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Issue 9: August 2010
Life&Health is a monthly e-publication by Mount Nittany Medical Center to provide health & wellness information and Medical Center news to the communities we serve. To read back issues, or to subscribe, please click here.

In This Issue

A Letter From President & CEO Steve Brown: Thank You

Dear Friends,

President & CEO Steve Brown I want to personally thank all of you who devoted countless hours of hard work to help make the opening of our east wing such a resounding success. My appreciation extends to all who attended our opening events on July 30 and 31, and to the staff who gave their time to host these outstanding events.

First, I would like to thank the more than 1,000 people who came by on Saturday, July 31. I know you lead busy lives and have so much to do, but still you took time to come and see the new rooms, meet our staff, ask important questions and tell us what you thought. For all that, we are very grateful. You are the reason we make investments such as this; to make sure your care is right for you, right for your family and always here when you need it. You showed us how much you cared by coming to see the new rooms on a warm summer morning. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you.

Click here to read the full story »

EastWingRibbon On Saturday, July 31st, Mount Nittany celebrated the grand opening of the east wing with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the new facility. If you were unable to attend, browse some pictures taken throughout the exciting weekend. For more information about the new facility, or to see the interior of the new single-patient rooms, visit www.mountnittany.org/eastwing.

Watson Named Vice President of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer for Medical Center

Patty Watson, RN, MSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer for Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Watson earned her Masters in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Pennsylvania State University and her Associate Degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College. Beginning her career at Mount Nittany Medical Center as a staff nurse on the medical unit in 1972, Watson has held positions as a patient representative, clinical coordinator and administrative coordinator during her 38 years of service.

Mount Nittany and Weis Markets Team Up Against Diabetes

Weis Markets LogoEvery day, more than 4,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Centre County alone, it is estimated that nearly eight percent of adults have diabetes, a percentage that exceeds the national average.

In a shared quest to promote a healthy lifestyle, Weis Markets recently donated $10,000 to Mount Nittany Medical Center’s diabetes program to help support diabetes education and prevention. With this gift, Weis Markets has now contributed $20,000 to the Medical Center’s diabetes program.

"Healthy eating habits and nutritional awareness are vitally important in the fight against diabetes, especially for children and families," said Dennis Curtin, Director of Communications for Weis Markets, Inc. "That education has been a focus of Weis Markets for many years, and by contributing to Mount Nittany’s diabetes programs, we can help to support these extremely important education programs for diabetes prevention.”

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Back To School: Apples Aren’t Just For The Teachers

Apple“You are what you eat.”

—Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

—Elizabeth Wright

“I fight to the finish, ‘cause I eats me spinach.”

—Popeye

Over the years, we’ve all heard these phrases many times, but most of us don't live by them. As obesity rates skyrocket, especially among children, it is more important than ever to follow some nutritional guidelines and teach your kids about the importance of healthy foods, including Popeye’s favorite treat.

Back-to-school time makes this lesson especially important. There is no doubt that good nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s learning skills. Research has shown that children who eat healthy foods are better behaved, miss less school and are more coordinated and able to concentrate. But where do you start and how on earth do you get children to choose healthy foods?

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Mount Nittany Expands Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery Services with Addition of Aesthetician

Kim SpearsMount Nittany is pleased to announce the addition of Kim Spears, licensed aesthetician, to its physician group. Spears brings clinical aesthetician services to the community through Mount Nittany’s reconstructive and cosmetic surgery practice.

Skin care services at the practice address issues such as sensitive skin, anti-aging concerns, sun damage, acne and hydration, as well as youth and adolescent skin care. Spears will also provides skin analysis and makeup artistry, complementing the reconstructive and cosmetic surgery services currently provided by Emily A. Peterson, MD, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, the first plastic surgeon employed by Mount Nittany.

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Free Hunter's Health Day on September 11 at Mount Nittany Medical Center

Hunters will want to stop by the free Hunter's Health Day on Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mount Nittany Medical Center, Conference Rooms 1 and 2, Entrance E. The Emergency Medical Services Department wants to help hunters get ready for the woods with free glucose screenings, cholesterol screenings, vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure screenings and EKG screenings. A valid Pennsylvania hunting license is required. To register, please call 814.231.7054 or e-mail rkelley@mountnittany.org.

Nutrition Tip: Healthy Grilling Just in Time for Labor Day

It’s summertime, and there’s nothing better than firing up the grill on a breezy, warm evening. Everything seems to taste better from the grill – hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potatoes – the list goes on and on. Foods are usually a little healthier on the grill, too, because the fat drips off and you don’t need a lot of butter or sauces to raise the flavor factor. However, you can make your grilled dinner even more nutritious and just as tasty with the following tips:

  • Grilling TipsWhen making hamburgers, use ground beef with the lowest fat percentage.
  • Instead of full-fat burgers and hot dogs, cook up some chicken sausages, lean turkey dogs or veggie burgers.
  • Onions, potatoes, carrots, corn and many other vegetables can be cooked on the grill for a great smoky flavor instead of sautéing them in butter.
  • Preheat the grill for 15-25 minutes to kill off any bacteria before you start cooking.
  • Use separate cutting boards, utensils and platters for cooked and raw foods to avoid cross contamination.
  • As always, safety first: Never let children use or play near a grill, keep water or a fire extinguisher near by just in case, never leave a grill unattended and prevent burns by using long tongs to flip meat.

Fitness Tip: S – T – R – E – T – C – H

We all know that cardio and weight training are essential to a healthy fitness routine, but people often forget the most important preparation before they even take that first step – stretching.

Why is stretching so important? There is no other activity like stretching that can increase flexibility, mental relaxation and circulation, decrease joint pain and muscle soreness and improve balance, stability, strength, posture and coordination in just a few short minutes every day.

To begin, stretch using slow, intentional – not jerky – movements as part of your warm-up and cool down. Be careful not to overextend joints or muscles. If you want to take stretching to the next level, incorporate yoga into your fitness schedule. This program relies heavily on stretching to improve fitness.

Stretching alone will also provide some benefits. It’s never too late to start. And the best part: It’s free and easy. Be sure to check with your physician before beginning any exercise program, even something as good for you as stretching.

Mount Nittany Golf Classic Raises More Than $95,000 For Cancer Program

Golf Classic Wrap On Saturday, August 21, The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center held its 20th annual golf tournament at the Penn State Golf Courses. In the third year of its 5-year commitment to raise funds for the Cancer Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center, the tournament raised more than $95,000 toward its $500,000 5-year goal. In three years, the tournament has raised more than $300,000 toward this goal.

Unique to the Medical Center Golf Classic is the cash or car giveaway to one lucky golfer of the day. This year’s winner was Roger Shenk, who will have the choice of $10,000 in cash or a Chevy car or truck. Fred Carlin, OD, Golf Committee chair, was also honored in his final year as chair of the golf committee. John Cox, MD, will assume leadership responsibilities in 2011.

For more information on the Golf Classic, its sponsors, winners and the Cancer Program, visit foundation.mountnittany.org.

Join the Heart Walk in October

Mount Nittany Medical Center is teaming up with the American Heart Association to help raise funds for heart health on October 16, 2010. The Medical Center’s goal is ten teams raising $1,000 each for a total employee commitment of $10,000 to the American Heart Association.

In 2008, Mount Nittany Medical Center teamed up with Penn State Hershey Medical Center to offer interventional cardiology services in Centre County. For patients suffering a heart attack, time is critical; this new service allowed patients to receive life-saving care at Mount Nittany Medical Center. For more information on heart health at Mount Nittany Medical Center or how you can give or volunteer at the heart walk, visit www.mountnittany.org.

Calendar of Healthy Events

09/11

Hunter's Health Day

Mount Nittany Emergency Medical Services will offer Hunter's Health Day to get hunters ready for the woods. The health day will offer free glucose screening, cholesterol screening, vision and hearing screening, blood pressure screening and EKG screening. A valid PA hunting license is required.

View Event Details »

09/28

Education Event: Essential Grant Skills by The Grantsmanship Center

The two-day seminar is hosted by The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center. The agenda for the program includes:

  • an orientation of the art of grants work
  • in-depth examination of the four elements most likely to make or break a grant application
  • identifying and articulating client-based or community-based needs/problems
  • defining measurable program outcomes
  • identifying and articulating methods to logically achieve those outcomes
  • establishing your organization's credibility

The program is open to 40 registrants. Tuition is $445.

View Event Details »

10/06

Education: Dining with Diabetes

The program is offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension to help those with diabetes understand the importance of managing diabetes. Led by registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators, the class is held weekly for four weeks, with a three-month follow-up class. Each class offers food demonstrations and tasting, physical activity and ideas to take home, and discussions regarding important information to help manage diabetes. Lab tests will be offered to measure HbA1c and lipid levels. Fee is $35/individual, $50/family.

View Event Details »

10/16

American Heart Association Heart Walk

Mount Nittany Medical Center is a proud sponsor of the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. Ten teams from Mount Nittany Medical Center will each raise $1,000 for a total goal of $10,000 from employees at Mount Nittany. The Medical Center is also a corporate sponsor of the event to support lifesaving heart disease research and education. Registration begins at 12 noon. The walk begins at 1:00 pm at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, State College.

View Event Details »

To check out more health and wellness events and programs, including support groups, CPR training, new parents programs and more, click here.

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