Latest news with #AlleghenyHealthNetwork
CBS News
5 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
New report finds children as young as 5 should have less technology
Much has been said about the detrimental impact of screens on childhood development, but a new study takes that concern to an even younger age. This is as much about what children aren't doing as it is about what they are doing. There is no question that we are seeing the screen time impact on our children. "A lot of them have lost the ability to interact, to make eye contact, and have conversations," said Dr. Joseph Aracri of Allegheny Health Network pediatrics. Dr. Aracri said that kids five and under desperately need to be doing non-screen things. "It's really important for a child to move, to run, to jump, to pick up things, put them in their mouth, smell them, see them, and touch them," Dr. Aracri said. "That's where you're going to learn language development, reasoning skills, through that interaction with the parent." Without that, Dr. Aracri said that they will show a lasting decrease in socialization skills, and it's becoming clear in teenagers, saying "they can all be in the same room together and they're just texting each other." Dr. Aracri said if your child is five or younger is going to be using screens, be sure to use interactive games that require thinking, reasoning, and action. Also be sure to limit the time and use alternatives. "In general, LEGOs, blocks, anything that a child can pick up, turn around, reason, and play with, is usually better," he said. As for those rainy days when it seems like the screen is the only option, you can look at it as an opportunity. "Go outside, jump in puddles, get muddy, so it's raining, it's a warm rain, have fun," Dr. Aracri said. "For a parent, you have to tell the child it's OK to get wet, it's OK to get dirty." Obviously, just not when there is lightning around. That said, doing that continues the mission of the report, which emphasises that kids of all ages need active play. While there are no doubt times as a parent when you need the screens so you can get things done, at times, you can let your child follow you around and pretend that they are helping.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
No cash, no checks. Erie hospital now requires patients pay with credit or debit card
Visiting Saint Vincent Hospital or one of its medical offices for a procedure or exam? Make sure to take a credit or debit card with you. Allegheny Health Network, Saint Vincent's parent organization, is no longer accepting cash or checks for most medical payments made at the hospital or in the office. The new policy took effect July 7. "This policy change allows us to reduce administrative costs, strengthen the security of our payment processing, and improve record-keeping," AHN officials said in a statement. "Reducing physical contact with paper currency and checks also reduces the spread of germs, improving infection control." The Pittsburgh-based health system accepts all major credit and debit cards, including those attached to health savings and flexible spending accounts. Exceptions will be made for patients who don't have a credit or debit card. "AHN will not turn away patients at the point of care," AHN officials said. AHN continues to accept cash at nonclinical locations, including cafeterias, vending machines and gift shops. UPMC still accepts cash and checks for copayments and other payments at its hospitals and medical offices, according to a UPMC Hamot spokeswoman. It wasn't immediately known what payments are accepted at UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care centers. Contact David Bruce at dbruce@ Follow him on X @ETNBruce. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Cash, checks no longer accepted at Saint Vincent for medical services
CBS News
28-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Allegheny Health Network and Cigna Healthcare announce 3-year contract agreement
On Friday, Allegheny Health Network and Cigna Healthcare announced a new, three-year contract agreement that will ensure those on Cigna insurance will continue to have access to AHN facilities. "This contract is fantastic news for the more than 20,000 Cigna members in this region who rely on AHN for their care," said AHN President Mark Sevco. "It ensures continued, in-network access to AHN's expert clinicians, and to the exceptional-quality, high-value care that their members and our patients expect and deserve." Beneficiaries will continue to have in-network access to AHN's clinical programs, 14 hospitals, and the doctors and specialists employed by AHN. Patients who have appointments in the next week will still be able to keep them, and the new contract goes through June 30, 2028. Those covered by Cigna insurance who may have questions about the new contract can call the Cigna customer service line at 1-800-997-1654.
CBS News
23-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
How to stay cool in Pittsburgh during the extreme heat
What to do if your home does not have air conditioning? What to do if your home does not have air conditioning? What to do if your home does not have air conditioning? An expert has tips on how to stay cool during the extreme heat in Pittsburgh. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death nationwide, surpassing the fatalities caused by floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning. What to do if your home does not have air conditioning? If you live in a multilevel home without AC, go downstairs because heat rises. But if you do not have a lower level to escape to, there is something you can do to keep yourself cool. People are advised to close any doors to rooms they are not occupying. Whatever cold air you have, you don't want it going somewhere you are not going to be. Also, be sure to close all windows and blinds, and beware of what lights you keep on. If you have a fan, turn it on, but make sure it's going counterclockwise. That way, whatever cold air is in the room will stay down where you are. But what about your body? Dr. Brian Lamb of Allegheny Health Network Internal Medicine has some suggestions. "You need to make sure you are consistently drinking," Lamb said. "Not a glass of water in the morning and a glass of water at night. You can actually help increase evaporation for your skin. ... If you get towels, soak them in cold water, put them around your neck, put them across your forehead. You lose a lot of heat through your head." And hold off on vacuuming or using the dryer, and do not use the oven. "Eat some fruit," Lamb said. "You don't want a hot, heavy meal. That puts more demands on your body." "When you're body is hot, it doesn't work as well," he added. If all else fails, find someone who has air conditioning or go to a cooling center. Pittsburghers go to the pool to stay cool Settlers Cabin Wave Pool was busy on Monday, as people were trying to escape the heat. "We have a pool at home, but we come out here," said Sean/Giavanna Weir. Already this week, so many wanted to come to the wave pool that it reached capacity and closed admissions. Same at other pools in the county, including Boyce Park. So, what can you do to make sure you don't get in line only to be turned away? Check out the county's Facebook page before you head out.
CBS News
04-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Allegheny Health Network warns most Signa customers could lose in-network coverage unless agreement is reached
Allegheny Health Network is warning that most Cigna members won't have in-network access to its physicians and facilities unless a new agreement can be reached by the end of the month. In a letter sent to patients, Allegheny Health Networks said it has been "unable to reach a fair and mutually acceptable agreement" with Cigna after several months of negotiation. "We understand how disconcerting and stressful this news may be for you, and please know that it is our sincerest hope that we will reach a new agreement with Cigna before June 30 that will enable you to continue receiving the health care services you need at AHN over the long term," AHN's letter read. If the contract does end, the health system said it's "committed" to making sure there are no care disruptions for Cigna members who are actively in treatment. AHN also said it will try to ensure that transitions to new physicians, if necessary, are "seamless." "In the unfortunate event that AHN's contract with Cigna does come to an end, however, our highest priority will be minimizing the inconvenience, stress, and burden of this development on you and other Cigna members," the letter says. AHN encourages anyone with questions to contact the Cigna customer service line on the back of their card or call 1-800-997-1654. In 2023, about 20,000 Cigna customers were at risk of losing in-network coverage at Allegheny Health Network facilities, but the two did reach an agreement.
