INVINCIBLE
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Mosquitoes becoming more resistant to insecticide controls
SIX Healthy Tips
July 2012 • Issue 151
CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
Teen Drivers
Luis Castro, a physician and medical director at the Westside Family Health Center in Syracuse, talks about basic things you can do to stay healthy
More distracted than ever
Story on page 12
10 Lessons Learned by a New Mom
Meet Your Doctor
THE HOARDERS
Naile Barzaga Hazrati discusses being an internal medicine doctor
How women can build upper body strength without looking manly
WOMEN’S ISSUE
New ‘Eden’ for veterans with stress disorder
■ IUDs, Implants Most Effective Birth Control ■ Half of U.S. Counties Have No OB-GYN
The A&E show “Hoarders” has drawn attention to extreme situations and has shed light on an issue which was, up until recent years, a secret that many people kept in their families. An expert shares his insights into the causes of hoarding and the best ways to treat this obsessive compulsive disorder. We also spoke with a local de-cluttering professional (yes, there are such things) who shares her tips on keeping up with your clutter July 2012 •
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When it comes to vascular services, the best care is at St. Joseph’s.
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# 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY Visit our new website: www.sjhsyr.org St. Joseph’s Resource Line (Physician & Program Information): 315-703-2138 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: stjosephshealth St. Joseph’s is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis. Franciscan Companies is a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center network.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
in New York state
Untreatable Gonorrhea Poses New Threat Gonorrhea is becoming a major public health challenge, according to health officials
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illions of people with gonorrhea may be at risk of running out of treatment options unless urgent action is taken, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Already several countries, including Australia, France, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are reporting cases of resistance to cephalosporin antibiotics — the last treatment option against gonorrhea. Every year an estimated 106 million people are infected with gonorrhea, which is transmitted sexually. “Gonorrhea is becoming a major public health challenge, due to the high incidence of infections accompanied by dwindling treatment options,” says Manjula Lusti-Narasimhan, from the department of reproductive health and research at WHO. “The available data only shows the tip of the iceberg. Without adequate surveillance we won’t know the extent of resistance to gonorrhea and without research into new antimicrobial agents, there could soon be no effective treatment for patients.” In new guidance issued recently, WHO is calling for greater vigilance on the correct use of antibiotics and more research into alternative treatment regimens for gonococcal infections. WHO’s global action plan to control the spread and impact of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoea also calls for increased monitoring and reporting of resistant strains as well as better prevention, diagnosis and control of gonococcal infections. Gonorrhea makes up one quarter of the four major curable sexuallytransmitted infections. Since the development of antibiotics, the pathogen has developed resistance to many of the common antibiotics used
as treatment, including penicillin, tetracyclines and quinolones. “We are very concerned about recent reports of treatment failure from the last effective treatment option — the class of cephalosporin antibiotics — as there are no new therapeutic drugs in development,” says Lusti-Narasimhan. “If gonococcal infections become untreatable, the health implications are significant.” Antimicrobial resistance is caused by the unrestricted access to antimicrobials, overuse and poor quality of antibiotics, as well as natural genetic mutations within disease organisms. In addition, gonorrhea strains tend to retain genetic resistance to previous antibiotics even after their use has been discontinued. The extent of this resistance worldwide is not known due to lack of reliable data for gonorrhea in many countries and insufficient research. Untreated gonococcal infection can cause health problems in men, women and newborn babies including: • infection of the urethra, cervix and rectum; • infertility in both men and women; • a significantly increased risk of HIV infection and transmission; • ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, stillbirths and premature deliveries; and • severe eye infections occur in 30-50 percent of babies born to women with untreated gonorrhea, which can lead to blindness. Gonorrhea can be prevented through safer sexual intercourse. Early detection and prompt treatment, including of sexual partners, is essential to control sexually transmitted infections.
ONONDAGA, OSWEGO, CAYUGA AND MADISON COUNTIES in good A monthly newspaper published by
Health CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Take the Next Step: To see if this study may be right for you, please call us: 315-464-5262 or email Project Coordinator Dena Martin at martind@upstate.edu. Appointments can be made at these convenient locations: Upstate University Hospital, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse Hill Radiation Oncology, 1000 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse Oswego County Radiation Oncology, 105 County Rte. 45A,Oswego
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Local News, Inc. Distribution: 35,000 copies. To request home delivery ($15 per year), call 342-1182.
In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2012 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126. • Phone: 315-342-1182 • Fax: 315-342-7776. Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Jim Miller, Eva Briggs, M.D., Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, Deborah Sergeant, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Melissa Stefanec, Timothy James, Richard Block, Matthew Liptak, Amy Cavalier, Alyssa Mammano • Advertising: Jasmine Maldonado, Tracy DeCann • Design: Chris Crocker • Office Manager: Laura J. Beckwith No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.
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CALENDAR of
Mindfulness Practice For Stress Reduction
5 WEEK SERIES
HEALTH EVENTS
Based on Jon Kabat Zinn’s MBSR Program
Register Now UPSTATE YOGA INSTITUTE - JULY 2012 6843 East Genesee St - just east of Dewitt Wegman’s www.upstateyogainstitute.com
Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Problems or Fatigue? Neurofeedback is a specialized form of biofeedback that improves mental performance, emotional control and physiological stability. Symptom relief is achieved by strengthening regulatory control through brain exercise. Racing thoughts quiet down, anxiety dissolves, sleep improves, chronic pain lessens, energy increases, behavior problems resolve. For more information please call:
Syracuse Neurofeedback
Barry Bates (315) 492-3789 Priscilla Young (315) 350-8816 170 Intrepid Lane Syracuse, NY 13205 www.syracuseneurofeedback.com
July 7, 21
University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Center of Mindfulness. He is also a certified yoga teacher who has been teaching yoga for a long time. For registration or more information, visit www.upstateyogainstitute.com.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center provides a convenient site for the safe disposal of sharps (also known as needles, syringes and lancets) for people with medical conditions that require at-home, self-injections, through the free residential sharps collection program. It takes place on the first and third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s emergency department. St. Joseph’s accepts used needles, syringes and lancets in clean, biohazard-labeled sharps containers or in clean, plastic bleach or laundry detergent bottles with a screw-on cap. Containers must be leak-proof and sealed to be accepted. Those wishing to drop off sharps may call St. Joseph’s at 448-5173 for more information.
July 12
St. Joseph’s offers sharps’ disposal service
July 8, 15, 22, 29
‘Unforgettable Comedy’ to help Alzheimer’s group Comedians from throughout Upstate New York will set their sights on Syracuse this summer for the debut of The Unforgettable Comedy Challenge. A field of 48 comedians will compete throughout the month of July for cash and prizes, including a one-week booking at Wise Guys Comedy Club. The event, which is a joint presentation of the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, Wise Guys Comedy Club and Movin 100.3/96.5 FM, will take place July 8, 15 and 22 at Wise Guys Comedy Club, 201 S. Salina St., Syracuse. The 12 finalists perform on July 29 for the title of Unforgettable. The final round will be headlined by a yet-to-be-announced national act. For more information, visit Comedy. Challenge@wiseguyssyracuse.com.
July 12
Upstate Yoga Institute now offering MBSR Upstate Yoga Institute will offer classes focusing on mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR). The course, which will take place at the school, 6843 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, will start with an orientation session July 12. According to the school, the practice of MBSR is a medically modality for managing stress and stress related conditions. The five-week course will allow participants to become skillful at using formal and informal meditation techniques and simple preparatory yoga poses. Throughout the course, students receive materials for short daily independent practices. Upon completion of the program, participants will have resources to support their personal use of meditation and yoga to manage daily stress and reduce its symptoms. The teacher, David Jacobs, was trained in MBSR at the Page 4
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
Seminar on sleep disorders and treatment options For those who experience trouble sleeping (or their loved ones), Crouse Hospital is presenting “Tired of Being Tired?,” a seminar scheduled for 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. This free program, part of the hospital’s ongoing community health education series, will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. The program will be held at the hospital’s Marley Education Center, 765 Irving Ave. To register, call 472-2464. Free parking is available in the Marley and Crouse Hospital garages. Stephen Alkins, medical director of the sleep center at Crouse Hospital, and David Wolfe, education coordinator, will be the featured speakers and will present information on the causes of sleep disorders and the latest in the diagnosis and treatment of them.
July 17
Conference for health, human services providers AIDS Community Resources presents a free one-day conference for health and human service providers in Onondaga County on the subject of “Increasing the Health of Our Community: Access to Affordable Healthcare for Everyone!” on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University Sheraton, 801 University Ave, Syracuse. A lunch buffet will be provided. This event is limited to 30 individuals. Pre-registration is required. Call Steve Wood at 315-475-2430 or email swood@aidsco mmunityresources.com. Workshops include: “ Introduction to Community Health Advocates,”“Healthcare Reform and New York State,””Medicare Demystified,””Women’s Reproductive Health and Insurance,””Prescription Discounts and Benefit Programs.”
Aug. 13
Golf tournament to benefit Jowonio School Friends of Jowonio invites the public to join in for a day on the greens to benefit Jowonio School, a nonprofit pre school serving young children with a wide range of abilities both in school and home-based programs. The 2012 Jowonio Open will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13 at the Links at Erie Village. For registration or more information, visit www.golfdigestplanner. com/21557-JowonioOpen.
Battery-related ER Visits by Children More Than Double 1-year-olds swallowing button batteries becoming more common in ERs
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n today’s technology-driven world, batteries, especially button batteries, are everywhere. They power countless gadgets and electronic items that we use every day. While they may seem harmless, button batteries can be dangerous if swallowed by children. A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that the annual number of batteryrelated emergency department visits among children younger than 18 years of age more than doubled over the 20year study period, jumping from 2,591 emergency department visits in 1990 to 5,525 emergency department visits in 2009. The number of button batteries swallowed by children also doubled during this period. The study, appearing in the June 2012 print issue of Pediatrics, found that more than three-fourths of battery-related visits to emergency departments by children were among children 5 years old or younger, with 1-year-olds having the greatest number of emergency department visits. Of the cases where the battery’s intended use was mentioned, only 29 percent involved batteries that were used for toys and games. The majority of cases involved batteries from products not intended for use by young children, such as watches (14 percent), calculators (12 percent), flashlights (9 percent) and remote controls (6 percent). “We live in a world designed by adults for the convenience of adults,
Mosquitoes Becoming More Resistant to Insecticide Controls By Laura C. Harrington
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his issue has been building for some time. It is really no surprise as insects have become resistant to nearly all insecticides given time and selection pressure. Few new chemicals are in development for malaria vector control, because there is little profit to be made by the poorest of the world’s poor — who feel the brunt of the malaria burden. There is a tremendous need to identify new ways of controlling malaria vectors that are practical, low cost, and sustainable or even looking at the existing technology with a new perspective toward using them in ways that prolong their efficacy.
and the safety of children is often not considered,” said Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Products with easily-accessible battery compartments are everywhere in our homes today. By making a few simple design changes and strengthening product manufacturing standards, including products not intended for use by young children, we could prevent many of the serious and sometimes fatal injuries that occur when children are able to easily access button batteries in common household products.” Among cases that described the type of battery, 84 percent involved button batteries. Recommendations to prevent these types of injuries include: • Taping the battery compartments of all household devices shut • Storing batteries and products with batteries out of the reach of young children • Being aware of this potential danger when your child is visiting other homes Researchers also recommend that manufacturers ensure that packaging for batteries and products containing button batteries is child resistant and that they design all battery compartments to either require a screwdriver to be opened or that they be secured with a child-resistant locking mechanism, regardless of whether the product is intended for use by children or adults.
MAURO-BERTOLO
THERAPY SERVICES, P.T., P.C. Mauro-Bertolo continues to provide comprehensive, state of the art rehabilitative services for urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, obstetrical low back pain and orthopedic pelvic pain syndromes. Treatment is provided by physical therapists with specialized training and extensive experience in the area of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction/ pain. Our therapists will assess your patients and recommend a personalized rehabilitation program, which may include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, pain modalities, myofascial release and a progressive exercise program for individual specific needs. This quality service is provided in a caring and sensitive environment. Should you wish to discuss your specific issues prior to making an appointment, please feel free to contact our office to speak with either Sharon Ricco, PT and Director of Pelvic Rehabilitation or Darryl Kay Leach, DPT. Cicero Professional Building – 6221 State Rte 31, Suite #103 – Cicero, NY 13039
Phone (315) 699-1009 • Fax (315) 699-1094
These people are all host parents in the Treatment Foster Care Program at Cayuga Centers
What does that mean? It means they have big hearts, and they have opened their doors to an adolescent between the ages of 12 and 17 who needs some help in a safe, supportive home environment.
Unfortunately, this type of practical research is not viewed as “sexy science” and it is nearly impossible to obtain funding by the large agencies to support it. Another critical need is to sincerely train and provide support for in-country, field-based scientists and technicians to manage resistance development. Many Western scientists pay lip service to this notion, but few really devote effort and resources to make it happen. Training and enabling in-country scientists will lead to sustainability and independence for countries with high malaria burdens instead of helplessly relying on the ebb and flow of philanthropic dollars. Laura C. Harrington is a mosquito expert and an associate professor of medical entomology at Cornell University
A big heart A safe home All day & night Be a mentor. Become a host parent. Join us for an open house the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We offer training, 24-hour support, and monthly tax-free compensation of more than $1,500.
hostakid.org Contact Chris Schell at hostakid@cayugacenters.org or 315-253-5383 ext. 1203 July 2012 •
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Dr. Naile Barzaga Hazrati
Internal medicine doctor talks about field Q: Tell me about your specialty. A: I’ve been practicing internal medicine almost five years. It’s mainly care for the adult population, so anyone 18 years old and over. It’s mostly general medicine in a primary care setting, treatment for chronic disease and also prevention. Q: What would you say is the difference between internal medicine and primary care? A: Being an internist is more specialized in the adult population. Other specialties like pediatrics and gynecology will also do primary care for children or women. We see a lot of hypertension, diabetes and some women’s issues. An internist can take a patient in a hospital setting, a nursing home setting, but I’m focusing on primary care in an outpatient setting.
Macular Degeneration Dr. George Kornfeld uses miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help those with vision loss keep reading, writing and maintaining independence.
By Elana Lombardi, Freelance Writer Just because you have macular degeneration or other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy doesn’t mean you must give up driving. “People don’t know that there are doctors who are very experienced in low vision care.” Dr. George Kornfeld, a low vision optometrist. “My new telescopic glasses make it much easier to read signs at a distance.” Says Bonnie, “Definitely worth the $1950 cost. I don’t know why I waited to do this. I should have come sooner. ”Low vision devices are not always expensive. Some reading glasses cost as little as $450 and some magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning visually.” Says Dr. Kornfeld. Dr. Kornfeld sees patients in his five offices throughout upstate New York.
For more information and a FREE telephone consultation call: 585-271-7320 Toll-free 1-866-446-2050
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Q: Outpatient services seem to have expanded over the past 10 years. There are some obvious advantages in terms of cost and convenience for the patient, but do you think patients are getting the same level of care? A: Yes. In my personal opinion, I think it’s better in many ways. Sometimes, when a patient goes to the hospital and you’re in your office, you’re not always there, physically, to see the patient. On the other hand, if you have a hospitalist group to take care of the patient while they’re in the hospital, there’s always a doctor there. So I’m taking care of my patients in the office and we have very good lines of communication with the hospitalist staff, so we know what’s going on with our patients. It also improves the quality of life for physicians. We used to run around from the hospital, to the nursing home, to the office, which meant less time for patients and less time for our own families. Q: How important do you think group practices are for both doctors and patient? A: Having a large group like ours [Internist Associates of Central New York] is very important. We need time for our families, too. We cover each other when we’re on call, when we need to take time off. We know there’s always a good provider available for our patients when we need it. That’s really hard if you’re in a private, solo practice. In our group, we have nurse practitioners, so if we
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
are really busy, they can take care of the simpler diagnoses. It helps us schedule patients around their schedule too, since we’re more likely to have someone available to see them. Q: Primary care physicians don’t have a whole lot of time with each patient. How do you successfully diagnose someone in a short period of time? A: It depends on the patient and the symptoms. Some patients are coming just to get a physical, so we’ll see them and that gives us an idea of if there is any problem with them. When we see a patient for the first time, we don’t know much about them, but we try to collect information about their past medical history and their family history, so we know what
to screen for, if they’re having issues with blood pressure, with their weight. Then we can order some age-appropriate screening tests for things like diabetes and cholesterol, colonoscopies or mammograms. If it’s something more like an emergency, we can’t always take care of it in the office, so we refer those patients to the ER and give the ER an idea of what’s going on with the patient so that they’re prepared. Q: What can you do for patients in terms of preventive care? And what should they do for themselves? A: One of the key points is to visit your physician once a year. A lot of the times once patients leave pediatric care, they have a tendency not to see a doctor for years and years. But it’s very important, because each age group has a specific screening test we can do to make sure the patient is in good health. Tell the doctor about your medical history, your family history and what over-the-counter medications you’re taking and then we can help guide you from there. Some patients who suffer from anxiety have a hard time talking to a doctor, but that’s something we can help with too.
Lifeline Name: Naile Barzaga Hazrati, M.D. Position: Doctor with Internist Associates of CNY Hometown: San Fuego, Cuba Education: Received her medical degree from Ruprecht-Karl University in Heidelberg, Germany, and completed her residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Flushing Hospital Medical Center in New York. Career: Was most recently in private practice in New Jersey and also worked at Finger Lakes Medical Associates in Geneva. Prior to that, she served as diabetes care coordinator for Northeast Valley Health Corp. in Los Angeles Affiliations: Crouse Hospital Organizations: American College of Physicians Family: Married, two daughters Hobbies: Outdoor recreation, walking, jogging, languages, spending time with daughters
Local charity plans to build a new ‘Eden’ for veterans with PTSD By Timothy James
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ocal resident and veteran Joshua Watkins is hoping to make a difference in the lives of some veterans in Central New York who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD. Watkins recently founded the charity “Johnny’s New Hope” which provides support for veterans and the families of veterans and active-duty military. His organization helps these people obtain reliable access to food and clothing, and will even help with home renovations and the purchasing of energy-efficient appliances. But Watkins has a bigger dream in the works to benefit veterans in the Syracuse area. Watkins is planning the construc-
mares, and dreams. It’s horrible for these people, and they don’t understand. And when you wake up and you’re screaming bloody murder next to your girlfriend or your wife, they can’t deal with that.” According to the New York State Division of Affairs, there were almost 1 million veterans in New York in September 2009, with 725,000 of them having served in wartime. With such a large veteran population, Watkins says cases of PTSD are common in Central New York.
Project Eden
Watkins tion of a small community specifically for combat veterans and their families, especially for those who suffer from PTSD. The community is called “Project Eden.” “Instead of buying a magnet you can put on the back of your car,” Watkins said. “Saying ‘we support you’, we’re getting the community involved in saying ‘we got this housing project for you guys which is going to be great.’” Watkins, who served in the Navy SEALS and was later diagnosed with PTSD, said he has wanted to help veterans ever since he was in the service. “If you put your life on the line, you deserve more than four days out of the year.” Watkins said he considers himself lucky to still have his family, but he said that not all veterans are as lucky. “It’s really difficult to integrate back into society with these problems. Going to sleep at night, having night-
Project Eden is planned to be built over 30 to 50 acres and will have six to eight homes to start. According to Watkins, funds for the project will be raised through various events and donations. He said he is still deciding the best location for the project. Residents will have access to a community center, a dog park, chartered fishing and hunting trips, and job placement services. Veterans living in this community will only have one rent payment per month to worry about. “We made everything green. They don’t have to worry about paying electricity. They’re not going to have to worry about water because we’re looking for places with well water.” Watkins said. Watkins hopes to open Project Eden by the end of 2013. The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed lifethreatening events such as natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist incidents, war, or violent personal assaults like rape.” Khym Isaac De Barros, a counseling psychologist at SUNY Oswego, described PTSD as “a normal reaction to an abnormal circumstance.” She supported the idea of Project Eden, emphasizing the importance of group therapy and having these veterans able to interact with others with PTSD. “These are guys who had had normal lives, up until all of a sudden they start having these dreams, these recurring nightmares. And it’s really hard to explain it; it’s really hard to tell your family why you’re not talking about stuff. They don’t feel that they’re being understood by their family or their friends that they used to have before they went to war. They’re more looking forward to talking to people that had the war experience.” De Barros had previously worked at a PTSD clinic at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Illinois, where
she was able to see firsthand the issues that combat veterans face. “A lot of times their loved ones don’t get it. A lot of times their loved ones would really like for it to be over. They feel like ‘You’ve been away for so long, just be back, be who you were’, instead of who you are now.” Consequently, De Barros said, veterans with PTSD have higher rates of divorce, depression, and substance abuse. To learn more about PTSD, visit the American Psychiatric Association’s website at www.psych.org For more information of Project Eden, visit their website at www.johnnysnewhope.com
How about a relaxing Reiki session?
i k i e R . . . h Ahh
Balance your Mind, Body and Spirit with this wonderful energy healing technique.
Robin T Waterbury
Usui/Karuna Reiki Master Practitioner Reiki Crystal Therapy
July 2012 •
Call or email for an appointment at: The Fey Dragon > Oswego, NY Wed/Fridays • (315) 216-4156 Hannibal Studio > Hannibal, NY Tues/Thurs/Sat • (315) 529-9710 ahhhreiki@gmail.com * Gift certificates also available
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
Home Alone? Love the One You’re With I t’s Friday night, and the weekend is stretching out in front of you — a big, empty void to fill. But with what? You can feel your anxiety rising. You can feel yourself spiraling down, regretting the past, feeling desperate. And that’s when you grab for the TV remote, a pint of Haagen-Dazs, and head for the couch — or worse — for bed. Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon for those who live alone to find spending time alone, at home, a real challenge. It’s especially true for those coming out of long marriages or relationships where familiar routines, chore schedules and social obligations filled evenings and weekends. I can remember many nights after my divorce, coming home after work to an empty apartment with hours on my hands and no idea what to do with myself. The prospect of a long, lonely evening ahead was almost unbearable. I was fine during the day, but when the sun started to set or the weekend rolled around, I would start to panic. I was also fine when I was busy or in the company of friends or family. It was that uncomfortable time alone — when I was all by myself at home — that tested my fortitude. After way too many episodes of Dateline, I had finally had enough and started making better use of my “me time.” It took some practice, but I am
now comfortable spending time by myself and have come to enjoy my own company. In fact, it’s not unusual for me to decline an invitation to go out, in favor of spending a nice quiet evening at home, relaxing or fully engaged in something I love to do. If you’re challenged by time alone, as I was, consider the suggestions below. You might even clip this column and put it on your fridge as a handy reminder. Read. In our busy lives, and with so many electronic options vying for our attention, reading can fall by the wayside. It’s such a shame. Reading for enjoyment and enlightenment can turn a lonely evening into a lovely evening. Don’t know where to start? Ask a friend for a suggestion or select a book from The New York Time’s best–seller list. Snuggle up in a comfy, well-lit place, and let a good book introduce you to new people, new places, and new ideas. I never feel alone when I’m reading. Write. Marcel Proust wrote, “We
KIDS Corner Drowning Happens Quickly. Learn How to Reduce Your Risk Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and kills more toddlers 1-4 years old than anything but birth defects
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hen you’re spending the day splashing around at the pool, beach or lake, drowning may not be the first thing on your mind. Yet drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and kills more toddlers 1-4 years old than anything but birth defects. About 10 people die Page 8
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every day from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children 14 or younger. The good news is that most of these deaths are predictable and preventable. Being aware of the risks and taking safety precautions are proven ways to prevent drowning injuries and deaths. Learn the facts and take action to protect yourself and the ones you
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
are healed of a suffering only by expressing it to the full.” Even if you never look back at what you write, the act of committing thoughts and events to paper is therapeutic. Consider starting a journal, if you haven’t already done so. A few minutes in the evening or on the weekend is a perfect time to write. As you work through some of the issues associated with living alone and as you become more content, you will find that reading and rereading your journal entries will be a great way to see how much progress you are making. Clear Out The Clutter. I know this might sound silly, but clearing out the clutter can be very satisfying and a great way to spend a few hours alone. I spent one recent Tuesday night sorting out my closet and filling two bags for Volunteers of America. It felt terrific. I not only lightened my load, but I did something for a good cause. As a result, I felt part of something bigger than myself and less alone. Pursue a passion. This can sound daunting, especially if you’ve yet to identify your passion, but hang in
love from drowning.
Take Action to Reduce Risks • Learn to swim. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among young children aged 1 to 4 years, who are at greatest risk of drowning. However, even when children have had formal swimming lessons, constant, careful supervision when in the water, and barriers to prevent unsupervised access are necessary to prevent drowning. • Closely watch swimmers in or around the water. Designate a responsible adult who can swim and knows CPR to watch swimmers in or around water — even when lifeguards are present. That adult should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading or talking on the phone) while watching children. • Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the time it might take for lifeguards or paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save someone’s life. • Fence it off. Barriers to pool access should be used to help prevent young children from gaining access to the pool area without caregivers’ awareness when they aren’t supposed to be swimming. Pool fences should completely separate the house and play area from the pool, be at least four feet high, and have self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward, with latches that are out of the reach of children. • Use the Buddy System. Regardless
there. Many men and women in longterm relationships often sacrifice their own interests in favor of attending to the needs of others. The pursuit of your own passions can be lost in the process. Now’s a good time to rediscover your “loves” and to dedicate your time alone to these hobbies. Do some digging and identify the things you loved as a child or young adult and make a conscious decision to pursue them now. Evenings or weekends spent this way can be exhilarating! When you’re absorbed with things that captivate you — whether it’s cooking, running, gardening, knitting, or playing music — loneliness dissipates and you feel alive. Reach Out. With time on your hands, you are in a great position to reach out and make connections with others, especially with long, lost friends. This can be a very meaningful way to spend an evening. Just yesterday, I received a hand-written note from a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. I was very touched and inspired to do likewise with friends from my past. Pick up the phone, send an e-mail or send a “snail mail” note to someone with whom you’ve lost touch. “Veg out.” That’s right, “veg out.” Grab the TV remote, a bag of popcorn, and head for the couch— or better — for bed. Sound familiar? But this time, do it without guilt, do it without beating yourself up. Everyone is entitled to an occasional night when they just hang out, do nothing and eat junk food. Indulge yourself and tell yourself you deserve it. Wake up the next morning — free of remorse — and ready to take on the day: alone at home and “at home” with yourself!
of your age, always swim with a buddy. • Look for lifeguards. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards whenever possible. • Heed warning flags. Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags, which may vary from one beach to another. • Know the terrain. Be aware of and avoid drop-offs and hidden obstacles in natural water sites. Always enter water feet first. • Avoid rip currents. Watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip currents, like water that is discolored and choppy, foamy, or filled with debris and moving in a channel away from shore. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore; once free of the current, swim diagonally toward shore. • Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as “water wings”, “noodles”, or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets. These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. • Avoid alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing. Don’t drink alcohol while supervising children. • Don’t hyperventilate. Swimmers should never hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time. This can cause them to pass out (sometimes called “shallow water blackout”) and drown.
Six Healthy Tips
Luis Castro, a physician and medical director with the Westside Family Health Center in Syracuse, talks about basic things you can do to stay healthy By Richard Block
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o one likes to be ill. No one wants to be ill. So, are there things one can do to prevent becoming ill? Luis Castro says yes. Castro is the medical director of the Westside Family Health Center in Syracuse. He offers his top six tips for a healthy life. In no particular order they are:
#1. Eat Healthy “We recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains everyday. That is a healthy diet. That will keep cholesterol down, blood pressure down and decreases the risk of diabetes.” In particular, Castro recommends eating “leafy green vegetables and avoiding a lot of red meat in your diet. Substitute red meat with fish and chicken. Also, try to avoid fried foods as much as possible. Instead, eat more foods that are baked. This will lessen the chances for increased heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.” Castro adds, “As a community-based health center, we see a real epidemic of obesity. Not just in our adult population, but in our children, as well. Childhood obesity is not just a problem locally, but nationally. First Lady Michelle Obama is spearheading a real push to address childhood obesity.” Castro says a balanced diet consists of less starches, cheese and reduced portion sizes. “Not only do we tend to eat the
wrong foods,” says Castro, “We tend to eat a lot of the wrong foods. So, supersizing food is definitely a bad idea.”
#2. Be Active “We recommend about two and a half to three hours of some exercise per week. This includes something that increases your rate of breathing or increases your heart rate. It also helps build more muscle mass. Therefore, whatever type of exercise you choose – weather it is walking, riding a bicycle of swimming, we want you to do that throughout the week.” For people at work, Castro says there are some little tricks, so to speak, one can try. “Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs when you park your car, park in the back of the lot and walk to the en-
trance. Even just walking is good exercise. And, for the elderly, it is more important to maintain that lean body mass to avoid a fall or other injuries. The elderly should either walk, use a stationary bike or swim. I am not saying that everyone had to join a gym, but on a lunch hour, walk around the block or even the building. Also, today there are a lot of computer stuff going on. We recommend trying some of the exercise computer games including interactive video games. Absolutely, take breaks from the computer or television. Spending two to three hours at a time is excessive. Stretch your legs. Stretch out your muscles.”
#3. Protect Yourself “This includes using seatbelts, safety helmets, sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and skin cancer, insect repellent and washing hands is very important in preventing the spread of germs.” Regarding the latter, Castro explains, “There is a lot of data out there which supports the concept that proper hand washing decreases the risk of spreading germs. You should wash your hands every time you go to the bathroom, when your hands are soiled, or you think they are. And, it is especially important to wash your hands when handling food. Sometimes, living in Central New York, we have a false sense of security regarding the lack of sunlight. One of the common myths is that you cannot get sunburn or suntan when it is cloudy. That is not true. You can get an excess amount of sun exposure even if it is overcast or partly cloudy. In fact, all it takes is one really bad sunburn in your lifetime to develop skin cancer. Also, most of us advise against using tanning booth or bed because it gives one such a potent exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.”
#4. Avoid Smoking or Breathing Secondary Smoke “Lung cancer is still one of the top killers from cancer in adults. Studies have shown that smoking or secondhand smoke increases the chances for cancer, asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems. While we recommend a complete cessation July 2012 •
of smoking, we understand that smoking is a very, very difficult addiction to break. It is not easy to quit smoking. If it was more people would quit. Cutting back on the amount of smoking is helpful. Regardless of how long you have smoked or how many times you have quit and failed, if you quit altogether, you still reap some of the health benefits down the road. This includes regaining some of your lung function, even if you have been smoking for 40 years.”
#5. Manage Stress “This is one of the tougher ones — trying to balance home, work and play. We recommend as much as possible to remain positive. Have access to support networks. Take advantage of family and friends. Take time to relax which a lot of us do not do. Also, you need to get enough sleep. We recommend trying to get a total of seven to nine hours of sleep, if possible. Chronic sleep deprivation is another form of stress on the body. Over time, this leads to increased risk for high blood pressure, breathing problems including sleep apnea and believe it or not, increased obesity and depression. There are several ways to relieve stress. We do not recommend just one way. Make time during the day to do something that does not include work. Something mindless or a form of entertainment which decompresses. Exercise plays a role in that. Exercise is a great, great stress reliever. Not only does it benefit you physically, it benefits you mentally and emotionally.
#6. Checkups “We recommend people see their doctors for a yearly preventative exam, proper cancer screenings and make sure their vaccinations are up to date in order to maintain good health and to identify risks for any health problems. If you have any health problems, address them as early as possible. Obviously, we cannot find every problem that can arise. But, when we see a patient, we consider their risk factors down the road. So, if a person is a couple of pounds overweight, but their blood pressure is normal, we recommend diet and exercise to avoid future problems such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. We want to attack those things before they happen.
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My Turn
By Eva Briggs
My Dirt-eating Kindergarten Classmate
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ne of my kindergarten classmates used to eat sand from the playground sandbox, a source of great fascination for the rest of us. It turns out that geophagia, the practice of eating dirt, may have an adaptive role for humans and animals. People and animals have been doing this for millennia and researchers have discovered that this behavior may provide minerals and counteract certain dietary toxins. Perhaps it would be more accurate to use the word soil rather than dirt. I’m married to a soil scientist who is quick to point out that soil is a compilation of minerals, air, water, living organisms and other organic materials that accumulate over time in layers (called horizons) with an identifiable structure. Dirt happens when soil is dug up and disrupted so as to lose its organized structure. As my husband puts it, dirt is the stuff that clings to the bottom of your shoe or that you sweep
off the floor. Psychiatrists classify geophagia as a mental illness, a subset of pica, an eating disorder characterized by the ingestion of non-food items that may be as bizarre as cigarette ashes or paint chips. Although in some case geophagia may be a psychiatric disorder, there’s now evidence that it’s not always so. Scientists began to wonder if there could be some adaptive value to geophagia because it occurs across many cultures, has been documented as far back as 460 B.C., and occurs in more than 200 species of animals. One apparent purpose of geophagia is to supply minerals lacking in the diet. Mountain gorillas and African buffalo living at high altitudes may eat dirt to supply iron necessary to produce higher levels of red blood cells. Elephants, gorillas, and bats eat sodium-rich soils to augment low-sodium diets. In humans geophagia is more common among pregnant women
What They Want You to Know:
Ophthalmolgist
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Ophthalmologists are “medical and osteopathic physicians who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care,” states the American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org). • “Having regular eye examinations starting very early is important, especially if there is family medical history of glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetes. • “Eye safety is particularly critical. If you are weed whacking, mowing the lawn, gardening, bending over into bushes, or doing any type of work like that, you should have safety classes. Regular glasses don’t protect you. When you use electric saws, drills or hammers, safety glasses. In sports, activities like tennis, racket ball, handball, and, surprisingly, golf, should include safety glasses. • “There is confusion about what’s an ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician. An ophthalmologist is a physician first and does eye training Page 10
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following that. An optometrist spent time learning about the eye but does not have a medical degree. An optician is licensed to fit glasses and contact lenses. • “People tend to ignore things that occur intermittently like floaters because they don’t interfere with the ability to read and drive and don’t hurt. They may have an intermittent flash of light to the side and a change in peripheral vision, which can indicate an early retinal detachment. You could have one, two or three of these symptoms. When these occur, they need to be seen within a day. • “If someone’s mowing a lawn, they need eye protection. I sometimes see young children in the yard while mowing is going on. They’re the right
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
and has been hypothesized to provide supplemental calcium required for fetal development. But researchers from Cornell found that geophagia rarely supplies significant additional nutrients in humans, and may actually interfere with the absorption of digested food from the gut. So perhaps there is another purpose, believed by many to be detoxification. Detoxification here refers to binding toxic chemicals found in foodstuffs like seeds or unripe fruit, preventing the absorption of these toxins from the gut. It does not refer to the dubious alternative medicine practice of administering laxatives, emetics, or enemas to remove unspecified “toxins” allegedly sequestered in the body. That type of detoxification has never been proven effective or beneficial and may be harmful when carried to an extreme. Most cultures that practice geopahgia consume clay. Clay contains negatively charged particles. Many foodborne toxins are positively charged. The negative clay particles bind such toxins, preventing their absorption by the gut. Several animal studies support this theory. For example, an experimenter fed parrots a toxic alkaloid with and without the dirt that they prefer to eat in the wild. Parrots receiving dirt had a 60 percent reduction in the level of the toxin in their blood. Another experiment looked at bats, comparing a fruit bat species with an insect-eating species. They postu-
lated that if the bats were eating soil to obtain nutrients, then the insect-eaters would be more likely to eat soil because insects contain fewer micronutrients than fruit. But it turned out that the fruit bats, which are more likely to have toxins in their diets, formed the majority of bats observed at the clay lick. Western medicine has long used kaolin, a clay mineral, in the diarrhea treatment Kaopectate, harnessing its binding powers to treat diarrhea and nausea. There is a caveat about eating dirt. You might not get only minerals and detoxifying materials, but also bacteria, parasitic worms, lead, or arsenic. It turns out that if you want to try this at home, you can buy edible clay that has been sterilized for human consumption. So maybe my dirt-eating kindergarten classmate wasn’t crazy or weird at all.
height to have something kick off the mower blade and cause an eye injury. • “There’s lots of research going on in ophthalmology about unlocking the nervous system. At Upstate we’re looking at disease of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and macular degeneration. As we understand how the cells work, we can understand what can trigger certain tumors.”
tic surgery around the eyes, and skin cancer around the eyes and eyelids. With younger people, they mostly need glasses and contacts or LASIK to reduce or get rid of the need for glasses. As people get older there are more things we look for. • “When people come to a visit, it helps when they bring their own glasses so we can see what they were using before. • “Bring a driver because the drops can make vision blurry. • “Bring sunglasses. Not everyone gets eye drops but some do get drops as a part of a visit and that can make them light sensitive or vision blurry. • “Bring someone along in the exam because they may ask things or remember things you forget. • For people with unusual problems, it may help to bring a list. It’s helpful as with any doctor visit. • “Sometimes people call and are so angry that we did something bad, especially with insurance billing. We’re human too. We really do try to explain everything and bill things properly but sometimes it’s confusing. • “Certain operations and elective things we have to pre-approve. It’s frustrating for people because they pay for their insurance and for them to not be able to use it, it’s frustrating. But we don’t make the policy.”
John Hoepner, ophthalmologist, professor and chairman of ophthalmology at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse • “When someone comes to our office, we want to try to provide them with a comprehensive evaluation for their eyes and vision. We’re not just here to provide them with an eyeglass prescription. • “Some people think ophthalmologists just do surgery. We do everything from glasses to surgery to medical treatments. • “In this day and age of insurance, it’s helpful when people come prepared. We send to new patients papers to fill out at home so they don’t have to sit in the waiting room and fill them out. We do need and use that information. • “Sometimes people take for granted that as long as they see OK, their eyes are healthy. They come only when they have a problem. We like to see people on a regular basis. People can be treated early for a problem and have a better outcome. It’s harder to treat things that they have for years and years. They may not even know they have something. That’s why preventive care is a good thing. In particular, with glaucoma and macular degeneration, preventive care is helpful. People who have diabetes and arthritis type of conditions should be coming in regularly or if people take steroids or anti-inflammatory medication. • “Many primary care docs make sure their patients get to eye docs on a regular basis. • “I do a lot of things with plas-
Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at North Medical Urgent Care in Liverpool and Fulton Urgent Care in Fulton.
Carl J. Hanig, ophthalmologist with Syracuse Eye Physicians Deborah Jeanne Sergeant is a writer with In Good Health. “What Your Doctor Wants You to Know” is an ongoing column that appears monthly to give our area’s healthcare professionals an opportunity to share how patients can improve their care by helping their providers and by helping themselves.
Snapping the Stigma Local novelist, who has two daughters with mental illness, advocates for schizophrenics with new book By Matthew Liptak
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n her new book, “Reis’s Pieces: Love, Loss and Schizophrenia,” Marcellus author Karen Winters Schwartz tells the story of a college professor’s struggle with life and relationships after he is diagnosed with schizophrenia. “Reis Welling is the main protagonist of my most recently published novel,” Schwartz said. “He is a Cornell professor of botany and the book sort of goes back and forth between five years before his illness when he was just going to Cornell and working on his tenure-track position as a botanist and teacher, and then five years later after his first [psychotic] break. ‘He’s now in Albany and he’s trying to get back somewhere closer to where his life was before he became ill and the two stories sort of interweave. It meets somewhere toward the end of the book. Then you find out where he ends up.” Paranoid schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects one out of 100 people, according to Mantosh J. Dewan, distinguished service professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. “It’s one of the more severe psychiatric disorders where essentially the person loses contact with reality from time to time, and starts hearing voices and seeing the world in a very different Dewan way,” he said. “Equally important to remember is that if you think about family members—an extended family of let’s say 10 in the family—you are now talking about 10 percent of the population then who lives with this and that’s a huge population that struggles. That’s part of the message of the book that Karen’s writing. It affects everybody. It’s not just the one person.”
Dream spurs book
The recently-released novel was actually conceived and written by Schwartz 15 years ago after she had a particularly vivid dream. In it there was an irrational man who was the inexplicable object of a woman’s affection. Schwartz sat down and wrote a book inspired from the dream, the first long piece of fiction she’d ever done. When her book was rejected by a publisher, she quietly stored it away but never forgot it. By coincidence her family was beset by the challenges of mental illness when her oldest daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The writer was inspired to write another novel due to this experience. The new novel, titled “Where are the Cocoa Puffs: A Family’s Journey Through Bipolar Disorder,” was published in September 2010. “When I sat down and wrote ‘Cocoa Puffs’, which is what a family goes through when their daughter is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, that book I definitely wanted people to un-
derstand what it was like to live with someone with mental illness—how it affected everybody. I wrote it as a novel so it could get in everybody’s head,” Schwartz said. After “Cocoa Puffs,” Schwartz began speaking on behalf of NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She had become an advocate for NAMI five years ago after her second daughter became ill with a thought disorder. Three years ago she became a board member of NAMI’s chapter in Syracuse. “Unfortunately, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are increasing, especially bipolar,” she said. “When all of a sudden my daughter’s behavior turned into this horrible nightmare, we didn’t have any resources. I didn’t have a book like “Where’s the Cocoa Puffs” to read and we didn’t know where to go,” she said. “The hardest part about the whole thing was the isolation and the helplessness we felt. Somehow I heard about NAMI, National Alliance for Mental Illness. That’s been a huge resource for me personally.” Success with her first published book led Schwartz to take another look at her first novel attempt. She changed the title to “Reis’s Pieces,” altered some of the dialogue between the main character and his psychiatrist and did a better job of highlighting the struggle of someone with schizophrenia. But the main story stayed intact.
Breaking through barriers
Schwartz often comes back to the problem of stigma in her work of advocating for the mentally ill. “Most people with mental illness are struggling silently and I believe that it would be easier for them to deal with the stresses they deal with if they disclose it,” Schwartz said. “The negative stigma is huge. These are real people. There is help. There is hope and there is recovery.” Stigma is a tenacious opponent to those struggling to build a life while coping with schizophrenia. SUNY Upstate’s Dewan agrees that it is one of the biggest problems posed. He tries to help his students get over their fears by putting themselves in the patient’s shoes, people who may be confused, disoriented or psychotic. “We’ve all been afraid but I don’t think any of us in the normal course of events have been as afraid as they are. That’s what we need to reach out to and say, ‘I’ll keep the distance. I’ll make sure that you feel safe.’ The idea is do not say what will make the doctor feel safe; it’s what do I have to do to make my patient feel safe.” Sometimes other people just don’t find it easy to understand. Dewan said that, while it might be OK to express your distress if a family member comes down with a physical health issue, telling others that a relative has had a psychotic breakdown is often out of the question. “I think it is the stigma that hurts,”
Karen Winters Schwartz of Marcellus has written two novels discussing problems with mental illness. She recently published “Reis’s Pieces: Love, Loss and Schizophrenia.” “My main thing is recovery and hope and trying to break down that fear that’s surrounding mental illness,” she said. “That’s why I do what I do.”
Dewan said. “We don’t talk about it. I think the stigma is a very difficult issue for the families to deal with. Societal reasons need to protect the fact that their son or daughter or father has schizophrenia.” But, according to the doctor, with medication and therapies, including family therapy, two out of three of those diagnosed with schizophrenia do well. And that is part of Schwartz’s message too. “I think a lot of them [the public] July 2012 •
have the misperception that people don’t get better. We say there isn’t a cure but there is definitely a recovery. They’re [schizophrenics] out there and they’re doing it. They’re doctors. They’re lawyers. They’re CEOs.” Another part of her advocacy is breaking down the walls that keep others out of the lives of those isolated by mental illness. “My main thing is recovery and hope and trying to break down that fear that’s surrounding mental illness,” she said. “That’s why I do what I do.” “Reis’s Pieces: Love, Loss and Schizophrenia” is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and other local bookstores.
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Teen Drivers: More Distracted Than Ever
“Reports say distracted driving is bigger than drinking and driving,” expert says
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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istracted teen drivers are less safe than undistracted teen drivers. Though an obvious statement, hundreds of teens still drive while texting, talking on their cell phones or with passengers, fiddling with the stereo or juggling food, drinks, make-up applicators or fishing for money for the drive-through window. “We didn’t have all these things when we were growing up,” said Ted Guercio, owner of Onondaga Driving Academy in Syracuse. “But I remember when I was a teenager learning to drive, my father was a pretty good driver and he said you need to watch the road. The way kids drive now isn’t proper. When I get into the car, my first request is, ‘Please turn off your cell phone.’” The American Automobile Association recently released figures that indicate the danger of the very youngest drivers increases with each additional passenger they carry who is under age 21 with no older passengers present. “Teen Driver Risk in Relation to Age and Number of Passengers” states that the fatality risk to 16or 17-year-old drivers increases 44 percent with one passenger, doubles when it’s two passengers, and quadruples when it’s three. Interestingly, Scruton bringing along at least one passenger who is 35 years old or older slashes the young driver’s risk of death by 62 percent. It’s not only the presence of other young people in the car that presents a dangerous distraction, but what they are doing can also draw the driver’s attention away from the road. The other teens are likely texting and checking Facebook statuses, which can attract the driver’s attention away from the road. “Listening to the radio is also a distraction,” Guercio said. “A lot of our
CDC: High School Students Improve Safety Habits
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he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study June 7, 2012 that said high school-aged drivers have improved their safety habits such as seatbelt use, riding with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, and driving while intoxicated themselves; however, “challenges remain in other key areas such as texting while driving,” the study said. “The use of technology among youth has resulted in new risks; specifically, One in thrree high school students had texted or emailed while driving a car or other vehicle during the past 30 days.” Page 12
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teens love this stuff. Some have the radio so loud and their hands are moving back and forth and it’s not a good idea while you’re driving.” Technology in the car has become arguably the biggest factor in teen driving distractions. Irene Scruton, chapter president for National Safety Council of Central and Western New York, said, “In the last 10 to 15 years, many more people have purchased portable electronic devices. Only 13 percent of the American population had them 15 years ago. “By 2008, 87 percent had a cell phone and in 2010, it surpassed 90 percent.” She added that there are nearly 300 million phone plan subscriptions among the 305 million U.S. population. Though some people have more than one phone plan for personal and business calling, the statistic underlines the ubiquity of cell phone usage, as does the Cellular Industry Association’s 2008 figure of an average of 110 billion text messages sent per month. “Reports say distracted driving is bigger than drinking and driving,” Scruton said. “We’re finding that electronic devices are a problem, not just cell phones. Driving with friends add to your likelihood that you’ll be in an incident and you add an electronic device and it’s a prescription for disaster.” Many parents rely upon driver education classes to help their teens become safer drivers. Despite instructors’ warnings to forgo portable electronics and other distractions, many teens’ false perception of invincibility can make them ignore sound advice. “Kids think, ‘I won’t die’ but don’t think about permanent injury that can happen to people, including themselves,” Scruton said.
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
Although technology has contributed greatly to teen driving distractions, it may also provide a means to help curtail inattentive driving, such as sensors that will disrupt the signal to a cell phone if it is moving beyond a preset speed. Scruton hopes that technology will help, but “it won’t solve the problem.” She thinks that societal
change to stigmatize distracted driving will work better. As in the days of pushing the “don’t drink and drive” message, curbing distracted driving depends upon positive peer pressure. “We want the social norm to be if you’re in the car with someone, you’ll say, ‘Put the phone down,’” Scruton said.
Helping Teens Drive More Safely What can you do to help your teens drive undistracted? The experts weighed in. Irene Scruton Chapter president for Upstate New York National Safety Council of Central and Western New York: • “Tell teens, ‘If you’re caught with more passengers in car, there will be consequences.’ • “Tell them ‘Don’t ride with people who are texting and driving.’ • “Have them take the phone as a passenger and be the designated texter in the car. • “We say to use an away message. • “Put the phone in the glove compartment. • “Tell teens, ‘Be a good friend. Tell your friend to not text and drive.’ Friends will listen to their friends.”
Ted Guercio, owner of Onondaga Driving Academy in Syracuse: • “A lot of teenagers are learning some of these bad habits from their parents. Some of our teenagers see their parents drive and they start to drive with one hand instead of both so they can hold their phones or other things. It’s dangerous. If they had to make a quick decision, palming the wheel doesn’t work. • “More training might be a bit of the answer. When we train teenagers, we try to instill in them they must not text or use cell phones. They have to keep their eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. Education is key. • “A couple youngsters we have said their parents told them, ‘If we catch you driving while using the cell phone, we’ll take your license away from you.’”
Dermatologist: No Such a Thing as Safe Tan D
espite the fact that young adults are generally in constant communication via social media and texting, a new survey finds many in this age group are not getting the message that there is no such thing as a safe tan. The survey, conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, determined that young adults are not aware of the dangers of tanning beds and how to properly protect their skin from sun damage. “It’s troubling that so many young adults do not fully understand the consequences of tanning — whether from tanning beds or natural sunlight — particularly in light of the trend of more young people developing skin cancer,” said board-certified dermatologist Amanda Friedrichs.
“Our survey confirmed that age was highly associated with use of tanning beds, as respondents ages 18-29 years old were much more likely as those over age 30 to report using a tanning bed.” For young adults who insist on looking tan, Friedrichs recommends using a self-tanner rather than exposing one’s skin to harmful ultraviolet radiation. While in the past self-tanners had a reputation of turning skin orange, streaking and splotching, Friedrichs offered these basic tips for applying a self-tanner to get even coverage and longer-lasting results: • Exfoliate. Prior to applying a selftanner, use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove the dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating whether the skin is thickest, such as the ankles, knees and elbows. • Dry the skin. Drying your skin before you apply a self-tanner helps it
go on evenly. • Apply in sections. Apply the selftanner in sections, such as the arms, legs and torso. Massage the sunless tanner into the skin with a uniform circular motion. Lightly extend the tanner from the wrists to the hands and from the ankles to the feet, taking care not to treat the entire hands and feet, such as the palms and soles. Wash and dry your hands after applying self-tanner to each body part to avoid tanning your palms. • Dilute tanner on joints. Dilute the self-tanner on the knees, ankles and elbows since these areas tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To dilute, lightly rub these areas with a damp towel or apply a lotion. • Allow time to dry. Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. It is best to wear loose clothing and try to avoid sweating for the next three hours.
Skin Cancer Facts
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for teens and young adults 15-29 years old. • Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15-29 years old than males in the same age group. • It is estimated that there will be about 131,810 new cases of melanoma in 2012 — 55,560 noninvasive (in situ) and 76,250 invasive (44,250 men and 32,000 women). • Exposure to tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma, especially in women aged 45 years or younger. • In females 15-29 years old, the torso/trunk is the most common location for developing melanoma, which may be due to high-risk tanning behaviors.
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SmartBites
By Anne Palumbo
The skinny on healthy eating
Today’s hottest go-to grain?
Quinoa I
f you haven’t tried quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), it’s high time you did. Once revered by ancient Incas as the “mother of all grains” and now hailed by nutritionists as the “supergrain of the future,” quinoa’s day is long overdue. Although technically a seed, quinoa is often called a grain because it looks and cooks just like a grain. I refer to it as my “go-to grain” because it’s appealing on so many levels: cost, taste, ease of preparation and nutritional value. What attracted me to quinoa from the get-go was its high protein content. Since I’m no longer the carnivore I once was, I’m always looking for alternate sources of this vital nutrient, which helps to build and repair body tissue. Not only is quinoa high in protein (8 grams per 1 cup, cooked), but, unlike most plant sources, its protein is
“complete” with all nine essential amino acids. What this means is, you don’t need to combine quinoa with another protein source to immediately reap this nutrient’s benefits. Quinoa is a very good source of magnesium, a mineral that helps relax blood vessels. Since low dietary levels of magnesium have been linked to increased rates of hypertension and heart disease, this ancient grain
may promote cardiovascular health. Research also suggests that an increased intake of magnesium may offer some relief for migraine sufferers, because it prevents the constriction and rebound dilation characteristic of this particular headache. Looking to whittle your middle now that swimsuit season is in full swing? Add quinoa to your nutritiousfoods list. Rich in heart-healthy fiber and low in fat and calories (about 200 per 1 cup, cooked) quinoa is digested slowly, a plus that thwarts the urge to snack. Additionally, it has a low glycemic index, another plus that affords you a much steadier stream of energy. One more great reason to go for this grain: Quinoa teems with manganese, a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent cell damage and diseases associated with aging.
Colorful Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Adapted from Gourmet Serves 6 – 8
1 cup tri-colored quinoa, rinsed and drained 2 cups water 1 can corn, drained 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 poblano pepper, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup feta cheese (optional) For dressing: 1 fresh lime, juiced 1 1⁄2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil Combine quinoa and water in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and cool for about 10 minutes. Add corn, beans, peppers, garlic, cilantro and feta cheese (optional). Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over salad. Toss well; adjust seasonings to taste. Salad may be made one day ahead.
Helpful tips
Quinoa is available in prepackaged containers, as well as in bulk bins. After purchase, transfer the quinoa to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to six months. Before cooking, quinoa must be thoroughly rinsed to remove the bitter taste. Place it in a strainer, then run cold water over it for several minutes. Unlike many grains, quinoa is gluten-free.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
July 2012 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Get Your Dog on an Exercise Regimen
H
umans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from daily exercise. A Kansas State University veterinarian says dogs need it, too. “Dogs should get exercise at least twice a day, generally around 15 to 20 minutes each session for small dogs and 30 to 40 minutes or more for large dogs,” said Susan Nelson, clinical associate professor at the university’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine. However, how long and the type of exercise depend on the type of dog, its age and its health, Nelson said. “It really depends on what the dog can do,” she said. “For short-legged or arthritic dogs, walking is good. Running is good for dogs that are bigger and are in good shape, but how much running to do depends on the dog and how in shape it is. Remember, you can’t run a basset hound like you would a Great Dane.” Choosing the type of exercise for your dog depends on how fit it is and if it has any health conditions that limit its activity level. For example, running and jumping aren’t good for a dog with arthritis. Waking and hiking are good low-impact activities. Swimming can be good for many dogs, especially those who have joint mobility problems — but make sure the dog knows how to swim first, Nelson said. In general, Nelson said small dogs can walk up to a mile or two, while large dogs may be able to handle three or more miles of walking or running.
Just letting a dog out to play on its own in a fenced-in yard isn’t good enough. The dog should be kept active while exercising, so playing a game of fetch with a ball or flying disc are good forms of exercise, Nelson said. While getting your dog active is good, Nelson said it’s also important to make sure your canine friend isn’t overdoing it. “Some signs to look for include an obvious limp, if they are tugging on their leash and don’t want to go forward, or if they start to lag behind,” she said. “As the weather gets warmer, watch out for overheating your dog. Signs include panting really hard; producing thick, ropey saliva; and getting a dark, red tongue. Taking water breaks along the way is a good idea.” If your dog gets weak, collapses or seems to struggle while exercising in warm weather, it’s important to get them cooled off and to a veterinarian quickly, Nelson said. Once temperatures climb into the 80s, Nelson said monitor your dog closely when exercising and consider switching your sessions to early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler. For some dogs even temperatures in the 70s can be hazardous to their health. “Don’t forget about humidity levels in the heat, too,” she said. “High humidity can make it tough for dogs to breathe and they can’t get proper cooling through panting. This is especially true for dogs with short, stubby noses like boxers and bulldogs.”
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HOARDING lutter
C n e h W s e m o c Be
s o a Ch
A Rochester area psychologist shares his insights into the causes of hoarding and the best way to treat the obsessive compulsive disorder By Amy Cavalier
C
lutter can create stress, health hazards and unsanitary living conditions. For some of us, the problem may be relegated to one area such as the attic or basement. “There are definitely people who could just use a hand with getting or-
ganized,” says Mark Larson, a clinical psychologist. “We all tend to let things pile up sometimes. There’s a fundamental difference between that and someone whose possessions become so overwhelming that it begins to influence their lives in significant ways.”
In some cases, clutter can evolve into a much more serious problem. Experts estimate that as much as 2 percent of the population meets the criteria for hoarding. “Attorneys, surgeons, business executives — some very bright and
successful people that you’d never suspect have this problem. Sometimes they’re the life of the party, but nobody’s ever been invited to their home,” says San Francisco psychologist Michael A. Tompkins in a recent article in “The Wall Street Journal.” Tompkins
“I had cancer. Cancer never had me.” Yesterday, I got out my fishing rod. I couldn’t help thinking of everyone at HOA. It was last spring when I found out. I was overwhelmed, distraught - and scared. I thought my fishing days were over. Then I went to HOA. My medical team all said, “We have the technology to fight this thing!” and showed my the CyberKnife. It sounded scary, but when I learned how it worked and how safe it was, I had hope for the first time. Your attitude really inspired me, your staff always encouraged me and your plan of action worked. I may have had cancer, but cancer never had me. Today, my kids and I are heading up to the lake.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
is author of “Digging Out,” a book aimed at helping families of hoarders. The A&E Show “Hoarders” has drawn attention to extreme situations and has shed light on an issue which was, up until recent years, a secret that many people kept in Larson their families. Unfortunately, psychologist Larson says, the show presents an unrealistic scenario for those struggling with hoarding. “We can’t just have a television show swoop in and fix it for us, not to mention they don’t have the time to address the underlying problem,” he says. “Oftentimes they can help someone clean out a house, but then it may fill up again.” Larson has his own private practice where he deals with a gamut of different anxiety disorders such as panic
disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Hoarding is a subset of OCD. For the person struggling with hoarding, it can lead to divorce, alienation from other family members, and guilt and shame which can cause people to become isolated, he says. “They’re certainly not hosting dinner parties, and they might not even be willing to let repair people into their homes,” he says. Larson says there is not one specific reason that causes hoarding. “The question that people always want the answer to is, is it nature or nurture?,” he says. “Is it something you learn from your parents growing up, or is this something you were born with? As is true with most psychiatric disorders, the truth is somewhere in the middle.” In some cases, Larson says, hoarding is a learned behavior, but there may be a “genetic component” as well. “The bottom line is, not all hoard-
ers are created equally,” Larson adds. For some, messiness is a habit they picked up as a kid that stuck with them into adulthood. For others, hoarding is a response to traumatic or stressful circumstances, such as a death or an abusive relationship, or it could be secondary to an issue such as alcoholism. “One of the difficulties not only with identifying hoarders, but also with treating them, is that they often don’t want to change,” he says. “They’re not terribly concerned by their situation.” Hoarders have trouble realizing the scope of their problem, says Larson, and may defend themselves by saying they “just need to get organized.” “They can sometimes live with a fair amount of guilt and shame that they don’t want to be brought out into the light,” he says. “They may know their patterns are unusual and they may be, for example, embarrassed to have someone over to their house, but that doesn’t mean they want to get
treated for it.” A spouse who’s threatening to leave or a landlord threatening eviction may trigger a hoarder to seek help, says Larson. One of the biggest mistakes family members make is trying to “brow beat” the person into changing or coming in to try to clean up the mess themselves. “The kids convince the parent to go away for a couple of days and they come home and the entire place has been cleaned out,” Larson says. “You would think that on one level you’re doing a good thing, but that stuff is very important to the person who has the clutter, and it can really feel like a violation.” Instead, Larson advises families of hoarders to be supportive and encourage them to seek help from a professional, whether it’s a mental health professional, an organizer or both. The Mental Health Association of Rochester offers hoarding support groups for people struggling with this problem.
“It’s not the stuff that’s the memory, it’s the person that was in your life. Those memories are not going to go away just because you get rid of the stuff,” she said. “I tell people I want you to write down the top five most important things in your life. I have not found one client yet who has named something material. Nobody ever says it’s that Hummel collection sitting up in the attic wrapped in plastic. What’s important to us is not the stuff, but that’s what we hang onto.” Cabral has a website with comments from clients and other tips for decluttering. It’s www.decluttercoachdeb.com.
Deborah Cabral helps individuals and organizations get their places organized.
Tips on De-cluttering Offered by the ‘Declutter Coach’ By Alyssa Mammano
I
s your home or office filled with clutter? Do you not remember what your floor or countertops look like? Do you constantly stress over finding lost items? “D clutter coach” Deborah Cabral has a few easy tips and a list of steps toward a more organized and healthy lifestyle. Cabral began her Organization Motivation business only a few years ago as Oswego County’s resident “DeClutter Coach.” While working for years in corporate America, she developed her knack for organizing. “During the last several years before I started my business I did a lot of training, development, productivity and efficiency, [and learned] how to work smarter and not harder. So I am kind of hard-wired for that thinking. I’ve organized for friends and family my whole life,” she said. Cabral’s first tip to anyone looking to get organized is to just get started. That is the most difficult yet the most beneficial step, she said. She tells people they need to get the ball rolling because procrastination is clutter’s best friend and one’s biggest obstacle. “I think there’s so many benefits, and the benefits far outweigh the work,” Cabral said. “But people need to see that first. All they feel is overwhelmed and don’t know where to start so they just don’t start at all.” After getting started Cabral has a few tips on decluttering and maintaining an organized lifestyle: • Set a timer. Declutter for at least 15 minutes every day. No excuses. Small changes over time yield big results. • Declutter the areas that are causing you the most stress. Take before and after photos of your progress. There is nothing more motivating than a photo. • Every time you bring something new into your home, something has to
go. Your home should be your sanctuary—a place to relax and escape the demands of the outside world. It’s nearly impossible to relax in a cluttered home. • Donate, consign or sell items you decide to give away during your decluttering so you feel better about getting rid of things. • Keep only those things you absolutely love or need. Your value is not in your possessions. If you write down what is truly important in your life, most likely your “stuff” is not even on the list.
Societal issue
Cabral said the problem of becoming cluttered in the first place originates from society. People are always looking to buy the next best thing, but no one ever gets rid of the old. “You’re always taught to live within your financial means,” Cabral said. “I always tell people that you need to live within your spatial means.” Meaning if your space is becoming too cluttered and dysfunctional, it’s time to move some things out, she added. Prioritize your belongings and get rid of the items that you are not using and know you will not use in the future, she said. Consigning items rather than throwing them away can make you feel better about getting rid of them, and earn you some extra cash, Cabral said. In her experiences, Cabral said the easiest thing for people to let go of is paper. “I can get people to let go of paper very easily when I teach them what they should retain for legal or tax purposes,” she said. The most difficult are possessions that correspond with memories, she said. Cabral’s way of dealing with this issue is to take a photo of the person with the item. That way the person can keep the photo and look at it whenever they’d like, and can get rid of something taking up space unnecessarily.
July 2012 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Parenting By Melissa Stefanec
10 Lessons Learned by a New Mom As I sit down to write this month’s column, I’m staring out over the skyscrapers in Dallas, Texas. I’m traveling for work and taking a break from parenting for a few days. Being a workingoutside-the-home parent is challenging. It has its ups and downs, but it has also taught me some lessons that I wish to share. Lesson #1: You have to take the good with the bad. Being a working parent puts a whole meaning to this cliché. There are some nights when I work late and don’t get to see my daughter at all. Those nights are tough, but when I get to spend time with Stella, who just turned 11 months, it means all the more to me. I look forward to seeing her and gladly bare my parenting duties. She’s now old enough to return elation and this makes for some very special mommy-daughter time. I think working has taught me to cherish the good moments and tune out the bad ones. Lesson #2: Take your work clothes off when you get home and put on your mom suit. You know what I’m talking about, the sweat pants and Tshirt equivalent. Nothing ruins a work wardrobe like grubby hands and bodily fluids. During my childless life I often felt guilty about getting into my pajamas before dinner, now I have good reason. It’s called wardrobe preservation. Lesson #3: I am only one person. For nine and half months I was two, but now I’m one mere human. Some days I have to remind myself that I’m not three people, and therefore I shouldn’t schedule myself as such. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a parent is knowing when to quit. Some things need to be done and others would be nice to have done. Don’t let the unnecessary drive you crazy. If you succeed in doing this, please send your strategies to melissa@cnyhealth.com. Lesson #4: My child isn’t the only person who needs to learn what the word ‘no’ means. Parents are afraid to say no to people other than their children. When employers, family and friends are asking too much, just say no. Anyone with a sense of decency will understand. If they don’t, prioritize your sanity over making someone angry or hurting someone’s feelings. Lesson #5: People are going to ask if you work outside the home. Then, when you answer yes, they will often
offer a pitiful look. Take these looks in stride. The offenders mean well. These looks will often come from older generations. You’re not playing the same ball game. Things have changed and there’s no reason to pretend they haven’t. Your living in a new millennium. Lesson #6: Take pride in bringing home the bacon. We all want to teach our children valuable life lessons. What’s wrong with teaching your children to work hard in order support themselves and the ones they love? Absolutely nothing. In fact, your children will probably be just as thankful someday as they would’ve been if you stayed home. Lesson #7: Speaking of staying home, show stay-at-home moms some respect. Are you sick of the mommy wars? Then don’t perpetuate them. Being a parent is hard work, no matter how you slice it. Some days I envy stay-at-home moms and other days my heart goes out to them. Can’t we all just respect each other’s circumstances and offer our love and support to each other? Love and support is what the best moms show and teach their children, whether these moms work outside or inside their homes. Lesson #8: Save the heavy lifting for after bedtime. The baby’s bedtime that is. At least on the weeknights, spend as much time as you can with them and save the crappy chores for later. Missing out on the dishes isn’t going to change your life, but missing out on your child’s few waking hours will. Lesson #9: Working outside the home doesn’t detract from the best. I’m enjoying this whole parenting thing a whole darn lot. Being a parent gives me some the greatest joy I’ve ever experienced. No amount of work, chores or the like can detract from that. When I come home to Stella, the rest of the world just melts away. Lesson #10: Stop playing the “milk is always whiter in the other sippy cup.” As the great American writer Max Ehrmann wrote, “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” This is a great credo for parenting. You have one life and your child has one childhood. Enjoy them both for what they are and stop comparing your life away.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
Women’s issues Women can build upper body strength By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
W
omen naturally have less upper body strength than men. Women’s fitness usually centers upon aerobic exercise for weight loss and avoids weight training. But women can improve their upper body strength and it’s beneficial to do so for making everyday chores easier. Some women fear that if they perform strength training movements, they will look manly. “For the most part, that doesn’t happen,” said Greg Payne, certified personal trainer with Riverside Fitness Center in Baldwinsville. “There are different ways to build muscle. Building strength is not going to increase size. It will increase your ability to function in a daily environment.” Get your doctor’s approval before changing your exercise routine. Use proper alignment and form for the maximum benefit and to prevent straining your body. Don’t jerk Nguyen your body to perform movements. It may seem easier but you will likely become injured. “If you are worried about safely performing exercises I would suggest setting up a session with a certified
personal trainer who can assess your form,” said Karlyn Nguyen, a certified personal trainer with Personal Fitness, Inc. in Syracuse. “They can also design a detailed workout plan tailored to your needs.” When using free weights, lift as much as you are able for eight to 12 repetitions. “By the end of the last repetition you should be fatigued,” Nguyen said. “[At that point] you cannot perform another repetition with good form.” Eight to 12 repetitions comprise one “set.” Each exercise session, perform two to three sets. Allow the muscles at least one day to rest before working them again. Chrissy Mason, certified personal trainer with Stability Fitness in Oswego, recommends push ups as “an amazing upper body workout. You’re working core, chest, biceps and more. You can do them on your knees if you can’t do it from the balls of your feet.” She also recommends overhead shoulder presses, bicep curls and dips.
“Working the triceps can help you avoid ‘Grandma arms,’ those flaps of loose skin under the upper arms, because you’re toning that muscle,” Mason said. Payne advises clients to engage in these and other multiple-muscle movements such as rowing and chin ups. “It utilizes more muscles and helps for better flow,” he said. “The isolated muscle movement targets a single
Why Women Need More Calcium
Calcium and other bone-building nutrients key, especially for women By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
C
alcium supports bone and tooth health and other bodily functions. Women, who face a higher risk of osteoporosis than men, especially need to make sure they get enough calcium to help prevent the bone-weakening and often debilitating disease. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that “about half of all women older than 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Up to one in four men will, too.” Especially in older adults, osteoporosis can cause breaks that do not heal well, shortened stature as the vertebrae degenerate, and hunching in the back. “Those that do not [get enough calcium] include girls aged 9 to 18 years, women older than 50 years and men older than 70 years,” said Julie Mellen, registered dietitian with Upstate University Hospital. “Girls between the ages of 9 and 18 need 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily, women between 19 and 50 need 1,000 milligrams daily and women 51 and over need 1,200 milligrams daily,” Mellen said. “Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium.” One serving of dairy could be one cup of milk, one cup of yogurt, one-half ounce of cheese, each of which contains about 300 milligrams of calcium. Unfortunately, many women
eschew dairy, fearing weight gain, because foods such as whole milk and cheese can be high in calories. But skim milk, low-fat cheese, fat-free yogurt are much lower in calories and provide just as much calcium as the full-fat versions. Even those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity can drink lactosefree milk or soy milk to increase their calcium intake. Some can eat yogurt and aged cheese without bloating, gas and intestinal upset caused by drinking milk. Beyond dairy foods, renowned calcium sources include dark greens such as collards, spinach and kale, and canned fish and seafood, like sardines, clams, and blue crab. Consumption of calcium-fortified juice and soy milk also increase calcium intake. Since many women do not consume enough calcium-rich foods, they supplement; however, several studies recently linked calcium supplementation with increased heart attack risk. What’s a woman to do? “If you saturate the body in calcium you run the risk of arterial calcification,” said Susan Brown, director of The Center for Better Bones and the Better Bones Foundation in East Syracuse. “It needs to be balanced with vitamin K and magnesium.”
Taking balanced supplements also helps protect bones better than calcium alone. “Calcium alone doesn’t prevent bone loss and fractures,” Brown said. “Studies have shown that countries with the lowest calcium intake have the lowest number of fractures. I don’t think it’s a service to the public to keep focusing on calcium. There are at least 20 key bone building nutrients. All are extremely important.” Some studies link high calcium intake and the formation of kidney stones and other problems. The studies linking poor health outcomes with high calcium intake may not have considered if the participants took a balanced multi-vitamin supplement or only a calcium supplement. Multi-vitamin tablets do not contain sufficient calcium on their own since calcium cannot be concentrated enough to fit in a pill small enough to swallow easily. Taking a multi-vitamin with calcium can help boost its efficacy and minimize the chances of problems. Sufficient vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption. “A person uses 4,000 international units of D per day,” Brown said. “You cannot absorb calcium without D. It’s not just taking calcium supplements, you need all the nutrients.” July 2012 •
muscle but for overall body strength, the compound movement will give more benefit.” Try an activity that engages your arms and torso, such as a racket sport, rock climbing or golf. Fuel your muscle growth by eating right. “Protein is vital, especially if you want to build muscle and tone up,” Mason said. “Eat one-half gram of protein per pound of body weight, especially if you want to lose weight.” Good protein sources include as fat-free Greek yogurt, skinless chicken breast, and beans. In moderation, eggs and red meat may also be good additions to your diet. Eat a meal one to two hours before the workout. Payne said it should include carbohydrates and protein. “They need carbs to deliver nutrients to cells as quickly as possible,” he said. “Half an hour to 45 minutes after, have a snack with carbohydrates and protein. Stay hydrated, too.”
Found only in traces through its dietary form, vitamin D is generated in the body with exposure to sunlight. During sunny summer months, it takes only 30 to 40 minutes of exposure to generate 10,000 international units of vitamin D. In this part of the country, we cannot produce D from November to April because of the slant of the sun. “It’s only a small spectrum of the sun that can help us produce it,” Brown said. “Get your vitamin D tested by your doctor.” Other vitamins and minerals play roles in bone health such as vitamin K, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, so eating a balanced diet and, possibly, supplementation, are more effective than downing calcium supplements alone. When you take supplements also matters. “Calcium supplements are better absorbed if you take it with food so take it with a meal,” Brown said. “Weak digestion and stress are a big issue. People may have very poor digestion or irritable bowel.” These health problems can make absorbing nutrients more difficult. In addition to what we eat, how we move can improve bone health. “Engage in weight bearing exercise,” Brown said. “Build muscle because bone strength relates to muscle.” Though good for heart health, exercises such as swimming, bicycling, and using a rowing machine aren’t weightbearing exercises so they won’t have as
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 19
Bruce Stewart, DDS: Dedicated to High Quality Dental Care One of the features the practice offers is CEREC crowns — beautiful, strong, done in one visit
B
ruce Stewart has been practicing dentistry for more than 28 years. He knows that people can’t necessarily measure the clinical care a dentist can provide, but they sure know if their experience is valuable. People have a tendency to avoid or deny going to the dentist. They are frightened, embarrassed, feel they won’t be able to afford good dentistry — or they simply just don’t know what a dentist can do for them. Stewart, whose practice, Bruce Stewart, DDS is based in Oneida, wants to address Stewart these issues head
on, so the general public can assess for themselves what good quality dentistry really means. First, our team is dedicated to high quality care, setting new standards for patient education, and integrity driven community service through oral health. What does that mean? • We want to help you improve your overall health and quality of life. • We want our patients to be able to communicate to us what they want most from their experience. • We have ongoing staff interactions setting new standards for patient education and best practices in oral health. • We provide community support through outreach programs and provide unsolicited dental help for groups or individuals of need. How will we do that work? ”The talk we want to walk.” • We always want the community
to be able to say that they admire our integrity, compassion, and innovative approach to how we do our work. • We want to show each individual that we understand and truly care when they have fears, anxiety, or embarrassment. Bruce Stewart, DDS offers the following services: • Advanced laser periodontal therapy • Implants placed and restored • In-house CEREC crowns — beautiful, strong, done in one visit • Digital low radiation X-rays • Root Canal therapy • Complete Smile makeovers • Complete re-care services includ-
ing periodontal and oral cancer screenings So, give us a call and come smile with us. Bruce Stewart DDS 321 Main Street Oneida, NY 13421 www.oneidanydentist.com 315-363-4940 Visit us on FACEBOOK or on our MOBILE SITE** Extended Payment Plans through Care Credit “Spotlight On” is a feature offered to advertisers of In Good Health. For more information, call 342-1182.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
By Jim Miller
Feel You Have Been Overcharged?
How to Challenge Your Medical Bills
Dear Savvy Senior, I need some help understanding my medical bills from my knee replacement surgery earlier this year. My wife and I live on a pretty tight budget so I like to keep track of our costs as closely as possible. But the bills I’ve received are vague and confusing, and we think we’re being overcharged. What can you tell us? Trying To Recover Dear Trying, Errors and overcharging have become so commonplace on medical bills today that doublechecking them is a very smart move that may save you some money. Here are some tips and tools that can help. Challenge Your Bills According to the Medical Billing Advocates of America, nine out of 10 hospital bills have errors on them, most of which are in the hospital’s favor. Bills from doctor’s offices and labs have mistakes too, but they tend to be fewer and further apart. To help you get a handle on your medical bills and check for costly errors, the first thing you need to do is request an itemized statement from the hospital or health care providers detailing the charges of the procedures, supplies, tests and services they provided you. They are legally required to provide you with this information. If the statement contains confusing billing codes or abbreviations that you don’t understand, call the billing office for an explanation. You can also look up most medical billing codes online by going to any online search engine and typing in “CPT” followed by the code number. Once you receive and decode the statement, review it carefully and keep your eyes peeled for these mistakes: • Double billing: Being charged twice for the same services, drugs, or supplies. • Typos: Incorrect billing codes or dollar amounts. • Canceled work: Charging for a
test your doctor ordered, then canceled. • Phantom services: Being charged for services, test or treatments that were never received. Up-coding: Inflated charges for medications and supplies. • Incorrect length of stay: Most hospitals will charge for the admission day, but not for day of discharge. Be sure you’re not paying for both. • Incorrect room charges: Being charged for a private room, even if you stayed in a semi-private room. • Inflated operating room fees: Being billed for more time than was actually used. Compare the charge with your anesthesiologist’s records. To make sure the charges on your bill are reasonably priced, use the Healthcare Blue Book at healthcarebluebook.com. This is a free resource that lets you look up the going rate of health care costs in your area. If you find errors or have questions about charges, contact your provider’s billing office and your insurer. If they don’t help you and the discrepancies are significant, you should consider getting help from a trained professional who specializes in analyzing medical bills and negotiates with health care providers, insurers and even collection agencies. Most medical bill reviewing professionals charge an hourly fee — somewhere between $50 and $200 per hour — for their services, or they may work on a contingency basis, earning a commission of 25 percent to 35 percent of the amount they save you. To find help, check out resources like Medical Billing Advocates of America (billadvocates. com), MedReview Solutions (medreviewsolutions.com), Hospital Bill Review (hospitalbillreview. com) and Medical Cost Advocate (medicalcostadvocate.com). You can find others by doing an Internet search under “hospital bill review.” If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, another resource that may help is your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). They provide free personalized counseling and may be able to help you get a handle on your medical bills and Medicare coverage. To find a local SHIP counselor visit shiptalk.org, or call 800-677-1116.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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f you would like to get a Social Customer Satisfaction Index, users are Security Statement, which provides giving the online statement a score estimates of your future benefits, of 89, making it competitive with our it is now available online at www. other top-rated, best-in-government socialsecurity.gov. online services, such as the Retirement “Our new online Social Security Estimator and online retirement Statement is simple, easy-to-use and application. provides people with estimates To get a personalized they can use to plan for their online statement, you must retirement,” said Michael J. be age 18 or older and Astrue, commissioner of Social must be able to provide Security. “The online statement information about yourself also provides estimates for that matches information disability and survivors already on file with Social benefits, making the statement Security. In addition, Social an important financial Security uses Experian, planning tool. People should an external authentication get in the habit of checking service provider, for their online statement each further verification. You year, around their birthday, for must provide identifying Banikowski example.” information and answer In addition to helping with security questions in order to pass this financial planning, the online statement verification. Social Security will not also provides workers a convenient share your Social Security number with way to determine whether their Experian, but the identity check is an earnings are accurately posted to important part of this new, thorough their Social Security records. This verification process. feature is important because Social When your identity is verified, Security benefits are based on average you can create a “My Social Security” earnings over a person’s lifetime. If account with a unique user name the information is incorrect, the person and password to access your online may not receive proper benefits. statement. In addition, your online The online statement provides you statement includes links to information the opportunity to save or print the about other online Social Security document for future reference, or to services, such as applications for have handy for discussions with family retirement, disability, and Medicare. members or a financial planner. For more information about the According to the American new online Statement, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
Q: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records? A: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records: • Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www. socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html; and • Locate documents proving your: – New or revised citizenship status (Only certain documents can be accepted as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents); – Age; and – Identity. Then, take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or card center. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov” www. socialsecurity.gov.
Q: My husband and I are both entitled to our own Social Security benefits. Will our combined benefits be reduced because we are married? A: No. When each member of a married couple works in employment covered under Social Security and both meet all other eligibility requirements to receive retirement benefits, lifetime earnings are calculated independently to determine the benefit amounts. Therefore, each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. If one member of the couple earned low wages or did not earn enough Social Security credits (40) to be insured for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse. To learn more about retirement, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/retirement. Q: I just got back from an overseas military deployment and I want to plan ahead for my retirement. How will my military retirement affect my Social Security benefits? A: Your military retirement won’t affect your Social Security benefits at all. You can get both. Generally, there is no offset of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement. You will get full Social Security benefits based on your earnings.
35 New Generic Medicines in 2012-2013 Offer Region More Than $700 Million in Annual Savings Price cuts for generic Lipitor will push total saved even higher
U
pstate New Yorkers could see more than $700 million in annualized savings as 35 brand-name prescription drugs become available in their generic form during 2012 and 2013, according to a recent report issued by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Leading the list of new generics that offer the greatest savings opportu-
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nities are Plavix for heart patients, Singulair for asthma and allergic rhinitis and Cymbalta for treatment of depression, pain and fibromyalgia. Plavix has about 62,000 users in Upstate New York, Singulair about 91,000 users and Cymbalta about 42,000 users. “The potential annual savings from just these three drugs could total $264 million once the generic forms become
widely available,” said Joel Owerbach, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield vice president and chief pharmacy officer.
Example: Plavix
Upstate New York’s 62,000 Plavix users spend about $127 million annually for the
Going Generic in 2012/2013 Brand Drug
Generic Name
Generic Available
Used For
Lexapro Boniva Seroquel Avapro Avalide Geodon Prometrium Vancocin Stalevo Provigil Plavix Viramune Lescol/XL Tricor Singulair Actos Xopenex nebulizers Revatio Diovan Diovan HCT Detrol Lidoderm Atacand Atacand HCT Maxalt/Maxalt MLT Actoplus Met Valcyte Zomig Fosamax D Temodar Niaspan Advicor Aciphex Vivelle Dot Cymbalta
escitalopram ibandronate quetiapine irbesartan irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide ziprasidone progesterone micronized vancomycin carbidopa/levodopa/ entacapone modafinil clopidogrel nevirapine fluvastatin fenofibrate montelukast pioglitazone levalbuterol sildenafil valsartan valsartan/ hydrochlorothiazide tolterodine lidocaine candesartan candesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide rizatriptan pioglitazone/ metformin valganciclovir zolmitriptan alendronate/ vitamin D temozolomide niacin extended release lovastatin/ niacin rabeprazole estradiol patch duloxetine
February March March March March March March April April April May May June July August August August September September September September November December December December December March March June August September September November December December
Depression Osteoporosis Mental health High blood pressure High blood pressure Mental health Hormone replacement therapy Infection Parkinson’s disease Narcolepsy, sleep apnea Heart HIV Cholesterol Cholesterol Asthma, allergic rhinitis Diabetes Asthma Pulmonary arterial hypertension High blood pressure High blood pressure Overactive bladder Pain High blood pressure High blood pressure Migraine Diabetes Viral infection Migraine Osteoporosis Cancer Cholesterol Cholesterol Heartburn Hormone replacement therapy Depression, pain, fibromyalgia Source: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield July 2012 •
drug. The retail cost for a 30-day supply of brand-name Plavix is about $230. When its patent expired in May, generic versions priced as low as $10 for a 30-day supply became available (prices vary by pharmacy). The potential annual savings for Plavix users in upstate New York is $100 million.
Example: Lipitor
While Lipitor’s patent expired and the first generic version became available at the end of 2011, the second half of 2012 is when users of the cholesterol-lowering drug will see the generic price tumble. “When the patent on a drug expires, production of the generic form may be limited to one or two designated manufacturers, so the price difference initially can be minimal,” said Owerbach. “After six months, additional approved manufacturers are free to produce the generic, and that’s when the price can drop by 50 percent, 75 percent and even 90 percent.” Brand-name Lipitor retails for about $150 for a 30-day supply. Six months ago when its patent expired, the initial generic version sold for between $110 and $135 for a 30-day supply, depending on the pharmacy. Now, six manufacturers produce generic Lipitor, driving the retail price for a 30day supply to less than $30. The cost is expected to drop even further. More than 529,000 upstate New Yorkers use the 35 brand-name drugs that have or will become available as generics during 2012 and 2013, including Lexapro for depression, Actos for diabetes, Diovan and Diovan HCT for high blood pressure, Niaspan for cholesterol and Aciphex for heartburn. The savings opportunity offered by generic drugs is so great that health insurers consider the lower cost of generics when constructing premium rates. Prescription drug spending represents about 15 percent to 17 percent of health insurance coverage premiums. The complete report on these 35 new generic drugs, “The Facts About Opportunities for Generic Savings in 2012 and 2013,” is available online at excellusbcbs.com/factsheets under the heading “Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs.”
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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H ealth News Living Proof Longevity has new aesthetician St. Joseph’s Medical, P.C., doing business as North Medical, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, announced the addition of Terrianne LaFace, aesthetician, to Living Proof Longevity Centre at Northeast Medical Center in Fayetteville. LaFace is a licensed aesthetician, electrologist, and cosmetologist. She has over five years of experience working for some of Syracuse’s top salons, including Industry Hair Salon and Joseph’s at The Carriage House. LaFace attended LaFace the Continental School of Beauty graduating in 2012. She received her electrologist degree from Anton Aesthetics Academy in West Palm Beach, Fla. in 2010 and graduated from the Phillips Hairstyling Institute in 2007. LaFace specializes in skin care and anti-aging treatments including hydrafacials, microdermabrasion, and waxing.
Internist Associates adds two physicians Physicians Naile Barzaga Hazrati and Jane Hudson have joined the medical practice of Internist Associates of Central New York. Hazrati was most recently in private practice in New Jersey and also worked at Finger Lakes Medical Associates in Geneva. Prior to that, she served as diabetes care coordinator for Northeast Valley Health Corp. in Los Angeles. Hazrati, a native of Cuba, received her medical degree from RupreHazrati
cht-Karl University in Heidelberg, Germany, and completed her residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Flushing Hospital Medical Center in New York. Hudson most recently was an assistant Hudson professor in the department of medicine at SUNY Upstate. She received her medical degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate. Hudson also served many years as a hematology/oncology attending physician at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.
Nadine Bell appointed member of board at Oneida Oneida Healthcare announced the appointment of attorney Nadine Bell to its board of trustees. Bell graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in sociology and a minor in environmental studies and received her law degree from the University at Buffalo. In addition to New York state, she is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Middle and Eastern districts in Pennsylvania. Bell is a partner in Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC and is a member of the municipal law practice group at the firm. Her practice Bell focuses on the areas of municipal law, land use and zoning, with emphasis in regulatory interpretation and compliance, legislation, code litigation and environmental law. She has experience representing municipal and private clients in a variety of commercial and residential zoning and land development issues. Bell is a member of the New York
State Bar Association, Onondaga County Bar Association, Madison County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. She is active in many community organizations and currently serves on the board of directors for BRIDGES, Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.
Syracuse Community Health has new pediatrician Latrice Belfon-Kornyoh has recently joined the Syracuse Community Health Center as a pediatrician and lead provider of pediatrics and schoolbased health centers at the center’s main health care center at 819 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Belfon-Kornyoh graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2004. She completed her residency at the university’s department of pediatrics. Belfon-Kornyoh obBelfon-Kornyoh tained her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Clafin University, South Carolina and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She is a member of the American Association of Pediatrics.
News from
Kirkville woman is Aide of the Year” at Home — Clara Kingsley of Kirkville was recognized as the 2012 “Aide of the Year” at Home Aides of Central New York’s annual aide recognition dinner. “Clara is a highly motivated and committed employee, and is willing to go above and beyond to ensure that her clients’ needs are met,” said Sandra
H. Martin, President of Home Aides of Central New York. “Her compassionate nature, dependability and sense of humor have identified her as an asset to both her clients and our agency. We are proud to have Clara on our team, and we comKingsley mend her for her many accomplishments.” Kingsley has received specialty training in hospice and mental health care. She has been an integral part of Home Aides of Central New York for 18 years, and has devoted more than 23,000 hours to caring for her clients. Two women were honored with awards at Home Aides of Central New York’s Annual Aide Recognition Dinner. • Natalia Huppmann of DeWitt was named the 2012 Hospice Aide Specialist of the Year in recognition of her dedication to her clients, specifically those served through local hospice organizations. “Natalia provides truly exceptional end-of-life care to our clients,” states Sandra H. Martin, president of Home Aides of Central New York. “Her calm, compassionate and nurturing nature brings comfort to her clients and their families, and her professionalism and commitment are commendable.” Huppmann has worked for Home Aides of Central New York for three years, and has dedicated over 6,000 hours to caring for individuals who wish to remain at home as they age. She completed her hospice specialty training in 2009. This specialty training, taught through a partnership with Hospice of Central New York, furthers a Huppmann home health aide’s ability to serve hospice patients in home settings, as well as those residing in Francis House. • Amy Davis of Manlius was
Alzheimer’s Association Launches Social Network The Alzheimer’s Association recently announced the launch of ALZConnected, powered by the Alzheimer’s Association, the first social networking community designed for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. After joining ALZConnected at no cost, members can connect and communicate with people who understand their unique challenges. They can also pose questions and offer solutions to dementia-related issues, create public and private groups organized around a dedicated topic and contribute to message boards. There are currently 320,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and nearly one million people caring for them in New York. With ALZConnected, these people will be able to connect 24 hours a day, 365 days a Page 24
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year with the millions more impacted by Alzheimer’s nationwide, gaining round-the-clock access to practical suggestions and emotional support that come from shared experiences. “When the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, people often feel like they are stranded without any help,” Catherine James, chief executive officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, said. “We offer support groups throughout Central New York, but we recognize that they are not for everyone. ALZConnected offers a safe, secure, judgment-free zone where people with the disease and their caregivers can interact with one another.” ALZConnected, available at www.alzconnected.org, combines the features of many popular social net-
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • June 2012
working sites with matching services and the Alzheimer’s Association’s popular message boards. Members create “connections” by extending and receiving invitations. They are then able to communicate and share as they please, including: • Post a personal update and read what their “connections” have to share. • Share questions and opinions with a diverse community via message boards. • Get answers to questions or support others by offering solutions to their challenges. • Rate solutions by indicating if that solution has been successful.
• Connect with others in similar situations. Consider suggested “connections” or invite their own. • Send private messages to “connections” within a secure system. • Join public or private groups focused on a topic or shared experience. The Alzheimer’s Association provides consultation to 250,000 people in need each year through its toll-free 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), the only one of its kind in the nation, which provides information and guidance in more than 170 languages and dialects. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
H ealth News named the 2012 “Office Employee of the Year” in recognition of her dedicated service to the agency. Davis serves as the agency’s clinical coordinator, providing phone triage and home health aide orientations. She also acts as an agency liaison, providDavis ing the public with information regarding the many services offered by Home Aides of Central New York. She has worked for the agency for two years. “Ms. Davis strives to develop honest and supportive relationships with her coworkers, our home health aides and our clients,” Martin states, “and, despite the many stresses of her position, always maintains a positive attitude. We commend Ms. Davis for her many accomplishments and thank her for her continuing dedication to our mission.”
News from
New Cardiovascular Service Line Administrator — St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center has appointed John J. Cannizzaro to the position of cardiovascular service line administrator. In this role he will provide administrative direction and leadership in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the cardiac and vascular service lines. Cannizzaro has worked for St. Joseph’s for more than 20 years in a variety of management roles, Cannizzaro including director of primary care, director of dialysis services and ambulatory care, executive director of St. Joseph’s Health Alliance, executive director of the SyraHealth Alliance and, most recently, director of managed care. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst and associate at the Central New York Health Systems Agency, Inc., an accountant for Konski Engineers, PC, and budget analyst for the City of Syracuse. A resident of Syracuse, Cannizzaro holds a master’s degree of business administration from Syracuse University and an undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta. New Medical Staff Members — The following physicians joined St. Joseph’s active medical staff: Michael J. Gehman, internal medicine, of Syracuse; Marc R. Iqbal, family medicine, of N. Syracuse; Renee A. Ryan, emergency medicine, of Dryden; Kendra M. Smith, emergency medicine, Marietta; Sylvia Tschernyavsky, emergency medicine, of New York. New Women and Children’s Service Line — St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center has established a Women and Children’s Service Line. Gael Gilbert will be administrator while James E. Brown, Jr. will serve as medical director.
Brown is a Rochester native. He did his undergraduate work at Ithaca College, graduating with a degree in honors biology. He immediately entered medical school at the SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, and completed his residency in 1993. Brown is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in addition to being a member in several professional societies and associations. Brown holds academic appointments as clinical professor in obstetrics and gynecology in the department of OB-GYN at St. Joseph’s and SUNY Upstate Medical University. Brown has a special interest in highrisk obstetrics and infertility, minimally invasive laparoscopic gynecological surgery, as well as office based minimally invasive surgeries. He was a founding member of MOREOB, a comprehensive patient safety, quality improvement, and professional development program for hospital obstetrical units. A resident of Syracuse, he has been in practice for the past 15 years. Gilbert has more than 30 years of nursing experience and has been employed by St. Joseph’s since 2010 as director of maternal child services and now, inpatient mental health services, She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alfred University and a master’s degree in maternal child health from the school of public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also earned her master’s in business administration from Wake Forest University. Gilbert is nurse executive-board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau, a nursing honor society. She resides in Fayetteville.
Sullivan Joins Syracuse Community Health Michael J. Sullivan has been appointed chief corporate operating officer at Syracuse Community Health Center. Sullivan most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Loretto. Additionally he served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Loretto. Sullivan’s primary responsibility includes the overall day-to-day operations of Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc. and Total Care, Inc. Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc. is dedicated to retaining and recruiting highly qualified individuals who are committed first to its mission and its Sullivan commitment to excellence and the highest quality of care for our patients. The Syracuse Community Health Center System of Care is comprised of four corporations, SCHC Companies, Inc., Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc., Total Care, Inc. and
Upstate CEO named among top 100 physician leaders of hospitals
Upstate University Hospital CEO John McCabe, speaking at the opening earlier this year of Upstate Golisano After Hours Care, was just named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of 100 physician leaders of hospitals and health systems. Upstate University Hospital Chief Executive Officer John McCabe, MD, has been named one of the nation’s top 100 physician leaders of hospitals and health systems, by Becker’s Hospital Review. McCabe’s inclusion on the list reflects his healthcare experience and his commitment to quality care, according to Becker’s. Many leaders on the list were nominated by peers and this list then vetted by industry experts. It’s the third time McCabe has been recognized by Becker’s in the past 18 months. Last year, McCabe appeared on two separate Becker’s listings of top health system and hospital leaders. McCabe’s selection is noted in Becker’s Hospital Review. This past year, McCabe oversaw Upstate’s acquisition of Community General Hospital, creating the largest hospital in Syracuse. Since the opening last July, Upstate has introduced new services at what is now called its community campus, including an epilepsy monitoring service, bariatric surgery, and pediatric after hours care. McCabe has provided leadership for the launch earlier this year of an electronic medical record system that enables Upstate’s outpatients to access their medical records through their smart phones, tablets and home computers. McCabe notes the introduction of the MyChart application reflects Upstate’s commitment to quality and patient safety by enabling patients to build their own personal network of patient information. In the past year, Upstate has been honored numerous times for June 2012 •
its quality, including its second consecutive Gold Plus award for stroke care; Health Grades designations for various services, including bariatric surgery, neurosurgery, neurosciences, stroke care; designation as an accredited chest pain center; and recipient of the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Hospital Performance Incentive Program. Upstate is the only hospital in the Syracuse metro region to be named to U.S. News & World Report 2011-2012 Best Hospital rankings. U.S. News also recognized Upstate for its care in various specialty areas, including kidney disorders, urology and cancer. Other highlights of McCabe’s 23-year career at Upstate include the development of an emergency medicine residency training program, overseeing the opening and transition of patients into the Upstate University Hospital’s East Tower and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, the development and opening of a mass casualty unit and upgraded infirmary at the New York State Fairgrounds, the development of an emergency medicine simulation center for training medical residents and the expansion of the hospital’s emergency room. McCabe’s national leadership positions include service as chairman of the board of directors of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the organization that oversees the certification of physician specialists in the United States. In addition to his role as hospital CEO, McCabe serves as senior vice president for hospital affairs at Upstate Medical University.
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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H ealth News SCHC Foundation, Inc. The Syracuse Health Center System of Care serves more than 80,000 individual patients annually in the Central New York Community. For more than 32 years, the SCHC System of Care has provided high quality health care services in Syracuse and its surrounding neighborhoods for families who might not otherwise have access to medical services.
Crouse Orthopedic Surgeon Serves Patients in Peru
Sara Wall Bollinger joins HealtheConnections HealtheConnections announced the appointment of Sara Wall Bollinger of Fayetteville as its new executive director for health planning. In her new capacity, Bollinger will be responsible for developing and managing health planning initiatives that address and promote community health improvement, access to affordable health care, information sharing, education and advocacy by working with community and provider organization, businesses and local and state governments. Bollinger is a health leadership fellow with the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York and a graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse. She earned a master’s degree in education from the Colgate University after study at Alfred University (BA) and Cazenovia College (AA). Previously, she served as executive director of Enable which provides educational, residential, vocational, clinical, long-term care and support services for children and adults with physical, developmental or health related disabilities. “Sara brings a unique set of operational, planning and leadership skills to the organization which will be extremely beneficial in involving the wide range of stakeholders in the region necessary to carry out community-based health planning,” said HealtheConnections Board Chairman William Conole. HealtheConnections was formed in October lat year with the consolidation of the Health Advancement Collaborative of Central New York (HAC-CNY) and the Central New York Health Systems Agency (CNYHSA). It provides health planning and regional health information organization (RHIO) services for an 11-county region of Central New York that includes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Jefferson and Oneida counties.
Auburn’s East Hill Receives Grant for Expansion East Hill Family Medical, Inc. (East Hill) headquartered in Auburn has received a five-year New Access Point Grant Award from the Department of Health and Human Services. The grant designates East Hill as a federally qualified health center. Nationwide, grants were awarded to some 219 health care centers. The grant award allows for East Hill to enhance its mission of providing primary medical and dental care for Medicaid and other low-income indiPage 26
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current plans call for East Hill to hire additional medical and support staff,” states Rose. “East Hill serves a unique need within Cayuga County. The majority of physicians and dentists locally do not accept significant numbers of Medicaid clients. Yet, we have large numbers of individuals who received Medicaid and Medicare who are at significant risk medically. By ensuring that these individuals have primary care services, you keep them healthier. They are then not going to a local emergency room or urgent care center for their primary care,” she continued. Over the past 40 years, East Hill has evolved into one of the largest nonhospital based primary care facilities in the Finger Lakes region. The organization began in 1971 as the Family Planning Center of Cayuga County. During the 1990s, adult medicine, pediatrics, and dental services were added. Reflecting its expanded scope, the name was changed to East Hill Family Medical, Inc. in 1994. In 2011, medical, dental, and behavior health services were provided to 11,250 individuals who made 33,895 visits.
Le Moyne Nursing Receives Reaccreditation Crouse Hospital orthopedic surgeon Richard DiStefano, MD (left) and a colleague scrub up in a Lima, Peru operating room prior to performing spinal surgery. Crouse Hospital orthopedic surgeon Richard DiStefano recently returned from Lima, Peru, after having spent a week providing surgical services in one of the city’s largest hospitals. DiStefano, a partner in Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, was part of a medical expedition invited by spinal implant company Innovasis, in partnership with Eagle Condor Humanitarian, to perform spinal-related surgeries for Peruvian patients at no cost. The team, including DiStefano, brought with them specific surgical expertise and knowledge often unavailable in Peru and other underdeveloped countries. The American surgeons worked at Loayza Hospital alongside a Peruvian medical team. “Healthcare in Peru is very different than what we’re accusviduals. “This is a significant accomplishment for East Hill,” says Josephine Rose, president/CEO. “While we have always been responsive to the needs of the community, this designation allows us to expand our programs and ensure that those who most need primary health care services can receive them regardless of their ability to pay.” During the first two years of the grant, East Hill will receive just over $1,250,000. Included in this amount is funding to renovate space at Metcalf Plaza to expand East Hill’s primary care services. Currently, East Hill’s service delivery pattern focuses more on the needs of children and adolescents. This expansion enables East Hill to reach out and double its capacity by targeting more adults and elderly individuals. It is anticipated that East
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012
tomed to here in the U.S.,” says DiStefano, who notes that there were two nurses for every 20 patients. “With limited resources available to these patients, if you don’t have the money to pay for a procedure, you don’t get it.” He adds that the Lima hospital was clean, staff members were competent and the patients very appreciative of the care provided by the American team. “Seeing healthcare in an underdeveloped country like Peru, even in a city with a population of nine million people, makes you really appreciate the system of care we have in the U.S.” Eagle Condor Humanitarian is a Utah non-profit organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Hill could help an additional 1,500 – 2,000 adult and elderly users. Serving more adults and the elderly increases the percentage of Medicare patients served and brings the age distribution of the East Hill user more in line with the age distribution of its target area population. “There are many other benefits in receiving this designation,” says Rose. “In addition to enabling East Hill Family Medical to better serve the community through the expansion of our primary care services, this designation provides protection for health care practitioners under the federal tort claim medical malpractice coverage and opens new avenues of federal grant opportunities. “There is also an economic development benefit for the community as
Both the bachelor’s and master’s programs in nursing at Le Moyne College have received renewed accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE’s board of commissioners has granted continuing accreditation to the baccalaureate and master’s degree program in nursing for 10 years, extending to June 2022. “We are thrilled to have been given this designation,” said Susan Bastable, chairwoman and professor of the department of nursing. “Receiving the 10 full years of reaccreditation, which is the maximum number of years allowed for any nursing education program, confirms the integrity and strength of our undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Beyond determining that both programs met all four accreditation standards, the board determined that there were no compliance concerns with respect to any of the 26 key elements documented in the self-study for evaluation.” The department of nursing initiated nursing education at Le Moyne in 2004 with the establishment of the RNBS program. In 2005, the Dual Degree Partnership (DDPN) was created as the first unique model of its kind in the country to offer high school graduates the opportunity to earn two degrees, an associate’s degree from St. Joseph’s College of Nursing and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Le Moyne, while enjoying a four-year campus living and learning experience like any other college major. In 2006, the Master of Science in Nursing degree program and two post-master’s certificates were established to prepare nurses with specialization as nurse educators or nurse administrators. In addition, the department of nursing offers a post-baccalaureate certificate for nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field to be eligible for the Master of Science degree.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2012