In Good Health by In Good Health: CNY's Healthcare Newspaper

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Apple

Find out why this is the fruit you should eat. Hint: It can even help you lose weight

YOGA

Yoga teacher remembers when the Vatican used to warn against practices such as yoga

WestNileVirus Five things you need to know to protect yourself

September 2012 • Issue 153

CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

Special needs

Number of pre-schoolers with special needs steadily increasing but overall number of special needs students in all CNY districts has gone down.

Back2SchoolSPECIAL

Farmers Markets Still Going Strong at Hospitals Toenail Fungus

Harvard-trained

Practice launches treatment that it says can get rid of your fungus in two visits

New public health director in Oswego County has been trained at Harvard Emeka Anumba, a gynecologist, talks about women’s issues and explains why OB-GYN is a “fun field”

25 things I’ve Learned About Living Alone

Catherine James: From volunteer to CEO of Alzheimer’s Association of CNY. Profile

September 2012 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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“Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Biomarkers” A Research Study- Sponsored by The National Cancer Institute

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I had a choice and I chose Orthopedics at St. Joseph’s.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

▲ Are you premenopausal (and age 55 or younger)? ▲ Do you get regular mammograms? ▲ Are you willing to be assigned to take a Vitamin D supplement or a placebo pill daily for 1 year? ▲ Have you been informed that you have dense/ﬁbrous breasts? You may be eligible for a research study comparing the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on breast density and blood biomarkers, to explore prevention of breast cancer. For more information, please call: Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York Research Department 315-472-7504 ext.7-1350

CYSTIC FIBROSIS Drug tested at Upstate shows marked improvement for some patients

pstate University Hospital patients who have the cystic fibrosis mutation, G55ID, are experiencing marked improvement in lung function and nutritional status through a recently approved FDA oral medication called Kalydeco. Upstate served as one of the test sites for the Kalydeco three-year clinical trial. Findings from the national trial demonstrated that Kalydeco is the first medication of its kind to effectively address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). “Kalydeco has proven successful in improving the quality of life for our CF patients who have the G55ID mutation, which accounts for about 4 percent of the CF population in the United States,” says Ran Anbar, a medical doctor who served as the principal investigator of Upstate’s Kalydeco trial. “Breathing for patients on this medication is less labored and we are finding that they are less prone to infections and other complications resulting from CF,” said Anbar, professor of pediatrics and medicine, director of pediatric pulmonary medicine and medical director of the Robert C. Schwartz Cystic Fibrosis Program at Upstate Medical University. Cystic fibrosis is a rare, inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and the digestive system. The FDA approved Kalydeco last January for use in people with the CF mutation, G55ID. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. developed the drug, with scientific, clinical and significant funding support from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in people with the G551D mutation, a defective protein caused by CF moves to its proper place at the surface of the cell but does not function correctly. Instead, the defective protein acts like a locked gate, preventing the proper flow of salt and fluid in and out of the cell. Kalydeco works by helping to unlock that gate and restore the function of the defective protein, dramatically improving lung function and helping patients gain weight — all key clinical indicators of CF. It is hopeful that this drug will prevent progression of the disease. While Kalydeco represents a breakthrough for patients with this particular mutation, it also represents hope for all people with CF, according to Preston W. Campbell, III, executive vice president for medical affairs for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “The CF Foundation is committed to finding a cure for CF, and the approval of Kalydeco marks an important first step in making that mission a reality,” he said. Nearly 90 percent of people in the United States with CF have the Delta F508 mutation. A national clinical trial is currently under way to test the effectiveness of Kalydeco, used in combination with another potential therapy, VX809, in people with the Delta508 mutation. Upstate is currently participating in another national clinical trial to test the effectiveness of Kalydeco in CF patients with the mutation R117H.

CNY Cosmetic launches laser treatment for toenail fungus Practice says it’s the first to offer effective treatment for toenail fungus

NY Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery of Fayetteville announced that it is the first and only practice in the Syracuse area to offer ClearToe, a revolutionary laser treatment for toenail fungus. ClearToe laser treatment is non-invasive, relatively painless and effective in treating the hard-to-treat toenail fungus that can result in thickened and discolored nails. A typical treatment regimen requires just two visits. “Our patients are delighted to discover that there is an alternative to the oral medication which has traditionally been prescribed to treat this formerly hard to cure problem,” says Gregory Baum, a board-certified plastic surgeon. “ClearToe laser treatment to remove toenail fungus is safe and relatively painless, using laser energy to destroy the pathogens embedded under the toenails that cause fungus. During the treatment, the laser light gently passes through the toenail causing no damage to the actual nail or surrounding skin,” according to Anthony Deboni, also a a board-certified plastic surgeon with CNY Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery.

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“Patients from the greater Syracuse, Utica, Watertown and Fayetteville areas are discovering how effective ClearToe can be,” says Baum. The patented ClearToe laser is designed to safely kill the organisms that invade the nail and cause toenail fungus (onychomycosis). Deboni adds, “In most cases, the nail fungus is completely cured with two treatments. Each treatment takes under an hour, and the patient can resume regular activities immediately. Damage from the fungus disappears as new, healthy nail grows in, (within three to six months).” “The brittle, yellow nails that result from toenail fungus can be a real source of embarrassment, causing many to hide their toes, even during warmer months. We’re pleased to offer a way to treat this condition that is a great alternative to oral medication,” says Baum. 2012 • Ed. IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s slsSeptember 18; 2/5/12, 15, #001239; 1stHealthcare proof Newspaper

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American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology Certiﬁed. American College of OB/GYN Fellow

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

CPR certiﬁcation program offered by St. Joe’s St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center is offering a CPR for Healthcare Provider course with certification for the community. The fee for the course is $50 and includes the student manual and certification card. Class size is limited. The dates of the class are Sept. 10 and Oct. 8 from 7:30 – 11 a.m. in conference room 201 B at St. Joseph’s, located at 301 Prospect Ave. in Syracuse. To register, call 448-5847.

Sept 11, 25

SUNY to present event planning program SUNY Oswego’s event planning certificate program aims to help those planning anything from a business project to a holiday party learn to be a more effective and efficient planner who can provide guests with an excellent experience. This program at the SUNY Oswego Metro Center in downtown Syracuse will provide key strategies for managing event logistics, critical planning techniques for negotiating contracts, tactics for dealing with sponsors and overall insight into the intricacies of event management, organizers said. The program will consist of two separate two-session courses. The first course will run from 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 11 and 18. The second will take place during the same time slot Sept. 25 and Oct. 2. Participants may take one two-session course for $199 or both for $349. To register, or for

more information, visit www.oswego. edu/eventplanning or call the SUNY Oswego Metro Center at 399-4100.

Sept. 16

Strathmore Parks Run to beneﬁt Sarah House The Greater Strathmore Neighborhood Association will host the Strathmore Parks Run on Sept. 16. Family fun activities, including a bounce house, games, food and fun will begin at noon. A family walk/kids race will begin at 3 p.m. The Parks Run is a scenic fourmile course that starts in Onondaga Park at Hiawatha Lake, goes through Syracuse’s historic Strathmore neighborhood, around Woodland Reservoir and up the water tower hill, with panoramic views of the city skyline, and finishes back in Onondaga Park. The course is USATF certified. For more information, race, visit strathmoreparksrun.com. Proceeds will benefit Sarah House.

Sept. 20

Hospice of Central New York preparing volunteers Hospice of Central New York is searching for volunteers-people who are emotionally mature, compassionate and dedicated to providing sensitive support at end of life to people and their families. The hospice will offer training for volunteer family caregivers starting Thursday, Sept. 20, and concluding Nov. 8. The training comprises a total of eight consecutive Thursday continued on page 24

OASIS presents fall schedule OASIS, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of mature adults 50 and older through lifelong learning, healthy living and social engagement, has recently announced its fall schedule. The fall trimester at OASIS will include a series of important health related classes presented by physicians and registered nurses from Upstate Medical University, and leaders of other support organizations. Here is a list of the programs: • “Safe Exercise for a Healthy Heart.” Oct. 5 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Guidelines to improve your heart’s health stressing the importance of stretching before exercise and details on a heart healthy walking program. (Free pedometers to class participants.) • Arthritis Foundation Exercise: Sept. 24 from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. (11 sessions) Designed to help those who have joint or muscle problems achieve improved mobility, strength and endurance in order to improve their daily activities • “Living With Dying”

Oct. 2, 16, 30 and Nov. 11. from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Death is an anxiety barrier that prevents us from making the most of our opportunities. Living with dying may be the process that helps unlock more of our potential. • Upstate’s “MyChart” Oct. 22 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m . Learn what having access to your own “My Chart” medical records means for you and your health care provider and how it may impact comprehensive care in Central New York. • “Alzheimer’s Disease — the Basics” Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The topics will be “Is it Normal or What?” from 10 – 11 a.m.; and “There’s No Place Like Home” from 11 a.m. – noon. The Syracuse Chapter of OASIS has over 9,500 members and is sponsored by Upstate Medical University. Membership is free and there is a modest fee for classes. For information and a free catalog, call 464-6555 or stop in at 6333 state Route 298 next to the Double Tree Hotel off Carrier Circle. The website is www.oasisnet.org/syracuse.

Construction of Central Square Medical Center Nears Completion Former Lifetime Health Center expected to re-open Oct. 1 under new name

onstruction of the Central Square Medical Center nears completion with the outpatient facility expected to open this fall. Oswego Health officials, who operated the center, will hold an open house in late September prior to the facility’s opening. Oswego Health has completely renovated the former Lifetime Health Center at 3045 E. Avenue (Route 49) in the village of Central Square. The new medical center will offer urgent care, medical imaging, lab and physical therapy services. Additional services will also include a private women’s health suite for those needing a digital mammogram, bone density or ultrasound screening. At the urgent care center, boardcertified physicians will treat those with minor illnesses or injuries. Among the minor illnesses and injuries that can be treated at the urgent care are cuts or wounds that require stitches, sprains, stains or deep bruises, ear infections,

upper respiratory infections, coughs and congestion, sore throats, insect bites and rashes. The urgent care center will be open daily, including holidays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The lab will offer three convenient draw stations, while the medical imaging department will provide general X-rays and computed tomography (CT). The lab and medical imaging department will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and those patients needing these services after 5 p.m. should use the urgent care door. Residents requiring therapy services will find a spacious suite that features comfortable individual treatment rooms for their physical, occupational and speech therapy needs. The department will have a well-equipped gym, including the latest in spinal decompression therapy for those suffering from pain in the lower back or neck. Parking will be conveniently located near the ground floor entrance.

‘Children’s Mental Health Summit’ to be held in Syracuse

The symposium, designed for clinicians, educators, researchers, students and parents, begins on the evening of Sept. 27 with a film and panel discussion. Generation Rx examines the rising use of psychiatric medications with children as well as the consequences of this approach and will include discussion with director Kevin Miller. It is followed by two days of keynote presentations, workshops and opportunities for networking and collaboration with professionals focused on the social-emotional, behavioral and mental wellness of children. The list of featured speakers includes award-winning journalist Robert Whitaker; Peter Breggin, founder and director of the Center for the Study of Empathic Therapy; Chris Mercogliano, former educator and current author who has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and other nationally syndicated radio shows; along with a comprehensive set of experts on children’s mental health. For more information contact Michael Gilbert at 382-0541 or mgilbert@iacaf.org.

rauma, psychiatric medications, social-emotional learning, family therapy, nutrition, and systems reform are a sampling of topics experts from across the country will discuss at the Children’s Mental Health Summit, Sept. 27-29 in Syracuse. It’s About Childhood & Family, Inc., along with event several sponsors, has assembled a series of internationally-renowned speakers for the summit titled, “Reclaiming Childhood: A New Perspective on Improving Social-Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Wellness.”

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ONONDAGA, OSWEGO, CAYUGA AND MADISON COUNTIES in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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, Matthew Liptak, Alyssa Mammano, Martine Burat, Aaron Gifford, Miranda L. Pennock • 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.

September 2012 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Dr. Emeka Anumba Gynecologist talks about women’s issues and explains why OB-GYN is a “fun field” Q: Tell me about your practice. A: I am a board-certified OB-GYN. At this time I’m offering the full gamut of outpatient gynecological services. Q: Beyond the annual check-ups, what do patients typically come to you with? A: Menstrual issues, abdominal pains and cramps. Abnormal pap smear. Birth control-related needs. Q: Does the politicization of women’s health issues affect OB-GYN practices, or are you mostly able to stay above the fray? A: I generally stay out of politics. None of my patients have ever brought up political matters during a visit and I don’t bring them up.

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Q: Are you currently involved in any research? A: I was part of the staff at Upstate University Hospital three years ago, but I’m not currently involved in any research. Q: What’s something women should know about their health that they may not? A: The need to pay attention to one’s internal needs. If there’s some discomfort that’s gynecological nature, it’s good to look into it before things have the chance to get worse. Q: There’s a lot of outreach to women patients to get annual checkups. Do you think women are more likely to

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

utilize primary care services than men? A: I don’t have a good frame of reference for men. However, anyone who has the need to be seen, it’s always preferable to be seen as an outpatient rather than wait until it’s a disaster and going to the emergency room. It’s better to practice health maintenance as opposed to treatment of illness. Q: What can an OB-GYN do for a woman suffering from symptoms brought on by menopause? A: There are some symptoms that can be alleviated by a gynecologist, not always with hormones. One could discuss diet, for example. But we can use hormone replacement therapy for a short period of time when it’s really needed.

Q: Are you delivering babies at this time? A: At this time I’m not offering obstetric services. I’ve done thousands of deliveries in the past, but right now I’m concentrating on outpatient gynecological services. Q: Do you perform any surgeries? A: I’m office-based entirely, but I do outpatient surgeries like the LEEP procedure. In the past, I’ve done a lot of in-hospital surgeries, but I’m not doing them at this time. Q: What made you decide to specialize in gynecology? A: Actually, my interests had always been in mathematics and engineering. I had a mentor inform me that medicine is broad and that there are many aspects of medicine in which my interest in mathematics would be of use. It was during my rotations that I discovered that obstetrics and gynecology was a very fun field to be in and I’ll tell you why. It’s the only field where the patient might actually want to take a picture of you [with the baby]. It’s a fun specialty involved with life coming into the world rather than leaving it. It affords the physician a full gamut of medical practices. You’ll treat illnesses with counseling, medicine and, when needed, surgery. There’s no other specialty that combines all three. Q: Has your background in math helped you as a doctor? A: Yes, especially in this day and age where things are very computerized. My interest in mathematics has made it very easy for me to integrate computers and computer programs into my medical practice. Q: Would you recommend prospective physicians get a solid background in math? A: It would depend on your interests; we all have different aptitudes. If your aptitude is in math and you’re willing to work hard, there’s a place in medicine for you. Q: What’s the average age of your patients? A: If I had to name a range, I’d say most are between 25 and 45, but I see women of all ages. Q: When should women start seeing a gynecologist? A: I would say from menarche, particularly if there are problems involved with it. Most of those patients will be brought in by their mothers.

Lifelines Hometown: Syracuse Practice: OB/GYN Care, 1200 E. Genesee St.,suite 207, Syracuse, 299-6116 Education: Howard University College of Medicine Afﬁliations: Crouse Hospital Organizations: American College of OB-GYN (ACOG) Family: Married, two children Hobbies: Computer programming, bike riding, walking

Farmers Markets Still Going Strong at Syracuse Hospitals All four hospitals playing host to farmers markets for several more weeks this season By Matthew Liptak

our Syracuse-area hospitals are sponsoring farmers markets this summer and fall in hopes that bringing fresh fruits, vegetables and other goods to the public will help people gain healthier eating habits. St. Joseph’s, Crouse, Upstate and Upstate’s Community Campus hospitals are all hosting the markets. Two of them, St. Joseph’s and Crouse, are mobile markets while the other two, Upstate and the former Community General, are stands set up in the hospital parking lots. At Upstate the idea came from Bonnie McCabe, wife of the hospital’s CEO John McCabe, and Karen Wentworth, Upstate’s volunteer service’s coordinator. They host two markets, one at the Upstate University Hospital Community Campus parking lot every Thursday from 11:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. until Oct. 4 and the other at Upstate University Hospital at the children’s hospital parking lot at the corner of Crouse and Adams streets in every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Oct. 5. “The idea actually originated from Bonnie McCabe,” Wentworth said. “She and I both put this together but it was Bonnie’s brainchild actually. She wanted to promote healthy eating and expose our surrounding community to a variety of fresh produce.” At St. Joseph’s, a spot near the college of nursing is the place where the CNY Regional Market’s mobile market visits each Wednesday from 1:30 to 4:30. It scheduled to run through the end of the growing season. “It was a way for us to do it very quick and it didn’t involve a lot on our end and it got us a nice end result of having the items available and also supporting a program they were trying to get going,” said Jamie Nicolsi, director of nutritional services at the hospital. The mobile market from the re-

gional market that goes to St. Joseph’s also goes to other area locations that are underserved for fresh fruits and vegetables. “For the last four years the regional market has been doing it on our own with the real intention of sustainability,” said Ben Vitale, executive director of the regional market. “It’s quite an accomplishment. It’s an advantage of the community. We do go to St. Joe’s hospital. We go to a lot of the senior centers. “For them it’s a great advantage because a lot of them have difficulty getting to the grocery stores and getting really fresh produce and stuff. Those are the areas that we really concentrate on—people who are challenged in getting fresh local produce. “It’s an advantage to the market because it’s getting more produce out there, more local products. It’s a way for us to do a little bit of goodwill for the community plus it pretty good PR.” At Crouse, a different mobile market run by Southside Interfaith CDC takes place inside in the main dining area of the cafeteria at the Clocktower Cafe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m every other Thursday. “Last March, Crouse Hospital embarked upon a new employee wellness initiative called Simply Well,” said Sara Kohlbrenner, Crouse’s wellness and population health coordinator. “When the program was launched, a fourmonth challenge was started, which gave points to participants for exercising, eating well and making better choices overall to enhance their health. The Simply Well Mobile Farm Market was an idea that came out of the Simply Well activities committee.” At Crouse, as at the other hospitals, administrators of the markets cite healthier eating and convenient access as two of the benefits of the market. “The mobile farm market at Crouse helps encourage employees and visi-

Customers Janell Krause and Lena Duby with little CC Duby from Nedrow at the Upstate’s Community Campus farmers market after making a purchase of maple syrup. “I’ve been wanting to make it to more farmers markets,” Lena Duby said. “This is the stuff you’re looking for but you’re at Wegmans asking ‘Do you actually carry it?’ “

Dan LoParco, an employee of Abbott Farms, mans his farm stand at the farmers market at Upstate’s Community Campus. The market is one of four taking place at the hospitals in Syracuse.

Lorraine Whitley, left, poses with her uncle and aunt, Earl and Synthia Holmes. Earl and Synthia are owners of Sweet Pies Bakery, one of the vendors at the Upstate’s Community Campus farmers market. tors to eat more fruits and vegetables and adds a convenience factor to this effort,” Kohlbrenner said. “We even accept Crouse employee payroll deduction to cover purchases at the market to make it that much easier.” Karen Wentworth agreed with her colleague at Crouse about the benefits. She went on to say that the market at Community Campus in particular could be considered a success with its popularity. “It’s exposing people to healthy eating and exposing our surrounding community to a variety of fresh produce that otherwise might not be available. They have a chance to meet the farmers, talk with them, find out how their products are grown, how they can be prepared. The farmers have a lot of knowledge. It’s a good thing all around. “We have gotten nothing but positive [feedback] from our employees and from people who are coming. They think it’s great. Community General has wanted a farmers market for quite September 2012 •

a long time so they are very happy albeit that it’s only a couple right now of vendors and farmers but they are very excited that it’s going to build and that they have that opportunity up there to go out and get fresh fruits and vegetables.” According to Vitale, the regional market’s mobile market has no plans to expand in the short term but the Upstate and Community Campus markets are always looking for new farmers, even for this season. Wentworth said interested farmers or vendors could call her at 464-4241. “We’re always looking for vendors and always looking for farmers to participate in both our markets,” “Any chance that any of us can promote healthy eating and expose the community to making the right choices is a good thing...we welcome it. This is for the community. This is for our employees. It’s for the hospital and everybody that’s around here. We just want them to come out and see what’s out there and eat healthy.”

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

This Much I Know: 25 Things I’ve Learned About Living Alone “Whether you’re married or not, whether you have a boyfriend or not, there is no real security except for whatever you build inside yourself.” Gilda Radner

his September marks the eighth anniversary of my solo trip to Paris to celebrate turning 50. It also marks the anniversary of a decision I made that changed my life. It was in the “City of Light” that I decided to create a workshop series designed to help women live on their own with more confidence and joy. Since launching the workshop in 2005, I have learned and experienced so much. I have also been inspired by the courageous, resourceful women and men I’ve met along the way who are now living alone with great success. They reinforce what I practice every day and what I preach in my Live Alone and Thrive workshop — that the relationship with ourselves is the most enduring of all and that it is worth nurturing. Most of these women and men have overcome some very real and often painful obstacles, but they now embrace their independence and are busy leading interesting, full lives. They are making it on their own. They have challenged, as have I, the ageold belief that marriage, as it has been traditionally defined, is the only state in which we can be truly happy, fulfilled, secure, and complete.

Whether divorced, widowed or “confirmed” bachelors or bachelorettes, they are not spending their time bemoaning their fate. They have conquered adversity and are the stronger for it. They have taken their lives into their own hands and have come to appreciate the choices and opportunities that living alone has to offer.

This much I know:

1 – Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. All you need to do is pick up the phone. 2 – Rediscovering your true self and identifying those things that bring meaning and joy into your life can turn living alone into an adventure of the spirit. 3 – Loneliness is not a “state of being” reserved for single people. Were you ever lonely while you were married? 4 – Traveling solo can be a journey that leads to self-discovery. Whether it’s Paris or Peoria, striking out on your own will expand your horizons and build self-confidence. 5 – Accepting party invitations is worth doing, even if you suspect the party will be mostly couples. Remind yourself that guests often separate into groups of women and men, so singles blend right in. 6 – Figuring out how to hire a contractor, buy a car or even replace

KIDS Corner Despite drop, tobacco use remains high among high school students Consumption of cigars has seen increase

obacco use among American middle school and high school students showed a slow decline from 2000 to 2011, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But when compared with other long-term studies, such as the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the steep rate of decline from 1997 to 2003 Page 8

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has slowed noticeably. The report published in August shows that in 2011 nearly 30 percent of high school males and 18 percent of high school females used some form of tobacco. More than 8 percent of middle school males and nearly 6 percent of middle school females used some form of tobacco in 2011.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

the flapper valve in your toilet — all by yourself — can be very rewarding! 7 – The stereotyped image of single women and men as desperate and miserable are exaggerated and just plain untrue. Not a believer? Check out “Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone” by Eric Klinenberg. 8 – Pursuing a new career or college degree in midlife can be liberating and fun. 9 – Doing a “random act of kindness” is a great antidote when you’re feeling lonely and sorry for yourself. 10 – Friends matter. Reach out. Nurture your friendships. Honor your commitments. 11 – Accepting a dinner invitation does not obligate you to anything. 12 – Paying your own fair share on a date can feel good and empowering. 13 – Letting go of the idea that you need to be married to have any chance of being happy and fulfilled is essential. This idea will only keep you mired in self-pity. 14 – Treating yourself well builds esteem. Prepare and enjoy healthy meals at home. Get enough sleep. Exercise. You’re worth it. Tell yourself so by taking good care of yourself. 15 – Your children are your first priorities, even in the face of an enticing romance.

The report indicates that though tobacco use continued an 11-year downward trend, tobacco use remains high among high school students. For example, among black high school students, cigar use increased significantly from 7.1 percent in 2009 to 11.7 percent in 2011. In 2011, cigar use among high school males (15.7 percent) was comparable to cigarette use (17.7 percent). Cigar use includes the use of cigarette-like cigars that can be packaged and smoked like typical cigarettes, but are taxed at a lower rate, making them more appealing and accessible to youth. While they contain the same toxic chemicals as cigarettes, no cigars are subject to restrictions on flavorings and misleading descriptors such as “light” or “low tar,” according to the report. Nearly 25 percent of high school males and more than 17 percent of high school females used some form of smoked tobacco product in 2011, while smokeless tobacco use among high school males (12.9 percent) was 8 times higher than among high school females (1.6 percent). “An overall decline in tobacco use is good news, but although four out of five teens don’t smoke, far too many kids start to smoke every day,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden.

16 – Getting out of your comfort zone is worth the discomfort. Try something new — dancing lessons, a computer class, hiking — or whatever piques your curiosity. It’s a great way to have fun and meet people. 17 – Isolating on holiday, birthdays, Sundays, etc. is for the birds. Solitary confinement is punishment for criminals, not single people. Make plans. 18 – Comb your hair. Lose the sweat pants. Put a smile on your face. It’s important to create your own positive feedback. Looking good will draw people (and compliments) to you. 19 – There’s no shame in asking for help. It’s not a sign of weakness. On the contrary. Asking for help shows courage and resourcefulness. 20 – Self-confidence and humor are powerful aphrodisiacs; neediness and desperation are not. 21 – Doing anything alone means you enjoy life and your own company; it does not mean you are a loser. 22 – Expanding your definition of love beyond “romantic love” will stand you in good stead. Embrace “passionate friendships” — those relationships in which you can be yourself and feel completely comfortable. 23 – Hanging out with negative people is a real downer. Put yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and about life. 24 – Living alone and loving it takes practice. Know that there is always someone you can call or something you can do to improve your situation. 25 – Finding your home in your heart can deliver peace as well as power. Harness that potential and your contentment will know no bounds. That I know! Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about the workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak call 585-624-7887 or email: gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

“Most tobacco use begins and becomes established during adolescence. This report is further evidence that we need to do more to prevent our nation’s youth from establishing a deadly addiction to tobacco.” The study, “Current Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students—United States, 2011,” published in August in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reported no significant declines in the use of any tobacco product among middle school students from 2009 to 2011. However, cigarette use declined from 19.2 percent in 2009 to 15.8 percent among Hispanic high school students. The report reaffirms the need to return youth tobacco use trends to the more rapid rate of decline seen from the late 1990s through 2003. To further reduce tobacco use among young people, the 2012 Surgeon General’s Report recommends making tobacco products less affordable, running hard-hitting mass media campaigns, and evidence-based tobacco control and prevention programs that work in conjunction with new restrictions on the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes and other tobacco products to youth.

West Nile Virus

5 Things You Need to Know I

n the wake of 10 deaths due to West Nile virus, and hundreds of infections, authorities sprayed insecticide in the Dallas region in August, hoping to curb the spread of the disease, which can be spread by mosquitoes. A total of 693 cases of West Nile virus infections, including 26 deaths, were reported as of Aug. 14 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of cases reported by mid-August is the highest since 1999, when the disease was first seen in the U.S., according to the CDC. About 60 percent of this year’s cases have involved the ”neuroinvasive” form of West Nile infection, in which the nervous system is affected. Such cases can cause inflammation of neural tissues, such as meningitis and encephalitis. More than 80 percent of all reported cases were from six states (Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and California), and almost half of all cases have been reported from Texas. Here are five things you need to know about West Nile virus:

1. What is West Nile virus? West Nile virus is a type of virus called a flavivirus. Other viruses in this group cause dengue, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. Flaviviruses are commonly transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes. West Nile virus was first identified in Uganda in 1937, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2. How does West Nile Virus spread? It is likely that West Nile is spread from birds to people through mosquito bites, the NIH says. Early fall is the time of year that mosquitoes tend to have the highest levels of the virus, and human cases tend to peak around this time. The virus can also be spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their fetus, and mothers can transmit it to babies through breast milk, the CDC says. West Nile virus cannot be spread by casual contact, or touching or kissing an infected person, according to

the CDC. 3. What are the symptoms of a West Nile infection? About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile show no symptoms at all, according to the CDC. The other 20 percent have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands. Some develop a rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Severe forms of West Nile, which affect the nervous system, can be life-threatening. The NIH says that the following symptoms need prompt medical attention: muscle weakness, stiff neck, weakness in one arm or leg, confusion or a change in ability to think clearly and loss of consciousness or coma. 4. How can I prevent catching West Nile? The CDC recommends using an insect repellent that contains one of the following ingredients: DEET,

September 2012 •

picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (or a synthetic version of this oil, called PMD), or IR3535. These ingredients are suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency because they provide reasonably long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. The CDC also suggests wearing long sleeves and pants, or staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so removing water from flower pots, pet dishes, buckets and barrels can reduce the risk of transmission. Children’s wading pools should be emptied and stored on their sides when not in use. 5. How is West Nile virus treated? There is no treatment for West Nile virus infections, according to the CDC. Mild symptoms can resolve on their own. People with severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous fluids or help with breathing, the CDC says.

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My Turn

By Eva Briggs

Face Swelling Not an Uncommon Health Problem

recent patient with a swollen face — not an uncommon problem — looked at me with skepticism when I explained his problem was a condition that he’d never heard of. He had sialolithiasis, a stone obstructing the duct of a salivary gland. His story, swelling on the side of the face just in front of the ear, was typical. It began after eating, and flared up every time he ate. He was absolutely convinced that he was having an allergic reaction to food. The “stone” consists of crystalized minerals from the saliva. Eating or drinking stimulates the flow of saliva, which builds up behind the blocked duct. The swelling is often painful, akin to the pain felt from blowing up too many balloons. (In that case air backing up into the salivary glands stretches them and causes pain.) You have three pairs of salivary glands: two parotid glands, one in front of each ear; two submandibular glands beneath the jaw bone; and a pair of sublingual glands beneath the tongue. Blockage of a submandibular gland duct is most common. Treatment starts by increasing the flow of saliva with sour foods, like sour candies, in hopes of washing out the stone. If the swollen gland is infected,

antibiotics are needed. Massaging the gland sometimes helps. For recalcitrant cases, an ENT doctor or oral surgeon can probe the duct to remove the stone. My patient was correct in that some facial swelling is due to an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions come in two flavors: local and systemic. Local reactions are caused by something that happened at the site of the swelling and affects adjacent areas but not distant areas. Bee sting is the number one culprit, especially in the summer. Other causes include other insect bites, cosmetics, poison ivy, and tattoo ink allergy. Because people frequently — and inadvertently — touch or rub their faces, anything that touches your hands potentially can trigger an allergic reaction of the face. Nail care products fall into this category. The thin skin of the face with its multiple blood vessels might swell even if your hands, the source of the offending substance, don’t react. In contrast, a systemic allergic reaction is caused by reaction to something ingested or something contacted in a site distant from the face. Foods and medicines are typical causes. A true bee sting allergy is a bona fide emergency. If you are stung by a bee and develop swelling or hives in an area not directly

adjacent to the bee sting, it’s likely a true bee sting allergy. Systemic allergies can cause swelling in the tongue, lips or throat that endangers the ability to breathe. If this happens, call 911. Use an epi pen if one has been prescribed for you. Relief from an epi pen may wear off before the allergy runs its course, so still call 911 and get to an emergency room. Local reactions are treated with an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) by mouth for itching, ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling, and elevation. Sleeping in a recliner chair keeps the face above the level of the heart to reduce swelling. While steroids help systemic reactions, steroid pills or injections don’t help the symptoms of a local reaction nearly as much as ice, antihistamines, and elevation. In my experience, the risks of systemic steroids rarely outweigh the benefits in treating local allergic reactions. Topical steroid creams can reduce itching. Angioedema is a cause of facial swelling that may be allergic in origin, or may be due to an inherited condition. The swelling is under the skin, rather than in the skin as with hives. It can affect the eyes, lips, tongue, and throat. One common cause is ACE

Watching the Pendulum of Yoga Bringing yoga into the mainstream has been in the works for many years By Martine Burat

nly recently did I hear for the first time the expression “yoga month,” which is celebrated in September. It brought a sweet smile to my face as I began to reminisce about what it was like to teach yoga 25 years ago. At that time, students would often express concerns about possible conflicts between practicing yoga and their religious beliefs. These concerns were reasonable since the Vatican had warned in 1989 against the dangers of Eastern methods of contemplative meditations such as those used in yoga and zen buddhism. These warnings had been published in a 25-page document, which was approved by Pope John Paul II. At the time, our Indian teacher Desikachar, who had received the teachings of his own father, the great teacher Krishnamacharya, had made it his personal journey to disentangle the many tools of yoga from their Indian context. His mission had become one of making yoga a universal tool toward well being so it could serve the needs of all people without engendering cultural or religious conflicts. Desikachar spoke to us constantly about the need to adapt the teachings so they Page 10

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would be appropriate in our Western context where yoga is taught mostly in group classes. We felt prepared and comfortable explaining to new students that the practice of yoga, as we taught it, served to open our body and our heart, and that, in doing so, yoga could make us more receptive to the flow of energy, including an energy greater than our own. We also explained that yoga does not qualify this higher energy nor does it give it a name. Each of us, with the guidance of our chosen organized religion, on our own, or with a trustworthy guide, can link to this energy in a way that resonates personally. Mary Louise Skelton, my late teacher, along with many other prominent yoga teachers in other yoga traditions, worked fervently to bring yoga into the mainstream. Thanks to these great teachers of the past we can safely say that overall, people are more aware of the great benefits of yoga: balancing muscularskeletal structure, enhancing physiological processes, calming the mind, regulating emotions, alleviating the stress that compounds so many ailments, and, most importantly, bringing peace of

inhibitor medicine, typically used to treat high blood pressure. It can happen even if you have successfully taken the medication for weeks or months without a reaction. Infection may cause face swelling. Dental infections are common, and swelling from a dental abscess is often but not always painful. Antibiotics help, but they only temporize until a dentist or oral surgeon provides definitive treatment by draining the abscess, performing a root canal, or extracting the offending tooth. Other infections can arise from the skin or soft tissues, such as cellulitis or skin abscesses. The latter are often produced by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus). Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at North Medical Urgent Care in Liverpool and Fulton Urgent Care in Fulton.

mind and heart through a continued and personalized practice. Does this mean that people should engage in the practice of yoga with so few reservations today? Even though an immediate feeling of well being can be experienced after just a beginning class, the path and goals of yoga require on going and expert guidance. It would be helpful when considering taking yoga to reflect on the following questions: what is the background of a yoga instructor? (Researching this much in the same way you would research that of a medical doctor or physical therapist or other health providers is recommended.) Is the teacher whom you have selected qualified to modify postures based on your personal needs and conditions? Does the teacher have an understanding of the energetic changes that are created by postures and how to work with them? Does the teacher have a thorough understanding of the philosophy of yoga and does he or she make it an integral part of the teaching of asanas? Does the teacher maintain a personal and on going mentoring relationship with his or her own teacher? These are questions to keep in mind if one is serious about getting the true benefits of yoga. I hope that these will assist you in finding one of the many good yoga teachers who can introduce you to or deepen your experiences of the wonderful practices of yoga. Martine Burat is the owner of Upstate Yoga Institute in DeWitt and an yoga teacher.

A Harvard-trained Professional in Charge of Public Health in Oswego County

Letter

to the Editor

One of his goals is to improve how the county ranks in NYS By Alyssa Mammano

quipped with worldly knowledge and an extensive background in public health, Harvard graduate Jiancheng Huang is Oswego County’s newly appointed public health director. Huang was born and raised in China, where he acquired his medical degree from Shanghai Second Medical University in 1987. During his postgraduate training, Huang said he traveled to some of the more rural areas of China. “At the time China was not like now, so glamorous. I had the opportunity to visit some rural areas and I felt that as a physician my capacity is limited to one patient, but if I studied public health I could help more people,” said Huang. In 1991 he ventured into the United States where he attended Harvard School of Public Health. Just two years later Huang earned aMaster’s of Science degree from the Ivy League university. Among other credentials, Huang has since worked as an epidemiologist and then director of the Maine immunization program for the Maine Centers for Disease Control. Epidemiology is defined as the study of diseases and the effects of preventive medicine in large populations in order to detect the source of epidemics. For more than two years, Huang was an epidemiologist. He said Maine CDC performed a national search for the immunization program director position before choosing him. He held the position for seven years before coming to Oswego. “I built up a disease surveillance system,” Huang said of his work at Maine CDC. “I worked with the community and other agencies to promote vaccines and prevent diseases and develop a strategy to promote public health.” Huang has also performed clinical research at the University of Pennsylvania, has experience in biomedical research and is a published practitioner. “I definitely consider myself an achieved public health worker. I appreciate that this country has given so many opportunities to me,” said Huang.

dentials and accomplishments,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman Fred Beardsley when he made the announcement. “I was very impressed by his genuine desire to communicate and educate the public,” Huang’s passion for public health, which Beardsley noted, was not lost on the other members of the committee either. John Proud, a legislator who presided the selection committee, said, “We conducted a comprehensive national search and received many responses from candidates from across the country with a wide range of professional experience. After a thorough evaluation process, we are pleased

to welcome Mr. Huang to Oswego County.” Regarding the appointment process, Huang said he applied for the position posted along with other applicants. He participated in a phone interview, after which he was chosen to travel to Oswego for a live interview. He then met with the committee members, who after making their decision, came to the floor and voted. “I chose Mr. Huang because I believe he sees the health department not only as a policing unit, but as a department tasked with educating and communicating with the people of Oswego County,” said Beardsley. The position’s posting described a job for which candidates would earn a salary between $85,500 and $123,300 plus benefits by supervising 90 employees to promote public health to Oswego County’s 122,000 residents. The public health director operates on an annual budget of $15.4 million. Huang said he chose to move to Oswego County to accept the position because he was curious to see how public health is run on a local level as opposed to the state level.

Tackling the issues

Why Oswego?

Huang was appointed Oswego County public health director by the Oswego County Legislature in July. The position became available after the retirement of Dennis Norfleet, a physician who retired after many years holding the position. “Throughout the search process and the interview process, I was impressed by many of Mr. Huang’s cre-

Jiancheng Huang

Among New York state’s 62 counties, Oswego County is ranked 38th for public health, according to countyhealthrankings.org. Huang said one of his goals as public health director is to raise this ranking. “This is a challenge. A public health ranking is not just one [issue]. There are a lot of issues there, and we definitely need to work on it and improve our ranking. As for how, I will say I will work with all stakeholders together,” Huang said. Working together with the community and other health-promoting agencies is something Huang likes to do. He said he plans to learn more from other public health institutes and other agencies in order to achieve a common goal of preventing disease and promoting health in Oswego. On his team, Huang said he has Oswego Health, Oswego County Opportunities and the county board of health, which he will work closely with, among other organizations. “The resources are always challenging, and the health issues are there. But I feel in this department we have a very strong, professional, dedicated staff. I will work with all the staff and outside stakeholders in building partnership collaboration and bring the community together to reach our goal,” said Huang. September 2012 •

What Rosie O’Donnell’s Heart Attack Teaches Us To the Editor: If there’s one thing Rosie O’Donnell is known for, it’s not being afraid to speak her mind, usually to get a laugh. But this time her message about her own heart attack is dead serious — and she will certainly save hundreds of women’s lives, if not more. As a heart disease survivor and an active volunteer with WomenHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, we hear stories similar to Rosie’s every day — women who don’t recognize their heart attack symptoms and delay calling 911. The most recent data shows that only one in five women believe heart disease is their greatest health threat, and 46 percent — nearly half — say they would do something other than call 911 if they were experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack. Although women may experience heart attack symptoms typical of men (crushing chest pain, pain in the left arm), they can experience a wide range of less recognized symptoms including shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, unusual fatigue, and pain in the back, shoulders and jaw. WomenHeart urges any woman (or man) who experiences these symptoms to: 1) Call 911 within five minutes of the start of symptoms (do not drive yourself or let family or friends drive you to the hospital); 2) Chew and swallow one regular full-strength aspirin with a glass of water as soon as possible; 3) Once at the hospital, speak up and make it clear you are having symptoms of a heart attack. Rosie has said she was lucky and, thankfully, she was. Too often for others, delay in recognition of symptoms and seeking emergency care results in irreversible damage to heart muscle, or death. This is no laughing matter and Rosie has done a great service to women everywhere by sounding an alarm and raising awareness. As a WomenHeart Champion and through the support of University Hospital, there is a monthly support group for women with heart disease. Please contact Leisha Tedford Doherty at 315-663-1712. Leisha Tedford Doherty Fayetteville

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Syracuse City Schools, ALA Tackle Asthma Issues Asthma program will be expanded to 14 schools this year By Matthew Liptak

he Syracuse City School District and American Lung Association have teamed up this year to take on the challenge of asthma treatment in schools. The increased focus on asthma action plans, designed to treat children while in school, stems from 911 calls last school year. “This all started when probably close to a little more than a year ago we had to call 911 three times in one particular school for children who had asthma who had no medication in school,” said Maritza Alvarado, director of medical services for the district. “In New York state we have to have a note from a doctor telling us the child needs the Alvarado medication. The mother needs to bring the prescription in and then she has to sign a consent saying it’s OK for us to give the medication. In three of those cases none of those things were in place.” After these three emergencies occurred at McKinley-Brighton Elementary School within the same week administrators knew they had a problem. The district partnered with the Say Yes to Education Wellness Committee to come up with solutions. They held focus groups which determined that parents didn’t realize there was a need for their children to have access to their meds at school.

Asthma Action Plans were needed

“An asthma action plan is a best practice so all students or children with asthma should have one of these,” said Cindy Trubisky, the American Lung Association of the Northeast’s senior

director of community asthma education. “It’s a tool, a plan, for managing your asthma. How do you day-to-day or in an emergency go about taking care of your asthma? It’s created with a health care provider in partnership with the family. It has three copies. One is shared with the family. One stays with the health care provider and one goes to school or day care. It makes it an even playing field around all the parties to know what the plan is for treatment of that asthma for all children.” According to Alvarado, the number of students in the district who had medication orders for their school was 891. She said there may be other students affected by asthma whose parents keep control of it and the medication may not be in school. Statistics supplied by Trubisky show that the percentage of students with asthma who had asthma action plans went from 5 percent to 84 percent in the 90 days after the program was implemented at McKinley-Brighton. The pilot also included one other school, Dr. King EleTrubisky mentary. That school’s percentage of asthma action plans went from 8.5 percent to 75 percent of students with asthma. “It’s exciting to hear about that type of improvement,” Trubisky said “Now the district is taking on the mentality of prevention and doing that through a comprehensive approach to improve asthma care that will help to prevent asthma emergencies. We’re doing that through the American Lung Association’s approach called the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative which

is an umbrella approach to address comprehensively everything within the school district that can impact care for children.” Trubisky said that these other asthma-related initiatives might include education for staff, school nurses and students as well as identification of environmental triggers and possible policy changes. It’s really a collaborative effort,” Alvarado said. “It’s not just the nurses. We also need to let the teachers know what some of the triggers might be, let the custodians know, kind of work with everybody to minimize those [triggers] in the school.” Those involved with the AsthmaFriendly Schools Initiative in the Syracuse district applied for and received a $5,000 grant for their project from the American Lung Association’s national

headquarters. With the success of the pilot program in the two elementary schools, the program will be expanded to 14 schools this year, Alvarado said. Parts of the project will be applied to schoolbased health centers. “School-based health centers are adjoined with a school in the district but they are separate entities,” Trubisky said. “There’s nurse practitioners and nurses at the school-based health centers that can actually help to make sure the children have their medication on hand as well as to complete the asthma action plans. Next year they are hoping to improve further to all of the school buildings in the district to have a goal of 90 percent of the children with asthma have an asthma action plan in their health office as well as medication on school grounds.”

Is Your Child Fully Vaccinated? School age children, from preschoolers to college students, need vaccines. Here’s what you need to know

aking sure that children of all ages receive all their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children’s long-term health—as well as the health of friends, classmates, and others in the community. It’s true that some vaccinepreventable diseases have become very rare thanks to vaccines. However, outbreaks still happen. For example, preliminary data through late July 2012 show that more than 20,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) have already been reported in this country and many more cases go unreported. During this time, nine deaths have been reported—all in children younger than 1 year of age. Outbreaks of Page 12

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pertussis at middle and high schools can occur as protection from childhood vaccines fades. Another disease that can spread very easily in a school environment is measles. In 2011, the number of reported cases of measles was higher than usual — 222 people had the disease. Measles comes into the United States from countries where the disease still circulates, including many European countries. Measles can be serious, causing hospitalization and even death. Young children are at highest risk for serious complications from measles. Making sure children stay up-todate with vaccinations is the best way to make sure our communities and schools do not see other outbreaks,

with more unnecessary illnesses and deaths.

Children Birth-6 Years

During the early years of life, children are recommended to get vaccines to protect them from 14 diseases that can be serious, even lifethreatening. Parents who choose not to vaccinate their own children increase the risk of disease not only for their children, but also for other children and adults throughout the entire community. For example, vulnerable newborns too young to have received the maximum protection from the recommended doses of vaccines or people with weakened immune systems, such as some people with cancer and transplant recipients, are

Home Alone After School Kids are more likely to engage in risky behavior between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to expert By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he term “latchkey kids” was coined in the 1940s to describe children who arrive home from school each day to an empty house. More households than ever are twoincome homes where children spend their afternoons without their parents. If your children spend some time alone before you arrive home from work, plan ahead to increase your children’s safety. “I think some put too much trust in their kids; others don’t put enough trust,” said Onondaga County Sheriff Deputy Katie Kruger. “We sometimes encounter kids home alone who probably shouldn’t be.” State law doesn’t designate an age that children may be left home alone, so it’s up to parents to decide if a child’s maturity level suffices. “Other considerations include if you’re in a high crime area,” Kruger said. “Are they safe in your area? Can they take care of themselves?” If you decide your children are safe home alone, make sure they have more than one means of accessing the house. If they should lose the house key, do you have a back-up plan so they are not stranded outside? Of course, they could always call your workplace if they have a cell phone, but in the meantime, they must wait outside alone, which can make them targets. Leave a spare key hidden outside or with a trusted neighbor who is usually home afternoons. Train them to pay attention as they arrive home, so they would notice things such as an unlocked door or window that should be locked, belongings missing or strewn all over or broken glass. These signs could indicate an intruder and signal they should not enter the house. Again, plan ahead a few trusted neighbors to whom your children can turn.

Call your children to ensure they have arrived home safely. Make sure they know what to do in case a stranger comes to the door. The safest policy is to keep the blinds shut and ignore the doorbell and phone. “A lot of kids need to be briefed ahead of time so they won’t give away clues the parents aren’t home,” Kruger said. “Don’t say, ‘They won’t be home for another hour’ but, ‘She can’t come to the phone right now.’ It’s better to screen calls with the answering machine.” Based upon their maturity, limit kitchen privileges. Especially for younger children, make cooking off-limits. Provide healthful foods for their snack that do not require using the stove or microwave. Post emergency numbers in the kitchen and teach your children when they should call them. Include the number of a few nearby adult friends or relatives you trust, too. “Ask them what constitutes an emergency and what they should do if there is an emergency,” Kruger said. “Ask what is an emergency, the difference between calling Mom and Dad and calling the police.” Restrict (or filter) Internet use, TV viewing and allowing friends to visit to further reduce hazards. The likelihood of engaging in risky behavior increases if children are with their peers than alone, but other factors play a role, too. “If the child is responsible, they

also at higher risk of disease. Flu vaccines are recommended for kids in pre-school and elementary school to help keep them healthy. In fact, all children 6 months and older should get flu vaccines. Getting all of your children vaccinated—as well as other family members and caregivers— can help protect infants younger than 6 months old. Ask your family’s doctor or nurse about getting flu shots or the nasal spray to protect against flu. Parents can find out what vaccines their children need and when the doses should be given by reviewing CDC’s recommended childhood immunization schedule.

at risk for catching certain diseases, like meningococcal meningitis, so they need the protection that vaccines provide. The recommended immunization schedule is regularly updated to include new vaccines and reflect current research. It may have changed since your child was first immunized. Specific vaccines, like HPV, which helps protect against certain cancers, are recommended to be given during the preteen (1112) years. If your preteens or teens haven’t already gotten their vaccines, they should get caught up as soon as possible. For other diseases, like whooping cough, the protection from vaccine doses received in childhood wears off over time. That’s why 11- and 12-yearolds are also recommended to get the booster shot called Tdap. Teens—and adults, too—who have not gotten Tdap should get this booster as soon as possible. Tdap is a version of the DTaP vaccine given to infants and young children. CDC provides an immunization schedule for ages 7 through 18 years for

Children and Teens 7-18 Years

Older children need vaccines, too! Of course, everyone older than 6 months of age is recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccination, and older children are no exception. It’s important to know that flu can be serious, even for healthy young people. So older kids should get at least one flu vaccine (the shot or nasal spray for healthy kids) every year. As kids get older, they are more

aren’t going to make those bad decisions in the first place,” Kruger said, “but it does provide them with time where they aren’t monitored and they may [be more influenced] if their friend did come over. “Are your child’s friends active in sports and activities? If they have a good set of friends, they will probably make the right choices.”

parents and doctors to protect children and teens from vaccine-preventable disease. To learn more, visit the preteen vaccine pages.

It’s Not Too Late

Getting every recommended dose of each vaccine provides children with the best protection possible. If a child misses a shot, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to catch up. To help, CDC and colleagues at Georgia Tech developed the catch-up immunization scheduler, an online tool that shows parents and healthcare providers the best options for getting children 6 years of age and younger back on schedule. Or, parents and healthcare providers can use the adolescent immunization scheduler to determine what vaccines are needed for children 7 through 18 years of age. These easy–to–use tools are accessible online. Submitted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). September 2012 •

While giving a long list of “don’ts” may give peace of mind, making a list of “do’s” can also help. Keeping the children occupied with wholesome activities can prevent many problems. Of course, completing homework and practicing a musical instrument are obvious examples, but kids need some downtime, too. Assess their games and toys. If they don’t play with some things much anymore, perhaps they have outgrown these items. Invest in some creative playthings that may be used in more than one way, such as building bricks and craft supplies that do not require adult help. If you’d like more supervision and guidance for your children, consider using one of many after-school programs available from church and civic groups or daycare facilities that offer after-school programs. “All the studies show that the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. time is when children will engage in risky behavior if left unattended,” said Kelly Butters, senior program director of youth and teens of East Area Family YMCA in Fayetteville, part of Greater Syracuse YMCA. “Kids who are left home alone are most likely to experiment in drugs, alcohol, smoking, and getting into trouble. This [program] gives them something to do with their time.” Butters’ program includes homework assistance and extra-curricular activities. “We try to give a lot of children’s choices like arts, sports, photography, scrap booking and cooking,” she said. “We’re a nonprofit organization, and big on community service projects.”

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Special Needs More pre-schoolers considered special needs students but total number of special needs students in each Central New York county actually decreases By Aaron Gifford

ducators across the region are balancing the task of including special needs students in normal classroom settings while also addressing their learning disabilities. According to the state Education Department, the number of preschool students with special needs in Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego and Oneida counties increased steadily in the past decade. In Onondaga County, the largest of the four, the number went up from 1,110 in 2001 to 1,149 last year. Madison County reported a slight drop in that time period, from 113 to 102. But overall, the total number of special needs students in each Central New York county actually decreased from 2007 to 2010, the state Education Department reported. The numbers are: Cayuga from 1,369 to 1,258, Madison from 1,520 to 1,424, Oneida from 5,159 to 4,986, Onondaga from 11,240 to 11,026, and Oswego from 3,043 to 3,255. Special needs is a generic term for a vast spectrum of learning disabilities, whether physical, mental or emotional, that may hinder a student’s ability to perform well in a normal classroom setting. It can include blindness, hearing impairments, paralysis, retardation, mild or severe autism, attention deficit disorder or dozens of other disorders. Even something like severe food allergies can be categorized as a special need, though in many cases special needs designations can be removed if educators determine that a student’s issue does not interfere with their intellectual ability. Teachers and administrators say

it’s common to identify the special needs of students early on, often a year before the child starts pre-kindergarten. In addition, county health agencies and other entities outside of the school have also played a major role in making the screening process faster and more efficient. Recent requirements for dually certifying faculty members for general education and special education has also improved the quality of services afforded to special needs students. Moreover, said Karen Adams of the Exceptional Family Resources agency, schools have become more receptive to unique circumstances. “You might have a student who is undergoing cancer treatment, and they need a nap during the day. That doesn’t impair their intellect, but it is a medical need,” she said. Adams said she thinks that schools still have a long way to go in making sports programs, clubs and extracurricular activities available to more special needs students. In addition, she said, area companies need to make a better effort to hire disabled teenagers. According to the New York State United Teachers union, every school district has a special education committee that makes appropriate special education services and programs. That committee reviews written plans for each child, and must include one of the child’s parents or guardians as well as one of his or her general education teachers. The committee also arranged for an evaluation that determines if the student is eligible for special education services. A plan can include specially

designed instruction or supplementary instructions and services provided in the general education class, help from a consultant teacher, resource room programs, special classes, home and hospital instruction or programs and services provided in other public or private schools. Most Central New York school districts, for example, utilize BOCES for specialized special education programs, teachers and facilities. Under New York state education law, districts must ensure that each student with a disability has equal access to the full range of programs, services and assessments available to all students. On its website, the New York State United Teachers union states that “most students” with disabilities have the ability to pass state tests and achieve the requirements for a high school diploma, but those students also have the option of earning an Individualized Education Program (IEP) diploma if they are unable to meet the requirements of the standard diploma. Syracuse, the largest school district in the region, currently has 4,100 students enrolled in special needs programs, said Assistant Superintendent Nancy Crawford. The biggest change in the special education field, she said, is the number of students with disabilities who get the same core education as their normal peers. “There may be some modifications, but they are included on the general education side,” she said. Last year, 71.61 percent of the Syracuse City School District’s special needs students (2,714) spent at least 80 percent of their school day in a regular classroom, compared with 15.33 percent (581 students) who spent 40 to 79 percent of their day in a regular classroom and 10.26 percent who spent less than 40 percent of their time in a regular classroom, according to the state Education Department. The state Education Department reported that the graduation rate for special needs students in that district was 32.7 percent in 2011, while the dropout rate that year was 28.8 percent. Crawford said the district is working hard to improve those rates and hopes to bolster the number of special needs students who go on to

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college or technical school. Technology will play a huge role in continually improving districts’ special education programs. Notebook computers and other electronic hand-held devices, for example, have applications for autistic children where text can be converted into audio. “These pieces have really enhanced our ability to let special needs students participate in the general education program,” Crawford said. Ellen Barnes, a founding member of the Jowonio School in Syracuse, has witnessed monumental changes in the special education field in the 30-plus years that she’s worked there. When the preschool was founded, its mission was to advocate for the inclusion of all children in schools and in society. Decades later, the public schools have borrowed some of Jowonio’s ideas. About a third of Jowonio’s 160 students are categorized as special needs. Barnes said the children learn about diversity, and benefit from a multitude of teaching methods for both normal and special needs students. Thirty years ago, “special needs” usually meant a child with autism, but today it can mean a variety of learning challenges, including those for students who don’t speak English. “Back then we were trying to understand what things seemed like from their point of view so we could figure out how to teach them,” she said. “Now we know how to teach them. So much has changed.” While the changes in special education in the past decade have been astounding, Adams said, educators in that field cannot rest on their accomplishments thus far and must preparing themselves for exciting but challenging times ahead in these financially trying times. “Due to the recent years of budget cuts, all school districts have had to more with less, including local nonprofit agencies that provide services to families,” she said. “I do believe that the tight budget times we all face, has also demanded an increase of collaboration among districts, teachers and parents. This is vital to continue the high standards of education and support our children need to succeed in and out of school.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Septyember 2012

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TV AND FILM STAR

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Welcoming our New Spine Surgeon to Central NY Dr. Nikhil Thakur Dr. Nakhil Thakur is the latest addition to the growing team of orthopedic specialists at Upstate Orthopedics. Dr. Thakur received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School. His residency training was in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital. He recently completed his Spine Fellowship at the Emory Spine Center in Atlanta and a Trauma Fellowship at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital. Dr. Thakur specializes in degenerative disorders and deformity of the spine: cervical, thoracic and lumbar. His primary clinical interests are cervical spine disorders and minimally invasive surgery.

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Dr. Thakur shares, “My wife and I are thrilled to move to the beautiful Central New York area. We were attracted by the strong sense of community and we feel it will be a wonderful place to raise our family. I joined Upstate Orthopedics as they share my commitment and philosophy to provide the highest quality of care to patients and their families. I am energized to have the opportunity to serve this community.”

Learn more about Dr. Thakur at Upstate Orthopedics’ website: www.upstateorthopedics.com

Septyember 2012 •

Located at the Upstate Bone & Joint Center 6620 Fly Road Suite 100 East Syracuse, New York 13057 (315) 464-4472

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Recognizing Learning Disabilities Early detection, support helps learning disabled students succeed By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

enise Flihan never noticed her son, David, seemed different from other children until he started school. While the other children steadily progressed in learning how to read, David didn’t. “He would get upset when he couldn’t keep up with the other kids,” said the Whitesboro, Oneida County, resident. “Reading...anything that involved having to write something down, he would get upset about.” As David fell further behind, his parents sought educational experts across the state. Their evaluations said David had a “learning disability” but did not specify which one. David was placed in the special education program at his school. That’s when Flihan started Martin to educate herself on learning disabilities. “I would keep going back to the school, saying, ‘If we could just get him to read, this would be easier,’” Flihan recalled. Eventually, the family sought a complete psychoanalysis of David and two years ago, at age 13, he finally had a diagnosis: dyslexia.

At that point, David could read, though poorly, but his bigger struggle was writing. Though a bright student whose grades were fine, articulating his thoughts on paper to this day “is very difficult for him,” Flihan said. Fortunately, children these days have many more tools and means of support that can make their education accessible. The key is recognizing a learning disability early so a child receives the earliest intervention possible. “The longer you wait, the harder it is to regroup, go back, and get the things they need to be successful,” said Linda Martin, director of Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York in Oriskany. “A good advocacy group or learning disability center can give people ideas of what’s available.” Look for developmental milestones in young children compared with what is average for that age, not just compared with one or two other children of that age. “If a parent notices speech development that’s significantly delayed, such as significant articulation problems so no one can understand what the child is trying to say, that can indicate a learning disability,” said Kimberlee Vargas, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Syracuse and with more than 10 years’ experience as a school social worker. Currently, she is with the Syracuse City School District.

By age 2, children should understand one-step directions, such as, “Place the cup on the counter.” Even though a child this age isn’t in school, it’s important to talk with the pediatrician or other specialist to seek early intervention. Keep in mind that with all children, there’s a range of what’s normal. Some children may develop gross motor skills — throwing balls, for example — more quickly than speech. But if your child is many months behind the average, you should voice your concern. In school-aged children, Vargas said that the ability to learn in one area but not in another may indicate a learning disability. “Every child has strength and weaknesses,” she said. “It’s not stronger in math or reading but significant delay and ability to learn new concepts.” Don’t count on your pediatrician to recognize a learning disability since many do not cause any visible symptoms. If a child struggles with attention deficit disorder or autism, a pediatrician would be much more likely to notice than something such as dyslexia. Since most children with learning disabilities are quite intelligent, they become good at finding ways to adapt to hide their disability, even from their teachers, for a few years at least. “It was always us doing the discovering,” Flihan recalled. “One thing I strongly believe is you have to be your child’s advocate. If you take it as the school gives it, they have so many children, they’re not necessarily concerned about yours. They work with you once you start advocating.” Some learning disabilities can manifest at home and at school. Children with attention deficit disorder have trouble paying attention, staying still, and completing tasks. Other learning disabilities can

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include dysgraphia, which involves difficulty in writing, and dyscalculia, which hampers the child’s ability to perform arithmetic, and sometimes measurement, estimation, and using analog clocks. If you notice your child struggling, “ask for a meeting with the teacher, social worker or psychologist,” Vargas said, “to see if they share your concerns. You don’t want to sit and wait forever and your child is angry, depressed and frustrated.” Sometimes, teachers implement some informal intervention before discussing it with the parents. Parents need to work together with the teacher to support the intervention. Since colleges do not admit students who earn Individual Education Plan (IEP) degrees, it’s important to consider career goals and the child’s capabilities. Although learning disabilities can challenge students and parents, school systems’ ability to identify and support students with learning disabilities can help them achieve more than ever. After David Flihan was diagnosed, his parents, doctor and teachers developed ways to help him learn better. Instead of struggling to read a test and running out of time to write down his

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

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Recognizing Learning Disabilities Continued from page 16

answers, a teacher reads the tests to him and allows him more time to write down his answers. Instead of taking notes in class, teachers give him notes on the lessons. In addition to using strategies like these, David also uses technology, including Ginger software, which functions like an interactive proofreader. If

a typo, grammar mistake or spelling error appears on the screen, the software verbally reads it back and suggests a correction. “There are so many different ways accommodations can be made,” Martin said. “Some are tactile, visual, or auditory learners. Everybody has their own little way that works better.”

THRIVING! LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER Dr. Electra Paskett, professor of cancer research from the College of Public Health at Ohio State University, will speak on issues important to breast cancer survivors.These include lymphedema (a condition in which ﬂuid collects in the arm, causing it to swell), lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and quality of life.

Electra D. Paskett, PhD Ohio State University: Marion N. Rowley Professor of Cancer Research and Director Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine

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Here are a few Denise Flihan of Whitesboro, Oneida County, hears: • People with learning disabilities cannot accomplish much. “Socially, David’s right there with his schoolmates. He plays a sport for every season and has a big group of friends. Right now, he’s talking about being a chef someday.” • The school system knows best about learning disabilities and will take care of everything. “Educate yourself as to what is out there and available. You’ve got to work with the school and the resources and what’s best for your child.” Kimberlee Vargas, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Syracuse, share a few more myths about learning disabilities: • If my child struggles in a subject, he must be dyslexic. “Learning disabilities...are not issues that are just weakness in a particular subject. Learning disabilities, with extra help or remediation or summer practice just get worse and not better. Weaknesses get better.”

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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.

G N I N E P O 1 r e b o t c O

Misconceptions about learning disabilities abound. • Children outgrow learning disabilities. “A learning disability is a disability so it doesn’t go away. • People with learning disabilities are not smart. “They are intelligent and their cognition is the same as everyone else’s.” • If my child is diagnosed, he will be placed in a special education school or class. “Teachers must accommodate for that [learning disabled] child right in the regular classroom and no one will know.” • Schools are required to test children if you ask. “The process has changed in many districts because of the overidentification. There will be a period of intervention before a formal evaluation to see if further accommodation will be needed. Both sides can see the motivation and need to go through that process.” • Learning disabled students cannot go to college. “They are protected by federal law and accommodation must be provided. There are resources at college, too.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Boost Your Health, Lose Weight with Apples

f all the foods to be plunked into that famous adage, “An ‘X’ a day keeps the doctor away,” I’m not surprised an apple won the coveted spot. Armed with a bushel of health benefits, apples, in fact, make keep more than doctors at bay. Let’s take a look. Cardiovascular disease: New research shows that eating an apple or two a day may significantly cut your risk of heart disease. Experts attribute this cardiovascular benefit to the apple’s high concentrations of pectin (a soluble fiber that lowers bad cholesterol) and of polyphenols (antioxidants that may thwart inflammation and also prevent the development of atherosclerosis). Lung health: Apples benefit lungs in several ways. One, they’re one of the few fruits that may reduce lung cancer risk. A Finnish study of nearly 10,000 men and women showed that those with the highest consumption of apples were less than half as likely to develop lung cancer as those who ate few or no apples. Two, multiple studies

Massachusetts Lowell, nutrients in apples and apple juice may improve memory and learning. UML Professor Thomas Shea relates these benefits to its powerhouse antioxidant properties and its potential role in boosting levels of an essential brain neurotransmitter. Weight control: Low in calories (80 per medium apple) but relatively high in slow-digesting fiber, apples leave you feeling fuller longer. What’s more, research has demonstrated that when healthy adults consumed one medium apple about 15 minutes before a meal, their caloric intake at that meal decreased by an average of 15 percent. Not bad! Helpful tips:

have shown apple intake to be associated with decreased risk of asthma. And three, researchers in the Netherlands have shown that eating apples reduces the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers. Cancer: Cornell University researchers have identified several compounds in apples (especially the peel) that not only fight cancer cells in the laboratory, but also reduce the number and size of mammary tumors in rats. Brain power: According to researchers from the University of

Since apples top the “dirty dozen” list — a list of the most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables on the market — buy organic whenever possible. If not possible, be sure to wash and rinse the apples thoroughly, using soapy water if you detect wax. To get the most nutrition and fiber from your apples, eat the skin.

1 celery rib, sliced 1 medium unpeeled apple, diced ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ cup low fat yogurt ¼ cup light mayonnaise 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot (optional) salt and pepper, to taste Place chicken cubes in a medium bowl along with sliced celery, diced apple and walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, garlic and shallot. Pour over chicken and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve atop a bed of lettuce or stuffed into a pita pocket. 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

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Safe School Commuting

Many accidents do happen between school and home By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f your child walks, bikes or buses to school, it’s time to review the school commuting safety rules. The New York State Health Department reports that injuries of any sort are the leading cause of death for Empire State children and that injuries result in an average of more than 18,000 hospitalizations annually for those 19 and younger. Increasing safety in their school commute can help reduces those numbers. Parents of children younger than about age 10 should supervise their children’s walk to school. For children capable of walking by themselves, it’s important to accompany them for a few days at least. Debbie Kogut, traffic safety educator with Onondaga County Health Department, said parents need to do this to “assess the path that they take and observe what’s going on around them. Elementary kids aren’t as observant. They’re not paying attention as much.” Children are not as able to judge distance, the speed of vehicles and the safety of their actions. Children are more prone to darting across a street outside of a crosswalk, where drivers least expect to encounter pedestrians and children’s small size makes it even more difficult to see them. Older children and teens remember safety rules better, but can still select a poor route or not realize potential hazards. For those who have cell phones, walking and chatting or texting can bear their own hazards, such as running into light poles and signs, Kogut reported. “They should really put the phone away and walk and pay attention,” she said. Before your older children walk or bike to school by themselves, go with them to ensure they have the safest route. Some school districts provide a suggested route. Once you have chosen the safest route for them, make sure they stick with it. Explain that in addition to exposing them to hazards, using shortcuts will take them off the known

‘Safe Routes to School’ in Oswego Mary Vanouse, director of community development in Oswego, said that in October, the city is applying for “Safe Routes to School,” a program from the Department of Transportation. “There are several communities who have taken part in this, Syracuse and Ithaca. We’re working with Oswego City School District to identify potential areas where we would build a nice trail and provide some educational materials to children and their parents on the benefits of walking and riding their bikes to school.” Page 20

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route where you anticipate them walking. If something unexpected happens, you will not know where to begin looking for them. Even if they carry cell phones, their phones could be lost, stolen or out of range or power when they need it most. Review safe walking rules, such as staying on the sidewalk (preferably walking on the left side toward oncoming traffic), using crosswalks properly, and following the direction of a crossing guard. Arrange with trusted neighbors for your children to walk with their children. As the old adage goes, there’s safety in numbers. Before your children bikes to school, objectively evaluate their cycling skills. “If they don’t have good skills, they may perform hazardous maneuvers,” said Mary Vanouse, director of Community Development for the City of Oswego. “They need to know how to signal.” Amanda Griffin, coordinator of Safe Kids Central New York, said that in addition to wearing helmets (state law mandates bike helmets for cyclists age 13 and younger), “we always tell kids ride facing traffic as far left as possible. Stay on the sidewalk. Know your conditions and know the sidewalks to be careful of falls.” Whenever they cross the street, they should dismount and walk through the crosswalk when traffic is clear instead of pedaling.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

Instruct them on how to act if someone approaches them. Most children understand “stranger danger” but many abductions are committed by people known to children such as acquaintances of the family. Set up a secret password with your children that anyone outside of your list of “safe” people must say before your children will go with them. For example, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Lisa and Mrs. Smith and Mr. Jones, your neighbors, are on the “safe” list, but if another neighbor pulls over and offers a ride, he must give the secret password that only you and your children know. Abductors use various ploys, such as claiming a family member is hurt, necessitating an immediate trip home. Since the scenario could involve any of a number of tactics, engage your children in role playing, along with giving them tips in how to respond. Above all, children should trust their instinct if something doesn’t seem right. Walking or biking to school means children haul their own gear and books. Check the weight of your children’s bags. They should not carry more than one-third of their body weight. Choose backpacks to evenly distribute weight. Ones wide, padded shoulder straps provide greater comfort than drawstring bags’ cords. If your children need to walk to school in bad weather, have them wear

bright, reflective clothing appropriate for the temperature. Non-skid boots can also help keep them on their feet and out of the street should they encounter a slippery sidewalk. Some children may consider walking in the street if they face a slick or snowy sidewalk. Riding the bus to school bears its own hazards, including children darting through traffic to get on the bus. “Start out a little bit early if they’re picked up at a location,” Kogut said. “Take turns with other parents waiting with them to make sure nothing happens. If a certain car is always waiting there that can be reported to the transportation director of the school district.” Though your children are under adult supervision while riding, getting on and off the bus can be dangerous. The area directly around the bus is the “danger zone” because it can be difficult for the driver to see students within 10 feet of the bus. “[Parents] should be cautioning the children about listening to the bus driver or aide,” Kogut said. “All kids who ride buses learn those safety rules every year.” It also pays for students to look for traffic before climbing on or off the bus. “I’ve had the bus drivers tell me cars will pass on right hand side of the bus and they’ve had to slam the doors in the faces of the kids or grab them by the collar so they don’t get hit by cars passing on the right,” Kogut said.

TEENS

Promote Good Health Now for Healthy Future By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ypically, your teens probably think less about their health than most other aspects of their lives, yet now is the time to protect their future health. Many steps they take now won’t give many short-term benefits, but will pay off in the long-run. Others will garner a few short-term benefits, too.

Protect Your Skin

Although lots of teens and adults love the sun-kissed look, “avoid tanning salons,” said Karen Teelin, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine at SUNY Upstate. “It’s like paying someone to give you cancer. It’s a greater risk [starting] at a younger age because you’re giving yourself longer time for the cancer to develop.” Some people believe that a “base tan” from a tanning salon helps protect the skin from further sun exposure, but Teelin said there’s no evidence indicating that is true. “Anyone who goes in the sun should wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours,” she said. “Exposing yourself beforehand just increases your risk of cancer. You’ll get leathery skin that appears older than it is actually.” Instead, teens should get glowing with bronzer, self-tanner or spray tans.

Stay Active

Teelin also said that staying active now is important for future health. “Peak bone mass is achieved in the 20s and weight-bearing exercise helps that,” she said. Sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake —1,300 mg. per day of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D — helps build bone, too. “Exercise is great for weight control, stress reduction and to improve mood,” Teelin added. Becoming active while young will help make it a lifelong habit. Cassandra Archer, pediatrician and internist with Auburn Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, encourages teens to “remain active. Participate in sports or run regularly.”

Reduce your risk of injury

“The highest cause of death in teens is accidents,” Archer said. “Wear seatbelts, and, for sports and appropriate activities, helmets and protective gear.” Teelin added that teens should not ride with anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Caution with Sex

It’s also important to protect the body’s sexual organs. Teelin advises teens to abstain from sex. “If they do [have sex],” she said, “they should always use a condom and an additional form of birth control. There’s no such thing as safe sex.” Point out to teens that they’re not weird for choosing abstinence because not “everyone” is having sex while in high school. “If you ask high school seniors in confidence, only 50 percent are having sex,” Teelin said. “It’s not abnormal

to decide to not do it. That’s a great choice.”

No Smoking

Teens should avoid smoking. It contributes to cancers of all sorts, heart disease, stroke, and numerous other diseases. “Cigarettes are highly addictive,” Teelin said. “The earlier you start, the harder it is to stop. The adolescent who smokes should try to stop as soon as they can. They’re just enriching a cigarette company that doesn’t care if they live or die.” Teens need to follow a healthful diet, not fad diets for weight loss or ones rife with junk food. “Minimize fast food and drinking high-calorie beverages,” Archer said. “Eating healthfully decreases the risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease.”

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Know What to Eat

Teelin added that teens should replace fatty, salty and high-calorie foods with healthful ones: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and lean sources of protein. The reason is that “the process of arthrosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, leads to heart attacks and strokes,” she said. “It begins in the teenage years. Avoid saturated and transfats. Transfats are the most arthrosclerosic in fats.” Fats that are liquid room temperature are the healthful fats, such as canola oil. The fat naturally occurring in avocados and tree nuts are also healthful, though high in calories. Transfats are commonly found in processed snacks and fried foods, though some companies are phasing out transfats. “Eat a high-fiber diet,” Teelin said. “There’s an epidemic of constipation. Fiber controls blood sugar, can help with weight control, and may reduce risk of colon cancer.”

Pediatric Cardiology Associates, LLC

Good Education

Preparing for the future can also help teens live a healthier life. “Do as well as you can in school, because getting a job that is rewarding and that is challenging is going to lead to long term happiness and health,” Teelin advises teens. Lower stress, better health care, and an increased ability to afford healthful foods will help teens remain healthy. “There are some great technical training schools available,” Teelin said. “College isn’t necessary, but anyone who wants it should have access to it and gaining access, in part, is through doing well in school.”

Giving Back

She also hopes teens remember to forge positive social bonds. “Give back: volunteer,” she said. “It is good for your health. Positive family relationships are good for your health. Forgive your parents and forge good relationships.”

For over 40 years, Pediatric Cardiology Associates, LLC has been providing cardiovascular services throughout the Central New York region, to children and young adults with congenital heart disease. PCA performs noninvasive services, including fetal, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, EKG services, stress/exercise testing and MRI/MRA. Accepting referrals from pediatricians and primary care physicians. 725 Irving Suite 804, Syracuse, NY 13210 Phone (315)-214-7700 | Toll Free (877) 404-5868 | Fax: (315) 214-7701 ❤ Marie S. Blackman, M.D., Director Emeritus ❤ Matthew Egan, M.D. ❤ Nader H. Atallah-Yunes, M.D., FACC ❤ Daniel A. Kveselis, M.D., FACC ❤ Craig J Byrum M.D., FACC ❤ Frank C. Smith, M.D., FACC September 2012 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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VNA hosts gala event to benefit kids Annual autumn fundraiser to generate needed revenue By Alyssa Mammano

he average person will never see dren is the reason the VNA Foundation or even be aware of the things is holding its annual Autumn Gala nurses of Visiting Nurse Associa- fundraiser Oct. 14 at the historic Mantion Homecare do on a daily basis. dana Barn in Skaneateles. The event VNA Homecare assists ailing will take place from 1-4 p.m., and will children of all ages who are suffering feature wine tasting provided by the with a range of fatal diseases, and who Lakeland Winery, live acoustic entersometimes live in tenement houses tainment by Loren Barrigar and Mark right here in the Mazengarb and a Onondaga and sursilent auction with rounding counties. 50/50 and basket “These chilraffles. The VNA Foundation is dren are coming “There are a over from refugee lot of people in accepting item donations camps. When you the community for the silent auction and think of a child who we partner basket raffles for the Autumn with that know the who’s been in a refugee camp for five, importance of the Gala fundraiser Oct. 14. To six years coming to foundation and donate an item or purchase the United States what we do. They a $50 ticket to the gala, call and settling in our want to see the county, the needs event be successKimberly Graf at 315-477are astronomical for ful. Ultimately if 9305. these kids. I’ve had we have a successfamilies that don’t ful event we’ll be even know how able to continue to use a fork or a spoon,” said Maria our mission and continue changing the Giannino, maternal-child/pediatric lives of children,” said Kimberly Graf, clinical manager for VNA Homecare. community relations manager of VNA Tending to the needs of these chilHomecare.

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The gala is the only annual fundraiser the VNA Foundation holds to raise money for its cause. The foundation relies solely on donations to provide support to patients and their families. “Over the past three years alone, VNA Homecare has cared for over 1,000 patients in our maternal child’s program. That makes us the area’s premiere home health care provider,” said Graf.

Fundraiser aids cause

The more resources and support the foundation is able to put behind its mission, the more of an impact it is able to have, Graf said. Therefore, the fundraiser will play a big role in the ability of the nurses and the foundation to provide medical services to ailing children. “Some of these children have been in our care for 18-20 years. We recognize that their needs transcend beyond just medical. We want to hold this event to continue to make sure that we can serve not just the children in the immediate region, but also those creating a demand in surrounding areas as well. We’re going to have to make sure that we’re able to continue providing medical care to them,” Graf said. VNA Homecare is working toward expanding its home health care services to a greater number of patients in surrounding counties. Giannino and her team have seen the enormous number of children who suffer from terminal illnesses in Onondaga County alone. The number continues to grow in other counties as well, with VNA being one of only a few organizations with the resources to tend to those patients. “The pediatric population is in such need in our own county, but we also find that we need to meet the needs for pediatric care in other counties. Through the years that I’ve been working here, I’ve noticed that the services we provide are not readily available to other counties. So one of our goals is to help other counties and expand our program,” Giannino said. The money raised at the gala will be used to work toward that goal as well as to educate pediatric nurses and keep them informed of the updates in home care. “Pediatrics is such a specialty that students who go into practice after nursing school don’t regularly take on pediatrics,” said Giannino. “We’re trying to educate them and keep them up to speed on all the changes that are happening in home care. Taking care of a child in the home versus in the hospital is totally different.”

A learning experience

VNA Homecare holds educational Page 22

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

courses for nurses to learn how to care for specific illnesses and tend to medical equipment in the home. Students also accompany the nurses on visits to gain experience working with a child and his or her family at home. “Kids who come home from the hospital with [synthetic] tracheas are on ventilators, and may have gastrostomy tubes. Families are so overwhelmed that they may need shift nursing in the home. So we have a mini hospital within the home. The nurses work with the families to provide the [synthetic] trachea care. We try to hold education classes for those nurses so they can be trained on how to care for [synthetic] tracheas and gastrostomy tubes, and how to care for these critically ill patients coming out of the hospital,” said Giannino. VNA Homecare is the preferred provider for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Nurses from VNA will assess any child who is discharged from the hospital, and will provide the after care the child requires. Some children will require fulltime assistance after they are discharged, Giannino said. VNA provides shift nurses who remain with the child at all times throughout the day in order to provide in-home care. For children who are still able to attend school, the nurses will accompany that child during the school day. Giannino said school nurses are unequipped to provide the care VNA does, so her team will work with the school district in order to provide medical attention while the child attends classes. “Some of these children who are critically ill might not be able to go to school. So the nurses make sure everything is put in place for the school district to send someone to teach the child, so their educational requirement is fulfilled,” said Graf.

Working together

VNA Homecare is the umbrella company to VNA of Central NY, Inc., VNA Foundation of Central NY, Inc., CCH Home Care & Palliative Services, Inc., Independent Health Care Services, Inc. and VNA Homecare Options, LLC.

From Volunteer to CEO Head of Alzheimer’s Association of CNY Hopes for a Cure By Miranda L. Pennock

atherine James, of Seneca Falls, is just one of millions advocating for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. As the chief executive officer of the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York since 2006, James has been able to work daily with those in need. With a background in social work as well as business administration, James found herself working at a longterm care facility in Maine following her college education at University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire College. Having been the director of social work for the care facility in Maine, James had the opportunity to work closely with admissions and advocate for patients and families, much like she does for the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York. In 1996, James took her first position with the organization. “The organization at that time was looking for someone to direct their adult day program,” she said. A few years later, she became the director of programs and services until she took the helm as chief executive in 2006. Born and raised in Massachusetts, James left New England in the mid1990s when a business opportunity presented itself to her husband. “What really brought me to New York state was a business opportunity that my husband had and I knew I wanted to work in the field of gerontology and long term care,” James said. She also came to the Syracuse area with experience as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in Maine. Seeing there was an opportunity to collaborate with the organization in New York, James said she knew it was a good fit. Like many chief executives of other not-for-profits, James spends her days meeting with donors, acting as a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York and working on the front lines talking to those in need of the Alzheimer’s Association’s services. Much of her role with the organization is geared toward relationship cultivation and management, she said. “Oftentimes people want to know was there a personal connection that brought you to the Alzheimer’s Association,” James said. Though she has been very fortunate to not witness a family member be affected by the disease, James said she recalls an aunt who likely had a form of dementia. “Knowing what I know today, she probably was suffering from some vascular dementia,” she said. In more recent years, James’ parents have lost friends to Alzheimer’s, as the disease generally effects those in

their 70s and 80s, though through the advancements of science and knowing the symptoms of those with dementia related illness diagnoses are being made earlier and earlier. “We are seeing more individuals under the age of 65 that are being diagnosed,” James said. “One of the education programs we have is ‘Living with Alzheimer’s,’ specific for younger people living with the disease.” By the time outward symptoms are recognized, there are so many changes that have already taken place internally affecting the brain and its many functions. Scientists have put much time and effort into research over the last 20 years to identify the symptoms in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. “Autopsy is still our way of being able to confirm the diagnosis, but because we are better able to understand the brain and diseases of the brain, we are better able to see the signs,” James said. For James, being involved with a cause that’s not just happening in Syracuse or Central New York, but an effort that truly is a global cause, is one of the many reasons she enjoys her job. “To have better science, better treatment, we need to come together worldwide,” she said. “We’ve learned a lot in 20 years. Our healthcare has helped us live longer, but has also put us more at risk for age related diseases.” The Alzheimer’s Association offers a plethora of services for those with dementia related illness, family members and caregivers. “We have a number of services that are offered to people that connect to our chapter,” James said, adding there is a 24-hour telephone service for caregivers who have questions and need assistance. “People connect with a dementia care expert around the clock.” Along with care experts who can be reached by telephone, the organization also offers services like translation services for 130 languages, has support groups that meet, community based services and care consultation services, all of which are utilized in pinpointing the next steps those diagnosed and their caregivers need to take. “It can be very overwhelming thinking about ‘what do I think about first?’” James said. The Alzheimer’s Association has the ability also to provide professional training for those caring for one of the

community’s most vulnerable populations. As those with Alzheimer’s are at risk for wandering, the organization is able to provide safety services like Comfort Zone that alerts the family or primary caregiver of wandering. One of the Central New York chapter’s longest running services, though, is its adult day program. The Kirkpatrick Day Program has been inexistence for 20 years and is a dementia-specific day program for dementia patients who require additional supervision when their primary caregiver is unable to be with them. The program is located at 441 W. Kirkpatrick St. in Syracuse and offers personal care and time with peers, James said, which is extremely important for those with dementia related illness. Aside from in-person and telephone services, the or-

September 2012 •

ganization provides a host of online resources from personal assessments to a social media site to connect those in the Alzheimer’s community. As a nonprofit organization, the Alzheimer’s Association does its fair share of fundraising with the WALK to End Alzheimer’s for research and to support the services it provides. Locally, the organization has been holding its WALK to End Alzheimer’s for two decades, and each year more walks are formed. Nationwide there are more than 600 walks each year between August and October. In September alone, there are five walks in Northern and Central New York — from Canton down to Ithaca — and James will be on site and participating at each one. “I do my own personal fundraising, as well. My family and my friends support my efforts, so I reach out to my network, too, for support,” she said. One day, though, James hopes she won’t have to worry about Alzheimer’s disease as her goal is to see the illness be cured. “My goal would be to work myself out of a job,” James said. “It would be a wonderful day to have Alzheimer’s disease figured out, to have a cure and be a part of that. It would be a banner day.” For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York or to find a WALK to End Alzheimer’s in your neighborhood, log onto alzcny.org.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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wide array of health concerns. • “Many internists focus on the caring for the elderly. I especially like this group and [am] proud to say that my oldest patient just turned 108!”

What They Want You to Know:

Internists

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he American College of Physicians defines internists as “physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults.” • “An internist specializes in internal medicine. What that means is that he or she specializes in treating adult medical problems, unlike the family practitioner who cares for a patient birth to death. An internist does not see any patient under the age of 16, does little gynecology, and does not perform minor surgery in the office.

• “With a focus on preventive medicine, it is important that patients understand the key role of the routine, annual physical—especially after age 50. Many chronic medical concerns such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depression and anxiety, are better managed when treated early. • “I also would like patients to know the importance of not self-diagnosing. While I encourage patients to seek out information in the process of managing their personal health, it is important to be mindful that most symptoms can be associated with a

CALENDAR of continued from page 4

HEALTH EVENTS

evening meetings from 5 – 7:30 p.m. No applications for this session will be accepted after the Sept. 14. For more information contact Michele Devlin at the hospice at 315-634-1100. or visit www. hospicecny.org

Sept. 21

Nursing And Clinical Research Day at St. Joe’s St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center’s Nursing Excellence and Clinical Research Institute will host a Nursing and Clinical Research Day from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21, in the DeFuria Room off the hospital’s main lobby. The day features expert speakers from around New York state, who will share the latest research in a variety of subject areas, including the NYS requirement for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. In addition, authors will present research and evidencebased posters in the hospital’s lobby throughout the day.

Sunday, Sept. 23 at Dolce Vita, 907 E. Genesee St. in Syracuse. In addition to sampling the eight wines, attendees will enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Dolce Vita. Every attendee will receive a handmade wooden bottle stopper, created by area craftsman Peter Monteleone, and a variety of other wine-related gifts. Tickets to ‘Red, White and You’ are $50 per person, and are on sale now at the reception desk at St. Camillus. • Scare up some fun for the whole family at the Ghost Riders Car Rally on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. A car rally is a scavenger hunt that you do in your car, except instead of collecting items, participants (aka ghost riders) will follow a map to collect answers to questions that will be found along the predetermined course. The course will take a little over an hour to complete. Preregister before Oct. 19. For more information about either event, please contact Joanna Jewett, 703-0731.

Sept. 30

Sept, 23 / Oct. 27

Down syndrome group to sponsor ‘Buddy Walk’

The Centers at St. Camillus Foundation will present two new, fun-filled fundraising events this fall. • The “Red, White and You” wine tasting will be held from 1 – 4 p.m.,

Individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families will march in full force Sept. 30 during the 14th Annual Buddy Walk, which promotes the acceptance of and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality affecting more than 400,000 people in the United

The Centers at St. Camillus to present two events

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

James Dispenza, internist with St. Joseph’s North Medical Family Physicians. • “My biggest thing is that people need to know what prescriptions they are taking and their physician and pharmacist needs to know. If they don’t, they can have serious complications or even die. Many people have no idea what drugs they take or should be taking and some don’t take them as prescribed, which is also dangerous. All the time, I have people come in and say, ‘I take a little pink pill’ or some other description of the medication they take. Since I’m healthy and I don’t take that medication, I don’t have any idea what it is. • “People have a medication list and they have a prescription on it for an antibiotic that they took two years ago and no longer need. Your medication list is only as good as it’s being current with what’s going on with you now. Sometimes, I just tell people, ‘Throw it all in a big plastic bag and bring it to me so I can make sure what you’re taking doesn’t interact with another thing.’ • “In regard to blood pressure, a lot of people are elevated at the doctor’s office. They blow it off but if they don’t check it on their own, they don’t

States. The event will begin at 10:30 am (registration begins at 9:30 am) at Long Branch Park in Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool. Festivities include a free picnic lunch, entertainment provided by WOLF 105.1 & 96.7 and the Chris Taylor Trio, balloons, games for the children, raffles and much more. Call Shari Bottego at 315-682-4289 for more information about the Buddy Walk® and other events and services for individuals with Down syndrome.

Oct. 2

Elder law seminar held in Auburn The Law Firm of Karpinski, Stapleton, Galbato, & Tehan, P.C. in cooperation with the Cayuga County Office for the Aging will present an elder law seminar from 6:30 – 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Cayuga Onondaga BOCES on West Genesee Street Road, Auburn. This free seminar will present a comprehensive overview of issues facing seniors and their loved ones. Topics covered will include estate planning, empowering others to act, the benefits of trusts, asset preservation planning and long-term care insurance. Space for the program is limited. Registration is required and will be accepted through Oct. 1. To register, call the Office for the Aging at 253-1226 or visit www. co.cayuga.ny.us/aging/events.htm.

Oct. 3

St. Joe’s hosts breast cancer recovery program St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center will host a breast cancer recovery program titled, “Thriving! Living Beyond Breast Cancer.” It will be held from 5–7

know if it’s a ‘doctor office high blood pressure.’ I encourage them to check it on their own. If it’s higher than 135/85 chronically, it elevates risk for stroke and heart attack. • “Like we bring kids in for checkups, we adults need regular check-ups. We need immunizations for things like tetanus and flu. At certain ages, discuss when to start screening for cancers. Adults deserve regular check-ups as well. • “I know doctors do often run late, but if you show up 10 minutes before your appointment, you can meet with the receptionist to make sure your address and phone and insurance and other information is correct. It’s terrible to have results for someone and I can’t reach them.” Cassie Archer, internist and pediatrician with Auburn Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

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.

p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, located at 301 Prospect Ave. in Syracuse. The free event will be take place in the DeFuria room, off the hospital’s main lobby. Refreshments will be served. Featuring guest speaker Electra D. Paskett, the event will focus on survivorship, benefits of exercise and early referrals for breast cancer patients to prevent progression of lymphedema. Paskett is a breast cancer survivor who has been affected by lymphedema and her research is well known throughout the breast cancer community. To RSVP for the event, call 392-7000 by Sept. 19.

Oct. 14

VNA holding event to beneﬁt kids VNA Foundation is holding its annual Autumn Gala fundraiser Oct. 14 at the historic Mandana Barn in Skaneateles. The event will take place from 1-4 p.m., and will feature wine tasting provided by the Lakeland Winery, live acoustic entertainment by Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb and a silent auction with 50/50 and basket raffles. manager of VNA Homecare. The gala is the only annual fundraiser the VNA Foundation holds to raise money for its cause. The foundation relies solely on donations to provide support to patients and their families. According to VNA officials, over the past three years alone, VNA Homecare has cared for over 1,000 patients in our maternal child’s program. The VNA Foundation is accepting item donations for the silent auction and basket raffles for the 2012 Autumn Gala. To donate an item or purchase a $50 ticket to the gala. For more information, 315-477-9305.

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alleviated after some research and a don’t think there is a parent out conversation with our pediatrician there who didn’t freeze when she — but understanding children’s actions or he heard the Colorado shooting is difficult. Today it’s hitting, but some stories. years down the road it will be dissectIf other parents are anything like ing teenage angst. Parents have a tough me, they started thanking the powers that be that their child wasn’t involved. job. Parents need to watch for red flags My heart ached for those families who and be open and honest with healthwere involved. I cried, which seems to be my new mom thing whenever I hear care professionals. Parents are the first observers to mental illness, but they about anything bad befalling a child. need to know what to look for and Once I got past the sadness, I went straight into scared and over-protective when to differentiate between small worries and potential dangers. mode. I wanted to strategize a way to The Mayo Clinic lists the followensure nothing like this would ever befall my daughter Stella, now 13 months ing actions and symptoms as warning signs of mental illness in children: old. I wanted not only to protect her mood changes, from the act intense feelings, itself, but also the knowledge One of the last taboo topics on the behavior changes, difficulty that acts like this table is mental illness. To overcome concentrating, even occur. unexplained I quickly realized that doing the stigma, we have to start being weight loss, physical harm these two things honest with ourselves.” and substance was an exercise abuse. Children in futility. So I suffering from mental illnesses may asked myself, what I could realistically withdraw from activities, have trouble do to protect my daughter? The thing I communicating with others, have came up with wasn’t pretty, but we all need to start paying attention to it. That frequent irrational and inconsolable thoughts, or start harming themselves. thing was addressing mental illness. It is my job to pay attention to my The people who commit heinous daughter. I need to be involved in her acts, like the one in Colorado, are quite life. I need to listen to my gut when I often mentally ill. They have histories think something is wrong. It’s my hope of mental illness and there are often I will know Stella better than anyone warning signs. As a parent, would I else in this world (with the exception notice the warning signs? Would I be of my husband). As her No. 1 co-destrong enough to do something about it? If I suspected something was wrong, fender and co-protector, I vow to look for warning signs and take action when would I love my daughter enough I think something is wrong. Most of to get her the help she desperately all, I vow to ensure her I will always needed? Could I check my ego and the be there, even when she is less than threat of stigmatization at the door? perfect. If I think my daughter has a As parents, we all hope our mental health problem, I will reach out children will grow into healthy and to health professionals, teachers, loved productive individuals. However, our ones or anyone who is an integral part children will all have problems, and of her life. it’s up to parents to help them through We also need to pay attention to life. We cannot control our children, but our children’s friends. This may mean we can influence them. I dedicate this month’s column to the quest to identify having tough conversations with fellow parents, but the alternative is even and treat mental illness in our society. less attractive. It’s my opinion we need to start with I realize that I can’t prevent health its youngest members. problems or control another person’s There are a lot of websites out actions. I in no way blame the parents there that deal with mental illness in of the Colorado shooter for what he children. I will be referencing informaallegedly did. His parents may have tion from the Mayo Clinic’s website. done everything mentioned above and According to the Mayo Clinic, children then some. I just think we owe to our experience a wide range of mental dischildren to cater to their mental health. orders. Some of the most common are We immunize them against dangerous anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hydiseases. We take them to the doctor peractivity disorder (ADHD), autism, when they have colds. We teach them eating disorders, mood disorders and about bullying, drugs and sexual beschizophrenia. havior. One of the last taboo topics on One of the things I already face as the table is mental illness. To overcome a parent is distinguishing normal child the stigma, we have to start being honbehavior from abnormal behavior. For est with ourselves. Our children need instance, my daughter started hitting herself in the head when she got overly us. Addressing mental illness is one more way to keep them safe. excited or frustrated. This habit frightened me. My fears were somewhat

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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we need a game plan to improve aking proper Social Security payment accuracy. Here is and Supplemental ours. Security Income (SSI) On offense, we check payments is no game. But and recheck our benefit improving our accuracy has computations and recipient some similarities to a good information. That’s done at football strategy. You’ve got to kickoff, before we ever make be strong on both defense and a payment. offense. On defense, we have Social Security is plans, or strategies, to game committed to reducing collect funds back from the improper payments. Our goal person we improperly paid, has always been to pay the especially if the error was the right person the right amount Banikowski result of a beneficiary failing at the right time. And we’re highly or incorrectly reporting an event that successful at doing that. affects his or her payment amount. In paying retirement, survivors When an individual commits fraud and disability benefits to more than in order to receive payments not due, 55 million people each month, our we prosecute him or her to the fullest accuracy rate is over 99 percent. When extent of the law. it comes to Supplemental Security We will continue to work on Income — the means-tested program offense and defense in our efforts to for elderly, disabled and blind people who have limited income and resources perfect our game plan and to make each and every payment a touchdown. — our payment accuracy is about 91 Learn more about what Social Security percent. is doing to prevent improper payments As with a good game of football, by visiting our website on the subject at www.socialsecurity.gov/ improperpayments.

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Preference given for disabled veterans Page 26

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

Q: What can I do to protect myself against identity theft? A: First, don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Keep it at home with your other important papers. Second, avoid giving out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords, and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records. To report identity theft, fraud or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, recommends you: 1– Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following companies (the company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports): • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; • Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289; or • Experian, 1-888-397-3742. 2– Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts you cannot explain; 3–Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently; 4– File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place; and 5– File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877438-4338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).

Q: I’m retired and the only income I have is from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Are my IRA withdrawals considered “earnings”? Could they reduce my monthly Social Security benefits? A: No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you’re self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits either. However, your benefit may be affected by a government pension from work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity. gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Q: I was turned down for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); can I appeal the decision? A: If you disagree with a decision made on your claim, you can appeal it. The steps you can take are explained in “Your Right To Question A Decision Made On Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim,” available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11008. html. Also, you have the right to have a representative, such as an attorney, help you. More information is in Your Right To Representation, at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10075.html. Read these and other publications online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs.

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Health Insurance Options for Pre-Medicare Spouses Dear Savvy Senior, My wife, who’s 60, is on my health insurance plan through my employer. When I retire in a few months at 65, and go on Medicare, what happens to her? Do we have to purchase private insurance, or is there some kind of Medicare coverage for dependent spouses? Nearly Retired

that can’t exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. To learn more about COBRA, visit askebsa.dol.gov or call 866-444-3272. If, however, the company you worked for had fewer than 20 employees, you may still be able to get continued coverage through your company if your state has “MiniCOBRA” (39 states offer it). Contact your state insurance department (see naic.org) to see if this is available where you live.

Dear Nearly, Unfortunately for you and millions of other couples in your position, Medicare does not provide family coverage to younger spouses or dependent children when you qualify for Medicare. Nobody can obtain Medicare benefits before age 65, unless eligible at a younger age because of disability. With that said, here are some options for your wife depending on your situation.

This is health insurance you buy on your own, but it too can be expensive depending on your wife’s health history. Any pre-existing condition such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc., can drastically increase her premiums or can nix her chances of being accepted at all. To search for policy options and costs go to healthcare.gov. If you need help, contact a licensed independent insurance agent. See www.nahu.org/ consumer/findagent.cfm to locate one near you. Or, if you only need health coverage for a short period of time – less than 12 months – a short-term policy is another lower-cost option to consider. You can get quotes and coverage details at ehealthinsurance. com.

Work longer

If possible, you should consider working past age 65 so your wife can continue coverage under your employer health insurance until she becomes eligible for Medicare, or, if that’s too long, at least for a few more years.

Check employer options

If your employer provides retiree health benefits, check with the benefits administrator to find out if they offer any options that would allow your wife to continue coverage under their plan. Or, if your wife works, see if she can she switch to health insurance provided by her own employer.

Use COBRA

If you work for a company that has 20 or more employees, once you make the switch to Medicare, your wife could stay with your company insurance plan for at least 18 months (but could last up to 36 months) under a federal law called COBRA. You’ll need to sign her up within 60 days after her last day of coverage. You also need to know that COBRA is not cheap. You’ll pay the full monthly premium yourself, plus a 2 percent administrative fee. The other benefit of using COBRA is that once it expires, your wife will then become eligible for HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which gives her right to buy an individual health insurance policy from a private insurer

Buy an individual policy

Get high-risk coverage

If you can’t purchase an individual health policy for your wife because of a pre-existing medical condition, you can still get coverage through a state or federal high-risk pool. State pools, which are offered in 35 states (see naschip.org), provide health insurance to any resident who is uninsurable because of health problems. While costs vary by state, premiums run about 150 percent of what an individual policy costs. Or, consider the federal PreExisting Conditions Insurance Plan (see pcip.gov) which is available nationwide. Created in 2010 under the health care reform law, this program is intended to bridge the gap until better options become available in 2014 when the main provisions of the law go into effect. To qualify, your wife must be uninsured for six months before applying. 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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H ealth News Tim Tramontana Joins Baldwinsville Family Care Timothy Tramontana has recently joined Baldwinsville Family Medical Care, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. He previously worked as a primary care physician at Glades Medical Group in Boca Raton, Fla. He was also a physician in the urgent care department at North Medical Center in Liverpool. Tramontana received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, graduating in 2010 with high honors. He completed his residency in family medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, where Tramontan he was chief resident. Before beginning his doctorate degree, Tramontana spent two years working as a chemistry teacher in Rochester. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Nazareth College of Rochester and a Master of Science degree in education from SUNY Brockport. Tramontana was recently certified in clinical lipidology. In addition, he is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Onondaga Medical Society, and the National Lipid Association. He is also fluent in Spanish and has previously worked with LUCES, an organization working with impoverished Hispanics afflicted with AIDS in Rochester.

St. Luke has new volunteer coordinator Nicole Greenier is new volunteer coordinator at St. Luke Health Services in Oswego. She will be responsible for coordinating St. Luke’s volunteer program, which numbers more than 80 participants. Greenier previously worked in the St. Luke activity department for the past eight years. “We are fortunate to have someone with her experience and professionalism working with one of our most valuable resources, our volunteers,” said Donna Rose, director of activities at St. Luke. “I am always Greenier impressed with the level of caring and involvement our volunteers display toward residents on a daily basis,” said Greenier. “Likewise, it is an important part of my job to make sure our volunteers understand just how important they are to our organization.”

Mirbeau Inn & Spa names new general manager Matthew Dower has been promoted to the general manager position Page 28

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at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles. Previsouly he served as resort manager and spa director. Dower joined the Mirbeau team in 2007 as rooms division manager, overseeing rooms, housekeeping, reservations and front desk. In 2009 Dower Dower was named spa director, a role which has had him managing day-to-day operations of the 14,000square-foot wellness facility, along with implementing Spa Mirbeau’s life-balancing programs. Dower also holds the position of executive vice president of Mirbeau Hospitality Services, a privately-held management company that specializes in the operation of and consulting for boutique, lifestyle hotels, spas and resorts. “Matthew has shown exceptional leadership qualities throughout his career at Mirbeau Inn & Spa. He brings extensive knowledge of the spa industry and has displayed an unparalleled attention to detail. We are very pleased to announce his promotion”, said John Logan, chief executive officer, Mirbeau Hospitality Services. Prior to joining the leadership team at Mirbeau, Dower held the position of spa manager at the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club in Miami, from 2006 to 2007. He also worked with Red Mountain Adventure Resort and Spa in St. George, Utah. Dower received a master’s degree in management of hospitality from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration with a concentration in spa operations. He resides in Skaneateles.

News from

CROUSE HOSPITAL Official Presents Webinar on Innovation — Derrick Suehs, chief quality officer for Crouse Hospital, was the featured presenter for a recent webinar sponsored by the American Hospital Association titled “Innovation: The Key to an Engaged Culture.” More than 100 hospitals across the U.S. participated in the program, which featured a case study Suehs on Crouse’s efforts to build and sustain employee and patient engagement. New IT Director — Crouse Hospital has appointed Kimberly Rose to the position of director of information technology. In her new role, Rose will be responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the hospital’s health information technology systems and 70-person department. Rose most recently served as director of

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012

Town of Owasco announces tobacco free policy for recreational facilities

Celebrating a new policy that bans the use of tobacco in several areas in the Town of Owasco are, from left, Town of Owasco Playground Directors Laura Simmons, Kaylee Hamberger, Adam Messina, and Town of Owasco Recreation Director Steven Simmons. The Town of Owasco, in collaboration with the Cayuga County Tobacco Free Partnership, announced that a tobacco free policy has been adopted for all town-owned recreational facilities. The tobacco free policy will include the following recreational areas: • Recreational facilities, which includes the basketball courts, tennis courts, bocce courts • Town of Owasco playgrounds • Bathroom and pavilions in

information technology for Crouse Medical Practice PLLC, a subsidiary of Crouse Hospital, where she was responsible for strategic direction and coordination of infrastructure, operations and development of IT solutions within a growing Rose business arm of the hospital. Prior to that, Rose served as director of IT for PPC, an East-Syracuse-based private company serving the telecommunications, broadcast and wireless industries. A resident of Baldwinsville, Rose holds a master’s of science degree in information resource management from Syracuse University. Crouse Medical Practice Has New Executive Director — Greg Schulz has been named executive director of Crouse Medical Practice, PLLC. CMP was formed in 2010 as a way for Crouse Hospital to further align the organization with its physicians, with the goal of building an integrated healthcare delivery network over time. According to Crouse, Schulz this is a strategic focus

town owned recreational areas • Parking lots attached to these areas According to officials, the intent of this resolution is to provide a safe and healthy environment for community members, visitors, employees and volunteers who are using or working within these areas. They say this policy will create a healthier environment for families and especially youth that are using these areas.

of the hospital and will be critical as it positions itself to address challenges and opportunities brought about by healthcare reform. As executive director, Schulz will provide leadership and oversight of CMP’s clinical and financial operations and direction, including the ongoing strategic growth and development of the practice in concert with the hospital’s mission, vision and values. He will also provide strategic direction and leadership for various programs of CMP, including a new sports medicine focus with several Crouse-affiliated independent orthopedic surgeons with ties to SU Athletics and the Syracuse Crunch. An accomplished healthcare executive, Schulz comes to CMP with more than 20 years experience in hospital and physician group management at EBM Group, United Health Services, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Buffalo General Hospital. He is a graduate of University at Buffalo for his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Business Executive On Board — Patrick Mannion, chair of Crouse Hospital’s board of directors, has announced the appointment of Syracuse business executive Barbara Ashkin to the hospital’s board. An active com-

H ealth News munity leader and volunteer, Ashkin currently serves as vice president and chief financial officer of both CXtec and TERACAI. CXtec is a global reseller of new and pre-owned networking, cable and voice technoloAshkin gies. TERACAI provides advanced core networking, communications and data center solutions. Before joining CXtec and TERACAI, Ashkin was employed by a regional shopping center developer. A certified public accountant, she has also held positions in public accounting and industry. Ashkin holds a master’s degree in accounting from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management. Ashkin is on the board of trustees of the Everson Museum and was the recipient of the 2005 woman of the year award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Central New York. In 2001 she received a women in business award for her business accomplishments and civic leadership, and in 2007 was listed as one of the 50 most powerful women in the channel by VARBusiness magazine. “As Crouse Hospital continues to position itself for the future, we are

especially pleased to be strengthening our board with the addition Barbara Ashkin,” said Mannion. “Her talents, leadership and expertise will serve the hospital well and we look forward to her contributions.”

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News from

Christine Close Named in Central Square — Oswego Health has named Christine Close as the clinical nurse manager of the urgent care center at the soon-to-be-opened Central Square Medical Center. Close, who has worked in the healthcare field for more than 14 years, was initially hired by Oswego Health as a staff nurse to work on one of Oswego Hospital’s medical/surgical floors. Since then, she has advanced to the positions of charge nurse, case management manager and clinical Close

OCO Health Centers Establishes Walk-In Clinics in Fulton, Oswego In an effort to better service its patients, OCO Health Centers have established walk-in clinics at both OCO’s Oswego and Fulton Health Centers. Existing patients of OCO Health Centers are able to receive medical treatment quickly at the walk-in centers for acute illnesses and minor injuries. OCO health providers at the walk-in clinics provide a wide range of care when medical conditions require prompt attention and there is no immediate, serious threat to health or life. “We have seen a significant increase in the demand Physician Scott Van Gorder, associate medical for same day appointments director with OCO Health Services, performs and our patients were cona blood pressure check on a patient at one cerned about not being able to see their medical provider of OCO’s new walk-in clinics. The clinics provide existing OCO patients the opportunity on the day they call,” said Tricia Clark, director of to receive medical treatment quickly for acute pactice operations for the illnesses and minor injuries. OCO Health Centers. “To satisfy that need and increase our ity to leave work during the day for same day access we established our a scheduled appointment. OCO’s walk-in clinics,” walk-in clinics offer our patients the Clark added that the walk-in opportunity to have their immediclinics allows OCO to reach its goal ate health concerns addressed beof providing its patients with acfore their work day begins so that cessible, quality services in a timely they do not have to worry about manner. “There was need for our any interruptions during their day. patients to be able to access mediWe strive to provide our patients cal care from their primary care with the health services they need provider rather than visiting an when it is convenient for them urgent care or the emergency room without a long stay in a waiting for minor injuries and acute illroom or the constraints of a schednesses. Many of our patients’ work uled appointment,” said Clark. schedules may not offer the flexibil-

Front row from left to right: Tracy Hilderbran, Clinical Director, and Kendra Rector. Back row from left to right: Peggy Conwell, New York State Department of Health, Theresa Eddins, Lorrie Ryfun, Lorraine Kenney, Donna Wright, Sharon Parsons, Kaye Rieﬂer, Cathy North, Wendy Czajak, Onondaga County Health Department Upstate University Hospital at Community General was awarded a certificate from the New York State Department of Health and the Onondaga County Health Department for outstanding perinatal nurse manager of Oswego Hospital’s fourth floor, where she oversaw patient care and supervised a staff of 70. In addition, she was the health system’s first physician liaison, keeping doctors up-to-date on Oswego Health’s many services and programs and serving as a connection between the physicians and the hospital. Most recently Close has been a nursing supervisor at the local 164-bed hospital. Close earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. She obtained her registered nursing degree from Cayuga Community College. The Central Square Medical Center is expected to open this fall and will offer urgent care, medical imaging, lab and physical therapy services. The completely renovated facility will also feature a private women’s health suite for those needing a digital mammogram, bone density or ultrasound screening. New General Surgeon — Oswego Hospital has welcomed Rita Figueroa, a general surgeon, to its active medical staff and surgical services team. A graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, Figueroa is an experienced surgeon, who for the past 11 years has performed breast biopsies, hernia repairs, insertion of infusaports for chemotherapy, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, endoscopies Figueroa and colonoscopies. September 2012 •

hepatitis B vaccination rates and documentation. The staff of the Jim and Dede Walsh Family Birth Center was recognized for their contributions to this achievement.

As a young student growing up in Puerto Rico, Figueroa said she found herself very interested in the sciences. That interest lead to several trips to the National Science Fair, which in turn resulted in her receiving a scholarship to the University of Iowa. At Iowa, she majored in microbiology and minored in biochemistry. Following graduation, Figueroa worked as a microbiologist at Novo Nordisk, a healthcare company specializing in diabetes care, located in Franklinton, N.C., before attending medical school. Figueroa has most recently practiced in Troy. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, biking, yoga and traveling to warm climates. Adult Psychiatrist Joins Oswego Health — Adult psychiatrist Victor Otokiti who possesses expertise in treating those with substance abuse issues has joined the Oswego Hospital medical staff and will provide care at the healthcare’s behavioral health services department on Bunner Street in Oswego. Otokiti earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Grambling State University in Louisiana. He obtained his medical degree from De Le Salle University in the Philippines. Otokiti completed his psychiatric residency training at Metropolitan Hospital and fulfilled a fellowship in addiction psyOtokiti chiatry/addiction

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medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital/ Veterans Medical Center. Both of these medical training facilities are located in New York City. He has been a practicing psychiatrist since 2006. “Dr. Otokiti brings a new perspective on caring for patients with mental illness,” said Kim Garrow, associate administrator of behavior services.

“Many of our patients have substance abuse issues and his expertise increases our ability to provide these patients with the highest quality of care. Psychiatric and substance abuse issues are often a very difficult combination for both clients and the clinical staff and Dr. Otokitis’ skills will be invaluable to this organization.”

Anthony Rotella joins Oswego Hospital, OCO — Anthony Rotella has joined the medical staff of Oswego Hospital and the staff of Oswego County Opportunities’ Fulton Health Center. He is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, which is equivalent to having a Doctor of Medicine degree. Rotella has recently completed his

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family medicine residency at Aria Health, Philadelphia, where he was chief resident. At the end of his residency this spring, he was presented the family medicine resident of the year award by Aria Health. While completing his residency, he Rotella also fulfilled a health policy fellowship at the New York Institute of Technology. Rotella is a graduate of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, where in addition to his studies, he was an active member of his class of 190 students, serving as vice president and as a class representative on the admissions, student affairs and medical professionalism advancement committees. A native of Liverpool, he earned his undergraduate degree from LeMoyne College. Rotella said after spending the years of his medical training in large cities, he was looking forward to returning to his Central New York roots. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing golf and keeping in shape by visiting the gym.

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Nancy Cooney is the New ER Director — St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center has appointed Norma Cooney as chairwoman of the department of emergency medicine for St Joseph’s, and director of the St Joseph’s Hospital emergency department for Team Health, the physician group that managers the ED. Cooney has lived in Central New York for six years initially Cooney holding a full-time faculty position at SUNY Upstate Medical University and most recently, serving as the emergency medicine director at Oswego Hospital. Cooney is a graduate of the Texas A&M School of Medicine and the Scott & White emergency medicine residency, also at Texas A&M. She is board certified in emergency medicine and the subspecialty of undersea and hyperbaric medicine. New Director of Medical Surgery Services — St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center has appointed Peggy Thomas to the position of director of medical surgical services. In this role she will be responsible for five medical surgical nursing units at the hospital. Thomas has worked for St. Joseph’s for nearly 20 years, first as a staff nurse and then as coordinator of two separate units. A resident of Baldwinsville, Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Keuka College, and her associate’s degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. She holds medical surgical certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a certified Lean Six Sigma green belt. Thomas is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the Associated Gastroenterology of Nursing Organization.

September 2012 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2012