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New York Apple Association says apples and cider will be super sweet this year. Find out why September 2011 • Issue 141

The Diseases Your Pets Can Transmit to You

CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

WIRED KIDS

You’ve seen them — they are all around us. Robot kids, texting on their cell phones or hunched over their computers, oblivious to the world around them. Though they are physically present, they seem controlled by an outside source. Page 8

Meet the new CEO at VNA Systems, one of CNY’s oldest healthcare organizations

•How to know if your •How toare know your children too ifsick for children are too sick for school school •Advertisements indi•Advertisements indicate that supplements cate thatbesupplements should part of every should be every child’s diet,part butof this isn’t child’s diet, but this isn’t necessarily so necessarily so •What pediatricians •What pediatricians want you to know want you to know

Why you should keep an eye on eggplant— and eat it

Ear Candling

Ear candling has been criticized by the medical community but candling practitioners say method is effective

Nonprofit CancerConnects Provides Free Services to Cancer Patients Group provides free massage therapy, Reiki, acupuncture and mentoring services to cancer patients

September 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Survivor Education Series Integrated Approach to Healing After Cancer

Heidi Puc, MD, FACP, ABIHM Wednesday, September 21, 2011 6:00 – 7:30 pm Registration and Refreshments at 5:30

Exercise and Energy Balance

Jessica DesRosiers, M.S., Health and

Wellness Director for the North Area YMCA Beneﬁts of Exercise for Cancer Survivors Cynthia Smith ~ Yoga Instruction James Campbell ~ Tai Chi Instruction Wednesday, October 12, 2011 6:00 – 7:30 pm Registration and Refreshments at 5:30

Nutrition – Eat to Live

Theresa Shepherd, Registered Dietician Wednesday, November 9, 2011 6:00 – 7:30 pm Registration and Refreshments at 5:30

Heidi Puc, MD, FACP, ABIHM Board Certiﬁed in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Integrative and Holistic Medicine

Hematology Oncology Associates Brittonﬁeld Parkway of Central New York 5008 East Syracuse, New York 13057 3rd. Floor Cafeteria RSVP to Penny (315)472-7504

WHEN YOUR HEART IS ON THE LINE, GETTING HELP FAST CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Chest pain isn’t the only sign of a heart attack. Shortness of breath; back, arm or jaw discomfort; severe nausea; or heavy sweating also may indicate a problem. As the first Accredited Chest Pain Center in Syracuse, St. Joseph’s knows just how important it is to diagnose and treat these symptoms quickly and accurately. Seeking medical help right away can help protect you from serious heart damage and create a more positive outcome from a potentially dangerous situation. So, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. Your heart—and your life—may depend on it.

HEART ATTACK? EVERY SECOND COUNTS. CALL 9-1-1. St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center 301 Prospect Ave. Syracuse, NY www.sjhsyr.org St. Joseph’s Resource Line (Physician & Program Information): 315-703-2138 St. Joseph’s is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis. Franciscan Companies is a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center network.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

SYRACUSE’S FIRST ACCREDITED CHEST PAIN CENTER

A Higher Level of Care

Welcoming our New Surgeons to Central NY

Maria Iannolo, MD

Joshua Pletka, MD

Robert Sherman, MD

Alan Zonno, MD

Trauma

Hand, Wrist and Upper Extremity

Joint Replacement/ Reconstruction

Foot and Ankle

Dr. Iannolo began her medical training at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed her residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at Upstate Medical University here in Syracuse, NY. She subsequently completed a fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at the University of Rochester. Dr. Iannolo is an Orthopedic Traumatologist who treats fractures in patients of all ages, with a particular interest in pelvic fractures and complex peri-articular fractures. She also specializes in treating fractures that heal incorrectly. She has an interest in the treatment and prevention of fragility fractures through early detection and management of osteoporosis.

Dr. Pletka completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester and earned a Masters of Science degree in physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University. He attended Georgetown University’s school of medicine where he earned his medical degree, graduating ﬁrst in his class. His residency training in Orthopedic Surgery was at the University of Rochester/ Strong Memorial Hospital. He subsequently completed a fellowship in hand, upper extremity and microsurgery at the Curtis National Hand Center/Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Pletka has particular interests in hand and wrist reconstruction, nerve compression disorders, shoulder arthroscopy and reconstruction.

Dr. Sherman attended Wayne State University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree and the Milton Ratner Scholarship for Academic Excellence. He completed his residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at Upstate Medical University here in Syracuse, NY and completed a fellowship in Adult Reconstructive Surgery/Total Joint Arthroplasty at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Sherman has particular interests in lower extremity joint reconstruction including minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, partial knee replacements, revision joint replacements and management of fractures and injuries around joint replacements. His interests also include operative and non-operative management of arthritis, knee arthroscopy, fractures and general orthopedics.

Read more about our new surgeons at: www.upstateorthopedics.com Located at the Upstate Bone & Joint Center 6620 Fly Road Suite 100 East Syracuse, New York 13057 (315) 464-4472

September 2011 •

Dr. Zonno completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Michigan. He then attended Temple University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. He completed his residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at Brown University. While at Brown, he completed an orthopedic trauma fellowship, then continued his education at The Institute for Foot & Ankle Reconstruction in Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed an additional year of training in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Zonno has particular clinical interests in post-traumatic reconstruction of foot and ankle injuries as well as elective surgery of all foot and ankle problems.

Home of the area’s ﬁrst program for immediate care for sprains, breaks, dislocations and sports injuries. MON-FRI 5:00pm-8:30pm SAT 9:00am-2:30pm

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR of

Alzheimer’s-related events in CNY ■ ‘Walk To End Alzheimer’s’ Engages, Inspires Syracuse Area

he Alzheimer’s Association invites Central New Yorkers to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s presented by Loretto. Long Branch Park in Liverpool will be the site of the walk at 9:30 a.m.on Oct. 1. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is expected to draw a crowd of 1,000 participants who will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services. Each walker will also join in a meaningful ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. In addition to the three-mile walk through Onondaga Lake Park, participants will enjoy music from Movin 100.3/96.5, an appearance by the YNN StormChaser, a health expo, and a special tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s. Start or join a team today at alzcny.org/walk.

■ ‘Walk to Remember’ in Auburn seeks vendors

he Cayuga County Office for the Aging and the Cayuga County Council of Senior Citizens are sponsoring the second annual Walk to Remember, to be held 10 a.m. – 12:30 pm. at Emerson Park, Sunday, Sept. 18th. The Cayuga County Office for the Aging is seeking private or nonprofit vendors for this upcoming “Walk to Remember” event. The Emerson Park Pavilion will be made available for area vendors to exhibit their goods and services. The fee will be $15 and a table and lunch will be provided. Contact the Office for Aging at 253-1226 or ccofa@co.cayuga.ny.us. The vendor registration form can also be accessed through co.cayuga. ny.us/aging/events.htm . Completed forms can be returned to the Cayuga County Office for the Aging, 160 Genesee St., Auburn , NY 13021 along with your payment by Monday, Sept. 12. The organizations’ goal is to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as to the challenges caregivers face. The funds raised will be used to support local programs: The Alzheimer’s Disease Community Program, The Caregiver Support Program and Project Lifesaver. Page 4

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HEALTH EVENTS

Sept. 20

Workshop in Sennett to focus on Medicare 101 Are you new or soon to be new to Medicare? Are you receiving Medicare benefits now but are overwhelmed or confused by all the information and options out there? If so, you’re invited to attend to a free Medicare 101 session for some helpful information including: The basics of original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D; Medicare costs, co-pays and deductibles, and what assistance is available for low-income beneficiaries to help cover costs; Medicare preventive benefits; and Medigap supplemental insurance and EPIC. The workshop is offered through the Cayuga County Office for the Aging and will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation Offices, 7413 county House Rd. in Sennett. Due to limited space, registration is required. The deadline for registration is Sept. 15. For more information, or to register please call the Office for the Aging at 253-1226.

Sept. 21

Seminar in E. Syracuse: cancer & holistic medicine Heidi Puc, board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, hematology and integrative holistic medicine with Hematology/Oncology Associates of Central New York, will host a seminar titled “Integrated approach to healing after cancer.” The event will take place at 6 p.m. with registration and refreshments starting at 5:30, Sept. 21, at the third floor cafeteria of Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York, 5008 Brittonfield Pkw., E. Syracuse. It’s free of charge. For more information, call 472-7504.

Sept. 24

‘Pink Ribbon Retreat Day’ in Skaneateles Breast cancer survivors, their friends and family are invited to a “Pink Ribbon Retreat Day,” Saturday, Sept. 24, at Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, 130 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. The retreat program will include meditation and mindfulness practice, six steps to compassionate self-care, gentle yoga, and meditation as prayer forms. Retreat will be led by mind/body instructor and researcher Marnie Blount-Gowan. Fee $55, includes materials, snack and lunch. Registration is 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Pre-registration required by Monday, Sept. 19. Call 458-4098 or email realewell@gmail. com. Pink Ribbon Retreat Day is sponsored by RealeWell, a blog/forum focused on mind/body health with an optional faith perspective.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

Sept. 24

Auburn Memorial Hospital to sponsor Heart Expo Auburn Memorial Hospital (AMH) will hold its annual Heart Expo from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Sept. 24, on the first floor of the hospital and in the upper level of the parking garage. The day features cholesterol testing, blood pressure checks, pulmonary function testing, heart healthy food samples from local restaurants, Lou Lou Lollipop (the clown with a caring heart), fire engine and ambulance tours, face painting by Christine Alexander, Abner Double Day, Captain Jack, Sunshine friends and much more.

Sept. 25

Down syndrome group sponsoring ‘Buddy Walk’ Individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families will march in full force Sept. 25 celebrating the 13th annual Buddy Walk which promotes the acceptance of and advocacy for people with Down syndrome. Local children and adults with Down syndrome, their designated “buddies,” and many other supporters will participate in the event, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. (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 and much, much more. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2011 worldwide. In 2010, more than $11.2 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome. For additional information, contact Shari Bottego at 315-682-4289 or Cheri Iannotti at 315-699-8540.

Sept. 28

International authority on aging to speak in DeWitt Dr. William H. Thomas, an internationally recognized authority on aging and longevity, will present a seminar titled “Growing Home: Inspiring Family Caregivers & Their Elders.” The event is part of of the Loretto Presents series and will take place from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at DeWitt Community Church (3600 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt). “Growing Home,” promises to be a rare, uplifting presentation

for families caring for their elders or other loved ones at home. Thomas’ vast insights will encourage attendees to view their home as a garden, and an elder as a person who is still growing and whose life continues to have promise for and connection to the future. Thomas is a Harvard Medical School graduate, author, geriatrician and president of two nonprofit organizations devoted to a positive elderhood: The Summer Hill Company, parent to the Eden Alternative philosophy of care, and The Center for Growing and Becoming, parent to the Green House and other holistic approaches to aging and the care for elders. Thomas serves as consultant for the Loretto family of care and its vision to transform elder care in Central New York. For more information about Loretto, call (315) 469-1991 or log on to www.loretto-cny.org.

Oct. 11,18, 25

‘Living Alone: Survive and Thrive on Your Own’ Do you live alone? Is it a challenge for you? “Living Alone: How to Survive and Thrive on Your Own,” is a three-part workshop offered for women who want to gain the know-how to forge a meaningful and enriching life on their own. Participants will discover how to think differently about living alone, overcome loneliness and other emotional pitfalls, rediscover their true selves, and socialize in a couples’ world. The workshop takes place from 7 – 9 p.m. at House Content Bed & Breakfast in Mendon on three consecutive Tuesdays: Oct. 11, 18 and 25. The workshop fee of $125 includes a Living Alone manual, empowerment exercises, and valuable resources. To register, contact Gwenn Voelckers at (585) 6247887 or e-mail gvoelckers@rochester. rr.com

Bone health is the topic a series of seminar The Center for Better Bones in E. Syracuse,led by Dr. Susan E. Brown, is sponsoring a series of seminars focusing on bone’s health. The schedule is as follows: • Tuesday, Sept. 13: “Become a Nutrition Detective: What is your body telling you about the nutrients you need?” • Tuesday, Sept. 20: “Vitamin D: Life-saving information from the world of science.” • Tuesday, Sept. 27: Bone Health 101: What you need to know for lifelong healthy bones.” • Tuesday, Oct. 4: “Asthma, Allergies and Autoimmune Concerns: Self- help immune enhancement.” • Tuesday, Oct. 11: “Weight and Stress Management for the Holidays” All seminars will take place from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Dewitt community room, 148 Sanders Creek Pkwy, East Syracuse. Tickets are $20 per class or $75 for all five classes prepaid. $25 per class at the door. Register and pre-pay by calling 315-437-9384 or by emailing center@betterbones. com.

Cancer Mortality Rates are Higher in Men than Women

verall cancer mortality rates are higher for men than women in the United States, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Michael B. Cook, an investigator in the division of cancer epidemiology and genetics at the National Cancer Institute, and colleagues used U.S. vital rates and survival data from the SEER database for 36 cancers by gender and age. They assessed whether cancer mortality rates and cancer survival differed by gender. “Men are more likely to die from cancer than women,” said Cook. “We found this to be true for a majority of specific types of cancer.” Results showed that the cancers that had the highest male-to-female mortality rate ratios were: lip cancer (where 5.51 men died compared to 1 female); larynx (5.37-to-1); hypopharynx (4.47-to-1); esophagus (4.08-to-1); and urinary bladder (3.36-to-1). Cancers with the highest mortality rates also showed greater risk of death in men than women: lung and bronchus (2.31to-1); colon and rectum (1.42-to-1);

pancreas (1.37-to-1); leukemia (1.75-to1); and liver and intrahepatic bile duct (2.23-to-1). In their analysis of five-year cancer survival, the researchers adjusted for age, year of diagnosis and tumor stage and grade, when this information was available. Cook and his team found that a person’s gender did not play a major role in cancer survival. For many cancers, men have poorer survival than women but the differences are slight. It is difficult to assign any singular root cause, but influences include differences in behavior of the tumor, cancer screening among people without symptoms, presence of other illnesses and health care seeking behaviors. “Our research suggests that the main factor driving the greater frequency of cancer deaths in men is the greater frequency of cancer diagnosis, rather than poorer survival once the cancer occurs,” said Cook. “If we can identify the causes of these gender differences in cancer incidence then we can take preventive actions to reduce the cancer burden in both men and women.”

Heart Disease Most Costly Condition for Women

he cost of treating women for heart disease in 2008 was $43.6 billion, leading a list of the top 10 most expensive conditions for women, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. According to the analysis by the federal agency, in 2008, the top 10 most costly conditions in terms of health care expenditures for women were: • Heart disease • Cancer • Mental disorders • Trauma-related disorders • Osteoarthritis • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma • Hypertension (high blood pres-

sure) • Diabetes • Back problems • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels) The agency also found that in 2008 for women among the 10 costliest conditions: • The second most costly disease to treat was cancer ($37.7 billion), followed by mental disorders ($37.3 billion), and trauma-related disorders ($34.1 billion). • The lowest expenditures among the top 10 costliest conditions were for hyperlipidemia ($18.0 billion). • The most common was high blood pressure (29.5 million). • The least common was cancer (8.4 million).

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. © 2011 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 Writers and Contributing Writers: Suzanne M. Ellis, Jim Miller, Eva Briggs, M.D., Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, Anne Palumbo, Aaron Gifford, Melissa Stefanec, Barbara Pierce • Advertising: Donna J. Kimbrell, Tracy DeCann • Layout & Design: Chris Crocker • Proofreading: Shelley Manley • 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.

Accepting New Patients at This Time 77 Nelson Street • Suite 310 • Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 253-4463 • Fax (315) 253-5624 • www.imaamed.com

Change a child’s life by becoming a foster or adoptive parent. Registration is open for foster parent training through Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth. Classes will be held 6-9 p.m. Mondays September 12th through November 14th at the Liverpool First Presbyterian Church (603 Tulip Street, Liverpool). Space is limited and registration is required. In addition to free training, Berkshire offers intensive in-home support, respite opportunities, 24-hour access to program assistance and a generous monthly stipend. Call 315-454-4700 ext. 307 for more information or to register. Visit www. berkshirefarm.org.

These people are all host parents in the Treatment Foster Care Program at Cayuga Home for Children

What does that mean? It means they have big hearts, and they have opened their doors to an adolescent between the ages of 12 and 17 who needs some help in a safe, supportive home environment.

A big heart & A safe home All day & night Be a mentor. Become a host parent. We offer training, 24-hour support, and monthly tax-free compensation of more than $1,500.

Contact Chris Schell at

hostakid@cayugahome.org or 315-253-5383 ext. 312 September 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 5

Meet

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Your Doctor

By Aaron Gifford

Applications now being accepted.

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150 E. 1st St. Oswego, NY 13126 315-343-0440

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The following services are included in your rent • Trash Collection • New Appliances • Bus for shopping/groceries • Heat, Electricity & Hot Water • Snow Removal & Lawn Care • Planned Activities • All repairs & maintenance

Preference given for disabled veterans

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We Can Give You A Hand Independent@Home provides support for those in need throughout Central New York. We can help in a number of ways, including: • Companionship & TLC • Household management – cleaning, maintenance & meal preparation • At-home salon services – hair dressing, manicures & pedicures • Shopping & errands To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free in-home consultation, contact Anita West, Customer Service Coordinator at:

424.3744 1050 West Genesee Street Syracuse, New York 13204 www.ihcscny.com

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Dr. Matthew Hall New dentist to lead team at St.Joe’s that treats 10,000 dental patients a year

entist Matthew Hall was recently appointed as medical director of the general practice dental residency program St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse. He replaced Dr. Richard Mayne, who had been involved with the program for more than 30 years. Hall, a Buffalo native, previously supervised medical residents and cared for patients at the Ellis Medicine dental clinic in Schenectady. At St. Joseph’s, Hall leads a team five residents and 60 rotating dentists from throughout Central New York. No other dental clinic in Upstate New York has that level of participation from accomplished dentists. The program treats more than 10,000 patients a year. Most are underinsured, or have physical or mental disabilities.

a young dentist just starting a family, it was a good arrangement. Plus I’ve always liked treating people from all backgrounds and circumstances. You do hear horror stories about patients at clinics who say they were treated like a piece of meat, and I know we, as medical professionals, should treat people better than that. I like to tell people about my first experiences with a dentist. I was one of 13 kids. My dad brought us to Dr. Harry Hammond because he was the cheapest dentist in town. Harry didn’t have the nice chairside maner. He was kind of gruff. In school I gravitated toward science. As an undergraduate I was an undeclared science major. I favored chemistry, and back then I didn’t think medical school was for me.

Q: How is your new job going thus

Q: Describe a typical day on the job in your field: A: I’m not sure there is such a thing as a typical day. We do see a lot of neglect — people who have not seen a dentist before or have not been able to find one that would treat them. We see cavities, missing teeth, gum disease and worn-down teeth. The first order of the day is to get them out of

far?

A: It’s going very well. The transition was about as seamless as it could be. We’ve got a great team here. A lot of the dentists from St. Joseph’s have stayed in the area and help with this program. You can’t beat that kind of institutional knowledge. Q: Talk about the work you did at Ellis compared to what you are doing here: A: It was a similar program. I worked with residents and helped them get practice in all areas of dentistry. And we probably saw about 10,000 patients a year there as well. But I was chairside quite a bit. I don’t have to do [dental work] procedures here. My job is to administrate and teach, which I love. It’s kind of gratifying when they [residents] ask you how to do something, and you see their enthusiasm and the wheels turning in their head. That psychological component of dentistry — making the patient comfortable and not scared to sit in the chair — is a big part of their learning experience. Q: With your experience, a private practice could be more lucrative. Why have you continued to work at clinics? And what led you into dentistry? A: In 1990, after my residency, I went to work for a hospital because there was a guaranteed salary with benefits, and you could get experience in dentistry without worrying about the business end of things. As

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

pain and provide a comprehensive exam so we can hopefully prevent some other serious problems. It can be tricky, because Medicaid won’t cover root canals and certain procedures but we still have to do something about the pain that patient is dealing with. We also do a fair amount of education, teaching the kids about healthy habits. We see 2- or 3-year-olds who come in with just decimated mouths. We tell the parents to stop buying candy. Q: What are the most notable changes you’ve seen in dentistry during your 20-plus year career? A: The technological advances are astounding. The practice doesn’t even resemble what it did when I first started. I’d say 50 percent of what I learned in 1985 is obsolete now. Just think about the changes we’ve seen in imaging and our ability to do digital scans. We can do a quick scan, and a computer can make the crown. Q: Any changes you’d like to see in the dental industry: A: In the eyes of insurance companies, medicine and dentistry are like apples and oranges. I would say the insurance companies have not made the inroads into dentistry like they have medicine. Dentistry is still a fee-for-service industry. You don’t see a lot of private offices that take Medicaid. There are still a lot of areas where people don’t have access to dental care. And most people who do have dental coverage don’t use it. They don’t even come into the dentist’s office. People don’t go because they are afraid it’s going to be painful. Think about it — sitting in that chair with your mouth open is just not a natural thing. Even when I’m in the chair getting my teeth cleaned, I’ve got a death grip on the chair. Q: How do you like Central New York? A: I’m from Buffalo and moved to the Albany area because that’s where my wife is from. I’ve always loved Upstate New York. Central New York has beautiful scenery. If there’s no rain in the forecast, I just camp at Green Lakes rather than make the two-hour commute home [Albany] until we close on a house here. I love the outdoors, but some people might just say I’m too cheap to stay in a hotel!”

Lifelines: Date of Birth: Jan. 29, 1963 Birthplace: Buffalo Current Residence: Albany, NY. Expecting to close on a home in Manlius later this year Education: St. Bonaventure University, 1985; Georgetown University School of Dentistry, 1989; residency at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady (chief resident), 1989-1990 Afﬁliations/honors: American Dental Association; New York State Dental Association; Syracuse Dental Society; St. Bonaventure University Letterman of the Year (for combined performance in varsity Division I swimming and academics), 1985 Family: Wife Patsy; daughters Allie, Livvie, Gabby and Sophie Hobbies: Swimming, running, bicycling, camping, spending time with family

Is Obesity Contagious? Authors explain how obesity ‘spreads’

esearchers out of Arizona State University recently published an article in the American Journal of Public Health titled “Shared Norms and Their Explanation for the Social Clustering of Obesity.” It looked at why obesity seems to be common in some families and groups of friends. Along the lines of the old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together,” the study showed that people do cluster according to size, but few clues explain why. “Although inconclusive, this study has provided some important information about trends in obesity and the public health implications”, according to co-authors Dian Griesel, and Tom Griesel of the new book, TurboCharged: Accelerate Your Fat Burning Metabolism, Get Lean Fast and Leave Diet and Exercise Rules in the Dust.” “Obese families and friends usually have two things in common: food choices and activity levels or, more accurately, lack of activity. Obese parents tend to raise obese children. Obese family and friends hang out and eat the same kinds of detrimental foods and participate in the same kinds of detrimental habits,” say the Griesel’s. Yet, it is interesting that most

people do not want to be obese. Study participants revealed that if given the choice, they would select some pretty serious diseases like alcoholism, depression or herpes instead. In fact, 25.4 percent preferred severe depression and 14.5 percent actually preferring total blindness over obesity. So why are they stuck? Does a rising frustration level from past dieting efforts result in permanent discouragement and a resolve to be fat? Or is “misery loves company,” another “clustering” clue? The Griesel’s say: “Obesity is not from lack of willpower but rather the result of bad diet and exercise advice. It is difficult to follow the usual prescription for 30-90 minutes of aerobic exercise five-six times per week. Add the usual recommendations of a reduced calorie, “balanced” diet based around the USDA food pyramid and you have a recipe for failure. Sugar is too often a prevalent ingredient in packaged and refined foods that are so often touted as ‘healthy.’ With the consumption of all these low nutrition manufactured foods, the body is left craving more in an attempt to make up for the deficit. Consequently an unhealthy cycle begins.”

Blood Tests Made Easy ��

New Website Promotes Bladder Health

he National Association For Continence (NAFC) recently announced the launch of a new website in support of its bladder health awareness campaign. This NAFC-hosted website will focus on educating the public about bladder health, with all activities channeled in a countdown to National Bladder Health Week, Nov, 1418. The website can be accessed at www.bladderhealthawareness.org. It’s estimated that more than 25 million adult Americans routinely experience loss of bladder control. Because age is a risk factor for such health problems, the prevalence of those experiencing these problems is likely to grow as a result of the aging baby boomer generation. Bladder control problems can result

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Visit one of our convenient locations.

from a variety of causal factors, including obstetrical, surgical or other trauma and neurological diseases in addition to the aging process itself. The bladder health awareness campaign is aimed at socially engaging others to talk about their concerns with their bladder control problems. Many fear talking about this aspect of personal health because of the embarrassment associated with bladder control loss. Often people lack sufficient knowledge to understand the causes and remain in the dark about treatment options and even means of managing symptoms. To help overcome such obstacles, educational articles and blogs are shared and updated regularly on this new website. The latest news about pelvic floor health will be displayed in the “Breaking News” section.

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For hours and to make appointments visit www.questdiagnostics.com or call 1-800-LAB-TEST (1-800-522-8378) September 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 7

Wired Kids

Experts concerned with kids who are constantly connected By Barbara Pierce

Y Bienestar Bilingual Counseling Center, LLC

2717 Bellevue Avenue 1st Floor Syracuse, NY 13210 (315) 437-1304 Randy Stetson, LCSW-R rstetson@bienestar-bcc.com www.bienestar-bcc.com

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ou’ve seen them — they are all around us. Robot kids, texting on their cell phones. Or hunched over their computers, oblivious to the world around them. Though they are physically present, they seem controlled by an outside source. Even at the dinner table, they are clicking away. Even while talking to you, their thumbs and fingers fly over the keys. Even when talking with a therapist, like Greg Kovacs. Kovacs is concerned about this. The licensed marriage and family therapist and executive director of the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Mohawk Valley in Utica, said there is an upsurge in kids and their use of texting and social media networks such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. “The most advanced cell phones allow access to Facebook from anywhere: school, sports, family, and social activities,” he said. “Even in mental health counseling. “It’s not uncommon for me to redirect a child hurriedly typing into their phone during therapy sessions, no doubt impeding their focus and progress in treatment. It is not uncommon for me to see teenagers walking down the street on a beautiful sunny day, ignoring social interactions, nature and fast-moving vehicles, because their eyes are glued to their cell phones.” The social lives of many kids depend on logging on to their favorite websites multiple times each day. Most kids have their own Facebook or MySpace page. On Facebook, they keep in touch with friends, share photographs and post regular updates. On Twitter, they circulate text messages about themselves. American kids from 8 to 18 spend an average of six hours a day using some kind of electronic device, according to published researchers. Much of that time they are online. That is a huge chunk of their day. Parents feel shut out. And many are worried. “The rest of the world seems dull to them when they walk away from their cell phones or their games,” said Priscilla Young of Syracuse Neurofeedback, a Syracuse-base business that treats behavioral problems. She is concerned about the hold that electronics has on kids. “They develop an addiction to the fast action games. This is because the games increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. When

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

they put the game or cell phone down, the level of dopamine falls.” And this causes a strong pull to go back to the game; the rest of the world is dull. Young is also concerned about excessive cell phone use. “Brain imaging shows that cell phones heat up the side of the brain that the cell phone is closest to. We don’t know what the long term consequences will be.” Though Facebook requires a child to be 13 years old to sign on, many younger children lie about their age to get on. “Because it’s a relatively new phenomenon, there are no definite findings of the effects of social networking on our children,” said Kovacs. “However, after working with children and families for many years, I don’t need statistical evidence to warn parents about the dangers—and the benefits—of social technology.” We laugh when we see teenagers on TV, like Jake in Two and Half Men, texting to a friend who is in the room. But it isn’t really funny. Focusing that much of time requires a great amount of time and energy, Kovacs cautions. It obstructs their focus on homework, family interaction, face-to-face social interaction and sleep. If you’re the parent of a teen, you are probably familiar with the warm electronic glow in his room late into the night. Sleep, in fact, is a common difficulty given the fact that computers and cell phones are often on stand-by all night, awakening kids when messages are sent and making it difficult to go back to sleep. “Exposure to light, such as that coming from an electronic device in the room, does interfere with good sleep,” said Young. A growing number of psychologists and neuroscientists agree with Young and Kovacs that there is much reason for concern. The child’s focus on electronic devices may effectively ‘rewire’ his brain.

The brains of teens continue to develop into the 20s. The connections that he uses will survive and flourish. The connections that are not used will wither and die. So if he focuses on music or sports, those are the connections that will be hard wired into his brain. If he is texting or playing video games, those are the connections that will survive. His brain is wired by his activities and interests. Short attention spans may be one lasting consequence. Parents and teachers complain that many of their students lack to ability to concentrate away from their screens. And they have difficulty communicating face-to-face. Kovacs recommends that parents monitor their children’s use of social networking to minimize problems. “Cell phones and computers should be turned off at bedtime— even an hour or two before,” Kovacs said. “Cell phones should be left home and not used during appointments and meetings where focus is necessary, such as therapy, medical appointments, family time, sports, church, and most importantly, school. “Parents should be aware that Facebook and cell phones offer sexual perpetrators and ill-intentioned adults access to our children. Parents, you have a responsibility to monitor cell phone and Internet usage. Even if they don’t like it, you must monitor anyway—and continue to control when and where they access cell phone and internet services. It’s not worth the risk.” And as kids do not understand the risk, parents must teach them not to share their password, to be skeptical of what they see, not to accept a “friend request” from someone they do not know. And talk with your kids about their time online. Be open-minded; don’t be judgmental or criticize. Syracuse Neurofeedback works with kids who are addicted to electronics. “Neuro-feedback helps overcome video game addiction,” said Young. “We retrain the brain to regulate itself; we guide the brain and train it to modulate itself.” This ground breaking, new technology is non-invasive, according to Young.

The diseases your pets can transmit to you Small children are particularly vulnerable to contracting diseases from pets

Help prevent pet-to-human transmission of disease, follow these steps to keep pets healthy as advised by Elizabeth A. Dole, veterinarian with Stack Veterinary Hospital in Syracuse: • Get annual veterinarian exams and as directed and multiple exams in the first year. Exams should be twice a year when the animal’s a senior. • Get year-round heartworm and intestinal worm prevention and flea and tick preventive. • Provide fresh food and water, and feed a balanced diet. • “Be careful if you choose to feed raw food diet. You risk salmonella or E.coli by handling it or the food bowls or by children handling them. • Have pets properly vaccinated, depending upon the risk factors and lifestyles. Are they indoors or outdoors? Do they live in an apartment or near where there are wild animals? There’s no cookie cutter approach. • Give them regular exercise. • Pets need attention from owners. Spend time with your pet and train your pet. • Maintain the pet’s proper weight. Cats like to play and if they don’t get exercise, they get joint problems and can become obese.

“It can get into people’s blood and cause sepsis and death,” Brodey said. “People can get it from a dog’s saliva from kissing their pets.” He warns pet owners to not feed raw meat or eggs to their pets and avoid sharing food with them. Watch small children who might try to eat from pets’ bowls and don’t allow pets to lick your face. Although some people insist dogs’ mouths are cleaner than human’s mouths “that’s irrelevant,” Brodey said. “They have plenty of bacteria in there and it’s not sterile. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog or cat but they can affect humans.” Rabies is a preventable viral disease. “Your cat or dog can contract it if they are exposed to a squirrel, chipmunk, bat or other animal if it’s rabid,” said Luis Castro, family medicine doctor with Westside Family Health Center in Syracuse. “We tell pet owners to restrict their pet’s exposure to wild animals and keep their vaccinations up to date.” By law, cats and dogs must be regularly vaccinated against rabies. Should you be exposed to a rabid animal (not just bitten), you should seek medical attention. Dole listed hookworm and Lyme disease as common diseases pets can transmit to humans through pets’ parasites. Hookworms are parasites that pass through the feces of infected animals and contaminate the ground where the animals eliminate. “They can penetrate along the feet and get subcutaneous,” Dole said. “Roundworms go in through a fecal/ oral transmission.” Small children are particularly vulnerable to hookworm because they tend to sit on the ground and put their hands in their mouths more than older people. Typically, up to three days of an oral anti-parasitic medicine clears up the infection. Lyme disease is caused by an infected tick. If your cat or dog becomes a carrier of one, the tick could infect you with Lyme disease. A cat or dog cannot directly transmit the disease to you. Castro, the family medicine doctor with Westside Family Health Center, recommends keeping animals tick-free

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By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant any people enjoy the companionship pets give them. However, in addition to sharing a home, cats and dogs can share diseases with you. Zoonotic diseases are ones that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although uncommon, zoonotic diseases can be serious. In rare cases, some can cause blindness or death, for example. “Roundworm larva can cause ocular larval migrans syndrome,” said Elizabeth A. Dole, veterinarian with Stack Veterinary Hospital in Syracuse. “This causes blindness since people aren’t the natural hosts of these parasites. There are several hundred cases of blindness because of this per year.” Mitchell Brodey, an infectious disease doctor with Family Care Medical Group in Syracuse, warned that people with no spleen or who are alcoholic are prone to capnocytophaga, a bacterial disease caused by cats or dogs that have intestinal infections such as salmonella.

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by examining them and family members after going outdoors in places where ticks live such as wooded or grassy areas. Ticks should be removed immediately. Fleas can also spread disease, but remember with parasites like these, the cat or dog isn’t directly spreading the disease but is acting as a host to the parasite. Eliminating the parasites will solve the problem. Maintain clean sleeping areas for your pets and don’t let pets sleep with you. “With sleeping with your pet, it’s exposure to anything topical like fleas and ticks, E. coli or salmonella,” Castro said. “You set yourself up for exposure.” Keep your pets clean. Cats bathed when they are kittens often tolerate a weekly bath as they grow older. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling your pets’ food and water bowls, cleaning up its waste and before preparing food or eating. Treat any bites or scratches you receive from your pet. “The most common are infections after scratches or bites,” Brodey said. “Pasturella multocita, a bacterial infection, causes a skin infection and can cause infection into bone and joints if a bite goes in deep. Some people need surgery and prolonged course of antibiotics.” For most cat or dog bite victims, washing the area with warm water and soap should suffice. “If it’s bad, you need to see your doctor and get your tetanus updated and get started on antibiotics as a preventive measure,” Brodey said. Don’t allow your pets to drink from the toilet or eat feces (dogs especially like eating cat waste). Keep your pets’ elimination areas clean. September 2011 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Live Alone & Thrive

pink together, that’s what I wear. I take great pleasure in that freedom. Would I welcome a male companion for walks, movies or a dinner out? Sure, I’m open to that. I enjoy being active.

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Flying Solo At 74: Nancy Goff Has Found Her Wings Nancy Goff has come into her own. With discernable pride in her voice, she declares, “I can do what I want, when I want to, and where.” And then she quickly adds, with a goodnatured smile, “And I can decide what I’m willing to pay!” She’s come a long way in 10 years since being widowed at 64, but not without some heartache and hard work. I sat down with Nancy in her charming, immaculate ranch home last week, for a heart-to-heart talk about what it’s been like since her husband of 44 years died just a decade ago. Nancy and Bill were high-school sweethearts. They married during their college years and started a family soon after, a daughter and two boys. “Bill was absolutely wonderful to me, “ said Nancy. “He did everything — he took care of the house, the lawn, the cars, and . . . he took care of me.” She stares into the distance, “I still miss him.” A conventional marriage, with responsibilities drawn along traditional lines, Bill took care of household matters and Nancy tended to the children. “It was a very happy marriage,” said Nancy, “and we had an active and fulfilling social life.” And then, at age 60, Bill was diagnosed with leukemia. He died five and a half years later. For Nancy, his death felt very sudden, despite his long ill-

ness. “I guess I wasn’t facing reality,” she confided. Nancy’s next few years were consumed with grief and mourning. It wasn’t until year three that she began to feel a bit better. “I could talk about Bill without crying,” she shared. But while Nancy was feeling stronger, the three years had taken their toll on the house. Things were beginning to fall apart. There was water in the basement, peeling paint, and long overdue maintenance. “It was overwhelming,” Nancy revealed. “My anxiety was soaring. Thank goodness for the help of my daughter and sons.” Below, Nancy talks about how she got through the toughest times. Q. How did you go on, after the love and support you had enjoyed for years was suddenly gone? A. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t know how to write a check, put gas in the car, or take care of home repairs. Bill did all of that. I didn’t even know how to figure out the tip for a waiter! It’s taken some time, but now I am very self-sufficient and, honestly, very proud of myself. Despite Bill’s caution that I wouldn’t be able to manage the home, I discovered that I’m quite capable. I discovered a resourcefulness and

KIDS Corner ADHD Kids at Increased Risk When Crossing the Street

hildren with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of being hit by a vehicle when crossing a street, according to new research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The findings, published July 25, in “Pediatrics,” indicate that children with ADHD don’t process information as well as non-ADHD children and tend to make incorrect decisions on when Page 10

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to begin crossing a street to a greater extent than non-ADHD children. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, one of the leading causes of unintentional injury in middle childhood is pedestrian injury. “The kids with ADHD in our study displayed the behaviors parents want to see — they stopped at the street and looked both ways. But

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

self-confidence I didn’t know existed. I shovel my own snow, wash my own windows, and hire contractors. Bill used to take care of me; I now take care of myself. It feels remarkably good! Q. What were your biggest challenges back then and how did you overcome them? A. Managing my finances and the emotional ups and downs were my biggest challenges. Thank goodness for my kids. My boys became my financial advisers and my daughter, Belinda, was my emotional rock. I don’t know what I would have done without her. When I was overcome with anxiety, she scooped me up and took me into her home for a few weeks. I needed help and she was there for me. Q. What are your challenges today? Is loneliness an issue? A. Today? Oh, my challenges are very different. [Nancy is glowing.] A challenge might be choosing between two equally enticing invitations: Shall I hike with friends or play bridge with my foursome? My life is very full; I don’t struggle with loneliness. I have my piano, my books, my friends, and my adorable dog Rosie. I love curling up with her and a good book in my sun room. I feel so secure and safe here at home, not lonely at all.

Q. What advice do you have for others? A. Maintain your friendships, and ask for help when you need it. My friends carried me through the tough times, and now they carry me through the good times. I don’t wait for people to call me. I pick up the phone. I invite people over and make plans. And, while I don’t consider myself computer savvy, I use email to stay in touch with friends and family. We share videos and jokes, and make plans to get together. My friends make all the difference! Q. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve encountered along this journey? A. How happy and content I am. I’m my own person. I can do things I didn’t think I could do. I travel by myself. I make the big decisions. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for anything more. I feel so fortunate.

So, is living alone the new happy ending for widowed and divorced women? I’m not saying that. But it doesn’t mean that life is over. Life can go on. Life can get better. As more women like Nancy embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with living alone, they are finding their wings and ability to fly solo with confidence and creativity. Even with the inevitable turbulence, living alone can lead to meaningful relationships, new friends, surprising and satisfying self-discovery, and a deeper sense community.

to really like my independence. If I feel like eating cereal for dinner, that’s what I have. If I want to wear purple and

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 her upcoming workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, you can call her at (585) 624-7887, email her at gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com.

that doesn’t mean they are ready to cross a street by themselves,” said the study’s first author, Despina Stavrinos, assistant professor in the UAB Injury Control Research Center. As a result, the researchers suggest parents of children with ADHD may want to delay the time when their children are allowed to cross a street by themselves. The UAB study involved 78 children aged 7 to 10 years old, 39 with ADHD and 39 without. The children completed 10 simulated street crossings in UAB’s Youth Safety Laboratory, which houses a virtual street environment. The simulator shows a typical street scene, with vehicles approaching on monitors from both left and right. Children are asked to gauge the proper moment to safely cross the virtual street and then step off the curb, initiating the cross. Stavrinos said children with ADHD did the right things when approaching a street — waiting to cross and looking left and right before crossing — in a manner similar to the non-ADHD control children. “However, at some point in the decision-making process, things appear to go awry, resulting in a dangerous crossing environment,” Stavrinos

said. “It seems children with ADHD are attempting to properly assess the environment’s safety, but are failing to process the information in a manner that enables them to cross safely.” The children with ADHD picked shorter gaps between oncoming traffic, had more “close-calls” with traffic and a shorter amount of time left to spare upon reaching the other end of the crosswalk. Stavrinos suggests the cause may be executive functioning, a term that describes the processes by which the brain controls behavior. Poor executive function has previously been identified in children with ADHD. Executive function includes aspects such as timing, inhibition and planning and executing action. “Proper executive functioning would entail recognizing the speed of the oncoming vehicle, the interval between vehicles and the speed of the walker as they cross the street,” Stavrinos said. “Children with ADHD seem to be behind their typically developing peers in these sorts of computing skills.” Stavrinos says continued practice might be valuable in teaching the child with ADHD how to recognize a safe gap in traffic.

Q. And what about romance? A. I’ll never marry again. I’ve come

The Lowdown on Ear Candling Ear candling has been criticized by the medical community but candling practitioners say method is effective By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you’re unfamiliar with alternative health modalities, you may not have heard of ear candling, also known as ear coning. In recent years, “candling” has been criticized by medical doctors practicing Western medicine who view the practice as ineffective at best and potentially dangerous at worst. In rare cases, hot wax can run into the ear or drip onto the skin if the candling is performed incorrectly. However, candling practitioners say it’s safe and can help with a variety of ear problems instead of medication or invaJenn Kent from Unique Hair Shoppe in Fulton sive procedures. performs ear candling on a client. “One article said it’s not healthy because wax drips from inside as a precaution. The practitioner places into the ear,” said Joyce Turner, technithe candle near the opening of the ear cian at Unique Hair Shop in Fulton. canal and lights the other end. “There’s no way that can happen un“People actually fall asleep because less it drips inside when you pull the it’s very relaxing,” Turner said. candle out. I suppose that could hapA client’s responsiveness to canpen but it would be very rare.” dling and their frequency for having As with many alternative health it performed can depend upon many modalities, the FDA has not approved factors, according to Turner. “We have ear candling as a means to treat discustomers who do it monthly all year ease or symptoms. For this reason, long and some do it during allergy seapractitioners cannot advertise that it son when their ears plug up,” she said. treats medical issues and the state of “It’s less intrusive than the flushing of New York does not have any licensure the ears.” requirements for people who offer ear Most practitioners perform the candling. process for half an hour to 45 minutes, But repeat clients of ear candlers which includes both sides. After it’s vouch for its effectiveness as do its done, some practitioners like to cut the practitioners, such as Cathy Stonecicandle open to show the debris inside pher of Solvay who has been candling which they say have been “vacuumed” about years for friends and family. from the ear. “I love it,” she said. “If I go swim“Some people take it home to show ming and get water in my ears, canother,” Turner said. “The business has dling makes it go away. It dries up all built big from word-of-mouth.” that fluid in there.” Critics say the debris are ashes Stonecipher’s sister performs canfrom the candle; however, ear candlers dling on her. trim the candles as they burn and use a “Before any flights, I have her do bowl to catch the candle trimmings to my ears and have no problems with ensure they do not fall on the clients or, popping and crackling,” Stonecipher worse, fall inside the hollow tube into said. “I know someone who does her dog’s ears with ear candles. She bought the client’s ears. Some new to candling worry that big ear candles from her vet. The first ear candling will hurt, but Stonecipher time, the dogs got a little antsy, but assures them it’s a gentle modality. now it’s no problem at all.” “It’s very relaxing,” she said. “My At Unique Hair Shop in Fulton, sister describes it as ‘feeling very light’ Turner said that many people ask for when I’ve finished doing her ears. She ear candling who have allergies, wax has terrible sinus problems and the build-up and before flying. candling helps her.” Stonecipher said that ear candling Most people say the sound of the is an old home remedy that many candle burning is like a crackling firepeople recall from yesteryear. place. Unique Hair Shop charges $22 “I did it once at a health fair in to $33, which includes the candles and Fayetteville and I had people saying, candling for both ears. ‘My grandmother did that to me as a The ear candlers interviewed kid,’” Stonecipher said. “I’d rather go that route than having to take pills and advise some people to avoid ear candling, such as people who have burst all that other stuff.” or ruptured ear drums, cysts, cochlear Ear “candles” are really only implants, mastoid infection, or tubes candles in appearance. They are holin their ears. It’s also not advisable for low cotton cloth tubes that have been babies or small children since they are dipped in beeswax to slow their burn unable to lie still. rate and oil of eucalyptus to emit a Before seeking an ear candling pleasant, relaxing aroma. The candles treatment, it is important to let your taper at one end. doctor know to make sure you have no The client typically lies on a mashealth problems that could be worssage table and a practitioner usually ened by the modality. spreads a fire-retardant cloth on him

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Do you live alone? Living alone can be a challenge, especially for women in mid-life who are divorced or widowed. But it can also be the start of a rich and meaningful chapter in your life. Need a jump start?

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In the workshop led by Gwenn Voelckers — a women who’s “been there” — you’ll discover how to overcome loneliness and other emotional pitfalls, reconnect with your true self, and socialize in a couples’ world. $125 fee includes manual, empowerment exercises and other helpful resources. For more information, call (585) 624-7887 or e-mail gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com September 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 11

See Back-to-School ‘Facts & Figures’ on page 29

Should They Stay or Go? How to find out if your children are too sick for school By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

eeping a sick child home from school wasn’t such a big deal a couple of generations ago when mothers rarely worked outside the home. But with today’s two-income families and academic demands, missing a few days or a week of school can have serious impact on the whole family. One of the most important signs children should stay home from school is general malaise. Instead of relying solely upon a checklist or long list of hard-and-fast rules, today’s pediatricians focus more upon how children feel to determine whether or not they should go to school. “There’s always the question as to whether the child wants to go and they’re exaggerating their symptoms,” said Leonard Weiner, professor and vice-chair for academics in the de-

Leonard Weiner, professor and vicechair for academics in the department of pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse and director of pediatric infectious disease, offered the following tips for parents on how to help their children avoid illness: • All children should receive their influenza vaccines. It’s a major cause of school absenteeism. Just as importantly, it’s communicated to other family members. Vaccination timing begins in late August and early September. Follow the universal recommendation: everyone in the family from 6 months and older should receive vaccination annually. • Frequent hand washing can minimize school absenteeism. It’s also important to keep kids healthy by ensuring they eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, obtain sufficient sleep, and engage in active play for 60 minutes most days of the week. By maintaining a baseline of good health, children’s immune systems are better equipped to ward off illnesses. Page 12

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partment of pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse and director of pediatric infectious disease. “Parents have to be the best judge.” In general, if children can participate, their symptoms are not contagious, and the symptoms do not indicate an illness that will worsen, it’s fine to send them to school. Children with a simple cold are fine for school, as long as they are not unduly uncomfortable. “Don’t keep your kid home for respiratory illness without fever such as a runny nose and cough,” Weiner said. “Everybody else in the class has it as well that time of year. Undetermined rash without fever usually does not require staying out of school. In the absence of fever there’s no reason to stay out of school.” Although fevers tend to scare parents, the symptom may not be enough to keep children home. “Certain circumstances there are not a reason to stay home,” Weiner said. “If you receive an immunization, it’s possible to have a low-grade fever. That in itself is not a reason to stay home. It’s not necessarily a temperature cutoff. There could be an explanation for it. You also have to look at if they are acting ill. “Generally speaking, children with illnesses with a temperature of greater than 100.5 should stay home,” he added. Sarah Finocchiaro, pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Fulton, explained that “a 100.5 fever by itself is enough to let you know the kid has some illness that could possibly be contagious to other people.” Coughing and sneezing can also easily spread germs to other children, especially since children are not usually adept at covering their mouths and noses. As for when feverish children should return to school, “they must be fever-free 24 hours,” Weiner said, “as long as they’re not too fatigued or too weak — or have other manifestations of that illness.” Fever accompanied by sore throat may indicate strep throat. A quick test in the pediatrician’s office can confirm a diagnosis of streptococcal (“strep”) bacteria in the throat. But not all sore

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

throats are strep throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and will heal on their own without mediation. Pink eye, scabies, impetigo are also very contagious and require a pediatrician visit. “There are certain illnesses such as chicken pox — though there’s not much around these days — that would keep you at home until no new lesions appear for 24 hours and otherwise feeling well,” Weiner said. Upset stomach shouldn’t necessarily keep children home, unless children feel nauseated to the point of vomiting. “Mild intestinal upset, either stomach ache or a little diarrhea that’s manageable, the level of comfort of the child makes a difference and if they can take care of themselves,” Weiner said. Nonstop diarrhea may indicate a communicable illness and presents children with an illness hard for them to manage away from home. If children vomit only once and otherwise act fine and desire to participate in school, they likely can go to school. Complaints of stomachache are the classic excuse of children who want to stay home from school since they can be hard to accurately diagnose. But if their temperature is normal and they

present no other symptoms, they are likely fine. Anxiety, hunger or constipation can also cause stomach upset. Hardness in the abdomen can indicate the latter. Severe abdominal pain could indicate a serious problem like appendicitis; however, this is rare. Pain when urinating could signal a urinary tract infection and these children should see their pediatrician instead of go to school. Sometimes children fake illnesses to avoid school. Parents who think their children are doing so should try to wheedle out of them why they do not want to go, such as fear of a bully, a test for which they are unprepared or boredom. “Parent are the best judges,” Weiner said. “These shouldn’t be viewed as second-guessing parents. These are guidelines not reasons to have the physician make the final decision.” If you’re still uncertain, call your child’s pediatrician. Usually a nurse is able to answer any questions or address any concerns and she would also know of many illnesses circulating among her patients that could match your child’s symptoms.

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s you help your kids gear up for going back to school, it’s a good time to review their diets to make sure they’re receiving adequate nutrition. You know the drill: eat a balanced diet abundant in fruits and vegetables, low in fat and high in fiber. But what about multivitamins? Advertisements indicate that supplements should be part of every child’s diet, but this isn’t necessarily so. “Most kids don’t need a multivitamin if they eat a well-balanced diet,” said Sarah Finocchiaro pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Fulton. Most experts agree that five servings of fruits and vegetables daily is the basis of a healthful diet. For kids who don’t eat right or don’t do so consistently, a vitamin supplement may fill in the gaps in their nutrition. “Relying on food alone does not work for many young people these days,” said Laurel Sterling Prisco, registered dietitian and integrative dietitian and wellness educator for NaturTyme in Syracuse. “Supplementation may be required to help maintain proper health,” she added. “It would be beneficial to add in a high quality, well absorbed children’s or teen multivitamin/mineral along with probiotics, and EFAs.” If you choose to give your child vitamins, choose them carefully. Go with a vitamin made especially for children. More isn’t always better. Children’s formulations are also in chewable form since swallowing pills with water is tricky for kids. Some vitamin brands boast many hundred times the U.S. recommended daily allowance. Although water soluble vitamins will be flushed out of the body via urine, mega-dose vitamins

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SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL PHYSICAL TODAY! may be toxic for children because the fat-soluble vitamins will build up in their bodies. Too much iron, for example, is toxic. Beware of supplements that sound too good to be true. The Food and Drug Association does not regulate supplements so manufacturers are not permitted to advertise their products’ intended effect on health. Steer clear of supplements that make dubious health claims. Many recent studies cite a lack of vitamin D, which the body derives from sunlight exposure. “In general, we’re learning more

Laurel Sterling Prisco, integrative dietitian and wellness educator for NaturTyme in Syracuse, gave the following tips for improving your child’s diet: • Encourage children to get involved in shopping and selecting certain meals. • Let them help in meal preparation. • “Be a positive role model because your food choices influence theirs. • Try new foods together. • Teach children to listen/honor their gut feelings and discourage “clean plate club” mentality. • Encourage breakfast. A study of over 700 ninth graders found 19 percent skipped breakfast, and one in three breakfast dodgers had a significant iron shortage, twice the rate of their breakfast-eating peers. Zinc, calcium, and folic acid were much higher among those who ate breakfast, and fat consumption was lower. In other studies with children, eating breakfast has been shown to improve memory, grades, math scores, school attendance, and punctuality. • Quick and nutritious breakfast ideas include healthful cereal with fruit; whole grain toast with almond butter and fruit; smoothie; yogurt with Grape Nuts and fruit; whole wheat English muffin with egg and cheese; cheese sticks with whole grain crackers. • Healthful and nutritious snacks include: trail mix; fresh veggies with cottage cheese or salad dressing; turkey and cheese roll-up; fruit or veggie kabobs; veggie pizza on whole grain tortilla. • Hydrate with water, tea, milk or milk substitutes.

and more about vitamin D supplements,” Finocchiaro said. “Many of us who live in the northern climates are vitamin D deficient. We check it in routine labs on kids. It’s a fairly common thing for most kids.” The entire fluid milk supply in the U.S. is fortified with vitamin D, as are some brands of bread, orange juice, yogurt, and cheese. But if your child does not get enough, consider supplements. Before buying a vitamin D supplement, talk with your pediatrician since too much D can be harmful. The probiotics Sterling Prisco mentioned are the beneficial bacteria that naturally flourish in the digestive system. Probiotics can be found in yogurt and also in supplement form. Probiotics have been linked to improved digestion and a stronger immune system. Stick with plain, not sugary flavored yogurt. If your kids don’t like the flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract and berries or sliced bananas. Sterling Prisco also listed calcium and essential fatty acids as other nutrients children often lack. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt and cheese. Pick low-fat varieties for children older than 2. Children should have three servings daily. Some types of fish are rich in essential fatty acids, which are important for brain development and supporting healthy joints; however, because some kinds of fish may have dangerous levels of mercury, it’s wise to limit consumption to once or twice a week. EFAs are also found in smaller quantities in flaxseed and nuts; however, a dietary supplement can help ensure your child is getting enough. Remember, vitamin and mineral supplements are just that: supplements to a healthful diet. As with other dietary needs, consult your pediatrician or registered dietitian to help decide what is right for your child. Always keep medication, vitamins, minerals and supplements secured so children cannot help themselves. September 2011 •

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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My Turn

By Eva Briggs

Back to School, Back to Sports Explain the types of questions your doctor may ask during a “pre-participation exam”

ack to school means back to sports for many returning student athletes. New York state law requires that a student have a physical each year in order to participate in sports. The primary purpose of this exam is to screen for injuries, illnesses or other factors that might be life threatening or disabling, or that might predispose to injury or illness. Secondary objectives include determining general health, serving as an entry point into the health care system for adolescents, and providing an opportunity to initiate discussion on healthrelated topics. When I first started in practice, we called this the “sports physical,” and the medical history and exam were basic and generic. Over the years, as doctors, trainers and coaches began to think about what was really important to meet the objective of reducing the risk to athletes, the preferred term became the “pre-participation exam” or “PPE.” The medical history and exam improved to focus on the most important elements. I like to use a form and plan developed jointly by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Sports Medicine, the

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American Society for Sports Medicine, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. Whew! That’s a lot of combined brainpower, and I figure that I can’t reinvent the wheel any better than that group. Believe it or not, an athlete’s medical history is usually the most informative part of the exam, more likely to yield useful information than the actual physical exam. So I’d like to explain the types of questions your doctor may ask during a PPE, and why. First there will be questions about cardiovascular health. Although serious hidden heart disease is rare among apparently healthy athletes, it is devastating when it does occur. Although certain heart conditions may occur without warning, a medical history that asks about symptoms that may be heart-related can identify athletes who might be at risk, so that further investigation can be performed. Typical questions ask not only about the patient’s symptom history, but also about relevant family history that can clue an examiner to possible inherited heart conditions. In the old days doctors would ask whether there was any family history of heart disease before age 50. Now we ask questions that are much more detailed and ask about specific heart conditions and symptoms. The next set of questions is about the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord. Concussions are often under recognized and under reported, so there are questions designed to ferret out whether an athlete may have had a past concussion. There are questions about seizures, not because seizures necessarily limit athletic participation, but because special precautions may be needed, especially in water sports. Other questions ask about headaches, nerve injuries and spinal cord problems. There is a section that asks about general medical history. Chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, anemia and recurrent infections, can impact an athlete’s general health and fitness. The goal is not to exclude students

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

from athletic participation, but to be sure that chronic illnesses are controlled sufficiently to enable an athlete to play safely. Other conditions your doctor may ask about include blood borne pathogens, heat illness, medications and supplements, allergies, surgery, absence of a paired organ, infectious mononucleosis, sickle cell disease, eye disorders, immunizations, and stress. Pulmonary problems, such as asthma, are relatively common and there is a set of questions designed to ask about lung health. Remaining topics covered in the health questionnaire include the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, dermatologic and musculoskeletal systems. And finally there are a few specific questions geared just toward female athletes. It seems like a lot of questions — and it is! But that’s why I’m glad that other people put their brains together to figure out an organized concise way to ask and record all that information. Once the patient’s history is completed, the actual physical exam is relatively quick. Even the best PPE will miss a rare athlete with a serious

hidden condition. But by following a structured history and physical, your doctor can help reduce the chance that an undiagnosed or uncontrolled condition will cause harm. The goals of the PPE exam, as noted at the start of this column, do not include excluding athletes from play. In fact, only about 1-3 percent of athletes wind up disqualified from sports due to medical conditions. So don’t be afraid to get your PPE on time so that you won’t miss your first practice or game.

Eva Briggs, a board-certiﬁed physician, works on the staff at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, in its two urgent care centers: one in Ithaca, and the other in Cortland.

Sunny Summer Will Bring Sweeter Apples

pples and cider will be super sweet this year. That is the consensus of state apple growers of the crop that got off to a wet start last spring but has been basking in sun all summer. The abundance of sun means apples will have higher sugar content. Sunshine generates higher sugar levels in apples—known as brix levels. “Sunny weather means sweeter fruit, and happy apple eaters,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association, based in Fishers, near Rochester. “New York is going to have a strong, tasty crop and we are going to have plenty of our apples in the marketplace before anyone else,” he said. “Consumers are going to be delighted with our quality this year,” Allen said. The annual NYAA crop prediction is determined by a consensus of growers representing six apple growing districts throughout the state. The crop consensus was reached during a conference call held on July 28. The season will get underway in earnest in early September when the

McIntosh variety is picked. The harvest will last through late October or early November. The crop is pretty much right on time, despite a slower start to bloom in the spring due to heavy rains, growers said. New York apple growers predict the statewide crop will be at or near last year’s crop size of approximately 30.3 million bushels. That number will still easily keep New York ranked second in apple production nationwide, behind Washington state. High demand for ‘home grown’ fruit is driving consumers to fresh New York apples in bigger numbers than ever before, according to retailers and growers. More and more data from the world’s top research institutions are proving that apples really do help keep the doctor away, which is also helping move apples off the produce shelves in record numbers. “Apples are a tasty and convenient way for families to enjoy a healthy snack,” Allen said. The state’s crop of traditional varieties like McIntosh and Empire look promising, growers said. Popular varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala and Cortland also look good.

The five-year official crop numbers in New York: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

30.3 million bushels 32.8 million bushels 29.8 million bushels 31.1 million bushels 29.7 million bushels

New York grows apples on 50,370 acres. It ranks second in the nation in apple production. September 2011 •

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After the Pregnancy, the Harder Part Starts By Melissa Stefanec

he is amazing. As I sit at my desk at work and write that it sinks in that although my baby is only 6 weeks old I have left her to return to the workforce. Doing that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and that was unexpected. Then again almost nothing about the previous six weeks of my life has been expected. I didn’t expect almost 20 hours of hard labor. I did not expect the pain. I did not expect my husband to be such a great labor coach. I wasn’t expecting to almost never care when I become covered in bodily fluids or when I have to face the day on four hours of sleep. I wasn’t ready for how intensely I would love her. As I expected, I delivered my daughter naturally with a midwife, though it wasn’t my midwife and somewhere between the throngs of pain I broke down and asked for drugs. The drug-free birth thing sounded good on paper, but when faced with a baby who was in the wrong position it became impossible for me. With the drugs I originally wanted to avoid, I avoided a Caesarean section and still had a healthy baby. Labor is a scary thing, especially when you have never faced it. So many things can go wrong for the mother and the baby. However, with a lot of

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The author, Melissa Stefanec, with her husband Brandon Smith and their newborn baby, Stella Smith.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

planning, care and luck we both came through healthy and happy. I have never been so thankful for anything. After two days in the hospital our little family headed home. It seemed like I should need some sort of permit or license to take her out of the hospital, but they just sent our family out into the real world. Dad drove like an 80-year-old man on our way home and even took a wrong turn at an intersection we have passed through hundreds of times. Already she was taking over our brains, but we were too high on life to care. The first few weeks at home were challenging. It was incredible to see how she really could go through 15 diapers in day or how she could possibly want to suckle every hour. My body was exacting revenge for the labor it had been put through. The act of sitting down became as scary as to me as Sarah Palin becoming president. Despite it all, our family made it through. My husband and I discovered you can’t sweat the small stuff and have to find humor in mishaps. For example, he discovered the meaning of the word mess when our beloved daughter managed to sneeze and poop at the same time while diaperless during a change. We have called the act a ‘snoop’ and still giggle about it. As I wrote this column throughout my pregnancy, I thought a lot about planning for a baby, labor and delivery. What I couldn’t truly wrap my head around was what it meant to become a parent. Becoming a parent means you have a lot less time for you. I, a previously avid reader, haven’t gotten through much more than a news article. I’ve made it out for two runs. My husband is an avid fisher and has only

been out once since she arrived. Having a child may make you a new person, but that new person is still built on the old self. The new me has new priorities, direction and a lot less free time, but that me still also loves a glass of wine and a tasteless joke. Not having time for you is a lot less scary than it sounds. Most days I would rather spend time with my daughter than do anything else. I don’t begrudge the parts of me that have changed and this is again unexpected. The funny thing is spending almost 10 months imagining how things will be. I took classes, read books, scoured the Internet, talked to other mothers and wrote this column. I knew when to expect the first flutters of movement in my pregnant belly, but I never expected how amazing they would feel. I knew the warning signs of labor, but I never knew how excruciating it would be. I was told by lots of people that I would forget all about that pain as soon as I saw her. I didn’t forget about that pain, but the pain became irrelevant. I kept being told her first real smiles were right around the corner, but I never conceived of the joy

they would bring me when they happened. In those ways and so many more, motherhood is everything I planned for and yet nothing I expected. You plan to be messed on almost daily. You plan to look like a novice when you try to pack and unpack the stroller in the parking lot. You plan to lose sleep. You plan to get very little done around the house and to forget about putting makeup on. You plan on lots of loads of very tiny laundry. When you love someone so much, it’s hard dwell on the frustrations. I’m not saying she has been perfect, but it’s amazing how the inconveniences are just that – inconvenient. You aren’t prepared for how your love really will trump the inconvenience. So when I’m buying diapers instead of a dinner out or when I’m dwelling on how my stretch mark-covered stomach looks in a bathing suit, I find myself miffed but never really minding. When she looks at me with those big blue eyes, I realize I have nothing to regret and everything to be thankful for. I realize that for the rest of my life my love for her will put things in the proper perspective.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Page 17

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SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

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of recent research — has been found to protect the lipids in brain cell membranes. Yes, the brain! Knowing that cell membranes consist primarily of lipids, I do believe my declining memory and I will be finding new ways to incorporate this unique vegetable into the family meal roster. Apart from all the good stuff, eggplants do have a downside: they’re fairly high in sodium for a vegetable, as in 237-mg-per-cup high (10 percent of your daily needs). A medium potato, for example, only has 17 mg. Although my uncle, who suffers from hypertension and closely monitors his salt intake, opts not to eat this vegetable, most of us can handle the eggplant’s sodium level.

Useful tips

ggplant parmesan, a popular dish in our area, is made with a vegetable (really a fruit!) that seems to generate lackluster enthusiasm outside the cheese-blanketed box. Found too mushy by some, too bitter by others, the elegant eggplant — dazzling in both shape and color — deserves a nutritional shout-out. Let’s start with calories. Although the eggplant seems to find its way into many high-calories dishes, the vegetable itself is remarkably low in calories (only 30 per cubed cup) as well as saturated fat. Who knew that beneath that often-fried exterior lay a dieter’s dream in waiting? If calories aren’t a top priority, you’ll be happy to know that eggplant is low in cholesterol and high in hearthealthy fiber, with one cubed cup dish-

ing out about 12 percent of your daily fiber needs. Fiber, which promotes regularity, also helps to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts showed that an eggplant-based diet may even help to manage type 2 diabetes. Like other brightly colored vegetables, eggplant teems with antioxidants, compounds that protect our cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Nasunin, a powerful antioxidant present in eggplant skin — and the focus

Select eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size, with skin that is smooth, shiny, and free of blemishes and discoloration. To test for the ripeness of an eggplant, gently press the skin with the pad of your thumb. If it springs back, the eggplant is ripe. Store eggplant, unwashed and uncut, in the refrigerator for a few days. Despite their hardy exterior, eggplants do not last long after purchase. Use a stainless steel knife for cutting, as carbon steel will turn the eggplant black.

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2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon olive oil ¼ cup whole grain bread crumbs ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (low-fat, if desired) ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper to taste ½ to ¾ cup shredded cheese (Recommend: Sargento Reduced Fat Cheese Italian) Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Heat olive oil in medium frying pan and sauté mushrooms until golden. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes more. Spread bottom of 9 x 13 inch baking dish with 1½ cups of sauce. Top with overlapping layer of eggplant slices. Sprinkle with even layer of bread crumbs and half the grated cheese. Top with sautéed mushrooms. Season to taste with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Top with remaining sauce and remaining grated cheese. Bake, covered with foil, for 40 minutes. Remove from oven; top with shredded cheese. Return to oven, uncovered, for 5-8 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

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.

Why I Smile …

My headaches are gone! Do you suffer from chronic headaches that disrupt your personal life? Your head, neck or facial pain may be caused by a poor bite – the way your teeth come together. A dental problem like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) could be causing your pain. If nothing you’ve tried has helped long term, perhaps it’s time to see a dentist. Drs. Juan and Dorothy Kassab of Smile Solutions can offer complete screening, and based on the findings, offer you treatment options. Page 18

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

Contact Smile Solutions by Drs. Kassab to set up an appointment for an evaluation or go to their web site for more information.

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CancerConnects: Providing the Extra Help to Cancer Patients Nonprofit group provides free massage therapy, Reiki, acupuncture and mentoring services By Aaron Gifford

ive years ago, a group of local medical providers and social workers realized that cancer patients were not getting all the help they needed. Central New York doctors and nurses were doing a great job treating the disease and formulating treatment plans, but patients still required guidance and different types of therapies that are rarely covered by insurance. “The emotional piece was left out,” said Maria Fibiger, consulting executive director of CancerConnects Inc. “There really was a need for this.” CancerConnects, formerly known as Unique Connections, was founded as a nonprofit agency in 2006 to provide massage therapy, Reiki, acupuncture and mentoring services to cancer patients free of charge. The organization has enjoyed significant growth in the past five years, offering services from 21 practitioners and 52 trained mentors in a six-county area. CancerConnects annually budget is about $120,000 a year and it generally needs to raise about $90,000 annually to meet the demand for its services. The participating practitioners reduce

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their usual rates by 50 percent for CancerConnects clients. That fee is paid by CancerConnects, not the patient. “I was surprised with the number of practitioners that were willing to do that and jumped on board,” Fibiger said. She said massage therapy is an important component for treating cancer patients because it reduces stress mentally and physically. The more relaxed a person’s body is, the better they’ll sleep. Some types of massage therapy also helps reduce or eliminate tingling in the hands and feet, which is common among many cancer patients and compromises their ability to drive, work and complete essential daily tasks. “It’s a quality of life issue,” Fibiger said, “but it’s also important to help patients maintain their day-to-day responsibilities.” The mentors, meanwhile, are unpaid volunteers. All are cancer survivors who have lived with the disease for at least one year. Each of them completed an eight-hour training program with social workers in the health care field. They also learned about guide-

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

Licensed massage therapist Joyce Solazzo of CNY Therapeutic Massage in East Syracuse, performing a massage on a patient as part of the complementary therapy program at CancerConnects. In addition to massage therapy, CancerConnects provides Reiki, acupuncture and mentoring services to cancer patients. lines for protecting patients’ personal information. “It’s a big responsibility,” Fibiger said. “A lot of people who get cancer have never been seriously ill before. They don’t know how to navigate through the system. These people [mentors] provide valuable guidance.” Mentors are matched with “mentees” based on type of cancer, level of training and commonalities like age, employment situation and similar experiences. A patient who is pregnant or a single mother, for example, could expect guidance from a woman who has been in the same situation. If a patient endured circumstances that do not match an available mentor’s experience, then CancerConnects reaches out to the national 4th Angel Program to find the right person. The mentors’ level of service varies by patient. Some have been satisfied with a one-time, hour-long phone call, while others have maintained their relationship with a mentor years after remission. It’s not unusual for a mentor to accompany a patient to chemotherapy. All told, the mentors fill a void that caregivers and relatives typically can’t cover, Fibiger explained. “With younger patients under 55,” she said, “over 50 percent of them indicated that they couldn’t talk to their family because they didn’t want to burden them anymore. The mentors make such a difference with that level of support.” The mentors provide a perspective that others just can’t offer, added Renee Boroughs, CancerConnects volunteer outreach coordinator. “Everyone has their friends, their family and their doctors. But unless you’ve walked down the cancer road before, you just don’t know. The mentors fill a variety of roles,” Boroughs said. Kathleen Pouliot, of Baldwinsville, benefited from the help of a mentor before becoming a mentor herself. Pouliot was sick with colon cancer to the point where doctors were unsure if she was going to survive. “I was under 100 pounds,” she said. “They told me there was no amount of chemo and radiation that can take care of this cancer.” Pouliot became cancer-free fol-

lowing exploratory surgery. She was helped by mentor Gussy Sorenson, who also organized a program where Pouliot’s children, aged 11 and 12 at the time, could talk to other children of cancer patients. She believes this emotional component of her overall treatment helped in the recovery process. Now, as a mentor, Pouliot has been counseling a patient for about six months now. “The best thing you can do is listen. If they ask you about something, you always answer honestly,” Pouliot said. “More important than anything, you have someone who has been going through what you’re going through. It’s like having a baby. Until you’ve been through it, there’s no way you’re going to know what it’s like.” Pouliot is one of many satisfied customers. According to a survey of cancer patients who participated in CancerConnects programs between March 2009 and March 2011, the average level of satisfaction among the 112 respondents was 4.6 out of a possible 5 score (of a 0-5 range, with 4 being very satisfied and 5 being completely satisfied). The survey report also showed that the program funded 333 treatment sessions in the two-year period, and that some patients obtained up to three massage therapy or Reiki treatments. About 13 percent of the respondents indicated that they would like to continue having complementary therapy treatments because their health insurance does not cover such services. The survey report also noted some positive comments from the anonymous respondents: “In my opinion, every cancer patient would benefit.” – Massage therapy recipient. “I felt very healthy physically and emotionally after the sessions. You gave me a gift I will never forget.” – Massage therapy recipient/breast cancer patient. “Receiving energy/healing touch therapy has changed my course of life. Spend time on healing…not the recurrence.” – Healing touch recipient/breast cancer patient. “Relieved nausea and gave me energy after chemo treatment.” – Acupuncture recipient/lymphoma cancer patient.

What They Want You to Know:

Pediatricians

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ollegeBoard (www.collegeboard. com) describes pediatricians as “doctors who care for children from birth to early adulthood. They specialize in diseases and ailments specific to young and growing bodies.” They may have sub-specialties such as dermatology or cardiology or practice as a general pediatrician. • “Remember to seek care from the child’s primary physician who provides a medical home. When care gets fragmented by visits to ER and urgent car, that leads to disjointed care. The pediatrician provides the best care. Most offices now have evening hours. It’s important to pay attention to the concept of the medical home. It’s care

at the place that knows you and has your most complete medical records. • “One of the most important things we do as pediatricians is provide the correct immunizations at the correct times. Families need to be there on that schedule. Follow the universal recommendation, which is everyone from 6 months and older should receive vaccination annually. • “We’ve had an outbreak of whooping cough in Onondaga County that is preventable by vaccine. We have vaccines for all ages, including adults, which can protect children. This is a nationwide issue. That mostly could have been obviated by proper vaccination. I don’t like seeing children who are severely ill with whooping cough and chicken pox. People who think vaccines

are harmful don’t realize how important they are in preventing significant illness. Before we had these vaccines, these illnesses resulted in severe illness and death. The U.S. is experiencing imported measles cases. Vaccines can prevent that. People are failing to get their children vaccinated in a timely fashion and that’s causing some real health problems nationwide.” Dr. Leonard Weiner, professor and vice-chair for academics in the department of pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital and director of pediatric infectious disease • “A lot of times parents come in the office and their kids are sick and they presume their kids will need antibiotics, some type of therapy or a certain type of medicine. It makes them not willing to listen to what you have to say if they don’t need that. The parent clearly thinks that that’s the only thing that will help the child. • “There’s nothing wrong with lists. Now that it’s back to school time, people are getting their kids’ physicals or getting them in for well child visits or clearance for sports and they

can’t remember things they want to ask about. That means they have to call back later in the day. I may not be available to answer their questions then. Having a clear, concise list when you come in is a fine thing. • “If parents want to use the Internet for a resource, I wish they’d ask me for good online resources because there’s a lot of misleading information out there. A lot of stuff is inaccurate or simply not true. I can help them get good information that will benefit them.” Sarah Finocchiaro, pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Fulton 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.

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September 2011 •

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SUNY Upstate study looks at support for diabetics Study is looking at how diabetic patients fare if their spouses or partners support their diabetes treatment programs By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

little support can go a long ways, theorizes Paula M. Trief, senior associate dean for Faculty Affairs & Faculty Development and a professor in the departments of psychiatry and medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Her current research study is looking at how diabetic patients fare if their spouses or partners support their diabetes treatment programs and interventions. “Our hypothesis is that if you work with patients and partners, you’ll get better and more lasting results,” Trief said. “There’s nothing in the literature about working with partners with diabetes and little with other diseases. We’re hoping if we demonstrate that, our intervention can be disseminated to others.” A five-year grant from the National Institute of Health is funding the research, which is now in its third year. Trief anticipates wrapping up the project in September 2013.The research team is also recruiting participants in San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif. About 175 couples among all the sites have participated, including 65 from the Syracuse area. Trief hopes more

Central New York-area diabetics will participate. “It’s all done on the telephone,” she said. “We’re sensitive that a lot of people can’t come into a center to meet with an educator on a regular basis, especially when you have two people involved.” Researchers assess participants about every four months either remotely or by traveling to the patients’ homes. “We’ve really tried to make it accessible,” Trief said. “We’ll drive to Watertown or Ithaca.” Depending upon if the participant is in the control group or not, the assessments involve either two or 12 sessions. “Both the patient and the partner have to sign up, but they have only a one-third chance in both being involved,” Trief said.

Researchers have modeled the interventions on the most successful diabetes treatments: testing blood sugar, changing diet, increasing activity level, and take medication regularly. “The content of the intervention isn’t that dramatic, but for one group, we’re doing it to patients by themselves; in another group, they do it with their partner,” Trief said. “They also talk about coping with diabetes, and how the partner can help them be more successful.” Trief is finding that without support, “most people’s changes don’t last. They lose weight but regain. They exercise and stop. We hope that the relationship will help keep it going and they’ll keep it going together.” “We have certainly found in our practice that the support of a partner can be of great benefit,” said Caroline Jacobus, a certified diabetes educator with Central New York Diabetes Education. “However, this can backfire unless the partner is educated about diabetes as well. We recommend that when our patients attend educational sessions, they include a supportive person in their lives to attend with them. This will enable the partner to support the same factual information heard by the patient.” Trief and her team hope to determine that a partner’s support makes a notable difference in diabetic patient’s blood sugar stability, which is a classic earmark of good diabetic management. “Chances are, it will be effective for some partners and not all,” Trief said. “We’ll also look at which type of patient and partner does it work with.” For example, Trief has read a cancer study that stated people with higher conflict level in their relation-

ships manage better when their partner is involved because the partner is unafraid to speak up when the patient doesn’t follow doctor’s orders. But Jacobus pointed out, this may not always be the case. “It could be bringing in the partner makes it worse when the partner becomes the ‘diabetes police’ because of their own anxiety and wanting the patient to do well,” Trief said. Gender may also make a difference. “Women want to talk about it and have more support, Trief said. “Men want to handle it themselves typically.” Trained as a psychologist, Trief has experience with diabetic patients as part of her practice. “Depression is more prominent with people with diabetes,” she said. It’s unclear that diabetes has a biological basis for a predisposition to depression. “It could be hormonal changes affect depression and diabetes,” Trief said. “It’s probably the circumstances. It’s a tough disease because there’s a lot of changes people have to make. They have to change diet, exercise level, take medication, and see lots of doctors. “Diabetes generally gets worse with time even if they take good care of themselves. If you’re clinically depressed and have diabetes, you’re at greater risk for poor adherence, so it makes it worse.” Researchers specify that the couples must be married or in a committed relationship at least one year. The diabetics should also type 2 diabetes, poor blood sugar control, and a willingness to receive diabetes education via telephone. To learn more about the study, contact Pat Forkin, research associate, at 315-464-5619.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

Ultra Modern Dentistry Backed by Old Fashioned Values

Bruce Stewart, DDS By Jim Miller

Social Security Help for Those Nearing Retirement Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good resources that can help me decide when to start my Social Security retirement benefits? I’ll be 62 early next year and want to carefully weigh all my options but could use some help. Nearing Retirement Dear Nearing, Figuring out the best age to start claiming your Social Security retirement benefits is an important financial decision. The difference between a good decision and a poor one could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement, so doing some homework and weighing your options now is a very smart move. What to Consider

As you may already know, you can claim Social Security any time from age 62 to 70, but the longer you wait, the larger your monthly check. But there are actually many factors you need to take into account to help you make a good decision, including your current financial needs, your health and family longevity, whether you plan to work in retirement, whether you have other retirement income sources, and if you’re married, your spouse’s situation. To help you compare your options and make an informed decision, there are a number of resources and services available depending on how much assistance you need.

SSA Tools

A good place to start is at the Social Security website. Just go to socialsecurity.gov and click on the “Retirement” tab at the top of the page and access their “Plan for Retirement” tools where you can estimate your benefits at different ages and get guidance based on your personal situation. Or, if you would rather have faceto-face assistance, call 800-772-1213 and schedule an appointment to visit with a claims representative at your nearby Social Security office. The Social Security Administration also offers a bevy of free publications (see ssa.gov/pubs) that you can have mailed directly to you. “Retirement Benefits,” “When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits” and “How Work Affects Your Benefits” are three

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If you need help in addition to what the government offers, some good resources include the “Social Security Claiming Guide,” which is published by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. This easyto-read 24-page guide sorts through all the options, spells out how much you can get, and answers frequently asked questions. Go to socialsecurityclaimingguide.info to read it online or to print a copy for free. Another good publication is “When to Take Social Security Benefits: Questions to Consider” (see whentotakesocialsecurity.info). Offered by the National Academy of Social Insurance, a nonprofit research and educational group, this 16-page booklet uses a question-and-answer format to guide you through the key issues. To get a free hardcopy mailed to you, call 202452-8097. You can also get help online at websites like analyzenow.com, which offers a free tool called “Social Security Planner” that helps singles and couples calculate the best time to take their retirement benefits. And AARP’s new Social Security Benefits Calculator (www.aarp.org/socialsecuritybenefits), which lets you estimate how much you’ll receive in monthly and lifetime benefits, based on your salary and your age when you file. Or, for a $40 annual fee, maximizemysocialsecurity.com provides a comprehensive new tool to help retirees, spouses and survivors make decisions to maximize their benefits. If, however, you’d like more personalized help, there are financial advisors and investment advisor firms that for a fee can assist you by taking you through the specific claiming strategies. One such firm is Social Security Solutions (socialsecuritysolutions.com, 866762-7526), which offers three levels of service including their “Premium Plus” plan that runs multiple calculations and comparisons, recommends a best course of action in a detailed report, and gives you a one-on-one session with a Social Security specialist over the phone to discuss the report and ask questions. Fees for their services range between $20 and $125.

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.

Changing how you live, not where you live. The Adult Day Health Program at St. Camillus offers nursing services, rehabilitation therapies, personal care, case management and recreational socialization.The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.Wheelchair accessible transportation is available. September 18-23 is Adult Day Health Week The Centers at St. Camillus is celebrating the amazing people our Adult Day Health Program serves.

For more information, or to schedule a tour, call Case Manager Lisa Santmyer, BS at 703-0670 or Director Ryann Zeiner, RN at 703-0740. 813 Fay Road • Syracuse, NY 13219 • www.st-camillus.org

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Pet Walk And 4-Legged Festival Sunday, September 11, 2011 • Long Branch Park, Liverpool

The Social Ask Security Ofﬁce By Deborah Banikowski, District Manager in Syracuse.

All Participants will receive a goodie bag Donation of $50 or more will receive an event T-shirt and an SPCA Car magnet

Registration: 9:30am • Casual Walk: 10:30 Festival: 11:00am-3:00pm Food and Music, Microchip Clinic, Rescue Groups, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. Vendors, Crafts, Photo ID’s for the kids by the Sheriff’s Dept. Adoptable Pet Parade, K-9 Demonstrations by the Onondaga Kennel Club Contests for you and your dog.

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hen you go on a road trip, you need to follow the signs to arrive at the right place. Going online can be very much the same. Look for the “.gov” at the end of the Web address — if it isn’t .gov, it isn’t the real Social Security website — www.socialsecurity.gov. Countless consumers nationwide are victimized each year by misleading advertisers who use “Social Security” or “Medicare” to entice the public to use their services. In many cases, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, Banikowski even though the same services are available directly from Social Security, free of charge. These services include: • updating a Social Security card to show a bride’s married name; • replacing a Social Security card; and • getting a Social Security number for a child. These for-profit businesses may cleverly design their websites, so when people use Internet search engines, their advertisement pops up. They may even make their advertisement look similar to the real Social Security

Q&A

Name __________________________________________

In Good Health

If It’s Not ‘.gov’ It’s Not Social Security

$15 payment enclosed Please bill me later

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

Q: I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records. What should I do? A: It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: • Give your employer the correct information exactly as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card; or • Contact your local Social Security office (www.socialsecurity.gov/locator) or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778) if your Social Security card does not show your correct name or Social Security number. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Q: If both my spouse and I are entitled to Social Security benefits, is there any reduction in our payments because we are married? A: No. We independently calculate each spouse’s Social Security benefit amount. Each spouse receives a monthly benefit amount based on his or her own earnings. Couples are not penal-

website. Some of these sites, at first glance, appear to be affiliated with Social Security, but upon closer examination, these are for-profit companies charging individuals for a service that is provided free by Social Security. For instance, a quick Google search on “replacing a Social Security card” brings up paid advertisements for websites that charge a fee just to get an application for a new card. That service is absolutely free from Social Security. The law that deals specifically with misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government organizations, like for-profit businesses, from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising cannot lead people to believe that they represent or are somehow affiliated with or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare). But that doesn’t stop advertisers from trying. For more information, you can read our publication “What You Need to Know about Misleading Advertising” at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10005.html. When you go to www.socialsecurity.gov, make sure you look for the “.gov” sign along the way. Don’t be tricked into paying a fee for a service that’s free. And remember: if it isn’t .gov, it isn’t Social Security.

ized simply because they are married. If one member of the couple earned low wages or did not earn enough Social Security credits to be eligible for retirement benefits, he or she may be eligible to receive benefits as a spouse. Q: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled? A: If you are an adult, you must be unable to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of medical impairments. Overall, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing. It also considers your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled: • You must be unable to do work you did before you became disabled and we must decide you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition; and • Your disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. For more information, read our publication “Disability Benefits” at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

At the helm at one of the oldest CNY’s organizations M. Kate Rolf recently became the new president and chief executive officer of VNA Systems (Visiting Nurse Association) Inc. of Central New York By Aaron Gifford

. Kate Rolf was still in high school when she recognized the need for more home-based health care services. At the age of 16, the Oneida native tirelessly accompanied her mother to medical centers for cancer treatments. “The last eight months of her life,” Rolf recalled, “we were always going back and forth to the hospital. A hospital isn’t always such a nice place to be. I knew back then that there should be a way to keep chronically ill people in their homes.” Rolf initially went to college for accounting, but never lost sight of that ideal. After starting a family she returned to school for an advanced degree in health services administration, climbing the career ladder at Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care in Utica until her recent appointment as president and chief executive officer of VNA Systems (Visiting Nurse Association) Inc. of Central New York, where she oversees about 300 employees who provide home care for people of all ages in Onondaga County. The agency’s caseload often exceeds 1,000 patients per month. The list of clients includes elderly residents who don’t want to live in nursing homes, children discharged from hospitals after an intense illness, heart condition patients and those who are recovering from major surgery at home. The range of services spans home health aides, to occupational therapy, speech therapy and social work. Even though home-based care sounds like a modern concept, VNA Systems dates back to 1890 and remains the oldest organization of its kind in the region. It was founded by three women who wanted to provide medical care to the poor. In its early years, the Visiting Nurse Association mainly served pregnant woman and young children, and placed a strong emphasis on proper nutrition. In 1938, VNA handled about half of all home births in Syracuse. In the early 1950s, the agency began offering parenting classes that were well attended by men and women. VNA played a major role in reducing infant morbidity rates locally. “To this day,” Rolf said, “we still have a very strong pediatric population.” Her overall goal remains to keep the young and the old out of hospitals as much as possible without compromising any patient’s medical needs. That involves working with area medical providers to establish pathway plans for transitioning patients from hospital back to the home and, in certain cases, vice versa. “Transitional care programs, no matter how specialized, are crucial for meeting the community’s needs,” Rolf said. “The transition has to be smooth, and the patients must always be moni-

tored. We have to make sure patients are getting that high level of care at home.” Rolf said home-based care, regardless of the patient’s age or condition, is significantly cheaper than institutional care. Placing an elderly person in a nursing home, for example, costs about 66 percent more than keeping them in their home with the assistance of home health aides or related services. Moreover, technological advances have allowed hospital patients to return home from the hospital in two or three days, compared to an average stay of a week or more 10 years ago, Rolf said. “We’re caring for the sickest of the sick at home right now,” she said. “We can really assist the hospitals and help keep the costs down for everyone.” Rolf said the equipment available for home-based care these days is mind boggling. For patients with heart problems or other types of serious illnesses, there’s an online system that monitors indicators like blood sugar levels and alerts on-call nurses to any signs of trouble. That technology, the Honeywell HomMed Health Monitoring System, was first implemented in 2005. It also asks patients a variety of yes or no questions to help evaluate health conditions on a daily basis. VNA Systems nurses can even care for wounds with a special “wound vac” device that ensures a sterile environment by utilizing negative pressure. Twenty years ago, medical professionals would never consider providing that kind of care outside of a hospital room. And during most home visits, the nurses use a laptop computer and document everything they do at the time of service. “The technology is very exciting,” Rolf said. Despite the emerging technology and the increase of home-based care, Rolf still believes America’s health care system, as a whole, “is in crisis,” mainly because of continued cuts to Medicaid and Medicare cuts at a time when people are living longer and the population of seniors on fixed incomes is increasing across the country. “How do we manage those costs?” she said. “We’re already close to the brink on Medicare and Medicaid.” VNA Systems

accepts Medicare, Medicaid and several insurance plans. It also offers non-medical private pay services like transportation and companionship visits. According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, about 12 million people in the United States were served by 33,000 home health care providers in 2009. The cost of that care totaled $72.2 billion, 41 percent of which was funded by Medicare. Meanwhile, employment in the home health care industry increased from 667,200 in 1996 to 1.02 million in 2009. The average Medicare charge for a day of care in a hospital

increased from 4,999 in 2005 to 6,200 in 2009. By comparison, the per-visit cost for home health care increased from $125 to $135 during that time period, according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. The national agency also reported that monthly treatment for low birth rates at a hospital cost about $26,190 compared to $330 for a home health care provider. Hospital care for a ventilator-dependent adult cost $21,570 compared to $7,050. Chemotherapy for children costs about $68,870 compared to about $55,950. And a month of congestive heart failure treatment for an elderly patient at a hospital costs about $12,510 compared to $4,650 for the same type of treatment by a home health care provider. The AARP estimates that the cost of unpaid family caregiver support for ailing relatives is about $450 billion a year.

M. Kate Rolf September 2011 •

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H ealth News New ED medical director appointed at AMH

Madison Irving Pediatrics adds new pediatrician

Auburn Memorial Hospital (AMH) announced that Tom-meka Archinard has joined the medical staff as medical director of the department of emergency medicine. Archinard completed her undergraduate education at Newcomb College of Tulane University, where she was a scholarship athlete in both basketball and track. She earned a Doctor of Medicine degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine at Bowman Gray and completed a residency in emergenAchinard cy medicine at SUNY Brooklyn Health Sciences Center, Kings County Hospital. She is board certified in emergency medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine and member the Medical Director’s Academy of the American College of Emergency Medicine. Archinard has also achieved Lean Six Sigma and Green Belt Six Sigma certification from Villanova University as a result of her interest in learning how to develop processes to improve quality and patient safety in organizations. Archinard has various publications and abstract presentations on management of traumatic injury, domestic violence, HIV and hypertension and has worked in New Jersey public schools to educate elementary and middle school students on the benefit of staying in school and decision making skills. Archinard is also a founder and active officer of the board of trusties of Great Oaks Charter Academy, a middle and high school created to educate inner city students in Newark, N.J.

Pediatricians Kathleen Shefner and Nicholas Massa of Madison Irving Pediatrics in Syracuse announced that Kristina S. Hingre has joined their practice. Hingre received her bachelor’s degree in psychobiology in 1982 from SUNY Binghamton. She went on to complete her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical School in 1987. She completed her residency in pediatrics at SUNY Upstate in 1990. Hingre is board certified in pediatrics Hingre and has 19 years of pediatric experience in a variety of health care settings in the greater Syracuse area. Her professional interests include general pediatrics, international medicine and integrative medicine. Madison Irving Pediatrics is a pediatric practice located near Upstate Medical University and Crouse Hospitals in Syracuse. It provides comprehensive and personalized pediatric care for children and teens, birth to 21 years of age.

Optometrist Pam Theriot joins Syracuse Eye Center Syracuse Eye Center recently welcomed Pamela Theriot to its eye care team. Theriot is an optometrist in medical and geriatric eye care. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Theriot completed her training in optometry at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry and residency at the State University of New York, College of Optometry. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, a Theriot member of the New York State Optometric Association, and holds the executive position of Secretary for Women of Vision. She is the past president of the Southern Arizona Optometric Society, and she was formerly state liaison for the InfantSee program in Arizona. Currently, she is licensed to practice optometry in Arizona, California, New Mexico and New York. Page 26

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Internist Associates of CNY receives recognition Internist Associates of Central New York has been granted recognition through the diabetes recognition program of the National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Diabetes Association. The diabetes recognition program was designed to improve the quality of care that patients with diabetes receive by recognizing clinicians who deliver quality diabetes care, and by motivating other clinicians to document and improve their delivery of diabetes care. To receive recognition, which is valid for three years, Internist Associates submitted data that demonstrates performance that meets the program’s key diabetes care measures. These measures include eye exams, blood pressure tests, nutrition therapy and patient satisfaction, among others. When people with diabetes receive quality care as outlined by these measures, they are less likely to suffer complications such as heart attacks, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations. “For a person with diabetes, the right clinician can make the difference between living with diabetes as opposed to suffering from diabetes,” said Richard M. Bergenstal, president, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. “Clinicians who earn recognition through the diabetes recognition program have an established track record of providing excellent diabetes care” The Internist Associates diabetes care team includes an endocrinologist, on-site certified diabetes educator, podiatrist, laboratory and offsite dietitian. It is also actively involved in diabetes research where patients can participate

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

in cutting-edge treatments right in the office.

Hospitalist program in Auburn has new director Todd R. Lentz has recently accepted the position of director of the hospitalist program at Auburn Memorial Hospital. Lentz has been employed as a full time hospitalist at the hospital since 2004 and served as the program’s assistant director since 2008. Lentz completed his Doctor of Medicine degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He also completed a residency in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate, where he Lentz served as an assistant clinical instructor. Lentz is board certified in internal medicine and is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine. Hospitalists are medical physicians who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. A hospitalist is a physician who is not the patient’s family doctor, but who is responsible for their medical care during a hospi-

tal stay. Hospitalists are available to care for patients in the hospital seven days a week, 24 hours a day in order to provide patients with ongoing and immediate care. They work as partners with the patient’s primary care physician to provide the highest standard of care during a hospitalization. Lentz’s interests include spending time with his wife and two children, traveling, golfing and magic tricks.

Two professionals join The Centers at St. Camillus The Centers at St. Camillus recently welcomed two new professionals to its management team. Mary Ellen Kaier has been named vice president for long range planning. She will oversee the development and implementation of planning initiatives for the organization. Kaier has more than 20 years experience in the industry, most recently serving as executive director for Northeast Community Care, a Medicare Advantage Plan. Kaier previously held the position of director, managed care and business deKaier

Oncologist Jeff Kirshner at HOACNY appointed to prestigious groups Dr. Jeffrey Kirshner of Hematology/Oncology Associates of Central New York has recently been elected to the board of directors and appointed chairman of the Community Oncology Committee for the newly formed Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. This organization is the result of the merger of three of the most prominent U.S. cancer research cooperative Kirshner groups: CALGB, NCCTG and ACOSOG — all acronyms for the most prestigious and highly respected cancer research entities in the country. Kirshner was also elected to a term on the National Cancer Institute’s Symptom Management and Quality of Life Clinical Trials Steering Committee, which reviews all proposals for clinical trials and decides whether they should be approved or denied. He was also appointed to the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Practice Guideline Implementation Network. This network is charged with working on methodologies to implement cancer practice guidelines throughout the country. In 2008, Hematology/

Oncology Associates (HOACNY) received national recognition from the American Society of Clinical Oncology by receiving its annual, prestigious, Clinical Trials Award. According to a news release, Kirshner’s appointments demonstrate the scientific merit and contribution of his life’s work to cancer prevention and treatment and underscores HOA’s commitment to cancer care, its patients and community. Kirshner is one of the founding partners of HOACNY and has served as principal investigator of the Hematology Oncology Associates Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) for over 24 years. HOA is one of only two CCOPs in New York state — the other is located on Long Island. In addition to being the only CCOP in Central New York, HOA has the greatest number of active clinical research trials available in our community. The research offered through the CCOP is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This prestigious affiliation allows cancer patients in the community to access clinical research trials and collaborate with major cancer centers across the nation. Through the CCOP, staff and patients maintain the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of cancer care and prevention.

H ealth News velopment at Upstate University Hospital as well as director positions within the actuarial and finance divisions of health insurance companies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from SUNY Oswego and resides in Fayetteville. Schafer Michael Schafer was recently named vice president for the nursing facility. Schafer received his MBA from SUNY Albany, and brings 13 years experience in the healthcare industry, most recently serving as health care administrator for Michaud Residential Health Services in Fulton, and health care administrator for Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Crotonon-Hudson. He will oversee care and manages a staff of 345 in the long-term care facility.

Loretto selected as model for employee training Loretto, providing comprehensive service to older adults in Central New York since 1926, was recently recognized by the Central New York Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development for its leadership in electronic workplace instruction. Loretto’s active listening module, designed by Pat Costello, Sarah Komar and Gregg Lawson with consultant Rita Barger, was selected by the CNY ASTD as the model for a training program in Syracuse. The program aimed to teach area professionals how to develop and implement e-learning modules. The active listening module was designed as part of Loretto’s employee communications initiative. “Our priority is to support the professional development of Loretto caregivers. They’re our most valuable resource,” said Lawson. Information for the half hour elearning module was based on content from the popular Coaching for Supervision and Coaching for Communication classes, instructional tools used to improve leadership and communication skills internally. Loretto plans to offer the active listening learning module as an online in-service for its employees. E-learning provides employees with the convenience and flexibility needed to accommodate those who work various shifts. Using e-Learning helps employees complete required courses at their own pace. Loretto’s e-learning program was originally developed in 2006 to help employees complete required clinical courses and to complete annual corporate reorientation. Other e-learning presentations include “Learning SharePoint Basics” and “Welcome to Housing.” The active listening course uses a blend of slides, audio, video, quizzes and interactive scenarios to teach learners how to improve listening and communication skills.

News from

New Psychiatrist Joins Oswego Hospital’s Medical Staff — Cecile Matip, a board-certified adult psychiatrist and board-eligible child and adolescent psychiatrist, has joined the Oswego Hospital’s medical staff. She provides care at Child and Family Services in Fulton, as well as at the organization’s behavioral services department on Bunner Street in Oswego. During her medical school rotations, Matip Matip discovered that psychiatry was a specialty that best suited her skills and patient care goals. “I found working with the patients very gratifying because they discover someone who understands them, as behavioral health issues in general aren’t always well understood,” Matip said. “In this field, you often are also able to help the entire family.” Matip has recently completed a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She completed her psychiatry residency at SUNY-Downstate, located in Brooklyn. She earned her medical degree from the State University of New York at Brooklyn College of Medicine. A native of France, Matip, arrived in this country as a young adult and attended Concordia College in Bronxville on a soccer scholarship. She also attended Long Island University, as well as Columbia University, where she completed a master’s degree in public health, concentrating on health policy and management. Cindy Dash Appointed Director of Physician Services — Oswego Health has named Cynthia Dash to its newly developed position of director of physician services. As director of physician services, Dash will develop and implement strategies that assist in retaining and attracting new physicians to the health system. She arrives at Oswego Health with extensive experience in physician relations as she held a similar Dash position at Lewis County General Hospital in Lowville. Dash holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and an associate’s degree in business administration. She has worked in the healthcare field for more than 20 years. The new director is a Sandy Creek native, where she and her husband reside. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, which includes four grown children. New Clinical Nurse Manger of Emergency Department Named — Oswego Hospital has named Steve Olson as its clinical nurse manager of

Auburn Memorial Hospital Celebrates 133rd Birthday by Recognizing Outstanding Service

Auburn Memorial Hospital in July created the Champions of Care award as a way to let patients honor outstanding caregivers at the hospital. Picutred are Scott A. Berlucchi, president, CEO; Tammy Sunderlin, director of nursing; Dr. Deborah Geer; Marsha Burns, a certiﬁed nursing assistant; and Sammy Suirani, chief physician assistant.

Auburn Memorial Hospital (AMH) has recently celebrating its 133rd anniversary of its founding by throwing a party for its patients, physicians and staff in the hospital. As part of the celebration, Scott A. Berlucchi, president and CEO of AMH, was on hand to present awards to the hospital’s first Champions of Care — those recognized through the new Grateful Patient program that was launched in July to give patients the opportunity to honor an outstanding caregiver at the hospital, whether he or she is a nurse, doctor, staff member or volunteer. Champions of Care recipients receive a pin of recognition and lanyard to wear proudly around the hospital. The Emergency Department was recognized several times during the event. “It is a great honor to be recognized for outstanding

its newly renovated emergency room. Olson has experience in managing care in an emergency room setting as he served in a similar capacity at both Faxton St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica and at Upstate University Hospital. Olson said the position at Olson Oswego Hospital gave him the opportunity to work at a healthcare facility that offered the latest technology in a patient comfortable environment, which is close to his Pulaski home. Olson earned his registered nurse degree from Morris City College and his dual master’s degree in nursing and healthcare administration from the UniverSeptember 2011 •

service and care,” said Sammy Suriani, chief physician assistant for emergency care and recipient of Champions of Care award. “The emergency department can be a very complex place for patients with urgent needs and it is the efforts of everyone that makes this process work.” Since the onset of the program, a number of caregivers and departments have been recognized, including staff in day surgery, general surgery, urology, urgent care and on patient floors such as 2 Memorial. “I’ve been here for 37 years and we’ve always provided quality care to our community,” said Marsha Burns, recipient of the Champions of Care award for her dedication to care. “It gives me great joy to be recognized by patients in our community for the work that I do here.”

sity of Phoenix. As the clinical nurse manager, Olson will oversee the staff of 48, as well as the operation of the department. Among Olson’s immediate goals is to reduce patient wait times and to improve patient satisfaction within the department. G I Doctor Joins Staff — Oswego Hospital welcomed gastroenterologist/internist Bishnu Sapkota to its medical staff July 11. Sapkota has joined the medical practice of Ajoy Roy, whose office is located at the Seneca Hill Health Services Center in Oswego. Sapkota attended Manipal College of Medical Sciences Sapkota in Nepal, where he

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H ealth News was nominated by the government of Nepal’s Ministry of Education to receive a full scholarship while he earned his bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS). During medical school, he was recognized for being the best in basic and clinical sciences, as well as for being the most outgoing medical student. Following medical school, Sapkota came to the United States to complete his training, where he continued to be recognized for his skills and enthusiasm for the field of medicine. He was chief resident for internal medicine at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he was presented the Deepa Chander Award as the outstanding postgraduate resident in internal medicine. Following this training, he served a fellowship in gastroenterology at New York Methodist Hospital, also in Brooklyn. Sapkota is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American College of Physicians. His wife, Sushma Sapkota-Pandey, is an Internist, who will also be practicing in the Oswego area later this year. The couple has a young daughter.

News from Crouse Hospital recently welcomed the following physicians to its medical staff: Medicine — Nur-E Alam, MD; Mitchell Brodey, MD; Marisa Desimone, MD; Bernadette Dunn, MD; Joyce Farah, MD; Avrille George, MD; Diana Gilligan, MD; Derek Gorski, DO; Tayibba Hafeez, MD; Intikhab Iqbal, MD; F. Michael Maquire, DO; Dorothy Pan, MD; Elyn Ring, MD; Birendra Sah, MD; Rahul Seth, MD; Erkin Seytnazarov, MD; Rajeev Yalamanchili, MD. Neurology — Thomas Conley, MD; Dhiraj Jeyanandarajan, MD; Grant Warmouth, MD. OB/GYN — Joe Massey, MD; Jaya Nemani, MD. Orthopedics — Danielle Katz, MD. Otolaryngology — Tucker Harris, MD. Pediatrics — Matthew Egan, MD; Derek Gorski, DO; Tayibba Hafeez, MD; Esther Livingstone, MD. Podiatry — Pamela Sparks, DPM. Surgical Services — Tamer Ahmed, MD; Kenneth Cooper, DO; Michael Curtis, MD; Jeffrey DeSimone, MD; Thomas Hartzheim, MD; Barbara Robinson, MD; David Tyler, MD. Urology — Gerald Mingin, MD; Jonathan Riddell, MD.

News from

New Medical Director at the Dental Residency Program —Dentist Matthew Hall has been appointed to the position of medical director of the general practice dental residency program. Prior to coming to St. Joseph’s, Hall served as director of the general practice residency program and dental health center at Ellis Medicine Page 28

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Auburn Memorial Hospital’s $2.5 million maternity renovation is complete

office where they oversee and assist the dental residents in learning many dental procedures, such as pedodontics and oral surgery. (See related story on page 4).

News from

Celebrating the new, renovated maternity unit at Auburn Memorial Hospital are, back bow, Stephen Zabriskie, Jerry Bisgrove, Scott Berlucchi CEO, Michael Migliore, Jack Bisgrove, Betsy Kenneally. On the front row are Row-Mandee Rausher holding daughter Madelyn Woodring from Seneca Falls), Marge Tracy, Shannon Reohr, Dana Brabant, Nance Rifanburg, Anthony Francesche.

Auburn Memorial Hospital (AMH) has completed its eightmonth renovation of the maternity unit to be named The Stardust Community Birthing Center in memory of John and Irene Bisgrove. The $2.5 million project includes four birthing suites and seven private post-partum suites along with other much needed updates to the floor. The maternity unit was last renovated in 1958. Staff held an official ribbon cutting ceremony July 25 as public and community officials gathered to celebrate the occasion. “Having worked in residential real estate many years, quality hospital services and care is a major concern to young relocating families and current residents alike,” said Monta Faye Tuxill, community member and AMH volunteer. “The Stardust Community Birthing Center meets one of those concerns and is a huge asset to our community.” The renovation, entirely financed through donations from the maternity Initiative, was jumpstarted through a community matching gift of $1 million from The Stardust Foundation of Central New York. Chairman of the Stardust Foundation, John “Jack” Bisgrove explained: “Our investment is not about us, but about helping to bring identity to our community through the high quality health services it deserves.” Joseph Bartolotta, vice-chair-

in Schenectady. He also worked for several hospitals in the Albany area in leadership roles related to their dental residencies and dental programs. Hall holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from St. Bonaventure University, and earned his Doctor of Dental Science from Georgetown University’s School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental and New York

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011

man of the AMH board of trustees, said: “As a member of the board of trustees, it gives me great joy to see my hometown hospital thrive. Our family is proud to be in this community and helping to better our hospital. The generosity of the local foundations and the community as a whole has been astounding and is an encouraging sign of great things to come for AMH.” Maternity care in Auburn has come a long way in just four years time, beginning with the recruitment of top quality-board certified ob/gyn physicians; followed by the incorporation of an midwifery program. “It is great to see the overwhelming support from our community to women and families at this special time in their lives. It gives me great joy to know that we will be able provide the high quality, family centered care that families have always received, but now in a more comfortable environment.” said Marge Tracy, certified nurse midwife at AMH and chairwoman of the maternity initiative campaign. “We want women and families to choose and recommend our hospital with complete confidence for this special time in their lives,” said Eric Allyn, chairman of the AMH board of trustees, “and now that our renovations are complete, we are sure they will.”

State Dental Associations. St. Joseph’s dental office cares for many of the area’s underinsured, as well as patients with mental and/or physical disabilities. Dental attending faculty, who are all practicing dentists in the community, supervise five dental residents. This group of more than 60 dentists volunteers their time as faculty on a rotating basis in the dental

Recognitions, appointments — Upstate Medical University announces the following appointments and recognitions: • Upstate Medical University has received the 2011 Robert D. McAuliffe Community Service Award from Arc of Onondaga for its ongoing affiliation with the Project SEARCH High School Transition Program. Upstate University Hospital CEO John McCabe accepted the award at Arc’s 60th Anniversary Gala June 24 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. • Hugh Bonner, professor and dean of the College of Health Professions, has been elected president of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) for a one-year term, effective July 1. The announcement was made at CAAHEP’s Annual Meeting of Commissioners, held April 10 and 11 in Memphis, Tenn. Bonner has served the organization as commissioner and as vice-president of CAAHEP’s board of directors. Bonner also was re-elected for a second, three-year term to the board for the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the premier international agency for accreditation and approval of educational programs in the clinical laboratory sciences and related health professions. Bonner resides in Jamesville. • The Rev. Terry Ruth Culbertson received recertification as a thanatologist in death, dying and bereavement for 2011-2013 by the Credentialing Council of the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Culbertson is spiritual care manager/ clinical pastoral education supervisor and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Upstate. • William Gokey, executive chef for Morrison Healthcare at Upstate University Hospital, was recently honored with the Chef Professionalism Award from the American Culinary Foundation for exemplifying the highest standard of professionalism through certification, continuing education, training and community involvement. Gokey resides in Syracuse. • A poster by Upstate University Hospital’s LEAPP Team placed third among 50 posters presented at the annual convention of the Society of Pediatric Nurses, held in April in Las Vegas. The poster, titled “Look Before You LEAPP: An Evidence-Based Approach to Pediatric Procedural Management,” was selected by members of the society’s Research and Clinical Practice Committees. • Dale Avers, co-authored and contributed four chapters to the third edition of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Avers is director of the Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the College of Health Professions. Avers resides in Syracuse.

Back to School: Facts & Figures The U.S. Census Bureau recently issued a new edition of “Facts for Features,” which highlights the many statistics associated with the return to classrooms by our nation’s students and teachers. ■ BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING

$7.4 billion — The amount of money spent at family clothing stores in August 2010. Only in November and December were sales significantly higher. Similarly, sales at bookstores in August 2010 totaled $2.2 billion, an amount approached in 2010 only by sales in January. For back-to-school shopping, choices of retail establishments abound: In 2008, there were 28,429 family clothing stores, 7,349 children and infants clothing stores, 28,178 shoe stores, 9,373 office supply and stationery stores, 22,116 sporting goods stores, 9,708 bookstores and 8,813 department stores.

■ STUDENTS

77 million — The number of children and adults enrolled in school throughout the country in October 2009 — from nursery school to college. They comprised 27 percent of the entire population age 3 and older. Pre-K through 12 Enrollment 52 percent — Percentage of 3- and 4year-olds enrolled in school in October 2009 74 percent — Percentage of children 3 to 6 enrolled in kindergarten who attended all day, as of October 2009. 55.5 million — The projected number of students to be enrolled in the nation’s elementary through high schools (pre-kindergarten - 12th grade) this fall. 11 percent — Projected percentage of elementary through high school students (pre-kindergarten – 12th grade) enrolled in private schools this fall. 43 percent — Percentage of elementary through high school students who belonged to a minority population as of October 2009. 23 percent — Percentage of elementary through high school students who had at least one foreign-born parent in October 2009. Nearly 80 percent — Percentage of students ages 12 to 17 who were academically on-track in 2006, up 8 percentage points from 1998. The odds of being on-track were 48 percent higher for these students if they were in a gifted class and 34 percent higher if they had never been suspended or expelled from school. (Students were considered to be academically on-track if they were enrolled in school at or above the grade level appropriate for their age.) 52 percent — Percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who were highly engaged in school (children reported as liking school, being interested in school and working hard in school) in 2006, up 5 percentage points from 1998. For 6- to 11-year-olds, the respective increase was from 56 percent to 59 percent.

■ LANGUAGES

11.2 million — Number of school-age children (5 to 17) who spoke a language other than English at home in 2009; 8 million of these children spoke Spanish at home.

■ LUNCHTIME

31.3 million — Average number of children participating each month in

the National School Lunch Program in 2009. 9.21 billion — The nation’s total apple production, in pounds, in 2010. The chances are good that the apples your children present to their teachers or enjoy for lunch were grown in Washington state, which accounted for more than half of the nation’s total production.

■ TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL

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7.2 million — Number of teachers in the United States in 2009. Almost 3 million taught at the elementary and middle school level. The remainder included those teaching at the postsecondary, secondary, preschool, kindergarten levels, special education and other teachers or instructors. $65,800 — Average annual salary of public school teachers in California as of the 2007-2008 school year — the highest of any state. Teachers in South Dakota received the lowest pay — $36,700. The national average was $52,800. High school principals earned $99,365 annually in 2008-09. $16.44 — Average hourly wage for the nation’s school bus drivers in 200809. Custodians earned $14.59, while cafeteria workers made $11.94.

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■ RISING COST OF COLLEGE

$15,876 — Average tuition, room and board (for in-state students) at the nation’s four-year public colleges and universities for an academic year (200809). That was more than double the cost in 1990. $40,633 — Average tuition, room and board at the nation’s four-year private colleges and universities for one academic year (2008-09). That also was more than double the cost in 1990.

■ REWARDS OF STAYING IN SCHOOL

$83,144 — Average annual 2008 earnings of workers 18 and older with an advanced degree. This compares with $21,023 for those without a high school diploma. In addition, those with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $58,613 in 2008, while those with a high school diploma earned $31,283. $85,417 — Average starting salary offered to bachelor’s degree candidates in petroleum engineering in 2009, among the highest of any field of study. At the other end of the spectrum were those majoring in a social science, who were offered an average of $36,217.

■ GRADUATION

3.2 million — Projected number of high school diplomas that will be awarded in the 2011-12 school year. 3.4 million — Number of college degrees expected to be conferred in the 2011-12 school year

Many positions are available in: Adult and Pediatric ED-all shifts, Psychnights, Operating Room, Med/Surg, Burn ICU, Medical ICU and MORE!!!. Full Tuition for BSN/MSN • Excellent State Salary/ Benefits • NYS Retirement System For a complete list of current openings and to apply online: www.upstate.edu/hr/jobs Upstate Medical University and Upstate University Hospital is an AA/EEO/ADA employer engaging excellence through diversity. Smoke-free Campus since 2005

■ PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

89 percent — Among K-12 students, the percentage with a parent or other household member who attended a general school or PTO/PTA meeting during the 2006-07 school year. Additionally, 65 percent had such a relative who participated in school fundraising and 46 percent who volunteered to serve on a school committee.

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September 2011 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper 

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There are a million reasons you might choose weight loss surgery. Some people only need one. Our program has successfully met the highest standards set forth by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is recognized as an ASMBS Center of Excellence. Surgeries are performed at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Dr. Graber is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at both hospitals.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • September 2011