Milestone HCQU West HCQU Reflections December 2018 Fall/Winter Issue

Featured Growing Together: Let’s Get Cooking: Spend Some Thyme in Your Kitchen Mission Statement By Margie Fend, RN, HCQU Nurse create a delicious meal ver thought while learning about E about taking a healthier food choices. cooking class or learning We’d like to offer about healthier food special thanks to Thyme choices? Local Sharon In Your Kitchen and Chef company, Thyme in Your Garron who helped Kitchen, provides just answer questions and a “The mission of the Growing Together such opportunity. whole lot more in the Aquaponics Program is to use the science Earlier this season, the fun, interactive, cooking and technology of an aquaponics system HCQU reserved a class class. to provide pre-employment transition at Thyme in Your Kitchen In this two hour class, services to students with Intellectual and to give participants a the participants learned other Developmental Disabilities and hands-on opportunity to (Continued on page 4) students without disabilities in a unique partnership between Slippery Rock University and the North Country Growing Together Aquaponics: Food for Thought Brewing Company. The program aims to By Jenifer Baker, RN, HCQU Nurse ensure all individuals, regardless of transitional program for high part in the college life. The abilities, are given the opportunity to n the small town of school students with program offers support participate in an employment readiness I Slippery Rock, big Intellectual/Developmental services for education, job- program that promotes lifelong things are happening. Disabilities (IDD). The training, independent living sustainable physical activity and nutrition.” Dr. Bob Arnhold is both a program helps provide skills within the university, as well professor of Health and to students so they can live as as health promotion with a Physical Education and a independently as possible; it focus on physical activity and INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Director for the Rock Life also assists them with nutrition. Students are and Transition Achievement employment or continuing assisted by mentors made up Let’s Get Cooking: Spend Some 1 Program (TAP) at Slippery education. of experienced undergraduate Thyme in Your Kitchen Rock University. With the The Rock Life Program is a and graduate career coaches help of his students, mentors, program in which students and program coordinators. Growing Together Aquaponics: 1 North Country Brewing with IDD are able to take While they are not working Food For Thought

Company, D.R.E.A.M. towards a degree, they are BobMcCafferty, NCBCo. (Front)

Feature Pittverse: 2 Partnership, and a Bob ArnholdDr. (Back) at the earning certificates for their AquaponicsOpen House. Why I Write for Pittverse grant from Mitsubishi experiences. HCQU Happenings 3 Electric America This past year there has been The Power Within 4 Foundation, he is a new addition to the bringing new and program. Dr. Arnhold was 5 Tips to Help Prevent Pressure Ulcers 5 unique opportunities approached by D.R.E.A.M. Happy Holidays 8 to life. Partnership’s Executive

The TAP program is a (Continued on page 6)

Page 2 18 Fall/Winter Issue

ere at the HCQU we are excited to feature local Pittverse Magazine and writers. Pittverse is a quarterly publication H written exclusively by adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This publication aims to increase inclusion and broaden the general understanding of Autism for potential employers, and society, through a demonstration of each writer’s individual skills and talents. Pittverse Magazine simultaneously fosters creativity, teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose that are imperative for success in any environment. Pittverse is produced by Youth Advocate Programs. (YAP).

Why I Write for Pittverse By Richard Campbell, Writer for Pittverse

y name is Richard Campbell, and I write for Pittverse. Pittverse is a magazine that is written by adults on the Autism Spectrum. I write M for Pittverse because it gives me a lot of satisfaction. I've been writing for the Pittverse for close to two years because I wanted to earn extra money. It is also a great chance to meet other writers and get out of the house for a while. I have a lot of friends who work with me at Pittverse and I enjoy it when I see our articles get published. I also like to earn the extra money. Social Security isn't enough because one of these days, Richard Campbell plans to move into a Senior high-rise apartment tower somewhere in the Pittsburgh-Area. (Hopefully, before the first of October.) I'm also an avid lover of jazz (especially, trombonists, and female jazz vocalists, as well as great Pittsburgh jazz artists). I also enjoy Big Band Swing music because my (now deceased) parents grew up with the "Big Bands.” Today's younger generations are listening to, and swinging to, the great sounds of the Big Bands. I am a lover of great swing and jazz. Not just soft and classic and oldies-but-goodies-rock-and-roll. And I love Pittverse, where I can talk about all of my interests in music. Pittverse Writers Pictured Below

If you would like more information, contact [email protected]

The Fatal Four

Aspiration, Dehydration, Constipation and Seizures are four major health concerns seen frequently in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities which if untreated can progress to serious illness or death. These conditions are often preventable or at least able to be managed with attentive care. Deaths associated with these conditions are often preventable. Join our webinars in the month of January to learn more about these health concerns and what you can do to improve the health and wellbeing of the people you support. HCQU Reflections Page 3

HCQU Happenings By Denise Quinn, Training Coordinator

The Winter Webinar Series is here! Throughout January, February, and March, you will have the opportunity to get valuable trainings from the convenience of your computer. Webinars are presented two different times a day, allowing you to pick what suits your schedule. All that you need to attend a webinar is an internet-connected computer with speakers. If your computer does not have speakers, you can use a telephone for audio. To read a description for each course or to enroll, visit The Milestone HCQU West Training Center. Enjoy!

January 2019 Webinars March 2019 Webinars The Fatal Four Bowel Management January 8 January 23 March 5 March 20 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 11 a.m. – Noon Noon – 12:30 p.m. 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Communicating with a Person with ID What Do Genes Have To Do With It January 16 January 31 March 14 March 26 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 11 a.m. – Noon 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

February 2019 Webinars Heart Attack & Stroke COMING SOON February 6 February 21 2019 Guest Speaker Series 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Noon – 1 p.m. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. We will have great new opportunities with Potential Health Consequences of Psychotropic Medications Guest Speakers this Spring 2019. February 12 February 28 Registration will open in March. Details will 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 11 a.m. – Noon follow soon on our Guest Speakers & Special 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Events page of MilestonePA.org Page 4 18 Fall/Winter Issue

The Power Within By Kelly Fisher, RN, Clinical Supervisor

Pennsylvania is very fortunate to have ow many times have you worked innovative groups such as Self Advocates H with a person where the team has United as 1 (SAU1). SAU1 is a statewide made decisions for a person’s life without group of people with disabilities. The focus of truly seeking the input from that person? We this group is to promote self-advocacy among often see these decisions made because the people with disabilities so they may have a team genuinely feels they are making the positive impact in their communities and in charismatic man who readily shares his most just and helpful decision for the person. other people’s lives. experiences of being supported in our However, when we choose to not include system. He is able to tell his story, and Milestone HCQU West has had the fantastic people in making decisions for their own life, through that we learn both the positive opportunity to work with one of the self- we often see it fail. and negative impacts our system can advocates employed by SAU1. Sam is a (Continued on page 7)

Let’s Get Cooking: Spend Some Thyme in Your Kitchen

By Margie Fend, RN, HCQU Nurse demonstratingtheculinary torch caramelize to the

(Continued from page 1) class The preparing peach parfait: Chef Garron about the importance of kitchen safety and were able to cook a complete meal from start to finish.

The menu included a tossed salad with vinaigrette brownsugar topping dressing, orzo rice pilaf, bruschetta chicken, and a sweet peach parfait for dessert. Throughout each step in preparation, Chef Garron talked about

healthy food choices and how even the oils we use BruschettaChicken and Orzo Rice Pilaf

prepared. Participants won’t soon forget how they were able to cut, dice, slice, and grill their way to a complete healthy meal! The best part of this interactive class is everyone goes home equipped with a bit of culinary know-how they can use in their own kitchens. How about you? Is your mouth watering to develop your own

cooking skills? We are excited to be partnering with Thyme in

Your Kitchen again this fall to provide another sizzling class. Space is limited; call our office at 724-283-0990 to reserve your slot now. Each participant must have one staff member in in cooking is an important factor to consider. He attendance with them. For more information about Thyme in discussed the value of using healthy oils such as Your Kitchen, visit http://www.thymeinyourkitchen.com. olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil and flaxseed oil; he also explained the different uses for each. Chef Garron was careful to demonstrate every step as participants completed each entrée. Everyone was excited to be able to taste test each item as it was HCQU Reflections Page 5

5 Tips to Help Prevent Pressure Ulcers to help remember when (and how) to reposition the person.  Wheelchair bound individuals need repositioned every 15 minutes. Imagine the amount of times you move when you are in a sitting ressure ulcers or skin ulcers are areas of damaged skin position, i.e., switching sides, crossing/uncrossing your legs, any and tissue that occur when there is friction or unrelieved

P movement actively shifts your weight when you sit. The person you

pressuresores lying when down. Diagramshowing areas of body the at risk of © CancerHelp UK Original diagram by Tissue Viability Society Viability Tissue by diagram Original UK CancerHelp © are supporting needs to shift their weight that frequently as well.  Clean the area quickly and thoroughly for any incontinent person. Remember to pat the skin dry because rubbing could cause the skin to tear. Talk to the individual’s physician about a barrier cream to prevent urine or feces from coming into contact with the skin. Many barrier creams are available at your local pharmacy.  Ensure the person is getting enough calories and water. This is

because the skin needs proper nutrition and hydration to heal. If they are not, talk to their physician about adding in a high calorie shake or other ways to increase calories.  Be aware of the individual’s

diagnosis. A disorder like pressure on one area of the body. These areas can effect anyone Diabetes can increase the who has difficulty moving on their own or staying in one position risk of developing a pressure for too long. Pressure ulcers can start to form in as little as 15 ulcer. Check the skin daily minutes. for any redness or open Pressure ulcers commonly develop on skin that covers bony areas areas. Report any changes to of the body, such as heels, ankles, hips, and tailbones. Although the physician immediately. pressure ulcers are treatable, the new skin and tissue that grows is If you are supporting someone never as strong as before. It can take weeks, months, and in some who has a pressure ulcer or a cases, years to heal, increasing that person’s risk of developing an wound that isn’t healing, make an infection. appointment to see a wound care It is much more effective to focus on pressure ulcer prevention, specialist. There are treatments available to decrease healing time of a rather than healing. Here are tips for caregivers to prevent a wound, such as a treatment called negative pressure, which uses a special pressure ulcer: seal and suction to increase tissue growth. Want to find Wound Care Centers in your area? See our PA listing  Reposition the person at least every two hours. This is at MilestonePA.org on our Forms & Resources Page. especially important if they are laying in a bed for a prolonged time. Follow a turning schedule clock, as it can be a great tool

Sign-up for our e-mail mailing list. Visit our HCQU page on MilestonePA.org Page 6 18 Fall/Winter Issue

Growing Together Aquaponics: Food for Thought system and the different responsibilities By Jenifer Baker, RN, HCQU Nurse required to ensure a happy healthy aquaponics accommodate the aquaponics system, which system. TAPprogram, is checking the water’s (Continued from page 1) required space of approximately 600 sq. feet. The students with disabilities come to Baileyaof Life/ studentthe Heaton, Rock Director, Sherri Landis, with an interesting Dr. Arnhold approached another Bob, the facility during the school year proposition. D.R.E.A.M. Partnership is a non- businessman Bob McCafferty, owner of North profit organization created by parents and Country Brewing Company and Harmony Inn, professionals that saw the need to expand to see if he would be interested teaming up. opportunities and options for students with Bob M., a farmer himself and longtime

IDD after high school. Working out of supporter of the Slippery Rock community,

plants with help the of worms Tilapiaswimming in the tank. Central PA, they are convertedto fertilizer for the agreed to make room for the project in his

Wasteis filtered out & brewery production facility located just a few and microbes. and

miles from the SRU campus. From there, pH

Growing Together (the name given to the Monday through Friday to assist with level.

Aquaponics Project and contributors) began the responsibilities.

to take on a life of its own. See their mission Accompanied by their mentors, they statement on front page sidebar. take on a number of tasks, including feeding coordinating with several In January 2018, Dr. Arnhold met with Lauren the fish; this is done twice a day. They also

colleges to develop post-secondary Baker, NCB Production Manager, to discuss take daily water tests to ensure the water in the

tankwith young tilapia that willintegrated be into Bob Arnhold,Dr. showing the rootsystem of the

opportunities. They help fund organizations the logistics of the layout for the aquaponicsplants. In the background is smallera fish tank maintains pH, ammonia, nitrate, the larger the tankwhen they’ve grownenough. and educational programs for individuals with system, determining who would be nitrite, levels within the range necessary to IDD. keep a healthy balance for the system, as seen Dr. Arnhold decided to move on the in the picture above. suggestion to apply for a grant from Then there is the planting of the seeds and Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation for an harvesting of the crops. Seeds are planted, aquaponics program. He, together with using a specific growing medium. There are a D.R.E.A.M. Partnership, created and variety of plants that are being grown. The submitted a grant proposal. Lo and behold, plant choice process has been trial and error to they were chosen to be the recipient. What is see which plants work well and what doesn’t. aquaponics?, you may be asking yourself. It is Leafy greens grow well. They grow faster and a system where fish in a tank (in this case are easier to harvest. The Rock Life/TAP tilapia), have their waste filtered into a growing involved in the program and programs choose the seeds and plants, but planter. The waste feeds the plants. The student safety within the plant. Prior to the NCB is able to give feedback into the setup, two employees from the canning plant selection. Microgreens are expensive and are

and two of the interns from the Rock Life thrivingsystem. in the

program attended a training to educate those Plantsgrowing and involved in setting up aquaponics. This training was being presented at Charleroi Middle School. It was delivered to educators in that school district who have aquaponics set

up in their classrooms. But, it allowed for an opportunity for the ones attending from NCB seasonal. They may be a crop that is frequently plants filter the water for the fish. When the and SRU to have a visual and hands-on planted in the off season. These greens are plants are grown they are harvested. More experience of the aquaponics in action. usually purchased from California and can be crops are planted and the cycle continues. It Mid-February, INTAG - Integrated costly. Also, with purchasing the greens from focuses on sustainability and provides non- Agriculture System, the company based out of distributors, there may be fewer varieties genetically modified produce with accelerated Harrisburg that created the aquaponics system, available. With the aquaponics system and growth due to having 24 hour nutrients came for an install day. Fish delivery occurred extensive seed choices, the possibilities are available. shortly after that. The fish chosen for this endless. Once the plants have reached Once the grant was received for the project, system were tilapia. Once the system was in maturity it is the students’ responsibility to the scouting began for a place that could place, the students were oriented on the (Continued on page 7) HCQU Reflections Page 7

Growing Together Aquaponics: Food for Thought By Jenifer Baker, RN, HCQU Nurse

(Continued from page 6) plant, seed to harvest, SRU to If you would like to tour the harvest them. The harvests are NCB, it is a winning partnership aquaponics system located in the used within the North Country all around. North Country Canning Plant, HCQU Contacts Brewing Company and Harmony If you are interested in more they are available at North Inn restaurants. information on the Rock Life Country Brewing Co. at 111 Gary Bell Through this unique experience, Program, you can visit Arrowhead Dr. from Noon-4 p.m. CEO Milestone Centers, Inc. students are learning with a hands- http://www.srurocklife.org/ every Saturday. on approach and gaining insight or contact: Robert Arnhold, Ph.D. Natalie Symons, RN and knowledge about the Email [email protected] Director HCQU aquaponics system. From fish to Phone: 724-738-2847 [email protected] Kelly Fisher, RN The Power Within Clinical Supervisor By Kelly Fisher, RN, Clinical Supervisor [email protected]

(Continued from page 4) -advocacy group. Through SAU1’s start their own self-advocacy Leslie Dollman have on a person’s life. Sam is a Board of Directors, they actively groups. They also share their MIS Administrator [email protected] survivor in every sense of the look at issues happening in PA, as personal experiences within the word. By utilizing the power of his well as throughout the country, and system to foster growth and Denise Quinn voice he has granted fellow self- decide how they may wish to learning to the system as a whole. Training Coordinator [email protected]

Jillesa Shotts Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Picturedare Peggy, Amber Sam & Brian Speakman, MA,

from SAU1Greenville office. NCC Behavioral Health Specialist [email protected]

Lori DuffySachs Behavioral Health Specialist [email protected]@MilestonePA.org

Maggie Voorhees Behavioral Health Specialist [email protected]

Amy Simon, RN HCQU Nurse [email protected] advocates and, humbly, our system address the issues. They have spoken to more than Margie Fend, RN HCQU Nurse a chance to grow and learn. SAU1 1,000 people since July 2017. SAU1 manages the Self Advocacy [email protected] continues to grow and just moved Power Network for all (SAPNA) If you, or a person you support, are in March of this year to Jenifer Baker, RN projects for ODP. This group interested in learning more about accommodate a growing staff. HCQU Nurse travels all over PA to talk to many speaking up, contact They are the proud recipient of a [email protected] different groups of people. They [email protected] or call 724-588- grant from the PA Developmental talk about speaking up, getting 2378. You can also find them on Disabilities Council. This grant jobs, as well as, how others can Facebook and Twitter. supports the strengthening of a self Health Care Quality U ni t W es t

1771 North Main Street Ext Phone:(724) 283-0990 Butler, PA 16001 Fax: (724) 283-1012

Happy Holidays from the HCQU Have A Question? The year is winding down rapidly. As we ready and accessible to face it with you. It …Ask the HCQU! consider this past year, we are so thankful for is our privilege and honor. the opportunities that you gave us to serve you. Here at the HCQU we wish you, and The new year approaches new, full of bright everyone you hold near, Happy Holidays Just visit our possibilities and unseen challenges. We hope and a wonderful New Year. that whatever lies ahead that you know we are HCQU page on

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