IGH CNY Feb Issue 206 by In Good Health: CNY's Healthcare Newspaper

in good Meet Your Doctor Theresa W. Ruddy, a new colorectal doctor in Oswego discusses intestinal issues, colonoscopy, Crohn’s disease and why she chose to be a surgeon

Valentine’s Day

Can You Really Die of Broken Heart?

February 2017 •

Issue 206

cnyhealth.com

Meet the New CEO at St. Joe’s Leslie Paul Luke, the new chief executive officer at St. Joseph's Health, grew up in Hawaii and held leadership positions at various hospitals. A pilot whose father lived in Syracuse in the ‘50s, Luke talks about his goals and why he decided to take the job in Syracuse. page 22

Things to Know About Memory Loss

Best Diet Plan?

Is Running Bad for Your Knees?

U.S. News & World Report ranks 38 diet plans. See which one is the winner, seven years in a row

It turns out that it may slow development of osteoarthritis, says study

1.3 Million U.S. Adults Identify as Transgender

CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

Upstate Team Investigating New Drugs to Fight Shingles Researchers hopeful new drugs will help ease shingles’ pain, rash

Delicata Squash

This great-for-you veggie is known for its soft texture, its scrumptious flavor (similar to sweet potatoes), its tender skin (edible!) and its bounty of health benefits. Read more in SmartBites.

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US Life Expectancy Decreases

Americans who were born in 2015 expected have shorter lives. See what had caused this trend and why experts are worried about it.

1.3 Million U.S. Adults Identify as Transgender

ne of the first comprehensive surveys on the subject estimates that about 1.3 million American adults currently identify as transgender. The new data is based on answers to a 2014 U.S. government survey of more than 151,000 adults conducted across 19 states. Transgender people identify with or express a gender identity that differs from the gender they were born with. Researchers say that 0.53 percent of respondents — about one in every 189 U.S. adults — answered “yes” to the question, “Do you consider yourself to be transgender?” Transgender individuals were

more likely to identify as male-tofemale (0.28 percent of adults surveyed) than female-to-male (0.16 percent), the study found. “The transgender population is a racially diverse population present across U.S. communities,” concluded a team led by physician Halley Crissman of the University of Michigan. Transgender adults were more likely to be nonwhite than white, the survey found. Many transgender people face economic hardship. The study found that 26 percent lived below the poverty line, compared to 15.5 percent of non-transgendered respondents. Transgender people were also less

likely to have attended college, the researchers said. These inequalities “have negative implications for the health of the transgender population,” Crissman’s team said. However, in other respects, transgender people’s lives were similar to those of other Americans. About half of both transgender and non-trans-

Cardiology Still a Man’s Field, Survey Finds Women less likely to choose that specialty, and they report more discrimination than males

ost cardiologists in the United States are men, and many female cardiologists report discrimination in the workplace, a new survey finds. “We need to increase the diversity of our workforce, and find ways to recruit higher numbers of women and underrepresented minorities,” said survey senior author, physician Claire Duvernoy, chairwoman of the Women in Cardiology Council at

the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The council conducted the survey. “We must work to change the culture that allows this to occur in our field,” Duvernoy added. The poll included more than 1,300 male and almost 1,000 female cardiologists. The findings revealed that the percentage of women reporting workplace discrimination fell from 71 percent to 65 percent in

2.1%

the past 20 years, but that rate is still three times higher than it is among men. Women were more likely to report discrimination related to gender and parenting, while men were more likely to report racial and religious discrimination, the investigators found. Women are still much less likely to choose cardiology than other medical specialties. In 2013, women

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accounted for 13 percent of cardiologists, compared with more than 35 percent of internists, more than 30 percent of hematologists/oncologists, 18 percent of general surgeons and more than 50 percent of obstetricians gynecologists. The survey also found a significant increase in the number of cardiologists older than 60 compared with a decade or two ago. Also, the proportion of cardiologists in private practice fell from 73 percent in 1996 to 23 percent. The findings were published Dec. 21 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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gender people were married, for example, and they had roughly the same levels of employment. The researchers stressed that many transgendered people may not have answered “yes” to the survey question out of privacy concerns or stigma, so the numbers reported may still be an “underestimation.” Still, any accurate representation of what the study authors call this “marginalized” population should further efforts to help improve the lives of transgender Americans, they said. The challenges many transgender people face mean that many need “support for tackling factors deterring [them] from continuing education, including harassment and discrimination,” Crissman’s team said. The findings were published online Dec. 20 in the American Journal of Public Health.

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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CALENDAR of

HEALTH EVENTS

Feb. 7, March 6

Medicare questions answered by experts Are you turning 65 soon? Are you overwhelmed by all the mail, calls and Medicare options? The Cayuga County Office for the Aging will offer complimentary monthly classes to help you make sense of Medicare. Here you will learn how to determine whether the plan you are considering will give you peace of mind or potential headaches. You’ll learn about how Part D drug plans work and whether EPIC co-pay assistance is an option for you. If your income is limited, we’ll provide information about programs to help pay for your insurance coverage, as well as a listing of the free and low cost preventive care under Medicare. All classes will be held in the basement training room of the Cayuga County Office Building. Classes are scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb 7, and from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 6. Registration is required and all classes are open for enrollment now. For more information or to register, call the Cayuga County Office for the Aging at 315-253-1226, or visit www.cayugacounty.us/aging under the News & Activities section.

Feb. 11

ACR Health to hold Sled for RED derby Expect competition on the slopes and under the tent as ACR Health expands its seventh annual Sled for

RED cardboard sledding derby to include a competition for CNY’s best wintery drink at Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center in Fayetteville Saturday, Feb. 11. The competition pits area bars and restaurants in a contest to design CNY’s best wintry drink. Contestants pay $250 registration fee and supply their own materials. Sled for RED participants sip, then vote for their favorite drink. The winner will walk away with the award and a sponsored night at their business for the top sled team. Each sled team must raise a minimum $250 to enter Sled for RED. Teams receive five complimentary event tickets and can use only regular cardboard, tape, and paint to construct the sled. The cheer team for each sled can be an unlimited number and can help raise extra money (the bigger the better!). Awards are given for the loudest cheer team, the fastest sled, the slowest sled, the highest fundraiser, the best decorated sled, and the best team costume. Registration begins at 4 p.m. The cardboard sledding derby begins at 5 p.m., followed by the competition for CNY’s best wintery drink and food and beverage sampling inside the Century heated tent and a tubing party on the slopes. The tubing party is $15 per person. Participants can enjoy the competitions without sledding too. The fee to attend the hot chocolate, food, beer and wine Sampling is $10 per person; $5 for age 10 and younger. All money raised will support ACR Health’s youth prevention programs and emergency client needs. For more information or to register, call 800-475-2430 or go to www. ACRHealth.org.

Feb. 11

Taste of Chocolate event to benefit church pantry The Columbian Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of routes 11 and 20, LaFayette, will sponsor “A Taste of Chocolate,” which will take place from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11. This is a food-tasting event where participants can purchase samples of dozens of home made goodies with one thing in common chocolate. Choose from white, dark or milk chocolate, in cookies, muffins, candies, breads and more! Samples are only 50 cents each. Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to LaFayette Outreach, the church’s food pantry. For donations or more information, call 677-3293 or visit www.ColumbianPresbyterianChurch. com.

Feb. 19

Beauty salons compete to raise funds for ACR Health Central New York’s most celebrated beauty salons will compete hairdo to hairdo Sunday, Feb. 19 when Goldwell a hair product company, presents BLOWOUT 2017 FreeForm, a fantasy hair show on the main stage at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse. BLOWOUT main stage runway competition starts at 3 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 VIP and available at

Excellus to Make $90,000 in Community Health Awards Available to Nonprofits Nonprofit organizations in Upstate NY are encouraged to apply for grants. Deadline is Feb. 17

onprofit organizations can apply for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Award grants that add up to a total of $90,000, which the company has allocated to help fund health and wellness programs in Upstate New York. Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county Upstate New York region are invited to apply for an award of up to $4,000 each. The award can be used for programs that have clear goals to improve the health or health care of a specific population. Programs that improve the health status of the community, reduce the incidence of specific diseases, promote health education and

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further overall wellness will be considered. The deadline to submit an application to be considered for an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Award is Friday, Feb. 17. To access additional information and the online application, click here or go to https:// www.excellusbcbs.com/wps/portal/xl/our/compinfo/corp-giving. Awards will be announced in March. “The company’s Community Health Awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” said Jim Reed, regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “These awards com-

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

plement our existing grants and sponsorships with agencies that work to enhance quality of life, including health status, in Upstate New York.” Last year, seven Central New York organizations were selected from more than 185 submitted applications in the 31-county upstate New York region. The Central New York organizations that received grants were: Canton Woods Senior Center, Baldwinsville; Community Health Center of the North Country, Canton; Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County, Watertown; GardenShare, Canton; InterFaith Works, Syracuse; and SAGE Upstate, Syracuse.

the door or online at ACRHealth.org. Proceeds benefit the Q Center at ACR Health and emergency client needs. Doors open at 3 p.m. Professional hair and makeup artists create fantasy hairstyles and send their models strutting down the runway across the main stage, to compete for cash, prizes, and bragging rights. Or more information, call 4752430 x 706 or email moneill@acrhealth. org.

Feb. 23, 24

Applications open for M.A.S.H. camp at Upstate The Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC) opened the application process for the Medical Academy of Science and Health (M.A.S.H.) Camp at Upstate University Hospital Community Campus, a two-day experience that introduces students to careers in healthcare through fun, interactive workshops. Students entering eighth and ninth grade are eligible to apply. The M.A.S.H. Camp is scheduled for Feb. 23 and 24 at Upstate. The twoday camp is sponsored by the Advocates for Upstate Medical University and the Central New York Area Health Education Center. The two organizations have partnered on this initiative with the shared goal of alleviating the shortage of health professionals by encouraging young people to explore health careers. A variety of careers will be highlighted during M.A.S.H. Camp through educational activities for students, in addition to guidance from dedicated health professionals. The camp is available at no cost to students. Space is limited to 27 students and applicants will be notified following a selection process. Access the online application by visiting CNYAHEC at www.cnyahec.com/apply/. Applications must be received by Feb. 3. For contact information or press inquiries, please contact Mandy Qualls, CNYAHEC associate director, at mqualls@ cnyahec.org

Help Choose 2017 Senior Citizen of the Year The Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, Office for Aging is seeking nominations for its 2017 senior citizen of the year. This award will recognize an Onondaga County resident, age 60 or older, who demonstrates the power of making a difference through civic engagement. “Today’s seniors are redefining aging. Our office takes great pride in facilitating a process that identifies an individual who has impacted our community,” said Peter Headd, executive director at Office for Aging. The nomination form can be downloaded from the Office for Aging website — www.ongov.net/aging — or requested by calling 315-435-2362. Submissions are due by Feb. 10. The winner will attend a New York state event in Albany May 9 and will be recognized at the Onondaga County Senior Celebration Luncheon to be held on May 17 at Drumlins Country Club. For more information, contact the Office for Aging at 315-435-2362.

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February 2017 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Blood Shortage Prompts Red Cross Call for Donations Decline in donors seen over holidays

lood donations to the American Red Cross have slumped recently, so donors are desperately needed, the organization says. “Hospital patients need lifesaving blood this winter, and they’re relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to provide hope in the days and weeks ahead,” said Chris Hrouda, executive vice president of Red Cross Blood Services. “The Red Cross is doing everything it can to ensure blood products are available on the shelves when patients need it, but we can’t do it alone,” Hrouda said in a Red Cross news release. “We need eligible individuals to give blood and platelets as soon as possible.” In the United States, the Red Cross is responsible for about 40 percent of the blood supply. However, roughly 37,000 fewer donors gave during November and December, the agency said. Along with the hectic holiday season, severe weather hampered donations and forced blood drives to be cancelled, the agency said. What’s needed now: About 14,000 blood and platelet donations a day to meet the needs of about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers across the United States. Donations of platelets, a part of blood that’s key to clotting, can help patients with cancer and other illnesses and injuries. Donors can also make donations of a component of blood called plasma, which can treat burn patients, those who have experienced trauma, and those whose blood does not clot properly. According to the American Red Cross, people as young as 17, or even 16 in some states, may be eligible to give blood. Eligible donors can schedule donations by going to redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Some donation sites have extended hours.

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Meet

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Theresa W. Ruddy, M.D. New colorectal doctor in Oswego discusses intestinal issues, colonoscopy, Crohn’s disease and why she chose to be a surgeon. Q: Can you give us an overview of your practice? A: I’ve been working in a private practice in Syracuse doing primarily colorectal work, but at Oswego Health I’ll be doing general surgery. I’ll pretty much do whatever they need me to do, but I like to focus on colorectal when I can. Q: Typically speaking, what kinds of complaints are your patients presenting with? A: There are a lot of anorectal things I take care of, like people who have pain when they go to the bathroom, bleeding, itchiness, hemorrhoids and things like that. Another part of my practice is colon cancer screening, so I do a lot of colonoscopies. That’s something that’s hard to get people to do. You have to get them to understand the importance of it. The other thing I do is abdominal surgeries for colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s and diverticulitis. Q: Generally speaking, how resilient are the intestines to surgery. Can you usually mess around down there and have it function normally? A: Yeah, definitely. I tell my patients who are having elective surgery, there’s about a 95 percent chance their bowels will return to whatever was normal for them before they got sick. Most of my patients are in and out of the hospital in three to five days. It’s just the recovery that’s the hard part. It can take a month to six weeks to get back to your normal energy, just from the trauma of the surgery. Q: How often are you able to perform your surgeries minimally invasively? A: People who are good candidates are usually those who haven’t previously had surgery. Cancer patients are often better candidates for minimally invasive surgery because it tends to be confined to one spot. People with inflammatory bowel syndrome often need to have open surgery. Recovery time is all about the amount of trauma you cause, but I still tell minimally invasive surgery patients that things have still been moved around inside you, things that you may not feel pain from, but your body needs

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

to recover. That’s where fatigue comes in. Q: Is Crohn’s disease usually treated in your discipline, as it’s technically a broader autoimmune disease? A: People can have extraintestinal manifestations of it, but typically they have gastrointestinal problems from it, particularly in the small intestines. Some will present with anorectal symptoms. Those are the two primary groups. It seems like every six months or so they’re coming up with new medications to suppress the immune system’s attack on organs. We try to exhaust medical options for Crohn’s before we resort to surgery. It’s usually acute problems we’re dealing with, like perforations, when we’re dealing with Crohn’s. Q: What are the symptoms of colon cancer? A: If a tumor gets big enough, they can have a bowel obstruction. They can have bleeding, or abdominal pain if the tumor is large enough. They may not have any

symptoms if the tumor is confined to the inside lining of the colon, which is why colonoscopies are so important. Q: How effective is surgery as a treatment? A: The more advanced the tumor, the more likely it is to come back. So people with stage 3 cancer get chemo. Stage 1 is cured by surgery. It doesn’t come back that often, but the problem is that people with stage 3 and more advanced, it can come back, so they’re most at risk. The first five years is when it’s most likely to recur. Q: How did you become interested in surgery? A: I kind of realized I liked surgery when I was in high school doing dissections in biology. I opened the abdomen of the animal and something clicked. As far as my specialty, I loved doing colonoscopies as a second-year resident. I liked operating on the pelvis. Honestly, most women who go into surgery end up being breast surgeons. So 16 years ago, I didn’t have too many female abdominal surgeons as role models. I always knew I wanted to do bowel surgery. One of the good things about my specialty is that, unlike a lot of other surgical subspecialties, you’ll follow up with patients over time with cancer and Crohn’s patients. You get to do more patient care, which is very rewarding for me. Q: Are the gender dynamics in surgery still what you saw as a student? A: I think a lot of women who are interested in surgery end up asking themselves how are you going to live your life if you want to have kids. I’ve lived it. It’s difficult. The balance is easier when you’re not an emergency surgeon. So breast surgery is rarely emergent. I don’t know how much of a push there is any more as I’ve been away from academics for awhile. But I’ve seen a lot of women quit because it’s hard to balance work and family.

Lifelines Name: Theresa W. Ruddy, M.D. Position: Surgeon at Oswego Health Hometown: Grand Island, NY Education: SUNY Buffalo (bachelor’s and medical degree); University of Illinois at Chicago (graduate school). Residency: Rush University Medical Center / Stroger Cook County Hospital and State University of New York Medical / Dental. Fellowship: Brown University / Rhode Island Hospital Colorectal Surgery Fellowship Honors: During her medical training, earned several awards and recognitions. In addition to serving as chief resident of the year, she was honored for teaching medical school residents, and was named a finalist for the Resident Award for Exemplary Teaching, presented by the American College of Surgeons, Division of Education. Affiliations: Oswego Health; St. Joseph’s Medical Center Organizations: American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Family: Married, four children, two dogs, one cat Hobbies: Spending time with kids; running; skiing

Community Information Seminar:

Bariatric Surgery February 14, 2017 • 6:00 pm Presented by

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Every day the flood of orphaned and homeless animals arrive needing help. Some are abused, neglected or abandoned. Your support is critical because without it we could not accomplish the responsibility that comes with preparing these homeless sweet souls for a new life and a better chance. Please do not wait to send your financial support. Please do it NOW, for every day another one awaits. We will continue to provide each one with the love, care and opportunity they deserve. But we need every one who care enough to help us do exactly that.

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Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

Most Trusted Profession

or the 15th year in a row, nurses are the No. 1 most trusted professionals, according to Gallup’s annual poll that ranks the honesty and ethical standards of various professionals. Healthcare providers took four of the top five spots. Following nurses are: No. 2 pharmacists, No. 3 physicians, No. 4 engineers, No. 5 dentists. Also ranking high were teachers and police officers.

2016: Good Health News

Colon cancer, dementia and heart disease started declining in developed countries. Since 1990, the number of women dying due to pregnancy or childbirth has declined by half. Public smoking bans have improved health in 21 countries and the number of US smokers has declines by 8.6 million since 2005. Harvard scientists are honing in on an antibiotic discovery that could help remedy the growing antibiotic resistance crisis. Homelessness has decreased in the US by 35 percent over the last 10 years. Teenage pregnancies have declined in the US for the 24th year in a row. Large oil spills declined from an average of 25 per year in the 1970s to just two a year now. Charitable donations were at an all-time high, again lead by Warren Buffet at $2.9 billion and Bill Gates at $5 billion.

Hospital Mergers

In recent months, both the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice have increasingly intervened to thwart or block hospital mergers. While one can only

speculate what President Trump will do, there is a history of support for antitrust enforcement in healthcare from both parties. The fear is that mergers have tended to drive up costs whether in the same or separate markets. A potential merger between Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health this year would create the nation’s largest system by revenue. The number of Catholic-owned or affiliated hospitals has grown by 22 percent since 2001, resulting in control of 17 percent of acute care beds in the US.

States Ranked by Health United Health Foundation just released its America’s Health Rankings. It takes into consideration 34 measures of behaviors, community, environment, policies and clinical data like smoking, obesity, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, etc. The five healthiest states are: No. 1 Hawaii, (five years in a row) No. 2 Massachusetts, No. 3 Connecticut, No. 4 Minnesota, No. 5 Vermont. The five unhealthiest states are: No. 50 Mississippi, No. 49 Louisiana, No. 48 Arkansas, No. 47 Alabama, No. 46 Oklahoma. It should be noted four of the five worst states are in the southeast. NYS ranked No. 13.

Choose Hospital Wisely A study published in the academic journal “Public Library of Science” (PLOS One) found that patients cared for in the “worst” hospitals were three times more likely to die and 13 times more likely to have complications than if cared for in one

of the “best” hospitals. 22 million admissions were studied, using 24 measures of medical outcomes. Researchers found significant differences among hospitals. Under terms of the agreement, in order to get hospitals to participate, the identity of the hospitals were kept confidential. In general, hospitals that treated high volumes of certain conditions fared better than those with low volumes. Most patients have little information about the differences between hospitals. The study raised the obvious question of why don’t we have broader outcomes measurement and transparency around performance available to the public.

Cost of Drugs for Seniors The AARP Public Policy Institute reports that the price of drugs used most commonly by seniors rose more than 130 times the rate of inflation between 2006 and 2015. The average senior takes four or five different drugs every month which comes to about $26,000 annually if taking only brand name drugs. The median annual income for seniors is about $24,000. While Medicare covers some of the cost through part D, these price increases drive up Medicare premiums and the senior’s copays. Many believe congress should use the purchasing power of Medicare and Medicaid to negotiate drug prices with big pharma in order to contain spiraling drug costs.

Ontario, Canada, Healthcare Bill 41, or The Patients First Act, is creating more controversy than our February 2017 •

ACA because it impacts all citizens. Proponents argue it will streamline and integrate healthcare. Opponents argue it does nothing to help over-worked physicians and reduce waitlists for services (it can be several months to two years to see some specialists) and only serves to add to the already expensive and redundant bureaucracy. Unlike the US, Canada actually has “unemployed” physicians. The government controls access and expenses by restricting the number of physicians available in each of the provinces. Many of the “unemployed” physicians end up working here in the US. Once there is an “opening,” many return to Canada. On the flip side, compared to the US, the cost of care in Ontario is relatively cheap. We average about $10,000 per person in the US. The budget for 14 million people in Ontario is $50 billion. That come to just $3,571 per person. While we are spending way too much, and with modest results, it seems that Ontario can afford to put some more physicians to work which would take some pressure off current providers and reduce the ridiculous wait lists for care. Physicians in Ontario have dubbed the bill “Bureaucracy First, Patients Last Act.” George W. Chapman is a healthcare consultant who works with hospitals and medical groups. 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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My Turn

By Eva Briggs

Can You Really Die of Broken Heart? Valentine’s Day, love, broken heart

alentine’s Day is approaching, and thoughts turn to love and also to broken hearts. Can you really die from a broken heart? Yes, and the condition has a name: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). The name comes from the Japanese term for octopus trap, because the affected heart assumes the shape of a tako tsubo. If you are curious to see how octopus are trapped and eaten, you can check out this website: http://tinyurl.com/hvuele8. TCM symptoms resemble those of a heart attack. Patients have chest pain and often shortness of breath. Other common symptoms are palpitations, nausea, vomiting, fainting or shock. But unlike a heart attack, blocked arteries don’t cause TCM. Two-thirds of TCM patients have a preceding physical or mental stress. While heart attacks occur most often in the early morning, TCM is more likely to happen in the afternoon. TCM patients are less likely to have traditional cardiac risk factors of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a positive family history for heart attacks. The stress that causes TCM can be psychological, such as the death of a loved one, bad news, legal

problems or even positive stress like winning the lottery. Physical stresses include motor vehicle accidents, a newly diagnosed serious illness, worsening of a chronic illness, a stay in the ICU, and surgery. There are four criteria used to diagnose TCM. First, there must be evidence that muscle of the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, isn’t moving and contracting properly. Second, the coronary arteries are not blocked. Third, new changes occur in the EKG. And fourth, the symptoms are not due to myocarditis (infection of the heart muscle) or pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland.) Post-menopausal women are the most likely to develop TCM. Nearly 90 percent of TCM patients are female. Although the average age is 67, even children and young adults can be affected. Asians and Caucasians are the ethnic groups with the highest incidence. Exactly how stress causes TCM is unclear. One likely theory supports a response to catecholamines; the stress related to “fight or flight” hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. They’re released in response to a mental or physical shock. These hormones may trigger heart blood vessels to spasm. The hormones may stun the heart muscle, or cause

microscopic areas of heart muscle cell death. Healthy heart muscle gets 90 percent of its energy from fat. But when stressed, as during TCM, the heart shifts toward using glucose for fuel. Glucose isn’t as efficient. Evidence implicating catecholamines includes elevated levels of these hormones in the blood of TCM patients compared to levels in heart attack patients. The part of the heart muscle involved in TCM corresponds to the areas that typically contain the highest levels of catecholamines. Scientists can give TCM to rats by physically stressing them. Pretreating the rats with medicines that block catecholamines (alpha blockers and beta blockers) protects them from TCM. Because the symptoms are the same as the symptoms of a heart attack caused by coronary artery blockages, the same kinds of tests are used to make the diagnosis: an EKG, blood tests looking for substances released by injured heart muscle, echocardiogram (a sound wave picture of the heart) and angiography (images of the heart arteries). And the treatment involves the same medicines used to treat heart attacks. But since blocked arteries don’t cause TCM, it

doesn’t require stents or bypass surgery. Fortunately the prognosis is good. 95 percent of TCM patients fully recover in four to eight weeks. It doesn’t usually happen again, recurring in only 1.5 percent of patients per year. There is a 1 percent risk of death. So this Valentine’s day, don’t go breaking anyone’s heart. Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at two urgent care centers (Central Square and Fulton) operated by Oswego Health.

Is Running Bad for Your Knees?

Study suggests it may slow development of osteoarthritis

verybody believes running can leave you sore and swollen, right? Well, a new study suggests running might actually reduce inflammation in joints. “It flies in the face of intuition,” said study co-author Matt Seeley, an associate professor of exercise sciences at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. “This idea that long-distance running is bad for your knees might be a myth.” Seeley and his colleagues reached their surprising conclusion after analyzing the knee joint fluid

of several healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 35. The researchers looked for signs of inflammation in chemical markers before and after a 30-minute run and found little difference. “What we now know is that for young, healthy individuals, exercise creates an anti-inflammatory environment that may be beneficial in terms of long-term joint health,” lead author Robert Hyldahl said in a university news release. Hyldahl is an assistant professor of exercise science at BYU.

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The researchers said the study suggests running could actually delay development of degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis. “This study does not indicate that distance runners are any more likely to get osteoarthritis than any other person,” Seeley said. “Instead, this study suggests exercise can be a type of medicine.” The study was published recently in the European Journal of Applied Physiology.

Get support navigating a critical illness Carrie Scholz is a patient advocate with more than 30 years of professional social work experience in patient advocacy and medical social work.

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

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Best Diet 7th Year in a Row: DASH U.S. News & World Report ranks 38 diet plans

f you’ve resolved to eat healthy and lose weight in 2017, a new report suggests the DASH diet may be your best bet. For the seventh year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named the plantbased eating plan as the best choice overall, followed by the Mediterranean diet, up from fourth place last year. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, but its benefits go beyond preventing high blood pressure, the report found. The DASH and the Mediterranean diets, as well as most of the other recommended diets, focus on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low- or no-fat dairy, lean meats, poultry and fish. They also recommend nuts, seeds and legumes (beans). But these diets limit or exclude most fats and sweets, and recommend modest portions, according to physician David Katz. He is president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and a member of the expert panel that came up with the

rankings. “Overall, the diets are similar, and that’s what makes this reasonable, because there is really no one diet that’s best. But the question is what approach to eating well is going to work for any individual, and that’s the benefit of this report,” he added. “You can pick the diet that will work for you and your family. The best diet is one that you are actually able to stick to,” Katz noted. The MIND diet, which incorporates elements of the DASH and Mediterranean diets and is touted as a way to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay, was ranked third in effectiveness. There was a four-way tie for fourth place between the Flexitarian diet, a “casual vegetarian” diet that allows some poultry and fish; the Mayo Clinic Diet, an eating plan to keep you healthy and trim; the TLC diet, a plan that cuts cholesterol and fat by eliminating meats, dairy and fried food; and Weight Watchers, which helps you shed excess pounds. To come up with its list, U.S. News & World Report ranked 38 diet plans in nine categories. The rankings were done by an expert panel of nutritionists, dietary consultants, and doctors specializing in diabetes, heart health and weight loss. Each panelist considered the 38 diets across a number of areas, including the likelihood of sticking to

the diet, the odds of losing weight in the short- and long-term, and effectiveness against heart disease and diabetes. One reason the DASH diet came in first is that it was developed and tested by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Katz said. “The evidence for DASH is stronger than it is for some of the other diets, and it includes foods that are familiar to most Americans and can work for real families in the real world,” he said. The U.S. National Institutes of Health agreed. “DASH is not a fad diet, but a healthy eating plan that supports long-term lifestyle changes,” the agency said in a statement early January. “To receive top ratings, a diet has to be relatively easy to follow, nutritious, safe, effective for weight loss, and protective against diabetes and heart disease.” Following the portion size recommended in each diet will usually result in healthy weight loss, Katz explained. “Eating well will help you be leaner and healthier,” he said. In addition to a healthy diet, exercise is necessary for good health, he said. “Food is the fuel for the body -it’s crucial for your health over a lifetime. But combining it with exercise is also crucial,” Katz said. “You are never going to be as healthy as you could be if routine physical activity is not a part of your life.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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When your doctor orders labwork,

Live Alone & Thrive

Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

How Content Are You? A Quiz

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erriam-Webster defines contentment as “the state of being happy and satisfied.” This dictionary definition of contentment sounds like a nice way to feel, doesn’t it? Oh, if we could just snap our fingers and be happy with who we are and what we have. Wouldn’t life be grand?! I’ve had the privilege of meeting and talking with a lot of women and men who live alone, and our conversations often turn to the subject of contentment: how to find it, how to keep it and how to find it again once it’s been lost. Those on their own often feel a

lack of something in their lives, and many have trouble letting go of a craving for things to be different. I know. I’ve “been there.” For years, after my divorce, I had trouble seeing the good in myself and in my life. But with time, intention and practice, I was able to stop yearning for what I didn’t have and to start appreciating what existed right in front of me. It all began with taking a hard look at myself. It was an important first step, and I created the quiz below to help you assess where you are on your own road to contentment.

How Content Are You? Circle the choice that best answers the questions below: 1. What do you admire most about yourself? If asked, how many positive personal qualities come immediately to mind? A. Five or more B. One to four C. Nothing really comes to mind

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2. How would you describe your home? A. Very “me” — I’ve made it my own! B. It’s fine. I keep meaning to redecorate, but just haven’t gotten around to it C. It’s a place to sleep 3. The past is the past. How would you describe your success in letting go of old ways of thinking and of negative thoughts or behaviors that keep you anchored in the past? A. I live in the present; it’s full steam ahead! B. I still go “back there” from time to time C. I can’t let go, I obsess about the past 4. Could you imagine planning a trip by yourself and traveling alone to a favorite destination? A. In a heartbeat! B. Maybe someday C. I can’t imagine that 5. Does the thought of going alone to a cafe for a cup of coffee or grabbing a bite to eat in a local restaurant feels perfectly comfortable, even enjoyable? A. I do it all the time B. Occasionally, but I’m not at ease C. I’m just not ready 6. Are your health and fitness priorities for you? Do you exercise, get enough sleep, and stay on top of health screenings? A. Of course B. I know I should, but I don’t always take care of myself C. I’m too preoccupied to think about my health

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7. How often do you reward or pamper yourself by taking some time just for you or by purchasing that little something special you’ve had your eye on? A. As often as I can! B. Sometimes, but I tend to put others’ needs first C. I can’t remember the last time I pampered myself 8. Have you let go of the idea that you need a spouse to be happy and have a good life? A. Absolutely B. Mostly C. No. I feel I need a spouse (or significant other) to be content

To See how you ranked turn to page 12

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive, empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, NY. For information about her Living Alone workshops or to invite Gwenn to speak, call 585-624-7887 or email: gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com.

SUSPECT A STROKE?

THINK FAST. THINK UPSTATE. Investigating new drugs to combat shingles are Jennifer Moffat, PhD, left, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, and Dongmei Liu, principal research associate. Photograph by Richard Whelsky, Upstate Medical University

Upstate Research Group Investigating New Drugs to Fight Shingles Researchers hopeful new drugs will help ease shingles’ pain, blistering rash By Matthew Liptak

ach year there are over one million people in in the U.S. who endure the painful, blistering rash called shingles. There is up to a one in two chance that you will one day be a victim too. But a quartet of researchers at Upstate Medical University is working hard to change all that. Jennifer Moffat, PhD, is an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the university. She heads the small group. “I’m hoping to find an antiviral drug that’s both potent and safe,” she said. “And one that can be used to treat people with shingles that works better than the existing drugs that we have now. It’s an interesting process.” Moffat is part of the Collaborative Antiviral Testing Group. This collaborative works in laboratories around the country to identify promising new drugs. Likely compounds created by chemists are tested in cultures against the varicella-zoster virus — the cause of both shingles and chicken pox. If the compound is effective against the virus, it is sent along to Upstate. “I test it in a skin infection system,” Moffat said. “If that looks good then it moves into a mouse infection system. If the compound looks good all the way along, then the data that we generate could be used for an application for clinical trials. There are several drugs that passed [through] so far.” There isn’t a cure for shingles yet, but there is a vaccine that is quite effective and another coming out soon that is expected to be even more effective, according to Moffat. Zostavax, the current vaccine is 50 percent effective against shingles and 90 percent effective against the pain associated with the condition, Moffat said. The new vaccine, tentatively

named HZ/su, is expected to be 90 percent effective against both the pain and the disease. Unlike Zostavax, HZ/su is not a live virus, so it can be given to patients with a weakened immune system. “I don’t think we’ll ever cure this,” Moffat said. We’re lucky though that it is in a family of viruses called the herpes viruses. We have better prevention for this virus than most of the other ones like it.” Moffat and her group do a new study every few weeks, she said. The research is funded through the government by the National Institutes of Health. Other than her teaching duties, Moffat’s day involves a lot of planning for the studies. After the study is done, she also provides analysis. The job can be heavy on math, she said, including statistics. “I return all the results of the studies to the chemists and the companies that develop the drugs,” she said. “Then they decide whether or not it goes into clinical trials.” From a personal standpoint, she said she is motivated by the desire to relieve the burden of disease. “Both my grandmothers had shingles and I saw how much they suffered,” she said. “I’ve even had it and I know it’s terribly painful.” She encouraged everyone 60 and over to talk to their doctor about getting the vaccine if they haven’t already. She remains hopeful about the future of their research. “The future looks very good,” she said. “My hope is that we can come up with new drugs that actually can be used in combination that will really knock down this virus and help people with shingles and other viral diseases.”

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Recently widowed By Gwenn Voelckers Recently widowed, easy-going Christian easy-going Christian male frommale the Nedrow Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone from the Nedrow area looking for a area looking for a age Continued from page 10 female companion female companion 60's to early 70's to age 60's to early sharetoconversation and Your Scorecard 70's share Give yourself: companionship with. conversation and 3 points for each answer in column A Enjoys activities such as companionship 2 points for each answer in column B staying active, animals, with. Enjoys 1 point for each answer in column C activities such as staying active, sports, movies, fishing, golf, bowling and going to 8 points animals, sports, movies, fishing, church. Non-drinker, non-smoker. Contentment may feel elusive at the moment – beyond your grasp. But golf, bowling and going to church. it can be found. You may benefit from talking with a professional or your If interested, Non-drinker, non-smoker. Please contact: Ed Cogan at 315-469-6970pastor. Help and encouragement might also be found in grief support groups and other gatherings that offer emotional support. If interested,

Please contact: Ed Cogan at 315-469-6970

Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga and Madison Counties in good A monthly newspaper published by

Health CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

Local News, Inc. 5,000 copies distributed throughout more than 1,000 high traffic locations, including all Wegmans stores.

In Good Health is published 12 times a year by Local News, Inc. © 2017 by Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126. • Phone: 315-342-1182 • Fax: 315-342-7776. Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Deborah Banikowski, George W. Chapman, Deborah Sergeant, Matthew Liptak, Anne Palumbo, Melissa Stefanec, Chris Motola, Ernst Lamothe Jr. Eva Briggs (M.D.) • Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Cassandra Lawson • Layout & Design: Dylon Clew-Thomas • Office Assistant: Kimberley Tyler

9-16 points

You experience feelings of contentment, but you know there’s more to be found. Continue to stretch yourself. Reach out to others. And “try on” healthy pursuits outside your comfort zone. Success and achievement breed contentment. You might also find inspiration and a needed “jump start” in workshops, classes and lectures devoted to personal growth and development.

16+ points

What you have is precious. Being content with yourself opens up all kinds of possibilities. It enables you to feel peace and joy, whether you are alone or with others. It is an invaluable inner springboard on which you can launch all things imaginable! How did you do? What did your score reveal? I’d love to hear your story. Please share it with me by email: gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com

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

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Thanks to you, Oswego Hospital earned the nation’s top distinction for patient safety with an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score. The “A” recognizes our high standards in patient safety. This honor belongs to every one of our 1200 team members, who work every day for our patients. Congratulations and thank you.

Oswego Health oswegohealth.org/safety

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is an elite designation from the Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit that sets the highest national standards for patient safety, quality and transparency in health care.

315-349-5500

SmartBites

The skinny on healthy eating

Delicious, Nutritious Delicata Winter Squash

f you haven’t tried delicata squash — an oblong-shaped winter squash with yellow-colored skin and green stripes — steer your shopping cart to the produce aisle. This great-for-you veggie is known for its soft texture (unlike other winter squashes, it can be easily sliced and chopped), its scrumptious flavor (similar to sweet potatoes), its tender skin (edible!) and its bounty of health benefits. On the vitamin front, the delicata, with its orange-yellow flesh, is a vitamin A superstar, providing nearly all of our daily needs in one cup. A nutrient we can’t live without, vitamin A is essential for growth, healthy skin, vision and a well-oiled immune system. Delicata also packs an impressive vitamin C punch. Immune-boosting vitamin C helps the body maintain healthy tissues, heal wounds in a timely manner, and neutralize cell-damaging free radicals that can sow the seeds for disease. Many studies have linked winter squash — delicata included — to a lower risk of certain cancers. Their fiber (perhaps more with delicata because you can eat the skin) and abundant carotenoids help shuttle out inflammatory and potentially cancer-causing substances from the body. Those looking to lose or main-

tain weight will appreciate delicata’s health cred: half a squash delivers a scant 30-40 calories and is super low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Moreover, delicata’s slow-digesting fiber helps us feel fuller longer, so we’re not as inclined to reach for those chips. And while delicata squash, like all winter squash, has more carbs than your average vegetable, recent research has made it clear that all starch is not the same: there are “nature-made” good carbs that get absorbed more slowly into our systems and then there are “refined” bad carbs that zip through us lickety-split. Thankfully, delicata is full of good carbs and all the benefits they reap: more stable blood sugar levels, longer-lasting energy, improved digestion and fiber-driven heart protection.

Helpful tips:

Select squashes that feel firm, especially near the stem ends, and that feel heavy for their size. Steer clear of those with blemishes or soft spots. Store delicata squash in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for up to one month. Delicata may be cooked whole, split lengthwise, or sliced. As mentioned, the nutrient-rich skin is edible, so you can leave it on.

US Life Expectancy Decreases Americans who were born in 2015 are expected have shorter lives compared to previous generations By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ecently released data from National Center for Health Statistics shows that life expectancy for a person born in 2015 is down from 78.9 years to 78.8 years. While that may not seem like a large decrease, the fact that medical advances are not outpacing death rates for the first time in a decade causes medical experts some concerns — and a hard look at why we’re dying. Physician Sharon Brangman, chief of geriatrics at Upstate University Hospital, believes that increased lifespan starts with good prenatal care. “It’s not like you wake up one day at 60 or 65 and you can start living healthy,” Brangman said. “It’s never too late to start, but it’s better to start when you’re younger.” She added that high-risk behaviors have contributed to the decreased lifespan of Americans, such as alcohol, smoking, suicide attempts and drug use. Non-compliance with

doctor’s orders also can cause serious health complications. Disregarding safety precautions has also contributed to shorter lifespan. “Accidents happen but don’t go out of your way to make them happen,” Brangman said. Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and owner of Kelly’s Choice, LLC in Skaneateles, believes that consuming too many simple carbohydrates is linked to all our chronic disease. “Kids are eating more of those types of foods,” Springer said. “They’re easy and cheap. They lead to fatty liver disease, which is caused by storage of carbohydrates. The liver is responsible for detoxification.” She also thinks that dehydration represents a huge problem in the U.S. She said that 90 percent of her patients are chronically dehydrated. “This can cause problems with detoxification, inflammation, and joint pain,” she said. “Every living

Delicata Squash with Quinoa Stuffing Adapted from EatingWell.com Serves 4 2 small delicata squash (12-14 ounces each), halved lengthwise and seeded ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 2½ tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 cup water ½ cup quinoa 1½ cups chopped leek (about 2 large), white and light green parts only 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried parsley ⅓ cup dried cranberries ⅓ cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve the delicata lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds to make four long “boats.” If the boats are too wobbly, take a very thin slice off the

cell needs hydration.” Obesity raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Fred Wilson, 75, owns Go Figure Gym in Camillus. He said that many people, especially seniors, have given up on exercise because they think they’re too old or don’t have time. Wilson added that stress can also contribute to ill health, and even though they may be done with the stressors of the working life, retirees encounter their own stressors, such as loss of independence, death of loved ones or problems in their adult children’s lives. In addition to stress’ direct harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, busyness edges out healthful pursuits such as exercise and stress reduction. It also contributes to substance abuse, as does untreated mental health issues.

bottom so they’ll sit flat. Brush cut tops with olive oil (1 tablespoon for all 4), season with salt and pepper, and arrange cut-side up on the prepared pan. Bake until they are soft and just starting to char a little, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 350 degrees. While squash is baking, prepare stuffing. Combine 1 cup water and quinoa in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with fork and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl. Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add leek and cook, stirring constantly, until the leek is tender and edges are slightly browned—about 8 minutes. Add the leeks, thyme, parsley, cranberries, pecans, and salt and pepper to bowl of quinoa and stir well. Spoon the quinoa mixture into the squash halves, packing as needed. Bake at 350 degrees until the stuffing is heated through, about 15 minutes. Tasty tip: Seeds may be washed and roasted.

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

physical health. Some older adults don’t maintain social contact. Brangman believes that this contributes to worsening health and earlier death. “Human contact is better than computers,” she said. “I have lots of patient who don’t want to go to senior centers because that’s for ‘older people’ but there plenty of ways to stay involved.” People who live alone tend to eat more poorly, engage in less physical and social activity, and ignore early symptoms of physical problems.

Fewer older people live with or near family members than did a couple generations ago. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 70 percent of people 65-plus lived with their adult children in the 1850s. By the end of the 1900s, the figure dwindled to fewer than 15 percent. Brangman said that isolation can affect February 2017 •

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper

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Meet Your Provider

University Dialysis Center

Operated by Dialysis Clinic, Inc which has 14 facilities in New York

alph Viscardi, 83, receives peritoneal dialysis from University Dialysis Center (operated by Dialysis Clinic, Inc.) in Oswego. For the last seven years, Ralph has had to rely on his dialysis treatments to survive. He knows that it was diabetes that led him here. Ralph was diagnosed with diabetes when he was in his 60s. He didn’t manage his blood sugar. He didn’t see the point. Now he wants to let others know that failing to manage your diabetes can have severe consequences, such as kidney failure. “Just because you have been diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you have to give up on your health,” Ralph said. “Keep trying different things. Keep yourself aware of what new diet options or education are available.” In 2014, diabetes was the primary cause of kidney failure for people in New York, with 3,024 people starting dialysis due to diabetes. Nationally, diabetes remains the top cause of kidney failure, with 43.9-percent of dialysis patients being diabetic as well. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are treatment options for kidney failure. DCI has 14 facilities in New York that provide

Ralph Viscardi, 83, receives peritoneal dialysis from University Dialysis Center (operated by Dialysis Clinic, Inc.) in Oswego.

a wide range of dialysis options, from in-center hemodialysis, nocturnal dialysis, peritoneal dialysis and dialysis in the home setting, for people with kidney failure. At University Dialysis Center in Oswego, Sriram Narsipur, MD, is the medical director of the facility.

“Our groups see about 300 patients with ESRD (kidney failure) including our satellite dialysis units in Oswego and Auburn,” said Narsipur. “Prevention is obviously the most important aspect of diabetes care. There

are a number of great medications, but lifestyle mainly proper diet and exercise are still the foundations of both prevention and long term care. It means a long term commitment to self-care.” Narsipur knows that if kidney disease is identified early, it can be managed in a way that may help someone avoid or at least delay kidney failure. To help manage kidney disease, Narsipur turns to REACH Kidney Care for support. “At REACH Kidney Care, we make every attempt to keep people out of the dialysis chair,” said Deb Polmanteer, RN, REACH Kidney Care of Syracuse care coordinator. “By that I mean we want to help people manage their conditions and prolong kidney function for as long as possible. We provide nutritional counseling and review their lab work and medications. We talk about all aspects of the patient’s health and help each patient stick to a plan that works for them. If it looks like kidney failure is unavoidable, we encourage patients to explore a transplant before dialysis is needed. We also discuss dialysis options in detail so the patient can choose the best option for them. Kidney disease is silent on so many levels. We need to educate patients so they can respond competently and in their best interest.”

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

Parenting

Discover how-

Accountant says goodbye to 47 painful pounds, says, “hello size 2!” ‘Tis the Season (of CONTINUED SUCCESS By Melissa Stefanec

Mucus and Crud) Germs and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly

f you have young children in your life, you know all too well what winter brings to young families. Sure, it delivers its fair share of snow and holiday cheer, but the resultant indoor time inevitably brings something else — something less majestic than gently falling snow and just as inconvenient as slick roads. Winter is a time for germs. And, as any parent will tell you, germs and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly, and they enter most children’s systems almost as frequently. I feel like my house is some sort of test room in a low-end laboratory. It’s like a petri dish for variations on the common cold. For a solid four-month stretch each year in my home, there is almost always a dripping nose, hacking cough, red eye or elevated body temperature. Having a sick kid isn’t easy, and kids have a way of pulling at your heartstrings when they are ill. Beyond that sympathy, sickness complicates parents’ lives. Things aren’t as simple as they were for my parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Most of us work outside of the home, and the resulting complications can be as frustrating as the illnesses themselves. So, here are my public service announcements for the cold and flu season. Because there are many people out there without children or whose children have grown, it might be helpful (and a little amusing) to get a refresher from someone who is currently in the trenches with her husband, a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. When your kids are the sickest, keep them home Although working parents should get time off for sick children (write your lawmakers!), they usually don’t. Even if you do get to use your sick time on kids, there is never enough of it to go around. That being said, when your kid is at the height of their illness, please don’t send them to school or daycare. If your boss gives you a hard time, offer to put your sick kid in his or her office for the day. If you are managing someone with kids, cut that person some major slack Please see above. If you aren’t in the trenches, it can be hard to imagine that your employee needs accommodations around his or her child made yet again. However, I can offer my personal guarantee that most parents would rather be at work than using vacation time to watch their sick kid. If this isn’t the case, perhaps your place of employment needs a morale boost. If you are sick, stay home If you are anything like me, you use 90 percent of your sick time (assuming you have any) on your

kids. Then, when you are sick, you are up the proverbial creek. If you have young ones, have an open discussion with your employer about expectations during cold and flu season. You should be able to take time off when your children are really sick. Otherwise, we all just keep passing this stuff around and burning ourselves out. Absolutely no one wants that. Handwashing never goes out of fashion Too many people don’t wash their hands or do a haphazard job of it. We are supposed to sing two rounds of “Happy Birthday” while washing our hands, but few of us get past the word dear before we are throwing the paper towels in the trash. Heed the advice you shower your children with. Worst-case scenario, you will lead by example. If you must bring your sick kid out, wipe down We’ve all been there. You just went to the pediatrician and the script they emailed to the pharmacy isn’t there. When it finally arrives, you have a 30-minute wait. Going home isn’t practical, so you pick up some the kids lick twice before pushing them away and saying, “done.” You pace around the store and watch your kid’s nose drain onto their coat. I get it, and I’ve done it. However, it can’t hurt to use a sanitizing cart wipe when you are done. Or, buy a cheap bottle of hand sanitizer and give the cart a quick clean. That way, you at least tried to break the cycle. If you are headed to gathering, warn others If my friends and I waited until all our kids were healthy to get together, we would hang out in July and not see each other for the rest of the year. However, if your kid is sick (but not too sick), give your friends a heads-up and let them make the call on whether they want to get together. Sickness is an inevitable part of childhood Sometimes, I beat myself up over how sick my kids are. I think my house must be too dirty, I’m feeding them the wrong foods or my pets are contaminating the joint. I invent other failures to rationalize the ridiculous amount of sickness that goes down in my family. On my better days, I take a step back and remember that kids get sick a lot. It’s part of life. Between school, daycare, offices and public places, no child is safe. All I can do is wash hands until “Happy Birthday” haunts my dreams, keep a solid stock of yogurt pops in the freezer and remind myself that July is just around the corner.

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Page 15

Golden Years

Things You Need to Know About Memory Loss By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

iving a long life is not the sole goal in life. What’s the purpose of beating back Father Time if you don’t have your health? The good news is that Americans are living longer lives. The bad news is that they are not actually living better lives. “We have a lot of stereotypes about aging and it’s always the old person who doesn’t recognize people anymore or that makes a lot of mistakes,” said physician Sharon A. Brangman, chief of geriatrics at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. “That doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging.” Brangman, who is also medical director of the Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, offers five facts about aging, Alzheimer’s Disease and memory loss.

Memory loss is not simply a normal part of aging

While mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, it can also

be a sign of more serious memory problems, such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment, dementia or even Alzheimer’s disease. However memory loss isn’t just inevitable. “A lot of people think that as you get older, it is just normal to be forgetful and that’s not true,” said Brangman. “It may take a little longer to process and retrieve information from our memories, but you should eventually be able to get the information.”Memory loss is not a normal part of aging.”

Memory loss is not necessarily a sign of dementia

People can have problems with their memories due to many circumstances, which include depression, stress and fatigue. Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However, older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. It is the reason why medical officials

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

caution patients against automatically thinking it a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. “You have to remember that when you are depressed, you can have problems focusing on activities. That is something that can happen to anyone at any age,” said Brangman. “There are chemical situations that can happen to the brain that can alter the way the brain operates and stores memories.” When it comes to stress, it works the same way. “Stress is often associated with high levels of hormones that can interfere with recalling or laying down memories,” said Brangman. “That is why it’s essential to get a geriatric assessment so we can look at the whole person and hear their whole story about their memory problem and how it occurred.”

If you are concerned, get it checked out

There are more Americans older than 65 years old than at any time in history. A geriatric doctor, also known as a geriatrician, is a professional who studies the aging process. Geriatricians also study how to prevent diseases. One of the biggest issues for a geriatrician is to prevent and treat dementia. Older people who have an increase in health problems should seek help from a geriatrician. Doctors can perform brain scans, memory tests and blood work to diagnose the issues. “If you are starting to feel like your memory is slipping, then you have to address it right way. Early detection is important because that way we can talk to patients about treatment options that can help us stabilize some of the symptoms,” said Brangman. “While there are no medications

that can reverse the symptoms, you can keep it from getting worse.”

Tell your doctor how you lose your memory

While a picture can be worth 1,000 words, a simple story may be the first steps toward a diagnosis. “The most important piece of information is finding out how they lost their memory. If they lost it slowly over time, it could be Alzheimer’s,” said Brangman. “If someone all of a sudden lost their memory or they feel like they can tell us the exact date they lost their memory, it typically comes with another diagnosis.”

Exercise and diet matters

Exercising at any age is essential to good health. It becomes even more paramount as you get older because you are fighting the uphill battle of aging. Brangman recommends regular exercise even as simple as taking regular walks. “It is the key to so much. Eat a diet that is low in sugars and low in bad fats,” she added.

Golden Years

Why You Should Try Yoga How to Choose the Right Yoga Class Try these expert tips for picking the right yoga class: “Find a class where you don’t feel like it’s a competition and you can do what your body allows you to do. “If you have a good teacher, you don’t necessarily need a senior-oriented yoga class.” Sharon Brangman, MD, chief of geriatrics and chief of the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease at Upstate University Hospital

Saraswati Om, owner and director of Dharma Yoga Syracuse in Liverpool. She is shown on a yoga pose at Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool.

Practice helps support good bone health, balance, mobility, they say By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Yoga may seem like an activity for lithe, young women; however, many seniors are finding that yoga benefits them in many ways, regardless of the state of their health when they begin. One way is bone health. “A group in India found that they could build bone with yoga,” said Susan E. Brown, Ph.D., director of The Center for Better Bones and the Better Bones Foundation in East Syracuse. In a study undertaken in India, participating in traditional yoga for an hour four times a week, participants gained bone density in six months. “Yoga is a mindful exercise that can build strength without stressing the body,” Brown said. “It enhances balance, which is really important for bone health, because falls are a major cause of fractures.” Most seniors notice that their flexibility decreases as they age. While it may not initially bother them much, its cumulative effect can hamper activities of daily living eventually. Physician Sharon Brangman, chief of geriatrics at Upstate University Hospital, said that yoga can help otherwise sedentary people get moving. “It can help increase core strength, which is important for balance and fall prevention,” Brangman said. The physician also recommended yoga to help improve flexibility, relaxation, and bone strength, as it is weight-bearing exercise. Chair yoga can help people with mobility and balance issues get more movement into their days. Brangman cautioned, “Be very careful with any inverted posture that can put pressure on the neck, as that can be an issue as you get older.

“Don’t do poses that cause pain. If you have high blood pressure, look out for inverted poses that might make blood rush to your head.” People with glaucoma should also be careful about poses that involve bending over. Valerie Patrick, certified in yoga and Pilates and owner of Core Pilates & Yoga in Cicero and Dewitt, offers clients specific yoga for seniors. She said that in addition to improving seniors’ physical health, the movement yoga stimulates can help promote brain function, “specifically dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Patrick said. “Movement helps with mental capacity and remembering. It is very good for de-stressing and depression.” Depression strikes many older people as they ruminate on losses and regrets. Anxiety can also take hold as they consider their future, especially if they fear losing control of their independence. Tony Riposo, owner and director of Infinite Light Yoga Center for Yoga & Wellness in Jamesville, said that yoga “encourages mindfulness. It teaches us how to be with ourselves from a whole different perspective. You start to have control over your life.” Riposo has clients as old as 87 in his classes and people with all sorts of health concerns. “It’s been proven to improve the quality of your sleep,” Riposo said. “It strengthens the respiratory system and helps you learn a new breathing pattern which helps your health and relieve aches and pains.”

“It’s important to seek out a class with one’s peers. They will feel more at ease, especially if they have never tried yoga. A senior class or one that has seniors in it will help in developing better habits and continuing a yoga class. “You can look for specific senior class that’s going to be adapted to meet your needs. “Or, beginner classes are good to look for because they’re specific for someone who’s never practiced instead of an all-levels class. “Look for someone who’s been instructing for a good number of years who will be available to adapt the postures to meet an individual’s needs. Saraswati Om, owner and director of Dharma Yoga Syracuse in Liverpool “The important thing for seniors to know is that whatever limits they have, a qualified teacher can work around those. “Know that the instructor is certified and has been trained specifically for seniors. “Don’t be afraid to share your health history with the instructor, no matter how insignificant it may seem.” Valerie Patrick, certified in yoga and Pilates and owner of Core Pilates & Yoga in Cicero and Dewitt “If you’ve had spinal fractures, it’s important to find a teacher who can modify the yoga.” Susan E. Brown, Ph.D., director of The Center for Better Bones and the Better Bones Foundation in East Syracuse.

hospiceofthefingerlakes.org

hospiceofthefingerlakes.org 29

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Golden Years How to Organize Your Affairs

rganizing your key information and getting your personal and financial affairs in order is a great gift to your loved ones. To help you get started, your first step is to gather up all of your important personal, financial and legal information so you can arrange it in a format that will benefit you now, and your loved ones later. Then you’ll need to sit down and create various lists of important information and instructions of how you want certain things handled when you die or if you become incapacitated. Here’s a checklist of areas you need to focus on.

Personal Information • Contacts: Make a master list of names and phone numbers of close friends, clergy, doctors, and professional advisers such as your lawyer, accountant, broker and insurance agent. • Medical information: Include a list of medications you and your spouse take, along with any allergies and illnesses. • Personal documents: Include such items as your birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage license, military discharge papers, etc. • Secured places: List all the places you keep under lock and key or protected by password, such as safe deposit boxes, safe combination, security alarms, etc. • Service providers: Provide contact information of the companies or people who provide you regular services such as utility companies, lawn service, etc. • Pets: If you have a pet, give instructions for the care of the animal. • End of life: Indicate your wishes for organ and tissue donation (see organdonor.gov), and write out your funeral instructions. If you’ve made pre-arrangements with a funeral home include a copy of agreement, their contact information and whether you’ve prepaid or not. Legal Documents • Will, trust and estate plan: Include the original copy of your will and other estate planning documents you’ve made. Page 18

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

• Financial power of attorney: This document names someone you trust to handle money matters if you’re incapacitated. • Advance health care directives: These documents (see caringinfo.org) — a living will and medical power of attorney — spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment when you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

Financial Records • Financial accounts: Make a list of all your bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, and any other financial assets you have. • Debts and liabilities: Make a list of any loans, leases or debt you have — mortgages owed, car loans, student loans, medical bills, credit card debts. Also, make a list of all credit and charge cards, including the card numbers and contact information. • Company benefits: List any retirement plans, pensions or health benefits from your current or former employer including the contact information of the benefits administrator. • Insurance: List the insurance policies you have (life, long-term care, home, auto, Medicare, Medigap, prescription drug, etc.) including the policy numbers, agents and phone numbers. • Property: List real estate, vehicles and other properties you own, rent or lease and include documents such as deeds, titles, and loan or lease agreements. • Taxes: Include the location of your tax records and your tax preparer’s contact information. Keep all your organized information and files together in one convenient location, ideally in a fireproof filing cabinet or safe in your home. Also be sure to review and update it every year, and don’t forget to tell your loved ones where they can find it. If you need help, get a copy of “12 Critical Things Your Family Needs to Know.” This is an excellent 60page workbook available at 12criticalthings.com for $15 or $19 for the downloadable versions, or $25 for a printed copy.

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Tax Help for Caregiver of Elderly Parents Dear Savvy Senior, Are caregiving expenses tax deductible? I provide a lot of financial support to my elderly mother and would like to find out if I can write any of it off on my taxes. Supporting Son Dear Supporting, There are actually several tax deductions and credits available to adult children who help look after their aging parents or other relatives. Here are your options along with the IRS requirements to help you determine if you’re eligible to receive them.

Dependency Deduction

If you’re paying for more than 50 percent of your mom’s living costs (housing, food, utilities, medical and dental care, transportation and other necessities), and her 2016 gross income (not counting her Social Security benefits) was under $4,050, you can claim your mom as a dependent on your tax return, and reduce your taxable income by $4,050. Also note that your mom doesn’t have to live with you to qualify as a dependent, as long as her income was under $4,050 and you provided more than half her financial support. If your mother does live with you, you can include a percentage of your mortgage, utilities and other expenses in calculating how much you contribute to her support. IRS Publication 501 (see irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p501.pdf) has a worksheet that can help you with this. To receive this, or other IRS publications or forms via mail, call 800-829-3676.

Shared Support

If you share the financial responsibility for your mom with other siblings, you may be eligible for the IRS multiple-support declaration. Here’s how this works. If one sibling is providing more than half the parent’s financial support, only that sibling can claim the parent. But if each sibling provides less than 50 percent support, but their combined assistance exceeds half the parent’s support. In that case, any sibling who provides more than 10 percent can

claim the parent as a dependent. But only one sibling can claim the tax break in any given year. Siblings can rotate the tax break, with one claiming the parent one year, and another the next. The sibling who claims the parent as a dependent will need to fill out IRS Form 2120 (irs.gov/pub/ irs-pdf/f2120.pdf) and file it with his or her tax return.

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Medical Deductions

If you can’t claim your mom as a dependent, you may still get a tax break for helping pay her medical costs. The IRS lets taxpayers deduct money spent on a parent’s health care and qualified long-term care services, even if the parent doesn’t qualify as a dependent. To claim this deduction, you still must provide more than half your mom’s support, but your mom doesn’t have to be under the $4,050 income test. And the deduction is limited to medical, dental and longterm care expenses that exceed 10 percent (or 7.5 percent if you’re 65 by Dec. 31, 2016) of your adjusted gross income. You can include your own medical expenses in calculating the total. See the IRS publication 502 (irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf) for details.

Dependent Care Credit

If you’re paying for in-home care or adult day care for your mom so you are free to work, you may also be able to claim the Dependent Care Tax Credit, regardless of whether or not your mom qualifies as a dependent on your tax return. This credit can cut up to $1,050 off your tax bill for the year. In order to claim it, you must fill out IRS Form 2441 (irs.gov/ pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf) when you file your federal return.

Check Your State

In addition to the federal tax breaks, more than 20 states offer tax credits and deductions for caregivers on state income taxes too. Check with your state tax agency to see what’s available. For links to state tax agencies see taxadmin.org/state-taxagencies.

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

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The Social Ask Security Office By Deborah Banikowski District Manager, Syracuse

2017 Brings Changes to ‘Full Retirement Age’

very worker’s dream is having a secure retirement to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow. Part of that commitment is ensuring you have the most up-to-date information when you make your retirement decisions. “Full retirement age” refers to the age when a person can claim their Social Security benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time. In other words, you don’t actually need to retire from your work to claim your full benefits. Also note that waiting until you’re 70, if you can, will bring you a higher monthly benefit. The choices you make will affect any benefit your spouse or children can receive on your record, too. If you claim benefits early, it will reduce their potential benefit as well as yours. As the bells rang in a new year, they also rang in changes in 2017 for people considering claiming Social Security retirement benefits. For people who attain age 62 in 2017 (i.e., those born between Jan. 2, 1955 and Jan. 1, 1956), full retirement age is 66 and two months. Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, After surgery, you need the right place to recover. Elderwood offers beginning with people born in 1938 a wide range ofyou rehab services, no matter what level of care youor later, until it reaches 67 for people After surgery, need the right place to recover. born after 1959. require. We’ll customize plan toservices, your personal Elderwood offers a widea treatment range of rehab no needs, You can learn more about the full matter what level care you require. We’ll customize retirement age and find out how to using protocols andoftechnologies that coordinate your care more look up your own at www.socialsecuaeffectively treatmentfor plan to yourstrength, personalimproved needs, motion using and decreased enhanced rity.gov/planners/retire/retirechart. protocols and technologies that coordinate your care html. pain.surgery, You’ll benefit from highly Elderwood specializedoffers training, After you need thetherapists right placewith to recover. There are some things you more effectively for enchanced strength, improved with access diagnostic services thatlevel no longer ashould remember when you’re thinka along wide range of rehabtoservices, no matter what of care require you motion and decreased pain. You’ll benefit from ing about retirement. hospital visit.customize So you can get well and backpersonal home, faster. require. We’ll a treatment planget to your needs,It’s whyYou may start receiving Social therapists with highly specialized training, along with using protocols technologies that coordinate your care more Security benefits as early as age 62 Elderwood is and the right place, for the right care. access to diagnostic services that no longer require a or as late as age 70. The longer you

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

about my resources when she completed my Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. How can I get my application changed now to show the correct amount? A: You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) and let us know. We will match information on your application with data from other federal agencies. If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you. For additional information about Medicare prescription drug plans or enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.

wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be. Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2017 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced permanently by about 26 percent. On the other hand, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefits will be permanently increased. The amount of this increase is two-thirds of 1 percent for each month — or 8 percent for each year — that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70. If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits. We may withhold or reduce your benefits if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount. However, every month we withhold or reduce increases your future benefits. That’s because at your full retirement age we will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which we reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. In effect, it’s as if you hadn’t filed for those months. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/retire/whileworking.html. If you die, your retirement date can affect the benefit amount your surviving loved ones receive. If you started receiving retirement benefits before full retirement age, we cannot pay the full amount to your survivors. Their benefit amount will be based on your reduced benefits. You can learn more by visiting our Retirement Planner at www. socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire.

Q: How do I know if I meet the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits? A: To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). You must also have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability. We consider an adult disabled under our rules if he or she has a medical condition, or combination of medical conditions, that are expected to last for at least one year or result in death, and that prevent the performance of any type of work. If you think you may be eligible to receive disability benefits and would like to apply, you can use our online application at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability

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Meet St. Joe’s New CEO By Matthew Liptak

eslie Paul Luke, the new chief executive officer at St. Joseph’s Health, talks about his goals, his take on St. Joe’s and why he decided to take the job. He also says the hospital, which has posted operating losses in the million in the last few years, will be in the black in 12 to 18 months.

Q: What will be your No. 1 priority as head of St. Joseph’s Health? A: “Listening, followed by assessment and then action. Right now it’s basically going around and listening to all of the stakeholders. I’ve learned, as I’ve done quite a number of these transitions in my prior job, that unless you get input from all of the constituents, your view of what’s going on may not be accurate. I usually spend the first few weeks just talking to key individuals. I take a look at what the strategic plan is, how well it’s being executed, and I look for any gaps between what the strategic plan is calling for and where the organization is at. Then we close that gap.” Q: Do you see any potential for major changes ahead? A: “No, not really. This hospital, one of the reasons I’m joining it, is it’s done an excellent job over the past number of years balancing their mission with their margin. Really, what we need to do is just build on the legacy that Kathy [Ruscitto] is leaving us. She’s done a great job at growing this hospital. I just want to continue that onward and upward.” Q: In the recent past St. Joseph’s has lost millions of dollars. Is that still a concern? A: “It’s always a concern when you’re losing money, but as I’ve been telling other folks, the net revenue of this hospital is about $650 million. The losses are about $20 to $25 million per year. In the scheme of things, it’s something you should be concerned about. We need to work on it, but it’s not a crisis at all. I’m very confident that through systematic approaches we will be able to correct that. “One [way] is you concentrate on the revenue side, the volume side, getting business in the door. If you do that, generally speaking, it will negate some of your concerns on the expense side. Usually the way I’ve approached it in the past is I focus on services and quality. The better your quality, the lower your cost. That may sound counter-intuitive, but it works very, very well in health care for a multitude of reasons. “Then we take a look at the services we’re providing, expand those, Page 22

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reach out more into the community, get more volume in. The combination of those two things plus good day-to-day discipline on expense management and you’ll be fine. I’ve done quite a number of hospital turnarounds in the past. I wouldn’t even rank this as a turnaround operation here. This is more what I would consider just improvement and close monitoring of what’s going on.” Q: When do you think St. Joe’s can be in the black? A: “I would say somewhere between 12 and 18 months conservatively. I want to take enough time to do it [so] that we do it correctly. Some organizations approach this in a way, which I don’t think is good — they have more of a kneejerk reaction. They just go and try to cut expenses. My approach is much more systematic. We’re looking at systems. We try to reduce expenses by improving the systems. The expenses are reduced over time without negatively impacting the organization.” Q: What are some of the areas where St. Joseph’s has shined? A: I think “U.S. News & World Report” named it as the best regional hospital. That’s reflective of the outstanding quality and service that it’s offered in the past. St. Joseph’s has a fantastic orthopedic program, cardiology program. There are many areas where it has done an outstanding job of delivering care. On top of that, I think it’s done an excellent job to improve the overall health of the community — doing projects in Syracuse that other hospitals wouldn’t even venture into. For example, working on improving the housing situation right around the campus, making sure the community as a whole is benefiting. I’ve looked for an organization like this for many, many years. These organizations are very difficult to come by. You just don’t see that much anymore. To be

able to do that is quite a feat. Q: What are some of the areas where you might want to improve? A: “I would say that I’d like to work on some patient-flow efficiencies. That is one thing I see at many hospitals, where you’re not moving patients through the system as quickly as possible. The reason you do that is you’re able to free up beds for more patients who need them. A good example of that is the emergency department. Many emergency rooms are backed up.” Q: How might St. Joe’s be different a year from now with you at the helm? A: “I hope that we see growth. I would like to see an increase in market share. In the business that we’re doing in the community I would like to see us continuing to be a leader in terms of quality metrics. The hospital is doing a great job right now. All I want to do is make sure we’re building on top of that and becoming an even better place.” Q: What interested you about this job? A: “Several things. The first thing that peaked my interest was that my parents lived here in Syracuse in 1954, 1955 when my father was doing a medical residency. After that, there were two major things. One is that this hospital is affiliated with Trinity Health, which is an outstanding hospital company. Being a part of Trinity to me is very advantageous. You have the support of the organization and it will help St. Joseph’s continue to thrive going forward. “They’re also very community focused. They’re also very good at improving the health care of the community as a whole. The next piece was when I actually came for the interviews. I was very, very impressed by the longevity and the loyalty of the staff. “Staff members here are very dedicated to this hospital as well

New CEO Grew Up in Hawaii Leslie Paul Luke, 55, has been named the 14th president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse. Luke arrives as the former CEO of Tennova East, a seven-hospital health system in Knoxville, Tenn. He succeeds Kathy Ruscitto, who retired from the position recently. The new president holds his bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in health administration from Brigham Young University. His first position

IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017

as CEO was at a noprofit hospital in Kentucky in 1991. St. Joe’s new president was born in St. Louis, Mo., but was raised in Hawaii where his parents are from. His father was a general surgeon who completed his training in Syracuse in 1955. Luke and his family will relocate to the Syracuse area from Brentwood, Tenn. Luke is married, has five children, and is an instrument-rated pilot and outdoor enthusiast.

St. Joe’s CEO Leslie Paul Luke as the community. In the past I’ve worked at some hospitals where for some of the staff members it’s just a job they go to. They do it and then they go home. Here at St. Joseph’s it’s a palpable thing you feel when you walk in the door where they are very engaged. They view this as their own personal mission as well as a means to provide for the family. For me that was very important, because my own personal mission is very important to me. I needed to find a relationship where my mission and the mission of the organization actually lined up. Q: What is your personal mission? A: “My mission is, through responsible stewardship, I help hospitals heal. There’s a dual meaning in there. When I say I help hospital’s heal, some of the hospitals that I go to, they may need help to heal in certain ways. They may need some cultural healing or they may need some financial healing or quality healing. The second meaning to that though is I help the people here heal others. I didn’t become a doctor like my father, so I can’t lay my hands on somebody and actually heal them, but I can provide the working environment where the physicians and staff members can do that.” Q: How do you like Syracuse? A: “Love it so far. Definitely colder than Hawaii or Tennessee, but I’ve lived in Utah so I’m used to snow. The community, from what I’ve seen of it, I like that it’s not a really big urban city. I like its size. I love the village concept. And I like that fact that you can drive 20 minutes or so and you’re out in open space in beautiful country. I think it’s a great mix. Q: How do you enjoy your free time? A: “I’m a pilot. I haven’t flown in a little while, but I really would like to take that up again. I really believe as a proper pilot you need to be flying regularly to remain proficient. I love the technical aspect of it as well as the enjoyment of seeing places that you generally can’t unless you’re flying. I also do a lot of outdoor activities. My wife and I, we love to hike. We like the water. I like to sail. And we both enjoy photography.

Health News

NP Sharon Ellis Celebrated for 30 Years of Service Northern Oswego County Health Services, Inc. (NOCHSI) recently celebrated nurse practitioner Sharon Ellis’ 30 years with the organization. Ellis is a familiar face to hundreds of children in the northern Oswego County area. She works in the school-based health centers at the Lura Sharp Elementary School and Sandy Creek Central School. Ellis joined NOCHSI in 1986 as a registered nurse. She joined NOCHSI with intensive and critical care, emergency room, infection control and nursing supervision experience. She later earned her certificate as a family nurse practitioner from Syracuse’s Community General Hospital’s Nurse Practitioner Program. “Sharon’s many years of experience and competence in providing quality health care services to Oswego County residents, especially school children, has been a genuine benefit to area families,” said physician, Patrick Carguello, NOCHSI’s senior vice president and chief medical officer, NOCHSI’s President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Dey said, “Sharon has provided years of dedicated service to the health care profession in quiet, yet profound ways through earning advanced credentials and working her way up to more critically demanding roles. The Oswego community is extremely fortunate to have her as one of its own.”

CMP to participate in prevention of heart attacks, strokes Crouse Medical Practice (CMP) has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of 516 awardees in 47 states to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among millions of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. Affiliated with Crouse Health,

early elective deliveries (between 0 and 1 percent ); Baby-Friendly USA designation, a World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations

Children’s Fund (UNICEF) initiative to support best practices for breast feeding education and counseling“.

Healthcare Technology Improves Eye Care For Diabetics

Physician Carl Butch, Crouse Medical Practice medical director, demonstrates the new retinal camera technology.

Crouse Medical Practice, affiliated with Crouse Health, has just installed a high-tech retinal camera designed to capture high-resolution digital images of the retina. The system is used to detect diabetes-related eye disease and captures digital images of the retina, optic disc, macula and other parts of the eye. These images are then uploaded to the cloud and evaluated by a board-certified retinal specialist, all within 90 minutes, according to physician Carl Butch, CMP medical director. “In adults, the No. 1 cause of non-traumatic blindness is diabetic eye disease,” says Butch. “We have found that less than 50 percent of our diabetic patients are undergoing annual retinal exams. This high-tech camera allows for early detection of retinal abnormalities, and with early detection 95 percent of vision loss cases can be prevented.”

St. Joseph’s receives 2017 Women’s Choice Award St. Joseph’s Health has been named as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics by the Women’s Choice Award. The award signifies that St. Joseph’s Health is in the top 17 percent of 2,815 U.S. hospitals offering obstetrics. St. Joseph’s Health is the only hospital in Syracuse to receive this award. The methodology for America’s Best Hospital for Obstetrics Award is unique in that it combines national accreditations, Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results and hospital outcome scores with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. It is the only award recognizing excellence in obstetric services based on robust criteria that consider patient satisfaction and clinical excellence. The America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics distinction is based on the following specific criteria: the percentage of patients reporting through the HCAHPS survey that they would definitely recommend the hospital; patient safety ranking based on 11 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ measures of infection and complication rates; presence of a level III or level IV neonatal intensive care unit onsite (NICU); low rates of

Nurse Manager 7a-3p, FT (Monday – Friday) RN Supervisor 11p – 7a PT LPN – 3pm-11pm - FT, PT, & Per Diem CNA– 3pm-11pm - FT, PT, & Per Diem Housekeeping – Per Diem Adult Day Health Care Cleaner Dietary – per diem positions

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NOCHSI’s President/CEO Daniel Dey (left) and Senior Vice President/ Chief Medical Officer Patrick Carguello (right) award a plaque to nurse practitioner Sharon Ellis for 30 years of service.

CMP is participating in the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model program and will work to decrease cardiovascular disease risk by assessing an individual patient’s risk for heart attack or stroke and applying prevention interventions.   Heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability in the United States. One in three deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, resulting in more than $300 billion of healthcare costs each year.    Currently, healthcare practitioners are paid to screen for blood pressure, cholesterol or other risk factors individually. In testing a new approach, healthcare providers participating in the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model’s intervention group will use a data-driven, widely accepted predictive modeling approach. This method generates personalized risk scores and develops specific plans in partnership with patients to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Accepted applicants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group in accordance with the model’s randomized control design.   “Historically, our healthcare system has focused on acute care rather than preventive care,” said physician Carl Butch, medical director of Crouse Medical Practice. “This initiative will enhance patient-centered care and give practitioners the resources to invest the time and staff to address and manage patients who are at high risk for heart attacks and strokes.”

PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS February 2017 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare NewspaperBY:___________________ • Page 23 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2017