News: 2010 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.

12/28/10 - CONTACT INFO FOR FIRST BABY OF NEW YEAR
12/23/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL PARTICIPATES IN TOASTY TODDLER PROGRAM
12/23/10 - Altoona Regional Health System is a Donate Life Rose Sponsor
12/09/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL, PENN STATE COLLABORATING FOR LARGE RESEARCH STUDY
12/09/10 - MARSHA L. HALEY, M.D., CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF RADIOLOGY IN THERAPEUTIC RADIOLOGY
12/09/10 - ERIC M. KEPHART, D.O., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
11/30/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR MARCH 28 HEALTH CARE HONORS RECOGNITION DINNER
11/10/10 - System hosts PAHA Central Region meeting
11/10/10 - ARTHUR J. DEMARSICO, D.O., RECERTIFIED BY AMERICAN REGISTRY FOR DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
11/10/10 - Dental clinic receives donation
11/02/10 - HENRY C. WONG, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
11/01/10 - SABESAN KARUPPIAH, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
11/01/10 - DAVID L. BURWELL, M.D., APPOINTED CHIEF MEDICAL INFORMATION OFFICER
11/01/10 - DAVID L. KERSTETTER JR., M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
11/01/10 - COREY R. SCHUTT, D.O., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
10/29/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL VASCULAR SURGEON INSTRUCTS OTHER PHYSICIANS IN ADVANCED ENDOVASCULAR TECHNIQUES
10/28/10 - STAFF CRITICAL CARE NURSE PROMOTED AT ALTOONA REGIONAL
10/28/10 - Altoona Family Physicians residency program recognized
10/21/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN NOVEMBER
10/20/10 - DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES HIRED
10/20/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL ATTAINS TRAUMA CENTER REACCREDITATION
10/12/10 - FINAL UPDATE RE: VEHICLE ACCIDENT
10/12/10 - MEDIA BRIEFING AS OF 11:30 A.M. RE: VEHICLE ACCIDENT
10/8/10 - UNITED CONCORDIA DENTAL PLANS FREE DAY OF CARE OCT. 15 AT JAMES W. BARNER COMMUNITY PEDIATRIC DENTAL CLINIC
10/7/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OPENS NEW PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION FACILITY IN STATION MEDICAL CENTER
10/3/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSES EARN ADVANCED DEGREES
10/3/10 - SEAN MURPHY HIRED AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES AT ALTOONA REGIONAL
10/1/10 - MICHAEL J. PREMATTA, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
10/1/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL COURIER RETIRES WITH 36 YEARS OF SERVICE
10/1/10 - ADAM J. BLESCIA, M.D., CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
9/17/10 - ROUTINE X-RAY PATIENTS PLEASE USE BON SECOURS HOSPITAL CAMPUS
9/17/10 - SAFE KIDS BLAIR COUNTY SPONSORS CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK EVENTS SEPTEMBER 19-25
9/17/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS OCTOBER PROGRAMS
9/16/10 - LABORATORY MEDICAL DIRECTOR RETIRES WITH 36 YEARS OF SERVICE
9/16/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HIRES CLINICAL RECRUITER
9/16/10 - R. CHARLES HOWELLS II, M.D., CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY
9/16/10 - MANUEL A. 'ALEX' GUERRERO, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
9/16/10 - MEERA BAJWA, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
9/16/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN OCTOBER
9/16/10 - FOUNDATION GOLF EVENT RAISES MORE THAN $40,000
9/2/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES TWO CHAPLAINS TO PASTORAL CARE DEPARTMENT
8/25/10 - Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Program Receives Accreditation by American Association of Diabetes Educators
8/24/10 - HEILWOOD WOMAN COMPLETES INTERNSHIP
8/24/10 - DELRAN WOMAN COMPLETES NUCLEAR MEDICINE INTERNSHIP
8/20/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS HIRES OFFICE MANAGER
8/20/10 - CHRISTOPHER J. LINCOSKI, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
8/19/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN SEPTEMBER
8/19/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
8/19/10 - COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES CERTIFIES ALTOONA REGIONAL CIO
8/11/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
8/9/10 - GURMEET K. KALRA, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
8/5/10 - SUZANNE Y. DIB, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
8/5/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL EARNS AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY ACCREDITATION FOR CT TECHNOLOGY GRADUATION EXERCISES
8/5/10 - BON SECOURS HOSPITAL CAMPUS LABORATORY EARNS ACCREDITATION FROM COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS
7/22/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY/CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE CONDUCTS GRADUATION EXERCISES
7/19/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES AUGUST PROGRAMS
7/19/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN AUGUST
7/8/10 - IMAGING SERVICES EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 35 1/2 YEARS OF SERVICE
7/8/10 - GEORGE W. CUMMINGS III, D.O., OBTAINS BOARD CERTIFICATION BY AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC BOARD OF SURGERY
7/8/10 - NEW PATIENT ACCESS MANAGER HIRED
7/8/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM BEGINS OFFERING PET/CT IMAGING SERVICES IN-HOUSE
6/24/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL ADVANCED PRIMARY STROKE CENTER AWARDED RECERTIFICATION FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION
6/10/10 - HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WINS ADVERTISING AWARDS
6/10/10 - LABORATORY EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 34 YEARS OF SERVICE
6/10/10 - NURSE RETIRES WITH 30 YEARS OF SERVICE
6/10/10 - NEW BUYER SELECTED FOR NURSING/EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS
6/10/10 - SHEHNAZ MOHSIN, M.D. JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
6/09/10 - CHECKING ON ELDERLY DURING HEAT WAVE MAY PREVENT DEHYDRATION
5/27/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECEIVES AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY CARE FOR STROKE PATIENTS
5/17/10 - INTENSIVE CARE UNIT NURSE EARNS CARDIAC MEDICINE CERTIFICATION
5/14/10 - NUTRITION SERVICES EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 40 YEARS OF SERVICE
5/14/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES JUNE PROGRAMS
5/14/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN JUNE
5/13/10 - Delta Dental awards $10,000 grant to Altoona community dental clinics
5/13/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE RECEIVES MORE THAN $6,000 FROM ALTOONA CURVE
5/6/10 - MEDIA ADVISORY
5/4/10 - STROKE AWARENESS MONTH SPECIAL EVENT
4/29/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR CANCER CARE GRANTED THREE-YEAR ACCREDITATION
4/28/10 - MOBILE LEARNING CENTER FOR ORTHOPEDICS VISITS ALTOONA REGIONAL
4/15/10 - DANIEL Y. LIN, M.D., Ph.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
4/14/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES MAY PROGRAMS
4/09/10 - NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED SPEAKER TO HOLD WORKSHOP FOR MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
4/09/10 - CELEBRATE DONATE LIFE MONTH EVENT
4/2/10 - Outpatient facility will be more convenient Station Medical Center building will eliminate current problems
4/2/10 - New business model helps hospitals succeed Toyota’s industry method has improved patient wait times, eliminates waste
4/2/10 - Health system to use facility as data center
4/01/10 - REGISTERED NURSE RETIRES WITH 42 YEARS OF SERVICE
4/01/10 - REGISTERED NURSE EARNS PROMOTION
4/01/10 - BARBARA M. LABBAN, M.D., CERTIFIED IN NEPHROLOGY BY AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
4/01/10 - JEEVITH I. KUMARESAN, M.D. CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRICS
3/22/10 - DIET CLERK RETIRES WITH 39 YEARS OF SERVICE
3/19/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN PROVIDES MEDICAL RELIEF TO HAITI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
3/16/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP PRESENTS SPEAKER
3/16/10 - Safe Kids Blair County Joins National Health and Safety Partners to Eliminate "Forgotten Child" Deaths
3/16/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN APRIL
3/15/10 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES APRIL PROGRAMS
3/15/10 - NATIONAL HEALTH CARE DECISION DAY SET FOR APRIL 16
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

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December 28, 2010 - CONTACT INFO FOR FIRST BABY OF NEW YEAR

To set up interviews and video opportunities regarding first baby of the New Year coverage, contact Anne Stoltz at 814.934.1799 by 10 a.m., Jan. 1, 2011.

Altoona Regional Health System will provide gifts for the first baby born in 2011 and the last baby born in 2010. For your convenience, here is the list of gifts:

The family of the first baby born at Altoona Regional receives the following gifts:

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

The families of other babies born here Jan. 1 receive:

• Mother(s): 1/2 dozen red roses and a $25 gift certificate from Target
• Father(s): $25 gift certificate from Target
• Baby(ies): $75 savings bond
• A newborn picture taken at the hospital at no charge.

The last baby born in 2010 at Altoona Regional receives:

• Mother: a dozen red roses and a $50 gift certificate from Target
• Father: $50 gift certificate from Target
• Baby: $100 savings bond
• A newborn picture taken at the hospital at no charge.

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December 23, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL PARTICIPATES IN TOASTY TODDLER PROGRAM

Altoona Regional employees, volunteers and physicians donated over 90 winter coats, plus mittens, gloves, hats and snow pants as part of the Family Resource Center's Toasty Toddler project.

In addition, coordinators received $600 in cash donations for the program. Keeping true to their employer's mission, the response and generosity of Altoona Regional staff was overwhelming.

Photo: (from left) - Jo Lines, R.N.; Annette Glista, R.N.; Cathy Cummings, R.N., and Barbara Mercer, R.N., all from Same Day Surgery at Altoona Hospital Campus, display some of the winter coats their department donated to the Toasty Toddler program.

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December 23, 2010 - Altoona Regional Health System is a Donate Life Rose Sponsor

The Donate Life float in the annual Rose Parade, which is watched by tens of millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide on New Year's Day, will include roses donated by Altoona Regional.

The roses honor donors, recipients and others touched by organ and tissue donation.

"We are proud to honor families of organ, eye and tissue donors that we have served," said President and CEO Jerry Murray. "Our dedicated Donate Life Roses recognize the generosity of donors and their families. Through our participation we join in a meaningful tribute that reverently celebrates our role as a vital collaborative partner in the organ and tissue donation process."

Altoona Regional is a recipient of the National Medal of Honor presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recognizing an organ donation consent conversion rate of at least 75 percent within a 12-month cycle. Altoona Regional's rate was 92.9.

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December 9, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL, PENN STATE COLLABORATING FOR LARGE RESEARCH STUDY

Altoona Regional is collaborating with Penn State University Park on a five-year research study entitled "Early Nurse Detection of Delirium Superimposed on Dementia."

Delirium is sudden, severe confusion and rapid changes in brain function that occur with physical or mental illness. It is estimated 22-89 percent of hospitalized patients over the age of 65 may develop delirium while in the hospital. This has been shown to increase a patient's length of stay and increase unexpected outcomes such as falls and skin breakdown, among others.

This research not only is important to increasing the science of treatment of patients who may potentially develop delirium in the hospital, but it provides an opportunity for Altoona Regional nurses to be a part of a national research study.

One of the goals of the Altoona Regional research program is to bridge the gap between academia and the clinical setting to promote research utilization. These collaborative efforts help accomplish that bridge.

This study was approved by both the Altoona Regional and Penn State institutional review boards. In addition, this study has been funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The study is led by Donna Fick, Ph.D., primary investigator, Penn State; Jane McDowell, project coordinator at Penn State, and Kim Corle, Quality Management, Altoona Regional, who will coordinate the research efforts at the Altoona Regional site. The study is being conducted at Altoona Regional, Vanderbilt and Mount Nittany Medical Center. The researchers hope to begin enrolling patients in the study in January.

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December 9, 2010 - MARSHA L. HALEY, M.D., CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF RADIOLOGY IN THERAPEUTIC RADIOLOGY

Marsha L. Haley, M.D., a member of the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff, has been certified by the American Board of Radiology in Therapeutic Radiology through Dec. 31, 2020.

Dr. Haley is a radiation oncologist with Altoona Regional's Center for Cancer Care.

Board certification is a voluntary program in which specialists seek to improve their performance and demonstrate a commitment to their profession. Certification involves the passage of both written and oral examinations.

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December 9, 2010 - System hosts PAHA Central Region meeting

Eric M. Kephart, D.O., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Family Medicine (Sports Medicine).

Dr. Kephart practices with Blair Orthopedics, 3000 Fairway Drive, Altoona.

He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his fellowship in Sports Medicine at St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading.

Dr. Kephart is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.

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November 30, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR MARCH 28 HEALTH CARE HONORS RECOGNITION DINNER

Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life's second Health Care Honors recognition dinner will take place March 28 at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona.

Health Care Honors is held to recognize exceptional personal contributions by Altoona Regional board members and employees, as well as associated health, safety and social service providers and philanthropists, to improve community health. Proceeds are used to support a recognized institutional need.

The 2011 Health Care Honors dinner will recognize people in six distinct award recognition categories:

Board of Directors Award — This honor is reserved for an Altoona Regional board member who has provided outstanding leadership and/or service that has resulted in policies or actions that have improved the quality of health care services or led to improved efficiency and financial performance.

Award of Honor — This honor will recognize creative, insightful, effective and altruistic leadership by an Altoona Regional employee or community member during his or her lifetime to ensure exceptional health care or essential social support services for the community.

Health Care Professional Award — The recipient of this award will be a physician, nurse or allied health care professional who has demonstrated long-term (multiyear or lifetime) contributions of personal time, talent and/or financial resources to the health system and/or community health or social service needs. Nominees should be leaders who help set a standard for exceptional and compassionate patient care.

Volunteer Award — This award will be presented to someone who gives significant personal time and talent to Altoona Regional for the benefit of the health or welfare of our community. Nominees should have a record of long-term, selfless and exceptional dedication to nonprofit health, family service, social welfare or religious organizations that improve our community.

First Responder "Hero" Award — Nominees for this award will have provided exceptional life-sustaining care to a patient or community member(s). In addition to Altoona Regional employees, nominees can be firefighters, police officers, EMTs or others who have performed unselfish acts with a risk to their own life.

Philanthropy Award — This honor is reserved for people, foundations or businesses who have helped establish a standard of philanthropic giving to Altoona Regional Health System's Foundation for Life. Candidates for this award will have made an exceptional outright or planned charitable contribution to improve access to health care or to expand health care programs or services for the benefit of all members of our community.

Nomination forms are available at www.altoonaregional.org/gift_giving.

Nominations must be submitted no later than December 31, to the Foundation for Life at 620 Howard Ave., Altoona.

You can get ticket information on the Web site or from the Foundation office, 889.6406

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November 10, 2010 - System hosts PAHA Central Region meeting

Friends of Altoona Regional, the system's auxiliary, recently hosted a meeting of the 23 auxiliaries that comprise the Central Region of the Pennsylvania Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries (PAHA). During the day's events, Louise Berry of Friends, who serves as state secretary/treasurer of PAHA, installed PAHA officers, including Friends President Vicki Baughman as president of the Central Region.

Photo: PAHA officers are (from left) - Louise Berry; Vicki Baughman; Cherri LeBard, president-elect; Helen Shelley, vice president; M. Ann Rinker, recording secretary; Oksana DeArment, corresponding secretary, and Fran Hartman, treasurer.

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November 10, 2010 - ARTHUR J. DEMARSICO, D.O., RECERTIFIED BY AMERICAN REGISTRY FOR DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY

Arthur J. DeMarsico, D.O., a board certified vascular surgeon with Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery of Altoona Inc., 620 Howard Ave., Altoona, was recently recertified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) for his Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) certification. This is a globally recognized standard of excellence in sonography.

Diagnostic sonography is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize body structures, including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs, for possible pathology or lesions.

ARDMS promotes quality care and patient safety through the certification and continuing competency of ultrasound professionals.

Criteria for recertification include a minimum of 500 vascular laboratory studies and 12 credit hours of ARDMS-accepted continuing medical education credits specifically related to vascular ultrasound.

The RPVI credential, offered exclusively to physicians, validates the clinical expertise fundamental to vascular sonography interpretation and provides recognition of the skills and knowledge required in making consistent and reliable diagnoses in vascular disease.

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November 10, 2010 - Dental clinic receives donation

United Concordia Dental recently donated $1,000 to offset expenses, such as supplies and equipment, related to providing dental care to about 2,000 children in the James W. Barner Community Dental Clinic in the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC).

Children primarily come from throughout Blair County. The endeavor is a partnership between the Altoona Regional Partnership for a Healthy Community and GACTC.

Photo: Woodrow Greene (second from right), community outreach coordinator, United Concordia Dental, presents check to Cloyd Beers, executive director, Altoona Regional Partnership for a Healthy Community. With them (from left) are: Lanny F. Ross, D. Ed., executive director, GACTC; Julia Mallory, community outreach representative, United Concordia Dental, and Donald J. Betar, D.M.D., clinical director.

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November 2, 2010 - HENRY C. WONG, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

Henry C. Wong, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Specialized Surgery, Clinical Service of Urology.

Dr. Wong practices with Blair Medical Associates, 601 Hawthorne Drive, Suite 100, Hollidaysburg.

He is board certified by the American Board of Urology.

He received his medical degree from Rush Medical College, Chicago. He completed his residency at Naval Medical Center, San Diego.

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November 1, 2010 - SABESAN KARUPPIAH, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

Sabesan Karuppiah, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Family Medicine.

Dr. Karuppiah practices with Altoona Family Physicians.

He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

He received his medical degree from Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institution, India. He completed his residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in New York and his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

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November 1, 2010 - DAVID L. BURWELL, M.D., APPOINTED CHIEF MEDICAL INFORMATION OFFICER

David L. Burwell, M.D., will serve as Altoona Regional Health System's Chief Medical Information Officer.

In this new part-time role that is a result of funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Dr. Burwell will lead physician and clinical adoption of various physician-centric technology projects such as Computerized Physician Order Entry, clinical documentation applications and medication management systems.

Dr. Burwell will continue to practice family medicine in his office at 764 Plaza, Suite. 3, Duncansville.

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November 1, 2010 - DAVID L. KERSTETTER JR., M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

David L. Kerstetter Jr., M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Medicine/Gastroenterology.

Dr. Kerstetter practices with Blair Gastroenterology, 810 Valley View Boulevard, Altoona.

He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

He received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School.

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November 1, 2010 - COREY R. SCHUTT, D.O., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

Corey R. Schutt, D.O., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Orthopedics.

Dr. Schutt practices with University Orthopedics Center, 1505 9th Ave., Altoona.

He is board eligible by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University, Florida. He completed his residency at Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania and his fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at Medical University of South Carolina.

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October 29, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL VASCULAR SURGEON INSTRUCTS OTHER PHYSICIANS IN ADVANCED ENDOVASCULAR TECHNIQUES

Arthur J. DeMarsico, D.O., a board certified vascular surgeon with Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery of Altoona Inc., 620 Howard Ave., Altoona, recently instructed physicians from throughout the country in advanced endovascular repair techniques at three different programs.

On Sept. 13 and 14 and Oct. 11 and 12, Dr. DeMarsico served as a faculty member for "Endovascular Advances: A Hands-On Preceptorship Program," presented by the Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning (ACHL), Chicago. Radiologist Richard Wertz, M.D., of Lexington Radiology, exclusive provider of radiology services at Altoona Regional, served as co-faculty for the programs.

Two additional such courses will be offered at Altoona Regional. ACHL offers accreditation services for a variety of clinicians, including physicians. These programs are for interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists who want to expand their hands-on experience in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

On Sept. 23 and 24, Dr. DeMarsico served as co-moderator and faculty member for "Gore Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm," an endovascular course in Charleston, S.C. Dr. DeMarsico served as a co-moderator with Dr. David Minion from the University of Kentucky. Drs. DeMarsico and Minion instructed others in advanced techniques for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

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October 28, 2010 - STAFF CRITICAL CARE NURSE PROMOTED AT ALTOONA REGIONAL

Registered nurse Delores Smithbauer, C.C.R.N., C.M.C., of Ebensburg was recently promoted to night shift clinical nurse manager in the Intensive Care Unit .

Before her promotion, Smithbauer worked in the Medical Intensive Care Unit as a registered nurse. During her nearly 10 years in the health system, she has also worked in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency department.

Smithbauer received her registered nurse diploma in 1999 from the Conemaugh School of Nursing, Johnstown. She received her critical care registered nurse certification in 2004 and her cardiac medicine certification earlier this year. She is enrolled at Mount Aloysius College, Cresson, in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

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October 28, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN NOVEMBER

Gateway Health Plan recently presented Altoona Family Physicians (AFP) with the "Gateway to Physicians" award for its quality, accessibility and efficiency of faculty, residents and staff. AFP is one of the largest providers in the Blair County area to Gateway patients.

Photo: Tim Bechard, Gateway Health Plan representative (center), presented a check and the award to Dr. Arthur Morrow, AFP associate director (left), and Sue Daniele, AFP billing assistant.

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October 21, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN NOVEMBER

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in November 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, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona; Dining Room B adjacent to the main cafeteria, and the 4F Conference Room in the Behavioral Health Center, 5th Street and Willow Avenue.

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

Breastfeeding classes are offered to expectant parents Wednesdays, Nov. 3 and 10, from 6-8 p.m. in the Rotunda. For more information, call 889-2557.

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

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

Central Pennsylvania Ostomy Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the Rotunda, Outpatient Center. Call 944-2766 for information.

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, Nov. 3, in the Bedford Room. Call 943-7040 for information.

The Parkinson's Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 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, Nov. 17, in the 4F Conference Room. Call 889-2141 for information.

The following support groups and clinics meet at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, 2500 7th Ave. The Trzeciak Conference Suite is in the Education Center at 2621 8th Ave. For Kaufman Dining Room 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, Nov. 4, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

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

Look Good...Feel Better workshop facilitated by trained cosmetologists who teach women with cancer how to understand and care for changes in skin and hair that may occur during treatment. This program is offered Nov. 4 from 6-8 p.m. in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. It is presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association. For information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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

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

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

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October 20, 2010 - DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES HIRED

Altoona Regional Health System recently hired Thomas N. Jones of Ruston, La., as director of Environmental Services.

Jones previously worked as director of Environmental Services/Housekeeping Services Support at Sodexho, a national housekeeping contractor. Earlier in his career, he worked for Christus Spohn Health System, where he supervised 200 employees at the 720-bed medical center; University of Chicago Hospitals, an 887-bed, four-hospital campus, and ARAMARK USA, another national housekeeping contractor.

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October 20, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL ATTAINS TRAUMA CENTER REACCREDITATION

Altoona Regional Health System has received reaccreditation through Sept. 30, 2013, from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation as an Adult Level II trauma center. It has held that accreditation since 2002.

Primarily serving 14 counties in Central Pennsylvania, the Trauma Center cares for a higher volume of trauma patients than the required yearly volume of 350. In January, the Trauma Center reached a total volume of 10,000 patients seen since becoming accredited.

Effective Oct. 1, there are 31 hospitals that are accredited trauma centers in the state, including 14 Adult Level I trauma centers and 12 Adult Level II trauma centers, including Altoona Regional; four Pediatric Level I trauma centers, two Pediatric Level II trauma centers, and two Level III trauma centers.

In Pennsylvania there are three levels of trauma centers. Level I trauma centers require trauma research, a surgical residency program, and an annual volume of 650 major patients per year.

A level II trauma center meets the same high level of care but does not require the research and residency components, and volume requirements are 350 major trauma patients per year.

Level III trauma centers are smaller community hospitals which do not require a minimum volume of trauma patients. Their focus is to stabilize severe trauma in preparation for transport to a higher level trauma center as well as care for patients with moderate trauma. They do not need neurosurgical resources.

Level I and II trauma centers can also be categorized as either Adult Trauma Centers or Pediatric Trauma Centers.

Each trauma center regardless of its level is an integral component of the emergency medical services system.

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October 12, 2010 - FINAL UPDATE RE: VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Altoona Regional Health System has treated or is treating 14 people involved in a car-bus accident in Cambria County. The 14 people included 13 Penn Cambria students and a bus driver.

Twelve of the 14 were brought to Altoona Hospital Campus, two to Bon Secours Hospital Campus.

Ten students have been treated for minor injuries and released. Three other patients have been admitted. No information is available on the 14th patient.

For further information on the admitted patients, you must call 889.2271 with their name. If they have agreed to allow us to release information, we will do so. Otherwise, we must say that we have no information available on that person.

Also, according to hospital policy, after any patient's death, discharge or transfer, the hospital is no longer in a position to disclose information to the media concerning that person.

All policies on the release of patient information comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines.

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October 12, 2010 - MEDIA BRIEFING AS OF 11:30 A.M. RE: VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Altoona Regional Health System has treated or is treating 14 people involved in a car-bus accident on Gallitzin Road, Cambria County. The 14 people included 13 students and a bus driver.

Twelve of the 14 were brought to Altoona Hospital Campus, two to Bon Secours Hospital Campus.

Nine students have been treated for minor injuries and released.

The conditions of the remaining patients are not available at this time.

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October 8, 2010 - UNITED CONCORDIA DENTAL PLANS FREE DAY OF CARE OCT. 15 AT JAMES W. BARNER COMMUNITY PEDIATRIC DENTAL CLINIC

WHAT: United Concordia Dental donates free day of dental care to area children.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15.

WHERE: James W. Barner Community Pediatric Dental Clinic, GACTC, 1500 4th Ave., Altoona. The clinic is a partnership between the Altoona Regional Partnership for a Healthy Community and Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center. The news conference will take place first in Room 237. Video/photos will be available of patient care being given in the dental clinic itself.

WHY: Pennsylvania received an F in addressing children's dental health (Pew Charitable Trust); October is National Oral Hygiene Month; funding is needed to support the clinic.

WHO: Woodrow Greene, community outreach coordinator, United Concordia Dental
Cloyd Beers, executive director, Altoona Regional Partnership for a Healthy Community
Donald J. Betar, D.M.D., clinical director
Lanny F. Ross, D.Ed., executive director, GACTC
Ron McConnell, Altoona Regional chief operating officer

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October 7, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OPENS NEW PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION FACILITY IN STATION MEDICAL CENTER

(Assignment Editors: The opportunity to take photos and video will be available Monday, Oct. 11. Please call 889-2622 to make arrangements.)

Altoona Regional Health System will open its first outpatient service — Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services — in the Station Medical Center on Monday, Oct. 11.

The 10,115-square-foot facility features:

• Two HydroTracks, an underwater treadmill designed to provide hydrotherapy to the back and lower extremities
• A fully-equipped gym with state-of-the-art isokinetic testing for joints (provides joint-specific strength assessment for joint problems and/or following orthopedic surgery such as knee replacements and other orthopedic surgeries)
• Functional assessments using primus BTE (functional capacities, pre-employment screening and work hardening and conditioning)

Additional services include:

• A full-range of physical therapy
• A full complement of occupational therapy, including a certified hand therapist and manual lymphatic drainage
• Speech therapy with a certified speech pathologist
• Vestibular and balance rehabilitation featuring the Biodex Balance System

"This is a spacious, very convenient facility designed with our patients in mind," said Paul Tryninewski, director of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. "It is convenient both to the other medical practices at the Station Medical Center and it also very accessible to major roadways off of 17th Street and I-99. The new site also features ample, door-side parking."

The outpatient Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services department has increased its staff and hours to better serve patients. Expanded hours will be Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. The department also has a new phone number (889-3900) and a new fax number (889-3902).

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is the first of many services to move into Station Medical Center.

"The consolidation of our outpatient services and staffs at Station Medical Center is yet another way we are enhancing health care for our community," said Jerry Murray, Altoona Regional president and CEO. "The services will not only be more accessible but many will also offer updated and upgraded technology, especially Imaging Services with digital mammography and a wide-bore MRI."

Wide-bore MRI offers all the features of traditional MRI but with more room.

Imaging Services will begin its move to Station Medical Center in stages sometime after Jan. 1.

Other services moving to the Station Medical Center include Cardiac Rehabilitation, Sleep Lab, HealthForce, Outpatient Laboratory Services, Neurology testing and Pre-Anesthesia. These departments will have staggered move-in dates in the next 30-60 days.

Patient Access (registration) will also have staff at the new site.

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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October 1, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSES EARN ADVANCED DEGREES

An Altoona Regional Health System administrative director and two nursing clinical managers have received advanced educational degrees.

Christel Grazier, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., of Tyrone, administrative director of Surgical Services, and Cherie Steele, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., of Martinsburg, clinical manager of Operating Room Services, obtained their Masters in Health and Human Service Administration from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson.

Dawn Schandelmeier, R.N., of Altoona, Medical Progressive Care Unit clinical manager, recently completed her Master of Science degree in Nursing and Business Administration Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix.

Christel Grazier, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., of Tyrone	Cherie Steele, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., of Martinsburg	Dawn Schandelmeier, R.N., of Altoona

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October 1, 2010 - SEAN MURPHY HIRED AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES AT ALTOONA REGIONAL

Former Altoona native Sean Murphy, currently of Frederick, Md., has been hired as director of Information Systems at Altoona Regional Health System.

Murphy is responsible for information technology and services in support of the health system's two hospital campuses and all customer support issues. He leads business process and networking infrastructure modernization efforts such as computerized provider order entry and relocation of the enterprise data center. He directs IT and telecommunications initiatives and help desk support and guides clinical and business application development and sustainment.

Murphy retired Oct. 1 as a lieutenant colonel with 21 years of service. He served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. His final assignment was at Fort Detrick, Md., where he served as chief information security officer.

He received his bachelor's degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Florida.

Murphy is a board certified Health Care Administrator through the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE) where he has attained fellow status.

He is also board certified by Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

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October 1, 2010 - MICHAEL J. PREMATTA, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

Michael J. Prematta, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Medicine/Internal Medicine, Clinical Service of Allergy and Immunology.

Dr. Prematta practices with Central Pennsylvania Asthma and Allergy Care, 501 Howard Ave., Suite A202, Altoona.

He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is board eligible with the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

He received his medical degree from Penn State University College of Medicine. He completed his residency and a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

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October 1, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL COURIER RETIRES WITH 36 YEARS OF SERVICE

Calvin Blontz Jr. of Pinecroft recently retired as a courier in the Supply Chain department of Altoona Regional Health System with 36 years of service.

He was hired in 1974 for the floor crew in Housekeeping. After two years, he transferred to Supportive Services where he worked for 18 1/2 years. Then, Blontz became an anesthesia aide for three years before transferring into the Supply Chain department in 1990.

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October 1, 2010 - ADAM J. BLESCIA, M.D., CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Adam J. Blescia, M.D., a member of the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Emergency Services, has been certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) through Dec. 31, 2020.

Certification is sought and earned by physicians on a voluntary basis. ABEM certifies only those physicians who meet high educational, professional standing and examination standards.

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September 17, 2010 - ROUTINE X-RAY PATIENTS PLEASE USE BON SECOURS HOSPITAL CAMPUS

All patients needing routine outpatient X-rays should go to the Bon Secours Hospital Campus of Altoona Regional Health System to have them taken until further notice. Please use the 8th Avenue entrance.

Construction is being done to enhance Imaging Services on the Altoona Hospital Campus. Thank you for your cooperation.

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September 17, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS OCTOBER PROGRAMS

During Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 19-25, Altoona Regional Health System and Safe Kids Blair County join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to remind families to review their child's safety in the family vehicle.

The theme of Child Passenger Safety Week 2010 "Back to Basics - Safe from, the Start" - reminds parents and caregivers that as children go back to school, it is a good time to evaluate the safety of all children traveling in vehicles. Going back to the basics of buckling up every one, every time will ensure the safety of Pennsylvania families. Buckling up is a habit that should start from birth and follow through to adulthood.

On an average day in Pennsylvania, there are about 350 crashes on state highways. It is a fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 3 to 21, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Correctly buckling up a child in a safety seat, booster seat or seat belt is the single most effective way to protect motor vehicle occupants and to reduce fatalities in a crash.

Safe Kids Blair County will conduct a child safety seat inspection station at Sam's Club, Altoona, Thursday, Sept. 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. and at Radio Station WRTA parking lot, 2513 6th Ave., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24.

Here are some safety tips to help families "get back to basics":

• Restrain all adults and children on every trip, every time.
• Keep your child in the back seat.
• Use child safety seats and booster seats correctly. Last year, at PennDOT-funded car seat inspection stations, more than eight out of 10 child safety seats checked were being used improperly.
• Use the best safety restraint for your child's size. Take into account a child's age, weight, height, physical development and behavior.

Here are four steps to help decide which type of child safety seat is best:

1. Infants ride rear-facing in infant car seats/rear-facing convertible car seats until they weigh at least 20 pounds AND are at least 1 year of age. For optimal protection, use a rear-facing car seat until the child reaches the maximum weight and/or height allowed by the manufacturer.

2. Forward-facing toddler car seats from a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds to around age 4 and at least 40 pounds.

3. Booster seats from about 4 years old and at least 40 pounds to age 8, unless 4'9".

4. Lap and shoulder safety belts at age 8 or older and 4'9" tall when the vehicle seat belt fits correctly. Children under 13 should ride in a back seat of the vehicle.

Under Pennsylvania's child passenger safety law, all drivers are responsible for securing children in the appropriate child restraint system and are responsible for the front seat occupants to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt system.

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September 17, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS OCTOBER PROGRAMS

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for October 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 free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, Oct. 8, 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.

A peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening is available by appointment only 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, and Wednesday, Oct. 27, in 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.

A seven-week "Freedom From Tobacco: Paths to a Tobacco-Free Future," class will be conducted Thursdays, Oct. 7 through Nov. 18, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Oak Room, 2621 8th Ave., 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m. No fee. Registration required. Seating limited. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Join Machel Drahnak, certified tobacco treatment specialist, as she explains steps to becoming tobacco-free. Using materials from the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center for smokers and smokeless tobacco users, she will help you understand tobacco addiction, create a quit plan, change behavior and thinking about using tobacco, manage weight and prevent relapse. Approximately a six-week supply of free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges is available after physician notification. Make the decision to quit today.

A Child Safety Seat Checkup Station will be conducted Friday, Oct. 8, 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.

Seniors for Safe Driving, a four-hour refresher course for anyone who has taken the eight-hour course will be offered Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6-10 p.m., at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. Fee: $15. Registration required. Call 1.800.559.4880 or log on to www.sfsd-pa.com.

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.

Join Randy Grabill, Altoona Regional clinical dietitian, for "Don't Put It on the Table Until You Read the Label: Giant Eagle Store Tour" on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. at the Giant Eagle Grocery Store, Logan Towne Center, Altoona.
No fee. Registration required. Tour size limited. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Join Grabill as he guides you through Giant Eagle grocery store, showing you how to shop smart with your good health and a nutritious diet in mind. Learn what foods to look for, what foods to avoid, and how to read nutrition information on food labels. He will point out the marketing lingo that can be misleading and help you become a savvy consumer who chooses healthy and nutritious foods.

Dr. Mlen-Too Wesley, a conflict management specialist, faculty member at Penn State Altoona and member of the Altoona Regional Pastoral Care team, will help people through healing and building healthy interpersonal relationships with "Conflict and Healing Emotional Wounds." This four-week series is offered Wednesdays, Oct. 13 Nov. 3 inclusive, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Oak Room, 2621 8th Ave. Fee $25. Registration required. Class size limited. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Conflict causes emotional wounds and pain that need to be healed, not just managed. Healing brings wholeness, peace, restoration and good health.

Join Bob Strawser, executive director of Mission/Customer Service, as he explains the enhancements happening at Altoona Regional, especially the plan to reduce waiting times in the ER. Find out what services will be located in the former Altoona Center and about the consolidation of acute-care services on the Altoona Hospital Campus. Get the latest on the relocation of outpatient services to the Station Medical Center during "Toward World-Class Local Health Care" on Friday, Oct. 15. Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by program until 1 p.m. at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

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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September 16, 2010 - LABORATORY MEDICAL DIRECTOR RETIRES WITH 36 YEARS OF SERVICE

Americo B. Anton, M.D., medical director of Laboratory Services at Altoona Regional Health System, recently retired with 36 years of service.

Dr. Anton was hired at Altoona Hospital as an assistant pathologist on July 1, 1974. He became an associate pathologist in 1984 and was promoted to medical director in 2000.

He lives in Hollidaysburg.

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September 16, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HIRES CLINICAL RECRUITER

Rosemarie "Ro" Gibson, R.N., BSN, of Altoona, has been hired as the clinical recruiter for Altoona Regional. As a clinical recruiter, her responsibilities will include recruiting and interviewing nurses for hire within the health system.

Gibson has worked at the health system in various capacities for 14 years, most recently in Nursing Administration as a nursing supervisor on the Bon Secours Hospital Campus. Before being a nursing supervisor, she served as a clinical manager in Maternity for 2 1/2 years and as a staff nurse for 11 years on the Altoona Hospital Campus.

She received her associate degree in Nursing from the State University of New York and a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius in Cresson.

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September 16, 2010 - R. CHARLES HOWELLS II, M.D., CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY

R. Charles Howells II, M.D., a member of the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff who practices with Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Central Pennsylvania, 501 Howard Ave., Suite A107, Altoona, has been certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology through June 30, 2022.

Dr. Howells is an otolaryngologist - a head and neck surgeon - who provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for adult and pediatric patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose and throat, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems, and related structures of the head and neck.

Board certification is a voluntary program in which specialists seek to improve their performance and demonstrate a commitment to their profession. Certification involves the passage of both written and oral examinations.

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September 16, 2010 - MANUEL A. 'ALEX' GUERRERO, M.D., JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

Manuel A. "Alex" Guerrero, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the department of General Surgery/Surgery and Trauma/ Surgical Critical Care. He is affiliated with Lexington Surgical Associates, 1701 12th Ave., Bldg. D, Altoona.

He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He received his medical degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University, School of Medicine. He did his residency at New York Methodist Hospital.

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September 16, 2010 - MEERA BAJWA, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Meera Bajwa, M.D., recently joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the Department of Medicine/Nephrology, Dialysis and Plasmapheresis.

Dr. Bajwa is in practice with Blair Renal Associates Inc., 501 Howard Ave., Suite D-204, Altoona.

She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine/Nephrology.

Dr. Bajwa received her medical degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She did her residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles and her fellowship in nephrology at UCLA Medical Center.

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September 16, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN OCTOBER

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in October 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, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona; Dining Room B adjacent to the main cafeteria, and the 4F Conference Room in the Behavioral Health Center, 5th Street and Willow Avenue.

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

Breastfeeding classes are offered to expectant parents Wednesdays, Oct. 6 and 13, from 6-8 p.m. in the Rotunda. For more information, call 889-2557.

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 889-2557.

The Caregivers Corner Support Group meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Hoss's in Duncansville. For information, call 889-3123.

Central Pennsylvania Ostomy Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, in the Rotunda, Outpatient Center. Call 944-2766 for information.

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.

Look Good...Feel Better workshop facilitated by trained cosmetologists who teach women with cancer how to understand and care for changes in skin and hair that may occur during treatment. This program is offered Oct. 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Allegheny Room. It is presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association. For information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The Parkinson's Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 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, Oct. 20, in the 4F Conference Room. Call 889-2141 for information.

The following support groups and clinics meet at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, 2500 7th Ave. The Trzeciak Conference Suite is in the Education Center at 2621 8th Ave. For Kaufman Dining Room 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, July 1, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

The Faith-based Bereavement/Grief Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 6 and 20, in the fourth floor waiting room. For information, call 889-3323.

Look Good...Feel Better workshop facilitated by trained cosmetologists who teach women with cancer how to understand and care for changes in skin and hair that may occur during treatment. This program is offered Oct. 7 from 6-8 p.m. in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. It is presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association. For information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The Stroke Support Group meets at noon Tuesday, Oct. 12, in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 889-4463.

A Wheelchair Clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, in the second floor Physical Medicine gym. Physician referral required. Call for information and appointment, 889-4463.

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September 16, 2010 - FOUNDATION GOLF EVENT RAISES MORE THAN $40,000

The first annual Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life Golf Classic raised $43,000 to help fund the purchase of digital mammography equipment. This leading-edge cancer detection technology enhances the medical community's ability to find breast cancer early when it is most treatable.

"We sincerely appreciate all of this year's golf participants, as well as the numerous businesses and individuals who sponsored the event, contributed prizes and made donations," said Ann Benzel, chair, Altoona Regional Foundation for Life. "Thanks to their dedication and contributions, everyone enjoyed a beautiful day of golfing and supported one of our community's most valuable assets: Altoona Regional Health System."

AMED was the tournament sponsor. Platinum sponsors included HealthSouth, Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Zimmer-Randall. In addition to sponsorship support, the Golf Classic was a big success due to the time and talents of volunteers, committee members and the staff of Scotch Valley Country Club.

For more information on how you can make a gift in support of health care in our community, call 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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September 2, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES TWO CHAPLAINS TO PASTORAL CARE DEPARTMENT

The Rev. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR, of Hollidaysburg, and Sister Maryann Palko, CCW, of the Gallitzin area, have joined the Pastoral Care department at Altoona Regional Health System.

The Rev. Panagoplos is a Third Order Regular Franciscan, Province of the Immaculate Conception, Hollidaysburg. After graduating from Bishop Guilfoyle, he attended the Franciscan Preparatory Seminary, Hollidaysburg. In 1972, he completed undergraduate studies in Education at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Panagoplos was ordained a Catholic priest in 1976 after completing graduate studies in Sacred Theology in Washington, D.C. He has previously served as: chaplain, Johnstown hospitals; Catholic school principal and religious studies instructor; catechist formation instructor for the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, and various Franciscan apostolates and ministries.

Sister Maryann Palko is a member of the Carmelite Community of the Word and retired as supervisory chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto with 20 years of service in September 2009. Before Loretto, she served in prison ministry at the state correctional institutions at Huntingdon and Smithfield. Earlier in her career, Sister Maryann was a teacher and guidance counselor at Bishop Carroll High School, Ebensburg. She has a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis College, Loretto.

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August 25, 2010 - Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Program Receives Accreditation by American Association of Diabetes Educators

The Altoona Regional Health System Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Program has received accreditation by the American Association of Diabetes Educators, Chicago.

Diabetes education is a collaborative process through which people with diabetes or at risk for it gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior and successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions. It is provided by diabetes educators.

"This accreditation reassures patients that they are receiving excellent quality care in their diabetes management education," said Pat Rose, MS, R.N., CDE. "To achieve accreditation, Altoona Regional had to demonstrate that it met national standards for diabetes education. This is important because education in self-management has been shown to improve patient health and quality of life."

The American Association of Diabetes Educators established the accreditation program in 2009.

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August 24, 2010 - HEILWOOD WOMAN COMPLETES INTERNSHIP

Delores Keith of Heilwood, Indiana County, has completed an eight-month internship in the Nuclear Medicine department of Altoona Regional Health System.

Delores is the daughter of Charles Keith of Heilwood.

She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with Bachelor of Science degrees in Nuclear Science. The completion of the internship and successful passage of her upcoming final exam will earn her a certification in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the University of Findlay, Ohio. She will take two national board examinations to complete her credentials.

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August 24, 2010 - DELRAN WOMAN COMPLETES NUCLEAR MEDICINE INTERNSHIP

Kelly Caracci of Delran, N.J., has completed an eight-month internship in the Nuclear Medicine department of Altoona (Pa.) Regional Health System.

Kelly is the daughter of Tony and Marybeth Caracci of Delran.

She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with Bachelor of Science degrees in Nuclear Science. The completion of the internship and successful passage of her upcoming final exam will earn her a certification in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the University of Findlay, Ohio. She will then take two national board examinations to complete her credentials.

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August 20, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS HIRES OFFICE MANAGER

Altoona Regional Health System's Information Systems department recently hired Lisa M. McKnight of Hollidaysburg as office manager.

McKnight reports to Dale Fuller, vice president of Information Services/chief information officer, and provides day-to-day operational support to the department.

She was hired by Altoona Regional in October 2009 as a secretary/medical transcriptionist in the Medical Staff Office.

McKnight has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from St. Francis University, Loretto, where she graduated cum laude. She also has an associate degree in Secretarial Science from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson.

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August 20, 2010 - CHRISTOPHER J. LINCOSKI, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Christopher J. Lincoski, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the department of Orthopedics. He practices with University Orthopedics, 101 Regent Court, State College, and Station Medical Center, 1509 9th Ave., Altoona.

He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Dr. Lincoski also completed a fellowship in hand surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Hand Center.

He specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery.

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August 19, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN SEPTEMBER

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in September 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, Sept. 1, 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, Sept. 22, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 889-2557.

Breastfeeding Classes are offered for expectant parents 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 1 and 8 in the Rotunda. Please call 889-2557.

The Caregivers Corner Support Group meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Hoss's in Duncansville. For information, call 889-3123.

The Central Pennsylvania Ostomy Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, in the Rotunda. Please call 944-2766.

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, Sept. 1, in the Bedford Room. Call 943-7040 for information.

The Parkinson's Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 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, Sept. 15, 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, Sept. 2, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

The Faith-based Bereavement/Grief Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 1 and 15, in the fourth floor waiting room. For information, call 889-3323.

Look Good...Feel Better workshop facilitated by trained cosmetologists who teach women with cancer how to understand and care for changes in skin and hair that may occur during treatment. This program is offered Thursday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. It is presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association. For information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The Sleep Apnea Support Group , for people using CPAP or BiPAP therapy, meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, in the Institute for Sleep Medicine waiting room, 4th floor. For information, call 889-4466.

The Stroke Support Group meets at noon Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 889-4463.

A Wheelchair Clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the second floor Physical Medicine gym. Physician referral required. Call for information and appointment, 889-4463.

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August 19, 2010 - COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES CERTIFIES ALTOONA REGIONAL CIO

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for September 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 free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, Sept. 3, 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.

The Class "Planting Your Fall Bulbs" will be offered Thursday, Sept. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. Join Dee Martin-Spallone, master gardener from Penn State Extension, who will explain fall bulb planting do's and don'ts. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size limited to 50.

A refresher Seniors for Safe Driving course will be offered from 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite. The fee is $15. Registration required. Call 1.800.559.4880 or log on to www.sfsd-pa.com.

This classroom refresher course is for anyone who has taken the eight-hour course. It 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 Child Safety Seat Checkup Station will be conducted Friday, Sept. 10, 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 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening is available by appointment only 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, in 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.

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August 19, 2010 - COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES CERTIFIES ALTOONA REGIONAL CIO

Altoona Regional Health System Vice President/ Chief Information Officer Dale Fuller of Woodbury has earned certification through the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives Chief Information Officers Program (Certified Healthcare CIO). He is one of only 56 CIOs certified nationally.

The CHIME Certified Healthcare CIO (CHCIO) Program is the first certification program exclusively for CIOs and IT executives in the health care industry. A CHCIO demonstrates the commitment, knowledge and experience required to master the core skills inherent to be successful CIOs and IT executives. CHIME members who have been in a health care CIO or equivalent position for at least three years and want to enhance their professional stature are eligible to become certified.

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August 11, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Fred F. Thursfield, CFRE, (certified fund raising executive) has been named president of the Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life.

Thursfield has more than 30 years of progressive responsibility in fund-raising at health, scientific and educational institutions, with successful experiences in planning and implementing campaigns for endowment, capital, special and annual gifts.

Thursfield was most recently executive director for the Upper Chesapeake Health System in Bel Air, Md. There, he directed a 3 ½-year campaign that resulted in gifts and pledges of more than $12.3 million for capital expansion and renovation. He also increased gifts to annual, special and planned giving programs over five years.

"I look forward to helping ensure that Altoona Regional has the financial resources to provide everyone in this region with exceptional health care services and programs," Thursfield said. "Gifts to the Foundation for Life will be increasingly important as we face challenges of serving the needs of an aging population and fulfilling community expectations for quality and compassionate care. I am ready to bring my skills, abilities and enthusiasm to this opportunity as a member of the Altoona Regional team."

Thursfield has also worked in various development positions with foundations at Health First Foundation, Melbourne. Fla.; Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md.; Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.; Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Md.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and has earned credits toward a master's in Administrative Studies from Johns Hopkins University. He also fulfilled the requirements for designation as a CFRE and has a certificate in planned giving from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy's Madison Institute, University of Wisconsin Business School.

Thursfield is a member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Chesapeake Planned Giving Council.

The 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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August 9, 2010 - GURMEET K. KALRA, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Gurmeet K. Kalra, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff in the department of Family Medicine. She is practicing with Lexington Hospitalists Inc., Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona.

She received her medical degree from Burdwan Medical College, India.

Dr. Kalra completed her residency training at Altoona Family Physicians.

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August 5, 2010 - SUZANNE Y. DIB, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Suzanne Y. Dib, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System medical staff in the department of Family Medicine. She practices with Quality Care Medical Center, 2950 Fairway Drive, Altoona.

She received her medical degree from Tishreen University Faculty of Medicine, Syria. Dr. Dib completed her residency at Altoona Family Physicians.

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August 5, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL EARNS AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY ACCREDITATION FOR CT TECHNOLOGY

Altoona Regional Health System has been awarded a three-year accreditation in CT imaging technology as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Altoona Regional has three CT scanners and a PET/CT. The three CT scanners were surveyed and accredited. The PET/CT will be surveyed later.

The ACR, headquartered in Reston, Va., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of the facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.

The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists and nuclear medicine and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and delivery of comprehensive health care services.

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August 5, 2010 - BON SECOURS HOSPITAL CAMPUS LABORATORY EARNS ACCREDITATION FROM COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS

The Bon Secours Hospital Campus Laboratory of Altoona Regional Health System has been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

Cap said the laboratory's medical director, Charles M. Haas Jr., M.D., and the laboratory staff are to be congratulated for their excellent, high quality service. The Bon Secours Hospital Campus is one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government's own inspection program.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, as well as the laboratory's equipment, facilities, safety program and record, in addition to the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

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July 22, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY/CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE CONDUCTS GRADUATION EXERCISES

Three area students were among four graduates honored at the 35th annual graduation exercises of the Altoona Regional Health System School of Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science held June 25 at Altoona Hospital Campus.

The area graduates are: Joshua C. Krug, son of Frederick and Debra Krug of Loretto; Sue-Ann Krupa, daughter of Mike Krupa of Ginter, Clearfield County, and Andrea S. Link, wife of Joe Link of Ebensburg and daughter of Doug and Pam Wheeler of McKean, Erie County. The other graduate was Kyle A. Delp, son of Mark and Barb Delp of Mount Joy, Lancaster County.

Dale Fuller, vice president and chief information officer of Altoona Regional, offered a welcome to the families of the graduates, honored guests, faculty and graduates.

Joseph Pufka, administrative director of the Laboratory, presented the Most Outstanding Student Award to Krug.

Molly Harrison, MT(ASCP) SBB, technical supervisor, reference lab, American Red Cross, was the guest speaker. Louis M. Jourdain, M.D., associate director of the Laboratory, and Joseph R. Noel, school program director, presented diplomas and pins.

Laboratory tests performed to aid physicians in their diagnosis and treatment of patients are done under the direction of clinical laboratory scientists (medical technologists).

Working in a hospital, clinic, research laboratory, physician's office or in a public health laboratory, they are responsible for a variety of chemical, hematological, immunological, microbiological, serologic and other laboratory procedures. Such determinations contribute to patient care and provide important diagnostic data.

The clinical laboratory scientist is also responsible for the quality control of the laboratory and supervision of other laboratory personnel. Since laboratory tests deal directly with life and death matters, the trained clinical laboratory scientist occupies a responsible, key position.

As in other medical professions, the practice of clinical laboratory science is regulated both from within the profession and, in some states, by law. Completion of the program at Altoona Regional results in a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science.

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.

Photo: Graduates (from left) seated - Kyle Delp and Sue-Ann Krupa; standing — Joshua Krug, Andrea Link and Joe Noel, program director.

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July 19, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES AUGUST PROGRAMS

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for August 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 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening is available by appointment only 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, in 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.

A free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, Aug. 6, 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.

A Safe Sitter Class will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Aug.13, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. Fee $25, includes materials, snacks and lunch. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size limited.

A Seniors for Safe Driving course will be offered from 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, and Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite. The fee is $15. Registration required. Call 1.800.559.4880 or log on to www.sfsd-pa.com.

It 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 six-week series of Hatha yoga, which offers mind/body exercise, breath control, stretching and strengthening to promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being, will be taught by Gail Murphy, a registered instructor. The series is offered in the School of Nursing auditorium (building behind helicopter pad), Altoona Hospital Campus, Tuesdays, Aug. 17 through Sept. 21. Beginners 5:30-6:40 p.m. and intermediate 6:50-8 p.m. The fee is $30. Register now as class is limited to 30. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Yoga mat needed for all classes.

Join Dr. Arthur DeMarsico, vascular surgeon with Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Inc. and medical director of Central Pa. Cardiovascular Associates, Friday, Aug. 27, when he will discuss prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and nonsurgical and surgical treatment of PAD. In addition, nurse practitioner Kay Adams will demonstrate HeartAware, a free online risk assessment designed to enable you to take control of your heart health. Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by program. Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

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July 19, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN AUGUST

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in August 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, 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, Aug. 4, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 943-7040 for information.

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 889-2557.

Breastfeeding classes are offered for expectant parents 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 4 and 11, in the Rotunda. Please call 889-2557.

The Caregivers Corner Support Group meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, 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, Aug. 4, in the Bedford Room. Call 943-7040 for information.

The Parkinson's Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30, 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, Aug. 18, 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 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, Aug. 5, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

The Faith-based Bereavement/Grief Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 4 and 18, in the fourth floor waiting room. For information, call 889-3323.

The Stroke Support Group meets at noon Tuesday, Aug. 10, in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 889-4463.

A Wheelchair Clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, in the second floor Physical Medicine gym (use 8th Avenue entrance). Physician referral required. Call for information and appointment, 889-4463.

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July 8, 2010 - IMAGING SERVICES EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 35 1/2 YEARS OF SERVICE

John Rys, administrator of Imaging Services' photo archiving and communication system, retired June 30 with 35 1/2 years of service.

Rys was hired Dec. 2, 1974, as the radiology manager. He then became the administrative director for 13 years, and five years ago became PACS administrator.

During his tenure, Rys said, he has seen the department undergo phenomenal physical and technological growth, from three rooms and 12 employees to more than 40 rooms, state-of-the-art equipment on two hospital campuses and 140 employees - nearly all of them taught and/or hired by him.

"We've never had a bad (regulatory) inspection and that's what I'm most proud of," he said.

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July 8, 2010 - GEORGE W. CUMMINGS III, D.O., OBTAINS BOARD CERTIFICATION BY AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC BOARD OF SURGERY

George W. Cummings III, D.O., a member of the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff, has obtained board certification by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) through October 2019.

Certification means Dr. Cummings has passed rigorous examinations that are designed, constructed and conducted to evaluate a physician's understanding of the basic sciences, surgical principles and osteopathic philosophy of surgery.

The AOBS, with national offices in Huber Heights, Ohio, is one of the 18 certifying boards of the American Osteopathic Association. The AOBS was established to define the qualifications required for osteopathic physicians for certification in general surgery and the surgical subspecialties, including vascular, neurological, plastic and reconstructive, cardiothoracic, urological and critical care surgery. The AOBS has the responsibility to determine by examination and other criteria, the fitness and competence of the osteopathic physician for certification. By these actions, the AOBS maintains and promotes moral and ethical standards in the practice of surgery within the osteopathic profession.

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July 8, 2010 - NEW PATIENT ACCESS MANAGER HIRED

Lona Aiken of Hollidaysburg has been hired as the new Patient Access manager in the Emergency Department.

She is a 1992 graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration.

Aiken has worked in health care for the past 17 years as a director of senior living communities in south Florida.

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July 8, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM BEGINS OFFERING PET/CT IMAGING SERVICES IN-HOUSE

For the past three years, Altoona Regional has provided PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) services through Vantage Mobile Services. On July 1, the health system began offering PET/CT services in-house, five days per week.

Altoona Regional's new 16-slice PET/CT scanner is located at Bon Secours Hospital Campus, 2500 7th Ave., Altoona, and will be moved when construction is completed at the future Imaging Center at Station Medical Center, 1414 9th Ave., Altoona.

PET imaging is a diagnostic imaging procedure that provides information about the body's chemistry, cell function and exact location of disease. The benefits of a combined PET/CT scan include earlier diagnosis, accurate staging and localization, and precise treatment and monitoring.

PET/CT is used in:

• Oncology to determine the location and extent of tumor growth
• Neurology to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, stroke, brain tumors and seizures
• Cardiology to detect certain heart functions

"PET/CT combines the two most powerful tools in diagnostic imaging," said Mike Corso, director, Altoona Regional Imaging Services. "The PET looks at biologic activity, while the CT looks at anatomic findings. By merging the two, PET/CT allows one to look at both at the same time."

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June 24, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL ADVANCED PRIMARY STROKE CENTER AWARDED RECERTIFICATION FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION

The Altoona Regional Advanced Primary Stroke Center has earned disease-specific care recertification from The Joint Commission.

To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive, unannounced, on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program's processes, the program's ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff.

"This certification means Altoona Regional does the right things and does them well for stroke patients," says Jean E. Range, executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission.

"Altoona Regional voluntarily pursued this comprehensive, independent evaluation to enhance the safety and quality of care we provide" says Janet Ashurst, Altoona Regional Neuroscience clinical coordinator. "We're proud to achieve this distinction."

The Joint Commission launched its disease-specific certification program in 2002. It is the first program of its kind in the country to certify disease management.

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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June 10, 2010 - HEALTH CARE SYSTEM WINS ADVERTISING AWARDS

Altoona Regional Health System's Marketing & Communications department and Mock Creations, State College, have won three awards in the 27th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards competition.

The awards include a bronze for a Center for Cancer Care billboard and merits for a Center for Cancer Care print ad and Healthy Living Magazine. It was the magazine's fifth merit award.

Over 4,000 entries were received, making this the largest health care advertising awards competition. A national panel of judges reviewed all entries based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact and gave 260 gold awards, 250 silver awards and 241 bronze awards.

The Healthcare Advertising Awards is the oldest, largest and most widely respected health care advertising awards competition. The awards are sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report, the leading publication covering all aspects of health care marketing, advertising and strategic business development.

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June 10, 2010 - LABORATORY EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

Clerk phlebotomist/EKG technician Mina Noce, PBT, ASCP, of Altoona, retired from the Laboratory, Altoona Hospital Campus, Altoona Regional Health System, with 34 years of service June 1.

She was hired in 1976 as a phlebotomist. She became a phlebotomist through CETA, an adult education program operated at the time by the Altoona Area Vo-Tech School and Altoona Hospital.

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June 10, 2010 - NURSE RETIRES WITH 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Registered Nurse Carole Roman of Duncansville, supervisor of Quality Documentation Nurses, Quality Management department at Altoona Regional Health System, recently retired with 30 years of service.

Roman was hired in 1980 as a staff nurse in the Altoona Hospital Emergency department where she worked for 20 years. She transferred to Quality Management 10 years ago.

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June 10, 2010 - NEW BUYER SELECTED FOR NURSING/EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Laura Cresswell of Bellwood is the new buyer in the Purchasing department of Materiel Management. Her new responsibilities include buying for the nursing floors and for the emergency departments on Altoona Hospital and Bon Secours Hospital campuses.

Cresswell was hired in August 2009 as a Patient Access Representative. She is a graduate of St. Francis University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Marketing.

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June 10, 2010 - NEW BUYER SELECTED FOR NURSING/EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Laura Cresswell of Bellwood is the new buyer in the Purchasing department of Materiel Management. Her new responsibilities include buying for the nursing floors and for the emergency departments on Altoona Hospital and Bon Secours Hospital campuses.

Cresswell was hired in August 2009 as a Patient Access Representative. She is a graduate of St. Francis University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Marketing.

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June 10, 2010 - SHEHNAZ MOHSIN, M.D. JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Shehnaz Mohsin, M.D. has joined the Altoona Regional Medical Staff. She is affiliated with Lexington Hospitalists, 620 Howard Ave.

Dr. Mohsin is board certified in Family Medicine.

She received her medical degree from DOW Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. She completed the residency program in the department of Family Medicine (OB Track), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

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June 9, 2010 - CHECKING ON ELDERLY DURING HEAT WAVE MAY PREVENT DEHYDRATION

While temperatures in the 80s and 90s are uncomfortable for most people, for some it can pose a health risk due to age or other health conditions.

"The elderly, the very young and people who take certain medications, such as those that narrow the blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), certain blood pressure medications such as beta blockers, diuretics such as lasix, or medications that reduce psychiatric symptoms such as antidepressants and antipsychotics are at increased risk of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses," said Matthew Bouchard, M.D., chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine at Altoona Regional.

Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, thirst, generalized weakness, decreased urination, nausea and confusion.

Risk factors for dehydration include a poorly ventilated living area, inability to access adequate fluids, medications that can increase fluid loss and reduce the body's ability to remain cool.

Treatment for dehydration includes moving to a cool area, fluid hydration either orally or through an intravenous line and replacement of lost electrolytes.

Dehydration can be prevented by keeping the living space well-ventilated, avoiding excessive activity during hours of peak heat, and keeping well hydrated in accordance with your physician's recommendations regarding your individual safe daily fluid intake.

"If you know of an elderly relative, neighbor or friend who lives alone, we suggest you check on them during the hot weather and make sure they are in good health," Dr. Bouchard said.

Dehydration can also be a factor in heat cramps and heat exhaustion. If not treated promptly, these conditions may escalate to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition in which the body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat cramps are often caused by exposure to extreme temperature changes such as a heat wave and/or physical exertion. Symptoms include profuse sweating, fatigue, thirst and muscle cramps in the stomach, arms and legs. The recommended treatment is drinking fluids with electrolytes (a sports drink) and resting in an air-conditioned room or shaded area.

If not treated, heat cramps may progress to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, cool, moist skin and muscle cramps. Treatment is drinking fluids with electrolytes, going to an air-conditioned room and taking a cool shower. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

The most serious heat-related condition is heatstroke, Dr. Bouchard said. Heatstroke is most likely to occur in hot, humid weather and/or when working or exercising in hot weather. Heatstroke is also more likely to occur when dehydrated, wearing excess clothing and drinking alcohol. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment at an emergency room.

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May 27, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECEIVES AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY CARE FOR STROKE PATIENTS

Altoona Regional Health System has received the 2010 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes Altoona Regional's commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines.

To receive the award, Altoona Regional achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Performance Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care.

These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation - all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award demonstrates Altoona Regional's commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing aggressive, proven stroke care," said Janet Ashurst, BSN, CCRN, neuroscience clinical coordinator. "We will continue with our focus on providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols."

"Altoona Regional is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients," said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. "The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients."

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke uses the "teachable moment," the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their health care professional's guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke.

Through Get With The Guidelines-Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients' individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the Get With The Guidelines Patient Management Tool gives health care providers access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.

"The time is right for Altoona Regional to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines-Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and our large aging population," Ashurst said.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every three minutes, and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

For more information on Get With The Guidelines, visit www.americanheart.org/getwiththeguidelines.

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May 14, 2010 - NUTRITION SERVICES EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Norma McCormick, Nutrition Services assistant at Altoona Regional Health System, retired April 30 with 40 years of service.

She was hired in 1967 and worked until 1969 as a nurse's aide in the 3A building. She had a break in service until 1971 when she returned as a nurse's aide through 1986, primarily on Tower 12. She also received training as a ward secretary. In 1986, she transferred to Nutrition Services into the position held until retirement.

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May 17, 2010 - INTENSIVE CARE UNIT NURSE EARNS CARDIAC MEDICINE CERTIFICATION

Altoona Regional Registered Nurse Dee (Delores) Smithbauer, CCRN, CMC, an Intensive Care Unit employee at Altoona Hospital Campus, recently passed the certification exam in Cardiac Medicine Certification awarded by the American Association for Critical Care Nursing.

Smithbauer, of Ebensburg, received her nursing degree from Conemaugh School of Nursing, Johnstown. She received her certification in Critical Care Nursing in 2004.

She is employed as a staff registered nurse on the day/evening shift.

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May 14, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES JUNE PROGRAMS

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for June 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 refresher Seniors for Safe Driving course will be offered from 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite. The fee is $15. Registration required. Call 1.800.559.4880 or log on to www.sfsd-pa.com.

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

Join Timothy A. Lucas, M.D., medical director, Altoona Regional Institute for Sleep Medicine, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, June 10, as he discusses "Getting a Good Night's Sleep." He'll have tips for getting a good night's rest, the causes of sleep disturbances and the treatment options. The program will be in Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size limited.

A free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, June 11, 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.

A Child Safety Seat Checkup Station will be conducted Friday, June 11, 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.

On Friday, June 11, join Dr. John Anastasi for an explanation of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft surgery - a less painful, less invasive alternative to open heart surgery to repair partially blocked heart arteries. Benefits include shorter hospital stay and less pain. Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by program until 1 p.m. The program is at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

A Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening is available by appointment only 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 14, in 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.

A Safe Sitter Class will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, June 18, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. Fee $25, includes materials, snacks and lunch. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size limited.

Certified Safe Sitter instructors will prepare adolescents ages 11 to 13 to baby-sit infants and young children in a safe, responsible and competent manner. Participants will learn basic child-care and first-aid skills, keeping a house secure, how to prevent accidents and recognize common signs of illness, and how to rescue a choking child or infant.

Please end PSAs three days prior to program to allow for registration.

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May 14, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL OFFERS SUPPORT GROUPS/CLINICS IN JUNE

Altoona Regional Health System offers the following support group meetings and patient clinics in June 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, 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, June 2, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 943-7040 for information.

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, in the Allegheny Room. Please call 889-2557.

The Caregivers Corner Support Group meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 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, June 2, in the Bedford Room. Call 943-7040 for information.

The Parkinson's Support Group meets at 11 a.m. Monday, June 28, 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, June 16, 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 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, June 3, in the Trzeciak Conference Suite. For information, call 886-6458.

The Faith-based Bereavement/Grief Support Group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 2 and 13, in the fourth floor waiting room. For information, call 889-3323.

The Stroke Support Group meets at noon Tuesday, June 8, in the Kaufman Dining Room. For information, call 889-4463.

A Wheelchair Clinic will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, in the second floor Physical Medicine gym. Physician referral required. Call for information and appointment, 889-4463.

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May 13, 2010 - Delta Dental awards $10,000 grant to Altoona community dental clinics

Funds will help the James W. Barner Community Dental Clinics provide urgent and emergency care for uninsured patients

Mechanicsburg/Altoona, Pa. - Two community dental clinics that provide much-needed services to low-income people who lack access to care will receive a $10,000 grant from Delta Dental of Pennsylvania.

The grant will directly reimburse clinic dentists for their services to patients who have unmet dental needs and who are unable to pay on their own for those services.

The first grant installment of $5,000 was presented today to the James W. Barner Community Dental Clinics of the Partnership for a Healthy Community, which provides oral health care services for those with limited access to care due to medical conditions, disability or limited financial resources. The two clinics collectively serve about 7,500 patients a year, including more than 4,000 children.

The Partnership was created by and operates as an affiliate of Altoona Regional Health System. The children's clinic is located in and operated in partnership with the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center.

Although about half of the clinics' patients are beneficiaries under dental Medicaid or Medicaid Managed Care, many lack any financial resources to help pay for care. The clinic provides these patients approximately $100,000 per year in services such as dental screenings, restorations and emergency care.

"Our clinics are a great story of good people coming together to help neighbors in need," said Jerry Murray, president and CEO of Altoona Regional Health System. "We have been blessed by the hard work of devoted and community-minded individuals who turned a dream into reality.

"Generous partners such as Delta Dental help us keep the dream alive. And we thank Dr. Donald Betar, clinical director, who was instrumental in securing this grant."

The clinics serve an eight-county area (Blair, Centre, Huntingdon, Fulton, Bedford, Cambria, Clearfield, and Clinton). They are the area's largest provider of oral health care services to patients with limited resources.

"These two clinics routinely absorb the cost of urgent and emergency care for the dentally underserved," said Gary D. Radine, Delta Dental president and CEO. "We're pleased that this grant will go directly toward paying for this care. The grant is consistent with our mission to expand access to care for as many people as possible."

About Delta Dental of Pennsylvania
Delta Dental of Pennsylvania (www.deltadentalins.com) is part of a holding company system whose affiliated companies, along with Delta Dental of New York, provide dental benefits to nearly 25 million people in 15 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They are all part of the Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA), based in Oak Brook, Ill. DDPA consists of 39 Delta Dental member companies licensed in all 50 states. The association collectively covers nearly 54 million of the 176 million people nationwide with private dental insurance, making it by far the largest national system of dental plans.

About the Altoona Regional Partnership and the James W. Barner Community Dental Clinics
The Altoona Regional Partnership for a Healthy Community (www.altoonaregional.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation for the Altoona area, which is demarcated as an underserved rural area. In 1999, the Partnership and the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center opened the dental clinics - one for pediatrics and one for adults. Directed by Dr. Donald Betar, the clinics offer free dental screenings, restorations and emergency care for dental Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care beneficiaries as well as uninsured children and adults and Medical Assistance recipients in Blair, Centre, Huntingdon, Fulton, Bedford, Cambria, Clearfield, and Clinton counties. The clinics serve 7,500 patients a year, including more than 4,000 children.

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May 13, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL FOUNDATION FOR LIFE RECEIVES MORE THAN $6,000 FROM ALTOONA CURVE

The Altoona Curve Spring Training Festival held in February raised $6,187.85 for the Altoona Regional Foundation for Life general fund.

"We were proud to partner with the Foundation for Life for our first Spring Training Festival. It's a testament to our community that we were still able to raise more than $6,000 for the Foundation, even though the afternoon portion of our event was canceled due to the February snow storm," said Rob Egan, Altoona Curve general manager. "We look forward to continuing our support of the Foundation to help ensure affordable, quality health care in our region."

"We are very thankful for the Altoona Curve's support in helping to improve health care for our community," said Ron McConnell, chief operating officer.

To find out how the Foundation for Life can help you fulfill your philanthropic wishes, contact 814.889.6406 or visit www.altoonaregional.org/gift_giving.

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): Stacey Martilotta, development associate, Foundation for Life; Ron McConnell, chief operating officer, Altoona Regional; Rob Egan, general manager, Altoona Curve; Ann Benzel, chair, Foundation for Life; Jerry Murray, president/CEO, Altoona Regional, and Diesel Dog, Curve mascot.

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May 6, 2010 - MEDIA ADVISORY

Although this meeting will not be open to the media, several participants will be available afterward for interviews. The meeting is expected to end at 2:30 p.m. If you would like to meet with participants at that time, and/or if you would like to do a story prior to the meeting, please contact Patt Keith in the Marketing and Communications department at 889.2622 no later than noon on Friday, May 7. Thank you.

An informational meeting will be held at the Altoona Hospital Campus of Altoona Regional Health System on Monday, May 10, to discuss appropriation of state funds for health care clinics for the uninsured and the status of further legislation.

The agenda will also include a presentation on Altoona's Partnering for Health Services clinic for the uninsured.

Attending will be representatives from Altoona Regional (including its clinic for the uninsured), Conemaugh Health System, Clearfield Hospital, DuBois Regional Medical Center, Somerset Hospital, J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital and Indiana Regional Medical Center, as well as the Hospital and Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania (HAP).

State lawmakers who will attend or be represented include Sen. John Eichelberger, Sen. Donald White, Rep. Jerry Stern, Rep. Gary Haluska and Rep. Todd Eachus, House majority leader.

Several insurers will also be represented.

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May 4, 2010 - STROKE AWARENESS MONTH SPECIAL EVENT

WHAT: Receive free blood pressure screenings and materials about stroke. Janet Ashurst, BSN, CCRN, Neuroscience Clinical Coordinator, will be available for interviews.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Friday, May 7

WHERE: Atrium, Altoona Hospital Campus

WHY: May is Stroke Awareness Month - One American suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and one American dies every 35 minutes from a stroke.

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April 29, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR CANCER CARE GRANTED THREE-YEAR ACCREDITATION

Altoona Regional Center for Cancer Care has earned a three-year accreditation with commendation by the Commission on Cancer (COC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS).

Altoona Regional received the accreditation following the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor. The facility demonstrated a commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represented the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement). In addition, Altoona Regional received a compliance rating for all other standards.

Receiving care at a CoC-accredited cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment
• A multispecialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
• Access to cancer-related information, education and support
• A cancer registry that collects data on type and state of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
• Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.
• And, most importantly, quality care close to home.

"On behalf of the entire cancer program, I extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the many departments and to the medical staff for the teamwork that made this certification possible," said Tom Zeek, cancer program administrator.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a continuum of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

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April 28, 2010 - MOBILE LEARNING CENTER FOR ORTHOPEDICS VISITS ALTOONA REGIONAL

The Zimmer-Randall Mobile Learning Center will visit the Altoona Hospital Campus from 9 a.m. to noon and the Bon Secours Hospital Campus from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, so area residents can learn about the latest in joint replacement technology.

The Zimmer bus will be located outside the main entrance on the Altoona Hospital Campus and in the 7th Avenue parking lot outside the cafeteria at Bon Secours.

The Zimmer bus features information about:

• Trabecular Metal Technology - The family of Trabecular Metal™ bone replacement implants represents an innovative solution for a wide range of orthopedic applications, making it an excellent alternative to allograft bone.
• Trabecular Metal Reverse Shoulder System - The Zimmer Trabecular Metal Reverse Shoulder System offers a revolutionary combination of technology and versatility for the surgeon. This system aids in the restoration of normal function for patients suffering from severe loss of rotator cuff function.
• Fitmore Hip Stem - Used in minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, this is a smaller, bone-conserving implant inserted through a smaller incision.
• Continuum Acetabular System - This modular hip replacement system allows interchangeable liners custom fit to the patient
• Patient Specific Instruments (PSI) - This custom instrumentation is specific to a patient's anatomy and helps facilitate implant placement. The potential benefits include increased accuracy, less blood loss and reduced operating time.
• DeNovo NT Natural Tissue Graft - This is a cartilage replacement system

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April 15, 2010 - DANIEL Y. LIN, M.D., Ph.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Daniel Y. Lin, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff. He practices with Lexington Hospitalists Inc. at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona.

Dr. Lin received his medical degree from Fujian Medical College, China, and did his internship at Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Center in Los Angeles. He did his residency training at Altoona Family Physicians Family Medicine Residency Program at Altoona Regional and in Fujian Provincial Hospital, China.

Dr. Lin earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Oulu University, Finland, in 2001. He had post-doctoral fellowship training in nephrology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, from 2002-06.

He is board-eligible in Family Medicine.

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April 14, 2010 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SCHEDULES MAY PROGRAMS

The Healthy Living Club has scheduled the following educational programs and screenings for May 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 free osteoporosis screening (heel scan) is available for men and women by appointment only on Friday, May 7, 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.

A Child Safety Seat Checkup Station will be conducted Friday, May 14, 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 Seniors for Safe Driving course will be offered from 6-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May11 and 12, at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite. The fee is $15. Registration required. Call 1.800.559.4880 or log on to www.sfsd-pa.com.

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 is available by appointment only 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, May 17, in 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 Donald Beckstead, M.D., of Altoona Family Physicians for a program on "Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection" Thursday, May 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. 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.

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States? Research shows that most skin cancers can be prevented. Ample time will be allotted for questions.

Dr. U. Fusun Cardakli of EyeDoc Associates will discuss normal eye changes that occur with aging and common eye diseases affecting older adults, as well as what you can do to keep your eyes healthy in "Aging Eyes: Changes and Disease Prevention" on Friday, May 21. Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by program until 1 p.m. in the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Ample time will be allotted for questions.

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