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AUTISM

APRIL 2021 • ISSUE 256

Pandemic creates learning challenges for children with autism.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Dogs Serving People with Autism n Pandemic Creates Learning Challenges for Children with Autism n Pandemic Has Varied Effects on Autism Organizations n Starts on p. 14-15

INSIDE: ‘Alexa, Is My Heartbeat Healthy?’

COVID-19 & POLITICS

Starting in early summer last year, analysis finds that states with Republican governors had higher case and death rates

DIFFERENCE– MAKERS Central New Yorkers transcend physical challenges to make an impact in their communities

Couples everywhere are having more twins. See why p. 7

‘Alexa, Is My Heartbeat Healthy?’

ne in four U.S. households use smart speakers to check the weather, play music and query search engines. But a new technology may soon have folks asking, “Hey Google, how’s my heart?” Researchers from the University of Washington, Seattle, have developed a skill for Amazon Alexa and Google Home that allows the devices to check heart rhythms. Like a bat using echolocation to hunt for food, inaudible sound waves

radiate from the speaker and bounce off the surroundings before returning to the device to paint a detailed picture of the space — so detailed, in fact, that the technology can differentiate between a person breathing and her heart beating. This phenomenon is possible because your heart actually creates a tiny movement in your chest wall every time it beats. “The question we were asking is, ‘Can we transform these smart speakers into ways in which we can

do medical diagnosis?’” said researcher physician Shyam Gollakota. He’s an associate professor in the University of Washington’s School of Computer Science & Engineering. “Specifically, in the study, we showed that we can use a smart speaker like an Alexa or Google Home to figure out if you have irregular heart rhythm.” For the technology to work, users must be one to two feet away from the speaker, the researchers said. They tested the accuracy of their work using 26 healthy participants and 24 hospitalized patients with heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Then, the scientists collected all participants’ heart rhythms using their sound technology as well as a standard heartbeat monitor. “This is similar to how Alexa can always find my voice even if I’m playing a video or if there are multiple people talking in the room,” Gollakota explained in a statement. “When I say, ‘Hey, Alexa,’ the microphones are working together to find me in the room and listen to what I say next. That’s basically what’s happening here, but with the heartbeat.” Of the 12,300 or so heartbeats the researchers collected from the healthy individuals, the smart speaker’s reported time between waves was within 28 milliseconds of the standard heart monitor. For the nearly 5,600 heartbeats collected from people with cardiac conditions, the speaker’s time differed from the monitor by 30 milliseconds. The findings were published online March 9 in the journal Communications Biology. “I think the exciting part of the study is that we actually evaluated this with patients with cardiac condi-

tions like heart transplants, irregular heartbeats and a variety of different heart conditions,” Gollakota said. “And it was really promising that even not just for regular participants, but even people who are actually in the hospital with cardiac conditions, it was able to deliver the results. So, that’s actually pretty promising.” The ultimate goal of the technology is to allow people to monitor their heart from the comfort of their homes, the study authors said. “One of the things with cardiac conditions like, for example, irregular heart rhythms is that they don’t appear often,” Gollakota explained. “So, having a solution which is nonintrusive, contactless and it’s just sitting by your desk and monitoring your heartbeat all the time, can be pretty promising,” he said. “The second advantage is that as we have seen with COVID, a lot of the [medical] practice has actually gone online to telemedicine,” Gollakota added. “So, in this telemedicine set-up, if you want to monitor someone’s heart conditions, or figure out if they have irregular heartbeats, a tool like this can be pretty useful to perform tests and understand how the heartbeat of the person is.” This latest smart speaker adaptation is just one example of how existing technology is being reworked to try to improve the health of users. According to a survey conducted last year by the Pew Research Center, about one in five Americans have smart watches, and the medical capabilities of these devices are rapidly expanding. Fitbit CEO James Park, for example, told Axios in February that his company’s product can now help detect a coronavirus infection and depression in the early stages.

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“Now my eating habits & physical exercise come easily to me.” - S.Laroberdiere, Retired, Parish

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Why Cotton Masks Are Safer Masks

otton masks provide better protection against the new coronavirus than those made with synthetic fabrics, researchers say. In a new study, investigators tested different mask fabrics under conditions that mimic the humidity of a person’s breath in order to assess how the fabrics perform in actual use. Under humid conditions, filtration efficiency (a measure of how well a material captures particles) increased by an average 33% in cotton fabrics, according to the study published March 8 in the journal ACS Applied Nano Materials. That’s because cotton is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. By absorbing small amounts of exhaled water in a person’s breath, cotton fibers create a moist environment inside the fabric. That makes them more efficient filters compared to masks made of synthetic fibers. In general, synthetic fabrics performed poorly in comparison to cotton, and their performance did not improve with humidity. Material used in medical masks was about as effective as cotton, but did not improve with humidity, the researchers said. A previous study by the same team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute found that dual-layer masks made of tightly woven cotton fabrics with a raised nap, such as flannel, are particularly effective at filtering breath. That study was conducted under relatively dry conditions in the lab. “Cotton fabrics are still a great choice,” said Christopher Zangmeister, a research scientist at NIST, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. “But this new study shows that cotton fabrics actually perform better in masks than we thought.” While the researchers found that humidity doesn’t make it harder to breathe through fabric masks, breathing may become difficult if fabric masks get wet in other ways. They should be changed if they get wet due to weather. The findings offer useful information for people who wear masks, as well as for scientists working to improve masks and measure their performance, the study authors said in an NIST news release.

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Kavittha M. Prezzano, MD HOACNY doctor talks about how radiation oncology treatments have become safer, less toxic, more convenient to patients Q: Cancer treatments are constantly evolving. Where does radiation oncology fit into the current mix of treatments? A: You’re right that cancer treatments have been evolving very quickly, especially over the last decade. Radiation — a lot of it is the same as it was in the past. We use the same kinds of particles. What we’re trying to do is make the treatment safer and less toxic, and also more convenient for patients. So a good example would be a woman being treated for early breast cancer. If it were 10 years ago, she would have had to come in for five to six weeks of daily treatments. Now that’s closer to three or four weeks. For select patients it can be as little as five treatments. Q: How effective is radiation and how well is it tolerated? A: It really depends. Radiation is used for almost all solid malignancies from the brain, to the extremities, lungs, breasts, prostate, GI-tract — there are indications for all of these for radiation. It’s rarely cured with just a single modality of treatment. You’ll rarely see someone treated with just radiation or just chemotherapy or just surgery. It’s usually some combination of each. I like to tell patients that radiation is closer to surgery in the sense that it’s a local or regional treatment. When you think of chemotherapy or immunotherapy,

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

it’s really a systemic treatment. It’s an infusion or a pill that’s going to go all throughout the body. With radiation we’re focusing precisely on a tumor and sometimes its regional lymph node bed. So side effects related to radiation is really where we’re treating the tumor. So for breast cancer, most of the side effects have to do with skin toxicity. In the abdomen or pelvis, they would be more likely to be bowel-related. Q: How does radiation act on a tumor? What is it doing to it? A: That’s a good question. So it can be a hard concept to think about relative to surgery, where you just cut something out and it’s gone. The way that radiation works is by causing DNA damage to cells. We mostly use X-ray radiation. X-rays don’t know the difference between cancer cells and normal cells, so they’re going to cause damage to any cells they interact with. The difference between normal tissues and cancer cells is that normal tissues have the ability to repair themselves from the damage caused by radiation. Tumor cells have lost that, so when they’re damaged, when they try to grow or divide they’re unable to, and then they die. Sometimes it can be a little less satisfying than, say, a case where you can just cut a tumor out of someone with lung cancer and it’s gone. With radiation, we’d be following them over the course of months and slowly shrinking the tumor down until it’s just scar tissue. Q: It always was confusing to me that radiation — not the therapy, but radiation generally — can be both a cause and a cure for cancer. A: Radiation-induced malignancies are actually very rare. There are some people who get nervous about radiation treatments because they may have concerns about conditions that make them more susceptible to secondary tumors. For the most part, aside from kids and patients who are still having a lot of growth and development, the rate of secondary cancers after radiation is extremely rare. Q: Are there any new uses for radiation on the horizon? A: As our understanding of the spectrum of metastatic disease has evolved, we’ve identified a subset of patients who we used to think were basically not curable, who had disease that started one place in the body and then metastasized somewhere else in the body. We now

think they may be curable with the use of both systemic and local therapies. So if they only have two or three sites of metastatic disease, can we use surgery and radiation therapy to treat all those sites and cure them before the disease gets out of control. So that’s been a very exciting development because it’s brought more patients into having hope. In the past they wouldn’t have even been considered for local therapies. Q: What got you interested in radiation oncology? A: I think a lot of people who go into oncology have a family member or friend who had cancer. My uncle was going through his struggle with cancer at the same time I was taking this course about biochemistry and cancer. I knew I wanted to do medicine, but I wanted to be the best doctor I could be using my skills and understanding of the struggles they’re going through in addition to knowing what’s going on the cellular level. Q: You’re also interested in DNA repair. What is it and how does it factor into your work? A: The toxicities that we have from radiation have to do with tissue that’s been damaged at the time they’re getting radiation. Usually that gets better over time, but like everything we do, there can be long-term side effects from tissue that doesn’t repair quickly or correctly. Q: How do you deal with that? A: The best way is for it not to develop in the first place. So we try to be as precise as possible and avoid treating as much healthy tissue as we can. Q: You’re originally from the CNY area, correct? A: I’m so fortunate to be able to come back to where I grew up. My husband and I are both from Upstate New York. I think the thing that attracted me to Hematology-Oncology Associates is the mix of physicians, nurses and staff who, I believe, provide high-quality care without patients having to travel great distances. Q: Do you think we’re getting closer to being able to reliably cure cancer? I know it’s a very complex disease, or not even really a single disease. A: I would love to be out of a job. But it is more complex than one disease entity. We make incremental strides every year, but we still have a ways to go before we can say we cured cancer.

Lifelines

Name: Kavittha M. Prezzano, MD Position: Radiation oncology at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York Hometown: New Hartford, New York Education: SUNY Upstate Medical University, medical degree; four-year residency training program in radiation medicine at Roswell Park in Buffalo, Affiliations: Crouse Hospital; St. Joseph’s University Organizations: American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO); American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) Family: Married Hobbies: Tennis, squash, skiing, outdoor activities, Buffalo Bills fan

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April 2021 • SJH000006_FY21_Resize_Reopening_In_Good_Health_9.75x13.75_v03.indd 1

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3/24/21 1:34 PM

Live Alone & Thrive

By Gwenn Voelckers

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Healthy Spiritual Life Can Uplift Those Who Live Alone

pril showers bring May flowers and so much more. In addition to warmer weather, new growth and budding possibilities, April is also a time for worship and family gatherings that embrace reflection, contemplation and celebration. Easter, Passover and Ramadan all traditionally take place in the springtime when hope springs eternal. The coinciding of these religious holidays reminds me of the healing power of faith. Almost without exception, the women and men who have found their way after a divorce or the death of a spouse have been bolstered by a healthy spiritual life. Many of the participants in my “Alone and Content” workshops take advantage of every spiritual connection they can find. They regularly attend worship services, find

comfort in prayer and hymns, and faithfully observe religious holidays. Others march to a different drummer and nourish their spiritual life in private moments: listening to music, communing with nature, reading, writing or sitting in contemplative silence. In all its varied expression, my observations tell me that those who find sustenance in spirituality fare better when challenged by life’s transitions. They take time to spiritually connect with themselves and others and, in doing so, find the inner strength to navigate unchartered waters and to help others along the way. Even when their own sense of self-worth is fragile or failing, I’ve seen devout divorcees and widows reach out to others with encouragement and emotional support. Spiritually grounded, their empathy runs deep and their desire to uplift others

is steadfast. In helping others, they help themselves. Last month, I heard from a woman whose husband abruptly left her and their three teenage children after 28 years of marriage. She was in shock and consumed with pain. She shared with me how comforting it would be to hear from her minister and church friends, but they didn’t know her situation. It had been years since she had been to church and those relationships had fallen by the wayside. Similarly, a neighbor of mine confided that he stopped going to temple after he lost his “bride” to breast cancer. Mad at the injustice of it all, he couldn’t bring himself to attend services without her. This led to years of isolation, during which he was overcome with loneliness and guilt. I wasn’t surprised when he talked of numbing his pain with alcohol. My message to both was simple: Renew your spiritual connections. It’s easy to imagine how difficult it might be to contact a minister, priest, rabbi or other spiritual adviser and ask for help if you’ve been absent from services for many years or when loneliness has you in its grip. But any religious organization worthy of its mission will respond with open arms, even in COVID-19 times. A metaphorical warm embrace is waiting for those who reach out by phone, email or participation in livestream or limited in-person worship services.

Likewise, if other paths beckon — if nature or poetry or meditation feed your soul — go forth and embrace those opportunities. My spiritual battery gets recharged when I take time out from my busy schedule to be still and meditate. Quiet time in an inspirational setting allows me to contemplate my most deeply held beliefs, let go of fear, and set my intentions. I emerge more grounded, grateful, and ready to embrace the day with an open heart. The power of a spiritual life is mighty. When you pursue your spiritual goals and teachings, life can be more manageable and your ability to cope with loss, loneliness and everyday struggles is strengthened. However you pursue a spiritual connection, I encourage you to make that connection or re-connection now. Today. A belief in something greater than yourself and the company of people who share your faith can lead to a richer, more meaningful, and peaceful existence. You do not have to go through life alone. And what a blessing that can be. 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 Gwenn to speak, visit www. aloneandcontent.com

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Couples Everywhere Are Having More Twins

es, you really are seeing double — more twins are being born now than ever before. There are a number of reasons why, according to a new study. Since the 1980s, twin births rose by a third worldwide — from 9 to 12 per 1,000 deliveries. About 1.6 million twins are born each year and one in every 42 babies is a twin. A big reason for all those twins is an increase in medically assisted reproduction, including in vitro fertilization, ovarian stimulation and artificial insemination. Another reason is that women in many countries are having babies at older ages. The chances of having twins increases with age, according to the study published March 12 in the journal Human Reproduction. “The absolute number of twin deliveries has increased everywhere except in South America,” said study author Christiaan Monden, a professor of sociology and demography at the University of Oxford in England. “In North America and Africa, the numbers have increased by more than 80%, and in Africa this increase is almost entirely caused by population growth.” For the study, the researchers analyzed 2010-2015 data from 165 countries with 99% of the world’s population. They also looked at 19801985 data from 112 countries. They found substantial increases in twinning in many European coun-

tries, in North America and in Asia. In 74% of the 112 countries with data from both periods, the increase topped 10%. Asia saw a 32% increase and North America a 71% increase. Only seven countries had a decrease of more than 10%. “In both periods Africa had the highest twinning rates and there was no significant increase over time. However, Europe, North America and the Oceanic countries are catching up rapidly. About 80% of all twin deliveries in the world now take Empower yourself to fight PD by visiting Empower Parkinson’s Inc. place in Asia and Africa,” Monden said in a journal news release. He noted that the twinning rate first-ever, socially distanced is so high because of the high number of twins born from two separate eggs. There has been little change in the rate of twins born from the same egg — which stands at about four per 1,000 deliveries worldwide. The authors think rates of twinning may have peaked — particuEmpower yourself to fight PD by larly in Europe and North America Sunday,Parkinson’s April 18thInc. visiting Empower — due to increasing emphasis in asApril is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! socially distanced sisted reproduction trying to achieve Empower yourself to fight PD byfirst-ever, visiting Empower Parkinson’s Inc. singleton pregnancies. 11:00 am to 1:00 pm first-ever, socially distanced It’s not clear if this is also the case in lower-income nations, andyourself to fight PD by visiting Empower Parkinson’s Inc. Empower has important implications for the Empower Parkinson Inc. Rock Steady Boxing Gym first-ever, socially distanced health of mothers and babies, as well as health care resources, according to 604 Old Liverpool Rd, Liverpool, NY Drive-by Drop-in the researchers. Drive-by ororDrop-in The American Academy of PediSunday, April 18th Lot) (Back Parking atrics has more about having twins. Visit www.healthychildren.com and 11:00 am to 1:00 pm type “twins” in the search bar.

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(made possible by 100 Women Who Care CNY) A monthly newspaper published by Local Pick up yourown own Empower Empower Parkinson’s education gift bag News, Inc. 35,000 copies distributed Empower Inc. Rock Steady Boxing Gym Pick upParkinson your Parkinson’s education gift bag throughout more than 1,000 high traffic View our facilities and new Pedaling for Parkinson’s cycles Take home information exercise, nutrition, education and support program 604 Old Liverpool Rd, Liverpool, NY cycles Viewon ourour facilities and new Pedaling for Parkinson’s locations, including all Wegmans stores. (made possible by 100 Women Who Care CNY) CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper (made possible by 100 Women Who Care CNY) (Back Parking Take home information on our Lot) exercise, nutrition, education and In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. Meet our volunteers

Pick up your own Empower Parkinson’s education gift bag Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Meet our volunteers &Meet Learn resources within our CNY our about volunteers Contributing Writers: Deborah Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, community that are here to help you George W. Chapman, Anne Palumbo, Melissa Stefanec, Chris Motola, Eva Briggs (MD), View our facilities and new Pedaling for Parkinson’s cycles that are here to help you Learn about resources within our CNY community Mary Beth Roach, Payne Horning, Catherine Miller, Kyra Mancine, Brenda McCutcheon (made possible by 100 Women Who Care CNY) Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Cassandra Lawson Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Manager: Nancy Nitz

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Things You Need to Know About Bones and Joints

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

aintaining good bones and joints is essential because once you lose your original cartilage it doesn’t regenerate. When navigating through keeping your body and bones healthy, there are several steps people do correctly. “You need good bone strength and your muscles and joints working together without excessive strain or stress,” said Kamaljeet Banga, an orthopedic surgeon for the Center for Orthopedic Care at Oswego Health and a clinical professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. “Also your joints need to keep moving for good health.” Banga offers five tips to strong bone health.

You can exercise the wrong way

Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, keeping your body healthy. Yet common mistakes can make working out detrimental to your health and body. You have workout warriors who go full-throttle for every workout and never take off. That can be dangerous and cause damage from overusing muscles. “It is very important to take time to rest your muscles, so they are not fatigued,” said Banga, who has also completed fellowships in upper extremity and sports medicine. “The chances of injuries decrease when you don’t have tired muscles and you are not constantly putting stress on your joints.” In addition, a mistake an athlete makes is running in the wrong places. Banga suggests instead of hitting the pavement for a jog or run that you instead utilize the grass or a

treadmill to absorb the blow to your hips, knees and ankles. “You have to be aware that joint degeneration and stress can occur with that kind of impact. Every step you take on a hard surface is putting three to four times your body weight of impact through your lower extremity joints,” he added.

Don’t push through pain

There is a popular saying that pain is just weakness leaving the body. However, pain is letting the body know there is a problem that should not be ignored. If someone feels pain because of an injury, their first thought shouldn’t be simply working harder. “You shouldn’t hesitate to see a physician when you start feeling pain,” said Banga. “Ignoring pain can lead to swelling, joint inflammation and further cartilage damage. If it is mild pain it will go away and will just need monitoring. Any moderate to severe pain, especially if it impacts movement or weight bearing through joints, can be a sign that the patient needs urgent attention.” When it comes to heating vs icing, Banga recommends heat for chronic pain and icing for acute paint to decrease joint swelling.

Beware of ligamentous laxity

Ligamentous laxity can affect all the joints, such as neck, shoulders, ankles or knees. People often feel pain, frequent clicking and cracking, muscle spasms as well as increased chances of joint dislocations due to mild or moderate injury. “Most people have naturally tight ligaments, but when your ligaments are loose, it can affect joints

throughout your body like your shoulders, ankles and knees,” said Banga. “If you have been diagnosed with generalized ligament laxity, I would avoid sports like baseball because pitching can cause an elbow injury or basketball because of potential knee or ankle injuries.”

Swimming as a prevention

Swimming has multiple benefits including being a full body workout, burning calories, lowering risk of cardiovascular diseases, increasing energy levels and exercising without sweating. However, another great benefit is the relief it gives your joints. “Your muscles are working, but you are not putting stress on your joints or causing any damage to your cartilage,” said Banga. “As good as running is for exercising, that is a lot of stress on lower extremity joints you put with each step you take. But with swimming because of the water buoyancy force, your weight and muscles are working together without any stress to the joints.”

FAI and sports hernia

One condition occurs from overuse and another may begin at birth and worsen over time from use. Sports hernias are typically caused by repetitive or explosive motions, especially those that require twisting of the pelvis such as football, hockey, soccer, rugby, skiing, running and hurdling. The soft tissues that perform these movements found in the lower abdomen and pubic area are most frequently torn or injured. “You tend to feel pain in the groin. It can be a feeling of intense pain, burning or pressure sensation,”

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Kamaljeet Banga is an orthopedic surgeon for the Center for Orthopedic Care at Oswego Health and a clinical professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. said Banga. “That intense feeling of pressure can restrict much of your mobility while being active.” Banga added that repetitive action without stretching can proceed an eventual sports hernia because the body needs to be flexible for twisting motions. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where the two bones in the hip impact together. The friction can significantly limit motion and cause tremendous groin pain. When the cartilage that provides cushion for the hips erodes, arthritis and joint deterioration can begin. It affects both athletes and others of all ages. It can develop mainly in adolescents due to increased activity. “Parents who are planning on getting their children in sports should see a sports physician especially when they are younger,” said Banga. “We can help evaluate any possible pre-existing conditions when it comes to joints and bones.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

55 JOY GERMS

Overcoming Adversity

CNY radio person ality Mimi Griswol d discusses her battle to fully reco ver from a stroke she had during the 2019 Christm as season. “I am lear ning to be patient, I am trying to remain positiv e. I am making progress.’’ In Octobe r she will be inducte d into the NYS Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Story on page 28

After all these years, Joan E. White, 86, is still spreading ‘joy germs ’ ROBOTS

Marilyn Pinsky: Are our machines really out to get us?

Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid

Your Guide to a Successful Ga rage Sale

My Turn

By Eva Briggs, MD

COVID Arm R ecently a physician assistant colleague called me to ask whether I had any ideas about what was going on with his patient. After receiving a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the patient developed had a hard red painful lump at the injection site. At the time I didn’t have a name for this finding. I suspected it was a reaction to the vaccine that would go away on its own in a few days. I experienced the exact same phenomenon after my second Moderna vaccine. My arm developed a hard red lump measuring 3 inches in diameter. It was moderately painful and tender, as well as a little itchy. It started the day after the vaccine and gradually subsided over one week. It turns out that there is a name for this — COVID arm. Scientists are not sure of the underlying mechanism. Although

annoying, it appears to be harmless. It certainly beats getting COVID-19. For some people the reaction starts as long as one week after the vaccine. There can even be several red blotches on the arm where the vaccine was administered. It’s more common with the second dose. It does not seem to occur with the Pfizer vaccine. The articles I read stated it is rare. But that’s probably because patients and doctors fail to report it. After all, many other common vaccines, such as tetanus toxoid, also cause redness and swelling. More women than men experience COVID arm. Over-the-counter pain relievers will treat the pain. For itching, use an antihistamine by mouth such as diphenhydramine, or hydrocortisone cream, or ice packs. It is not an infection and does not require antibiotics. Other side effects which may occur with either vaccine include muscle aches, chills, tiredness, and headache. But these resolve in one or two days. Don’t let the minor inconvenience of side effects discourage you from receiving the vaccine and when you are eligible. Here are few myths about the

COVID-19 vaccine. • Myth 1: COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women. The COVID-19 vaccine teaches the body to recognize and fight a spike protein on the surface of the virus. Because a spike protein is involved in the attachment and growth of the placenta, some people thought that the COVID vaccine would inhibit this spike protein. But the two spike proteins are completely different, and the vaccine does not cross-react. • Myth 2: People who have already had COVID-19 disease don’t need a vaccine. Because we don’t know how long immunity from natural infection lasts, and the disease is potentially deadly, scientists recommend the

vaccine even for people who have had the illness. The vaccine has not caused problems for people who previously had COVID-19. • Myth 3: Now that COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, vaccines to prevent the common cold and HIV will soon be available. Alas, these other viruses are completely different and distinct and vaccines to prevent them are not right around the corner. • Myth 4: As soon someone receives the COVID-19 vaccine, he or she can quit the mask and social distancing. It’s too soon to stop these public health measures. The vaccine prevents severe disease, but we don’t know yet whether the vaccine prevents people from carrying the virus without symptoms and spreading it to others. Eva Briggs is a retired medical doctor who practiced in Central New York for several decades. She lives in Marcellus.

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

COVID-19 Relief and ACA

assed in March, the $1.9 trillion package afforded more relief to people living at poverty levels who are insured through the ACA — currently, those under 400% of federal poverty guidelines qualify for prorated premium subsidies. The lower your income, the greater the subsidy. These subsidies are paid by the federal government directly to the insurer selected by the member.

(Federal poverty levels, for examples, are $12,880 for an individual and $26,500 for a household of four.) For 2021, members with incomes more than 400% of poverty guidelines will to have to pay more than 8.5% of their income for insurance. The number of people seeking health insurance on the exchanges has surged due to the pandemic and related loss of employer-sponsored insurance.

“Lethal weapon”

ers have tended to mimic Medicare when it comes to telehealth.) Eshoo not only wants to retain existing telehealth services, she proposes to expand the list of eligible health services. Critics and skeptics are concerned that the ease or convenience of telehealth could result in costly unnecessary services, fraud, abuse and worse outcomes. According to the HHS inspector general who has been monitoring claims throughout the pandemic, that has not occurred. As payers transition away from feefor-service and toward capitation or bundled payments, (see below) the issue of unnecessary services or overutilization becomes moot.

That is how NYS prosecutors described the prescription pad of Nassau County general practitioner George Blatti, 75. He is facing a 59-count indictment including five counts of second-degree murder and 11 counts of first-degree reckless endangerment. The physician showed “depraved indifference to human life” as he illegally prescribed “massive amounts” of opioids to patients despite increasing warnings and pleas from patient family and friends. Blatti, “often working out of his car like a common drug dealer,” prescribed opioids to people who were not officially his patients, (no medical record or having done an exam.) He was back in court last month for sentencing. He could receive 25 years to life.

Telehealth’s future

House health subcommittee chairwoman Anna Eshoo wants to make Medicare’s temporary expansion of telehealth services due to the pandemic permanent, across the entire country. Right now, only certain areas of the country will remain eligible (typically rural) once the pandemic ends. (Commercial pay-

Bundled payment study

A bundled payment to a certain provider covers all services delivered by all associated providers for 30 days related to a specific surgical procedure. For example, an orthopedic group receives say $50,000 from Medicare to replace a member’s hip. The bundled payment covers basically everything from soup to nuts: including the surgeon, the surgery center, nursing, the anesthesiologist, lab and X-rays, supplies, equipment, the artificial hip and post- operative

therapy. It would be up to the orthopedic group to pay the associated providers. The Rand Corp. studied 2,400 bundled procedures including hip and knee replacement, bariatric weight surgery and spinal infusions. Medicare saved an average $4,200, or 10%, per case versus what Medicare would have paid everyone individually fee for service. Even better, patients saved an average $500 out of pocket. For some reason, commercial carriers are not totally on board yet with bundled payments.

World vaccination

While we are focused on vaccinating 330 million Americans, there are 8 billion people worldwide that must be vaccinated as well if we are to effectively end the pandemic. Vaccine manufacturers have teamed up with other companies to distribute vaccines world-wide over the next two years. Pfizer and BioNTech have partnered with 10 other companies to produce two billion doses this year. Product development starts in St. Louis, goes to Andover, Mass., for additional work and then on to Kalamazoo, Mich., for final touches. In Europe, after it starts in St. Louis, the vaccine goes to Belgium then to Germany before final distribution. Britain-based Astra Zeneca is scheduled to produce three billion dosed via Netherlands and Belgium. They will supply Mexico and South America. Novavax will produce two billion and will supply Japan and South Pacific. Moderna will produce two billion vaccines focused on Asia and Africa.

Friendlier MRI

If you suffer from claustrophobia, or just plain anxiety, getting an MRI is not a pleasant experience. Declining to receive one deprives both you and your physician of a valuable diagnostic tool. Seeing a potential April 2021 •

market, imaging giant Philips has collaborated with Disney to produce the “Philips Ambient Experience.” Patients are able to personalize the lighting in the room and select video entertainment while inside the MRI tube. There are already about 2,000 of these. Kids can select animated shorts featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Aladdin and the Avengers.

Artificial Intelligence

More so than any other industry, healthcare and pharma are bullish on AI. Accounting firm KPMG surveyed 950 business leaders including 100 healthcare executives and 100 from life sciences. Historically, AI has been used predominantly to improve electronic records and processes. Going forward, the survey revealed the top five areas for AI growth during the next two years will be: telemedicine; robotic based process improvement; delivery of care; clinical trials; and diagnosis. The pandemic has clearly contributed to the acceleration of AI in healthcare. It is being used to monitor COVID19 and is used to develop and distribute vaccines. The vast majority of respondents see the current administration in Washington as very supportive of AI development. The executives want the government to establish robust and reasonable regulations to keep the playing field level, encourage cooperation and to avoid a “wild west chaos” scenario. 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.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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How COVID-19 Vaccines Stack Up

ona Chitre is the chief pharmacy officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. As such, she leads Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s pharmacy strategy and is responsible for driving affordability, innovation and operational excellence. She completed her undergraduate and graduate training at Rutgers University and her post-doctoral primary care residency at the VA Hospital in Buffalo. The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine is the third COVID-19 vaccine being distributed in the U.S. Is it safe? Why do we need a third vaccine option? All vaccines have the same goal — to protect us. The J&J vaccine was tested thousands of times to ensure safety and is authorized for use in the U.S. It’s important that everyone who wants the COVID-19 vaccine can receive it. In addition to the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, the J&J vaccine is another way to help increase protection against the COVID-19 virus. Since all three vaccines are safe, the best vaccine is the one you have access to. How does the J&J vaccine differ from Moderna’s and Pfizer/BioNTech’s? The J&J vaccine is a single dose which offers maximum protection quicker than Moderna’s and Pfizer/ BioNTech’s vaccines. The J&J vaccine has proven to be 66% effective at preventing moderate to severe cases of COVID-19. With all three vaccine options, no fragment of the live

virus is in the vaccine so the vaccine itself cannot make you sick with COVID-19. Should we be concerned with a less effective rate? No, there is no need to be concerned. The only way to accurately compare the effectiveness of these vaccines is by direct comparison in head-to-head clinical trials, which did not happen across the three vaccine options. Testing took place in different regions, at different points in time, and with varying COVID-19 occurrences. It is best not to compare the effective rates between the vaccines. The data proves that the J&J vaccine is 85% effective against severe COVID-19 cases, and 100% effective at preventing death from COVID-19. Based on the data, the J&J vaccine is a very safe and effective option. There is mention of a booster vaccine to help protect against the COVID-19 variants. What information is known or suggested about this? Scientists are currently looking into if a booster dose is needed to address variants. It is emerging science at this time, but it is still recommended that you get your vaccine as soon as it is available for you. How do we know that these vaccines are safe when they are so new? COVID-19 vaccines are being held to the same rigorous safety and efficacy standards as all other vac-

COVID-19 & Politics Starting in early summer last year, analysis finds that states with Republican governors had higher case and death rates

he per-capita rates of new COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths were higher in states with Democrat governors in the first months of the pandemic last year, but became much higher in states with Republican governors by mid-summer and through 2020, possibly reflecting COVID-19 policy differences between GOP- and Democrat-led states, according to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins

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Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Medical University of South Carolina. For their study, the researchers analyzed data on SARS-CoV-2-positive nasal swab tests, COVID-19 diagnoses, and COVID-19 fatalities, for the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. After adjusting for confounding factors such as state population density, they found that Republican-governed states began to

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

Mona Chitre is the chief pharmacy officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. cines — and have been tested thousands of times to ensure safety. The scientific technology used to develop the first COVID-19 vaccines is called mRNA. mRNA has been studied for decades and looks at the genetic makeup of the virus, and then uses that genetic code to teach our cells how to trigger an immune response to combat the virus. The platform that is being used to produce this vaccine has been studied and used for over a decade, and we had a jump-start on the COVID-19 vaccine because it’s a coronavirus which we’ve studied in the past. have consistently higher rates of positive swab tests in May, of COVID-19 diagnoses in June, and of COVID-19 mortality in July. The results, published online March 10 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggest that policy differences between Republican- and Democrat-governed states, including mitigation measures such as mask mandates and social distancing requirements, may have led to systematic differences in COVID-19’s impact on public health, the researchers say. “Governors’ party affiliation may have contributed to a range of policy decisions that, together, influenced the spread of the virus,” says study senior author Sara Benjamin-Neelon, Ph.D., professor in the Bloomberg School’s Department of Health, Behavior and Society. “These findings underscore the need for state policy actions that are guided by public health considerations rather than by partisan politics.” The analysis covered March 15 to December 15, 2020, and included the number of SARS-CoV-2 tests, positive tests, COVID-19 case diagnoses, and COVID-19 fatalities. The researchers used a sophisticated statistical tool called a Bayesian negative binomial model to estimate, for each day in the nine-month study window, the relative risks or chances of getting tested, testing positive, getting COVID-19, or dying of COVID-19, for people in 26 GOP-governed vs. 25 Democrat-governed states. Washington, D.C. was treated as Democrat-governed. The researchers were aware that

Are you saying that getting the COVID-19 vaccine cannot make a person get COVID-19? Exactly. The COVID-19 vaccines that are being distributed in the U.S. do not use any fragment of the live virus and cannot make you sick with COVID-19. The vaccines teach your body how to recognize the virus and then create defenses against it. What about the side effects of the vaccine? Side effects are possible with any type of vaccination. The most common issue is a sore arm, which can happen with most vaccines. Other reactions include fatigue and headache. It is important to note that the vaccine is not making you sick, but this is the body’s natural immune system response. Also, I know many people with seasonal allergies are concerned with taking the vaccine. If you have seasonal allergies (e.g., pollen, dust, ragweed, etc.), the vaccine should not cause any issues. But anyone with allergic reactions to other vaccinations should talk with your doctor to see what is best for you. We know that vaccines were given to high-risk groups first. The data suggests that the number of deaths in nursing homes is going down by more than 60%. Do you feel this is because of the vaccine? Absolutely. Nursing home residents were among the first people to receive the vaccine. The data shows how powerful the vaccines are against the virus, which is encouraging to hear. Reports like these make me so hopeful as the vaccines continue to rollout. I’m excited for my children to be reunited with their grandparents. I’m optimistic about the future.

“Governors’ party affiliation may have contributed to a range of policy decisions that, together, influenced the spread of the virus.” many other factors, including the natural progression of the pandemic from early waves in urban areas, such as New York City and Seattle, to later waves in rural areas, might have contributed to differences between Republican- and Democrat-led states. However, they attempted to correct for these confounding factors in their analysis. Their findings, even when factoring in these confounders, revealed a clear pattern in which Democrat-led states were hardest-hit early in the pandemic, but after a few months Republican-led states on average began to have more positive tests, COVID-19 cases, and more COVID-19 deaths. The transition occurred for testing-positivity on May 30, for COVID-19 case diagnoses on June 3, and for COVID-19 deaths on July 4. The differences between the two groups of states peaked in the period from late June to early August—for example, on August 5 the relative risk of dying of COVID-19 was 1.8 times higher in GOP-led states.

Difference Makers Central New Yorkers transcend physical challenges to make an impact in their communities

By Mary Beth Roach

he individuals profiled in this piece are four Central New Yorkers who decided that their disability was not going to define their lives. Instead, they have chosen paths that have made a difference in people’s lives and in the life of the community.

Grace Cogan

race Cogan thought the job as a deaf interpreter for Onondaga County would be a onetime assignment. That was more than 11 months ago. On most weekdays since last March, Cogan has stood next to County Executive Ryan McMahon and has signed for his COVID-19 press conferences, providing updates and critical information on the spread of the disease through CNY. In addition to relaying vital news to the deaf community, she is also serving as a role model. Cogan herself is deaf and works with a hearing American Sign Language interpreter, referred to as a “feeder” to relay the information. Most often Cogan’s “feeder” for these press conferences is Maggie Russell, director of the Marjorie Clere Interpreter Referral Service at AURORA of CNY. Russell was also the ASL interpreter for this interview. During McMahon’s press conferences, the hearing ASL interpreter will sit in front of Cogan, hear the spoken English and put it into ASL for Cogan, who then expands on that. ASL is not merely translating

Deaf interpreter

English into a series of letters and symbols using one’s hands, body and facial expressions; it is an entirely separate language. And often Cogan will seem very animated during the press conferences. That’s the interpreter’s way of communicating emotion, voice inflections and tenses. “How can you tell if a person is angry? You have to demonstrate that on the body because we can’t hear the intonation. You can show concern, you can show emotion, all the intonations of the voice, all the human experience,” Cogan explained. The deaf interpreter has the ability to utilize other resources, like pictures, drawings, gesturing, and expressions. “These are all parts of things that go into communication with a visual language,” she pointed out. While the work that Cogan is doing is critical, it can also be challenging. “You have to process very quickly to make sure the information is accurate, breaking it down in a way that it’s accessible to deaf people,” she noted. She sees her work with the county at these press conferences as

“at a defining moment for the deaf community,” she noted. “For so long, deaf people have been marginalized, left out. We’re the last to get the information. This is really phenomenal for us. And I’m humbled by it because I’m part of this movement. I’m part of this realization. And so, to be honest with you, I’m being seen as a public servant. I feel like this is my duty.” Cogan, 46, has been deaf since birth, and it’s believed it was caused because her mother had rubella while pregnant with Cogan. Communication and socialization were big issues for the young Cogan as she began school, and it’s what fuels her passion for the work she does now. “When you see a deaf person, how much socialization are they getting with other deaf people? Communication access is a big issue. That’s something that’s always been very close to my heart,” she said. After several moves during her youth, Cogan was enrolled at Split Rock Elementary School in the West Genesee School District, which she indicated, had many deaf children. “For the first time, I was utterly

shocked I wasn’t the only one,” she said. “That’s when I really found my identity as a deaf person — being around other deaf children like me.” She said she became a deaf interpreter almost by accident. She had been a care manager at Aurora of Central New York, and worked with deaf families. She came to realize that during the communications between a deaf person and the interpreter, there was a lot of missing information because, as she explained, ASL is a second language for the interpreters. She would often accompany deaf people to their appointments to ensure that they would understand the information given them. Cogan stepped down from her position to pursue a master’s degree. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the county contacted Aurora to provide interpretation for its COVID-19 briefings. It was then that Aurora asked her to work as a deaf interpreter for its agency. Right now, she works as a freelance interpreter and is contracted with Aurora Services of Central New York MCIRS for jobs. Cogan has recently passed the written National Interpreter Certification knowledge test at the Registry for the Deaf, and is preparing for the interview and performance portion of her certification. To the best of Russell’s and Cogan’s knowledge, she is the only deaf interpreter in the Syracuse area who has passed the written knowledge test. Cogan is preparing to play an even bigger role for the deaf community. The mother of three is also working toward her master’s degree in social work at Syracuse University. “I think it would be better to start at the top and then trickle-down to make change, to institute change.” Russell commended the county for its efforts at having a deaf interpreter on stage during these press conferences, and a deaf Nepalese interpreter. “I think it’s the right thing to do, to have a deaf interpreter on stage,” Russell said. “It gives the ability for other deaf children to look up to their deaf role models and to realize that there’s a lot of opportunity for deaf people and see another deaf person on stage working is just phenomenal.” Continued on next page

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Difference Makers

Greg Callen Founder of Move Along, Inc.

tragic fall from a balcony in 2005 changed Greg Callen’s life, and after a period of introspection, he would go on to establish Move Along, Inc. four years later. The organization, which serves an area that stretches from Watertown to Binghamton, brings athletics and recreation opportunities to people with disabilities. These resources mean a chance to increase physical activity and enhance their socialization and self-confidence. Callen’s accident caused two of his vertebrae to be pushed into his spinal cord, triggering spinal trauma

and spinal cord injury. He is paralyzed from his navel down. At the age of 45, he is wheelchair-bound. “That kind of trauma led to a lot of different emotions,” he said. “It was obviously depression, anxiety, and lack of ability to reintegrate from all the change and trauma.” But eventually, he started making decisions to move forward. “I started finding that life was much more valuable than that accident, and I had so much more to give,” he said. He saw a lot of things going on in hospitals with kids and young adults who didn’t have the quality

of life he had for the 29 years prior to the accident. He then decided he wanted to help individuals reintegrate through athletics. He had gotten involved with a small group of four or five people playing wheelchair basketball in Syracuse. Calling themselves the Syracuse Wheelchair Flyers, they had been around since 1979, but they hadn’t done much to grow the organization, Callen said. With his entrepreneurial spirit and an inspiring trip to Michigan, Callen would change all that, and

eventually create Move Along, Inc. Today, he is vice president of its board. Shortly after his injury, he traveled to a therapy center in Detroit, where he saw the benefits of athletics. “I got this vision that athletics could be an opportunity for individuals to find some joy, and then when they found that joy, start thinking about more quality-of-life avenues that could help them,” he said. It could open the possibilities for reintegrating into a job and opening up more with families and friends, he added. Today, Move Along, Inc. offers a variety of programs, including sled hockey, adult and youth wheelchair basketball, tennis, kayaking, downhill mountain biking, hand cycling, and this winter, Move Along, Inc. plans to introduce a golf program. It also has an education component, in which representatives from Move Along go into schools and show individuals an alternative type of living with a disability or any type of mental or emotional trauma. “We use the joy of athletics and physical fitness as a springboard to better things in life,” Callen said. And he, too, has found joy in his work, in his network of family and friends, and in the support he has received for his mission. “I’m a very grateful person at this point in my life. I love to give back and help others. I know what I’m here for, and I know what my passion is, and it meets the mission of Move Along,” he said. “Everyone has something going on,” he said. “My trauma — mentally, physically, and emotionally — is maybe minimal compared to a lot of individuals in our world. I’m grateful for that, and that’s why I give back, because I know that someone is in a worse position than me. I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in.”

Connor McGough Adaptive design program coordinator, ARISE Inc.

diving accident in the Adirondacks about 11 years ago would leave Connor McGough wheelchair-bound and alter his life forever — and ultimately, he would help families he hadn’t even met yet. He was 21 years old at the time and it was the summer before his senior year at Rochester Institute of Technology. He had been working as a server at a restaurant outside of Old Forge, and after work one night, he and some buddies went swimming at a co-worker’s camp. When he dove in off the dock, he hit his head on a boulder just under the surface of the water and broke his neck. He had to be airlifted to SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for surgery and would spend six months in rehab in Philadelphia. He has said that with regards to school and his future, “I had to reassess how I was going to finish, and where I wanted my life to go.” He was able to get his degree in

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industrial design by attending classes part-time online. Although RIT didn’t have online classes in industrial design at the time, one of his professors, Kim Sherman, was able to create a program for him. About three years after his injury, the Port Leyden native came to Syracuse, and in 2016, began working with some clinicians and designers at Syracuse University’s School of Design on creating adaptive devices to assist those with disabilities. They eventually brought their program to ARISE, Inc. McGough said, to see if the agency would take it on as one of its initiatives, which it did in 2017. ARISE is an independent living center, serving people of any age with any kind of disability in several area counties. Today, McGough serves as its adaptive design program coordinator at its James Street, Syracuse location. Since then, McGough, Tracy Fleming, a fabricator for the pro-

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

gram, and dozens of volunteers have created nearly 40 adaptive devices, working with those with disabilities and their families to tailor the equipment to their specific needs. The pieces are made from low-cost, readily available materials. McGough has been a guest speaker for organizations around the area, and in 2019, he traveled to Ibarra, Ecuador with a group from SUNY Upstate to work with a sister organization to create new devices and learn different techniques.

McGough enjoys being creative in the ARISE workshop and working with the community, which helps to escape his own daily struggles and frustrations. “By giving, it can really bring joy to your life and empower you in the work we’re doing. 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 enjoyable, and has a lasting impact on them,” he said. Continued on next page

Difference Makers

Chad Norton Webster Pond

he hundreds, if not thousands, of people who visit Webster Pond in Syracuse’s Valley section each year see first-hand the efforts of Chad Norton. He is a tireless volunteer, vice president of the Anglers Association of Onondaga which is based at the pond, and the creator and president of Friends of Wildlife, formed in 2014 to include maintenance, fundraising efforts and events at the pond. He has led efforts over the years to create amenities throughout the area on Valley Drive. The pond attracts visitors to its edge to feed its flocks of geese and

ducks and its one swan, but Norton has been instrumental in bringing groups and individuals over the years together to build other features. That includes the handicapped-accessible 0.6-mile Veterans Trail that surrounds the pond on adjacent city property, memorial brick pavers, and benches. He and his father, Bill, who serves as president of the Anglers Association of Onondaga, started a junior fishing program, and Norton is hoping to start a junior archery program in the near future. He sees the pond as a great place for families to spend some time,

especially since there’s no admission, and there’s plenty of space. For a small donation, guests can purchase corn to feed the ducks and geese there. The 34-year-old was born with cerebral palsy; scoliosis; lordosis, which is opposite of curvature of the spine; and he is a quadriplegic, which means his bones are misshapen. But it’s because of his disabilities that he wishes to give back to the community. His father has since retired from Crucible Steel, but years ago, through a fundraiser at the plant, Bill’s co-workers gave his son gifts the younger Norton will never forget — a ramp and a pool for him to be able to do his therapy. “I want to give back because people gave back to me,” he said. And he’s been giving back to the pond and its visitors for at least two decades. He went down to the pond when he was about 10 years old to see an Elvis Presley impersonation event, and being an outdoor enthusiast, he was immediately taken with the pond. When he asked how he might become involved there at the time, he was told he was too young to become a member of the Anglers Association of Onondaga, which oversees the pond’s operation. So, he joined under

his parents’ membership. He then announced, as a young teen, that he wanted to be on the board, but he was again told he was too young. When he asked where it’s written in the bylaws that there were age requirements for board members, he was told there weren’t any. “’Then you really can’t tell me I can’t be a board member then,’” he told them. He made them a deal. “Give me six months. Try me out. If I’m not the board member you want me to be, kick me out,” he said. He’s been on the board for 20 years now, and serves as its vice president, and he’s no less persistent than he was in the late 1990s. For the past several years, he’s been diligently working on raising funds to create a visitors center at the pond in hopes it would draw more people to the pond. Events such as craft shows and educational seminars could also be held there. Norton estimated that they are about one-quarter of their way toward a goal of $200,000 for the building. His work at the pond enables him to combine his love of the outdoors with helping people and assisting the disabled community; in short, in making a difference. “I can still do all those things that I want to do,” he said.

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Parenting By Melissa Stefanec

MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

Mental Gymnastics: Dumping the Failure Baggage

y kids are good at a lot of things. They invoke joy and laughter. They keep my life lively and my heart full. They are amazing. However, my kids are also inadvertently good at making me feel like a mild failure. Mind you, I’m a big girl who owns her emotions, so I know only I can make me feel like a failure. But motherhood has a way of conjuring up feelings of inadequacy and guilt, even when I’m trying really hard. As a parent, there are many moments where my best intentions go awry. Throughout the day, in moments of business, anger or weakness, I feel like I’m failing my kids or have failed to properly parent them. Sometimes the wins are too few and the failures are too many. I want to coin the term “failure baggage.” It’s something that weighs a lot of parents down. However, we owe it to ourselves to unpack that baggage, rearrange it, and see if for what it is — not as a set of failures, but a combination of mundane occur-

rences and beautiful moments. That’s no easy task, so I’m going to practice right now. Here are some examples of parenting fails that I will reshape into parenting wins. Afterall, being capable of such mental gymnastics may prove to be the secret to dumping my failure baggage (and the secret to parental happiness). • Parenting fail No. 1 — We didn’t practice box division this weekend As each weekend approaches, I plan to do all of things we didn’t get to during the week — the extra box division, the spelling words, the subtraction flashcards. Then, the weekend comes around, and life happens. All of a sudden, it’s 5 p.m. on a Sunday and I’m too spent to school my 9-year-old on box division. — Mental gymnastics: The hidden win We didn’t do box division, but we did a STEAM activity. We also baked cookies and talked about measurements and fractions. We went for a hike and marveled at the blue

sky peeking through bare trees. We drove to get cupcakes and played the kids’ favorite songs a little too loud. I listened in on pretend games of epic proportions. We laughed while we played Pictionary. We lived. • Parenting fail No. 2 — The kindness BINGO board Our kids’ school sent home kindness BINGO boards. The boards had simple acts of kindness on each square. My kids could do these acts at home or school and check them off their boards. It was supposed to be a wholesome activity. That didn’t last long. The next day, before school, I asked them to review the boards and plot out their acts of kindness for the day. I walked away to get ready for work and a lengthy argument ensued. My son, who is 6, started checking off items he knew he had done in the past. My daughter, who was not in the retroactive-acts-of-kindness camp, didn’t like how many boxes he had illegally checked off. All. out. war. Over a kindness BINGO board. — Mental gymnastics: The hidden win Sure, my children took an activity that was intended to perpetuate kindness to instead perpetuate their sibling rivalry. However, if there was a retroactive window for the BINGO board, my kids would have filled their boards in short order. They are very kind to others. That kindness board was an extension of their everyday lives. • Parenting fail No. 3: Skier’s thumb This winter, to escape our solitary confinement, I signed the family up for downhill skiing lessons.

Downhill skiing doesn’t mesh with my risk-adverse personality. Something about plummeting down an icy mountain and potentially tumbling to a painful death just doesn’t lure me. However, I wanted to face my fears. At the first lesson, I fell, as most beginners do. However, I also managed to really mess up my thumb. One lesson led to many doctor’s appointments. This is what happens when you face your fears, kids! — Mental gymnastics: The hidden win After our first family lesson, I felt like a failure, but then my daughter came home from school one day with an update. She said, “Mommy, I faced a fear today. I hate talking in front of the class, but, today, I led yoga. I did it.”

The takeaway That yoga win wasn’t so hidden. In fact, it inspired me to write this column. Failures are lessons and opportunities, if only we have the courage to accept them as such. This failure taught me a valuable parenting lesson: my kids need to see me try and (sometimes) fail. The only way I can really fail my kids is to tote my failure baggage around. Keeping a positive perspective and seeing the lessons in minor setbacks will make me a better parent. It might just also inspire my kids to dump their own failure baggage and start moving past their mistakes. So whatever failure you’re beating yourself up for this week, challenge yourself to see the win in it. Do the mental gymnastics. Drop your failure baggage and don’t look back. Your kids are watching.

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SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Popcorn Is Popping Good for You!

y love affair with popcorn began after my first child. Desperate to shed pregnancy pounds, I reached for the puffy stuff daily. Oh, the satisfaction! It filled me up, I lost weight, it became my BSF: Best Snack Forever. The main perk of popcorn is that it’s a whole grain snack. Unlike refined grain snacks that have been stripped of some nutrients, popcorn, with its entire seed intact, boasts a slew of health benefits. As with other whole grains, consuming popcorn may reduce

inflammation, lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and some forms of cancer. A three-cup serving of popcorn provides a whopping 3.5 grams of fiber, which is about 14% of the recommended daily intake of fiber for women and about 12% for men. These days, with my finicky digestion and high cholesterol, all that fiber makes me deliriously happy, not to mention, remarkably full. A recent study, in fact, found that 15 calories of popcorn was just as satisfying as 150 calories of potato chips. Beyond its fiber, popcorn is a good source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that have been linked to better circulation, improved digestion and a reduced risk of certain cancers and age-related diseases. Looking to lose some weight? Popcorn is a dieter’s best friend. It’s

super low in calories (a three-cup serving of air-popped popcorn has fewer than 100); it provides prolonged satiety because its complex carbohydrates take longer to digest; and it has scant fat and salt. Of course, popcorn can quickly become an unhealthy snack if it’s doused with oil or butter, salt or sugar. A big tub of movie theater popcorn, for example, can inflict over 1000 calories and several days’ worth of salt and fat. So, mindful preparation is key. Air-popped popcorn is your healthiest bet because it provides some control over the seasonings added afterwards. Microwave popcorn can be a healthy choice, too, especially since most brands have removed trans fats and the chemical linked to “popcorn lung” — the wheezing disease that resulted from fumes inhaled when a bag was opened.

Helpful tips When buying microwave or popped popcorn, read labels carefully. You might be surprised by the calorie and sugar counts of kettle corn, as well as the calorie and salt counts of cheddar cheese popcorn. Pop your own kernels in the microwave using a brown paper bag or (my favorite!) a silicone BPA-free popcorn popper. pinch of cayenne (optional) ¼ teaspoon salt Pop the popcorn kernels: in the microwave (using a folded-over brown lunch bag or a silicone popcorn popper) or in an air popper. If using a microwave, cook until there are 2 to 3 seconds between pops, about 3 minutes. Transfer the popcorn to a big bowl. In a small glass bowl, mix together the olive oil and all the spices, then microwave for 20 seconds and stir again. Drizzle the oil mixture over the popcorn, tossing with your hands. Enjoy!

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle colum-

Fajita-Flavored Popcorn ¼ cup popcorn kernels 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

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.

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Page 15

Mental Health

Daniel’s Law Seeks to Help Mental Health Crises The legislation is ‘a benefit to a person in crisis’ By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n February 4, 2021, New York Assemblyman Harry B. Bronson (D-138) and Senator Samra Brouk (D-55) introduced legislation to establish state and regional mental health councils to bring mental health care professionals to the scene of mental health emergencies and train 911 dispatchers to summon the needed personnel. The proposed law is named “Daniel’s Law” after Daniel Prude, a man who died in March 2020 of asphyxiation days after an altercation with Rochester Police. Prude was experiencing a mental health crisis and was allegedly high on PCP, a mind-altering drug that may lead to hallucination. The law seeks to meet the needs of people who need crisis services for which law enforcement officers may not have adequate training. “I can’t wait for this if this does come into practice,” said Kate Fauci, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Syracuse. “Police are trained to do their job. It’s to keep people safe. They don’t have the mental health training. Nowadays with what we know about trauma,

you walking up with a gun could make matters worse.” She added that the approach should be different for someone in mental health crisis than for someone committing a crime. “This could save lives and create less traumatic stress for those involved,” Fauci said. Although law enforcement personnel receive some training in crisis intervention, it is not at the level of a mental healthcare provider. The appearance of a mental healthcare provider at the scene may be less stressful for some people who had a previous negative experience with law enforcement, according to Sharon DelConte, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Bright Path Counseling Center in Syracuse. “A mental health provider can take in the whole situation,” she said. “That’s why Daniel’s Law was written: because people might not recognize it’s a mental health emergency. A mental health care provider is able to stabilize the whole situation. Having a law enforcement officer come in with a weapon would often raise the

stress.” Mental healthcare providers find a connection with people to help them relax and find more answers. DelConte said this is how they de-escalate crises without using force. “They’re more trained to deal with the crises in the moment: quick, swift and secure,” said Mary Collins licensed clinical social worker at LCSW Counseling Solutions, PLLC, Skaneateles. “Some departments do better and maybe more training than others.” The proposed law includes additional training for 911 operators so they could determine based upon witness’ descriptions over the phone

whether law enforcement or mental health is needed. Collins said she would err on the side of calling mental healthcare providers. “If it’s irrational behavior, it would never hurt to have someone with a mental health background engage because they may maneuver in a different way that may deescalate the situation,” Collins said. She thinks a team approach – where both law enforcement and mental health providers are dispatched on calls like this – would be safer that an either-or approach. Going solo may prove dangerous for mental healthcare providers if the person becomes violent, for example.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINES COVID-19 vaccines are a hot topic and on the minds of many. Is a vaccine that was created so quickly actually safe? Can I stop wearing a mask if I receive the vaccine? What will our “new normal” look like? Meet Mona Chitre, PharmD. She’s our Chief Pharmacy Officer and a wealth of knowledge on all things COVID-19 vaccine-related.

Q. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THESE VACCINES ARE SAFE WHEN THEY ARE SO NEW? Great question. COVID-19 vaccines are being held to the same rigorous FDA safety and effectiveness standards as all other vaccines — and have been tested thousands of times to ensure safety. The scientific technology used to develop the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines is called mRNA. mRNA has been studied for decades and looks at the genetic makeup of the virus, and then uses that genetic code to teach our cells how to trigger an immune response to combat the virus. The platform that is being used to produce this vaccine has been studied and used for over a decade, and developers had a jump-start on the COVID-19 vaccine because it’s a coronavirus which they’ve studied in the past.

MONA CHITRE, PharmD Chief Pharmacy Officer

Dr. Chitre completed her undergraduate and graduate training at Rutgers University and her post-doctoral primary care residency at the VA Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

Q. MONA, THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON (J&J) VACCINE IS THE THIRD COVID-19 VACCINE BEING DISTRIBUTED IN THE U.S. IS IT SAFE? WHY DO WE NEED A THIRD VACCINE OPTION? All vaccines have the same goal – to protect us. The J&J vaccine was tested thousands of times to ensure safety and is authorized for use in the U.S. It’s important that everyone who wants the COVID-19 vaccine can receive it. In addition to the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, the J&J vaccine is another way to help increase protection against the COVID-19 virus. Since all three vaccines are safe, the best vaccine is the one you have access to.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

Read the full Q&A and watch our videos:

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licensed home care services, providing personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, running errands, picking up prescriptions, medication reminders, those types of services, where you have an aide helping you out in the home. Then we have our insurance plans, which are our managed long-term care plan, which delivers long-term care services, like a nursing home without walls concept, where we’re coordinating all the care and services to keep chronically ill or disabled in the home by providing the care, and supports and services in the home. Then we have the Medicare and Medicaid Advantage plans.

Q A &

With Kate Rolf

In her 10th year as CEO, Kate Rolf talks about the mission, challenges facing Nascentia Health and how she sees the future of the nonprofit By Mary Beth Roach

ate Rolf is in her 10th year and the top leader of Nascentia Health Inc. The nonprofit brings together the services and programs of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York, Inc., CCH Home Care & Palliative Services, Inc. and Independent Health Care Services, Inc. The agency, based in Syracuse, has a budget of $325 million and about 550 employees over a large portion of the state. She provides an overview of the agency, especially the work it has been doing during

the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting with the testing and most recently, the vaccination processes. Q: What services does Nascentia Health offer? A: We offer our certified home health agency, which is skilled nursing care for those who need assistance at home — chronic disease management; rehab, such as occupational and physical therapy; wound care; post-surgery care, palliative care, pediatric and maternal child care. We have home aides, like the

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Q: How big is Nascentia’s coverage area in Central New York? A: We are in 48 counties for our managed long-term care plan. For our Medicare Advantage plan, we are in eight counties — Albany, Broome, Columbia, Delaware, Erie, Niagara, Greene and Onondaga. For our home health and our certified and our licensed home care agencies — our VNA and Home Aides — we’re in five Upstate counties that are Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Oswego and Jefferson counties. Our Medicare plans have an average census of about 3,800 patients. Our home health agency, we have around 900 patients. It’s down a little bit because of COVID. Q: How is Nascentia funded? A: Our revenue comes mainly from Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurances. Q: How has COVID-19 affected the delivery of your services, and how has Nascentia met those challenges? A: Nascentia Health partnered with Onondaga County to ensure access to critical front-line nursing resources and to assist in implementing measures to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. Nascentia nurses were sent into senior living facilities across Onondaga and Madison counties to provide testing, and then further expanded its efforts through staffing walk-in and drive-thru testing sites in the counties. Initially, as everyone was still learning more each day, Nascentia just focused on being there to provide staff and educational services to the community, as well as anything else needed. As the needs changed, so did Nascentia, including opening a weekend testing clinic at its Syracuse office during the height of cases in the winter months and now on to providing in home vaccinations for home bound individuals unable to get to vaccination site.

Q: The people that you’re vaccinating are they your clients, or how is it determined who you vaccinate? A: Starting this week, we’re doing about 500 a week, based on how many vaccines we get. Starting with our patients and then working on who we have in our managed longterm plan as well any referrals from local hospitals or physician offices – anyone that they would have that are in need. Q: How do you see Nascentia growing in the future? A: We want to continue to make it as easy as possible for patients to receive the care they need where they want it most — at home. And especially post-pandemic, how can we really look at ways to keep people at home? If ever there were something to come up like this again, what can we do to expand our program that keeps people out of nursing homes? We’ve also developed an Article 28 clinic, which is a medical clinic, working to provide more in-home visits so that we can allow for more in-home direct patient care, along with our medical plans, so patients can have a nurse practitioner and doctor visits right in their home. We’re trying to find some new ways, even beyond telehealth, to get them the care that they need. Q: With your experience in this field, why is it important for people to stay in their homes as opposed to a nursing home? A: Nursing homes are very important. But there’s also a lot of opportunity for people to stay at home. If we can remove some of the barriers so it is easier for people to stay at home, let’s do that. Let’s make it as feasible as possible to stay at home because we know if we’re not congregating people, we’re eliminating one more issue for any future pandemic. People are happier to be in their home environment. Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of your job? A: We have our clinical staff submit some of the stories of the people we help. I like to bring that to our board members, so we can hear some of the wonderful things that we’ve done for people, some of the recovery stories, some of the wonderful, touching things that have happened. Knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, and made something happen, it makes me feel like we’re accomplishing what we set out to do.

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Page 17

Autism Awareness

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Dogs Serving People with Autism ‘Man’s best friend is much more than just a family pet By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ssistance dogs can perform more tasks than guiding. Their role has expanded considerably to provide help for a variety of needs, including helping people with autism. The terms “service” and “support” may seem interchangeable when referring to dogs that help people. However, what they can do as well as where they can go differs widely. “Support animals can be very helpful to individuals with developmental disabilities including autism,” said Andy Lopez-Williams, founder and clinical director at ADHD and Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy in Syracuse and Utica. “However, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, support animals are not covered and, therefore, do not have the same level of access as service animals.”

“A primary difference between a service animal and support animal is the level of training and function that the animal provides. Service animals are trained to perform a specific function whereas support animals are not.” That is why support animals are not permitted ubiquitously like service animals, which perform specific, trained tasks to support the needs of a person with disabilities. Karen Shirk, CEO and founder of 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, Ohio, has bred and trained dogs for service for 20 years, including for people with autism. She places 120 trained dogs annually. As the mother of a child with autism, she understands what families with an autistic child experience. She is also a person who relies upon a service dog for her own disability. “They have a lot of issues with behavior,” Shirk said of children with autism. “A lot of times the children have meltdowns and if they’re nonverbal, there’s no way to know why they’re in such a state. They usually have certain behaviors before they go into a meltdown and we use the dog before they get into that state. They can have the dog touch the child. Nothing comforts like a mug of steaming hot cocoa with soothing That can disrupt or break the thought process with Nothing comforts like a mug CBD - the ultimate in relaxation enjoyment. 3 great flavors – repetitive behaviors. The dog can also lie across part of the of steaming hot cocoa with child’s body. It gives weighted, deep Classic Blend, Madagascar Vanilla, Spicy Aztec. 5 pouches per pressure that sensory seeking kids soothing CBD - the ultimate need.” or box / 40 mg CBD each. No unnatural or artificial additives in relaxation enjoyment. 3 By minimizing the number and great flavors – Classic ingredients. Quality CBD / Simple Ingredients / CBDextent thatoftastes meltdowns, families can feel freer to go places and spend time Blend, Madagascar in public with their children. Along great! Only $19.95 per box. Vanilla, Spicy Aztec. with reducing behavioral issues, service dogs can also wear a harness 5 pouches per that can tether the child to prevent box / 40 mg CBD children from bolting from their each. No unnatural parents. “The family can walk and hold or artificial additives the leash of the dog and the child or ingredients. won’t get away,” Shirk said. “What Quality CBD / Simple we’ve seen in 20 years is that these children accept that boundary. We’ve Ingredients / CBD that had parents try it with themselves tastes great! in place of the dog and the children retaliate and want the parents to let them go. They don’t like it.” At times when the child cannot be tethered, such as at a playground, The Ultimate in Relaxation Enjoyment

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the service dog is trained to track the child in a search and research fashion. Shirk recalled a dog she placed that tracked a child who disappeared at 10 p.m. Despite minus 10 degrees windchill, the child was unclothed – and in danger. Within minutes, the dog tracked the child to a neighbor’s heavily wooded lot. “The family would likely not have found that child in time to save that child’s life,” Shirk said. Since 60% of children with autism have other, unrelated neurological conditions, service dogs can be trained to assist with other tasks such as sensing seizures so the child can lie down in a safe place and minimize the risk of injury or altering diabetic emergencies. “These dogs are service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are task trained to mitigate disability,” Shirk said. “The family can navigate the community with this dog and can go anywhere a guide dog can go.” In addition, service dogs perform helpful tasks that are not trained, such as providing a social bridge for children who typically feel left out and stigmatized because of their differences. Typical children spot the service dog and gravitate towards the child with autism. These interactions can help foster friendships – something that can challenge children with autism. Shirk said that she provided a dog for a boy with autism who showed him a picture of his “home planet.” “He said that everyone there accepts you as you are and doesn’t care you’re different,” Shirk said. “It struck me deep. Six to nine months after he got his dog, he said, ‘Karen, I’m not really from that planet.’ With the dog, people got to know him. Everyone in his town knew his name.” Dogs also help children with autism better understand emotional relationships and practice making connections by bonding to their dogs. Animals are always happy and interact in a simpler way than people. Shirk said that dogs aren’t right for every family; however, for some, they make a significant difference.

Autism Awareness

Pandemic Creates Learning Challenges for Children with Autism Things like remote learning and masks make things difficult for a student with autism By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

he COVID-19 pandemic has brought a plethora of changes to everyday life, including to children newly educating at home. For children with autism spectrum disorder, learning in the classroom was already challenging. Filtering lessons through Zoom or other remote means adds an additional layer of difficulty. Denise Neacosia, a special education instructor, said that teaching remotely “is a huge challenge. It’s difficult for them to understand anything about the pandemic, why they’re required to wear a mask in school, how come they can’t go to see their teachers and friends. Their world has been turned upside down.” Neacosia teaches special education students in Onondaga, Wayne, and Cayuga counties through Center for Instruction, Technology, & Innovation (CiTi BOCES) in Mexico. She also owns Kuk Sool Won Korean Martial Arts in Wolcott, Wayne County, where she instructs children and adults. Neacosia said that the disruption in their routine is what seems to upset her special needs students the most, since children on the autism spectrum thrive on predictable schedules. The disruption continues in other ways at home, as parents, grandparents and other caregivers may be alternating care to accommodate work and educating at home. Plus, necessary services have either ceased or are offered remotely, which is less than idea. “The majority of autistic students receive additional services like

physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling and social skills practice,” Neacosia explained. “They’re not able to receive those like normal.” Most of her students do not engage readily with virtual education because it does not seem like real life to them. While younger and less-abled students may suffer more from lacking their normal social interactions, older and more highly abled students struggle to transition from middle school to high school and make their secondary goals past graduation. Instead of practicing social skills in the community and learning about what working a job is like, they receive much less feedback via remote learning. Those struggling with staying focused find it even harder at home. A recent study of 3,500 families published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reports that 64% of caregivers said that the changes brought by the pandemic “severely or moderately impacted” their child’s autism symptoms, behaviors, mental wellbeing or related challenges. Further, 75% of parents reported that they felt extreme or moderate stress because of the disruption to their lives. “While many students – not just those with autism spectrum disorder – are struggling with remote learning, it can be extra challenging for our kids,” said Jean Leiker, vice president of the Central New York Affiliate of the Autism Society. “Many have assigned aides or teaching assistants at school to help with focus and

Integrative Medicine Sees Uptick During Pandemic By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

octors practicing integrative and holistic health are seeing increased interest from new and returning patients because of the pandemic. Az Tahir, MD, who practices holistic medicine in Syracuse and Rochester, said that his patient load has increased, even though he is seeing patients only via Zoom and Facetime. “We’re very busy,” he said. “I think people are more concerned about their health than before coronavirus. If they have any long-term health issues they’re neglecting, they are concerned about that. They want preventative care. There’s a lot of because of the media, interest in vitamin D and zinc. They’re getting more concerned about a healthy lifestyle.”

He has also seen people presenting with anxiety and depression. Although they seek his care for other symptoms, he notes symptoms of anxiety and depression during visits as he discusses their health concerns. Tahir believes that the pandemic is causing those with history of anxiety and depression to experience these issues again. Like Tahir, Heidi Baldwin, practice manager at Integrative Medicine of Central New York in Chittenango, said that many patients are presenting with stress and sleep issues. “They are struggling with their sleep because of increased anxiety with the stress of the current situation,” Baldwin said. She added that the change

Devyn Pereira is a student at Hilton Central School District. “With remote learning for Devyn, you might as well not do it,” her mom says. On the screen, it’s like a boring video they’re making her watch.” academic modifications, and they may not have the same immediate access to these resources at home.” She added that some school districts have allowed children with autism to attend school in person on more days than typically abled children. Andy Lopez-Williams, founder and clinical director at ADHD and Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy in Syracuse and Utica, called current times “one of the most challenging times for all students, and students with developmental disabilities in particular. The needs of children with autism can vary greatly since it is a highly heterogeneous disorder. This can make it difficult to develop educational plans for children with autism even in usual circumstances.” The one-on-one attention is what he said children with autism need to stay focused, on-task and able to complete their work. In addition, many children with autism have other learning issues and may have other disabilities that create further barriers for learning. “We will witness the effects of

this pandemic on the learning and socialization of children with autism for years to come,” Lopez-Williams said. “This is why it is crucial for children to be returned to in-person learning safely and as soon as possible.” Schooling at home may seem a big relief and a welcomed retreat with no bullies and the comfort of home. However, the lack of socializing opportunities is especially harmful for children with autism. For many of them, understanding social cues like facial expressions is not intuitive. They need practice that is hard to get through Zoom. “It will take creativity and ambition on the part of educators to address the negative aspects of virtual learning on children in general and children with autism in particular,” Lopez-Williams said. “And, when children return to in-person learning, it is crucial that more robust efforts are employed to help children catch up in their educational and socioemotional learning.”

in routine – such as working and educating at home and for some decreased income – has added to their stress level. Baldwin has also observed increased patient interest in “prevention and how they can best support their immune system to avoid getting COVID.” The practice has always used telemedicine; however, more widespread acceptance among patients has helped the practice reach more patients, which has increased the patient load. Some patients still prefer using telemedicine for a variety of reasons beyond COVID-19 concerns. With remote appointments, they do not have to worry about transportation, weather or childcare. Renée Melfi, board-certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation, pain medicine, and integrative holistic medicine, practices at Regenerative Spine & Musculoskeletal Medicine in Syracuse. She offers in-person visits and telehealth. “Since the federal government has allowed telehealth, I notice that many patients prefer to have tele-

health visits rather than in-office visits,” she said. “The majority of patients continue to prefer to remain in their home in interest of social distancing and disease mitigation than be seen in-office.” Unfortunately, that also means that many are not going to their gym or fitness center, either. She encourages them to stay active while at home, such as by going for walks. Melfi has also noticed that their health concerns have become more focused on basic healthcare needs rather than non-essential treatments. “Generally, patients’ primary concern is remaining healthy, largely through social distancing and staying home, and candidacy for the vaccine,” she said. “Even though I am a specialist and not primary care, I discuss the COVID vaccine with patients, especially seniors and medically high- risk patients. Unfortunately, many seniors do not know they can get the vaccine and they have no idea how to sign up to get it.”

April 2021 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Autism Awareness

Early Struggles Inspired Tammy Phillips’ Adult Career She worked hard and persevered and now helps her students do the same By Mary Beth Roach

acing learning disabilities in her younger years, learning from those experiences and realizing the importance of a strong support system are what inspired Tammy Phillips to become a special needs teacher. “You would see your friends getting things easily. They would pick it up easily. They didn’t have to study as much. I struggled immensely in college. But it made me a hard worker. I persevered,” she said. Her persistence paid off. She graduated from SUNY Oswego and went to work as a teaching assistant in 1999 at the Jowonio School in Syracuse. At the same time, she earned her master’s degree from Syracuse University in children with disabilities, birth through sixth grade. Her experience at Jowonio, she said, was instrumental in teaching her the need to get to know each and student how to work with them. She started with the Westhill School District in 2006, beginning at its Walberta Road School, and then moving to Cherry Road School, which is grades two through four, about seven years ago. She is now one of three special needs teachers at Cherry Road. She also credits her parents for the strides she made in school. It made her realize the difference that such support can make. “I wanted to be one of those teachers that advocate for kids’ needs,” she said. The teachers need to really learn their students, figure out what their needs are and realize that every one is an individual, she said. Among her special needs students are several who are on the autism spectrum, and she describes autism as a “development disability that affects information processing.” Those with autism can have a wide variety of difficulties, the most common impacting their social and

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communication skills. Many, too, she said, have an interest in a specific topic, which they will talk about incessantly, not comprehending the social cues that other people might not be interested. Special needs students have individual education plans, IEPs, so they’ll meet their milestones and teachers can monitor their progress, she explained. Special needs teachers align their lessons with what the general education classes are doing. “We stay on topic as their same grade peers, but you might be using different books, different materials,” she explained. This school year, Phillips is teaching three grade levels, so she works with eight different teachers to ensure that she’s coordinated classwork accordingly. The special needs students come to Phillips and her team for certain portions of the day and remain with their general education classroom, with their same-aged peers for other times, including lunch, social studies, and science, and Phillips has baskets in their rooms with modified work and projects. Key for Phillips is developing a good rapport with the parents. All of her students’ parents have her cell number. “You have to build that trusting relationship. I just make sure that every kid feels loved and understood by me. I think that because of that relationship with the child, I just see them excel. They’re hitting milestones that I never would have expected. It’s such an amazing experience to see that happen,” she said. Following a recent class observation done regularly by the school district, one of the administrators wrote that Phillips was jumping up and down because her student had read three words. “But that was the most exciting moment because I had waited and waited to hear that (student) say that,” she said. “I started in 1999 and I still get that excited.” She gets so excited sometimes at a student’s achievements that she’ll call or text the student’s parents during the day to share the good news with them. It helps to build that relationship, so if you have to make that call if their child is having a hard day, they trust you, she pointed out. “The school-home connection is

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key for students’ growth” she noted.

Challenges and Rewards She has found that the challenges of the job can also be the rewards. There are times when one of her students may be struggling with his or her behavior – whether in her class or another classroom, and she is called in to restore some sense of calm. Despite how she may feel, she cannot let those emotions show. She needs to remain calm because if she gets excited, the situation is only going to worsen, she said. She explained that when situations like these arise, it’s important for the teachers to figure what triggered the incident and what they can do to avoid it happening again. “In the same breath, it’s one of the joys,” she said. “The student’s in escalation, and they see me, and you can see them start to relax. Even though it’s a hard part of the job, it’s also, I know this child trusts me and knows that I’m here for him or her.” Another job, she said, is seeing her students reach goals independently, for example, seeing children with communication and socialization difficulties engage with other students on their own or read for the first time. “I can teach them how to read; I can teach them how to do their math. We try to teach them social skills, to see them do it on their own is huge,” she said. And when hearing a student who couldn’t read, say a few words for the first time, she explained, “It is the most joyful sound you can hear because you know that that kid as struggled so much.”

Impact of the Pandemic Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for the students, teachers and parents.

Having structure is beneficial to these students and the pandemic has destroyed any type of structure. The Westhill District is using the hybrid model, although some of students with higher needs are attending inschool classes four days a week and doing online work on Wednesdays. As Phillips explained, online learning has been difficult for some students with significant needs. It’s difficult for them to remain focused and engaged; there are many distractions at home. They often don’t have the technological skills needed to do online learning. Seeing their teacher through a computer screen can be confusing and students often need direct help when reading and writing that online learning cannot provide. Often, parents are trying to juggle online learning for several children, and many are trying to do their own work from home. For teachers, she explained further, it’s difficult to give students the support they need. “It requires a lot of creativity to keep students engaged. I believe that virtual learning has hindered some students from learning social norms – learning classroom expectations, following rules, having interactions with others and developing social skills they require. Some of these things are difficult to learn at home, although parents are doing their very best to give their child everything they need and deserve,” she said. When she shares her experiences over the years, one can easily see the love she has for her students, celebrating their accomplishments, being a calming influence and continually advocating for them. “Everybody has their own way to succeed. We, as the adults, have to figure out how to do that for all kids,” she said.

Autism Awareness

Pandemic Has Varied Effects On Autism Organizations Some are doing well while others continue to struggle By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

onprofits relying on donor funding have been affected in different ways the by pan-

demic. As some families may still feel the strain from work layoffs and furloughs, others work for businesses that have boomed during the pandemic. Depending upon their type of donor funding, autism organizations may be struggling or doing fine financially. Some organizations relying heavily on fundraisers have likely experienced a reduction in their budget, according to Andy Lopez-Williams, founder and clinical director of ADHD and Autism Psychological Services and Advocacy in Syracuse and Utica. “Many organizations have been creative and found ways to fundraise despite this pandemic,” Lopez-Williams said. “The inability to gather in person certainly creates additional challenges to fundraising and requires that we find ways to connect with donors even if we can’t be face to face. It’s hard to know at this time what the ultimate effect of his pandemic will be on fundraising and the ability to translate those funds into meaningful supports and programs

for persons with autism.” He thinks that once people can readily meet face to face, the pent-up energy and funds may generate good fundraising opportunities. The Central New York Affiliate of the Autism Society in Dewitt typically hosts an annual walk to raise funds and awareness. In 2020, it was postponed from April until October. This year, the organization has planned a month-long steps challenge for April. “We will see how we do from a fundraising standpoint,” said Jean Leiker, vice president. “This will be a new experiment for us. Our focus is always on awareness, so anyone can participate and it is not a requirement to fundraise.” Last year, the organization held its annual golf tournament in the fall. “While our overall fundraising was considerably lower last year, we were not able to run our usual programs, so our expenses were also lower,” Leiker said. “We are looking forward to offering more programs in 2021 and hope the fundraising will follow with this plan in mind.” Kelly Carinci chief development officer for The Kelberman Center in Syracuse and Utica, also expressed

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that the past year has been challenging. In 2020 and now in 2021 the organization’s Walk for Autism has transitioned to an entirely virtual event. “We have seen overwhelming support this year from businesses who have stepped up to sponsor the Walk for Autism, especially our lead sponsor, The Fitness Mill,” Carinci said. She has also seen an influx of teams registering on Mobile Cause, The Kelberman Center’s fundraising platform, to raise money for the walk. “Even though we cannot walk together in person this year, everyone who participations knows that he or she is a part of something amazing, something which will have a lasting effect on the children and adults who we support,” Carinci said. She added that the organization’s fundraisers make it possible to provide services, including its Walk for Autism. But more than just the financial support, it raises awareness as well. “The walk began more than a decade ago and has always been an in-person opportunity for families, community members, businesses and friends to come together to walk for a common goal of raising money for autism services right here in our community,” Carinci said. Without fundraisers, that opportunity is lost. Elizabeth Fallon Quilter, non-profit strategist and certified fundraising executive, owns a consulting practice and works as a non-profit fundraising consultant

from Baldwinsville. She contends that relationship building is the key to successful fundraising. For some donors, that relationship may begin with awareness raised through a fundraising event and continues with follow-up from the organization. Organizations that support children, such as autism support organizations, have done well since the pandemic began, according to Fallon Quilter. She also said that virtual events made more money for some organizations than their in-person events of the past, mostly because of the host expenses and how they managed the virtual event. Just saying that an event is canceled, rescheduled or is now virtual is not enough. Organizations must effectively communicate their continued need and ask for support to continue. People truly dedicated to a cause will donate whether they have an event to attend or not. Their dedication stems from both caring about the cause and the relationships they have formed with the organization’s leadership. Nonetheless, events still play an important role for non-profit organizations. “Many board members and volunteers like have something to invite people to,” Fallon Quilter said. “Having the party, concert or dinner is a way for people to introduce the organization to others.” While staying in touch is important, she believes that letters emails and phone calls may not build the relationship in the same way that meeting face-to-face can. She predicts that smaller outdoor events, activities that keep people separated like golf tournaments and intimate get-togethers like a backyard barbecue with a few key donors, will likely constitute most charitable fundraisers this summer. She also fears that Zoom events may wane as people will want to get outside and as they have become “Zoom weary” because so many events have been online so long. Regardless of how organizers host fundraisers, she believes it’s all about building the relationship with donors. “You don’t need a big party to do that,” Fallon Quilter said.

By Carolyn Handville

here are many things we’ve had to put off because of COVID-19 but getting screened for colorectal cancer doesn’t have to be one of them. Stool-based screening tests can check for colorectal cancer. These tests are done in the privacy and safety of your home. The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of the North Country is asking adults to talk to their health care providers about a colorectal cancer test called FIT. FIT (fecal immunochemical test) looks for blood in a small amount of stool. You do the test at home and mail it to a lab. If the test is normal, you do the test again in one year. If blood is found, you will need a colonoscopy to find out if the blood is from cancer. A colonoscopy is done in a medical office. Many people are afraid to go into an office because of COVID-19, but health care providers are taking many steps to keep patients safe. Safety steps include making all staff and patients wear a mask, screening staff and patients for COVID-19 symptoms, increased cleaning of hands and surfaces, and social distancing.

March is Colorectal (colon) Cancer Awareness Month. This month the CSP is spreading the word that regular screening for colorectal cancer is low risk and can save lives. Colorectal cancer screening may find growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find cancer early when it may be more easily treated. If you are age 50 or older, you should get screened for colorectal cancer. Adults younger than age 50 should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and when to start screening. If you don’t have insurance or a health care provider, our program may be able to help. The CSP provides free colorectal cancer screening to adults who qualify. We can also provide free breast and cervical cancer screening. Call 315-592-0830 today to find out if you qualify for any cancer screenings! Carolyn Handville works for Oswego County Opportunities and is the program manager at Colon Screening Program of North Country, funded by the state of New York.

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Your Health is as Important as Ever!

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

By Jim Miller

A Social Security Perk for Older Parents Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve been told that my two children, ages 14 and 16, may be eligible for Social Security when I file for my retirement benefits. Is this true? What can you tell me? Viagra Daddy

Dear Viagra, It’s true. If you’re age 62 or older and are still raising young children, there’s a Social Security benefit strategy that can put some extra money in your family coffers. Here’s how it works. When you file for Social Security retirement benefits, your minor children can get money on your work record equaling half of what you would receive at full retirement age, now gradually rising from 66 to 67. Even if you were to take a smaller benefit by claiming earlier, your kids will still get half of your full-retirement age amount. To qualify, your daughter — whether she’s biological, adopted or a stepdaughter — must be unmarried and under age 18. Kids who are over 18 but still in high school, can collect too until they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first. (Other rules apply to kids that are disabled.)

But that’s not all. Because one of your children is only 14, your wife (if you’re married) can collect Social Security benefits on your work record too, and it doesn’t matter if she’s just 40 years old. The minimum age requirements to collect retirement benefits (62) or survivor benefits (60) does not apply when it comes to collecting benefits as the caregiver of a young child. The spouse’s benefit, which is also worth up to half of your benefit, will stop when your daughter turns 16. But note that there are limits to the amount of money that can be paid to a family. The Social Security “family maximum payment” is determined by a complex formula and can range from 150% to 180% of your full retirement benefit amount. If the total exceeds that, each person’s benefit, except yours, is cut proportionately until it equals the maximum. Here’s an example of how that’s figured. Let’s say, for example, that your full retirement age benefit is $2,400 per month. That would make your family maximum benefit (according to the Social Security formu-

la at SSA.gov/oact/cola/familymax. html) roughly $4,200 per month. Subtract your $2,400 benefit from the $4,200 family maximum benefit, which leaves $1,800. That’s the monthly amount that can be split between your two children — $900 each. If your wife wants in on it too, the individual checks are smaller, at $600 a piece, but the family amount is the same. You should also know that minor children can collect up to half of a disabled parent’s Social Security disability benefit. And if the parent dies, they will get a survivor’s benefit, which is up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. To learn more, see the SSA publication (No. 05-10085) “Benefits for Children” at SSA.gov/pubs/EN-0510085.pdf.

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One Caveat Social Security benefits for your kids may not be available before full retirement age if you are still working. In 2021, you will lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned over $18,960, except in the year you reach full retirement age. In that case, the earnings limit is $50,520, with $1 in benefits withheld for every $3 earned over the limit. If you lose your benefits, your dependents also lose theirs. You can recoup those payments later, but your kids can’t.

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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Q&A Submit your Disability Update Report Online W e are required to conduct continuing eligibility reviews for disabled beneficiaries every three years. This process requires that beneficiaries complete a Continuing Disability Review mailer to update information about their medical conditions and recent treatments. We now offer an online option to complete this update and provide any supporting documents about your medical treatment or your work. We designed this new form with convenience in mind — and to save you time. You can access the online form at www.ssa.gov/ssa455-onlineform. (Use either Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome for the best online experience.) You will need your Social Security number, your current address and phone number, and a valid email

address to complete the form. Also, you must have received a request for an updated disability report in the mail. Once you “Click to Sign,” you will receive an email from echosign. com asking you to confirm your digital signature. Check your junk folder if you don’t receive it within a few minutes. Your signature isn’t complete — and your form won’t be processed — until you complete the instructions in your email. Please visit our blog at blog.ssa. gov for more articles — and our frequently asked questions page at ssa. gov/faq. Please be sure to let your friends and loved ones know about this new online option. NOTE: The mention of Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the Social Security Administration

Q: Who can get “Extra Help” with Medicare prescription drug coverage? A: Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. People with higher incomes might pay a higher premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for “Extra Help” to pay for the costs — monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments — related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for “Extra Help,” you must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. For 2021, your resources must be limited to $14,610 (or $29,160 if you are married and living with your spouse). Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources. Your annual income must be limited to $19,140 (or $25,860 if you are married and living with your spouse). Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Learn more at www.saa. gov/prescriptionhelp. Q: If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, what is the effect on my benefits if I work? A: In most cases, your return to work would reduce your benefit amount. Unlike Social Security

disability, there is no “trial work period” for people who get SSI disability benefits. Reporting wages each month helps us pay the correct amount of SSI. Timely reporting may also prevent you from owing us money or may allow us to pay a higher amount. We have several publications about SSI, including “Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income,” available at www.ssa.gov/ pubs. Note that there are other work incentives that can help you return to work when you receive SSI. You can read about them in “What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI),” also available at www.ssa.gov/pubs. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov. Q: I recently applied for a replacement Social Security card, but I might be moving before it arrives in the mail. What should I do if I move before I get it? A: Once we have verified all your documents and processed your application, it takes approximately 10 to 14 days to receive your replacement Social Security card. If you move after applying for your new card, notify the post office of your change of address and the post office will forward your card to your new address. If you do not receive your card, please contact your local Social Security office. To get a replacement, you will have to resubmit your evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship, or your lawful immigration status and authority to work. You can learn more at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

FREE Lung Cancer Screenings for smokers and ex-smokers ages 50-80! • When: Saturday, April 17 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Where: Two locations – HOACNY in Syracuse and CRA Medical Imaging in Auburn • Who: To qualify, you must be 50-80 years old and be a current heavy smoker or one who quit in the last 15 years. • How: Call 315-472-7504 today for an appointment, as spaces are limited and only those with an appointment will be screened. • Alternative: Not available for a free screening on April 17? Contact HOA for a weekday appointment; lung cancer screenings are often covered by insurance or can be paid for privately. Speak with your doctor to see if a screening is right for you! Important: All participants will be screened for COVID-19 at check-in for their appointment.

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Call 315-472-7504 or visit hoacny.com to learn more, confirm that you qualify and schedule your appointment while openings are available.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

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New Syracuse VA Medical Center: “Thinking Outside the Box” Taking over the position amid the pandemic, new leader adjusts VA to continue services to patients By Mary Beth Roach

he past few months have been marked by change for Frank Pearson, a doctor of physical therapy and a certified physician assistan. Named as the director of the Syracuse VA Medical Center in August, he moved to Syracuse from California, taking over in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s change — a positive change — that Pearson sees himself bringing to the medical facility. “I found the culture was right, where I could make positive change and have an effect,” he said. When he came to the Syracuse VAMC in August, the country was about four months into the pandemic, and within a few short months, the next surge hit. “We had to think outside of the box. We have an extremely talented leadership team throughout the entire facility who always rose to the occasion. And, we had to adapt to different scenarios,” he said. He also praised the efforts of the nursing and facilities team, who adapted and created rooms to accommodate the increased number of patients. The Syracuse staff, he pointed out, has also been helping to carry out the VA’s fourth mission, which is to “improve the nation’s preparedness for response to war, terrorism, national emergencies and national disasters by developing plans and taking actions to ensure continued service to veterans, as well as to support national, state and local emergency management, public health, safety and homeland security efforts.” The other three missions are health care, veterans’ benefits and national cemeteries. He explained they have sent nurses, physicians and other medical support teams to assist other facilities throughout the nation that have been coping with the pandemic and natural disasters, like floods and hurricanes, that have devastated certain parts of the country. Staff is also assisting in mass vaccination clinics all over the United States.

Over the past several months, the Syracuse facility has been offering its own vaccination clinic in its parking garage, allowing vets to receive their shots without ever leaving their vehicles. When the temperature of the clinic’s first weekend didn’t even reach 15 degrees, Pearson had suggested to the staff that they move the program inside. They immediately declined, telling him that although they might feel the cold a little bit, they were energized by the respect and the dignity of the veterans. “I couldn’t be more proud of the staff I’m privileged to lead here,” he said. The challenges from COVID-19 have been among the greatest Pearson said he’s faced since taking over. However, he believes that they’ve also allowed the facility to assess how they provide health care. Adapting to virtual visits and getting the technologies to their patients, especially those living in rural areas or those who don’t have access, have caused some difficulties. But, he sees telehealth as an opportunity for health care and communications, and physicians are able to speak with and see their patients more frequently as needed.

outpatient clinics in Massena, Watertown, Auburn, Rome, Oswego, Binghamton and Tompkins-Cortland in Freeville. It partners with vet centers in Syracuse, Binghamton and Watertown. It leases space at Fort Drum for physical therapy for veterans in that area. It’s also affiliated SUNY Upstate Medical University. Because the healthcare system is funded via federal channels, Pearson said, “Congress has the right and the responsibility to look in at all times for the welfare of the veterans. That’s a tremendous undertaking and it’s a privilege to serve in this role.” It’s this transparency that appealed to Pearson in making his decision to take the director’s position at the VA. “One of the beauties about the Veterans Administration is that they’re extremely transparent. If you go online, you can see our metrics

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and our performance. I was able to do a lot of homework and see we what we’re doing here as an institution,” he said. Retiring in 2019 as a U.S. Navy Captain, Pearson, 58, had been the Chief Executive Officer at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California. Prior to that, he had been Chief Operating Officer of Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida, and Chief Operating Officer of Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. He earned both his doctorate degree and master’s degree in physical therapy from Baylor University and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences. He had been retired for about a year before taking the job here in Syracuse. Although the native Californian first interviewed for the Syracuse job on a day in February of 2020, when, he said, it snowed about a foot, he didn’t retract his application. He looks forward to enjoying some of the attractions of Central New York area. He’s not a complete stranger to winter weather, having done undergraduate work at the Rochester Institute of Technology. And while he can still enjoy one of passions, golf, here, he said that he’ll just dream about surfing.

“Caring for America’s Veterans” He said his responsibilities as director are typical of a hospital CEO, except for its patient base, “caring for America’s veterans.” The facility on Irving Avenue is much more than a 189-bed medical and surgical referral center. It also includes a 16-bed acute psychiatric unit; a 46-bed community living center where veterans come to live at the facility; and a 30-bed spinal cord injury center, a $90 million project that opened in 2013. Moreover, it provides a broad spectrum of services for the 50,000 eligible veterans in the 14-county area it serves, such as primary, vision and audiology care; mental health; long-term care; physical medicine and rehab; urology; oncology; dentistry; and geriatrics. It also operates community-based April 2021 •

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H ealth News Oswego Health nurses attain certification Despite the pandemic, six Oswego Health nurses made it a priority to complete intense training, which involved hours of education and a final exam, to elevate their clinical practice through the National Certification Corporation. The training focused on improving patient outcomes through the validation of specialty knowledge. “In addition to their daily responsibilities here at Oswego Health, we could not be prouder of the Women’s Services team to persevere and earn these accolades,” said Valerie Favata, vice president and chief nursing officer. “These certifications demonstrate their commitment to patient care and improved outcomes.” Those nurses earning national certification in lactation consulting include Amy Ilardi and Nychole Utter. Michelle Rockwood, Dawn Costello and Kimberly Spurling became certified in inpatient obstetrics, and Jessica Leaf became certified in electronic monitoring.

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Crouse’s ER Recognized for Sepsis, Stroke Care

he American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has recently recognized Crouse Health’s Pomeroy Emergency Services Department in its Emergency Quality Network (E-QUAL) honor

CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

April 6, 13, 15

Hearing loss group holds virtual meetings

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Rochester Chapter offers a trio of virtual programs for anyone interested in hearing loss. All use the Zoom platform. Preregistration is required by visiting the HLAA website at: http://hearinglossrochester.org. All are free and in real time. Closed captioning is an option for all participants as well. • Noon, April 6. Physician Elise dePapp will discuss “Pathological Anatomy of Hearing Loss.” During her presentation she will talk about how we hear and why we don’t while clarifying the mechanics and terminology of deafness. She will demonstrate the three-part anatomy of the ear and the detailed structure of the inner ear and brain pathways and auditory centers for understanding sounds. A graduate of Sweet Briar College, dePapp earned her medical degree at the University of Rochester. She is a retired pathologist who became interested in the pathology of hearing loss. She has served on the Page 26

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HLAA Rochester Chapter board of directors. • 10 a.m., April 13. Retired audiologist and hearing aid user Joseph Kozelsky will present “Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE).” Prospective, new, or experienced hearing aid users can share their experiences, questions and hearing loss journeys in an informal virtual round table discussion. • 10 a.m., April 15. The HLAA-Rochester technology team will present “Virtual ALD Demo Center.” This is a continuing orientation to the online “Virtual Demo Center” website. It is a review of selected assistive listening devices, captioning-capable and amplified telephones, signaling-alerting devices and smart phone APP’s related to hearing enhancement and gives the opportunity for the presenters to answer questions from those joining the Zoom meeting. HLAA is the nation’s leading organization representing consumers with hearing loss. HLAA opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021

roll for leading the way for how the nation cares for emergency services patients. Crouse’s emergency services team was recognized for improving outcomes for sepsis patients and for

April 17

Free lung cancer screening in E. Syracuse, Auburn

Hematology/Oncology Associates of CNY (HOACNY) and CRA Medical Imaging are offering a second free lung cancer screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 17, in two locations: HOACNY office, 5008 Brittonfield Pkwy, E, Syracuse; and Diagnostic Imaging Center, 37 W. Garden St., Auburn. Appointments are required by calling 315-472-7504 x1133, and walkins are not allowed. Each patient will receive a COVID-19 precautionary screening and must comply with safety protocols, including wearing a mask. For individuals unable to make this date, HOACNY offers the same screening on weekdays at each of its three clinical locations. In most cases the screening fee is covered by insurance but can also be paid privately. “Lung cancer screening is part of preventive health, like a mammogram or a colonoscopy, that patients should discuss with their primary care providers,” said HOACNY physician Aref Agheli. “It is a quick and painless procedure that may find something before a person has any symptoms. And, when we find cancer in an early-stage, survival rates are much higher. This free lung cancer screening is available for people at high risk for lung cancer, including any and all referrals from primary care providers. To qualify for the screening the

high performance in acute stroke diagnosis and treatment. The 2020 E-QUAL honor roll is based on a learning collaborative that includes virtual quality improvement activities and sharing of clinical performance data. “This recognition reflects our team’s ongoing focus on improving clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience for our emergency services patients,” said physician David Mason, medical director of emergency services for Crouse Health. “It’s gratifying to see the work we have done in the areas of sepsis and stroke care receive national recognition.” ACEP President William Jaquis, a physician, said, “Through collaboration and innovation, the emergency departments that participate in E-QUAL are transforming emergency medicine and advancing how we care for millions of people. E-QUAL honor roll awardees are the shining example for how emergency departments can lead the way in practice transformation and quality improvements.” Crouse’s Pomeroy Emergency Services Department treated 50,000 patients in 2020. The hospital’s door-to-cardiac treatment times are among the lowest in the region and the hospital is a New York state and DNV Healthcare-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.

person has to be between 55 and 80 years of age, be a smoker or have a history of heavy smoking. Those who quit in the last 15 years also qualify for the free screening.

May 1

‘Make it Happen’ 20K series registration now open

The “Make It Happen 20k Race Series” committee members recently announced the opening of the registration for its series event. The “Make It Happen 20k” combines long standing 5K races of the Oswego County Autism Task Force, Oswego Little League, Oswego Health Foundation and the Buc Boosters, into one 20K series. The series will include both a runners and walkers prize categories at the conclusion of the four events. The first 5K of the series will kick off on May 1 with the Out Run Autism 5K, followed by the Oswego Little League 5K on June 20, the Oswego Health Foundation on Aug. 14, ending with the Buc Booster “Go BUCS” 5k Oct 10. Participants once again will compete in all four individual events with an overall race series winner. The overall winners in both running and walking categories will be based on age group divisions and race time results from all four events combined. Series participants will be required to follow all COVID-19 guidelines in order to participate. To register, visit the series website at www.makeithappenoswego. com, and click the registration link.

CNY’spremier premier kidney practice CNY’s specializing in the disease practice treatment chronic celebrating of our grand kidney disease, providing “re-opening” with a newly care for renovated patients with office including diabetes relatedankidney updated waiting issues, high blood room, newanemia, blood those pressure, drawdialysis and laboratory, on and those new front desk and who have had a kidney check out, new transplant. Monthly care patient bathrooms, also available newly updated exam at locations Camillus, rooms andinPatient Fayetteville, Fulton We and Education Center. Oneida. welcome all new and existing patients to our updated medical facilities.

WHEN IT’S URGENT we’re right at home.

When it comes to non-emergency injuries, illnesses, or symptoms, Oswego Health is right at home. WHEN TO VISIT THE URGENT CARE ■

Cuts or wounds that may require stitches

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Sprains, strains or deep bruises

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Mild to moderate asthma attacks

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Ear infections

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Urinary tract infection

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Dental pain

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Upper respiratory infections

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Coughs and congestion

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Sore throats

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Insect bites and rashes

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COVID-19 testing

SAVE TIME. Check-in online. Wait at home.

URGENT CARE oswegohealth.org/urgent-care Both centers are open daily, including weekends, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper April 2021