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CNYHEALTH.COM
DECEMBER 2020 • ISSUE 252
6 Foods to Help Fight Depression Feeling blue lately? A tad blah? You’re not alone. According to findings from government-funded COVID Response Tracking Study released in June, Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years. Writer Anne Palumbo presents six foods that show promise in helping improve mood and fight depression. P. 13
Multivitamins really are magic pills for your health, a new study contends — but just not the way you might think. P. 20
How to Make the Most of a COVID Christmas The Christmas holidays will certainly be celebrated differently this year, as we are in the midst of a pandemic and flu season. But you can still have yourself a merry little Christmas if you listen to the health experts, who stress the key word for this holiday season is “little.”
Are the Benefits of Multivitamins All in Your Head?
Boost Vitamin C with Portable Clementines
Great Gifts for Healthcare Providers
P. 14
P. 19
from our family to yours
from our family to yours
Thank you to all of the healthcare workers who selflessly give themselves to others
Thank you to all of the healthcare whoand selflessly givesafe Keepworkers your families community others Wearthemselves a mask and to social distance Keep your families and community safe Wear a mask and social distance
Thank You To our physicians, providers and employees Thank you for your resilience, dedication and teamwork as we have worked together to keep patients, visitors, staff and our community safe and healthy during this challenging time. You are true superheroes.
To our community We extend sincere appreciation to the individuals, businesses and organizations across Central New York that have generously donated financial contributions, personal protective equipment/ supplies, food, electronic devices and other items in support of Crouse Health and our fight against COVID-19.
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crouse.org/covidthanks
WE WANT TO
SEE YOU HEALTHY Safety is part of our culture at St. Joseph’s Health. As the only hospital in Syracuse to receive a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade ‘A’, we are driven to keep our community healthy and thriving. Every St. Joseph’s Health location has put measures in place to ensure the safety and comfort of our patients: from COVID-Free Zones to mandatory screenings at the door to a myriad of other protocols. Our top priority is and has always been the health, trust and safety of Central New York. No matter the challenge, we are ready and able to care for our community as we work alongside our fellow health care professionals to treat and advise all who come through our doors.
A H I G H E R L E V E L O F C A R E | higherlevelofcare.org © 2021 St. Joseph’s Health. © 2021 Trinity Health. All rights reserved.
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Meet
Your Doctor
By Chris Motola
Colon Cancer Screening Should Start at Age 45
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verage folks should start being screened at age 45 to prevent colon cancer, five years earlier than is now recommended, the nation’s top preventive medicine panel says. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that people aged 50 to 75 be regularly screened for colon cancer, one of a handful of cancers that can be prevented outright. But new data suggests that screening earlier could save even more lives, said task force member, physician Michael Barry, director of the Informed Medical Decisions Program in the Health Decision Sciences Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “We have epidemiologic data that the risks of colorectal cancer are increasing before age 50, particularly in that 45- to 49-yearold age group,” Barry said. Computer models suggest that about 25 colon cancer deaths are prevented for every 1,000 Americans between 50 and 75 who are screened, Barry said. The earlier start is expected to prevent at least one more death per every 1,000 screened, Barry said. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies are required to cover the full cost of any screening test recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The task force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. This guideline covers people at average risk for colon cancer, Barry said. People with factors that put them at higher risk – for example, a strong family history of colon cancer – might need to start screening even earlier, and should discuss it with their doctor. Colon cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps that form in the colon or rectum. These screening tests detect the presence of these polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Colonoscopy is the most widely known colon cancer screening method, but it’s not the only one, Barry said. “There are a whole group of tests that can reduce the risk that someone will die of colorectal cancer,” he said. For example, people can have their stool tested for the presence of tiny amounts of blood, which can indicate the presence of either cancer or polyps.
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Vinod M. Varki, M.D.
Hematologist-oncologist who grew up in Miami is ready to face his first winter in Central New York. He recently joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York Q: You’re specialized in both hematology and oncology, correct? A: Yes, I treat all types of cancers and all types of blood disorders. I see patients ages 18 and up. Q: Please give us some examples of the diseases you commonly treat? A: Some examples would be breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and blood disorders such as myeloma, lymphoma and general issues relating to the blood. Q: How does your practice break down between your two specialties? A: I’d say it’s about 60% hematology [the field of medicine devoted to the study of blood disorders], 40% oncology [the field of medicine dedicated to the study and management of tumors or cancers]. Generally, the cancer patients are older whereas most of the benign blood stuff is in younger patients. That includes elevating white blood cell counts, low white counts, low or high platelet counts, low or high red blood cell counts. Elevated white counts could be from inflammation or an infection. Low white count could be from a bone marrow problem. A lot of the low red blood cell issues are from anemia or iron deficiency. Platelet problems can be from a bone marrow problem or vitamin deficiencies, things like that. Q: What kinds of treatment modalities do you offer at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York? A: The modalities that I offer are chemotherapy, immunotherapy and biological therapy to treat cancer.
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
Q: What are the differences between those? A: So, chemotherapy encompasses chemicals that damage DNA and kill cancer cells as well as healthy cells. Immunotherapy is where you rev up the body’s immune system to fight cancer. And biological therapy is targeted therapy that attacks certain genetic features of the cancer. Q: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to each of those therapies? A: It’s a matter of targeted therapy versus more systemic therapy. Q: Do you fill a specific niche within the practice, or are you all dividing up the same work? A: I’m doing general practice, but as cancer becomes more complicated we’ll all have our own niche areas of specialty. I tend to do a lot of melanomas and skin cancers, as well as GI cancers, lung cancers and breast cancers. Q: You’re coming up from down south. What brought you to Syracuse? A: I’ve been all over the place. I was looking for a private practice and, in this day and age, private practices are hard to come by. I wanted to be in a practice that was a collegial environment, and the physicians have autonomy with regard to the practice of medicine. The challenge in a lot of the big cities is that a lot of practices have become hospital-based. Hospitals have bought out a lot of practices, and the hospitals are basically the administrators and kind of run the
show. Whereas with a private practice, which is what I’m in right now, the physicians have the autonomy to control the day-to-day flow of things. Q: How big is Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York? A: We have about 14 physicians. Q: How recently did you start? A: I started Sept. 8. Q: Within the practice, how much influence do you have? How do you come to decisions together? A: Right now, since I only just joined the practice, I’m an associate. I’m not a partner. So, I do have influence in my day-to-day patient care, but in terms of big decision-making that’s between the board and the partners. Q: I take it there’s a path to partnership? A: Yes, there’s a path to partnership. That’s the model for private group practices for the most part. Q: Have there been any surprises so far? A: No, it’s pretty much met expectations. Q: Moving from region to region, do you encounter different types of cancer more frequently? A: Not really. This is smaller population overall, so it’s all proportional. The proportions are about the same, but prevalence is of course higher in bigger cities with larger populations. Proportionally, though, it’s about the same. Q: Are you ready for the winter? A: Oh yeah, I lived in Rochester for about three years, so I think I’m ready for it. Q: What kind of impact do you want to have in your new practice? A: I think I want to make a difference in my patients’ lives and help them through difficult times in their journey. I like being a cheerleader through the process. It’s also very intellectually stimulating, which is wonderful, because hematology and oncology are constantly evolving.
Lifelines Name: Vinod M. Varki, M.D. Position: Hematologist and oncologist at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY) Specialty: Board-certified in internal medicine, medical hematology and oncology Hometown: Miami, Florida Education: Medical school: Vanderbilt University College of Medicine, 2011; residency: University of Rochester Medical Center, 2014; fellowship: University of Maryland Medical Center — Hematology/Oncology, 2017 Affiliations: Crouse Hospital; St. Joseph’s Hospital Organizations: American Society of Clinical Oncology Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine - Hematology, 2018; American Board of Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology, 2017; American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine, 2014 Family: Married Hobbies: Travel; tennis, swimming, saxophone, cooking, gym, hiking
Crouse Health Auxiliary Launches 33rd Annual Lights of Love Campaign
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he holiday season is upon us and with it one of Central New York’s most glowing traditions: the annual Crouse Hospital Auxiliary Lights of Love campaign. Each of the 3,000 lights on the iconic Crouse clock tower are illuminated, representing gifts — given in honor or in memory of someone — that will support the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive medical services and programs for the community. The lights traditionally begin to glow during a lighting ceremony held the Monday evening following Thanksgiving. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings, this year’s clock tower lighting ceremony was different. Donors participated in this holiday tradition from the comfort of home or office via a special Zoom link that was emailed to those who had already contributed.
“This year’s campaign is focused on small gestures,” says Janet Izzo, a local attorney who is the Lights of Love chairwoman. “Before COVID-19 changed our world, many of us felt we didn’t have the time or energy to extend ourselves to others with small gestures that are at the core of common courtesy. Small gestures extended by physicians, providers and staff comprise the foundation of the Crouse culture. Members of the Crouse family carry with them the elegance and grace of another time, and we are always thankful for our contact with them.” The auxiliary will follow that lead and use proceeds from this year’s Lights of Love campaign to fund gestures that are meaningful to the hospital’s patients and critical for their care, including a fetal monitor for laboring moms in the Kienzle Family Maternity Center; an intra-aortic balloon pump for heart
catheterizations in the Miron Cardiac Care Center; and a portable ultrasound machine to support the patient care efforts of Crouse Health’s comprehensive stroke program. Those making the campaign possible this year are: presenting sponsor, Bottar Law, PLLC; corporate patrons Len DiBello and Maria Scarfino; Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY; Neonatal Associates of CNY; Kimberly, Charlie and Henry Boynton; William G. Pomeroy Foundation; Connie Bull; and Robert and Maria Dracker, as well as corporate friends Carrie Berse, Chris Skeval and Family; Cathy J. Berry, MD, and Associates; King + King Architects; and Michael and Elizabeth O’Connor. The 2020 Lights of Love Committee members are Janet Izzo, chairwoman; Robin Ascioti; Jeri Gallauresi; and Jeffrey Pawlowski, the newly installed president of the Crouse Hospital Auxiliary.
To purchase lights on the clock tower, visit crouse.org/lights.
Healthcare in a Minute
By George W. Chapman
Big Pharma Wins if Senate Remains Controlled by Republicans
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democratic president will have minimal to no impact on any attempt to reign in drug prices if Republicans retain control of the Senate. The bill authorizing Medicare to negotiate just a couple dozen drug prices will probably continue to languish on Senate leader Mitch McConnell’s desk and not be brought up for a vote. The Big Pharma lobby, via hundreds of millions in contributions to political campaigns, will retain its grip on Congress. The industry continues its mantra that the power to set prices is paramount to innovation and the viability of the industry. Physicians and hospitals may establish prices, but Medicare determines what they are actually paid. Commercial carriers tend to mimic Medicare. Insured consumers rarely end up paying the price charged by hospitals and physicians. Congress has denied providers the power to set their prices to maintain their innovation and viability. Congress (Medicare) does not seem overly concerned about the viability of our providers.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Pfizer, without federal funding, has broken ahead of the competition with a vaccine that is 90% effective. It will be available for distribution by the end of this year. Any approved vaccine will be critical to defeating the coronavirus; but as with any other vaccine like the flu vaccine, not everyone will choose to take it. What remains to be seen is how long the pandemic will be prolonged if millions of us refuse the COVID-19 vaccine and then what will be the related death rate among those who refuse the vaccine. If you look at the seasonal flu, there isn’t a lot of reliable data on how many unvaccinated adults die of the annual flu. It is not a reportable death. But there is data on how many unvaccinated kids die of the flu because it is a reportable death. The CDC reports 90% of children under 18 who die of the flu were not vaccinated. In a typical year, 50% of kids go unvaccinated. To keep perspective, between 100 and 200 children die from the seasonal flu each year and, as with COVID-19, about half had complicating conditions. The point is, many of
those deaths could have been prevented.
Hospital Price Transparency
By executive order, hospitals must indicate their prices and charges for a mandated list of procedures established by CMS by Jan. 1, 2021 or face a fine of $300 a day. The executive order does not constitute a national healthcare plan nor will it save consumers millions as recently touted by the New York Post. This ill- advised executive order will only create more confusion and consternation among consumers shopping for the best deals. In a well-intentioned effort to help consumers make informed decisions and to create real price competition among hospitals, Medicare requires hospitals to post their “standard charges” which include: gross charges, discounted cash prices, payer specific negotiated rates, de-identified minimum negotiated charges and de-identified maximum negotiated charges. Hospitals are also required to post their charges and payer specific negotiated rates for 300 “shoppable services.” (Did you get all that?) Besides fueling consumer confusion and suspicion
about healthcare costs, this rule will be a nightmare for hospitals to comply. Shopping prices in healthcare sounds good, but it will be a wasted effort if your physician does not have admitting privileges at your selected hospital or your health plan considers your selected hospital out of network. Also, prices do not reflect outcome. Since most hospital admissions are elective, your physician, for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with price, will have strong preferences for a particular hospital for your particular procedure.
Biden Assembles Pandemic All-star Team
His transition team is virtually stacked with several healthcare heavy weights. Former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., and former FDA Commissioner David Kessler captain the team. Several highly qualified, respected and renowned physicians round out the team. (It should be noted, none are radiologists.) Rick Bright, M.D., an expert in virology and immunology, who recently resigned in protest from Trump’s undermanned pandemic team, has been reappointed by Biden. Luciana Borio. M.D., is the former director of the FDA’s office of counter terrorism and emerging threats. Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D., is vice provost of medical ethics and health policy at the University of Pennsylvania. Also on the team is author Atul Gawande, M.D., who teaches health policy and management at Harvard. We need an all-star team to defeat the heretofore unchallenged opponent once and for all. We are at nearly 200,000 new cases a day (as of Nov. 13) and approaching 250,000 deaths.
ACA Back in Court
For the third time in eight years December 2020 •
the Affordable Care Act returns to the Supreme Court. The case, California V Texas, is brought by a cadre of Republican governors arguing that since the individual mandate (you pay a tax for not having health insurance) has been declared unconstitutional, the entire law should be scrapped. The timing couldn’t be worse as over 20 million Americans depend on the ACA in the midst of a pandemic. At stake is: discounted commercial premiums to eligible indigent recipients; the inclusion of pre-existing conditions in all policies; expanded Medicaid eligibility; caps on commercial insurance profits with excess profits being rebated to employers or individuals; standardization of benefits to make comparison shopping simpler; a platform from which improvements can be made. Neither the Republican governors nor the current administration has an alternative plan. At the time of this writing, the Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments from both sides. So far, conservative judges Roberts and Kavanaugh have questioned the logic of tossing the entire law. (And speaking of rebates, it looks like commercial carriers will owe members over $2.5 billion after this year is finalized. About 11 million of the commercially insured will receive an average $219 rebate.) 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.
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Live Alone & Thrive
By Gwenn Voelckers
Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone
In COVID-19 Times: Uplifting Gift Ideas for Those Who Live Alone
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his column is for all of you who have friends or family members who live alone. In December, most folks look forward to joyous holiday time filled with family gatherings, laughter, cheer and gift giving. This year will be different for all of us, but it promises to be particularly challenging for those who live alone or are temporarily isolating due to COVID-19. Feelings of loneliness and anxiety will likely be more pronounced. What can you do to add a little “merry” to the holidays for those who live alone? You can give the gift of time together — probably the most welcome and cherished gift of all — with phone calls, video chats and Zoom gatherings. You can also give a thoughtful gift to lift a spirit, safeguard a loved one and warm a heart. Below, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for you. Some are practical, others personal, all are designed to put a smile on the face of someone who lives alone.
For Fun
• A subscription to online lessons, classes, workshops and tutorials. Do you have a single friend who
aspires to play the ukulele? Check out online music lessons. A divorced sister who eats supper directly from the take-out container? Consider a virtual cooking class. Or a widowed mother interested in life-long learning? A continuing education course might delight her. There are so many possibilities! • A “Be my guest!” gift certificate (for the future) to a movie, concert, art opening or theater production. And, when things open up, insist on doing the driving. • A bottle of Champagne and invitation to join you and others on New Year’s Eve for a virtual party. This can be a challenging night for those who are newly divorced or widowed. Years ago, after my divorce, I popped the cork with my sister and her husband. I was deeply grateful for their invitation to spend the evening together. It got my new year off to a great start.
For Safety
• An AAA membership. I don’t leave home without it. A flat tire, an empty tank, a lost key — I’ve been there. Just last week, I locked my keys in the trunk of my car. AAA was there within the hour to pry my
s d i K Corner
Is the Pandemic Harming Kids’ Mental Health?
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window open, unlock the door and release my trunk latch. This is a gift worth its weight in gold. • Handy tools for emergencies or life’s unexpected moments. Consider a compact “no-battery” wind-up flashlight/radio with a hand crank. Or a Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit. These are two of my prized possessions. • How about a Swiss Army knife, complete with a screwdriver, scissors, toothpick and tweezers? It even comes with a nail file and a highly coveted corkscrew. • A front-entrance motion sensor light that will illuminate your front porch after the sun goes down. This energy-saving device will light the way for visitors (a new suitor?) and may also scare off intruders and critters. Those who live alone will appreciate the peace of mind. • A gift certificate for car washes. While not necessarily a “safety gift,” I always feel better when my car is clean (and that can’t help but make me safer on the road). Who doesn’t enjoy a clean, sparkling car? Choose a car wash near your recipient’s home or work place.
For Pampering
• An opportunity to be “treated like royalty.” How many of your friends who live alone indulge themselves in luxury services? My guess is not many, if they’re like me. But that’s what makes this the perfect gift! Why not surprise her with a spa certificate for a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure? Or make his day with a certificate for a gentleman’s facial or deep tissue/sports massage. Note: As I write this spas and salons are open with mask and social distancing requirements. Check for updates. • For women in particular who live alone — fresh flowers delivered. Do you know a single woman who lives by herself? When’s the last time
S
ince last April, hospital emergency rooms across the United States have seen a sustained surge in visits related to the mental health of school-aged kids, a new report reveals. The findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on children because of disruptions to their everyday life, anxiety about illness and social isolation. That conclusion comes from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention review of data on hospitals in 47 states. Those hospitals account for nearly three-quarters of emergency department visits nationwide. The study tracked emergency visits involving children under age 18 who sought care for a mental health issue between Jan. 1 and Oct. 17, 2020. “Our study looked at a composite group of mental health concerns that included conditions that are likely to increase during and after a public health emergency, such as stress, anxiety, acute post-traumatic stress disorder and panic,” said lead author Rebecca Leeb, a health scientist at the CDC in Atlanta who is part of its COVID-19 Response Team. “We found that from March through October, the proportion of mental health-related emergency department visits increased 24% for children aged 5 to 11, and 31% among teenagers aged 12 to 17 years,
she got flowers? It’s probably been years ... don’t I know it. Consider sending a bouquet of roses or tulips — red for love, yellow for friendship, pink for appreciation, and white for sympathy. • And speaking of deliveries, check out gift of the month clubs. Coming home alone at any time of year can feel a little empty, but it can really feel lonely during the holidays. Discovering a package on the doorstep can change everything. Go online and check out gourmet gifts and food clubs. You won’t believe the variety of delicious items that can be delivered on a monthly basis: chocolates, hot sauce, cheese, tea, cigars, wine, beer, pastas, olive oil, cookies, popcorn, pancakes or entire meals. I love this idea so much, I might treat myself.
For Inspiration
• A donation to a good cause. Making a charitable contribution in someone’s name is a gift you can both feel good about. Think about your friend or family member who lives alone. What do they care about? Choose an organization that supports his or her values. • A subscription to “In Good Health” or “55 Plus” produced by editor and publisher Wagner Dotto. Both periodicals are filled with inspirational articles and trusted health information. Consider a gift subscription for someone you love. Chances are good your holidays and theirs will be the healthier and happier for it. Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Alone and Content, empowerment workshops for women, and author of “Alone and Content,” a collection of inspiring essays for those who live alone. For information about her workshops, to purchase her book, or invite her to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com compared to 2019,” Leeb said. Pediatric mental health visits actually dropped off dramatically from mid-March to mid-April, when stay-at-home orders were in effect in much of the country. Since then, however, such visits have steadily increased, according to the report. But Leeb said interpreting the numbers is not straightforward. On the one hand, she said even the large jumps seen in the report likely underestimate the total number of pediatric mental health emergencies. “Many mental health care encounters occur outside of emergency departments,” Leeb explained. But additional research indicates emergency department visits as a whole dropped significantly between January and October. And that, Leeb said, might mean that “the relative proportion of emergency department visits for children’s mental health-related concerns may be inflated.” Regardless, Leeb said the findings show that many kids’ mental health was sufficiently concerning to prompt ER visits at a time when the public was being discouraged from using emergency departments for anything but the most critical care. As such, the findings “highlight the importance of continuing to monitor children’s mental health during the pandemic to ensure access to mental health services during public health crises,” Leeb said.
A Routine Visit to a Urologist. Then a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis East Syracuse resident was concerned with improving his strength when he visited his urologist By Aaron Gifford
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ale Russo didn’t notice any warning signs that day he went to the urologist to ask about a testosterone boost. At 68, Russo’s body was definitely aging, but he could still do 100 pushups every morning. He wanted to find a way to increase his strength faster than the rate at which he was losing muscle. After a lengthy discussion, the doctor advised that a testosterone injection probably was not the best fit for him. Russo thanked the doctor for his time and was reaching for his jacket when the doctor made a suggestion. That pause may have saved his life. “It was by happenstance really,” the East Syracuse resident recalled. “He said, as long as you’re here, why don’t you let me check you.” This was in November 2018. During the prostate exam that followed, a node was discovered in Russo’s prostate gland. The biopsy two weeks later confirmed what Russo feared: Prostate cancer. “In the beginning,” Russo said, “that was definitely not what I wanted to hear.” Luckily, the disease was in the early stages. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen. The prostate typically increases in size as men age. It’s about the size of a walnut in younger men, but can be much larger in older men. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, behind skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 191,000 new cases in the United States for the year 2020, and more than 33,000 of them will be fatal. About one in every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, and about one in every 49 men will die from the disease. About six of every 10 cases diagnosed occur in men 65 or older, and the disease is rare in men under 40. The average age at diagnosis is about 66. African-American men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is a common method for physicians to monitor aging men for the disease. PSA is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland. It is found in semen, and smaller amounts are found in blood. In blood, PSA is measured in units called nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), according to the American Cancer Society. Doctors may recommend further testing if the patient’s level is above 3.0, though some physicians prefer to establish the threshold at 4.0 ng/mL or higher. Russo, a local real estate agent who previously worked as an information technology specialist for 30 years, had some decisions to make. He was leaning toward surgery, but wanted to know all of the options that were available, regardless of
how far he had to travel. He talked to patients who fought the same disease, and did not like what he heard about how surgery affected them: Painful recovery, leakage and diminished sexual ability. Traditional radiation therapy was another option. Russo was told he would require between 30 and 35 visits. He couldn’t imagine juggling that with his full-time job selling properties. “At that point, all of the choices were pretty rough,” he said. “The problem is, many doctors won’t tell you all of the options that are out there. They only tell you about what they have in their back room.” Russo continued his research, and came across advertisements for the CyberKnife procedure. At first, it appeared that the nearest available locations were in New York City or Long Island. He was making arrangements to travel to downstate either way when on a whim he performed a second web search, and discovered that the surgery was available just down the road from him in East Syracuse. “I watched the videos and liked what I saw right away,” he recalled. “Being a computer guy, I liked the idea that it was 100% animated.” Russo met with physicians at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY). He signed on for a care plan that involved five sessions with the CyberKnife. Russo, a self-proclaimed techie and science fiction fan, described his experience as such: Coordinated MRI and CT scans created a GPS map that the CyberKnife follows with laser precision. The 10-foot tall robot reminded Russo of something out of “Star Wars.” The lights go out, the physicians go into the control room, and the star of
the show appears. “I’m looking up at this thing, and he’s looking down at me. Kind of scary at first, but you never feel a thing,” Russo said. “All you see is this big head zipping around. He even went underneath me and shot upward. We did this every other day for a week, and I was actually looking forward to going back!” According to HOACNY, CyberKnife is a form of targeted radiation therapy known as SBRT, or stereotactic body radiation therapy. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, SBRT delivers radiation only to the cancerous tissue, sparing the healthy tissue around it, and in much less time. “The dose it delivers in five treatments is biologically more effective than conventional radiation that takes two months to deliver,” explained physician Shing Chin, a radiation oncologist at HOACNY. Chin added that the device’s computer-controlled robotics provide the highest level of precision for managing treatment of cancerous tissue, which is vital because the prostate gland can move unpredictably throughout the course of procedures. This tracking system uses tiny pellets made from gold, called fiducial markers, which are inserted into the prostate gland by the urologist several days before treatment begins. Russo said the after-effects were minimal. He has not experienced any leakage or erectile dysfunction. He was able to immediately work on a part-time basis, and has since returned full time. Russo acknowledges that he does get tired out in the later afternoon, but is able to recoup after short periods of rest. The only other change he noticed was that alcohol had a stronger effect on him to the point where he can never consume more than two beers in one night. At the time of his cancer diagnosis, Russo’s PSA was 4.2. Two years later, at the age of 70, his last test was 0.3. He plans to get tested again before the end of this year. “It’s been a blessing,” Russo says, “but I’ll never underestimate the importance of screening.”
HERPES BUT HONEST Professional Male Seeks
professional non-smoking woman 50-62. Must be understanding or have gone thru the same unfortunate experience. Reply to: thisplace77@ gmail.com
CENTRAL NEW YORK
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Dale Russo, 68, of E. Syracuse. December 2020 •
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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My Turn
By Eva Briggs, MD
Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
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ast month I wrote about the different kinds of anxiety — to access the article, just type “Eva Briggs “on the search button at www. cnyhealth.com. This month I’d like to explore some of the treatments for anxiety. These include medications, various forms of counseling, as well as complementary and alternative medications. The choice of treatment depends to some extent on the particular form of anxiety. For generalized anxiety, relaxation training and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both effective in the short term. CBT seems to have more long-lasting benefits. CBT is a form of psychological treatment that seeks to change dysfunctional thinking patterns. A therapist helps the patient identify and recognize distortions in thinking that create problems. The patient is guided to reevaluate these thoughts and compare them to what is really happening. Problem-solving skills help patients cope with difficult situations. Patients develop a greater confidence in their own abilities. Relaxation therapies include techniques that help a person attain a state of increased calmness and reduce levels of pain, anxiety, stress or anger. Some techniques include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and guided imagery.
An example of an unhelpful, unrealistic thought is “I can’t do it, I feel way too anxious, why can’t I control my anxiety?” A therapist might help the patient to substitute a more realistic balance thought as “It’s OK and normal to feel anxious. It’s not dangerous and it doesn’t have to stop me. I can feel anxious and still go to the party The first step in CBT is identifying and paying attention to emotional shifts. If you begin to feel distressed, ask yourself, “what is making me feel upset now?” Once you are able to identify thoughts that lead to negative emotions, the next step is to examine those thoughts. Are they unrealistic and unhelpful? Learn to avoid overestimating catastrophe. Ask your-
self “What is the evidence that this thought is true?” And, “Am I confusing possibility with probability?” After identifying negative thoughts and evaluating them objectively, substitute them with a balanced and realistic alternative thought. You can even develop a store of coping statements such as “This has happened before and I know how to handle it.” An important step in CBT is facing fears by exposure. Start with situations that cause the least anxiety. When you learn how to tolerate these situations, gradually expose yourself to more anxiety-provoking scenarios. Medications approved to treat generalized anxiety disorders include various antidepressants (citalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, venlafaxine), buspirone, and benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, and others). Antidepressants have the best track record, but don’t start working immediately. Benzodiazepines are reserved for short term use due to the risk of dependence and the risk of side effects. Stopping medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms. When you are ready to stop, your doctor can work with you to develop a plan for tapering. Some alternative medications that may help treat anxiety include chamomile. The data regarding valerian, passionflower, and St. John’s wort are mixed or negative.
No medications are approved for separation anxiety. Options include CBT, patient education, relaxation training, gradual exposure therapy and parent training. A speech language pathologist can help with selective mutism. The techniques include exposure-based practice, which involves a child saying words and gradually but increasingly difficult or anxiety producing situations. Systematic desensitization involves using relaxation techniques along with gradual exposure. Stimulus fading involves gradually increasing exposure to a fear evoking stimulus, and rewarding the child when he or she speaks in the presence of someone to whom he or she would not typically speak. Specific phobia treatment does not involve medication. Systemic desensitization and relaxation techniques are used. If the anxiety is due to or worsened by some other problem, it’s important to treat that condition too. Examples include depression, alcohol use disorder, and substance abuse. Anxiety is very common. About 18% of the population experiences it in any given year. But it’s highly treatable, so don’t be afraid to seek help if needed. Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at two urgent care centers in the Syracuse region.
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COVID Fatigue By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
I
f it feels like the pandemic is dragging on endlessly, you are not alone. That feeling is so ubiquitous in fact that it has been dubbed “COVID fatigue.” Though not a clinical diagnosis, the World Health Organization uses the term to describe a real phenomenon. It’s the feeling that comes from life changes resulting from the pandemic. Wearing masks, little-or too much work, changes in schooling, fear of the virus striking, lack of socializing and entertainment, shortages of goods or services and remote everything — all add up to COVID-19 fatigue. “If we think of ourselves, we probably all feel it on some level,” said Kathryn Pagliaroli, a registered nurse who serves as corporate director of integrated healthcare for Oswego Health. “We miss going places, and seeing people, we are tired of wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.” As a result of this weariness, it’s easy to feel like giving up. “People start to lose interest in following recommended guidelines that have been put into place to pro-
tect them,” Pagliaroli said. For those with existing mental health challenges, the restrictions caused by the pandemic add further strain. Isolation, changes in routines and uncertainty can exacerbate some mental health issues. Reaching out to therapists for remote sessions can be helpful, even though it is not the same as meeting in person. Regarding general COVID fatigue, “there are ways to combat this feeling,” Pagliaroli said. She advises healthcare providers to acknowledge the hardships many people face and to seek their input. Providers also need to “make sure people have accurate information about what is happening in their community” which may help people remain engaged. While many people turn to virtual versions of what they want to do—virtual concerts, virtual work meetings, virtual events — this too can become wearisome. “There are lots of activities that are not as good as doing it live with your friends,” said Douglas Goldschmidt, licensed clinical social worker practicing in Syracuse. Though virtual participation is not as good as in person, he added
that it is better than doing nothing at all. Feeling disappointment in going virtual may particularly goad people who feel like they’re missing out on a life experience they will not have again, such as college students who forgo typical dorm life and collegiate activities. “This is a major part of college life and development, but that’s too bad,” Goldschmidt said. “There’s an epidemic going on. I think what we’ll see is as the pandemic goes on, they’ll get more sophisticated as to what can be allowed with a reasonable amount of safety which we didn’t have months ago. We’ll look at ways of minimizing the level of infection. Hopefully, they’ll become more skillful in allowing social activities.” The fear of missing out — abbreviated as FOMO in social media parlance — is all too real for collegians. Goldschmidt said that because young adult’s brains do not entirely finish developing a full sense of morality and moral responsibility until age 23 or 24, it could explain why this age group has struggled to resist COVID fatigue and to comply with safety guidelines. “They get it intellectually,” he said. “They know they’ll die someday. But they don’t really get it. They go out to a party and don’t think about that they could give COVID to anyone else in the dorm or their parents. It’s a different sense of responsibility.” Jennifer R. Winiarczyk-Nalle, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Loretto, said that the social aspects of the pandemic are behind many people’s COVID fatigue. “We’re social beings,” she said. “It’s so hard to be told you can’t
socialize. It does feel stifling, overwhelming and depressing, but we’re all in this together.” The feelings may prove especially difficult during the holiday season; however, finding new ways to safely celebrate may help. “I know one of the things I’m doing is Christmas cards for all my patients — the first time I’ve done something like that,” Winiarczyk-Nalle said. She encourages people to limit social media and instead revisit things they have not done in a long time, like send physical Christmas cards, bake special treats and watch feel-good festive movies at home. “Use Facetime and Skype to visit with family that you can’t be with,” she said. “I love Facetime and Skype and I never liked them before this. If you don’t have that availability, use the telephone to stay connected.” Self-care steps like eating right, keeping a regular sleep schedule and taking time to manage stress in a healthful way can also minimize the effects of COVID fatigue because they offer some control over life and provide structure and routine. “I’ve heard from people that they’ve been in their PJs for a month and then they’re not eating well and they’re staying up late and not sleeping well,” Winiarczyk-Nalle said. She advises limiting social media to avoid the negativity that it provides. Showing a little kindness to yourself can also help, as a little treat or something to look forward to can break up the monotony. It’s also vital to remember that others are struggling, too. Reach out to friends and family members to ask how they’re doing. Chances are, they feel how you do.
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‘If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are at risk of exposure or have been exposed, have symptoms or are awaiting test results, you should not attend in-person holiday events, period.’
Many families with out-of-town relatives have been doing this for years, but opening gifts together via Zoom is a great way to bring the family together safely.
How to Make the Most of a COVID Christmas
By Nancy Caridllo
T
he Christmas holidays will certainly be celebrated differently this year, as we are in the midst of a pandemic and flu season. But you can still have yourself a merry little Christmas if you listen to the health experts, who stress the key word for this holiday season is “little.” Large, in-person events pose varying levels of risk for spreading the COVID-19 virus, so the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that before deciding to host or attend any holiday gathering, you assess the level of risk based on the size and location of the event and the availability and use of mitigating strategies. For example, consider the current rate of infection in the community in which the event will be held. Indoor events pose more risk than outdoor gatherings, and indoor gatherings with poor ventilation pose an even greater risk. What is the duration of the event? How many will attend? Will attendees travel from different places? Will there be social distancing? Will the wearing of masks be enforced? Will hand washing or sanitizing stations be available? Of course, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are at risk of exposure or have been exposed, have symptoms or are awaiting test results, you should not attend in-person holiday events, period. But if you do plan to attend any holiday event — large or small, indoors or outside — be smart and follow these tips from the CDC and the local health department to reduce your risk of being exposed to, contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus: • Practice safe social distancing • Limit close contact with others (stay at least two arms’ length apart) • Wear a mask when around people who do not live in your household • Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth • Wash your hands often with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds (hand sanitizer is good — it should be at least 60% alcohol), but doesn’t replace hand washing for the best possible protection). • Be safe around food and drinks (Bring your own if possible). While this might not be the year to go over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, there are still many creative ways you can celebrate “with” family members and friends and continue the traditions that mean so much during the holidays.
Here are some ideas: • Decorate! Even if you won’t be entertaining to the extent you usually do, make your home festive! Pull out all those ornaments you’ve collected over the years, put up that tree and deck your halls with lights, greens, music and candles. Don’t forget to decorate outside, too! Maybe this is the year you put up outside lights … lots of outside lights. Get the entire household involved and then enjoy your efforts as you sip mulled cider or hot cocoa. Or pile the family into the car and drive around and enjoy festively decorated homes in your community — just like you did when they (or you) were little. • Send holiday cards. Many people stopped sending cards during the holidays because “it’s just too much work.” Well, we all have a lot more time on our hands this year, so let’s resurrect that wonderful tradition of reaching out to loved ones via a card or picture postcard. Be sure to include a short note letting recipients know how much they mean to you, or get creative and include a humorous (short!) letter. It’s a great way to stay close to those we can’t, well, actually be in the same room with this year. • Shop online. If you want to avoid going into stores or malls, online shopping can be a huge help. But it’s not all about Amazon — many local stores have online shopping options so you can support your community while finding unique gifts
for everyone on your list. Hint: shop and ship early to be sure your gifts arrive on time! Visit www.usps.com/ holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm for the recommended deadlines for domestic, international and military shipping. • Go car caroling. Rather than go door to door caroling, get a few of the neighbors together, decorate your cars, open the windows and sing out as you drive around. Be sure to spend a few extra minutes in front of the houses of neighbors who are quarantined, elderly or homebound. • Make family food favorites. Just because the entire extended clan can’t get together this year, there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy grandma’s cookies, Aunt Sally’s scalloped potatoes or Uncle Fred’s fudge. Serve up a delicious holiday meal for the household, full of family favorites. Put together some goodies to take to elderly or vulnerable neighbors — they’ll appreciate your thinking of them. Or drop off a pizza, cookies or other treats to your local fire department, nursing home or hospital (be sure to call ahead and make sure it’s OK to do so). • Enjoy a virtual visit with Santa. Since most stores are foregoing having Santa on hand to personally make his list and check it twice, here’s a creative way for your kids to make sure Santa knows exactly what’s on their Christmas wish list. Go to one of several websites, such as www.jinglering.com or www. mrkringle.com, for a magical chat or visit with Santa, direct from the North Pole. • Open gifts together via Zoom. Many families with out-of-town relatives have been doing this for years, but opening gifts together via Zoom is a great way to bring the family together safely. Of course, it means being organized: you have to shop, wrap and send the gifts so they arrive in time (don’t forget to tuck in some of your homemade holiday treats)! Make it more festive by requesting everyone wear a Christmas sweater or socks or Santa hat (include the family pets if you can!). And be sure to consider relatives in different time zones when scheduling your Zoom unwrapping. • Attend virtual worship services. Many of us have been worshipping online all along during the pandemic; well, Christmas is no different. While many houses of worship have reopened for in-person services – and many will still hold midnight mass – most offer live stream services via Zoom, You Tube, Facebook and other platforms. Check with your local church or diocese. You might not be able to celebrate Christmas this year exactly as you have in years past, but that doesn’t mean Christmas 2020 can’t be special in new and different ways. It’ll certainly be one we all remember.
Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season
G
ive your heart the gift of healthy eating this holiday season, the American Heart Association suggests. “It’s easy to get off track from making healthy choices during the holidays, and the pandemic may add to the stress,” physician Anne Thorndike, chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Nutrition Committee, said in a heart association news release. “Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t mean depriving yourself; it’s about eating smart and looking for small, healthy changes and swaps you can make so you continue to feel your best. For example, choosing vegetables instead of crackers or chips at lunch may not seem like much, but those little changes add up over time,” said Thorndike. She’s an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Metabolic Syndrome Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. You don’t have to sacrifice taste when eating healthy, according to Bridget Wojciak, director of nutrition and dietetics at Kroger Health, a national sponsor of the AHA’s Healthy for Good program. “Find the delicious, nutrient-packed foods you love,” Wojciak said. “Not everyone likes broccoli, and that is OK. There are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables to try, and so many healthful ways to prepare them. See what works best for you, and who knows? You may have a new holiday recipe to add to your table.” Here are some suggestions for healthy eating during the holidays: • Reduce sodium/salt by using more herbs and spices such as rosemary and thyme to flavor meals. • Choose nutritious snacks, like popcorn. • When grocery shopping, look for products with the AHA’s heart-check mark. During the holiday season, it’s also important to find opportunities to practice gratitude and meditate. Managing stress benefits your mind and heart.
Happy holidays! December 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 11
Parenting By Melissa Stefanec
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
T
The War On Stuff: The Social Distancing Edition
his year, many of us will be robbed of the very best part of the holidays — spending time with the people we love. The loss of that kinship will be felt deeply and send us on a journey to make things right. I’m no soothsayer, but I’ve been around enough American blocks to see how many of us will try to compensate for this loss. The future is littered with stuff and giving too much of it. However well-intentioned this giving is, it’s a terrible solution. I get it. It’s only natural. When you can’t be physically present in your family and friend’s lives, you try to make stuff speak on your behalf. However noble, this tactic is hopelessly flawed, especially when it comes to kids. Giving lots of stuff isn’t the answer. Here are a few reasons why: • Time heals all “stuff” origins Unless the kids on your holiday list are moving toward early adulthood, stuff won’t make the impact you want it to. Young kids have terrible memories when it comes to the lineage of their gifts. My children (who are 6 and 9) have stared me in the face and raved about a toy their grandparents gave them, only to be reminded that I gave that very toy to them. So, if you want them to remember you for something, it won’t be for a gift. • The joy of stuff is fleeting Don’t get me wrong, kids like stuff. However, the joy stuff brings is short lived. Once the novelty of a new thing wears off, my kids are looking for a new fix. For what it’s worth, that fix usually involves playing with the same magnet blocks they’ve had for four years and the bubble wrap that came in the shipping box for my dish soap. • People are better than things People make lasting impressions. The joys of family and kinship are what actually impress on kids. The gifts my children are most likely to remember are those that involved time. They remember who gave them a book when the giver repeatedly reads that book to them. They remember who gave them a baseball and tee after that person fielded their hits and watched them run the bases. I’m certain it’s not the gift that stays with them, it’s the quality time that makes an impression. This year is real conundrum. If stuff isn’t the answer, how do you stay present? When you can’t physically be there for the kids in your life, how do you make them feel your love? Here are just a few pandemic-friendly ways to make them feel your love. These stuff-free or low-
stuff options to are sure to make a meaningful impact. • Books and a virtual read-along If you give a book, buy two. Then you can schedule time to read through the book together. If you choose a chapter book, you can set regular times to get together and read aloud or recount the happenings book-club style. • Subscription boxes No matter what the child in your life is interested in, there is a subscription box for them. There are geography, STEM, art, baking, coding, fashion and sock subscriptions. Sure, these boxes have stuff in them, but you can keep it collaborative. When they finish an activity, they can share their accomplishments with you. • Passes to spring activities With any luck (and science), the spring and summer of 2021 will be a time when we can re-engage in group activities. Until then, you can give passes to zoos, go-carts or other outdoor attractions. The great thing about this gift is it has the promise of gathering. • Winter sports gear Sleds, snowshoes, skis, snowboards and other get-outside gear will be great gifts this year. Whether or not you use the stuff together is up to you, but every time the kids have fun, they will remember where that fun came from. • Virtual lessons If you have a talent, virtually share it with your favorite kid(s). Similarly, you can buy them virtual lessons. Whether it’s lessons in violin, yoga, cooking or martial arts, this gift will engage a child who misses socialization. • Virtual movie night Instead of buying something, you can arrange to watch the same movies on the same nights as the kids. Then, you can set up a video call and watch the “movie” together. If you don’t want to do a video call, you can talk after about your favorite parts of the movie after it’s done. • Virtual craft night You can make or buy craft kits for yourself and the kids in your life. Then you can have video calls and craft together or meet after to show off your crafts. So, when you find yourself trying to stay present while being far apart, don’t let stuff be your go-to remedy. If you don’t like these options, let them serve as a starting point. Challenge yourself to come up with creative ways to give the gift of time this year. Time is the very best way to express your love. And, for all its foibles, 2020 gives you the opportunity to share that life lesson with the ones you love.
6 Foods to Help Fight Depression
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry linked specific depressive disorders — feeling down, no motivation, trouble sleeping — with brain inflammation. Speaking of sleep, this healthy green boasts decent amounts of magnesium, an essential micronutrient valued for its role in supporting deep, restorative sleep. Moreover, research has found that magnesium may help reduce stress and anxiety.
By Anne Palumbo
Dark Chocolate
F
eeling blue lately? A tad blah? You’re not alone. According to findings from government-funded COVID-19 response tracking study released in June, Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years. From health worries to economic woes, social isolation to pervasive fear, many of us are struggling to stay positive. But here’s something to smile about: Growing research shows that simply making changes in what you eat can significantly boost mood and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. In a recent study of people all diagnosed with depression, those who consumed a healthy Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, lean protein and olive oil showed fewer symptoms of depression after three months than those who ate an unhealthy diet of sweets, processed deli meats and salty snacks. The study further revealed that more than a third of the healthy eaters no longer even met the criteria for being depressed. As promising as this and other studies sound, however, the scientific community does acknowledge that there is still much to learn about how our diet influences moods. And while experts in the field recognize that there is no single food or nutrient that can prevent depression, they do have some strong clues about what’s good and what’s not. Let’s take a look at six foods that have shown promise in helping to ease stress, relieve anxiety, improve mood and fight depression.
Fatty Fish Ever since studies found that
depression is less common in nations where people eat large amounts of fish, researchers have cast their investigative nets toward the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, especially fatty fish. Many have speculated that omega-3 may have a positive impact on mental health because of two important factors: they lower brain inflammation and they alter brain chemicals associated with the uptake of dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that affect our moods. Examples of fatty fish that contain high levels of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines.
Eggs
Some say “an egg a day may keep bad moods at bay” and here’s why: Eggs are uniquely rich in two mood-boosting nutrients that may ease depression — vitamin B12 and selenium. Since vitamin B12 helps synthesize both dopamine and serotonin, eating foods that are high in this essential nutrient may lift our spirits. Multiple studies, in fact, have found that people with lower levels of vitamin B12 were more likely to have depression or anxiety. Selenium, on the other hand, works its mood magic by helping to keep our metabolism running smoothly and by wielding its antioxidant wand to suppress inflammation and oxidative damage to the brain, both of which can contribute to the development of depression. If you’re not an egg fan, many boxed cereals come fortified with B12, selenium, and other important vitamins and nutrients that contribute to mental health.
How wonderful that science backs what we have known all along: Chocolate really does make you happy! In a study conducted at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland, researchers found that eating about 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduced the stress hormone cortisol in people who were highly stressed. According to experts, chocolate boasts a cascade of mood-elevating compounds, from inflammation-busting antioxidants to serotonin-boosting tryptophan to anxiety-reducing magnesium. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, as the calories in that tasty chunk of dark chocolate could contribute to a whole new stress: weight gain.
Bananas Good news, banana-lovers: Regularly eating America’s favorite fruit may turn a frown upside down, research shows. Experts point to a banana’s high concentration of vitamin B6, which helps make the “happy hormones” — dopamine and serotonin. This portable fruit also contains tyrosine, an amino acid that helps produce dopamine, too. Last but not least, one large banana delivers 16 grams of sugar and 3.5 grams of fiber, a beneficial pairing that allows the sugar to be released slowly into your bloodstream. Takeaway? Stable blood sugar levels often translate into better mood control and less irritability.
Spinach
Spinach and other dark leafy greens consistently make mood-boosting lists because they teem with folate, another B vitamin that helps increase serotonin levels. Studies have found that those who suffer from depression tend to display lower blood levels of folate. Spinach is also loaded with antioxidants, which protect brain cells from inflammation and toxic free radicals. December 2020 •
Yogurt
While many dairy products can be beneficial for depression because they are rich in nutrients that keep us satiated and promote relaxation, yogurt is especially beneficial because of its probiotics. Probiotics keep our gut healthy, and a healthy gut, according to research, may reduce levels of anxiety and depression. In a recent review published in Annals of General Psychiatry, researchers noted that the majority of studies found positive effects of probiotics on depression symptoms. Since it is estimated that 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in the digestive tract, a healthy gut may be the ticket to better moods. Other fermented foods that are rich in probiotics that benefit gut health include kimchi, kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut. More food for thought: When you’re feeling down, it can be tempting to turn to junk food to lift your spirits. There’s growing evidence, however, that this sort of unhealthy food can bring you even lower. So try adding some mood-boosting foods to your daily diet. The six listed here are but a few of the many nutritious foods that may brighten your outlook.
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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SmartBites
The skinny on healthy eating
Boost Vitamin C with Portable Clementines
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othing says “nutritious snack” quite like a bright, cheery clementine. A cross between an orange and a mandarin, these seedless darlings burst with health-boosting vitamins and nutrients. Often called “Christmas oranges” because they’re in season during the winter months and are a traditional stocking stuffer, low-cal clementines provide a welcome respite to the heaviness of holiday eating. Like most citrus fruit, clementines teem with vitamin C, with one
small fruit delivering around 50% of our daily needs. Well known for its immune-system support, vitamin C also improves skin health and may even help prevent certain cancers by disarming harmful free radicals that damage our cells. Another amazing vitamin C benefit: Eating foods rich in vitamin C increases the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plants like spinach. A single clementine contains a little over 1 gram of fiber, which is notable given the fruit’s low-calorie count: 35. High fiber intake encour-
ages healthy digestion by making stools easier to pass and has also been linked to lower body weights, according to multiple studies. All told, clementines’ attractive combination of dietary fiber, high water content, and low calories makes them an ideal snack to support a healthy weight or weight loss. Fiber also slows the digestion of sugar, allowing the natural sugar in clementines to provide a sustained and substantial boost of energy without spiking blood sugar. It’s why athletes often reach for fruit! Most processed foods with added refined sugars — like doughnuts, cookies, soft drinks — don’t contain fiber, which causes rapid insulin spikes and moments-later hunger pangs. Clementines abound with phytonutrients — health-promoting compounds found in plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Citrus flavanones, the particular phytonutrients found in clementines and oranges, have been widely studied for their possible role in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration. A pop-in-your-mouth snack that may promote fruit consumption in children, clementines — with only 7 grams of sugar and 9 carbs — are also a good source of folate, thiamine, and potassium.
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-
nist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.
Helpful tips
Look for fruits with a bright orange color and a heavy feel. Clementines will keep at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to two weeks. To prevent bruising, don’t store clementines in overcrowded conditions. Like grapefruit, clemetines may interfere with certain drugs: be sure to discuss concerns with your doctor.
Festive Clementine and Avocado Salad with Mixed Greens Serves 4 Adapted from Jeanetteshealthyliving.com
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup fresh clementine orange juice 1 shallot, minced salt and pepper, to taste 4 clementines, peeled 2 avocados, cut into chunks 1 cup radicchio, sliced ½ walnuts, toasted and chopped 4 tablespoons crumbled cheese: feta, goat or gorgonzola 4 tablespoons pomegranate seeds 6 cups mixed baby greens To make dressing, whisk together oil, clementine juice, minced shallot and salt and pepper to taste. Place a handful of baby greens on a salad plate. Arrange clementine slices, avocado, radicchio, walnuts, crumbled cheese and pomegranate seeds on top. Just before serving, drizzle dressing on top.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
CENTER FOR ORTHOPEDIC CARE
Grant Trout, 3, with his father, Jon, and his mother, Christina, enjoying his redesigned Fisher-Price “Wild Thing” toy.
Dylan Malone, left, using her new adaptive stander. On the right is her sister, Chloe.
Group Builds Custom-Made Equipment for People with Disabilities ARISE’s adaptive design program relies on volunteers with background in industrial design, software, occupational therapy and more By Mary Beth Roach
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hree-year-old Grant Trout woke up one morning a few months ago, shouting that he wanted to walk, according to his mother, Christina. However, due to a rare genetic disorder, the little guy is unable to walk on his own. “It was probably the first time I actually had to have a disability conversation with him,” Christina said. When Dylan Malone’s parents, Nick and Marcella, moved back to Central New York from the Washington D.C. area last year, they needed to find resources that would help them with their daughter’s developmental delays, which are caused by a rare genetic mutation. “In making a move from a major metropolitan area, from Washington, D.C., back home to upstate New York from a resource perspective that was a major concern,” said Nick Malone. “Will we have access to the same level of doctors and programs? Ironically, what we’ve found has just astonished us.” Within the past three months, staff and volunteers who are part of the adaptive design program at Syracuse’s ARISE, an advocacy agency for those with disabilities, were able to present the Trouts, of Syracuse, and Malones, of Fayetteville, with devices created specifically for each youngster. The pieces of equipment will allow for more mobility, improved bone development and strength, independence and the ability to better interact with others. The goal of the adaptive design program is to develop products that will help people with disabilities
meet their challenges by including them, their families, clinicians and others in the design and fabrication. In late October, the team unveiled for Grant and his parents a redesigned Fisher-Price “Wild Thing” toy that will allow him more mobility. It’s “his first opportunity to really be able to do something by himself, to move around to get around, to play. It’s a big deal for him. This will be his first chance at independence a little bit,” said Grant’s father, Jon. Grant’s project was three to four months in the making, bringing together the ARISE team, staff from Grant’s school, Jowonio in Syracuse, his parents and several volunteers. Connor McGough, the ARISE adaptive design coordinator, explained that the original “Wild Thing” comes with two controls, one for each hand, and they make it go forward, in reverse, and turn each wheel. However, “for children that might eventually use a power chair, this doesn’t really translate to what the controls will be on their power chair, so we modified it to one joystick,” McGough said. They took out the original electronics and motors; installed only one controller; redid the coding, electronics and the motors; and then rebuilt the seating to better conform to Grant’s body type. Bill Smith, an engineer with experience in software, volunteered his time and know-how, working with Tracy Fleming, the fabricator for the adaptive design program on the recoding. Smith said he joined the project after seeing in a Facebook
posting that the agency was looking for someone inclined in software. He had done some electrical work and designs for his father, a paraplegic, including a chair, a bike trike and a lift for his motorhome, Smith said. “I wanted another project, and this was perfect,” he said. Key to the project, too, was Lisa Neville, an occupational therapist who works with Grant at Jowonio and has been a volunteer with the ARISE program since it started. Since the ARISE team wants to incorporate family members in the design of any piece, Jon and Christina assisted with the prototype and measurements and then painted the piece a bright orange. During the unveiling, Grant was wearing a mask that covered his mouth and nose, but his eyes exuded happiness as he took his adapted “Wild Thing” for a test drive. At his school, there is a session called “Trike Town,” said Christina, “where all the little kids are riding trikes, and he hasn’t been able to participate in any of those. So next time he goes back to Trike Town, he’s going to have the coolest mobile.” Although not as involved as the “Wild Thing,” Dylan’s device — an adaptive stander — has been no less significant for her and her family. Unable to use a traditional walker, as her mother, Marcella, explained, the personalized stander helps Dylan with her weight-bearing, making her more stabilized and more comfortable standing, and this will ultimately lead to bone growth and strength. When building the stander, the December 2020 •
designers incorporated a tray into the top of the unit, which can hold the toys for her play. They were even able to incorporate space for Dylan’s sister, Chloe, 5, to sit across from her sister, which seems appropriate since it was Chloe who suggested that the designers include brightly-colored rainbows and butterflies on the piece. Instrumental in the design and implementation of the stander, according to the Malones, was Teri Smith, a special education teacher and an adaptive technology specialist who works Dylan through the Liberty POST Program at Liberty Resources. Smith also volunteers as a builder at ARISE Adaptive Design. The device “also gives her the opportunity to play in a position she wouldn’t be able to do herself,” said Marcella.
Team effort With Grant’s and Dylan’s new equipment, the adaptive design team has created nearly 40 adaptive pieces since becoming part of ARISE in 2017. It started as a volunteer effort with some clinicians and some designers at the Syracuse University School of Design. They had been looking for a more stable environment and program space, McGough said, and approached ARISE to see if it would include it as one of its formal programs. Some of the projects are simple in design, using tri-wall cardboard, PVC pipes, hand tools, cutting knives, and T-squares. Using cardboard may surprise some people, but it’s durable and can be easily bent, cut, painted and glued to construct the products. Moreover, it’s
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40 pieces have been created by ARISE’s adaptive design program
DENTAL CARE
from previous page lightweight, readily available, and low-cost, so it’s is a viable material, as a participant’s needs change. For bigger or more intricate devices, they have jigsaws, 3-D printers and additional power tools. Their workspace has been located on the basement level of a building on James Street, but it is scheduled to move into the ARISE headquarters just a few blocks away on James Street in December. McGough, 32, has a degree in industrial design from Rochester Institute of Technology. He, himself, uses a wheelchair, having broken his neck in a diving accident during the summer before his senior year at RIT. Fleming has been in education for 30 years, and worked in a vocational educational setting where he adapted jigs and fixtures that eventually advanced into machinery that students with disabilities could use. They also receive a great deal of assistance from a variety of community volunteers, including clinicians and therapists, as well as students from LeMoyne College’s School of Occupational Therapy and SUNY Upstate’s physical therapy program. Recipients are referred to the adaptive design team from a variety of sources, including other agencies, clinicians, therapists and volunteers, McGough said. They let the team know of the challenge and often offer a solution for a product that might help. The clinicians and therapists who have clients often offer to help build the items, he added. “They’re seeing areas where these pieces of equipment would be helpful, they’re working with the family. Maybe the insurance is hedging. They know here we could custom-make it for the individual and either meet the same needs or surpass at a fraction of the cost,” McGough said. When the device is presented, the team gives them an invoice, outlining the materials and labor they assess to arrive at a total cost. It gives them a sense of the worth of the product, and they ask for a fair donation of what the family might be able to make.
Funding for the program also comes from donations, and they have received grants. They also work with the New York State Department of Health and HealtheConnections that help with the more technical 3-D printing, McGough said. Currently, with the COVID-19 pandemic, they are working with the Upstate Foundation and the Golisano Children’s Hospital to create a virtual home assessment kit that they can provide through the mail or a clinician’s office with information on the program and what they do. What they do, according to Marcella Malone, is amazing. “What they give to the community and people with disabilities is unmatched,” she said. Working with the community and giving back is key to McGough. “Helping them and getting out of your own daily struggles and frustrations and realizing there’s a big world out there and by giving, it can really bring joy to your life and empower you in the work we’re doing here,” he said. “It’s a very moving experience to be able to work with these individuals and do something that makes their life a little easier, a little more fun, a little more enjoyable, has an impact on them.”
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Silver diamine fluoride is an option for those with cavities. But it has some drawbacks By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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Volunteer Jessica Degina working on designing and building adaptive equipment at ARISE’s adaptive design program in Syracuse.
Connor McGough, the ARISE adaptive design coordinator, has a degree in industrial design from Rochester Institute of Technology. He, himself, is in a wheelchair, having broken his neck in a diving accident during the summer before his senior year at RIT. Page 16
Cavity Treatment: No Numbing, No Drilling
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
magine treating a cavity without receiving drilling and filling and instead sitting only minutes for the application of a liquid to the affected area. That is how dentists are now using silver diamine fluoride, approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA a few years ago. The treatment works by slowing the advancement of decay in a cavity and offers an 80% success rate. “It helps children who are very young — 2 to 3 years old — who can’t sit in the chair and be comfortable,” said dentist Tansy Schoonmaker, who practices at Little Jaws Big Smiles in DeWitt. “Parents feel very stressed when little ones need treatment. Previous to it, it was the operating room or you could put fluoride on it but the cavities would progress.” Schoonmaker said that young children often develop cavities because they go to sleep with bottles. The treatment is well tolerated by people afraid of conventional treatments, patients unable to comply because of epilepsy, dementia or brain injury and those on the autism spectrum who struggle to tolerate dental treatments. People who cannot be sedated are also good candidates for silver diamine fluoride, as its application is fast and not unpleasant except for its taste. Silver diamine fluoride application costs as little as 1/10th the expense of a restorative treatment. “It’s very inexpensive,” Schoonmaker said. “Families who do not have dental insurance can spend a substantial amount less.” Though it seems like a miracle treatment for cavities, it does have a few drawbacks. It doesn’t treat large cavities. If
the hole is large, silver diamine fluoride cannot fill it up. It only slows the progression of the decay. That may make it suitable to spare minor decay in a baby tooth that will fall out in a few years, but not as a long-term fix for a permanent tooth with significant decay. “It’s not a final treatment,” Schoonmaker said. “Most families have to do something with the tooth. I feel like it’s a game changer for families who are struggling. This is a great option but it has its limitations. If a cavity gets to a certain size, it won’t work. It doesn’t fix anything but it slows the process down. There’s a very good possibility you’ll be doing fillings later on, but they’ll be able to sit in the chair.” The aesthetic of silver diamine fluoride is also a drawback. Tyler Mead, dentist with Downtown Dental Syracuse in Syracuse, said when it is applied to a cavity, which typically appears light brown, the solution turns the cavity black. “The teeth stay that color unless you go in and clean out all the black stained part and put a filling in,” Mead said. “It can stain lips or clothing as it’s applied.” Although it is takes much less time to apply silver diamine fluoride than to drill and fill a tooth, Mead said that silver diamine fluoride can cause a burning sensation on the gums if not applied carefully. He also noted that silver diamine fluoride does not resolve a tooth decay issue. “You can try to slow the progress of that decay down and maybe arrest the cavities from turning into something worse, but typically, it’s not a long-term, definitive solution,” Mead said.
DENTAL CARE
Dental Rinses Serve Different Purposes By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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isit the dental care aisle at any store and you will see a large array of dental rinses that meet several different dental needs. Of course, following the advice of your family’s dentist is what matters most. It can also help to understand the differences among the types of rinses available and how they affect dental health. The American Dental Association (ADA) classifies rinses as cosmetic, like clean breath mouthwash, or a therapeutic rinse that has a biologic application. The ADA seal indicates a therapeutic rinse. Discus with your child’s dentist what rinse may be appropriate at that age. “We don’t recommend having children use mouth rinse until age 6, as the majority who are younger swallow it,” said dentist Tansy Schoonmaker, who practices at Little Jaws Big Smiles, a pediatric dental office in DeWitt. “You have to make sure your children are fully spitting it out. Otherwise, they can swallow things that should not be ingested. It’s one of the things I push the least.” If a rinse is advised, practice with water a few times, having the child spit into a cup so you can ensure the same amount is coming out. Children at low risk for cavities may not need a rinse at all. In fact, Schoonmaker said that rinsing caries more merit for teens and adults. “For children, brushing properly and flossing is what’s important,” she said. “What causes cavities is the plaque that you need to get off the teeth. If you rely more on the mouth rinse, it isn’t getting off. Only after you’ve removed plaque does mouth rinse help.” People living in areas without fluoridated water such as well water may benefit from a fluoride rinse. Fluoride rinses promote the remineralization of tooth enamel to help prevent tooth decay. Schoonmaker recommends ACT for that reason. “The Medicare Lady” It comes in minty and non-minty flavors. Children usually prefer the latter. Some children who struggle to brush well may benefit from a plaque
disclosing rinse, which helps them see plaque that they have left behind after brushing. “They’re fabulous,” Schoonmaker said. “Only do it during the time where you can make sure they have adequate time.” Anti-plaque pre-brushing rinse may also help children that are not as careful as they should be, since this rinse helps loosen plaque before brushing. Tyler Mead, dentist with Downtown Dental Syracuse in Syracuse, said that rinses meant to kill bacteria help prevent gingivitis, usually more of an issue for adults than children. “We do prefer non-alcohol mouth rinses,” he said. “Some people like the burn of the alcohol, it actually dries out your gums, so that is not as beneficial. The biggest benefit of a mouth rinse is the topical fluoride it provides people. As long as you’re cleaning well and removing everything, that fluoride can prevent cavities and even keep very small cavities at bay.” People taking medication that causes dry mouth may need moisturizing rinses, such as Biotene. More than just a discomfort issue, dry mouth can promote the formation of cavities. “When we see dry mouth, we’re not having the saliva acting as the natural protectant to the teeth so cavities skyrocket,” Mead said. “You can have over-proliferation of naturally occurring fungus in the mouth and things like that.” For post-surgical patients unable to brush for a while, a dentist may prescribe a more potent rinse to promote oral health. Prescriptions may also help reduce inflammation of the gums for people with gingivitis. Though they still need to see their dentist for regular care, these patients often benefit from prescription rinses. Dentists can also prescribe a higher concentration fluoride rinse. For people with multiple dental needs, there are over-the-counter rinses to address them. Some combination products may offer more than one dental advantage, such as anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis and anti-cavity.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 17
New CDC Apps Help Prevent HIV, STD Spread By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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ant your patients to have the latest information on sexually transmitted disease (STD) resources? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has free widgets available to healthcare providers to aid their patients in finding what they need to prevent the spread of HIV and other STDs. A widget is an app-like tool that may be embedded on a website. Users of the website access the information in the widget by entering their information in it and clicking on it. The owner of the website does not have to perform any maintenance or updates. The maker of the widget (the CDC in this case) does that. It’s an easy way for providers to offer patients information that’s accurate and up-to-date. The CDC’s STD widgets include ones that help patients find condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP),
post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), STD testing sites and more resources that can help curb transmission of HIV and other STDs. The widgets may also be used on the CDC site, www.cdc.gov. “I think that would be very helpful for people to find things they need for their health,” said Jiancheng Huang, director of Oswego County Public Health. He added that the widgets appeal to adolescents because they more readily engage with technology to find answers to questions and resources they need. These sentiments were echoed by Debora McDell-Hernandez, senior director of public and community affairs for Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York. “I think as long as it is well promoted and people are aware of it, it would be great,” she said. “I think anytime you can develop an accurate app to assist people with any type of healthcare, it’s a plus. The CDC is a name everyone can trust.”
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The widgets come in a variety of designs, including with the CDC logo, stock photos and in Spanish. This allows healthcare providers who download the widgets the ability to customize them to their end users’ needs. The widgets may also be customized to the preference of providers embedding the widget on their site. McDell-Hernandez added that helping people access information has been challenging for some providers, especially when patients have limited access to the internet because their rural location lacks high speed internet or because they lack a laptop or tablet at home. Most people who do not own a laptop or tablet can access through their cell phones. “Not everyone necessarily knows about the information out there,” McDell-Hernandez said. “If you have a smartphone and access to Wi-Fi, you could use these apps, whether using for free from a church building or somewhere that you can pick it up.” The anonymity of using the
widgets can encourage people who feel stigmatized about asking their primary healthcare provider sexual health questions, particularly those relating to sexually transmitted infections. “Smartphone applications or widgets that present sexual health and wellness information is essential for teens, young adults, and older adults in today’s society,” said Jessica Maureen Harris, certified health education specialist and assistant professor in the department of health promotion and wellness at SUNY Oswego. “The internet and social media play an important role in where individuals are getting their sexual health information,” said Harris. “Many individuals may not feel comfortable, ashamed, embarrassed, or feel as though they would be judged if they sought input from their primary care providers, parents, or even peers.” New York state maintains a directory of providers at https://providerdirectory.aidsinstituteny.org. To find the CDC apps and widgets, visit www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/ prep/on-demand-prep.html (scroll down).
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thenottingham.org Page 18Independent • IN Living GOOD CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020 Nottingham Ad_InHEALTH Good Health–9.75x6.69_DEC2020.indd 1
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Sterling Silver Stethoscope Necklace by AOBOCO ($29.99) features simulated birthstone crystals set in sterling silver. It can be found on Amazon.com
Great Gifts for Healthcare Providers By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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his season, thank a healthcare provider in your life with a thoughtful gift that demonstrates how much you appreciate their hard work.
Slippers After a long day on their feet, any healthcare provider would appreciate comfortable footwear, like Isotoner Women’s Terry Slip-In Clog ($18.20 to $26.90, www.amazon.com, item: A96035ASH6). Featuring memory foam, and comfortable arch support, these plush slippers offer relief for painful feet. Available in a variety of colors and in sizes 6.5 through 10, the slippers are washable. Treat a male healthcare worker to RockDove Men’s Nomad Slipper with Memory Foam ($27.95, www. amazon.com, item: B07WKJQGY1). The sherpa fleece lined and covered slippers cradle feet in cozy comfort with memory foam and arch support. The sewn side seams ensure years of wear. Machine washable and available in a variety of colors.
Apparel Know a healthcare worker who
enjoys a good dad pun? Give the “I Found This Humerus” T-shirt from Ann Arbor T-shirt Company ($15.95, www.amazon.com, item: B07JN78F3N). The silk-screened shirt is an original design and is sure to elicit a chuckle from medical personnel who enjoy wordplay. Pre-shrunk 90% cotton, 10% polyester jersey knit in gray, available in medium through 3x-large. Good Luck Sock Women’s and Women’s Medical Socks in Grey ($9.95, www.amazon.com, item: 3171 women’s; 1388 men’s) feature a zany print of medical images, from lungs to stethoscopes to bandages. They fit adult shoe size 5 through 9 for women and 7 to 12 men, and are made from 85% cotton, 10% polyester and 5% spandex with a reinforced heel and toe and a low to mid-calf fit.
handwriting. The bag is a good size for a travel cosmetic bag. Offer a classy gift with this Navy Blue Stripe Caduceus Necktie Tie ($34.95, www.amazon.com, item: B01F4EM2F2). In 100% finely woven silk, the tie features in small print the ubiquitous medical symbol, the caduceus in gold print, alternating with thin horizontal burgundy and gold stripes. The size is 3 7/8 inches wide by 56 inches long with a wrinkle-resistant lining. Stainless Steel Stethoscope Cufflinks add a classy touch for any man dressing up ($14.90, www.amazon. com, item: AC1211 U). Arriving preboxed, the cufflinks are made from 316L stainless steel. A subtle nod to her career choice, the Sterling Silver Stethoscope Necklace by AOBOCO ($29.99, www. amazon.com, item: B07SR6XYN8) features simulated birthstone crystals set in sterling silver. The pendant is a stethoscope that forms a heart, showing the calling where her passion lies. The pendant comes on an 18-inch chain. Let your doctor know that “The influence of a great doctor can never be erased” as stamped on this elegant Doctor Keychain ($13.89, www. amazon.com, item: B07V588N2S). The hand stamped sentiment is on
a lead-free and nickel-free stainless steel keychain measuring 15 mm. by 17 mm. and comes in a velvet pouch for giving. Treat a physician to a Hippocratic Oath Scarf ($29.99, www.amazon. com, item: B08KHRD5WQ). Elegantly printed in black with the famous doctor’s oath of ethics on tan 100% polyester, the scarf measures a generous 13.27 inches by 9.65 inches and features a fringe on each end.
Bath & Body
Restore that chapped skin with Burt’s Bees Essentials Holiday Gift Set ($9.99, www.burtsbees.com, item: 792850909663), which includes a sampler variety of Burt’s Bees products. Or go for the Hand Repair Kit (12.99, item: 85099-00) to soothe those work-weary hands. Subscription box NurseLux ($40/ month, free shipping, https://nurseluxe.com) mails a box of goodies once, month-to-month or for 12 months to a nurse you care about. The Watertown-based company selects $60 worth of items in each box. They include a mix luxury, fun and functional items mostly slanted towards female nurses.
Accessories Poke a little fun at doctor handwriting with the pouch inscribed, “A Wise Doctor Once Wrote” followed by an illegible scrawl. The zippered pouch ($11.99, www.amazon.com, item: B08K3GQDMH) may make nurses chuckle too as they have struggled to make out their doctors’
Subscription box NurseLux mails a box of goodies once, month-to-month or for 12 months to a nurse you care about. NurseLux is based in Watertown. December 2020 •
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper
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Page 19
Are the Benefits of Multivitamins All in Your Head?
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ultivitamins really are magic pills for your health, a new study contends — but just not the way you might think. The health ‘benefits’ of multivitamins might just all be a trick of the mind, researchers say. U.S. adults who regularly take multivitamins self-reported 30% better overall health than people who don’t use the supplements, results of a federally funded survey show. However, a comprehensive medical history — assessing dozens of physical and mental illnesses — revealed zero actual health differences between people who did or did not take multivitamins. “Users of multivitamins and nonusers don’t differ in any of these clinically measurable health outcomes, but they report at least feeling about 30% better in their overall health,” said lead researcher Manish Paranjpe, a student at Harvard Medical School in Boston. About one-third of Americans routinely take multivitamins in the belief that they contribute to good health, the researchers said in background notes. But prior studies have found little evidence to support any benefit from multivitamins for an array of health problems ranging from heart disease to cancer, Paranjpe said. To see whether they could establish any benefit from the supplements, the researchers analyzed data on more than 21,000 people collected as part of the 2012 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Participants were asked about their use of complementary medical practices, which included taking vitamin supplements. Nearly 5,000 people said they
regularly took multivitamins, while more than 16,000 said they didn’t. Regular multivitamin users were significantly older and tended to have higher household incomes; they were also more likely to be women, college graduates, married and have health insurance. Participants were also asked about myriad health problems that might affect them. The researchers assessed them, based on their responses to survey questions about: • Their subjective assessment of their own health. • Their need for help with routine daily activities, which serve as a measure of disability. • Their history of 10 long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and arthritis. • Their bouts with 19 common ailments over the past year, including infections, memory loss, neurological dysfunction and musculoskeletal problems. • Their degree of psychological distress, which could indicate problems with depression or anxiety. Multivitamin users tended to judge themselves more healthy than nonusers, but the nitty-gritty medical details revealed that they really weren’t, the study authors noted. The strong belief that multivitamins work might trick people into feeling healthier than they actually are, Paranjpe and his colleagues said. It also might be that folks who take multivitamins are “in general, or just naturally, more positive people,” Paranjpe suggested. Reacting to the findings, Andrea Wong, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the
Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group, cited problems with the study’s design. The results “in no way discount the multivitamins’ many benefits in combating insufficient nutrient levels and promoting optimum health, nor does it provide basis for consumers to reconsider their decision to take a multivitamin or to take one in the future,” Wong said. Wong noted that the study was based on survey data that did not ask which specific multivitamins people were taking or how often or how long they’d been taking them. As such, it can’t prove a cause-and-effect relationship and leaves many questions unanswered. The primary role of a multivitamin is to fill nutritional gaps and make sure people get their daily allowance of underconsumed nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E and K, calcium, magnesium, dietary fiber, choline and potassium, Wong said. “The conclusions of the study are a disservice to the public and should not influence consumers’ decision to take a multivitamin or other dietary
Calorie Count: Eating Early Doesn’t Boost Weight Loss
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f you’re overweight, eating most of your calories early in the day won’t boost the benefit of a healthy diet, new research suggests. In a 12-week study, 41 people ate the same healthy diet, but one group ate 80% of their calories before 1 p.m. and the other group ate 50% of their calories after 5 p.m. All participants consumed the same prepared, healthy meals. Weight and blood pressure were measured at the beginning of the study, and again at four, eight and 12 weeks. The analysis found that people in both groups lost weight and had decreased blood pressure, regardless of when they ate. “We have wondered for a long time if when one eats during the day affects the way the body uses and stores energy,” said researcher physician Nisa Maruthur. She’s an associate professor of medicine, epidemiology and nursing at Johns Hopkins
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University in Baltimore. “Most prior studies have not controlled the number of calories, so it wasn’t clear if people who ate earlier just ate fewer calories. In this study, the only thing we changed was the time of day of eating,” Maruthur explained. The findings were presentated in November at the American Heart Association›s (AHA) virtual annual meeting. Research presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. “We thought that the time-restricted group would lose more weight,” Maruthur said in an AHA news release. “Yet, that didn’t happen. We did not see any difference in weight loss for those who ate most of their calories earlier versus later in the day. We did not see any effects on blood pressure either.”
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
supplement product,” Wong said. Paranjpe said these results shouldn’t be interpreted to say that all supplements are a waste of money. “There are certainly legitimate uses of vitamin supplements,” he said. “For example, during pregnancy folic acid is commonly prescribed to prevent neural tube defects in the child.” But, Paranjpe added, for the general population who have no specific condition that would require a multivitamin or specific vitamin supplement, “we really have no evidence to suggest that taking a daily multivitamin helps in any way.” The real concern is that people are wasting money on multivitamins that would better benefit their health if spent elsewhere, Paranjpe said. “We believe that money could be better spent on things that we do know have a positive health benefit, such as eating a healthy diet,” exercising or socializing, he said. The findings were published online Nov. 9 in the journal BMJ Open.
Excellus Programs to Help Protect Members Against Rising Costs of Diabetic Medications Insurer says more than $1 billion a year is spent on diabetes drugs in Upstate New York
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xcellus BlueCross BlueShield is introducing three new programs to reduce the cost of diabetic medications for members in 2021. One in 10 adults has diabetes and the cost of medications such as insulin continues to dramatically increase. More than $1 billion a year is spent on drugs to treat diabetes in Upstate New York alone. “We recognize the connection the increasing prices of these medications can have on our members’ ability to take their medications as needed,” said pharmacist Mona Chitre, chief pharmacy officer and vice president integrated clinical strategy for Excellus BCBS. “The availability of these new programs will help our members continue to have access to high quality medications at a lower cost.” Beginning Jan.1, the following Excellus BCBS programs will offer significant savings on insulin and certain diabetic medications for members enrolled in select commercial and Medicare health plans. Commercial Insurance and Individual Exchange Programs • NYS $100 Insulin Max: This program limits the out-of-pocket expense for prescription insulin medications. Members will pay no more than $100 for a 30-day supply of a covered insulin. This applies to all out-of-pocket expenses, including copayments, deductibles and coinsurance. • Patient Assurance Program:
members will pay no more than $25 for a 30-day supply of eligible Tier 2 diabetic drugs. Medicare Advantage Direct Pay Nationally, about one in every three Medicare beneficiaries has diabetes and more than 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries use one or more of the common forms of insulin, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). • Part D Senior Savings Model: To keep out-of-pocket costs low, consistent and predictable, Excellus BCBS will lower the cost of select insulin products to a maximum copay of $30 through the deductible, initial and coverage gap phases on select Medicare Advantage Direct Pay plans. According to CMS, this program will save Medicare beneficiaries an average of $446 in annual outof-pocket costs for select insulins, or more than 66%, relative to their average cost-sharing today. “Out-of-pocket costs can fluctuate one month to the next because the of the different phases in the Part D prescription drug benefit. This program provides Medicare members with a set copay for their insulin from the beginning of the plan year through the coverage gap,” said Chitre. “Ensuring a consistent co-pay for members can lead to better adherence, and taking medication as directed can result in better health outcomes.”
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Career in Healthcare
Wound Care: A Medical Specialty By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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o an extent, medical professionals know how to care for wounds and ostomies; however, wound care also represents a medical specialty. Extra training and education in wound care can augment any medical professional’s resume and help segue into leadership roles and more opportunities to provide care in a variety of environments. Many health systems have wound care nurses and wound care teams to assess and treat hard-to-heal wounds. Kristine Strumpfler, nurse practitioner with Oswego Health, said that some RNs and LPNs perform wound care as their specialty, and wound care and ostomy certification certainly augments professionals’ resumes. But it’s not a field to enter lightly, she said. “You have to be interested in it; wounds are gross,” Strumpfler said. “But it’s rewarding to healp patients. We are so rewarded to see someone walk out of here healed.” Patients are typically referred to a wound care specialist if their wound has not shown signs of healing in three weeks. Strumpfler said she likes treating wounds, though it does not necessar-
ily mean an increase in pay. “People are scared to come, so I try to make their visit comfortable,” she said. “You have to be very team-oriented.” Wound care programs may focus only on wound care; others include ostomy and continence because urine or feces remaining on skin for extended periods break down the skin. Wound care specialists tend to serve many older adults, since their skin does not heal as quickly as the skin of younger people, and who are more likely to have conditions that raise their risk of pressure ulcers. Diabetics are also frequent patients of wound care specialists. Kristie Hildreth, a registered nurse with St. Joseph’s Wound Care, discovered in nursing school that she felt interested in treating wounds. She graduated in 2015 and two years ago began to receive on-the-job training on wound care at St. Joseph’s Wound Care. Currently, she is working on earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and plans to later begin an online wound ostomy certification class. “I think it looks pretty good for you as a wound care nurse if you’re trying to get in a wound care facili-
ty,” Hildreth said. “It shows you’ve gone the extra mile. If you’re a nurse wanting to stay in the wound field, they look higher upon the certification.” In addition to the typical nursing soft skills, such as compassion and a good bedside manner, Hildreth said that health care providers seeking wound certification should be ready to stomach working on wounds. “In the wound care field, you see a lot of different kinds of wounds,” she said. “You’re really getting your
hands dirty. It can be extreme to look at, at times. You’re in people’s cavities at times. There’s lots of fluids. It’s definitely not a fluffy office position.” Passionate about caring for the elderly, Hildreth likes knowing that she possesses skills and knowledge that can help them recover from hard-to-heal wounds. The Cleveland Clinic’s wound care, ostomy and incontinence program costs $6,000. Other organization such as Wound Care Institute offer online classes.
WE’VE DOUBLED OUR HEART TEAM Upstate is pleased to announce the addition of new physicians and office locations. Our united expertise brings you advanced technology and streamlined care.
THE CARDIOVASCULAR GROUP OF SYRACUSE HAS JOINED UPSTATE CARDIOLOGY FACULTY.
NEW PHYSICIANS FROM TOP LEFT:
Dana C. Aiello, MD Larry S. Charlamb, MD Mark J. Charlamb, MD Christopher A. Nardone, MD Matthew S. O’Hern, MD Charles Perla, MD Theresa Waters, DO Andrew M. Weinberg, DO
OUR TWO NEWEST OFFICE LOCATIONS 5112 WEST TAFT ROAD Suite J Liverpool • 315-701-2170 510 TOWNE DRIVE Fayetteville • 315-663-0500 90 PRESIDENTIAL PLAZA Syracuse • 315-464-9335 208 TOWNSHIP BLVD Camillus • 315-488-2372 102 WEST SENECA STREET Manlius • 315-464-9335 138 EAST GENESEE STREET Baldwinsville • 315-720-1305
As part of the Upstate Heart Institute, we provide connections to research and surgical care.
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UPSTATE PHYSICIANS FROM LEFT: Timothy D. Ford, MD Luna Bhatta, MD Robert L. Carhart, Jr., MD Debanik Chaudhuri, MD Hani Kozman, MD Sakti Pada Mookherjee, MD Avneet Singh, MD Tama Szombathy, MD Amy Tucker, MD Daniel Villarreal, MD
By Jim Miller
How Seniors can Save Money on Prescription Eyeglasses Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I used to have vision insurance through my work but lost it when I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare.
Need Spectacles Dear Need, Unfortunately, in 2020 it’s still true that original Medicare does not cover vision services, which includes routine eye exams and prescription eyeglasses — unless you’ve just had cataract surgery. While there’s no one solution to this common need, here are a few tips that can help you save.
Medicare Advantage While original Medicare doesn’t cover vision services, there are Medicare Advantage plans that do. Medicare Advantage plans, which are sold through private insurance companies, cover all the same medical and hospital services that original Medicare does, but many of them also provide vision as well as dental, hearing and prescription drugs too. To locate Advantage plans in your area that provide vision coverage, go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227. But before enrolling in a plan, check the benefit details to ensure the plan’s vision coverage includes routine eye exams, eyeglass frames and lenses. If you are currently enrolled in original Medicare you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan each year during the open enrollment period, which is between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Or, if you already have an Advantage plan that doesn’t provide adequate vision coverage, you can swap to another plan between Jan. 1 and March 31. If, however, you don’t want to change your Medicare plan, you can still get coverage by purchasing a vision insurance policy — see eHealthInsurance.com. Vision policies typically start at around $11 to $13 per month for an individual, but before signing up make sure your savings potential is worth the cost of the monthly premiums and required copays.
Discount Stores Purchasing eyeglasses from discount retailers is another way to save. Costco Optical is one of the best discount stores for good eyewear
and low prices. Eyeglasses cost an average of around $184, but to shop there you have to pay a $60 annual membership fee. Some other good retail options for low prices include Sam’s Club Optical and Walmart Vision Centers. You also need to find out if you are eligible for any discounts. Some retailers provide discounts to membership groups like AARP and AAA. AARP members, for example, can get 30% off a pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at LensCrafters and Glasses. com, and you save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical. AARP also offers $55 comprehensive eye exams (dilation included) at participating eye doctors. See AARPVisionDiscounts.com for more information.
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Buy Online Buying eyeglasses online can also offer huge savings. Stores like ZenniOptical.com, and EyeBuyDirect. com sell prescription eyeglasses for as little as $6 and $7. These sites let you upload a photo of your face, so you can see what you’d look like in different frames. Or, for a snappier choice of frames see WarbyParker.com, which offers single-vision glasses starting at $95. They even offer a free program where you can request up to five pairs to try on at home for five days. To purchase glasses online, you’ll need a valid prescription from an eye doctor (typically no more than a year old), plus your pupillary distance number, which is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils in each eye.
Low-Income Assistance If your income is low, depending on where you live, there may be some local clinics that provide free or discounted eye exams and eyeglasses. Put in a call to your local Lions Club to see what’s available in your area. See Directory.LionsClubs.org for contact information. You may also be able to get free eyeglasses through New Eyes (NewEyes.org, 973-376-4903), a nonprofit organization that provides free eyeglasses through a voucher program to people in financial need.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
H ealth News College of Rheumatology honors Upstate doctor Upstate Medical University’s physician Andras Perl, who holds the rank of SUNY Distinguished Professor, has been named a Master of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The honor Perl is one of the top accolades the ACR can bestow on its members. The honor recognizes Perl for his outstanding contributions to the ACR and the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and service to patients, students and profession. “This recognition for Dr. Andras Perl is well deserved,” said Upstate College of Medicine Dean Lawrence Chin, M.D. “As a scientist, clinician and educator, Dr. Perl is in the upper echelon of the rheumatology field. He is tireless in his work on advancing understanding of inflammatory disease and looking for new treatments to these often painful and debilitating illnesses.” Perl, who has been a member of the Upstate faculty for nearly 30 years, is chief of Upstate’s division of rheumatology, director of the rheumatology fellowship, and vice chairman for research in the College of Medicine. This ACR honor for Perl comes on the heels of a $7.2 million NIH grant he received earlier this year as principal investigator for a 20-site phase two clinical trial testing a new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is the most common and the most severe form of the four types of lupus. Recruitment for the trial is expected to start before the end of the year. Perl has achieved national and international recognition for his research into the mechanisms of autoimmunity in SLE, as well as the translational applications of that research to treatment of patients with the condition. His major discoveries include the identification of HRES-1, the first protein-coding human endogenous retrovirus and its impact on T-cell activation and lupus pathogenesis; the discovery of mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction and the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in lupus; the discovery of transaldolase and its role in metabolic control of apoptosis, inflammation, autoimmunity and progressive liver disease leading to cancer; and clinical research into effective treatment of lupus based on targets of molecular pathophysiology. Perl has been funded continuously for his research by the National Institutes of Health and other foundations, and has mentored dozens of graduate students, medical students, MD-PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty over his nearly 30-year tenure at Upstate. The ACR honor is only the latest in a long list of awards and recogni-
tion for Perl. In 2017, he was named a SUNY distinguished professor, which is conferred upon individuals who have achieved national or international prominence and a distinguished reputation within a chosen field.
Nurse practitioner joins St. Joseph’s ENT group St. Joseph’s Health welcomes Jill Malinowski to St. Joseph’s Physicians Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and Otolaryngology in Fayetteville. In her new role, Malinowski joins a team of diverse and highly qualified Malinowski clinicians at St. Joseph’s Physicians ENT to provide the highest quality of care to our community. Manlinowski is a skilled nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Health, Manlinowski worked as a nurse for Oneida Health Ear, Nose & Throat Care where she performed routine ENT procedures such as diagnosing, ordering and reviewing an array of test results. Manliowski also served as a nurse at New York Spine and Wellness Center in North Syracuse for 15 years. A long-time resident of Upstate New York, Manlinowski began her nursing career at several nursing homes in and around Syracuse. A certified family nurse practitioner, Manliowski earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University.
Oswego Health’s director of nursing earns degree Melissa Purtell, director of nursing at Oswego Health, believes that continuing education is key to providing care for the community and further enhances your skillset as a leader in healthcare. Purtell graduated in March 2020 during the start of the Purtell pandemic from American Sentinel University with her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in nursing management and organizational leadership. Purtell has worn many hats at Oswego Health where she began her nursing career as a registered nurse in 1991. From intensive care unit staff educator to director of intensive care in 2010; director of intensive care, ambulatory surgery, post-anesthesia care and pre-admission testing units in 2017 to her most recent title in 2019 as director of nursing.
SUNY Names Mantosh Dewan, MD, President of Upstate Medical University
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hysician Mantosh Dewan, who has served as interim president of Upstate Medical University since November 2018, has been named president of the university. The appointment was announced early in November by the SUNY board of trustees. Under Dewan’s leadership, Upstate has been commended by the board of trustees for its work on a COVID-19 pooled surveillance testing program that has assisted most SUNY campuses in meeting regular testing for students, faculty and staff on campus. Another breakthrough under Dewan’s leadership is the development by Upstate and its Start-Up New York partner, Quadrant Biosciences, of a saliva-based COVID-19 diagnostic test that was granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dewan has had a long and distinguished career at SUNY Upstate. He is a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor in the department of psychiatry. He is former chairman of the department and has also served as director of undergraduate education and director of residency training. He was interim dean of the College of Medicine. Throughout his career, which began at Upstate Medical in 1979 as an assistant professor of psychiatry, he has written 35 books and book chapters and 75 papers, and given hundreds of presentations on topics that range from brain imaging and economics of mental health care to
“We could not be prouder of Missy for continuing her education and training,” said Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer Valerie Favata. “Her dedication and commitment to the profession of nursing and patient-centered care is truly remarkable and we are very fortunate to have her at Oswego Health”
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists announces promotions Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) recently announced two recent promotions within the management team of the its One-Day Surgery Center (SODS). Geoffrey Smith, previously SODS administrator, has been named executive director; and Michele Flavin has been promoted to chief financial officer. SODS is a locally-owned ambulatory surgery center that provides safe, convenient and affordable same day surgery for patients. With new technologies and more efficient procedures, certain surgeries can be performed at the site and the patient can return to the comfort of their December 2020 •
psychotherapy and medical education. His work has been funded by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Dewan has an active clinical practice and is listed in The Best Doctors in America. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and has received the Scientific Achievement Award from the Indo-American Psychiatrists Association, the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the 2010 George Tarjan Award from the American Psychiatric Association, and designated an “Exemplary Chair” by SUNY in 2011. He holds a DOCTOR OF Medicine degree from Bombay University (currently Mumbai University). Dewan conducted his residency at University Hospital, SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse. own home to recover. “We are proud to recognize Geoff and Michele for their talent and hard work and the contributions they have both made to the success of SODS,” said physician Brett Greenky, SOS president. “Geoff was instrumental in the opening of the SODS state-ofthe-art medical center on Taft Road in April 2019. He ensured a seamless transition from the previous site, and since its opening has overseen the growing operations with an ever-higher number of cases of one of the largest surgery centers in the Northeast.” In 2019, more than 8,000 surgical cases and 6,500 pain blocks were performed at SODS. Smith joined SODS in October 2018. Under his tenure, SODS has seen growth in both the caseload and complexity of surgical cases in the two surgery centers. His position is vital to the continuum of care between SOS and SODS and integral to the management team, according to a news release. Previously he was CEO at APEX Surgery Center in Westmoreland in Oneida County. Smith resides in New Hartford. Flavin has been in the financial services department at SOS for seven years and has continued to grow her
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H ealth News role. She continually takes on new duties in supporting Jessica Woodruff, CFO of SOS, and the management team at SOS. Her newly created position will align Flavin’s expertise with the SODS leadership team to ensure the financial growth and success of SODS. Flavin resides in Liverpool.
Valentine promoted to director of ER at Oswego Health Leroy Valentine has been promoted to director of the emergency department at Oswego Health. Valentine has been a licensed registered nurse since 2015 and began his career at Oswego Health in 2017, working on the night shift in the emergency Valentine department. Upon graduation from nursing school, Valentine worked at Upstate University Medical Center. “I have the utmost confidence in Leroy and he is perfect for this leadership role,” shared director of nursing Melissa Purtell. “This was the perfect opportunity to recognize an employee for his commitment to Oswego Health and our patients and will provide Leroy with a chance to grow in his career here.” Oswego Hospital’s emergency services department is staffed 24 hours a day by board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses. Each year the department provides care to more than 25,000 visitors and was recently recognized by Healthgrades for being named one of the top 5% in the country for patient safety.
Oswego Health promotes RNs to leadership positions Oswego Health recently promoted two licensed registered nurses to leadership positions within the organization. • Ryan French started her career at Oswego Health as a newly licensed RN in the medical-surgical unit in 2010. Her career quickly escalated within the organization and within one year transitioned to the intensive care unit. By 2017 she was promoted to senior RN in the ambulatory surgical unit, until recently where she has been promoted and will oversee the entire intensive care unit as director of the ICU. • Jody Wood joined Oswego Health in 2005 as a business services coordinator. Even though her career began in a nonclinical role, she quickly realized her passion for healthcare and in 2009 earned her an associate’s degree in nursing from Cayuga Community College and became a licensed RN. Once licensed, Wood worked on the medical-surgical unit Page 26
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until 2011 when she moved into an RN role in the surgical services unit. In 2018 she was promoted to RN educator/staff development on the surgical services unit. In February 2020, she was again promoted to the director of the operating room and most recently was given the additional responsibilities of overseeing PACU/ASU and PAT in addition to the operating room and promoted once again to the director of surgical services. Wood is currently taking part in the RN tuition assistance program as she finishes her BSN through Empire State College. “We are fortunate to have such talented and dedicated nursing staff at Oswego Health,” said Director of Nursing Melissa Purtell. “I am so proud of both Ryan and Jody and all of their accomplishments here at Oswego Health.”
St. Joe’s among best for cardiac care and vascular surgery St. Joseph’s Health Hospital is one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care and Vascular Surgery according to new research released by Healthgrades in November, and the only hospital in New York state to be recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery in 2021. Healthgrades is the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems by evaluating hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. Hospitals that achieve America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery and Cardiac Care have demonstrated exceptional quality of care. • From 2017-2019, patients treated at these hospitals have an average of 48.4% lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award. • Similarly, patients treated at hospitals which did not receive the America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award have, on average a 2.2 times more likely to die than if they were treated at hospitals that did receive the award. “Now more than ever, consumers understand the importance of hos-
IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020
pital quality and are becoming more diligent when researching where they receive care,” said physician Brad Bowman, chief medical officer, Healthgrades. “St. Joseph’s Health has always been at the forefront of safety protocols and technology throughout our 150-year history — and this past year has been a perfect demonstration of that commitment with our innovations in air quality, decontamination and more,” said Leslie Paul Luke, president and CEO at St. Joseph’s Health. “We are always
proud to receive this recognition from Healthgrades in so many areas of our clinical service every year and I am constantly humbled by the hard work of all our colleagues every day to ensure this level of quality.” Healthgrades evaluated approximately 45 million Medicare inpatient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide to assess hospital performance in 32 common conditions and procedures, and evaluated outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using all-payer data provided by 16 states.
Dr. Jeffrey Kirshner Receives Award for Contributions to Cancer Research The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation in November recognized physician Jeffrey J. Kirshner with the Richard L. Schilsky Cancer and Leukemia Group B Achievement Award. Established in 2010, the honor is bestowed for significant contributions to cooperative group research for cancer care. “With our mission to provide the highest level of care to patients, research is integral to identifying better and more effective therapies,” says physician Anthony J. Scalzo, physician-partner and president of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOACNY). “We are very thankful and proud that Dr. Kirshner has led the HOACNY research department for over 30 years.” Scalzo said Kirshner has consistently represented HOACNY with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and HOACNY’s main cooperative group, The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. “His leadership has been instrumental in our national recognition as a strong supporter and contributor to important cancer research,” Scalzo adds. With the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Foundation, Kirshner serves as chairman of the Alliance Data and Safety Monitoring Board and is a member of the Alliance Breast Committee, Alliance Symptom Intervention Committee, and Alliance Community Oncology Committee. He serves on several
committees for ASCO, including CancerLinQ Research and Publications. He is a member of the Practice Guidelines Implementation Network (PGIN) and serves as the community oncology representative on four expert panels. Kirshner also has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed research publications. “Before, clinical trials were sometimes seen only as a last resort, when people had no other treatment options,” said Kirshner. “However, many people with early stage cancers choose to participate in treatment and/or symptom management clinical trials, making today’s clinical trials tomorrow’s standard of care!” Kirshner said that patients should ask their physician and other members of their healthcare team about clinical trial options for them, as well as check the NCI website — cancer.gov. Additionally, HOACNY also offers individuals the option to contact its research department at 315-472-7504 (x 1350).
Lighting the Way Honors Healthcare Workers at St. Joe’s St. Joseph’s Health Hospital employees in November string thousands of Christmas lights in front of the hospital on Prospect Avenue in Syracuse for the inaugural “Lighting the Way” fundraiser. It plans to turn on the lights Dec. 3 to honor all of its healthcare heroes who have upheld a professional promise to compassionately care for thousands of the community members and families during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Event’s presenting sponsor is IBEW Local Union 43/NECA Finger Lakes Chapter. For more information visit www. sjhsyr.org/lighting.
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper December 2020