(Published by Matt Drzik, photo by Frank Sparks)

With all of the chaotic weather in January occurring in Western Pennsylvania and throughout the Northeast, Punxsutawney Phil proclaimed that there would be indeed six more weeks of winter. Can you believe that?

“Actually, he’s probably about 80% accurate.”

That quote from Father Mark Carter from Our Lady of The Valley parish gave a glimpse into his insight on the holiday at hand; Father Carter spent two and a half years studying meteorology before entering seminary. He sat down with Matt Drzik to talk about Groundhog Day, the recent spell of winter weather, and the difference between American and European weather models.

Father Carter also talked about the fact that, despite the recent outburst of dangerous winter weather, the winter of 2022 has been relatively mild compared to years past insofar as how lengthy the stretch has been. He did mention, however, that the main reason that it’s been as wet as it’s been is due to it being a “La Niña” season for the Northeast; where rainfall and/or snowfall is very constant and heavy.

To watch the full interview with Father Carter, click on the Facebook feed below!

With the news outlets conflicting over the upcoming weather and Punxsutawney Phil making his annual appearance, A.M. Beaver County welcomes the return of meteorologist-turned-pastor Father Mark Carter of Our Lady of The Valley Parish to the Beaver County Radio studios at 8:30.

Frank Sparks and Matt Drzik get the morning started at 6:30 with news on 95.7 FM, 99.3 FM, 1230 WBVP and 1460 WMBA.

February kicks off on A.M. Beaver County with a look into the full approval of the Moderna vaccine, a preview of Tuesday night hoops on Beaver County Radio, and much more.

Frank Sparks and Matt Drzik get your morning started at 6:30 with news.

It may be too cold to hop into a pool as January comes to a close…but following the most recent Beaver Falls city council meeting, the concern is to whether the former Wave Pool will return during any season. Tyrone Zeigler joins Matt Drzik following the 8:30 news to discuss the latest updates regarding the situation.

Plus plenty of sports coverage with the Penguins playing back-to-back games, high school basketball, and the closing of Ben’s book.

6:30 to 9:00–it’s A.M. Beaver County with Matt Drzik and Frank Sparks on Beaver County Radio.

$2,000,000.

7 in a row.

Zero.

Those numbers and more explained tomorrow on A.M. Beaver County, with Matt Drzik and Frank Sparks starting your morning at 6:30.

(Published by Matt Drzik/Cover Photo by Mark Peterson)

“I think they always talk about the five most dangerous words in healthcare, and that’s ‘maybe it will get better’.”

Those words, from physician Dr. Jared Yevins of Tri-State Neuropathy in Beaver, describes the many patients who put off treatment for neuropathy for years until the pain becomes unbearable, and it leads to seeking treatment to remove the feelings of sharp jabs and numbness from the nervous system. He and fellow physician (and founder) Dr. Shawn Richey joined Matt Drzik on the January 26 edition of A.M. Beaver County to talk about the dangers of avoiding proper treatment and settling for a short-term solution.

“Most patients don’t come in and say ‘This started two weeks ago’,” Yevins stated. “Most patients come in and say ‘Hey, this started ten years ago, fifteen years ago, twenty years ago.’ This is a process that has been taking place for a long time; there’s a lot of damage and a lot of destruction in that area.”

“10 percent of Americans suffer from this,” Richey added. “That’s roughly 30 million people who are suffering. But you’re not alone…there’s a hundred reasons that cause neuropathy; we’d say the four major ones are diabetes, back issues, certain medications, and chemotherapy.”

Tri-State Neuropathy is located at 701 5th Street in Beaver, with additional offices in Wexford, Washington, Monroeville, Boardman, and Weirton. The Beaver Office can be reached by phone at (878)-313-3019, or by visiting their website at marydancedin.com for more information.

To listen to the full interview with Dr. Richey and Dr. Evans, click on the player below.

Dr. Shawn Richey and Dr. Jared Yevins of Tri-State Neuropathy in Beaver will return to the A.M. Beaver County airwaves on January 26, talking about their treatment procedures and practices following the 8:30 news. Find out more about Tri-State Neuropathy at marydancedin.com.

The whole affair begins with Frank Sparks on news at 6:30 on Beaver County Radio.

Seriously, already? We’re already this close to a whole month into the year?

Yes it is true, and Matt Drzik and Frank Sparks will have the latest beginning with news at 6:30 on A.M. Beaver County.

(Published by Matt Drzik; cover photo by Frank Sparks)

With the recent snowfall, lack of sunlight and well-below-freezing temperatures hitting Western Pennsylvania, many people have been dealing with the occasional winter blues. For some, however, the down feelings have turned into something more serious; a condition known as “seasonal depression”.

Monica Dunlap, the founder of Dunlap & Associates Counseling in Cranberry Township, spoke with Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County about the concept of seasonal depression, a condition that Dunlap says has many similarities to a more consistent (or “regular”) depression and requires many of the same treatments. “With seasonal depression, you’d be pretty much fine in the spring in the summer”, she said, “and then in the fall when it starts to get cold and dark, you’d start to experience those depressive symptoms.”

She talked about how the lack of sunlight during the winter months creates a disruption of the natural circadian rhythms (known more colloquially as an “internal clock) within many people, and how it can be fixed through the use of activities such as tanning and spending time outside even in short segments, to the use of heat lamps and supplements such as Vitamin D.

“With depression and anxiety, it’s very important to have some sort of routine and take care of your physical health,” Dunlap said. “It’s very important that you build these habits when it’s warmer and when it’s easier so you be in a habit when it starts to get cold.”

Dunlap also warned of the dangers of not treating seasonal depression: “You can create some long-term problems for yourself if you try to deal with it on your own. It’s just really important that even though it’s temporary, that you can deal with it and learn to manage it…if you live in Pennsylvania, winter’s coming every year. There’s no avoiding it.”

For more information about Dunlap & Associates Counseling and the services they provide, you can visit them online at dunlapandassociatescounseling.com or on their Facebook page.

To listen to the full conversation with Monica Dunlap, click on the player below.

 

(Story & Photo by Matt Drzik)

With temperatures & wind chills in Beaver County and around Western Pennsylvania dropping to single digits and negative numbers, the need to stay warm is essential. Thankfully, those who are struggling to find such a place of their own have options within Beaver County.

Marie Timpano of The Cornerstone of Beaver County joined Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County to discuss the available warming centers in Beaver County over the cold weekend and throughout the winter season, including the Cornerstone building on 7th Avenue in Beaver Falls and four additional locations in Beaver Falls, Rochester, and New Brighton. Hours of operation and further details can be seen by clicking here.

Due to COVID, the warming centers are asking that those who stay inside be masked at all times; the Cornerstone in particular have masks available for those who are not equipped with one.

Timpano also mentioned that those who are looking for clothes and other resources to deal with the cold weather, or those who know of someone in that situation, are asked to call the 24-hour Homeless Hotline at 724-494-0726.

To watch the full interview with Marie Timpano, click on the Facebook feed below!