‘Burg Briefs
Allegheny Health Network’s Canonsburg Hospital has launched a program to help patients recovering from heart-related hospitalizations or cardiovascular procedures and provide relief for people living with heart and lung diseases. The hospital’s new cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs offer a collaborative, team-based approach so patients have the support needed to return to their previous activity levels or increase their functional capacity.
Cardiovascular rehab can assist patients recovering from a heart attack or living with heart failure or peripheral vascular disease, as well as those on the mend from a variety of heart procedures. That can include angioplasty and stents, bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement and heart transplantation.
The pulmonary rehab program, meanwhile, will provide help for people living with a range of respiratory issues, most notably chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and those who have had or will have lung surgery.
“A cardiovascular rehabilitation program is a critical component to making a complete recovery for someone who has undergone a heart procedure,” said Travis Wilson, MD, medical director of the Canonsburg Hospital cardiovascular rehab program. “It also can help people living with heart failure or peripheral vascular disease to have the confidence to lead a more active lifestyle.”
In addition to Dr. Wilson, the cardiovascular rehab team features clinical exercise physiologists, registered nurses and dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and behavioral health specialists. Patients begin the rehab program once their cardiac team approves it. For a patient recovering from a heart procedure, the program typically starts two to four weeks after the procedure and will include sessions three times a week for two to three months.
“The sessions are team-based, but we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach for cardiovascular rehab,” Wilson explained. “We tailor the program to make sure it is appropriate for each person and the individual’s progress is closely monitored at every step along the way.”
The program includes education on dietary changes, stress management, and weight loss so the patient can make a comprehensive change in lifestyle, a key to preventing a recurrent heart problem.
While cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., COPD and other chronic lower respiratory illnesses are one of the few diseases that are becoming more prevalent every year; in recent years, they passed stroke to become the third-leading cause of death. Almost 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, but the actual numbers are believed to be much higher because, according to the CDC, more than 50 percent of adults with low pulmonary function were unaware they had COPD.
Summer help sought
The Public Works department is accepting applications for summer employment. The applicant must be capable of cutting grass, shoveling black top and other jobs assigned. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Applications are available on the borough website and at the business office in the borough building, 68 East Pike Street. Public works hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The summer position pays $10 per hour.
Electronics collection
Washington County’s monthly electronics collection will be June 12 and July 10 at the Washington County Fairgrounds from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Computer equipment, Freon appliances, fluorescent tubes and CFLS will be accepted, along with one television per carload per event. There is a $50 hazardous waste handling fee for disassembled CRT TVs, a $15 fee for Freon removal and a $1 per bulb fee.
Drug Take Back Day
Mayor David Rhome has announced that National Drug Take Back Day will be April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shop ‘n Save.
Pool opening set
Town Park Pool will open for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 26, and remain open Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day). Hours are noon to 6 p.m.
Pavilion rentals
Town Park pavilion rentals for the 2018 season are now available.
Rentals for the Main and Yoney pavilions are $125 plus a $75 refundable cleanup deposit.
Discounted swim passes, at $3 each, are available with pavilion rentals (regular swim passes are $6 each).
Both pavilions include refrigerators, large charcoal grills, sinks with running water, picnic tables, hoses, mops, brooms, trash barrels and trash bags. The pavilions each have two restrooms.
No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
For reservations, call 724-745-1800
Grant available
April 16 is the deadline for the BNY Mellon Wealth Management application for grants from the Ernest Q. Johnson Trust, which was established in 1970 to support charitable organizations that benefit the youth of Canonsburg.
To apply for a grant, organizations must submit a proposal in letter form, specifying the dollar amount request and noting whether the funds will be used for a special project or for general support.
Applicants should also provide a copy of their most recent financial statement and their IRS 501C3 tax determination letter.
Grants will be disbursed in May 2018.
Proposals should be mailed to Ernest Q. Johnson Trust, Attn: Laurie A. Moritz, BNY Mellon, 500 Grant Street, Suite 3825, Pittsburgh , Pa. 15258-0001.
The Ernest Q. Johnson Trust is administered by BNY Mellon Management and honors the memory of Ernest Q. Johnson’s parents, John G and Annie K.M. Johnson.
Children’s Home still operating
Although The Children’s Institute announced the closing of its Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital in Squirrel Hill, the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center’s Pediatric Specialty Hospital will continue to serve those in need of acute pediatric transitional care.
The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center has a 30-bed Pediatric Specialty Hospital at 5324 Penn Ave. in the Bloomfield/Garfield/Friendship neighborhood. The Pediatric Specialty Hospital admits patients ages 0-21 and serves those with various diagnosis such as: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), cardiovascular issues, ventilated patients, premature and high-risk infants, infectious diseases, endocrinology, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, transplant, oncology and palliative care.
Families may stay by the bedside or in the Lemieux Family Center which consists of eight private rooms, living areas, and an Austin’s Playroom within the facility. More than 120 physicians are on staff with many sub-specialties. These physicians, along with the care management and social work team to assist in creating a comprehensive care plan for the patient and families.
Although The Children’s Institute will be closing the doors of their Pediatric Rehab, The Children’s Home feels confident that they will be able to serve certain patients who would have otherwise been treated at The Children’s Institute. Patients who need intensive and acute rehabilitation services will be able to access care at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
For more information, call 412-441-4884.