In Good Health: CNY #280 - April 2023

Short Brisk Walk Each Day Could Cut Your Odds of Early Death

Abrisk 11-minute daily walk can help you live longer, a new University of Cambridge study reports.

Researchers found that 75 minutes a week — 11 minutes daily — of moderate-intensity physical activity is enough to lower a person's risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The investigators estimated that one in 10 early deaths could be prevented if everyone got that amount of exercise, which is half the level recommended by U.S. guidelines.

“If you are someone who finds the idea of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week a bit daunting, then our findings should be good news,” co-researcher physician Soren Brage, of the Medical Research Council at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, said in a university news release.

“Doing some physical activity is

better than doing none," he added. "This is also a good starting position — if you find that 75 minutes a week is manageable, then you could try stepping it up gradually to the full recommended amount.”

Cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke) were the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths in 2019. Cancers were responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 2017.

To examine how much exercise could make a dent in those numbers, the researchers pooled and analyzed data from 94 large studies involving more than 30 million people.

The findings showed that two out of three people don't get their recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, and fewer than one in 10 managed more than 300 minutes of activity per week.

CELEBRATE NURSES WEEK WITH IN GOOD HEALTH

In Good Health will once again highlight Nurses Week in a special May issue. See our ad on page 31.

Broadly speaking, the researchers concluded that getting more than 150 minutes a week of exercise produces marginal benefits in terms of reduced risk of disease or death.

But even half that amount came with significant benefits, the team reported.

For example, 75 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise reduced risk of early death by 23%. It was also enough to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 17% and cancer by 7%.

For some specific cancers, the reduction in risk was even greater. Getting that amount of exercise reduced the risk of head and neck, myeloid leukemia, myeloma and gastric cardia cancers between 14% and 26%.

The researchers calculated that if people get their recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week, around 16% of early deaths would be prevented. In addition, 11% of cardiovascular disease cases and 5% of cancer cases would be prevented.

But if folks manage at least 75 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, around 10% of early deaths would be prevented. And 5% of cardiovascular disease cases and 3% of cancer cases would be prevented.

Further, moderate-intensity exercise doesn't require you to run yourself ragged, the researchers noted. It raises your heart rate and makes you breathe faster, but you'd still be able to speak during the activity.

Other examples include dancing, riding a bike, playing tennis and hiking.

“Moderate activity doesn't have to involve what we normally think of exercise, such as sports or running,”

co-researcher physician Leandro Garcia from Queens University Belfast explained.

“Sometimes, replacing some habits is all that is needed,” Garcia added. “For example, try to walk or cycle to your work or study place instead of using a car, or engage in active play with your kids or grand kids. Doing activities that you enjoy and that are easy to include in your weekly routine is an excellent way to become more active.”

Experience Matters

Getting you better, sooner. It’s why more patients are choosing Crouse Health — and why our minimally invasive robotic surgery program continues to grow. In fact, Crouse has the largest robotic surgery program in the region, with the most surgeons performing a wide variety of procedures — morethan15,000 since 2008. The result? The most experienced team using the latest innovative techniques to get you back to health faster. And more reasons to say,“Take Me to Crouse!”

crouse.org/robotics

CROUSE ROBOTIC SURGICAL TEAM

Meet Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Abigail Tillman, M.D.

The Mozart Effect Myth: Listening to Music Does Not Help Against Epilepsy

A new study by psychologists at the University of Vienna shows that there is no scientific evidence supporting the alleged positive effect of Mozart's Sonata KV448 on epilepsy.

Over the past 50 years, there have been remarkable claims about the effects of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music. Reports about alleged symptom-alleviating effects of listening to Mozart’s Sonata KV448 in epilepsy attracted a lot of public attention. However, the empirical validity of the underlying scientific evidence has remained unclear.

Now, University of Vienna psychologists Sandra Oberleiter and Jakob Pietschnig show in a new study published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports that there is no evidence for a positive effect of Mozart's melody on epilepsy.

In the past, Mozart’s music has been associated with numerous ostensibly positive effects on humans, animals and even microorganisms. For instance, listening to his sonata has been said to increase the intelligence of adults, children or fetuses in the womb. Even cows were said to produce more milk, and bacteria in sewage treatment plants were said to work better when they heard Mozart's composition.

However, most of these alleged effects have no scientific basis. The origin of these ideas can be traced back to the long-disproven observation of a temporary increase in spatial reasoning test performance among students after listening to the first movement allegro con spirito of Mozart’s sonata KV448 in D major.

The researchers found that this alleged Mozart effect can be mainly attributed to selective reporting, small sample sizes and inadequate research practices in this corpus of literature. "Mozart’s music is beautiful, but unfortunately, we cannot expect relief from epilepsy symptoms from it" conclude the researchers.

Q: How did you come to practice at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care?

A: We moved up here about two and a half years ago. I went to school in Colgate and we have some friends from the area, two from medical school. So we were interested in Syracuse for a while. I grew up in Connecticut. I worked somewhere else before St. Joe’s and decided it wasn’t a great fit. I started here about a year and a half ago, and it’s been great. I love the community, my partners here are great. It’s a very supportive, collegial group. I like that they really do practice family medicine, so we see all ages. And the practice has been around so long and is so well-established. That was a big draw.

Q: What does your patient population look like?

A: We’re mostly adults, but I do love working with children. I’m trying to build up my pediatric practice. We have a lot of geriatric patients

to figure out what works for you to help you get better. Not just be like, “Oh, you have to take this medicine.” It’s figuring out what aspects of your life are affecting your wellness and how can we work on those to help you live your best life.

Q: In terms of preventive care, people seem to have a pretty good idea of what they need to do in broad strokes, but actualizing that information is often challenging. How do you help people get around those stumbling blocks?

A: That’s a good question. With diet, I think doctors and society at large could do a much better job of educating kids about diet and healthy choices and what an impact it has on your health. Even in medical school we didn’t really have that much nutritional training and I wish we’d focused more on that in our educational system. So I try to focus on basic principles of nutrition and how that affects health.

“Eat food, not too much and mostly plants.”

So I try to tell that to people. Getting very specific and trying to get people to limit themselves significantly is not really a recipe for success. It’s not sustainable. So trying to impress the basic principle of “don’t overdo it, try to eat vegetables, but if you have a craving for something go for it.” So I try to counsel with reasonable expectations in mind with regard to what you can actually do, and not feel too guilty about eating something unhealthy.

Q: You did your medical schooling in Grenada. What was that experience like?

A: It was an interesting experience, because it’s a third world country. It was certainly a lesson in humility because we were very much guests in their community and their culture. It was humbling to live outside of the United States, live in that culture and adapt. In Grenada, and a lot of other Caribbean countries, you don’t have everything available all the time, which we’re not really used to in the United States. So learning to make due with what you have is an important lesson I learned down there. And also, it’s an incredibly beautiful place with wonderful people. It was fun to get outside of our comfort zone and meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet.

Q: You’re a generalist, of course, but are there any types of cases you find particularly interesting?

A: Yeah, I love pediatrics. I have two little kids myself. So I love seeing kids. I love women’s health. I do a lot of routine pap smears and management of routine women’s health issues. Sports medicine is an interest too. I was an athlete. I enjoy seeing the aches and pains.

Q: What are the most common sports-related injuries you see?

So educating people sizes is important.

proach of talking age

A: The most common pain-related thing we see is back pain, but that’s generally not sports-related. That’s just kind of wear-and-tear age-related. But we do see a lot of activity-related injuries to the knees and shoulders. Those are the most common.

Lifelines

Name: Abigail Tillman, M.D.

Position: Primary care physician at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care

Hometown: Greenwich, Conecticut

Education: Earned her Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, and her bachelor’s degree from Colgate University. In 2017, completed her residency at Middlesex Hospital, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, in Middletown, Connecticut

Career: Provided inpatient and outpatient care at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, a member of Trinity Health of New England, in West Hartford, Masschusetts

Affiliations: St. Joseph’s Hospital

Health Center

Organizations: Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Wilderness Medical Society

Family: Husband, two children

Hobbies: Skiing

St. Joe’s primary care physician: To successfully treat patients ‘you really have to take into account the whole person’

Beverly Aubin, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Oswego Alex Filipski, DO Family Practice Physician Oswego, Fulton

Magsino,DoloricoMD

Internal

Shannon Dwyer, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Oswego

VanGorder, DO Family Practice

Joseph Nimeh, MD Pediatrician Oswego Melissa Noel, DDS Dentist Fulton

Jess Overton, RDH Registered Dental Hygienist Fulton

Melissa Parkhurst, LMSW Master Social Worker Oswego, Fulton

Julie Hogle, LCSW-R Clinical Social Worker Oswego, Mexico, Pulaski

Valerie Kyser, MD Family Practice Physician Oswego

Lori Marshall, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Fulton

Farzana Chaudhary, MD Pediatrician  Fulton

Anne Filipski, MD Family Practice Physician Fulton

Marie Desravines, MD Family Practice Physician Fulton

Kourtney Darrow, NP Clinical Social Worker Fulton

Michael Miller, MD Family Practice Physician Fulton

Linda Troia, PA-C, LCSW-R Physician Assistant, Psychiatry  Phoenix, Fulton, Pulaski

Patricia Bendura, DH Dental Hygienist Fulton

Anna Gofman, DDS Dentist Fulton

www.connextcare.org

Alison Flood Family Nurse Practitioner Fulton

It’s Spring: Now Get Outside and Do Your Brain and Body Good

There’s just something about spring: Seeing green return to the landscape and watching new life unfold always makes one feel rejuvenated. Even the air smells better in springtime, so breathe deep and fill your lungs!

“Research supports what many already feel – spending time in nature does the mind and body good,” says Amanda Shanahan, a registered dietitian nutritionist and manager of employee wellbeing at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. She notes the following potential benefits:

• Protect your bones. Sunlight hit-

ting the skin eventually leads to the creation of vitamin D in your body. It’s good protection against osteoporosis and other diseases. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight on your bare arms and legs a few times a week is all you need. If you’re going to be out longer, put on the sunscreen!

• Recharge the brain. The demands of everyday life often overtax our brain and body. Time with nature is like a recharging station, allowing us to better cope with life’s stresses. Our brains don’t have to work the same way to pay attention to nature, which allows time for restoration. The

possible benefits of spending time outside are a more upbeat mood, increased creativity, improved concentration and reduced stress.

• Age gracefully. Older people who get outside every day stay healthier and function better, longer. Studies have shown those who have contact with nature have fewer complaints of aches and pains, sleep issues, or other health-related problems. And, group-oriented activities or hobbies have social health benefits. Tennis, anyone?! If that’s too rigorous, take a walk with a friend.

• Move more. Americans spend 90% of their time indoors; there’s no question that most of us, including children, lead a sedentary lifestyle. You don’t need to be outdoors to be active; many people enjoy exercising indoors while they watch TV. But, spending time outside means less time sitting in front of the flat screen

and more time engaged in movement such as gardening, cleaning up the yard or running around with the kids or the dog.

“With winter being so long and cold and gray here in Central New York, everyone should make the most of nature’s gift of spring by getting outdoors as soon as they can,” said

“Just leave your cell phone and earbuds in the house so you can fully enjoy the green grass, colorful buds, early blooming flowers and chirping birds.”

What will you do this spring to connect with nature? Whatever it is, it will do your brain and body good.

HealthcareinaMinute

By George W. Chapman

Medical Debt: No. 1 Contributor to Personal

Bankruptcy

Medical debt has become the No. 1 contributor to personal bankruptcy. Over 100 million of us have significant medical debt. The Consumer Financial Protection Board issued a letter to the IRS outlining its recommendations to give indebted consumers relief.

1. Debt resulting from necessary medical care kept off credit reports.

2. Ban hospitals from selling patient debt to collection agencies. 3. Require hospitals to increase their financial

assistance and charity care as they are tax exempt. 4. Establish standards for charity care. (NYS has a “bad debt and charity pool” that can compensate hospitals for charity care, but it is basically underfunded and pays only a fraction of charity care.) More than two-thirds of hospitals sue their patients or take other legal actions. The collection industry has pushed back saying these consumer protections will only hurt their provider clients.

infections further reducing the strain on overtaxed and understaffed hospitals. I understand while they are at it, they can help set up your TV.

Trinity Health Losses

In what is probably a sign of the times for the hospital industry, the Michigan-based 100 bed hospital system lost nearly $300 million in the second half of last year. St. Joseph’s in Syracuse and St. Peter’s in Albany are affiliates. The pandemic has created a “new normal” for hospitals, meaning inpatient revenues will continue to be a declining percentage of overall revenues. The innovative hospital-at-home program discussed above, born out of necessity, exemplifies the rapid transition to cheaper non-inpatient settings such as home care, ambulatory care, digital/virtual care, urgent care, remote monitoring and pharmacy care.

Insulin Costs Capped

Depression in Physicians

The pandemic has been debilitating impact on care givers. A recent survey of more than 9,000 physicians by Medscape revealed 25% of the respondents indicated they suffered from clinical depression and 9% indicated they had suicidal ideations (versus 5% of the general population). 40% of the docs surveyed admitted they have not shared their thoughts with anyone, let alone sought professional help. A legitimate fear of disclosure is the possibility of an untoward or punitive action by a medical board. Clearly, the pandemic has increased depression and anxiety in all of us. But when it severely impacts those who battle on the front lines, we are all in deeper trouble. Many of the respondents felt our fractured healthcare “system” continues to contribute to the depression and anxiety felt by patients and physicians alike.

Medicare Trust Fund

Safety Net Hospitals Threatened

They are typically located in isolated rural communities and underserved urban neighborhoods. Consequently, they serve a relatively higher percentage of patients with Medicaid insurance or no insurance at all. Consequently, these hospitals, so critical in providing care to underserved populations, receive “disproportionate share payments” to help them maintain fiscal viability. Congress is now threatening to cut $8 billion in DSP to these safety net hospitals. At least nine hospital and medical associations have petitioned congress to maintain the funding needed to keep these hospitals open. Still reeling from the negative impact of the pandemic, the $8 billion cut could not come at a worse time.

Industry analysts predict dozens of these hospitals, already on the brink of financial crisis, could close.

Healthcare From the Geek Squad?

In what is certainly innovative, Atrium Health has partnered with Best Buy, (yes, Best Buy) to provide what they call “hospital-at-home” care. It was born out of the pandemic which undoubtedly strained inpatient care. According to Rasu Shrestha, the chief “innovation and commercialization” officer (yes, commercialization) the program has served more than 6,000 patients at home saving the insurer 25,000 inpatient days. Initially serving mostly patients suffering from COVID-19, they now treat chronic heart problems, COPD, pneumonia, asthma and

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, effective Jan. 1, Medicare members with Part D (drug) coverage will pay no more than $35 a month for insulin. The rest of Medicare recipients, all of whom have Part B (physician) coverage, will pay not more than $35 a month effective July 1. 34 million of us, or one in 10, suffer from diabetes. Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly will voluntarily slash its price for insulin. Mark Cuban’s company will follow suit as well as nonprofit Utah based Civica. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic conditions in younger Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act also permits Congress to negotiate the price of 10 selected drugs starting in 2026. That’s right. JUST 10 drugs. THREE years from now. But that “leaps” to 20 drugs SIX years from now. Cynics worry, and with good cause, drug manufactures will simply raise prices on the myriad other drugs where prices aren’t negotiated. Optimists hope the insulin price competition will infiltrate the industry and finally result in more price competition outside negotiations. It is estimated that 44% of us don’t fill prescriptions, or reduce dosages and cut pills, due to cost.

It is expected to be near depletion in just five years. This is a concern for all of us, both younger than and older than 65. Medicare taxes have been subtracted from our paychecks since we started collecting one. President Biden is proposing to raise the Medicare tax rate from 3.8% to 5% on those making more than $400,000 a year. Analysts believe that certainly will help, but not make Medicare totally solvent. Negotiating ALL drug prices immediately, not just 10 prices in 2026, will make Medicare solvent. It should be noted, Medicare (basically congress) SETS fees/reimbursement for physician and hospital services. While provider lobbyists can plead, there are NO formal negotiations.

George W. Chapman is a healthcare business consultant who works exclusively with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations. He operates GW Chapman Consulting based in Syracuse. Email him at gwc@gwchapmanconsulting.com.

Amanda Shanahan

AT AUBURN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, WE HAVE FOUND MORE WAYS TO SPECIALIZE IN YOU.

We are partnering with Upstate Cancer Center to provide cancer care in the comfort of our community.

Right here at ACH, our new Cancer Center is ready to provide individualized treatment options from some of the brightest experts in the country. Every care plan ensures the comfort and convenience for patients and families.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Call 315-253-1818 to schedule an appointment.

YOU CAN ALSO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: auburnhospital.org/cancercare

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Practical advice those who live Need Help? No Need to Go it Alone

It hasn’t been easy. Like many people, I’ve been reluctant to ask for help, not wanting to be a burden or inconvenience my family and friends. But things have changed. Thankfully, for the better.

As I write this column, spring cleaning is tugging at my proverbial apron strings.

I need, I must, make sense of the boxes and bags of family photos, documents and items I inherited after losing my mother and father. I’ve procrastinated far too long. It’s time.

So ... I called my dear friend Carol and asked if she would help me begin the emotion-laden process of deciding what to keep, donate or throw away.

A self-described decluttering guru, Carol happily agreed to get me started. Among many helpful tips, she encouraged me to ask myself, “Does it have value? Does it bring me joy?”

I’m delighted to report that we made great progress. Her help was invaluable!

And we had a good time together, often laughing at the silly things I’ve held onto all these years. My grade school report cards come to mind. No need to be reminded that I “whispered too much.”

Below is an essay titled “Asking for Help” that I included in my book, “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.”

I hope it inspires you to reach out and ask for assistance if you need it.

Asking For Help

A ride to the doctor’s office. Extra hands to move heavy furniture. An emergency dog-sitting request.

Giving and receiving help from my friends and family has proved to be a wonderful way for me to strengthen bonds. I have learned time and again that asking for help brings blessings, not burdens.

Many people — and often those of us who need it most — find it hard to reach out and ask for help in times of need.

The reasons are numerous, but my experience tells me that lots of women and men who live alone avoid asking for help because they fear being seen as weak or vulnerable.

I know that after my divorce I was reluctant to ask for help. I wanted to show the world that I was perfectly fine, thank you very much. I avoided asking anybody for anything, determined to muscle through on my own. It led to isolation and pointless hardships.

But the biggest shame? Not asking for support kept me distant from friends and family. I denied myself (and them) the chance to connect on a genuine and meaningful level. Looking back, it’s clear to me that my healing and personal growth came more slowly as a result.

I encourage you to let go of any excuses not to ask for help, in favor

of being true to yourself and to those who love and want to support you. How can you help yourself?

• Be honest. Take a moment to reflect on what keeps you from asking for assistance. Could it be pride? Do you think you’ll be seen as incapable or inadequate? Are you concerned about being a bother? Or, would asking for help force you to acknowledge that, indeed, you need it?

• Redefine what it means to be strong. Everyone needs outside support from time to time, and seeking help on your terms is not a weakness. In fact, the strongest people are often those who have the courage to admit they need reinforcements. I’ve always admired this quality in others. Real strength is knowing your personal limitations and having the confidence to recruit assistance when necessary.

• Have some faith. Believe that people truly want to help. Just think about how you’d respond if a friend, family member or co-worker asked for a helping hand. You likely wouldn’t hesitate; you might even feel slighted if not asked, especially if someone you cared about was having real difficulty. Know that others, too, want to be there for their friends and family in need.

• Take a chance. When you choose to open yourself up and expose your authentic self, you are taking a risk. That’s a good thing! When you are real like this, you have an amazing opportunity to cultivate deeper, more meaningful bonds with others.

• Make the request. First put some thought into where you could really use some support; then ask for help with one specific item. It could be something as simple as asking a neighbor for help raking out a garden bed to something as important as identifying a financial adviser.

If you think you’ll feel awkward making the request, you might start out by saying, “You know, I’m not very comfortable asking for favors, but I wonder if you might be able to help me with something?”

• Express your gratitude. You know this, of course. A heartfelt thank you in person or in writing will be warmly received by the person whose help you have accepted. No need to go overboard. Remember, people want to help others and don’t expect to be compensated for doing a good deed.

• Offer help in return. Because giving can be as gratifying as receiving, make it known that you are available to return the favor. Better yet, find opportunities to offer help. We all have gifts and can be of great assistance to one another.

So, take it from me ... life can be better, just for the asking.

U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising

Pedestrian deaths have surged on U.S. roads in recent years, and they are climbing again.

Pedestrian deaths hit a 40-year high in 2021, and numbers for the first half of 2022 were up about 5% over the same period in 2021, according to a new Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) analysis.

It cites a variety of contributors, including heavier vehicles that are more likely to injure or kill people on foot. Roads, meanwhile, are designed to prioritize fast-moving traffic over the slower speeds that are safer for pedestrians, according to the GHSA.

Many parts of the United States lack adequate sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting, the group noted.

In addition, dangerous driving surged at the start of the pandemic and has not abated.

“There is a pedestrian safety crisis on our roads, and it's only gotten worse since the start of the pandemic,” Jonathan Adkins, chief executive officer of GHSA, said in an association news release. “A single roadway death is tragic. But it's absolutely mind-boggling and heartbreaking that drivers are killing an average of 19 pedestrians every single day.”

GHSA's annual Spotlight on Highway Safety report is based on preliminary data from state highway safety offices.

GHSA said the increase is even more alarming compared to 2019, before the pandemic.

Between the first half of 2019 and 2022, pedestrian deaths surged 18%, the GHSA found. The numbers

showed 1.04 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people in 2022, up from 0.9 per 100,000 in 2019.

There were 168 more deaths during the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021, the findings showed.

“The only way to reverse this awful trend is to do more of everything that works — more and better designed infrastructure to keep people walking safe, equitable enforcement of traffic safety laws to stop dangerous driving and engaging more communities where the impacts of this crisis are felt the hardest,” Adkins said.

The GHSA said it supports a solution based on the safe system approach outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation's national roadway safety strategy.

Its elements — safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads and post-crash care — provide a multilayered safety net to protect people on foot as well as other road users, GHSA said.

The reported increases continue a decade-long trend.

In the first half of 2013, the United States recorded 2,141 pedestrian deaths — compared to 3,434 in the first half of last year. That's a 60% increase and nearly 1,300 more people killed.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2021 also saw the most roadway deaths since 2005, about 43,000.

ONONDAGA, OSWEGO, CAYUGA & MADISON COUNTIES

Associate Editor: Stefan Yablonski • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Melissa Stefanec, Eva Briggs (MD), Mary Beth Roach, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Stefan Yeblosnki, George Chapman Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Pam Roe Layout

& Publisher: Wagner Dotto

Things You Should Know About A-Fib

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

It’s a condition that results in more than 454,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year. Even worse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict around 12.1 million people could be diagnosed with the ailment by 2031.

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm from the top chambers of the heart. This often causes the heart to beat irregularly and quickly. The risks of atrial fibrillation include stroke, and if the heart rate is fast, it can weaken the heart.

“A-fib needs to be taken seriously because a rapid heartbeat can be the first warning sign of other conditions,” said physician Thomas Grady, who works at the Center for Cardiology at Oswego Health. “If you have a situation where your heart rate fails to decrease you start having shortness of breath which cannot be ignored.”

He explains five things you should know about A-fib.

1.Symptoms

A-fib often presents with racing heartbeats, irregular heartbeats and a lack of stamina. However, many patients have no symptoms, particularly those whose heart rates are not as fast when they are in atrial fibrillation. Other symptoms include lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pains. A normal heartbeat begins with one electrical impulse from the sinus node, a single point in the heart’s right atrium. A healthy person’s heart usually beats 60 to 150 beats

per minute. With A-fib, electrical impulses fire from multiple sites in both atria. That can cause the atria to contract 400 or more times per minute. The ventricles become overwhelmed trying to keep up with the contractions.

“It is also important to note that some people don’t have clear symptoms which is why we are always advocating seeing your physician regularly,” said Grady.

If a clot breaks off and enters the bloodstream and lodges in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke results. About 15% to 20% of people who have strokes have this heart arrhythmia. This clot risk is why patients with this condition are put on blood thinners.

2.Prevention

A healthy lifestyle with regular aerobic exercise and a well-balanced diet helps reduce your risk of atrial fibrillation and other forms of heart disease. Exercise works like beta-blocker medication to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure at rest and also when exercising. A combination of aerobic workouts including walking, running, swimming, in combination with strength training, remains the ideal combination for great heart health. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. In addition, experts recommend avoiding tobacco and smoking.

“Even something as simple as walking or moderate exercise for 30 minutes can make a world of dif-

Better Way to Treat Kidney Stones

Upstate Urology of Auburn purchases equipment to treating kidney stones

Upstate Urology of Auburn is the first practice in the region to use the Olympus Soltive SuperPulsed Laser System. Soltive is a new laser technology that enables physicians to deliver quicker and more efficient kidney stone removal, which may translate to shorter procedural times and less patient discomfort.

This improved laser technology allows the Auburn Urology physicians to more effectively treat patients requiring lithotripsy, soft tissue or BPH treatment.

Over the past 30 years, the U.S. has seen an upward trend in the prevalence of kidney stones, a

crystalized particle formed when chemicals in urine concentrate, among Americans. According to the National Kidney Foundation, each year, more than half a million Americans go to the emergency room for kidney stone problems and it is estimated that one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

More than half a million Americans are diagnosed with kidney stone issues each year, and one in 10 people will have a kidney stone in their lifetime according to the National Kidney Foundation. Left untreated, kidney stones can block the ureters or cause kidney infections and kid-

ference for your heart health,” said Grady. “Living a healthy lifestyle and understanding that exercise and nutrition lead to healthy heart habits is essential.”

Episodes of atrial fibrillation may come and go, or they may be persistent. However, even though the condition isn’t always life-threatening it has the possibility of leading to more serious medical conditions that require proper treatment.

3.Family history

Family history can play a role in atrial fibrillation. Certain genes have been identified as associated with atrial fibrillation. If you have familial atrial fibrillation, you may get it earlier in life than do those without a family history of the condition.

“There is some correlation with family history but it has more to do with underlying conditions. There are some families who tend to have higher blood pressure and other health conditions,” he said. “However, there are a lot of individual factors that can’t be simply tied to genetics. Your individual stress levels can affect your body as well as your health choices.”

Asian and Black populations see lower atrial fibrillation rates than those of European ancestry.

4.Misconceptions

A common misconception about atrial fibrillation is that a pacemaker is the first and best therapy. A pacemaker does not keep the heart beating regularly. It increases the heart rate.

“Some of the biggest misconceptions come from trying to self-diagnose. A-fib can be very complicated and does not always present in the same way for every individual,” said Grady. “That is one of the reasons we want to educate people about this condition. The more they understand it the more they may see early detection signs as a reason to go to their physician.”

5.Climbing upwards

Atrial fibrillation incidence is climbing. While no single cause links to atrial fibrillation, the possibility does increase as you age.

“Even though this is a condition that does tend to trend toward older patients, the numbers are showing an increase in people being diagnosed,” he added.

ney damage.

“This state-of-the-art technology is changing the way we can treat people with larg er, more difficult stones, and we are excited to be able to bring the very latest in kidney stone laser technology to our pa tients at Auburn Urol ogy. The results our patients are already seeing with this new device are extraordi nary,” said physician Ryan Sidebottom at Upstate Urology of Auburn.

“This advancement in laser technolo gy will allow us to deliver faster and more efficient care to our patients,” said urologist Garret Smith..

Cardiologist Thomas Grady works at the Center for Cardiology at Oswego Health.

My Turn

By Eva Briggs, MD

Understanding

Frontotemporal Dementia

Disease has been highlighted because of actor Bruce Willis, who recently was diagnosed with it

Years ago, one of my patients was brought in by his wife. He couldn’t seem to get the words out when he talked. His speech was slow and hesitant. Because his job involved interacting with the public, his work life was in shambles. She was going crazy because he couldn’t tell her what was going on. He couldn’t understand what she told him. He lost interest in the activities they used to do together. He was only about 50 years old.

After some testing, his neurologist determined that he had primary progressive aphasia. This disorder is a subtype of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Frontotemporal dementia is a group of disorders that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, causing them to shrink. These parts of the brain involve language, personality and behavior.

FTD causes a small minority of cases of dementia. But sadly, these disorders often strike younger people, typically between the ages of 40 and 65. It’s tough for the patient and a nightmare for their families. Society

tends to be less forgiving of a person who looks physically healthy but exhibits bizarre behaviors.

There’s no known cure. Medications prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease help symptoms in some patients.

We don’t know what causes FTD. There is probably a genetic component. There are some families with mutations that to forms of early onset dementia.

Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia cluster into three groups: behavioral, language and motor.

The most common signs of FTD are abnormal behaviors and personality changes, such as:

• Inappropriate social behavior. A once polite individual might become rude and callous.

• Loss of empathy and insensitivity to the feelings of others. This could take the form of blurting out their first thoughts without a filter.

• Poor judgment. In the case of my patient, he lost the ability to drive safely as he couldn’t manage intersections, traffic signals, and other cars.

UPSTATE CARDIOLOGY CONTINUES TO GROW

Our united exper tise brings you advanced technology and streamlined care. As par t of the Upstate Cardiovascular Group, we provide connec tions to research and surgical care

• Loss of inhibition. A once normally functioning person might start with inappropriate sexual remarks, advances, or undressing themselves in public.

• Apathy or loss of interest. This can seem like depression.

• Repetitive compulsive behaviorstapping, clapping, lip smacking, etc.

• Decreased personal hygiene.

• Altered eating habits. Overeating, preferring sweets and carbohydrates, or eating non-food items.

• Compulsively putting things into the mouth.

Some variants of FTD chiefly impair speech and language, with symptoms of:

• Trouble using and understanding language. This may manifest as trouble finding the correct word when speaking and difficulty in naming objects.

• Replacing the specific name of an object with a general term like “it.”

• Forgetting word meanings.

• Hesitant speech.

• Mistakes in sentence construction.

Motor symptoms are less common and consist of movement problems that can resemble Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS):

• Tremors.

• Rigidity.

• Muscle spasms or twitches.

• Trouble swallowing.

• Muscle weakness

• Falls or walking problems.

• Inappropriate laughing or crying (Officially termed pseudobulbar affect).

Because FTD and other early onset dementias are rare, the diagnosis can take months or years to figure out.

Here are some online resources for affected patients and their families.

• The multisite research consortium on longitudinal frontotemporal lobar degeneration can be found at allftd.org.

• The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s disease at Northwestern University provides information on language dementias (www.brain.northwestern. edu/dementia/ppa/research.html)

And for caregivers Duet Partners in health and aging has a virtual program for family and caregivers (DuetAZ.org).

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

New CEO: ‘Crouse is Here to Stay’

Physician Seth Kronenberg, who served as Crouse’s chief medical officer and chief operating officer, is elevated to president and chief executive officer

By Norah Machia

“My father influenced me in becoming a physician; he was a great role model,” said Kronenberg. “I was interested in going into medicine as early as I can remember.”

A board-certified internist, Kronenberg joined Internist Associates in 2001

at Crouse Health.

“Physician leadership was not something I was planning from the beginning,” he said. But different circumstances arose that led to open leadership positions at the hospital that needed to be filled, and “I felt that I could add value to the hospital by serving in them,” Kronenberg said.

Prior to being appointed as Crouse Health’s top executive in March, Kronenberg served as chief medical officer and chief operating officer. He is taking over leadership of Crouse Health as it emerges from the financial and staffing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

others – particularly in the field of mental health services.

He and his wife, Meredith, have four daughters: Emma, 20, Sara, 18, and twins Brooke and Tess, 15.

“We’re an outdoors family, and we enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, skiing — anything that keeps us outside,” Kronenberg said.

“I really enjoyed the clinical practice of medicine and doing it fulltime,” said Kronenberg, a University of Pennsylvania graduate who attended medical school and completed his residency at Upstate

But in recent years, he has moved away from his clinical work and into administrative positions at Crouse Health. In his current position as president and CEO, Kronenberg has oversight of all operations

Currently, Crouse Health has operating revenue that is exceeding budget, a continued increase in market share and a solid balance sheet. A key focus moving forward will be maintaining and building on this progress, said Kronenberg.

“The pandemic was stressful, but we’re a very resilient organization,” Kronenberg said. “As we come out of the acute phases of COVID, we have refocused on all the things that make Crouse great. We’re very excited about moving forward.”

The approximately 3,200 employees of the healthcare system have played a critical part of the hospital’s recovery from the pandemic, he said. “It’s a new day, and there is a strong sense of pride among employees and physicians at Crouse,” Kronenberg said.

“Our culture is considered to be our greatest asset,” he added. “How we treat each other, our patients and their families. We have created a family environment at Crouse, which also supports our focus on diversity and inclusion.”

In 2022, the total number of patients served by Crouse Health (both inpatient and outpatient) was 625,743.

Crouse is the only “locally governed” hospital in Syracuse, said Kronenberg. Discussions about a proposed merger with Upstate Medical University were recently dropped, and that option is no longer being considered by the two hospitals, he

Kronenberg with Sen. Chuck Schumer during a visit to Crouse Hospital.

said.

“As one of the region’s leading employers, we take our position as a member of the community seriously, and we’re very proud to provide high quality care and the best patient experience,” Kronenberg said.

Crouse Health has built a strong reputation for a number of specialty services offered to patients in a large geographic region surrounding Central New York.

“We’re a community hospital, but we have a lot of services that differentiate us,” and many have been provided for decades, allowing Crouse Health to emerge as a regional leader, he said.

Crouse offers both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment services, which started 60 years ago with an outpatient alcoholism clinic, the first of its kind in New York state. It later added a drug clinic, outpatient therapy and inpatient detoxification.

In 2021, Crouse Health moved its outpatient addiction treatment program to a new, larger building on Erie Boulevard East at a time when the opioid drug epidemic was getting worse, both in Central New York and nationwide.

“Crouse is a regional leader in addiction treatment,” said Kronenberg. “We’ve been here for years to meet the needs of the community.” Experienced staff were in place even before the significant increase in drug and alcohol abuse resulting from issues created by the pandemic, including job losses and social isolation.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Crouse Health provides the “highest level of care” for premature and critically ill infants with a wide range of specialized services, taking patient referrals from a 15-county region. Crouse is the only hospital in Central New York able to provide this level of sophisticated care and technology.

The care provided to infants, along with their mothers through the regional perinatal program, reflects a continuing hospital tradition.

Crouse was originally started as the Syracuse Women’s Hospital and Training School for Nurses in 1887 and was the only hospital in the area to admit women and children.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center at Crouse Health provides the highest level of stoke care, with a full range of services. The center consis-

tently has the fastest stroke treatment times in the region, Kronenberg said.

Crouse received the distinction of being the first hospital in the region to receive dual certification as a comprehensive stroke center.

The hospital’s emergency room is one of the busiest in the area, said Kronenberg. “It’s impressive what the emergency services department can provide to patients with complex and urgent medical conditions who are seeking care at Crouse, which has a lower wait time than many other facilities in the region,” he said. “This is why we continue to hear patients say, ‘Take me to Crouse.’

Crouse also operates the region’s largest multidisciplinary robotic surgery program, which started in 2008. Since that time, Crouse’s robotic surgery team has completed 15,000 minimally invasive surgical procedures using the da Vinci surgical system, and has grown to focus on urology, colorectal, gynecology, gyn oncology and general surgical procedures.

“We want to make sure people know Crouse is here to stay, and we’re very proud of our service and culture,” Kronenberg said.

Having a physician in the role of top executive at the hospital is a real advantage, said a physician colleague.

“The first thing that comes to mind about Seth is that he is a physician. He’s one of us,” said physician Thomas Hartzheim, Crouse chief of surgery. “Seth understands the relationship between the doctors and the hospital. He is always collaborative, trying to do what is best for all parties.”

This is extremely reassuring, especially over the last few years, which have included the COVID pandemic and Upstate Medical University merger negotiations, his colleague said.

“He has handled these issues exceptionally well, not only dealing with doctors, but also working with other hospitals, local and state government, payors and vendors,” said Hartzheim. “Seth is always visible and always available. He has led us all by example and is the embodiment of the Crouse culture.”

“Seth’s medical background, his lifelong connection to Crouse and the experiences of the last few years makes him uniquely qualified to lead this organization going forward,” he added.

If you have a passion for helping individuals with Substance Use Disorders, we may have the perfect position for you! Positions are available in Mexico and Oswego in our Prevention, Outpatient and Opioid Treatment Programs.

Kronenberg with Tonya Swift-Freeman, supervisor of surgical services at Crouse

CACs Offers Wraparound Care for Abused Children

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

The trauma caused by child abuse and neglect doesn’t end with the incident. These crimes also inflict harm as children must recount what happened again and again. This is one reason that the Child Advocacy Centers in Onondaga and Oswego counties provides wraparound, comprehensive care. The CACs are based on a national model.

Carol Gazitano, licensed marriage and family therapist and deputy director of Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County in Fulton, explained that creating an organization that offers a complete array of services under one roof prevents

children and their families from “being shuffled around and retelling the story to several people,” she said. “We try to reduce the traumatizing of retelling.”

CAC of Oswego County offers a forensic interview, medical exam, acute mental health counseling, referrals for needs such as food, housing and safety, and continued support throughout the immediate recovery and legal and court process.

The mental health services include helping children learn skills that can help them through times when triggers rise up.

“They can use these in real time,” Gazitano said. “If they’re at school,

Career in Healthcare

The Demand for EMTs Remains High

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

If you are interested in the medical field and enjoy high adrenaline situations, working as an emergency medical technician might be for you.

Emergency medical technician (EMT) programs at community colleges or other schools last one semester (about 100-150 hours) and accept applicants as young as 17 (must be 18 upon completion). After successfully passing the exam, EMTs must complete 36 hours annually as a refresher and recertify every three years to maintain their credential.

“Many people get into this career because they have a feeling of community spirit or they want to help their community,” said Kevin Alexander, clinical education instructor at American Medical Response of Central New York in Syracuse. “They want to be there for people who are sick or injured. Some have a background of family or friends who are in healthcare. They enjoy helping

out others in that capacity and want to get into the emergency medical field.”

The qualities he looks for in EMT candidates include high morals and ethics, good interpersonal skills and the ability to assess patients in a high stress situation.

“It’s the caring and compassion that ultimately you’ve got to have,” Alexander added. “You’re meeting these patients at their worst. The family members are worried about their loved one who’s sick or injured.”

The state requires that each person working as an EMT must be able to lift 125 pounds individually or 250 with assistance, read and speak English fluently, and carry a valid driver’s license. Individual agencies may also have additional requirements, such as a commercial driver’s license for a mobile stroke unit.

“We’re excited that with the

they could use a breathing exercise or progressive muscle relaxation. It helps them process their trauma and achieve their goals. It has an 80% success rate for lowering symptoms of PTSD in children.”

CAC of Oswego County also provides help for the rest of the family, including mental health, financial and housing needs and more. The organization employs 16 full-time.

Gazitano said that several new programs are slated to start in 2023 and CAC of Oswego County plans to hire more therapists to expand mental health programs. Much of this involves satisfying schools’ safety education requirements because of Erin’s Law, which involves a minimum of four lessons a year about child sexual abuse prevention instruction.

“We have evidence-based training and curriculum and it’s free for schools,” Gazitano said.

The CAC of Oswego County also provides instruction at other venues. Its non educational services include a community response team for sex trafficking and a child fatality review team.

In 2021, The CAC of Oswego County served 471 children and provided 7,732 unique services including, but not limited to, forensic interviews, advocacy, mental health and case management.

McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center in Syracuse represents an Onondaga County-based CAC.

The onsite resources include law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, special victim’s bureau, therapy, advocacy and outreach.

In addition to reducing trauma, holding one interview about the child’s experience helps children succinctly and more accurately relate what happened soon after the crime occurred.

“When children are interviewed my multiple people, they may feel more comfortable exposing different information to different people and

Carol Gazitano

defense attorneys may use that in court,” said Colleen Merced, executive director of McMahon Ryan CAC.

McMahon Ryan CAC assigns an advocate to manage each case that follows the family throughout the entire process and until they no longer need services. This lasts between two months and two years and can include finding resources like housing, working through the criminal justice system, and finding appropriate therapy.

“It builds relationships and connections with team members,” said Merced. “And all you have to do is walk to another floor to get additional information.”

Caseworkers and people providing other resources can more quickly meet families’ needs instead of constantly waiting for someone to call back.

McMahon Ryan CAC serves about 1,500 children annually and about 3,500 individuals including parents and non-offending caregivers. The center employs 30.

The center’s 2023 goal is to expand its therapy and outreach services.

“Currently, we have a small outreach team that sees 20,000-22,000 students a year with prevention education and outreach,” Merced said.

decrease in COVID restrictions, things are getting back to normal as far as people coming out to look for a profession in EMS,” Alexander said. “That has helped get more people to want to join EMS.”

He recommends that people interested working as an EMT should volunteer as a “ride along” to see if they might like this work. They should also look at the subsequent employment opportunities. The role has significant turnover because of the entry-level nature of the work. Taking a National Registry EMT course and passing the associated exam can enable an EMT to work on cruise ships, oil derricks, in rural areas and internationally. These pay better.

Some people who find they enjoy working in healthcare move forward to paramedic classes, nursing school, medical school or other healthcare paths.

Paramedic classes take one to two years to complete with an average of 1,000 hours of training and 800 hours of clinical time. The model used to be one paramedic and one EMT per ambulance. However, some ambulance services use a staffing of two EMTs per ambulance with a paramedic in a “fly car” responding to acute calls as needed because it’s

been difficult to attract EMTs. An accredited 911 center decides the priority level.

Although EMT work tends to attract people who thrive on high-energy work, it’s not always dramatic, life-and-death scenarios.

“A fair amount of our work is non emergent but there’s a fair amount that is horrific,” said Douglas Sandbrook, EMS liaison at Upstate University Health System and director of EMS Education at Upstate Medical University department of emergency medicine. It takes a toll on providers, like critical events you encounter that are difficult.”

For this reason, it is important that EMTs develop the ability to communicate their needs so they have sufficient time away from work to decompress and mitigate the effects of stress. Sandbrook has worked as a paramedic 31 years.

“I’ve never done the same call or encounter twice,” he said. “It’s very rewarding. I believe it’s impactful. You get to meet amazing people and learn about their lives. And hopefully, you can make a difference.”

Anyone interested in working as an EMT can take advantage of opportunities at volunteer agencies that provide free classes for those who pass the exam.

Mental Health

Mental Health: Words Matter

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

“I just cleaned all my closets — I’m just so OCD.”

“I’m so depressed that I forgot to eat my takeout leftovers — again!”

“Ugh! Rain again?! I’m getting PTSD over the rotten weather lately.”

Posts such as these on social media may seem humorous to the posters, but they all misuse words associated with mental health terms, reducing the meaning of the words.

“Each diagnosis has a set of criteria that a person has to meet,” said Kimberly H. Fortin, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Weedsport. “If there are 10 criteria, you need six or eight of the 10, depending on the minimum for the diagnosis. On top of the list of symptoms, part of it is that it has to disrupt your functioning in life, interactions with others, and functioning at work or school.”

Typical spring cleaning, forgetting about leftovers or experiencing

a rainy day are everyday occurrences but typically do not disrupt activities of daily living for days and weeks and require treatment. Using mental health terms as part of hyperbole can feel dismissive of the genuine struggles of people with these conditions.

In additional to minimization, using mental health diagnoses to describe garden variety preferences and inconveniences defines the diagnoses inaccurately. Fortin used obsessive compulsive disorder as an example.

“Cleaning your closet is not OCD,” she said. “You completed your school day and came home to clean your closet. You didn’t have any OCD symptoms throughout your day that prevented you from doing your work. Nothing impacted your performance on other tasks. A true mental health diagnosis will hinder activities of daily living and cause distress.”

Obsessive compulsive disorder doesn’t always present as washing hands 20 times before leaving home

How to Help Someone Dealing With Depression

There is little that is harder than watching a loved one struggle with depression. So what can you do?

More than you might think, experts say.

First, depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status or gender.

Symptoms ranging from mild to severe and it impacts the way you feel, think and behave, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Here are a few simple facts about depression, also known as major depressive disorder. According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

• It's common. An estimated 21 million adults have experienced major depression at least once. It's one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States.

• It's serious. Major depression leads to impairment that impacts your ability to function on a dayto-day basis. Simple activities like eating, sleeping, working and concentrating can become almost impossible. It can lead to feelings of

guilt and worthlessness and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

• It's treatable. Depression is treated with psychotherapy or medication. Experts at NIMH remind patients that treatment is a process. It can take time to find a regimen that's effective.

When someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of depression, it can be hard to know what to do, what to say, or how to help.

“The most important thing we can offer is ourselves, our time,” said Melissa Gonzalez-Strick, who counsels people with depression in Flossmoor, Ill.

Gonzalez-Strick has helped clients on both sides of the coin: the person feeling depressed and the family member or loved one who wants to help.

She stresses that what the person experiencing symptoms of depression needs more than anything is “for you to walk beside them.”

What does that look like?

Here are a few suggestions from Gonzalez-Strick on how to help someone with depression.

• Educate yourself. Learn about

every day as many people think. For some people, it can mean perfectionism regarding a task to the point where the job is never good enough — and never completed, making employment challenging.

Bipolar is another example of a mental condition misused as a sort of lazy shorthand for moodiness.

“Mood swings do not mean a person is bipolar,” Fortin said.

Bipolar disorder significantly disrupts activities of daily living.

Disappointment is not the same as depression: a lasting state of sadness and reduced interest in activities or interests that were previously pleasurable. It can reduce sleep quality and appetite and cause poor concentration, disrupting normal routines. Forgetting a lunch is clearly not the same.

Although Fortin is pleased to see people trying to express what’s happening with their emotions, she said that using terms incorrectly detracts from the challenges that diagnosed people face every day.

“Maybe you’re proud you cleaned your closet,” she said. “Instead of mental health diagnosing, let’s identify what feelings we’re processing. Using mental health terms incorrectly is less vulnerable than owning your feelings.”

Misusing mental health language may also lead people to believe that nothing can help improve their mental health. If “everyone” is depressed, those experiencing real depression may think that there’s no point in seeking help. A person with a diagnosis may also feel like they are failing at recovery since they are not coping as well as the self-diagnosed who have no mental health issues.

“There are a lot of good therapies to address mental health and help people overcome those challenges of mental health diagnosis and live a productive, successful life however

the signs, symptoms and treatment options for depression. Understand that it can impact people in different ways. “It affects adults differently than it affects teens and children. It can look different,” Gonzalez-Strick said. She pointed out that when you're fact-finding and gathering information, consider reputable sources like Mayo Clinic and the American Psychiatric Association.

• Be present. It's important to show you care by validating feelings and acknowledging and respecting how they feel. Active listening is one way to do this. This means making eye contact, asking open-ended questions, listening to understand, and holding back on making judgments.

• Be a partner. There are times when depression interferes with activities of daily living, like making a meal or doing laundry. Offer to cook dinner or do laundry with your loved one. It's a great way to encourage them to be active and avoid isolation. Working side-by-side on a task can be an opportunity for a discussion on a deeper level. “People generally disclose more when they engage in some kind of activity. It's more casual,” said Gonzalez-Strick.

• Keep them connected. Isolation is a symptom of depression. You might notice your friend or family member spending more time alone. But, Gonzalez-Strick warned, “The more isolated the person is, the easier it is for that depression to get worse. You

they choose,” Fortin said. “Cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medications can resolve a lot of things for a lot of people.”

Susan L. Scharoun, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of psychology at Le Moyne College and psychologist at Elmcrest and Toomey Residential Services, thinks that misusing mental health terms can imply victimhood when non diagnosed people use mental health terms to excuse how they act.

“This is a person who’s misbehaving and we’re calling it mental illness,” Scharoun said. “There’s a big difference between misbehavior and mental illness. With mental illness, they cannot help it; with misbehavior, they can help it.”

Experiencing a few quirks, traits or unpleasant circumstances does not a diagnosis make. A recent trend in social media is sharing a video revealing a “diagnosis” in what posters hope is a shocking fashion to gain clicks and likes. However, without a provider’s actual diagnosis, it’s just guesswork. Most likely, it is incorrect. Unfortunately, some viewers believe it and form a misguided perspective on mental health issues, believing the most extreme “example” is typical and that treatment is ineffective.

“That stigma is perpetuated when we use mental health terms in a negative light to describe what’s a nonhealthy issue,” Scharoun said.

People with mental health issues commonly struggle with whether to reveal their condition to potential employers, as they fear they may not receive fair treatment. Judging mental illness by caricatures on social media add legitimacy to this concern.

Scharoun believes that the keys to reducing stigma includes talking about mental health and using terms accurately and respectfully — not as insults or to describe non-mental health issues.

want that person to stay connected with life as much as possible.” She suggests enticing them to join you to get out, even if it's for a short period of time. For example, invite them on a quick trip to their favorite store or the drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant. Remember, you aren't forcing them to do something they don't want to do you're walking beside them.

• Encourage healthy activities. Exercise, eating a healthy diet and meditation can help ease symptoms of depression. But the person you love might not feel like exercising or meditating. The goal is to invite them to join you in one of these activities. You can provide support by engaging in healthy activities together, like going for a short walk or following guided mediation on YouTube.

• Support them in seeking professional help. As frustrating as it can be, you can't force your friend or family member to get help. However, you can encourage them to seek help and be there when they're ready. One way is to help them research therapy options or offer to sit with them while they make those important calls.

It's critical to understand if your loved one discloses they want to end their life or talks about suicide, “that's the time you need to intervene,” Gonzalez-Strick said. Call or text 988 immediately for free and confidential help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SmartBites

By Anne Palumbo

The skinny on healthy eating

Little Peas Serve Up Big Benefits

When I was a child, the only peas I ever ate were canned, and the only reaction I ever had was ick!

Mushy and tasteless, canned peas forced me to develop an important culinary survival skill: “food dispersion.”

These days, however, I couldn’t fathom leaving one pea behind!

What prompted my pea epiphany? Two discoveries: fresh and frozen. Make that three: a pea’s remarkable nutrition.

Much like other legumes, these tiny green globes carry quite a punch when it comes to fiber and protein, with a ½-cup portion delivering about 4 grams of each. Both nutrients slow the breakdown of carbohydrates, which means you are less likely to have sudden spikes in blood sugar after eating them. This slower digestion also promotes feelings of fullness, making it easier to resist snacks.

Peas are vitamin superstars, boasting impressive amounts of vitamins C, K, thiamine (B1) and folate (B9), many of which are antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Multiple studies suggest that anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as these, may help protect against some chronic illnesses: heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and more.

Concerned about your blood pressure? Peas teem with minerals that play a major role in blood pressure control: magnesium, potassium, and calcium. High blood pressure, which damages your arteries by making them less elastic, can lead to heart disease or even a deadly heart attack or stroke. In addition, the high fiber content of peas has been shown to lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, both of which increase the risk of heart disease when elevated.

Eating peas regularly may reduce the risk of cancer. Karen Collins, RDN, nutrition adviser for the American Institute for Cancer Research, says peas contain phytochemicals that help support the body’s antioxidant defenses. Antioxidants disarm compounds that may cause the kind of cell damage that contributes to inflammation and an increased risk of diseases such as cancer.

Similar to other legumes, peas are a bit high in carbs, with ½ cup serving up around 11 grams. A few comparisons: ½ cup carrot slices, 6 grams; 1 medium tomato, 5 grams; and 1 stalk celery; 1.2 grams. However, because peas are nutrient dense, garnering the benefits of those nutrients tends to outweigh a pea’s carbs. Nonetheless, for those watching carbs, monitoring intake of

Milk, or a Plant-Based 'Milk': What's the Nutritional Difference?

Not all milks are created equally when it comes to nutrients. Reading the label can clue you in to what you're getting out of the beverage, whether it be plantbased or dairy, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Nutritional content can vary between different plant-based products, the FDA said in a recent news release. Many don't have the same amount of calcium, vitamin D or other nutrients as dairy milk.

The only plant-based beverage that contains a similar enough nutrient content that it can be included in the dairy group in the federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans is fortified soy milk.

“The nutrients you get from plant-based milk alternatives can depend on which plant source is

used, the processing methods and added ingredients, so check the label carefully,” said Susan Mayne, director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the FDA. “Has the product been fortified with nutrients such as calcium? How much added sugar is in the product? What is the protein content?”

“The Nutrition Facts label on the packaging can help you compare the nutrient content of the various plant-based milk alternatives to milk,” Mayne said. “The label can help you choose the best products to meet your nutrient needs and those of your family.”

Plant-based milks can be made from grains, such as oat, quinoa and rice; legumes, including pea and soy; nuts, such as almond, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia, pea-

peas is often advised. Final pea perk? These bead-sized jewels are super low in fat, cholesterol, sodium, and relatively low in calories—only 60 per ½-cup serving.

Helpful tips

If buying fresh peas, look for firm, plump pods that are a vibrant medium green. Unwashed, unshelled peas will last several days in the refrigerator. If buying processed peas, many recommend frozen over canned—for taste, texture, and nutrition. Steaming peas in as little water as possible helps to preserve the vitamin C.

2¼ cups water (or more if too thick)

1 13.5-oz. can fat-reduced coconut milk

1 16-oz. bag frozen peas (or 3¾ cups fresh)

Small handful of cilantro leaves (optional)

Warm the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently for 6 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper and cook 2 minutes more, stirring frequently.

Add the water and coconut milk and increase the heat to high. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and add the peas. Cook just until the peas are bright green and tender, about 5 minutes.

Puree the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Season the soup to taste with salt, ladle into bowls, top with cilantro leaves (optional) and serve.

Sweet Pea Soup with Coconut and Ginger

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons canola or olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 tablespoons minced ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper

nut, pistachio and walnut; and seeds including flax, hemp and sesame.

These products may be a good alternative for people who are allergic to dairy milk or want to avoid dairy products for dietary reasons or personal preference, the FDA noted.

Some plant-based products have more calories than nonfat and lowfat dairy milk, so check the label if cutting calories is your motivation for choosing an alternative, the FDA suggested.

Dairy foods provide some key nutrients, some of which people are not getting enough of in their diets. The nutrients in milk include protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, zinc, choline and selenium.

The FDA suggests choosing milk and plant-based milk alternatives that are higher in protein, vitamin D, calcium and potassium.

These nutrients can help build bones and teeth, muscles, cartilage, skin, blood, enzymes and hormones. They can help people maintain their blood pressure. Some are needed for proper muscle, kidney and heart

function.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

The FDA recently issued draft guidance that recommends plantbased milks voluntarily include a nutrient statement that communicates how the product is nutritionally different from milk.

FCMG is BIG on CNY!

Committed to exceptional, family-focused care – and provided by over 60 physicians, 40 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 29 locations across our region – FCMG is uniquely situated to care for you and your loved ones. Even better, our approach to care and geographic footprint are matched by our comprehensive range of services, including:

• General family care & internal medicine

• Endocrinology, including diabetes testing, care and education

• Gynecology and reproductive health

• Diagnoses and treatment of infectious disease

• Ear, nose, and throat (otolaryngology)

• Ophthalmology

• Sleep lab and treatment of sleep disorders

• Physical medicine and rehabilitation

• Nutrition

Finally,

Enjoy

HILL

Let our family care for yours – wherever you are

plans

Organ Donation

NEW YORK STILL LAGS IN ORGAN DONATION

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

When it comes to organ donation designations, New York could do better to meet the need.

According to the US Health Resources and Services Administration, 105,800 people nationwide are waiting for an organ donation. More than 8,500 of those are New Yorkers and about 500 of those will die before they receive a transplant, according to an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield report issued March 25, 2022.

“These aren’t just statistics, but rather our loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors,” Lorna Fitzpatrick, vice president medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus BCBS, said in a statement. “We can increase their odds for a successful donor match by increasing the number of people who register to be donors.”

On average, each donor can save eight lives and enhance 75 more.

Despite ranking as one of the highest states for donor need, only 49% of New Yorkers eligible to donate have enrolled in the Donate Life Registry; 63% is the national average.

New York-Presbyterian, a healthcare system in New York City, stated that as of 2017, New York state ranks last in the nation for the number of enrollees.

“Why it’s so low is a question that’s been asked for many years,” said Nancy Ryan, director of development for Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, the federally designated donor recovery organization serving 20 counties in Upstate. “In New York state, we have come a long way. It’s assumed nothing has changed because we’re a low-performing state. We’ve worked hard to increase our enrollment rates.”

Ten years ago, the New York state enrollment rate for donors was 29% but is nearly 50% now, which Ryan counts as an important increase. Ryan believes that increasing the number of methods for singing up for the NYS Donate Life Registry has helped the rate inch upward. Regardless of how or where a donor registers, it goes to the NYS Donate Life Registry.

Myths about medical care prevent some people from registering, such as critically ill or injured patients receiving subpar care because doctors want to harvest their organs.

“As a physician in the ICU, we do everything we can to save our patients,” said Dorgam Badran, critical care physician at St. Joseph’s Health who chairs the organ donor council at St. Joseph’s Health.

Since St. Joseph’s is not a trans-

Overhaul of U.S. Organ Transplant System Proposed

Asingle nonprofit has what amounts to a monopoly over all organ transplants performed in the United States, but the federal government said that it plans to change that.

In 2022, a record 42,887 organ transplants were performed. Yet nearly 104,000 people remain on waiting lists for organs. About 22 people die each day while waiting, even as organs are discarded, damaged while being delivered or not collected, according to a new story published by the Washington Post.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which has contracted with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)

to run the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for 37 years, announced in March it will invite organizations to bid for contracts for different parts of the transplant system’s functions.

“Every day, patients and families across the United States rely on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network [OPTN] to save the lives of their loved ones who experience organ failure,” HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson said in a news release announcing the change. “At HRSA, our stewardship and oversight of this vital work is a top priority. That is why we are taking action to both bring greater transparency to the system and to reform and modernize the OPTN.”

plant center, Badran sees only a part of the donation process, typically in the ICU setting.

“Donation happens after brain death or after circulatory death,” he said. “That’s for organs. After the death, it’s tissue and eye donation. Unfortunately, when the time comes and the patient is extremely sick and on life support and the family or the patient decides that they want to withdraw life support, that’s when the brain or circulatory death happens.”

New York requires two physicians to certify brain death and meet extensive criteria for physicians to declare death. At that point, the hospital contacts FLDRN as required by law to make them aware of the brain death or imminent removal of life support so that FLDRN can check if the patient is a registered donor.

“We have no knowledge of that,” Badran said. “We have no access to that information.”

FLDRN representatives speak with the family about consent and seek a match to any organs that may be usable.

Some people resist signing up for organ donation as they assume that their family members would want to make that decision. Ryan said that selecting registration in advance can provide comfort to family members who do not have to make that decision. It can also help them feel that their loved one’s loss can at least benefit someone else.

“Is that something you’d want your family to decide at that worst possible moment?” Ryan said. “Make an informed decision if you want to give the gift of life and document that. That’s alleviating the responsibility from your family.”

Some people assume that their body is too old, ill or unusual to help others. However, Ryan said that no medical information is gathered upon registration.

“At the time of someone’s death, that’s when decisions are made about what can be donated,” she said. “Don’t rule yourself out. There’s no need to play doctor and decide if you’re led a healthy enough lifestyle. By ruling yourself out, you’re possibly ruling yourself out of saving

Among the plan’s many changes are steps to improve the technologies used by surgeons and transplant coordinators.

Network structure would also change, including adding a strong, independent board of directors. A new public dashboard should also make the donation and receipt process more transparent.

UNOS said in a statement it “supports HRSA’s plan to introduce additional reforms into the nation’s organ donation and transplantation system, and welcomed a competitive bidding process.”

“We believe we have the experience and expertise required to best serve the nation’s patients and to help implement HRSA’s proposed initiatives,” the statement said.

But the White House’s U.S. Digital Service called UNOS’s technological system archaic in a confidential 2021 assessment for HRSA. It also recommended breaking up UNOS’s monopoly over that technology, the Post reported.

“UNOS has allowed the organ donation system to become mis-

someone’s life.”

Ryan said that many people assume that religion forbids organ donation. Most major world religions support organ and tissue donation, viewing it “as the most generous last act anyone could do.”

She added that any religious, cultural or familial beliefs should be discussed before deciding about organ donation.

“We don’t claim to be experts in knowing every culture and scenario,” Ryan said. “It’s such a personal decision. Have that conversation with your family and faith leader and a trusted healthcare professional. Say, ‘I’m not sure about this; can I talk this through with you?’ If you decide you don’t want to be a donor, tell your family. That’s important for your family to know so they’re not struggling with this decision.”

According to Health Resources & Services Administration, the most common transplants nationwide in 2021 were kidney (24,670, with 90,483 still waiting); liver (9,236, with 11,891 still waiting); heart (3,817, with 3,502 still waiting); lung (2,524 with 1,051 still waiting) and other (1,108, with 290 still waiting).

The “other” category includes skin, face, hands and abdominal wall. Some things such as a kidney, bone marrow and part of the liver may be donated by living donors. Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse represents the only transplant programs for kidney or pancreas transplants in Upstate New York.

Need for Organs in USA

The most common transplants in 2021 in NYS, according to Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network

managed, unsafe and self-enriching,” Greg Segal, founder and CEO of Organize, a nonprofit patient advocacy group, told the Post. “Today’s announcement that HHS will break up UNOS’s monopoly, and bring in competent and transparent new contractors, is a transformative and unequivocal win for patients.”

UNOS oversees a transplantation network that includes about 250 hospitals that perform transplants. Also in the network are 56 government-chartered nonprofits that collect organs and labs that test organ compatibility.

Organ Donation

Kidney Donation Gives Rome Man a Second Chance

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Rome resident Thomas Trace had been living with chronic kidney disease for 17 years before he was placed on an organ recipient list in March 2022. The same year, he had begun going on dialysis, which involves staying hooked up to machines that perform the job his diseased kidneys could not do: filter his blood.

Unlike many people who languish on waiting lists for years, Trace said he felt “quite surprised when I got the call in the middle of the night” mere months later with the news that a kidney was available.

“I was very happy since I understood I’d have to wait longer,” he said.

Trace was lucky.

Many people on waiting lists receive a similar call and learn at the last moment that the kidney was not a match. Trace’s dialysis provider told him that this even happens after patients are prepped for surgery.

Fortunately for Trace, the new

kidney matched. Although he had a good experience while on dialysis, he wanted the greater freedom to travel and make other plans instead of hooking up to a machine for a couple hours a day, six days a week. The life expectancy for people on dialysis is five to 10 years, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

“It’s good to get the transplant before you’re on dialysis for a long time,” Trace said. “That was a good indicator for a positive outcome.”

On Oct. 23, 2022, he received the new kidney at Upstate University Hospital and “felt pretty good” afterward, he said.

“My main issue was that it was a little worrisome once I got it. I’m very concerned about my kidney. I want to treat it well for the sake of the transplant program. It’s a little burden to make sure I take my medications not only for myself but also because this came from someone who died.”

His gratitude for this gift of life

Upstate Performs Increasing Number of Transplants

By Mary Beth Roach

Q: How many organ transplants does Upstate do in a year?

A: Last year, 110; year before that, close to 96.

Q: Why is there an increase?

A: A couple of factors. We’ve implemented different programs to basically improve access to transplantation by utilizing different kind of organs available to us. For example, in the past we didn’t use hepatitis C organs. But now, hepatitis C is easily treatable with medication and you can use those organs. People in other areas of the state of New York or other states are coming to us. We try to make the best of the organs that are available to us, we do more transplants and that’s why the wait time for our program is one of the shortest in the state of New York.

Q: What types of transplants does Upstate do?

A: Currently we’re doing kidney transplant, pancreas transplant and pediatric kidney transplant, both of the deceased donor and the live donor. We also do live donor kidney transplantation. There are 350 patients on the wait list. There are 350 patients on the list at Upstate to receive kidney and

pancreas transplants.

Q: Do most of your patients come from Upstate New York?

A: Most of them, yes. But we also have other patients coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. They want to double-list with us to increase their chance to get an organ transplant.

Q: How does the transplant allocation work?

A: It’s a national system developed in 1984 when Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act. For different organs, there are different allocations. In the past, we used to be able to receive organs from only donors who are living in the state of New York. In March of 2021, they changed to basically broaden the sharing of organs by going to 250 nautical miles from the donor hospital. We’re doing more transplants because we have more access to more organs now compared to before March of 2021. Before of this new allocation, for example, in our area, the average wait time to receive a kidney transplant was five years. Some areas, it was 10 years, some areas, it was one year. It was a huge discrepancy. Now, there’s more

also extends to his wanting to live his life fully. Trace, now 53, is spending more time with family and exercises and travels as he used to before his kidney condition had worsened in recent years.

“I found the whole experience of being on dialysis was stimulating as I learned a lot of things and had good treatment from people who were for the most part kind and empathetic,” Trace said.

The day after his surgery offered one example. While he was recovering in the intensive care unit, a member of the housekeeping staff who must have seen him right after his surgery met his eyes and commented, “I’m so happy you’re doing well.”

The interaction struck Trace profoundly because he was not in her care, yet she took a moment to express real compassion for his health.

“She didn’t know what had happened to me,” he said. “I could’ve been in a car accident. The way she expressed it, it was so genuine. Some people have such an ability to show love.”

He initially experienced pain and difficulty in getting around, but recovered quickly. His immunosuppressant medication is working well to prevent his body from rejecting the kidney and his blood work

equality to the system.

Q: Why was that you could only use them from the state of New York?

A: Because they didn’t want to ship organs all over the country. Once they’re out of the body, the chance of success is less. Now we have better ways of transportation, better ways to preserve the organ and now we have got broader sharing.

Q: Why has the rate of success for transplants increased substantially over the years?

A: Better patient selection, better technique, better postoperative care, better ICU care. But, on the other hand, the need for transplantation has also increased because, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic diseases are on the rise in the country. That’s why every day the number of patients on the list goes up. Right now, you have more than 120,000 patients waiting on the list, and unfortunately every day 20 patients will die because there’s no suitable organ available. Unfortunately, 30% to 40% of those patients waiting for a liver, heart or lung will die. With kidney transplants, fortunately, we have time to maintain the patient on dialysis.

Q: April is organ donor month. In your role, what message would you like to convey?

A: I think the main message that I’m trying to convey is that organ donation — both from living donors and deceased donors — has been around for almost 60 years. Donating one kidney is very safe, and it doesn’t increase the donor’s chances of developing chronic diseases or diabetes down the road.

If somebody passes away or becomes brain dead, they can save six or seven lives, if the family consents to organ donation. Unfortunately, the state of New York has one of

Thomas Trace of Rome says “the best treatment for serious kidney disease is by far getting a transplant.” He underwent a successful transplant surgery at Upstate University Hospital in October last year.

looks good.

Trace has never met the family of the donor, but feels deep thankfulness for their gift of life and wants more people to realize that “the best treatment for serious kidney disease is by far getting a transplant,” he said.

the lowest rates of donation in the country. We need to do a lot of public education about this. Some people feel that if they want to become an organ donor or sign on their driving license, the medical team will not take care of them if they come to the hospital. That’s not true.

Q: Is there anything that you would like to add?

A: These patients, after organ transplantation, live longer, have better quality of life. That’s why I want to promote donation. Upstate has a very robust and active program and very good outcomes. We have one of the best outcomes in the state of New York. Nationally, 20% of patients on a wait list will get a transplant within two years. At Upstate, 40% of the people that are on the wait list get transplants within two years.

Transplant surgeon Reza F. Saidi is associate professor of surgery and chief of transplantation at Upstate University Hospital

Greater access to organs part of the reason for the increase. Last year, doctors at Upstate University Hospital performed 110 transplants

Organ Donation

How to Become an Organ Donor

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Most people don’t think much about organ donation unless they or a loved one are waiting on an organ recipient list or they work in a role like Nancy Ryan, director of development at Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network.

Because 500 New Yorkers die every year while waiting for an organ donation, Dorgam Badran wants more to sign up. He is a critical care physician at St. Joseph’s Health and chairs the organ donor council at St. Joseph’s Health.

“How much consolation it gives the family that their loved one became a donor,” Badran said. “It creates a legacy through their loved one — a gift anyone can give that has no cost. It can be tremendously powerful when a terrible loss becomes a gift.”

Unfortunately, too few people do so and as a result, 17 Americans die daily while waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Still more await transplants that could enhance their lives. Obtaining designation as an organ donor is simple to do, but for some hard to think about.

“We live in a society where it is not so easy to think about our own demise,” said Ryan.

FLDRN is the federally designated, nonprofit liaison between donors and recipients awaiting donation. “We put off making wills until way too late. We put off thinking about our own death as long as we can. When something unexpected happens to a middle-aged or younger person, the family is caught offguard. A 30-year-old doesn’t make end-of-life plans. Every day is a gift to every person. Being prepared with what you want is important.”

FLDRN serves 20 counties up-

state facilitating organ, eye and tissue transplants.

Anyone 16 or older may sign up to become a donor. One means of designating as a donor is through the DMV when applying for or renewing a driver’s license. Ryan said that is the most common means. Potential donors can also sign up through the voting registration form. New York is the only state with this option available. New Yorkers applying for or renewing their health insurance benefits through the New York State of Health Insurance Exchange can register as a donor. Yet another is https://donatelife.ny.gov/register, where people can sign up. All methods are free.

Ryan said that FLDRN has been working to promote donation by making QR codes available in the community for people to scan and access the site.

“We’re getting our hospital partners to put this link in the patient-facing medical record systems,” Ryan said. “On those patient medical record accounts, many put the link to sign up as a donor in those systems, which is fantastic. It’s so relatable.”

When a person dies or is imminently about to, the medical providers are required by law to contact FLDRN. The organization’s organ procurement coordinators manage the medical side of patients and decedents to match donors with recipients. The family coordinators help honor the end of life designations and speak with family members if the deceased have not registered.

Although donors can make their wishes known using documents such as a driver’s license, last will and testament or health care proxy, these documents may not be readily

available when donation decisions are made. Ryan encourages donors to use the electronic registry and to also make family members aware of the designation decision.

“You want a determination about what will happen after you pass away,” she said. “If you don’t put it in writing and if your family doesn’t know if you wanted to be a donor, they’ll be asked by an organ or tissue agency staff member if they’ll be interested. What a difficult conversation that is.”

Donation does not always mean a deceased donor. Be the Match (https://bethematch.org/about-us) seeks registration for living donors for people to donate bone marrow but not organs. In upstate New York, Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse represents the only transplant programs for kidney or pancreas transplants.

Potential donors can register with the National Kidney Registry (https://www.kidneyregistry.org) so people with end-stage kidney disease will not require a regimen of dialysis to survive. The average life expectancy of someone on dialysis is five to 10 years.

To promote more lifesaving and life improving organ donation, the New York Legislature passed the “New York State Living Donor Support Act” which takes effect in April. The state’s health commissioner will

set expenses covered for reimbursement. Funding from employee sick leave, the National Living Donor Assistance Program and other sources will first providing coverage and the state program picking up any remaining expenses.

“With expanded assistance for those inspired to become organ donors, I am confident this new law will help more New Yorkers give and receive the gift of life,” said State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-the Bronx) in a statement. Rivera sponsored the bill in his chamber.

According to the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network:

• Every nine minutes, someone is added to the national transplant waiting list.

• More than 5,000 people died in 2022 while waiting for an organ transplant.

• One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and could improve the lives of up to 75 more through tissue and cornea donation.

The number of people waiting for a life-saving organ transplant:

Waiting… and Waiting

Nationally: 104,000

New York state: 8,125 (7,000 are waiting for a kidney)

Nancy Ryan

Parenting

By Melissa Stefanec MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

A Little Amazing

Words are powerful. They can hurt and heal. They can discourage or inspire — create or destroy.

Throughout our lives, we are impacted by the things people say to us. Perhaps ironically, some of the most impactful things people have said to me weren’t intended to be impactful. Sometimes, things uttered with very little intention end up spurring me to deep introspection.

I recently found myself in that very situation; a situation where someone said something small that I turned into something big. I had just picked up my son from school and we started talking about his day. He shared one of the best parts of his day. I asked him if it was amazing. He quickly responded, “a little amazing.”

A little amazing. I’m sure he didn’t mean to drop a wisdom bomb as I raced home to make my next work meeting. He didn’t mean to give me something to think about for days. He was just trying to lightly rein in my enthusiasm and tell me

something was good, but not the best thing ever.

Whatever his intentions, I’ve been walking around thinking about what “a little amazing means.” What aspects or moments of my life are a little amazing? There aren’t a lot of things that rightfully earn the amazing label. Yet I’m often looking for life to amaze me.

Perhaps, that’s a folly. Truly amazing moments are so infrequent and ephemeral. Chasing them isn’t going to bring any lasting satisfaction. Perhaps I should be looking to the frequent, small joys in my life. To that end, here are some situations I’ve found to be a little amazing.

Little amazing things in my life

• Singing along to a song with my kids — Whether it’s one of my favorites or theirs, singing a song together gives us all something to smile about. When you think about it, singing together is a way to celebrate being alive. These moments of celebration are a little amazing.

• Getting a random “I love you” from my kids — My kids are 8 and 11, so the “I love yous” come a little less frequently than they once did. They are also more meaningful. These days, when my kids pause to say “I love you,” I know it’s because they are truly feeling love. That’s a little amazing.

• Having my kids share something difficult — I strive to be the sort of parent that my children can bring their problems to — even the tough ones. When my kids trust me enough to share something that hurt or scared them, that trust and vulnerability isn’t something I take for granted. Earning their trust and helping them through a rough spot is a little amazing accomplishment.

• Playing a family game and belly laughing — We play a lot of board games in our house. We’re often drawn to silly board games. My kids have been known to say some pretty ridiculous things. They can amuse anyone, young or old. We often laugh so hard that we roll around on the ground. These moments of comedic relief are a little amazing.

• Hearing my kids enjoy each other’s company — With my kids being three years apart in age, they have been known to bicker. However, they often play very nicely together. They make up intricate fantasy games. Hearing the two of them fuel and enjoy each other’s creativity is a treat. When they play and work together, it’s a little amazing.

• Knowing my son can beat me in a sprint — When my son was a toddler, he would literally run toward whatever interested him. Even in those

days, he was hard to catch. Now that he is 8, I can barely beat him in a sprint. Having my child overtake me physically is mindblowing. Hopefully, he continues to best me for the rest of my days. Watching him advance is a little amazing.

• Knowing my daughter’s art is putting mine to shame — My family takes “prestigious” drawing lessons via a popular video-streaming app. We each have a drawing notebook and often sit down to draw together. I’ve never been good at drawing, but my daughter’s talents are quickly surpassing mine. Sometimes, when we finish whatever silly thing we are drawing, it’s hard to tell who drew which one. Her growing talents are a little amazing.

• Watching my kids be fascinated by nature — We spend a lot of time outside. Throughout my children’s entire lives, I have paused and asked them to observe nature with me. Whether it’s a plant, a tree, a rock, an insect, an amphibian or the way water catches the sunlight, I’ve raised my kids to try to find the wonder in the natural world. As they grow up, I still catch them wondering at nature’s small beauties. Catching them in that reflection is a little amazing.

• Getting everyone in bed on time — By the time our family crazy train is rolling into slumber station, there have been numerous delays and obstacles. I believe in the power and importance of sleep, and my kids know they need to get to bed on time, especially on school nights. When we actually get into bed on time and are relaxed, it’s a little amazing.

Along with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, we’re committed to reducing racial and ethnic maternal health disparities by 50% in 5 years. Join us and take action today:

BE AWARE BE ENGAGED

01 0203

Childbirth complications are 46% higher among Black mothers. Anyone can help by learning more about this urgent issue.

(Tip: start with our podcast episode)1

Every expecting mother should receive unbiased, high-quality care. Examine your own implicit biases. What might need to change?

Get the facts in our episode “Reducing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health” with Dr. Cuyler at ExcellusBCBS.com/ podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts

BE AN ADVOCATE

Support policies and organizations that increase access to affordable, culturally sensitive maternal healthcare. Let the expecting mothers in your life know they have a voice, are being heard, AND believed.

When every mom receives the care she needs, EVERYBODY BENEFITS

Applied Behavior Analysis Aids Children on Autism Spectrum

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with social skills, academics, communication and other activities of daily living in varying degrees. Applied Behavior Analysis is a kind of therapy that uses observation, recordkeeping and positive reinforcement to find what triggers unwanted behaviors and what promotes desired behaviors.

Its goal is to help children achieve their potential for independence.

Psychologist Ole Ivar Lovaas developed ABA in the 1960s, based upon behaviorism. ABA doesn’t “cure” autism but helps children with autism better understand the rules and expectations of a world that oftentimes seems inconsistent, incoherent and frustrating to them. Caregivers and teachers at school and parents use ABA to help understand how to best support their children’s development.

Although early versions of ABA included negative reinforcement for unwanted behavior, the current version of ABA uses positive reinforcement to help foster desired behavior. ABA has garnered criticism for its intention to force children on the spectrum to behave in ways socially and academically acceptable rather than to consider autism an example of neurodiversity.

For some people, some behaviors manifested by their autistic neurodiversity hamper their ability to learn

and function. That’s why ABA can prove helpful for some.

“ABA definitely has a lot of positives,” said Susan L. Scharoun, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of psychology at Le Moyne College in Syracuse and psychologist with Elmcrest and Toomey Residential Services in Syracuse. “It’s used very successfully with some children.

I can’t say it’s a one-size-fits-all or every child with autism will benefit. It does come across as ‘everyone’ benefits.”

Tracking behaviors, antecedents and environmental factors is very time consuming. Scharoun said that some parents hire people to work with their children with ABA because it takes so much time.

“The vast majority of times, it’s successful when they have self-stimulating or self-injurious behaviors,” she said. “They often address those behaviors by altering the consequences. It focuses on the consequences: what does it give that child?”

The ABA method of discovering

ConnextCare Invests in New Telehealth Platform to Improve Patient Experience

Health provider has used telehealth for more than 58,000 appointments since 2020

ConnextCare in March implemented a new telehealth platform across all of its locations in Oswego County. ConnextCare will now be using Greenway electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure a more efficient telehealth experience for patients.

Moving forward, patients will receive a text message or an email on the day of their scheduled telehealth visit. The text or email will include a link to a video chat that patients will be able to click on and be automatically connected to the telehealth virtual waiting room for admittance to their visit by the ConnextCare team. Telehealth is a critical resource for patients. It enables a patient to be seen by a provider regardless of their ability to physically come in to the office, therefore breaking down a barrier to care.

ConnextCare became aware of the need for telemedicine at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within

days of the pandemic, the ConnextCare IT team was able to secure the resources and training to be able to offer this service to patients.

“As we begin to transition back to a level of normalcy in healthcare, the benefit of a telehealth connection has proven to be both effective and convenient for our patients,” said Ken Martin, director of information services at ConnextCare. “With now over one quarter of all healthcare visits being of a virtual nature, ConnextCare looked to streamline the process for both our staff and patients by adopting a single platform. The Greenway telehealth package works seamlessly with our EMR, this eliminates the need for a third-party application which increases the time to create and distribute the virtual appointment.”

Since the beginning of 2020, ConnextCare has used telehealth for more than 58,000 appointments and continues to use telehealth for 85% of

the patterns of cause-and-effect can aid parents in developing strategies that work. For example, if lunch is late on the days a child has a meltdown, it’s apparent that it’s tough for the child to cope while hungry. Scheduling lunch earlier or serving a larger breakfast may represent ways to prevent the meltdown.

“ABA has a place in the toolbox of working with kids with autism, but it’s not for everybody,” Scharoun said. “When working with families, you need a different set of tools that meets that family’s needs.”

For some, ABA works for a while but then the children fail to generalize the skill they’ve learned. For example, they stop “stimming” — engaging in a self-comforting but meaningless repetitive and disruptive behavior — at school, but continue to do so at other places. Scharoun said that generalizing may improve if each caretaker agrees to work on the skill with the child in the same way. Previous versions of ABA used punishments to minimize unwanted behavior.

“ABA still focuses on compliance with demand and rarely considers the meaning of behavior for the autistic individual,” said Christine Ashby, Ph.D. and professor at Syracuse University and director for the Center on Disability and Inclusion. “Often the focus is on moving the autistic individual to more non-disabled ways of interacting and behaving.

ABA positions autism and the ways that autistic individuals engage with the world as problems to be solved through remediation and treatment, rather than recognizing and valuing the diversity of human experience.”

She also pointed out the intensity of this intervention, usually offered in a one-on-one setting which may isolate students from the inclusive learning opportunities that happens in classroom of peers.

“Many autistic people have spoken and written about the damage of ABA, considering the practice harmful and even abusive,” Ashby said. “Instead of promoting ABA, my approach to supporting autistic students is grounded in listening to autistic people, ensuring all students have means to communicate effectively, attending to sensory and movement needs and fostering inclusive educational and social opportunities.”

Nicole DeRosa, PsyD, chief clinical officer with the Kelberman Center in Syracuse, cited ABA’s “longstanding history of evidence-based practice. But like any other therapy, it has to be a good fit,” she said. “Any type of service should be in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship with the therapist and family remaining key players.”

This includes the children themselves, who must understand on some level that gaining these new skills or dropping unhelpful behaviors will help them. Without motivation, change is difficult.

“It has to be the right fit for that family and individual,” DeRosa said. “They have to have an understanding as to how the therapy will work and the goals they’re working on. That has to align with your values as an individual and as family members.”

its scheduled weekly mental health appointments. The investment in this new service will greatly improve not just the patient experience when it comes to telehealth visits, it will also be a much more structured experience for ConnextCare staff, according

to official.

The Pulaski office is the first location to pilot this new platform, which began March 2. Every other main site and the school-based health centers are scheduled to transition throughout the coming month.

ConnextCare staff receives training for new telehealth platform (left to right: Dr. Joseph Nimeh; Patsy Spears, administrative assistant; Ken Martin, director of information services).

Team Approach Helps Children with Autism Succeed

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

As with medical care in complex cases, the team approach can provide many benefits for a family with a child on the autism spectrum because so many people may be involved with helping them reach their potential. Instead of providers focused solely on their own expertise, the team approach brings providers together in a coordinated effort.

“We’ve come a long way across the board as we used to talk about diagnoses and symptoms and treating them,” said psychologist Nicole DeRosa, chief clinical officer with the Kelberman Center in Syracuse. “Just because someone has autism doesn’t mean they need some type of treatment. It’s more if it’s interfering with quality of life or their goals. Who’s it problematic for, me, because I’m uncomfortable, or that person because they want to be happy and it keeps them from achieving their goals? With the team approach, you have multiple people, services and providers coming together in an integrative and collaboration in a fashion to meet the needs of the individual. It’s a more complete approach. They get support from various areas of expertise, not just one.”

One example she offered is that a participant may manifest a behavior that interferes with their goals because of an underlying problem like a sinus infection.

“That can be treated to address those behaviors,” DeRosa said. “The team approach helps us identify the simple thing that may be going on and then we can take the simplest approach.”

She added that having one point of contact such as a case manager can also help keep communication moving among providers and among family members and providers. Oth-

erwise, important information can be muddled or dropped.

“You can have multiple people working for a family but there must be communication to really benefit the individual,” DeRosa said. “It may not be easy if you have people at multiple sites. It can be a challenge. But if you have one person managing that it’s helpful. It’s not the family’s or individual’s responsibility to share information with other providers. I think we should explain issues to others like schoolteachers or others. We should effectively communicate issues to others.”

The team approach supports “interdisciplinary problem solving,” said Christine Ashby, Ph.D. and professor at Syracuse University and director for the Center on Disability and Inclusion. She added that this allows for a broader view of the individual’s life, needs and interests and that can help develop more effective strategies and approaches.

“Enhanced communication between team members can increase consistency of support strategies and allow for generalizability across contexts,” Ashby said. “The team approach is further improved by including parents and caregivers as partners. For example, a parent might be able to provide information on strategies that are successful at home or personal interests that can be integrated into classroom instruction.”

Susan L. Scharoun, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of psychology at Le Moyne College in Syracuse and psychologist with Elmcrest and Toomey Residential Services in Syracuse, has found the team approach very helpful in her years of working with autistic people. She recalled one autistic young woman who would take others’ food,

yet not eat the food presented to her. Scharoun realized that the food required different presentation and preparation for her to eat successfully. By working with a dietitian and occupational therapist, Scharoun could offer her meals prepared in a way that she would eat and adaptive utensils she could use.

“Guess what? She stopped grabbing everyone’s food,” Scharoun said. “We made changes by working together so this girl could get a full meal and she was no longer going hungry. It’s wonderful to have a look through the lens of what another professional has to offer.”

The team approach can also help build consistency, structure and guidelines, since children thrive with predictability and especially so as an autistic child. But the team should also help provide tools so that children can cope with times where things do not go as planned.

Social Media Not a Reliable Source of Healthcare Info

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

According to a 2022 study commissioned by CharityRx of 2,000 U.S. adults, Americans turn to social media influencers for advice on anxiety (34%), weight loss (34%) and depression (33%), each of which represents the most common sources of information on these topics.

The study also relates that nearly 20% of Americans trust health influencers more than their local medical professionals and one in five rely on TikTok videos before seeing a doctor when they seek treatment for a health issue.

Statistics like these trouble Lauren Wetterhah, executive director of the Inclusive Alliance IPA, Inc. in Syracuse, because of the misinformation and misinterpretation of solid health information on social media.

“Social media is a low barrier entryway to share information,” she said. “Anyone with an account can say anything they want on social media, which is not the same as having the information, training and expertise to develop a resource for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s not easy as a regular person to see if what was put on social media is developed by an expert or was developed by someone selling something or has other goals for what they’re putting on the platform.”

The anecdotes offered by social media influencers seem to especially sway young people who are less experienced in research. Contrast with those the healthcare organizations that are highly regulated as they exist

to protect people. That’s why they are such good sources.

Wetterhah recommends the websites of the National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic, local health departments and other well-known healthcare organizations. But people should watch out for sites that “make extraordinary claims, whether in the positive like a miracle cure or in the negative. That is another one of the hallmarks the NIH wants us to consider when we’re looking at healthcare information. If a site or post offers a quick, easy solution to a complicated problem or makes all-ornothing statements, that may be an indication that what you’re looking at isn’t completely accurate.”

TikTok’s content — along with a good share of other social media — is for entertainment purposes or at best anecdotal examples, not healthcare information that applies to the general population. Even if it cites studies, these may be outdated, lacking a control group or other scientific parameters, performed in other countries with different medical standards or with a sample population far different from the viewer. Even sound studies may be misinterpreted.

“It takes training to understand how studies are designed and what you can and can’t infer from the results of one study,” Wetterhah said. “It’s hard as a layperson to do that which is why it’s important to share with someone who has that training.”

Physician Az Tahir, who offers functional medicine in and in Syracuse at High Point Wellness, and in Henrietta, likes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other government sites, along with PubMed.

“Look to the professional organizations like American College of Physicians,” Tahir said. “The cardiologists, Alzheimer’s, neurology, all these specialties and more have their own organization websites. Cleveland Clinic and WebMD have a lot of good information.”

He discourages researching for health information on social media as it relies too heavily upon individual opinion and experience instead of research.

“You have to go to reliable sources and the final suggestions should be from doctors,” Tahir said. “You need balance.”

Oftentimes, patients research their symptoms online to self-di-

The following are reputable sources of healthcare information:

Organization Website CDC www.cdc.gov

Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org

Food & Drug Administration www.fda.gov

Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org

Psychology Today psychologytoday.com

PubMed www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

SUNY Upstate https://www.upstate.edu/

WebMD www.webmd.com

World Health Organization www.who.int

agnose before seeing a provider. Although research can help generate more in-depth questions if patients then see a provider, some people try home remedies or otherwise delay important care because of a false diagnosis.

Before publication, books and reputable periodicals fact check and ensure that the information is correct and up to date. Few such checks exist on social media and consumer-sourced information on sites like Reddit and Quora.

Online quizzes can falsely lead participants to think that their unrelated symptoms add up to something serious. Although some healthcare providers may use an evidence-based questionnaire to help patients better express their symptoms and their severity, online quizzes about symptoms tend to ask too few questions and derive inaccurate conclusions.

“Oftentimes, reaching out to your primary care provider can help you figure out the best resources,” said Nicole DeRosa, Psy.D. and chief clinical officer at the Kelberman Center in Syracuse. “Social media has a lot of conflicting information.”

Although she appreciates the input of personal accounts and the ease of access to information online, she encourages people to look at the source of their information and rely on sites like the CDC, which thoroughly researches, uses input from credentialed experts and keeps information up to date.

“You can find information online and ask us as providers,” DeRosa said.

Lauren Wetterhah is the executive director of the Inclusive Alliance IPA, Inc. in Syracuse.

Syracuse Stage Continues its Inclusive Programming

Initiative to allow more access to those with poor vision or are deaf or hard of hearing

Mary Beth Roach

Arecent $12,000 grant from the Central New York Community Foundation to Syracuse Stage will allow the arts organization to expand the accessibility performances services it provides its patrons.

“This grant gives us the opportunity to purchase and provide more tools to serve more people across the season,” according to Bob Hupp, Syracuse Stage’s artistic director.

The monies allow for Syracuse Stage to offer more sensory-friendly kits for those with autism; enhance programming for those who have poor vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing; and consultations with experts in respective fields.

For the CNY Community Foundation, the grant enables the organization to partner with Syracuse Stage to bring “inclusive arts programming to the community,” said Danielle Johnson, senior director for grants and programs for the CNYCF. “Arts is something the entire community should be able to enjoy.”

She acknowledged, too, that none of the grants they award would be possible without the foundation’s donors.

Since many of the materials provided to the public for these special programs — such as the headsets — are technological, funding, such as that from the CNYCF, allows Syracuse Stage to keep up with current

advancements. The stage staff continue to research and understand these advances “that allow us to provide services in the most effective and efficient ways as possible,” Hupp noted.

Syracuse Stage offers a wide range of accessibility provisions for its plays. Kate Laissle, associate director of education, explained some of the tools they utilize. Certain performances have special features to provide the optimum theater-going experience for those with hearing or visual challenges.

For those who are blind or have poor vision, there is an audio description program, in which patrons wear headsets and listen as someone with Syracuse Stage describes scenic and costume designs along with action on the stage throughout each performance. This is offered usually the third Saturday matinee of each performance.

There is also open captioning, with dialogue, as they are spoken in real time, appearing on an electronic board on the right-hand side of the theater. A staff member inputs the dialogue during each performance, incorporating any script changes.

In addition, there are ASL performances and assisted listening devices available.

The theater’s schedule on its website, syracusestage.org/accessibility, www.syracusestage.org/acces-

sibility has information when these special performances are offered.

Its first sensory-friendly performance was introduced in its 2016-17 season with Mary Poppins, making it the first theater in the area to do so.

The motivation to offer these types of shows came out of “really wanting to live what we said we were doing,” Hupp said, adding that the holiday shows had been promoted as family programs, but they realized that not all families were able to enjoy the productions.

“We were recognizing it wasn’t friendly to every family,” Hupp said.

There was some movement across the country to adapt shows to be more accessible, he explained, so they worked with national and local experts.

The shows were popular right from the start —so much so, that the 2022-23 season will mark the first time that Syracuse Stage is offering not just one sensory-friendly show, but three.

The last one for this season will be “Clue” in June, which is based on the popular board game. The schedule on the Syracuse Stage website will list when the sensory-friendly performance is.

These sensory-friendly shows are especially for those with autism, ADD, ADHD, dementia or other sensory sensitivities. Staff work with parents of children with autism, individuals with autism and medical professionals to get their perspectives and make necessary adjustments based on their recommendations.

Each family receives a safety kit, including fidget toys and other materials. Lights and sound are adjusted accordingly, and the audiences are allowed to wander around. Laissle calls it a “shush-free environment.”

In addition, tables have been set up in the lobby areas for those that may need to take a break from the show; and there is a calming room that offers more of a respite for patrons if needed.

As Syracuse Stage expands its sensory-friendly activities from one play to three, the staff will continue to evaluate its sustainability, he added.

“Our hope is to continue to draw the best recommendations, the best learnings across the country to serve audiences in Central New York, and to make sure that we are as inviting as we can be to as many people as possible,” Hupp said.

Cynthia Reid, executive assistant at the Syracuse Stage, shows how they do the open captioning at the facility.

Electronic board at Syracuse Stage for its open captioning.

Syracuse Stage to offer more sensory friendly kits for those with autism; enhance programming for those who have poor vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing; and consultations with experts in respective fields.

Yes, I Had a Stroke. Here Is What It Feels Like

By Stephan Yablonski

Imagine walking into a store — suddenly starting to sweat profusely as everything around you spins violently in a kaleidoscope of hallucinogenic colors like a scene from 1960s TV cop show. You collapse into a nearby chair and vomit “The Exorcist” style.

It’s not a scene from a movie. It’s real life. My life.

It was an unusually warm winter day, so I decided to run a few errands. However, my world changed in the proverbial blink of an eye. There were people hovering over me; paramedics asking me a barrage of questions — do you know where you are? What day is it? Do you want us to take you to the hospital?

Hospital!?

I remember being carted out on a stretcher, needles being stuck in my wrist and my vitals being checked. I don’t recall much else. The ambulance ride to the ER was bumpy and seemed to take forever. The next thing I remember was being on an examination bed, a lot of voices, more poking and prodding. I kept my eyes closed so the world would stop spinning, and concentrated on not throwing up again.

(I want to go home.)

The afternoon turned into evening. The next morning I was still there. Several people had pulled the curtain back to peek in on me. The

ER was rather cold, with ambulances coming and going at all hours and the doors opening and closing. Luckily, I was still wearing my clothes, sneakers and coat. A flimsy blanket provided some comfort.

At some point, the next day, I was moved into a private room. My sneaks were tugged off. My jeans and shirts were next. Everything was crammed into a big plastic bag and shoved onto the shelf by the window. I remember thinking, “my reading glasses are in my coat pocket — probably broken in two by now.”

I was outfitted with a hospital gown, more needles, heart monitor, an IV and a thicker blanket.

Time was meaningless. I was flat on my back, starring at the ceiling. Vertigo meant I couldn’t really move my head, without the threat of more nausea.

(I want to go home.)

Day and night as I tried to sleep, I was interrupted by people waking me up to take my temperature and blood pressure, give me myriad medications, and take my blood. I was given an injection in the right side of my stomach, the left side the next night, then the right side again. For the next few nights, they decided it should be in the “love handles.” I was pricked so often it’s a wonder my body didn’t deflate until I was flat as a piece of paper with just my eyes bugging out!

OK, the hospital is where you go to be well taken care of — it’s not a place where you can actually rest.

I was given fluids —a lot of fluids. However, I couldn’t get up to relieve myself. I was given a couple plastic containers. Over the course of the next couple of days, they were used, emptied and reused numerous times. One nurse, on the third or fourth day, asked me if I had pooped. When I said “no,” she said I should poop every day. I informed her that I hadn’t eaten in about two and a half days.

The next morning there was a tray, with scrambled eggs, toast, juice and some fruit on the table next to my bed. I grabbed the fork with my left hand and nibbled cautiously, all the while my right hand was clutching the plastic barf bag that I appropriated from the ambulance (and retained —just in case).

Seems like every time someone came in my room, they asked me my name or what day it was, my mother’s maiden name, my best friend’s name from kindergarten — or some darn thing. I was too out of it to even think about giving a smart-alecky answer. Guess I just wasn’t feeling sassy.

After a few days, I got my very own walker and started physical therapy.

Late at night, or was it early in the morning, I leaned on the contraption and trundled over to the bathroom. The motion sensor turned on the light. I saw myself in the mirror. Holy crap! Is that scraggly old man really me?

I was subjected to a variety of tests — EKGs, ultrasound, a couple MRIs and probably some I don’t recall. Maybe even carbon dating, I don’t know.

A couple more PT sessions and they said I was doing a lot better. Just not well enough to go home.

(Did I say — I want to go home?)

When I finally got my discharge papers, all the needles were removed from my hands. And blood percolated from the little holes … and wouldn’t stop! Oh, that’s because of all the blood thinners. Keep pressure on it for at least 10 minutes, I was told. It was also suggested that I shave with an electric razor and not a blade — so as not to nick myself and bleed profusely.

I sat at the dinning room table to go over my meds blood thinners, blood pressure, something so my blood doesn’t stick together and stuff for a UTI that I didn’t know I had. One of the pills is teensy tiny. I was told to take a half dose daily — that meant I had to cut the minuscule pill in half and save the other sliver for the next day. And, of course, there is nothing tiny about the cost of these wee wonders of modern medicine.

I had to get that “hospital smell” off me. I went into the bathroom, tossed my clothes into the hamper and turned on the hot water in the tub.

Kaablam … boom, rattle! The room shuddered. No one had thought to tell me the town had been working on a water problem down the road. Service had been shut off for quite some time. And, since I hadn’t turned on a faucet for weeks, the amount of air lingering in my pipes was rather impressive.

So, when I finally reclined in the hot bath, I blissfully relaxed — and dozed off, only to awaken in ice-cold water.

This recuperation process is going to take a while.

Stefan Yablonski is a writer and works as associate editor of In Good Health — CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper. He lives in Oswego.

By Jim Miller

Donating Your Body to Science

Dear Savvy Senior,

I am interested in possibly donating my body to science when I pass away. What can you tell me about this, and what would I need to do to set it up?

Getting Old Dear Getting,

If you’re looking to help advance medical research, and in the process, eliminate your funeral and burial costs, donating your body to science is a great option to consider. Here’s what you should know.

Body Donations

Each year, it’s estimated that approximately 20,000 people donate their whole body after death, to medical facilities throughout the country to be used in medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice.

After using your body, these facilities will then provide free cremation and will either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year.

And, just in case you’re wondering, your family cannot not be paid for the use of your body. Federal and state laws prohibit it.

Here are a few other things you need to know and check into, to help you determine whether whole-body donation is right for you:

• Donation denial: Most body donation programs will not accept bodies that are extremely obese or those that have infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, H.I.V. or MRSA. Bodies that suffered extensive trauma won’t be accepted either.

• Organ donation: Most medical school programs require that you donate your whole body in its entirety. So, if you want to be an organ donor (with the exception of your eyes), you probably won’t qualify to be a whole-body donor too.

• Religious considerations: Most major religions permit individuals to donate both their full body and organs, and many even encourage it. If you are unsure, you should consult with your pastor or spiritual adviser.

• Special requests: Most programs will not allow you to donate your body for a specific purpose. You give them the body and they decide how to use it.

• Memorial options: Most programs require almost immediate transport of the body after death, so there’s no funeral. If your family wants a memorial service, they can have one without the body. Or, some programs offer memorial services at

their facility at a later date without the remains.

• Body transporting: Most programs will cover transporting your body to their facility within a certain distance. However, some may charge a fee.

How to Proceed

If you think you want to donate your body, it’s best to make arrangements in advance with a body donation program in your area.

Most programs are offered through university-affiliated medical schools. To find one near you, the University of Florida maintains a list of U.S. programs and their contact information at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl. edu/usprograms. If you don’t have Internet access, you can get help by calling the whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800-727-0700.

In addition to the medical schools, there are also private organizations like Science Care (ScienceCare.com) and Anatomy Gifts Registry (AnatomyGifts.org) that accept whole body donations too. Some of these organizations will even allow organ donation because they deal in body parts as well as whole cadavers.

Once you locate a program in your area, call and ask them to mail you an information/registration packet that will explain exactly how their program works.

To sign up, you’ll need to fill out a couple of forms and return them. But you can always change your mind by contacting the program and removing your name from their registration list. Some programs may ask that you make your withdrawal in writing.

After you’ve made arrangements, you’ll need to tell your family members so they will know what to do and who to call after your death. It’s also a good idea to tell your doctors, so they know your final wishes too.

How to Donate Your Body in Central New York

CALENDAR HEALTH EVENTSof

April 12

Free hernia screening clinic in Oswego

Oswego Health is offering a free hernia screening clinic from 5– 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 12 at the Center for Surgical Services, 105 county Route 45 A, suite 100, in Oswego. Participants will meet with an Oswego Health physician to receive the screening exam, diagnosis and treatment plan recommendations.

Preventive health screenings help people understand their risk for developing chronic conditions before symptoms are present, while they can still take action. An estimated 1.6 million groin hernias are diagnosed and 500,000 are surgically repaired annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some 27% of men and 3% of women are expected to have a groin hernia — the most common type — during their lifetimes. In many cases, hernias have no symptoms. For more information about the screening clinic and to register visit www.oswegohealth.org/screening or call 315-342-6771.

April 25

Free forum to discuss prostate cancer treatment

Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) presents an educational forum on prostate cancer treatment from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, at HOA’s East Syracuse location at 5008 Brittonfield Parkway. It is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested at rsvp@hoacny. com or 315/472-7504, extension 1589.

HOA’s experts in treating prostate cancer will lead the forum. They are medical oncologists, Steven Duffy and Ajeet Gajra, and radiation oncologist Shing Chin. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a discussion with the presenters.

“We are excited to offer this educational opportunity to our community,” said CEO Maryann Roefaro, HOA CEO. “It is important for prostate cancer patients and their loved ones to learn about all of their treatment options directly from a medical oncologist who can manage all of their cancer care.”

Ask

The Social Security Office

From the Social Security District Office

Social Security Launches Redesigned Website at SSA.gov

Have you visited the redesigned SSA.gov yet? In December 2022, we updated our homepage with a new design to help you find what you need more easily.

SSA.gov is visited by over 180 million people per year and it is one of our most important tools for providing efficient and equitable access to service. Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is to help people understand what they may qualify for and seamlessly transition them to an application process.

Now, with improved self-service accessibility to online services, you might not have to call or visit an office to get what you need. This helps our staff focus on serving customers who need in-person assistance.

• Reimagined website prioritizes customer experience

The redesign is intended to provide a clear path to the tasks you need to accomplish. Many of the most visited sections of SSA.gov are now live with a more user-friendly and task-based approach. New pages and improvements based on public feedback will continue to be unveiled in the coming months, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve how the public can do business with us.

When you visit SSA.gov, you can use interactive tools to:

• Check eligibility for benefits

The new benefit eligibility screener is a convenient and simple way for you to learn if you might be eligible for benefits.

• Save time on Social Security number (SSN) and card online services

If you lose your SSN card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your SSN is enough. If you do need a replace-

Q&A

Q.: Why is it so important that my baby have a Social Security number?

A.: Your child may need a Social Security number if you are planning to open a bank account, buy savings bonds, obtain medical coverage, or apply for government services for the child. Your child will also need a Social Security number if you are going to declare him or her on your taxes. Getting a Social Security number for your newborn is voluntary, but it is a

ment card, you may be able to request it online by visiting our Social Security Number and Card page at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.

You can also start an application for an updated card or request an SSN for the first time. You may never need to go to an office, but if you do need to visit an office to complete the application then you can save a lot of time by starting online.

• Start an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You can start the application process online and request an appointment to apply for SSI benefits by answering a few questions on our SSI page at www.ssa.gov/ssi.

• Apply for Social Security benefits and other online services

For most benefits, you can apply online or start an application online. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. We will review the application and contact you with any questions or if we need more information. Visit our online services page at www. ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability or Medicare.

Many Social Security services do not require an office visit. If you have a personal My Social Security account, you can start or change direct deposit, request a replacement SSA1099, or print or download a current benefit verification letter if you need proof of your benefits.

If you’re not yet receiving benefits, you can use your online account to get a personalized Social Security statement, which provides your earnings information as well as estimates of future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement estimator tool and links to information about other online services. We encourage people without a personal My Social Security account to create one today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Please share this with your loved ones and post it on social media.

good idea to apply when your child is born. You can apply for a Social Security number for your baby when you apply for your baby’s birth certificate. The state agency that issues birth certificates will give us your child’s information and we will mail you a Social Security card with the child’s Social Security number. Visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber for more information.

Doctor appointed to National Cancer Research board

Physician Steven Duffy of Hematology-Oncology

are listed at cancer.gov.

HOA is a private, community cancer center established in 1982 with a vision to serve Central New York by providing the highest level of quality care to patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders. With locations in Auburn, Camillus, East Syracuse and Onondaga Hill, HOA continues that vision with a multi-faceted team dedicated to holistic, patient-centered care.

for the community in collaboration with all CMH-affiliated orthopedic surgeons.”

Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed fellowship training in orthopedic trauma. She specializes in comprehensive fracture care, post-traumatic reconstruction, and total joint arthroplasty of the shoulder, knee and hip.

recently as Loretto’s housing nurse screener before being promoted to assistant director of clinical services for housing.

Steven Duffy

Associates of CNY, has joined the board of directors of The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. Duffy is a medical oncologist/ hematologist at HOA who is board certified in internal medicine, oncology and hematology. He specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer and blood disorders in adults, and serves as HOA’s director of research.

The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, of which HOA is a member, seeks to reduce the impact of cancer by uniting a broad community of scientists and clinicians who are committed to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the alliance includes nearly 10,000 cancer specialists at hospitals, medical centers and community clinics across the United States and Canada. This partnership allows HOA to offer patients research opportunities utilizing state-of-the-art cancer treatments with access to many of the same clinical trials typically available at large cancer treatment centers.

“Dr. Duffy’s appointment to the alliance board underscores HOA’s steadfast commitment to offer clinical research to provide our patients with the highest level of cancer care,” said HOA CEO Maryann Roefaro. “Some of the newest, most innovative cancer treatments are available only through clinical trials, and we encourage patients to speak with their care team about research options that might benefit them.”

Roefaro added that HOA also offers the general public the option to contact its research department at 315-472-7504, extension 1350 with questions about clinical trials. There is a clinical trials section of the HOA website at hoacny.com/clinical-trials, and all NCI clinical trials nationwide

HOA is the only cancer practice in CNY certified for quality by The American Society of Clinical Oncology, and one of only nine practices in the country certified for patient centered care as an oncology medical home.

Orthopedic surgeon joins Community Memorial

Orthopedic surgeon Richelle

In February 2022, after completing extensive training and certification, Takemoto became the first female surgeon in the world to use the VELYSTM Robotic-Assisted Solution and developed a successful robotic surgery program at CMH. Takemoto will continue to expand this service as part of the CMH team.

“Lindzey’s knowledge of the Loretto system, as well as her experience, passion and commitment have well prepared her to be successful in this role,” said Robin Bennett, director of clinical services for Loretto housing.

Nasholts will provide guidance and leadership to the clinical operations for Loretto’s assisted living, enriched living and housing functions. This includes strategic planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating services and activities as well as coordinating interdisciplinary teams for resident care, quality improvement, clinical and financial operations to assure safe, effective, and efficient services.

Richelle Takemoto

Takemoto has recently joined Community Memorial (CMH) in Hamilton. Previously with a local orthopedic surgical practice, Takemoto decided to seek out other opportunities to serve the community. Endeared by Hamilton and the surrounding region and the supportive team of nurses and staff, Takemoto saw the potential to build on the orthopedic legacy at CMH.

“I am very committed to serving the patients of our community and believe that partnering with the hospital will help to better support patient care. My goal is to provide efficient, high-quality care for our community that will remain in place long after my career. I am dedicated to providing excellent, quality orthopedic services and working collaboratively with the entire orthopedic surgical team providing services at Community Memorial.”

“We welcome Dr. Takemoto to the CMH family and thank her for the advanced services she has brought to us in the last year,” said Jeff Coakley, president and CEO of Community Memorial. “We look forward to growing orthopedic services

Takemoto is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and is a graduate of the Punahou School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1999 and is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, where she earned her MD in 2002. She completed a residency in orthopedic surgery from NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City under the tutelage of renowned surgeon Joseph Zuckerman. Following her residency, she completed the Altman Fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She is an active member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO North America and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Lindzey Nasholts promoted at Loretto

Registered nurse Lindzey

Nasholts has been promoted to assistant director of clinical services for Housing at Loretto.

Nasholts has had a progressive career in longterm care, starting as a certified home health aide, then becoming an administrator for two area adult homes, and a case manager at Loretto’s Sedgwick Heights and Buckley Landing facilities. She has served as a home care registered nurse and most

Nasholts earned her associate of applied science in nursing from the Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital.

Nascentia Health selected as a best company to work for in NYS

Nascentia Health has been

recognized as one of the best companies to work for in New York for the fifth consecutive year. The award is administered by the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management Best Companies Group, and the Rochester Business Journal.

For 2023, Nascentia was ranked in the top 29 large companies across the state. The final rankings of the 29 winners will be announced on April 19 at a ceremony in Albany.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized five years in a row for our outstanding workplace culture and our commitment to be the place where the best people choose to work,” said Kate Rolf, Nascentia’s president and CEO. “I truly believe that we have the best group of people working in

Lindzey Nasholtz

Kate Rolf

Health News

home care in New York.”

Ryan Blehar, vice president of human resources said, “Healthcare can be such a challenging field to work in and I’m so proud of the effort Nascentia has made to make sure our diverse team has the supportive environment it needs to succeed. Our patients and members rely on our outstanding staff every day and I’m thankful to be a part of a company that values their contributions.”

Two parts are used to determine the rankings. The first consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part used an employee survey to measure the employee experience, which consisted of 75% of the total.

Podiatrist joins Auburn Podiatry Associates

Podiatrist Aroob Moin has joined

the Auburn Podiatry Associates practice, affiliated with Auburn Community Hospital (ACH).

Moin joins Auburn Podiatry from Penobscot Community Health Care at Brewer Medical Center, Brewer, Maine.

Her specialty practice centers on all aspects of high-quality podiatric care, which involves diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle, including sprains and fractures, diabetic foot care and the treatment of bunions, heel pain and spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown and fungal toenails, warts, corns and calluses.

Moin received her undergradu-

ate degree from Binghamton University, part of the SUNY system, and her doctor of podiatric medicine degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia.

Moin completed a three-year foot and ankle surgical residency at United Health Services Hospitals, Johnson City in Broome County where she also served as chief resident. In addition, she completed a podiatric dermatology fellowship at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Penobscot Community Health Care, Moin practiced at Podiatry Associates of the Lehigh Valley, LLC, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

She is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and board qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

“Dr. Moin has considerable experience practicing at some very respected healthcare systems and is an important addition at to our team of local practitioners and Auburn Community Hospital. Podiatry is an important component of the comprehensive care we offer our community and one that our patients value,” said Scott A. Berlucchi, president & CEO of Auburn Community.

Kelli Lasher named sales director at Excellus

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

has named Kelli Lasher regional director of sales in the company’s Central New York and Utica/ North Country regions. In this new role, she will be responsible for sales and retention efforts for key and strategic

Syracuse Hemporium Opens Second Location in Solvay

Jim Charon, owner of Syracuse Hemporium, announced that he has opened a second location of his store at 1413 Milton Ave, Solvay, inside C.C.’s CannaCreations.

This is the former location of Midtown Shoe and Repair which was founded in 2010 and closed in 2022. Chere Charon, the owner of C.C.’s CannaCreation and Charon’s daughter, opened the location in December. The store provides an all-inclusive cannabis-themed entertainment — from paint sessions, and cooking classes to private events.

The company will provide the same selection of CBD and hemp products that are available at the Mattydale location along with trained and knowledgeable consultants. The products range from CBD oils, pills, gummies, topicals and

more. There’s also a selection of CBD and hemp pet products.

Customers can also find the selection of products on the company website, SyracuseHemporium.com. The hours for this location are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays. It’s closed Saturdays and Sundays for classes.

“I couldn’t miss this opportunity to expand Syracuse Hemporium to the west and provide quality affordable products that I’ve been carrying since 2018, as well as provide the education and knowledge on the proper use of the products and the industry and to break the stigma created by the failed war on drugs.,” said Charon

For more information you can call 315—218-5128.

commercial accounts.

Lasher has been with the health plan for 26 years. She began her career in 1997 as an account executive. Since that time, she has held a variety of sales and leadership positions in areas including commercial sales and government programs divisions. Most recently, Lasher served as regional sales manager focused on retention and growth of key and strategic commercial accounts.

Lasher earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Utica College of Syracuse University and is a recognized certified community leader graduate from Leadership Greater Syracuse. Lasher also sits on the regional advisory board for Junior Achievement of Central Upstate New York. She and her family currently reside in Central New York.

Doctor joins St. Joe’s cardiovascular tem

St. Joseph’s Health has gained a

new cardiologist Michael C. Hoban to St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute. In his new role, he joins a diverse team of highly qualified cardiologists, surgeons, technologists and nurses who work together to provide a more fluid, effective approach to cardiac care.

Hoban is a board-certified physician specialized in cardiology. Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Health, he completed a cardiovascular disease fellowship at Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

“I am excited to have relocated

to and work in the Syracuse area as it is a beautiful and growing region with a need for more physicians and healthcare providers,” said Hoban. “Working for St. Joseph’s Health gives me access to all the resources and support to provide the highest quality cardiac care for my patients.”

Hoban earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at Metro Health Hospital, University of Michigan Health.

Hoban is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.

NP joins Oswego Health’s Fulton PrimeCare

Oswego Health has a

new family nurse practitioner, Shawnna Nye, as a new provider at Fulton PrimeCare.

Nye earned her Master of Science in Nursing and family nurse practitioner degrees in 2022 from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and health science in 2004 from SUNY Brockport.

Nye previously worked in Oswego at a private practice where she gained primary care and outpatient experience. In addition, she has worked at the VA in Syracuse, Upstate Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic, and for 12 years at the Upstate Heart and Vascular Center.

Nye will work alongside physician Vandana Patil, family nurse practitioner Deirdre A. Wahl.

Aroob Moin

Kelli Lasher

Michael Hoban

Shawnna Nye

Jim Charon