The staff at Destination Wellness from left to right: Sherry Kaminski, R.N. (Springdale); Melissa Peterson, Customer Service Liaison (Glenshaw); Megan Klucinec, R.D.,L.D.N.,C.D.E., Program Director (Plum); Mary Ann Greenlee, R.N. (Vandergrift); and, Rebec

Have you any health issues, lifestyle concerns or medical questions that need answers? If your answer is yes, and most of us do, then go no further than Pittsburgh Mills for the answers. Today you can get health education, wellness classes, screenings, questions answered and much more at Destination Wellness at Entrance 5, Store 556.

Thousands have already benefited from Destination Wellness services. Now seven months old, there are up to 20 educational programs and workshops focusing on specific health issues every month. These cover topics such as sleep apnea, arthritis, GI and colorectal, diabetes, heart disease, and even how to cook in a healthy way! You can also get vision screening, a high blood pressure check and diabetes screening. If you are over 55 you may want to take the AARP Driver Safety Program that will earn a 5% discount on your auto insurance. Or, if you are retired or near retirement you can get your Medicare questions answered and learn more about the new Medicare Plan D. There are programs for children such as storytelling (Poison Prevention) and Tri-City Life program for teens.

Probably the biggest hit according to Megan Klucinec, R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E., Program Director, is weight management. The “Mills Milers” walking program has over 1,500 registered participants. This free program features supervised walking for two hours each morning on the two-thirds mile loop inside the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills. Health and fitness presentations by Alle-Kiski Medical Center professionals are available to the walkers, who can qualify for shopping incentives at select Pittsburgh Mills merchants.

Dale and Bette McKenna of Frazer Township, said, “Destination Wellness is a perfect site to get really healthy without a fight”. They do their walking six times a week. Milford Hazlet of O’Hara Township not only does the walking, but said, “Destination Wellness filled in the missing links and kick-started my personal wellness and nutritional program”.

That is what Destination Wellness is all about, filling in the missing links. It is connecting important health information and educating to help you make the right decisions for better health. Megan Klucinec says it is a new way of delivering health services and information. It is also unique and new to this area. The concept of Destination Wellness began with William Englert, Vice President of Business Development and Operations at Alle-Kiski Medical Center. He and Megan Klucinec visited other areas of the country to look at hospital and health outreach centers. They took the best of what they saw and added other services to form Destination Wellness. It is one of the few community-based health facilities in the United States today.

In many ways getting accurate and reliable health information is sometimes difficult at best. Even in the age of the Internet where there is more than enough information, filtering it to understand and use it is not easy. Sometimes it is misleading. The difference at Destination Wellness is relationship. It goes beyond the clinical approach encountered at the hospital or doctor’s offices (where there is almost never enough time to talk) and brings you a very personal service based on your time and need. The most important aspect is with two Registered Nurses and two Customer Service Liaisons on staff, you receive personal attention and information or services tailored to your need.

The staff was selected for their experience in the health field (had to be at least five years), knowledge of health issues and ability to communicate and work well with persons seeking information or help. They hold programs, help people select physicians and specialists, answer questions, do health screenings and assist visitors with whatever they need.

Destination Wellness at Entrance 5, Store 556, at Pittsburgh Mills

Another interesting part of the Alle-Kiski Medical Center program at Pittsburgh Mills is the Rapid Response Paramedics. Located next to the security area, the paramedics are present during the Mall’s open hours. They have already saved at least one life and answered many medical emergencies for shoppers. And, they don’t just sit and wait. These paramedics walk the Mall all the time fully equipped to handle any emergency. They also service medical emergencies in the communities around the Mall.

A very important service at Destination Wellness is the Blood Bank program; Allegheny Valley Hospital is one of the few hospitals that have its own blood bank. A blood drive is held on the first three Wednesday of every month and many are donating.

Phil Grove, Communication Director at AKMC, said, “Destination Wellness is just the beginning of AKMC's presence at the newest destination in the region. As the official health-care partner of Pittsburgh Mills, AKMC is vitally involved in various components of the vast complex”. AKMC is the official sponsor for the Rivers Neighborhood, one of the five distinct sections of the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills.

Staffing Destination Wellness are Melissa Peterson of Glenshaw and Rebecca Matt of Natrona Heights as Customer Service Liaisons. Mary Ann Greenlee of Vandergrift and Sherry Kaminski of Springdale are the Registered Nurses. Megan Klucinec oversees the programs and office staff.

Destination Wellness is open seven days a week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. You may reach them at 724-274-5202 for further information.

Be sure to watch the interview with Megan Klucinec and staff members at: http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1682

You may visit Alle-Kiski Medical Center’s web site at: http://www.wpahs.org/akmc/index.html