On behalf of the Heritage Valley Health System Board of Directors and Senior Management Team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our remarkable Heritage Valley team members who went above and beyond during this past weekend’s snowstorm. When our community needed us most and conditions were challenging, team members across every role—clinical, operational, and support—answered the call with unwavering dedication and selflessness, showing up for one another and for our patients. From those who stayed overnight to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality patient care, to teams who arranged beds and meals for staff, worked extended hours clearing sidewalks and parking lots, and kept our facilities safe, and accessible, your commitment did not go unnoticed. We are also deeply grateful to our caregivers, physicians, and ancillary support staff who continued to provide care in our physician offices and outpatient settings.

Your teamwork, dedication and compassion truly reflect the very best of Heritage Valley. We are incredibly proud and deeply appreciate everything you do!

We also extend our sincere thanks to our patients and community for placing their trust in us for their care.

National Wear Red Day is celebrated on the first Friday of February to raise awareness about heart disease in women. By encouraging women to take charge of their health, we can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Women often experience heart attacks differently from men. While women may experience chest pain, they often experience other symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath and back or jaw pain. According to goredforwomen.org, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year.

For some women, heart disease can be preventable with education and healthy lifestyle changes. Johns Hopkins Medicine, in its article A Woman’s Guide to Preventing Heart Disease, suggests the following:

Check your Risk: Talk with your healthcare provider about your cholesterol and blood pressure. Have both checked. The higher either of them is, the greater your risk for heart disease or heart attack.

Quit Smoking: Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack than do non-smokers.

Get Active: Exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease. Strive for at least 30 – 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 4 to 5 days a week.

Change your Fats: Change the fats in your diet by avoiding butter and other saturated fats. Instead, use liquid or tub margarine, olive oil, and canola oil. But use them sparingly, because all fats are high in calories.

Eat your fruits and veggies: Eat plenty of produce. A moderately active woman should eat at least 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits daily. Studies link diets high in fruits and vegetables with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease.

Fiber up: Soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol. Oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and other whole-grain foods are excellent sources of this nutrient. Adults should have 6 to 9 ounces of grains per day, with half of this amount being whole grains.

Drink alcohol only in moderation: Women should limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day.

Since 1983, Chippewa Internal Medicine Associates has been providing outstanding patient care, taking into consideration each patient’s unique medical needs. Our physicians, Christopher Murray, DO, Carl G. Sestito, MD, and Kristin M. Zvonar, MD, are all Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Melissa Christen, CRNP and Haley Holsinger, PA-C are also an integral part of the practice. All of our providers maintain ongoing continuing education to stay current with the most up-to-date treatment plans available. 

Please call 724-843-4700 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located within the Chippewa Medical Neighborhood at 2580 Constitution Boulevard in Chippewa. Office visits are available to patients 18 years of age and older, and we participate with most major insurance plans. Click here to visit our webpage.

We welcome the opportunity to provide your medical care!

Pictured left to right: Kristin Zvonar, MD; Melissa Christen, CRNP; Carl Sestito, MD; Haley Holsinger, PA-C; and Christopher Murray, DO

You can now “get in line” to see a ConvenientCare practitioner before you leave home! In addition to seeing how many people are ahead of you, we’ve added estimated wait time information.

To access this feature, download the Heritage Valley app (iHVHS/iPhones or aHVHS/Androids) and click on the “Activity” button. Next, click “Heritage Valley ConvenientCare” and then click on the green “Get in Line” box underneath your location. From there, simply follow the instructions!

You will receive a text confirming your request to be placed in line, along with your estimated wait time. To cancel a request, click “Activity;” “ConvenientCare;” and the red “Cancel Request” button.

As a reminder ... flu vaccines are available at any ConvenientCare location. Upon arrival, please register at the kiosk. Those requesting flu vaccines will be given priority.

Click here for a listing of ConvenientCare locations, hours and services.

Lab draw services are available at all Heritage Valley Medical Neighborhoods, Heritage Valley Beaver, Heritage Valley Sewickley, and the Women’s Health Center in Center Township.

Pediatric Lab Draws (under age 18) are available at all Medical Neighborhood sites Monday-Friday until 3 pm. Additionally, pediatric lab draws can be done at the Robinson, Center Township, Chippewa and Edgeworth Medical Neighborhood on Saturdays until 12 pm.

Click here for a listing of all lab draw locations and hours of operation.

The tradition continues, although we have a new location this year! Join us on April 18, 2026 from 7-10 pm at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. We will once again offer delicious cuisine, fine wine, cocktails and craft beer as we celebrate Heritage Valley Health System’s commitment to community health and wellness. All proceeds support the Heritage Valley Health System Foundation. Click here for sponsorship information, or contact us at foundation@hvhs.org.