Milestone HCQU West Blog - News, Resources, and Innovative Ideas & Supports

October 6, 2021

Down Syndrome Awareness

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and did you know that in our region we are lucky enough to have the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at UPMC? It is one of only ten centers in the United States. The clinic is run by Dr. Peter Bulova who is also the Co-Director of Magee Center for Women with Disabilities. He is...

General/Resources

September 29, 2021

Morphic is Raising the Bar

Morphic’s mission is to make computers easier to use. This software is quick and easy to install on Windows or Mac computers making an all-in-one accessibility package just a few clicks away. Morphic accesses the accessibility features already built into the operating system of a PC or Mac and makes them easier to customize and reach with shortcuts. Many are...

General/Resources/Technology

September 22, 2021

The Secret to Becoming Healthy Is Getting Started

Getting started is exactly what James “Jim” Klaes did! I began educating Jim and Armstrong Care Inc.’s staff in December of 2020. Jim and his team provided permission for us to share his story. Jim had recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and had an A1C of 9.1, which is equivalent to an average 3-month blood sugar of 214. ...

General

September 15, 2021

It’s a Cup of Coffee for the Win!

I don’t know how many of you are like me. I love my coffee. And for those of you who know me well I may have a little bit of a struggle until I have that first cup. I used to drink my coffee with flavored creamer but within the last few years I have gravitated towards plain black. Pour...

General/Resources

September 8, 2021

Caring for Yourself and Others After the Pandemic

In part two of a recent webinar series sponsored by Health Advocate© “Addressing the Repercussions Of COVID-19 On Employees’ Health,” guest speaker, Dr. Raffi Terzian-health advocate Senior Vice President of clinical operations; Senior Medical Director; Board Certified Emergency Room Physician, shared insight on this topic. One of the main concerns discussed during this webinar was the impact on the future...

Community/General

September 1, 2021

The Secret Sensory Garden

How does your garden grow? Honestly, I don’t have much of a green thumb, but I revel in the natural world around me. My grandma sure had the green thumb, maybe a whole hand for growing things. There’s always been some starting sprout, or vining plant hanging over the kitchen or bedroom windows. Do you ever spend time out in...

Community/General

August 25, 2021

Virtual Cooking Classes for Self-Advocates

Food…it’s something we all enjoy and can’t live without. It brings people together and creates opportunities for us to gather and enjoy one another’s company while making memories. For a lot of people, the most appetizing thing about food, of course, is eating it; however, for others it’s the cooking aspect. You may not know it, but there are many...

General/Resources

August 18, 2021

RENGEN-COV

This week the FDA approved RENGEN-COV under an emergency use authorization. The treatment works by attaching monoclonal antibodies to the novel coronavirus when it first enters the body and preventing it from invading new cells and replicating. This treatment is for adults and children over age 12 exposed to SARS-CoV-2 who might be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19....

General

August 11, 2021

Special Needs Summer Camps

Summer is officially here and with summer comes… summer camps! Perhaps you remember your summer camp days of hiking, swimming, canoeing, playing sports, doing crafts, sitting and singing around campfires, and participating in many other recreational activities. Oh, and we can’t forget eating the camp food! Summer camps offer people many different opportunities, as well as a chance to establish...

Community/General/Resources

August 4, 2021

Water You Waiting For? Head Out to the Moraine State Park Regatta!

Great things are happening at Moraine State Park. The annual Moraine State Park Regatta is taking place after having to be put on hold last year. They will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the park starting August 6th, 2021. There are lots of fun activities planned which are detailed below. The most exciting news is that the Leadership Butler...

Community/General