Use Caution When Visiting Loved Ones This Flu Season

Officials at Pinecrest Manor, our long-term care facility, are urging caution this flu season!

If you or your family members are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, please stay at home until the symptoms have passed. Those who are not exhibiting flu-like symptoms but have not received a flu shot must wear a face mask at all times while visiting someone at Pinecrest Manor. Masks are available at the Pinecrest Manor reception desk.

For more information, call Pinecrest Manor at (814) 788-8488.

The Future is Now

Construction on our new floor is complete, and we're inviting you to celebrate with us! 

Come to Elk Regional Health Center on Friday, January 11 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for an open house celebration, and we'll show you what the future of patient care looks like. 

See you there!

Elk Regional Urges Caution During Flu Season

Elk Regional Health Center urges local residents to use good judgment during this year’s flu season when visiting family or friends in a hospital or nursing home facility like Pinecrest Manor. 

If you or a family member is currently ill, please refrain from visiting until you feel better. By following this simple guideline, those hospitalized will have a greater chance of avoiding the transmission of your illness. The Health Center would also like to share some health care information to help you cope with the flu season.

Influenza, or the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by the influenza virus. When people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk, droplets of moisture from these actions can be inhaled and can infect people up to six feet away.

Unlike the common cold, the flu can come on abruptly.  Flu symptoms include a high fever of up to 104 degrees and extreme fatigue. An individual may also suffer from a sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches and a cough. Some children may exhibit vomiting and diarrhea.

Most individuals who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some individuals will develop complications, such as pneumonia, as a result of the flu. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from the flu. When complicated by pneumonia, flu is the fourth leading cause of death in patients 65 and older. In nursing homes where the elderly and chronically ill live in close quarters, fatalities can range as high as 30 percent of those infected by the virus.

Individuals in the following high-risk groups should take extra precautions during the flu season: 

• anyone 65 or older;
• residents of long-term care facilities;
• adults or children with chronic pulmonary or cardiopulmonary disorders;
• adults or children with metabolic disorders, hemoglobinopathies or renal dysfunction;
• immunosuppressed children or adults, such as premature infants and cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy; and 
• children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy. 

Hand washing plays a very important role in prevention of the flu. Individuals should wash their hands frequently for at least twenty seconds using soap and warm water. If soap and water isn’t available you should use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.     

In the event that you catch the flu virus, it is recommended that you get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If the symptoms prevail, consult your family physician or get treatment at Elk Regional’s Med Express Center in Ridgway that is open from 9 am until 7 p.m., seven days a week; or Q Care that is located on the St. Marys campus in the Medical Office Building. Q Care is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Our goal at Elk Regional Health Center is to keep our patients safe from the flu and prevention is the key.

Elk Regional Makes Little Faces Light Up for Christmas

Christmas is coming, and the employees at Elk Regional Health Center took the opportunity to make a donation to the "Project Gifts for Elk County" toy drive! Through the hospital’s "Elk Regional Gives Back" program, employees from each department filled an entire van with new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages. 

From left are Roni Wehler; Krista Nelson; Trooper Bruce Morris; Greg Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System; Bob Roberts; Colette Herzing; Kristen Johnson; Dennis Trunzo; Caroline Smith; and Stew Corl. 

Auxiliary to Hold Jewelry Sale

If you're looking for a few last-minute Christmas gifts, you won't want to miss the Auxiliary's jewelry sale on Monday! For sale will be a huge variety of jewelry, including Premier Design, Magnability, Pandora Light bracelets, Swap Watches, and much more! The sale will run from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Conference Room B at Pinecrest Manor.

Proceeds will benefit our Auxiliary, which has made a $250,000 pledge to The Elk Regional Capital Campaign in support of our building project. We'll see you there!

Start 2013 off on the right foot with "Drop 10 in 10"

2013 is quickly approaching. Let us help you start the new year off on the right foot! 

Registration is now open for Drop 10 in 10, a 10-week guided weight management and healthy lifestyle program designed to help participants lose 10 percent of their body weight, or 10 pounds, in 10 weeks.

The first class will be Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. in the Education Center at our St. Marys campus. If you've got Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, the cost is less than $20! 

To register, call us at (814) 788-8833!

Elk Regional Appoints Chief Medical Officer

Mark J. Shulkosky, M.D. has been selected as the Chief Medical Officer for Elk Regional Health System, a role in which he will serve on a part-time basis.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Shulkosky to his new role,” Mr. Bauer said. “Dr. Shulkosky has become a very well-respected member of our medical staff and will be a solid addition to Elk Regional’s executive team. I believe he will be instrumental in helping us move forward.”

"It is a privilege to join Elk Regional’s leadership team,” Dr. Shulkosky said. “I am both humbled and proud to have been selected the Chief Medical Officer. I am thankful that Elk Regional’s Board of Directors and Administration have placed their trust in me and I look forward to helping Elk Regional secure its place as the provider of choice for our region."

In his new role, Dr. Shulkosky will serve as a liaison between Elk Regional’s medical staff and administration. He will work closely with Elk Regional’s Medical Staff President, its department managers, and its physician leaders. He will also serve as a member of Elk Regional’s executive team.

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shulkosky will support the Health Center’s quality improvement initiatives. He will work with managers in clinical departments to establish performance improvement measures and monitoring mechanisms and will work closely with Christine Garner, RN, Elk Regional’s Director of Quality and Performance Improvement, to direct Elk Regional’s hospital-wide quality and performance improvement programs.

The Chief Medical Officer position was created as a result of a structural reorganization approved by the Health System Board of Directors in 2011.

Dr. Shulkosky is Board certified in anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He currently serves as Elk Regional’s Director of Anesthesiology and will continue to serve in that role on a part-time basis.

Dr. Shulkosky earned his medical degree from the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
He is a former Associate Professor of Nursing at the Hamot School of Anesthesia in Erie and a former adjunct faculty member at the Gannon University Villa Maria School of Nursing in Erie.

Dr. Shulkosky is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, and is a member and a past President of the New England Society of Anesthesiologists. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the International Anesthesia Research Society.

Dr. Shulkosky and his wife, Cindy, live in St. Marys.

Elk Regional Welcomes Chief Operating Officer

Elk Regional Health Center has selected Ron A. Skarka, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, as its Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Skarka began working in his new role on October 25.

“I am pleased to welcome Ron to Elk Regional,” Mr. Bauer said. “Our executive search team felt strongly that he will be instrumental in helping this organization move forward.  He is someone who has the trust and confidence of his peers and a track record of success, and I am delighted that he will be part of Elk Regional’s future.”

“It is a privilege to join the leadership team at Elk Regional,” Mr. Skarka said. “I am excited about the opportunity to share in the effort to build the premier healthcare provider in Elk and Cameron counties and the surrounding region. Compared to my own experience and the experience of those with whom I network on a nationwide basis, Elk Regional is arguably the most comprehensive community health system I have seen, with a wide array of services. The Health System is an important and wonderful asset for the region it serves.”

The Chief Operating Officer position was created as a result of a structural reorganization approved by the Health System Board of Directors in 2011.

In his new role, Mr. Skarka will provide executive leadership to the ancillary and support departments of the Health Center, including Radiology, the Laboratory, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation, Nutritional Services, Facilities, Housekeeping, Bio-Medical, and Business and Fund Development. He will also work closely with the administrative team at Pinecrest Manor, the 138-bed long-term care facility that is a division of the Health Center.

Mr. Skarka will also oversee several of the Health System’s affiliates, including Elk Regional Health System Foundation, Innovative Dialysis at Elk Regional, ELCO Glen Housing, and the Elk Regional Professional Group.

As a member of Elk Regional’s executive leadership team, Mr. Skarka will attend the regular monthly meetings of the Health System Board of Directors. He will also serve as Elk Regional’s second-in-command in Mr. Bauer’s absence.

Before coming to Elk Regional, Mr. Skarka spent eight years as the vice President of Business Development for St. Joseph Hospital, a 112-bed facility in Bangor, Maine. He spent 18 years at the H.D. Goodall Hospital in Sanford, Maine. While there, he spent 12 years as the hospital’s second-in-command.

Mr. Skarka became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives in 1996, an exclusive designation that signifies one’s commitment to excellence in health care administration and leadership. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Skarka and his wife, Doris, will reside in the St. Marys area. They have one grown son.

2012 Keepsake Ornaments Now Available

Christmas is a time for memories – creating new ones with family and friends as well as treasuring the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us. One beautiful way to remember those loved ones is the time-honored tradition of placing a Keepsake Ornament on the memorial trees at Elk Regional Health Center and Pinecrest Manor.

The Elk Regional Health System Auxiliary has offered the memorial trees for decades and will continue the tradition this year.

In keeping with tradition, the 2012 Keepsake Ornaments will be available in three sizes: a small crystal angel for $5; crystal angels of assorted colors for $10; and a larger crystal angel for $20. The Auxiliary is unable to fill requests for angels of a specific color.

The Auxiliary is also offering a special collectible Keepsake Ornament – a Cloisonné bell beautifully decorated with delicate Swarovski crystals for $50. This collectible keepsake is available in limited quantities.

“The bells have always very well received and there are many families who have made it a Christmas tradition to collect a different ornament each year,” said Jennifer Bauer, Project Director for the Elk Regional Health System Auxiliary. “This year, we’re thrilled to be able to offer the special collectible bell to everyone. The Cloisonne bell is absolutely stunning. It’s something that families can display year-round to remember their loved ones.”

As always, these unique ornaments will be placed on the tree of the donor’s choice, along with a card bearing their loved one’s name in beautifully handwritten calligraphy.

After the holidays, ornaments may be picked up and taken home to enjoy as part of the holiday tradition.

The lobby areas at Pinecrest Manor and Elk Regional Health Center will soon be decorated with Christmas trees. Orders for the Keepsake Ornaments can be placed immediately and should be placed as quickly as possible since quantities are limited.

Order forms are available in the lobby at Elk Regional Health Center and at Pinecrest Manor as well as online on the Elk Regional Health System’s Web site by clicking here. Order forms will also be available in the local newspaper.

Those who are not interested in the Keepsake Ornament program but would still like to purchase an ornament may do so in The Peppermint Stick Gift Shop, located in the lobby at Elk Regional Health Center. The Gift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Elk Regional Health System Auxiliary is a dedicated group of individuals who work to raise money to support Elk Regional Health System. The Auxiliary has pledged $250,000 to the Health Center’s new expansion project, which will add a third floor to the Health Center; privatize and modernize every single patient room; create a new, more secure 10-bed Generations Unit and create a new, eight-bed Family Unit.

All proceeds from the sale of Keepsake Ornaments will benefit the Elk Regional Health Center’s expansion project.

Questions regarding the Keepsake Ornament program may be directed to Jennifer Bauer at 781-3402.

Pinecrest Manor Earns Highest Possible Score on Department of Health Survey

Pinecrest Manor has earned a zero-deficiency resident care survey from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities. The score, which is the highest possible score that can be earned by a nursing home, places Pinecrest Manor in the top four percent of nursing homes nationwide.

“This is the best resident care survey that Pinecrest Manor has had in its 42-year history,” said David A. Wolfe, NHA, the Pinecrest Manor Administrator. “Our deficiency-free survey result is a shining example of the hard work and dedication of our employees. I would like to thank our staff members for their deep commitment to our residents. I am proud to lead an organization such as this, where resident care is the top priority of every employee.”

“The result of the resident care survey at Pinecrest Manor is a testament to the commitment our employees show when it comes to providing high quality care for our patients and residents,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the president and CEO of Elk Regional Health System. “Earning the highest possible score from the state Department of Health is not something that happens overnight, but is instead the culmination of months of hard work and preparation.” 

Inspectors for the state Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities visit all of the nursing homes in Pennsylvania to review their compliance with state and federal regulations.

Between October 16 and October 19, a team of four inspectors performed a rigorous, unannounced resident care inspection at the 138-bed long-term care facility. Inspectors asked about and observed every aspect of patient care in categories such as nutrition care, wound care, medicine management, and quality. Inspectors also conducted one-on-one interviews with residents regarding the care that is provided to them and also spoke with family members and Pinecrest Manor staff.

The deficiency-free survey is the culmination of years of work spent focusing on improving the quality of care provided at Pinecrest Manor. In 2010, the state Department of Health identified eight deficiencies during the facility’s annual resident care survey. In 2011, that number dropped to just two deficiencies.

The survey result also spotlights the overwhelming success of Pinecrest Manor’s new quality care initiatives, which have been in place for several months. An interdisciplinary quality team, made up of Pinecrest Manor employees and supported by the Health System administration, has worked to improve using evidence based guidelines, which are considered the gold standard for best practice in categories of care such as fall prevention. The team has focused on pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, pain management, falls with major injuries, and activities of daily living.

“When it comes to providing exceptional resident care, there are many pieces to the puzzle,” said Marie Goode, RN, the Director of Nursing at Pinecrest Manor. “Every single person in every single department is responsible for a piece of the puzzle and the Department of Health leaves no stone unturned. We are all extremely proud of what we have accomplished together.”

When the state Department of Health officially publishes the survey results in early 2013 on the federal government’s Nursing Home Compare Five Star Rating Web site, Pinecrest Manor officials expect the facility’s Health Inspection rating to increase significantly, which may also increase its overall score on the Five Star Rating system.

November is National Home Care & Hospice Month

Did you know that November is National Home Care and Hospice Month? 

Our colleagues at Community Nurses, Inc. provide patient- and family-focused Hospice care every single day. We believe that Hospice care is not only about ensuring that our Hospice patients are comfortable ... but it's also about managing their care so well and with such care that the time their families spend with them is truly quality time.

Throughout the month, there will be informational displays about CNI's Hospice program at the Health Center, Pinecrest Manor, the Outpatient Rehabilitation Building, and at our Ridgway Campus. Feel free to stop by and take a look!

And did you know you can visit Community Nurses on Facebook? Click here to become a fan of their page and learn more about the services they provide!

Elk Regional's "Men of Movember" Raise Awareness About Men's Health

This November, men across the country will spend the month growing mustaches to raise awareness and increase understanding about men’s health issues. This nationwide initiative, known as “Movember,” specifically targets prostate and testicular cancer awareness initiatives with the goal of increasing early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

With its own “Men of Movember” initiative, Elk Regional is helping to start the conversation about men’s health issues. A group of male employees from throughout the Health System is spending the month growing mustaches to help educate their coworkers and the Health System’s patients, residents, and visitors.

“Men are traditionally less open than women about health issues and they don’t address health issues as proactively as women do,” said Adam Correll, an employee of the Health System’s Information Technology Department and one of the men spearheading Elk Regional’s Men of Movember initiative. “As a result, there isn’t as high a level of awareness and understanding about men’s health issues, and that can drastically reduce a man’s chances of early detection. We want to bring about change and encourage men to talk about their health more openly. The ‘Movember’ initiative and the mustaches allowed us to put a fun twist on a pretty serious issue.”

Nearly half of all American men will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer afflicting American men between the ages of 15 and 45.  One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer; by the end of this year, new cases of prostate cancer are expected to total more than 242,000 nationwide. One in every 13 men will develop lung cancer. By the end of the year, more than 2,000 new cases of male breast cancer could be diagnosed nationwide.

At 77 years, the average life expectancy for men is five years fewer than that of women.

“Little by little, things are starting to change,” Mr. Correll said. “The barriers surrounding men’s health are slowly being broken down. But we have a long way to go. This is a fight that men and women alike need to be part of. Working together is the only way that real, lasting change is going to happen.”

For more information about the “Movember” initiative, click here!

Happy Halloween from Elk Regional

Happy Halloween, everyone! 

This morning, we'd like to share some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that will help keep your little trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween. Click here for more information!

Elk Regional Gives Back to the Cameron County Family Center

Elk Regional Health System employees recently made a donation to the Cameron County Family Center through the Elk Regional Gives Back program, through which employees pay a small fee to wear jeans to work on some Fridays. Each quarter, the funds raised are donated to non-profit organizations that serve residents of Elk and Cameron counties.

 Presenting the check to Heidi Aikens, the Family Center Director, is Lisa Housler, Elk Regional’s Director of Ancillary Services. With Mrs. Housler and Mrs. Aikens are, from left, Kasey Bryan, a phlebotomist in the Laboratory; Christian Clancy, Elk Regional’s Lead MRI Technologist; Jackie Smith, a phlebotomist in the Laboratory; Kristen Eckert of the Family Center; Wanda Smith, the Family Center’s Administrative Assistant; and Kendra Graham of the Family Center.

Elk Regional is Prepared for Hurricane Sandy

Elk Regional has been carefully monitoring Hurricane Sandy, and we'd like to assure everyone that we are fully prepared for the storm! Our backup power generators have been tested. We also have plenty of food and water available. Unless conditions deteriorate, patient appointments and procedures will take place as scheduled.

Health System Auxiliary Announces Book Sale

It's never too early to start Christmas shopping, right? Right! 

Starting Monday, Oct. 29, the Elk Regional Health System Auxiliary will be holding a Book Sale. This is the perfect opportunity to buy some books, gifts, and stocking stuffers for your loved ones!

The sale begins on Oct. 29 at our Ridgway campus in the main lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31, the sale will move to our St. Marys campus in the Education Center. On Tuesday, the sale will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesday, the sale runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit our Auxiliary, which has made a $250,000 pledge to the capital campaign that is supporting our building project. 

 

We'll see you there!

Counting Down to the Move & Groove for a Cure!

We're continuing the countdown to Saturday's Move & Groove for a Cure

Raising awareness and educating women about breast cancer IS making a difference. You can join the fight! Head to www.elkregional.org to register for our 5K Run/Walk or our four-hour Zumba Fitness Party -- or both, if you're feeling adventurous -- and let's work together to empower women. 

We'll see you on Saturday!

Elk Regional Encourages Women to Schedule A Mammogram

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month ... and that means it's the perfect opportunity to schedule your annual mammogram or encourage the special women in your life to do so! Call us at (814) 788-5445 to set up your mammogram in our new, state-of-the-art Women's Imaging Center. Your all-digital images will be ready and read by a Board certified Radiologist quickly!

Go ahead. Pick up the phone. Make the promise to yourself and your loved ones. Pinky swear! :)

Elk Regional's New Floor Nears Completion

So you know that new floor we're building? It's getting awfully close to being done! We'll be inviting you to a special community open house very soon, so keep your eyes out for the announcement. We won't spoil the surprise, but here's just a little peek ...

Cutting-Edge Laser Surgery Comes to the Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center

Jeffrey Rice, DMD, PC, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is now offering outpatient laser resurfacing and facial cosmetic surgical procedures at the Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center, an affiliate of the Elk Regional Health System.

“I’m very excited to offer laser resurfacing and excision for patients at the Surgery Center,” Dr. Rice said. The laser opens up more options and choices for patients who previously could not have undergone treatment for facial lesions or skin cancer because they take blood-thinning medications.”

“We are pleased to work with Dr. Rice to offer laser resurfacing at the Surgery Center,” said Kathy Wortman, RN, BSN, the Administrator and Clinical Director at the Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center. “Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is now considered the gold standard in facial skin rejuvenation and the excision of lesions. We are proud to offer yet another cutting-edge surgical procedure to patients in the region.”

Laser resurfacing is an elective procedure that removes wrinkles and improves the quality of a patient’s skin. It is ideal for treating patients who suffer from acne scarring or sun-damaged skin, or who have precancerous lesions.

In years past, cosmetic surgeons would have used procedures such as chemical peeling, dermabrasion, scar revision, and silicone injection to treat these conditions and diminish the appearance of scars and wrinkles. But advances in laser technology over the last 10 years have allowed surgeons like Dr. Rice to perform the procedures using a special carbon dioxide laser.

Carbon dioxide lasers can be used to treat different benign and malignant skin conditions. They use very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. This enables Dr. Rice to use the laser to treat oral and skin lesions. The laser cauterizes wounds to prevent bleeding, which means patients who take anticoagulants can undergo surgery for facial lesions without stopping their medication.

“That’s very important for my patients,” Dr. Rice said. “There are so many people who have had heart stents or other cardiac conditions who cannot stop taking their anticoagulant. Previously, these patients would have been unable to undergo surgery. The laser has opened up a whole new world for these patients.”

The laser also seals the lymph drains, reducing the chance that any cancerous tumors or lesions will be able to spread.

Surgery with a carbon dioxide laser offers other benefits to the patient. Because the laser seals nerve endings and blood vessels, patients typically experience reduced post-operative pain and swelling, minimal bleeding, and a faster recovery time. Patients also experience a lower risk of infection because the laser beam operates at high temperatures that sterilize the affected area as diseased tissue is removed.

For more information about the new procedures, call the Regional Ambulatory Surgery Center at (814) 781-6565.

Elk Regional Announces Flu Shot Clinics

It's flu shot season! 

Our friends at Community Nurses, Inc. are offering inexpensive flu shots throughout the month of October. This year's flu vaccine will protect you against H1N1 and two other strains of the seasonal flu. 

For details on when and where you can get your vaccine, check out our Facebook Events listing or visit our online Events calendar on the Elk Regional Web site.

Let us help keep you healthy this flu season!

Lymphedema Treatment Makes A Difference for Patients

Sometimes, a patient who has suffered cancer, had surgery, or experienced trauma to a limb will develop severe swelling that doesn’t go away on its own. This swelling, which can be debilitating and result in the loss of function, is a result of a problem with the body’s lymph system and is called lymphedema.

Lymphedema most commonly affects one arm or one leg, but it can be present in both arms and both legs. It can even affect other areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, back, neck, face, and abdomen. Symptoms include swelling, a thickening and tightening of the skin around the affected limb or area, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limb.

While lymphedema isn’t curable, it can be effectively treated. Elk Regional’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Department has offered lymphedema treatment for the last 10 years. Kerri Coudriet, a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist at Elk Regional, is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with 14 years of experience in the field.

Mrs. Coudriet works with her patients to provide an initial evaluation and expectations for their treatment. She educates them on precautions they can take to prevent their condition from worsening and shows them how to perform therapeutic exercises at home on their own.

“The goal of lymphedema therapy is to treat the swelling while considering the distress and discomfort that a patient is feeling,” Mrs. Coudriet said. “My patients have different medical needs, different goals, support systems, pain levels, and treatment tolerances. That’s why I work so hard to individualize treatment plans for my patients.”

Those who can benefit from lymphedema therapy include those who suffer from chronic pain ailments, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraine headaches. Lymphedema therapy can also be beneficial for those whose lymph system still functions but is impaired due to trauma, surgery, cancer treatment, lymph node resection, venous insufficiency, wounds, sports-related injuries, and patients who are recovering from orthopaedic surgical procedures such as total joint replacement.

“Lymphedema therapy can make a real difference for patients,” Mrs. Coudriet said. “With ongoing treatment, the swelling can be reduced to a nearly normal level and a patient can regain function in their affected limb. Severe swelling isn’t something that people just have to live with.”

Mrs. Coudriet offers a variety of treatments for those suffering from lymphedema. Manual lymph drainage, a massage designed to help move stagnant lymph fluid from the affected limb, is one such treatment. She also offers bandaging, which uses three to four layers of compression to help the body move lymph fluid. With bandages in place, Mrs. Coudriet helps patients perform exercises designed to help the muscles move lymph fluid.

Mrs. Coudriet also works to educate her patients and their caregivers. She teaches them how to bandage and massage the affected limb, how to perform proper skin and nail care, and how to perform exercises at home.

“Education is one of the most important components of a patient’s treatment,” Mrs. Coudriet said. “Lymphedema is a condition that requires long-term, ongoing care. Patients and caregivers need to know how to effectively provide that care in the home.”

Elk Regional’s lymphedema management program is offered in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Building on the St. Marys campus to patients who have a physician order requesting occupational therapy evaluation and treatment for lymphedema.

Hospitalists Enhance Patient Care at Elk Regional

Elk Regional Health Center is one of a growing number of hospitals across the country using Hospitalists to manage the care of patients who are admitted to the hospital.

“One of the most dramatic changes to health care in the last 15 years has been the emergence of the Hospitalist specialty,” said Karen Meholic, the Director of Elk Regional Professional Group. “Health care in America is making a shift. Care is beginning to be focused upon a certain location, such as a hospital, in conjunction with care provided in an out-patient office setting. Our Hospitalist team is an extension of the continuum of care.”

Elk Regional’s Hospitalist team is a trio of full-time physicians, including Christopher Colosimo, DO; Larry Maturani, MD; and Scott McKimm, DO.

Hospitalists are physicians who manage a patient’s care while that patient is in the hospital. Prior to discharge, the Hospitalist informs the patient’s primary care physician on all medical management changes, including any new prescriptions and adjustments to existing prescriptions.

The process is similar to the one used by the majority of primary care physicians who refer their patients to a specialist. When a patient is admitted to the hospital, the Hospitalist has access to the patient’s medical records so they can make informed decisions about the patient’s care.

Once a patient is discharged, they return to their primary care physician for follow-up care. Hospitalists can also order post-discharge home health care, such as that provided by Community Nurses Inc., an affiliate of the Elk Regional Health System.

There are a number of benefits to using a hospitalist.

“Hospitalists are valuable for patients and physicians, in part because they help coordinate a patient’s care,” Mrs. Meholic said. “They help patients navigate an often daunting network of nurses, surgeons and specialists. They help keep physicians and specialists up-to-date about the care a patient is receiving. That level of coordination means communication happens smoothly – and that can translate to a reduction in a patient’s length of stay and expense.”

Because their primary site of practice is the hospital, Hospitalists are typically able to spend more time with their patients than a primary care physician who must travel back and forth between the hospital and his or her office. Hospitalists can also see patients more than once per day, if necessary. And because Hospitalists are on-site, they are intimately familiar with the hospital environment.   

“I find working as a Hospitalist rewarding because I like the medical complexity of working in a hospital setting,” Dr. Maturani said. “I enjoy helping people manage their medical problems and I enjoy hands-on medicine. Being a Hospitalist allows me to do these things in a way that other specialties may not.”

The use of Hospitalists also has benefits for primary care physicians who are caring for increasing numbers of patients in an outpatient setting. By transferring inpatient care to the Hospitalist and eliminating the need to make rounds at the hospital every day, the primary care physician can see more patients each day on an outpatient basis.

“Our hospitalist program offers us – and, more importantly, our patients – flexibility we have not previously had,” Mrs. Meholic said. “We hope knowing that there is a doctor in-house to answer questions offers our patients and their loved ones some peace of mind. We are proud to be able to enhance our hospitalist program for the benefit of our patients.”


About Elk Regional’s Hospitalists
Dr. Colosimo earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his internship and residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown, PA. He is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

Dr. Maturani earned his medical degree from the St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, the West Indies. He conducted an internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at hospitals in Wilkes-Barre, PA and Scranton, PA, including Mercy Health System, Community Medical Center, and the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital. He is Board certified in Internal Medicine and is certified in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and advanced trauma life support.

Dr. McKimm earned his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois. He performed his internship and residency at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Registration Opens for Community Health Screening

Registration is now open for Elk Regional's upcoming Community Health Screening, set for Nov. 10 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Elk County Catholic High School!

During the event, we will be offering five inexpensive tests that will help you gauge your health and your risk for diseases such as diabetes, colon-rectal cancer, prostate cancer and thyroid disease.

• Blood Analysis: $40
• Hemoglobin A1C (Diabetes Screening) : $15
• Colon-Rectal Cancer: $8 for a simple, at-home kit
• PSA Test (Prostate Cancer): $15
• Thyroid Test: $10

Please note that 12-hour fasting is required!

A heart-healthy breakfast will be served by the Elk County Catholic High School Music Boosters.

Register today by calling us at 1 (800) 370-9640 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Let us help keep you healthy!

Elk Regional Welcomes Vice President of Human Resources

Curt L. Oberholtzer, MA, SPHR

Elk Regional Health Center has selected Curt L. Oberholtzer, a Masters-prepared Human Resources executive with more than 20 years of experience in health care, as its Vice President of Human Resources.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Curt to Elk Regional,” Mr. Bauer said. “Our executive search team was impressed with his considerable administrative experience, command of managing a large, complex human resources environment, and his demonstrated success at tackling difficult HR-related issues. I believe he will be instrumental in helping this organization move forward.”

As the Vice President of Human Resources for the Health Center, Mr. Oberholtzer and his staff will work to meet the needs of the nearly 1,100 employees throughout the Health Center and its affiliates. He will be instrumental in revitalizing Elk Regional’s organizational culture, performance management, selection, leadership, and Human Resources Centers.

The move to Elk Regional enables Mr. Oberholtzer, a native of Lancaster, Pa., to return to his home state not far from where he was born and raised.

“It is a privilege to join the leadership team at Elk Regional,” Mr. Oberholtzer said. “As someone with lifelong ties to Pennsylvania, I appreciate the value of an organization such as Elk Regional. I’m excited about the opportunity to share in the effort to build the premier healthcare provider in the region and to help Elk Regional become not only the provider of choice, but the employer of choice as well.”

Mr. Oberholtzer’s position is a significant part of the organizational restructuring plan that was approved by Elk Regional’s Board of Directors in December 2011.

“On a day-to-day basis, there will be things that come about that will cause anxiety – just as there are at any organization of Elk Regional’s size and stature,” Mr. Oberholtzer said. “My role as a leader is to set a tone within the human resources function and, by extension, influence the broader Health Center.”

Most recently, Mr. Oberholtzer completed 10 years of service with Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette, Wisconsin where he was the Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, including ancillary support department responsibilities. His background includes leadership positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wis. and at Edward Hospital and Health Services in Naperville, Ill.

Mr. Oberholtzer earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication from Goshen College in Goshen, Ind. He earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the graduate school at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Mr. Oberholtzer and his wife, April, have two children, Aaron and Brittany.

Elk Regional Welcomes New Physician Assistant

Matthew D. Stoltz, PA-C

Elk Regional Health Center officials have announced that Matthew D. Stoltz, PA-C, has joined the staff at the Health Center, where he has begun seeing patients in the Emergency Department.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Matt to Elk Regional,” said George Castellano, M.D., the Emergency Department Medical Director. “Matt is a very driven individual, and I think he will be a strong addition to the Emergency Department team.”

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work in the Elk Regional Emergency Department,” Mr. Stoltz said. “The experienced physicians and staff have been exceptional in welcoming me to the team. I look forward to my future at Elk Regional.”

Mr. Stoltz has been a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard since 2006. He now serves as a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Squadron and has previously served as a Staff Sergeant in the Logistics Readiness Squadron.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. He also earned an Associate degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force in Montgomery, Ala.

Mr. Stoltz has performed clinical rotations in family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and general surgery at several different hospitals in Pennsylvania.

Prior to coming to Elk Regional, Mr. Stoltz worked as a care companion at DuBois Village in DuBois, Pa. He has also worked as a Physician Assistant at Laurel Eye Clinic in Brookville, Pa.

Mr. Stoltz is certified in advanced cardiovascular life support, pediatric advanced life support, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

He resides in the DuBois area and is the son of Mark and Sharon Stoltz.

Experienced, Board-Certified Anesthesiologist Joins Elk Regional

Elk Regional Health System officials have announced that Sharon M. Lombard, M.D., has joined the medical staff at Elk Regional Health Center. Dr. Lombard brings to Elk Regional 25 years of experience in her field.

“Elk Regional sets high goals and standards when it comes to physician recruitment. We strive to bring the best physicians, specialists, and surgeons to the area because we feel strongly that our communities deserve it,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System.

“I am very excited to be part of the anesthesia and surgical team at Elk Regional,” Dr. Lombard said.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., Dr. Lombard earned her medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, N.H. In 2005, she received certification in holistic healing from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing in Miami, Fla.

Dr. Lombard performed her internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her residency in Anesthesiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. She is fellowship-trained in clinical anesthesia and obstetrics anesthesia by the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Before coming to Elk Regional, Dr. Lombard worked at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. She served as the Director of Obstetrical Anesthesia at Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. for 10 years. Between 1995 and 2000, she was the Vice-Chairman of Anesthesiology there. She has served as the Director of Anesthesia at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, Pa. and as the Chief Anesthesiologist at surgery centers in Kingston, Pa., Forty-Fort, Pa., and Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Dr. Lombard is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiologists.

She and her husband, J. Ronald McRipley, M.D., an emergency medicine physician, have two daughters: Veronica, who lives in New York City and Alyson, who is pursuing a degree at the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa.

Elk Regional Welcomes Award-Winning Family Practitioner

Gregory S. Little, M.D.

Elk Regional Health System officials have announced that Gregory S. Little, M.D., has joined the staff at Elk Regional Health Center.

Dr. Little will begin seeing patients on Monday, September 3 in the office formerly occupied by Christopher Colosimo, M.D. at Elk Regional’s Ridgway campus. Dr. Colosimo has joined Elk Regional’s Hospitalist program and is no longer seeing patients on an outpatient basis.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Little to the region,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System. “It is our highest priority to remain proactive and ensure that our patients have close-to-home access to the healthcare services they need. While we will miss having Dr. Colosimo in the office setting, I feel confident that Dr. Little will be a good fit for the practice and its patients.”

“I am excited to begin practicing in Ridgway,” Dr. Little said. “I look forward to getting to know the many patients served by this office.”

Dr. Little specializes in preventive medicine and focuses on the aggressive treatment of diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and heart disease. He also works with patients who would like to stop smoking.

He earned his medical degree from the Michigan State College of Human Medicine in East Lansing, Mich. He conducted an internship at the Saginaw Area Hospital in Saginaw, Mich. and performed a residency at Latrobe Area Hospital in Latrobe, Pa.

For the last eight years, Dr. Little has been in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pa. He has previously worked as a hospitalist at UPMC Braddock Hospital and Forbes Regional Hospital. He has also served as the Medical Director of the Rehabilitation Unit in the Progressive Care Center at UPMC Braddock Hospital in Pittsburgh and as an urgent care physician at Saint Vincent Health System in Erie, Pa.

Dr. Little is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Diabetes Program.

In 1996, Dr. Little was presented with a Community Leadership Award. In 2010, he was named one of America’s Top Family Physicians. In 2012, he was named one of America’s Top Doctors in Family Practice for Western Pennsylvania. He has also been recognized by the NCQA diabetes physician recognition program.
   

Elk Regional Announces New Board Members

New members have been added to the Boards of Directors of Elk Regional Health System and ELCO Housing, Inc.

“I am pleased to announce that we have added several civic-minded individuals to our organization,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System. “They are generously volunteering their time to ensure that Elk Regional Health System remains a strong, vibrant community asset. We are grateful for their time and expertise.”

Elk Regional Health System

David A. Nedzinski and John Piccolo were recently added to the Elk Regional Health System Board of Directors. The 18-member Board oversees the operation of the Health System and its affiliates.

Mr. Nedzinski is retired from Elk Regional Health Center, where he worked for 35 years. While at the Health Center, he was the Director of Pharmacy and Professional Services and also served as a member of the senior management team. Mr. Nedzinski is a member of the City of St. Marys Board of Health. He also serves as the secretary of the Alpine Meadows Association Board of Directors and is the chairman of its construction committee. Mr. Nedzinski’s wife, Lois, is a retired elementary school teacher. They have two grown children and two grandsons.

Mr. Nedzinski is a member of the ELCO Housing, Inc. Board of Directors. His term on the Health System Board of Directors expires in 2016.

Mr. Piccolo is the Director of Continuing Education at Penn State University at DuBois, where he manages the campus outreach functions with the primary mission of helping individuals, organizations, and communities obtain a competitive workforce advantage through education and training. Mr. Piccolo also works with organizations to conduct Return on Investment studies to illustrate the value of training and education. In April, he was named an American Council on Education Fellow for academic year 2012-2013. He and his wife, Becky, have three boys.

His term on the Health System Board of Directors expires in 2016.

ELCO Housing, Inc.

Steve Stoltz was added to the ELCO Housing, Inc. Board of Directors. The board oversees the operation of the ELCO Glen housing complex, a 32-unit, multi-tenant, independent living facility for low-income elderly, handicapped or disabled individuals.

Mr. Stoltz is an owner of Stoltz of St. Marys. He is currently a member of the Queen of the World Church Finance Council and is a soccer coach for the soccer league in Fox Township. He and his wife, Billie Jo, have four children: Madison, Peyton, Rhett, and Flynn.

His term expires in 2015.

Elk Regional, Penn Highlands Healthcare Prepare for Next Steps in Linkage Process

Last week, the Elk Regional Health System Board of Directors gave approval for an affiliation agreement between Elk Regional and Penn Highlands Healthcare to be signed, an important milestone in the process to form a partnership between the region’s largest health care providers.

“It is exciting that this important milestone has been achieved,” said Robert W. O’Leary, Chairman of the Elk Regional Health System Board of Directors. “After several months of discussion and negotiation, there is little doubt that the benefits of a partnership between Elk Regional and Penn Highlands are numerous. We believe that coming together will elevate patient care and will be a win-win situation for the residents of this region.”

Now that an affiliation agreement has been signed by officials at both organizations, the regulatory approval process can move forward. The partnership between Elk Regional and Penn Highlands is expected to win regulatory approval by the end of 2012.

The affiliation process has been ongoing since late 2011. In early April 2012, the Boards of Directors for each organization ratified a letter of intent that allowed the organizations to move forward with the creation of a partnership.

The letter of intent was an important milestone in the affiliation process because it allowed Elk Regional and Penn Highlands to begin discussing a partnership. In addition, the letter of intent began the “due diligence” process, a formality that requires that each organization fully disclose its financial, operational, and contractual activities and obligations to the other.

“On behalf of the Board of Penn Highlands, I welcome the addition of Elk Regional to the group,” said Dennis L. Merrey, Chairman of the Penn Highlands Board of Directors. “We believe that the combined strength of our organizations will provide many benefits to the communities we serve. We look forward to working together with our colleagues following the regulatory approval process.”

Penn Highlands Healthcare is a parent corporation that includes DuBois Regional Medical Center; Brookville Hospital, a subsidiary of DRMC; and Clearfield Hospital.

The Penn Highlands Board of Directors is made up of representatives, including physicians, from each of the member hospitals. Each member hospital retains its name, community base, medical staff, and Board of Directors. Past and future community donations designated for each hospital remain in the control of that organization and are used according to the donor’s wishes.

As a parent corporation, Penn Highlands oversees joint efforts in areas such as the expansion of services, the acquisition of resources, and operational efficiencies.


Elk Regional Health System includes a fully-accredited, not-for-profit, 80-bed general acute care institution; an extended care facility; an independent living facility; a home health agency, an ambulatory surgery center; and an employed physician group that serves Elk and Cameron counties. With campuses in St. Marys and Ridgway and physician offices in a number of locations throughout the region, Elk Regional proudly serves the residents of Elk and Cameron counties. It is Elk Regional’s ongoing mission to provide premier healthcare services to our patients through our commitments to service, quality, people, finance and growth, while maintaining economic viability and keeping an eye on the future. For more information, visit us online or visit our Facebook page.

Penn Highlands Healthcare is a parent corporation that includes DuBois Regional Medical Center; Brookville Hospital, a subsidiary of DRMC; and Clearfield Hospital. It is the ongoing mission of Penn Highlands Healthcare to provide exceptional quality, safety and service through an integrated health care delivery system that provides premier care with a personal touch. For more information, visit them online.

Medicine Drop Off Day Helps You Dispose of Old Medications Safely

If you've got old prescription medications you don't know how to dispose of properly, you won't want to miss the Medicine Drop Off Day we're holding on Sept. 29!

On that day, bring your old medications to the Education Center at Elk Regional Health Center between 8 a.m. and noon. Our pharmacists, working with the Elk County Recycling Center, will take your old medications and ensure that they are safely and properly disposed of ... free of charge!

We will accept and dispose of: prescription medications, including controlled substances; over-the-counter medications; vitamins and nutritional supplements; veterinary medications; and epi-pens and inhalers.

Please follow these guidelines when you bring your medication in:

• all medicines should be in their original container;
• the name of the medication must be visible on the label; and 
• you must use a permanent marker to black out your personal information, such as your name, address, or account number.

Elk Regional Announces Prostate Screening

Did you know that men over the age of 40 should have an annual prostate exam to screen for prostate cancer? To make this important screening convenient for our patients, we are offering $15 blood draws and FREE follow-up appointments with Donald Rudick, M.D., one of our urologic specialists!

To set up your appointments, call us at 1 (800) 370-9640, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Blood draw appointments are available on Sept. 25, 26, and 27, and FREE follow-up appointments are available on Oct. 2 and 3.

It's easy to put off preventive health screenings, but they're important. Don't put this one off ... call us today!

Register Today for Our Stroke Prevention Screening

Time is running out to register for our Stroke Prevention Screening, which will be held Saturday here at Elk Regional! We are offering several inexpensive screenings to members of our community, all of which are designed to help assess your risk of stroke. For information about the tests and more details, click here.

Strokes can cause paralysis, speech and vision disabilities, depression or even death. That's why minimizing your risk is so important! 

To register, give us a call at (800) 370-9640 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Let us help keep you healthy!

Elk Regional Raises Awareness During Child Passenger Safety Week

Elk Regional Health Center has joined the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote Child Passenger Safety Week, which this year falls between Sept. 16 and Sept. 22.

The theme for the 2012 Child Passenger Safety Week encourages parents and caregivers to “put them in the right seat at the right time and use it the right way” and raises awareness about the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for children from birth through age 12.

“The importance of properly securing your child in a vehicle cannot be understated,” said Charlotte Floravit, Elk Regional’s Public Relations Director. “Using the correct car seat for infants and toddlers sharply reduces the chance of fatal injury as a result of a car accident.”

According to the state DOT, there are more than 340 crashes on state highways on an average day in Pennsylvania. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children between the ages of one and 12.

According to the NHTSA, 75 percent of children are not as secure in the car as they should be because their car seats are not being used correctly. Ensuring that children are properly buckled into a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt is the single most effective way to protect vehicle occupants and to reduce child fatalities in a crash.

Parents and caregivers should use the best safety restraint for the child’s size, taking into account the child’s age, height, weight, physical development, and behavioral needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has made the following recommendations to ensure that child safety restraints are being used properly:

• All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat until they are two years of age or until they reach the maximum height and weight allowed by the manufacturer of the car safety seat.
• All children who are two years of age or older, and those younger than two years who have outgrown the rear-facing car safety seat should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness until they reach the maximum height and weight allowed by the manufacturer of the car safety seat.
• All children whose height or weight exceeds the maximums allowed by the manufacturer of the car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder seat belt fits properly.
• Children between the ages of eight and 12 who have reached a height of four feet nine inches are able to use the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder seat belt. The lap-and-shoulder seat belt should be used every time the child is in the vehicle.

Under Pennsylvania’s child passenger safety law, all drivers are responsible for securing children in the appropriate child safety restraint system.

Those who are unable to afford a car seat can call 1 (800) 227-2358, or visit www.pakidstravelsafe.org to find the nearest car seat loan program, child safety seat inspection station, or car seat check event.

Elk Regional Announces Second Annual Move & Groove for a Cure

Registration is now open for the Second Annual Move & Groove for a Cure, a 5K Run/Walk and a four-hour Zumba Fitness Party that will be held at St. Marys Area High School on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Last year, we packed the gymnasium at St. Marys Area High School and raised $6,000 for women's health initiatives at Elk Regional! We're hoping to raise $10,000 this year -- and YOU can join us in the fight! Help us empower women and educate them so that they can take control of their health.

Online registration and payment is available here. Pre-register and get a T-Shirt! Registration forms will also be available in the local newspapers and in the upcoming edition of We Are Elk Regional, our popular community newsletter! Same-day registration is also available.

We all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer. This is a fight that everyone can take part in. Join us.

Elk Regional to Hold Stroke Prevention Screening

Strokes, commonly known as "brain attacks," affect millions of Americans every year. They can cause paralysis, speech and vision disabilities, depression or even death. That's why it's so important to minimize your risk!

To help assess your risk of stroke, Elk Regional will hold a Stroke Prevention Screening on Saturday, September 22 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Radiology Department at Elk Regional Health Center.

As part of the event, several inexpensive screenings will be available to members of the community:

• Stroke and Carotid Artery Screening: This is an ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries that screens for fatty plaque buildup. Cost: $40
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: This is an ultrasound scan that screens for an aneurysm in the aorta. Cost: $40
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening: This test screens for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities. Cost: $40.

Our radiologists will also offer Osteoporosis Screenings FREE with the purchase of any of the above screening tests.

The Complete Wellness Package, which includes all of the tests listed above, costs just $99.

All of these tests will be performed by qualified diagnostic medical sonographers. Your results will be read by Elk Regional's Board Certified Radiologists.

Registration is required. To register, please call (800) 370-9640 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Let us help keep you healthy!

Pinecrest Manor Resident Celebrates Her 101st Birthday

On Aug. 17, surrounded by family and friends, Esther Piccirillo, a resident of Pinecrest Manor, celebrated her 101st birthday.

Pinecrest Manor residents gathered in the dining room at the facility to celebrate the occasion with a cake, provided by the facility’s dietary department, and music, provided by Blaine Stauffer.

Mrs. Piccirillo’s family – including her daughters Rose Bellotti and Sylvia Catalano, Mrs. Catalano’s daughter-in-law, Jennifer Catalano, and Mrs. Bellotti’s son Ray – celebrated the day with her. David Wolfe, the administrator at Pinecrest Manor, presented Mrs. Piccirillo with a corsage in honor of the occasion.

Mrs. Piccirillo was born in Ridgway on Aug. 17, 1911. She married Michael Piccirillo and had three children: Rose, Sylvia, and Ben, who is deceased. She has seven grand-children and nine great-grandchildren.

Before moving to Pinecrest Manor, Mrs. Piccirillo was active in the Jenny Lind Chorus and the church choir. She also enjoyed her flower garden and was an avid reader. Today, Mrs. Piccirillo is frequently seen enjoying a book.

Photo: Esther Piccirillo, seated, celebrated her 101st birthday on Aug. 17. With Mrs. Piccirillo are, from left, Jennifer Catalano; Ray Bellotti; David Wolfe, the administrator of Pinecrest Manor; and her daughters, Rose Bellotti and Sylvia Catalano.

Elk Regional Volunteers Make A Difference

Elk Regional Health System is proud to have a dedicated force of more than 200 volunteers, all giving the precious gift of their time to help make Elk Regional the best it can be. Last year alone, Elk Regional’s volunteers contributed 12,000 hours of their time.

Charlotte Floravit, the Health Center’s Director of Public Relations, oversees the Health System’s volunteers. She said the Health System is deeply appreciative of the contributions made by volunteers.

“To say that our volunteers are an important part of the Health System is an understatement,” Mrs. Floravit said. “They do so much for us in so many different areas of the Health System. Without their efforts, Elk Regional would be such a different place. You won’t find a more dedicated and helpful group of people. Our volunteers represent the spirit of Elk Regional. They enrich the lives of everyone they meet, and we are grateful for the generous gifts of their time and talents.”

Volunteering has been part of Peggy Whiteman’s routine for over 30 years. Mrs. Whiteman, who volunteers at Elk Regional Health Center and at the St. Marys Catholic Middle School, is one of Elk Regional’s volunteer patient transporters. When patients or visitors come in to the Health Center and are in need of assistance, Mrs. Whiteman escorts them to the department they need. She volunteers every Thursday for three hours.

“It was my mother-in-law, Winnie Whiteman, who got me started,” Mrs. Whiteman said. “All three of my girls were in school at the time Winnie and I talked about it. She volunteered for the Health Center as a mail messenger, and taught me the job so I could take over when she left. I shadowed her for awhile and just never left.”

Mrs. Whiteman also volunteered at the ReSale Shop before moving into patient transport.

“My favorite part about it is the people,” she said. “The people out at the hospital are just fantastic – both the employees and the people who come in as patients or as visitors. I enjoy being on the move and meeting people, and being a patient transporter allows me to do both.”

Mrs. Whiteman said she feels volunteering is important because at every organization, there is so much that needs to be done.

“People sit around and say, ‘What can I do?’ or they will say there’s nothing to do,” she said. “But there is always so much to be done. So many organizations can use a helping hand. You can volunteer around your schedule and they’re happy to have you for as long as you can be there.

“Any time someone says they want something to do, or when they tell me they’re retired and bored, I bring up the hospital,” she continued. “When your children are all in school, that’s when you can give back. That’s what I did, and I enjoy it. I just feel like I’m part of the family there.”

Aggie Schade, who has volunteered at Elk Regional for 17 years, is another of Elk Regional’s volunteer patient transporters. She retired from the Stackpole Carbon Company after 44 years and said she volunteers as a way to stay active. Not only does she volunteer at Elk Regional, but she also volunteers at the food bank and at Elk County Catholic Middle School. She has also volunteered at Pinecrest Manor, where she spent time visiting residents.

“People say they don’t have time to volunteer, but then they retire and complain that they don’t have anything to do,” she said. “You have to keep busy and active when you retire. You can’t sit at home and do nothing. Think of all the time you spend watching television. You could spend that time being up and active and doing something positive.”

Mrs. Schade said her favorite part about volunteering is the people she meets on a daily basis.

“I enjoy the people the most,” she said. “If you’re just sitting at home, you’re not getting out and meeting people. You’re just wasting your time, and your time on Earth is too precious to do nothing and complain. Get out and volunteer. Do something worthwhile.”

Elk Regional volunteers work in the Health System’s Mailroom, in Patient Transport, in the Health System Auxiliary’s ReSale Shop, and in the Peppermint Stick Gift Shop. Volunteers also provide clerical support to several departments at the Health Center and work in Resident Activities at Pinecrest Manor.

To become a volunteer, call the Volunteer Office (814) 788-8534 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers should be over the age of 13.

Remember: nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something. It's never too late to make a difference!

Photos: At top is Aggie Schade. At bottom is Peggy Whiteman. Mrs. Schade and Mrs. Whiteman are both patient transport volunteers at Elk Regional.

Elk Regional Supports 20-Year Cancer Study

Elk Regional is proud to support the American Cancer Society's 20-year cancer prevention study! We're holding sign-up days at the Health Center for our employees and are encouraging people in our community to sign up as well.

We all know someone whose life has been touched by cancer. This is your chance to be part of something big. 

To learn more and find out how you can enroll in the study, visit www.cancer.org/cps3. There, you'll find information about the study, FAQs, and a contact form you can use to enroll. Questions about the study can be sent via email to cps3@cancer.org or answered by calling the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1 (888) 604-5888.