In celebration of women's health, this issue of Life & Health addresses some health risks that women face today and how they can be more proactive in protecting themselves from some of these common health problems. From heart disease to diabetes, it's important to remember that prevention is key.

Wellness is a concept that would seem "natural." However, the busy lifestyles of modern families contributes to a sense that there "isn't enough time" to take good care of ourselves.

Wellness is as much a mindset, an attitude, and strength of focus as it is anything else. And it also has to do with the whole person - spiritual, mental, physical. An attitude of wellness in an individual might in actuality preempt disease, because the choices that a person living a lifestyle of "wellness" makes helps form an overall preventative strategy.

	Jennifer Gilbert, DO, Mount Nittany Physician Group, holding her new baby girl, Emily Kathryn, born on March 6, 2012.

Medical residency is a demanding training period required of all physicians in order to become board certified. In the case of three Mount Nittany physicians who also happen to be moms, the consensus is that the rigors of their residencies prepared them somewhat for being a new mom.

"Residency training helps you develop the techniques you need to stay up all night," said Emily Peterson, MD, plastic surgeon, Mount Nittany Physician Group, with a wry smile.

	Jeffery Gilbert, DO, cardiology, Mount Nittany Physician Group

Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death in women ages 20 and over? Each year, one of every three women's deaths can be attributed to its effects. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), however, only one in six women believes that heart disease is her greatest threat.

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, causes blood vessels to narrow or become blocked, which can lead to chest pain (angina), a heart attack or stroke.

The AHA states that about 8 million women are living with heart disease, yet many women don't know it because they don't recognize the signs. Women tend to experience less severe symptoms than men and don't realize that chest pain isn't the only warning of heart disease and/or a heart attack. Symptoms may include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, indigestion and anxiety.

Announcing a free two-part diabetes prevention and awareness series held by Fit For Play Physical Therapy & Fitness Center, Harrison's Wine Grill & Catering, and Mount Nittany Health System:

Part 1: Tuesday, May 15
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Free diabetes screening (A1c will be drawn) and snacks; drop in any time between 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm to be screened

Part 2: Tuesday, May 22
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Refreshments, results and interpretation of diabetes screening; nutrition and fitness seminars; healthy cooking demo and tasting

Location:
Fit For Play Physical Therapy & Fitness Center
2160 Sandy Drive, Suite A
State College, PA

For more information, please call 814.861.8122.

"The allegations of child sexual abuse against Jerry Sandusky brought instant, almost overwhelming public attention to the very important - but previously secretive - topic of child sexual abuse," said Patricia Barthalow Koch, PhD, director of the Pennsylvania Learning Academy for Sexuality Education (PLASE), professor of biobehavioral health, and faculty affiliate in nursing at The Pennsylvania State University. "People became more aware of and concerned about this subject but may not necessarily be clear about how to recognize, report and help victims of child sexual abuse. Being informed is a key to prevention and effective treatment, while denial and lack of education are very costly to children, families and the community."

	Janet Schachtner, RN, MSN, senior vice president, patient care services; Linda Kuhlman, RN, MSN, vice president, professional and clinical services; Patty Watson, RN, MSN, vice president, nursing and chief nursing officer; Gail Miller, RN, MS, CPHQ, vice president for quality

"As a woman, I never once thought I couldn't achieve something," said Gail Miller, RN, MS, CPHQ, and Mount Nittany Health System's vice president for quality. "My family always supported everything I did and told me that I could achieve whatever I worked toward." Starting at Mount Nittany in 1976 as a medical-clinical nurse, Miller had advanced in her career to a leadership position by 2007.

Miller is not the only woman on Mount Nittany's executive leadership team. It includes four women: Miller; Janet Schachtner, RN, MSN, senior vice president of patient care services; Linda Kuhlman, RN, MSN, vice president of professional and clinical services; and Patty Watson, RN, MSN, vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer.

"Does my child have the flu?" "How can I tell if my child broke a bone?" "Is the latest vaccine safe for my child?"

Parents have a ton of questions about the health of their child, and it can be challenging for parents to know all vital information. To provide parents with the information they need to know about their child's health, Craig Collison, MD, pediatrician at Mount Nittany Physician Group, has updated his monthly e-newsletter, "Parents Need to Know."

Join Mount Nittany Physician Group audiologist Leslie Purcell, AuD, for a frank talk about hearing loss - what it is, what causes it, and how to have a full life even if you are facing hearing loss.

Melanie O'Brien, AuD, from Phonak Hearing Systems, will be on hand to talk about today's assistive device technology, including hearing aids and Bluetooth-enabled products that enhance hearing and can counteract hearing loss.

Tuesday, June 12
6:30 pm
Galen and Nancy Dreibelbis Auditorium
Mount Nittany Medical Center
1800 East Park Avenue

RSVP to 814.234.6727

Light refreshments will be served.

Please join us to celebrate completion of the first phase of a 57,000 square-foot project that includes a new ED (full project completion to occur in 2013).

Saturday, June 23, 9:00 am - noon, Mount Nittany Medical Center's emergency department.

• Tour our new ED areas and services
• Meet our friendly healthcare providers and staff
• Enjoy free refreshments, health information, giveaways and more
• All community members welcome to attend

Call 814.234.6727 to register.

Insights magazine is printed three times a year and distributed to all households in Centre County. It provides the latest information about Mount Nittany Health System: new physicians, new technology and advancements, updates about growth and expansion, and the collaborative efforts that are fostered between Mount Nittany and the community, including fundraising events for health and wellness, educational programs and for-credit classes. We want to do the best job we can to provide our readers with a tool that they can use in order to become a more empowered health system consumer. Will you help us to help you, by filling out a short survey? Please click on the link.

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