MILFORD — Men and women over 40 are invited to participate in Growing Stronger, a safe, simple, fun and effective strength training and nutrition education program being sponsored by Penn State Cooperative Extension in Pike County.
We lose muscle as we age; in fact, we can lose one-quarter to one-third pound of muscle each year, which can result in weakness and difficulty. The Growing Stronger program can help combat muscle loss with strength training. University developed and clinically researched, Growing Stronger is shown to reduce muscle and bone loss, and improve symptoms of arthritis and diabetes.
Groups are forming for spring in Milford and Greentown. Classes meet twice a week for 12 weeks and cost $70 for new participants or $60 for returning participants.
Plan to attend one of the informational sessions to learn about the program: Milford – Tuesday, March 9, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Penn State Cooperative Extension Office, 514 Broad Street, Milford or Greentown – Tuesday, March 9, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at Hemlock Grove United Methodist Church, 491 Roemerville Road, Greentown. To register for one of the free informational meetings, call Penn State Cooperative Extension at (570)296-3400.
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MILFORD – Pike County is a pretty healthy place to live according to a new national study.
The study – a county by county ranking for every state – placed Pike at number six out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties based on factors ranging from diabetes screenings to car crashes to air pollution.
Neighboring counties ranked far lower. Wayne is 62 and Monroe is 46 out of 67, based on the study by the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The 2010 “County Health Rankings” marks the first time counties can get a snapshot of how healthy their residents are by comparing overall health and factors that influence health, with other counties in their state.
The study shows Pennsylvania’s five healthiest counties to be Chester, Centre, Union, Snyder and Montgomery. The bottom five counties are Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Greene and Philadelphia.
Pike County’s rates for smoking, obesity, binge drinking and teen pregnancy were lower than or on par with statewide rates. But Pike fared much worse in terms of clinical care. The study shows the county has a higher than average rate of uninsured adults coupled with an insufficient number of primary care providers for the population.
Under social and economic factors, Pike fared well in its high school graduation rate and lack of violent crime. Rates of unemployment, children in poverty and residents with a college degree were average or better than average.
Pike is on target for both its mortality rate and its morbidity rate, which includes factors such as low birth weight.
If you think that strength training is just for Mr. and Mrs. Universe, think again! Middle-aged and older adults can benefit from regular exercise more than anyone. Research shows that exercise with weights (strength training) will increase muscle mass and strength, bone density, provide arthritis relief, restore balance, control weight and blood glucose, improve sleep, strengthen your heart, and improve your state of mind.
If you want to experience the benefits of strength training, Growing Stronger is for you! Growing stronger is based on research done at Tufts University. It is simple, safe, and effective strength-training for midlife and for older men and women.
Penn State Cooperative Extension is presenting Growing Stronger this spring, at Hemlock Grove United Methodist Church, Roemerville Rd, Greentown. To learn more about this program, please attend a no obligation, informational meeting at Hemlock Grove United Methodist Church on March 9 at 12:30 p.m., or contact Penn State Cooperative Extension in Pike County, 514 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337, (570) 296-3400.
MILFORD—While health care remains one of the most talked about issues in America, and many families struggle to pay for even the most basic medical services, the Pike County Health Fund exists to address the growing health care needs of local children, seniors and working families who are uninsured or under-insured.
“Of the many people who have used the program so far, lives have been saved,” says supporter Joan Waldman. “We’d like to see it operating at full throttle.”
The Pike County Health Fund was established in 2003 by the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation, spearheaded by Foundation Board Members Joseph Biondo, Sr. and Michael Dickerson. “We were exploring how to better serve our community,” says Biondo, Sr. “and it was important to know that the funds raised would be specifically used to provide free services to the people of Pike County.”
“Joe and Mike gathered an initial group of about 50 Pike County business leaders and residents to discuss the project,” says Biondo’s wife Ronnie, who worked together with Waldman to energize the Pike County Health Fund and establish its initial screenings and educational programs. The team created the successful Gowns and Downs event, a 2-day benefit held on Kentucky Derby weekend, which included a black-tie dinner party, derby party, live auction and raffle. In its first year Gowns and Downs grossed over $74,000 and exceeded $140,000 by 2006.
Bolstered by its strong local leadership and fundraising efforts, The Pike County Health Fund offers an ongoing schedule of free diagnostic testing and screenings at the Milford Health & Wellness Center. “The program began by offering about six different types of tests throughout the year, and has grown to offer about 33 types of tests annually,” says Waldman.
In 2006, the fund’s offerings expanded to include the Pike County Teen Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, which provides services to adolescents and their families who are coping with substance-abuse behaviors. Under the direction of Mary Stanley, MSW, LCSW, the program encompasses outreach, education and consultation; family services; evaluations; and referrals for follow-up services.
In 2008, the Pike County Health Fund established a partnership with Safe Haven, Inc. of Pike County to offer interim health care services to victims of domestic violence who reside in a “safe house” environment. All services are provided at the Milford Health & Wellness Center.
In 2008, the Pike County Health Fund was able to hire its first employee, Regional Representative Janet Rancati, RN, to promote programs and assist with fundraising. Rancati developed the Just Ducky Derby event in 2009, which grossed more than $10,000.
The fund’s current schedule of free medical tests includes screenings for blood glucose, colorectal cancer, depression, foot health, lipid profile, lung capacity, mammography, nutritional assessment, osteoporosis, and prostate cancer.
“The free programs are working well,” adds Ronnie Biondo. “We hope for greater growth of the Pike County Health Fund, and ultimately we hope more people will become aware of the services and will access them.”
For a complete schedule of diagnostic screenings or to determine whether you are eligible to access free Pike County Health Fund Services, call Janet Rancati, RN, Regional Representative, at 570-775-7288; or visit www.nmhnj.org to view the full listing of screenings.
HARRISBURG – More than 13,000 healthcare-associated infections – illnesses that often can be prevented – were reported by Pennsylvania hospitals in the second half of 2008, according to initial data released recently by the Department of Health.
Such infections, also known as HAIs, are illnesses that patients acquire as a result of being in the hospital and did not have prior to admission. Many HAIs are preventable and account for an estimated 1.7 million infections nationwide and contribute to 99,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.
The Health Department reported the data as required by Act 52, the Reduction and Prevention of Health Care Associated Infection and Long-Term Care Nursing Facilities.
“This report highlights important legislation passed with the intent to drive down HAI infection rates in Pennsylvania health facilities,” Secretary of Health Everette James said. “The department is responsible for implementing Act 52 and ensuring hospitals are working to decrease their HAI rates, allowing for improvements to Pennsylvania’s healthcare system by eliminating avoidable costs.”
The report includes HAIs for each hospital, with an emphasis on two specific infection types: urinary tract infections associated with the use of a catheter (CAUTI) and bloodstream infections associated with the use of a central line (CLABSI). These infections are among the more common HAIs and were selected by the department and the HAI Advisory Committee for hospital-to-hospital comparisons and to measure trends over time. Future reports will analyze the patterns of another common type of HAI known as surgical site infections.
In the last six months of 2008, a total of 13,771 HAIs were reported by Pennsylvania hospitals, for a rate of 2.84 HAIs per 1,000 days of hospitalization. The three most commonly reported HAIs were urinary tract infections (24.83 percent), surgical site infections (22.23 percent) and intestinal infections (18.15 percent). Among all reported infections, 8.12 percent were due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, which is a significant concern in the hospital setting.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Victoza (liraglutide), a once-daily injection to treat type 2 diabetes in some adults.
Victoza is intended to help lower blood sugar levels along with diet, exercise, and selected other diabetes medicines. It is not recommended as initial therapy in patients who have not achieved adequate diabetes control on diet and exercise alone.
Insulin is a hormone that helps prevent sugar (glucose) from building up in the blood. People with type 2 diabetes have difficulty making and using insulin. Victoza is in a class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that help the pancreas make more insulin after eating a meal.
“Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability, with more than 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually,” said Mary Parks, M.D., director, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Controlling blood sugar levels is very important to preventing or reducing the long term complications of diabetes, and Victoza offers certain patients with type 2 diabetes a treatment option for controlling their blood glucose levels.”
In five clinical trials involving more than 3,900 people, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) occurred more often in patients who took Victoza than in patients taking other diabetes medicines. Victoza should be stopped if there is severe abdominal pain, with or without nausea and vomiting, and should not be restarted if pancreatitis is confirmed by blood tests. Victoza should be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis.
The most common side effects observed with Victoza were headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side effects included allergic-like reactions such as hives.
Victoza was not associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events in people who were mainly at low risk for these events. FDA approved Victoza, however, with several post-marketing requirements under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) to ensure that the company will conduct studies to provide additional information on the safety of this product.
In addition to a cardiovascular safety study to specifically evaluate the cardiovascular safety of Victoza in a higher risk population, the company also is required to conduct a 5-year epidemiological study using a health claims database to evaluate thyroid and other cancer risks as well as risks for seriously low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia), pancreatitis, and allergic reactions. To specifically evaluate the risk of medullary thyroid cancer, the company is required to establish a cancer registry to monitor the rate of this type of cancer in the United States over the next 15 years.
In animal studies, Victoza caused tumors of the thyroid gland in rats and mice. Some of these tumors were cancers, which were significantly increased in rats who received excessive doses that were 8-times higher than what humans would receive.
It is not known if Victoza could cause thyroid tumors or a very rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer in people. For this reason, Victoza should not be used as the first-line treatment for diabetes until additional studies are completed that support expanded use. Also, Victoza should not be used in people already at risk for medullary thyroid cancer, such as those who have medullary thyroid cancer in the family or those with a rare genetic condition known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
To ensure the safe and effective use of this product, Victoza was approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy consisting of a Medication Guide and a Communication Plan to help patients and providers understand the risks of Victoza and to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of acute pancreatitis and the potential risk of medullary thyroid cancer.
Victoza is manufactured by Novo Nordisk of Bagsvaerd, Denmark.
LORDS VALLEY– If you’ve been curious about Curves in Lords Valley or just want to know what they have to offer, then stop in on February 6. Curves will have an open house so you can take a peek.
Curves in Lords Valley, located at 658 Route 739 Lords Valley, PA is owned by Tracy Loomis. Lisa Heaney is the store manager. According to Loomis, the open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature healthy snacks.
Curves offers New Hours for the New Year. Also it is not like any other Curves we offer Kick Boxing, Ball Class, & Zumba. If you make it down for the open house you will have the chance to win a free month.
“This is a chance for someone to come in and see the equipment we have, and learn more about our program,” said Loomis.
Curves provides an exercise and weight control program designed specifically for women. Whether you’re interested in getting more exercise for health and general condition, or want to lose weight or tone your muscles, Curves can help you establish a regimen to help you meet your goal, Loomis said.
Curves’ exercise program consists of 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, during which participants work all major muscle groups and receive a great cardio workout. It includes all five components of a complete exercise program: warm-up, strength training, cardio, cool down, and stretching.
In addition to a proven workout plan, Curves of Lords Valley offers various programs to help motivate and assist women in obtaining a healthy lifestyle, including: CurvesSmart™ personal coaching system, a new technology pioneered by Curves that offers a custom workout, moment to moment feedback and progress reports to keep members motivated while they work out; and www.CurvesComplete.com, an online weight-loss subscription service that provides subscribers with diet and fitness information, tools, experts and motivation to achieve their weight-loss goals.
For more information, contact Tracy Loomis at (570) 775-0155 or curvesinlordsvalleypa@hotmail.com .
I have always believed and taught my students to develop a strong mind and a healthy body. Your mind can be a powerful fitness tool. Many doctors also believe that your brain is a powerful organ that can be tapped to boost immunity, strength, speed, stamina, and more. For the past 35 years my chief function
as a Sensei has always been to build champions in all sports by training my students to use their minds more fully to remove all obstacles from their mental path on the road to victory. In order to push your body towards its potential, your mind must be strong. If you lack self- esteem, you won’t believe that you can do that extra pushup. If you let people walk all over you, and you have a short fuse and lot of negative energy, you won’t posses the strength you need to move forward.
Improving your mental fitness will make you a happier person. Negative emotions- whether you’re angry or stressed about an upcoming competition or depressed about possibly not winning can do more than siphon your energy. They can actually destroy your health. Numerous studies show that people who don’t feel in control of their lives tend to suffer illness more often from various diseases than people who feel content with the direction of their lives.
So my advice is try not to focus on your mental slip-ups but to learn to posses a greater sense of your well trained self. It’s an awesome experience….
Master Sensei Casale is a nationally known health and wellness coach and has helped thousands of athlete’s in martial arts and other sports to achieve high levels of performance. Sensei Casale is the master teacher at the Mountain Dojo Martial Art Health, Fitness and Learning center in Dingmans Ferry P.A and has been inducted into the martial art hall of fame..
MATAMORAS — Advanced Imaging Specialists (AIS), a provider of outpatient diagnostic imaging services in Pike and Lackawanna counties, announces a new rapid results program. Now patients receive direct feedback regarding their imaging tests within 24 hours of their appointments.
In many cases, patients will receive test results before they leave from their appointment. For screening mammography, every patient’s images are immediately checked by an AIS radiologist. Patients are given a report of their mammogram before leaving the facility. Other tests in the rapid results program include general X-rays, bone density tests, and CT and ultrasound scans.
“We understand the anxiety and stress that often go along with waiting for test results,” AIS President Joseph Rienzi, M.D., said. “Patients can feel confident knowing their test results will be to their physician within 24 hours of the examination — and in many cases, even sooner.”
All AIS radiologists are board-certified physicians. Some imaging centers send test data out-of-state or out of the country for interpretation, which can take up to a week or longer for results. Every exam performed at AIS is interpreted by radiologists located in the NEPA community, making quick results possible.
“It’s a challenging commitment to provide results so quickly, but it’s one that’s very important to the patients we serve and our referring physicians,” Rienzi said.
AIS in partnership with Mercy Health Partners operates outpatient diagnostic imaging centers in Dunmore, Scranton and Matamoras. Medical imaging services include MRI, 64-slice CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, digital mammography, Breast MRI, digital X-ray, virtual colonoscopy and cardiac imaging plus thyroid and bone density screening.
Appointments are normally available within 24 hours. Call AIS at (570) 491-9200 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
BUSHKILL – Any Pike County residents who want to get the swine flu vaccine can do so by registering for clinics to be held Tuesday, January 8 and Wednesday, January 9 at East Stroudsburg High School North in Bushkill, Lehman Township and Northampton Community College – Monroe Campus in Tannersville.
The latest statistics show there are at least 43 confirmed cases of swine flu in Pike County, 167 in Monroe County and 46 in Wayne County.
The clinics are open to all residents – not just those in high-risk groups – now that the vaccine supply has caught up with demand. The vaccinations are free but advance registration is required.
To schedule an appointment, visit pasns.state.pa.us/VaccinationRegistration/ or call 877-724-3258), Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To get vaccinated, download an H1N1 vaccine consent form. Consent forms must be completed for each individual that has made an appointment. The forms can also be found on the health department’s Web site, at www.h1n1inpa.com/assets/media/Consent%20Form.pdf.
Officials at the Pa. Department of Health say it is still important for residents to get immunized, even though influenza activity is declining. A third wave of swine flu is expected in Pennsylvania, say state officials.
Children under 10 years of age require a second dose of vaccine. The second dose should be provided between 21 and 28 days after the first dose. If a child requires a second dose, the parent or guardian should contact his or her doctor or school (wherever he or she received the first dose) or call the county state health center to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.
