< PreviousCAround Your Town Around Your Town 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2022 It might be hard to imagine by today’s standards, but up until the early 1970s there weren’t emergency ambulance services like the ones we know now. Instead, people with a medical emergency had to be transported to the hospital either in someone’s car, a fire department vehicle, a police car or by other means. Oftentimes, including in this area, funeral directors using their hearses to run an early type of ambulance service were the only ones who transported people to the hospital. Things were no different in the Coraopolis area, where two funeral homes served for a time as the primary means of transporting patients to Sewickley Hospital. That all changed in the early 1970s, when those two funeral directors decided to stop offering ambulatory services. The communities of Coraopolis Borough, Neville Township, Crescent Township and Moon Township responded by banding together to form the Valley Ambulance Authority under the Municipality Authorities Act. The following year, on May 15, 1972, the new dedicated ambulance service responded to its very first call. “EMS was just an infant then,” says Mary Carolyn Nash, who began volunteering with the service a couple of years later in 1974 and then went on to become its first full-time female employee in 1981. “They were trying to figure out how to do these things. Everything was just literally coming into being.” This year, Valley Ambulance Authority celebrated its 50th anniversary. Whereas at one time the authority relied almost entirely on volunteers, today it has 50 employees. Those employees include professional paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers and office personnel. The authority’s current chief, JR Henry, says he estimates the service has responded to around 400,000 calls over the years and that around 2,600 people have served with the authority in one capacity or another. According to information provided by Valley, the authority responds to around 5,600 calls each year, including 2,000 wheelchair van transports. It also provides training programs to the general public and first responders, including police officers and firemen. Valley’s personnel can be seen on standby at local sporting events and treating firefighters at large-scale emergency incidents. Valley operates primarily on subscription fees, insurance payments and donations. It does not receive any tax dollars and is classified as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. When the authority first got its start back in 1972, volunteers who signed up to serve came from a range of backgrounds and needed only take a single course to get on a crew. Those volunteers, however, were also eager and willing to serve, which may have been due in part to a popular television series about EMTs that started airing that year called “Emergency!” “Back when we started, volunteers were easy to come by,” says Denny Lewis, who began volunteering with Valley at its advent. “People wanted to volunteer for the ambulance service.” Doug Busch, who was part of Valley’s initial training group, says that prospective EMTs completed 26 hours of training with the American Red Cross followed by a second training to become an EMT. He says medical directors at individual hospitals served by particular ambulance services largely held sway over the training that was offered to that service’s volunteers. “Back in the day, Valley had their medical command at Sewickley Valley Hospital,” he says. “Pittsburgh’s came out of Columbia Hospital. Depending on where you were, doctors would give you different types of orders. You could do one type in one ambulance service versus another.” Today, ambulance services operate under protocols determined by the state. Requirements to become an EMT are also much more stringent and consistent. EMTs need now hold an associate’s degree and complete 600 hours of training in the classroom, the field and a clinical setting before qualifying to take the test to become certified, says Valley’s current deputy chief Denise Fantone. These days, someone can make a career out of being an EMT, or use it as a stepping stone to another position within the medical field. That wasn’t the case back then, she says. “When we started, the only paid person was the director, Gary Burnworth,” says Fantone. “There were 27 volunteer EMTs and upwards of 12 volunteer dispatchers. And those volunteers came from every walk of life. They were airline employees, dentists, truck drivers, it didn’t matter.” Some were like Lewis, who, after working an afternoon shift at Greater Pittsburgh Airport, would volunteer to work the midnight shift for the authority. He says it wasn’t a completely volunteer position, as he did get paid about $8 per call. He recalls that money helped him make his monthly payment of about $30 on a Ford Pinto. After securing enough for that month’s car payment, he jokes, the authority wouldn’t see him for a bit. When Lewis reported for duty, he did so at a one-bedroom apartment above a double-bay garage in downtown Coraopolis off Ridge Avenue. The apartment served as the authority’s very first headquarters. Valley Ambulance veterans reflect on 50 years of service STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY PHOTOS BY DAVE NOVAK ABOVE: Mary Carolyn Nash, who has served with Valley Ambulance Authority for 40 years, provides remarks at the authority’s 50th anniversary dinner Oct. 21. BELOW: Attendees are recognized for their service to the authority. CAround Your Town Around Your Town AHN Montour Health + Sports Medicine Center opens Representatives of Allegheny Health Network, Highmark Health and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club joined community leaders and elected officials in Coraopolis to officially unveil the new AHN Montour Health + Sports Medicine Center on Nov. 2. One of the largest sports complexes of its kind in the U.S., the 78-acre development includes multiple indoor and outdoor athletic fields conjoined with a 20,000-square-foot medical facility. It is located just outside of downtown Coraopolis at 2419 State Avenue. Developed in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, the facility features three turfed, FIFA regulation-sized soccer and multi-purpose fields, including one full-size indoor field for year- round use. Seven additional outdoor fields are under construction and expected to be completed in 2023. The new campus will be utilized as a practice site for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and home base for the Riverhounds Development Academy, which annually trains more than 5,000 athletes ranging from age 4 to 18-years-old. Clinicians from the AHN Orthopaedic Institute will be providing onsite orthopaedics and sports medicine services to patients and athletes of all ages at the Montour site, including physical/ occupational therapy, sports performance training, a physician-led concussion diagnosis and management program, and more. Patients will also have access at the sprawling campus to AHN primary care, pediatric care, laboratory services and diagnostic imaging, including X-ray and MRI. STORY SUBMITTED People gather in at the indoor soccer field inside the new AHN Montour Health + Sports Medicine Center for the facility’s official ribbon cutting. Local officials and Highmark executives join Riverhounds SC players for a ribbon cutting at the AHN Montour Health + Sports Medicine Center on Nov. 2. Pictured with players are state Rep. Anita Kulik, Coraopolis Mayor Michael Dixon, state Sen. Devlin Robinson, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, state Sen. Wayne Fontana, Highmark Health Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Dan Onorato, Riverhounds SC owner Tuffy Shallenberger, AHN CEO Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN Orthopaedic Institute Chair Dr. Patrick Demeo and AHN Pediatric Institute Chair Dr. Joseph Aracri. Winter 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 11 “The apartment consisted of a living room and then a room for dispatchers and a small bunk room,” he recalls. “There was always someone there. We had a sign-up sheet, you signed up for the shifts you wanted.” He says some volunteers were so committed that they would sometimes fight over time slots. Back then, he says the authority responded to a variety of calls. He says there was at least one call per week to the Parkway, which at that time didn’t have a divider. Cars also didn’t have air bags. As well, he recalls responding to industrial accidents on Neville Island and in Leetsdale. In its first year, Valley responded to a total of 885 calls and, by the end of 1977, it was answering 2,000 calls per year, most within just six minutes. By then, the authority had also moved into a much better facility. In 1974, RB&W donated its former gatehouse adjacent to the Sewickley Bridge and that building has since remained Valley’s headquarters. That same year, Valley began sharing its staff with the newly formed Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority which, much like Valley, relied on a couple dozen volunteers. That first year, Valley helped the authority respond to 200 calls in communities across the river. Today, the two authorities continue to have a joint operating agreement. They share facilities, personnel and administrative costs. The Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority responds to more than 2,000 ambulance calls per year and provides 1,250 wheelchair van transports annually. It, too, is a nonprofit, and relies on many of the same types of income sources as Valley. On Oct. 21, Valley Ambulance Authority hosted 135 people at a dinner held to celebrate the its milestone. Several speakers - including Nash, Lewis and Busch - reflected on their service with Valley. Henry was also presented with official proclamations from both state Rep. Anita Kulik and state Rep. Valerie Gaydos. Providing remarks, Gaydos reflected on when she, too, served with the authority. The following day, the authority hosted an open house at its headquarters. Among those honored that evening was Nash, who is now retired but continues to hold a place on its board. She was recognized for her 40 years of service with the authority. Nash was just one of many there, however, who had felt a calling to serve. “We had volunteers who would take the class and then run one or two calls and you would never see them again,” she says. “When you got into EMS, you either loved it or hated it. And if it got under your skin, you were here for life.” Valley Ambulance Authority chief JR Henry is presented with official proclamations from state Rep. Anita Kulik and state Rep. Valerie Gaydos. Read and share content at awmagazine.comCAround Your Town Around Your Town In the not-so-distant future, driving to Pittsburgh International Airport to catch a flight will be a much different, and better, experience. Instead of heading to the land-side terminal as one would now, passengers who are getting dropped off will instead drive up to a new, massive, 811,000 square-foot terminal attached to the current air-side terminal. There, expanded security checkpoints will allow travelers to be whisked through to their gates quicker and they will no longer have to hop on a tram, thereby cutting travel time from curb to gate in half. There’s also good news for those who are parking. A new parking facility will be located adjacent to the terminal with 3,000 covered parking spaces. While improving passenger experience, the elimination of the tram and baggage conveyors - along with other updates - are also expected to save the authority around $21 million per year. The Terminal Modernization Project, as it’s known, was initially supposed to be completed in 2023, until COVID-19 shut down the country and pushed that date back to 2025. By this past September, however, the project had crossed a major milestone with the erection of the terminal’s first vertical steel beams and trees. From the vantage point of what was once a runway near the construction zone during a media day in September, it was easy to see the scale of the project. Not far from the steel frame, a row of bridge piers had also been erected to hold the terminal’s new ramps and road system. Paul Hoback, Allegheny County Airport Authority chief development officer, says the ramps will be 1,300 feet long, which he points out is longer than the Ft. Pitt Bridge. With the terminal’s foundation about 78% complete, and its steel frame erected, he said the building should begin taking shape in the months to come. In remarks, Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said that a goal of the project was to involve Pittsburgh labor and materials. She said 87% of the construction work had been awarded to Pittsburgh companies and that the project’s steel had been sourced locally. “One of the things we’re really proud of is the steel you’re seeing erected is being fabricated across the river in Ambridge,” she said, referring to Sippel Steel Fab. “We’re still making things here. We wanted to make sure we’re highlighting not only the attributes of this community in the new terminal but actually putting Pittsburgh materials to work in the terminal as well.” Hoback said that about 14,300 jobs are currently associated with the work, and that 7,800 of those are construction jobs. In addition to construction of the new terminal, work had also started on the new multi-modal parking complex that will triple the number of covered spaces at the airport. For more on the project, including digital renderings of the new terminal, visit pittransformed.com. Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program taking shape STORY AND PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY ABOVE: Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis talks to members of the media in front of the airport’s new terminal that is being constructed in the background. BELOW: ACAA Chief Development Officer Paul Hoback briefs the media on the status of the terminal project. Behind him are piers that have been installed for the terminal’s new roadway system. 12 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2022 As any homeowner will attest, it takes a range of specialized knowledge to maintain a household. From electricians, to HVAC specialists, to plumbers and carpenters, owning a house means relying on a multitude of professionals with a variety of backgrounds. That’s why some contractors tend to branch off into other specialties in order to better serve their customers. Doing so provides homeowners with the peace of mind that they can rely on a single business and not have to search out a number of different contractors who will not only do the work, but do the work right. Locally, Jim Meyers & Son Plumbing and Excavation in Oakdale has been doing exactly that. Over the past few years, the company has expanded from its bread-and-butter plumbing services into a range of specialties, including HVAC. The company now offers furnace and air-conditioning maintenance, ductwork, furnace installations, air- conditioner installation, duct cleaning and more. “We’re now your one-stop shop for any mechanical upgrades or commercial work that you might need,” says Matt Meyers, who began running the business three years ago with his parents, Jim and Sue Meyers. “I can’t even express to you how many calls we get on a daily basis from homeowners with different questions, and not just plumbing-related ones. We really wanted to branch out to better serve these homeowners in whatever way we can.” The business, which was originally founded in 1979 by Jim Meyers, has also seen some significant growth over the past few years. During that time, Jim Meyers and Son Plumbing has added eight employees and they’re looking for more, says Matt. “We’re always hiring,” he says. “We need plumbing technicians and HVAC technicians. We know our clients can’t wait so that’s why we need good people who can get the job done when needed.” In addition to its new services, Jim Meyers and Son Plumbing is still offering all of its plumbing services, from installing dishwashers and hot water heaters to repairing drains and sewer lines. The company also does bathroom remodels and has a showroom at its location on Oakdale Road where homeowners can view sample remodel displays and get ideas. Unlike the giant box store, the business offers personalized service and experienced, reliable workmanship. By walking homeowners through the entire remodel process, the team at Meyers ensures that homeowners are getting everything they need and want, from start to finish. Meyers is now also performing both furnace and air- conditioning installations and maintenance. That includes installing energy-efficient heat pumps, which can be run inside a house without traditional ductwork and are also great for regulating temperatures on a second floor. The company even installs energy-efficient boilers for those older homes with radiators. As well, they can run new ductwork for remodels or on new builds. “We’re offering a full range of HVAC services now,” says Matt. A couple of years ago, Meyers also began offering vent cleaning services, which can remove a multitude of harmful substances from ductwork. Dust, mold spores, fungus, bacteria, insect larvae, harmful chemicals and even garbage all tend to find their way into vents. When the furnace or air conditioning clicks on, all of that stuff gets spewed into the air, thereby irritating allergies and chronic conditions like asthma. To clean the vents, Meyers uses a specialized rotating brush attached to a powerful suction hose. As the brush rotates, it dislodges pollutants which are then captured by the suction. The process is safe to use on nearly all vents. Matt says everyone should have their vents cleaned about every three years. Homeowners living in a home that recently underwent construction or where there was smoking, however, should have their vents cleaned much sooner, he says. The company has also added some new plumbing- related services, including trenchless sewer line repair. This process involves lining an existing sewer line with new plastic pipe. It’s like installing an entirely new sewer line right inside the old line, but allows homeowners to avoid having to excavate the old line. This can be particularly useful for homeowners who have a sewer line running underneath a driveway or landscaping. Typically, Matt says, homes that were built in the 1980s or earlier are in peril of experiencing sewer line failure due to shifting ground conditions and roots that can compromise the lines. Many older homes may also have ceramic pipes that tend to break apart as the ground shifts and roots dig into the joints. “It’s saved some homeowners thousands of dollars and lots of headaches,” says Matt. “Not only did they not have to replace a driveway, they now have the peace of mind of knowing that their sewer line isn’t going to fail and back up on them. Our area is vulnerable to that type of thing given the age of the homes and the construction methods that were used when some were built.” For those who do need excavation, however, Meyers can also handle that. In fact, it’s one of their specialties. “Our goal over time is to continue growing and expanding our services,” says Matt. “We want to be our clients’ go-to for all of their plumbing, HVAC and excavation needs.” Meyers and Son Plumbing is located at 1561 Oakdale Road. They can be reached at (412) 787-7805 or at (724) 693-9823. Visit them online at www.meyersplumbingpittsburgh.com. Jim Meyers & Son Plumbing expands to offer HVAC and other services CONTENT SUBMITTED FROM ABOVE: From excavation and sewer line repair, to installing tankless water heaters, boilers and commercial work, Jim Meyers and Son Plumbing does it all. % New in Town New in Town Winter 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 13% New in Town New in Town 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2022 For the past 28 years, area residents have trusted local ophthalmologist Dr. Laura Pallan, MD, with deciding on the best course of action to treat some of their most serious eyesight problems. As the owner of Ophthalmology Consultants on Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township, Pallan has seen hundreds of patients requiring care for conditions ranging from cataracts to glaucoma. Recently, Pallan formed a new partnership with the medical group Associates in Ophthalmology to expand care even further to her patients. The practice is now Associates in Ophthalmology Moon Township. “Our patients used to have to travel 13 miles in any direction for these services and now we’re offering them here,” says Pallan. Patients receiving care at the practice will now be able to obtain injections for macular degeneration, laser procedures for glaucoma, dry-eye treatments and more. Patients will also have access to AIO’s state-of-the-art, eye-only surgery center in West Mifflin, which offers the most advanced lens implant options and laser technology for cataract procedures. As well, AIO performs LASIK at its Monroeville facility. Two new fellowship-trained doctors have also begun treating patients directly at AIO Moon Township. Among them is Dr. Joshua Paul, MD. A Pittsburgh native who completed his glaucoma fellowship at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Paul earned his bachelor’s degree at Penn State University before completing his residency at Temple University. He says returning to the area to treat patients in his hometown has always been his desire, and points out that the kind of care the practice offers can be life-changing. “Cataracts, of course, are one of the most common causes of vision loss, especially as you get older,” he says. “Being able to restore vision with cataract surgery is really powerful and meaningful to our patients.” For glaucoma patients, Paul says those patients require consistent long-term care to monitor the progression of their condition. “Glaucoma is a condition that patients may not be aware of and it’s important we’re seeing them and making sure we’re seeing them often,” he says. In addition to Paul, retina specialist Dr. Tailun Zhao, MD, a vitreoretinal specialist, has also begun treating patients at AIO Moon Township. Zhao, who treats macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, earned his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina and his medical degree at the UNC College of Medicine. He completed a medicine internship at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and his Vitreoretinal Fellowship at AIO. “Rather than patients having to travel to see these fellowship- trained specialists, we’re now bringing these doctors directly to patients in the area,” says Mike Lutz, regional vice president of operations for OCLI Vision, which is a partner of AIO. Founded in 1997, OCLI Vision is one of the leading ophthalmology and optometry practices in the U.S. It is led by a large group of highly skilled ophthalmologists and optometrists in each major sub-specialty of eye care who provide comprehensive services, including treatment for cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, retinal disease, oculoplastics, refractive surgery and neuro-ophthalmology. By joining AIO, Pallan is also teaming up with Dr. Lisa M. Cibik, MD, FACS, a founding partner of AIO. The medical group is comprised of experienced, board-certified, fellowship- trained eye surgeons utilizing the latest technology to deliver the most advanced eye care available. Its specialties include cataracts, retina, glaucoma, refractive surgery and comprehensive eye care. “This was a good opportunity for Dr. Pallan, being a comprehensive ophthalmologist, to introduce these sub specialties to this part of the community,” says Cibik. “We feel it’ll be great and really helpful to the people in this area.” Pallan first opened her Moon Township practice in 1995 after finishing her training at the University of Pittsburgh’s Eye and Ear Institute. She has been working with area patients and their optometrists since. While her training prepared her for the job, she says the work itself has been a constant learning process, one that’s largely been informed by her patients - many of whom are seniors. “My patients tell me everything I know,” she says. “You learn so much just by talking to patients. They become like family and they’re like your family.” Over the years, so many patients have trusted Pallan with their eyesight that she’s now treating their children and, in some cases, grandchildren. Going forward, she sees the practice continuing to expand in its partnership with AIO as they make care even more accessible to area residents. “I think we’re poised for growth here because of the accessibility of the office and the availability of providers,” she says. AIO Moon Township is located at 960 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. To schedule an appointment, call 1 (888) 634- 9800. To learn more about AIO and view a full list of services they offer, visit www.aiovision.com. Local ophthalmologist Dr. Pallan joins Associates in Ophthalmology Partnership will bring more specialty vision care directly to area patients STORY SUBMITTED PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY ABOVE: Dr. Laura Pallan (center right) and Dr. Lisa M. Cibik of Associates in Ophthalmology (center left) pose for a picture with OCLI regional vice president Mike Lutz (far left), AIO ophthalmologist Dr. Joshua Paul, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Heck (fourth from left) and chamber representatives at a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 16 for Associates in Ophthalmology Moon Township. BELOW: Dr. Paul, one of the practice’s newest doctors, is pictured with Dr. Pallan at the Moon Township office. % New in Town New in Town Winter 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 15 Since opening 12 years ago, Robinson Township-based Kinder Academy Learning Centers of Pittsburgh have become leading examples of extraordinary childcare in the area. With caring, certified staff members, and a curriculum that encourages learning through exploration and discovery, Kinder Academy has continued to set itself apart in the field of early education. Recently, the center opened its newest location in Moon Township. Kinder Academy now operates three centers, two of which are located in Robinson Township. Its Moon Township center opened in October at 1005 Beaver Grade Road, near the intersection of Beaver Grade Road and Thorn Run Road Extension. Its Robinson centers are located at 5992 Steubenville Pike in the Pike Place plaza and at 1476 Old Steubenville Pike near the intersection of I-79 and Route 60. “We felt we needed to further expand to better serve families in the western Allegheny County area,” says Amy Wilsher, owner and founder of Kinder Academy. “Not only does our new Moon Township center allow us to serve more families, it’s also convenient for parents who either live or work in Moon Township.” Kinder Academy offers childcare for children from 6 months old through 12 years of age. Its Robinson center at 1476 Steubenville Pike also offers both before and afterschool care. Children at Kinder Academy enjoy a wide variety of age-appropriate programs that are professionally designed to challenge, nurture and teach. Kinder Academy follows the Creative Curriculum, which gives children time to explore and discover their own connections to prior-learned knowledge through key learning opportunities. The Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive, research- based curriculum that promotes and focuses on four different foundations of learning: cognitive, social emotional, language and physical. “All children, regardless of age and ability, need opportunities to engage in practice activities and experiences steeped in play,” says Wilsher. “We’re committed to providing this to all children in our care.” Each day at Kinder Academy, students engage in structured, key learning activities; interactive and hands-on educational opportunities; and curriculum-based lesson plans aligned to Pennsylvania Standards of Learning. Kinder Academy also participates in the CACFP Food program to provide all healthy and nutritious meals. All children receive breakfast, lunch and two snacks per day. The mission statement of Kinder Academy is to provide a healthy, safe and nurturing environment for all children. The centers strive to teach children skills that will prepare them for their future within Kinder Academy and beyond by providing quality care and pursuing standards that surpass those of the established childcare fundamentals. All three of Kinder Academy’s centers are committed to high quality educational care and participate in Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program, a statewide Quality Rating and Improvement System used to evaluate the quality of preschool and school- aged care and academic programs. The STARS acronym stands for how the program evaluates and aims to improve quality through: standards, training/ professional development, assistance, resources and support. As a QRIS, Keystone STARS offers a systemic approach to assessing, supporting and improving the quality of early education centers. Kinder Academy also partners with other area organizations to provide children with additional opportunities for activities. The centers have built- in activities and in-house field trips through Kidokinetics and Gymbus that come weekly to all three centers. Through the Kidokinetics program, children get to learn the basics of a wide variety of different sports. Kidonetics provides equipment, professional coaches and a curriculum featuring a new sport each week. The program promotes motor skills, balance, coordination, self-confidence, teamwork and, most importantly, fun. The Gym Bus, on the other hand, teaches children gymnastics, sports and physical fitness. The Gym Bus provides instructors and equipment, and children learn right inside a mini- gym built inside the bus. Kinder Academy is currently enrolling students at all of its centers. For more information, visit www.kinderacademypgh.com or email enrollment@kinderacademypgh.com. Tours are available for each of their centers. Building on past success, Kinder Academy opens new Moon Township location CONTENT SUBMITTED ABOVE AND BELOW: These photos show the interior of Kinder Academy’s newest location at 1005 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Kinder Academy also operates two centers in Robinson Township.y > Learning Curves Learning Curves 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2022 When it comes to managing long-term joint pain, particularly pain associated with the knee and elbow joints, many people have at one point or another turned to cortisone. A steroid hormone, cortisone can provide some short-term relief by mitigating swelling in the joint. Over the years, however, we’ve also seen a growing demand for an all-natural and more conservative treatment for elbow, foot and knee pain. As a result, we dove deep into the research to look for the safest and most effective ways to treat these injuries and found strong evidence to support light laser therapy as an effective alternative. Studies have shown that the use of infrared light can help with everything from weight loss and skin health to healing injuries. This laser therapy helps to heal damaged cells through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM). There is consensus that the application of a therapeutic dose of light to an injured area wakes up the mitochondria in a cell, which is the generator for our cells. Studies have shown that these changes can reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting tissue repair. In December of 2003, the FDA for the first time approved the use of a class 4 laser to relieve minor muscle and joint pain. While most infrared services on the market utilize low-level laser therapy, we’ve designed our own class 3 infrared light therapy brace that we now include as part of our joint relief protocol. This brace is outfitted with lasers and it fits comfortably around the knee, elbow or feet. At the same time, we are utilizing a powerful class 4 laser in our office that has the capability to deliver up to 60 watts per application. This laser has the ability to deliver heat up to four inches beneath the skin. By comparison, most therapeutic lasers are 10 to 25 watts. This deep-heat laser helps break down swelling, scar tissue and inflammation while waking up mitochondria in the cells to restart the healing process. Our laser is so powerful that specialized reflective glass must be worn during in-office treatments. Compared to cortisone, there are little to no side effects from laser therapy. Infection, pregnancy, cancer and open wounds are the only contraindications, or reasons why someone should not have the procedure done. We’ve seen some amazing results, with most people experiencing some type of pain relief after just one application. It has been humbling to help fix someone’s chronic plantar fasciitis or elbow tendinitis after they’ve been told that surgery or injections are their only option. For example, we recently treated a patient with chronic plantar fasciitis who was contemplating an aggressive foot surgery after three cortisone injections and 24 physical therapy sessions. She felt hopeless. After four weeks of laser treatment, however, she could walk around her house in bare feet for the first time with minimal foot pain. Our treatment process involves at-home equipment and in- clinic treatments along with the recommendation of joint supplements to aid in cartilage health. We don’t accept everyone into the laser therapy protocol. Our doctors perform an examination and, if someone is a good candidate for treatment, we let them know our recommendations for care. We do not use medications, surgeries or injections to fix a problem and most insurances are accepted. If you’re considering cortisone injections, surgery or other invasive procedures with side effects, I hope you’ll consider giving us a call first to see how we can help. Treating joint pain at the speed of light BY DR. DAN NICOLAUS AND DR. JOSH SLOMKOWSKI, OWNERS, HOMETOWN SPINE AND SPORT Dr. Josh Slomkowski and Dr. Dan Nicolaus hold doctorate degrees in chiropractic and own the chiropractic practice Hometown Spine and Sport, which is located at 7350 Steubenville Pike in North Fayette Township. They can be reached at (412) 490-1700. Visit Hometown Spine and Sport online at www. hometownspineandsport.com. A hand-held class 4 laser is used by a therapist at Hometown Spine and Sport to treat elbow and joint pain deep below the surface. Hometown Spine and Sport is utilizing this special knee brace that is equipped with lasers to treat knee joint pain. y > Learning Curves Learning Curves Winter 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 17 This winter is expected to be a particularly bad one for respiratory illnesses. Of concern are the flu and COVID-19 viruses, both of which are currently spreading readily and can not only cause severe illness, but also hospitalization. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized after contracting influenza, and after wreaking havoc these past two years, tens of thousands of new cases of COVID-19 were already being diagnosed each day heading into the winter. The good news is vaccines that may help protect against new COVID-19 subvariants are readily available and the CDC recommends receiving one at the same time as your annual flu shot. At Porter’s Pharmacy, both shots can be administered in minutes. Appointments are available online at portersrx.com to ensure minimal wait time. Here’s more of what you should know: Get your flu and COVID vaccinations now and help stay safe this holiday season What to know about the new Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters As COVID-19 has spread, it has mutated into variants and subvariants. Some of these variants have shown an ability to evade protection provided by previous vaccinations. Subvariants of the omicron variant have been responsible for many new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. To combat these new subvariants, the FDA has approved the use of the new Pfizer and Moderna bivalent COVID-19 boosters. These COVID-19 vaccines are called bivalent because they prime the body’s immune system to help ward off infections caused by both the omicron subvariants and the original strain of the virus. These new boosters are intended to be administered to people who have already received their initial primary series of vaccinations and can be given in a single dose. They can be injected two months after completing the primary vaccination series or after receiving a previous booster. People may consider delaying their booster by three months from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or from having a positive test. Porter’s Pharmacy is administering the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent boosters to those 12 years of age and older. What to know about the flu The flu is a respiratory virus that - just like COVID-19 - spreads easily in dry, indoor environments. The flu can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose. Vomiting or diarrhea can also occur, though this is more common in children than adults. Around 200,000 people end up in the hospital each year because of the flu. People most at risk of developing complications include infants, young children, people age 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain health considerations. The flu vaccine helps prime the body to ward off severe illness caused by the virus. The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu shot each year. Porters Pharmacy is currently offering flu vaccinations for children 12 years of age and older. CONTENT SUBMITTED BY PORTER’S PHARMACY Porter’s Pharmacy and Compounding Lab How to schedule a vaccine Porter’s Pharmacy has developed a convenient and flexible scheduling system that allows the general public to register for their flu and COVID-19 shots online at portersrx.com. Scanning the QR code at right will take you immediately to this scheduling portal. Anyone needing assistance may also call: (412) 264-2230. Porter’s is located at 935 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. The pharmacy is a family-owned business focused on healthcare, not a retailer pushing a wide variety of general goods. Fast and efficient service is their goal. Indications for a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine • A single booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine may be administered at least two months after completion of a primary vaccination series or receipt of the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. • People who recently had COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 infection (within the last three months) may consider delaying their booster dose by three months from symptom onset or a positive test (if the infection was asymptomatic). • The Pfizer or Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine is currently indicated as a booster regardless of what primary series vaccine was received. For example, if a patient’s primary COVID-19 vaccination series was completed with the Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccines, he or she can be vaccinated with the newly available Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine. • The current CDC indications are for patients to receive both the Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine and flu (influenza) 2022- 2023 vaccine at the same time. However, some patients prefer to separate the vaccines and not receive them at the same time. Please see the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines/index.html for the most updated indications, guidelines and information about COVID-19 vaccines.Winter 2022 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2022 Student Career Pathways work begins It was previously reported that the Cornell School District received a grant in the amount of $32,250 to support an initiative that would reimagine the high school course sequence. Cornell Superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas and Director of Technology and Instructional Innovation Dr. Kris Hupp have been actively participating in a school leader work series exploring new and innovative student and staff programming. The American Association of School Administrators has been facilitating this nationwide work, which they have coined Learning 2025. Over the summer, Cornell administrators worked with faculty from Robert Morris University to identify current courses that could possibly be dual enrollment courses in the future. Dual enrollment means that students receive high school credit, as well as college credit, which is transferable to other higher education institutions. Expanding on dual enrollment courses allows high school students to earn credits toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, which saves them significant money, and lays the foundation for a positive post-secondary experience. Future work includes further exploration of current course offerings and laying out a three-year plan to eliminate courses that may be outdated, and replacing them with more relevant, rigorous courses. Cornell will also be asking representatives from CCAC to participate in the student careers pathways project as well as secondary faculty and staff members. Thomas stated, “We are hopeful that through the work of this initiative we can get our students more college credits, a deeper educational experience, and really propel them into a career field that allows them to succeed professionally, financially, and personally.” A special thank you to the Grable Foundation for their continued support of these endeavors. Through their financial generosity, they make this work possible. Cornell’s PRIDE Program to continue Cornell School District is very excited to announce that the district was selected as a recipient of a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, which helps fund its PRIDE Program. The district will receive almost $1.5 million over the next five school years to provide afterschool and summer programming for students. Cornell has been awarded this very competitive grant in the past, but usually the grant period is only for three years. Superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas stated, “We were more than thrilled to hear the news that we received the 21st CCLC grant. This is a very competitive grant application process, and to be awarded a five-year grant period is great for our students. This grant cohort allows much more flexibility with our programming, and we are looking to revamp what we are doing after school and during the summer months. We want to have a balance of academic programming, recreational programming, and social programming.” The PRIDE Program was able to start in the beginning of October and will run through the remainder of the school year. Student attendance has been phenomenal, especially in the elementary grades. The PRIDE Program is available for students in grades two through eight and is for three hours each night, from Monday through Thursday. Dinner is also served for all students free of charge. Daily programming includes fun academic enrichment activities and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, which always follow homework help time. Cornell was able to extend the homework help time, and now more students are getting their homework completed before going to their activity. They are also able to get answers to any questions they may have. The PRIDE Program will run for six weeks in the summer as well, usually three weeks in June and another three weeks in July. The week of the Fourth of July is an off-week of programming. Dates and sign-up information will be sent home in the spring with students. If anyone has any questions or would like to sign up their child for the program, they can contact program director, Crystal Smith, at (412) 264-5010 ext. 110. Five more years of high-quality, afterschool extended learning is going to continue to be a staple at Cornell. #WeAre CornellWinter 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 19 Visit www.cornellsd.org for the latest district news The Cornell School District Counseling Program is excited about all the different community and business partnerships that we have for this school year. Here’s an update of what’s happening: What’s happening in Guidance The Bradley Center Cornell School District has partnered with The Bradley Center to provide Student Assistance Programming, behavioral health supportive counseling, and school-based counseling services to students and families. The Bradley Center will also provide behavior support services in elementary classrooms working with students on self-control and self-regulation. The Bradley Center’s support services are at the school four days a week and provide two certified therapists for families and students. Cornell is very excited to have The Bradley Center services and support in the school to help students and families work through challenges and build a plan for a path of success. Casa San Jose Cornell School District is continuing to partner this year with Casa San Jose, a local nonprofit Latino Immigrant Resource Center. Casa San Jose is conducting a mentor program for students in grades K through 12. They meet with students bi-weekly to help motivate and support them with school and other aspects of their lives. The program is designed to empower students while embracing their Latino heritage. Casa San Jose’s other services to the community include mental health referrals, English classes, social services and information on legal rights and obligations. To get in touch with Casa San Jose regarding their services, call (412) 343-3111. Robert Morris University Healthcare Professionals High School Mentorship Program Cornell School District is continuing their participation with the Robert Morris University Healthcare Professionals High School Mentorship Program. The purpose of the program is to enlighten and educate high school students about different opportunities available in the healthcare industry. Four students attended the first kick-off event Oct. 26. They got to tour the campus, learn about the program, participate in panel discussions, and network with professionals and students. Those students will continue with monthly Zoom meetings related to different careers in the healthcare field. Snack Pack Program Cornell School District continues its partnership with the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation to provide students with the weekend Snack Pack Program. This year, over 90 Cornell School District students and families will receive a sizable food donation at the end of each week to bring home for the remainder of the school year. Coraopolis Community Development volunteers and staff that prepare the Snack Packs each week and the wonderful organizations that donate the food make this program possible. National Merit Scholarship Commended Student Cornell High School Principal Dr. Doug Szokoly announced that Ciara White McShane has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation was presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry. Students entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test. National Hispanic Recognition Award Anderson Bando and Ciara White McShane are two of 62,000 students from across the country to earn academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Programs. Anderson and Ciara won the National Hispanic Recognition Award for their academic achievements in school and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latino, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Congratulations to Anderson and Ciara. Cornell is proud of you. Samantha Bell, Camille DiCicco, Graci Farbacher, and Noah Slinde all participated in the Robert Morris University Healthcare Professionals High School Mentorship Program High School Principal Dr. Doug Szokoly presents Ciara White McShane with a Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Anderson Bando and Ciara White McShane both received the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Award. Next >