7.25.2003 ESSMC Welcomes New Staff Members!

We are pleased to welcome Megan Farrell, MPT and Jill Hoffman, MPT to our physical therapy staff. Megan is a 2000 graduate of Duquesne University, and she has relocated here from Virginia. She sees patients in our Murrysville office. Jill is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, and she sees patients in our Penn Hills office.

Rick Jeletic, MPT who joined our staff in 2001, is now seeing patients full-time in our new Penn Township office. Rick resides in the Penn Township community and he is eager to begin networking within the community.

7.25.2003 ESSMC Sponsors Health Fair

ESSMC is proud to have sponsored  the first Health and Fitness Expo in Penn Township. The event on Saturday July 19th was attended by 30 vendors and hundreds of patrons. The event focused on raising awareness of the many different activities and sports that promote fitness and healthy lifestyles. Our staff is available to present to groups and organizations about injury prevention and healthy lifestyles. Call John Bonaroti today at 412-389-8126 to arrange a speaker for your group or organization.

7.7.2003 Grand Opening!!!

We are pleased to announce the opening of our 5th office in Leverington Plaza on Route 130 in Penn Township.

We will begin seeing patients on Monday, July 21, 2003. Call 724-744-0950 for more information.

5.30.2003 New Article Added

Protective Eyewear Mandated for Women’s Lacrosse in 2005

5.15.2003 New Article Added

"Mouth Guards"

5.5.2003 New Article Added

" Health Alert for Community Baseball Players!"

Sports Medicine Community Education

East Suburban Sports Medicine Center and East Suburban Orthopedic Associates provided two presentations for Plum Boro Athletic Associations at their monthly meeting. Approximately 50 coaches/ parents attended the presentation to prepare and better understand specific injuries more common in baseball and softball.

Summary of Discussions:

Injuries of the Throwing Shoulder

Dr. Waltrip from East Suburban Orthopedics discussed common injuries that occur with young throwing athletes and how they occur. He provided throwing guidelines specific for each age group for prevention of injuries in the elbow and shoulder. Also, he talked about proper mechanics of throwing the ball to avoid injury. Finally, he presented recommendations when athletes should begin to throw specific pitches and limitations on number of pitches thrown.

Commotio Cordis: “Concussion of the Heart”

Brian Bernasconi, certified athletic trainer for Plum High School, discussed a specific injury called Commotio Cordis. This is a blunt trauma to the chest that causes ventricular fibrillation and can be a life-threatening injury. He presented how this occurs and general facts about the injury. Also, he provided on emergency care including the role and use of an Automated External Defibrillator. The parents were also shown examples of specific chest protectors designed for this injury. Finally, recommendations were provided for coaches, parents and community to prevent this tragedy.

To find out more about these topics or to schedule the presentation at your baseball organization, call Brian Bernasconi at 412-389-8125 or John Bonaroti at 412-856-8060 X210.

Lindblad Award Winner 2003

East Suburban Sports Medicine Center established the John H. Lindblad Memorial Award in 1998. This award was created to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Lindblad’s contributions to the student athletes of Plum School District. He served as team physician for twenty-five years prior to his passing. He always went above and beyond his duties and unselfishly gave his time because of his love and care for all PHS athletes. This award is given to a Plum High School Senior Student Athlete, who demonstrates the qualities of dedication, teamwork, academic achievement, and an interest in the health professions.

We are proud to recognize Cameron Christeson, who is the fifth Memorial Award winner. Cameron plans to build a career in the field of medicine and is striving to be accepted in a pre-med program to achieve his goal of becoming a physician. He has been an accomplished cross-country and track athlete, setting the school record in the mile and qualifying for states. Cameron has demonstrated his hard work and self-discipline throughout his athletic career and has truly shown his dedication, teamwork, and leadership on the field. He will be presented with this award at the Senior Awards night on May 12th, 2003 in the Plum High School Auditorium.

East Suburban Sports Medicine continues to provide the best Athletic Training care for Plum school and community athletes, which we have done for 19 seasons! Good luck to all Plum student athletes for success and health.

1.16.2003 Congratulations are in order.

Congratulations to Larry "Coop" Cooper for receiving the Micro-Bio Medics Award at the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association Meeting on January 4, 2003. This is the highest honor that an Athletic Trainer can receive from the EATA and it honors an individual who has exhibited outstanding contributions to the field of the athletic training at the secondary school level.
The criteria for being selected includes:

• Active member of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
• Peer recognition for excellence.
• The individual holds or has held office in the NATA or EATA.
• The individual exhibits honesty, integrity, adaptability, tactfulness, and friendliness with fellow certified athletic trainers.

Congratulations to Coop for this outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to Jennifer Stumpf who received the Tim Kerin Award on January 4, 2003. The Tim Kerin Scholarship was established in 1994 by partners Angelo Tardio and John Bonaroti of East Suburban Sports Medicine in cooperation with the Department of Athletics at the University of Pittsburgh to assist worthy students in obtaining undergraduate education in athletic training. The selection criteria includes evidence of community service, leadership capabilities, good citizenship, and scholarship. Jennifer is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh where she has exhibited all of these qualities as well as an interest in furthering her education in the field of athletic training. Jennifer was presented with a plaque and a $1,000 award during half time of the Pittsburgh vs Robert Morris University Basketball Game.

Congratulations to Jennifer Stumpf for this outstanding achievement!