PITTSBURGH (February 10, 2023) – For more than a century, candy “conversation hearts” have been an annual staple of Valentine’s Day festivities. This year, in a nod to National Heart Month and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” initiative, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is repurposing the iconic sweet treat to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease among women.

AHN printed customized one-liners on heart-shaped candies – messages such as “Ur  Is Unique” and “Know Ur Risks” – all in an effort to reach AHN patients in an unexpected but impactful way and encourage women to schedule their annual heart-health screening.

The candies are available in specially designed “Heart to Hearts”-themed stands that have been strategically placed at high-traffic OB/GYN and primary care offices throughout AHN’s footprint. The stands also feature a QR code that connects patients to AHN’s heart screening resources and information to make an appointment.

AHN Cardiovascular Institute and AHN Women’s Institute collaborated on the awareness initiative.

“Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, and yet not even half of all women in the U.S. recognize that it’s their greatest health threat,” said Indu Poornima, MD, cardiologist and director of the AHN Women’s Health Center. “We’re extremely excited about this awareness campaign as the candy kiosks are an interactive, inviting way to reach women with this critically important call to action.”

The AHN Women’s Heart Center, a part of the Division of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at AHN Cardiovascular Institute, supports women through effective, preventive measures as well as the latest technologies and tools to diagnose heart disease and holistic, gender-specific care paths. In addition, clinicians work closely with patients to promote heart-healthy lifestyles, proper diets, exercise, sleep schedules and stress management.

The Center works collaboratively alongside the AHN Women’s Institute, its OB/GYN practices, and its Maternal Fetal Medicine division. Earlier this month, AHN announced the opening of its dedicated AHN Cardio-Obstetrics clinic to care for patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or in the postpartum period.

For more information or to make an appointment, please visit ahn.org/womenscardio.

Photos submitted by Ambridge Police
Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published February 9, 2023 1:41 P.M.

(Ambridge, PA) Ambridge police are asking for the public’s help in identifying this individual pictured. He has been involved in several thefts from retail stores in the borough. Please call Ambridge Police at 724-775-0880 or 9-1-1 if you have any information that could lead to his arrest.

HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced friendly bets with Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly ahead of Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Like millions of Pennsylvanians, Lori and I are excited to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles and watch them bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “Pennsylvania is home to the greatest small businesses in the country – and while I love to share the best Pennsylvania has to offer with my friends in other states, the Eagles have been so good this season that I’m willing to double down on a win this week. Go Birds!”

Ahead of the game, Governor Parson and Governor Shapiro will exchange Eagles and Chiefs flags – and the Governor of the losing team will hang the flag of the winning team in their office next week.

As part of the wager with Governor Kelly, Governor Shapiro has bet an assortment of food from Pennsylvania small businesses, including soft pretzels from Philly Style Hand Twisted Soft Pretzel Bakery in Levittown, Bucks County, Cheesesteaks from Tony Luke’s in Philadelphia, and Eagles Mini Donuts from Collegeville Italian Bakery in Montgomery County. Governor Kelly has wagered Creekstone Farms Black Angus Beef and chocolate-covered sunflower seeds. The losing Governor will send the winning Governor those local foods so that they can enjoy the taste of victory themselves.

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro will attend Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, February 12th, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles alongside thousands of fellow Pennsylvanians. Governor Parson and Governor Kelly will also attend Super Bowl LVII, and Governor Shapiro plans to meet with them in Arizona ahead of the game to talk trash and ensure both Governors are ready to fulfil their end of the bet.

Published by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director

We will have a chance of showers today, mainly after 4pm. It will otherwise be mostly cloudy with a high near 65.  There is a chance of showers tonight with cloudy skies going down to a low of 39. A wind advisory is in effect until 7am Friday and wind gusts could reach as high as 50 mph.

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier joined Eddy Crow on Teleforum Thursday morning at 10 AM to announce to the people of Beaver County that he is indeed going to run for a third term as District Attorney of Beaver County.

Lozier, a Republican, first ran in 2015 as an outsider who wasn’t invested in the “Beaver County way” and felt he could make the substantial changes needed to improve access to unbiased justice for the citizens of Beaver County.

Lozier said in a release that he used his management experience from the
Army, mental health background from college, and experience as a trial attorney in over 20 counties to reform the Office of the District Attorney. He started by changing the way prosecutors prepared for their Preliminary Hearings insuring that they had all of the records and resources they needed beforehand to better evaluate cases with the goal of making realistic pleas earlier in the criminal process. Working with the help of experts his office introduced mental health and drug treatment solutions into the pleas to better address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and reduce recidivism. Lozier went on to say that he hired  attorneys from across Pennsylvania who could bring new ideas and new solutions and together, they removed politics from prosecution and implemented tools to insure consistent results across similar cases. Lozier feels that the Beaver County citizens deserve efficient, timely and predictable “justice” and under him he feels his office did the best they could to meet that demand.

During his first two terms Lozier restructured the Anti-Drug Task Force to collaborate with state and federal agencies and rebuilt the Emergency Services Unit (Beaver County SWAT) to meet national standards. Lozier teamed up with law
enforcement and school nurses to put Narcan in every police car and school which he says is saving hundreds of lives in the process. Lozier has worked with the Drug Abuse Coalition and partners across the Beaver County to improve the availability
of drug and mental health treatment in the community and in the jail with better treatment as part of offenders sentences and could offer long-term pathways to individuals so they could rebuild their lives and prevent future crimes. Lozier  worked with  municipal and law enforcement partners to put Prescription Drug Take Back Boxes in over 20 police stations removing over 15,000 pounds of pills from the black market.
Lozier is touting his record as DA and says that he has done what he said he would do during his time in office. In 2019, he asked Beaver County voters to stick with me for another four-years and the voters stood behind him electing him to a second term.

Right after his second term start the world came to a screeching halt with COVID-19 but Lozier said that while 66 other county courts in the state closed their doors and shut down the courts his didn’t. He worked with the President Judge Rick Mancini
and the County Commissioners to maintain a daily court schedule while keeping officers, victims, witnesses, defendants and staff safe. While other counties were dismissing thousands of criminal cases because their courts were closed or backlogged, Beaver County stayed the course under Lozier’s watch. Masks were worn during hearings, court proceedings on were held on Zoom, and there was in-person jury trials under Covid-19 protocols.
Putting Covid-19, aside Lozier feels his office accomplished a lot over the past four years including offering top notch training for police and attorneys. His office worked to provide police departments with body-worn cameras to improve both officer safety and officer accountability and he sponsored the new License Plate Reading Cameras throughout the county. Lozier feels that these tools dramatically accelerated investigations of major crimes and improved the solve-rate for every category of crime
across the County. He also feels that his office provided the detective bureau with the most advanced forensic technology available to better serve the many police departments that his office supports. In 2022 Lozier created the Special Victims Unit bringing together highly qualified prosecutors and detectives to improve the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence and sex assault cases. He re-structed the prosecution of Juvenile cases to address the increasing number of
violent juvenile offenders regularly working with the Beaver County Humane Society and its Animal Control Officers to secure animal safety and support the rescue of animals from the most horrid conditions.

In 2021 and 2022 Lozier worked to secure over $3,000,000 in police technology grants that will come to fruition in 2023 and 2024. These federal earmarks and state grants will bring DNA technology to Beaver County, allow drug samples to be tested in Beaver County the day they are seized, put computers in police cars, and interconnect police departments through the same shared Police Record Management System. Throughout last year Lozier has worked hard to lay the ground work for regionalizing many of the smaller police departments into larger, full time, fully supported
departments.
Working with my prosecutors, the courts, the Police Chiefs, and behavioral health professionals, Lozier says he will continue to provide the best “justice” he can, he will keep Beaver County citizens safe, and ensure that police officers can go home
to their families at the ends of their shifts.

Lozier finished the release by saying that ” I ask the voters of Beaver County to allow me to continue this record of tough prosecution, efficient management of public resources, and implementation of the most modern technology available in the court room, in the forensic lab, and on the streets. Again, I humbly ask for your support.”

At this point there has been no other candidates that have announced that they will be attempting to run against Lozier.

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 AM
EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest, southwest, and western
  Pennsylvania. Portions of northern and the northern panhandle of
  West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 7 AM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania DUI Association, and AAA Mid-Atlantic held an event today at Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philadelphia to remind football fans everywhere that if you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party, make sure you plan a designated driver to get you home safely.

“Safety is PennDOT’s most important priority,” said Acting PennDOT Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “We want Eagles fans to enjoy their festivities this weekend, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads. If your celebration includes alcohol, plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging for alternate transportation.”

As part of the event, police discussed the increased use of roving patrols on Super Bowl Sunday to target impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Participants also provided Super Bowl party-hosting tips and non-alcoholic drink options to prevent partygoers from drinking and driving.

“Our highway safety mission includes a zero-tolerance approach with drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Pennsylvania State Police Communications Director Lieutenant Adam Reed. “Troopers are trained to identify impaired drivers and remove them from our roadways. Please be responsible this Sunday, as it’s not only a Philly thing, it’s a PA thing.”

Only one team wins Super Bowl, but if you drive impaired, you lose. According to PennDOT data, in 2022, there were 348 crashes statewide from 6:00 PM on Super Bowl Sunday to 6:00 AM the following day. Of those, 46 crashes involved a drinking driver, resulting in one fatality.

“The Pennsylvania DUI Association would like to remind everyone to celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl appearance in a safe, and responsible manner,” said Pennsylvania DUI Association Regional Program Administrator Jim French. “If you plan on drinking, please do not drive, arrange for a designated driver or an alternate form of transportation. If you are hosting a party, we ask you provide a fun, and safe environment for your attendees along with options to prevent them from driving away from your party while impaired. Remember, if you feel different, you drive different.”

Whether you are attending a party or going to a bar or restaurant, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

 

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service or call a taxi or sober friend to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

 

A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds unsafe driving behaviors, including impaired driving, rose from 2020 to 2021. The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit – an increase of nearly 24%. According to new survey data in the AAA Foundation’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, this is a reversal in the steady declines in these dangerous driving behaviors in the three years from 2018 through 2020.

“Drinking and driving is not a game – it’s a deadly combination and a crime,” said Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Make your winning drive sober and designate a driver before indulging in alcohol. Don’t fumble when it comes to safety. Drunk driving is 100% preventable.”

To learn more about PennDOT’s highway safety efforts, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

PennDOT’s media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

HARRISBURG – Grant funding will be coming to several first responder companies in the 8^th District under a program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), according to Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence).

Every emergency service organization that completes the application process receives funding. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.

“First responders are heroes because they put their own lives on the line to protect people and property,” said Bernstine. “Our local fire and Emergency Management Service (EMS) personnel are dedicated to keeping all of us safe. Their efforts and cooperation are unmatched.”

Grants awarded within the 8^th District are:

Butler County

• Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company – $12,353.
• Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department – $13,335.
• Portersville Muddy Creek Volunteer EMS – $10,000.
• Portersville Muddy Creek Volunteer Fire Department – $12,598.
• Prospect Volunteer Fire Department – $12,598.
• Unionville Volunteer Fire Company – $14,563.
• West Sunbury Fire Department – $14,318.

Lawrence County

• Borough of Ellwood City Fire Department – $13,335.
• Ellwood City Volunteer Fire Department – $13,335.
• New Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Department – $12,353.
• Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department – $13,581.
• Slippery Rock Township Volunteer Fire Department – $12,107.
• Wampum Volunteer Fire Department – $12,353.
• Wurtemburg Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department – $12,844.

The OSFC manages financial assistance programs for the state’s fire, ambulance and rescue organizations intended to help them improve and enhance their capabilities to provide firefighting, ambulance and rescue services.

Fire and ambulance companies are reminded that in order to receive their grants and retain their eligibility for the program, paperwork must be submitted back to the OSFC by the end of May.

PITTSBURGH (Feb. 9, 2023) – Allegheny Health Network gastroenterologist and liver disease specialist Jose G. Oliva, MD, is a recipient of the Community Liver Alliance’s 2023 “You Make a Difference” award.

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to educate the community about liver health, drive awareness about liver disease and demonstrate commitment and dedication to the mission of the Community Liver Alliance (CLA). Dr. Oliva will be presented with the award this Friday at the Carnegie Science Center.

In practice as a hepatologist and gastroenterologist for nearly 25 years, Dr. Oliva received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico. He completed a residency in internal medicine at AHN’s West Penn Hospital, a gastroenterology fellowship at Louisiana State University School of Medicine and a gastroenterology and transplant hepatology fellowship at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. Oliva works closely with the CLA to help educate both patients and health care providers about liver diseases and the latest available treatments.

“Not only is Dr. Oliva beloved by his patients for his unwavering kindness and compassionate care, but he is also widely respected in the liver community for his leading expertise and commitment to the advancement of care for liver diseases,” said Suzanna Masartis, CEO of the Community Liver Alliance. “For all his efforts, along with his continued partnership with the CLA, we could not be more pleased to honor Dr. Oliva with this award.”

Of the more than 100 liver diseases and conditions, the most common are hepatitis viruses, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, cancer and others.

To learn more about advanced liver treatment and hepatology care at AHN, visit www.ahn.org/services/medicine/gastroenterology/specialties/hepatology-liver-transplant.