Geisinger Obsertrician Speaks on HPV Vaccine: GetYour Questions Answered HPV vaccine: Get your questions answered By Benjamin Matthews, MD, Geisinger obstetrician and gynecologist The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and most people will have exposure at some time in their lives. HPV is the virus that causes genital warts, but some strains can lead to various types of cancer later in life, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers. The HPV vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against HPV infections — and their potential negative effects — and stop the spread. A misperception is that HPV only causes problems in females. In reality, both women and men can develop genital warts and HPV-related cancers. The vaccine helps the body develop immunity to the virus and prevents spread among people. Immunity is more likely before exposure to HPV, so vaccination in early adolescence is so important to keep preventable cancers from happening. How is HPV spread? HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact. The strains of HPV that cause cancers in the cervix, penis, throat and anus are usually spread by sexual contact. The problem is, most people infected with HPV will not have symptoms. Even so, the virus is still in their system and could be causing damage. Not to mention, people with HPV can pass the infection to others without knowing it. No treatment for HPV is available. Fortunately, a healthy immune system can detect and suppress HPV in most cases. However, when it doesn’t and the virus remains in the body for long periods, the infected cells can progress into pre-cancer and then cancer. What is the HPV vaccine? Gardasil 9, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014, is the most often recommended HPV vaccine. This HPV vaccine helps protect against 9 of the highest-risk HPV strains that cause genital warts and cancers. The vaccine works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the HPV virus. This response helps the body recognize and destroy the virus if encountered in the future. It’s not a live vaccine. If you’ve already been exposed to a particular strain of HPV, the vaccine doesn’t treat the infection. The vaccine is meant to protect against a new HPV infection, so the vaccine may not be as effective once a person has HPV. Who should get the HPV vaccine series? The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine series for males and females starting at the age of 11 or 12, but it can be safely administered as early as age 9. At this young age, a child’s immune system is especially strong and provides the greatest immune response — and the best protection against HPV infection. Plus, the HPV vaccine series is most effective when given before a child is sexually active and potentially exposed to the virus. Many parents have concerns that giving their child the HPV vaccine might encourage sexual activity at a younger age. But as a provider caring for women with potentially deadly cervical and vulvar cancers, I encourage parents to focus on the opportunity to prevent their child from developing an avoidable cancer. Also, research shows that receiving the vaccine at a young age isn’t linked to an earlier start of sexual activity. The CDC also recommends the HPV vaccine series for older adolescents who aren’t yet vaccinated. Is there anyone who shouldn’t get the HPV vaccine? A person shouldn’t receive the HPV vaccine: If they’re pregnant If they had an allergic reaction after the first HPV shot or have severe, life-threatening allergies If they’re sick with a mild illness at the time When can you get the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine is a series of shots, with the number depending on the age at the first dose, and can be safely given at the same time as other vaccines. The CDC recommends the following HPV vaccine schedule: Kids ages 9 to 14 should receive 2 doses of the vaccine, with the second dose administered 6 to 12 months after the first. Teens and young adults ages 15 to 26 should receive 3 doses, with the second dose given about 2 months after the first and the third dose given 6 months after the initial one. Kids who didn’t start or complete the HPV vaccine series during the recommended age can still catch up on their vaccination up to age 45. However, the HPV vaccine after age 26 should be individualized, as the vaccination provides less benefit because more people in this age group have already been exposed to HPV. But everyone’s situation is different, so talk to your primary care provider or OB-GYN about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you. You might still benefit from the vaccine by protecting you against HPV strains you don’t already have. Is the HPV vaccine effective? Earlier forms of the HPV vaccine were only made available less than 20 years ago, but the impact of vaccination is already clear. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that cervical cancer deaths among young women dropped by more than half in the last decade. Gardasil 9 has been extensively studied and is close to 100 percent effective at preventing precancerous lesions and genital warts that are caused by the strains included in the vaccine for people who are vaccinated before onset of sexual activity. It’s proven to offer long-lasting protection and doesn’t require a booster shot after the initial series. However, the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains of HPV. So, it’s still important to practice safe sex and get regular screenings for cervical cancer starting at age 21. What are the HPV vaccine side effects and risks? Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine may have side effects and potential risks, but these are generally mild and temporary. Most people don’t have any trouble with the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine side effects can include: Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site Fever Dizziness or fainting (remain seated for 15 minutes after the shot to lower the risk) Headache Fatigue Nausea Muscle or joint pain These symptoms usually resolve within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, if necessary. In rare cases, more serious side effects like an allergic reaction can occur. If you or your child have difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, seek medical attention immediately. The benefits of the HPV vaccine far outweigh its risks. It’s a proactive step in protecting your family’s health. By getting your kids vaccinated, you can reduce their risk of developing potentially life-threatening conditions as an adult. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Everhart Museum Winter Events Knox Mine Disaster Presentation Friday, January 17 | 5:30–7:30 p.m Join us Friday, January 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as we observe Anthracite Heritage Month with a special reception for the exhibition Northeastern Pennsylvania Coalfields: Preservation, Praise, Promise, on view through January 26, and a presentation on the Knox Mine Disaster by documentary filmmaker David Brocca. During the evening, Brocca creator of the 2016 film Knox Mine Disaster, which chronicles the catastrophic mine flood in Jenkins Township, PA in 1959, will discuss the tragedy and its lasting legacy while presenting a variety of artifacts from the event. Guests will also have the chance to view Northeastern Pennsylvania Coalfields, which showcases the coal heritage of the region through art; coal mining tools and wares; and geological specimens. Learn about the region’s coal history while enjoying a fine selection of beers and seltzers from Susquehanna Brewing Co. (the first drink is included with the price of admission), and listening to tunes by Lex Romane, who will be playing an assortment of collected songs and original material that anthologize the history and tough life of the coal miner. To register, visit https://everhart-museum.org/knox-mine-disaster/. Underground Miners @ the Everhart Saturday, February 1 | 12:00–3:30 p.m. The Everhart is teaming up with the Underground Miners to host a special presentation to help close out Anthracite Mining Heritage Month and the exhibition Northeastern Pennsylvania Coalfields: Preservation, Praise, Promise. Chris Murley and Banks Ries of the Underground Miners will hold a video screening and discussion about the closure of one of the last operating deep anthracite mines in NEPA: “The 7-Foot Slope” in New Philadelphia. This will also be one of your last opportunities to view the Everhart Museum’s featured installation Northeastern Pennsylvania Coalfields. After the presentation, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., there will be tours of the Brooks Coal Mine Tour directly behind the Everhart Museum. Admission is free for both the presentation and the tour, but seating is limited, so please register in advance at https://everhart-museum.org/underground-miners/. Galentine’s in the Gallery Thursday, February 6 | Doors at 6:30 p.m. | Show from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Everhart Museum and Funny Wine Girl present Galentine’s in the Gallery, an evening of wine, chocolate, and stand-up comedy on Thursday,February 6. Celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day with your gal pals by enjoying the hilarious comedy of Funny Wine Girl Jeannine Luby, Micki Orlowsky, and Emily Epstein White. With your ticket you will receive a custom Funny Wine Girl chocolate bar by Electric City Sweets as well as your first drink. Additional wine and beer as well as Belgium chocolate bars by Electric City Sweets in a variety of flavors will be available for purchase. Register today at https://everhart-museum.org/galentines-in-the-gallery/. This is a 21+ event. Advance Tickets: Everhart Members $30 Non-Members $35 At the door day of the show: $40 Valentine’s Week Kickoff Yoga with Mindy Hill Saturday, February 8 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. Kick off Valentine’s Week with some self-love in a healthy and positive space as Mindy Hill presents a yoga session in the galleries of the Everhart. Featuring fluid movement, vinyasa, and twists, flow is a practice that increases circulation of blood and prana (life-force energy), and helps to clear a foggy mind. Register today at https://everhart-museum.org/valentines-yoga/. The $10 registration fee includes Museum entry after class. WVIA Wednesdays at the Everhart: News Listening Tour Wednesday, February 12 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. Join us for the fourth installment of WVIA Wednesdays at the Everhart as we present the first “News Listening Tour.” During this event, members of the WVIA News Team will meet and discuss the area’s most important stories with community members. Stay tuned for registration to open at https://www.wvia.org/events. WVIA Wednesdays at the Everhart is a free monthly screening series programmed in partnership with WVIA Public Media especially for senior citizens. One Wednesday afternoon per month, a PBS documentary tied into the Everhart’s mission of natural history, science, art, and humanities will be screened in the Museum’s galleries.
Beyond Dunder Mifflin: The Electric City Documentary This fan-made documentary explores the unique and unexpected impact of the popular TV show The Office on the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Moving beyond the fictional world of Dunder Mifflin, the film delves into the real-life connection between The Office and Scranton, uncovering the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the myriad ways in which the show has shaped its identity. Almost 20 years since the pilot aired on March 24, 2005, The Office has transformed Scranton from a “Coal Town to a Cool Town.” Viewers will hear from notable figures such as Tim Holmes, Michele Dempsey, Mari Potis, Mayor Paige Cognetti, and many more. Additionally, some of your favorite characters from the show, including Andy Buckley and Angela Kinsey, will make appearances in the documentary. Our documentary will be free to the public on March 28 via YouTube and Facebook. There are discussions about airing it on a local TV station in the Scranton area, with hopes of eventually having it available on Peacock. Our story is about 54 mins to an hour long. Credits: Director, Producer: Brandon Soto Director of Photography and Assistant Director: DeAngelo Dixon Production Assistants: Brian Schnieders, Madison Whitford, and Cody Exley
Maloney Law, P.C. Provides Important Legal Compliance Update for Small & Medium Size Businesses Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reports are again NOT REQUIRED by FinCEN at this time. On December 26, 2024, the preliminary injunction delaying the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act was reinstated by the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. This ruling reverses the Court’s previous ruling on December 23rd. For those unfamiliar with this regulation, BOI Reports were mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA was enacted a few years ago to assist the U.S. Treasury Department, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in fighting money laundering and other financial crimes. The CTA applies broadly to most small and medium size businesses (including LLCs, S-Corps, family businesses, and holding companies (e.g. an LLC formed to hold real estate, etc.) to identify who owns and controls the business. BOI Report were originally due by January 1, 2025. On December 3, 2024, a US District Court granted a preliminary injunction which caused a pause in the filing requirement. On December 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit lifted the injunction. FinCEN then extended the filing deadline to January 13, 2025. In reaction to this new deadline, on December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit then decided to reinstate the preliminary injunction. Maloney Law, P.C. will continue to monitor the various court rulings and guidance from FinCEN and will provide updates as new information and guidance becomes available. Please feel free to contact Tim Maloney with any questions or to further discuss at tmaloney@maloneylawpc.com or (570) 309-3014.
The Wright Center Promotes Mental Health Hotline for New Mothers As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to highlight the ongoing need to improve access to health services for new mothers and their babies. The issue demands widespread advocacy, making awareness efforts like Maternal Health Awareness Day all the more vital. This annual observance, happening on Thursday, Jan. 23, carries the theme “Know What’s at Stake” for 2025. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the day’s sponsor, is calling on its members, partners, and the public to spotlight the maternal mortality crisis, reproductive health challenges, and other critical maternal health concerns. While these critical issues remain pressing, significant progress is being made – particularly in addressing maternal mental health. For instance, late last year the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched a nationwide campaign to promote the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA). This hotline, a key initiative within HRSA’s broader maternal health strategy, aims to reduce maternal mortality and health disparities. According to the CDC, mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, yet more than 80% of these deaths are preventable. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish, the hotline provides free, confidential support from professional counselors. Callers receive a safe space to share their concerns, access to local support groups, referrals to health care providers, and more. As HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson noted in a press release: “The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a safe space for pregnant women and new moms to get the emotional and mental health support they need. We are excited to partner with grocery stores, pharmacies, and other organizations to help get the word out about this important resource for communities across the country.” Promoting the hotline is essential, but it’s also heartening to recognize the exceptional maternal health care providers in our local communities. Among them is Maternal & Family Health Services, which consistently delivers outstanding care. Here at The Wright Center, we take pride in offering exceptional pediatric services, including newborn check-ups, vaccinations, school physicals, and developmental guidance. We’re committed to supporting families as they navigate their children’s health from infancy to young adulthood. We’re also proud of the incredible work being done by the Healthy MOMS (Maternal Opiate Medical Support) Program. This collaborative effort helps pregnant women and new mothers overcome addiction and embrace recovery. The program combines medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health services, case management, and social services to support mom and baby through the child’s second birthday. Research shows that mothers who engage in recovery services before their due dates are less likely to give birth to babies affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) – a painful and costly condition caused by prenatal exposure to opioids. I promise we’ll continue working hard to ensure local mothers and their children have the care and resources they need. Truly, it’s one of the most important things we do as a community health center Manju Mary Thomas, M.D., board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine, serves as deputy chief medical officer and medical director of pediatrics and school- and community-based medical home services. A physician faculty member of the Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, she provides primary and preventive care for pediatric and adolescent patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley.
Community Advocate, Board Member at The Wright Center Receives State Award Pedro L. Anes, a veteran, business owner, longtime community advocate, and volunteer member of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Patient & Community Engagement Boards of Directors, received a 2024 Impact Award from City & State Pennsylvania during an awards ceremony at Philadelphia Marriott Old City. The multimedia news organization honored Anes, a Puerto Rico native and Scranton resident, for his decades of work significantly advancing diversity, education, and community engagement across Northeast Pennsylvania and the state. City & State Pennsylvania also recognized how, as a volunteer board member at The Wright Center, he uses his leadership skills and vast community connections to support underserved individuals, particularly those with limited English proficiency and low incomes. Anes played a key role in securing continued federal funding for Community Health Centers by advocating directly with congressional leaders during the National Association of Community Health Centers’ 2024 Community Health Institute (CHI) & Expo in Atlanta. “Pedro exemplifies the true spirit of servant leadership, dedicating his life to empowering others and championing initiatives that break down barriers and foster equity,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors. “His unwavering commitment to diversity, education, participatory citizenship, and community engagement, both locally and nationally, inspires all of us at The Wright Center. We are deeply proud to have him as a valued board member and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his impactful contributions.” His notable initiatives include tackling police brutality in schools, contributing to the development of Pennsylvania’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan, which replaced and updated the 2002 No Child Left Behind Act; leading 2020 Census full count efforts in Northeast Pennsylvania with a special focus on historically undercounted populations; and ensuring the Latinx and other hard-to-reach communities in Scranton received access to COVID-19 vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the City of Scranton’s Climate Action Planning and Sustainability initiative, Anes collaborated with a regional coalition, including the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, on the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Integrated Heat Health Information System 2024 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign. This initiative seeks to identify urban areas with disproportionately high temperatures – called heat islands – that pose significant health risks to vulnerable populations. The resulting detailed report pinpointed the areas most impacted by extreme heat, providing invaluable insights into the local climate challenges. This data was crucial in shaping the Scranton Climate Action Planning and Sustainability plan, guiding strategic actions to mitigate heat risks, protect at-risk communities, and strengthen overall climate resilience. Anes also founded several impactful programs, such as the Latino Community Services Office, the Familias Saludables program, and the Step Up to Leadership program, to support underserved families while fostering multicultural awareness. He spearheaded an international partnership with Playball Puerto Rico, where he serves as treasurer, and the Monterrey Mexico Rotary Club to create a sustainable field renovation and equipment donation campaign aimed at supporting underserved neighborhoods in Monterey, Mexico. The owner of Inpact Learning LLC, an independent consulting firm, Anes has over 30 years of experience developing successful diversity and inclusion strategies, organizational development, and training across nonprofit, educational, corporate, military, and government sectors. He also is a K-5 English/language arts, history, and geography teacher at Notre Dame Academy in Scranton, where he recently launched a private donation campaign to support the school and its students, securing essential items such as uniforms, winter coats, printers, teaching aids, classroom supplies, equipment, books, and funds for educational field trips. Anes has held diverse roles, including as a senior U.S. Army non-commissioned officer, adjunct professor, chief talent officer, and multilingual partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau. He holds a Ph.D. (ABD) in human development from Marywood University in Scranton, a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and a bachelor’s in management from Park University in Parkville, Missouri. Raised in East Harlem (Spanish Harlem), New York, he moved to the Poconos in 1998 and Scranton in 2002. Anes is also the Mideast region representative of the National Council of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, vice president of the Lackawanna Interagency Council, and a City of Scranton Human Relations Commission member. Earlier this year, he was an organizer and panelist of the 2024 United Nations International Peace Day Interdependence Hexagon Project “Posters for Peace” art exhibit. He was also selected as a panelist representing the National Council of the United Nations Association of the United States of America for the “Finding Peace Through Action: A Community Conversation,” which was streamed live during the Yoko Ono, World of Peace Concert tour in Europe. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves vulnerable and medically underserved populations, regardless of age, ethnic background, ZIP code, insurance status, or ability to pay. It accepts all insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program based on federal poverty guidelines that consider family size and income. No patient is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services to everyone. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement advances The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s mission – to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve – by involving patients and communities in transforming primary health services, fostering workforce development, and addressing public health challenges. Focused on education, advocacy, and reducing socioeconomic barriers, the nonprofit assists vulnerable populations facing poverty, homelessness, food and housing insecurity, limited transportation, and social isolation. Guided by a board of patients and local professionals, it organizes impactful initiatives like health fairs, food drives, and school supply giveaways. Its annual Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament raises critical funds to ensure equitable access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services for everyone.
