IGH - CNY #261, SEPTEMBER 2021 by In Good Health: CNY's Healthcare Newspaper

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • ISSUE 261

Why Are There More Children with Disabilities?

If you get the impression that there are more children with disabilities, the numbers agree with you. But there’s more to the story. P. 11

Special Issue on People with Disabilities INSIDE Blind Sport Expo: October event in Baldwinsville provides opportunities for children with visual impairments to participate in sports. P 14

NEW ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON IN TOWN Orthopedic surgeon Max Greenky returns to Syracuse to join his father and uncle at SOS. He discusses the move

YOUR STOMACH’S BEST FRIEND? FENNEL!

Local Experts: Be Careful When Buying Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Online Untrustworthy sites may sell prescriptions that do not match their labels, they say. P. 17

CELEBRITIES IN THE NEWS

Christina Applegate Announces She Has Multiple Sclerosis

mmy award-winning actress Christina Applegate recently revealed she is battling multiple sclerosis. She is perhaps best known for her starring roles in “Married With Children,” “Dead to Me” and “Samantha Who?” “A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS,” Applegate tweeted. “It’s been a strange journey... It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a**hole blocks it.” “As one of my friends that has MS said, 'we wake up and take the indicated action,'” Applegate continued. “And that’s what I do. So now I ask for privacy. As I go through this thing.” The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but research has suggested that both environmental and genetic factors may be at play. More than 2.3 million people have MS worldwide, including several other celebrities, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). “Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system,” explained physician Asaff Harel, who directs the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “This condition can cause a variety of symptoms and affects each individual differently, depending on the severity and the location of injuries

Bob Odenkirk’s ‘Small’ Heart Attack? Doctors Say All Are a Big Deal

to the nervous system. MS is a spectrum, affecting some more severely than others.” Those diagnosed with MS typically have one of four types of the disease, according to the NMSS. The four types range in severity and progression, but there is no way to predict how the disease will unfold in a particular person. Applegate has not said which type of MS she has. This is not Applegate’s first health scare: In 2008, she had both of her breasts removed after a breast cancer diagnosis, CNN reported.

hen actor Bob Odenkirk collapsed on the set of “Better Call Saul” recently in New Mexico, fans held their breath — and obsessively checked for updates on social media — until word came that he was expected to be OK. “I had a small heart attack,” he tweeted, thanking the doctors who “knew how to fix the blockage without surgery.” Few other details about his health were available, but a small heart attack is still a big deal, said physician Donald Lloyd-Jones, president of the American Heart Association. “All heart attacks are important and have the potential to be big and possibly fatal,” he said. “So, we don›t mess around. It's not a small heart attack until we turn it into a small heart attack by appropriate treatment.” Lloyd-Jones, a cardiologist, epidemiologist and chairman of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, was not involved in Odenkirk’s treatment. But he said the mechanism of all heart attacks is basically the same: An artery is blocked and that cuts blood flow to the heart muscle. If the blockage goes on long enough, heart muscle cells start to die.

The scope of the damage depends on the location of the blockage. “If there’s a big blockage in a big artery early in its course, there’s more heart muscle at risk,” he said. “If there’s a blockage in a small side branch, far downstream, there’s less heart muscle at risk.” Typical symptoms of a heart attack include heavy pressure in the chest, often accompanied by shortness of breath, sometimes with sweating or with pain that radiates into the neck, jaw or arm, Lloyd-Jones said. “But sometimes it can be more subtle, such as suddenly feeling lightheaded or significantly fatigued.” For Lloyd-Jones, the term “small heart attack” suggests Odenkirk was fortunate to have been quickly taken to a hospital with a cardiologist who could treat the blockage, probably by running a catheter through an artery in the wrist up to the heart.

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

Welcome

Welcome Dr.Welcome GaryM. M.Proulx Proulx Dr. Gary

A.M.P. Radiation Oncology Welcomes

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graduate of Harvard Medical School expert AA graduate of Harvard Medical School andand expert in in radiation oncology, Proulx us after serving radiation oncology, Dr. Dr. Proulx joinsjoins us after serving as as Exeter Hospital Radiation Medical A graduate of Harvard Medical Oncology School and expert in Director Exeter Hospital Radiation Oncology Medical Director A graduate of Harvard Medical School expert in for Massoncology, General Hospital for past 15and years. radiation Dr. Proulx joins usthe after serving as for Mass General Hospital for the past 15 years. radiation oncology, Dr. Proulx joins us after serving as Exeter Hospital Radiation Oncology Medical Director Exeter Hospital Radiation Oncology Medical Director for Mass General Hospital for the past 15 years. for Mass General Hospital for the past 15 years.

Now Nowseeing seeingpatients patientsat: at:

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A.M.P. Oncology A.M.P.Radiation Radiation Oncology A.M.P. Radiation Oncology A.M.P. Radiation Oncology 1226 East Water Street 1226 East Water Street 1226 East Water Street 1226 East Water Street Syracuse, 13210 Syracuse,NY NY 13210 Syracuse, NY 13210 Syracuse, NY 13210 Phone:(315) (315) 478-3468 Phone: (315) 478-3468 Phone: 478-3468 Phone: (315) 478-3468 Fax: (315) 214-2840 Fax: (315) 214-2840 Fax: (315) 214-2840 Fax: (315) 214-2840 He joins the A.M.P. Radiation Oncology

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VA Awards Over 1.8 Million in Grants to Fight Homelessness in Syracuse Region

he Department of Veterans Affairs will award $1,895,000 in the form of two grants beginning Sept. 30 to the Altamont Program, Inc. of Schenectady, a community organization primarily focused on combating homelessness. The grants are part of the VA’s Grant Per Diem Program and will be used to improve transitional housing and supportive services for Veterans in the greater Syracuse area. The program provides funding to community organizations that provide transitional housing and supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness, with the goal of helping them achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and income, and obtain greater self-determination. “The Grant and Per Diem program is integral to VA’s continuum of services and resources to help veterans exit homelessness,” said Dr. Frank Pearson, Syracuse VA Medical Center director. “The newly awarded grants allow VA to continue to tailor transitional housing and case management services to the unique needs and circumstances of individual Veterans facing housing crises, which helps put them on the pathway to permanent housing faster.” The GPD funding will support two different types of grants to address the unique needs of Veterans who are experiencing homelessness: Capital Grants provide funding for community organizations through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020. The funding supports capital improvements to transitional housing facilities. The improvements result in less congregate and more individual unit style housing, thereby improving personal safety and reducing risks associated with close quarters living for Veterans. Case Management Grants are used to support case manager positions within community organizations. These positions provide services to help Veterans retain housing stability, adequate income support and self-sufficiency. The GPD program has provided community-based transitional housing and supportive services since 1994. The number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has declined by 50% since 2010 resulting from the GPD program and other VA efforts.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Steve Yablonski

Max Greenky, M.D.

Orthopedic surgeon returns to Syracuse to join his father and uncle at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. He discusses the move Q: So, you’re sort of joining the family business at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. A: Yes, I’m joining my dad and my uncle, which I’m really excited about. In addition, just being able to come back to Syracuse. I loved growing up here and, professionally, there was no better opportunity than having my family as mentors. So I’m pretty psyched about that. Q: Did you get your interest in orthopedic surgery from them? A: Yeah. I did try to go to medical school with an open mind. Sure, I liked a lot of stuff, but just seeing how much they loved their job and going to work every day, it really piqued my interest. And I saw it for myself when I worked through my rotations. So, yeah, absolutely. Q: What’s it like working with family in a professional capacity? A: I’m starting in a week and a half. I have operated with them, though. It’s pretty wild learning to do my first hip replacements, first knee replacements with them. It was a pretty cool experience. But, yeah, I’m sure there will be some great things about it and some challenges, too. I’m really excited for it though. Q: Was your intention always to practice in CNY? A: I left the area for my training, but it’s always been in the back of my mind to come back. I’m very lucky that I can. I think Syracuse is a wonderful place to raise a family and for kids to grow up. SOS is a great practice. I think they work together as a team to do things that are right for patients. And just having my dad, my uncle, and the other senior partners there who are world-class physicians with years of experience. They seem to foster a great learning environment. They work together to make everybody better.

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

Q: Since you’re very familiar with Syracuse and have a connection to it, how would you go about talking a physician who isn’t from here into practicing in CNY? A: I’m biased, of course, but I think it has everything you’d want. Hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter. It’s an easy place to raise a family. Some of the best schools in the country. The Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes. You’ve got SU [Syracuse University]. It’s just an easy place to live. I also think it’s easy to break into the community here. Q: What kinds of surgeries will you be doing? A: I’m trained to do general orthopedics and took an extra year to do a fellowship in hip replacements and knee replacements at Duke [University]. So while I’ll take anything that comes my way, hopefully I’ll be focusing on joint replacements. The thing I like about joint replacements is the surgery is fun. I like doing it. And it’s one that can really give a patient their quality of life back. These are people who generally are active, maybe a little bit older, who want to be able to walk with their grandkids or be able to hike or do sports. There are very few things in medicine that let you have that kind of impact on quality of life. Q: Having more recently come up through medical school and training, do you feel you can bring some knowledge of newer techniques and devices to the practice? A: Yeah, absolutely. Surgery requires a lot of knowledge and experience, but it also requires being up-to-speed on what the latest and greatest things are. I’m sure I’ll be learning a lot from the people who have been doing this for many years, but I can also teach them a thing or two from what I learned. And there’s also just different ways of doing

In the News Orthopedic surgeon Max Greenky in August joined Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists’ joint replacement team. He joins his father, Seth Greenky, and uncle, Brett Greenky, both founding partners of SOS and joint replacement surgeons. Greenky completed a fellowship in adult reconstruction surgery at Duke University department of orthopedic surgery. He completed his residency and internship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia where he was named academic chief resident in 2019. He received his medical degree from the Sydney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude. He has already published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at many conferences. things. I trained in places nobody here has been yet, working with some of the finest minds in joint replacement, so hopefully I’ll be able to contribute that as well. Q: What’s an example of something you hope to offer to practice? A: Duke’s a big tertiary referral center where you see the hardest of the hard cases, the biggest challenge. While you’re never fully prepared, I think I’m as ready as I can be. I think they hopefully prepared me to think through challenges and working through anything that comes my way. Q: What’s the most complex case you’ve had so far? A: So obviously we do primary hip and knee replacements. That’s the first time someone has a bad knee or hip. But the thing you really do fellowships for is revisions. So that’s people who have had a replacement 15, 20 years ago who we need to go into and make adjustments. That can be very complex and challenging. I saw a lot of that in fellowship and residency. Q: How much more life can a revision get out of a joint? A: It’s very case-dependent, but the ideal is that the first surgery lasts forever. That’s our goal. And that’s the goal with a revision as well. It’s really specific to each patient. It can mean pulling everything out and starting over or just changing out the weight-bearing surfaces.

Lifelines

Name: Max Greenky, M.D. Position: Orthopedic surgeon at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists Hometown: Syracuse Education: Sydney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University Afﬁliations: Crouse Hospital; St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Organizations: American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons; Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Family: Wife (Samantha); daughter, 6; son, 2 Hobbies: Skiing, running, hiking, cooking, exercising

Will COVID-19 Ever Be Eradicated?

ould COVID-19 one day go the way of smallpox and polio? New research suggests it might be possible to beat the coronavirus with high vaccination rates and rapid responses to immunity-evading variants, the study authors said. “While our analysis is a preliminary effort, with various subjective components, it does seem to put COVID-19 eradicability into the realms of being possible, especially in terms of technical feasibility,” according to Michael Baker, professor in the department of public health at the University of Otago, Wellington, in New Zealand, and colleagues. To assess the feasibility of eliminating COVID-19, the researchers used 17 factors to compare it with two other vaccine-preventable viral diseases — smallpox and polio. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 and two out of the three serotypes of poliovirus have been eradicated worldwide. The factors used for analysis included: vaccine availability; lifelong immunity; impact of public health measures; effective infection control messaging; political and public concern about the economic and social impacts of the diseases; and public acceptance of infection control measures. The investigators used a threepoint scoring system for each of the 17 factors and concluded that the feasibility of eradication was higher for COVID-19 than for polio, but lower than for smallpox. The average scores in the anal-

ysis were 2.7 (43/48) for smallpox, 1.6 (28/51) for COVID-19, and 1.5 (26/51) for polio, according to the study published online Aug. 9 in the journal BMJ Global Health. Compared to smallpox and polio, the challenges of eradicating COVID-19 include low vaccine acceptance and the emergence of more highly transmissible variants that might evade immunity, the authors noted. “Nevertheless, there are of course limits to viral evolution, so we can expect the virus to eventually reach peak fitness, and new vaccines can be formulated,” Baker and colleagues suggested in a journal news release. “Other challenges would be the high upfront costs (for vaccination and upgrading health systems), and achieving the necessary international cooperation in the face of ‘vaccine nationalism’ and government-mediated ‘antiscience aggression,’” the team noted. But they added that there is worldwide will to combat COVID-19, because the staggering health, social and economic impacts of the virus have triggered “unprecedented global interest in disease control and massive investment in vaccination against the pandemic.” This is preliminary research and more extensive in-depth investigation is needed, and the World Health Organization would need to formally review the feasibility and desirability of trying to eradicate COVID-19, the researchers explained.

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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, Melissa Stefanec, Eva Briggs (MD), Mary Beth Roach Advertising: Cassandra Lawson, Amy Gagliano Layout & Design: Joey Sweener • Ofﬁce Manager: Nancy Nitz

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Page 5

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Don’t Let This Past Year Deﬁne You

ell, so much for that longed-for carefree summer. Just as we were getting a taste of normalcy, a fourth wave of coronavirus infections began to sweep across the U.S. And as I write this, we are seeing an uptick in cases. While many medical experts and the CDC warn things may get worse before they get better, they also say this can be turned around by getting vaccinated, wearing masks and continuing to practice social distancing. I’m all in. And hope you are, too. In the past, I’ve shared lots of “do’s” to help people live alone with more success. Here are a few “don’ts” — some lighthearted — that may also help you on your journey toward contentment in what continues to be changing and challenging times. • Don’t make isolation a habit. This is a tricky one, because the times we’re in have called for social distancing. Problem is, social isolation can slowly, subtly morph into social anxiety, which can lead to feelings of disconnection or, worse, depression. What started out as an essential mandate to keep ourselves and others safe has, for some, turned into an unhealthy habit. There’s no one solution to breaking the cycle of social isolation, but there are a few tips I can share:

• Take a look at your situation and notice if you’ve stopped reaching out; and likewise, if people have stopped reaching out to you. • Decide to ease back in slowly and suggest get-togethers (ideally outdoors) that feel safe to you. • Try to accept invitations when they do come your way, even if you don’t feel like it. • Ask for help, if you need it, by letting others know that you fear you are becoming a hermit. We humans are social animals; we’re meant to be with others. Solitary confinement is for criminals, not for people who live alone. Stay connected! • Don’t make Fruit Loops your main course for dinner. Well ... maybe on occasion. But as a general rule? No. Create a nice place setting, fill your plate with something healthy, light a candle, select a beverage of choice, and enjoy some well-deserved time to yourself. A favorite magazine, book or crossword puzzle can make for a nice dining companion. Bon appetit! • Don’t go on an online shopping spree to ﬁll an emotional void. Your savings account will thank you. • Don’t put too much stock in that dreamcatcher. If you find yourself wide awake in the middle of night worrying about COVID-19 or fighting demons, you

U.S. Kids Are Eating More ‘Ultraprocessed’ Foods

rozen burgers, pizza pockets and toaster strudel. Energy drinks and sugary sodas. Fruit leather and potato chips. Cookies and cereal bars. Fish sticks and chicken strips. These sorts of quick-pick manufactured foods are considered “ultraprocessed,” and dietitians believe they could be at the root of America’s obesity epidemic. A new study has found that two-thirds of the calories consumed by U.S. children and teens come from ultraprocessed foods, an eating pattern that could be driving children toward obesity. About 67% of calories eaten by kids and teens come from ultraprocessed foods, compared with about Page 6

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61% two decades ago, according to data gathered by a top federal health survey. At the same time, total energy consumed from unprocessed or minimally processed foods decreased from about 29% to 24%, the researchers reported. Convenience today could be contributing to an unhealthier life for children, said senior researcher, physician Fang Fang Zhang, an associate professor with the Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston. “We are all busy in this modern society. We have less time to cook everything from scratch. But we seem to be relying too much on ultraprocessed foods,” Zhang said.

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

might try meditation, journaling, or aromatherapy. When I can’t sleep, I fill my diffuser with lavender oil and do some deep breathing while I repeat the phrase, “Sleep is healing.” If that doesn’t do the trick, I get up and prepare myself “Sleepytime” herbal tea. I return to bed with fingers crossed and eyes closed. If all else fails, consult your doctor. • Don’t jump into someone’s arms out of loneliness. Feelings of desperation can make you easy prey for a suitor with dubious intentions. It’s a risky place to be. Getting good at living alone will build your self-esteem and improve your chances of meeting someone who values and appreciates your strengths, not your weaknesses. • Don’t be afraid to travel alone. When the time is right, hit the road! Some of my best trips have been taken with my favorite traveling companion: myself. I create my own itinerary, go at my own pace, see incredible places and meet all kinds of interesting people along the way. Even a small jaunt can boost your confidence. On your own, you’ll discover your own resourcefulness, ability to solve problems, and capacity to spend enjoyable time alone. It can be an enlightening adventure in self-discovery. • Don’t act your age. You are free, unencumbered and on your own. What better time to spread your wings, be silly and otherwise express your glorious, awesome self. Put yourself with people who make you laugh. For me, that’s my sister Anne. So, keep your sense humor. Even in serious times, funny things can happen. I just read about a study that showed that laughing — even fake laughing — can reduce stress, damp-

en pain, lower your blood pressure, and strengthen your immune system. Now, that’s no laughing matter! • Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude. I have found the process of reflecting on and writing down those things for which I’m grateful to be a fulfilling, even healing, exercise. Think back over your day. Identify those things or people or places that made an impression on you or that touched your heart. Great or small, it could be the sound of a breeze through the trees, a new assignment at work, your daughter’s decision to go back to school, or a stranger’s warm hello in passing. Start every day with an open heart and with a view to see the positive and the possibilities in life. If you bump into an obstacle, try to appreciate the opportunity it presents to overcome it. When you focus on the wonderful things in life, wonderful things begin to happen. It reminds me of the law of attraction. Your positive thoughts and energy can become a magnet and draw even more positive thoughts and energy in your direction. • Don’t take these “don’ts” too seriously. You are in the best position to decide what to do or not to do — no shoulds, musts, or other people’s agendas. That’s one of the best benefits of living alone. Don’t I know it.

“It’s a signal for us to do something about this, given the obesity rate is still very high in U.S. children.” About one in every five children are obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Food processing itself may have an impact on health because processing changes the physical structure and chemical composition of foods,” Zhang explained. “People who eat ultraprocessed foods tend to be fatter and they tend to consume a high amount of calories.” Ultraprocessed foods are made largely of industrial substances derived from the heavy processing of “whole” foods — examples include high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soy protein isolate — along with chemicals designed to add color, flavor or shelf life to the product. Lona Sandon, an associate professor with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s department of clinical nutrition, in Dallas, explained that “ultraprocessed foods are made of ingredients you generally would not find in your kitchen. They are made of ingredients extracted from foods and are typically high in sugar, fat, salt and other additives.” For this study, Zhang and her colleagues reviewed 20 years of data from the U.S. National Health

and Nutrition Examination Survey, a federal poll that regularly assesses eating patterns among Americans. The data ran from 1999 through 2018. The investigators found that children and teens across the board were getting more calories from ultraprocessed foods, regardless of their parents’ education levels or income. This “suggests that ultraprocessed foods are pervasive in the diet of U.S. youths and supports the need to reduce consumption of ultraprocessed foods among all population subgroups,” the researchers concluded. It wasn’t all bad news. For example, the targeting of sugar-sweetened beverages as a source of childhood obesity led to total daily calories from these drinks declining from about 11% to about 5% over the past two decades. Unfortunately, other categories of ultraprocessed foods surged during the same period. Daily calories from ready-to-eat meals increased from 2% to 11% during the same period. A nutrient profile showed that ultraprocessed foods contain more calories from carbohydrates (55% versus 43%) and added sugars (19% versus 3%) than foods that haven’t been so heavily manufactured. Ultraprocessed foods also contain lower levels of fiber and less protein (11% versus 21%), the researchers found.

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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Page 7

My Turn

By Eva Briggs, MD

Colon Cancer Rising Among the Younger People Colon cancer incidence in developed nations is rising rapidly among those under age 50

ecently a 35-year-old relative went to the emergency room for suspected appendicitis and wound up with a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. It turns out that colon cancer incidence in developed nations is rising rapidly in the young, those under age 50. Since 1990, the rate has doubled in the young, while falling in older people due to screening colonoscopies and lower rates of smoking. The recommended age for screening colonoscopy has been lowered from 50 to 45. The age is even lower for

those with certain risk factors. What is behind this surge in colon cancer in the young? We don’t know. Possible factors include diet, gut bacteria, inflammation and environmental chemicals. Most colon cancer in young adults appears to be due to environmental factors rather than genetics. Perhaps 10% - 20% of colon cancer in the young arises from inherited disorders such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis. Diets high in processed meat and sugar, and low in fruits and vegeta-

bles, appears to be associated with early onset colon cancer. A recent report suggests that high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened tea) in the teen years increases the risk of colon cancer. The study wasn’t perfect. It looked at women aged 25 to 42 and followed them over time. Women who reported drinking two or more sugary drinks per day at age 13-15 were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer at before age 50 compared to those who reported drinking less than one sugary drink per week. That’s one more adverse health effect of sugary drinks, along with obesity and diabetes. Obesity, which is in part linked to diet, increases the risk of colon cancer. A poor diet alters the bacteria found in the intestines, which may influence colon cancer development. One study found that toxins produced by human gut bacteria could cause intestinal cancer in mice. Diet also can trigger gut inflammation, which in turn can increase the risk of colon cancer. One study in mice found that a high-fat diet triggered gut inflammation which increased the growth of intestinal tumors. Gut bacteria can alter the immune cells in the intestine and promote tumor growth. Inflammation produces chemicals that can lead to DNA mutations and then to cancer. Many young adults with colon cancer have chronic illnesses associated with inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, or irritable bowel syndrome. Environmental chemical expo-

sure may also be behind the rise in colon cancer rates in the young. Many substances have been associated with increased cancer risk, from industrial pollutants to pesticides and more. Environmental chemicals may act directly on the intestinal cells or may alter the gut bacteria. It’s important to be aware of early symptoms of colon cancer. None of these should be ignored, no matter how young the patient. These include: • A persistent change in bowel habits. This includes diarrhea, constipation or a change in stool consistency or diameter. • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding. • Persistent abdominal pain, cramps or gas • A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying • Weakness or fatigue • Unexplained weight loss Many people have no early warning signals, as in the case of my young relative. So, I hope that future research will uncover better ways to detect colon cancer in the young.

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

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

I TRIE D MA KIN G MY FA MOUS CH ICKEN RECIPE, BUT CONFU SED THE STEPS.

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September 2021 •

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Surge in Cases of Cataracts is Expected By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he number of Americans with cataracts is expected to increase from 24.4 million to nearly 50 million, according to the National Eye Institute. Cataract causes hazy, yellowed and blurred vision. Any change in vision should prompt a visit to an eyecare professional who can diagnose what is happening and recommend the next step. For many people with cataract, that can mean surgery. Years ago, many people with cataract were cautioned to wait on surgery until the lenses were “ripe” before undergoing the surgery. However, the technology and procedure has improved dramatically. There is no need to wait until the vision becomes even worse if the patient desires surgery. According to the Harvard Medical School, nearly all cataract patients experience no negative outcomes. While any surgery carries some risk, cataract surgery risk is so low

that the commonplace procedure is ordinarily offered in an out-patient setting with minimal sedation. Patients are ready to go home the same day. Cataract is a condition that forms gradually over time. Typically, aging lenses become cloudy. The only option to correct it is lens replacement—cataract surgery. “There can always be complications, but they are rare,” said Lori Youngman, doctor of optometry with Harbor Eye Associates in Oswego. “The success rate for cataract surgery is wonderful because most patients have improved vision and do great.

The risk of a complication is less than 1%. They see well, function and are happy.” Patients typically receive a local anesthesia and sedation and remain awake so they can respond to their surgeon’s directions. Surgeons use an ultrasound probe to break up the lens so it can be removed with suction. Only a tiny incision is needed. The surgeon replaces the cataract-affected lens with a synthetic lens that will stay within the eye. It is not removable like a contact lens. Some patients choose monofocal or multifocal lenses or lenses that correct vision issues like astigmatism. These can improve vision, but it is not uncommon for patients to still require glasses after healing. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. The pre-surgery preparation and the time spent recovering from the sedation takes longer than the procedure. After one to three months, patients should be completely healed and can get a new pair of prescrip-

tion glasses as needed. Some require only reading glasses, depending upon the lens they selected and how their eyes responded to the procedure. Patients should be able to follow commands and remain still. Those who cannot stay still may receive general anesthesia. They should also be medically stable in general. After surgery, patients can resume most activities, but should not lift heavy objects or swim for a few weeks. “They will need eye drops four times a day, but that’s only for the first two to four weeks for most patients,” Youngman said. Because of the risk of complications, each eye is treated individually. Surgeons allow time for healing after the first surgery before doing the second one. But this should not deter those with cataract from seeking the procedure as directed by their provider. “With any surgery, there is risk,” said Christine Coward, ophthalmology specialist with Rochester Regional Health. “You can have inflammation or swelling of the front part of the eye which can limit your vision after cataract surgery that can go away with time and medications we give.” But those issues can take up to three weeks to resolve, according to Coward.

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Healthcare in a Minute The monthly Healthcare in a Minute column will return in October when author George W. Chapman returns from vacation. Page 10

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

Disabilities

Why Are There More Children with Disabilities?

Various factors may have skewed the statistics, expert says By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows more children today have been identified as having disabilities. The figures rose from 16.2% in 2009-2011 to 17.8% in 2015-2017, including ADHD, autism spectrum

disorder and intellectual disabilities. All of these can affect children’s ability to learn. While it may appear that the number of children with developmental disabilities is rising, other factors may have skewed the statistics. “The general public is more

informed,” said Betsy Primo, director of special children services with the Onondaga County Health Department, which serves children from birth through age 5. “When I was growing up, there were kids who were unique and back then, it was thought it was their personality but nowadays, because families are more educated and both adults are working, more children go to daycares or preschools younger than when I was growing up.” She added that educators are more knowledgeable about learning disabilities and can more readily identify children exhibiting traits identified with them. Year-round, fir trees grow in a variety of places: parks, landscapes and personal properties. Yet only in December do people who celebrate Christmas notice all the “Christmas trees” on their daily commute. In a similar sense, understanding the characteristics of developmental and learning disabilities helps professionals and, to an extent, parents become aware to the point that they recognize when a child exhibits these traits that could indicate a disability. The availability of screening and services normally begins in urban areas and takes time—even several years—to eventually extend to more rural areas. The increased numbers could reflect this rollout. The definition of disabilities can also increase the numbers. When the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders came out in 2014, it redefined diagnoses to make many more specific.

Primo does not preclude the possibility that environmental factors may influence the numbers, neither does Andy Lopez-Williams, Ph.D., clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and founder of ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy in Syracuse and Utica. “There is a valid component to the increase in rates in our ever-increasing toxic world,” Lopez-Williams said. “There is some correlational data with the number of new substances introduced in the last 20 to 30 years with the increase of the base rate in neurodevelopmental problems. As we put more pesticides in the world and toxins in the water, we’ll see an increase in these disorders. We are what we eat and breathe and drink.” Some also point to an increase in older parents’ ages as one of the possible reasons. More people have delayed starting a family than ever to pursue educational and career opportunities. Advanced parental age is widely known to increase the risk of numerous disabilities in children. Lopez-Williams said that identifying why more children have learning disabilities is not a matter of finding one cause. “It’s a multifactorial view,” he said. “We shouldn’t look for the cause, but risk factors. I don’t think that if we suddenly stopped spraying our lawns with weedkiller that all these rates would go down. Many people don’t think about the biological bases of things in our lives. They look at social causes.”

Disability Raises Depression Risk Seeking outside help and support when feeling depressive symptoms may head off a bout of depression By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

eople with disabilities are up to three times more likely to experience depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although limitations because of their disability may be part of the reason they experience depression, many other factors play a role. “The disabled community has some of their own challenges and risks,” said Missy Stolfi, area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which serves the area between Buffalo and Utica. “Access of mental healthcare is part of that.” Although the law requires accessibility in public facilities, it is still more difficult to navigate with a disability that hampers movement than without one. For someone with communication challenges, finding a therapist who can easily communicate or a translator to facilitate sessions can also present barriers to care. Considering the pandemic, some may not want to venture out as much because of the risk of catching the virus. “Many people who live with disabilities, their disability can affect their immune system,” Stolfi said. “And that can influence their abil-

ity to seek mental healthcare and contribute to isolation. Many live day to day with their particular barriers to care.” Some of the factors related to the disability can also correlate with higher risk for depression, according to Andy Lopez-Williams, Ph.D., CEO and president of ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy in Syracuse and Utica. “Children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD, autism, Tourette’s and intellectual disabilities, most of these have anxiety or depression,” he said. “There’s fundamentally a brain base for the correlation. The circuits involved with disability are often involved with anxiety and depression. The earlier identified, the better.” In addition to this relationship, the struggles encountered in navigating the world can also raise risk for depression, especially for those who have not yet received accommodation such as children with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. “Imagine if you went to work every day and you were told every day, everything you did wrong at your job and you’re not good at it,” Lopez-Williams said. “You can’t quit

and you can’t be fired. What would that do with your mental health? You’d become depressed, anxious and hopeless. This is what children are facing with neurodevelopmental disorders that haven’t been diagnosed and treated.” He added that the evidence shows that they receive predominantly negative feedback at school. They may also receive the same from caregivers. When the disability occurred affects risk for depression. Rita Worlock, clinical psychotherapist and social work practitioner in Syracuse, said that people who acquire a disability later in life “may have a greater struggle adjusting than someone born with it. They may not be able to engage in recreational activities or perform the work that they used to. Their finances may suffer.” In addition, medication taken because of their disability may contribute to depression, as can disrupted sleeping patterns and pain. While it may affect some life experiences, a disability does not predispose someone to depression. Seeking outside help and support from family and friends when feeling depressive symptoms may head off a bout of depression. September 2021 •

Missy Stolfi is the area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Focusing on what one can do can help reduce risk of depression. Worlock encourages getting involved with a hobby and group and planning a regular outing. “Sometimes, medication and therapy keep you stable, but you won’t grow,” she said. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep may also promote better mood. While these lifestyle factors can support good mental health, they are not always enough to stave off depression. A provider may also offer treatments like psychotherapy and prescription medication for depression.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Disabilities

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‘Special Needs’ vs. ‘Disabled’: A Search for Respectful Verbiage

Experts: avoiding the term ‘disabled’ only leads to stigmatization By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

robably arising from the push for additional education support for persons with disabilities, the term “special needs” has been used for years but is beginning to fall out of favor with some groups. “Most experts and advocates vehemently oppose the term ‘special needs’ and believe we need to eliminate it from our vernacular,” said David Oliver in a June 11 article in USA Today. “Furthermore, they say avoiding the term ‘disabled’ only leads to stigmatization.” “Special needs” may sound like the individual has exceptional needs rather than requiring different means to obtain what every person needs. The term “special needs” is not a legal or medical term was likely and was coined to describe the support needed beyond what people who are not disabled need. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use was in 1899. But these days, it is falling out of favor. Like many other similar organizations, the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities in Albany, uses “person-first language” for the people it supports. “We agree that words or negative references can influence how the general public view people with disabilities and can also be damaging to a person’s mental health and wellbeing,” said Jennifer O’Sullivan,

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

director of communications. Regardless of the term used to describe disability, it is respectful to place the person first, such as “person with a learning disability” and not “learning-disabled person.” Age can make a difference on what phrase to use. Betsy Primo, director of special children services, part of the Onondaga County Health Department, works with children from birth to age 5 in an early intervention, a family-based program. The phrases used are “developmental differences” and “developmental delays.” The term “disability” connotates permanency, which may not be true for some delays at this age. “If the parents themselves are disabled, what I’ve found is they prefer ‘disabled’ or ‘individual with disability,’” Primo said. “Put the human first. If we’re talking with a parent who doesn’t know a lot about early intervention or has not had other children with developmental delays, they seem to prefer ‘special needs.’” She added that the legal term is “preschooler with a disability” to obtain needed support, although each child is treated as an individual with unique skills and needs. “We label jars, not people,” Primo said. “We meet the child and family where they are so they can reach

their highest potential.” Viewing adults as consumers led to the use of “client” and “individual” as words of choice in the field. However, they can sound like people in a transaction and minimize the real struggles faced by people with a disability. “Differently abled” also tends to gloss over difficulties, according to Andy Lopez-Williams, Ph.D., clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and founder of ADHD & Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy in Syracuse and Utica. “If we err too much on being too positive, then I think we miss the point that many of these people really need help,” Lopez-Williams said. “It’s less about what you call it but more about the good faith effort to help them with compassion and respect. If we’re missing that point and being too optimistic, maybe we’re doing a disservice rather than a service.” He compared the situation to a patient consulting with a physician about a cancer diagnosis. “The physician is going to be straight with you and not come up with colorful names to make you feel better. But if they treat you with compassion, and respect, that makes you feel better, not a kiddish name,” he said. The term “differently abled” may also tacitly imply savant qualities not present. How some terms are developed comes from the deficit model approach to care in medicine or behavioral health. Lopez-Williams would rather take an approach that views every person as possessing areas of strength or need. “If we understand that as a basis of helping people we can get rid of intrinsic disability,” he said. “It affects how we assess people.” He wants more people to resist taking offense to terms and to notice the intent of the user of the phrase, providing it is generally respectful and compassionate and not pejorative. “We need to have some grace and latitude,” he said. “If we do that, we’re better off. My feeling is that the terms are a distraction. They’re less important than what we do for people who have difficulties. No word has any meaning in and of itself. It’s arbitrary. A term has a clinical meaning, but as we use it as a society, it can pick up negative connotation.” That is usually when a medical term is misused as slang. Because it is impossible to control how others misuse terms, Lopez-Williams realizes that these words reach a point at which they require replacing when it becomes insulting. “A word starts out clinical, clean,” he said. “It has no baggage. It becomes derogatory. Everything has a lifespan. When it ages out and gets to have no utility, we replace it.”

Disabilities

Q A &

with Laurie Davis

Oswego Industries executive director heads nonproﬁt that supports 320 individuals with disabilities in Fulton. She talks about her challenges during the pandemic and why the agency has a list of 80 people waiting for services By Mary Beth Roach

aurie Davis has been the executive director of Oswego Industries since 2016 and served as director of finance for six years prior. She’ll celebrate her 26th anniversary with the agency this month. Q: What is Oswego Industries and what does it do? A: Oswego Industries is a private, not-for-profit agency located in Fulton, which has been dedicated to the provision of services and supports to people with disabilities since

1968. Our mission is to be a leader in the field of developmental disabilities, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity, and independence through the various services we provide. That includes education, advocacy, increased community acceptance and participation. We offer home and community-based supports to people, primarily but not exclusively with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Those supports include day habilitation, pre-voca-

tional training, community habilitation, family support and services and supported employment. Q: How are you afﬁliated with the Arc of Oswego? A: The Arc of Oswego is a sister agency. The Arc of Oswego provides similar type services, including respite, community habilitation and day habilitation programs for seniors with disabilities. Together, the two agencies combine to provide a comprehensive support system for Oswego County residents with disabilities. Q: How many people do you serve? A: Currently the two agencies combined are supporting 320 individuals. We have 80 people on a wait list to return to the various programs due to our staffing shortage. OI is serving 220. Q: How big is your staff? A: Currently, our staff, between the two agencies, is 135 full-time employees and probably 30 part-time. Q: What are some of the speciﬁc programs? A: There are a couple of different divisions and different service offerings. We provide person-centered services, which would include the pre-vocational and vocational training. We provide supported employment. The employment services are provided on the model of skill development and growth. People often start out receiving the pre-vocational training and then, when they’re ready, they move on to a job in the community through supported employment. This really allows our individuals to gain confidence, job readiness. Q: What is your budget and how are you funded? A: Oswego Industries budget for ‘20-‘21 was $7.5 million. We are primarily funded by Medicaid for our services and grants and contracts through New York state. We are also funded through our commercial contract vendors in our integrated business. Integrated dusiness includes custodial and grounds maintenance. We manufacture various styles of textiles, including scrubs, hospital gowns. We have a belt manufacturing division. We do warehousing. We are assembling air purifiers, and we also have a document imaging division. Q: Can people purchase the scrubs and belts at area shops? A: We’ve been a contract manu-

facturer at Oswego Industries over at least the 10 years and have provided over 200,000 belts to organizations in the public and private sector. In 2019, our OI Wear line was created to enter the consumer market. OI Wear is the apparel division of Oswego Industries and it really exists to support the overall mission of the agency and provide training and employment opportunities to the people we support. Part of the development of this line was an ability to partner with Syracuse University and Dyehard Fan Supply. We’re now an official licensed online and retail supplier of the OI Wear Game Day belt. Q: Where can people buy these? A: Our belts are available in some of the local shops in the city of Fulton and Oswego. You can purchase them from our website [oiwear.com]. The SU Game Day Belt will be available at The Dome and the Dyehard Fan Supply website. We’ve produced scrubs for the local nuclear plants over the years. At the beginning of the pandemic, we were able to pivot our operations and we supplied hospital gowns and face masks to a lot of the local healthcare providers. We were fortunate to be deemed an essential business, which allowed us to continue and changed our whole textile line. Q: What are some of the challenging aspects of your job? A: The pandemic has created challenges I truly don’t think that any of us were prepared for. I’ve been proud of what our team has been able to accomplish, navigating the constantly changing regulations and health and safety mandates. Every time something was addressed in a regulation, it’s a policy update, it’s a procedure change. That truly has been the biggest challenge of my career. Q: What are some of the more rewarding aspects of your job? A: Seeing the impact that we have in families’ lives. The supports that we provide enable them to work and live their lives, while continuing to care for their child or adult with a disability. Our staff makes a huge difference in the lives of the people we support every day. It’s extremely rewarding. When we hear those success stories or feedback from the families, and how much they’re appreciative – it’s just an amazing thing to be a part of.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Disabilities

Blind Sport Expo

October event provides opportunities for children with visual impairments to participate in sports

By Mary Beth Roach

How to Get More Info

dapted sports for children with visual impairments and different ways to play soccer for children of all abilities are the themes of year’s Fitness Inclusion Network’s (Fit-IN) annual conference. For those families interested in finding recreation outlets, teachers and coaches, the expo is designed to show them that there are some options available to them, according to Peyton Sefick, of Fit-IN. Currently referred to as the Blind Sport Expo, it is free and slated for Oct. 26 at the CNY Family Sports Centre in Baldwinsville. Organizers are planning to feature demonstrations to show children with visual impairments how to play five-a-side soccer, beep baseball, goalball, power wheelchair soccer, how to take part in track and field, and how to cycle on a tandem bike. There will be adapted equipment there for families and physical education teachers to try out. Those involved with the expo include Neinke Dosa, a developmental pediatrician at the Golisano Center for Special Needs, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a provider in the Fitness Inclusion Network; Peyton Sefick, with Fitness Inclusion Network; SUNY Cortland; and Lauren Lieberman, distinguished service professor with SUNY Brockport in the area of adapted physical education and co-founder of Camp Abilities, for children with visual impairments. Lieberman’s students will be assisting in the set-up of the expo and helping the children with the sports and equipment. Fitness Inclusion Network, as described by its website, promotes adapted sports and inclusive recreation in Central New York and consists of athletes, students, families, and professionals in adapted physical education, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, engineering, therapeutic recreation, special education, social work, and disability policy and law. It was begun in 2013, with support from the Upstate Foundation/Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and SUNY Cortland Department of

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Those interested in Blind Sport Expo, which will take place Oct. 26, can get more information thought the following websites: Fitness Inclusion Network: www. facebook.com/FitInNet; http:// fitnessinclusionnetwork.org/ AT Village: www.atvillage.org/ Camp Abilities Brockport: www.facebook.com/ CampAbilitiesBrockportNY; www.campabilities.org/

Peyton Sefick, with Fitness Inclusion Network, (right) playing powerchair soccer. Above, kids playing open air soccer. Photos provided Adapted Physical Education. As defined by the United States Association of Blind Athletes, fiveA-side soccer consists of teams made up of four outfield players, who are classified as completely blind, and the goalkeeper must be sighted or partially sighted. The ball makes a noise because of sound system inside it that helps players orient themselves. In goalball, according to the same association, two teams, each with three players, face one another across a court. The object of the game is to get the basketball-sized ball with bells inside it over the opponent’s goal line. Recreation and sports are part of any family’s and any child’s experience, said Dosa. “It’s what brings us together, it helps with social development. It builds families.” The expo and instruction on five-a-side-soccer, in particular, could help to give children the necessary skills to compete at the elite level and even at the Paralympics, since that sport is expected to be included in the games in 2028. “With inclusive fitness and adaptive sports, you need to have a base of opportunities in the community to bring the kids to even learn about the sports, to get the skills and to have those social experiences. If you don’t have that base, it’s hard to get to the

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

elite level,” Dosa explained. Sefick knows well what it means to be able to participate in sports. He called his introduction to power wheelchair soccer as one of the “biggest defining moments of my life.” As a youngster growing up in Baldwinsville, he said he was always very competitive. But because he has arthrogryposis, a rare joint condition, he could only sit on the sidelines and cheer on his friends. But after learning the sport and eventually forming a team in Syracuse, he was able to compete on higher levels and was part of Team USA in the 2012 and 2017 Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA) World Cups. He also plays and coaches locally for CNY United. Showing children the steps to playing on these higher and more competitive levels will also be explored during the Expo, Sefick said. Key to promoting adapted sports for children of all abilities is fostering a greater sense of inclusion and community. Dosa suggested that one should think in terms of the environment around the child rather than focusing on that child’s physical or developmental challenge. “It’s a much broader way to thinking about how to help the child and the family. What can we do at

the community level?” she said. The sense of community is at the core of this expo, as well, since a number of area organizations are taking part. In addition to the organizing participants, funding for the event came from a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation. “We believe that all children should have access to social opportunities and organized physical fitness. The field of adapted sports and inclusive recreation can alleviate the isolation that blind children and children with visual impairments often face when it comes to these types of opportunities,” said Danielle Johnson, senior director for grants and programs for the Central New York Community Foundation. “We hope that through this partnership more youth will be able to enjoy and participate in events that build social relationships and enhance physical fitness.” That funding also helped to provide “camp in a bag” kits for 12 children with visual impairments so they could attend the virtual version of the Camp Abilities program at SUNY Brockport. The program, co-founded by Lieberman, offers a week of activities, which not only promotes fitness but also socialization skills and self-advocacy. For more and updated info on the expo, Sefick suggested checking the websites and social media sites for Fitness Inclusion Network; AT (Adaptive Technology) Village and Camp Abilities at Brockport.

SmartBites By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Your Stomach’s Best Friend? Fennel!

addled with a finicky stomach since forever, I’m always on the lookout for foods that aid digestion. Probiotic-rich yogurt, high-fiber whole grains, nausea-busting ginger, constipation-relieving apples: all have easily found their way into my weekly diet. My newest addition? Fennel. Sweet, crunchy, refreshing fennel. While I’m no stranger to fennel and have always enjoyed its licorice-like flavor, I’ve never really eaten it on a consistent basis. But these days, I now consume this bulbous vegetable with the feathery fronds several times a week — for the digestive benefits and so much more. How exactly does fennel keep our digestion humming? Fennel contains a unique antispasmodic agent that relaxes the smooth muscles in our digestive tract—a soothing action that helps to reduce bloating, cramping, and flatulence. In the early 20th century, fennel was actually listed as an official drug for digestion in the U.S. National Standard Dispensatory. And limited research suggests that fennel oil may reduce colic in infants. Maybe this explains why Indian restaurants offer a bowl of candy-coated fennel seeds to customers. Fennel also rocks with fiber: 11% of our daily needs in one cup of raw slices. Fiber-rich foods support healthy digestion by adding bulk to our stools and by helping food move through our system more easily and quickly. In other words, less constipation! High fiber intake has also been linked to a lower risk of developing heart disease and diabetes due to its ability to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. And contrary to its pale color, fennel boasts a good amount of vitamin C.

Adapted from Cooking Light Serves 4

2 fennel bulbs 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon chopped fronds 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cups chopped tomatoes 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 4 tablespoons crumbled feta

Hearts love this essential vitamin for its cell-protecting antioxidant benefits; skin loves it for its wrinkle prevention; immune systems love it for its overall boost; and eyes love it because it may delay the onset of developing cataracts, as well as slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A versatile vegetable that’s as enjoyable raw as it is cooked, fennel is naturally low in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories (only 30 per sliced cup) and a good source of potassium.

Try These 3 Tips to Lose Those Pandemic Pounds

f you’re like many people, your waistline has expanded during the pandemic. “The world shut down,” said Heather Tressler, a registered dietitian at the Penn State Celiac Clinic at Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “Maybe you didn’t change what you ate, but you became less active.” Lately, Tressler says she’s seeing patients — adults and children — who have gained 20 to 40 pounds during the pandemic. A study published this spring in the journal JAMA Network Open found that among 270 mid-

Fennel, Tomato and Feta Skillet Bake

dle-aged men and women, they had gained an average of 1.5 pounds per month between February and June 2020. Now may feel like the right time to shed that extra pants size, but it’s important to approach it in a healthy way. Tressler offered three tips to safely get started: 1) forget the fads, 2) don’t become too obsessed with calories, and 3) exercise alone is not enough. Though fad diets might sound appealing and bring you shortterm weight loss, they’re not sustainable, Tressler explained. Some are

Helpful tips Look for large, tight bulbs that are white or pale green, minus signs of splitting, bruising or spotting. The root bottom should have little browning. To store: trim fronds (if still on) to two inches above the bulb, wrap loosely in a plastic bag, and place in fridge for up to 5 days. In season now, fennel can be found at local farmer’s markets.

even risky. A diet that emphasizes a high fat intake, for example, could lead to spikes in cholesterol. Don’t be entirely focused on weight. “A scale really only measures the Earth’s gravitational pull on your body,” Tressler said in a Penn State news release. It’s more important to know your numbers — cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, she said. They’ll give you a better picture of your health and the safest ways to lose weight. Losing weight is basic subtraction and requires eating less than you need to maintain your weight. Age, gender and activity levels also make a difference in the number of calories you need to maintain or lose weight. App stores and websites offer calculators to help you keep track. Tressler suggested the Harris-Benedict equation, which can calculate how many calories your body would September 2021 •

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Trim coarse bulb bottom; then cut bulbs vertically into 8 wedges each, separating wedges along the way. Sprinkle with coriander, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Chop fennel fronds to equal 1 tablespoon; set aside. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add fennel wedges; cook 6 minutes until lightly browned, stirring throughout. Add garlic slices and cook 1 minute more. Add chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Gently mix; then place entire skillet in oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and garnish with fronds.

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.

need if it rested for 24 hours. Just don’t become too numbers-focused, she said. “It can become very restrictive,” Tressler said, and can lead to eating disorders. Tressler recommends “intuitive eating” based on lifestyle needs. “There are no bad foods,” she said, “only bad portions.” The vast majority of weight loss can be controlled by what you eat, Tressler said. Some websites and articles say losing weight is the result of 80% diet and 20% exercise. Exercise also is good for heart health, muscles and well-being. Tressler suggests 30 minutes per day, five days a week, of something you like such as dancing or walking, and then pairing that with a healthy, sensible eating plan. “Maintain a balance,” Tressler said.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Addiction

Addiction: Drug Overdose Deaths Jumped 30% Last Year in U.S.

2020 has highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period

s America went into lockdown and treatment centers closed their doors, drug overdose deaths in the United States jumped by nearly a third last year, new data show. The estimated 93,331 drug overdose deaths recorded during 2020 are a sharp increase — a 29.4% rise — over the 72,151 deaths estimated in 2019, according to preliminary data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The NCHS is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physician Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, called the new numbers

“chilling.” “This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, and the largest increase since at least 1999,” she said. “The COVID-19 pandemic created a devastating collision of health crises in America.” The new NCHS data also show that overdose deaths from opioids, specifically, spiked from 50,963 in 2019 to 69,710 in 2020, about a 27% rise. Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine also rose from 2019 to 2020, the report found. There

were also increases in deaths from semi-synthetic opioids such as prescription pain medications and from cocaine. Volkow, who wasn’t involved in the new report, said the sharp and tragic rise in overdoses stems from a combination of factors.

Addiction: Substance Abuse Disorder No Reason to Ignore Pain Treatment ‘We can treat pain for those who are treated with addiction. It takes a more modern mindset’ By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ecause of the opioid epidemic, healthcare providers have become more careful about prescribing powerful pain medication. But when people with a history of substance use disorder need pain relief, that can cause difficulties. “It’s a very important issue,” said physician Ross Sullivan, medical director of Syracuse-based Helio Health. “In general, there’s an expectation of pain. Sometimes, the important thing to talk about with therapy and counseling is there might be learning to live with some pain.” Ross, who is also medical director of Medical Toxicology and the fellowship director of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship at SUNY Upstate and the Director of the Upstate Emergency Medicine Opioid Bridge Clinic, advocates for treating pain both with medication and the right mental/emotional approach. People undergoing treatment for substance use disorder can use a multimodal approach to mitigate their pain instead of relying only upon medication. “Opioids are the first line for acute pain,” Sullivan said. “Transitioning from a full opioid as quickly as possible to methadone or buprenorphine may be a strategy. These are conventionally used only for pain but can be used by someone with an opioid addiction to also treat the dependency and pain. Previously people would say, ‘You’re an addict; you can get no medication.’ That’s not what’s right for the patient.” Sullivan said that the pain medication could include a muscle relaxer,

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NSAID such as ibuprofen, and pain patches to reduce pain and improve function. The provider could divide their suboxone regimen that is treating their substance use disorder from one daily dose to two smaller doses to help mitigate pain. “We can treat pain for those who are treated with addiction,” Sullivan said. “It takes a more modern mindset.” Non-pharmacological approaches may also help mitigate pain and help the person recovering from an illness or injury improve. “Part of the answer is stretching, exercise and yoga,” Sullivan added. “The person could do physical therapy and any type of exercise program. It will always be beneficial. Acupuncture may help with chronic or acute pain. These are all things people should try. Our goal is to improve function. We want to be pain-free, but it’s not always going to

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

be possible.” Monika Taylor, licensed clinical social worker director of Addiction Treatment Services at Crouse Health, believes that the opioid crisis intersects two public health challenges: reducing suffering and reducing harm from the use of opioid medication. “For decades, our healthcare system was very comfortable with prescribing opioids without limiting the amount of refills,” Taylor said. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 has formed guiding principles for providers to address pain management issues. Prescriptions for opioid pain medications are given under much more scrutiny. “What happened as a result is a lot of pain practices dropped patients like hot potatoes,” Taylor said. “That was not a good response, either. People were on these medications for decades and they’re taking it

“This has been an incredibly uncertain and stressful time for many people and we are seeing an increase in drug consumption, difficulty in accessing lifesaving treatments for substance use disorders, and a tragic rise in overdose deaths,” she said. away without offering any kind of assistance to them. This escalated this epidemic further. These people were trying now to buy these medications on the street or would try heroin.” Many of the patients she sees in addiction treatment have experienced negative interactions with the healthcare system because they feel judged and because their pain is not adequately managed. She added that many feel they will not receive fair treatment, even though their addiction began with pain treatment with opioids prescribed after an injury. “We’re hoping to offer primary care to some of our patients by September,” Taylor said. “They feel comfortable to us. Our team is not judgmental and they can see the whole person.” She believes that alternative pathways should be offered to help alleviate pain without the use of opioids. Tammy L. Wilkinson, owner of Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique in Oswego, said that pain relief is one reason clients come to her facility. As a patient with lupus, a painful autoimmune condition, she especially appreciates the inflammation-reducing modalities her business offers. “We’ve had people in recovery come to the center and voice their excitement to go in a float tank for that physical relieve and a mental-emotional reset,” Wilkinson said. “Being away from the sensory overload that we experience day to day gives us the space to process whatever we’re dealing it, whether physical, mental and emotional. “You have nothing to lose in trying it. I tell people to keep an open mind. Don’t go in with any expectation.” The spa float experience, also called restricted environmental stimulation therapy, involves floating in 11 inches of warm water saturated with Epsom salt. Wilkinson described it as a “quiet, womb-like environment.” Wilkinson also offers massage therapy, infrared sauna and other modalities.

Men’s Health

Blue Pills in the Mail Should you trust erectile dysfunction drugs sold online? By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

eginning with Viagra in 1998, erectile dysfunction medication has offered men relief from impotence — just pop a little blue pill, and problem solved. Viagra (sildenafil) is an FDA-approved medication that requires a prescription. But the cost, along with the stigma of needing help to achieve erections, has caused men in recent years to seek ED medication online.

Online pharmacies are nothing new. Many insurance companies have covered doctor’s prescriptions filled by online pharmacies for years. Some brick-and-mortar stores also provide online options. While these can be reputable means of obtaining medication, Dave Albala, an urologist with Crouse Hospital, said that solely online sellers can be difficult to evaluate.

What Dentists Want Parents to Do Adults can help promote good dental health among children By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n a sense, dentists treating children see two patients with each visit: the child and the accompanying parent. While the dentists treat the child, the parent receives dental education to improve home care. Children should begin seeing the dentist by 1 year of age. Although it seems too early to many parents, it is important so that dentist can detect oral problems early, help children feel comfortable visiting the dentist, and establish good home care with parents. “One of the things that drives me crazy that I see in the store is baby bottles covered with 7-Up or Pepsi,” said Matthew Hall, dentist and general practice residency program director at the Department of Medical Education at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. Whether or not the bottle contains soft drinks—and they shouldn’t—using bottles adorned with soft drink brands normalizes their consumption to children. Children should drink only water from bottles or sippy cups between meals.

“One of the biggest disappointments is when we have a child here at 18 months or 2 years and they have cavities on all their baby teeth,” Hall said. “It’s too late once they have bottle rot, also known as early childhood caries.” Drinking milk or juice should be limited to mealtimes. What and when children eat is also important to note. “Start children early on to limit sweets and judiciously hand out things that could harm teeth,” Halls said. “Limit it to mealtime.” Fruit Roll-Ups are a common offender, as the popular children’s snack is sticky and loaded with sugar that feeds tooth-rotting bacteria. Hall would also like to see parents stop the practice of children noshing on snacks for extended periods. Instead of allowing all-day Goldfish snacking from the package, parents should offer one portion for five minutes. If it is not finished, the remainder of the portion should be taken away. For children who frequently claim they are hungry, parents

“A lot of people advertise ED medication online,” Albala said. “If you go through a large drug company, look for brick and mortar locations. A study showed that 50% of medication sold through online sources contained any Viagra. Only 30% – 50% of those contained enough of it. Buying through an online pharmacy is a problem. Ninety-seven percent of sites aren’t recommended. It’s cheap, but they’re not helpful.” Albala said that seeking medication through a drug manufacturer’s website can prove helpful. Entities selling ED treatments from other countries lack the same scrutiny and regulations as in the United States. Even those shipping from a US address may source from countries without the same laws as the US. “Avoid anything that appears to be coming from anywhere outside the United States,” said J.C. Trussell, an urologist with SUNY Upstate Urology. Untrustworthy sites may sell preparations that do not match their labels. “It is misleading,” Trussell said. “A patient should get precisely what they’re paying for and without any other chemical that’s not known to the patient. Taking too little or too much of the PD5 inhibitor has minimal consequences, but the other chemicals that may be slipped in to make the product work better could be harmful unaddressed by the patient.” Trussell expressed hesitation about some online sources which do not fill doctor’s prescriptions but simply offer a questionnaire for buyers to complete. “Most of those that are legitimate ask important questions for contraindications for having nitrates available for angina and making sure there

are no current use or availability of nitro glycerin, which can cause low blood pressure or death,” Trussell said. “There are other relative contraindications, like inability to walk up a flight of stairs, heart attack within two weeks, untreated angina. Typically, internet questionnaires should cover these questions and not prescribe medication until that patient has seen a doctor. Once those are met, it’s safe to prescribe these medications.” Treating erectile dysfunction without a prescription may overlook other health issues causing the problem. Trussell said that he insists patients see a primary care provider to rule out high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low testosterone or other things. “They may have undiagnosed vascular issues that if untreated that can compromise their long-term health,” he said. “If someone has depression and ED, treating one can eliminate the others.” While he understands that people want to be discreet and pay less, self-prescribing is a bad idea, he said. Buyers should also be aware that some fraudsters spoof legitimate websites to bilk unsuspecting customers. Patients should avoid following links in advertisements and search for websites by entering the address directly. Some men with ED consider nutritional supplements. Trussell said that he believes some of them work, but with caveats. “Saw palmetto works quite well for a slow urinary stream for treating enlarged prostate,” he said as an example. “But no over-the-counter supplement for ED has any value or merit. I’m not aware of any that work. For that reason, I recommend that they avoid that option.”

should remain strict about eating times. Many times, it is just boredom or thirst instead of hunger. It takes about 30 minutes for saliva to reduce the acid in the mouth. Hall wants parents to set a better example of good oral care at home. “If they see that you’re taking care of your teeth, they will want to,” Hall said. “Infants absorb everything around them. They are always watching and listening. If they see the parents are diligent about taking care of them, they will also do this. You will need to help them when they are small.” This should include brushing at least twice daily: after breakfast and before bed. Brushing after lunch is good as well. However, most children are not able to do so at school. Rinsing the mouth with water can help reduce the bacteria load after lunch. How children get cavities often surprises parents. “Most people are shocked to find out that if they have cavities, they can transmit them to their children,” Hall said. “If a mom or dad has active decay, kissing the baby can transmit that disease into the baby’s mouth so the baby can be affected by decay. The kid who drops a pacifier on the ground and the parent licks it off. Guess what? You transmitted germs that cause cavities into your baby’s mouth. The bacteria that cause decay can be transmitted to anyone else.” Not every patient consistently complies with brushing guidelines.

“Often, even with adults, sometimes they brush more in the morning but often forget at night,” said Lindsey Behrman, dentist and pediatric dental attending at Pluta Dental Center in Rochester. “That’s super important because you want to make sure all the food that’s been on your teeth all day is off your teeth. It’s an all-you-can eat buffet for the bacteria. You usually have less saliva at night.” Parents should help their children brush until age 7 or when their manual dexterity is sufficient to do a good job. Otherwise, Behrman said that it is easy for children to miss spots. She also encourages brushing the tongue. “We have papillae,” she said. “It’s like a carpet for food and plaque to accumulate. After you brush the teeth, brush the tongue.” One aspect of home care that many parents overlook is flossing. Stuffing large hands into tiny mouths is challenging. Floss picks may make it easier. Behrman also reminds many parents to have their children wear a mouthguard for sports beyond just football and lacrosse. A collision with other players, equipment like the net or ball, or falling during play can endanger teeth. “Get a fitted mouthguard, not a floppy one that moves in the mouth,” Behrman said. “If they have a very deep bite or their top teeth are farther out than the bottom ones, they’re more at risk for a dental issue.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Treatments for Vertigo Often Easy and Effective

Most reasons for vertigo can be treated and improve balance By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

o you frequently feel like the room is spinning? It may be vertigo. The differences between vertigo and dizziness are how they present and what causes them. Colloquially, the terms are used interchangeably. However, vertigo involves a feeling of the room spinning and can include nausea. It comes mostly from inner ear issues. Dizziness can include lightheadedness, fogginess and lack of balance. Few people think of a physical therapy office as a source of help for vertigo. James Wallace, physical therapist and director of clinical rehabilitation services at Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center in New Hartford, said that most of his patients come to him as referrals. “The fact of the matter is true vertigo can be very alarming and most people don’t hesitate to get emergent care,” he said. “So, most of the time these folks end up in urgent care or emergency rooms. For the dizzy patient, they often see their primary care providers.” Issues with the brain, hearing and vision can also contribute to

vertigo, which is why patients seen for vertigo may be referred to other providers. Some audiologists and neurologists treat balance issues. Many vertigo issues have to do with the vestibular area of the inner ear. “The appropriate tests are determined with a thorough patient history,” Wallace said. “Our therapists are highly skilled and educated and certified to treat vestibular problems efficiently and effectively.” Eye movement tells care providers about the inner ear, since the inner ear controls eye movement and sends messages to the spine to adjust the person’s position. His office performs numerous types of tests until arriving at a diagnosis and also refers people to other professionals as needed. Benign paroxysJamie McKinstry

mal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one cause of dizziness which Wallace’s office treats. BPPV is caused by displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the semicircular canals. Jamie McKinstry, physical therapist with additional education in BPPV, treats patients diagnosed with BPPV at Warner Physical Therapy in Oswego. “If it is BPPV, I put them in positional testing,” she said. “When you do that, you’ll illicit the symptoms. I hope their symptoms happen so we know it is BPPV. Then I can put them in the correct positional treatment.” By tilting, moving and holding the head in specific, strategic sequences, she can reposition the crystals. McKinstry said some patients receive misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments for months before learning about BPPV at her office and receiving just one to five treatments that bring relief. “They’ve dealt with dizziness much longer than they’ve needed to,” she said. Some patients with BPPV have concurring conditions contributing to dizziness, so it is important to rule out or treat other sources of dizziness. McKinstry sends patients home with a handout so they can reposition their crystals as needed, but they are also welcome to return to the office. In addition to treating BPPV, Robert Berkley, doctor of physical therapy at Robert Berkley Physical Therapy in Oswego, may recommend strategies for patients whose dizziness is caused by other issues, such as ocular nerve issues. “You have to teach the nerve to focus on a point,” he said. “It can be disturbed during car sickness as you watch trees go past, but if you focus on one tree, and another tree. Ice skaters focus on one point like the judge. We may have a smiley face or large dot and we have them focus on that as they move.” At the therapy office and at home, a few easy exercises can help improve balance, such as learning to walk while blindfolded to improve proprioception (the sense of where one’s body is located). “With other balance issues, it’s training you to do the things that cause you to lose your balance,” Berkley said. “If you are dizzy when you look up, or look to your left, we train you to walk while looking to the left. On average, it takes two weeks before they start feeling better

and within a month back to normal.” Medication may cause dizziness and lightheadedness, although that is not necessarily vertigo. This especially affects older people Dale J. Buchberger who likely have numerous medication needs. Combined with other factors like polypharmacy and reduced proprioception, muscle tone, and inner ear function, many older adults have high risk of falls. For a younger person, a fall may not be serious. But, it can be life-altering for an older adult, according to Dale Buchberger at Active Physical Therapy Solutions in Auburn, a physical therapist, doctor of chiropractic, certified strength and conditioning specialist, diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. “When they have a break, they’re immobile and at high risk for blood clots,” Buchberger said. “It becomes a complicated situation.” Months of immobilization reduces muscle tone, bone density, cardiovascular health and overall wellness. To prevent falls, he recommends improving staying active to keep strength and balance optimal. “Walking and resistance training are what you need,” he said. “One good device for most people is a Total Gym. I don’t get any money from Chuck Norris for that. For older people, it’s a safe, effective method of strengthening.” He also recommends exercises classes for older adults at places like the YMCA or other gyms. Balance exercises can also help, such as modified squats and bridges. To squat more safely, Buchberger said to stand in front of the kitchen sink and hold on to the edge of the counter. Squat down as far as safely possible and stand. “If you struggle to get up, your arms can help pull you up,” he said. For bridges, lie on the back in bed, push in the heels and lift the bottom. “My oldest patient was 97,” Buchberger said. “You still make gains with these folks so they can stay independent.”

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

Parenting By Melissa Stefanec

MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

My Fantasy Back-to-School Shopping List

n my kids’ first day of school, they will walk into their new classrooms in their favorite outfits and with a little apprehension in their bellies. The first day of school is a day of excitement, potential and new beginnings. It is also an opportunity for my kids to demonstrate their pack mule abilities. You see, the first day of school means a mass transportation of goods. A simple backpack doesn’t cut it. My kids usually roll into the first day of school with backpacks that triple their widths and extra bags in tow. Besides building character and brains, the first week of school is about building back muscles and biceps. To what do we owe this demonstration of physical power? The humble school supply list. These lists are often expansive. Yet, they leave so much out. They focus on what kids need in the classroom, not the stuff they need to make it through the school year. So, for the sake of levity, I’ve compiled an uncut back-to-school list. This straight-shooting list includes items parents need but of which never make it onto the teacher’s list. Feel free to take this list back-to-school shopping. You’ll be the savviest parent in the locker-decoration aisle. • Five replacement zippers for a backpack: I think the backpack marketers should take a cue from the dress shirt marketers. Never mind spare buttons; I want to buy bags with spare zippers or spare Velcro strapped to the side. That way, when my kids try to shove two backpacks-worth of stuff into their bags, I have reinforcements. • Tie-dye patches for every corner of a backpack: Speaking of reinforcements, I’m hoping that patches stay trendy. When my kids wear or tear a hole in the backpacks in early November, I don’t want to buy another backpack. I want to hotglue some tie-dye patches on and call it a day. • A pencil box whose zippers or clasps don’t break: I’m not sure these exist, so I may have to get creative. I will buy some trendy duct tape and small screws for when I need to be pencil case pit crew. • 12 pairs of matching gloves: In my heart of hearts, I know this is too few, but I look to the new school year with optimism. In the past, I would get all sorts of different gloves and mittens. Not this year. This year, I’m going standard-issue style. • Pocket-size vacuum: One of my least favorite things about backpacks is that grunge that collects in their bottoms. It’s a hodge-podge of Dum-Dum sticks, hair, pencil leads,

tiny pieces of paper, popcorn and I-don’t-want-to-know. I want to get a mini vacuum and make my kids clean out their bags with it every weekend. • Flashy folders that are reinforced with bamboo: I remember the thrill of picking out new folders for school. I mean, folders do say a lot about a person. Will my kids choose to be conformists or nonconformists? Subtle or loud? Folders are important. However, no matter how expensive they are, they fall apart. If manufacturers can use bamboo in my toilet paper, surely they can engineer a super folder. • Three pairs of snow pants: I love that my kids go outside at school during the winter, but that means they need so many pairs of snow pants. Additionally, I must purchase these in October. If I wait any later than that, my kids will have to play in the snow in sweatpants covered in trash bags. • Water bottle with child’s name carved into the side: I’m almost certain there is a room in my children’s school that is filled to the ceiling with unclaimed water bottles, gloves and hats. Water bottles laugh in the face of permanent markers. The only way my kids might finish the school year with the same water bottle they started with is if I chisel their info into the side of the bottle. • 4,000 sheets of multipurpose paper: My kids love scrap paper! They get special satisfaction from writing one math problem or doodle directly in the middle of the sheet, thereby making the rest of the paper unusable. In a perfect world, we would only need 2,000, because we could flip the sheets over. However, spilled food and drink on my tables ensure the other side of the paper is unusable. • Masks that change color when dirty/moistened: I don’t know if these exist. If they do, the company that created them can take all of my money. I’m tired of smelling and rubbing my kids’ facemasks to determine if they are used. • Several outﬁts your middle-school self would have been shoved into a locker for wearing: These are essential to make sure my kids send the right messages to their peers. If my son doesn’t wear socks that go up his knees with his sandals, how will he get picked first for kickball? Everything old is new again. Today’s cool school clothes look like what I had to buy at Goodwill in seventh grade. So, there you have it. The backto-school lists that other parents won’t tell you about. If you combine this list with your child’s teacher’s list, you might be semi-prepared for the school year.

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Kids’ Stomach Pain: What’s Serious, What’s Not There are certain red ﬂags parents should be aware of By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

y tummy hurts!” Most parents hear those dreaded words at some

point. Stomach pain in children is a common complaint with causes trivial to mental to potentially deadly. Sometimes, nerves can cause an upset stomach. Talking about any concerns the child has may reveal that something emotional is causing the upset stomach. “Stress and anxiety are, by definition, not only about our thoughts or emotions, but our physical body,” said Jennifer Rapke, licensed clinical psychologist and chief of Child PsyBringing comfort, peace and hope chiatry Consultation Liaison Service at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hosto thousands of families for over pital. “Our nervous system responds 30 years to stress and causes a series of physical and chemical reactions in our body. Many people have heard the term ‘fight or flight’ or have heard Proudly serving Onondaga, Cayuga, about ‘stress sweat’ on TV commercials. These are referencing some Oswego and Madison Counties of the chemical reactions that occur when the body is stressed. If the (315) 634-1100 www.hospicecny.org body is under stress for an extended period or chronically over time, these physical and chemical changes start to wear on our bodies and can cause medical problems, such as stomachaches, headaches, being more susceptible to colds, etcetera.” Rapke said that acknowledging a child’s feelings and a comforting touch like a hug or a hand on the shoulder can help a child relax, along • Prices Start Under $3,000 with offering a glass of water or sitting down to take a break together. • Stop in our showroom “These two steps ensure that for a test drive they feel heard and that you care about their welfare,” Rapke said. Ongoing stress can manifest as • We don’t leave chronic stomach pain. Some children until you’re fully trained may need help in coping with stress. on your stair lift Rapke said that different approaches work for different children, whether distraction, physical stimulation like • Free – No Pressure exercise or a therapeutic massage, Home Evaluation or relaxation techniques like deep breaths, aromatherapy or peaceful • MoPro Mobility, Medical music. “Some of these will work in Products & Footwear the short-term, but they are most effective when practiced even a few minutes every day,” Rapke said. “For 3232 Erie Blvd East Syracuse, NY 13214 example, there are many apps that (315) 472-0707 have one- to five-minute activities Ph (315) 472 Blvd - 0707 E. Fax Syracuse, (315) 472 - 8088 NY 13214 3232 Erie ͞DŽWƌŽ͟ ŝƐ ĨŽƌ DŽďŝůŝƚǇ WƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ŽƌƉ you could use as part of your nightHours: Mon-Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 10am–4pm; time routine that help the body learn ŵŽƉƌŽĐŽƌƉ͘ĐŽŵ Closed on Sundays to calm itself more effectively over Mobility & Healthcare Products www.moprocorp.com time.” MoPro Mobility, Medical Products & Footwear If that’s not it, a few clues can help show com whether the cause requires www moprocorp medical attention or a wait-and-see approach. Even severe stomach pain is likely just a “tummy bug” type of infection; however, if it lasts for more than several days and/or is accompanied certain other symptoms, that can indicate other issues. Sometimes, it can be difficult to For advertising information: editor@cnyhealth.com get a complete picture from children. Small children may have swallowed an object causing an obstruction but

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

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fear telling their parents what they have done. Or girls experiencing their first period may not understand menstrual cramps or may feel embarrassed talking about menstrual cramps. Teens experimenting with drugs and alcohol may also fear punishment if they admit what they have been doing. Keeping open communication and demonstrating concern can help children feel freer to discuss their health. Causes such as food intolerances or allergies tend to present sporadically as the child is exposed to the offending foods. These are usually accompanied by bloating, diarrhea, vomiting or, in the case of some food allergies, systemic responses, affecting other areas of the body. Much rarer are bowel cancers. Pain is a red flag for appendicitis, along with fever and the child lying very still. Moving worsens the pain. Children will not want to eat or drink and will appear very ill. It can also help to ask if it hurts to urinate or defecate. These symptoms can indicate urinary tract infection and constipation, respectively. Especially for younger children, monitor bathroom visits. Children who are constipated usually need more water, fiber and activity to find relief. If these do not work, children should be seen by a provider. Other less common issues could include ovarian torsion in girls, kidney stones, bowel intussusception, and, in adolescents, gall bladder, pancreatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases. “Anytime a child has abdominal pain, you can have them be evaluated if it doesn’t go away after 24 hours,” said Jenilee Foster, physician assistant and regional lead provider with WellNow Urgent Care in Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. “Or, if the child has fever, vomiting or pain to touch, that’s more of a concern that they need to be evaluated.” An urgent care center can determine if the pain is a minor issue or requires an emergency room visit for further care. Foster added that quick onset is more worrisome than an issue that seems to develop more slowly, but it is okay to have abdominal pain evaluated and then learn it was not serious. “It’s almost like chest pain,” Foster said. “You want to make sure it’s nothing. As a provider, you try to rule out those things that are more severe and make sure it’s treatable at home.” In addition to monitoring symptoms, limit foods until the pain improves. These include spicy, acidic and dairy foods. It may help to apply a hot pack or warm washcloth to the abdomen. Older children may find comfort in sipping warm water or herbal tea.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Pandemic Not a Factor In Death by Suicide Rates By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he Centers for Disease helped break down mental Control and Prevenhealthcare barriers, includtion reports 47,511 ing stigma, transportation, Americans died by suicide childcare, scheduling conin 2019. The CDC’s most flicts and mobility. That has recent statewide statistics helped mitigate the negafrom 2017 indicate that tive factors the pandemic suicide is the second leading has brought, such as isolacause of death for New York tion, lack of regular coping state residents aged 15 to mechanisms and normality 34. From 2016 to 2018, death and anxiety about finances, by suicide increased in the future and becoming ill. Upstate by 3.2% among all Rita Worlock “One thing that’s age groups with the average important to keep in mind age at death 47.3 years, according to whether pre-pandemic or not, is the New York State Department of suicide risk is complex,” Stolfi said. Health. “It’s easy to point to one thing to say, Although little data has been ‘That brought about someone’s death gathered about the pandemic’s influby suicide.’ There are a lot of things ence on suicide, area experts report we can do to mitigate risk.” that it appears that rates of death by One of the key things is to talk suicide have not increased because of about and normalize mental health. COVID-19. The pandemic has promoted mental “Early indications have shown health as an important topic. Many from some reporting states that people have become more active in there’s no change or else declines checking in with one another and from previous years,” said Missy have demonstrated more underStolfi, master’s in education and area standing about others’ mental state. director for American Foundation for Self-care has also become more wideSuicide Prevention. Her area covers ly accepted. Buffalo to Utica. “Suicidal ideation “More people checking in crehas increased during COVID, but ated a sense of connection,” Stolfi we’ve also seen people reaching out said. “People were more in touch to get help whether calling crisis with family and friends because they lines, telehealth options for mental were not running around. People health.” slowed down, reassessed and found She said that telehealth has new ways to connect. The patterns of

taking care of ourselves shifted and they continue to.” She hopes these trends of connectedness continue long-term. As people begin to return to workplaces and normal activities, new anxieties are arising such as worries about returning to work, new virus variants arising and what other unknowns the future may hold. “A lot have new agoraphobia now,” said Rita Worlock, clinical psychotherapist and social work practitioner in Syracuse. “You get used to staying in. We were so used to ordering food and services and doing medical appointments remotely.” Age and gender also seemed factors. When looking at a CDC study that looked at suspected attempts, adolescent girls showed 30% to 50% elevated presentation compared with the same period in 2019, while the numbers remained constant for adults and boys. Worlock said that younger children appear to adjust more readily than older children. “I’d worry more about a teenager who can’t see their friends, and their grades are plummeting,” Worlock said. “I’ve had a lot of kids with suicidal thoughts. They’re now worried about going back to school. There’s no prom or graduation. It’s brutal.” Their parents remain stressed about where they will work, how their children will do school and the economy. Things are not much better for older adults who may feel concern for their more vulnerable health status. Living in isolation has also been bad for mental health. “They haven’t been so good at keeping up with appointments or going to the doctor,” Worlock said. “They say, ‘Why would I want to keep living like this?’ Telehealth can be a barrier for them.”

She encourages people to check in on friends, family and neighbors and to speak up if they see any of the warning signs of suicide ideation. Anyone struggling should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or contact the text line at 838255.

Signs a Person May Be Suicidal

he American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shared a few signs that a person may be thinking about suicide: • Talking about wanting to die. • Looking for a way to kill oneself. • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose. • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain. • Talking about being a burden to others. • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. • Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly. • Sleeping too little or too much. • Withdrawing or feeling isolated. • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. • Displaying extreme mood swings. The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.

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he global total of people living with dementia will rise nearly three-fold by 2050, researchers

Cases are projected to increase from an estimated 57.4 million in 2019 to an estimated 152.8 million in 2050, driven mainly by population growth and aging. This “emphasizes the vital need for research focused on the discovery of disease-modifying treatments and effective low-cost interventions for the prevention or delay of dementia onset,” said lead researcher Emma Nichols of the University of Washington School of Medicine. By 2050, 16% the world’s population will be people over 65. That

compares with 8% in 2010, according to the U.S. National Institute on Aging. The researchers said the largest increases in dementia are expected to occur in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East. While positive trends in education access worldwide are expected to result in 6.2 million fewer dementia cases by 2050, smoking, excess weight and high blood sugar are predicted to boost cases by 6.8 million. The projections, covering 1999 to 2019, are based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, a set of worldwide health trend estimates. The findings were presented

at a recent meeting of the Alzheimer’s Association, held in Denver and online. Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. “Improvements in lifestyle in adults in developed countries and other places — including increasing access to education and greater attention to heart health issues — have reduced incidence in recent years, but total numbers with dementia are still going up because of the aging of the population,” said Maria Carrillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association. “In addition, obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyles in younger people are rising quickly, and these are risk factors for dementia,” she added in a meeting news release. Nichols said these estimates would help policymakers and decision makers better understand the expected increases in dementia and what’s driving them. Her team used the same data to estimate that Alzheimer’s disease death rates rose 38% worldwide between 1990 and 2019. That study was published last year in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Carrillo said the numbers will grow beyond 2050 without effective treatments to stop, slow or prevent Alzheimer’s and all dementia. This will affect individuals, caregivers, health systems and governments. “In addition to therapeutics, it’s critical to uncover culturally tailored interventions that reduce dementia risk through lifestyle factors like education, diet and exercise,” Carrillo said.

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Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO plan and a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal. Our Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-883-9577 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-883-9577 (TTY: 711)。 A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Page 22

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Y0028_8076_C

By Jim Miller

How to Replace Important Documents That Are Lost or Missing Dear Savvy Senior, Can you tell me what I need to do to replace a variety of important documents? Our house burned down a few months ago, and we lost everything including our home property deed, car titles, old tax returns, Social Security, Medicare and COVID-19 vaccine cards, birth certiﬁcates, marriage license and passports. Stressed Seniors

Dear Stressed, I’m very sorry for your loss, but you’ll be relieved to know that replacing important documents that are destroyed, lost or stolen is pretty easy once you know where to turn. Here are the replacement resources for each document you mentioned. • Birth certiﬁcates: If you were born in the United States, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born (see CDC.gov/nchs/ w2w/index.htm for contact information). This office will give you specific instructions on what you need to do to order a certified copy and what it will cost you — usually between $10 and $30. • Car titles: Most states offer replacements through a local department of motor vehicles office. You’ll need to complete a replacement title application form and pay the application fee, which varies by state. You’ll also need to show ID and proof that you own the car, such as your vehicle registration or your license-plate number and VIN (vehicle identification number). To get an application, go to DMV.org, pick your state, and print it or fill it out on the site. • Property deed: To access your house deed, contact your county clerk’s office, where deeds are usually recorded — you may be charged a small fee to get a copy. • Marriage certiﬁcate: Contact the vital records office of the state you were married in to order a copy (see CDC.gov/nchs/w2w/index. htm). You’ll need to provide full names for you and your spouse, the date of your wedding, and the city or town where the wedding was performed. Fees range from $10 to $30. • Social Security cards: In most states (except in Alabama, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and West Virginia),

you can request a replacement Social Security card online for free at SSA. gov/myaccount. If you live in a state that the online service is not available, you’ll need to fill out form SS-5 (see SSA. gov/forms/ss-5.pdf to print a copy) and take it in or mail it to your nearby Social Security office along with a number of evidence documents that are listed on this form. For more information or to locate the Social Security office that serves your area, call 800-772-1213 or see SSA.gov/ locator. • Medicare cards: If you are enrolled in original Medicare, you can replace a lost or damaged Medicare card by calling Medicare at 800-6334227, or by logging into your MyMedicare.gov account. If, however, you get Medicare health or drug benefits from a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as an HMO, PPO, or PDP, you’ll need to call your plan to get your card replaced. • COVID-19 vaccination card: Your first step is to go back to your vaccination site and see if they’ll give you a replacement. Bring an ID and try to recall the date you were vaccinated. If that’s not feasible, contact your state health department immunization information system (see CDC.gov/vaccines/programs/ iis/contacts-locate-records.html) where you should be able to print out a replacement sheet. • Tax returns: To get copies of old tax returns start with your tax preparer, who usually keeps copies of your returns on file. You can also get copies of federal returns directly from the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll need to fill out and mail in IRS form 4506. To download this form IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf or call 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a copy. The cost is $43 for each return requested. • Passports: You can apply for a replacement passport at a Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Many post offices, public libraries and local government offices serve as such facilities. You can search for the nearest authorized facility at iafdb. travel.state.gov. The fee is $145.

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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Retirement Planning Tips for Women

ne day in 1939, Ida May Fuller stopped by the local Social Security office in her hometown of Rutland, Vermont, to inquire about Social Security benefits. She knew she had been paying into Social Security, and wanted to learn more. The following year, she received the very first Social Security benefit payment — $22.54 — arriving as check number 00-000-001. Fuller’s story still holds lessons for women today — and it started with her getting the information she needed. Today, signing up for a personal My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount can help you get information tailored for you to plan for your retirement. It’s never too late to start planning. Fuller was 65 years old when she started receiving benefit payments, but she lived well beyond her life expectancy of 65 years, 4 months. In fact, Fuller lived to be 100 years old, and received Social Security benefit payments for 35 years. It’s important to create your personal My Social Security account as soon as possible. With your account, you can view estimates of future

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

Q: I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B? A: You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on either your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact Social Security to request a special enrollment for Medicare Part B. We will need to verify your coverage through your employer in order for you to be eligible for a special enrollment. For more information, visit www. medicare.gov. Q: My uncle states that he is considered to be 70% disabled through the VA. Does Social Security rate my disability on a percentage scale? A: Social Security does not rate individuals on a percentage scale for disability benefits. For Social Security purposes, a disability is defined as: • A medical condition(s) that must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or ends in death. • The condition must prevent you from performing substantial work. For more information regarding disability benefits, please visit www. ssa.gov/benefits/disability.

benefits, verify your earnings and view the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. Verifying earnings is important because your future benefit is based on your earnings history. Your Social Security benefit payments will provide only a portion of your pre-retirement income. You may have to save more to have adequate income for your desired lifestyle in retirement. Savings need to be an active part of your plan to take care of yourself and your family’s financial future. Fuller never married. She supported herself. However, you may find yourself widowed or divorced — and having to provide for yourself for several more years. Unlike in Fuller’s day, you can go online to see if you’re eligible at www.ssa.gov/retirement to receive a current, deceased, or former spouse’s benefits. It might make financial sense to claim those benefits instead of your own — since the payments could be higher based on the individual’s own earnings history. We encourage you to follow Ida’s example and plan for your financial future. Please share this information with your friends and family — and help us spread the word on social media.

Q: I have two minor children at home and I plan to retire this fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits after I retire? A: Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if one of the following applies: • They are unmarried and under age 18. • Age 18 or 19 and still in high school. • Age 18 or older, became disabled before age 22, and continue to be disabled. Children who may qualify include a biological child, adopted child, or dependent stepchild. (In some cases, your grandchild also could be eligible for benefits on your record if you are supporting them.) For more information, see our online publication, Benefits For Children, at www.ssa.gov/pubs. Q: If I get Social Security disability benefits and I reach full retirement age, will I then receive retirement benefits? A: Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries reach full retirement age. In most cases, the payment amount does not change. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits simultaneously on one earnings record. To learn more, visit www.ssa.gov.

Health News

Excellus Addresses Health Disparities in Upstate New York with new Health Equity Awards

racism. Inclusion, diversity, equity and access are fundamental to our organizational culture,” says Excellus BlueCross BlueShield President and CEO Jim Reed. “We have and will continue to commit ourselves to the equitable treatment of all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.” Excellus BlueCross BlueShield operates in 31 Upstate New York counties, organized into four regions: the Rochester region, encompassing Health Equity categoLivingston, Monroe, Onries include: tario, Seneca, Wayne and • Improving the comYates counties; the Central munity’s physical health New York region, which and mental health includes Cayuga, Cortland, • Reducing social disOnondaga, Oswego and parities in health care Tompkins counties; the • Ensuring access to Southern Tier region, inhealth care cluding Broome, Chemung, For additional informaChenango, Tioga, Schuyler tion and the online appliand Steuben counties; and cation, please visit www. the Utica region, comprisexcellusbcbs.com/coming Clinton, Delaware, Joseph Searles munity, scroll to “NEW! Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Health Equity Awards” and click Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lew“Submit Application.” is, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Proposals that have detailed Otsego and St. Lawrence counties. scope, goals, rationale for support, The company’s corporate giving and measures will receive the stronfollows all applicable laws and regugest consideration. Award winners lations and does not support funding will be announced in late October. organizations that conflict with its “As a company, we condemn corporate mission, goals, policies or hatred, discrimination, violence and products. injustice. We believe we all have a role to play in dismantling systemic

Nonproﬁt organizations are invited to apply for grants of up to $30,000. Deadline is Sept. 17

ecognizing structural racism as a driving force of health inequities and a barrier to its goal of health equity, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield invites nonprofit organizations to apply for Health Equity Awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund health and wellness programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities in Upstate New York. Jim Reed The application period opened Aug. 17 and closes at midnight, Sept. 17. “Excellus BlueCross BlueShield made a pledge to our employees, members and communities that we will use our influence and resources to effect change,” says Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Corporate Diversity Relations Director Joseph Searles. “Through community investments

such as this, we strive to improve access to care, advance specific health outcomes and support organizations in our community that share our mission.” Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s service territory are invited to apply for Health Equity Awards. Proposals must include clear, defined goals for reducing health disparities and improving health equity in communities of color, especially within Black and Latino communities, where historic and current racism and discrimination continues to result in a higher burden of health inequities and social disadvantages. Organizations will be required to specify how funding will measurably assist in improving racial and ethnic health equity outcomes.

St. Joseph’s Health has new chief nursing ofﬁcer

nurse in the emergency department and inpatient nursing units at Cortland Regional Medical Center. She also served four years in the United States Army, managing operations for equipment intake, maintenance pool and supply chain. “We are excited to have Jamie return to Central New York and lead our excellent, Magnet-recognized, nursing staff,” said Leslie Paul Luke, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health. “Jamie is an innovative leader with vast experience at several hospitals. Members of our medical staff, senior staff, colleagues, and board members strongly endorsed her. She will be an outstanding addition to our team as we work together to serve as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.” Kabanuk received her Doctor of Nursing in executive leadership from Chamberlain University in Illinois in 2018, her Master of Science in nursing leadership from Jacksonville University in Florida in 2016, her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Utica College in Utica in 2014 and her Associates Degree in nursing from Tompkins-Cortland Community College in 2006. Kabanuk is a member of the American Nurses Association, American College of Healthcare Executives, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives. She and her husband, a Cortlandville native, have two children.

Jamie M. Kabanuk has been appointed St. Joseph’s Health’s new chief nursing (CNO), effective Aug. 16. According to the hospital, Kabanuk has a proven track record of fostering a culture of ownership through accountability, respect, innovation and shared governance. As CNO, she will Jamie Kabanuk provide clinical and administrative leadership for planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and evaluating safe high-quality patient care to advance the mission of St. Joseph’s Health. Kabanuk grew up in the Tompkins County town of Lansing and has many family members in Central New York. She returns to the region from Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro, South Carolina, where she served as chief nursing officer. Under her leadership, the hospital experienced improvement in physician engagement, nursing care and overall quality of care. In addition, she optimized patient flow in several ways including reducing emergency department admitted length of stay. Prior to her position at Colleton Medical Center, Kabanuk spent six years at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She served in several roles including assistant chief nursing officer. Before moving to South Carolina, Kabanuk worked as a registered

Excellus names community investments and partnerships manager Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

recently named Robyn Smith as community investments and partnerships manager for the company’s Central New York region. Her responsibilities in this role include overseeing strategic Robyn Smith investments with the goal of improving access to care, advancing specific health outcomes and supporting similarly mission-driven organizations in the region. Prior to her new position, Smith was employed with the Central New York Community Foundation since 2013, where she ascended to the role of director of strategic initiatives and managed the organization’s grant process and selection, among several other duties. Smith is a member of the Leadership Greater Syracuse class of 2016. She and her family live in Chittenango.

Nascentia recognized as one of the best companies to work for Nascentia Health recently announced it has been recognized as one of the best companies to work for in New York for the third consecutive year. The award are administered by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group. The winning firms’ ranks were announced July 28 in the small, meSeptember 2021 •

dium, and large company categories Nascentia was ranked as the 29th best large company to work for in New York. “Our employees continue to amaze me with their ability to step up and meet any challenge—and as a company, we are proud to work hard to make Nascentia Health the place that great employees choose to work,” said CEO and president Kate Rolf. The annual Best Companies competition includes organizations from across New York state, and the large company category covers those with more than 250 employees. Nascentia Health’s vice president of human resources Ryan Blehar, said, “It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the best companies in New York three years running. This wonderful accolade is a testament to both our wonderful organization and all of our employees who work tirelessly each and every day.” Open to all publicly and privately-owned businesses, non-profits and for-profits, in New York state, the best companies award is given to those organizations who have proven to create an environment that people Kate Rolf love to work in. The rankings are generated from an analysis of company benefits, practices, and policies, combined with a confidential employee survey that assesses each employee’s specific workplace experience.

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Health News continued from pg. 25 Nascentia Health is a nonprofit, home and community-based healthcare company operating throughout 48 Upstate New York counties, offering numerous in-home health care options ranging from skilled nursing to home health aides as well as two Medicare Advantage Plans and a managed long-term care plan. With more than 130 years of service to the community, it is one of the area’s oldest and most diverse healthcare providers.

Oneida Health relocates services of Maternal Health Center Oneida Health will close its downtown Maternal Health Center clinic, a Medicaid-assisted pregnancy program, and move those services to its Women’s Health practice located on Oneida Health’s main campus in Oneida. The timing of the decision was the result of a office expansion of Women’s Health in the fall of 2020 as well as recent changes in provider staffing at the clinic. “Moving our OB Medicaid services to our Women’s Health practice will permit us to continue to provide

exceptional obstetrical care and now also provide GYN care which was not provided in the current clinic setting,” said Gene Morreale, president and CEO of Oneida Health. “With the relocation, patients will benefit from on-site ultrasound, adjacent laboratory services, and will have a regular obstetrician rather than the physician group providers rotating through the clinic which has been the case. Post-delivery, patients will also receive their GYN services and annual visits at Women’s Health. This experience will help ensure a better continuity of care and we believe, a patient experience second to none.” Previously, patients of the Maternal Health Center would often be required to travel to different offices to receive ancillary services not available in the clinic. The Maternal Health Center was opened by Oneida Health as a Medicaid and prenatal care assistance program (PCAP) in 1994. Originally located in the Northside Shopping Center, it moved to its current Broad Street location in 2015. Women’s Health expanded its offices in to two locations on Oneida Health’s campus in the fall of 2020. Oneida Health plans on opening a new, modern Women’s Health building in Oneida in the spring of 2022. Oneida Health will provide over 600 obstetrical deliveries this year at

the hospital’s Lullaby Center, which was recently designated a Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for providing the highest quality of maternity care.

St. Joseph’s recognized as 5-star recipient for vaginal delivery St. Joseph’s Health announced that it is a five-star recipient for vaginal delivery as recognized byHealthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. This five-star rating indicates that St. Joseph’s Health’s clinical outcomes for vaginal delivery are statistically significantly better than expected, and places St. Joseph’s Health among the national leaders in vaginal delivery. “We are proud to be recognized, once again, for our superior commitment to five-star level care in our Birthplace – Labor & Delivery,” said Heather Shimer-Bero, clinical director of women and infants service line. “This honor validates the dedication our skilled team of nurses and doctors make to delivering safe, compassionate and family-centered care to our patients every day, even through-

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.

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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

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

out the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Women can feel confident selecting a hospital recognized with a five-star rating for providing exceptional women’s care. We commend the organizations that receive this achievement and for their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care for their patients,” said physician Brad Bowman, chief medical officer of Healthgrades. Healthgrades analyzed all-payer state data for 16 states for years 2017 through 2019. Healthgrades found that there is a significant variation in hospital quality between those that have received five stars and those that have not. For example, from 2017 through 2019, women having a vaginal delivery in hospitals rated five stars have, on average, a 43.6% lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated by hospitals rated one star. According to the hospital, this honor comes just weeks after St. Joseph’s Health Hospital became the only hospital in Upstate New York to be named to Newsweek’s list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals 2021. In addition, earlier this year, St. Joseph’s was awarded its fifth consecutive Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A for the Spring 2021 marking period.

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September 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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