IGH - CNY #259, JULY 2021 by In Good Health: CNY's Healthcare Newspaper

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JULY 2021 • ISSUE 259

Top Issues

Affecting Women's Health

Special issue on Women's Health and Wellness. Begins on p. 15

MEET YOUR DOCTOR Cardiologist Nelly Y. Kazzaz says pandemic brought extra toll on women’s health, affecting their stress levels, mental health and weight. p. 4

WELCOME TO STINGING INSECT SEASON p. 8

Yoga in the Parks

There are plenty of open air yoga programs to choose from —including at William Park on the shores of Oneida Lake in Cicero — each offering calming and restorative benefits as well as great views. p. 9

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Child Drownings in U.S. Pools, Spas Are on the Rise

ool and spa drowning deaths among U.S. children are spiking upwards, and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may also mean that fewer kids are getting the swimming lessons that might keep them safe, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warns. On average, there were about 400 reported pool/spa drowning deaths among children younger than age 15 each year from 2016 through 2018, according to new CPSC data. Three-quarters of those deaths involved children younger than 5, and 83% of those occurred in residential pools. Child drownings remain the

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

leading cause of unintentional death among U.S. children aged 1 to 4, according to the CPSC. “As we enter the summer months, parents and caregivers must be mindful of the pandemic’s impact on their children’s swimming ability and water safety skills,” said Robert Adler, CPSC acting chairman. “CPSC’s latest report confirms that most child drownings involve children under the age of 5, whose limited experience around the water due to recent social distancing restrictions could put them at greater risk of drowning,” he added in a CPSC news release.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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make sure we take care of ourselves whether it’s meditation, reading a book or enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend. Definitely increasing activity because it’s been proven again and again that mental health is affected by the level of exercise. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a gym with a trainer. It can be walks, it can be jumping rope, it can be dancing, it can be going up and down stairs. Accountability is very important. If we find a friend who can join us on a walk or a neighbor, it makes a huge difference in being held accountable and making sure that we can keep doing it.

FDA Approves Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss Aid

egovy, a high-dose version of the diabetes drug semaglutide, has been approved as a new aid to weight loss by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Studies funded by drug maker Novo Nordisk showed that participants who received weekly injections of the drug had an average weight loss of 15% and lost weight steadily for 16 months before leveling off, the Associated Press reported. In comparison, participants who received a placebo had average weight loss of about 2.5%. “With existing drugs, you’re going to get maybe 5% to 10% weight reduction, sometimes not even that,” physician Harold Bays, chief science officer at the Obesity Medicine Association, told the AP. Bays has helped conduct studies of Wegovy and other obesity and diabetes drugs. In the United States, more than 100 million adults — about 1 in 3 — are obese. Dropping even 5% of one’s weight can bring health benefits, such as improved energy, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but it often doesn’t satisfy patients who are focused on weight loss, Bays said. Bays said Wegovy’s most common side effects were nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Those usually subsided, but led about 5% of study participants to stop taking it. The drug also shouldn’t be given to people at risk for some cancers, because of a potential risk for certain thyroid tumors, the FDA said. Wegovy is a synthesized version of a gut hormone that curbs appetite. That’s a new strategy in treating obesity, physician Robert Kushner, a member of Novo Nordisk’s medical advisory board who heads Northwestern Medicine’s Center for Lifestyle Medicine, told the AP. Novo Nordisk said it also is developing a pill version that should start final patient studies later this year.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Nelly Y. Kazzaz, M.D.

Cardiologist says pandemic brought extra toll on women’s health, affecting their stress levels, mental health and weight Q: You wanted to speak about women’s health, particularly in the context of heart health and the pandemic. A: I’ve been a practicing cardiologist for 17 years now, but I have seen nothing similar to what we’ve seen in the last year. We’ve had daughters of aging parents, mothers of children who are staying home; we’ve had to take care of everyone else along with taking care of ourselves. So, we noticed the stress levels of a lot of women have increased significantly. Mental health has suffered. Unfortunately, this has led to a lot of ignoring of preventive care, follow-up appointments and treatment of chronic health problems. And that’s along with loss of jobs and health insurance, and the ability to afford doctors and preventive measures and medications. Q: Have you noticed a negative affect on heart health in your patients? A: So, the major issue that we noticed regarding cardiac health is the development of a lot of new bad habits that led to weight gain, decreased physical activity, increased alcohol intake and increased stress levels with bad sleeping habits. We’ve seen increased weight, blood pressure, blood sugars. Q: When you’re seeing a patient you haven’t been able to see in a year due to the pandemic, how do you catch both you and them up to date? A: One of the most important things in our line of work is to know patient numbers. So we concentrate on addressing changes in weight, blood pressure readings, we try to obtain a lipid profile to assess their cholesterol levels. Address their preventative care if possible, life-

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

style modification or initiation of treatment. Lately we’ve been making sure we’ve been spending extra time addressing the vaccine, and I do my best to create time to address people’s mental health and see how the last year treated them. I’ve had patients come because that’s the only human contact they’ve had. Q: Do you think enough attention has been paid to side effects of the pandemic: the social isolation, the loss of family and friends, the loss of jobs, the stress, etc. A: We always tell ourselves we have to practice gratitude, but we also have to allow ourselves to mourn the losses. We’ve lost a lot. We’ve lost loved ones, we’ve lost little things that bring us joy and help us enjoy life. Unfortunately, working from home has created easy access to the pantry and fridge. We’re sitting a lot more. I encourage my patients to get up, get dressed every day, to go for a walk when they have a break rather than snack. If there’s one thing we should have learned this year it’s that we’re strong and resilient and able to adapt to quite a bit. So hopefully we can use the coming time with the release of the restrictions to change and adapt in a positive way. Q: What can women do to make up for lost time? A: We have to remember how we missed all the things we took for granted and make sure we enjoy them. We cherish time with family, friends, lending a hand to a neighbor or elderly person in the neighborhood. We need to make sure we do a lot of self care without thinking of it as selfishness but rather understanding that you can’t pull anything out of an empty cup. So, we have to

Q: In terms of heart health, will most patients be able to correct any damage they’ve done this year? A: Absolutely. I always tell patients it’s not about the size. Increasing your heart rate 15 to 30 minutes five times a week is all it takes to increase your functional capacity and improve your cardiac health. We’re not requiring people to run marathons or compete in competitive sport. It’s about making better choices, avoiding mindless snacking and making sure they know their numbers. The best encouragement is knowing that your actions are having a positive effect on your blood pressure or cholesterol readings. I encourage my patients to set small goals, like losing half a pound a week. It’s a small, reasonable goal that adds up to 26 pounds a year if you stay on track. Q: Obesity is a big challenge even in normal years. Do extraordinary circumstances present an opportunity, or more of a challenge? A: One of the big things I talked to my patients about during the pandemic was obesity itself. It was a big risk factor for suffering more severe consequences from the virus. So, in a way that was a kind of encouragement to take obesity seriously if you were also taking the pandemic seriously. Despite the fact that we’ve mostly been concentrating on the people who developed bad habits, there were a significant number of people who developed better habits because they had more time to concentrate on their health and their cooking habits. So definitely the fear of the virus was a motivation to achieve healthier weights and blood pressure, both of which were risk factors for bad outcomes. At the beginning we gave people an excuse because we thought the world was ending, but right now we know that we made it through and we’re in a better place. Now it’s time to focus on the chronic problems and assuming we’re going to live a long, normal life. And that means returning our attention to the number one cause of death, which is cardiovascular disease.

Lifelines

Name: Nelly Y. Kazzaz, M.D. Position: Cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Health Hometown: Amman, Jordan Education: Jordan University Faculty of Medicine (1995) Afﬁliations: St. Joseph’s Health Organizations: American Medical Associates; American College of Physicians; American College of Cardiology Family: Husband, son (15) Hobbies: Ballroom dancing, horseback riding

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Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Living Alone Is No Laughing Matter — or Is It?

hen was the last time you laughed until your side hurt? Acted silly? Or felt like a kid again? If you are like me, it’s been a long time. Too long! The pandemic knocked the funny out of my funny bone. But happily, things are changing for the better. Life is opening up and there is plenty of fun to be had for everyone, including those who live alone. Sure, living solo can be serious business, what with all the chores and responsibilities that rest solely on our shoulders, but let’s not forget to laugh a little and enjoy ourselves along the way. “Why focus on fun?” you might ask. Because having fun, letting your hair down, and relaxing means letting go of your problems and worries for awhile. When that happens, you have time to “breathe” emotionally. When you are not occupied with troubling thoughts, your mind is free to wander, which can make room for new insights, understanding, and creativity. You may see things in a different light. And what might seem insurmountable at the moment (a Saturday night alone) can become more manageable. My life was no barrel of monkeys after my divorce. In fact, having fun was a low priority on my to-do list. I was busy trying to put my life back together as a single woman. Finding entertainment wasn’t among my goals. But then I took a trip that

changed everything. A couple of friends, determined to rescue me from my somber existence, coaxed me to join them on a road trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Warning everyone that I would be no fun to be with, I reluctantly squeezed into the backseat of the Volvo. We poked around the island for a few days and then found our way to one of its most charming harbor towns, Oak Bluffs. It’s a magical little place that is home to colorful, whimsical cottages. Oak Bluffs is also home to the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest platform carousel in America. I stood there admiring it, commenting on the warm patina of its bobbing horses and remarking on how much fun the kids were having. That’s when my friends elbowed me and said, “Oh, come on, let’s take a ride.” After complaining that I was just too old for that sort of thing, they ignored my protests and literally lifted me onto a bright yellow horse. It was so much fun! I loved it! I even grabbed for the brass ring, in hopes of winning a second free ride, but a fresh-faced 11-year-old beat me to it. His joy brought a smile to my heart. Riding that carousel made me giggle and laugh and feel like myself again. It felt foreign and unfamiliar. But more than that, it felt fabulous! I was reminded of how much better my life could be if I just got back on that horse and made having fun more of a priority.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

“My life was no barrel of monkeys after my divorce. In fact, having fun was a low priority on my to-do list. I was busy trying to put my life back together as a single woman. Finding entertainment wasn’t among my goals.” Back home, I started weaving fun and entertainment into my life. And I encourage you to do the same. Below are a few tips to help you tickle what may be a dormant funny bone: • Hang out with fun (and funny!) people. My sister Anne is the funniest person I know. Opportunities to be with her trump almost everything else on my calendar. We laugh, poke fun at each other, and otherwise just enjoy being together. When I’m with Anne, my cares drift away and life is good. So, take a look at the people you hang out with. While we all need supportive friends with whom we can sort through life’s difficulties, we also need some fun-loving souls. Be sure to connect with them on a regular basis. • Diversify your entertainment. While I love classical music performances and can’t resist a good documentary, those activities don’t invigorate my inner child nor make me chuckle. No, to have fun, I need to dance as if no one’s watching, enjoy a two-scoop ice cream cone, or watch – for the umpteenth time – the 1980 comedy “Airplane!” with Leslie Nielsen. When’s the last time you went bowling, rode a tandem bike, played board games with friends, blew bubbles, or went to a comedy club? There’s no time like the present! • See the humor around you. I’ve also discovered that we don’t have to manufacture our own amusement. It’s there for the taking, if we just

look around. Yesterday, I saw something funny happening right in front of my eyes. A dog was pacing back and forth in the back seat of the car ahead of me, sticking its head out the windows on each pass. It looked ridiculous! I could have observed this scene with indifference, but I decided to enjoy the moment and embrace its inherent humor. Do the same. Pause and enjoy the absurdity that surrounds us. • And ﬁnally, be silly and don’t take yourself too seriously. Oh, come on, you can do it! Let go, let loose. If this year has taught us anything, it has taught us that life is short, time is precious. Join your kids or grandkids on the playground and feel the wind on your face while you pump a swing higher and higher. There’s nothing like a little fun and a good laugh to brighten your day and lift your spirits, whether you live alone or not. So go for it. Grab for that brass ring. And enjoy the ride!

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite Voelckers to speak, visit www.aloneandcontent.com

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Is a Pandemic Baby Boom on the Way?

merica, get ready for a baby boom. That’s the likelihood anyway, according to a new forecast that suggests a drop in pregnancy and birth rates seen during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic is about to be reversed. “We expect a dramatic rebound soon,” said study lead author physician Molly Stout, maternal fetal medicine director at Michigan Medicine Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital, in Ann Arbor. “We’re already seeing signs of a summer baby surge,” Stout added. Using a modeling system based on Michigan Medicine data, her team found that pregnancies rose from 4,100 in 2017 to 4,620 in 2020. Between November 2020 and spring of 2021, though, they dropped by roughly 14%. The researchers attributed the drop to a downturn in conceptions associated with pandemic-related lockdowns that began in March 2020. Now, the modeling system suggests that over the summer and fall of 2021, there will be 10% to 15% more births than would normally be expected, according to the report published online June 3 in JAMA Network Open. While previous media reports have suggested a pandemic-linked

baby boom, they were mostly speculative and not based on data, Stout noted. “What we have shown here is that through modeling of pregnancies within a health care system, we can project birth rate increases and decreases associated with major societal shifts,” she said in a Michigan Medicine news release. Stout pointed out that major societal changes seem to inﬂuence reproductive choices, population growth and fertility rates. She cited the 1918 ﬂu pandemic, the Great Depression in 1929 and the recession of 2008 as examples. “Usually, we see the effects by modeling birth and death rates, only as the changes are occurring,” Stout said. “With this methodology, we can accurately project anticipated birth rates ahead of the actual changes.” Being able to predict upcoming birth trends may help health systems better plan for labor and delivery needs, she said. Experts suggest that the drop-off in pregnancies after pandemic-related lockdowns in March 2020 may owe to several factors. Among those are economic uncertainty; lack of child care or other support systems; the impact on working women; and postponement of reproductive and fertility care.

ONONDAGA, OSWEGO, CAYUGA & MADISON COUNTUIES A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 33,500 copies distributed throughout more than 1,000 high-traffic locations, including all Wegmans stores.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2021 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-342-1182 • Fax: 315-342-7776 • Email: editor@cnyhealth.com Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, George W. Chapman, Melissa Stefanec, Chris Motola, Eva Briggs (MD), Mary Beth Roach, Barbara Pierce • Advertising: Cassandra Lawson, Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Office Manager: Nancy Nitz

No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. The information in this publication is intended to complement—not to take the place of—the recommendations of your health provider. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen.

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My Turn

By Eva Briggs, MD

Welcome to Stinging Insect Season L ast month I attempted to combine two of my favorite hobbies, backpacking and geocaching. For those unfamiliar with the game, geocaching is a kind of a location-based treasure hunt. I was in Alabama with a friend. Unfortunately, as I searched for the geocache, I stuck my hand into a tree stump housing a nest of tiny ants. They swarmed over my hand. A batch of them stung me simultaneously. That was sufficient to make me quickly withdraw my hand. I abandoned the hunt. I’m not an entomologist, but my friend claims they were harvester ants. She informed me that when threatened, one ant emits chemical pheromones that incite its neighbors to sting in unison. At least the burning, stinging pain only lasted a few hours. An entomologist named Justin O. Schmidt spent his career studying stinging Hymenoptera, the insect group that includes wasps, bees, ants and sawﬂies. His interests

include the biochemistry of stings. He devised a pain scale, rating sting pain severity from one to four. Pain level one includes the sweat bee. He describes it as “light, ephemeral, almost fruity. A tiny spark has singed a single hair on your arm.” Pain level four, the highest level, would be the bullet ant. Its description is “pure, intense, brilliant pain… Like walking over ﬂaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail embedded in your heel.” Pondering those stings leads to the question: Why do insects have painful or poisonous things in the first place? Entomologists theorize that pain evolved first. Solitary insects could use painful stings to shock a predator into releasing the insect, enabling it to escape. A single insect does not provide enough of a reward for the predator to pursue it. So solitary insects did not need to use their metabolic energy to also produce toxic venom. But as insects evolved into large colonies, pain alone wasn’t enough.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Children?

he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have recently expanded the emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to adolescents aged 12–15. Pediatrician Lorna Fitzpatrick, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield vice president of medical affairs, discusses vaccine. Q: Children are unlikely to have a severe case of COVID-19. Why should they get vaccinated? A. Although most children will Page 8

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not get seriously ill from COVID-19, transmission and serious cases still happen. About one in five new cases of COVID-19 are in children. As activities outside the home resume, that number could rise even higher. Socialization is important for a child’s mental and social health. We want to reintroduce socialization as safely as possible. Q: Will children have different side effects than adults? Should they stay home from school after getting the vaccine? A. Children have had similar

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

‘Stay calm if a stinging insect is ﬂying around because swatting may provoke it to sting. But if you are attacked by several stinging insects at once, run away. Go indoors if possible.’ The predator could drop the stinging individual and attack its associates. These social insects required something stronger, something poisonous, to deter predators and protect the entire colony. This led to the evolution of venom. The main bee venom toxin melittin damages both red and white blood cells. Another common toxin, apamin, affects nerves. A third common toxin, MCD peptide, destroys mast calls, a type of immune cell. Injured mast cells release chemicals causing inﬂammation, sometimes to the point of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a dangerous allergic reaction whose symptoms include hives, trouble breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, and intestinal distress. Fortunately, not every bee, wasp or ant is venomous. Recently I spent the night camping in a wooden leanto that was home to many carpenter bees. These large bees make individual nests by boring into wood. Even though they are large and imposing-looking, they don’t sting or

side effects as adults, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, fever and some aches and pains. Your child does not need to stay home after being vaccinated and can continue with their regular activities. But, if they don’t feel well or have a fever after the vaccine, it’s a good idea to let them stay home and rest. Q: Should a parent be concerned about the vaccine affecting their child’s growth or development? A. There is no indication that the COVID-19 vaccine will interfere with a child’s growth and development. Q: What if a child has allergies? A. Currently, the recommendation is that the vaccine should not be given to anyone who has a history of severe or immediate allergic reactions to vaccines. If your child is allergic to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine, they should not get it. Reach out to your child’s doctor for guidance. Q: As a mother, are you comfortable with your children getting vaccinated? A. I am. Each parent should make decisions for their own child. I researched the information, relied on experts, and made the decision that

bother people. Hymenoptera perform many important ecological functions. They pollinate plants and prey on other potentially troublesome insects. The CDC website lists several measures for avoiding insect stings. Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing. Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos and deodorants. Allegedly, stinging insects are particularly attracted to the scent of bananas so these should be avoided outdoors. Stay calm if a stinging insect is ﬂying around because swatting may provoke it to sting. But if you are attacked by several stinging insects at once, run away. Go indoors if possible. Don’t jump into the water because some insects hover above the water and continue to sting when you come up for air. If a bee enters your car, don’t panic. Stop the car slowly and open all the windows. People allergic to insects should carry epinephrine and wear a medical alert bracelet. If you are stung, wash the area with soap and water. Don’t squeeze the stinger or use tweezers. This can release more venom. Remove the stinger by wiping the area with gauze or scraping with a credit card. Apply ice to reduce swelling. If someone develops a severe allergic reaction, use their EpiPen if available, and call 911 for transport to an emergency room.

Eva Briggs is a retired medical doctor who practiced in Central New York for several decades. She lives in Marcellus.

all my children should get vaccinated, and they all are. Q: What would you say to a parent who is hesitant about vaccinating their child without having access to long-term Lorna Fitzpatrick studies? A. I would encourage them to reach out to their child’s doctor to ask specific questions and share their concerns. I also recommend they seek out reputable, fact-based resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your child’s doctor can help you sort through the information and make an informed decision. Q: Any update on vaccines for children younger than 12 years old? A. The vaccine is currently being studied in children as young as 6 months old. The hope is that it will be just as safe and effective as it is in children 12 and older and receive approval.

For Your Health 5K Kicks off Aug. 14 in Oswego By Steve Yablonski

Metro Fitness has partnered with the Syracuse Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs Department to offer a Wednesday yoga class at 7 a.m. at Clinton Square. This class will run from July 7 through 28 and is free of charge.

Yoga in the Parks There are plenty to choose from, each offering calming and restorative benefits as well as great views By Mary Beth Roach

oga is a relaxing and meditative form of exercise and the scenic locations for yoga programs in several area parks this summer only enhance the calming and restorative benefits that yoga provide. Along the shores of Oneida Lake, William Park is the site for two evening programs offered by the Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks and Recreation. Titled Sunset Yoga, the sessions will be held on Tuesdays, July 13 through Aug. 17, and Wednesdays, July 14 through Aug. 18, from 7 to 8 p.m. Fees for the six-week sessions are $60 for residents of the town of Cicero and $70 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required. There are no drop-ins or walk-ups. They allow for 20 participants for each session, according to Linda Adams, recreation program director for the Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks and Recreation, and those slots fill up quickly. She credits instructor, Allison Woznica, as one reason for the program’s popularity. She has built a following and people come back to her classes, Adams explained. Also, it’s a good stress-releaser, she added. “Pre-COVID, we needed ways to relax and reduce stress,” she said. “We still need ways to reduce stress and I think yoga is one of those programs that’s designed to help people to relax and recreate in a healthy way.” To pre-register for the yoga classes, visit cicero.recdesk.com and click on Programs/Events. From the dropdown menu, select Program Registration. The classes are in the Fitness category.

The Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation offers yoga programs at several parks in its system this summer, each one showcasing unique views of the Syracuse skyline in peaceful surroundings. Registration is done by the individual class instead of an entire session. This allows people to visit different parks in the system. “We’ve got such beautiful settings. I think people appreciate that. Classes have, over the years, introduced people to new parks or new sections of parks,” said Chris Abbott, recreation program director for the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs. Another advantage to these outdoor locations is the space they provide. Although the COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, there is enough area to have safe classes, he added. Early weekend risers can enjoy watching the sun rise over Syracuse as they practice yoga from the deck of the Burnet Park Golf Course Clubhouse. The yoga classes are offered on Saturdays at 7:15 a.m. through July 24. The easiest access point for the clubhouse is at the intersection of Avery Avenue, Salisbury Road and Whittier Avenue. The lily pond at Thornden Park is another placid spot for yoga. The program will be offered there on Sundays, from July 18 through Aug. 7, at 9 a.m. The pond is across from the well-known E.M. Mills Rose Garden at Thornden, with a small waterfall. The lily pond is immediately off the Ostrom Avenue entrance to Thornden Park, on the left-hand side; brick stairs lead up to the site. Another picturesque locale is at Onondaga Park, where yoga classes

will be held at the roundtop where the Mountain Goat Statue is located. These will be on Saturdays, from July 31 through August 28, at 9 a.m. From this spot, participants will be treated to a panoramic view of downtown Syracuse skyline, the Syracuse University area and the hills to the south of the city. The closest park entrance to the location is off Crossett Street. The programs at Burnet, Onondaga and Thornden Park are $3 per class and pre-registration is required. Registration is available per class by visiting Syracuse.recdesk.com, click on Programs. The yoga classes are listed at the end of the Fitness and Wellness Category. The website also has information on other wellness programs being offered. For those who enjoy a sunrise over a more urban setting, Metro Fitness has partnered with the Syracuse Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs Department to offer a Wednesday yoga class at 7 a.m. at Clinton Square. This class will run from July 7 through 28 and is free of charge. This is walk-up only. According to the Onondaga County Beaver Lake Nature Center website, the hatha yoga class being held outside the Visitor Center there this summer affords the opportunity to “connect ourselves with the beauty of nature all around is.” The class will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Fridays, July 9 through Aug. 6. There is a fee, and registration is required. For more information, visit: www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center or call 315- 638-2519.

July 2021 •

he Oswego Health Foundation will hold its sixth annual For Your Health 5K in August. It will be the third leg of the “Make It Happen 20K Series.” The event kicks off with a onemile kids’ fun run at 8 a.m. Then, the For Your Health 5K run/walk will start at 8:30 a.m. The course will be held at Oswego Health’s scenic Seneca Hill campus on Route 45A in Scriba. “Last year’s event raised more than $24,000,” said Michele Hourigan, director of business and community development for Oswego Health Foundation. “It was virtual last year, due to COVID. We had 134 participants, which was amazing considering the circumstances.” Prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded in each group. “We have had up to 215 participants in years past,” Hourigan said. “If you do just one run, it doesn’t count (for the overall ‘Make It Happen 20K Series’).” Registration is now open, visit: www.raceroster.com to register. Also, the T-shirt and sponsorship deadline is July 23. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is the presenting sponsor and Exelon is the kids’ fun run sponsor this year. “We are very thankful for the sponsors, participants and volunteers who made this possible. As a nonprofit healthcare system, we rely on events like these to support the healthcare needs and initiatives here in our very own community,” Hourigan said. The For Your Health 5K is part of the Make It Happen 20K Series. The fourth annual Make It Happen 20K Series started earlier this year. It combines the 5K races of the Oswego County Autism Task Force, Oswego Little League, Oswego Health Foundation and the Buc Boosters, into one 20K series. The series includes both a runners and walkers prize categories at the conclusion of the four events. The first part of the series, the Out Run Autism 5K, was held on May 1. It will be followed by the Oswego Little League 5K on June 20. The Oswego Health Foundation’s For Your Health 5K is scheduled for August 14. The Buc Booster Go BUCS 5K will wrap up the series on October 10. For the 20K series, participants will compete in all four individual events, with an overall race series winner. The overall winners in both running and walking categories will be based on age group divisions and race time results from all four events combined. For more information, contact the Oswego Health Foundation at 315-326-3788 or email: foundation@ oswegohealth.org.

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JULY 10 & 11 JOIN US FOR A WALK IN TULLY Folksmarch holds a non-competitive, fun for all ages event at various CNY locations on the 2nd weekend of each month. For more info and upcoming locations, find us on Facebook or visit our website! Folksmarch is a great way to get familiar with new parks and areas in CNY that you've never visited.

folksmarch

folksmarch.wordpress.com

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

2020 Leading Causes of Death (COVID-19 Doesn’t Top the List)

OVID-19 was the No. 3 cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. Early in the pandemic, naysayers believed COVID-19 would be no worse than the annual ﬂu which was the ninth leading cause of death. Here are the top 10. No. 1, heart disease, 690,882 deaths;

New CMS Administrator The Senate has confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as administrator of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS), which oversees the Medicare and Medicaid programs. She replaces Seema Verma. Brooks-LaSure previously was director of Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage policy with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Several industry trade associations, including the Association of Health Insurance Plans and some physician groups, lauded her confirmation.

Pharmacy Fraud: 300% Increase Last year’s pandemic and resultant chaos provided some shifty pharmacies with an opportunity to scam unsuspecting consumers and their insurers. One national pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) found fraudulent claims submitted by participating pharmacies increased 300% in 2020 from 2019. The average audited recovery in 2020 increased 70% from 2019. The fraud was concentrated almost entirely in independent pharmacies versus pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens. Scheming pharmacies would hire telemarketers to call consumers to inquire about any pain or symptoms they may be experiencing. The unsuspecting conPage 10

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2, cancer, 598,532; 3, COVID-19, 345,323; 4, accidents, 192,176; 5, stroke, 159,050; 6, respiratory disease, 151.637; 7, Alzheimer’s, 133,382; 8, diabetes, 101,106; 9, ﬂu/pneumonia, 53,495; 10, kidney disease, 52,260. Experts believe deaths from COVID-19 are underreported.

sumer would provide their insurance information. The pharmacy would then bill the insurance company for unwanted or unnecessary items such as topical pain creams, expensive vitamins, migraine therapies, etc. Often, the pharmacy would supply the consumer with a generic drug, but then bill the insurance company for a more expensive brand name. This would increase the consumer’s out of pocket cost considerably. 112 pharmacies were fired from the PBM’s network.

2022 Healthcare Budget Here are some of the major healthcare-related priorities being proposed by President Biden for fiscal 2022. 1. Increase Health and Human Services budget by 23%. HHS services include aging, alcohol and drugs, emergency medical services, disabilities, mental health, children and families and public health. 2. Make permanent the rule that those buying coverage on the exchange don’t have to pay more than 8.5% of household income on insurance if their income is above 400% of federal poverty guidelines. 3. Provide $400 million in grants for proposals to expand telehealth and electronic records into rural areas and to integrate the electronic records of rural veterans with private providers and the VA. 4. Expand rural maternity and obstetric management

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

strategies by placing early childhood and development experts in pediatric offices serving high percentages of Medicaid patients.

Drug Prices As frequently reported here (ad nauseam), there are virtually no controls on drug prices. Biden is proposing to merely allow CMS to negotiate prices, (versus set prices like it does for physicians and hospitals), and have Medicare and Medicaid pay for some highly expensive drugs. The federal government negotiates prices on practically everything it buys, except drugs. The potential savings from the list of expensive drugs could be $50 billion a year for each of the next 10 years — or a total of half a trillion dollars. It would easily pay for all of the aforementioned priorities in Biden’s budget and more. But all of this depends on enough members of Congress to stand up to the ubiquitous and powerful drug lobby. Recent senate hearings have exposed the fact that Big Pharma spends far more enriching themselves on stock buy backs than on research and development. The drug industry as always argued it needs high profits to support research and development. The top 15 CEOs earned a combined $470 million in salary. The top three are: Len Schliefer of Regeneron, $135 million; Stan Erck of Novavax, $48 million; and Alex Gorky of J&J, $30 million.

Telehealth Bill The pandemic will be credited with expanding the use and acceptance of telehealth by providers, consumers and payers. However, some telehealth services were in jeopardy of being terminated by CMS, (no longer paid for), once we were clear of COVID-19. The most important of these temporary services was audio only (by phone) telehealth. A bipartisan and bicameral bill allowing CMS to pay for phone-only telehealth, permanently, is sure to be signed into law shortly. Geographic and originating site restrictions (like calls from the patient’s home to their provider) would be removed. Medicare Advan-

tage plans currently require a video call but that restriction would be removed as well. Prior to the pandemic, the vast majority of providers and payers were highly skeptical of the efficacy and cost benefit of telehealth and its acceptance was slow to say the least. Interestingly, the majority of commercial payers expect they will not raise premiums due to the pandemic or telehealth. One third report they will adjust benefits, primarily for telehealth and mental health.

Care Delayed If you have experienced a delay in the care or services ordered by your provider lately, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association found that 80% of medical groups report a dramatic increase in the number of services, procedures, therapies and drugs that require a prior authorization or approval by the patient’s insurance company. This has resulted in more delays and outright denials of care. Medical groups have added staff just to stay on top and track hundreds of prior authorizations. Fortunately, Congress is well aware of this costly and potentially dangerous practice. A bipartisan bill called “Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act” requires Medicare Advantage plans to adopt electronic prior authorization and several other reforms to speed the process up. Several studies in the past have demonstrated that the added costs associated with prior authorization, for both providers and insurers, often exceeds any savings in unnecessary care. George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Crouse Opens New Addiction Treatment Center

Bill and Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center at Crouse Health opens new door to addiction treatment in CNY

ince 1963, Crouse Health has been helping individuals and families take back their lives and experience a fresh start, free from drugs and alcohol. Following a year of construction, Crouse is now ready to welcome patients to the new Bill and Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center in Syracuse. The two-story, 42,000 squarefoot facility, located at 2775 Erie Blvd. E., replaces the 100-year-old former location of Crouse’s outpatient treatment services at 410 South Crouse Ave., which the program had outgrown. Recognizing Crouse’s longtime leadership role in addiction treatment, the New York State Department of Health and Empire State Development Corporation awarded Crouse $17 million to fund the purchase of the land and construction. Local individuals and foundations have also made donations to assist Crouse in growing some of the unique offerings and activities that are hallmarks of its addiction treatment programs. The new location will allow Crouse to expand the integration of medical services, including primary care, with a holistic, uplifting healing environment that will lead to improved treatment and recovery outcomes for patients. “One of our main goals with the new location was to expand access to services and increase outpatient capacity in a welcoming, safe and nurturing environment,” says physician Tolani Ajagbe, medical director for Crouse’s Addiction Treatment Services, adding that the increased square footage will enable Crouse to provide treatment and recovery services for an additional 300-plus patients annually. “The move to this state-of-the art treatment center represents an important milestone in the history of Crouse’s Addiction Treatment Services,” says Monika Taylor, director of addiction treatment services. “We

Addiction Treatment Center (ATS) building ribbon cutting ceremony on June 16. Left to right: patient Doug Collins; ATS Director Monika Taylor; COO/ CMO Seth Kronenberg; Paula Miller, executive director, William G. Pomeroy Foundation; Sandra Pomeroy, vice chairwoman, Crouse Health Foundation board of trustees; CEO Kimberly Boynton; Bill Pomeroy; Crouse Health Board Chairman Patrick Mannion; ATS Medical Director Tolani Ajagbe, MD; patient Mary Miner. are excited to support individuals on their recovery journey in such a healing, uplifting environment.” Crouse has seen a significant increase in overall outpatient admissions over the past five years, driven largely by the increase in opiate use disorders; in 2020, this accounted for 53% of all Crouse ATS admissions. “With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of overdoses has increased significantly across the U.S. and here in Central New York,” says Ajagbe. Included in the facility design is a recreation therapy courtyard, staff courtyard, expanded and separate men’s and women’s rehabilitation areas, medical suite, meditation room and staff multi-purpose rooms, all interactive and smartboard equipped. The building also includes a Life Skills Lab, used to teach meal preparation, laundry tasks, and employability skills to provide participants with the tools to navigate life in recovery. The main areas of the building are oriented around a plant-filled

central courtyard, which provides daylight and a calming environment for patients and staff to reﬂect on. A number of features in the new location evolved from a series of focus groups held with patients and staff members during the planning process, including design of the courtyard and artwork for the public spaces. Highlighting the importance of the project to the community and region, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation has made a special donation in support of the new addiction treatment services facility. This generous gift will name the building and create a dedicated endowment within the Crouse Health Foundation to permanently provide support for the unique offerings and activities that are hallmarks of Crouse’s program. “For nearly 60 years, Crouse has worked to remove the stigma of addiction and provide personalized treatment,” said trustee Bill Pomeroy. “We are proud to support this important program, with the deepest July 2021 •

respect for the courage and commitment of all its patients and staff.” Reﬂecting its expertise and history as a regional treatment provider, Crouse continues to serve as a major academic rotation site in the fields of addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry, providing hands-on experience for medical students, residents and fellows who come through on a monthly rotation from SUNY Upstate Medical University. The program also attracts physician assistant interns from Le Moyne College and Kings College, in Pennsylvania, as well as social work interns from Syracuse University and other local and regional institutions. “We have a highly-regarded training program in addiction treatment services education, but have not been able to expand this essential service due to space limitations of the 410 facility,” says Ajagbe. The expanded Pomeroy location will allow Crouse to significantly increase the number of providers trained in the fields of addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry, allowing Crouse to better serve the community and beyond, adds Ajagbe. “We’re looking forward to working with our community partners to expand the training program and generate more interest in these two growing fields.” Says Crouse CEO Kimberly Boynton: “With the opening of the Bill and Sandra Pomeroy Treatment Center, we remain committed to our mission to expand access to care and ensure delivery of high-quality, holistic addiction and mental health services in our community,” says Boynton. Crouse’s outpatient programs serve patients from 23 counties in New York State, with the majority coming from Onondaga, Madison, Oneida, Cayuga, Oswego and Jefferson counties. In 2020, the service logged more than 151,000 patient visits.

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Sunscreen Vital For Skin Health Taking steps to protect your skin from the sun is important By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he benefits of wearing sunscreen have been known for three decades. The sun is a major cause of skin cancer and signs of aging, which sunscreen can help prevent. But many people do not bother applying it regularly. They may slather it on for a day at the beach or amusement park to avoid a painful sunburn, but not more often than that. Ramsey Farah, dermatologist with Farah Dermatology in Syracuse, Watertown, Camillus and Fulton, spends much time talking with patients about making sunscreen part of their daily skincare routine. For maximum effectiveness, sunscreen must be applied correctly. “If there is an area of skin that’s being covered with sunscreen, you

need to apply it until there is some shininess, which will be absorbed in as it dries,” Farah said. “That’s a good rule that you’re applying enough. You want that initial sheen and that will be enough to know you’ve applied enough.” Cosmetic products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide a physical barrier, which Farah said is effective and a good choice for people concerned about absorbing chemicals through the skin. “To some extent, it may last longer,” he said of physical sunscreens. “There will be some absorption and some smearing off with day-to-day activities.” He reminds patients to apply sunscreen on the commonly missed areas: ears, neck, top of the hands

Employment Opportunities

and feet. Coat the lips with SPF lip balm. “We certainly see skin cancers in those locations,” Farah said. “The single most important determinant as to whether you’ll get skin cancer is the amount of ultraviolet sun exposure you get over a lifetime. It is safe to say that the more sun you get, the more types of common skin cancers you get. Sunscreens are the best thing we have to minimize exposure.” Many cosmetics and moisturizers contain SPF, which makes it easier to protect the skin for those who wear makeup. Daily application is recommended by Ryan McCarthy, nurse practitioner, owner of The Skin Suite, a medical spa in Syracuse and New Hartford. “Throughout the day, people are exposed to UV rays in their car, walking their dog, taking their kids to the park,” he said. “Consistent use helps prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging. “There are a lot of nice sunscreens that are mineral-based so they don’t smell like chemicals. They’re tinted and serve multiple purposes: makeup primer, moisture and SPF. We have guys coming in. We have a private label that I use every day. It has a matte finish so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing anything.” Women who wear makeup may not want to reapply sunscreen midday. However, applying SPF powder can offer some protection. In addition, physical barriers like SPF rated clothing, wide-brimmed hats and limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the rays are more intense can help prevent sun damage. “Make sure you use a water-resistant SPF while swimming,” McCarthy said. “Reapply every two hours and after towel drying.” Rash guard style swimsuits also offer coverage and most are rated with SPF.

Sunscreen is For Everybody People of color often overlook sunscreen, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey of 2,007 people. The survey responses revealed that 61% of blacks and 23% of Hispanics said they never wear sunscreen. While it is true that skin containing more melanin is less prone to sun damage than lighter skin, it’s not a free pass to skip sunscreen. Darker skin can still suffer the effects of sun-induced damage, including sunburn, lines, wrinkles, spots and skin cancer. “People of color can get skin cancers and can get very bad skin cancers, including melanoma on the bottoms of their feet,” Dermatologist Emily Lambert at Geneva General Hospital, said. Considering how few ads for sunscreen include people of color, some may not bother with sunscreen because they do not think the products are meant for them. Advertisers may feel that showing people with darker skin tones may cause people to mistake their natural skin tone for a suntan—the exact opposite effect of what their products are meant to do. Nonetheless, the unspoken, incorrect message is that only people with light skin tone need sunscreen. Another factor is the small selection of cosmetics that match darker skin tones. When it’s hard enough to find the right shade of tinted moisturizer or foundation, why worry about whether or not it contains SPF? Lighter skin tones have a much broader selection of products that are more widely available.

Advertising Sales Executive—Part Time In Good Health: CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper is published by Local News, Inc., a small publishing company several magazines and newspapers in Upstate New York. We are hiring a responsible, upbeat, articulate sales person to sell print and digital ads for In Good Health and 55 Plus Magazine. Previous experience in ad sales preferred but will consider any strong sales background. The job is based in Oswego. Compensation is based on a weekly salary plus commission. View the papers online: www.cnyhealth.com and www.cny55.com. Send resumes to editor@cnyhealth.com

Drivers Wanted: 1–2 Days In Good Health: CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper is hiring a driver to distribute copies of In Good Health Newspaper and 55 Plus Magazine to high-trafﬁc locations in Madison County. Great for active retirees or athome moms in need of some extra cash. Not a regular job. Work only a couple of days biweekly, during ofﬁce hours (9 to 5). Compensation: $12.50/h plus 30 cents per mile. It amounts to about $200 per month. No heavy lifting required. Drivers are required to have a dependable vehicle, be courteous and reliable. We audit all areas of distribution.

Call 315-342-1182 for more information. Page 12

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

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July 2021 •

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SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating Nutritious Great Northern Beans Make Delicious Baked Beans

ver eat something without giving a wit about its nutritional chops? Say, a yummy side that accompanies your main course like no other? Baked beans has always been that side for me. Come summer, it’s all I ever want with whatever’s on the grill. For years, I never thought much about baked beans, other than that they slipped out of a can and tasted delicious! But once I inspected the can’s nutrition label, I realized that while canned baked beans indeed feature some important nutrients, some of the other ingredients — sugar, salt, additives — make them less nutritious and more caloric than they need to be. So I started making my own baked beans with canned Great Northern white beans, a popular bean that’s nearly identical to the hard-to-find canned pea (aka navy bean) that’s traditionally used to make this dish. Like most beans, Great Northerns are your heart’s best friend. They’re chock full of cholesterol-lowering fiber; they’re super rich in folate, a B vitamin that lowers levels of an amino acid associated with greater risk of heart disease and stroke; they’re low in fat and calories (only 200 calories per cup); and

they’re loaded with heart-protecting antioxidants. For vegetarians and those trying to reduce their intake of meat, Great Northerns are an excellent source of low-fat, plant-based protein (about 15 grams per cup), a nutrient we need to build up, keep up, and replace tissues in our body. Although the protein in this versatile bean is incomplete, it can easily be combined with other foods, such as pasta, rice or grains, to yield a complete protein. Despite its small size, this tasty legume boasts a whopping 13 grams of fiber per cup: 50% of our daily needs. Because Great Northerns contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, we reap multiple benefits: improved digestion and elimination, lowered cholesterol and blood-glucose levels, and greater satiety for better weight management. In fact, according to a study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition,” people who eat beans are less likely to be obese and more likely to have a smaller waist and lower body weight than people who don’t eat beans. Lastly, this nutritious bean is an impressive source of manganese, phosphorous, and iron—essential minerals that support brain and nerve functions, bone and teeth health, and energy production, respectively.

Healthier Baked Beans Serves 6-8

1 tablespoon olive oil ½ onion, diced (about 1 cup) 1 cup tomato sauce 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon Kosher salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 2 15-ounce cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking pan. Heat olive oil on medium heat in large skillet. Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent. Turn off the heat and add tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Stir well, and then gently mix in beans, adding more sauce if preferred. Pour into prepared baking pan and cover with foil. Bake the beans for about 25 minutes and serve. Note: If using dried beans, about 1½ cups will yield the approximate canned amount.

NYCC Becomes Northeast College Of Health Sciences

ong recognized as a leading institution for the education of healthcare professionals, New York Chiropractic College has announced that it will now be known as Northeast College of Health Sciences. The new name was chosen to best reﬂect the transforming scope of educational opportunities offered at the college and to support the evolving range of growing healthcare professions. “Today we proudly proclaim Northeast College of Health Sciences as our new name, one that strongly reﬂects our interprofessional nature and our position as innovators in healthcare education,” said Northeast College President Michael Mestan. Changing the college’s name has long been discussed. The charge to do so was formally addressed in the NYCC BLUEprint Strategic Plan 2018-2021, and in June 2019 the college’s board of trustees voted unanimously for a name change. Though the process was put on a short hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college was granted authorization for the new name by New York state in June.

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Class at New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls. The college has recently been renamed Northeast College of Health Sciences. The new name reﬂects Northeast to its strong foundation of chiroCollege of Health Sciences’ focus on practic and plans to move forward connecting students from a variety with both growth in its doctor of of academic backgrounds to a robust chiropractic program as well as the range of integrated healthcare prodevelopment of diverse new acagrams. The change also signals a new demic programs to support in-dechapter for Northeast to create even mand career paths. President Mestan more space for new collaborations noted, “As we continue to prepare and opportunities advancing healthour students to be leaders in an care education. ever-more diverse variety of healthThe college remains committed care disciplines, it is fitting that our

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

Helpful tips Look for canned beans labeled “Low Salt” or “Low Sodium” and thoroughly drain and rinse before using. Nutrition-wise, canned beans and dried beans are about equal. Cooked beans, whether prepared from the dried state or retrieved from a can, can be covered and chilled for up to 5 days.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

nist, 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.

strong history of academic excellence in chiropractic will remain as our college’s core.”

Always Progressing Throughout its more than 100 years of existence, the college has always been an organization that embraces change. The original name of the college was Columbia Institute of Chiropractic (CIC), founded by Frank Dean in a brownstone in New York City in 1919. In the 1970s CIC became New York Chiropractic College (NYCC), moving to Long Island and receiving accreditation of its doctor of chiropractic program from the Council on Chiropractic Education. The college moved to its third location in Seneca Falls in 1991, expanding onto a 286-acre campus with space for new facilities including an extensive library, athletic center and residence halls. Yet another academic expansion, in the early 2000s, resulted in the addition of graduate degrees in disciplines including applied clinical nutrition and human anatomy and physiology instruction. Northeast College recently saw a strong spring 2021 doctor of chiropractic program enrollment, seating the largest incoming spring cohort since 2018. The college has a significant impact on its region’s economic health, employing about 600 people and contributing an estimated $65 million to the state’s economy in 2019, according to the college.

OMEN'S HEALTH

Living with Chronic Conditions? Program at Upstate May Help Evidence-based programs at Upstate help patients manage their pain and chronic conditions By Mary Beth Roach

omen suffer chronic pain more than men. This is according to reports that have been cited in a variety of sources, including Women’s Health, Psychology Today and the Cleveland Clinic. Those living with chronic health conditions not only contend with the physical pain, but they often experience emotional distress that can impact relationships. Research suggests that a combination of biological, psychological and social factors lead

to women experiencing chronic pain more frequently, more and for longer durations. But Upstate University Medical offers several programs, called living healthy with a chronic condition, designed to help any Onondaga County resident, male or female, older than 18, manage their pain and chronic conditions, according to Lisa Vigliotti-Bane, coordinator of evidence-based programs at Upstate. The programs include chronic disease self-management, peer

Home Pregnancy Tests: When and How The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care By Barbara Pierce

hink you might be pregnant? Even when you’re using the best birth control methods, there’s always some chance of getting pregnant. When in doubt, test! It’s as easy as taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test at home. Some tests can accurately detect a pregnancy days before a missed period. HPTs are inexpensive, private and easy to use. Most drugstores sell them over the counter. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most tests are 99% effective if taken after a missed period. Simply open the test, follow the instructions and view the results. The tests check your urine for a hormone called hCG. hCG is present only if you’re pregnant. It is released only after a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus or to your uterine lining. Levels of hCG are low at the beginning of a pregnancy, so the longer you wait to test, the more accurate the result. With most tests, you place the end of a dipstick in your urine stream or dip it in a container of collected urine. A few minutes later, the dipstick reveals the result.

Your result will be displayed by one of these methods: a plus or minus symbol, (plus if you’re pregnant, minus if you’re not), lines, a change in color, or, for some tests, the words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” If the line or symbol doesn’t appear, the test isn’t working properly. Try another. Some tests are more sensitive than others, as the amount of hCG needed to be detected in the urine to produce a positive test result is lower. Several websites discuss the pros and cons of each brand of test; this is helpful if you’ve never tested before. Always check the test’s expiration date and read the instructions carefully before beginning.

When should I take a home pregnancy test? Timing is very important when it comes to getting an accurate result. If you don’t want to wait until you’ve missed your period, you should wait at least one to two weeks after you had intercourse. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of hCG.

support for adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic pain self- management. They are free and peer-led. The curriculum was developed at Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Center. They are designed to serve as a complement to the healthcare being provided by a professional. Over the six-week duration of these classes, participants receive booklets and CDs that will teach them techniques on how to deal with the pain, make decisions and make action plans, how to get through the day without getting overwhelmed, how to prepare healthy meals and how to handle a range of emotions, Vigliotti-Bane explained. Another key tool in these workshops is teaching individuals how to communicate with family members and friends, doctors and providers. The classes are not only helpful to those suffering with chronic pain but to their caregivers as well. Participants with chronic pain usually have other chronic conditions also, and some with other chronic conditions may have pain as a secondary diagnosis, Vigliotti-Bane said. At the conclusion of the sessions, participants keep the booklet and the CD to use as reference as they move forward. Another program offered through this series is “Tai Chi for Arthritis,” a 16-week session on the ancient Chinese practice that mixes slow motions with deep breathing. These classes are based on those offered at the Tai Chi Institute for Health, founded by Paul Lam, a

world-renowned leader in the field of tai chi for health. Many experts agree that tai chi can benefit a person’s physical and mental well-being, improving coordination, ﬂexibility and stamina, while also relieving anxiety. The workshop teaches stepping movements, and helps to reduce the fear of falling, Vigliotti-Bane said. “Participants gain confidence because they’re learning exercises to help them build up their strength and balance,” she explained. Tai chi is also a great program for caregivers, she added. “It helps them to lessen their stress, to focus, to take time for themselves,” she pointed out. The classes are being offered in August, September and November. Those interested can register online at www.upstate.edu/hospital/ health/healthlink/living-healthy. php. They will be online, but when they resume in person, Vigliotti-Bane said, these workshops are held for various organizations, centers and sites throughout Onondaga County. Those organizations interested in holding a workshop either online or in-person, can email Vigliotti-Bane at Livinghealth@upstate.edu. The Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Programs and Tai Chi for Arthritis are made possible through a partnership with OASIS, Upstate Medical University, The Advocates for Upstate Medical University and the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services.

This typically takes seven to 12 days. The earlier you take the home pregnancy test, the harder it might be for the test to detect hCG and you could receive an inaccurate result. Experts recommend you take the test in the morning instead of at night. In the early days of pregnancy, when hCG levels are still building up, your morning urine will have the best chance of having sufficient hCG levels built up for an accurate test. If you take the test at night and it’s negative, you may want to take another in the morning to confirm that you’re not actually pregnant.

peat the test one week after a missed period, first thing in the morning, or ask your health care provider for a blood test. False negatives also happen if you check the test results too soon, or take the test at night.

How accurate are home pregnancy tests? Experts agree that HPTs can be 99% accurate when used correctly. Washington University School of Medicine online states: “Despite marketing claims that home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, research over the past decade has shown that up to 5% of them return false negatives. The most common mistake is to test for pregnancy too soon after the missed period.” The chances of a false-negative are much higher than those of a false-positive. Giving you a positive result when you are not actually pregnant is rare and happens only if you’ve recently been pregnant, are on fertility medications containing hCG, or have a rare medical condition. Giving you a negative result when you are actually pregnant does happens, very seldom, but it does happen. If you get a negative test but think you might be pregnant, repeat the test one week after your missed period. For the most accurate results, reJuly 2021 •

Pregnancy signs Could you be pregnant? Even before you miss a period, you might suspect that you’re pregnant. The most common early signs of pregnancy include: • Missed period: A week or more beyond the expected start date • Tender, swollen breasts • Nausea with or without vomiting • Increased urination • Sleepiness If you miss a period and notice some of the above signs or symptoms, take a HPT or see your health care provider.

If my test is positive? If your test is positive, make an appointment with your health care provider. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, with offices in Syracuse, offers pregnancy testing, said Jacquelyn Marrero, an officials with Planned Parenthood. “Our pregnancy tests are urine tests. We draw blood only if it’s medically needed or upon the patient’s request. “We offer a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services including pregnancy testing and options counseling.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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OMEN'S HEALTH

Youth Vaping Rates Decline

Physician Harminder Grewal, women’s health medical director for the Syracuse VA Medical Center, left, and social worker Hillary Cashier, women veterans program manager and maternity care coordinator at the Syracuse VA.

But one in five teens still uses e-cigs

lthough the number of teens who use e-cigarettes has dropped significantly, new research suggests that vaping rates are still too high. “This study underscores that flavored e-cigarettes, especially JUUL, have caused the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction in the U.S. and shows why the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] and other policymakers must act now to eliminate all flavored e-cigarettes,” said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. To get around bans on e-cigarettes sold to kids, there was a dramatic shift to fruity-flavored disposable e-cigarettes, such as Puff Bar, and pre-filled menthol cartridge products, which were left on the market by loopholes in U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, he said. “It’s alarming that over 7% of high school e-cigarette users wrote in Puff Bar as their usual brand, although it was not named in the survey,” Myers said. For the study, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed more than 14,500 middle and high school students about their use of e-cigarettes. In 2019, 27.5% of high school students and 10.5% of middle school students said they used e-cigarettes. In 2020, those numbers dropped to 20% of high school students and 5% of middle school students. The preferred brand of e-cigarettes was JUUL, which was used by 25% of high school vapers and 35% of middle school students. Most users got their e-cigarettes from a friend (57% of high school students and 59% of middle school students), reported the researchers, who were led by Teresa Wang, from the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. Flavored e-cigarettes were preferred by far among by both high school and middle school students (85% of high schoolers and 74% of middle schoolers). Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were the most popular, followed by mint-flavored e-cigarettes. Also, many students switched to disposable and refillable e-cigarettes, the researchers noted. “The evidence is clear that as long as any flavored e-cigarettes remain on the market, we will not end this youth epidemic,” Myers said. “The FDA must act to clear the market of all flavored e-cigarettes. And it should reject JUUL’s application to keep selling its products, given the unquestionable evidence that JUUL drove the youth e-cigarette epidemic and remains highly popular with kids.”

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Syracuse VA Offers Help at its Women’s Wellness Center With growing number of female veterans, VA center now serves 4,100 patients By Mary Beth Roach

s the number of female veterans continues to increase nationwide, the patient caseload and the programs offered at Women’s Wellness Center at the Syracuse VA Medical Center reﬂects that growth. According to a report released by the U.S. Census in June of 2020, 9% of the veterans were women; and it’s projected that that number will jump to 17% by 2040. Meanwhile, the Women’s Health Clinic, which opened in the 1980s, now serves approximately 4,100 patients. “We continue to steadily increase the number of female veterans using our services,” said social worker Hillary Cashier, women veterans program manager and maternity care coordinator at the Syracuse VA. In addition to the main Women’s Wellness Center in Syracuse, there are seven community-based outpatient clinics in Auburn, Binghamton, Massena, Oswego, Rome, Tompkins/ Cortland County and Watertown that all have designated women’s health providers. “Women want to partner with us with their care. They want to be involved, they want to have discussions, they want to be part of their healthcare planning. They connect with our providers,” Cashier said. The Women’s Wellness Center has a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach, with multiple specialties and patient-aligned care teams, said physician Harminder Grewal, women’s health medical director for the Syracuse VA Medical Center. The teams include a physician, nurses, a pharmacist, social worker, mental health provider, whole health coach, medical support assistant and a dietitian. In addition, the center offers gy-

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

necological and urological exams. “All of us can work together and manage the patient in a team format so we can meet their needs,” Grewal said. She further explained, the Women’s Wellness Center’s whole health system of care “incorporates patient empowerment and patient goal-setting.” “We don’t just support the medical concerns,” said Cashier. “We are taking care of the whole patient, not just the patient’s medical concerns.” “We have a pretty high percentage of women who have faced many physical and emotional traumas being in the service,” Grewal said. Women veterans have very high co-morbidity of chronic pain; rheumatological conditions and mental health concerns, such anxiety, depression and post-traumatic disorder, according to Grewal. The physical and mental health needs of female veterans sometimes vary in nature from their male counterparts and females who have not served in the military. With the whole health holistic approach, patients can receive personalized health coaching and health planning, patient empowerment, peer support, activities like yoga and qigong, aerobic activities, meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, whole body acupuncture, chiropractic, chronic pain management and biofeedback, Grewal said. The VA provides preventative care, including immunizations and cancer screenings (breast, cervical, colon and lung), osteoporosis screening and management. In addition to birth control, family planning and pre-conception counseling, the VA pays for maternity care services in the community for pregnant female patients. The maternity care coordi-

nator will assist the patient in finding a private healthcare provider in the area, and the costs are covered by the VA under the maternity care benefit. Currently, Grewal said they have 35 patients who are pregnant. The VA maternity care coordinator and VA team coordinate care, calling the mothers-to-be throughout the pregnancy, discussing available programs and services and providing pregnancy positioning pillows and back supports, if needed. The VA will pay for the first seven days of life, which usually includes the baby’s first pediatric visit and it can provide a lactation package and post-partum belts, if the new mothers are interested, Cashier said. New moms will also receive items to help with their newborns, including diapers, wipes, bottle bags, pacifiers and a new outfit. Many of these gifts are donated by community partners, such as the VFW auxiliaries and the gold star mothers. The VA Baby Shower and Expo, held in May of each year, is for VA-enrolled case-managed mothers in the maternity care program and provides them with helpful information, as well as networking opportunities with other veteran mothers. Also, new mothers will receive a maternity care resource guide. The center also offers other initiatives that go beyond the physical aspects of the female veterans’ health. A military sexual trauma support group is offered weekly, with meetings currently being held virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a new program, begun in April of this year, is called healthy, emotional and physical living support group for female veterans, female caregivers and female veteran partners. Other initiatives include a school supply project, a holiday gift program, the breast cancer survivorship program, virtual women veteran art group, the virtual healthy teaching kitchen, a Women’s Health Clinic whole foods plant-based cookbook, the International Women’s Day and Respect Expo and a resource library. With the number of female veterans on the rise, Cashier and Grewal said the Syracuse VA is committed to providing high-quality services and the Women’s Health Center leadership continually assess their programs, review feedback from participants and try to anticipate the increases, so they can provide the right number of providers. To receive these healthcare services, the female veterans need to be enrolled in the VA program. For more information on how to register or to learn more about the program, visit www.syracuse. va.gov/services/women or contact Cashier at Hillary.cashier@va.gov. or at 315-425-4400, ext. 53866.

OMEN'S HEALTH

Hottest Issues Affecting Women’s Health Lower your risks for the top health threats to women By Barbara Pierce

omen and men aren’t the same, especially when it comes to health. Some health issues affect women differently and are more common in women. To help you take full charge of your heath, we looked at the five issues of most concern to women: heart disease, breast cancer, depression and anxiety, autoimmune diseases, and gynecological and pregnancy issues. And we asked experts what women could do to lower their risks for these issues.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the top health condition threatening women. In the U.S., it causes one in every four deaths among women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Not only is it a killer, it disables many, many women. Symptoms of a heart attack can differ for women. Instead of crushing chest pain, the symptoms in a woman are easy to ignore, including chest discomfort with sweating, pain in arm, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, unexplained anxiety and nausea. You just need to stop doing a few things that may elevate your risk of heart disease or stroke, said physician Cynthia Jones of Utica, board member, American Heart Association. • Manage your blood pressure • Stop smoking • Get active • Control your cholesterol • Control your blood sugar • Eat better

Breast Cancer

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer over her lifetime. Your individual risk depends on several things: family history, pregnancy history, ethnicity and age.

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of death for women. There’s no sure way to prevent breast cancer. Kim McMahon, who until recently served as director of communications for the American Cancer Society, advises that you can lower your risk by changing the risk factors that are under your control. • Limit alcohol • Stop smoking • Lose weight if you are overweight • Get active • Avoid the use of hormones Whether you have risk factors or not, it’s important to get a mammogram. Screening can find the cancer before it causes symptoms (like a lump). When found early, it is easier to treat. Regular screenings are the most reliable way to find it early.

3.Depression and anxiety

Women are more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety. Depression is the most common mental health problem for women and suicide is a leading cause of death for women younger than 60. Depression ranges from mild to major. It causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how you feel, think and behave; you may have trouble doing normal activities, and sometimes feel life isn’t worth living. More than just a bout of the blues, you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Most people do improve with medication and therapy. Some of the risk factors for depression include family history, death or loss, past abuse, and personal turmoil. An anxiety disorder is more than ordinary worry; it is frequent excessive, persistent worry and fear about

everyday situations. It may involve episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety/terror that peak within minutes (panic attacks). Most of these mental health issues don’t go away on their own. A mental health specialist is a good place to begin. The Mobile Crisis Assessment Team is a local resource. “We’re here 24/7 for people who need a little support as well as those who are experiencing a serious mental health concern,” said Kristin Sauerbier, director. They can be reached at 315272-6228 or 844-732-6228. “There’s no charge for our services,” she added. “We’ll talk over the phone or come to where you are.” Referrals may be made to the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Crisis counselors are on-call 24/7 to speak with individuals or members of the community.

4.Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system attacks the body. More than 80 serious illnesses include fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis. Think of it an internal mutiny. Your immune system turns against

you. Joints, skin, eyes liver, pancreas, heart and other organs become vulnerable to attack. It is not known what causes the body to turn on itself. As 75% of patients are women, it is suspected that hormones may be behind the ramped up immune response. Family history and stress factors are also suspects. Autoimmune diseases are difficult to diagnose as symptoms vary widely. Common symptoms include achy muscles, fatigue, mild fever, joint pain, abdominal pain. To lower your risk, experts suggest eating less sugar and fat, lowering stress, losing weight, and stop smoking.

and 5.Gynecological pregnancy issues

Common gynecologic problems include heavy periods, abnormal bleeding, menstrual irregularities, urinary tract infections, pelvic pain, fibroids and endometriosis. Irregular cycles or painful monthly cramps can be common issues. Intervention methods relieve symptoms. Complications of pregnancy are rare. It is important to receive health care to decrease the risk of complications.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Parenting By Melissa Stefanec

MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

OMEN'S HEALTH Kendra Brown, membership and program director, left, and Naosha Hendrix, membership representative.

Raising Kids Who Give Back

t’s not all about me. It never was. However, I’m almost certain there was a time when I thought that way—a time when the only lens I saw the world through was my own. I didn’t always think about others and their experiences or obstacles. Once, I let snap judgments, prejudices and bad information consciously determine what I said and did. There were multiple things that would reshape my worldview. One of the most important was my choice to start volunteering. In my life, I’ve volunteered with a diverse group of organizations and each one changed who I was and who I would become. I owe a debt of gratitude to my civic engagement. When I set out on my parenting journey, I wasn’t sure of a lot. However, I was sure of a few things. One of those things was: I wanted my children to be engaged citizens. I hoped they would make this world a better place for everyone. To do that, they needed to be capable of empathy. But raising human beings to be empathetic is a tall order. Human beings are born in survival mode. Self-preservation is a matter of nature. Recognizing that societal advancements were gained through community action and combined efforts isn’t something most children can get their heads around. Thus, I knew I would have to start small. I would have to nurture little volunteers. So, almost as soon as they could walk steadily, my kids started volunteering. Finding the time to volunteer was a challenge. Finding age-appropriate activities was harder still. I made a few bad decisions, but I’ve managed to raise kids who see value in volunteer work. So, I wanted to share some tips for raising the next generation of civic-minded citizens. Tips for raising kids who give back to their communities: • Model the behavior Actions speak volumes. If your kids see you volunteering with enthusiasm and passion, they are more likely to want to join you. To make volunteering a family affair, find an organization that can support volunteers of all ages. To start, volunteer solo. Then, once you have the lay of the land, let your kids join you. Make it teachable (and tell both sides of the story). When you’re volunteering, you’re often faced with complex topics and situations. As a parent, take the opportunity to discuss these topics with your child (in an age-appropriate way). Young minds are often hungry to discuss grownup issues, so don’t be afraid to capitalize on the opportunity. • Use birthday gifts If you have reservations about volunteering your family’s time, consider using birthday parties as a way to give back. My kids have shared Page 18

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wish-lists for local animal shelters in lieu of receiving gifts. After the party, we have them make the big delivery. That way, they can take pride in their personal sacrifice and understand how good “doing good” feels. • Make kits This is a great project for young children or people who aren’t comfortable around strangers. When my kids were young, we made kits for people who were experiencing homelessness. I saved up hotel toiletries and looked for sales at stores to fill care packages. We then assembled the kits and gave them to people who needed them. Care kits work for a lot of different groups and organizations. • Make it fun (and purposeful) Whatever activity you participate in, make it fun. Give your kids challenges. Set goals. Make it a little competitive. Don’t be afraid to have fun during volunteer work. You know what your child enjoys, so look for ways to weave that into a volunteer opportunity. • Find their passions (and don’t expect them to align with yours). If you want your kids to be engaged, find activities that excite them. As a parent, that may mean dedicating time and energy to something you aren’t excited by. That’s OK. • Talk to them about the greater good. It’s important for your kids to understand how their actions make a very specific difference. Take the time to explain how their actions change the world. Tell them how much their time and effort matter. Make their impact tangible. Remark on their accomplishments. • Bring them separately. If you’re volunteering with multiple young children, you might want to bring them to volunteer activities separately. This will give you the opportunity to wrangle and redirect without losing your patience. It will also allow your child to be the center of your attention and undoubtedly make them feel special. • Broadcast your pride. Most kids want to make their parents proud. When your kids contribute to their community, praise them for it. Brag to other people about it. If there is one place a little bragging is OK, it has to be in this situation. Talk to your kids about how they felt after. Volunteering can stir up a lot of emotions. When we give back, we can find ourselves confronting some of society’s harshest realities. It’s important to talk to your kids about their feelings. You want to make sure your kids understand why you want them to help a specific group. Let them see the world as it is and ask them what they plan to do to change it for the better.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

New YMCA Northside Women’s Wellness Center Provides Fitness and More The goal is to improve the overall health of the community By Mary Beth Roach

he YMCA’s Northside Women’s Wellness Center, which opened this past January, is not only a fitness and health facility for female members on the Syracuse’s northside, but its creation represents a true collaborative and grassroots effort. The center is on the ground ﬂoor of a mixed-use building at 511 Butternut St., at North McBride Street, offering women a fitness space with circuit strength machines, cardio equipment and free weights, a locker room, a group exercise studio and a child-care area, which is expected to open soon. There is also a small parking lot on the side of the building. “It’s a comfortable place to come in the community,” said Kendra Brown, membership and program director at the center. Enhancing that comfort is the sitting area, furnished with tables and chairs, a fireplace and television, and the facility has wi-fi access. Currently, the center is offering yoga and dance-fit classes in the exercise studio and representatives from Planned Parenthood are there on Fridays to offer members and non-members assistance with STD testing, pregnancy testing and in setting up a primary care doctor, according to Brown. In addition to the fitness aspect, the Y plans to expand health services in partnership with local entities, but that expansion has been slow due to the pandemic, said Cheryl Pusztai, district vice president, City District, YMCA of Central New York. “We want to be able to use the site as a central location, a comfortable location to bring partners in that can provide exposure to health and wellness services,” she said. That sense of partnership is at the core of the center’s creation. Several years ago, St. Joseph’s Health, an anchor in the northside community, received a grant to address health needs in that part of Syracuse, which has a very diverse

community. They reached out to Northside UP, the Northside Urban Partnership, which focuses on improving the health and the economy of that area, M.S. Hall and Associates, a local healthcare consultant, and other neighborhood advocacy groups to assist in the endeavor. The partners put together a focus group and women from the community visited area Y facilities to use equipment and provide feedback as to what they’d like to see in their wellness center. It was at this point, the Y joined in on the initiative, Pusztai explained. “It was obvious early on that the best way to improve the overall community and the families was to address the health of the female in the household because the women are the determining factor of what happens in the home,” she said. The center is open to Y members, and it is offering a two-week trial period, so women interested in checking it out can visit the location, get a tour and use the facility for 14 days. For the Y, Pusztai explained, the Northside Center provides “another location that any YMCA female member from across the association can participate in, so it adds another value to our members. It also allows us to expand and provide services to the community that we were not previously directly serving, and it also us to expand our partnership to work with others to improve the overall health of the community.” For more information and/or to schedule a tour, visit https://ymcacny. org/locations/northside-womens-wellness-center or call the center at 315991-4300. Its hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. For information on joining and to see if you might quality for financial assistance, visit https://ymcacny.org/ membership.

OMEN'S HEALTH Cancer Diagnosis Spurs Founding Fundraising Group Since its inception, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer, started by cancer survivor AnnMarie Giannino, has raised $750,000 to fight caner By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

en years ago, AnnMarie Giannino had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Little could she imagine that after her year-long cancer treatment, she would found an organization that would raise more than $750,000 to donate to breast cancer charities. Giannino named her organization “Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer” based on her 4-year-old’s comment when learning of her diagnosis. “He said, ‘stupid, dumb breast cancer,’” Giannino recalled. “Those were swearwords around our house.” Her children are now ages 21, 18, 15 and 13. Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer promotes breast cancer awareness, early detection and advocacy for physical and—often overlooked during cancer treatment—mental health. Throughout her life, Giannino has survived numerous traumatic events: the loss of her mother as an infant, rape and drug abuse as a teen, severe depression, an eating disorder and suicide attempts from her teenaged years through adulthood. With the support of therapy and her family and friends, she finally made peace with her body and with her past. Then came breast cancer. Two years after she finished her cancer treatment, Giannino was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Because of her many difficulties in life, she fiercely advocates for patients’ physical and mental health. She began blogging while undergoing her treatments for cancer as catharsis and to keep her “large, nosey Italian family” up to date, she said. She has felt surprised that others have become interested in her writing, despite its spelling errors and occasional swear words. It’s likely the frankness with which she writes about her lumpectomy, double mastectomy, radiation and reconstructive

surgery. The reconstruction failed, resulting in reversal. She also developed lymphedema and numerous side effects after her treatments. All of these were emotionally and physically exhausting. In addition to writing, she wanted to fight back against cancer, both through helping other patients and by funding research. That’s how she started Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer. In 2012, a photographer friend, Genevieve Fridley of Fayetteville, volunteered to help her organize a fundraiser. Giannino had worked as an event planner and caterer, so the duo decided host a photo exhibit at Pascale’s Restaurant in Syracuse. They charged $10 a head. More than 600 people attended to nibble appetizers, sip drinks and view Fridley’s photography of Giannino’s breast cancer experience. “Many said they would’ve paid more,” Giannino said. “It showed the real side of breast cancer. Another friend said she had no idea what I was going through. The photos are graphic and raw. It’s not tied in a pretty pink ribbon.” She added that sharing personal photos such as of her surgical scars was hard for her. She also made sure that her sons felt comfortable with her decision to share those images. Giannino donated the money to a national organization, Stand Up to Cancer. She realized that she could host more events to raise money. She began to raise funds through more events for Angel Fund through Cancer Connects in East Syracuse to help patients directly, and METAvivor in Annapolis to provide money for research. Initially, Giannino hosted monthly events. However, that proved difficult to maintain. She now hosts a golf event at Pompey Golf Club and bunco at Trappers in Manila, which raises $25,000 and $10,000, respectively. She also receives general

AnnMarie Giannino of Fayetteville holding a sign. Photo courtesy of Genevieve Fridley Photography. donations from the community. This year’s golf event is scheduled for August. 8. In addition to her first-hand experience, Giannino raises funds for breast cancer organizations as a tribute to her paternal grandmother, who helped raise her. She had breast cancer when Giannino was young. “It left such an impression,” she said. “I remember touching her breast and playing with her prosthetic breast, which now cracks me up. When I was diagnosed, I realized the physical, mental and societal impact. Only 7% of federal funding goes to breast cancer research. One hundred-nineteen die every day of just breast cancer.” Among her organization’s goals is to raise more funding for research and to help support people who are undergoing treatments. “Cancer didn’t stop just because COVID started,” she said. “We all know cancer exists. We need to know what it does to people. And our research funding stinks. It’s embarrassing. I don’t understand why we aren’t giving more. Until it’s your mother, your uncle, your kid, we don’t pay attention to it.”

Though numerous friends help with her events, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer is a one-woman show. Part of her reason for going solo is that she wants to personally respond to every social media post. She believes that doing otherwise is unauthentic and disrespectful to the posters, who are often going through the worst time of their lives. “I want people to see that cancer does not discriminate,” Giannino said. “It doesn’t matter your age, ethnicity or financial situation. When it does hit, you don’t want to hear the ﬂuff. I’m not Willy Wonka. I won’t sugar coat anything. I hope Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer does a lot for our community. I want people to know it’s here. Cancer will suck no matter what, but you don’t have to be alone.” Giannino runs Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer part-time while working remotely as the director of community for Lyfebulb, a patient engagement platform and community manager for National Alliance on Mental Illness, a grassroots mental health organization, both in New York City.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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OMEN'S HEALTH • “Women need to know their numbers, if we don’t know our ideal weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, family history and our risk of developing heart disease.”

ffers CNY’s

Tips from Elissa Gibbs, postpartum doula in Baldwinsville • “For women who are new moms, some of the biggest issues are postpartum. In the US we have a big challenge of maternal health. Fifty-two percent of maternal deaths happen in the postpartum stage. Physical issues can occur within that first week that can go undiagnosed. Nineteen percent of those deaths occur within the first six days postpartum, from high blood pressure, bleeding and other issues related to delivery. The Commonwealth Fund’s study said in maternal deaths, the US led 11 of the other developed nations which took part in the Elissa Gibbs study. Why are these issues happening? We have big challenges as far as how this country handles postpartum care. Women need support for physical and emotional healing. Insurance doesn’t always cover postpartum support. The in-home pieces aren’t always there to pull them out of it. • “There’s a huge learning curve to becoming a mom. When you don’t have support in the home, it can be challenging. It’s not just depression and anxiety, there’s a spectrum of disorders. Some are ‘baby blues’ experienced by up to 80% of moms, up to serious ones like psychosis or bipolar disorder. There’s a lack of clear reporting of the numbers. We

most comfortable infusion solution. What Women Should Know to Live a Healthy Life By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n many ways, men and women have different health needs and issues. Area experts shared with us a few of the top issues women face. Tips from physician Nelly Kazzaz, cardiologist, St. Joseph’s Health • “Public education is most important to recognize that they need to allow professionals to make a diagnosis. Early medical care and recognition of these symptoms. Prevention continues to be the best type of treatment. • “From the cardiovascular point of view, women tend to have atypical symptoms and are less likely to be

viewed as cardiovascular. Unfortunately, that can lead to a higher death rate in women after the first 30 days after a heart attack. • “Avoid mindless snacking and increase physical activity. It doesn’t have to be in gyms. • “We have to make sure that we’re able to give ourselves self-care. We can’t pour from an empty cup. We need to provide women with the opportunity for good self-care. Meditation and quiet time are very important to improve our mental health. • “Women can also practice gratitude and establish healthy habits as we move towards new normal.

have a lot of stigma around mental health issues and a lot of women won’t discuss they’re going through something because they’re experiencing guilt. With the lack of reporting and treatment, if we talk about it, we can normalize it we can help them get help and support. If 10% of women have mood disorders postpartum, that’s 370,000 women. • “Stress is a big issue. We have women who are juggling working at home and their kids’ schedules. That has a lot of emotional and health issues. We’ve seen a huge number of women leave the job market because of this past year. That can have a significant impact on mental health. If we can focus on quality maternal care and having insurance cover home visits for new moms, that can be a significant help in saving lives because of these disorders.” Tips from Robert Berkley, doctor of physical therapy, Robert Berkley Physical Therapy, Oswego • “Women experience a lot of incontinence, especially after childbirth. They think it’s normal. Their mothers maybe would tinkle when they would cough or sneeze. If you strengthen those muscles, you won’t. It’s about strengthening the muscles of the pelvic ﬂoor. • “Pain during intercourse is another issue. We can strengthen the walls so it’s not painful. Let’s say you put in a tampon wrong or you’re riding a bike, those muscles can spasm. Then intercourse won’t be comfortable. Pain during the monthly cycle should not be there. Teaching those muscles to strengthen can prevent this pain. Women who have any procedure or childbirth should see a physical therapist. We have male and female physical therapists.”

Cancer Celebration Offers Free Tickets to Auburn Doubledays Baseball Game, Fireworks onally certified RNs with on-site doctors, pharmacists, NPs and PAs

e skill our cancer patients receive, the experts at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY now offer infusion sthma, anemia, lupus, multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis, among other conditions. Our Infusion Services ve:

pointment timessponsored at your choiceby of Hematology-Oncology three locations with free parking Event, Associates of CNY, xed environment with personal TVs,for freecancer headphones, recognition ceremony survivors, a fireworks display hments ematology-Oncology Assosuch an uplifting, post-pandemic ith robust COVID-19 precautions ciates of CNY (HOA) invites celebration that will honor cancer

the Central New York com-

includes a

survivors, as well as the re-vitalized

® to a Cancer Care Celebration munity Doubledays,” says Vinod g Tepezza treatments for thyroidAuburn eye disease.

call

with the Auburn Doubledays on Varki, a HOA Auburn physician. “We Thursday, July 22, as a thank-you to sorely missed hosting our cancer its patients and the city of Auburn for survivors day picnics and this event ustheir at long-standing 315-472-7504 or visit hoacny.com today! support. somewhat makes up for that, espeFree tickets to the event are cially since we are drawing patients available at hoacny.com or the HOA from several CNY counties.” Auburn office at 37 W. Garden St., Located at 130 Division St. in suite 301. Auburn, the Doubledays stadium In addition to the baseball game can seat 4,000 spectators, and offers against Elmira, the event will begin robust concessions. Following New with a recognition ceremony for York state COVID-19 safety regcancer survivors and end with a fireulations, unvaccinated guests are works display. required to wear masks. Gates for the Additional elements of the celeevent open at 6 p.m., and the game bration include: a gift for each cancer begins at 7:05 p.m. An event rain date survivor in attendance; a reusable is scheduled for Wednesday, July 28. shopping bag gift for the first 2,000 “I am looking forward to answerguests; an opportunity to meet the ing questions from the general public HOA Auburn staff; experts to help in such a relaxed setting, including you understand cancer genetics educating them about our newest screening and non-oncology infusion. non-oncology services - infusion “We are very excited to sponsor therapy for chronic medical condiPage 20

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

tions, and cancer genetics screening,” adds HOA Auburn physician Santosh Kumar. “I also can’t wait to see many of our patients outside the office at this event after being under COVID restrictions for more than a year. That’s another cause for celebration!” Established in 1982 with a vision to serve the community by providing the highest level of quality care to patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders, HOA provides the highest level of quality care in a healing environment for the mind, body and spirit. An important part of meeting the emotional needs of our patients

and their families, includes keeping care local. With medical offices in Auburn, East Syracuse and Onondaga Hill (Syracuse), plus a Wellness Center in Camillus, each clinical location features onsite full-service laboratories, pharmacies and state-of the –art infusion room, as well as social workers and registered dietitians. Overall, HOA cares for more than 4,000 new patients each year, and in Auburn the HOA team has provided more than 200,000 patient visits across Cayuga County since 2012.

OMEN'S HEALTH

Rheta West, owner of Blood Iron in Syracuse. She is certiﬁed in special strengths by Westside Barbell. A powerlifter for 13 years, she has set nine all-time world records and is considered one of the world’s strongest women.

Powerlifting Safe for Most Women The number of women competing in powerlifting events has doubled since 2015 By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

uys are not the only ones to enjoy heavy lifting. Women have infiltrated the previously male-dominated sport of powerlifting. According to Powerlifting Watch, a nationwide organization dedicated to the sport, the number of women competing in powerlifting competitions has doubled since 2015. Not included in those numbers are women who participate without competing. “More women are getting interested in powerlifting,” said Andy Venditti, owner of Syracuse Fitness Store in Syracuse, where he sells exercise equipment for the home and commercial spaces. “A lot of people interested will first go to a CrossFit facility or a gym that specializes in those lifts and movements. Once they become familiar with it, that’s when we see them come in to buy their own equipment.” Venditti also points to popular trends, such as extreme sports popularized on social media and sports channels. “Building muscles is the trend,” Venditti said. “Everyone’s challenging themselves more than ever and women say, ‘Why not me?’ And I agree.” Many women begin powerlifting after participating in workout regimens that involve moving heavy objects, such as CrossFit. But is powerlifting safe for women? The question is not as sexist as one might initially think. As one example, women have a wider Q-angle than men. Short for the “quadriceps angle,” the Q-angle is formed by two invisible lines. One goes from the anterior superior iliac spine—the area on the outer edge of the pelvis—to the center of

the patella, or kneecap. The other line of the angle goes from the tibial tubercle, a protrusion on the lower leg, through the center of the patella. The angle formed by the intersected lines is the Q-angle. Men’s Q-angle is usually around 13 degrees; women’s is usually 18 degrees. The force of lifting weights places—and many other activities—places more lateral force on the patella of women. “When you have a dramatic Q-angle, it will limit you as your knees won’t be able to handle the stress,” said Dale Buchberger at Active Physical Therapy Solutions in Auburn, a physical therapist, doctor of chiropractic, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. “The hip has a rotator cuff and if it gets weak, the Q-angle gets symptomatic. Women who have excessive Q-angle and maintain hip strength, the Q-angle is less of a problem.” He recommends a regimen of exercises to strengthen the hip rotator cuff to prevent issues for women in extreme sports, including running, martial arts and powerlifting. Each should be performed without rest and from a neutral leg position with the hip, knee and ankle in the same plane, parallel to the floor. The foot stays in a neutral position without the toes pointed: • Short lift — From neutral, lift approximately four inches, keeping knee straight and foot neutral. Return to neutral starting position. • Knee to chest — From neutral, flex hip and knee toward chest while keeping hip, knee, and foot parallel to the floor. Return to neutral starting position. • Tall lift — From neutral, lift

leg as high as possible while keeping knee straight and foot parallel to floor (do not let foot turn out or toes point to ceiling). Return to neutral position. • Bike — From neutral, flex hip and knee toward chest, then straighten knee and sweep leg back to beginning position. Continue to keep hip, knee, ankle parallel to floor throughout entire motion. • Circles — Point toes for this move. Keep knee straight and leg in neutral position. Make small circles in each direction. Motion should be coming from the hip, not ankle or knee. “The goal for most people is 2025 repetitions for each movement in a row,” Buchberger said. Despite the Q-angle, Buchberger said that many women in powerlifting perform well at the activity. To find a good trainer, Buchberger recommends looking for someone certified by a well-known organization and if possible, multiple disciplines. While some short courses are designed to offer additional training for people who are already certified, those that promise to make a weightlifting coach out of someone over a long weekend are dubious. They do not consider variations among people—even by gender—and can allow those training to become injured unnecessarily. Correct form is important to Rheta West, owner of Blood Iron in Syracuse. She is certified in special strengths by Westside Barbell. A powerlifter for 13 years, she has set nine all-time world records and is considered one of the world’s strongest women. “It’s still a man’s world as far as this sport goes,” she said. “I’ve been July 2021 •

through this and made the mistakes and I want to give women the right information so they can do what they want to do. I’m a very muscular woman and I like that.” She has noticed that women tend to be weaker in their upper body, making bench pressing more challenging. “Women can train and be almost as strong or stronger at squats, but at bench it does not matter,” West said. “They won’t be stronger than the average man at the bench. We don’t have the same muscle mass, but even with the same, we’re not as strong at bench presses.” She believes that women new to powerlifting should begin by working with an experienced powerlifter so they can learn the correct technique. Otherwise, “you get some people who don’t know what they’re talking about and misinformation can be spread,” she added. She encourages women powerlifters to not let plateaus and comparisons slow them down, as every powerlifter—both men and women—face these struggles. “You have to compare yourself to yourself,” West said. “You’ll always be able to improve. Continue to learn and seek out other people you can relate to. Look for women with a similar body type. Ask about their training. There are a lot of different variables and ways to train. Some can pull deeper from themselves than other people. Instead of comparing yourself to someone unrealistic, seek someone with the same body type who’s strong than you and try to learn from that person.”

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Post COVID-19 Life: Ways the Pandemic Has Affected Health

Some other health issues developed unnoticed during the pandemic By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

arious facets of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected health in a variety of ways that healthcare providers did not expect at its onset. While illnesses from coronavirus captured the world’s attention, other health issues developed unnoticed. One of the reasons is that routine and preventative care plummeted. “We’ve noticed increase in weight and lack of sleep,” said cardiologist Nelly Kazzaz with St. Joseph’s Health. “That leads indirectly to increase in the cholesterol and blood pressure numbers. We’ve noticed increase in cardiovascular events with increased stress.” Delayed routine care means that many people skipped regular physical examinations. All health screening visits ceased entirely for weeks. Some patients skimped on care for chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension. Even after the quarantine was lifted, many patients feared visiting the hospital or doctor’s office. These delays have jammed office schedules full as providers have sought to catch up. “That led to decreased preventive care, including, mammograms

and routine physical for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar,” Kazzaz said. “Those numbers are extremely important for preventing cardiovascular disease.” Kazzaz also expressed concern about the public’s mental health, “the biggest concern now. It’s something we can’t see as well as measuring weight, blood sugar or cholesterol. I’ve heard of people talking about that we’re in a better place than others, but people need to mourn the losses.” Women in particular have borne the brunt of caring for and educating children at home while working at home and attending to the usual errands and housework—all with a lessened ability to care for themselves. “We ask women to be strong, but we have to allow them to feel the loss if it was social loss of missing a friend, hugging a stranger,” Kazzaz said. “For a lot of us, this is very important. As a physician, I spent a lot of time in the past year or more listening to patients’ concerns.” She added that some older patients come in because their visit to her office is their only human contact. During the quarantine period, that contact was eliminated and for months after, many older adults have feared going out in public because of COVID-19. “The elderly population has suffered so much because mental and emotional socialization is so important,” Kazzaz said. “They aged a lot different and their acuity for remembering things changed a lot with lack of stimulation.” With employment changes, some people lost their health insurance for at least a short period of time because they could not afford COBRA during their employment gap or were unaware of how to obtain insurance on the New York Health Insurance Marketplace. Kazzaz said that many were unable to fill necessary prescriptions. After weeks or months of eating and drinking too much and moving

too little, some people have become stuck in a rut of unhealthful habits. Robert Berkley, doctor of physical therapy at Robert Berkley Physical Therapy in Oswego, has also noticed that many patients have become deconditioned and overweight from several months of inactivity. “A lot are complaining of knee, hip and back pain because they’ve gained so much weight,” Berkley said. “They didn’t go to the grocery store, to work, and were stuck at home because they weren’t doing their active job. They weren’t moving as much. That weight gain increases pain on the joints.” While most younger people can likely ramp up their fitness and get back into good shape, the deconditioning of older people has a more detrimental effect. “About 15% to 20% of elderly patients are coming in because they were deconditioned during the pandemic,” Berkley said. “They have problems with transfers, stairs and everyday activities. For some of my elderly patients, we’re the only people they see all day. When they come to physical therapy, we’re the only ones to give them a hug. They’ll sit here longer than the treatment sessions to tell another story. The hour to two hours they spend here is very, very helpful.” Emily Kolenda, doctor of physical therapy and pelvic ﬂoor physical therapist, also at Berkley Physical Therapy, has noticed among women patients an increase in pelvic pain and incontinence lately. “We’re seeing that more and more due to inactivity over the pandemic,” Kolenda said. “Inactivity leads to more incontinence and pelvic pain in general.” Kolenda and Berkley recommend physical therapy and more exercise and movement throughout the day, not just a set workout time, to combat these issues. Of the positive health outcomes of the pandemic, many people have become more interested in working out at home. Many fitness buffs have brought fitness equipment into their homes. “Over the past year, we saw a lot more people buying home exercise equipment as they couldn’t get to their club or gym,” said Andy Venditti, owner of Syracuse Fitness Store in Syracuse, where he sells exercise equipment for the home and commercial spaces. Although gyms have since opened up, having fitness equipment at home can ensure people work out even if other factors limit their ability to get out.

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Coping with COVIDExacerbated Tinnitus Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve had mild tinnitus — ringing in my ears — for years, but when I got COVID-19 in January it got worse. Are there any treatments you know of or can recommend that can help? Almost 60

Dear Almost, Unfortunately, new research indicates that tinnitus, a common hearing problem that affects around 50 million Americans, may be worsened by COVID-19 or possibly even triggered by it. Here’s what you should know along with some tips and treatments that may help.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus (pronounced tinNIGHT-us or TIN-a-tus) is the sensation of hearing a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing or whistling sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present. The sounds, which can vary in pitch and loudness, are usually worse when background noise is low, so you may be more aware of it at night when you’re trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. For most people tinnitus is merely annoying, but for many others it can be extremely disturbing. Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of some other underlying health condition. The best way to find out what’s causing your tinnitus is to see an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist — a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat diseases (commonly called an ENT). The various things that can cause tinnitus are: • Hearing loss, which is the most common cause. • Middle ear obstructions usually caused by a build-up of earwax deep in the ear canal. • The side effects of many different prescription and nonprescription medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain blood pressure medicines and diuretics, some antidepressants, cancer medicines and antibiotics. • Various medical conditions such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, diabetes, allergies, thyroid problems, ear or sinus infections, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, otosclerosis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a tumor, an injury to the head or neck, traumatic brain injury, depression,

stress and more.

Treatments

While there’s no cure for tinnitus there are many ways to treat it depending on the cause. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a wax build-up in your ears or a medical condition like high blood pressure or a thyroid problem, treating the problem may reduce or eliminate the noise. Or, if you think a medication you’re taking may be causing the problem, switching to a different drug or lowering the dosage may provide some relief. Or if you have hearing loss, getting a hearing aid can help mask your tinnitus by improving your ability to hear actual sounds. Another good treatment option for tinnitus that can help suppress or mask the sound so it’s less bothersome are “sound therapies.” These can be as simple as a fan or a white noise machine, listening to music or podcasts, or leaving the television on. There are also apps created by hearing aid companies, like ReSound Relief (ReSound.com) or Relax by Starkey (Starkey.com), which allow you to stream customize sounds directly to your hearing aids, or (if you don’t use hearing aids) through Bluetooth audio devices like headphones or speakers to help you manage your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychological counseling can also be helpful. Your audiologist or ENT can help you figure out the best treatment options. There are also certain medications that may help. While currently there’s no FDA approved drugs specifically designed to treat tinnitus, some antianxiety drugs and antidepressants have been effective in relieving symptoms. Other things you can do to help quiet the noise is to avoid things that can aggravate the problem like salt, artificial sweeteners, sugar, alcohol, tonic water, tobacco and caffeine. And protect yourself from loud noises by wearing earplugs. For more information on tinnitus treatments, visit the American Tinnitus Association at ATA.org.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Ask The Social

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From the Social Security District Office

Eligibility For Spouse’s Beneﬁts

Syracuse 60 Strong: Medical Group Showcasing Inspirational Seniors Proceeds from the calendars will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter By Megan Plete Postol

medical group in Syracuse is showcasing resilient seniors in a unique program. The initiative was launched as a contest to find 12 people aged 60 to 69 that exemplify strength and determination to be featured in a calendar and as community ambassadors. “Syracuse 60 Strong is a public service for seniors,” physician Mitchell Brodey, president and CEO of FamilyCare Medical Group, said. “We are looking for 12 inspirational people in their 60s who are strong in mind, body and spirit to appear as ‘pin ups’ on our 2022 Syracuse 60 Strong calendar. Maybe they are running marathons or biking cross country. Maybe they have started a new hobby or given back to a charitable cause. Perhaps they have overcome a chronic health condition. We are encouraging everyone to think of an inspirational 60-something in their life, a parent, colleague, teacher or friend and nominate them for Syracuse 60 Strong.” Anyone aged 18 or older can nominate a friend or family member who has achieved remarkable levels of fitness, pursued a new hobby or given back to others in some way. Examples of potential candidates are a survivor, a caregiver, a coach, etc. The 12 winning ambassadors of Syracuse 60 Strong will receive a vir-

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professional non-smoking woman 50-62. Must be understanding or have gone thru the same unfortunate experience. Reply to: thisplace77@ gmail.com Page 24

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tual cocktail party, professional photo shoot and compensation for their modeling time. Those who nominate a winner will also be a winner and receive a $50 gift certificate. All proceeds from the calendars will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter. “After an especially difficult year, we are excited to celebrate the strength and resilience of CNY seniors,” Brodey said. “Syracuse 60 Strong provides an opportunity to uplift the voices and share the stories of some of the community’s unsung heroes.” In addition to appearing on the calendar, the 12 winners will serve as ambassadors, being an example of how to live fully, give back and connect with others. “They will inspire everyone, of all ages, to live a healthy and active life,” Brodey said. Syracuse 60 Strong is sponsored by FamilyCare Medical Group in conjunction with the launch of Salt City Senior Care Advantage IPA, which is a program designed to provide seamless and greater coordination of care for their senior patients. “60 Strong is about saying, ‘I can,’ rather than, ‘I can’t,” Brodey said. “It’s our way to send a message to folks approaching the Medicare age that life in your 60s can be a vibrant and active time. We encourage seniors to get social and get active, to prioritize their physical and mental health, and to keep trying new things.” To nominate an inspirational senior, visit www.Syracuse60Strong. com. All entries are due by July 26. Entries must include an application form, 200-400-word essay, head shot and full-length photo. Celebrity judges will select 12 winners who exemplify how life after 60 can be a vibrant and active time. Contestants are judged on their commitment to leading an active lifestyle, community involvement, volunteerism and how they are inspirational to others. Winners must be available Aug. 18 through Aug. 21. Questions can be directed to Syracuse60Strong@SaltCitySCA.com.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

ocial Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: • 62 years of age or older. • Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than age 16 or who is disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. Your full spouse’s benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit. If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement

Q&A Q: I applied for a Social Security card for my child at the hospital and the card came back with the first name misspelled. What should I do? A: Contact your local Social Security office to ask for a corrected card. We need to see at least two original documents proving your child’s: • U.S. citizenship. • Identity. We also must see proof of your identity, as the parent. The documents you show us must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. To find out more, go to www.ssa.gov/ ssnumber. There, you can learn what documents you need to fill out and print, and then bring or mail the information to us. You may also want to read the publication, Social Security Numbers For Children, available at www.ssa.gov/pubs. Q: I am nearing my full retirement age, but I plan to keep working after I apply for Social Security benefits. Will my benefits be reduced because of my income? A: No. If you start receiving benefits after you’ve reached your full retirement age, you can work while you receive Social Security and your current benefit will not be reduced because of the earned income. If you

age, but care for a child and one of the following applies: • The child is younger than age 16. • The child has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit. For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own $1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250. Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and nine months old? If you answered yes to both, visit www. ssa.gov/benefits/retirement to get started today. Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting www.ssa. gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html for more information.

keep working, it could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. Higher benefits can be important to you later in life and increase the future benefit amounts your survivors could receive. If you begin receiving benefits before your full retirement age, your earnings could reduce your monthly benefit amount. After you reach full retirement age, we recalculate your benefit amount to leave out the months when we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. Learn more about Social Security reading our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www. ssa.gov/pubs/10069.html. Q: Will my eligibility for the Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs be reviewed and, if so, how often? A: If you get the Extra Help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This reassessment will ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and receive all the benefits you deserve. Annually, usually at the end of August, we may send you a form to complete: Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help. You will have 30 days to complete and return this form. Any necessary adjustments to the Extra Help will be effective in January of the following year. Go to www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp for more information.

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most comfortable infusion solution.

With the same skill our cancer patients receive, the experts at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY now offer infusion services for asthma, anemia, lupus, multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis, among other conditions. Our Infusion Services patients receive: • care from nationally certified RNs with on-site doctors, pharmacists, NPs and PAs • convenient appointment times at your choice of three locations with free parking • a private, relaxed environment with personal TVs, free headphones, wifi and refreshments • all provided with robust COVID-19 precautions

Now offering Tepezza® treatments for thyroid eye disease. To learn more, call us at 315-472-7504 or visit hoacny.com today!

DEPEND ON THE UPSTATE HEART TEAM

Upstate’s cardiologists diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of heart disease. Our united expertise brings you advanced technology and streamlined care. As part of the Upstate Heart Institute, we provide connections to research and surgical care.

OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS 5112 WEST TAFT ROAD Liverpool • 315-701-2170

208 TOWNSHIP BLVD Camillus • 315-488-2372

102 WEST SENECA STREET Manlius • 315-464-9335

510 TOWNE DRIVE Fayetteville • 315-663-0500

90 PRESIDENTIAL PLAZA Syracuse • 315-464-9335

138 EAST GENESEE STREET Baldwinsville • 315-720-1305

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Health News OB-GYN joins St. Joseph’s Health Women’s Health St. Joseph’s Health welcomes Jodi Wallis, OB-GYN, to St. Joseph’s Health. Wallis is a board-certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Prior to joining St. Jodi Wallis Joseph’s Health, Wallis held clinical, teaching and administrative positions at Upstate University Medical Hospital. In addition to providing general pregnancy care and OB-GYN services, Wallis supervised educational programs for medical students and assisted with the resident training program. Before moving to Central New York, Wallis worked as a physician faculty member at Hackensack University Medical Center, a research and teaching hospital in Hackensack, New Jersey. While there, Wallis provided clinical patient services such as prenatal care and gynecology while also assisted with the resident training program. Wallis earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, and her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Wallis completed her residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New

Jersey in Newark. Wallis is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). She sees patients at St. Joseph’s Health Primary Care Center.

Syracuse VA recognized for geriatric emergency services The American College of Emergency Physicians’ (ACEP) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program has announced that the Syracuse VA Medical CenFrank Pearson ter’s emergency department has achieved the silver standard- level two GEDA accreditation. This accreditation program is designed to recognize those emergency departments that provide excellent care for older adults. This accomplishment makes Syracuse one of only five VA facilities and one of only 42 hospitals nationwide to achieve level two or level one certification. “This is yet another affirmation of our commitment to ensuring that, from the moment a veteran reaches

our facility, they are truly being provided with the highest standards of the geriatric continuum of care,” said Syracuse VA Medical Center Director Frank Pearson. “By identifying these veterans at an early stage, we can affect their lives and potentially reduce subsequent hospital admissions and help to ensure optimal transitions and improved and sustained quality of life.” The voluntary ACEP GEDA program, which includes three levels similar to trauma center designations, provides specific criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators to target. The accreditation process provides more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care and the level of GEDA accreditation achieved depends upon how many of these best practices an emergency department can meet. A level two emergency department must incorporate many of these best practices, along with providing inter-disciplinary geriatric care. “Today’s growing geriatric population makes it imperative that we adapt to their needs. If we can immediately identify and put action plans in place for our older and high-risk population of veterans, we are going to be more successful minimizing their risks for worsening outcomes. We are extremely proud of this designation,” Pearson said.

St. Joseph’s names new system controller St. Joseph’s Health announced the appointment of Corinne English,

a certified public accountant, to the position of director, financial services, system controller, effective June 1. In this role, English will oversee and manage the finance departCorinne English ment and be instrumental in all aspects of the St. Joseph’s Health accounting and financial reporting cycle. English is joining St. Joseph’s Heath after nearly 14 years as senior manager at Fust Charles Chambers, LLP in Syracuse. During her time there, she provided audit, accounting and advisory services to health care and nonprofit organizations and supervised and managed audit teams. “St. Joseph’s is excited to add the talent that Corinne brings with her as a key member of the finance team,” said Meredith Price, chief financial officer at St. Joseph’s Health. “She has vast experience and has demonstrated health care expertise in several areas. She will play a vital role in moving St. Joseph’s strategy forward in a manner consistent with our mission and values.” English holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from St. John Fisher College in Rochester. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Healthcare Financial Management Association, and LeadingAge New York.

New Low-Income Senior Housing Complex Opening on Syracuse’s Southside Nascentia Health and its partner, Rochester-based Home Leasing, announce the summer opening of the new Gardens at St. Anthony low-income senior apartments at 411 W. Colvin St., on the Southside of Syracuse. The completely updated and modern facility features 54 apartments, 53 of which are one-bedroom units, ranging from 583 to 840 square feet. Construction, which is being self-performed by Home Leasing, is in the final phase, with an estimated move-in date for new tenants later this summer. “We’ve seen a growing need for safe, high-quality housing to support our large population of low-income seniors and those with unstable housing,” said Nascentia Health CEO Kate Rolf. “This project is an amazing opportunity to combine our 130 years of home-based healthcare experience with helping our vulnerable neighbors find stable long-term homes.” Nascentia Health is managing tenants for 27 of the units through a grant from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) to provide quality housing for low-income seniors over age 55 who are homeless or at risk of becoming Page 26

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homeless. Residents also must be Medicaid eligible, work with a social service agency, and require assistance with certain types of tasks. Apartments are available for singles or couples, though both residents must independently apply and qualify. Eligible tenants must require certain supportive services such as assistance with transportation, personal care tasks, housekeeping, or other activities of daily living. The other 27 units are managed by Home Leasing and are available

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021

to qualifying low-income seniors. Tenant applications are actively being sought for all 54 units and Nascentia Health is working with several local human service agencies to identify candidates for the units, including potentially relocating individuals from the Skyline Apartments. The apartments were created through a complete renovation of the former St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and Convent, which was built in 1934 and closed in 1992. The building was taken over by the Syra-

cuse City School District and the City of Syracuse and used for a variety of purposes for many years. In 2019 the building was purchased by Home Leasing and construction began to convert it to a residential structure in December 2019. Learn more about the property and requirements for applicants, download a property ﬂyer, and apply for an apartment online at nascentiahealth.org/housing.

Weight Loss Surgery Weight loss surgery is about more than just weight loss. It’s about reducing your risk for serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes — and regaining the stamina, mobility and confidence to take on every day. Crouse’s bariatric surgery program offers a dedicated team of physicians and providers, as well as psychological and nutritional counseling — all with the expertise to support you every step of the way. What’s more, you can begin the process from the comfort of your own home. View our online informational video — and then consult with members of our bariatric team via telemedicine visits to start your journey. It’s time — and now easier than ever.

Start today at crouse.org/weightloss or call 315-470-8974.

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At a time when great coverage seems more important than ever, you can count on Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Connect with us today and explore plans with: A card that gets you into the doctors you know and trust Affordable options to help you save on premiums and copays Resources for mental health and emotional well-being Find more answers and support at

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A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • July 2021