Health for Her" Programs Focus on Household Toxins

Pittsburgh Parent

Spring cleaning is on the minds of many families this time of year. May’s Health for Her free educational programs presented by Allegheny Health Network will address the importance of using environmentally –friendly cleaning products that avoid the dangers of household chemicals and toxins that are linked to illnesses such as childhood asthma.

 The programs, being offered free at eight locations throughout the month, are funded by the Heinz Endowment. Participants will hear from AHN medical professionals and leaders of Women for a Healthy Environment about why the use of “green” cleaning products in the home is the healthy choice for women and their families.  They will learn how to make their own low-cost, environmentally-friendly cleaning products – and take a sample home. Speakers also will provide tips on healthy eating, including during pregnancy, and discuss how good nutrition is vital to a healthy environment.

 “Healthier Homes, Happier Families” presentations will be offered at the following locations:

  • Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Braddock Community Center, 416 Library St., Braddock. Presenting the program will be Deborah Gentile, MD, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Executive Director, Women for a Healthy Environment. Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Project Destiny of Pittsburgh, Inc., 2200 California Ave., Pittsburgh. Presenting the program will be Deborah Gentile, MD, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, and Chelsea Holmes, Director of Community Education, Women for a Healthy Environment. Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, 12311 Perry Highway, Wexford. Presenting the program will be Deborah Gentile, MD, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, and Chelsea Holmes, Director of Community Education, Women for a Healthy Environment. Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Thursday, May 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Bethel Park Health + Wellness Pavilion, 1000 Higbee Drive, Bethel Park, Entrance D, Multi-purpose Room. Allison Freeman, MD, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, and Chelsea Holmes, Director of Community Education, Women for a Healthy Environment, will present the program.
  • Monday, May 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Allegheny Valley Hospital, Charles Young Conference Center, Natrona Heights. Presenting the program will be Jenny Halfhill, MD, Century Medical Associates, and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Executive Director, Women for a Healthy Environment. Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Murrysville Commons, First Floor, Community Room, 4262 Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville. Presenting the program will be Monika Philipkosky, MD, AHN Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecology, and  Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Executive Director, Women for a Healthy Environment. Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Tuesday, May 31, 5 to 7 p.m., Jefferson Hospital, James Bibro Building, second floor, Jefferson Room, 565 Coal Valley Road, Jefferson Hills. The presentation will be by Allison Freeman, MD, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Executive Director, Women for a Healthy Environment. A light meal will be provided.
  • Thursday, June 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Family Center, 734 Miller Ave., Clairton. The presentation will be by Allison Freeman, MD, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, and Chelsea Holmes, Director of Community Education, Women for a Healthy Environment. A light meal will be provided.

Free parking for participants is available at each of the program locations. There is no registration fee, but seating is limited. Call 412.469.7002 to register for any of the programs. Details about “Health for Her” programs at all AHN locations and additional registration information can be found at https://www.ahn.org/specialties/womens-health/support-services.

About Health for Her

Allegheny Health Network’s award-winning “Health for Her” program provides women with free health and wellness education on timely and relevant topics, empowering women to take health into their own hands. Programs are offered across AHN’s broad service area.  The “Health for Her” initiative is a past winner of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) statewide Community Outreach and Engagement Award for exceptional patient care services.

This article appears in the Health for Her" Programs Focus on Household Toxins issue of Pittsburgh Parent.

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