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Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
2008 Consumer
How-To Guide
Table of Contents
How-To Prevent Glaucoma from Stealing Your Sight..............................................Pg. 3
How-To Choose a Hearing Aid.................................................................................Pg. 4
How-To Choose Assisted Living................................................................................Pg. 6
How-To Choose a Heating and Air Conditioning System.......................................Pg. 8
How-To Choose a Trainer Who Cares About Your Goals and Delivers Results. . . . .Pg. 10
(Training is so much more than BIG biceps and BIG ego.)
How-To Choose a Physical Therapist........................................................................Pg. 12
How-To Plan a Family Vacation Everyone Will Enjoy..............................................Pg. 14
How-To Choose a Mover and Plan Your Move.........................................................Pg. 16
How-To Make Your Home Greener and Save Money..............................................Pg. 18
3
The Silent ThiefGlaucoma - even the word sounds insidious. This silent thief of sight is
the leading cause of vision loss because slowly, and without symptoms,
this incurable disease steals your vision before you realize anything is
wrong.
Glaucoma is in fact a group of diseases in which
the pressure in the eye is higher than the eye can
tolerate. A higher than normal pressure causes
damage to the sensitive optic nerve at the retina.
Loss of sight may occur gradually or in rare cases,
suddenly, if glaucoma is not controlled.
Who Is at Risk?
Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness
worldwide. It affects around 60 million people,
and out of that 60 million, about 6 million have
become blind. Half of those affected may not
know they have it. By the time the patient notices
something is wrong, the disease has already
caused considerable damage. Remember, the
vision lost to glaucoma is gone forever.
Your risk for glaucoma increases if you...
have diabetes
have a family history of glaucoma
are African American and age 50 or older
What Exactly is Glaucoma?
We all know how a sink works. When the drain is open and the water
turned on, a certain kind of balance is maintained. Let that sink get
clogged and you have a problem. Now think of a child at that sink filling
a water balloon. The water is turned on, the balloon blocks the drain,
fills with water, pressure builds and builds, the fuller it gets. Now think of
your eye. The aqueous humour is a thick liquid, constantly circulating
through the front chamber between the lens and the cornea. After
nourishing the cornea and lens, it flows out through the very tiny spongy
tissue that acts just like a sink drain for your eye. When this drain
becomes clogged, the fluid can’t leave as fast as it is produced and backs
up, filling your eye and building pressure just as in a water balloon. This
is called primary open-angle glaucoma the most common of Glaucomas.
The progress is slow and usually has no symptoms.
Why Does Pressure Affect My Vision?
Your optic nerve is part of your vital central nervous system, carrying
information from your eye to your brain. As increased eye pressure
damages your optic nerve, it stops efficiently carrying this information
to your brain, and you lose more and more of your peripheral vision. If
glaucoma is left untreated, you can develop tunnel vision and eventually
lose all sight. Open-angle glaucoma usually affects both eyes, although at
first you may have vision loss in just one eye.
How Are My Eyes Tested for Glaucoma?
The most common tests for Glaucoma are:
Visual Acuity: This eye test measures how well you see at various
distances.
Tonometry: This determines the fluid pressure inside the eye. One type
of tonometry is over-type, which uses a blue light to measure pressure.
Another is an “air puff” test, which measures the resistance of the eye to
a puff of air.
Pupil Dilation: This exam checks for optic nerve damage.
Visual Field: This test measures your side
(peripheral) vision. A loss of side vision indicates a
progression of glaucoma.
What are my Options if Glaucoma is Discovered?
When glaucoma is caught early enough, the
symptoms can be treated, the progress stopped and
the glaucoma controlled through oral medication,
eye drops or surgery. This is why accurate, consistent
and frequent Glaucoma exams are so crucial.
In more acute and painful, narrow-angle glaucoma,
the anatomy of a person’s eye is such that the
drainage channels are easily blocked and the
pressure skyrockets in a short period of time. This
“angle closure glaucoma” can cause sudden loss of
vision. When this anatomical variation is noted on an
exam, your ophthalmologist most likely will want to
do a laser procedure to prevent angle closure.
Open-angle glaucoma, which is far more common, progresses more
slowly. It is usually treated with laser or medication. These treatments
either decrease the amount of fluid produced, or increase the outflow of
fluid from the eye. In some cases of severe glaucoma, surgery is done.
Why Choose the Eye Center?
At Eye Center of Central PA, we are dedicated to preserving and
protecting your eyesight. It’s a responsibility we take seriously. Whether
we are performing an initial eye exam, restoring vision through
corrective surgery - or treating and testing for Glaucoma - we give the
same attention to detail, accuracy and excellence to every patient.
Our doctors and our clinical team are highly trained specialists who love
their work and love making a positive difference in the lives of their
patients. At the Eye Center of Central PA, our surgeons have trained at
some of the most well-respected universities and hospitals in the country.
In fact, our caring team of doctors? optometrists, specialists and office
staff has more than 100 years combined experience! We never stop
learning, never stop growing, never stop working to give you the best,
most advanced eye and vision care available.
And when it comes to Glaucoma testing, you want to be sure that the
very latest in diagnostic technology is available to you. The Eye Center
offers one of the most innovative and accurate types of tomography
testing available. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can quickly
and painlessly help detect glaucoma and other retinal abnormalities at
the earliest possible stages. It “sees” layers of the retina and detects
problems that can be treated before they progress. In addition, OCT can
measure the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness to help monitor
glaucoma and other diseases of the optic nerve.
Avoid the silent thief. Call the Eye Center for more information about
Glaucoma, its risks and its treatment today.
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Prevent Glaucoma from Stealing Your Sight
4
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Choose a Hearing Aid
What You
Should Know
Acknowledge you
have a hearing
problem
Contact an
audiologist for a
hearing evaluation
Listen to a
demonstration of
hearing aids
Select appropriate
instruments for your
hearing loss and life
style
Insist on adequate
follow-up for fine
tuning and
maintenance of
hearing aids
Enjoy better
hearing!
The first step in purchasing a hearing aid is
often the most difficult one Acknowledging
that you have a hearing problem is that critical
first step. If you find yourself asking people to
repeat, thinking people are mumbling, or you
smile and nod rather than admit you haven’t
been able to follow conversation, it’s time to
face it – you may have a hearing problem.
Here’s what to do next.
See an audiologist
An audiologist is a professional who has
attained a doctoral or at least master’s degree
in Hearing Health Science. He or
she
has
met
rigorous
requirements set forth by the
American Academy of Audiology
or the American Speech and
Hearing Association and state
licensure boards. Audiologists
perform testing for physician
referrals and communicate freely
with the medical community. The
main focus of an audiologist is
hearing health, not retail. When
you call for an appointment, ASK
if you’re going to be seen by an
audiologist, who will perform a
complete hearing evaluation!
It is in your best interest to be
seen by an audiologist who deals with several
hearing aid manufacturers, because no single
manufacturer has products to meet everyone’s
needs.
Schedule your appointment for a time when a
loved one (or someone whose voice you need
to hear on a regular basis) can accompany
you. You’ll need to know if a hearing aid
improves your ability to hear important
people in your life.
Have an evaluation
Expect to provide your audiologist with health
history (as related to hearing prior to having
your hearing tested. Pertinent information
can make the differencce between a referral
for medical follow-up or a recommendation of
hearing aid fitting.
A complete hearing evaluation should be
performed. This includes an evaluation of
hearing for tones and speech, and often
assessment of middle ear function. Again, this
information helps make the decision of
whether you need medical follow-up, hearing
aids or both. After evaluation, you should
receive a clear explanation of your hearing
test results.
Listen through
hearing aids
If it is determined that you have
hearing loss that can be helped
by hearing aids, you should have
the opportunity to listen to a
demonstration of hearing aids
appropriate for your hearing
loss. A loved one’s voice is
helpful in determining if hearing
aids help you hear the voice that
is important to you.
Decide
At this point, you should be able
to determine if hearing aids are
for you. Before committing, ask the following:
• Is a trial period offered?
• What EXACTLY will you owe if you decide
not to purchase hearing aids at the end of the
trial period?
• What type of on-going maintenance does
this business offer?
• How much will it cost?
If you’re satisfied with the answers, buy.
You will be on your way to better hearing and
enjoying a better quality of life.
5
Your center, for quality hearing health care
Dr. G. Donald Miller was a Professor of
Audiology at Bloomsburg University for
29 years. He established his own Audiology
and Hearing Aid practice based on
educational principles. Test results and
hearing aid capabilities are explained in
detail so a layman can understand and
have realistic expectations about the
use of amplification.
ACE represents several reputable hearing aid manufacturers
• Phonak • Starkey
• GN ReSound • Oticon • Widex
1. Offering LIFETIME FREE BATTERIES and FREE MAINTENANCE of new hearing
aids purchased from ACE*.
2. Hearing Aid Demonstrations routinely offered.
3. Providers of consistent quality follow-up care.
4. Providers for Medicare, Geisinger Health Plan, and most other insurances companies.
5. FREE NO-OBLIGATION trial periods available.
6. Ask about our NO INTEREST Financing.
FIVE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Montoursville 567-1053 • Selinsgrove 743-8400
Bloomsburg 784-8050 • Berwick 759-2544 • Conyngham 788-7531
Mention this ad to receive $400.00 off
a set of Digital Hearing Aids
($200.00 off each aid)* Expires June 30, 2008 *Not including several economy models
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
ACE HEARING CENTERS, INC.
6
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
How to choose a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
Perhaps the first question should be what is a Continuing Care
Retirement Community (CCRC)?
A Continuing Care Retirement Community
(CCRC) allows individuals to “age in place” with
a variety of life style options. The Williamsport
Home campus offers numerous choices in
retirement living; Independent Living,
Assistance in Living/Personal Care, and
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitative Care all on
one campus.
Entering a CCRC agreement guarantees an
individual a reduced fee for independent
living and assistance in living/personal care
for as long as services are needed. The major
benefit of this lifestyle of living is the
immediate access to wellness services as
changes may occur through ones life.
• Independent Apartments Options Complete autonomy over daily life.
• Assistance in Living/Personal Care
Options- Offering a daily assistance with
personal care needs.
• Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
Services- Outpatient, short term, and
long term care services available.
The focus on wellness is to help individuals maintain their independence
while remaining healthy and active well into their later years. A culture of
active living becomes a way of life enhancing independence of mind,
body and spirit.
The next question should be who chooses to live in a Continuing Care
Retirement Community (CCRC) residence/community?
Think about buying into a Continuing Care Retirement Community
(CCRC) if you and your spouse may need assistance with daily living in
the future. In a CCRC, you can remain as independent as you like, but
begin to receive assistance in living service, when you need it.
Consider moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community if you
are feeling alone and depressed. They offer activities such as on-site
entertainment, classes and discussions.
Look at your daily activities. Are you able to get out and visit friends or
do your shopping? If not, you may want to consider moving into a CCRC,
where social activities are close by.
Do you need help today? Do you feel safe in your home, or are there
stairs and other areas that make it unsafe for you? Are you able to
maintain care of your home or yard? Can you do your own cooking,
cleaning and laundry? If not, you may be a candidate for the services of a
CCRC.
Do you have family close by with whom you regularly interact? While a
CCRC is not a substitute for family, it is a community of seniors you can
engage with daily.
Note that when you enter a CCRC at the independent level, you may
later make a transition into the Assistance in Living/Personal Care
Program or into the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
Facility within the community should your needs
change.
How to choose a Continuing Care Retirement
Community (CCRC) residence/community?
As with any new residence, you are contemplating;
it’s wise to do as much research as possible.
Research, visit and talk with everyone would be
my best advice. Research is readily available on
the Internet. Do not be stumped if you do not
have a computer; your local library and
librarian can assist you with your research.
Your trust officer and/ or elder law attorney
will have information and experience
regarding Continuing Care Retirement
Community (CCRC) options in your area. A few
items to determine are:
* Determine if the Continuing Care Retirement
Community contract is appropriate for your lifestyle and
financial situation. You may need to consult your attorney or accountant.
• What is the community’s mission?
How does it fulfill it?
Make a visit to the Continuing Care Retirement Community you are
considering to become your permanent home, be sure to consider all
aspects of what your life there would be like.
Points for exploration include:
• Are the living accommodations what you desire and expect?
• What kinds of social, recreational and
cultural activities are offered?
• Is the food to your liking?
• Is the staff warm, friendly, knowledgeable and responsive?
• What types of healthcare and personal care services are available? Does
the facility have short-term respite stays, skilled nursing and
rehabilitative therapy services on one site?
• What are the procedures for handling medical emergencies?
This article was compiled by Denise (Dennie) Bower, Associate Director at
The Williamsport Home. The Williamsport Home is located within a
beautiful country setting at 1900 Ravine Road, just minutes away from the
Williamsport Hospital and downtown. The Williamsport Home, a not-forprofit health care community, has as its mission to provide its residents with
the highest quality of care honoring their independence and dignity. We
offer newly renovated Independent Living Apartments with walk in showers
and in three sizes. Two levels of care in our Assistance in Living Programs/
Personal Care Programs, one is apartment-style three room units and the
second is individual suites. Our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility
features an extensive rehab therapy department. The rehab therapy
department services including physical, occupational and speech therapy
in addition to outpatient therapy. Our dedicated nursing staff provides care
and treatment with love while creating and maintaining a healthy, cheerful
and positive atmosphere in a home-like atmosphere. All of our levels of
care include dining, lounge and library rooms for relaxation and family
gathering. Our campus offers a continuum of care from independent
living, assistance in living/personal care to skilled care. Our goal is to
provide high quality services that will be considered a good value and
deliver those services in the tradition of caring for which The Williamsport
Home is known. Please call Kim Haller, Apartment Manager at
570.323.8703 to schedule your tour and discuss the possibilities for you.
7
There’s no place like
The Williamsport Home
A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Independent Apartments • Assistance in Living Services • Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
1900 RAVINE ROAD • WILLIAMSPORT • 323-8781 • WWW.THEWILLIAMSPORTHOME.COM
A Tradition of Caring Since 1872
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Lycoming County’s 1st Continuing
Care Retirement Community
8
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Choose a Heating and Air Conditioning System
Energy efficiency,
reliability,
environmental
impact, quietness
of operation, and
future service costs
are important
considerations no
matter which
system you choose.
When building or remodeling a home,
choosing a heating and cooling system can be
confusing.
There are so many ways to heat and cool your
home that it can easily become overwhelming
and very tempting to just have your building
contractor decide for you.
Remember that this is your home where you
will spend most of your time. You
want to be comfortable.
Learning the differences
between the heating and cooling
systems available will help you
make an educated decision.
FURNACE
A furnace delivers forced air
through ductwork to vents in the
house.
A furnace system is less
expensive to install than a boiler
and air-conditioning is easy to
add. For these reasons, most
people choose this system.
Efficiency and savings
determine which furnace you
choose. The higher the
efficiency rating on the furnace, the more you
will save on utility costs.
BOILER
Boilers deliver hot water through baseboard
along the base of your walls or by infloor coils
installed under your floor.
Heat from a boiler is more even and there is
no dust blown into the air. They are more
expensive to install and air-conditioning has to
be installed separately. Boilers have a long life,
add value to your home and require less
maintenance.
IN-FLOOR HEATING
Is becoming more popular. No more cold feet
on tile or hardwood. The hot water loops under
the floor provide even heat that rises through
the floor to heat your home and garage. Just
make sure the coils are spaced properly, and the
size and length of each loop is not beyond state
code.
THERMOSTATS
A programmable thermostat will pay for itself
by dropping your utility costs. It will eliminate
the needless waste of heating or cooling unused
areas. If you have zones or add zones, you could
even further your comfort and savings with a
programmable thermostat. Why pay to heat or
cool your house to normal settings when you are
at work all day?
CENTRAL AIR-CONDITIONING - FURNACE
OR BOILER SYSTEM
Air-conditioning was invented in 1902 by
Willis Carrier. It has come a long way since then.
If a homeowner already has a furnace, air
conditioning is easy to add because the duct
work is already installed.
Most homeowners with a boiler
hot water heating system assume
that air-conditioning is out of
the question because they think
it will be costly. But now thanks
to new technology, they can also
enjoy cool indoor weather.
There are air conditioners that
can be mounted on an outside
wall and be controlled by
remote control to a unit placed
outside.
Another design available uses
tubes instead of duct work to
deliver cool air to every room in
your home.
Ask your air-conditioning
specialist for the latest system
that will suit your needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
One thing to consider when choosing an
airconditioning system is the environmental
impact.
Some air-conditioners use freon-r22.
According to the clean air act of 1990, freonr22
and other harmful refrigerants will be phased
out and homeowners will soon have to turn to
environmentally safe refrigerant to maintain
their indoor comfort. When choosing an airconditioner, make sure it uses environmentally
safe refrigerant.
PROPER INSTALLATION
No matter which system you choose for
comfortable indoor weather, have a specialist
evaluate your home. Make certain the company
you choose has the proper state licensing.
WARRANTIES
Consider purchasing an extended warranty on
your heating or cooling system. Some products
come with only one year warranties, others have
five to ten years. One service call later could
easily pay for it. If you have a furnace under
warranty, it is important that you keep records of
yearly clean and checks. If this is not done, some
factory warranties could be void.
9
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
• We service most makes
& models 24/7.
• FREE Estimates on new
systems. Call today!
•
100%
Financing
Available
1314 Commerce Park Drive • Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-4450 • Toll Free (800) 214-0640
10
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Choose a Trainer Who Cares About YOUR GOALS and Delivers Results
PERSONAL TRAINING IS SO MUCH MORE THAN BIG BICEPS AND A BIG EGO
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much
you care. Cliché but true. We all want someone in a professional
position to actually care about our needs and deliver results.
Listening to a person and having the ability as well as the
knowledge to produce individual results based on his/her
individual needs are two necessary
attributes of a personal trainer. We
have all been told untruths based
on a “professional’s” ego rather
than what is in our best interest.
The fitness industry is no exception.
For decades the fitness industry has
been controlled by beautiful people
with perfect bodies and bulging
biceps. The personal trainers have
been the biggest culprits with their
unrealistic diets and excessive
workout regimens.
Thankfully,
gyms and fitness facilities are
becoming health and wellness
centers –providing real plans for
real people instead of “cookie-cutter” routines with the one size
fits all mentality.
Choosing a personal trainer who cares about your needs and goals
instead of proving that their method of training is the best is a
must when selecting your personal life coach. I use that term –
life coach – because that is exactly what a trainer needs to be – a
coach. When you have had a long day at work, the kids are
involved in every sport imaginable, and life is pulling at you from
every angle, what you need is someone that listens to your needs
and helps you achieve your personal goals – you need someone
who is going to care about YOU.
The first step is deciding that you deserve the same treatment that
you give to all of the other people in your life. You deserve a few
hours per week to prevent disease, fight the aging process, and
improve your quality of life. Second, you have to shop around. I
don’t mean just call and get prices, but actually go to the
fitness facilities and meet the trainers. You need to, of
course, make sure the trainers and staff are college
educated, certified from a reputable fitness
organization, and most importantly you have to assess
how genuine the staff really is. Did they try to get to
know you? Learn about your interests and goals? Listen
to your needs?
Assuming all of the credentials are there and the facility is clean,
bright, inviting, and full of positive energy, the next step is to
inquire about any specialty areas of training. Are there trainers
who focus soley on building mass and body building? Is anyone
available to aid in weight loss efforts, or possibly a trainer who
focuses on mid-life and menopause
issues? Post-rehab or marathon
training? How about active older
adults or sport specific? Can one
trainer do it all or know it all? I am
sure it is possible, but do we really
want our primary care physician
performing our open heart surgery?
A facility with a wide range of
trainers that all have different areas
of expertise is definitely a plus for
any person seeking a trainer who
will be able to deliver results.
At Synnergy Health & Wellness
Center, located at 1500 Sycamore
Road, in Loyalsock, the trainers
have been delivering results for three years now and continue to
prove that they care as much as they know and know as much as
they care. Being genuine is not something that can be taught and
as the owner of Synnergy, I guarantee that even though I am
proud of our credentials, I am even more proud of the genuinely
nice and caring people I have working for me. We offer such a
wide variety of trainers from kinesiologists to registered nurses to
certified occupational therapy assistants.
We specialize in
functional training, sports specific conditioning, menopausal
women’s issues, weight loss, marathon training, and even mass
building making sure we educate on injury prevention. Bottom
line – the trainers at Synnergy do not want you to do anything that
is going to cause injury to you or prevent you from performing
your daily living skills and activities to the best of your ability. We
care only about getting you the results that you desire. At
Synnergy, we produce much more than big biceps, we
produce results through building caring relationships
with our clients. I invite you to call us at 321-0505 and
make an appointment to speak with one of our
specialized trainers at no charge to establish the best
plan for you. You may come to Synnergy wanting to look
your best, but you leave feeling your best.
Dominique Gardner – Owner/Operator
11
Trainers with big hearts - NOT big egos
Education and Support gets YOU results
Manager/Trainer
Jackie Ray with client
Cary Muggleton
When I started at Synnergy
2 years ago, I had no idea what a
great decision it would be. When
I am healthy, my mood is
naturally better which helps me
be a better mom. Having just
completed a 1/2 marathon
10 minutes faster than last year
really shows me the significant
difference training with Jackie
has made. Not to mention, the
Group Fitness Classes have
been crucial in improving my
overall fitness. I never thought I
would be more fit now than
when I was in my twenties!”
Member - Evette Buck
Member - Steve Betts
I came to Synnergy prepared to
work out consistently. Since
February, I have committed to
working out 5 days per week and
the results are amazing. My
blood pressure level has
significantly improved not to
mention I have lost 30 lbs. The
trainers gave me an orientation
workout program that allowed
me to increase my muscle mass
while decreasing my body fat
through functional training.
MEET THE
TEAM
I am a proud mother of 4, who like
everyone else, has always put
myself 2nd. I joined Synnergy with
one of my sons and I have lost over
20 lbs and feel great! The staff at
Synnergy is always friendly and
approachable. They have given
me helpful exercise and nutrition
tips along the way and have helped
me realize that going to Synnergy is
a daily life choice that must
continue if I want to remain
healthy. Just because I lost weight
does not mean I stop being active.
Going to Synnergy makes me
happier which in turn makes my
whole household happy. My kids
support me and actually push me
out the door to go!
1500 Sycamore Road • Loyalsock
CALL TO START YOUR SUCCESS TODAY!
321-0505
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Synnergy Success Stories
12
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Choose a Physical Therapist
The role of a physical therapist has evolved over the last century. Today, the physical therapist
treats impairments such as pain, swelling, loss of motion and weakness that hamper the ability of a
person to perform a specific activity. The goals of a physical therapist are to restore, prevent, and
maintain the body’s muscles, bone, cardiovascular system, and neurologic system. As these
impairments and dysfunction of the body are limited, the ability to perform an action or activity
are restored.
Physical therapists are able to diagnose and treat people who have medical problems or other past
noted conditions that limited their abilities to move and perform functional activities. In effort to
make this functional diagnosis and recognize impairments, physical therapists have graduated
from an accredited program with at least a masters degree and have passed a national licenser
exam. Many physical therapy programs are now offering doctorate in physical therapy as an entry
level into the profession. All clinicians are required to attend a certain number of continuing
education courses. This allows the physical therapist to stay up to date with new and developing
treatments and to specialize in a variety of diagnose and treatments.
Be sure to ask the physical therapy clinic if they participate with your insurance company and if
they will submit claims on your behalf to your insurance company. Some policies require copayments for services and the co-payments will be dependent on the physical therapist
participation in the insurer provide network. One of the services offered at Lycoming Physical
Therapy is the verification of insurances, co-pays, deductibles, etc. “It is our philosophy that
ultimately it is the patients responsibility to understand their insurance coverages. However, we
work with patient and or family to explain the intricates of health care insurance,” said Burger.
Physical therapists have been active in health care field since the 1920’s. The early physical
therapists, called “Reconstruction Aides”, treated soldiers injured in World War II. Throughout
the course of their history physical therapists and physicians continued to work together to treat
epidemics such as Polio, common in the late 1940’s. Physical therapists have now become an
integral part of the health care and rehabilitation process. Now, in the twenty-first century the
American Physical Therapy Association membership has reached over 75,000 members. However,
this figure does not include all licensed physical therapists in the United States. There are
currently 180 educational institutions offering programs in physical therapy and 236 institutions
that offer physical therapist assistant education programs. The need for physical therapists and
physical therapist assistants is continually growing. In the past ten years US News and World
Reports has listed the physical therapy profession as one of the top professions for growth and job
availability.
The question then becomes how to choose a physical therapist. What if you need physical
therapy? How do you choose the right facility and the right physical therapist for you?
Physical therapists are educated in the understanding of the physiology, anatomy and interaction
of the neurologic and muscular/skeletal systems. We apply a hands on approach for examination,
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of problems. Physical therapists will teach you how to take
care of yourself and body through proper exercise, proper nutrition, proper body movements,
injury prevention, use of modalities (hot packs, cold packs, electric stimulation, therapeutic
ultrasound, etc), mobilizations of the spine/extremities or of the soft tissue. A physical therapist
will provide treatment to any body part and any age, ranging from infants to elderly individuals.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHYSICAL THERAPIST
First and foremost it is important that you have the freedom to choose which physical therapist
and from what clinic you would prefer to receive your therapy. The physician may offer advice as
to which clinic or which physical therapist you should go to for treatment. However, he can not
force you attend a clinic of their choice. Rob Burger, owner of Lycoming Physical Therapy stated,
“Realize that you are the most important member of your health care team. You are entitled to
choose the most appropriate health care professional to meet your needs and goals.” Your
physician may refer you for physical therapy to be provided in his or her office or at the facility in
which he or she has an interest. However, remember you do have the freedom of choice.
Further, it is important to know that in Pennsylvania you do have the ability to see a physical
therapist without a physicians referral. Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy and
Pennsylvania legislative have passed a law during the past two years allowing patients to have
“direct access” to physical therapy. Direct access to physical therapy allows you to see a physical
therapist who have met certain credentials, without previously being evaluated by a physician.
Burger noted that, “direct access to physical therapy does not replace the role of the physician in
your care”. Direct access to physical therapy may also be a money saving measure, as it initially
keeps the expense of physician visits and medical testing at bay. Keep in mind that your insurance
policy may require a visit to the primary care physician, and a referral before you initially attend
physical therapy. Also, your insurance policy or coverage may limit your access to certain physical
therapy providers. Burger added, “At Lycoming Physical Therapy, all of our physical therapist are
able to treat with direct access. Also, we do attempt to participate with all major insurers to allow
greater access for our clients. Similarly, all of our physical therapists are members of the American
Physical Therapy Association. As such members, they are bound by the code of ethics and
especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care”.
Make sure you receive physical therapy care from a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists
are licensed health care providers in the state they practice. If you are receiving physical therapy
from a physical therapist assistant, be sure that he or she is supervised by a licensed physical
therapist. Legally, a physical therapist assistant can not work under any other health care provider
other than a licensed physical therapist.
WHICH PHYSICAL THERAPIST IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Chances are someone close to you has had physical therapy and would be willing to share their
experience with you. Being comfortable and confident with your physical therapist is very
important. Having trust in their abilities to properly diagnose and treat your disorder is
paramount to the patient-physical therapist relationship.
Ask your family and friends:
• How did the staff interact with you and their co-workers?
• Did they establish goals and achieve the results expected?
• Did they incorporate your input into these goals and treatment?
• Would you go to that facility again?
• Were there difficulties with insurance handling?
A good facility is exemplified by team work. That is a facility that is staffed and works together as a
team. A physical therapist should communicate well with your physician either with phone calls or
timely letters. A good facility will consistently pair patients with a physical therapist who has
experience and expertise to meet the patient’s needs. Communication between office staff and
clinicians is also paramount.
Rob Burger, PT, DPT, owner of Lycoming Physical Therapy in Montoursville, suggests to ask two
questions:
What is the background of the physical therapist? The patient really needs to ask, “Are you a
licensed physical therapist?” Burger states, “No licensed physical therapist should have a problem
answering this question-there should be no hesitation.” The licensing information for each
individual therapist needs to be on display in plain site. If it is not, ask. Certificates and
membership in American Physical Therapy Association also exemplifies active participation within
the profession. You will find all of the above at Lycoming Physical Therapy. Our clinicians are
licensed physical therapist in good standing with the American Physical Therapy Association. The
physical therapists work closely with neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and family
practice physicians. Communications is also paramount with employers, case managers and
coaches. Burger restated, “Our treatment approach is exceptional. We maintain open
communication with the physician, case manager or whoever may be involved with your care. We
obtained specific protocol, established goals, and treatment plans to accommodate your needs
and goals.”
What will my treatment involve?” At Lycoming Physical Therapy, we will review your needs starting
with explanation of injury and condition, review MRI’s, x-rays, etc, and then establish mutual
goals to be achieved in the physical therapy care. The actual exercise plan and what to expect
during and following each treatment is described to each patient. Each course of treatment will
be individualized as no two injuries or conditions are exactly the same. Treatments may include
modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, electric stimulation, massage techniques, mobilizations
of the spine and or joint, and a complimentary exercise program. Education on pathological
processes, progress, treatment and prevention is key. Burger again emphasized: “We are blessed to
have highly skilled clinicians who have worked with a variety of injuries, illness, and other physical
conditions. We strive to accommodate individual needs in a highly compassionate and friendly
manner. This has held true for pediatric cases as well as elderly patients.”
Lycoming Physical Therapy is conveniently located on Broad Street in Montoursville. There is
ample curb side parking with handicap assessable spaces. The hours of operation are Monday
through Thursday 7:00 am to 7:00 and Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lycoming Physical therapy does
participate with Medicare, Blue Shield, Geisinger Health Plan, First Priority Health, Health
Assurance, and others
Should you be in need of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us at 368-8389
(3 John: 2)
13
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
• Rotator Cuff
Injuries/Surgery
• Back/Neck Pain
• Sports Injuries
• Joint Replacement
Hip, Knee, Shoulder
• Carpal Tunnel
1009 Broad St.
Montoursville
368-8389
• Convenient Location
• Easy Parking
• Evening Hours
• Flexible Scheduling
3 John: 2
Dizzy &
Balance Center
• Vertigo
• Fall Prevention
• Difficulty
Walking
14
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
A FAMILY FRIENDLY VACATION PLANNING GUIDE
Has your family ever planned the trip of a lifetime
only to find that your oldest was bored the whole time,
your daughter wished for a day poolside instead of the
ocean, and your youngest just wanted to go home? Let
AAA Travel suggest several foolproof tips to ensure
that the fun you thought you would have actually
becomes the stuff of your memories. Following these
planning suggestions should help this year’s family
adventure be a hit with the whole family!
• Establish a Plan – Hold a family meeting – appoint a
secretary to jot down the results of your brainstorming
and discussions. Be sure that everyone has one of
their favorites on the list of things to do. Come
prepared with travel guides, magazines, brochures, and
other helpful resources. Come up with a consensus,
and work together on the details. Even the smallest
family members can find pictures of the fun they hope
to have on their trip.
• Stick to a Budget – Let everyone know that you want
to plan a fun trip that you can really afford. Your
children will appreciate your openness, and you will be
setting a great example that a great time can be had
together, no matter what the price. Remind each
family member to begin saving for the little extras they
might hope to bring home with them.
• Be Busy, Then Relax – Remember that everyone will
likely be keyed up for the big trip, but that they will
also need time to recover from the frantic pace. Plan
to follow a hectic, fast paced day with one that
finds you lounging by the pool and
recuperating just a bit. Regaining that
energy will help optimize each moment
of your trip.
• Be Flexible – Remember that the
unexpected can happen.
Weather,
crowds, or even illness can challenge the
best laid plans. Go with the flow, but try
to plan ahead with reservations and pre-purchased
tickets to prevent disappointment.
Take Time to Split Up – Too much togetherness can
spoil even the closest of family’s intense vacation time.
Plan a day where the girls go in one direction, and the
guys go in another. Maybe Mom has a special place
she wants to see, while Dad and the rest of the gang
take in a baseball game. The one to one time can add
extra special memories to an already special trip.
• Eat Healthy - The fast pace of a vacation can indicate
the need for fast food, but take time to listen to your
body and what it really needs. Eat a healthy diet to
help you manage the stress and challenges to your
immune system that time away from your routine can
bring on. Water and healthy snacks are a great way to
keep everyone upbeat and ready for the next day’s
fun.
• Make a “Be” Choice – Before your bags are packed,
discuss how you might “be” at several points of your
vacation. Will there be time for playfulness, and other
times to “be” serious? Will you have to “be” patient
while waiting in line? Can everyone “be” observant,
patient, and fun loving for the entire trip? Help each
family member make great choices of where and how
to “be” that will help this vacation be fun-filled for
everyone.
Once you return home, ask everyone for their best
memories, and make them a part of your scrapbook as
well as the basis for planning next
year. Sit around the kitchen table
with the notes from your first
meeting. If you kept a journal,
include references to that as well. Use
this year’s success to build on for the
future. Think ahead, plan ahead, and involve
everyone in the process – your family will come closer
together, and all of you will look forward to the next
adventure!
15
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16
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Choose A Mover & Plan Your Move
When You
Choose Your
Mover; Be
Sure You
Understand:
1. The rates and
charges that
will apply.
2. The mover’s liability
for your belongings.
3. How pickup and
delivery will work.
4. What claims
protection you have.
Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of
fees. It is a good idea to talk with different movers to compare
their services. To find out who the best movers are in your
area, begin by asking friends about their experiences with the
movers they have used. You can also check with the Better
Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your
local area. AMSA does not recommend moving companies
nor does it recommend one moving company over another.
When selecting a mover, we encourage consumers to choose a
moving company which is a member of AMSA. The members
of AMSA have all agreed to abide by the terms of our
published tariffs and to participate in the Arbitration
Program sponsored by our organization. Many AMSA
members are also participants in the AMSA Certified Mover
and Van Line Program.
AMSA Certified Movers and Van Lines are companies that
have voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct that
requires complete disclosure of moving information to
consumers, written estimates of charges, timely service and
prompt response to claims and complaints. They have also
agreed to arbitrate disputes of up to $5,000 arising from loss
or damage to the articles in your shipment. Not all movers
participate in this program. Before you make your choice of
movers, be sure to find out if they are AMSA members and if
they participate in the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line
Program.
Once you have compiled a list of movers, inform them of the
destination and timing of your move. Ask them about the
types of services they offer. Also ask them to explain their
estimates in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully
compare to see which mover best suits your needs and
budget.
If you are moving interstate, you should read and understand
all of the information you will receive. In addition to
brochures explaining the various services, moving companies
should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled Your
Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and information
regarding the mover’s participation in a Dispute Settlement
Program. Distribution of the consumer booklet and the
requirement that movers offer shippers neutral arbitration as
a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or
damage on household goods shipments are requirements of
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
HOW TO PLAN YOUR MOVE
PLAN AHEAD
Summer time is the busiest time of the year for movers. In
addition, the beginning and end of each month are
traditionally busier than mid-month, regardless of the season.
If you are planning to move during one of the times, plan well
in advance so your mover’s schedule will fit yours.
Now it is time to contact the movers on your list. Inform them
of your destination and the timing of your move. Ask movers
to provide you with a written estimate, and have them explain
the services listed in detail. Carefully compare each estimate
to see which company best suits your needs and budget.
Check out your moving planner, Countdown to Moving Day,
to be sure you don’t forget anything.
PACKING
Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed
cartons and materials is crucial to a good move. Schedule
packing with the mover a day or two before the moving van is
loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon to
start. While packing yourself can save money, movers will not
usually accept liability for damage to items packed by owners.
Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your
goods will be made and it is important to resolve any
disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all
copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable
items listed separately Some appliances may require servicing
prior to the move. Your mover can schedule these services for
you.
There are several options for insuring your goods. All
household goods shipments move under limited liability.
However, you may purchase additional liability coverage from
your mover.
PLANNING YOUR MOVING DAY
Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days
during which your goods can be loaded and a second series of
dates during which your goods can be delivered to your new
home. A spread of days gives you and your mover the
flexibility needed to keep your move on schedule. Remember
that summer months are the busiest, and some movers offer
lower prices between the months of October and April.
MOVING DAY
• Be on hand when the movers arrive.
• Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
• Have beds stripped and ready to be packed.
• Save your energy - let the moving crew disassemble goods.
• Read the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
• Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination.
• Keep in contact with the mover’s agent at your destination
while you are in transit.
DELIVERY
Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along
with those of other families in the same general direction.
This helps to keep your costs down. Delivery is made on any
of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the move
began. Make sure the mover knows how to contact you to
schedule actual delivery. If you cannot be reached at
destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to
avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean additional
charges for storage and handling.
Upon delivery, check your goods for damage. Do not sign the
inventory until you have inspected your furniture and the
exterior of the cartons.
CLAIMS
If any of your goods are damaged or lost, report the facts
promptly and in detail on the van driver’s copy (original) of
the inventory sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage
after unpacking, a claim must be filed within nine months
after delivery” . However, it is to your advantage to report
damage as soon as possible. The mover must acknowledge
receipt of your claim within 30 days and must deny or make
an offer within 120 days of receipt of your claim. When
making a claim or considering a settlement offer, keep in
mind the amount of the liability that you declared on your
shipment. For example, if the value declared on your
shipment was $5,000, the mover’s maximum liability for loss
or damage to the articles in your shipment is $5,000. Claims
for more than this amount will be declined because they are
in excess of the mover’s liability that you declared on your
shipment.
17
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
trusted.
respected.
• Free Estimates
• Local & long distance moves
• One contact person from start to finish
• Storage: Clean, secure, temperature controlled
• Replacement coverage available
• Member: PA Moving & Storage Associates, AMSA
• Certified Moving Consultants
• Serving Central PA since 1953
© 2005 Allied Van Lines, Inc., U.S. DOT No. 076235
Williamsport
Moving Company
PUC # A 89650
An Interstate Agent for Allied Van Lines
570-326-1727
800-541-0703
3340 Wahoo Dr.
Williamsport, PA 17701
www.williamsportmoving.com
18
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
MAKE YOUR HOME “GREENER” AND SAVE MONEY
Everyone has heard about global problems due to our activities in our normal
ways of life. If only a portion of these problems are due to us, it is important to
include this as a factor in the decisions we make in our everyday lives. With
current technologies we can actually choose some of these “Greener’’ systems
add save money in the process. We can think of our- resource usage as our own
“Ecological Footprint” and be responsible citizens by trying to reduce our
energy usage. This pays a big dividends if you consider that we would be saving
the environment, conserving resources for future generations and save money
in the process (not to mention the socio-political problems that would be
solved by reducing our dependence on foreign oil). Decreasing our
“Ecological Footprint” can be accomplished in many ways. Fueling our vehicles
and lighting and healing our homes make up the bulk of our “Energy Use”.
So, searching for efficiency in these three things would have significant
impact. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent light
bulbs of an equivalent brightness. This is because more of the consumed
energy is converted to usable light and less is converted to heat, (allowing
fluorescent lamps to run cooler). An incandescent lamp may convert only 10%
of its power input to visible light. A fluorescent lamp producing as much useful
visible light energy may require only 1/3 to 1/4 as much electricity input.
Typically a fluorescent lamp will last
between 10 and 20 times as long as an
equivalent incandescent lamp. The higher
first cost of a fluorescent lamp may be
offset by lower energy consumption over its
life. The longer life may also reduce lamp
replacement costs, providing additional
saving especially where labor is costly. High
efficiency light bulbs as well as cars are
readily available. A simple search on the
internet will yield tons of information to aid
you in your search for these products. By Far
the most efficient and trouble free type of
home heating is Geothermal. The heating costs
below show costs in $/million BTU s for various heating types.
Fuel oil @ .85 efficiency @ $2.00/GAL
Propane @ $2.40/GAL
Natural Gas @ $1.20/Therm
Electric Resistance @ $.09/KWH
Air Source Heat Pump @ $.09/KWH
Geothermal Heat Pump @ $.09/KWH
Cord Wood @ .5 efficiency @ $125.00/cord
$18.00
$30.00
$14.28
$26.37
$12.26
$7.50
$3.00
In a geothermal system a heat pump is used to extract heat from the earth,
witch remains at a relatively constant 55 degrees. A 2400 square foot home
with radiant floor heat and domestic hot water for a family of four would
require 105 million BTU’s/Year in our area. The costs below compare several
systems.
Oil = $1890.00
Electric = $2770.00
Geothermal=$790.00
This would result in an $1100.00/Year savings when comparing oil heat to
geothermal. The upfront spending power of this money in a 20 year mortgage
@ 7.3% interest would equate to $11,500.00. This is more than enough to pay
for an initial upgrade to geothermal heat in your new home. So, you can
essentially obtain the best heating system at no additional cost to you.
Additional money can be added to this savings by taking advantage of tax
credits provided by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Visit this website and go to
Tax Credits Under the Energy Bill. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm
There are actually two portions to a heat system, the heat source and the
delivery system. Most delivery systems are heated air using a blower and
ducting to deliver the heat. This is cost effective for two reasons. It is the most
economical to install and it can be used to deliver both heating and cooling. A
much more efficient delivery system for heat is radiant floor heat. This type of
radiation is 30-40% more efficient than an air driven system. In an air system
heat circulates about the room causing it to transfer thru wall and window
surfaces much more quickly. In the radiant floor system heat slowly rises from
the floor resulting in a lot less transfer thru outer surfaces. It essentially
increases the insulation value of walls and ceilings in this way.
The best way to construct radiant I1001 S is to use a 1 1/2” layer of concrete
grout with 5/8” Plastic (PEX) tubing imbedded at 12” on center. The concrete
actually holds the heat, which helps to provide an even constant heat. Rooms
are manifolded together at one central location where thermostats in each
room open zone valves to allow flow to that zone. The following website is for
one popular manufacturer of this product: http://www.wirsbo.com/
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measurement of
efficiency for cooling devices such as heat pumps and air
conditioners. A unit’s SEER is calculated by dividing the total
number of BTUs of heat removed from the air by the total
amount of energy required by the unit. The higher the
ratio, the more efficient the unit.
New US Government SEER Standards
Central air conditioners and heat pumps
operating in the cooling mode are rated
according to their Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which is the
seasonal cooling output in BTU divided by the seasonal energy input in watthours for an average U.S. climate. Pre-1992 central air conditioners may have
SEER ratings of only 6 or 7. The United States national efficiency standard for
central air conditioners in 2005 requires a minimum SEER of 10, but it will rise
to SEER 13 for products manufactured after January 22, 2006. The 2006
ENERGY STAR levels have not yet been announced.
The final piece of the puzzle would be to put “Wind Energy” on your shopping
list. At around $2.50/100 KWH. additional you can buy a portion or all of your
electric from local windmills. If environmental costs were factored in to our
coal generated electric it would cost an additional $10-15.00/100 KWH.
Current government regulations do not require us to factor in these costs. But
if you wish to reduce your ecological footprint you could put all these ideas to
use and heat, cool and light your home with high efficiency using the power of
wind. www.newwindenergy.com
*Based on 2006 fuel cost.
19
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
220 Whispering Lane
Montoursville, PA 17754
email: susqbldr@aol.com
Phone/Fax 570-433-3556
Toll Free: 1-888-660-8040
www.susquehannabuilders.com
20
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, May 24, 2008
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Scott Hartzell, MD
eye surgeon
Daniel Fassero, MD
eye surgeon
1-866-995-EYES (3937)
www.eyecenterofpa.com
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