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WINTER 2008
2 0 0 7 A N N U A L R E P O RT A N D D O N O R L I S T I N G S — PA G E S 7 - 1 0
Bad sign?
Don’t ignore
leg pain
Page 4
Page 2
Energy
eating
Stay active,
eat right
this winter
Page 5
Reawakening
“I could never
repay everyone
involved for helping
me change my life.”
In color
Coding
system can
save kids’ lives
Page 12
Health News
& Information
for Healthy
Living
WINTER 2008
Healthy
Living
New mom enjoys
new life after
treatment for
sleep disorder
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Altoona Regional’s
Healthy Living
Magazine is published
four times a year by
the Marketing and
Communications
Department.
At left: A fully rested Kristine
reads to her daughter in
their Bedford home.
Chief Operating Officer
Ronald J. McConnell
Director, Marketing and
Communications
Dave Cuzzolina
On the cover: Kristine enjoys
a special moment with her
daughter, Lauryn.
Staff Writers
Patt Frank
Jay Knarr
Anne Stoltz
Design
Barash Advertising
State College, Pa.
For more information, please contact:
Altoona Regional Health System
Marketing and Communications
620 Howard Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
889.2271
[email protected]
PLEASE
NOTE:
President
and CEO
Jim Barner’s
column
appears
on Page 7
as part of the
system’s
annual
report.
If you are not receiving
Healthy Living Magazine in
the mail and would like to,
you need to join the
Healthy Living Club.
It’s FREE, and the
magazine is just one of
the many benefits!
Join online at
www.altoonaregional.org
or call 889.2630 or
1.888.313.4665.
oration
REST
For years, extreme fatigue
kept Kristine Putt from
spending quality time
with the one person she
fought so hard to bring into
this world: her daughter,
Lauryn.
mom who spent every
possible second playing,
laughing and sharing
special moments with her
daughter. Unfortunately,
her constant lack of energy
and frustration over failed
weight-loss attempts
shattered those dreams.
Relief finally came when
a sleep study found that
Kristine suffered from
obstructive sleep apnea
— a serious condition in
which people have trouble
breathing during sleep, or
even stop breathing for
short periods, because
their airway is blocked.
Up at 10, nap at 2
“There were days when I
would take a nap at 2 p.m.
even though I just woke up
at 10 a.m. That obviously
cut down on the time I
should have been spending
with Lauryn,” Kristine
recalled. “I was always just
too tired to be the mother
I wanted to be, and that
really bothered me.
Kristine’s incredible
journey began nearly eight
years ago. In her quest
to become a mother,
the now 30-year-old
Bedford woman gained
over 150 pounds due to a
combination of fertility and
anti-depression drugs.
“Working with children and
their families for a living, I
know how important it is for
a child to have an involved
parent in his or her life.
Having a parent with energy
vs. a parent that’s always
exhausted can make a
huge difference to a child.”
When she finally gave
birth in 2003, Kristine
had aspirations of being
a full-time working
2
In July 2006, Kristine,
attributing her low energy
level to her weight and
depression, turned to her
family doctor, Jennifer
Murnyack-Garner, M.D.,
for help. Eventually, she
was advised to undergo
a sleep study at Altoona
Regional’s Institute for
Sleep Medicine to rule out
sleep apnea.
If sleep apnea is not
diagnosed and treated,
it can interfere with your
quality of life, according to
Timothy A. Lucas, M.D.,
the institute’s medical
director. Sleep apnea
can put people at risk
for excessive daytime
sleepiness and potentially
worsen other problems,
such as high blood
pressure, depression,
irregular heart rhythms,
heart failure, coronary
artery disease and stroke.
A noninvasive
study
“Kristine was a bit
apprehensive about
coming in for a sleep
study, but I told her what
I tell all my patients: The
monitor hookup, although
cumbersome, is not
invasive. The sleep study
can’t hurt you,” Dr. Lucas
said. “You’re just in a
strange bed in a strange
room being observed by
strange people. If you’re
tired, you’ll eventually fall
asleep and we’ll get the
data we need to help you.”
To treat Kristine, Dr. Lucas
prescribed the use of an
auto CPAP (continuous
positive airway pressure)
machine, which helps
people with obstructive
sleep apnea breathe more
easily during sleep. An
auto CPAP machine takes
air from the room and
increases air pressure in
your throat so your airway
A LOOK
INSIDE
Do you have SLEEP APNEA?
Dr. Lucas recommends you talk with your family physician
if you snore and have one or more of the following:
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Witnessed apneas (someone observes your pauses
in breathing during sleep)
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Sleeping at work or while driving
QUICK FACTS about sleep apnea
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Affects 4 to 6 percent of population
Many people with sleep apnea have never been
diagnosed
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Most common problem seen in sleep centers
Affects both males and females
About 60 to 80 percent of sleep apnea patients are
overweight
The Institute for Sleep
Medicine is a comprehensive
program that treats all types
of sleep disorders, especially
snoring and sleep apnea,
under the medical direction
of a sleep specialist.
Complete or partial collapse of the upper airway
produces apnea and leads to arousal from sleep
repeatedly during sleep
“Apnos” is Greek for “without breath”
Ten basic rules for a
GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
1 Sleep only as much as you need to feel rested
2 Keep a regular sleep schedule
3 Avoid forcing sleep
4 Exercise daily for at least 20 minutes
5 Avoid caffeine after lunch
6 Avoid alcohol near bedtime
7 Avoid smoking, particularly in the evening
8 Do not go to bed hungry
9 Adjust bedroom environment
Above: A patient’s sleep is monitored at the
Institute for Sleep Medicine.
At right: Bernadette Krug, R.N.,
registered polysomnography technologist,
observes a patient’s sleep cycle during a sleep study.
10 Deal with your worries before bedtime
does not collapse when
you breathe in, he said.
Kristine uses her CPAP at
home every night. She still
recalls how great she felt
just two weeks into using
the machine.
“My energy level literally
skyrocketed. I felt 110
percent better during the
day,” she said. “I even
began waking up before my
daughter in the mornings.
That was something that
rarely ever happened.
‘The best gift’
“Being able to play and
keep up with Lauryn all
day without feeling tired is
the best gift anyone has
ever given to me. Having
the sleep study and finding
out what was causing my
fatigue has been a blessing.
My life has totally changed
for the better.”
With her new vitality,
Kristine became less
frustrated and more
motivated to exercise and
eat healthfully, and soon
watched the weight fall off.
Since November 2006, she
has lost over 55 pounds.
“I know that I still have
a long road to go as far
as losing the weight, but
I know that I am on the
right path now, thanks to
the tremendous support
from my family, friends,
physicians and the
wonderful staff at the
institute.
“I could never repay everyone involved for helping
me change my life. These
people have made a huge
impact in not only my
life but Lauryn’s as well.
Lauryn will remember me
as the mom who played
with her every single
day, not the mom who
told her ‘I’m too tired’
all the time. For that,
I am truly thankful.”
For more information on Altoona Regional’s
Institute for Sleep Medicine, call 889.4466.
Institute for Sleep Medicine
Contact:
Timothy A. Lucas, M.D.
Medical Director,
Institute for
Sleep Medicine
Altoona Regional
Health System
Bon Secours
Hospital Campus
2500 7th Ave.
Altoona
889.4466
The institute includes a sleep
lab, where patients can
be monitored during sleep
for diagnostic purposes
using computerized
polysomnography equipment.
In the morning, patients are
treated to breakfast in the
institute’s hospitality room.
The institute also runs a
daytime sleep clinic, where
patients are first assessed
by a sleep clinic nurse and
then evaluated by an institute
physician to determine a
plan of care. Patients are
asked to return to the clinic
after their sleep studies
to discuss outcomes and
treatment plans. All reports
and recommendations from
the institute are sent to the
patients’ referring physicians.
Besides snoring and sleep
apnea, the institute can help
patients who have problems:
Staying awake, such as
narcolepsy.
With nighttime behaviors,
such as sleepwalking,
night terrors or bedwetting.
Sleeping at night
(insomnia). This may be
caused by conditions such
as periodic limb movement
disorder, which is repetitive
cramping or jerking of
the legs during sleep, or
restless legs syndrome, an
intense urge to move the
legs to relieve a strange
sensation.
With sleep deprivation and/
or sleep due to shift work.
3
PROGRAM ALERT! The Snooze Blues: Sleep Disorders and Treatment See Page 14 for details, date and time
If you have daytime
sleepiness even though you
got enough sleep the night
before, Dr. Lucas encourages
you to speak with your family
doctor about the potential for
sleep disorders.
PROGRAM ALERT! Learn more and be screened See Page 15 for details, date and time
Some leg pain
could warn of
vascular problems
throughout body
PAD
Pay Attention without Delay
Leg pain while walking or climbing stairs may be a
sign of a serious condition known as peripheral arterial
disease, or PAD.
Most of the 8 million to 12 million Americans who suffer
from PAD are unaware they have the disease. That is a
major problem because untreated PAD can not only make
walking difficult but may increase your risk of heart attack,
stroke, gangrene, leg amputation and even death.
PAD occurs when plaque clogs leg arteries or vessels
and restricts blood flow. Eventually, the restricted flow
causes aching pain, called claudication, while walking
or exercising, according to Arthur J. DeMarsico, D.O.,
vascular surgeon and medical director of Altoona
Regional’s Vascular Institute.
Recognize the
warning signs
Identify the
problem
The most common
symptom of PAD is pain
in your leg muscles —
not your joints — when
you walk, climb stairs or
exercise, that goes away
when you rest, according
to vascular surgeon
Shuba Maitra, M.D.
While everyone knows
how important it is to treat
and prevent heart disease,
most are not aware of the
seriousness of PAD,
Dr. Maitra said.
Other symptoms include:
Painful cramping in
legs and hips
Numbness and tingling
in the lower legs or feet
Marked decrease in
temperature of lower
leg or foot, particularly
compared to your other
leg or the rest of your
body
Sores or wounds on
toes, feet or legs that
heal slowly, poorly or
not at all
Color changes of
the skin of your feet,
including paleness or
blueness
Poor nail growth and
decreased hair growth
on toes and legs
Burning or aching
in feet or toes while
resting
Leg weakness
Arthur J.
DeMarsico,
D.O.
Shuba
Maitra,
M.D.
If you experience any
kind of recurring leg pain,
speak with your family
doctor and describe the
pain as accurately as
you can.
“If your leg arteries are
clogged, it’s quite possible
that other blood vessels
around your heart and
brain may be as well,”
he explained. “People
with PAD are three times
more likely to die of heart
attacks or strokes than
people without PAD.”
Fortunately, PAD can
be easily diagnosed,
and effective treatment
will significantly reduce
or eliminate the risks of
severe complications,
Dr. DeMarsico said.
The ankle-brachial index
(ABI), a painless test in
which blood pressure is
measured in the legs and
arms to determine how
well your blood is flowing,
is the most common test
for PAD. When an ABI
reveals an abnormal ratio
between the two blood
pressures, additional
testing may be required.
Depending on the results
of the ABI, noninvasive
imaging techniques such
as angiography, magnetic
resonance angiography
(MRA) or a CT scan may
be used to determine the
location of the blockage,
Dr. DeMarsico said.
The STEP-BY-STEP process
Illustrations courtesy of Boston Scientific
STEP 1
STEP 1: Surgeon delivers a very
small balloon through a thin tube
(catheter) into the blood vessel to
the site of the blockage.
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 2: The catheter is filled with
nitrous oxide gas, which cools and
expands the balloon. The gas gently
cools the inside of the blood vessel,
which weakens the plaque as it
opens the blockage.
4
STEP 3: Once the blood vessel is
opened, the balloon is deflated
and removed.
Most PAD cases can be
managed with lifestyle
changes — diet, exercise
and smoking habits — and/
or medication, Dr. Maitra
explained. In some cases,
other treatment may be
necessary to open the artery.
CryoPlasty therapy is just
one minimally invasive
(nonsurgical) treatment
option for PAD available at
Altoona Regional’s Vascular
Institute. (See related article
for a step-by-step look at
CryoPlasty.)
Other minimally invasive
treatments for PAD include:
Angioplasty: Small
balloon filled with saline
(water and salt) solution
is inserted in artery and
expanded, pressing the
plaque against wall of
vessel to open up the
blockage.
Stenting: Tiny metal
cylinder, called a stent, is
inserted in artery to push
back the blockage.
SilverHawk: Surgeon uses
small rotating blade to
shave away and remove
plaque in artery.
At times, patients need a
surgical bypass procedure
which involves taking a vein
from another part of the
body and using it to create
a detour around the blocked
artery. The decision on which
treatment to use depends
on the severity of the plaque
and other factors, like the
location of the blocked
artery, Dr. Maitra said.
To find out more about PAD
treatment options at Altoona
Regional’s Vascular Institute,
Vascular Institute
ARE YOU AT RISK?
CryoPlasty therapy, a minimally
invasive technique used to open
clogged vessels, requires only
a small opening in the skin. It is
performed while the patient is
conscious but drowsy and usually
feeling no pain, Dr. DeMarsico said.
Find the solution
call 889.2005.
Those with the highest risk for developing PAD are people who:
Are older than 50
Use tobacco
Are diabetic
Have high blood pressure
Have high cholesterol
Are overweight
Are physically inactive
People with PAD are three
times more likely to die of
heart attacks or strokes
than people without PAD.
Have a family history of PAD or other cardiovascular diseases
The more risk factors that apply to you, the more important it is to talk with your
family doctor, get screened for PAD and reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
4
How to avoid
WINTER
WEIGHT
GA I N
COUNTING
CALORIES:
How to control
your weight
What you eat is as important as how much
Baby, it’s cold outside! Your best instincts tell you to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and
a plate of cookies to warm and comfort yourself.
If you do, though, you’re risking an unwanted winter weight gain.
1 Convert your weight in
pounds to kilograms by
dividing by 2.2.
“It’s easy to pack on the pounds through winter when most people are less active,” says
Dona Baughman, a registered dietitian with Altoona Regional. “People tend to feel more
sluggish and drained of energy during the winter months because they’re not moving.
The best way to feel more energetic is to move.
2 Take that number and
multiply by 25.
“The more you move your body, the more energy you will have. The people playing
basketball, skiing and doing other winter sports — they are the ones with energy. You
shouldn’t be eating more if you are doing less.”
3 This is the number of
calories you need per
day to maintain your
weight.
FOOD SELECTION MAKES BIG DIFFERENCE
4 To lose weight,
subtract 500 calories
per day to lose one
pound per week.
Quantity of food is important, but food selection is doubly important during winter.
“You want to choose more nutrient-dense foods —
foods that are high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories,”
Dona explained.
EXAMPLE:
130 pounds divided by
2.2 equals 59 kilograms
Examples of nutrient-dense foods include:
59 times 25 equals
1477. Round up to
1,500 calories per day
to maintain weight.
ORANGES — High in vitamin C and only 60 calories each.
GREEN PEPPERS — Vitamin C, 25 calories each.
CARROTS — Vitamin A, a half-cup cooked is only 25 calories.
Stay at 1,000 calories
per day to lose
one pound
per week.
GRAPES — Good source of fiber, and 15 grapes are only 60 calories.
“The more
you move your
body, the more
energy you
will have.”
Unfortunately, most people lean toward consuming “high energy” foods such as caffeine,
chocolate and highly processed, sugar-based fare when they are tired and bored. While
these foods provide an immediate rise in energy, the boost is short-lived, and the empty
calories are stored as fat because the body is unable to process the overload.
When outside for a long period, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol because they
change the body’s circulatory system and lower body temperature. Alcohol can be
especially dangerous since intoxication increases the risk of hypothermia. It reduces the
body’s core temperature by diverting the blood flow to the skin, evidenced by the flushed
face, and away from internal organs where it is needed. So, the body feels warmer, but
its core temperature actually drops.
Dona Baughman
Registered
Dietitian
MAKE CHANGES THAT WILL STICK
In her 17 years as a dietitian, Dona has learned that full-scale diet changes are
impractical and usually don’t stick in the long-term. When working with patients,
she finds out what foods they like to eat and then suggests healthier alternatives.
Some examples:
WHOLE GRAIN TOAST WITH PEANUT BUTTER
is healthier than white bread with jelly.
CEREAL is better than eggs and bacon.
GRAHAM CRACKERS with peanut butter
beat out potato chips.
“I try to deal with what they’re willing to change,” she said. “You have to look at whether
it’s something they’re willing to eat or find a healthy substitute that does the same thing.
And, they have to learn to make better choices.”
PROGRAM ALERT! “Winter Eating for Energy” with Dona Baughman See Page 15 for details, date and time
5
‘PAR’
A B O V E
Time is a commodity
nurses will tell you they
can’t have enough of.
So when Altoona Regional
introduced a computeraided supply management
system that allows nurses
to spend more time caring
for patients than sifting
through cluttered supply
closets, it received rave
reviews.
The PAR Excellence
system was launched at
Altoona Hospital Campus
in August, and soon will
be in almost every nursing
supply closet in the
system.
“Simply stated, the PAR
Excellence system allows
nurses to devote 100
percent of their attention
to doing what they do best
— caring for patients,”
said Vince Georgiana,
cart supply supervisor
for the Supply Chain
department (formerly
Materials Management).
“If my mom or dad were in
one of these hospital beds,
I’d feel better knowing that
the supplies the nurses
need to care for them are
available fast and are easy
to get to.”
Immaculately
organized
PAR Excellence supply
rooms are immaculately
organized with three
large, wall-mounted racks
holding rows of nursing
supplies neatly in easy-toview plastic bins. On each
tray is a nickel-sized metal
button called an iTag,
which electronically stores
the type and amount of the
item in the bin.
On the wall is a PAR
Display Board with
electronic screens.
Cathy Dillen, R.N., quickly fills and records her
supply needs before returning to her patients.
New supply system allows nurses more patient care time
Each screen shows
a patient’s name and
assigned room, and
includes similar metal
buttons, called iButtons,
for every patient.
The nurse walks into the
supply room, picks up a
touch probe that looks like
a TV remote control and
touches the iButton under
the patient’s name on the
PAR Display Board. He or
she then touches the iTag
on the bin from which each
item is collected for that
patient’s care.
When finished, the nurse
returns the touch probe to
the system’s “downloader
port” and the information
goes instantly into a
computer that records the
used items and recognizes
when it is time to restock
them. This system also
keeps track of the cost
of supplies used for each
specific patient.
Nurses like
easy-to-use
system
Excellence provides peace
of mind about nursing
supplies.
Gary W. Zuckerman, vice
president of Supply Chain,
first saw the system while
working in a Baltimorearea hospital and says
the results speak for
themselves.
“I feel more secure that
we won’t run out of
things, especially on the
weekends,” she said.
“Quite frankly, there are
few automated systems
that live up to their hype of
making processes more
efficient and accurate,” he
said. “I haven’t found any
others that are as simple
and straightforward as Par
Excellence.”
Both Gary and Vince have
received overwhelming
approval from nurses who
have used the system.
Angela Davies, R.N., says
that along with being easy
to learn and use, PAR
Clinical Manager Bonnie
Neal, R.N., says the system
has taken the burden off
nurses for ordering and
storing supplies.
Dottie Fulton, R.N., said the
system removed the clutter
and uncertainty from the
supply closet, and noted
that “running out of an item
is a thing of the past.”
In the end, the focus
of the PAR Excellence
initiative is on the patient
by recognizing that the
less time nurses spend
searching for supplies,
the more time they can
spend at the bedside.
For more information on PAR Excellence,
visit parexcellencesystems.com
“If my mom or dad were in one of these hospital beds,
I’d feel better knowing that the supplies . . .
are available fast.”
6
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2 0 0 7
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
Making the grade with a focus on quality
A message from
James W. Barner, President/CEO
After months of work, we built a
stroke care program that substantially
improves outcomes for stroke patients and
includes significant education and prevention
components. For that work, we earned certification
from The Joint Commission as a Regional Stroke Center —
the only one between Pittsburgh and Lancaster.
For many reasons, fiscal 2007
(July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007) was a great
success for our health care system.
During only our second full fiscal year as Altoona Regional,
we achieved progress on many important fronts:
Our intense focus on quality and patient safety was
recognized by the likes of Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield,
The Joint Commission and Voluntary Hospitals of America-PA.
Technology
The new $1.2 million GE LightSpeed 64-slice CT scanner we began
using in January 2007 offers some of the most powerful scanning
technology available.
Our patient satisfaction scores moved higher.
We formed a Regional Stroke Center in response to
community need.
Most significant among its many benefits for patients is its speed. It
captures images of a beating heart in five heartbeats, a single organ in
one second, and performs whole body trauma scans in 10 seconds —
all with a lower radiation dosage.
We installed one of the more technologically advanced imaging
tools available.
And we had a much improved year financially.
Let me expand a little on each area.
Financial results
Quality and patient safety
In last year’s annual report message, we talked about the pressures on
our bottom line from the rising costs of medical supplies and technology,
competition from for-profit services, and inadequate insurer payments.
Today’s consumers are informed and enlightened about their medical
care. They demand the best and will go to great lengths to find it for
themselves or a loved one. We encourage exactly this kind of proactive
approach.
We said it was our intention to address these concerns aggressively
by maintaining prudent cost controls and ensuring we were paid fairly
for the cost of providing high quality care.
You will notice in the highlights of our fiscal year on the next page
several having to do with quality and patient safety, including joining
the QualityBLUE Program, being named a Blue Distinction Center
for Cardiac Care for 2007, and earning five awards from Voluntary
Hospitals of America-PA for demonstrating extraordinary levels of clinical
performance.
By implementing our plan, we met our
goal of a 2 percent operating margin for
fiscal 2007.
In fiscal 2008, we again face many
challenges. The financial landscape for
hospitals has not changed, and we must
continue to deal effectively with those
pressures. We will also continue to enhance
quality and patient safety while adding
services and technology that benefit our
community.
We also achieved a minimum score of 80 percent on 17 of 20 stringent
Joint Commission core measures of quality. Core measures look
at treatment of congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction and
pneumonia, and prevention of surgical site infections.
These achievements demonstrate the success of our vigorous efforts to
excel in these two essential areas.
Patient satisfaction
Challenging yet exciting times
lie ahead.
More than 1,700 staff members took our 2007 employee satisfaction
survey. Why is that important when you’re talking about patient
satisfaction? Because scientific studies in health care have established an
indisputable link between employee satisfaction and patient satisfaction.
Sincerely,
For this reason, Altoona Regional is actively engaged in programs to
enhance employee satisfaction, along with physician satisfaction. And
the programs are showing results: Employee, physician AND patient
satisfaction scores were higher at the end of the fiscal year than they
were at the start.
Medical services
Being the largest provider of health care services in Blair County,
we knew we needed to address the fact that the county ranks above the
state average in stroke deaths.
7
KEY HOSPITAL
STATISTICS
ADMISSIONS
22,030
Highlights:
Clinical and community service
(includes newborns)
INPATIENT DAYS
AVERAGE
LENGTH OF STAY
102,456
4.7
OUTPATIENT
VISITS
459,668
EMERGENCY
ROOM VISITS
60,450
INPATIENT
SURGICAL
PROCEDURES
7,455
OUTPATIENT
SURGICAL
PROCEDURES
18,633
OUR PATIENT
CARE REVENUES
COME FROM:
2006
SEPTEMBER
The Outpatient Physical
Therapy department
relocates from the
Altoona Hospital
Campus to Puritan Park
Medical Center to offer
patients state-of-the-art
equipment and easy
accessibility.
OCTOBER
The former
Stroehmann’s Bakery
property adjacent to
the Altoona Hospital
Campus opens for
added parking after
extensive demolition
and paving work.
NOVEMBER
Medicare
46.72%
Medicaid
9.88%
Commercial
insurances
16.61%
Managed care
19.34%
Self-pay
1.6%
Other
5.85%
WHERE WE SPEND
OUR DOLLARS:
The Case Management
department is using
Deaf-Talk, a device
that helps deaf or
hearing-impaired
patients interact with
staff through video
conferencing equipment
that enables sign
language translation in
real time.
Joseph Antonowicz,
M.D., medical director
of Behavioral Health
Services, is named
Psychiatrist of the Year
by the National Alliance
on Mental Illness of
Pennsylvania.
DECEMBER
Altoona Regional
joins Highmark Blue
Cross/Blue Shield’s
QualityBLUE Program
— a select network
of hospitals with the
common goal of
improving patient care
and safety.
The hospitals implement a new, computerassisted housekeeping
program for optimum
cleanliness of facilities
and better patient
satisfaction.
2007
JANUARY
Altoona Regional puts
into service a new $1.2
million LightSpeed CT
scanner that produces
more-detailed images
rapidly and with a lower
radiation dosage.
The system sponsors
Health-O-Rama 2007,
the area’s biggest annual
health fair, reaching out
to community residents
with information,
screenings and programs
by medical experts.
MARCH
More than 1,700 staff
members take the 2007
employee satisfaction
survey. The system is
actively engaged in
programs to enhance
employee satisfaction
because of the direct link
to patient satisfaction.
Hospital
Salaries and wages
36%
Employee benefits
11%
Professional fees,
supplies & others
43%
Depreciation and
amortization
5%
Financial
Information
7/1/06 to 6/30/07
The system issues
a Community
Commitment Annual
Report showing we
provided $12.5 million
in community benefit
during fiscal 2006.
APRIL
Altoona Regional
is named a Blue
Distinction Center for
Cardiac Care for 2007
by the Blue Cross and
Blue Shield Association.
Blue Distinction Centers
meet stringent quality
criteria established
by expert physician
panels and national
organizations, resulting
in better outcomes and
care consistency.
MAY
Altoona Regional signs
an agreement with the
state to lease the former
Altoona Center building
and property adjacent
to Altoona Hospital
Campus. Preliminary
plans are to use the
property for more facility
space and parking.
Altoona Regional
joins with the National
Kidney Foundation of
Western Pennsylvania
to sponsor the Kidney
Early Evaluation
Program (KEEP) —
a free, comprehensive
kidney health screening
The health system
participates in an eightcounty, week-long drill
designed to gauge
the preparedness and
response of regional
health care facilities to
a rapidly expanding
bird flu outbreak.
The system ends its
fiscal year with patient,
employee and physician
satisfaction scores
higher than at the same
time a year ago.
Assets
Current assets
67,693,084
Assets whose use is limited
80,488,453
Other assets
Total assets
INCOME STATEMENT
108,812,843
256,994,380
Total operating revenues
304,607,605
Liabilities
Total operating expenses
297,638,819
Current and other liabilities
54,882,696
41,956,584
6,968,786
Long-term debt
Provision for bad debt 4%
Nonoperating gains
5,720,673
Fund balance
Interest
Excess of revenue over expenses
8
JUNE
BALANCE SHEET
Income from operations
1%
that targets people who
are at increased risk
for developing chronic
kidney disease.
Mattresses on various
nursing units at both
hospitals are replaced
with a state-of-the-art
mattress designed to
reduce the potential for
bedsores — a national
patient safety goal.
Voluntary Hospitals of
America-PA presents an
APEX Award to Altoona
Regional for having an
inpatient fall rate below
national benchmarks.
It is one of five APEX
(Achieving Patient Care
Excellence) Awards
the system earned
for demonstrating
extraordinary levels of
clinical performance.
12,689,459
Total liabilities and fund balance
160,155,100
256,994,380
Report
of charitable giving
Following is a list of those who generously extended financial support to Altoona Regional Health System
during fiscal 2007 (July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007). As a nonprofit charitable organization,
Altoona Regional is grateful to every donor for helping us strengthen and enhance health care in our community.
Note: Tributes to physicians in honor of Doctor’s Day were reported on Page 10 of the Healthy Living Magazine
Summer 2007 issue.
DEPARTMENTAL GIFTS
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Boscov’s Department Stores, LLC
Area of Greatest Need
Glover Memorial Library
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Anonymous (2)
Mr. E. Merle Glunt
Tina Grenier
Ms. Iva M. Johnston
Lorman Education Services
Ms. Yvonne M. Madey
Mr. and Mrs. Medford W. Ostrum
Tina M. Owens
Spinnin’ and Flyin’ LLC
Meredith L. Wesig
Imaging Services
Behavioral Health Department
Labor, Delivery, Recovery,
Postpartum
Calico Quilters of Blair County
Sinking Valley Grange #484
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Waiting Room
Melanie K. Port
Customer Service
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System (2)
Donna Jean Hospitality House
Anonymous
Tina M. Hovermale
Carolyn S. Leslie
Drug & Alcohol Services
The EADS Group
Education Department
Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co.
Education/Emergency Services
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Intensive Care Unit
Altoona Area School District Athletic
Department
Roaring Spring Mennonite Church
Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit
The Samuel and Rose Port
Philanthropic Fund
Boscov’s Department Stores, LLC
Calico Quilters of Blair County
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System – Sewing Committee
Sinking Valley Grange #484
Verizon Pioneers/Horseshoe Curve Club
Marketing/Corporate
Development
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Neonatal Bereavement Fund
Anonymous
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Mrs. Tracy D. Polmueller
Your Jewelry Box
Operating Room
Jack E. Waite
TRIBUTE GIFTS
Alzheimer’s Support Group
In memory of Mrs. Helen Papantonio
Ms. Camille J. Pulcino
Area of Greatest Need
In loving memory of
Mrs. Jeanne F. Kunes
Mr. Robert L. Kunes
In memory of Robert M. and
Genevieve N. Gildea
Ms. Patricia M. Gildea
In memory of
Mrs. Jane Grimsham-Stowell
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Silverman
In memory of Ms. Eleanor Harris
Mr. and Mrs. David M. Cuzzolina
In memory of
Mr. Chester P. Wawrynovic
Ms. Debra V. Sipe
Behavioral Health
In memory of
Ms. Chanda Marie Herzog
Sandy Frith
Ian Parkinson
In memory of Mr. Steve Hetrick
Altoona Regional Health System
Tower 10 Staff
Mrs. Beverly A. Hetrick
Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Lilla
Mr. Donald Metzker
Laura M. Shope
Ms. Imogene M. Stayer
In memory of
Mrs. Barbara J. McPherson
Mrs. Jane C. Mangiacarne
In memory of Mrs. Jessica M. Wills
Mrs. Jane C. Mangiacarne
Bon Secours Hospital
Endowment
In honor of Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
Altoona Regional Health System
Marketing and Communications
Mrs. Valerie L. Brumbaugh
Mrs. Marjorie M. Burchfield
Mr. David M. Cuzzolina
Mrs. Michelle A. Dodson
Mrs. Janet Ellis
REVEALING THE ANGELS
Orthopedic Furnishing
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Partnering for Health Services’
Dental Clinic
Tera Herman, NAC Inc.
Mrs. Vicki L. Wertz, Esq.
Partnering for Health Services’
Medical Clinic
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Francis E. Kuhn
M&T Charitable Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Maniglia
Neil and Marilyn Port Family Foundation
Pediatrics
Kathy Baluka
Cambrian Hills Ladies Golf League
Schoeneman Beauty Supply
Venture Crew Troop No. 32
Prehospital
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System (2)
Radiation Oncology
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Maryetta R. Brown
Navasky Foundation for Life
Sinking Valley Grange #484
Safe Kids
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Security/Emergency Services
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System
Revealing the Angels is a holiday fund-raising campaign
coordinated in part by Friends of Altoona Regional Health
System and Altoona Regional Corporate Development. The
holiday appeal invites individuals and organizations to make
monetary contributions in honor of living or in memory of
deceased family members, friends, neighbors, health care
providers and business associates who have touched their lives.
Proceeds from the 2006 campaign, conducted on both
campuses of Altoona Regional Health System, were directed to
Partnering for Health Services’ Free Medical Clinic. This clinic
provides health care to the working uninsured. The free clinic
operates through the help of generous volunteer physicians,
nurses and clerical support and relies on the community for
financial support.
General
In honor of Employees and Staff of
Altoona Regional Health System
L. R. Webber Associates Inc.
In honor of Mrs. Barbara Galbraith
Dr. David J. Galbraith and
Mrs. Christine Bossi
In honor of Donald Galbraith
Dr. David J. Galbraith and
Mrs. Christine Bossi
In honor of
Mrs. Lois Jean (Perry) Gutshall
Mrs. Margaretta B. Perry
In honor of Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
Mr. Kevin Hockenberry
In honor of Mr. John Horton
Anonymous
In honor of Carol Hughes
Ms. Karen Clapper
In honor of Dr. Jack Jubala
Rev. Mary Ruth Smith
In honor of Mrs. Elaine S. Kilgore
Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein
In honor of Mr. Winfield Kilgore
Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein
In honor of Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel
The Coleman Family
In honor of Clair Knisely
Knisely & Sons Inc.
In honor of Mr. Donald N. MacDonald
Mrs. Helen R. MacDonald
In honor of Pete and Shirley McConnell
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell
In honor of Mom Miller
Mrs. Kathy A. Cecchine
In honor of Paul and Barbara Neal
Dr. and Mrs. Clifford J. Neal
In honor of Jim Noel
Altoona Regional Health System
LDI Steering Committee
In honor of Mr. Joseph Noel
Anonymous
In honor of Our Armed Forces
Credit Control Collections
In honor of our children:
Joshua and Sofia
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Martinek
In honor of
Our Great Health Care System
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell
In honor of Paul A. Reagan
Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dodson and Family
In honor of Ms. Brenda Reeder
Bill and Dot Reeder
In honor of Ms. Jennie Senkine
Ms. Suzanne Haduck
In honor of Mr. Lester R. Thompson Jr.
Mrs. Kristina M. Zlupko
In honor of U.S. Service Personnel
Dr. Michael Humphrey
In honor of Ms. W. Jean Veigle
Rev. Terryann Talbot-Moses
In honor of Volunteers, Employees
and Medical Staff
Mrs. Janet Ellis
In honor of Weise Children:
Mike-Pat-Chris-Gregg-Judy
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Weise
In honor of Weise Grandchildren:
Brian-Nicole-Collen
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Weise
Altoona Regional Health System
Nursing Supervisors
Anonymous (4)
Blair Sign Company
Law Offices Despoy & Robertson
Mrs. Dolores Fabbri
Rep. Rick Geist
L. Robert Kimball & Associates
Ms. Lisa Korman
Mr. Denis J. Navarro
Drs. Matthew and Laura Newlin
Parsons Agency Inc.
Dr. Kishor D. Patel
Judge Thomas G. Peoples Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Neil M. Port
Monsignor Michael E. Servinsky
Stiffler, McGraw & Associates Inc.
Ms. C. Joanne Unverdorben
In Honor Of
Ms. Patricia S. Frank
Mrs. Deborah L. Hawksworth
Ms. Lisa Korman
Mr. Ronald J. McConnell
Ms. Carol Scanga
Ms. Dana J. Shade
Mrs. Sheri L. Simpson
Mrs. Cindy L. Skupien
Ms. Anne T. Stoltz
Mr. David L. White
Center for Cancer Care
In memory of Ida Butler
Carol L. Carnahan
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Fuller Jr.
Donna Jean Hospitality House
In memory of
Mrs. Donna Jean Edmonds
Luella F. Cataldo
In memory of Ms. Shelvey Wigfield
Marc J. Brisebois
Erik L. Dargevics
Joy MacDonald
Glover Memorial Library
In memory of Ms. Barbara Cuff
Altoona Regional Health System
Medical Staff
Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit
In memory of
Mr. and Mrs. George P. Altmanshofer
Doris A. Criswell
In memory of Mr. William (Tom) Burket
Nancy L. Cowfer
In memory of Mr. Harry E. Criswell Jr.
Doris A. Criswell
In memory of
Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Criswell Sr.
Doris A. Criswell
In memory of Mrs. Ethel M. Park
Blair Township Supervisors
Judy H. Coyle
Elizabeth W. Dunmore
FedEx Friends
Lorraine McAninch
Tornado/HELB Design Basis Group,
Oconee Nuclear Site (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Wetherell
Pamela Wolak
Neonatal Bereavement Fund
In honor of The Woodling Family
Mrs. Janice Hartman
In memory of Lora Lei Brashears
Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
In memory of Daniel Mark Woodling
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Woodling &
Brother Maverick
Palliative Care
In loving memory of
Mr. Clement J. Lobre
Louisa T. Lobre-Riley
In loving memory of Phyllis J. Miller
Mrs. Deborah J. Conrad
In memory of Mr. Paul F. Eckenrode
Hilda Eckenrode
In memory of Mr. Eugene W. Houser
Houser’s Subs
In memory of Mr. Edward Ross Liggett
Department of Environmental Quality
In memory of Mr. Amedeo N. Perretta
Mrs. Catherine Perretta
In memory of Mr. Ronald E. Strasser
Mrs. Jane Strasser
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sulanke
In memory of Lester Thompson
Friends of Lester Thompson
In memory of Mr. Dick Tyler
Anonymous
Parkinson’s Support Group
In memory of Anthony Pirozzola
Dorothy Stapelfeld and the Summit
Aqua Aerobics Class
In honor of Ms. Serena Albarano
Ralph J. Albarano & Sons Inc.
In honor of All Volunteers
Dr. Luis M. Jourdain
Dr. and Mrs. David J. Schatanoff
In honor of Altoona Hospital
Alumni Nurses Association
Altoona Hospital Alumni Nurses
Association
In honor of Altoona Regional Health
System Human Resources Staff
Mr. Gary Naugle
In honor of Altoona Regional
Health System Hyperbaric Lab
& Wound Clinic
Anonymous
In honor of Altoona Regional
Health System Nursing Staff
Mr. and Mrs. David W. Boerger
In honor of Altoona Regional Health
System Surgical Pretesting Staff
Mrs. Carol Wachter
In honor of Altoona Regional Health
System Surgical Services Staff
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rickens
In honor of Lorma Anderson
Anonymous
In honor of Father Mark Begley
Dr. and Mrs. David R. Lee
In honor of Gene Berry
Mrs. Louise C. Berry
In honor of BMA Oncology Staff
Dr. Salee Hoffman
In honor of Mrs. Anne A. Bossi
Dr. David J. Galbraith and
Mrs. Christine Bossi
In honor of William Bossi
Dr. David J. Galbraith and
Mrs. Christine Bossi
In honor of Aaron Joseph Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In honor of Ian Byron Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In honor of Erin Dodson
Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dodson and Family
In honor of David J. Duncan, Ph.D.
William G. Wallen
In honor of Mrs. Patricia Elliott
Ms. Sharon A. McDowell
9
In honor of Hank Williams
Mrs. Carol M. Moreland
In honor of Kitty Zelansky
Altoona Regional Health System
LDI Steering Committee
In Memory Of
In memory of Mrs. Betty J. Adams
Mr. John C. Adams
In memory of Mr. Elwood Adams
Mrs. Kay Adams
In memory of
Mr. Francis (Shung) Agosta
Ms. Betty Ann Agosta
In memory of Ralph J. Albarano Sr.
Ralph J. Albarano & Sons Inc.
In memory of Mrs. Theresa M. Alexander
Mrs. Vicki Baughman
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System Gift Shop,
Altoona Hospital Campus
In memory of Harold Anderson
Anonymous
In memory of Mary Jane Barr
Mrs. Christel Grazier
Mrs. Betsy Tyler
In memory of Matthew L. Barton
Mrs. Rosemary P. Barton
In memory of Charles and Evelyn Beam
Mrs. Mary B. Gruebbel
In memory of Herbert and Leona Beere
Mrs. Grace Beere
In memory of Earl Beldin
Ms. Eileen Rabish
In memory of Ruth Beldin
Ms. Eileen Rabish
In memory of Martin J. Bennetti
Dr. Matthew P. Bouchard
In memory of Sherman Benton
Anonymous
In memory of Mr. Guido Berardinelli
Dr. John L. Berardinelli
In memory of Thomas and Edith Bidoli
Ms. Grace Steinbugl
In memory of Theo Bolan
Andrea and Vance Bolan
In memory of Eric Bordell
Mr. and Mrs. Duane P. Bordell
In memory of Paul V. Bower
Mrs. Miriam Bower
In memory of Lora Lei Brashears
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hockenberry
Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
Mrs. Jean D. Johnstone
In memory of Bernice Breon
Lois and Ernie Eakins
In memory of Paul Breon
Lois and Ernie Eakins
In memory of Paul Brubaker
Ms. Sonya L. Black
In memory of
Angela Elizabeth Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Mr. Terry Buckel
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Mr. Frank Bunnell
Anonymous
In memory of Francis and Bertha Burk
Anonymous
In memory of wife, Emma G. Burk
Husband, Donald F. Burk
In memory of Greg Campbell
Mr. and Mrs. Drew M. Appleman Jr.
In memory of Mr. John G. Carnila
Ms. Terry Carnila
In memory of Mr. James E. Casner
Mr. and Mrs. David S. Hess
In memory of Cecchine Family Members
Mrs. Kathy A. Cecchine
In memory of Thomas Chamberlain
Chamberlain Family
In memory of Mr. Donald R. Chestney
Mrs. Rozella M. Chestney
In memory of Travis Chuff
Mr. Ernie J. Podrasky
In memory of Mrs. June M. Cicero
Mr. Joseph D. Cicero
In memory of Mr. Jason Colabove
Mrs. Lynne M. Muri
In memory of Delores Colbert
Mrs. Mary M. Hoover
In memory of Al Colello
Mrs. Loretta F. Wyland
In memory of Phyllis Connelly
Mr. Jerry Connelly
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario
10
In memory of Tony Conte
Blair/Bedford Central Labor Council
In memory of Mr. Michael Cooper
Mrs. Patricia A. Ross
In memory of Frank Corrado
Dr. and Mrs. Carroll P. Osgood Jr.
In memory of Dawn
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Kline
In memory of Ralph Diehl
Tab and Julia Scarfone
In memory of DiMemmo/Vincent Family
Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent
In memory of Glenn Dodson
Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dodson and Family
In memory of Helen G. Dodson
Ms. Susan A. Dodson
In memory of Hilda M. Dougal (wife)
Mr. Harry R. Dougal
In memory of Paul S. Downing
Mrs. Debbie McClellan
In memory of Edith Drenning
Mr. James W. Drenning
In memory of Rose C. Dunkel
Ms. Beatrice F. Depp
In memory of Catherine Eakins
Lois and Ernie Eakins
In memory of Ernest E. Eakins
Lois and Ernie Eakins
In memory of Karen Eckenrode
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hoover and Family
Mrs. Loretta F. Wyland
In memory of Karen Grigg Eckenrode
Mr. and Mrs. Drew M. Appleman Jr.
In memory of Mary Elder
Mrs. Kay Adams
In memory of Ms. Betty Elders
Mr. Phil Steele
In memory of Mr. Albert C. Evangelisto
Mrs. Flora L. Evangelisto
In memory of Elaine Evangelisto
Mrs. Flora L. Evangelisto
In memory of Henry Evangelisto
Daughters, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren
In memory of Daniel Thomas Fanelli
Mrs. Mary C. Fanelli
In memory of Mary E. Fiore
Leonard S. Fiore Family
In memory of Rose C. Fisher
Ms. Beatrice F. Depp
In memory of Linda Flaherty
Ms. M. Carol Makdad
In memory of Jeff Fornwalt
Mrs. Beth A. Lutton
In memory of Richard T. Fornwalt
Mrs. Beth A. Lutton
In memory of Pete Forr
Anonymous
In memory of George M. Freas
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Freas
In memory of Bill Frederick
Frederick’s Lock & Key Inc.
In memory of Mrs. Almerinda E. Frezza
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hoover and Family
In memory of Dr. Marion D. Frezza
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hoover and Family
In memory of Stella Gallagher
Ms. Karen Brady and boys
In memory of Chester Garlick
Mrs. Rhoda Garlick
In memory of Larry Garlick
Mr. Ernie J. Podrasky
In memory of Geishauser, Dullinger and
Little — Deceased Family Members
Mrs. Mary J. Geishauser
In memory of Ms. Sylvia M. Givler
Ms. Connie Chronister
In memory of Roxie A. Glunt
Mr. E. Merle Glunt
In memory of Charles B. Graham
Ken and Carol A. Graham
In memory of Charles Grant
Blair/Bedford Central Labor Council
In memory of Eugene and Mary Grazier
Mrs. Christel Grazier
In memory of Margaret and
Charles Gresko
Mrs. Mary A. Fisanick
In memory of Richard Halbritter
Dr. and Mrs. Carroll P. Osgood Jr.
In memory of Alan Lee Harshberger
Bill and Linda Harshberger
Shirley Ullery
In memory of William L. Harshberger
Bill and Linda Harshberger and Deb Saylor
Shirley Ullery
In memory of
Mrs. Mary (Domenick) Hawksworth
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Cameron Louise Hazard
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner
In memory of Sprague Carter Hazard
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner
In memory of Larry Hazlett
Mr. and Mrs. Drew M. Appleman Jr.
In memory of Robert Henshaw
Dr. and Mrs. Carroll P. Osgood Jr.
In memory of Mr. Steve Hetrick
Mrs. Lori Hetrick
In memory of Josephine Hicks
Ms. Jacqueline M. Hicks
In memory of Bill and Evie Hilling
North American Communications
In memory of Edith M. Hollen
Mr. Richard Hollen
In memory of Mr. Wesley L. Hollen
Mr. Richard Hollen
In memory of Mrs. Lillian J. Hoover
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hoover and Family
In memory of Roger Hoover
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hoover and Family
In memory of Mr. John B. Hopfl
Ms. Lynne M. Hopfl
In memory of John and Mary Horgas
Mrs. Carole Roman
In memory of Donna J. Hostler
Mr. Glen Hostler
In memory of Lois Hughes
Roger and Mary Lorow
In memory of Charles Humm
Mrs. Shirley A. Humm and family
In memory of John W. Humm
Mrs. Shirley A. Humm and family
In memory of
John, Ann and Bernadette
Anonymous
In memory of Mr. Wayne Keller
Ms. Madeleine L. Keller and family
In memory of Lester C. Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Freas
In memory of
Mr. and Mrs. James Kepner
Dr. John L. Berardinelli
In memory of Mr. Larry Kimmel
The Coleman Family
In memory of Walter and Dale Knisely
Knisely & Sons Inc.
In memory of Dorothy Koch
Mrs. Arlene Williams
In memory of Mel Koch
Ms. Karen Brady and boys
In memory of Lorraine Kovach
Mrs. Carolyn Earnest
In memory of Eric Krenn
Mr. and Mrs. Drew M. Appleman Jr.
In memory of Brooke Krug
Ms. Anne T. Stoltz
In memory of Donna and Rita Lafferty
Anonymous
In memory of Betty Lang
Mrs. Kathleen L. Lenhart
In memory of Mr. James Laratonda
Anonymous
In memory of Anthony Lavelle
Mrs. Audrey L. Krause
In memory of Helen Lavelle
Mrs. Audrey L. Krause
In memory of Mr. Walter Lee
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Elizabeth Levine
Anonymous
In memory of Ms. Edna B. Lightner
Jenny McConnell
In memory of Frank and Mary Livotti
Mrs. Sharon L. Ciccarella
In memory of Loved Ones
Ms. Carolyn Reed
In memory of Thomas Marlett Sr.
Mrs. Rose M. Marlett
In memory of Matia Family
Anonymous
In memory of Rose McCloskey
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell
In memory of Philomena McConnell
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell
In memory of Thomas and
Irene McConnell
Mrs. Grace Beere
In memory of Jim McDowell
Ms. Sharon A. McDowell
In memory of Robert S. McDowell
Ms. Arlene McDowell
In memory of Mr. Joel McElhinney Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Kenepp
and family
Ms. Carole A. McElhinney
In memory of
Andrew and Phyllis McHugh
Dr. and Mrs. Clifford J. Neal
In memory of Sharon Meintel Oakes
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Meintel
In memory of Miller Family Members
Mrs. Kathy A. Cecchine
In memory of Irene Mirkowski
Amy Metzger and Jack Mirkowski
In memory of Margaret Mock
Mrs. Mary M. Hoover
In memory of R. “Jack” Morgan
Pat Ingham, sister, and
Roger J. Morgan, brother
In memory of Shirley Mowry
Mrs. Susie Mowry-Dainty
In memory of
Ms. Judith Ann Musselman
Anonymous
In memory of Mr. Leroy Musselman
Anonymous
In memory of Linda Myers
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Kline
In memory of Jane Neuson
Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger
In memory of Johanna L. Noel
Mr. Joseph Noel
In memory of Louisa Novak
Ms. Jean M. Plunkett
In memory of Jeanne Olsen
Mrs. Marjorie D. Simpson
In memory of Our Parents
Mr. and Mrs. George R. Ickes
In memory of Our Parents
Pat, Gina, Patrick Kirby
In memory of Harold Poeschl
Ms. Patricia A. Deyarmin
Mrs. Debbie McClellan
Mrs. Cindy L. Skupien
In memory of Denise Purvis
Mrs. Mary M. Hoover
In memory of Marge Rackovan
Mrs. Mary M. Hoover
In memory of Mr. Dennis Reed
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Lynne G. Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Decker
and Family
In memory of LeRoy M. Riley
Mrs. Shirley F. Riley
In memory of Mr. Frank H. Rimbeck
Anonymous
In memory of Mr. Jerry C. Risoldi
Luke and Rose Marie Vinglas
In memory of Mr. Anthony Roberts
Mrs. Mary A. Roberts
In memory of Nancy Robison
Dana J. Shade and Janice Penrod
In memory of Franklin D. Roesch
Mrs. Ann Roesch
Ms. Mary M. Turnbaugh
In memory of Mr. Norman Rose
Mrs. Margaret E. Rose
In memory of
Donald and Roberta Runk
Mr. and Mrs. B. Brumbaugh Jr.
In memory of Carl Scarfone
Tab and Julia Scarfone
In memory of Ms. Mary Schwarz
Ms. Laura M. Hindinger
In memory of
Charles and Alice M. Sheehan
Ms. Ruth A. Slippey
How
In memory of Sheehan Family
Ms. Sally C. Young
In memory of
Mrs. Patricia A. Shellenberger
Friends of Altoona Regional
Health System Gift Shop,
Altoona Hospital Campus
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger
In memory of Margaret Sickles
Charles and Barbara Sickles Jr.
In memory of Mr. Wayne V. Simpson
Mrs. Janet Ellis
Mrs. Joan Simpson
In memory of David Skupien
Mrs. Cindy L. Skupien
Mrs. Ruth E. Skupien
In memory of Julius Skupien
Mrs. Cindy L. Skupien
Mrs. Ruth E. Skupien
In memory of Erica Slebodnik
Mrs. Susie Mowry-Dainty
In memory of Ann Smith
Mrs. Yolanda J. Bumann
In memory of Mary P. Snowberger
Mrs. Joyce A. Stoehr
In memory of William D. Snyder
Ken and Carol A. Graham
In memory of Todd Sparks
Ms. Ellen M. Lambert
In memory of
Edward and Mary Squillario
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario
In memory of Ms. Julia Stephens
Ms. Carol A. Drotar
In memory of
Robert and Elizabeth Stoltz
Ms. Anne T. Stoltz
In memory of Jeff Strittmatter
Ms. Anne T. Stoltz
In memory of
Arthur and Maude Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Sickles Jr.
In memory of Lynwood Teufel
Mrs. Christine Teufel
In memory of Nancy Thayer
Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Fraundorfer and
Family
In memory of Anna M. Thompson
Bill, Linda, Mindy, Adam and
Caitlin Harshberger
Shirley Ullery
In memory of Lulu Thompson
Mrs. Kristina M. Zlupko
In memory of Joey Vagnier
Anonymous
In memory of Mr. Samuel M. Ward I
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Patterson Jr.
In memory of
Lee and Dolores Weston
Anonymous
In memory of Linda L. Whited
Anonymous
In memory of Raymond H. Willnecker
Mrs. Helen G. Willnecker
Ms. Linda P. Willnecker
In memory of Betty M. Wilson
Anonymous
In memory of Ben Wimer
Ms. Christi Wimer
In memory of Richard A. Yohn
Nancy, PeeNee, Gary, Dick Yohn
In memory of Norm Young
Ms. Sally C. Young
In memory of Charles Zorger Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger
to give
Through a variety of tax-deductible options, donors are able
to support specific programs or make unrestricted gifts for
programs and services where the need is most urgent. Gifts to
Altoona Regional Health System are tax-deductible as allowed
by law and directly impact the well-being of the thousands of
patients and families we touch each year. As a donor to
Altoona Regional, you have the opportunity to make a difference for your friends, neighbors and family in the community.
If you would like to make a gift to Altoona Regional
Health System, please contact the Development Office at
814.889.6406, or visit www.altoonaregional.org.
Finding
strength and
comfort in
numbers
GROUP
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improve the quality
In 1986, when doctors first diagnosed Tom Reighard, then
55, with Alzheimer’s disease, information and treatment
options were scarce.
His 50-year-old wife, Jean, found herself seeking solace
in an Alzheimer’s support group — strangers who soon
became lifelines because they faced similar daily crises.
Though Tom died in 1995, Jean has remained active in the
group as a co-facilitator.
“I try to help whoever comes,” she said. “Even if I help
just one person, I feel it’s an accomplishment because it’s
such a devastating disease.”
Support groups include people who share similar
difficulties; it’s the only requirement for membership.
And some groups allow family members or friends to
participate.
DERIVING STRENGTH, ENCOURAGEMENT
“The focus of the support group is best kept simple and
clear,” according to Joseph Antonowicz, M.D., medical
director of Behavioral Health Services. “Members all bring
something different to the meeting and can contribute
a different perspective to the problems of another. One
person may have already addressed some aspect of the
suffering of another and be able to offer potential solutions
not obvious to that person.
Jennie has found the group to be particularly helpful with
acceptance of the physical limitations that come with the
gradual progression of Parkinson’s, which causes tremors
and difficulty walking.
As a genealogist who addresses various groups throughout the county, Jennie has learned to cope with the stares
thanks to suggestions from the group. Instead of ignoring
her situation, she confronts it head-on: “I explain I have it
and move ahead with what I was saying.”
Jim Schoenfelder, a state licensed professional counselor,
co-facilitates support groups for people with Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and For Those Who Have
Lost a Loved One Through Suicide. While the support
groups are different, both educate on topics like
acceptance and adjustment issues and provide emotional
and psychological support.
Many attendees also see private therapists and receive
medication. Such a three-pronged approach yields much
progress and growth, Jim said. Often, people find they
don’t need the group for awhile, then will return when life
events change.
SOME GROUPS GO BEYOND MEETINGS
“There is tremendous support available in a group setting,
and the members derive strength and encouragement
from each other.”
Jennie Amrhein, 65, of Altoona, has suffered from
Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s and attends the
Parkinson’s support group. She says the support of others
with the same affliction is different from the loving support
she receives from her family.
“There were a couple hundred people just like you,”
Jennie said. “The purpose is to show that there’s more to
life than just sitting in the house and doing nothing. Once
you’re ill, people mistakenly think you can’t do things, but
there are many things you can do.
Jean Reighard
altoonaregional.org/
classes_support.htm
for times, dates and locations.
Altoona
Hospital Campus
620 Howard Ave.
Bariatric 889.3219
HELP ACCEPTING LIMITATIONS
“Life doesn’t end — it’s just a beginning in a
different direction.”
Jim Schoenfelder
Please call the numbers
listed or visit our Web site at
Alzheimer’s 889.2141
Many support groups hold seasonal parties, host guest
speakers and go on trips together. The Parkinson’s group,
for instance, has gone to Pittsburgh to sail on the Gateway
Clipper with other Parkinson’s support groups.
“When you are ill, you sometimes feel
so alone,” she said. “Being around
others who have it
makes you feel
less alone.”
SUPPORT
GROUPS
“When you
are ill,
you sometimes
feel so alone.”
Jennie Amrhein
suffers from
Parkinson’s disease
but by attending the
local support group
has learned many
ways to cope with
its effects.
11
Breastfeeding 889.2310
Cardiac Family Support
Group 889.2173
Caregiver’s Corner
Support Group 889.3123
Central Pa. Kidney
Association 889.7767
Central Pa. Ostomy Society
943.5168
Depression and Bipolar
Self-Help Support Group
889.2141
For Those Who Have Lost a
Loved One Through Suicide
889.2141
I Can Cope 889.2731
Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder 889.2141
Parkinson’s Disease
889.2141
Pulmonary 889-2853
Stroke 889.3155
Bon Secours
Hospital Campus
2500 7th Ave.
Alert, Well and
Keeping Energetic
(snoring and sleep apnea)
889.4466
Breast Cancer 886.6458
Epilepsy Family and Friends
814.262.7494
Faith-Based Bereavement/
Grief Support Group
889.4323
Stroke 889.4463
PROGRAM ALERT! Another way to save a child’s life: car safety seat checkups See Page 15 for details, date and time
Coding system
can be a lifesaver
for kids
Seeing COLORS!
Altoona Regional is among the first health systems in the
country to implement The Color Coding Kids Hospital
System, which increases safety, efficiency and comfort
level whenever and wherever children receive medical
treatment.
Matthew P.
Bouchard,
M.D.
The Color Coding Kids system is designed to make the
calculation of medication for any child under 12 years of
age quick and easy. The color code-based system allows
medical personnel to determine the weight of a child
nearly instantaneously and in turn administer the proper
amount of medication.
“This system reduces medication errors and increases
speed, especially for those not used to working with
pediatric patients,” according to Matthew P. Bouchard,
M.D., an Altoona Regional physician who worked with
Dr. Jim Broselow, co-developer of the system.
“It eliminates the need for cumbersome calculations that
can increase the risk of errors.”
Especially helpful in the ER
The new system is being
used when children receive
treatment in the Emergency
and Pediatric departments
and when they receive CT
scans. It is an extension
and enhancement of the
Broselow Tape, which
is widely used in the
treatment of pediatric emergencies. The Broselow Tape
consists of color-coded weight ranges based on height,
and provides dosage amounts and equipment sizes for
resuscitation situations.
Dr. Broselow visited Altoona Regional in May 2007 to
train physicians and staff in Color Coding Kids.
The essence of the system is color-coded zones that aid
in the selection of appropriately sized equipment and
“zone dosing” for medications. These zones are accessed
by patient weight when available, but they can also be
accessed by patient length when accurate weights are not
known, such as in emergencies. When adults come into
the emergency room, they are often given a standard dose
of medication. When a child comes in, however, doctors
and nurses must quickly figure out his or her weight to
determine a proper dose.
Auxiliary donation makes it possible
Altoona Regional’s purchase of the Color Coding Kids
system was made possible through an $18,000 donation
by Friends of Altoona Regional Health System, the
system’s auxiliary.
“Friends is proud to support this worthwhile project that
greatly enhances the quality of care the children of our
community receive,” Jack Freas, past president of Friends,
said. “Treating the youngest and most fragile of patients
requires extreme vigilance, and this system provides a
greater level of patient safety. It is a great enhancement
to the already high quality care we provide.”
Registered Nurse Amy Stayer places a Color Coding Kids wristband
on Camiryn Stever of Altoona.
In the background is one of the specially equipped carts used
to aid critically ill children in emergency situations.
The drawers and the content are color coded
for ease in finding the right-sized
equipment. The carts and
equipment were donated by
Friends of Altoona Regional.
“This system
reduces medication
errors and increases
speed . . .”
For more information on the Color Coding Kids Hospital System,
please visit www.colorcodingkids.com
12
Video technology ensures proper
care for deaf and hard of hearing
C O N N E C T I N G
Effective communication
between patients and
caregivers is vital for good
health outcomes. For deaf
or hard-of-hearing people
in trauma or emergency
situations, the ability to
communicate accurately
and quickly can literally
mean the difference
between life and death.
As Altoona Regional’s
director of Case
Management, Cathy
Sprouse is responsible
for bridging that
communications gap by
coordinating interpreter
and foreign language
services for health system
patients.
Originally, Cathy’s
department kept only a
telephone list of qualified
interpreters who could be
called in an emergency,
but the uncertainty
of availability and
response time required a
contingency plan.
A newspaper article
brought to Cathy’s
attention by a member
of her staff described a
product seemingly tailored
for the system’s needs —
a 24-hour-a-day, sevenday-a-week, on-demand
American Sign Language
video conferencing system
known as Deaf-Talk.
“Deaf-Talk allows us to
quickly and confidently
meet our patients’ needs,”
Cathy said.
“Deaf-Talk
could save
a life.”
Portable for
quick response
hearing in the community,
assisting with things
like skill training, job
searching, interpreter
referral, housing and
assistive technology,”
Leslie explained. “I have
been working with Cathy
to develop a plan to
educate both the deaf
community and hospital
staff on Deaf-Talk, hoping
we could bridge any
communication gap.”
Deaf-Talk uses a standard
television monitor, a small
video camera and audio
equipment that works
with adapted telephone
lines, and is mounted
on a wheeled cart so it
can be taken anywhere
in the health system at a
moment’s notice.
Usually within five minutes
— and always in fewer
than 15 minutes — a DeafTalk interpreter can be
communicating via the
monitor between a patient
and caregivers.
Leslie says lip reading
isn’t enough, especially
in medical situations
where a mask may cover
a caregiver’s mouth.
Likewise, the caregiver
can’t assume the
questions being asked of
the deaf or hard of hearing
are understood.
Deaf-Talk’s interpreter
service says many of its
interpreters have 10 or
more years of experience
in assisting medical
situations involving the
deaf and hard of hearing.
All are certified by the
Registry of Interpreters for
the Deaf and the National
Association for the Deaf
and tested on skills for
many medical terms and
situations.
“Deaf-Talk ensures a
proper response to the
question being asked or a
clear explanation from the
patient of what is wrong,”
she said. “Deaf-Talk could
save a life.”
Assistive devices
for Altoona
Regional’s deaf and
hard-of-hearing
patients also
include a telephone
typewriter, or
teletypewriter,
known as a TTY.
Despite Deaf-Talk’s
effectiveness, personto-person interaction is
preferred. So, while the
device is being used,
Cathy’s department goes to
work contacting someone
who can be on-site.
Specialist provides
personal touch
Altoona Regional’s
Case Management
Director Cathy Sprouse
(left) and Leslie A. Kelly,
deaf and hard-of-hearing
specialist at the Center
for Independent Living
of South Central PA,
work together to
educate both the
health system staff
and the deaf and
hard-of-hearing
community on the
value of Deaf-Talk.
One such person is Leslie
A. Kelly, a deaf and hardof-hearing specialist with
the Center for Independent
Living of South Central PA
(CILSCPA), who became
hard of hearing at age
6 and lost her hearing
completely 16 years ago at
age 36.
“My role at the CILSCPA
is to be an advocate for
the deaf and hard of
13
Patient privacy
always respected
communication and
relationships.
As with any patient
interaction, there is a strict
adherence to a patient’s
right to privacy at all times,
and all services respect
cultural practices and
beliefs, including spiritual
needs.
“One of the biggest
challenges in both pastoral
care and sign language
is not learning to talk, but
learning to listen — learning
to read the signs others
make,” Chaplain Smith
said. “Several times a year,
I get the opportunity to
use sign language as a
chaplain to talk to a patient,
and I know I can make their
experience here better
because I speak their
language.”
The Rev. Robert J. Smith,
a chaplain with the
Pastoral Care department,
teaches sign-language
classes at Altoona
Regional and says it was
a verse from the Bible’s
book of Isaiah — “…
and in that day shall the
deaf hear the words of
the book …” — that first
helped him understand
that both pastoral care and
sign language involved
For more information, visit
deaf-talk.com/ASL.html
or call Altoona Regional’s
Case Management
department at 889.2782
2008
HEALTH-O-RAMA
It’s where you need to be
for important health information
S CHEDULE OF PHYSICIAN PROGRAMS
9:30 to 11 a.m.
11 a.m. to noon
Knees and Shoulders:
What Can Be Done About
the Pain?
Diabetes and
Cardiovascular Disease:
Wellness and Prevention
Rooms 202-204
Jack Rocco, M.D., and
Christopher McClellan, D.O.,
orthopedic surgeons, of
University Orthopedics
Join Drs. Rocco and McClellan
for the latest in minimally
invasive options for the
treatment of knee and shoulder
pain. This discussion will
include the risks and benefits
of total joint replacement,
as well as arthroscopic options
and advances. If joint pain is
keeping you from doing the
things you enjoy, don’t miss
this presentation!
You’re invited to the region’s largest health fair —
the sixth annual Health-O-Rama.
This spectacular health information and screening event
will take place Saturday, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the Blair County Convention Center.
Do diabetes and cardiovascular
disease run in your family?
Do lifestyle factors put you at
risk for these diseases? Have
you already been diagnosed?
What can you do to prevent
or control these debilitating
diseases before they take
control of you? Dr. Humphrey
will answer these questions
and discuss ways to put you
on the road to wellness.
11 a.m. to noon
Minimally Invasive
Hip and Spine Surgery
Rooms 205-206
Altoona Regional is the major sponsor of the event,
which features informative and entertaining exhibits,
interactive demonstrations, screenings and hands-on
product displays.
Charles J. Harvey, D.O.,
orthopedic surgeon, of
Blair Orthopedic Associates
and Sports Medicine
Several members of the Altoona Regional Medical Staff
will present educational seminars (see schedule at right).
“It’s a fun and effective way to start the new year off
healthier,” said Dana Shade, Community Education
coordinator at Altoona Regional. “It’s a great way to
reinforce those New Year’s resolutions and find good
health and happiness.”
10 to 11 a.m.
Got Atrial Fibrillation?
Mini-Maze may cure it!
Rooms 207-208
John Anastasi, M.D.,
cardiothoracic surgeon, of
Cardiovascular and Thoracic
Surgery of Altoona Inc.
Representatives from Altoona Regional will conduct
screenings for peripheral arterial disease, osteoporosis
and balance disorders, as well as check blood
pressures, lung function and blood oxygen levels. Staff
will also provide information on diabetes and exhibit a
graphic display to warn against smoking.
If you are one of the 2.5 million
Americans diagnosed with
atrial fibrillation, then you know
treatment has traditionally been
limited to lab work, drugs and
the medication Coumadin. Not
any more! Join Dr. John Anastasi
as he discusses atrial fibrillation,
the new Mini-Maze procedure
and its benefits and advantages.
“This is an opportunity for the public to find a wide range
of important health information in one place,” Dana said.
“It’s so convenient for area residents to explore the very
latest on health issues that affect them.”
INFO TO GO
Rooms 202-204
Michael Humphrey, D.O.,
endocrinologist, of Blair Medical
Associates
10 to 11 a.m.
Stomach Symptoms?
Could the Problem be
H. pylori?
WHO: Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors
Bureau and Altoona Regional Health System.
WHAT: Health-O-Rama 2008 — Meet the doctors,
hear the experts, see hands-on demonstrations and
get life-enhancing information.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19
ADMISSION: Adults and children $2.
WHERE: Blair County Convention Center — Turn onto
Convention Center Boulevard from either Plank Road
(Route 220) or Logan Boulevard (Route 36) and watch
for the Convention Center entrance.
FOR INFORMATION: Call the Allegheny Mountains
Convention and Visitors Bureau at 943.4183 or
800.842.5866.
Rooms 205-206
Jonathan Grier, M.D.,
gastroenterologist, of
Digestive Disorders Inc.
Many cases of peptic ulcers,
gastritis, duodenitis and perhaps
some gastrointestinal cancers
are caused by H. pylori —
bacteria that can infect various
areas of the stomach and
duodenum, causing inflammation
and pain. About 90 percent of
duodenal ulcers and 70 percent
of gastric ulcers are related to
H. pylori. Dr. Grier will discuss H.
pylori and its treatment options.
14
Hip and spine pain can limit
your mobility and activity.
Join Dr. Harvey as he discusses
minimally invasive hip replacement and spinal surgery that can
get you up and moving again.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Aging Eye
Rooms 207-208
Todd A. Sponsler, M.D.,
ophthalmologist, of Altoona
Ophthalmology Associates
What are the normal eye changes
that occur with age? What are
some of the more common
eye diseases that can occur
as we age? Join Dr. Sponsler
as he discusses changes
and the symptoms, diagnosis
and treatment of cataracts,
glaucoma, macular degeneration
and diabetic retinopathy.
1 to 2 p.m.
Oh! My Aching Feet!
Rooms 205-206
Chad W. Rappaport, D.P.M.,
podiatric surgeon, of Blair
Orthopedic Associates and
Sports Medicine
It is said, “When your feet
hurt, you hurt all over.” Join
Dr. Rappaport as he discusses
common causes of foot and
ankle problems, such as heel
pain, bunions, sprains and sports
injuries, as well as prevention
and the nonsurgical and surgical
treatment options.
1 to 2 p.m.
Common Conditions
of the Ear
Room 202-204
Robert J. Caughey, M.D.,
ear, nose and throat specialist
and surgeon, of ENT Associates
of Central Pennsylvania
Do you suffer from dizziness?
Ringing in the ears? Hearing
loss? Do you have ear pain
or want to know how to treat
ear wax? Join Dr. Caughey as
he discusses these common
conditions of the ear, their
symptoms, diagnosis and
treatment.
2 to 3 p.m.
Female Bladder Problems
Room 202-204
John Paulson, M.D.,
urogynecologist, of
Blair Medical Associates
Female bladder problems are
not something you have to live
with. With proper diagnosis,
medications and interventions
can help. Join Dr. Paulson
as he discusses some of the
more common female bladder
problems, bladder dysfunction
and pelvic floor problems, their
causes, diagnosis and treatment.
2 to 3 p.m.
The Snooze Blues:
Sleep Disorders and
Treatment
Rooms 205-206
Timothy Lucas, M.D.,
pulmonologist, of Altoona
Lung Specialists and medical
director of Altoona Regional’s
Institute for Sleep Medicine
Do you find yourself sleepy
during the day and tossing
restlessly at night? Are you
told that you snore loudly or
stop breathing while asleep?
Do you suffer from restless legs
syndrome? Join Dr. Lucas as
he addresses these sleeprelated issues, their diagnosis
and treatment.
“It’s a fun and effective way
to start the new year off healthier.”
PROGRAMS
Healthy
Living
January, February,
March 2008
Programs are open
to all adult age groups
unless otherwise specified.
In the event of inclement
weather, please listen to
your local radio and television
stations for program
cancellations. We will also
leave a message regarding
program cancellation on the
889-2630 phone line.
Altoona Hospital Campus
is at 620 Howard Ave.
Bon Secours
Hospital Campus
is at 2500 7th Ave.
DAYTIME
PROGRAMS
PEPPI!
(Peer Exercise Program
Promotes Independence)
Every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday at 8:15 a.m. or 10 a.m.
Fourth Lutheran Church
231 Howard Ave., Altoona
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Ready to get in shape for the new
year? Are you 55 or older and
looking to improve your strength,
flexibility and balance? Want to
start toning up? PEPPI can help
you do all this while combating
chronic conditions such as
arthritis and osteoporosis.
PEPPI is a fun, peer-led, weight
resistance program designed with
your good health in mind.
Child Safety Seat
Installation Checkup
Station
Friday, Jan. 11, Friday, Feb. 8,
and Friday, March 14
9:30-11 a.m.
Altoona Hospital Campus
parking garage, Blue Level.
Look for the Safe Kids van.
No fee. By appointment only.
Call Safe Kids Blair County
at889.7802.
Find out if your child’s safety seat
is installed properly. Your child’s
life may depend on it.
Osteoporosis Screening:
Free Heel Scans
By appointment only on
Friday, Jan. 4, 12:30-3 p.m.
For men and women
Kaufman Dining Room,
Bon Secours Hospital Campus.
By appointment only on
Friday, Feb. 1, 12:30-3 p.m.
For women only
Allegheny Room, 6th floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus
By appointment only on
Friday, March 7, 12:30-3 p.m.
For men and women
Kaufman Dining Room, Bon
Secours Hospital Campus.
Find out if you are at risk for
osteoporosis. This bone mineral
density screen is a noninvasive,
painless tool that can help
determine bone health and your
risk for fractures. It can also
monitor your response to various
osteoporosis treatments.
Off to the Right Start
Friday, Jan. 25. Lunch at 11 a.m.
followed by program until 1 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center, Trzeciak
Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
A new year is upon us. If one
of your resolutions is to take
better care of yourself, please
join family physician and
hospitalist Dr. Ryan Ridenour of
Blair Medical Associates as he
discusses important steps you
can take toward your good
health in 2008! Ample time will
be allotted for questions.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Presentation and optional
screening
Friday, Feb. 15. Lunch at 11 a.m.
followed by program until 1 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center,
Trzeciak Conference Suite,
2621 8th Ave.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Most of the 8 million to 12 million
Americans who suffer from PAD
are unaware they have the disease.
Join Dr. Arthur DeMarsico,
board-certified vascular surgeon
and medical director of Altoona
Regional’s Vascular Institute,
as he discusses the signs and
symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
and prevention of this often
undiagnosed medical condition.
Ample time will be allotted for
questions.
Free PAD screening
By appointment only on
Friday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Must be registered for
Dr. DeMarsico’s program.
Oak Room
(one flight up from Trzeciak)
Kay Adams, Vascular Institute
nurse manager, will perform an
ABI (ankle-brachial index) screen,
a painless screening in which
blood pressure is measured in
legs and arms to determine blood
flow. Please be prepared to
remove shoes and socks.
Don’t Put It on the Table
Until You Read the Label:
Giant Eagle Store Tour
Wednesday, Feb. 27,
2-3:30 p.m. or
Wednesday, March 19,
2-3:30 p.m.
Giant Eagle Grocery Store,
Logan Towne Center, Altoona.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
“Light ... low fat ... no cholesterol.”
These terms bombard us while
we do our grocery shopping.
What do they really mean?
Which are the healthiest foods to
buy? If you’ve made the decision
to eat right and take better care
of yourself in 2008, join Randy
Grabill, Altoona Regional clinical
dietitian, as he shows you how
to understand nutrition information
on labels and choose healthy and
nutritious foods.
Long-Term LivingServices:
What are the Options?
Who pays?
Friday, March 28. Lunch at 11
a.m. followed by program
until 1 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center,
Trzeciak Conference Suite,
2621 8th Ave.
No fee. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665
Join Melissa Raley, R.N., director
of Long-Term Living Services with
Blair Senior Services Inc., and
Patti Defibaugh, Long-Term Living
supervisor, Blair County Board of
Assistance, as they discuss Blair
County services and resources for
long-term care (both in-home care
and long-term care facility). Who
pays for these services? What are
waiver programs? Who is eligible
for financial assistance and how
is it determined? Ample time will
be allotted for your questions.
EVENING
PROGRAMS
AARP Driver
Safety Program
All classes from 6-10 p.m.
Logan Room, 6th floor,
Outpatient Center, Altoona
Hospital Campus.
Tuesday, Jan. 8, and
Wednesday, Jan. 9
Or Tuesday, Feb. 12, and
Wednesday, Feb. 13
Or Tuesday, March 11, and
Wednesday, March 12
Fee $10. Registration required.
Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
This classroom refresher course
covers age-related physical
changes, perceptual skills,
rules of the road and more. All
automobile insurance companies
in Pennsylvania provide a premium
discount to graduates age 55 and
older. Most require both spouses
insured under the same policy
to take the class to receive a
discount.
Yoga
Six-week
series:
Tuesdays, Jan. 15
through Feb. 19. Fee $30
(both beginner and
intermediate classes)
Beginners: 5:30-6:40 p.m.
Intermediate: 6:50-8 p.m.
Rotunda, 6th floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus
Thursdays, Jan. 17 through
Feb. 21. Fee $30
Beginners class only: 5-6:10 p.m.
Altoona Hospital Campus
School of Nursing auditorium
(behind helicopter pad)
Register now as classes are
limited to 25. Call 889.2630 or
1.888.313.4665.
Gail Murphy, registered instructor
in Hatha Yoga, leads this program,
which offers mind/body exercise,
breath control, stretching and
strengthening to promote mental,
physical and spiritual well-being.
Winter Eating for Energy
Monday, Jan. 21, 6:30-8 p.m.
Rotunda, 6th floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus.
No fee. Register by calling
889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Class size is limited.
Healthy refreshments will
be served.
Join Dona Baughman, R.D., LDN,
clinical nutrition manager at
Altoona Regional, as she explains
how best to maintain a healthy
diet through the doldrums of
winter and what foods may
boost energy levels.
Be Heart Smart!
Monday, Feb. 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
Rotunda, 6th floor,
Outpatient Center,
Altoona Hospital Campus
No fee. Register by calling
889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Class size is limited.
Healthy refreshments
will be served.
Heart disease is the No. 1
killer of women. Learn more
about the risks women have for
this sometimes silent killer as
Dr. Joseph Gattuso Jr., M.D.,
Cardiology Associates of Altoona,
joins us for this very important
topic. February is Heart Health
Awareness Month, and this is an
opportune time to learn the latest
prevention and treatment options
to keep your heart healthy!
Sign Language
Beginners class,
12-week course
Tuesdays, March 4 through
May 20 inclusive, 7-8:30 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center,
Trzeciak Conference Suite,
2621 8th Ave.
$25 fee. Registration required.
Class limited to 30. Register
by calling 889.2630 or
1.888.313.4665.
Pastor Robert Smith of the
Pastoral Care department of
Altoona Regional will teach
this course in conversational
sign language. There will be
assignments with the lessons,
and a certificate will be given
upon completion. You will need
a three-ring binder.
Conflict Management
and Healing
Mondays, March 10 through
April 14 inclusive, 6-7:30 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center,
Trzeciak Conference Suite,
2621 8th Ave.
$30 fee. Registration required.
Register by calling 889.2630 or
1.888.313.4665.
This six-week workshop will help
you understand that conflict
needs to be healed and not just
managed. Managing conflict
brings resolution of the issues
but healing conflict brings
wholeness, peace, restoration
and good health to the wounded
emotions of people. Dr. Mlen-Too
Wesley, a Conflict Management
Specialist, faculty member at
Penn State Altoona and member
of the Altoona Regional Pastoral
Care team, will conduct this
workshop with the purpose of
helping people experience healing
when conflict occurs and to build
healthy interpersonal relationships
and improve their lives.
Winter
Craft:
Shamrock Wreath
Friday, Feb. 1, 6:30-8 p.m.
Bon Secours Hospital Campus
Education Center,
Trzeciak Conference Suite,
2621 8th Ave.
Cost: $14. Register by calling
889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Class size limited to 25.
Join Sharon Rydbom, our own
craft diva, as she guides us in
making a cute St. Patrick’s Day
wreath to welcome guests and
family into our homes! Materials
needed include scissors, glue
gun and glue sticks (don’t special
purchase), foil or paper plate to
rest your glue gun on, two paper
towels, Styrofoam plate or tray
for paint, 15-inch piece of waxed
paper and 6- to 8-inch brown
paper bag.
Women’s
Night Out
2008
15
Ladies! Mark your calendar
and watch your mail!
Women’s Night Out
is scheduled for May 8,
2008. Details and registration
information will be mailed to
you in early February.
Robert J. Caughey, M.D.,
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Altoona Regional
Health System
is an ear, nose and throat
surgeon who recently
joined Altoona Regional’s
medical staff. He practices
at Ear, Nose and Throat
Associates of Central Pa.,
ASK THE SPECIALIST
People misuse
cotton swabs,
like Q-tips, and create ear
wax problems and irritate
their ear canals with them.
The use of these swabs is
Ear wax is actually very
useful. The best way to
clean the ear is with a wet
washcloth. The wax will
move out to the outer edge
on its own. Nothing should
go into the ear. When I
encounter someone with
a severe wax buildup in
the ear canal, I remove
it using suction under a
microscope.
P
R
I perform full voice
evaluations.
Treatment depends on
what the problem is
and may range from a
paralyzed vocal chord due
to stroke, a complication
from another surgery, or
a terminal illness such as
lung cancer.
As a temporary measure,
I can improve the vocal
quality and prevent
aspiration by injecting a
biocompatible material
into the vocal chord to
move it into a better
position. This can improve
communication and
provide a better quality
of life.
O
F
I
L
E
Robert Caughey, M.D.,
chose ear, nose and throat surgery
as his specialty because of the
opportunity to work with patients of
all ages with a variety of ailments. He
is board eligible with the American
Board of Otolaryngology. He received his
medical degree from the University of
Pittsburgh and did his internship
and residency at the University
of Virginia Health System,
Charlottesville. His wife,
the former Anne Koss,
is a graduate of Altoona
Area High School. They
are happy that
the opportunity
presented itself
to relocate here
to be near her
parents, who live
in Altoona, and
his parents, who
are in Pittsburgh.
Change Service Requested
What is a common, preventable
problem you see?
The skin in the ear canal
is very thin and sensitive,
and the swab creates
microabrasions that can
lead to infection, dryness
and pain. I see at least
two or three people every
day with problems directly
related to this.
What help can
you provide to
patients with
voice problems?
A nonprofit community health care system
I perform an
in-office treatment
for Meniere’s disease
where steroids are injected
directly into the middle ear
space. Meniere’s disease
causes ringing in the ears,
hearing fluctuations and
extreme dizziness that
lasts for hours.
terrible for the ears. They
push wax farther into the
ear canal. It’s like taking a
Brillo pad and rubbing it on
your skin every day.
Altoona Hospital Campus
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
As a new
specialist in the
area, do you
bring any new
procedures
with you?
501 Howard Ave.
16