONS RAISE $1,500 FOR ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE'S TEAM PINK
2/18/10 - PSYCHIATRIST EARNS CERTIFICATION FROM AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY
2/18/10 - PSYCHIATRIST EARNS CERTIFICATION FROM AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY
2/18/10 - CARDIOLOGY TECHNICIAN RETIRES WITH 34 YEARS OF SERVICE
2/18/10 - LOCAL SCHOOLS RAISE $4,500 FOR ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE’S TEAM PINK
2/17/10 - ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINES HEALTH SYSTEM'S IMPACT ON COMMUNITY
2/17/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES MARCH PROGRAMS
2/16/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN MARCH
2/12/10 - PENN STATE ALTOONA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME TO BENEFIT ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE’S TEAM PINK
2/4/10 - SIX ALTOONA FAMILY PHYSICIANS CONTRIBUTE TO NEW BOOK
1/26/10 - LOCAL SCHOOLS JOIN ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE’S TEAM PINK
1/22/10 - GO RED DAY TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE AND STROKE IN WOMEN SET FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 5
1/21/10 - NURSE RECEIVES MASTER'S DEGREE
1/21/10 - ALTOONA FAMILY PHYSICIANS RESIDENCY PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
1/21/10 - TWO CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES RETIRE
1/15/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES FEBRUARY ROGRAMS
1/15/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN FEBRUARY
1/12/10 - NATIONAL EXPERT ON BREASTFEEDING ISSUES SPEAKS TO CONFERENCE
1/8/10 - IN-SERVICE ON CONCUSSION EDUCATION FOR ALTOONA AREA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PERSONNEL
1/2/10 - FIRST BLAIR COUNTY BABY OF NEW YEAR BORN AT ALTOONA REGIONAL

March 8, 2010 - COLORECTAL CANCER: THE RISKS AREN'T EQUAL

When it comes to colorectal cancer, each person needs to know his or her risks because risk is unique, based on family history, lifestyle factors and age.

And March is a good time to explore those risks because it is Colorectal Awareness Month.

"People have all different risks," said Ralph D. McKibbin, M.D., with Blair Gastroenterology Associates. "People with a family history of colon cancer or polyps need to get checked earlier and more frequently."

Dr. McKibbin is also Altoona Regional Health System's liaison physician for the Commission on Cancer and managing director of the Colon Cancer Prevention Foundation, a central Pennsylvania nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve colorectal cancer prevention through education and awareness.

He said even where you live is a risk factor.

"Here in Blair and Cambria counties, there is a significantly higher risk of colon cancer than for those living in the rest of the state and the country," McKibbin said. "Men in Blair County have 38.1 percent higher risk, and women 15.1 percent higher risk than the rest of the country."

While it has never been studied, McKibbin said he believes the higher rate is tied to Vitamin D deficiency — a proven risk factor for colon cancer. A study by the Canadian Cancer Society has shown that 1,000 units of Vitamin D cut the risk of colorectal cancer by 50 percent. By the end of winter, 50 to 60 percent of people living in the Northeast may be Vitamin D deficient.

Several other lifestyle habits are associated with colon cancer:

Being overweight
Failing to exercise
Consuming a diet high in red meat

"The risk is equal for men and women, so women need to get checked as well," McKibbin said. He emphasized this because according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in 2009, 50 percent of women mistakenly think it is a man's disease. It’s a misperception that needs to be corrected, he said.

Age and ethnicity are also important. For instance, President Barack Obama recently underwent a colonoscopy at age 48 because African Americans should be checked starting at age 45. African Americans have a higher risk of colon cancer. Those with normal risk start getting checked at age 50.

"Please know your risk and get checked," McKibbin said. "We are all not necessarily the same."

Altoona Regional is a nonprofit community health care provider. Two acute-care hospitals anchor the 497-bed system, which includes more than 20 affiliated health care companies. Altoona Regional offers centers of excellence in cancer care, heart care, neurosciences, behavioral health, vascular and wound care and much more. Its Regional Trauma Center serves more than 20 counties in Central Pennsylvania. The mission of Altoona Regional Health System is for exceptional people to provide exceptional health care.

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March 5, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION FROM WEIS MARKETS INC.

Weis Markets Inc. contributed $10,000 to Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life's TEAM Pink, which is raising money for new digital mammography machines the health system is purchasing. The new service will be offered at a new women's breast care center in an outpatient imaging facility at the Station Medical Center. The service is expected by fall.

"Weis Markets has been a good partner for us for many years and has given us many donations," said Ron McConnell, chief operating officer, Altoona Regional. "I hope the women in the area recognize the commitment they have made to the area. We are glad to be partners with them." To make a donation and join TEAM Pink, contact the Foundation at 814.889.6406.

Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Central Pennsylvania. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Photo: At the check presentation are (from left): Neil Port, vice chair, Foundation for Life; Ann Benzel, chair, Foundation for Life; Terry Cox, district manager, Weis Markets; Mike Cavallo, store manager, Weis Markets; Mike Corso, director, Altoona Regional Imaging Services, and Brad Kochenour, regional vice president, Weis Markets.

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March 4, 2010 - NURSE MANAGER ACCEPTS NEW POSITION

Todd Azeles, RN, BS, of Duncansville has accepted the position of nurse manager of Tower 14's Medical Oncology and Surgical units. It is the first time both units have been combined under one nurse manager.

He was hired in May 1988 by then Mercy Hospital as a staff nurse in Oncology. Through his 22-year career he has held various nursing positions including nurse manager for the past six years of B4, a Medical Surgical/Oncology unit at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus. He had also recently assumed responsibility for B3, a Medical Surgical/Orthopedics unit.

Azeles received his Bachelor's of Science degree in health planning and administration from Penn State University, University Park, and his associate’s degree in nursing from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson.

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March 4, 2010 - NURSE EDUCATOR APPOINTED TO STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION POSITION

Helen Seidel, R.N., MSN, a nurse educator in the Education department at Altoona Regional Health System, has been appointed to serve on the Continuing Education Reviewer Unit of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.

This is a voluntary position and a two-year appointment that was approved by the association’s president and board of directors. As a member of the reviewer unit, Seidel will review submissions of educational presentations for continuing education credits.

Seidel applied for the position because she values the educational component of nursing: “I think continuing education is important for nurses, and I wanted to get more involved in the organization. I also feel it is important for nurses to be aware of legislation that impacts the profession and the provision of health care.”

Seidel lives in Altoona, which is part of District 5 of the Pennsylvania Nurses Association.

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March 3, 2010 - PENN STATE ALTOONA LADY LIONS RAISE $1,500 FOR ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE'S TEAM PINK

Fredina M. Ingold, director of Athletics, presents a $1,500 donation to Ann Benzel, chair, Altoona Regional Foundation for Life

The Penn State Altoona women's basketball team sold t-shirts and raised $1,500 for the Foundation for Life’s TEAM Pink campaign for digital mammography.

At their Feb. 20 game against Penn State Behrend, the women sported pink attire to raise breast cancer awareness and support TEAM Pink.

Altoona Regional will offer digital mammography in its planned women’s breast care center at the Station Medical Center. Digital mammography images appear in seconds on a computer screen allowing for better visibility, greater image flexibility and faster results. With digital mammography, Altoona Regional can electronically transmit images to physician offices as well as to experts in other communities.

To make a donation and join TEAM Pink, contact the Foundation at 814.889.6406.

Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Central Pennsylvania. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Photo: On behalf of the Penn State Altoona women’s basketball team, Fredina M. Ingold (right), director of Athletics, presents a $1,500 donation to Ann Benzel, chair, Altoona Regional Foundation for Life.

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February 18, 2010 - PSYCHIATRIST EARNS CERTIFICATION FROM AMERICAN BOARD OF PSYCHIATRY

Waleed Mushref, M.D.

Waleed Mushref, M.D., a member of the Altoona Regional Medical Staff, has passed the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology exam for initial certification in psychiatry. Dr. Mushref is a full-time psychiatrist with Primary Health Network, Altoona Behavioral Health Center, an outpatient behavioral health office.

In becoming board certified, Dr. Mushref has completed rigorous training and achieved the gold standard in each of the six core competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, systems-based practice and practice-based learning and improvement to practice quality specialized medicine in psychiatry.

This certification is valid until Dec. 31, 2019.

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. (ABPN) is a nonprofit corporation that was founded in 1934. Since 1935, when its first examination was delivered, the ABPN has been serving the public interest and promoting excellence in the practices of psychiatry and neurology through its certification and maintenance of certification processes. These processes are designed to identify qualified specialists through rigorous credential and training requirements and successful completion requirements and successful completion of its board examinations for psychiatry, neurology, or neurology with special qualification in child neurology. The ABPN is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.

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February 18, 2010 - CARDIOLOGY TECHNICIAN RETIRES WITH 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

Cardiology Technician Ruby Albright of Roaring Spring

Cardiology Technician Ruby Albright of Roaring Spring retired January 1 with 34 years of service.

She was hired in April 1976 as a phlebotomist in the lab. During her 14 years in the Lab, Albright received the very first Employee of the Month award when it was established. She transferred to the Cardiology department Sept. 19, 1990, as a cardiology technician.

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February 18, 2010 - LOCAL SCHOOLS RAISE $4,500 FOR ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE’S TEAM PINK

The Claysburg-Kimmel and Bellwood-Antis High School girl's basketball teams raised $4,500 for the Foundation for Life's TEAM Pink campaign for digital mammography

The Claysburg-Kimmel and Bellwood-Antis High School girl’s basketball teams sold t-shirts and pink ribbon money banks, and raised $4,500 for the Foundation for Life’s TEAM Pink campaign for digital mammography.

On Feb. 2 and 3, members of the schools’ girl’s and boy’s basketball teams sported pink attire at their respective junior varsity and varsity games to raise breast cancer awareness. They also honored breast cancer survivors, quizzed fans on important screening guidelines, sold chances for pink-themed prize baskets and much more.

Altoona Regional will offer digital mammography in its planned women’s breast care center at the Station Medical Center. Digital mammography images appear in seconds on a computer screen allowing for better visibility, greater image flexibility and faster results. With digital mammography, Altoona Regional can electronically transmit images to physician offices as well as to experts in other communities.

To make a donation and join TEAM Pink, contact the Foundation at 814.889.6406.

Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Central Pennsylvania. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Photo: At the check presentation were (from left): Claysburg-Kimmel teammates Bobbi McDonald (daughter of Altoona Regional employee Sherri McDonald), Ronette Claar and Angela Kittle, and Foundation for Life board member Sherry DelGrosso.

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February 17, 2010 - ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINES HEALTH SYSTEM'S IMPACT ON COMMUNITY

In fiscal 2009, Altoona Regional Health System provided more than $30 million in community benefit - just ask recipients Emily Rudder, Lynette Luke or Jean Reighard. They are just three of the thousands of area residents touched by the good deeds of Altoona Regional and its employees.

Rudder found emergency shelter at an Altoona home donated to Family Services Inc. by Altoona Regional. Luke, a first-time mother, found help and support breastfeeding her daughter through the Altoona Regional Breastfeeding Support Group. And, for many years, Jean Reighard found help and encouragement at the Alzheimer's support group.

The annual report is available for free by calling 889-2271 or online and details how the health system gives back to the community.

"With our tremendous people and resources, we believe we have an obligation to reach beyond our walls to meet the needs of the communities and individuals we serve," said Jerry Murray, Altoona Regional president and CEO. "And we serve all regardless of ability to pay."

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February 17, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES MARCH PROGRAMS

In fiscal 2009, Altoona Regional Health System provided more than $30 million in community benefit — just ask recipients Emily Rudder, Lynette Luke or Jean Reighard. They are just three of the thousands of area residents touched by the good deeds of Altoona Regional and its employees.

Rudder found emergency shelter at an Altoona home donated to Family Services Inc. by Altoona Regional. Luke, a first-time mother, found help and support breastfeeding her daughter through the Altoona Regional Breastfeeding Support Group. And, for many years, Jean Reighard found help and encouragement at the Alzheimer’s support group.

The annual report is available for free by calling 889-2271 or online and details how the health system gives back to the community.

"With our tremendous people and resources, we believe we have an obligation to reach beyond our walls to meet the needs of the communities and individuals we serve," said Jerry Murray, Altoona Regional president and CEO. "And we serve all regardless of ability to pay."

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February 17, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES MARCH PROGRAMS

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for March as a community service. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665 to make an appointment or to register. The Altoona Hospital Campus is at 620 Howard Ave.; the Bon Secours Hospital Campus is at 2500 7th Ave., and the Education Center is at 2621 8th Ave.

A Child Safety Seat Checkup Station will be conducted Friday, March 12, 9:30-11 a.m. in the Altoona Hospital Campus parking garage, Blue Level. Look for the Safe Kids van. No fee. By appointment only. Call Safe Kids Blair County at 889.7802. Find out if your child’s safety seat is installed properly. Your child’s life may depend on it.

A free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, March 5, from 12:30-3 p.m. in the Kaufman Dining Room, Bon Secours Hospital Campus.

No fee. Call 889.2630 to schedule your appointment. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss happens without symptoms. Osteoporosis occurs when, over time, bone loss causes bones to become porous, brittle and more likely to break. This painless screening takes just a few minutes and assesses bone density in the heel (a good indicator of bone health and fracture risk) by using ultrasound. Please be prepared to remove shoes and socks.

AARP Driver Safety Refresher Program will be offered Tuesday, March 9, from 6-10 p.m. in the Trzeciak Conference Suite, Education Center, Bon Secours Hospital Campus. Fee: $12 for AARP members (AARP identification required); $14 for non-AARP members. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

This four-hour refresher course is for anyone who has taken the eight-hour course. This classroom 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.

A Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening will be offered by appointment only from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Vascular Institute, 3rd floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. No fee. Call 889.2005 or 1.877.855.8152 to schedule your appointment. Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when plaque clogs leg arteries or vessels and restricts blood flow. Untreated PAD can not only make walking difficult but may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Kay Adams, nurse practitioner and manager of Central Pa. Cardiovascular Associates, will check for PAD with an ABI (ankle-brachial index) screen, a painless process in which blood pressure is measured in legs and arms to determine blood flow. Please be prepared to remove shoes and socks.

Join Gail Murphy, registered instructor in Hatha yoga, for a six-week class Tuesdays, March 9 through April 13. The program offers mind/body exercise, breath control, stretching and strengthening to promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Class takes place in the Auditorium, School of Nursing (building behind helicopter pad), Altoona Hospital Campus. Fee $30 for either beginner or intermediate classes. Beginners: 5:30-6:40 p.m. Intermediate: 6:50-8 p.m. Register now as class is limited to 25. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Yoga mat is needed for all classes.

Please join Dr. Ralph McKibbin of Blair Gastroenterology Associates at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18, for a program on colon care. He will tell you what you should know to keep a healthy digestive tract. Topics include choosing nutrition-rich foods that enhance colon function; cancer prevention, testing and more. Ample time will be allotted for questions. The program will be held in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size limited.

A program on "Growth and Change; Mission and Consolidation" will be presented Friday, March 19. Join Bob Strawser, Altoona Regional's executive director of Mission/Customer Service, as he shares his vision for Altoona Regional's Mission, Pastoral Care and Outreach Services and provides an update on plans to consolidate acute-care services on the Altoona Hospital Campus, move key outpatient services to the Station Medical Center, and renovate the former Altoona Center building. Ample time will be allotted for your questions. Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by program until 1 p.m. Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

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February 16, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN MARCH

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in March as a public service to the community. They are listed alphabetically according to the campus on which they are conducted.

Support groups meeting on the Altoona Hospital Campus use the Allegheny and Bedford rooms and the Rotunda on the 6th floor of the Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona. Dining Room B is adjacent to the main cafeteria. The 4F Conference Room is in the Behavioral Health Center, 5th Street and Willow Avenue.

The Bariatric Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, in the Juniata Room. Please call 943-7040 for information.

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 889-2557.

The Caregivers Corner Support Group meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 4, at Hoss’s in Duncansville. For information, call 889-3123.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in Dining Room B, Fourth Floor, Tower. Call 889-2141 for information.

Diabetes Outpatient Education is available by individual appointment and group sessions. A referral by a physician is required. Call 889-2487 for information.

The Lap Band Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, in the Bedford Room. Call 943-7040 for information.

The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, March 22, at Hoss’s Restaurant, Altoona. Call 889-2141 for information.

The Support Group for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One to Suicide meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, in the 4F Conference Room. Call 889-2141 for information.

The following support groups and clinics meet at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus, 2500 7th Ave. The Trzeciak Conference Suite is in the Education Center at 2621 8th Ave. For Kaufman Dining Room, Sleep Medicine and fourth floor waiting room, please use the 7th Avenue entrance.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. every Monday in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 946-9002.

The Breast Cancer Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

The Faith-based Bereavement/Grief Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3 and 17, in the fourth floor waiting room. For information, call 889-3323.

The Sleep Apnea Support Group, a support group for people using CPAP or BiPAP therapy, meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, in the Institute for Sleep Medicine waiting room on the 4th floor. For information, call 889-4466.

The Stroke Support Group meets at noon Tuesday, March 9, in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 889-4463.

A Wheelchair Clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, in the second floor Physical Medicine gym. Physician referral required. Call for information and appointment, 889-4463.

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February 12, 2010 - PENN STATE ALTOONA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAME TO BENEFIT ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE'S TEAM PINK

The Penn State Altoona Lady Lions basketball team has joined the Foundation for Life's TEAM Pink. The team is dedicating its Saturday, Feb. 20, game against Penn State Behrend to the fund-raising campaign in support of lifesaving digital mammography.

Altoona Regional will offer digital mammography in its women’s breast care center at the Station Medical Center. Digital mammography images appear in seconds on a computer screen allowing for better visibility, greater image flexibility and faster results. With digital mammography, Altoona Regional can electronically transmit images to physician offices as well as to experts in other communities.

The game between the two teams will be held at 1 p.m. in the Adler Athletic Complex on the Penn State Altoona campus, 3000 Ivyside Drive, Altoona. Special T-shirts and pink ribbons will be sold at the game, with proceeds benefiting TEAM Pink.

To make a donation and join TEAM Pink, contact the Foundation at 814.889.6406.

Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Central Pennsylvania. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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February 4, 2010 - SIX ALTOONA FAMILY PHYSICIANS CONTRIBUTE TO NEW BOOK

Six faculty members of the Altoona Family Physicians Residency Program are contributing authors of the book “Essential Evidence” by Ebell, M.H., Ferenchick, G., Smith, M., Barry, H., Slawson, D., Shaughnessy, A., Forsch, R., Li, S., Wilkes, M., Usatine, R., eds. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, N.J., 2009.

The AFP authors and chapters are:

Jennifer Good, M.D., "Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)"

Fiona McLellan, M.D., "Alopecia and Baldness."

Arthur Morrow, D.O., "Bell's Palsy"

Terry Ruhl, M.D., "Epistaxis and Nosebleeds"

Laura Siems, M.D., "Nipple Discharge"

Kathleen Sweeney, D.O., "Acne and Rosacea," co-authored with Richard P. Usatine, M.D.

The Web version is now live at www.essentialevidence.com, and a hard copy is to be published soon.

The AFP residency program is affiliated with Altoona Regional Health System and trains physicians in the practice of Family Medicine.

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January 26, 2010 - LOCAL SCHOOLS JOIN ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE’S TEAM PINK

The Claysburg-Kimmel and Bellwood-Antis High School girl’s basketball teams have been selling t-shirts and pink ribbon money banks, and collecting change, in support of the Foundation for Life’s TEAM Pink campaign.

The Tuesday, Feb. 2, game between the teams is dedicated solely to raising funds for TEAM Pink. The game starts at 6 p.m. at the Claysburg- Kimmel High School. T-shirts, ribbons and TEAM Pink bracelets will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the campaign for life-saving digital mammography.

Altoona Regional will offer digital mammography in its planned women’s breast care center at the Station Medical Center. Digital mammography images appear in seconds on a computer screen allowing for better visibility, greater image flexibility and faster results. With digital mammography, Altoona Regional can electronically transmit images to physician offices as well as to experts in other communities.

The schools will present a check to a TEAM Pink and Foundation for Life board member at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Bellwood-Antis High School between the JV and varsity boys’ basketball games.

To make a donation and join TEAM Pink, contact the Foundation at 814.889.6406.

Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Central Pennsylvania. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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January 22, 2010 - GO RED DAY TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST HEART DISEASE AND STROKE IN WOMEN SET FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 5

It’s a simple, visible way to support the fight against heart disease and stroke in women Friday, Feb. 5 — by wearing red.

Cardiovascular disease — heart attacks and stroke — is the number one killer of American women. They cause one in every 2.6 female deaths.

Altoona Regional’s Vascular Institute, Primary Stroke Center, Cardiac Rehab department, HealthForce and Healthy Living Club encourage you to stop by either hospital campus for a free blood pressure checkup. The blood pressure screening will be offered between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Atrium at Altoona Hospital Campus, 620 Howard Ave., and at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus, 7th Avenue Lobby.

Drawings will also be held to win gift certificates for vegetable and fruit trays prepared by the hospital Nutrition Services department and for Subway sandwich party platters.

Women’s heart attack symptoms may be different from men’s because women tend to have blockages not only in the main arteries but also in smaller blood vessels, according to Kay Adams, CRNP, manager, Vascular Institute. If experiencing symptoms, call 911! Do not drive to the hospital yourself!

Symptoms may include:

Neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
Shortness of breath — get winded, hard to catch breath
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Unusual fatigue

Risk factors for heart disease include:

Fat around the belly
High blood pressure (140/90 is Stage 1 hypertension)
High blood sugar (fasting blood sugar of 126 indicates diabetes)
High triglycerides
Mental stress and depression — makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow recommended treatment

Steps to prevent heart disease include:

Eat less red meat, more vegetables (red, yellow, green colors)
Eat more fiber (read labels for fiber content)
Exercise: Walk 10,000 steps a day
Reduce stress and emotional conflict — list stressors and what can be done about them
Increase joy and self-love — meditation, yoga, massage

In addition to heart attacks, cardiovascular disease also includes strokes.

Altoona Regional is a primary stroke center, said Janet Ashurst, a cardiac care registered nurse, neuroscience clinical coordinator. “This means a dedicated stroke team of trained professionals is available to provide emergent evaluation and treatment to halt the progression of brain damage from stroke or impending stroke to area residents. The stroke team evaluates a patient through NIH stroke scale assessment, CT scanning, EKG and lab testing. It’s available 24 hours daily.”

Stroke is the number three leading cause of death in the U.S. and the number one cause of functional disability.

Research has shown that compared to patients who received care in general medical units, patients on dedicated stroke units had a 17 percent reduction in death, a 7 percent increase in discharge to home and an 8 percent decrease in the length of stay, and the reception of a clot-busting drug rose from 2 to 10 percent.

If suspicious that a person has suffered a stroke, ask him or her to:

Smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
If any of these signs of stroke are observed, call 911.

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January 21, 2010 - NURSE RECEIVES MASTER’S DEGREE

Britney Dodson of Altoona

Britney Dodson of Altoona, a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, Altoona Hospital Campus, graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in the Science of Nursing Dec. 20.

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January 21, 2010 - ALTOONA FAMILY PHYSICIANS RESIDENCY PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has accredited the Altoona Family Physicians Residency Program for five years — the maximum allowed.

The AFP residency program is affiliated with Altoona Regional Health System and trains physicians in the specialty of Family Medicine. It is one of 457 family medicine programs in the United States and one of 30 in Pennsylvania.

The ACGME, based in Chicago, is the national organization that accredits residency programs in the United States.

“Less than half of the residencies seeking accreditation get the five-year accreditation, so we did better than the majority,” said Don Beckstead, M.D., program director.

The review of the program consists of the submission of a 110-page document detailing the residency curriculum, an on-site visit from a reviewer who verifies what is in the report and then a final review by a committee of all information submitted.

Dr. Beckstead said, “The site visitor was very impressed with the quality of the faculty and the residents, as well as the support that the residency receives from Altoona Regional administration and the teaching attending physicians.”

Charlie Driscoll, M.D., program director of the Family Medicine Residency Program in Lynchburg, Va., conducted the on-site visit.

“He was a good person to impress,” said Dr. Beckstead. “Up until last year, he served as the head of the ACGME Review Committee for Family Medicine, so he knew all the rules.”

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January 21, 2010 - TWO CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES RETIRE

Jane Eckels, LPN

Cammy Pulcino, RTCV

Jane Eckels, LPN, and Cammy Pulcino, RTCV, both of the Cardiology department, Altoona Hospital Campus, recently retired.

Eckels, of Altoona, a cardiology technician, retired Jan. 4, with 28 years of service. She was hired in 1982, as an LPN on Tower 14. She later transferred to Tower 10. With additional training, Eckels became a cardiology technician in the Cardiology department, where she spent the last 17 years.

Pulcino, of Hollidaysburg, a cardiovascular technologist, retired Jan. 2 with 39.5 years of service. She was hired in 1970 as a Radiology staff technician. In 1993, she was promoted to the department’s operations coordinator, a position she held until May 1994. She then transferred to the catheterization lab and became a cardiovascular technologist, a position she held until her retirement. Pulcino also earned a bachelor’s degree in business from St. Francis University in 1992.

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January 15, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES FEBRUARY ROGRAMS

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for February as a community service. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665 to make an appointment or to register. The Altoona Hospital Campus is at 620 Howard Ave.; the Bon Secours Hospital Campus is at 2500 7th Ave., and the Education Center is at 2621 8th Ave.

A Child Safety Seat Checkup Station will be conducted Friday, Feb. 12, 9:30-11 a.m. in the Altoona Hospital Campus parking garage, Blue Level. Look for the Safe Kids van. No fee. By appointment only. Call Safe Kids Blair County at 889.7802. Find out if your child’s safety seat is installed properly. Your child’s life may depend on it.

A free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, Feb. 5, from 12:30-3 p.m. in the Kaufman Dining Room, Bon Secours Hospital Campus.

No fee. Call 889.2630 to schedule your appointment. Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss happens without symptoms. Osteoporosis occurs when, over time, bone loss causes bones to become porous, brittle and more likely to break. This painless screening takes just a few minutes and assesses bone density in the heel (a good indicator of bone health and fracture risk) by using ultrasound. Please be prepared to remove shoes and socks.

AARP Driver Safety Program will be offered Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 6-10 p.m. in the Trzeeciak Conference Suite, Education Center, Bon Secours Hospital Campus. Fee: $12 for AARP members (AARP identification required); $14 for non-AARP members. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

This classroom 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.

A Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening will be offered by appointment only 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Vascular Institute, Altoona Hospital Campus, 3rd floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. No fee. Call 889.2005 or 1.877.855.8152 to schedule your appointment. Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when plaque clogs leg arteries or vessels and restricts blood flow. Untreated PAD can not only make walking difficult but may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Kay Adams, nurse practitioner and manager of Central Pa. Cardiovascular Associates, will check for PAD with an ABI (ankle-brachial index) screen, a painless process in which blood pressure is measured in legs and arms to determine blood flow. Please be prepared to remove shoes and socks.

Join Randy Grabill, clinical dietitian, for “Good Fats, Bad Fats: Do you Know the Difference?” at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite, Education Center, Bon Secours Hospital Campus. What is the difference between a “good” fat and a “bad” fat, and which foods have them? Come sort out the confusion. Ample time allotted for questions. No fee. Registration required. Call 889-2630.

A snowman pillow is the winter craft activity scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, or 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Trzeciak Conference Suite, Education Center, Bon Secours Hospital Campus. Class will take about 2 ½ hours. Cost: $18 if you have fabric paint brush and Identi-pen; $20 without. Call 889-2630. Class size limited. Must register before Feb.10. Materials required include 8x8 freezer paper (wax paper will do), five paper towels, large Styrofoam plate, paint shirt or cover-up (optional), fabric brush and Identi-pen.

Unless otherwise noted, please discontinue PSA three days prior to date of program to allow for registrations. Thank you.

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January 15, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN FEBRUARY

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in February as a public service to the community. They are listed alphabetically according to the campus on which they are conducted.

Support groups meeting on the Altoona Hospital Campus use the Allegheny and Bedford rooms and the Rotunda on the 6th floor of the Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona. Dining Room B is adjacent to the main cafeteria. The 4F Conference Room is in the Behavioral Health Center, 5th Street and Willow Avenue.

The Bariatric Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Juniata Room. Please call 943-7040 for information.

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 889-2557.

The Caregivers Corner Support Group meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Hoss’s in Duncansville. For information, call 889-3123.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in Dining Room B., Fourth Floor, Tower. Call 889-2141 for information.

Diabetes Outpatient Education is available by individual appointment and group sessions. A referral by a physician is required. Call 889-2487 for information.

The Lap Band Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Bedford Room. Call 943-7040 for information.

The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, at Hoss’s Restaurant, Altoona. Call 889-2141 for information.

The Support Group for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One to Suicide meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the 4F Conference Room. Call 889-2141 for information.

The following support groups and clinics meet at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus, 2500 7th Ave. The Trzeciak Conference Suite is in the Education Center at 2621 8th Ave. For Kaufman Dining Room, Sleep Medicine and fourth floor waiting room, please use the 7th Avenue entrance.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. every Monday in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 946-9002.

The Breast Cancer Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

The Faith-based Bereavement/Grief Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3 and 17, in the fourth floor waiting room. For information, call 889-3323.

The Stroke Support Group meets at noon Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 889-4463.

A Wheelchair Clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the second floor Physical Medicine gym. Physician referral required. Call for information and appointment, 889-4463.

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January 12, 2010 - NATIONAL EXPERT ON BREASTFEEDING ISSUES SPEAKS TO CONFERENCE

WHAT: The Pennsylvania Mid-State Lactation Coalition in association with Altoona Regional Health System presents “Current Headlines in Breastfeeding.”

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 13

WHERE: School of Nursing Auditorium, Altoona Hospital Campus, Altoona Regional Health System, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona

WHO: Kay Hoover, M. Ed., IBCLC, RLC, FILCA, a board certified lactation consultant since 1985, has worked in private practice and in breastfeeding centers and hospitals. She is the co-author of the “Breastfeeding Atlas” with Barbara Wilson Clay. Hoover is a national speaker on breastfeeding issues. Her topics are “Breastfeeding and Obesity” and “What to Do When the Baby Has Not Latched.” Hoover will be available for interviews between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Also,

Michael L. Humphrey, D.O. of Blair Medical Associates Endocrinology, Altoona, is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. He will address the issue of “Vitamin D Deficiency.” (Availability not confirmed.)

WHY: Worldwide Healthy People 2010 goal for breastfeeding mothers is 75 percent at hospital discharge for the U.S.

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January 8, 2010 - IN-SERVICE ON CONCUSSION EDUCATION FOR ALTOONA AREA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PERSONNEL

WHAT: Educational lectures and hands-on in-service provided by Altoona Regional Trauma Service and Medical Staff. This educational opportunity is for coaches, gym teachers and school nurses and focuses on the effects of mild traumatic brain injuries, also known as concussions, in sports. The purpose of the program is to increase awareness of the severity of these injuries and to provide tools to prevent further, more permanent injury.

WHEN: 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15

WHERE: Altoona Area Junior High School, 7th Avenue

WHO: The following will be presenting during the in-service:

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January 2, 2010 - FIRST BLAIR COUNTY BABY OF NEW YEAR BORN AT ALTOONA REGIONAL

The first Blair County baby of 2010 was born at 6 a.m. Jan. 1 in Altoona Regional Health System's Maternity department.

Rylan Quarello was born to Shelly Claar and Joseph Quarello, both of Altoona. He weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces.

As the first baby born at Altoona Regional, the family receives the following gifts:

Mother: a dozen red roses and a $50 gift certificate from Target
Father: a $50 gift certificate from Target
Baby: a $200 savings bond
A newborn picture taken at the hospital at no charge.

There were four other babies born here Jan. 1. Their families received the following:

Mothers: ½ dozen red roses and a $25 gift certificate from Target
Fathers: $25 gift certificate from Target
Babies: $75 savings bond
Newborn picture taken at the hospital at no charge.

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