Welcome to the first edition of the ESSMC E-Newsletter. You are receiving this newsletter as a former patient or family member of a patient. It is our intention to stay connected with those that have received services in our practice over the years. We have always prided ourselves on being good communicators with our patients and referring physicians, and this is another way for us to reach out. We will be providing you with updates about our practice, informative educational articles, and profiles of our staff so that you can get to know everyone. We welcome feedback on topics that you might have a special interest in, or any other question that you may have. Please email us at news@essmc.com and we will get right back to you. Enjoy this first edition, and don’t forget the quiz!

ESSMC is now instituting a new prevention program into local high school athletics. It’s called the PEP program, which stands for Prevent injury and Enhance Performance. The program focuses on the lower extremity to help prevent ACL injuries; also making the athlete improve their running form and technique and explosive capabilities. The program only takes about 15-20 minutes a day for three days per week and is usually done as a warm-up before a practice session begins. Some drills included are a few short running drills and some plyometric exercises (such as jumping from side to side over a soccer ball). Research studies show that the incidence of ACL injury is significantly reduced with this type of program.

For more information, contact Chris Klekker, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at klekkeratc@comcast.net

Congressman on the Corner Congressman Jason Altmire pictured with John Bonaroti in Murrysville. Congressman Altmire visited with constituents and engaged in very informative dialogue with community members as well as many Franklin Regional students on a beautiful spring Saturday. The students were especially impressed when Mr. Altmire volunteered to visit their school and speak to their American Civics class. Way to go Congressman! >> top

Our trademark t-shirts have been spotted in some very interesting places over the years. We would like to know where you may have been sporting our brightly colored t-shirts and spreading the word of our good work.

Please send us a picture with a brief caption describing where you have been photographed and what you were doing at the time.

Bet you didn’t know that Ted Williams was a patient. Jack Carl of Penn Hills visited the Ted Williams Museum in Hermando, Florida and shared some rehab stories with one of the most famous baseball legends of all time. He didn’t say a whole lot, but Jack enjoyed the visit!

Thanks Jack for submitting your photo!

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According to the current article on the APTA website, “Physical Therapist to the Pros Offers Tips to Golfers,” what are two ways to improve your golf game this summer? (Click here for the complete article on preparing for the golf season.)

1. Correct posture
2. Drinking a lot of water
3. Good flexibility
4. Swinging the club as hard as you can

For the correct answers, please call 724-327-7099 x526.
The first 10 people will receive a $10 gift card to Panera Bread.

Employee and job description: 
Sylvia Reed, Physical Therapist

Time employed:
Since December 2006

Where are you from and where did you go to college:
I grew up in North Carolina. I did my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduate work at Temple University.

Favorite aspect of the job:
I enjoy the opportunity to help people improve the quality of their lives and helping them make positive changes in their health.

Favorite hobby:
Horseback riding, especially with my sister.

If you could pick one place in the world to travel to and why: 
Alaska. My husband and I traveled there a few years ago and it is a beautiful and fascinating place. We only had the opportunity to explore parts of the coastline, but there is much more to see and explore.

Favorite memory as a kid:
The day we got Harvey, my sister's and my first horse. He was a wonderful addition to the family and he taught us many lessons, especially responsibility.

Favorite thing about Pittsburgh:
Shopping in the Strip District.

Three words that describe yourself:
Compassionate, diligent, empathetic.

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East Suburban Sports Medicine Centers