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July 2, 2021
ATTENTION: When visiting a Heritage Valley Health System facility or physician practice all individuals are required to wear a mask. Per the current CDC and Department of Health regulations, MASKS are REQUIRED in healthcare facilities until further notice.
Heritage Valley ConvenientCare walk-in clinics
are open July 4th from 8 AM to 4 PM!
Service Spotlight: Heritage Valley Stroke Care
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.

Heritage Valley Health System is committed to providing the highest quality care for stroke patients. Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley hospitals are both recognized as Primary Stroke Centers of Excellence by the Joint Commission. This certification identifies our programs as capable of prompt evaluation and treatment of any potential stroke patient who comes to our facilities.

Having the stroke center designation reduces response times for area residents suffering from stroke symptoms. This means our patients won’t need to travel far for care and will receive treatment in the critical time as symptoms occur. Heritage Valley works closely with local EMS services and developed a refined process for assessing symptoms.

A key aspect of Heritage Valley’s stroke response teams is the “telestroke” system Heritage Valley has developed with Pittsburgh hospitals. Patients and Heritage Valley Beaver physicians are connected by real-time video to stroke neurologists at UPMC facilities, and Heritage Valley Sewickley physicians are connected to stroke neurologists at Allegheny General Hospital.

Additionally, Heritage Valley's Beaver and Sewickley hospitals have also been awarded Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus achievements by the American Heart Association for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent a Stroke
Below are some measures you can take to improve your health and prevent a stroke.

  • Maintain a normal Blood Pressure (BP). High blood pressure or Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of stroke. Know your BP. Normal BP is 120/80. See your doctor regularly to maintain a normal BP.

  • Stop Smoking!

  • Maintain your blood sugar (glucose) level within normal limits. Diabetes doubles your risk for stroke. Know your glucose level. Normal glucose values vary based on the individual. Learn your glucose level and talk to your doctor if it is elevated.

  • Know your cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol can block your arteries leading to stroke. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Increase your fiber intake. Learn your cholesterol level and talk to your doctor if it is elevated.

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Stay active. You can add exercise into your daily activities by parking farther from the entrance of your favorite store or riding an exercise bike while you watch your favorite television program.

  • Limit your alcohol consumption and don’t do drugs. Drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day for females or two per day for males increases the risk for hypertension, therefore, increasing your stroke risk.

  • Manage your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also increase your stroke risk. If you have sleep apnea, follow your physician’s guidelines to keep it under control.

Call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653) or go to http://www.heart.org for further information!
Pregnancy Loss Support Group
Heritage Valley's pregnancy and infant loss support group offers a warm, accepting atmosphere for parents dealing with the loss of an infant. A variety of subjects are covered in this support group, including:
  • The stages of grief
  • What to expect
  • Practical coping techniques
  • How to respond to other family members (including children, spouses, and older parents). 
Currently, Heritage Valley's pregnancy and infant loss support group meets virtually via Zoom. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 12 at 7 PM. To register, please email Kim at kcosentino@hvhs.org. Kim is also available to speak privately with individuals.
COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing Still Available at Heritage Valley
If you have recently decided to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Heritage Valley is here for you! We continue to offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals ages 12 and up by appointment at ConvenientCare locations in Center and Robinson Townships. Those interested in receiving a vaccine can register online at heritagevalley.org or call 724.770.7555 for an appointment. Appointments are required; walk-in times are not available. Patients are asked to bring their health insurance and photo identification with them to their vaccine appointments.

The following are vaccination dates:

ConvenientCare - Robinson - July 16

ConvenientCare - Center Twp - July 7; July 17

For vaccine information, click here.

For testing information, click here.