Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy

09/08/2025

Happy National Physical Therapy Day!
We honor and recognize the important work of physical therapists and their role in helping people move better, feel stronger and live healthier lives.

Thank you to our dedicated Penn State Health physical therapy team for the care, encouragement and expertise you provide every day. 💙

09/04/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 - 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀!
The start of a new school year is a great time to refresh your family’s routines. Establishing healthy habits now helps your child thrive all year long.

Here are a few ways to start strong:
😴 Prioritize sleep - Consistent bedtimes help kids stay focused and energized.
🥕 Pack balanced lunches - Nutritious meals give kids the fuel they need to learn and grow.
🩺 Schedule check-ups - Annual physicals and recommended vaccines help keep kids healthy.

A healthy school year starts at home. PennState Health supports your family every step of the way.

09/02/2025

September is National Cholesterol Education Month🫀
High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can increase the risk of serious health conditions. The good news: Cholesterol levels can be managed with healthy lifestyle habits and routine check-ups.

Here are a few steps to support your heart health:
🩺 Get your cholesterol level checked regularly.
🥗 Eat a heart-healthy diet.
🚴🏽‍♂️ Stay physically active.

Even small changes can make a difference. Talk with your health care provider to learn more. To schedule an appointment, call 814-235-2480.

08/30/2025

Looking for a quick, healthy option that is perfect for lunches or an after-school snack? Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a back-to-school favorite! 🍓See the full recipe at pshcc.org/recipes

08/29/2025

Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is now offering an enhanced option for sleep apnea care for people who can’t tolerate or benefit from CPAP. Led by Dr. Neerav Goyal, our team recently became the first in central Pennsylvania to provide the Inspire V implant — an advancement of the Inspire device previously offered at Penn State Health.

This newest version allows for a faster surgery, less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery, helping more patients breathe easier and sleep better.

08/28/2025

Is your child ready to move from a car seat to a booster? Knowing when and how to make the switch is key to keeping them safe.

Shannon DePatto, trauma prevention coordinator at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, shares expert guidance on booster seat safety and injury prevention in this short video. 🚗

For more information on car seat safety, visit: https://bit.ly/45tfbbK

08/28/2025

May our local students have a happy and healthy first week of school! 🎉✏️

Whether it is the first week of kindergarten, the final year of high school, or somewhere in between, we are cheering on students as they begin a brand-new chapter.

Call 814-235-2480 to schedule a sports physical, health check-up, or to ensure your student meets immunization requirements.

Stay healthy, take care of one another, and remember - healthy habits start young!

08/27/2025

After returning to central Pennsylvania following her husband’s passing, Jeanette Van Deusen didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t afford to see a doctor. Thanks to Beacon Clinic in Uptown Harrisburg, she’s back on her medication for high blood pressure and able to monitor her health at home.

Penn State Health physicians, nurses, Penn State College of Medicine students, and residents volunteer at the clinic, providing care to uninsured and underinsured adults from more than 50 countries. Beyond primary care, Beacon Clinic offers specialty clinics, nutrition support through the Food as Medicine program, and connections to resources like transportation, housing, and health insurance.

For patients like Jeanette and others, the clinic is a welcoming, life-changing place that touches generations.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4fUgzca

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾 Our facility and volunteer dogs bring comfort and smiles to patients, families and staff every day across Penn State Health.

Have you met one of them? Share a photo of you with one of our facility or volunteer dogs in the comments — we’d love to see your favorite moments!

08/26/2025

We are excited to welcome Dr. Barnes, orthopaedic surgeon, to Penn State Health Sports Medicine.

Dr. Barnes specializes in treating injuries of the bones, joints, and muscles to help patients of all ages get back to doing what they love.

08/25/2025

From wheelchair basketball and adaptive cycling to service dog demos and resource booths, RecFest 2025 brought the community together for an afternoon of inclusive sports and recreation. Thank you to everyone who joined us at Spooky Nook Sports to celebrate the power of activity and connection, hosted by Penn State Health Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital.

08/22/2025

Back-to-school jitters? Here’s when it’s more than first-day nerves.

A little nervousness is normal, but lingering anxiety can show up as:
🤢 Stomachaches or headaches
🚑 Frequent trips to the nurse
💭 Repeated worries

Penn State Health pediatric counselor Anna Nase recommends:
✔️ Check your own energy – kids notice parents’ emotions
✔️ Reset sleep routines – a well-rested body = calmer mind
✔️ Familiarize your child with school – tours or hallway walks can ease anxiety

Reach out for support – teachers, counselors, or therapists can help kids navigate worries. Supporting them early sets the stage for a strong start! 💪

🔗 Read the full Medical Minute: https://bit.ly/45NgB0S

08/22/2025

Are you and your school-aged children up to date on all immunizations?

𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡.
Vaccines do more than protect you - they also protect the people you care about most. From childhood immunizations to adult boosters, staying up to date on your vaccines is a simple and effective way to support your health and your community.

Common recommended vaccines include:
✅ back-to-school vaccines
✅ annual flu shots
✅ tetanus, shingles, and more for adults and seniors

Not sure if you are due for a vaccine or check-up? Call 814-235-2480 to schedule an appointment.

08/21/2025

After more than two decades of lifesaving service, Life Lion helicopter N600LL has officially retired from the skies.

In its 24 years, N600LL was more than an aircraft — it was a symbol of hope, carrying patients and crews through thousands of critical missions across central Pennsylvania.

📸 As we shared earlier this month, N600LL took its final flight with the same pilot who first flew it in 2001. Now, we invite you to look back at its remarkable journey in photos: https://bit.ly/460E28i

08/20/2025

Nearly 700 American flags waved outside Penn State Health hospitals this summer through our Flags of Honor program. Employees, patients, families and community members purchased flags to honor veterans and active-duty service members, raising $6,821 to support:

🔹 Medical equipment and technology at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
🔹 Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute's 2026 relocation.
🔹 Greatest needs at Lancaster, Hampden, Holy Spirit and Milton S. Hershey medical centers.

The tribute was made possible by Penn State Health’s Military and Veteran Business Employee Resource Group, who organized, supplied and placed the flags.

08/19/2025

Superheroes don’t just save the day — sometimes they make it. 🦸‍♂️‍

Captain America, Spider-Man and Superman scaled the walls of Penn State Health Children's Hospital, surprising kids and families with some high-flying fun.

Thanks to Vancena Property Service for keeping this heroic tradition alive for the ninth year in a row.

👉 Read more about this super day: https://bit.ly/45WWf6G

08/18/2025

The American Heart Association has honored Penn State Health hospitals with top awards for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease. These achievements reflect the expertise of our care teams and their commitment to improving outcomes for patients across central Pennsylvania.

Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center also received the association’s new Commitment to Quality Award — a distinction earned by only 158 hospitals nationwide.

Read more about the awards each of our hospitals earned: https://bit.ly/47AAw5I

The American Heart Association has honored Penn State Health’s hospitals with a series of prestigious awards for following up-to-date, research-based guidelines in treating stroke and heart disease.

08/15/2025

A new school year means more than just buying supplies — it’s also a good time to make sure your child is healthy, rested and ready to learn. Penn State Health pediatricians share simple steps to ease the back-to-school transition, from checkups and vaccines to sleep and mental health.

To read the full Medical Minute, visit: https://bit.ly/4mgBoRo

08/14/2025

Scalpels, sutures and science — oh my! High school students jumped into the fast-paced world of medicine at Science of Surgery Camp, practicing skills like suturing, placing chest tubes and performing intubations. Guided by physicians, surgeons and educators from Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine, they gained hands-on experience and valuable insights.

This annual camp welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and offers an exciting opportunity to explore science, medicine and technology — sparking curiosity and passion for the future of health care.

The program is a partnership between Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Harrisburg.

07/11/2025

Share your artistry with us at 2025 Penn State Health Kid's Zone in the MLK Plaza

07/10/2025

06/29/2025

🔥Summertime is here and that means it's time to fire up the grill!🔥
This BBQ Chicken Marinade is the secret to a tender, flavor-packed chicken every time. Perfect for summer cookouts or a weeknight dinner win!

Get the full recipe at pshcc.org/recipes

06/26/2025

Because Our Children Mean So Much--
Penn State Health is proud to sponsor the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Children and Youth Day for the fourth consecutive year! Additionally, we are sponsoring the new Kids Zone at the MLK Plaza throughout the duration of the fest! Come visit us to paint a mural banner that will go to the Penn State Health's Children's Hospital. For more information, visit: pshcc.org/artofcare

06/24/2025

☀️ With rising temperatures, staying hydrated is a must!
Dehydration can sneak up quickly and take a toll on your health—causing fatigue, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, muscle cramps, and even serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
To help you stay refreshed and healthy, the Penn State Health Medical Group - Park Avenue Family Medicine team shares these simple tips to keep your hydration on point all day long:

💧 Drink water regularly – Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Sip throughout the day.
🍉 Eat water-rich foods – Fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges help boost hydration.
🚰 Limit dehydrating drinks – Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the heat.
🎒 Take water with you – Keep a refillable bottle handy, whether you’re at work, running errands, or outdoors.
🧢 Dress smart – Lightweight, light-colored clothes can help reduce fluid loss from sweating.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe!