How To Choose - 2016 by Bradford Publishing

2 • HOW TO CHOOSE - The Bradford Era | September 28, 2016

How To cHooSE a NEurologIST A neurologist treats diseases of the brain and spinal chord, along with peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurologists have specialized training, so they are able to diagnose and treat these diseases. If a patient shows symptoms, a primary care physician typically refers patients to a neurologist. Neurologists usually manage the following conditions: • Neurological Trauma • Stroke • Nervous system tumors • Infections in the nervous system • Mutliple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases • Peripheral nerve disease • Neuromuscular diseases • Epilepsy • Dementia • Movement disorders • Sleep Disorders • Headaches

SHoulD I HaVE a NEurologIcal coNSulTaTIoN?

Sometimes symptoms may cause your primary cary doctor to suspect that you should see a neurologist. Here are the symptoms your doctor is looking for.

Headaches Chronic Pain Dizziness Numbness or Tingling Weakness Problems with Movement Vision Problems Seizures Difficulty Thinking Sleep Problems

Vaijayantee Belle, MD, neurologist,

recently became a member of the Olean General Hospital medical staff and the Foothills Medical Group.. Dr. Belle diagnoses, treats and manages a range of neurological conditions including stroke and intracranial bleed, migraines and other headaches, epilepsy and seizure disorders, pain and peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord disorders and traumatic injuries, infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, encephalopathy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, muscle dystrophy and myasthenia gravis. Dr. Belle comes to the area with more than 15 years of experience in clinical neurosciences. She trained as neurosurgeon in India where she practiced for ten years before making the transition to neurology training in the United States. Dr. Belle has broad work experience in interdisciplinary neurology fields. She codirected a stroke and neuro-rehabilitation unit and was a surgical team leader for a movement disorder surgery unit and intra-operative neuro-monitoring facility. Dr. Belle has also established a neurosurgical unit, including a neuro ICU, which she directed for five years. She completed an internship at Case Medical Center in Cleveland and a residency in neurology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A Pharmacies have changed a lot over the years. In the past, pharmacies were usually small neighborhood stores where the employees knew your name. The selection might not have been the best, but the customer service they provided was always excellent. These days, pharmacies have grown. In many cases, they have turned into large, corporate stores. With their expansion in size has also come an expansion in the type of products they carry. No longer selling only medicine or medical related supplies, these pharmacies have turned into small retailers. Along with pharmaceutical goods, many of these stores also carry a variety of groceries, in the hope of creating for its customers a one-stop place to shop. Unfortunately, not every pharmacy has kept its focus on its customers. As pharmacies have changed, it has become more important than ever to sift out the good pharmacies from the bad. When deciding on which pharmacy you want servicing your prescription needs, there are several important factors to consider.

AVAILABILITY One of the factors to consider is the pharmacy’s hours of operation. Stores that are only open during regular business hours will not be very helpful if you or your loved one gets sick after hours. Try finding a pharmacy with business hours that are convenient for you. If you look hard enough, you are sure to find a pharmacy in your city that is open 24 hours. Unfortunately, it is the larger corporate chain stores that are likely to be the ones open late. Smaller, locally owned pharmacies may have more limited hours, but tend to provide more personalized service than the larger stores. Regardless of the pharmacy you choose, it is always a good idea to know where a 24-hour pharmacy is located in case of a late-night emergency.

SERVICE A pharmacy’s location is just as important as its hours of operation. Using a pharmacy that is close to your house is not only convenient, but makes purchasing your pharmaceutical needs much easier. You may even be able to find a store that is on your way home from work or school, allowing you to quickly and easily stop and pick up your medication on your way home. It is also useful to have a pharmacy that is only a few minutes away, in case someone in your family becomes sick in the middle of the night.

DRUG COVERAGE One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pharmacy is whether they accept your prescription drug plan, since not every pharmacy accepts every kind of insurance. If you have insurance that covers prescription drug costs, it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure they take the type of insurance you carry. Even if the pharmacy has convenient hours and is conveniently located, these advantages mean nothing if you are going to have to pay out of pocket. For people whose insurance offers little to no prescription coverage, it is smart to contact the stores in your area and ask about their policies regarding prescription discounts. Many pharmacies are now offering lower prices on various generic versions of medications, some of which may be medications that you take. By using a pharmacy that offers prescription drug discounts, you can save a good deal of money. Older patients who are on Medicare should be also careful when deciding on a pharmacy. Check with potential pharmacies in your area to see if they accept your specific Medicare Part D plan. As there are many options available on Medicare Part D plans, it is vital to make sure the pharmacy you select is willing to work with your Medicare plan in order to cover the medications you need.

LOCATION One last thing to consider when picking a pharmacy is the customer service they offer. As previously mentioned, smaller neighborhood pharmacies are quickly becoming replaced by larger corporate owned pharmacies, so it is important to find a store where you feel at home. Do the pharmacists and staff remember your name? Does the pharmacist take the time to answer any questions you might have about your medication? Finding a pharmacy staff that is knowledgeable, helpful and friendly can go a long way. While it may not be easy to find a pharmacy that meets each of these criteria, with a little research you should be able to find one that fits your needs.

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How to Choose A Primary Care Provider

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Imagine a “one-stop shop” for all of your healthcare needs where your primary care provider (PCP)-- your doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner is your trusted long-term partner that coordinates care between the hospital, health agencies, specialists and other medical professionals in the future? Cole Memorial’s health network and its over 60 healthcare providers at ten community health centers in Potter, McKean, Cameron and Tioga counties is paving the way to becoming a “Medical Home” to over 60,000 residents in the communities that Cole Memorial serves. PCPs at the Cole Memorial network include: • • • •

Family practitioners who see patients of all ages Pediatricians that focus on care for newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Internists located at the CCMH Integrated Internal Medicine office and specialize in care for adults for various diseases and medical disorders Obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/Gyn) who serve women of all ages.

The team of primary care providers at Cole is committed to building ongoing relationships with patients to provide personalized health and wellness programs. In addition, the new electronic health records system at Cole Memorial allows the Medical Home model to evolve, allowing a patientís personal care physician to communicate and manage the process of electronic scheduling, patient registries for chronic disease management, increase patient education and empower the patient to be engaged in improving his or her health. Ed Pitchford, president and CEO of Cole Memorial said, “When you receive a regular checkup, attend an appointment with your Cole primary care provider or come to our Express Care office, a team will proactively handle that visit. In the future, a Care Coordinator may follow-up between and after office visits to remind you of any testing or screenings, provide health education, review healthcare goals, answer your questions and offer steps to improve your health outcomes.” That’s why it’s important to consider the following when choosing a PCP: • • • • •

Is the office staff friendly and helpful? Is the office good about returning calls? Are the office hours convenient to your schedule? Do you prefer a provider whose communication style is friendly and warm, or more formal? Would you prefer a provider that also focuses on wellness and prevention? Does the provider invite you to be involved in your care? Does the provider view your patient-doctor relationship as a true partnership?

For more information or to locate a Cole Memorial provider visit www.colememorial.org or call 814-274-9300.

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10 • HOW TO CHOOSE - The Bradford Era | September 28, 2016

IMAGINE YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER WITHOUT ANY ADVERTISING... The Bradford Era is an important part of our local community. We work hard to bring our readers the information they need about their local government. We help promote local fundraisers and charity events. We bring people the scores of their high school sports teams, and we connect local businesses with potential customers. Advertising in the Bradford Era isn’t only helping your business succeed... it’s helping your community.

CONTACT THE ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT AT THE BRADFORD ERA TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT THERE!

814-368-3173

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E S I T R E V D A I D WHY SHOUL ? A R E D R O F D A R IN THE B e past week. th in r e p a p s w e ital n

r lts read a print o u d a ia n a lv y s n n 83 percent of Pe

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Newspapers attract Millennials – 79% of PA adults age 19-35 read a print or digital newspaper in the past week.

ult as a res n o i t c a k h ders too a e r st mont r a e p p e a h p t s 10 new er ad in Eight in ing a newspap of read PA newspapers rate highest for explaining the most important local news and information – 20% higher than television. News pape week rs are rate ly sho d pping as the mo st or ma ke pu used sour rchas c ing de e to plan cision s.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEARING AID Hearing aid choice is a challenging and important decision. Choosing a hearing aid can be a complex process. Because your hearing is so important - and because hearing aids are expensive - you want to make sure you get the right one.

W hat to consid er

What hearing aid is best for you depends a lot on the type and severity of hearing loss that you have. Before going shopping for a hearing aid, there are some factors that you should consider. SEE AN AUDIOLOGIST An audiologist is a professional who can help you choose the right hearing aid and be sure that everything fits and is well adjusted. Ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist. A good audiologist should not sell only one brand of hearing aid or be doing any other sales tricks - he or she should be focused on finding the best hearing aid for your situation. LOOKS For some people, looks are very important. There are types of hearing aids that are nearly invisible and others that match your skin color. These options may cost more, but if looks are important, there are many alternatives for you. OPERATION Hearing aids can be tiny. People with vision difficulties or difficulty handling small objects may not want the smallest hearing aid available. Changing batteries may be impossible for them.

TRIAL PERIOD Some companies offer a “test drive” for a hearing aid. This is a good idea. You need some time to know if the hearing aid is going to meet all your needs. Be sure to check if the company charges for the “test drive.” COST What will your health insurance company pay? Will they cover all types of hearing aids? Hearing aids can cost several thousand dollars, so it is worth your time to make a few phone calls. COMPATIBILITY Some hearing aids are compatible with assistive hearing devices. Be sure to check about compatibility if you use a telephone amplifier or other device. SERVICE Be sure you understand the warranty being offered with a hearing aid - for both the hearing aid and the battery. Where can you get new batteries? Who pays for repairs? Where can you get the hearing aid repaired? What if you have a question? How long does the warranty last? Will they send you a temporary hearing aid while yours is being repaired?

Hearing aids are available in more styles and sizes than ever before; thanks to miniaturization of electronics and a new focus in the hearing industry on style and design. Now, more and more people can wear tiny, nearly invisible models or sleek styles that are much less conspicuous than the latest Bluetooth® headsets.

In-the-E ar S tyles

Hearing aids worn in the ear are usually custom-fit, based on a cast or impression of the ear. They’re available in different skin tones to camouflage with the outer ear. There are several styles, each of which is listed below, ranging from smallest to largest. • Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) - The smallest custom style, CIC instruments fit deeply and entirely within the ear canal. They fit mild to moderate hearing losses and offer high cosmetic appeal as they’re nearly invisible when worn. • In-the-Canal (ITC) - ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, making them comfortable and easy to use. Because they’re slightly larger than CIC models; they have a longer battery life and can host additional features, such as directional microphones for better understanding in noisy environments and controls, such as volume control. They fit mild and moderate hearing losses. • Half Shell (HS) - Half shell models fill half the bowl of the outer ear. Like ITC models, their size enables the addition of features such as directional microphones, volume controls and push buttons to activate special settings for different listening environments. Because of their size, they may be easier than smaller models to handle for some people and yet are still often disguised by hairstyles or sideburns. This hearing aid style looks similar to the ITC hearing aid when worn on the ear, but is slightly larger. • Full Shell or In-the-Ear (ITE) - Full shell models sit flush within the outer ear bowl. Their size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features such as directional microphones, which require space on the outer portion of the instrument. They use a larger battery size than the smaller styles and can fit a larger receiver with enough power for even some severe hearing losses. Because of their flexibility, they’re widely recommended for mild to severe hearing loss.

B ehind -the-E ar S tyles

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models sit behind or on top of the outer ear, with tubing that routes sounds down into the ear that connects to an ear tip or earmold to secure them in the ear canal. BTEs come in colors to blend with hair or skin tones and even chrome colors, leopard print and other funky designs to suit personal styles. Different BTE sizes accommodate different features, controls, battery types and degrees of power (larger instruments generally have more power than smaller ones). While many people choose discreet BTEs that are unnoticeable when worn, others are tempted to show off the cool designs. • Mini BTE with slim tube and tip - Mini BTEs are designed to hide behind the outer ear and have ultra-thin tubing to discreetly route sound into the ear. The tubing connects to a soft tip that sits in the ear canal, but doesn’t occlude it. The result is a natural, open feeling as airflow and sound enter the ear naturally around the tip, while amplified sound enters through the tip. This is known as “open fitting” and is recommended for mild to moderate high frequency losses. • Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) - RITE models, also known as RIC (receiver-in-canal) models, are mini BTEs that have the speaker of the instrument incorporated in the ear tip, instead of in the main body of the instrument. RITE instruments fit mild to severe hearing losses. This hearing aid style looks similar to the Mini BTE when worn on the ear. • BTE with earmold - BTEs with earmolds fit mild through profound hearing losses. They’re longer shape, following the contour behind the outer ear, generally can house more features, controls, and power than custom models. The earmold color and style, as well as the wearer’s hairstyle, determine exactly how they’ll look on each person.

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Wood and pellet stoves are effective and efficient alternatives to gas, oil or electricity for heat during cold weather. Each type of stove has benefits to offer as an alternative heat source, but selecting the right one for your home requires some careful consideration.

WOOD STOVES

PELLET STOVES

Wood stoves are fabricated from either cast iron or welded steel. Both are made to burn wood and then distribute the heat through your home using a system of pipes. The choice of metal has no influence on the stove’s operation or performance. People choose either a steel stove or a cast iron one based on price, where the stove will be located and how it fits into a home’s décor. Wood stoves work due to basic combustion. The wood burns and produces heat, ashes and smoke. Heat is good and ashes we clear away periodically and discard. Smoke is a product of incomplete combustion. A stove outfitted with a catalytic converter makes use of the leftover combustibles, reducing emissions and boosting the efficiency of the stove. A properly designed stove without a catalytic converter can still be efficient enough to burn wood completely, leaving little ash and smoke behind. There are pros and cons to both types that affect the operation of the stove. The most efficient wood stoves have a proficiency rating between 60 and 80 percent. Unfortunately, these ratings are not standardized and not often understood by the average person. There’s a lot of room for doubt. Buy your stove from a reputable dealer who will give you straight answers to your questions and who will make sure you understand what you’re purchasing. You can do some preliminary work by calculating the cubic footage of the area you’re going to be heating with the stove. This determines the right size of stove to buy. Big rooms need bigger stoves, little rooms need smaller ones. That was easy. You’ll also want to know the size of the logs you’re going to be burning. Logs 16 inches in length are recommended because they’re easy to stack and handle. The log capacity of your stove should be about three inches longer, or 19 inches. Cheap wood stoves aren’t really a bargain in the long run. Their internal parts may wear out quickly and aren’t replaceable. Better stoves will be made of better materials and are covered by a warranty. Understand the terms of your stove’s warranty before you complete your purchase.

A pellet stove works on the same principle as a traditional wood stove. However, these stoves can burn other fuels besides wood, such as sawdust, waste paper, wood chips, bark and other organic materials compacted into a pellet. Some can also burn corn and walnut shells. Pellet stoves have been proven by the EPA to be the cleanest solid-fuel burning appliances. They are often suitable for apartments and condominiums when wood stoves are not. They are also exempt from EPA emissions standards. Pellet burning stoves come in two types: freestanding and fireplace inserts. They all have a feeder attachment and a hopper to feed the pellets into the stove. Newer pellet stoves have thermostats and sensors to regulate the speed the pellets are being fed into the stove, controlling the heat output and regulating the temperature. Pellet stove manufacturers provide very specific schedules for product maintenance which helps the stove deliver more efficient home heating. Due to the increasing popularity of pellet stoves as an alternative source of heat, both stoves and the pellets are easy to find. Manufacturers recommend using high-quality pellets to keep your stove burning cleaner and needing fewer repairs. Like the wood stove, a pellet stove should be chosen based on the size of the home or room it is expected to heat, its efficiency and its appearance. Whether you choose a more traditional wood stove or select a pellet stove, either will prove to be a more efficient and cost-effective heat source than electricity, natural gas, propane or heating oil. Wood and pellet stoves involved a major outlay of cash. Both should be installed by a professional. This will also cost money. However, you’ll soon recover these costs from the money you save on utility bills, and you’ll keep on saving in the years to come.

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HOW TO CHOOSE CONTINUING CARE...

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What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community? Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc. offers Independent Living, Personal Care Services, Specialized Dementia Care and Skilled Nursing services all at our campus on St. Francis Drive. We offer a blend of several components including housing, healthcare, recreational and social programming. What sets Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc. apart from other Continuing Care Retirement Communities? Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc. provides a caring and safe environment for all our residents. From the minute you walk in our front door, you will feel at “home” with our rich decor, courteous staff and calm atmosphere. Plus we are the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in our area. Can I be admitted for Short Term Rehabilitation after surgery or illness and return home? Yes, Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc. offers Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. If your goal is to return home, that becomes our goal as well. Before discharge, a therapist will go to your home with you to do an evaluation that will determine if you require any special equipment or services to ensure your return home is safe and successful. Our social worker will work with you and your family to see that all your in-home needs are taken care of at the time of your discharge. How do I know if a continuing care retirement community is a good option for me? Having several levels of care available on campus is an incredible benefit. If you need Personal Care, Dementia Care, or Skilled Nursing Care at some point in the future, you won’t have to move to another community. Individuals and couples find this aspect of CCRC living especially important. Should one spouse need the services provided in another part of campus, the other can easily visit any time of day. This means couples can regularly spend time together socializing, dining, or engaging in activities. And, they know that their loved one is receiving the services they need to thrive and maintain as much independence as possible giving them peace of mind.

100 St. Francis Drive Bradford, PA 16701 (814) 368-5648 (814) 368-4642 Fax

20 • HOW TO CHOOSE - The Bradford Era | September 28, 2016

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