Happenings Magazine – 02/2015
According to the American Heart Association, one in three women die of heart disease and stroke each year; yet it is 80 percent preventable. To bring awareness to the cause, Happenings Magazine brought together seven ladies to “Go Red for Women,” and they share why they are personally passionate about heart health. National Go Red Day is February 6. Wear red. Share on social media with #GoRed.
Sofia Ojeda
News Anchor/Reporter, WNEP-TV
FAMILY: Husband and 2-year-old daughter
HOMETOWN: Absecon, NJ
RESIDES: Northern Tier. Enjoys yoga, traveling, and reading
AGE: 31
EDUCATION: The College of New Jersey
CAREER NOTES: News Desk Assistant for WABC-TV in New York City; Worked at News 12 in the Bronx, WIVT/WBGH in Binghamton, NY; WETM in Elmira, NY. With WNEP-TV since 2010; currently 7/10/11 p.m. anchor.
“My mother has a heart valve condition. It makes me aware of how delicate life can be. I listen to my mother’s stories about what medications she takes and what she can and can’t do or eat. It’s something you don’t realize is so truly important until you are faced with a certain condition. Women don’t realize that the risk is great, and there is a legitimate threat. It has to be on your mind, because if it’s not, and a problem with your heart arises, it might be too late.”
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My family.
LESSON LEARNED: “Siempre Adelante” is a Spanish saying my grandfather always used to say. Its literal translation is “forever forward.” It means, always look to the future; always keep your eye on the prize no matter what obstacles you face or hardships you endure, keep working hard, never give up, and you will prevail.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I’ve played basketball since I was 6-years-old, including four years in college.
NORTHEAST PA LOVE: The kind of hard-working people I have met over the years as a reporter.
LAURA WINGERT
Student at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC)
HOMETOWN: Hanover Township
RESIDES: Scranton
ENJOYS: soccer, running, finding new restaurants
AGE: 24
EDUCATION: Elizabethtown College, TCMC
CAREER NOTES: I would love to go into a Med-Peds residency, so I can help children in hospitals, many dealing with heart conditions.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: TCMC Turkey Trot
“My grandfather had quadruple bypass surgery, which was a scary time for us. However, he was lucky to be a success story of heart disease. He stopped smoking and made major improvements to his lifestyle.”
HEALTHY STEPS: Even with a busy school schedule, I work out at least three times a week. My roommates and I cook at home, making balanced meals every day.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Getting into medical school
LESSON LEARNED: Be open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to be flexible and open to try new things.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I have a slight obsession with loading the dishwasher perfectly; I think it’s my adult version of a jig-saw puzzle.
GOALS: Finish school and attend a Med-Peds residency. I want to return to Northeast PA, where I can be a part of a practice to help the community that shaped who I am today.
NORTHEAST PA LOVE: Being near my family. Going away to college was a great experience, but being able to attend medical school at home with an amazing support system so close has been invaluable.
LISA SCARFO
Business Manager, St. Patrick’s Parish
FAMILY: husband, Donny; children Nathan and Jack
HOMETOWN & RESIDES: Scranton
ENJOYS: Zumba, yoga and reading
AGE: 36
EDUCATION: Marywood University
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House
“My son Jack was born with a congenital heart defect in 2008. He underwent open-heart surgery at just 3-months old and will remain under the care of a cardiologist for the rest of his life. In 2011, Jack was the child chair for Lackawanna and Luzerne County Heart Walk and Heart Ball. We reach out to newly diagnosed families and continue to raise awareness. For the past two years, we worked closely with the AHA and parents of children with heart defects to pass legislation in PA that allows all babies born to be screened for cardiac defects prior to hospital release. The law was finally passed this summer. As of October 1, 2014, all babies in PA are screened with a pulse-oximetry test before they leave the hospital. One thing I have learned on our personal journey is just how prevalent heart disease is in ALL demographics. It does not discriminate. It affects newborns, women and men. As women, the habits we form are the examples that will be embraced by those we love. Making time for exercise, stress relief and eating sensibly are all things that are so important for heart health, and they have a great impact on our families as well.”
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My children.
NORTHEAST PA LOVE: Community involvement and how this area truly pulls together. Everyone knows each other; small business owners know and appreciate their clients.
Kathi Bankes
Sales Manager, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Owner, That Birthday Party Place
FAMILY: Husband David; children John Baldino, Shauna Turlip and Kelsey Tyson; grandchildren Brady, Meryn, Cooper and Caroline
HOMETOWN: Carbondale
RESIDES: Exeter
ENJOYS: reading and time with grandchildren
AGE: 60
CAREER NOTES: Sales experience with General Mills & Nestle, Anheuser Bush and Genetti’s; 10 years with Metz & Associates
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Association of the Blind, American Red Cross, Ballet Northeast, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber
“I was 34-years-old, and I had a stroke. I had three young children, was in excellent physical shape and had no idea what was happening to me. It didn’t happen because of something I did wrong, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle became very important to me. I came to realize that knowledge is paramount. Listen to your body. Sometimes we talk ourselves out of going to the doctor because we think it’s probably nothing. But you need to go, and make sure it’s really nothing!
Women tend to ignore symptoms; we are too busy taking care of everyone else, and we think we don’t have time to be ill. Do not think you know your body better than you know the warning signs of something serious. ALWAYS make your health a top priority!”
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I do what I love every day
GOALS: Live each day to the fullest; make people smile, and be a role model for other women.
Terese Casey
Volunteer, United States Senator Bob Casey’s Office & Campaigns
FAMILY: Husband Bob Casey; Daughters Elyse, Caroline, Julia and Marena. Hometown: Belmont, Massachusetts
RESIDES: Scranton
ENJOYS: gardening, reading and summers in Lake Ariel
AGE: 54
EDUCATION: The College of the Holy Cross
CAREER NOTES: CPA at Peat Marwick and The Washington Post Company; Stay-home mom to four daughters; Implemented Dollars for Scholars program St. Clare/St. Paul School.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The Commonwealth Medical College
“I was diagnosed over 10 years ago with mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation. I had a mild case at the time and was told that it may never get worse, but I needed to be monitored twice a year. In November 2014, I had surgery to repair my mitral valve. I have more energy now than I have in years. I believe many women still don’t understand that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women or that women have different warning signs than men. Knowledge is power, and women need to educate themselves on the warning signs.”
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My children! I have chosen to put my family first for the simple reason that in the end, family is everything.
NORTHEAST PA LOVE: It has been a great place to raise our children. I am grateful that my daughters were able to grow up in a community that embraces family, faith and service to others. They have been instilled with the values that will sustain them for life.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I love to do crossword puzzles
Deborah A. Roszkowski
OTR/L, CDRS Occupational Therapist, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, Allied Services Heinz Rehab Hospital
FAMILY: partner Ed Maslowski; sons Tyler and Vance; grandson Jacob.
HOMETOWN: Lake Silkworth
RESIDES: Port Griffith
ENJOYS: reading swimming, genealogy and time with family
AGE: 50
EDUCATION: Misericordia University
CAREER NOTES: Occupational Therapist for Maricopia Medical Center Burn Unit in Phoenix, AZ; Allied Services since 1995
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 2012 Luzerne County American Heart Association Heart Ball Honoree; Facilitator of community stroke support group at Heinz Rehab Hospital
“I am a stroke survivor from a brainstem stroke in 1999. The stroke was caused by a blood clot. I was 34 years old. My baby was 2-and-a-half. That day my whole life changed. I spent a month in acute care and about three months in inpatient rehabilitation at John Heinz. I received OT/PT/speech therapies from my co-workers. I went home at wheelchair level with home health and spent another year with outpatient therapies. Slowly, and with the grace of God, I regained function. Today, despite paralysis and other impairments, I feel I have a good life.“
HEALTHY STEPS: Swimming in Lake Silkworth; aquatic therapy at the Heinz pool. Lowered cholesterol through diet changes.
ADVICE: Never give up
LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: When I survived the stroke, I had what is called “locked-in syndrome.” I was cognitively intact and aware, but all other function was lost. When I woke up in the ICU, the only thing I could do was blink my left eye!
NORTHEAST PA LOVE: The region is rich in the heritage of many cultures. For instance, my ancestors emigrated from Poland in the late 1800s to find work in the coal mines.
Jodie McMillen
Level One Heart Attack Nurse Coordinator, Geisinger Community Medical Center. Family: husband Shawn; Children Ian, Collin and Keegan
HOMETOWN: Dinwiddie, VA
RESIDES: Moscow, PA
ENJOYS: reading, gardening and shopping
AGE: 35
EDUCATION: University of Phoenix
CAREER NOTES: Nurse for 12 years, eight in emergency room and critical care, especially in Cardiac and Cardiac Surgery ICU. Adjunct Faculty for University of Phoenix.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: American Heart Association Heart Walk; North Pocono Dandy Lion Little League and PTA
“I have always felt it was important for the community to be educated on the importance of being heart healthy but also knowing how and where to get good quality care. This is what led me to my current job. I have a strong family history of heart disease and have seen it greatly impact the lives of family members. It has driven me to take care of myself and my family as well as encourage others to be more heart healthy. I don’t think women realize how much heart disease affects them. There is still a strong belief that it is a man’s disease, so women often ignore the symptoms. Women tend to take care of others and neglect themselves. Trust your instincts; if you feel something is wrong call 911 and get treatment right away. It truly can mean the difference between life and death.”
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Achieving the Chest Pain Center Accreditation by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care and the Chest Pain Receiving Center Accreditation by the American Heart Association in less than a year.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I lived in Hawaii for a year and a half
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