2
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
2009 Consumer
How-To Guide
Table of Contents
Front Cover.......................................................................................................................................Page 1
Table on Contents............................................................................................................................Page 2
LASIK Tired of Wearing Contact Lenses? Then you may want to consider Lasik.......................Page 3
How to Choose a Professional Builder............................................................................................Page 4
Susquehanna Builder.......................................................................................................................Page 5
How to Choose a Physical Therapist...............................................................................................Page 6
Lycoming Physical Therapy.............................................................................................................Page 7
How to Make a Decision to Move to a Retirement Community....................................................Page 8
The Williamsport Home...................................................................................................................Page 9
How to Choose a Heating or Air Conditioning System.................................................................Page 10
Lycoming Heating............................................................................................................................Page 11
How to Check Your Hearing............................................................................................................Page 12
Susquehanna Hearing......................................................................................................................Page 13
How to Let the Energy Tax Credits Work for You..........................................................................Page 14
Window World..................................................................................................................................Page 15
A Quick Guide to Orthopaedics......................................................................................................Page 16
Sun Orthopaedics.............................................................................................................................Page 17
How to Create New Curb Appeal with a Clean Roof......................................................................Page 18
Roof Magic........................................................................................................................................Page 19
Understanding How to Qualify for Benefits to Cover Long Term Care Expense........................Page 20
Steinbacher, Sholder, and Stahl......................................................................................................Page 21
How to Use Virtual Newsroom.........................................................................................................Page 22
CU......................................................................................................................................................Page 23
Eye Center Back Page.......................................................................................................................Page 24
3
Tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Then you
may want to consider LASIK laser vision correction.
You’ve probably heard the term LASIK before, but do
you really know what it is and what it entails?
LASIK is short for laser insitu keratomileusis. More
simply put, LASIK reshapes the cornea with excimer
laser technology. The excimer laser emits a “cool”
laser light that removes microscopic amounts of tissue
with extreme precision.
The shape of the cornea is what determines the
quality of your vision. You may have myopia (or
nearsightedness) that occurs
when the cornea is too steep or
the eye is too long. If you have
hyperopia (or farsightedness),
the cornea is too flat or the eye
is too short. Most people have
some degree of astigmatism, a
condition
caused
by
an
elliptical corneal curvature that
is not the same in all directions
(think of a football.)
Whether you are nearsighted,
farsighted or have astigmatism,
LASIK can correct your vision.
your eye doctor will answer any questions, and discuss
your post-surgery expectations.
Once you have been examined and it has been
determined that you are a qualified candidate for
LASIK, the procedure is simple and painless. Prior to
the procedure, numbing drops will be placed in your
eyes.
First, using an instrument called a microkeratome,
your surgeon will create a small protective flap of
corneal tissues that is gently lifted back.
Secondly, the excimer laser
applies a cool beam of light
that gently reshapes the
cornea, allowing images to be
more sharply focused by the
retina to correct the individual
refractive error.
Finally, the protective flap that
was created in step one is
gently placed back in its
original position and begins
healing immediately with little
or no discomfort.
So, how do you know if you are
a
candidate
for
LASIK?
Generally a person considering LASIK should be over
the age of 18, have healthy corneas and a relatively
stable vision prescription. People with certain medical
conditions or women that are pregnant or nursing
may not be good candidates.
After the procedure, you will
keep your eyes closed as much
as possible for several hours.
Your vision may be a little blurry and fluctuate for a
few days. You will also be using antibiotic and steroid
drops for several weeks to prevent infection and
promote healing. Most patients can return to work
within 48 hours.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to
arrange an eye evaluation. During your evaluation,
You should soon be enjoying the freedom of life
without corrective lenses!
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Determine if Lasik is right for you.
4
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Choose a Professional Builder
Ask the builder to
explain the plans
and specifications
and company
procedures to you.
(For instance, how
does the company
handle changes to
the initial design,
choice of materials
or schedule once
construction begins).
If you compare
your estimate with
another, be sure
each one is based
upon the same set of
plans, specifications
and scope of work.
If your builder
suggests any
deviations, ask the
builder to present
them.
Select the builder
with a track record of
a variety of excellent
projects and plenty
of experience with
your type of project.
Remember, low
price alone does not
ensure a successful
builder experience.
Why use a professional builder? Your home is too
important to entrust to anyone but a professional
builder who can:
*Save you money by doing your job right the first
time.
*Ensure that your dreams are accurately translated
into reality by offering design services in-house or
through an arrangement with a professional architect
or designer.
*Understand that your comfort during the project
and its successful completion depend on effective
communication and follow-through.
*Maintain a safe and reasonably neat job site to
prevent damage to your home or injury to household
members and pets.
*Provide the best possible materials within your
budget.
*Ensure your job meets or exceeds applicable
building codes and regulations.
*Guarantee the quality of the work with a warranty.
*Respond promptly to service calls and inquiries.
Before you meet with a builder
Before you meet with a builder, it is a Good idea to
do the following things:
*Develop an idea of what you want to do. Write a
prioritize list of your needs and wants. Look at
magazines and collect pictures,of what you can
envision the project and describe it on paper, the
more likely you are to convey a clear image of your
project to a professional builder.
*Think about traffic patterns, furniture placement,
colors, lighting and how you want to use the various
rooms.
*Figure out how much money you have to spend
on the project, the furnishings, and the landscaping
(if any). If necessary, talk to lenders and find out how
much you can borrow.
Begin the Search-Seek Referrals from:
*Friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and others
who have had homes built.
*Independent trade contractors, building material
suppliers., architects, engineers, home inspectors,
and local lenders.
*Local trade associations, such as your area’s local
home builders association and local builders.
Council
Check with your local or state office of consumer
protection and the local Better Business Bureau (if
the builder you are considering is a member).
What to look for and what to ask
When you hire a builder you are buying a service,
rather than a product. The quality of the service the
builder provides will determine the quality of the
finished project and your satisfaction with it. Here
are some questions you will want to ask when you
interview a builder.
*Ask the builder to share names and phone
numbers of some customers with you and take the
time to see the builder’s work.
*Ask to see jobs similar to yours;
*Does the quality of the work meet your standards?
What to look for and what to ask:
*How long have they been in business?
*How many homes have they built?
*Do they have an office and/or secretary?
*Is he a contractor or a carpenter that may be hard
to find?
*Is he licensed and has liability insurance? Ask for
proof.
*Does he have workers compensation for his
employees? Ask for proof.
*If he’s a sole proprietor, does he have
hospitalization? Ask for proof.
Ask the homeowners:
*Would you hire this company again?
*Did the builder maintain a reasonably neat job
site, provide regular broom clean-up, and haul away
debris including personal trash such as lunch sacks?
*Did the builder keep labor and materials delays to
a minimum so that your job could be started and
completed on time and within budget?
*Did you find the builder easy to talk to and did
the builder keep you informed as the job progressed?
5
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
220 Whispering Lane
Montoursville, PA
(570) 433-3556 / 1-888-660-8040
Visit our online Gallery:
6
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Choose a Physical Therapist
The role of a physical therapist is to restore, prevent, and maintain your body’s
musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and neurologic system. Physical
therapists typically work on larger muscles and joints, including the back, neck, arms,
and legs; they also work with balance and vestibular (dizziness) problems. Physical
therapists also attempt to prevent injuries at work or with sports. Overall physical
therapists treat impairments (pain, swelling, loss of motion) that hamper the ability to
perform a specific activity. Physical therapists return you to work, sports or play.
Chances are you have already heard of physical therapy. You might have heard from a
Presented by
Rob Burger
MS, PT,
DPT
friend how physical therapy helped relieve his or her back or neck pain. You might
know someone who needed physical therapy after surgery or an injury. What if you
need physical therapy? How do you choose the right facility and the right physical
therapist for you? Read on.
Physical therapists are good people to know. They are educated in understanding the
interaction of all your body parts. Their hands-on approach includes examination,
diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of problems. They teach you how to take care of
yourself through proper exercise and healthier body movements to prevent future
injury. Physical therapists provide treatment for every body part of the musculoskeletal
system working with infants to the elderly - more than one million people every day.
Choosing the Right Physical Therapist
Reputation: Chances are someone close to you has had physical therapy and would
share their experience with you. Being comfortable and confident with your therapist
is important. Your confidence in their expertise is crucial as you work together toward
your treatment goals. Ask your friends and family: - How did the staff treat them?
-Did they make gains and achieve the results expected?
-Did they have input into the treatment?
-Would they go to that facility again?
Team Approach: Look for a facility where the staff works together as a team. The
clinicians who are properly trained and licensed provide a higher quality of care. The
physical therapist should communicate well with your physician. A good facility will
consistently pair patients with staff whose experience and expertise meet the patient’s
needs. The profession is also calling for direct access to physical therapy services - this
requires special certification and allows you to be treated without a physician referral.
The physical therapists should however, continue to work closely with your physician.
Rob Burger, MSPT, DPT owner of Lycoming Physical Therapy in Montoursville,
suggested to first determine what your insurance plan or workers compensation plan
would cover as far as physical therapy services and/or medical services. The staff at
Lycoming Physical Therapy assists you in this matter. Your benefits will be verified, all
insurance authorizations and workers compensation authorizations will be performed
as soon as possible. This way no questions arise as your treatment progresses.
“Ultimately it is the person’s responsibility to know what their insurance plan covers,
but we are here to help,” said Burger. In consultation with your physical therapist you
should be completely aware of the number of visits allowed by your insurance plan and
any benefit limitations. You should also be informed if your physical therapist
participates with your insurance company. Lycoming Physical Therapy participates
with Medicare, Blue Shield, Geisinger Health Plan, First Priority Health, and Health
Assurance to name a few. Lycoming Physical Therapy can obtain approval from most
other plans on an as needed basis.
You do not have to go to a specific facility or to a specific physical therapist.
Pennsylvania and Federal Law states that you can choose from whom you receive your
physical therapy. If your employer has a panel of providers, Pennsylvania Law states
that you must see a provider on that list or panel for 90 days. After that you can choose
the provider you would like to treat you. Many employers and physicians suggest that
you can only go to a specific provider or that you should see the physical therapist
down the hall. This is not true. Just as you have the right to choose any physician
who accepts your insurance, you have the right to choose your physical therapist.
Burger says the next matter of business would be to focus on finding the right physical
therapist by asking three basic questions: 1) 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 physical therapist needs to be on display in plain sight -ask. A master’s
degree or doctorate degree along with membership in the American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) and any specialty information are excellent credentials.
You will find all the above at Lycoming Physical Therapy. All clinicians are licensed
physical therapists in good standing with the APTA and complete continuing
education requirements each year. All physical therapists have their Master’s degrees
and two have received their doctorates! Further, each clinician is certified to practice
without a physician referral (some insurers still necessitate the physician referral to be
covered). Specialties at Lycoming Physical Therapy include dizziness and balance
disorders, sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, joint replacements, and shoulder/
rotator cuff injuries. The physical therapists work closely with neurologists, orthopedic
surgeons, neurosurgeons, HEENT physicians, and family physicians. As such they
maintain open communication with your physician and obtain specific protocols to
accommodate their specific regimens. Your initial evaluation and treatment plan will
be forwarded to your physician for approval and your treatment would be completed
accordingly.
Remember that no two cases are exactly alike and no two treatment plans are exact.
Personal care and treatments to meet your needs and goals are paramount. Further,
Lycoming Physical Therapy has developed professional working relationships with over
30 area physicians and are pleased to work with them in your recovery. Burger noted,
“We are blessed to have physical therapists who have worked with a variety of injuries,
illnesses, and conditions and can accommodate your individual needs. They are
compassionate, friendly, and highly skilled”.
The final question to ask involves exactly what your treatment will involve. At
Lycoming Physical Therapy your physical therapist will review your needs starting with
an explanation of the injury or condition, your goals to be achieved in physical
therapy, your actual exercise plan and what to expect after treatment is completed.
Each plan will be individualized as no two injuries or conditions are exactly the same.
Your physical therapist may suggest some modalities such as hot packs, ultrasound, or
electric stimulation. However, be wary of those who treat only with modalities instead
of a supervised exercise plan or manual treatment. All physical therapy should include
an exercise program tailored to meet your individual needs along with a home exercise
program to be completed between physical therapy sessions and after discharge. This
is used to maintain the goals achieved in physical therapy; such as preventing low back
pain from recurring. Lycoming Physical Therapy will develop that exercise program,
make sure you are comfortable performing it independently, and issue pictures of the
exercises along with the instruction for completing the upon discharge.
Lycoming Physical Therapy is conveniently located on the strip in Montoursville. We
have ample curbside parking and are handicapped accessible. Hours of operation are
Monday through Thursday 7 am-7pm and Fridays 7am -5 pm. Please feel free to visit
our facility or call so we can answer your questions, 368-8389.
3 John:2
7
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
• 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
8
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
How to make the decision to move to a Retirement Community
Ask yourself the following questions:
• Are you tired of mowing your grass?
• Are you tired of trying to find a plumber to fix that
leaking faucet?
• Are you tired of trying to decide what to fix for dinner?
• Are you concerned about some of the medical problems
that you have been experiencing?
• Are you just too tired to run for that loaf of bread or quart
of milk?
• Are you tired of waiting on the phone to ring or
company to come?
The first step to thinking about making the
change to a carefree living environment at
The
Williamsport
Home
campus’s
Independent Apartments is to:
Call Kim Haller, Apartment Manager, to tour
the campus independent apartments at 3238781.
Kim is able to arrange for you exclusive tours of currently
occupied apartments and their residents so that you can
envision your furniture and belongings in your new apartment.
The best step to take even before you even put your home up
for sale is to come to The Williamsport Home and tour. We
welcome you to come and visit our campus and enjoy a
complimentary meal in one of our dining rooms. I would also
suggest that you go ahead and rent an apartment before your
home sells. Renting the apartment early without a closing
deadline gives you the freedom to move your cherished
belongings into your new home. That will give you the
opportunity to set up your apartment and change your mind on
which furniture fits where and if you need to rearrange your
living room or bedroom furniture.
The Williamsport Home offers two options for persons moving
into an independent living apartment on our campus: the first is
through an entrance fee agreement where, which offers a
lifetime discount on Independent Living rent and Assistance in
Living Services for individuals who qualify and need those
services; the second option is a thirty (30) day lease agreement
with only a thirty day notice of intent to vacant an apartment.
Our independent apartments include a fine dining noon meal,
emergency call bell system and security. Utilities are included
except for telephone. Cable television, expanded basis, is
provided at a campus discount. We care about our residents and
make our residents a priority.
The Williamsport Home is located within a beautiful country
setting at 1900 Ravine Road just minutes away from the
Williamsport Hospital and downtown attractions like the
Community Arts Center, YMCA, Taber
Museum, Cinema Center and Scottish Rite.
The Williamsport Home, a not-for-profit
health care community, has as its mission to
provide its residents with the highest quality
of care honoring their independence and
dignity. We are a Continuing Care
Retirement Community (CCRC) with peace
of mind and security for a minimal entrance
fee. That continuum of care is all on one
campus. We offer newly renovated
Independent Living Apartments with walk in showers and in
three sizes with a monthly rental fee. 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 includes physical, occupational and speech,
in addition to outpatient therapy. Our dedicated staff provides
care and treatment with love while creating and maintaining a
healthy, cheerful and positive atmosphere in a home-like
environment. 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
570.323.8781 and ask to speak with Kim Haller, Apartment
Manager to schedule your tour and discuss the possibilities of
CCRC or Independent Living Apartment living for you.
9
Come see our beautifully maintained surroundings and
Newly Renovated Apartments for Independent Living
SAFE, WORRY-FREE LIVING
FOR AGES 62+
Apartments
Available
CALL NOW!
Monthly Rental less than $35/day including:
Active Lifestyle • Fine Dining • Security Entrance
Utilities Inclusive • Phone & Cable Extra
24 Hour Emergency Response Call System
There’s No
Place Like...
The
Williamsport Home
A PA R T M E N T S
A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
WWW.THEWILLIAMSPORTHOME.COM
1900 Ravine Road • Williamsport • (570) 323-8781
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
“Independent Living at its Best...”
10
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
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 air-conditioner,
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.
11
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Receive Up To
$2,700
in Combined Rebate
and Tax Credits
with the purchase of Qualifying Equipment
100%
Financing
Available
1314 Commerce Park Drive • Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-4450 • Toll Free (800) 214-0640
12
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
HOW DID
YOU DO?
Your answers to these
questions only provide an
early indication of whether
your hearing is impaired or
not. If you answered “yes” to
just 1 or 2 of these questions
you may not need our
assistance just yet. If you
answered “yes” to 3 of these
questions, you may be
experiencing some hearing
loss. If you answered “yes” to
4 or more of these questions,
we urge you to call
Susquehanna Valley Hearing
Professionals for an
appointment.
13
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Our Experienced
Staff Of Doctors
Of Audiology
Are Here For You
At Susquehanna Valley Hearing
Professionals, we believe that
our job isn’t finished until our
patients’ lives are improved. We
will work with you to find the
hearing solution that best fits
your individual needs and
budget. Call us today and you
will see that visiting
Susquehanna Valley Hearing
Professionals, is the best way to
take the first step toward
improved hearing.
Dr. Angela Muchler
Au.D., CCC-A
And
Dr. Kelly Cormell
Au.D., CCC-A
14
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Let the Energy Savings Tax Credits Work for You!
The newly enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009, or the Stimulus Bill, offers you incentives for
improving your home’s energy efficiency. For 2009 and
2010, the tax credit for qualified energy efficiency
improvements will increase to 30%. For example, if you
purchase $5,000 worth of upgraded-glass windows from
Window World, you may get the maximum 30% tax credit
of $1,500 - making the real cost of your windows only
$3,500.
Now, in addition to Window World’s professional
consultation, expert installation and already lower prices,
you get an additional 30% off the cost of your windows!
Qualifying and Claiming Tax Credit is Easy
To get in on the energy cost savings, as well as the
attractive tax incentives:
• Purchase qualifying windows or doors from Window
World, then save your sales receipt and the NFRC/
ENERGY STAR label with your tax documents.
• Have your windows or doors installed between
January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
• Claim the tax credit on your federal filing for the 2009
and/or 2010 tax year.
A “qualifying” window or door is one that carries both a
U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30. You can
find more information on energy ratings and qualifying
products at the ENERGY STAR@ website.
Replacement Windows: The Time is Now
Custom-built replacement windows from Window World
are a wise choice. They add value to the home and save
money on energy costs. And now, with new federal
incentives, replacement windows are more affordable
than ever. So, call Window World to schedule a free, noobligation in-home window demonstration today. There’s
never been a better time to invest in energy savings!
What is the definition of a “replacement window?”
Replacement windows from Window World are built
specifically to fit within the space of your existing
windows. Replacement windows will fit precisely, and can
usually be installed without damaging your interior walls
or exterior siding.
Do I need new replacement windows?
If these signs sound familiar, you may need replacement
windows:
• Windows are hard to open or close
• Drafts or air leaks around or through your window
frames
• Excessive fogging or ice inside your window panes
• Wind causes your windows to rattle or vibrate
• Paint on your window frames is chipped or peeling
• Your house seems hot in the summer, and cold in the
winter
How do you determine the energy efficiency of a
replacement window?
Every replacement window from Window World carries
an NFRC rating label, The National Fenestration Rating
Council is an independent testing organization that
measures how well each window resists the transfer of
heat and cold. This is the window’s “U-factor.” The lower
the U-factor number, the better insulating quality of the
window.
I often hear that replacement windows “pay for
themselves.” Is this true?
Absolutely. It is simply a matter of time. However, you
must pick the right windows to get the most for your
investment. High-quality, energy-efficient replacement
windows from Window World are engineered specifically
for your home and expertly installed. They will provide
years of comfort in your home, and cost savings on your
heating and cooling bills.
So, how do I get started?
The first step is to call Window World at 1-800-NEXTWINDOW for a free, in-home, no-obligation window
demonstration. A replacement window specialist will
discuss your window options, the potential cost savings
and the installation process, as well as answer any
questions you may have.
15
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
16
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Quick Guide to Orthopaedics
Orthopaedics is the medical specialty that focuses
on injuries and diseases of your body’s
musculoskeletal system. This complex system
includes your bones, joints,
ligaments, tendons, muscles,
and nerves.
Orthopaedic procedures are
many and varied. A few of the
most common ones are back
and knee replacements, back
and rotator cuff surgery, ACL
(knee) surgery, and carpal
tunnel syndrome treatment.
Non-Surgical Solution
In many cases, surgery is not
needed to successfully treat
orthopaedic conditions.
Medicines and education can sometimes alleviate
pain and restore mobility. Physical therapy is
often an effective non-surgical solution. When
surgery is the most
appropriate
treatment, minimally
invasive surgery
techniques are
sometimes utilized.
The benefits of MIS
include shorter, safer
procedures, quicker
recovery time,
reduced postoperative pain and
less scarring.
Whatever the
treatment plan, your
orthopaedic physician’s goal is to eliminate pain
and restore mobility as quickly as possible.
When Surgery is Needed
In some cases, surgery is the
only viable option to restore
one’s lifestyle. Sometimes a
local anesthetic is the best
choice but most often a
general anesthetic is utilized.
Some procedures can be
“same day surgery;” others
require hospitalization. After
surgery, physical therapy is
typically utilized to improve
patients’ recovery and
promote faster, better muscle
and joint strengthening.
About SUN Othopaedics
Our specialized expertise and high-quality
patient care have made us the orthopaedic group
of choice for people throughout the Valley. We
have a team of seven orthopaedic surgeons that
focus on diagnosis and treatment of bone and
joint disorders, and sports
injuries. In-house x-ray and MRI services, along
with physical therapy, are available. For your
convenience, we have seven offices located
throughout the Valley, and we are on staff at
three local hospitals. For more information
please visit www.sunortho.com.
17
The weirdest thing happened. I was throwing Frisbee with my son and actually tore my
rotator cuff! Dr. Tom Martin explained that everyday wear and tear weakened the
shoulder muscles. He’s a great listener and took the time to answer all my questions.
Dr. Martin made just a tiny incision and used a scope to repair the damage. I threw away
my sling in a few weeks and am now pain-free and feeling stronger than ever.
The prospect of having a total hip replacement was
scary to me. Dr. Tom Dominick made me feel
very calm and comfortable about my procedure—
he’s one of the most personable, compassionate
men I’ve ever met. Looking back, my replacement
was no big deal; I should have done it sooner. Now
I’m feeling like a spring chicken again!
Clinical Excellence…
Compassionate Care
1-800-598-5096 | www.sunortho.com | Seven convenient locations
All major insurance plans accepted, including GHP.
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Let us tell you about
18
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
How to Create New Curb Appeal with A Clean Roof
Realtors have always used the term curb
appeal. For many that meant the front
entry way or front door. Many realtors
tell their home sellers to repaint the
front door, as that was a potential
buyer’s first impression of their house.
The theory was to impress the buyer
before they entered the house.
In the last few years, a new curb
impression has appeared. The roof of
the house is now as important as that
front door. A stained roof is very
apparent from the curb and is not
appealing to the owner or a potential
buyer.
You may have noticed stained roofs as
you travel your neighborhood, or you
may notice that your own roof has black
staining. If you have not noticed
blackened roofs, take a look at roofs as
you travel on your daily activities. You
will notice that many have obvious
staining on them. These roofs have
been contaminated by air home algae.
The algae is living and growing over
our heads. The stains generally start on
the lowest part of the roof, grow
upward, and are generally most
apparent on the north or east side of a
roof because the algae is airborne,
some neighborhoods seem to have
more staining than others.
What happened to my roof? I do not
remember seeing roof stains years ago,
why now?
For many years shingles were made with
asphalt and we saw no roof staining. A
few years ago, manufacturers began
producing shingles made of fiberglass
with a limestone filler. Now we have a
problem...........Algae thrives on organic
materials, including limestone. The
new limestone filled shingles are now
on houses everywhere. The air borne
spores of the algae found all of those
new food sources and began to live on
roofs. As the algae grows, it becomes
increasingly apparent as the roof starts
to darken. Our roof algae is Gloeocapsa
Magma, a type of blue-green algae that
thrives on moisture and organic
material. Because virtually all shingles
now have limestone, eventually all
shingle roofs will stain. Staining is most
apparent on light colored shingles but
will also develop on black shingles
although it may be more difficult to
see.
As our algae grows on a roof, its root
system grows around and under the
shingle’s granules, eventually loosening
those granules and reducing the life of
the shingle.
Back to the curb appeal. A stained roof
looks like an old roof. A potential
buyer’s impression may be that the
house will need a new roof, when the
roof shingles are actually still viable, but
simply stained.
This curb appeal problem can be easily
corrected. In the past few years, roof
cleaning companies have appeared and
chemical manufacturers have
developed products to directly address
the stained roof problem. Proper and
safe roof cleaning is accomplished with
very low water pressure to insure that a
roof is not damaged. High pressure
washing and chlorine type products will
shorten the life of a roof.
In order to solve your roof stains
problems, we suggest that you find a
local, insured and licensed roof
cleaning company. Inquire about the
type of chemical that will be used on
your roof. Will it smell? Is it dangerous?
Will it damage my shrubs or lawn? Is
the cleaning product biodegradable
and eco-friendly? Does the company
use a commercial product specifically
designed for roof cleaning or do they
mix up their own home made solution
that may include chlorine? Does the
company have a written contract? Will
the company guarantee that the roof
will remain stain-free? Does the
company offer a yearly renewal
program to keep your roof stain-free?
The alternative to roof cleaning is
shingle replacement. Replacement is
expensive and often not needed. Most
stained shingles still have many years of
life left in them and roof cleaning can
make them look like new for a fraction
of the cost of replacement.
Your home is your castle, and whether
you are selling it or not, a clean roof
increases the curb appeal and, more
importantly, increases the value of the
home.
This half of the roof is
stained with Algae.
Roof ™
Shampoo!
Restore Your Home’s Curb Appeal!
GET A ROOF SHAMPOO™
40
%
Experts believe that the
of it’s overall curb appeal.
roof on a home accounts for
%
However, when a roof is stained or
of curb “un-appeal”!
dirty it could account for as much as
75
We specialize in removing stains and use only the safest, most effective roof cleaning agents and
process available- the Roof Shampoo™ System. ROOF MAGIC. LLC provides professional roof
cleaning setvices to residential, commercial, and condo / community association customers.
ROOF MAGIC. LLC / (570)772-3532 /
www.Roof Shampoo.com
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
This half is stain-free after
19
Roof Stain Removal
20
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Understanding How to Qualify for Benefits to
Cover Long-Term Care Expenses
Nursing home care can cost up to $96,000 per year, which can
quickly deplete an individual or couple’s life savings. Medicare
does not pay for long-term care, so when this type of care is
needed, if you do not have long-term care insurance, you either
privately pay or apply for Medical Assistance.
The Medicaid program that pays for nursing home care has
specific eligibility requirements for individuals and couples.
Generally, people think they have to be totally impoverished
before Medicaid will begin paying for their care. However, an elder
law attorney can review your portfolio and advise regarding
eligibility. In many situations, property and assets can be saved
from the cost of care with careful planning both prior to and after
nursing home admission.
Qualifying for Medicaid benefits for long-term care has always
been difficult; however, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 has
made this cumbersome process even more confusing. The Deficit
Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), which was signed into law by
President Bush on February 8, 2006, has imposed many restrictions
on when and if you will qualify for benefits to cover your long-term
care expenses.
Prior to the DRA, an applicant for Medicaid benefits could give
away assets in order to qualify for long-term care benefits. The
general rule was that for every $6,700 you gave away, you became
ineligible for Medicaid benefits for one month. This “ineligibility”
period began the month in which the gift was made. For example,
if you had transferred $67,000 in January 2006, you would have
been ineligible for Medicaid benefits for long-term care for 10
months. This ineligibility period would have started January 1,
2006, and continued through October 31, 2006.
Under the DRA, if you need care within five years of making the
gift, this ineligibility period does not begin until both of the
following conditions are met: The applicant is assessed by the Area
Agency on Aging as requiring a nursing home level of care AND
the applicant is otherwise financially eligible for Medicaid benefits.
In the example above, the same gift of $67,000 made on or after
February 8, 2006, has a much different outcome. Only when an
applicant spends his or her resources down to the appropriate
limit ($8,000 if his or her income is under $2,022 per month, or
$2,400 if his or her income is $2,022 or more per month) does the
ineligibility period begin. This means that the gifted assets may
have to be used to pay for care through the ineligibility period.
However, planning can be done to get through the ineligibility
period. There are a variety of options that can be explored.
Despite the numerous restrictions the Deficit Reduction Act
(DRA) has placed on Medicaid eligibility, elder law attorneys are
still able to assist individuals and families in developing estate plans
to avoid depleting their assets should they become ill and need
long-term care. For those individuals who are already in a nursing
home, despite the harsh new rules, elder law attorneys are
continuing to help them qualify for Medicaid benefits while
maximizing the amount of money they are able keep.
Keep in mind that Medicaid planning is very fact-specific and not
all planning techniques work in every situation. Before spending
down all of your assets, we recommend contacting an elder law
attorney knowledgeable in the area of Medicaid.
For more information on Pennsylvania Medicaid benefits and to
review your portfolio and planning options, call to schedule a
FREE consultation at Steinbacher, Sholder & Stahl at 570-3222077.
21
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Recently accredited for preparation,
presentation, and prosecution of
claims for veterans benefits by the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
•
• Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Special Needs Planning
• Nursing Home Planning
• In-Home Care Planning
• Home and Hospital Visits
413 Washington Blvd. Williamsport / (570) 322-2077 / www.ssselderlaw.com
Julianne E. Steinbacher • Stephen C. Sholder • Adrianne J. Stahl
22
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
Use Virtual Newsroom
Questions about
Virtual Newsroom can
be directed to the
newsroom at
[email protected]
or by calling The
Williamsport
Sun-Gazette at
(570) 326-1551 or
1-800-339-0289
Clubs, organizations,
businesses, sports
coaches and anyone
who wants to submit a
news story are
encouraged to use
Virtual Newsroom. It is
anticipated that the
ease of using Virtual
Newsroom will lead to
increased submissions
from the public.
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette recently launched the
Virtual Newsroom as a way for the public to get
information to the newspaper in a more timely and
efficient manner.
Virtual Newsroom is an online resource that can be
accessed through the newspaper’s Web site and is
intended to make it easier to submit items. The link to
the Virtual Newsroom is available at
www.sungazette.com.
Personal delivery, mail, fax and e-mail have for decades
been the most common methods of sending stories,
pictures, letters to the editor, sports scores, community
news and other items to newspapers.
Some aspects of each of these methods have proven to
be cumbersome for the public and the newspaper,
prompting the development of the Virtual Newsroom.
Newspaper officials said the new technology will allow
members of the community to access the newsroom
directly, saving the time and energy it used to take to
bring submissions to the building in person, sending
them by the U.S. Postal Service or by fax.
If you have access to a computer and the Internet,
you have an easy way to reach the newsroom.
Whether you submit items to us on a regular basis
or send us news just once a year, there is now an
easier way. This will allow our
readers and members of the
community to submit news in the
most efficient manner.
All you have to do is go to the Web site,
click on the Virtual Newsroom button,
choose the type of selection you wish to
make and follow the instructions that
appear.
Several different categories are listed, with
descriptions and examples to help ensure
that each submission ends up in the right
place.
For example, a group that wants to announce an
upcoming event can click on the Coming Attractions
link and view an example of a community
announcement as well as read about the type of events
that typically appear on the newspaper’s Coming
Attractions.
Users can directly type the event into the online form
or, if they already are using a word processing program,
can simply copy and paste their information into the
form.
Once information is entered into the form, the person
submitting the item is asked for their name, e-mail
address, mailing address and telephone number for
verification purposes.
When those fields are filled, the submitter just needs to
click the “send” button, and the information is
transmitted directly into the newsroom. That saves time
and eliminates the in between steps that can prevent
the information from reaching the newspaper in a
timely manner.
Letters to the editor, news tips and story ideas,
religion information, birth and wedding
announcements, engagement announcements,
sports scores, People Clips articles, and more
can easily be sent to the newsroom.
Photographs also can be submitted online
by following the simple instructions on the
Virtual Newsroom site.
The goal of the newspaper is to make
it as easy as possible for members of
the community to get local news into
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
Virtual Newsroom allows the editorial
department to receive submissions
much more quickly.
Our readers will no longer have to wait
on the mail, wait for an opportunity to
drive to the building or be frustrated
by a busy signal on the fax machine when
submitting a news item.
23
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
View other sport photos from
around our region & add some
candid shots of your own. Become
a part of the largest collection of
local photos available anywhere on
the web. Visit “cu.sungazette.com”,
Click on “Community Galleries “
located at the bottom of the page.
24
Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Saturday, August 22, 2009
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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
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