Excela Health

Excela Health is the coming together of three hospitals – Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland - along with their various affiliates located in Westmoreland County and parts of Fayette and Indiana counties. With a workforce of 4,000 employees, Excela Health joins some 575 physicians representing some 35 clinical specialties to provide traditional inpatient care, outpatient treatment and specialty services to rank as the region’s third largest health care employer.

Excela Health’s Pre-Operative Education Classes Help Prepare Joint Replacement Surgery Patients

Recognizing that education and self-management can help joint replacement surgery patients recover more quickly, Excela Health offers pre-operative education classes. It is recommended that all patients anticipating joint replacement surgery at an Excela Health facility attend an informational session several weeks prior to their scheduled surgery. In May, classes are offered 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 7 and 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 15, Conference Room A, First Floor, Frick Hospital; 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 8, and 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 20, Conference Rooms D, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital; and 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m., May 13, Auditorium A and 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 21, Auditorium B, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital. Designed specifically for patients having joint replacement surgery, this session covers important information to help patients through the surgical process. Topics include preparing for early mobility and equipment needs, preparing for home safety and discharge planning and insurance implications, all with the goal of helping the patient return to normal functioning as quickly as possible. 

To register or for more information, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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AARP Driver Safety Offered at Excela Health

Excela Health is set to offer the AARP Driver Safety Program, 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., May 17, conference room D, Westmoreland Hospital.  Recognizing the need to help older drivers improve their skills and prevent traffic accidents, AARP offers the AARP Driver Safety Program to all motorists age 50 and older. The purpose of the eight-hour refresher course is to improve driving and awareness skills. Participants will get answers to today’s driving challenges, such as learning how to compensate for changes in vision, hearing and reaction time; what to do if confronted by an aggressive driver; how medications may affect driving; how to handle problem situations such as left turns, right-of-way, freeway traffic, trucks and blind spots; how to properly use anti-lock brakes, air bags, and safety belts; and how to assess one’s own and other’s abilities via a “Personal Driving Capabilities Index.” The program is designed according to Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. At the completion of the approved course, participants 55 years and older may be entitled to an auto insurance discount. Participants should consult their individual insurance company for details. The course fee is $10 per person. Checks may be made payable to AARP and presented at the class.

To register, call Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Weight Loss Surgery Topic of Educational Forums

Offering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to surgical weight loss, Excela Health’s Center for Bariatric Surgery provide guidance and life-long support.  A team of physicians, nutritionists, psychologists and other health care professionals assist patients in making weight management decisions and the lifestyle changes required for long-term success. Information sessions for individuals contemplating weight loss surgery are offered monthly at a variety of locations throughout Excela Health’s service areas. Attendance is required prior to surgery.  Participants will learn information to help them determine (along with their family physician) whether weight loss surgery is an option. Among the topics covered are the latest developments in weight loss surgery, a discussion of types of surgical procedures including gastric bypass and the LAP BAND procedures, lifelong benefits made possible by weight loss surgery, living beyond weight loss surgery and Excela Health’s lifelong follow-up services and support.  Upcoming programs will be held 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 8, Latrobe Hospital, May 20, Blairsville Area Medical Park, June 5, Westmoreland Hospital or July 8, Frick Hospital.  Excela Health also offers a Bariatric Education and Support group for those who have had surgery or for those in the process. The group provides individuals with the opportunities to get their questions answered, learn tools that can help with long-term weight loss success and meet with others, who share similar experiences. Each meeting covers a specific topic related to Bariatric surgery. The next meeting is set for 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 28, Excela Health’s The Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, 530 South Street, Greensburg.

For information and registration regarding the monthly education forum or the monthly education and support group, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Help and Support Offered to Individuals and Families Facing Loss

Grief support groups are held throughout Excela Health’s service area to address emotional needs and provide support to those dealing with a loss. Individuals needing grief support can call at anytime for ongoing support services and assistance.

Coping with Loss Grief Support Group is a six-week series beginning
6:00p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 12, Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church, Murrysville.

Help to Heal is a support group for adults and children offered 6:00p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 6 and 20, Seton Hill University’s Center for Family Therapy, 41 West Otterman Street, Greensburg.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group is for parents who have survived pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or ectopic pregnancy, 7:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 5, Bishop Connare Center, Route 30 East, Greensburg.

Compassionate Friends is intended for families who have experienced the death of a child and is offered 7:30p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 12, Board Room, Fourth Floor, Frick Hospital and 7:30p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 13, Harrold Zion Lutheran Church, Greensburg.

For information and registration, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free,
1-877-771-1234.

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Cancer Care Programs Offered at Excela Health

Excela Health sponsors support and education programs for those with cancer or those newly diagnosed with cancer and their support persons at locations throughout its service area. Programs are held in cooperation with the Arnold Palmer Pavilion, a UPMC Cancer Center and joint partnership with Excela Health, Mountain View Medical Park, Greensburg.

Cancer Education Support Group, offered 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 8, Arnold Palmer Pavilion, is especially for those diagnosed with cancer and their support persons.

Look Good, Feel Better meets 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 5, Conference Rooms 1 and 2, Fourth Floor, Frick Hospital and 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m., May 12, Arnold Palmer Pavilion. A workshop that deals with emotions, appearance and sociological side effects related to cancer and its treatment, this program is held in cooperation with the American Cancer Society. Call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

Nutrition Therapy is available 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m., May 22, Arnold Palmer Pavilion Patients meet with a registered dietitian during this informal Question and Answer session to have specific nutrition needs addressed.

Other programs offered at Excela Health include:

Breast Cancer Survivor Education Group, held 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 6, Conference Room D, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital, is an on-going support group for those with the diagnosis of or those recovering from breast cancer.

US TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group, held 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m., May 22, Conference Room D, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital, is for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their support persons.

To register or for more information, contact Excela Health’s Call Center toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health Promotes Diabetes Education

Excela Health offers programs to aid in the prevention and management of diabetes.  Living with Diabetes, Looking Forward is a series of self-management classes designed for the newly-diagnosed. Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, this class is for individuals interested in learning how to manage their diabetes care and control blood glucose levels. A10-hour program, it includes a one-hour individual consultation with a certified diabetes educator followed by three-week/three-hour group sessions. New patients must begin with this class. A physician referral is required.

In May, classes begin:

6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 5, Frick Hospital
1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., May 6, Latrobe Hospital
6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 7, Westmoreland Hospital.

Diabetes Awareness and Prevention™ is a new four-week program beginning 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 8, Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, Westmoreland Hospital. The class, a new initiative of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to curb the rising incidence of diabetes in southwestern Pennsylvania, is appropriate for those with indications or pre-diabetes who are now at high risk for developing diabetes. The four-part series will offer tools to lower risk, improve eating habits, increase physical activities, manage stress and live a healthier life. Program is free to Highmark subscribers. Other insurers may cover this program. Please check with individual insurance company. Excela Health also offers a number of programs designed to aid insulin pump users in controlling their diabetes. Beginner and advanced classes offered on a continuing basis.

For information and registration, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health, Seton Hill University Sponsor Drum Circle

Excela Health and the Music Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy Programs of Seton Hill University co-sponsor “Drum Circles: Building the Community through Rhythm,” free community programming that offers a combination of structured and improvisational hand drumming. The next session is 7:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 2. The program will be held at the Seton Hill University Center for Family Therapy, 41 West Otterman Street, Suite 510, Greensburg, a block from the Palace Theatre. All levels of musical ability, from novice to expert, are welcome. Drums and percussion instruments will be provided, or participants may bring their own. The event will be facilitated by Laurie B. Jones, assistant professor of music therapy at Seton Hill University. 

Seating is limited. To register, call Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Affected By Epilepsy? Support and Help Now Available Through Excela Health for Individuals, Families and Caregivers

Epilepsy and seizures affect more than 3 million Americans of all ages at an estimated annual health care cost of $12.5 billion in direct and indirect costs. Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year. To help support individuals, families and caregivers affected by this condition, Excela Health is hosting a new Epilepsy Education and Support Group. The group will be led by parent and longtime advocate Helen Webb Mucci, who has worked closely with the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania for the past five years. The group will offer a safe environment to meet and share with others experiencing similar health, education and social concerns.  Each meeting will include a support group component and during select months, will feature an educational forum on alternative therapies. The inaugural program will be held 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 3, Westmoreland Hospital and will include a discussion on “Vagus Nerve Stimulation.”   Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. These pulses are supplied by a device similar to a pacemaker. Sometimes referred to as a “pacemaker for the brain,” the device is placed under the skin on the chest wall and a wire runs from it to the vagus nerve in the neck. The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions of the body that are not under voluntary control, such as the heart rate. The vagus nerve passes through the neck as it travels between the chest and abdomen and the lower part of the brain. A second educational forum will be held 10:00a.m. to Noon, Sept. 27, Westmoreland Hospital, when the Ketogenic Diet will be explored. Additional support group meetings are scheduled 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m., July 17, Latrobe Hospital and Dec. 4, Westmoreland Hospital. Registration is required for all programs. 

To register or for information on other support groups, classes and community education, contact Excela Health’s Call Center toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health Puts Fitness in the Spotlight with New Classes

Get healthy and get ready for spring by signing up for one of Excela Health’s fitness classes. Fees vary; inquire when registering.

Excela Health is now offering an eight-week Low-Impact Aerobics class. The class meets 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m., Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, Westmoreland Hospital. Sessions begin May 1 or May 5. Many participants choose to participate in both classes. Each session features 45 minutes of high energy cardio exercise that will help burn fat and increase cardiovascular endurance followed by 15 minutes of body sculpting and abdominal work. 

New to Excela Health is Pilates, a gentle form of exercise that helps participants stretch and strengthen core muscles. The Pilates technique consists of a series of controlled and flowing movements with each movement carried out with balance and precision, promoting stability in the core or center of the body. This eight-week class begins 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m., May 5, Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, Westmoreland Hospital. 

Excela Health also offers Yoga classes to meet a variety of needs. A four-week Basic Yoga class begins 7:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 7, Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, First Floor, Frick Hospital. An eight-week Basic Yoga class begins 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 1, Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, Westmoreland Hospital. An eight-week Gentle Yoga class begins 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. or 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 5, Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, Westmoreland Hospital. Ongoing Yoga classes are also offered every Wednesday, 5:15p.m. to 6:30p.m., Auditorium A, Latrobe Hospital.

To inquire about pricing and to schedule, call Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Learn About Volunteering for Good Health During May’s Healthy Connections Program

Volunteering can be good for the community and good for a person’s health and overall well-being. Ellen Katter, Excela Health’s manager of Volunteer Services, is the guest speaker for the May Healthy Connections program, held 8:30a.m., May 15, Westmoreland Mall. Volunteer opportunities exist in all Excela Health hospitals, off-site locations as well as community outreach events. Excela Health is currently recruiting student and adult volunteers for summer positions. A community partnership between Excela Health and Westmoreland Mall, Healthy Connections is designed to promote healthy communities. The program is held monthly in Westmoreland Mall’s Food Court with registration beginning at 8:15a.m. The morning includes a FREE continental breakfast sponsored by Chick-fil-A. Participants also receive giveaways, health information and a chance to win door prizes. Drawings are held throughout the morning. Winners must be present.  Participants are encouraged to walk at the mall before the program. To avoid heavy customer traffic, the mall encourages walking between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 10:00a.m.  “We encourage people to walk at the mall. It’s a comfortable, safe place to walk regardless of the time of year,” explained Dawn Gnieski, marketing director, Westmoreland Mall.

For more information contact Dawn Gnieski, Westmoreland Mall, 724-836-5025 or Cheryl Kelly, Excela Health, 724-542-1957.

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Heart Health Programs Provide Education and Support

Excela Health offers programs to aid in the prevention and management of heart disease.

Heart School will be held 8:45a.m. to 11:45a.m., May 13, Cardiac Services Conference Room, Fourth Floor, Latrobe Hospital. The class is designed for people who are recovering from a cardiac event such as heart attack or bypass surgery, have cardiovascular disease or heart-related chest pain, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or an inactive lifestyle. The workshop format helps participants build a heart-healthy lifestyle by learning more about heart disease, how it develops, how it is diagnosed and treated, and current behaviors that may put people at risk.
 
Helping Hearts will meet 6:30p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 15, Conference Room D, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital. A support and education program, Helping Hearts is for those diagnosed with heart disease or recovering from a cardiac event and their support persons.

For information and registration, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Feel Great In ’08 with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Wellness Programs Offered By Excela Health

Excela Health has partnered with Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield to offer wellness programs providing real life solutions to wellness challenges through informative, hands-on programs designed to help achieve lifestyle goals and enjoy a healthier, happier life. Programs address osteoporosis management and prevention, stress management, heart health and nutrition.

Eat Well for Life is a four-week lifestyle improvement program promoting wellness and long-term weight management through balanced nutrition and physical activity. Eat Well for Life I begins 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m., May 7, Owens and Minor Campus, 134 Industrial Park Road, Greensburg.

Personal Nutrition Coaching is offered by appointment only for individuals seeking nutrition counseling related to weight management, heart disease and diabetes.

Discover Relaxation Within is a four-week lifestyle improvement program that helps individuals to identify everyday stressors and learn specific relaxation techniques to evoke relaxation and reduce and manage stress. Discover Relaxation I class begins 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m., May 1, Owens and Minor Campus, 134 Industrial Park Road, Greensburg.

Highmark Osteoporosis and Prevention Education (HOPE) is a six-week lifestyle improvement program focusing on healthy choices to prevent or manage osteoporosis. A new six-week series begins 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. June 2, Owens and Minor Campus, 134 Industrial Park, Greensburg.

Ornish Advantage is a seven-week lifestyle program that aids in preventing heart disease and improving overall health. Learn how to make healthier lifestyle choices based on the principles of the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease®. Enrollment is being accepted for a series that begins in June. Programs are available FREE of charge to Highmark members. Other insurance companies may cover these programs. Inquire with individual insurer. Programs are available to others for a nominal fee.

For additional dates and times or to register, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Have Questions on Insurance? Counseling Offered at Excela Health

Excela Health offers insurance counseling at Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals. Insurance company customer service representatives provide assistance in filing a claim, understanding a medical bill or Medicare.

Highmark Blue Cross / Blue Shield representatives will be available 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., May 7 and 19, Conference Room B, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital, 8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m., May 14 and 28, Conference Room 1, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital and 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., May 14 and 28, Conference Room A, First Floor, Frick Hospital. Call 1-800-826-5527 to schedule.

Advantra / Health America representatives will be on site 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 14 and 28, Conference Rooms B and C, First Floor, Frick Hospital and 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 22, Cafeteria Conference Room, Ground Floor, Latrobe Hospital.

UPMC for Life hosts information sessions at Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals. Call for dates and times.

For information and registration unless designated otherwise, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health’s Integrative Therapies Promote Relaxation, Healing

Integrative therapies at Excela Health offer a whole body approach to individuals interested in achieving relaxation and a sense of well-being, or for those individuals interested in a therapeutic approach to supplement their traditional health care.  Intro to Reflexology is a three-hour workshop offered 9:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. or 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., May 6 and May 13, Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, 530 South Street, Westmoreland Hospital. An ancient Chinese discipline, Reflexology is a technique can help promote healing and has been shown to relieve stress and tension; relieve aches and pains including chronic pain; slow and deepen breathing; relieve indigestion, constipation and other digestion disorders; help with sleep-related issues and help strengthen the immune system. Participants may come with a partner, work with another individual or work alone. Class does require the removal of shoes and socks. Comfortable clothing is advised. Bring a blanket, pillow and body lotion.

For more information or to register, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health Announces May Support Groups

Excela Health offers support groups addressing a variety of conditions.

Epilepsy Education and Support Group is scheduled 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 3, Memorial Conference Room, Westmoreland Hospital. This new Excela Health offering features an educational forum on Vagus Nerve Stimulation, a therapy designed to prevent seizures by sending mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. Sessions are scheduled quarterly and will offer a support group component. Select months will feature educational information on alternative therapies.

Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group is for family members and caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments, 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 6, Conference Room C, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital.

Fibromyalgia Support Group is for those with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis and their support persons, 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 7, Conference Room C, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital.

Stroke Education and Support Group, a new offering for patients and caregivers, 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 10, South Conference Room, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital. In celebration of National Stroke Awareness Month, Neurologist and co- medical director of Excela Health’s Center for Neurosciences Michael Sauter, MD, will provide a brief overview of stroke care and programs at Excela Health. Highlights will also include information on the new Center for Neurosciences, slated to open at Latrobe Hospital early winter 2009. Following, there will be a time for networking and information-sharing.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is offered for those with Parkinson’s disease and their support persons, 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., May 13, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Greensburg.

Strength in Autism, a support group for parents, caregivers, family members and medical providers affected by or interested in autism, meets 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 18, Memorial Conference Center, Ground Floor, Westmoreland Hospital. May’s meeting will include a special presentation by developmental pediatrician Scott Faber, MD, Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh.

Hearing Loss Support Group is offered for those with a hearing loss and their support persons, 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m., May 22, Conference Room A, Westmoreland Hospital. In celebration of Better Hearing Month, the meeting will focus on advances in hearing aid technology featuring on-site demonstrations by Siemens Medical Hearing Aid Division. A group member testimonial will also be provided.
 
Stay Smart - Smoking Cessation and Support is available 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 27 as a telephonic tobacco cessation support group facilitated by a trained tobacco cessation specialist. Interested individuals may dial into the support session during the hour by calling 724-689-1891.

Bariatric Education and Support Group will meet 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 28, Westmoreland Hospital’s The Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Medical Commons One, 530 South Street, Greensburg.

For information and registration, contact Excela Health’s Call Center toll free,
1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health Offers Help to Kick the Tobacco Habit

Excela Health has help for smokers who want to kick the habit. A series of classes offered by a certified smoking cessation counselor will help individuals honor their commitment to become tobacco free. 

Ready to Quit - Quit SMART is a seven-week series based on clinical research to help individuals quit tobacco use. Classes are offered during the year throughout Excela Health’s service area. In April, classes begin 6:00p.m. to 7:30p.m., April 15, Cardiac Rehab Conference Room, Fourth Floor, Latrobe Hospital and 7:00p.m. to 8:30p.m., Conference Rooms B and C, First Floor, Frick Hospital.

A monthly Stay SMART - Smoking Cessation Support Group is available 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., May 27 as a telephonic tobacco cessation support group, facilitated by a trained tobacco cessation specialist. Interested individuals may dial into the support session during the hour by calling 724-689-1891.

For information and registration contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health to Offer Programs for Kids, Teens and Parents

Excela Health offers classes to help children, teens and parents prepare for some of life’s transitions.

Your Changing Body for Boys, 10:00a.m. to Noon, May 3, Auditorium A, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital, offers adolescents ages 9 to 12 and their parent or guardian help for weathering the ’tweens. Class covers the emotional and physical changes associated with puberty.

Sibling Class will be held 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m., May 10, South Conference Room, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital. Especially for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 2 to 7, the program explores what to expect from a new baby and helps children learn about what it will be like to be an older brother or sister.

Medical Explorers is scheduled 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 15, Conference Rooms 1 and 2, Fourth Floor, Frick Hospital. Program intended for young people ages 14 to 20 who are interested in learning more about health care careers.

For information and registration, contact Excela Health’s Call Center,
toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health Offers Childbirth and Infant Care Classes

Excela Health offers the following childbirth and parenting classes at Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals. Some classes have a fee. Inquire when registering. 

Childbirth Classes:

For first-time parents, Childbirth and Beyond covers labor and birth, options for pain control, cesarean birth, postpartum, the normal newborn and breathing / relaxation techniques. A Weekender version is offered 10:00a.m. to 3:30p.m., May 10 and May 11, Memorial Conference Center, Westmoreland Hospital. For parents who wish to tour the hospital unit where they will deliver are invited to do so 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m., May 18.

Lamaze, It’s All about Breathing is a six-week series beginning 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 1, Memorial Conference Center, Westmoreland Hospital.  Classes should be started in the seventh month of pregnancy and include a labor support person.

Parenting Classes:

Breastfeeding Success covers “how-to’s” of breastfeeding, getting ready, getting started, preventing problems and managing common challenges, 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 19, Latrobe Hospital or May 21, Memorial Conference Center, Westmoreland Hospital. A Weekender class will be offered 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m., May 17, Memorial Conference Center, Westmoreland Hospital. Intro to Breastfeeding is scheduled from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 29, Auditorium A, Latrobe Hospital. 

A Car Seat Safety Parenting Class is offered 7:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 12, Auditorium A, Latrobe Hospital and 7:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 14, Memorial Conference Center, Westmoreland Hospital.

Child Care Services offers new parents information on the regulated child care services available in Westmoreland County. This class is paired with Car Seat Safety and meets 8:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., May 12, Latrobe Hospital and May 14, Westmoreland Hospital.

Infant Massage is a three-week series beginning 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., May 6, Memorial Conference Center, Westmoreland Hospital. Infant massage is touch therapy that improves sleep, aids in digestion, and creates deeper parent-infant bonds.

Lactation Station, a support group for breastfeeding mothers and babies, is offered 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m., May 21, Prenatal Clinic, Women’s Care Services, Latrobe Hospital.

Men looking to take a more active role in parenting are invited to attend Doctor Dad™ , 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., May 24, Memorial Conference Center, Ground Flood, Westmoreland Hospital.  Developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative and presented by a certified educator from the ParentWISE Program of Family Services of Western PA, this eight-hour interactive workshop is designed to help increase dad’s parenting skills. Participants will learn “the basics” to promote health, identify and treat illness and prevent injury. Doctor Dad™ targets infant and toddler health and promotes a father’s involvement in the health and welfare of his child right from birth. Each participant receives a manual to keep.

For information and registration contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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Excela Health Offers CPR Training for All Skill Levels

Excela Health is offering training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid to health care professionals and the community during May. Classes follow American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Fees vary.

Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider training is offered 8:00a.m. to Noon and 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m., May 3, Auditorium B, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital. This course teaches participants how to administer CPR to victims of all ages, explains the use of an AED and provides information about the relief of foreign body airway obstructions. This class is available to health care employees and to those required to take a health care provider course for their employment. Upon the completion of a written exam and skills demonstration, a course completion card will be issued.

Heartsaver Adult Plus AED is designed to teach CPR, relief of foreign body airway obstruction and the use of an automated external defibrillator to all lay rescuers, such as firemen, security guards and others working in public places. It is specifically designed for lay rescuers who are required to obtain a course completion card documenting completion of a CPR course. Class meets 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m., May 7, South Conference Room, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital.

Looking ahead, Excela Health will hold a Have a Heart CPR Training Day, 8:00a.m. to Noon, June 28, Alex G. McKenna Education Center, First Floor, Latrobe Hospital. Participants may learn or refresh resuscitation skills through Heartsaver Adult, Child and AED classes. Training during this event is free as part of Excela Health’s role as a Community Training Center for the American Heart Association.

For information and registration, contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

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