Winter 2012
Transcription
Winter 2012
w in t e r 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 1 a n n u a l r e p o rt a n d d o n o r l i s t i n g s — pa g e s 5 - 8 New procedure for skin lesions Health News & Information for Healthy Living Winter calendar and program planner Page 4 See pullout ‘It takes a village…’ Smart pumps add safety to IV therapy Page 10 The following interventional cardiologists (from left) perform invasive heart catheterization procedures: V. Janakiraman, M.D., Mukul Bahtnagar, M.D., George Jabbour, M.D., Haitham Hreibe, M.D., Hany Shanoudy, M.D., Mario Poon, M.D., and Alan Ford, M.D. Mammogram specialist Radiologist stresses importance of breast cancer screenings Page 3 w in t e r 2 0 1 2 The scoop on sugars, reduced-calorie sweeteners, artificial sweeteners Healthy Living Altoona Regional’s Healthy Living Magazine is published four times a year by the Marketing and Communications department. President/CEO Jerry Murray Chief Operating Officer Ronald J. McConnell Director, Marketing and Communications Dave Cuzzolina Staff Writers Patt Keith Anne Stoltz Designer Chip Mock Mock Creations LLC For more information, please contact: Altoona Regional Health System Marketing and Communications 620 Howard Ave. Altoona, PA 16601-4899 889.2271 [email protected] Americans have a sweet tooth. Our preference for sweets is a lifelong love affair because sweets and sweeteners add to the pleasure of eating. “Names for sweeteners include sugars, reducedcalorie sweeteners and artificial sweeteners,” said Teri Henry, registered dietitian at Altoona Regional. “They fall into two types: nutritive, which contribute calories to the diet, and nonnutritive, which are calorie-free.” Sugars (nutritive sweeteners) are naturally occurring carbohydrates that raise blood sugar levels, Teri said. Examples are table sugar, brown sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, fructose, molasses and agave nectar. Teri cautions about using honey because it contains small amounts of bacterial spores that can produce botulism toxin so it shouldn’t be given to babies less than age 1. Watch total intake If you are not receiving Healthy Living Magazine in the mail and would like to, you need to join the Healthy Living Club. It’s free, and the magazine is just one of the many benefits! Join online at www.altoonaregional.org or call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. “One type of sugar does not have any nutritional advantage over another; it’s the total sugar intake, not the type, which leads to health problems,” she said. Problems include tooth decay, poor nutrition, weight gain, high triglycerides (combination of fat and sugars in the blood), type II diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease. “Eating a lot of sweets daily may keep you from eating and drinking nutritious foods containing essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs,” 2 Sweet talk Teri explained. “Consume any added sugar only in moderation. A good goal is keeping added sugars from all sources to less than 10 percent of your daily calories. If someone consumes 2,000 calories a day, a good goal is less than 200 calories a day from added sugars.” Two hundred calories a day is equal to 12 level teaspoons of sugar, 16 ounces of soda or nine pieces of hard candy. Limiting added sugar Those who choose to or need to limit added sugar may turn to other forms, such as reduced-calorie or artificial sweeteners. Nutritive, reduced-calorie sweeteners are sugar alcohols and have half the calories of sugars. Not broken down or absorbed by the body, they still add calories and raise blood sugar levels, although not as much as sugar. Nutritive reducedcalorie sweeteners are most commonly used in processed foods, sugarfree candy and gum. Look for mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol in the ingredients list. Eating large amounts of sugar alcohols may cause a laxative effect, with bloating, intestinal gas and diarrhea. Unlike nutritive sweeteners, artificial sweeteners are not absorbed by the body and are created as compounds rather than found naturally. These sugar substitutes offer the sweetness without calories; are considered “free foods,” and may assist with weight management. They don’t raise blood sugar levels nor do they contribute to tooth decay or promote cavities. Safe for use The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four artificial sweeteners safe for use by consumers and food companies: Acesulfame-K (Sweet One®, Sunett®), Saccharin (Sweet’N Low®, Sugar Twin®), Sucralose (Splenda®) and Aspartame (Equal®, Nutrasweet®). More than 100 safety studies conducted on each sweetener were reviewed. The results showed no evidence that these sweeteners cause cancer or pose any other threat to human health, Teri said. Stevia (Truvia®, Pure Via®) is a new sugar substitute. The leaf of the stevia plant contains compounds that give it sweetness, Teri said. It’s not actually stevia itself but only certain highly refined stevia preparations that are designated as “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA and can be used as sugar substitutes. “Some people are worried that there may be risks in using artificial sweeteners for certain individuals, especially children and pregnant women. It is best to consult with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns,” Teri said. “Some people can be sensitive to sweeteners and experience symptoms such as headaches and upset stomach. Moderation is the best approach when using any sweetener.” Read the label! Registered dietitian Teri Henry says knowing the label lingo will help you identify how products are sweetened. No sugar: Product does not contain any sugar but it may contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. No added sugar: During processing, no extra sugar was added. Original source might have contained sugar, such as fructose in fruit juice. Sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners might have been added. Sugar-free: Contains no sugars. May contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners; may not be carbohydrate- or calorie-free. Dietetic: Meaning varies; likely that the product has reduced calories. All natural: Product contains no artificial ingredients. It may contain natural sweeteners such as sugars or sugar alcohol. Check the Nutrition Facts label. “Total carbohydrate” tells how much carbohydrate is in one serving of a food as well as how much of these carbohydrates are in the form of sugar and sugar alcohols. The ingredients list will indicate any added sweeteners. Breast cancer reality check: If you’re a woman, you’re at risk About 250,000 American women are diagnosed with some form of breast cancer each year, and approximately 40,000 die from it. This is why Altoona Regional made a $1.1 million investment to offer digital mammography at Station Medical Center. According to Lauren Deur, M.D., a board certified radiologist with Lexington Radiology, digital mammography is quickly becoming the standard of care in breast imaging and is an important tool for early diagnosis, which ultimately gives patients a better chance of survival and of leading a long, productive life. “Overall deaths from breast cancer have decreased despite the incidence of breast cancer having increased,” she said. “There is a five-year survival rate of more than 97 percent when localized breast cancer is caught at the earliest stage.” Cause unknown While no one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. “A big misconception is that you don’t need to worry about screening if you don’t have a family history,” said Dr. Deur. “Actually, only about 10 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer. “Your biggest risk factor is being a woman.” Other risk factors of breast cancer include: • Age (half of all women diagnosed are over 65) • Hormonal factors (early menstruation or late menopause; having your first child at an older age, or not having given birth; recent use of oral contraceptives; history of certain hormone treatments) • Diet and lifestyle (postmenopausal obesity; more than two alcoholic drinks per day) • Medical and other factors (dense breast tissue; past radiation therapy to the breast or chest area; personal history of breast cancer; genetic mutations, including BRCA1, BRCA2 and others) Dr. Deur says one of the best ways to detect breast cancer remains the mammogram. The exam can detect Meet Dr. Lauren Deur “Only about 10 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer.” changes in the breast too small or subtle to be felt. “Just saying the word mammogram can make some women cringe,” she said. “Although some of the apprehension may be about the actual exam, I think what they’re really afraid of is to hear ‘You may have breast cancer.’” Don’t be scared away During a standard mammogram, four pictures are taken, two of each breast. There is compression involved to help spread out the breast tissue, but Dr. Deur says women shouldn’t be scared. “It’s not painful, just a little uncomfortable,” she said. “It’s necessary to get good images and optimize the exam.” Dr. Lauren Deur, Dr. Richard Wertz, Dr. E.R. Karunaratne, Dr. Peter James and Dr. David Rose comprise a team of radiologists who specialize in interpreting mammograms at Altoona Regional. The team joins with the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology in recommending the following early detection guidelines for women: Lauren Deur, M.D., recently joined Lexington Radiology, a team of 12 radiologists with specialized training in various facets of diagnostic and interventional procedures. Dr. Deur is board certified in diagnostic radiology and fellowship-trained in breast imaging. She is also certified to read digital mammography. During her fellowship training in breast imaging, she received the Fellow of the Year Award at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Deur received her doctor of medicine degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. She completed a transitional internship at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, and a radiology residency and fellowship training at New York University. She has two undergraduate degrees: B.A. in biological basis of behavior from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences and a B.S. in economics with a major in health care management from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Dr. Deur is a member of the American College of Radiology. Contact: Lexington Radiology, 889.2854. • Age 40 and over: mammogram and clinical breast exam yearly • Age 20s and 30s: clinical breast exam about every three years Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain. Even so, says Dr. Deur, a woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other breast health concerns. “If you think you’re at higher-than-average risk for breast cancer, talk with your doctor about your history and what options are right for you,” she advised. “Remember, early detection can save lives.” Take advantage of the latest in imaging technology. Get a physician’s order and call 889.4222 to schedule your digital mammogram at Altoona Regional’s Station Medical Center. One of three digital mammography exam rooms at Station Medical Center. Program alert! Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures See calendar insert for details, dates and times 3 Program alert! Is it skin cancer? See calendar insert for details, dates and times “We have great treatments for skin cancers when they are detected early.” Images courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation, New York, NY, www.SkinCancer.org. ‘Sun spots’ Precancerous lesions need to be treated Each is at risk for actinic keratoses (AKs). They are likely to have a history of cumulative sun exposure and/or a tendency to burn or freckle; a history of sunburns, especially before age 18, or an occupation that keeps them outdoors. AKs, also known as sun spots, sound harmless, just another part of the aging process. While it’s true sun damage takes time to appear, hitting most people in their 50s and 60s, said Sheela Kerstetter, M.D., a dermatologist, AKs are more serious than an unsightly spot. These precancerous lesions need to be treated. Research shows that untreated AKs lead to six out of 10 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Can be pinhead size AKs are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight. Most often found on the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms, they range in color from skin-tone to reddish brown and may be as small as a pinhead to larger than a quarter. “The majority of AKs are small pink spots that are very rough and gritty feeling,” said Dr. Kerstetter. “Some I can see but I find more of them by running my fingers over the patient’s skin. To the patient, these spots may be a little tender and have a funny sensation.” Dr. Kerstetter sees many patients with AKs due to the area’s aging population. To help her combat the disease, she and her partner, Dr. Jane Rowe, recently added a treatment option: blue light photodynamic therapy (PDT), a new option for their patients. It is also offered in the area by dermatologist Dr. Gregory Fulchiero Jr. Widespread damage “For every AK above the surface, many more lie beneath the skin’s surface because the sun damage is widespread,” she said. “That is why treatment has to be to a large area.” The three most common treatments available for AKs are: liquid nitrogen application, topical chemotherapy and PDT. Topical chemotherapy has a longer course of treatment and painful side 24 HOURS effects that make it difficult for patients to complete treatment. Liquid nitrogen only treats individual lesions and cannot be used on a large area. Dr. Kerstetter’s preferred treatment is PDT. It consists of a two-part, two-session office procedure and has an 88 percent success rate. Two treatments eight weeks apart are needed. Covered by insurance “The issue of patients completing treatment due to unpleasant side effects is thrown out the window,” Dr. Kerstetter said. “PDT is better tolerated and is more time- and costefficient and is covered by insurance. “Winter is the optimum time for treatment as WEEK 12 24 HOURS people are outdoors less and treatment makes the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight.” Dr. Kerstetter recommends a baseline skin exam at age 50. “But if someone is concerned about something on their skin, or if a family member has pointed something out, then I encourage them to come in and be checked sooner,” she said. “We have great treatments for skin cancers when they are detected early.” Contact: Sheela Kerstetter, M.D. Blair Medical Associates Dermatology 1414 9th Ave. Altoona, PA 16602 946.1655 WEEK 12 PDT treatment explained The first step in blue light photodynamic therapy (PDT) is application of a topical solution to the lesions that sensitizes actinic keratoses to the blue wavelength from the Blu-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator. The skin is given about 60 minutes to absorb the solution. The patient is taken to the treatment room, seated under the light and given eye protection. The light treats a large area such as the entire face or scalp. The second treatment phase lasts 16 minutes under the blue light. The patient may feel a tingling and slight burning sensation, Dr. Sheela Kerstetter said. A fan blows cool air over the patient to enhance comfort. Afterward, the treated area may feel hot and look mildly sunburned. 4 “Patients should avoid the sun during treatment,” she said. “A hat and sunscreen are required attire when outside for 48 hours following treatment. We recommend gentle cleansers and moisturizers that we will supply during the healing process.” Image courtesy of DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® What do these people have in common: redheads with blue eyes, baseball players, gardeners, farmers, utility linemen and construction workers? Image courtesy of DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® 2010-2011 2 0 1 1 a n n u a l r e New facilities and technology highlight a year of progress A message from Jerry Murray, president and CEO state-of-the-art cath labs will complete the second phase in fiscal 2012. Altoona Regional can boast a long list of accomplishments in fiscal 2011* but the most visible would have to be our relocation of many key outpatient services to Station Medical Center. Patient safety is foremost at Altoona Regional, and medication errors that could harm patients are a concern for us as they are for hospitals nationwide. Again, we have enlisted the aid of technology — a computerized system for physicians to order medications for patients. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was the first service to move in, eventually joined by Cardiac Rehabilitation, Imaging Services, Laboratory Services, our Sleep Center, HealthForce, Neurology Testing and Surgical Pretesting, along with members of our Patient Access staff for prompt registration. The system is faster and has been shown to reduce the rate of serious medication errors, including administration of the wrong drug, drug overdoses and overlooked drug interactions and allergies. Orders are integrated with patient information, including laboratory and prescription data, and automatically checked for potential errors or problems. The 17th Street and 9th Avenue location not only provides more convenience for our patients but also offers new and updated technologies in Imaging Services. The highlights are digital mammography and a wide-bore MRI for claustrophobic patients. Just as common as technological advancements in fiscal 2011 were clinical achievements. Primary among them was the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for our certified Regional Stroke Center. The award is for commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients. The very first highlight of fiscal 2011 also belongs to Imaging Services, which began offering PET/CT in-house on July 1. Before this, the service was offered in a mobile unit. PET/CT provides images that pinpoint the location of abnormal metabolic activity within the body. The combined scans have been shown to provide more-accurate diagnoses than the two scans (PET and CT) performed separately. And finally, we were humbled to be chosen the 19th recipient of the Alexander A. Notopoulos Award from the Altoona-Blair County Development Corp. The award is presented to companies with a substantial business history that have expanded facilities, grown employment levels, provided a family-sustainable income and demonstrated a sense of community. New technology never stops coming in health care, and we have been able to add some important disease-finding and disease-fighting equipment and procedures in addition to our significant advances in Imaging Services. Our Laboratory installed state-of-the-art technology that increases the detection rate for cervical cancer from PAP smear testing nearly 20 percent, according to the FDA. We are grateful for the recognition and plan to build on last year’s progress as we move into fiscal 2012 and beyond. We invested in two new heart catheterization labs. The beautiful construction and design have been patient, physician and staff pleasers. The opening completes the first of a two-phase update and expansion of our labs, which accommodate 6,000 patient visits per year. Sincerely, Cath lab procedures include diagnostic catheterizations, coronary stentings and electrophysiology studies, such as device implants and ablations. Construction of two more * July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011 5 p o r t Highlights: Key hospital statistics Admissions Inpatient days93,806 Average length of stay 4.67 363,909 Emergency68,216 room visits Inpatient surgical procedures 6,456 Outpatient surgical procedures 15,538 Our patient care revenues come from: Medicare51.04% Medicaid13.82% Commercial insurances 7.14% Managed care July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 20,096 (includes newborns) Outpatient visits Clinical and community service 24.94% Self-pay1.78% Other1.28% Where we spend our dollars: 2 0 1 0 JULY October Imaging Services begins providing PET/CT scans in-house. Prior to this, the service was provided by a mobile unit. The combined scans provide more-accurate diagnoses than the two scans (PET and CT) performed separately. Altoona Regional receives a three-year accreditation in CT imaging technology after a survey by the American College of Radiology. The Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Program receives accreditation by the American Association of Diabetes Educators in Chicago. Accreditation assures patients that they are receiving excellent diabetes management education. September Trauma Services receives reaccreditation through 2013 from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. The Adult Level II trauma center has served 14 counties in Central Pennsylvania since 2002. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation becomes the first Altoona Regional outpatient service to move into Station Medical Center. In the coming months, PM&R will be joined by Cardiac Rehabilitation, Imaging Services, Laboratory Services, the Sleep Center, HealthForce, Neurology Testing and Surgical Pretesting. Patient Access will have offices for patient registration. November The Altoona Hospital Campus Laboratory’s Cytology department implements state-ofthe-art technology that, according to the FDA, increases the detection rate for cervical cancer from PAP smear testing nearly 20 percent. 2 0 1 1 January The Donate Life float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., includes roses donated by Altoona Regional to honor donors, recipients and others touched by organ and Hospital Salaries and wages 37% Employee benefits 12% Professional fees, supplies & others 40% Depreciation and amortization 5% Financial Information 7/1/10 to 6/30/11 tissue donation. Altoona Regional holds a National Medal of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its organ donation consent rate of 92.9 percent. February Digital mammography comes to Blair County on Feb. 21 as the service is implemented at Station Medical Center. March Altoona Regional once again sponsors the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days. April Altoona Regional makes a “formal and substantial” commitment to Go Green. The commitment will make a substantial impact locally with the recycling of tons of glass, plastic, etc., and the reduction of what is sent out as pharmaceutical and infec tious waste. Services begin to occupy the hospital’s newly renovated “G Build ing,” formerly the stateowned Altoona Center at Howard Avenue and 4th Street. Patient care areas relocating there are wound care, hyperbaric therapy and inpatient and Altoona Regional receives the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for excellent care for stroke patients. May The health system is the 19th recipient of the Alexander A. Notopoulos Award from the Altoona-Blair County Development Corp. The award is presented to companies with a substantial business history that have expanded facilities, grown employment levels, provided a familysustainable income and demonstrated a sense of community. On May 17, two stateof-the-art cardiac catheterization labs open at Altoona Hospital Campus. It completes the first phase of a project that will result in four new labs for diagnostic catheteriza tions, coronary stentings and electrophysiology studies, such as device implants and ablations. Bal ance sheet Assets Current assets 65,821,696 Assets whose use is limited 75,959,313 Other assets Income statement Total assets 142,806,699 284,587,708 Total operating revenues 335,043,754 Liabilities Total operating expenses 339,024,203 Current and other liabilities 68,011,652 84,545,547 Loss from operations (3,980,449) Long-term debt Provision for bad debt 6% Nonoperating gains 8,764,093 Fund balance Interest<1% Excess revenues over expenses 4,783,644 6 outpatient behavioral health. Total liabilities and fund balance 132,030,509 284,587,708 Report of charitable giving Departmental Gifts Behavioral Health Department General Bishop Guilfoyle High School Mary Kaye Blair Memorial General The Estate of Mary Kaye Blair Center for Cancer Care General Altoona Blair County Development Corporation AMED ARAMARK Healthcare Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner Baxter BioSurgery Bennett Holdings, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel BKD, LLP Blair Companies Blair County Golf & Driving Range C&G Savings Bank CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. Center for Nursing Care Cohen and Grigsby Credit Control Collections DeGol Carpet DeGol Organization Dixon, Hughes, & Goodman, LLP Empire Communications Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Mr. Jim Fish Mr. Steve Gildea H.F. Lenz Company HealthCare Benefits, Inc. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Home Health Resource Insight Investments Ivy Funds Kopp Drug Store Limbach Company, LLC M&T Charitable Foundation Mainline National Bank S.P. McCarl & Company, Inc. McQuaide Blasko, Inc. MedAsset Medline Mountain Research, LLC Mr. Jerry Murray Nason Hospital Mr. and Mrs. Gary Naugle Penn State Altoona Pepsi Bottling Group, Altoona Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund Pinnacle Plumbing & Heating Primary Health Network PRISM Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. Radiology Business Solutions Dr. David Rasmussen Ravine Golf Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay Reilly, Creppage & Co., Inc. S&T Bank Schultz Company Sheetz, Inc. The Siemens Philanthropic Fund STAT MedEvac Mr. Fred F. Thursfield Toshiba Triad Isotopes UNUM Dr. Carlos M. Wiegering Xanitos, Inc. Zimmer-Randall Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger Mr. and Mrs. Gary Zuckerman In Memory Of In memory of Dean Phillips Mrs. Sharon McIntire In memory of Doris Troutman Mr. and Mrs. Doug Campbell Mr. George A. Heckert, Jr. Metron Aviation, Inc. Sister Ann Sciannella Center for Cardiac Care General Anonymous (5) Mrs. Lorraine F. Adams Mrs. Barbara P. Albright Mr. and Mrs. Calvin E. Amick, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Terence M. Anderko Mr. and Mrs. Terry C. Anderson Mr. Stanley Andresky, Jr. Ms. Carole J. Arnold Mr. Richard J. Auman Mr. and Mrs. Jordan S. Bailinger Mrs. Sally J. Ball Mr. and Mrs. Gerald N. Bard Mr. and Mrs. Darwin F. Bardell Mr. Kenneth E. Bartlett Ms. Colleen Becker Mr. Michael W. Beidelman Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein Mr. Dennis B. Berkey Mr. and Mrs. David L. Black Mrs. Lucinda A. Black Boscov’s Department Store Mrs. Beverly L. Boslet Mr. Donald L. Bousum Mr. David C. Bowser Ms. Lorraine J. Boyles Mrs. Janis Brawand Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman Mrs. Patricia A. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Melvin R. Brubaker Dr. and Mrs. Robert Budd Mrs. Doris Burk Miss Mary P. Burkey Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Burkhardt Mr. Paul M. Burns Mrs. Myrtle E. Campbell Mr. Paul Campbell Mr. and Mrs. George L. Cardone Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Carlson Mrs. Elizabeth N. Carrieri Mr. and Mrs. Clair M. Ciaverella Mr. Randall L. Coffman Mrs. Norma E. Colyer Miss A. Roberta Conner Mr. and Mrs. John R. Cottle Dr. Andrea M. Coulter Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider Miss Sylvia E. Daniele Mr. Jack L. Daub Mrs. Margaret Decoskey Mrs. Angela L. DeCriscio Mr. Leo J. Delozier Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano Mr. John M. Detrick Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Dietrick Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ditcher Mrs. Barbara J. Dobbins Ms. Jacqueline K. Dodson Mr. Gary L. Dotts Ms. Shirley Drzal Mr. and Mrs. Roger Eckardt Mrs. Donna L. Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis Mrs. Jo Ann Emeigh Ms. Betty J. Ergler Mrs. Veronica M. Evey Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers Mrs. Mary G. Fetterman Ms. Julie Fochler Mr. George W. Fouse Mrs. Lorraine Fox Mrs. Mary A. Fozard Mr. William E. Frank Mr. John E. Franks Mrs. Deborah A. Frantz Mr. and Mrs. Wayne F. Frederick Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Fyock Mr. William P. Gable Mrs. Sandra L. Gabrielson Mr. Paul L. Gargon Mr. and Mrs. Gordon P. Garmire Mrs. Carol F. Garofalo Mr. John Gary, III Mrs. Rita A. Gaut Mr. Gregory Gentile Mr. Donald H. George Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Getz Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gherrity Mrs. Donna D. Gority Mrs. Kay Gorsuch Mrs. Ruth M. Goshen Mr. Herbert W. Goss Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Graham Mrs. Nancy E. Griffiths Mr. and Mrs. Ira S. Groff Mrs. Marlene H. Gromley Mrs. Catherine R. Hall Mr. and Mrs. David E. Hancock Mr. Chip Harclerode Ms. Ann Harshbarger Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger Mrs. Ruth J. Hartley Mr. and Mrs. James S. Hartman, Jr. Attorney and Mrs. Frank Hartye, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hegarty Mrs. Margaret E. Heimbach Ms. Vivian Hennaman Dr. and Mrs. J. Donald Hensler Mr. Duane E. Hess Mr. Larry B. Hicks Mrs. Donna J. Hild Mrs. Marilyn F. Hilling Mr. Melvin R. Hoffer Mr. Bernard T. Hoover Mrs. Bernice C. Hoover Mr. James E. Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hoover Mr. Walter J. Hoover Mr. Patrick W. Hrzic Mr. George I. Hughes, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James D. Hunt Mrs. Frances E. Johnson Mrs. Melissa A. Keith Mrs. Elizabeth Kerr Mr. and Mrs. Julius Kiraly Mrs. Marlene R. Kirsch Mr. and Mrs. William Klayko Mrs. Betty L. Klobetanz Ms. Victoria M. Kolarczyk Mr. Richard C. Laing Ms. Jean Laughlin Mrs. Olga H. Lawruk Mr. and Mrs. James S. Leidy Mr. Thomas P. Lesher Mrs. Joanna R. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ling Mr. Guy J. Luciano Mr. Richard J. Lynch Mrs. Priscilla M. Mackall Mrs. Louise Magee Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mancari Mr. Walter E. Marasco Mr. and Mrs. Arnold L. Martin Mr. Joseph Martinelli Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Martino, Jr. Mrs. Pauline M. Marzo Mr. John L. Mascia Mrs. Sylvia Mazman Mrs. Agnes D. McCarty Mr. and Mrs. Dean G. McCaulley Ms. Norma McCormick Mrs. Geraldine L. McGee Mr. Robert V. McMullen Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Mearkle Mrs. Janet L. Miller Mr. and Mrs. William C. Miller Ms. Doris J. Mohler Mrs. Delores J. Morvan Mr. and Mrs. John M. Motzer, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. James Moyer Mrs. Ada M. Muro Mrs. Susan A. Murphy Ms. Frances Musselman Following is a list of those who generously extended financial support to Altoona Regional Health System from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011. As a nonprofit charitable organization, Altoona Regional is grateful to every donor for helping us strengthen and enhance health care in our community. In Honor Of Miss Myrna J. Nail Miss Elizabeth J. Nattress Mr. and Mrs. Denis J. Navarro Mrs. Margie Navarro Mrs. Sherry N. Nichols Mr. Joe Norris Mrs. Dorothy L. Ohara Mr. and Mrs. Dennis L. Olewine Mrs. Martha L. Otto Mrs. Barbara A. Panaro Ms. Sandra L. Picard Mr. Robert Quattrocchi Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rapsky Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Redinger Mr. Richard Reeder Mr. John Reiter Mrs. Helen M. Ricchetti Mr. and Mrs. Randall H. Ritchey Miss Carolyn M. Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Robison Mr. and Mrs. John L. Roland, III Miss Darlene F. Rose Mrs. Barbara Rossi Ms. Sherrie Rupp Miss Lorraine Rutter Mrs. Margurite E. Ryan Mrs. Sharon A. Rydbom Mrs. Dorothy J. Sagaities Mr. and Mrs. Eugene E. Sauer Ms. Dona J. Savine Mrs. Marilyn M. Shaffer Mr. and Mrs. William E. Shaw Mrs. Martha J. Shay Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sheffield Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Showalter Mrs. Cynthia J. Simendinger Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Skonier Mr. and Mrs. Donald Slippey Mrs. Sandra Smakula Mrs. Barbara E. Smith Mr. David A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Howard Smith Mr. Robert B. Snively Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Spinazzola Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sponsler Mrs. Shirley A. Stair Mrs. JoEllen Steinbrunner Mrs. Beverly A. Stock Mr. Kenneth W. Stoltz Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Stuart Mrs. Sharon Sunseri Mrs. Laura Sutton Mrs. Susan J. Taneyhill Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Templon Ms. Shirley M. Thompson Sister Mary A. Tolusciak Ms. Janet E. Tomlinson Reverend and Mrs. George D. Townsend Mrs. Sheryl F. Umstead Ms. Lorraine G. Vaughn Ms. Amy J. Vinglish Mrs. Margaret C. Wachter Mrs. Gail W. Walker Mr. Andrew Walla Mr. and Mrs. Darrell L. Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Walters Mr. Robert Walters Mr. Farber C. Weakland Mrs. Judith A. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Weber Mrs. Michele Welchko Mr. Lemoine E. Westover Mr. and Mrs. Charlie M. Wheeler Mr. and Mrs. Maurice S. White Mr. Dennis C. Whitsel Mrs. Betty J. Wilkinson Mrs. Bernadette K. Williams Mr. and Mrs. John J. Wolf Mrs. Mary J. Wood Mrs. Muriel F. Woomer Mr. and Mrs. George Yarnell Mr. and Mrs. Travis B. Young Mrs. Betty W. Ziobro Mr. and Mrs. Ralph G. Zitsch Mr. John W. Zook In honor of Denise Delozier Ms. Janet Moore Emergency Department General Anonymous (9) Mrs. Joan Adams Mrs. Lorraine F. Adams Mr. Robert V. Aiken Mrs. Barbara P. Albright Ms. Jane C. Allinder Mrs. Elvegene Allshouse Mrs. Barbara Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Anna Mr. Homer L. Ansell Ms. Nanette Anslinger Mr. and Mrs. Clayton R. Appleyard Ms. Carole J. Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Charles Arotin Mrs. Mildred B. Bagley Mr. and Mrs. Jordan S. Bailinger Mr. Donald C. Baker Mr. Robert Baker Mr. Frances G. Barner Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Barton Dr. and Mrs. Paul R. Barton Mr. Francis G. Basal Mr. Clair R. Baum Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Beeney Mrs. Clara V. Bennetti Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein Mrs. Corrine F. Bickings Mr. Owen M. Biesinger Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Bishop Mrs. Shirley E. Bittner Mrs. Lucinda A. Black Mr. Brent A. Bookman Mr. Donald L. Bousum Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman Mrs. Ruth Brown Mr. William P. Brown Dr. and Mrs. Robert Budd Mrs. Yolanda J. Bumann Mr. Richard B. Bunevitch Ms. Janet Burgoon Mrs. Doris Burk Mr. William Burket Miss Mary P. Burkey Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Burkhardt Mrs. Patricia M. Burmeister Ms. Barbara M. Butler Mrs. Vernadine Butler Mr. and Mrs. Chester L. Calderwood Mr. and Mrs. Gary Caldwell Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Calhoun Mrs. Myrtle E. Campbell Mrs. Brigitte D. Carbaugh Mrs. Elizabeth N. Carrieri Mr. and Mrs. Glenden G. Casteel Mr. David A. Castro Mr. Robert L. Charles Mr. Mark Chuff Mrs. Lillian A. Cichetto Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Claar Mrs. Dorothy M. Clapper Mr. George M. Clapper Mr. Guy E. Claycomb Mr. Thomas Closson Mr. John R. Conlon Miss A. Roberta Conner Mrs. Marcella A. Conrad Ms. Eileen C. Corpening Mr. and Mrs. John R. Cottle Mr. William Cowher Mrs. Thelma G. Cox Ms. Carol E. Crum Dr. Wilhelmina P. Cruz-Vetrano Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Cunard Mrs. Dorothy A. Curfman Miss Sylvia E. Daniele Mrs. Carol Davis Miss Elizabeth A. DeBartolome Mrs. Margaret Decoskey Mrs. Connie DeGol Mrs. Sherry DelGrosso Mr. Leo J. Delozier Ms. Marlene J. Dennison Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano Mr. John M. Detrick Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Detwiler Drs. Tomislav and Lauren Deur Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris Miss S.G. Diehl Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Dietrick Mrs. Janice M. Dixon Mrs. Barbara J. Dobbins Mr. Richard T. Dobson Ms. Jacqueline K. Dodson Mr. Robert L. Dodson Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. Donaldson Mrs. Christine J. Douds Mr. and Mrs. Samuel D. Dougherty Dr. and Mrs. Mohammad Dowlut Mr. Richard W. Drabic Mr. Gerald D. Drenning Mr. Leroy Duffey Mrs. Gloria M. Dunio Mr. Richard E. Dunkley, Jr. Mr. Allen Dunlap Mrs. Sondra T. Duryea Mr. Clyde F. Eckenrode Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr. Mrs. Donna L. Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis Mrs. Jo Ann Emeigh Mrs. Patricia England Mr. Leonard G. Esposti Ms. Donna M. Evangelisto Mrs. Veronica M. Evey Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers Mr. Stanley Fink Mr. Richard M. Foor Mr. Duane A. Forney Mrs. Mary A. Fozard Mr. and Mrs. William E. Frey Mrs. Shirley J. Fries Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero, Jr. Mr. William P. Gable In Memory Of In memory of Eric Bordell Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kulmatycki In memory of Dan Caramadre Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Dodson In memory of James E. Casner Mr. and Mrs. David S. Hess In memory of John F. Cooper Mrs. Mable B. Cooper In memory of Frank Corrado Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Knote In memory of Frank “Dutch” Elling Ms. Mary J. Campolong In memory of Anthony J. Pattie Mrs. Gladys M. Leighty In memory of Glover Schenck Mrs. Judy P. Lloyd In memory of Louise, my sister Ms. Sarah H. Burkhard In memory of Richard J. Spallone Ms. Marcella Summers In memory of Michelle Stoudt Mrs. Olana L. Sheaffer In memory of Julia Susick Mrs. Angela L. Lubert In memory of my wife Mr. Robert V. Aiken Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit General The Samuel and Rose Port Philanthropic Fund In Memory Of In memory of Kathy Fundack Chris’ Hallmark Shop In Memory of William J. Staub Ms. Lois J. Polliard Drug & Alcohol Services General The EADS Group Employee Charity Fund 7 Mrs. Sandra L. Gabrielson Mr. Clifford T. Gailey Mr. Robert Gailey, Sr. Miss Christine T. Ganley Mrs. Rita A. Gaut Mrs. Anne L. Gehret Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Geissinger, Sr. Mr. Gregory Gentile Mr. Donald H. George Mrs. Betty A. Gibbons Mrs. Delores A. Gildea Miss Patricia M. Gildea Mr. Carl M. Gilligan Mr. Angelo L. Gioiosa Mrs. Kathleen M. Glunt Mr. Jakob Golant Mr. Herbert W. Goss Mr. John W. Gray, Jr. Mrs. Darlene A. Gregoire Mrs. Nancy E. Griffiths Mrs. Marlene H. 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Iuzzolino Mr. Albert R. Johnson Mr. Edward R. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jerome R. Johnson Ms. Shirley G. Johnsonbaugh Mr. Daniel Jordan Dr. Luis M. Jourdain Mr. Robert C. Jubelirer Drs. Jason Henninger and Natasha M. Karanjia Mrs. Lyn Karns Ms. Rita J. Kasaback Ms. Susan C. Kaye Mrs. Larue L. Kehoe Mrs. Catherine Keith Mr. Kerry Kelley Mr. Thomas K. Kelley Mrs. Linda L. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Kensinger Mr. and Mrs. David A. Kephart Mrs. Elizabeth Kerr Mr. John M. Kienzle, Jr. Mrs. Elaine S. Kilgore Mr. and Mrs. William Klayko Mrs. Betty L. Klobetanz Mrs. Barbara J. Knopp Miss Dorothy M. Knopp Mr. Joseph A. Knott Mr. Kenneth O. Knowles Mr. Joseph F. Kochara Ms. Victoria M. Kolarczyk Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Koons Mr. H. Eugene Koontz The Honorable Jolene Grubb Kopriva Mr. Robert L. Kunes Mr. Robert Kunselman Drs. Barbara Labban and Edmond Bou Assaf Mr. Richard C. Laing Mr. Mark Larock Mrs. Olga H. Lawruk Dr. and Mrs. David R. Lee Mrs. Kathleen L. 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Morvan Mrs. Susan A. Murphy Mrs. Rose M. Nagle Miss Myrna J. Nail Dr. and Mrs. Muhammad Naji Mr. Jack W. Naugle, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Denis J. Navarro Drs. Matthew and Laura Newlin Mrs. Sherry N. Nichols Mrs. Cecilia A. Nigro Mr. Jay M. Nissley Dr. George A. Nohaile Mr. Joe Norris Dr. William H. O’Shurak Mrs. Nancy M. Ott Mrs. Martha L. Otto Mrs. Barbara A. Panaro Ms. Alice Patterson The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas G. Peoples, Jr. Mr. Joseph Peroni Mrs. Catherine Perretta Mrs. Audrey J. Peterman Mrs. Irma M. Peters Ms. Theresa Pfeffer Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Port Ms. Darlene J. Pounds Miss Mary A. Pruner Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Pufka Mr. Robert Quattrocchi Mr. Raymond W. Ramstad Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rapsky Mrs. Joan W. Redenberger Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Reed Mrs. Delores A. Renney Mrs. Mary J. Repko Mrs. Mary J. Rhoads Mrs. M. Carol Rhodes Mrs. Helen M. Ricchetti Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Rickens Miss Eva M. Riley Mr. James F. Ritter Mr. David P. Roberts Mr. Robert Robeson Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Robison Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Rogal Dr. Cecilia C. Rogers Mr. and Mrs. John L. Roland, III Miss Darlene F. Rose Mrs. Patricia A. Ross Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rossman Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Roub Attorney James S. Routch Dr. Angela W. and Mr. Paul D. Rowe Ms. Barbara M. Rowe Mrs. Alice J. Rudolph Miss Lorraine Rutter Mrs. Dorothy J. Sagaities Mrs. Barbara J. Sands Ms. Dona J. Savine Ms. Ellen C. Schraff Mrs. Donna M. Seedenburg Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Settimio Mrs. Marilyn M. Shaffer Ms. Dorla E. Shaw Mrs. Marilyn M. Shaw Mrs. Martha J. Shay Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sheffield Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Mr. and Mrs. William Shover Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Showalter Ms. Joan Shrenkle Mr. Harland Shumaker Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Silverman Mrs. Arlene C. Skinner Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Skonier Mr. Robert P. Slattery Mr. Robert B. Snively Mr. and Mrs. Randall D. Speck Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Spinazzola Mrs. Shirley A. Stair Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Clair F. Stewart Mr. Richard C. Stiffler Miss Phyllis R. Strate Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Stuart Dr. Kathleen E. Sweeney Miss Ann C. Sykes Mrs. Susan J. Taneyhill Ms. Kathryn Terlinsky Sister Mary A. Tolusciak Ms. Janet E. Tomlinson Miss Patricia G. Trickett Dr. and Mrs. Vijay Vakharia Mr. and Mrs. George A. Vermeulen Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent Mrs. Delores J. Wachter Mrs. Margaret C. Wachter Mr. Richard D. Wagner Mr. Marvin R. Walizer Ms. Alice C. Walters Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Walters Mrs. Mary E. Watkins Mrs. Ruth B. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Weber Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. Weber, Jr. Mrs. Michele Welchko Ms. Judith Welsh Mr. Theodore Whitsel Dr. Carlos M. Wiegering Mr. and Mrs. Larry Woolheater Mr. Mark Wooster Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Wozniak Mr. and Mrs. Pete Yartin Mr. James R. Yingling Mrs. Naomi R. Yon Drs. Maged Zaky and Irini Youssef Drs. Hassan Zammam and Suzanne Y. Dib Mrs. Betty W. Ziobro Mr. and Mrs. Gary Zuckerman In Honor Of In honor of Brendon Liles Mr. Donald Brown Mr. Mark Brown Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Grandstaff Mr. Donald Liles Mr. and Mrs. Royce Liles Ms. Anna Pung Mr. Brian Pung Mr. Kyle Pung In honor of Barbara A. Schoenfelder Mr. James E. Schoenfelder In honor of R. Jack and Dolores Sloey Mr. John E. Ramsey In Memory Of In memory of Heather Bouch Ms. Amy J. Vinglish In memory of Albert Evangelisto Mrs. Flora L. Evangelisto In memory of Mary Kantoski Miss Judith A. Marsden In memory of Dale Lansberry Mrs. Dorothy Lansberry In memory of Jean Liebegott Mr. Elvin G. Liebegott In memory of Catherine Wilkins Mr. and Mrs. Gregory M. Price In memory of Jean L. WisniewskiScherzinger Mrs. Mary W. Luxbacher In memory of Mary Zanylo Mr. David S. Hess Emergency Department LifeNet Adler’s Landscaping Advantage Resources Dr. Ramesh K. Agarwal Drs. Rajih and Ikbal Alkhafagi Allegro Restaurant Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau Allegheny Orthotics and Prosthetics Altoona Center for Nursing Care Altoona Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Altoona Community Theatre Altoona Curve Baseball Altoona Obstetrics and Gynecology Altoona Symphony Orchestra ARHS 5E ARHS Administration ARHS Cardiac Cath Lab ARHS Emergency Department ARHS Finance Department ARHS Human Resources/Healthforce/ Education ARHS Marketing/Foundation for Life/ Community Education ARHS Material Management/Supply Chain ARHS Medical Staff ARHS Nursing Management Mr. and Mrs. Paul Baker Mr. and Mrs. James Barner Drs. Anthony and Liang Bartkowiak Ron Beatty Carpet and Upholstery, Inc. Mr. David Beck Bedroom Showcase Begin With Us Child Care and Preschool Mr. and Mrs. Shaun Benzel Mr. and Mrs. William Benzel Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery, Inc. Blair Company Blair County Anesthesia Blair County Arts Foundation Blair Gastroenterology Associates Blair Medical Association Blair Orthopedics Body Blue Prints Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Bouchard Boyer Candy Company Mr. and Mrs. Karl Brustle Mr. and Mrs. David Burchfield, Sr. Drs. James and Nancy Burke Attorney and Mrs. Sean Burke Dr. and Mrs. David Burwell The Calvin House Dr. and Mrs. Richard Capriotti Carbis Walker CBIZ Cesare Battisti Club Kevin Charles Fine Clothing Mr. and Mrs. Morley Cohn Ms. Terri Colabove Comfort Inn Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corso Mr. and Mrs. James Covino Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cristello Mr. and Mrs. James Croft DeGol Carpet Delightful Ewe Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris Mr. and Mrs. Richard DiAndrea Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Dietrick Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Dodson Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Dombrosky Mr. and Mrs. Brian Durbin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Earnest Mr. and Mrs. William Earnest Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Eberhart Attorney and Mrs. Merle Evey Mrs. Paulette Farabaugh The Film Center Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fiore Mr. and Mrs. Michael Forosisky Frederick’s Locksmith Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Michael Garczynski Gardner Candy Dr. and Mrs. Zane Gates Glow Salon & Spa Ms. Christel Grazier Mr. and Mrs. James Green Mrs. Anita Grimes Dr. and Mrs. Charles Haas Mr. and Mrs. Robert Halbritter Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hall Hampton Inn Altoona Mrs. Diane Harris Hayes Large Architects HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona Heritage Travel H.F. Lenz Company Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Mr. and Mrs. Shane Himes The Hite Company Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hockenberry Dr. Salee L. Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hollern Holliday Corvette Mr. Carl Hoover Dr. and Mrs. Grant Hormell Hoss’s Steak and Sea House Howard Industries, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hoyne Dr. Patricia Hoyne Mr. and Mrs. William Hoyne Image Signs Investment Savings Bank Jack’s Grubb Shack Drs. John and Alice Joyce Dr. and Mrs. Neil Kaneshiki Mr. and Mrs. John Kepler Dr. and Mrs. Ziad Khoury Kitchen and Gift Mr. and Mrs. Duane Knouse Mr. and Mrs. Justin Kobuck Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kooman Kooman & Associates Kopp Drug Judge Jolene and Mr. Thomas Kopriva Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kranich Kranich’s Jewelers Mr. and Mrs. James Kuhn Labor Specialties, Inc. 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University Orthopedics Warner’s Florist Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Whiting Dr. and Mrs. Carlos Wiegering Wolf Furniture Mr. and Mrs. William Young Your Jewelry Box Mr. and Mrs. Butch Zavalanski Dr. and Mrs. George Zlupko Dr. and Mrs. Ryan Zlupko Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zorger Free Dental Clinic General Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Schmidt Glover Memorial Library In Memory Of In memory of Elaine DeFay Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff In memory of J. Scott Hommer Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff Maternity Department General Mrs. Helen Aikens Altoona Ward Relief Society Ms. Colleen Angel Mrs. Joyce M. Beck Mrs. Lois E. Bottomfield Mrs. Susan C. Brower Ms. Maxine Colyer Mrs. Jill B. Currier Mrs. Rosemarie Dibert Ms. Dorothy Dierkes Ms. Sandy Eichelberger Ms. Patti Faith Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner Giant Food Stores, LLC Mrs. Anna M. Greene Miss Rose M. Gripp Ms. Dana Gunsallus Mrs. Brenda M. Hainley Mrs. Louise C. Hampton Mrs. Eleanor Hirchak Ms. Joyce Kemp Mrs. Carol A. Kinser Mrs. Mary Jo Kleinosky Ms. Lois Kuhn Ms. Carol E. Leonard Ms. Kathy Loose Mrs. Dorothy L. Marchetti Ms. Mary G. Mauk Ms. M. Yvonne McConnell Ms. Colleen McKee Mrs. Sara G. Miller Ms. Elizabeth Muhlbauer Ms. Donna Otto Mrs. Carole Rea Scotch Valley Grange #510 Mrs. Doris M. Skowronek Mrs. Janice A. Snowberger Ms. Virginia Socey Ms. Martha Stouffer Ms. Ann Walters Ward Avenue United Presbyterian Church Mrs. Beverly E. Way Ms. Patricia A. Winters Ms. Paula Wyant Mrs. Naomi M. Yonkosky In Memory Of In memory of Lilly A. Hockenberry Mr. and Mrs. Wendall M. Landis and Clayton Health Care Honors Neonatal Bereavement In Memory Of In memory of Lilly A. Hockenberry Ms. Mary L. Decker-Frosburg Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Hockenberry Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lair Luse Distributing, Inc. Nittany Pest Control Service Mr. and Mrs. William A. Shanahan Anonymous Ralph J. Albarano & Sons, Inc. Alpha Imaging Altoona Center for Nursing Care Altoona Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Altoona Mirror Altoona Ophthalmology Associates Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner Drs. Anthony J. and Liang R. Bartkowiak Mr. Cloyd Beers Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery, Inc. Dr. Donald J. Betar, Jr. Bettwy Electric, Inc. Dr. Howard M. Black Blair Companies Blair County Anesthesia Blair Gastroenterology Associates Blair Medical Associates, Inc. Blair Orthopedics Mr. Michael Boyer Burgmeier’s Hauling, Inc. CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corso Dr. and Mrs. David L. Cowger Credit Control Collections Dr. Donald B. Crider Mr. David M. Cuzzolina Damin Printing Company, LLC DeGol Organization Mrs. Sherry DelGrosso Drenning Delivery System Empire Communications Fenner Corporation Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fuller Ms. Wilma Gaida Miss Patricia M. Gildea Dr. Jennifer L. Good Mrs. Christel Grazier Dr. and Mrs. Charles Haas Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Halbritter Mr. and Mrs. John Hawksworth Hayes Large Architects Paul Hazi Photography HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield – Pittsburgh The Hite Company Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hockenberry Holiday Inn Express Home Health Resource Home Nursing Agency Affiliates Ms. Georganna L. Horell Dr. J. Grant Hormell Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania Hoss’s Steak & Sea House Corporate Office Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hoyne Imler’s Poultry Mr. and Mrs. Michael Irwin Mr. and Mrs. Randal Isenberg Dr. Esiri Karunaratne, M.D. Mr. John R. Kepler Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kibelbek Dr. Alan J. Kivitz Kooman & Associates, Inc. Mrs. Dana M. Kopera Kopp Drug Store Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kreuz, Jr. Mrs. Carolyn Lapierre Lee Industries, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine, Jr. Limbach Company, LLC Mr. C. Richard Logan M&T Charitable Foundation Mainline Medical Associates, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Maniglia Maxwell Transit System, Inc. S.P. McCarl & Company, Inc. Mrs. Debbie McClellan Partnership for Free Medical General Christian Ride and Courier Mr. and Mrs. William G. Wallen In Honor Of In honor of Robert E. Wertz Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Detwiler In Memory Of In memory of Robert Crum Family of Robert Crum Dr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Kaplan Pediatrics Fund General Altar Rock Jaycees - SCI Huntingdon Grace Baptist Church Ms. Brenda Quirin VFW Schellsburg Radiation Oncology General Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner Mrs. Dorothy L. Marchetti Ms. Betty Rodgers Mrs. and Mr. Janice A. Snowberger Bernard A. Rosch Palliative Care In Memory Of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Conner Mr. Jeffrey Smulyan Mr. John Stevenson Ms. Elizabeth Talmage In memory of Doris J. Rickens Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Clark R. Aldeman ARHS - Nursing Management Team ARHS - Trauma Service Cambria Township Supervisors & Employees Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell Ms. Beverly J. Cooney Domestic Relations Mr. Paul Erzal, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Erzal Mr. Nick Genovese Mr. Gary Grant Mr. Michael P. Hudak Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell Mr. and Mrs. William McGary Mrs. Karen R. McGraw Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Mignogna Mr. and Mrs. Norm Myers The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas G. Peoples, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Peppetti Mr. and Mrs. Chad Pysher Attorney James S. Routch Mr. and Mrs. James Schellhammer SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania Mr. Robert E. Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Paul Spahr Gerald A. Spalding Chapter PIAA Basketball Officials Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario Mr. Fred F. Thursfield Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent Ms. Julie A. Vitko In memory of Colleen A. Wertz Mr. David M. Cuzzolina Mr. Fred F. Thursfield In memory of Joel Axelrad Mr. and Mrs. William B. Borst Ms. Margaret Gerber Mr. and Mrs. Eli Jenny Mr. and Mrs. James D. Weller In memory of Nancy Black Family and Friends of Nancy Black In memory of Robin Fagan My Fair Lady Beauty Salon Employees and Customers In loving memory of Gary L. Woomer Mrs. Marjorie F. Edwards Stroke Center General Staff of ARHS Stroke Center Trauma Service General Mr. Bradley Baughman Juniata United Methodist Church – Bear Makers In Memory Of In memory of John A. Piccirillo Ms. Judith Bernhart Mrs. Susan Bernhart-Grassi General Anonymous Bennett Holdings, Inc. Miss Ellen J. Blyler Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris Mr. Raymond M. Eckenrode Mr. John A. Freas Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kibelbek Mr. Dennis McArthur Mr. Jerry Murray Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port In Memory Of In memory of Jerry Connelly ARHS - Trauma Service In memory of Barbara Kunsman The EADS Group Employee Charity Fund In memory of John A. Piccirillo Mr. and Mrs. Todd Carney 8 Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell Ms. Bianca McNulty McQuaide Blasko, Inc. Medline Ms. Barbara J. Mercer Mock Creations, LLC MoreDirect Mountain Research, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray Mr. and Mrs. Gary Naugle Drs. Matthew and Laura Newlin New Look Uniform Shop, Inc. Mrs. Ellen M. Paterson Penn State Altoona Dr. and Mrs. Harry Penny The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas G. Peoples, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. J. Richard Pfeffer, Jr. Mr. Matthew Phillips PNC Bank Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Pufka Ms. Nina L. Ramsey Reclamere, Inc. Reed Smith, LLP Reilly, Creppage & Co., Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Rickens Roaring Spring Bottling Mr. James M. Robuck Dr. Jeffrey M. Rosch Attorney James S. Routch S&T Bank Dr. and Mrs. Jack D. Schocker Monsignor Michael Servinsky Sheetz, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Ms. Brenda A. Smithmyer Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sprouse Ms. Kathryn Terlinsky Mr. and Mrs. Fred F. Thursfield Mr. Rick Tongel Jacoby Trexler Architects Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent Dr. Richard A. Wertz Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Wertz Wolf Furniture Company Word Processing Services, Inc. Mr. R. Thomas Zeek Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger In Honor Of In honor of Brenda Smithmyer ARHS Same Day Surgery and Endoscopy Staff Ms. Penny M. Miller General Mr. Frank L. Basciani Mr. Francis X. Bones Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri Ms. Shirley Pechter Mrs. Shirley M. Stoyanoff Mrs. Joyce A. Wright In Honor Of In appreciation of Kay Adams Ms. Linda M. Cassarly In honor of ARHS - Employees/Volunteer Friends Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis In honor of Margaret Barr Mr. Fred F. Thursfield In honor of Bernice Breon Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Eakins In honor of Joseph Kochara Mrs. Linda A. Hippo In honor of Pete and Shirley McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell In appreciation of Louise Miller Mr. and Mrs. Allen Cecchine In honor of Our Parents ADT Resource Nurses In honor of Brenda Reeder Mr. and Mrs. William E. Reeder In Memory Of In memory of Francis (Shung) Agosta Ms. Betty Ann Agosta In memory of Dominic D. Altiero Ms. Eleanor Altiero In memory of Harry & Iola Auker Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Auker, Sr. In memory of John Banholzer Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Fraundorfer and Family In memory of John E. Barr Mr. Fred F. Thursfield In memory of Earl and Ruth Beldin Ms. Eileen Rabish In memory of Sherman Benton Anonymous In memory of Theo Bolan Mr. and Mrs. Vance C. Bolan In memory of Eric Bordell Mr. and Mrs. Duane P. Bordell In memory of Heather Bouch Ms. Amy J. Vinglish In loving memory of Lora L. Brashears Mrs. Judith M. Hollern In memory of Dorothy Casner Mr. David S. Hess In memory of June M. Cicero Mr. Joseph D. Cicero In memory of James and Agnes Clare Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers In memory of Lois R. Conrad Anonymous In memory of Carol Corrado Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Knote In memory of Clarence and Alvoria Crider Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider In memory of Iva Shirley Davis-Kessinger Mrs. Stella C. Conte In memory of Helen G. Dodson Ms. Susan A. Dodson In memory of Fred and Petronella Elvey Mrs. Deborah E. McDougal In memory of Tom England Mrs. Peggy England In memory of Henry and Helen Evangelista Ms. Mona L. Henck & Family In memory of Mary Farabaugh Mrs. Theresa Storm In memory of Betty Fluke Mr. Richard B. Fluke In memory of John and Sylvia Givler The Givler Family In memory of Catherine, Frank and John Gutwald Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Klesius In memory of Alan L. Harshberger Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of Susan E. Heaton Mr. and Mrs. George Heaton In memory of Robert Henshaw Mrs. Diane S. Osgood In memory of Josephine Hicks Anonymous In memory of Judy Hogan Mr. David E. Hogan In memory of Mike Hook Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Dodson In memory of John Hopfl Captain Lynne M. Hopfl In memory of Dave Hostler Mrs. Deborah A. Henshey In memory of Leslie Nicole Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Johnson In memory of Mary Kantoski Mr. and Mrs. Luke Kelly In memory of Jean Liebegott Mr. Elvin G. Liebegott In memory of Frank & Mary Livoti Mrs. Sharon L. Ciccarella In memory of Mary Carolyn Maney The Maney Family In memory of Daniel A. Marchetti Mr. Anthony D. Marchetti Mrs. Rose Marchetti In memory of Don McCabe Mrs. Joanna M. Heinsling In memory of Liam Sean Patrick McCaulley Mrs. Norma A. Smith In memory of Tom McIntire Mr. and Mrs. William Shaffer In memory of Raymond Palazzo Mr. and Mrs. Michael Forosisky In memory of Our Parents ADT Resource Nurses Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Lafferty In memory of Barry D. Pellas Mr. Drew M. Appleman, Jr. In memory of Daniel A. Petta Ms. Stella R. Petta In memory of Rosie M. Port Ms. Pearl Port In memory of Carolyn R. Reed Mr. and Mrs. Roger Corle In memory of Dorothy Reilly Ms. Mary L. Reilly In memory of LeRoy M. Riley Ms. Shirley F. Riley In memory of Anthony Roberts Mrs. Mary A. Roberts In memory of Nancy Robison Ms. Dana J. Shade In memory of Norman Rose The Rose Family In memory of John and Palma Scarfone Mrs. Julia A. Scarfone In memory of Charles and Alice Sheehan Ms. Ruth A. Slippey In memory of Dave and Pat Shellenberger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger In memory of Harry E. Slep Mrs. H. June Slep In memory of Harry Sprankle Mrs. Lilia J. Sprankle In memory of Phil Steele Mrs. Kay F. Steele In memory of Annika R. Steinbeiser Mr. and Mrs. Richard Steinbeiser In memory of Robert S. Stotler Ms. Kathy Stevens In memory of Zachary Topper Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Boyles In memory of A. James Trexler Mrs. Marguerite Trexler In memory of Gladys and Kenneth Weaver Mr. Donald Metzker In memory of Linda L. Whited Anonymous In memory of Richard, Rosmary, and Robert Yohn Mr. and Mrs. Robert Newkirk General Claysburg Kimmel Lady Bulldog Basketball Glendale Basketball Boosters Mrs. Lynne M. Muri Penn State Altoona - Women’s Basketball Ms. Sue Rabish Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood Mr. Fred F. Thursfield Windber Health Care Foundation, Inc. Your Jewelry Box Please contact the Foundation for Life office at 889.6406 if we have omitted or made an error in the listing of your donation. Foundation briefs Holiday Splendor a success Altoona Regional friends and employees helped kick off the 2011 holiday season at the Foundation for Life’s festive Holiday Splendor event at the Calvin House in November. future OUR HE ALTH CARE Gifts to the Foundation for Life make a real difference This year’s celebration, which included beautifully decorated trees, festive food and drink and a selection of wonderful live and silent auction items, raised $43,000 for the purchase of a digital Doppler ultrasound system and for diabetic education. The Foundation thanks all who attended and/or contributed as donors or volunteers to make Holiday Splendor a truly memorable and worthwhile evening that will benefit the health of many in our community for years to come. Need for care rising And, Altoona Regional and other community hospitals are growing more important daily as more baby boomers need more health care and as transportation costs rise, making travel outside our community for care more expensive as well as less convenient. At some point in our lives, all of us will probably require treatment at a hospital, whether for something minor or life-threatening. In the case of an emergency, it is comforting to know that we have a hospital in our community with exceptional emergency and trauma care. But maintaining exceptional health care is becoming increasingly challenging for community health care systems like Altoona Regional. At a time when health care reimbursement is falling and demand for health care is increasing, your gift at any level can make a real difference. As a nonprofit health care system, Altoona Regional routinely invests any annual operational surplus it has into maintaining equipment and facilities and supporting patient care programs for our community. Altoona Regional is also vital in preparedness for national emergencies. Several years ago, the Centers for Disease Control indicated that community survival rates during a national pandemic or health care crisis would be directly related to the financial and human resources that community hospitals and health care providers have to respond to local need. Your gifts to the Foundation for Life will also be invested in health care facilities, equipment and services. Your gift will help Altoona Regional fulfill its community health care mission and meet future challenges associated with increased demand and limited financial resources. FREE will & estate planning help The Foundation will hold two informational seminars this spring on documents we all should have for the benefit of ourselves and our families. Seminar topics will include health care directives, wills and legal documents, charitable giving/lifetime income options and legacy giving. More information will be available soon regarding these valuable, free seminars. Donate to THAnk a doctor HOW to give Want to thank a physician for care he or she provided to you or a member of your family? To make a gift in love, tribute or remembrance, contact the Foundation for Life at 889.6406, or send a check with a note providing background on the reason for your gift. You can also make your gift at www.altoonaregional.org/gift giving. Make a donation in the physician’s name and the Foundation will notify the doctor of your gift. He or she also will be honored on Doctors’ Day on March 31. The Foundation will notify the person of your tribute gift with an appropriate card, and you will receive a receipt and letter thanking you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. 9 Pumping up safety Injecting added protection into IV therapy the drugs and their concentrations from bar codes on the drug syringes. Important information about the drug is automatically displayed on the programming screen, limiting the chance of giving the incorrect drug or dose to the patient. Over the next 16 weeks, Altoona Regional will be installing state-of-the-art “smart” infusion therapy pumps in all of its clinical areas, and as Director of Pharmacy Nick Genovese reports, this new technology will provide significant safety for patients. Nick Genovese, Director of Pharmacy “Managing acute pain effectively and safely is an overarching concern in our institution,” said Nick, a registered pharmacist. “We carefully researched and sought input from our nurses on a number of different ‘intelligent’ infusion technologies.” “After we identified 18 different clinical care areas within the hospital, like intensive care, maternity and medical/ surgical, we programmed each with a unique library of 150 drugs,” Nick said. “The technology allows the pump to know in what clinical care area it is working. When the clinician inserts the syringe into the device, the drug is automatically selected from the drug library for that particular area.” In the end, the hospital chose Hospira’s LifeCare PCA pumps along with Hospira’s Plum A+ intelligent infusion pumps, both of which use safety software known as MedNet. When a syringe is placed in the pump, the “rule sets” determined by Nick and his pharmacy staff are engaged from the library in the MedNet software. “The software’s designed to improve medication management at the point of care by protecting against medication errors and adverse drug events,” Nick explained. “It provides an extra layer of protection for our clinicians.” Pumps warn of problems “We’ve pre-programmed hard and soft upper and lower limits for each drug in each area,” he said. “If a programmed dose is outside the limits defined in the library, an alert is displayed to prevent or correct the infusion.” Drugs are bar coded The pumps feature special scanners, which identify Each pump has a final confirmation screen with data that the clinician must confirm before the infusion will begin. In addition, pumps are armed with other alert functions, including air in line, free flow protection and downstream blockage. “These pumps can intercept and correct potentially serious infusion mistakes before they happen.” “Infusion is one of the most common procedures that patients in a hospital setting are likely to receive,” said Nick. “These pumps can intercept and correct potentially serious infusion mistakes before they happen. “This is another important way for us to make certain our patients receive excellent care, at the right time and in the right way.” 10 Humanitarian “Changing people’s lives gives meaning to his life.” For Dr. Zane Gates, helping others has been a lifelong passion Janice Ford Griffin (left) and Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation present Dr. Gates with his award. Doctor named Community Health Leader For efforts to help “those who are working but are disenfranchised,” The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation® has honored Dr. Zane Gates with a 2011 Community Health Leaders Award. The Foundation is the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted to health care issues. The Foundation established the Community Health Leaders Award to recognize individuals who overcome daunting obstacles to improve health and health care in their communities. Today, there are more than 190 outstanding Community Health Leaders from nearly all states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. “I am truly humbled and honored by this award,” Dr. Gates said. “But it isn’t just about me. This is a nice award for Altoona Regional Health System. I’ve been the catalyst but there have been so many others who have helped me along the way: our volunteer physicians at the clinic, our clinic staff and volunteers, and everyone at Altoona Regional. “It’s also important for our country to know that a community can solve problems. A lot of folks would be dead if this clinic wasn’t here. I know we have made a difference for people who are trying — really, really trying hard — to make it on their own.” To read more, visit www. communityhealthleaders.org. Maryann and Donald Rowland of Altoona remember 12-year-old Zane Gates talking about helping people. “So often, when kids that age say something about doing this or that, it turns out not to be the case,” Maryann said. “But this wasn’t the case with Zane. He always wanted to help somebody, and he did it.” The seeds to help others were planted early by Dr. Gates’ mother, Gloria. Among many other examples, he remembers coming home from school and finding her at the kitchen table helping a neighborhood kid with his homework. She also instilled in him the belief that he was special. When young Zane would proudly come home with an A on a school test, she reined in his enthusiasm by telling him he should expect nothing less than that from himself. ‘Heart of gold’ “She was tough, but she had a heart of gold,” Dr. Gates said. “She felt I was put here for a reason.” The latest evidence of how well he heeded her teaching to help others and achieve great things can be seen in his winning one of the most prestigious health care awards in the nation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Community Because of the Rowland and Irwin families, Dr. Gates said, “I am the way I am. I have been truly blessed. I have been surrounded by nothing but love.” Asked if Dr. Gates has changed with the increasing fame, Joey said no. Photos clockwise from left: Dr. Gates watching a kickball game with Toni Bilik of the Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation and Dylan Pinder; answering a question for medical assistant Sonia McCartney at Partnering for Health Services, and with patient Debra Beasom, who nominated him for the award. Health Leaders Award (see accompanying story). Dr. Gates’ wife of seven years, Natalie, sees something else driving Zane that also came from his mother. “Zane doesn’t talk about his faith much publicly, but it is very important to him,” she said. “The Holy Spirit guides him. Zane’s guiding principle for his life is: Your life is not about what you have or what you have achieved. It is how you have changed other people’s lives in ways big and small. “That is what carries him forward. Changing people’s lives gives meaning to his life. And his mom taught him that.” Inspired by care for homeless Dr. Gates said his “reason for being” became clear after his mother died when he was in medical school. He was inspired by his experience making “street rounds” with Jim Withers, M.D., also a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leader (in 2002), who leads a program that provides medical care to the homeless in Pittsburgh. Dr. Gates grew up as part of Donald and Maryann’s family; their son, John, was his best friend. At age 30, Dr. Gates initiated a conversation about adoption and, in a week, Donald legally adopted Zane. “I never knew my biological father. Donald Rowland is my father. He is who I always go to,” Dr. Gates said. Another “go to” man in Dr. Gates’ life is Joey Irwin, 44, of Altoona. The two met at age 6 while in first grade at St. Rose of Lima. Joey’s parents, Tom and Lenore Irwin, knew Zane’s mother through St. Rose church and made Zane a part of their family, too. ‘More like brothers’ “We are more like brothers than friends,” Joey said. “I’m painfully honest with him and he calls me his biggest critic because as he gains in notoriety I still treat him like the 6-year-old he used to be. I remind him that our football coach in grade school had to tape left and right on his football shoes. He can’t deny that one.” “I have seen him grow, but he hasn’t changed. He has kept a childlike interest in and view of the world, and that has not changed from the time I met him until now,” he explained. “I mean that in a good way. His niche is in medicine as a teacher, a servant leader, and taking care of people. ‘The complete package’ “But get him out of his niche and he is the one who needs to be taken care of. That’s when the 6-year-old sometimes comes out and he can be more of a student than a teacher. He is the complete package, man and child.” The Rowlands also see this side of Dr. Gates in his enthusiastic video game play with John and their fun, never-ending competition to see who is the better cook on outdoor grills. Such times are how Dr. Gates relaxes, according to Natalie. When he feels most relaxed, she said, is when they have dinner together and then he plays with Zane, 14, Josephine, 6, Hamilton, 5, and Monroe, 1. “Sometimes, he’ll say he’s had a bad day until he comes home to us,” Natalie said. And, how does she feel seeing her husband receive such a prestigious award? “He works very hard and is always thinking about how to help everyone. He wants to say ‘yes’ to everyone. Sometimes he doesn’t know his own limits that way,” she said. “So it’s nice for him to receive this recognition.” 11 Altoona Hospital Campus 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601-4899 A nonprofit community health care system Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Altoona Regional Health System Change Service Requested ASK THE SPECIALIST Matthew M. Pontzer, D.O., is a psychiatrist with Altoona Regional’s Behavioral Health Services. Is making a New Year’s resolution really a good idea? Resolutions can be considered both good and bad. On the positive side, people are 10 times more likely to achieve their goals at any time (not just at New Year’s) if they make some type of formal promise. However, people are often unrealistic or unprepared for the changes they must make. This can lead to failure, which reinforces the negative self-image and increases the odds against a change in behavior. How many people make — and actually keep — their New Year’s resolutions? behavior. Some use guilt and shame as motivation, while others use good behavior to justify bad behavior. It’s estimated that approximately 50 percent of American adults make some type of goal or resolution for the new year. Success rates, however, are disturbingly low. Studies indicate anywhere from 10 to 20 percent actually achieve a full goal by Dec. 31 of that year. Remember, you have to coach yourself through a behavior change. Control your actions rather than your thoughts, cravings and emotions. And don’t reflect on the past. Keep focused on the new person you’re becoming. How can people make 2012 their year of resolution success? Why do so many people fall off the resolution wagon? p Resolution-makers should prepare to rearrange their lives to accommodate new, healthy habits. Focus on permanent — not temporary — changes. Having a viable plan for success is essential. Procrastination, work demands and lack of time and energy are only a few culprits. Sometimes people are unaware that they have an unconscious reason for continuing a r o f i l When forming your resolution, clearly state what you want and your motivation. Phrase it in a way that makes it specific, measurable and positive. For example, instead of resolving to “get in shape,” promise yourself to “lose 10 pounds and to exercise for 30 minutes without getting tired.” Then use milestones with benchmarks to track progress toward your goal. A person’s tendency to give up entirely is reduced if they forgive themselves in advance for any “slips” they may make. Think about what you will do if you get off track and include that strategy in your plan. And don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work. Celebrating victories reinforces the importance of behavior change. e Dr. Pontzer is board eligible by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He did his internship and residency at National Capital Consortium, Washington, D.C. Contact: Altoona Regional Behavioral Health Services, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona; phone 889.2141. 12 Program alert! Resolution Solutions See calendar insert for details, dates and times