In Good Health: CNY #290 - February 2024 by In Good Health: CNY's Healthcare Newspaper

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FEBRUARY 2024 • ISSUE 290

Daily Multivitamin Might Help Aging Brains Recent studies by top universities suggest taking multivitamins could help prevent memory loss and slow cognitive aging among older adults.

ALSO INSIDE •10 Top Concerns for Older Adults •Expanding Longevity: $101 Million to the Best Ideas •Why You Need to Have Your Hearing Checked

GOLDEN YEARS SPECIAL WHO WINS, WHO LOSES IN THE DISPUTE BETWEEN EXCELLUS BCBS AND WELLNOW?

TEEN SMOKING RATES HAVE PLUMMETED, WITH LESS THAN 1% NOW DAILY SMOKERS

George Chapman: “Unless the stalemate is broken, all three parties — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, WellNow, consumers — will lose.” P. P.62

Teen Smoking Rates Have Plummeted, With Less Than 1% Now Daily Smokers

he number of American teens who smoke or have even tried smoking has dropped dramatically compared to a generation ago, with less than 1% now saying they light up cigarettes daily. Researchers tracked data on students in grades 9 through 12 from 1991 through to 2021. They report a 16-fold decline in daily cigarette use — from 9.8% of teens saying they smoked daily in 1991 to just 0.6% by 2021.

Even trying smoking is clearly unpopular now: Whereas about 70% of teens surveyed in 1991 said they had "ever" smoked, that number fell to less than 18% by 2021, a fourfold decline. “The substantial decrease in cigarette use among U.S. adolescents spanning three decades is an encouraging public health achievement,” said senior study author Panagiota Kitsantas, of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

“This decrease underscores the importance of continued vigilance, research and intervention to further reduce tobacco use and its associated harms," Kitsantas said in a university news release. She's chairwoman of population health and social medicine at the university's Schmidt College of Medicine. The findings are based on federal government surveys comprising more than 226,000 teens. The study is published online in the winter 2023 issue of the Ochsner Journal. Other findings from the study: • "Frequent" smoking (on at least 20 days of the prior month) fell from 12.7% of teens in 1991 to 0.7% 30 years later. • "Occasional" (at least 1 cigarette over the past month) smoking dropped from 27% of teens to 3.8% by 2021, a sevenfold decline. • 12th graders were more likely to say they occasionally smoked versus kids in grades 9 through 11. That suggests that older teens may be more likely to at least experiment with smoking, the researchers said. • Smoking rates have fallen most dramatically among Black teens, compared to whites or Hispanics. Smoking-related illness is still responsible for one in every five U.S. deaths, killing about half a million Americans annually, the researchers noted. And even though reductions in smoking among young people is welcome news, it may take time to show up in improved life spans. “Quitting smoking significantly reduces risks of cardiovascular disease beginning within a matter of

Single-Port Robotic Surgery:

E X P E R I E N C E M AT T E R S As the region’s leader in robotic-assisted surgery Crouse Health is the only area hospital to offer the latest, minimally invasive technique for prostate surgery using a single, small incision. The da Vinci SP system uses advanced technology designed for access to tissue in the body with greater precision and enhanced mobility. A pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, urologist Po Lam, MD, is the ﬁrst and only surgeon in the region to utilize the da Vinci Single Port robotic system for prostate removal. His experience with the SP system places him in the top tier* of robotic surgeons in the U.S. using this innovative technology. *Intuitive Surgical

See interview with Po Lam, MD, and SP patient Dan Cannucciari:

crouse.org/RoboticsSinglePort crouse.org/ Ask your physician if Single Port robotic surgery is appropriate for you.

Page 2 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

Even trying smoking is clearly unpopular now: Whereas about 70% of teens surveyed in 1991 said they had “ever” smoked, that number fell to less than 18% by 2021, a fourfold decline. months and reaching the non smoker status within a few years, even among older adults," explained study co-author, physician Charles Hennekens. "However, for lung and other cancers, reductions do not even begin to emerge for years after quitting, and even after 10 years, remain midway between the continuing smoker and lifelong nonsmoker," said Hennekens, who is a professor of medicine at Florida Atlantic. "Thus, for reducing cardiovascular disease risks it's never too late to quit, but to reduce risks of cancer, it's never too early," he said.

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February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 3

Meet

a lot of injuries.

Your Doctor

By Chris Motola

Sherard Tatum, MD More Americans Will Only Have to Pay $35 a Month for Insulin in 2024 Managing diabetes will be a less expensive proposition for more Americans in 2024. Sanofi has officially joined Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in lowering the cost of insulin to $35 a month for many patients. The three drugmakers are also drastically lowering the list prices for their insulin products. The price-cutting moves were first announced last spring, but some of them didn't take effect until Jan. 1. After spending on insulin had tripled in the past decade, drug makers had come under heavy fire from patients and politicians alike. In 2022, $22.3 billion was spent on insulin costs, compared to just $8 billion in 2012, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Over 8 million Americans need insulin to survive, but up to quarter of those patients haven't been able to afford the medication and have dangerously rationed doses, according to the ADA. Now, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare enrollees pay no more than $35 a month for their insulin prescriptions. But they are not the only ones getting price breaks. As of Jan. 1, Sanofi established a $35 monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for Lantus, its most widely prescribed insulin in the United States, for all patients with commercial insurance. It already limits the cost to $35 for all uninsured patients. In September, Novo Nordisk launched the MyInsulinRx program, which provides a 30-day supply of insulin for $35 to eligible patients, including the uninsured. The company also offers a co-pay savings card that allows eligible patients to buy its insulin products for as little as $35 and no more than $99, depending on their health insurance coverage. And in March, Eli Lilly instituted an automatic $35 monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for those with commercial insurance buying its insulin products at participating retail pharmacies. The uninsured can download the Lilly Insulin Value Program savings card, which allows them to get the medication for $35 a month.

Upstate doctor now serves as president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He talks about the new position and the trips to Ukraine to perform facial surgeries on people injured in the war Q: You are a currently the president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. What does that organization do and what are your duties as president? A: The AAFPRS is the trade organization for facial plastic surgeons. It’s the largest organization representing facial plastic surgeons. We have over 2,000 members. We represent the membership to the public and to government. Our prime objectives involve quality of healthcare, research and service. We do some pro bono work domestically and abroad. And we put on two or three meetings a year for education. I’m president, chairman of the board of trustees for the academy and for the foundation, the nonprofit arm. I represent the interests of the membership to the media and to government and preside over meetings. Q: Did you seek the position or was it more of an opening you fell into? A: It’s an elected position. I was nominated by our nominating committee. It’s typically based on many years of service to the organization at the committee level, putting on meetings, activism. Usually there’s an election with two to three candidates, occasionally one. And the membership votes. Q: You’re an ENT, but do you mostly focus on plastic surgery in your practice? A: Yeah, I do mostly reconstructive surgery. I run the cleft and craniofacial clinic at SUNY Upstate. So I fix faces that have deformities from birth defects, injuries and cancer defects. Q: What accounts for the majority of those cases? A: Most of what I do is the birth defects. That’s what

I specialize in. But I do have a fairly broad practice taking care of traumaand cancer-related reconstruction. Q: What’s involved in correcting cleft-palates and facial asymmetries? A: Clefts are corrected in stages. For example, a baby born with a cleft lip and palates would have the lip repaired in the first two or three months of life. The palettes are usually repaired at about a year of age. They usually get tubes in their ears if they have a cleft-palate. We’ll follow them as an interdisciplinary team until they’re 18, sometimes into their early 20s because there are certain aspects of the cleft that affect how their faces grow that are best dealt with after they’re fully growing. The cleft results in some minor asymmetry in the nose and upper lip region, but there are other conditions that cause significant facial asymmetry like craniofacial microsomia where one side of the face is much smaller than the other side. That requires repair in stages. Q: You were recently in Ukraine to perform facial surgeries on people injured in the war. What was that like? A: It was both horrifying and gratifying. It’s terrible to see the nature of injuries that war causes. We specialize in taking care of facial injuries. Some of the facial injuries were horrific. Some of these individuals are left with horrible disfigurement. Often an eye has been lost. Occasionally both eyes. They may have trouble feeding themselves, speaking. Sometimes even breathing. So their lives are completely disrupted by these injuries. We try to reconstruct them as best we can to give them some of their life back. When we’re able to do that, it’s really quite rewarding. And there’s a great need for it, because there are

Nominate a Doctor for ‘Meet Your Doctor’ If you’d like to nominate a special physician, dentist, chiropractor, physical therapist or any doctor to be featured in our “Meet Your Doctor” segment, please send an email to editor@cnyhealth.com — please write “Meet Your Doctor” on the subject line.

Page 4 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

Q: What tends to cause the majority of these injuries? A: It’s a lot of direct fire bullet injuries and a lot of shrapnel. There are also some crush injuries from buildings coming down and things like that. A few burns. Q: Obviously those are all very different types of traumas, but how successful were you generally at improving their quality of life? A: This most recent trip — we’ve been there three or four times — we had eight cases where a segment of jaw was missing and we reconstructed it with a piece of bone from the leg. We were able to rebuild eye sockets. While we obviously can’t fix their vision, we did give them the ability to have an ocular prosthesis and have a fairly normal-looking eye. Some other people had problems with holes in their palates, so a lot of work was done to help improve speech and feeding. And, of course, appearance. Q: How much does plastic surgery overlap with more general ENT practice? A: There’s a lot of overlap. Anything you do in ENT, if you’re not working through an orifice, then you’re cutting on the face. So you have to be careful to design your incisions so that you make the most acceptable scars that you can on the face. And the reconstructive aspect focuses on fixing defects like part of the tongue being missing. All of that overlaps, especially since we deal with a lot of cancer. Sometimes we’re the ones creating the defects by removing the cancer from their face or jaw. So we need to know how to put them back together as well. Q: As president of a national trade organization, how do you find Central New York is perceived by your peers? A: Upstate’s ENT department has a storied past. We’ve had pretty famous people involved in our ENT department. So having continued national leadership coming out of Syracuse doesn’t really surprise anyone at the national level. Certainly I do my best to shine a good light on our department and the university in general.

Lifelines

Name: Sherard Tatum, M.D. Position: Director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at SUNY Upstate University Hospital, professor of otolaryngology and communication sciences and of pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee Education: University of South Florida; Eastern Virginia Medical School; University of Eppendorf; University of California Affiliations: Upstate Medical University Hospital, Crouse Hospital, Syracuse VA Organizations: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolarynology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons Family: Wife (Diane Diamond), two children Hobbies: Skiing, cooking, traveling.

Care when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere. When you’re in pain or feeling sick, we want to help you find the right care, right when you need it. There are several ways to seek care:

PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

When possible, this is the best place to start. Your primary care doctor will know your health history and can help with the best next steps to start feeling better.

TELEMEDICINE

This is a great option when you can’t visit your doctor in person. Your primary care doctor might offer telemedicine visits but if they don’t, we’ve partnered with MDLIVE* for 24/7 virtual care.

URGENT CARE

Urgent care can be a good option for in-person care when your doctoris not available. Urgent care centers are designed to treat non-emergent conditions, like sprains and strains, colds and flu, cuts and lacerations, and can perform x-rays and lab testing.

EMERGENCY ROOM

If you’re experiencing a life-threatening event, call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency room.

Learn more about your options at ExcellusBCBS.com/CareOptions

* MDLIVE® is an independent company that provides services to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members. MDLIVE providers are available by phone 24/7 or by video 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Plan coverage and cost may vary. Log in to your member account to check your benefits and coverage. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 5

Healthcare in a Minute By George W. Chapman

Drug Prices

Excellus vs. WellNow

hile I have no specifics regarding the stalemate as of this writing, I can offer my considered observations. Basically, unless the stalemate is broken, all three parties — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, WellNow, consumers — will lose.

problem, urgent care allows some employees to get back to work the same day versus wasting the entire day in an ER. Urgent care centers are paid far less than an emergency room for the same visit. It seems Excellus is shooting itself in the fiscal foot by

First, Excellus.

provider (physician or hospital), would suffer financially if excluded by Excellus. WellNow provides an invaluable service to consumers, employers, even their provider colleagues. Shunning WellNow can cause negative ripples and unintended consequences in physician offices and ERs.

Third, Excellus

Excellus's v. WellNow: Unless the members. The insurer controls virtually 85% of the stalemate is broken, all three parties — Instead of a paying the market and faces little Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, WellNow, relatively nominal copay competition. Unless it and receiving care in about can produce some urgent consumers — will lose. an hour, Excellus members care alternatives, other are now faced with either plans will have a great not getting care at all, selling point and may excluding WellNow from its provider (potentially dangerous) or paying the take members away from Excelpanel. entire WellNow fee, which is considlus. Urgent care centers provide an erably more than the copay or killing invaluable and cost-effective service. Second, WellNow. their day in an emergency room with They keep hundreds of same day a much higher copay in probably acute care visits out of overbooked Since Excellus controls so much three to six hours. physician offices and overrun emerof the commercial market, any gency rooms. Depending on the 15 through Dec. 7. Medigap supplemental insurers can deny coverage of pre-existing conditions if you switch back to traditional from MA. However, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New York prohibit these insurers from denying care. There have been vocal critics of MA plans because of coverage issues and inaccurate provider lists. Beginning this year, MA plans must comply with federal network expectations or face consequences.

CVS in the Metaverse Switching Medicare Plans About half of our 66 million seniors have elected to be covered by a Medicare advantage plan versus traditional Medicare. Advantage plans (MA) are funded by the federal government but administered by commercial insurance companies like Blue Cross, United, Aetna, Cigna, etc. You can switch back to traditional Medicare or switch to another MA plan during the two open enrollment periods: Jan. 1 through March 31 and Oct.

For better or worse, the national drug chain has filed a patent to sell drugs in the virtual world. Surely, others will follow. CVS plans a dwindling physical presence and will close 900 stores over the next three years. It will offer healthcare services via three main platforms. Traditional stores that remain open will continue to provide prescription services and health and wellness programs. Free standing clinics will provide primary care services. HealthHUB locations will offer screenings, monitoring, counseling and other treatment

Page 6 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

weight loss drug on the market. The FDA has seized thousands of fake units and — with manufacturer Novo Nordisk’s cooperation — is testing for defects. So far, it appears the fake drug can result in infections and comes with unsterile needles. But rest assured the fake Ozempic still has the same adverse side effects as the real thing: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation. Ozempic is a class GLO-1 drug originally designed to treat diabetes. But its popularity as a weight loss drug could cost Medicare an additional $14 billion to $27 billion per an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. So far, according to a survey of HR professionals, only about 25% of employers cover the drug for non-diabetic treatment.

options. CVS reported $304 billion in revenue is 2022.

Fighting Gun Violence It is the No. 1 cause of death between the ages of 1 and 25. Since gun violence prevention is virtually stalled in Congress, several states have taken the matter up themselves and have authorized the use of their Medicaid dollars for gun violence prevention. They are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Oregon. President has authorized the use of federal Medicaid dollars to supplement state efforts. 54% of gun deaths are suicide; 43% are murder; the remaining 3% are accidental or undetermined.

Fake Ozempic There should be no surprise that there are fake versions of the popular

The New Year means annual drug price increases. Last year, manufacturers jacked up prices on 1,425 drugs, which is slightly less than 1,460 in 2022. Leading the way is Pfizer, which accounts for more than 25% of the price increases. While Medicare won’t be authorized to negotiate drug prices until 2026 (and then only 10 drugs), starting this year, the Inflation Reduction Act limits price increases to inflation.

Price Transparency Hospitals and payers are slowly complying with federal regulations regarding price transparency. 83% have posted negotiated rates with payers; 77% have posted cash rates; 80% have posted surgery rates; 65% have posted diagnostic rates like lab and X-ray. In addition, as of November 2023, 205 payers had posted what they pay for certain procedures and tests. Last December, the House passed the “Lower Cost, More Transparency” law which is now in the hands of the Senate. While it is smart to check out prices, just where you’ll receive healthcare will most likely be determined by your provider or your healthcare system.

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

Maintaining a Community Connection “Our mission is to provide nutritious meals to seniors, the homebound & the disabled in north Onondaga County...” • Helping seniors and disabled individuals stay in their own homes and maintain their independence • Home delivered meals and a daily contact • From our kitchen to your home, delivered by caring volunteers • Over 40 years serving our local communities in the north suburbs.

Meals on Wheels services are provided on a short-term or long-term basis:

What's Your Bedtime Routine? Survey Finds Americans' Favorites

hot shower, a glass of wine, a good book and sex are a few of Americans' favorite ways to unwind at bedtime, a new survey shows. "What defines a comfortable night's sleep varies from person to person, but developing a consistent sleep routine that removes distraction is a big first step in building a habit of good sleep health," said physician James Rowley, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). A successful routine should lead to seven or more hours of shuteye, he said in an AASM news release. "Going to bed at the same time each night is one of the keys to a successful and healthy sleep routine, yet only about one-third of people are doing it," said Rowley, director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago. About 39% of survey respondents take a bath or shower first; 30% shut off electronics; and 29% read. A quarter have sex. About one in five meditate, do breathing exercises or stretch. Twen-

ty-two percent have a cup of tea or other non-alcoholic beverage, while 15% use alcohol to unwind. Twenty percent have a cigarette or vape and 19% smoke marijuana. Many rely on accessories to help them nod off, including fans (47%), black-out curtains (29%), weighted blankets or sleep masks (20% each), noise machines or apps (18%), and ear plugs (16%). Nearly a quarter rely on an alarm clock with wake-up lights to get going. Even if they manage to get to sleep, noise and light often jolt them awake, the survey found. Thirty-six percent said their sleep is always or often wake disrupted by outside noise, while more than one-third were bothered by indoor or outdoor lights. "The new year provides the perfect time to reset habits to make sure that healthy sleep is a priority," Rowley said. The online survey of 2,005 adults in the U.S. was conducted March 24-29, 2023. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

• While caregivers are away • To those who are rehabilitating at home, short-term or long-term • To those who are unable to shop and/or preapre their own meals • Those in need of a special diet • Elderly, homebound, permanently or temporarily disabled • Living in the towns of: Brewerton, Cicero, Clay, Salina, North Syracuse, Liverpool, Mattydale, and areas in Bridgeport and Baldwinsville

413 Church Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212 315-452-1402 • www.namow.org

ONONDAGA, OSWEGO, CAYUGA & MADISON COUNTIES A monthly newspaper published by Local News, Inc. 33,500 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. © 2024 Local News, Inc. All rights reserved. P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-342-1182 • Fax: 315-342-7776 • Email: editor@cnyhealth.com

Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Associate Editor: Stefan Yablonski • Writers: Deborah J. Sergeant, Jim Miller, Gwenn Voelckers, Anne Palumbo, Chris Motola, Melissa Stefanec, Eva Briggs (MD), Mary Beth Roach, George Chapman Advertising: Amy Gagliano, Pam Roe, Tom Bachman Layout & Design: Angel Campos-Toro • Office Manager: Allison Lockwood

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.

February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 7

Live Alone & & Thrive Thrive By Gwenn Voelckers Practical tips, advice and hope for those who live alone

Create and Embrace a ‘Family of Friends’

iving alone after a significant life change can be daunting. It was years ago, but I remember feeling lost and disoriented after my divorce. At first, time alone felt overwhelming, but eventually I discovered an invaluable source of support and companionship: my family of friends. As I navigated this new phase of my life, I realized that cultivating and nurturing this chosen family became essential to my finding joy and contentment on my own. It took conscious effort, but the rewards were immeasurable. My new network of friends became my pillars of support, understanding, fun and recreation. They helped me transition from a shared life to a solitary one — one in which I found tremendous solace and strength. You, too, can make this transition with the help of chosen friends and meaningful connections.

Taking the first step The first step in creating my family of friends was to step out of my comfort zone, which at the time meant sitting at home alone on my couch watching Seinfeld reruns. I decided to follow my therapist’s sug-

gestion to turn off the TV, sit quietly and think about what brings me joy (or what used to bring me joy). Music came to mind. Like a familiar refrain, this idea played in my head until I worked up the courage to call the Eastman Community Music School in Rochester to inquire about their New Horizons music program for older adults. One week later, I joined their “Green Band” for beginners and have been making music and new friends ever since. Let your interests, your loves and your values illuminate the way forward and you’ll find yourself immersed in engaging activities and fulfilling friendships.

Nurturing new-found connections Creating a family of friends isn’t just about meeting new people; it’s about deepening and maintaining those connections. Regular communication plays a pivotal role. I made an extra effort to reach out and stay connected to my new companions through texts, emails, phone calls, meeting for coffee, etc. Consistency is key, as is timeliness. Demonstrate your interest and

Getting School Kids Gardening Pays Off for Eating Habits

ending a garden can help young kids develop healthy attitudes about food that will influence their health years later, a new study says. Kids who participated in a gardening and food education program during elementary school were more likely to eat healthier as they grew up, researchers found. “Kids who grow vegetables in a school garden and learn how to prepare meals seem to show a lasting desire for fresh, healthy food as young adults,” lead author Christine St. Pierre, a doctoral candidate and researcher at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, said in a news release. For the study, researchers brought together focus groups made

up of current and past participants in the FoodPrints food education program, which is offered in 20 elementary schools in Washington, D.C. On average, older participants in the focus groups were ninth-graders. The program starts when students are 3 years old, in pre-kindergarten, and continues through fifth grade. In the program, kids help grow vegetables and fruits in a school garden, harvest their produce, and then use it to prepare healthy food. Current and former participants said the program helped them better appreciate fresh food offerings at home. “Almost all of the foods that we eat in FoodPrints, I didn't really eat at home before then,” one participant

Page 8 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

enthusiasm by responding quickly to messages. Let others know you care by showing up early for events and by sticking around afterwards to chat and get to know each other. Be curious. Ask people about themselves and be open in return. Strengthening connections requires ongoing effort, just like tending a garden helps it flourish.

Letting your guard down Allowing others to see the “real me” during a vulnerable time in my life felt scary at first. But opening up became easier as my relationships grew deeper and more authentic. Sharing my feelings, fears and hopes with my trusted friends and hearing their stories and experiences created a secure and safe space for mutual support and understanding. Just recently, a conversation I had with a budding friend revealed a shared sadness about losses within our respective families of origin. I felt less alone while talking with her and after we hugged goodbye, I was filled with feelings of gratitude and inner peace. Shared vulnerability and empathy can pave the way for close, life-long friendships. They are within your grasp.

Savor the joy these relationships bring you. Relish the moments of pure happiness and genuine laughter. These moments are precious and will remind you that — on your own — life can still be vibrant and beautiful.

In closing . . . Let me reassure you. While living solo after years of sharing your life with someone may seem overwhelming initially, it’s also a chance for incredible personal growth and newfound connections. Embrace the journey and remember that in the midst of this change, there is immense potential for joy and contentment in the presence of a loving and supportive family of friends. You’re not alone — your family of friends is there to take this journey with you, bringing warmth, laughter and unwavering support all along the way.

The decision to create and embrace a family of friends is a powerful step toward reclaiming agency over your life and fostering a sense of belonging. It isn’t about replacing your biological family, but rather expanding the definition of family to include those who genuinely uplift and support you.

Gwenn Voelckers is the author of “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.” She welcomes your thoughts on this column. Feel free to reach out to her with your questions and comments. And if you have any ideas for future columns, she would love to hear them! Just email gvoelckers@ rochester.rr.com

said. “Like I didn't eat ABC [apple, beet, carrot] salad before FoodPrints. I didn't eat sweet potato biscuits before FoodPrints.” The program also taught them how to prepare dishes and gave them confidence in the kitchen, results show. “We all got like recipe books and like recipe cards that we could take home... like once we did it in class, it's like I definitely made a lot of the recipes at home,” one participant said. “And so I think it definitely impacted the types of things that I was making with my family.” Further, parents appeared to pick up the lessons learned by the kids. “I think it's had an effect on like, especially my parents,” one participant said. “Like, they think, 'Oh, this is a healthier option that my kids would totally eat because they like

it, and they've made it before.' So I think with the parents, it was like, 'Hey, we should start eating these kinds of foods more.' And that's part of how it affected like, some of our meals.” Older kids who'd gone through the program said they were more open to trying new foods and had more confidence in their ability to make healthy choices. The researchers argued that such programs can help improve kids' health throughout their life, by improving the ongoing quality of their diets. “The hope is that such programs could help teens and young adults make better food choices as they grow older,” St. Pierre said. The findings were published in the January issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

Celebrating your chosen family

Don’t wait to get the care you need. When you visit the St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute, you can expect the best. They’re rated high-performing in more heart procedures than all other area hospitals.* You’ll be back home and feeling better in no time. *U.S. News & World Report

SJH10468_CVI_FY23_In-Good-Health_9.75x13.75_No-Bleed_V1.indd 1

1/22/24 4:51 PM February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 9

My Turn What Are Antibiotics Good For? By Eva Briggs, MD

very day someone asks me why I am not prescribing an antibiotic for their viral infection. Many people hear only the word infection and immediately conclude that only an antibiotic with fix them. But antibiotics only work for bacterial infections and have no effect on viral infections. The explanation hinges on understanding something about bacteria and viruses and how they differ. • Bacteria are single celled organisms. They vary widely in size, but the vast majority is too tiny to see without a microscope. They have a membrane that encloses the cell contents (cytoplasm). Bacterial cytoplasm generally lacks membrane-bound structures (nucleus, mitochondria) that are found in cells of humans and other animals and plants. Surrounding the cell membrane is a cell wall, a structure lacking in plants and animals. • Viruses are tiny infectious agents, too small to see with a microscope, that reproduce only by living inside of and hijacking the machinery of a living cell. This is unlike bacteria, the vast majority of which are free-living. Viruses are bare-bones structures consisting of nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat

called a capsid. Antibiotics work by targeting the functions of a living bacterial cell. Because bacteria and viruses are so completely different structurally and biochemically, antibiotics can’t affect viruses. One common class of antibiotics is penicillins, which includes penicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin and others. They work by first entering bacterial cells. Once inside the cell, they disrupt the chemical process the cell uses to make the cell wall. Bacteria are constantly remodeling their cell walls which are made from chemicals called peptidoglycans. Penicillins block the step where peptidoglycans are cross-linked together. Since viruses do not have cell walls, penicillins can’t affect them. Macrolides are another common antibiotic class that includes erythromycin and azithromycin (the popular Z-pak). Macrolides interfere with the ability of bacteria to make new proteins. Viruses don’t synthesize proteins. They commandeer living cells and get them to do that task. This is why a Z-pak cannot get colds, influenza or COVID-19 better. Contrary to popular belief, most sinus infections and bronchitis are caused by viruses, too and won’t be

helped by any antibiotic. People often wonder why medical providers are reluctant to prescribe antibiotics “just in case.” It’s because there are real potential harms from antibiotic use. First, they may cause antibiotic resistance. Bacteria are everywhere around and inside us. When exposed to antibiotics, susceptible bacteria are killed leaving their resistant colleagues alive to reproduce. If those bacteria then either mutate to become virulent (better able to cause infection) or encounter someone with weak immunity, they can cause an infection resistant to the antibiotic. Taking antibiotics can alter the balance of bacteria in the intestines. This may lead to diarrhea. It can allow the dangerous bacteria Clostridioides difficile to grow. C. diff infection causes severe diarrhea and is often hard to eradicate. Antibiotics potentially cause

allergic reactions. There is no need to take the risk by taking an unnecessary antibiotic. There are some antiviral medicines to teat specific viral infections: HIV, hepatitis C, shingles, influenza, COVID-19. But there is no broad-spectrum antiviral drug for common viral respiratory infections. In summary, antibiotics are only useful for bacterial infections. They are unhelpful for viral infections but can cause real harm when overused.

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

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February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 11

Why Try Kimchi?

The spicy, tangy Korean condiment offers surprising health benefits By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ave you tried kimchi? Commonly used in Korean cuisine — it’s been called “Korean catsup” — the condiment provides a few health plusses. Want to improve your gut health? Kimchi can help with that. “It’s a fermented food so it has live bacterial cultures which have been proven to be beneficial to our digestive tract,” said Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and owner of Kelly’s Choice in Skaneateles. “By replacing and adding to our gut microbiome, we have the ability to boost our immune system, produce serotonin levels for our neurotransmitter and produce key vitamins like B12, K2.” Although probiotic supplements are available, kimchi is among the foods that have naturally occurring probiotics, including yogurt, sauerkraut and kefir. The gut has been called the

“second brain” for its interaction with other bodily systems and the connection between emotions and the gut. For example, some people experience an upset stomach while feeling anxious. The gut is also considered an important part of the immune system. Maintaining healthy gut flora is essential for its normal function. Unfortunately, typical Americans eat foods that sabotage the gut flora, such as sugar, white flour and other highly processed foods, with too few vegetables. “The other thing kimchi has is it’s also a fiber source, which is a prebiotic,” Springer said. “It is what feeds our gut bacteria. So, if you’re putting in live cultures, they need something to eat. It’s a pre- and probiotic. When we have fiber rich sources, this helps produce the mucosal layer which creates a barrier to protect against viruses and bacteria

Upstate now offers robotic option for Whipple procedure

pstate Medical University now offers the robotic Whipple procedure, a complex surgery used to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer as well as some other conditions. The robotic Whipple procedure is a minimally invasive version of the Whipple procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy, performed to treat pancreatic cancer. Either operation involves removing the head of the pancreas, duodenum (first part of small intestine), bile duct, lymph nodes, gallbladder (if present), and sometimes part of the stomach, and then reconnecting the organs so that food can be properly digested. It can also be used to treat benign or precancerous conditions of the head of the pancreas, neuroendocrine tumors at the head of the pancreas,

ampullary cancers, and duodenal cancers. Upstate joins a small but growing group of hospitals to offer the robotic Whipple. In Upstate New York, only the University of Rochester Medical Center and Roswell Park in Buffalo offer the robotic procedure. There were less than 18,000 Whipple procedures completed from 2004-2017 in the United States, according to the National Cancer Database. Of those, only 12 percent were minimally invasive (done laparoscopically or with robotic technology), with less than 400 robot-assisted procedures in total. A high-volume surgical center might see 10 to 20 Whipple-appropriate cases in a year. Upstate surgeon Mashaal Dhir performs both the traditional and robotic Whipple procedures here. He said the hospital started doing the

Page 12 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

Randy Worobo, professor and food microbiologist in the department of food science at Cornell University: “[Kimchi’s] wonderful to make at home and easy, too.” from entering in. That mucosal layer is the ‘house’ for the probiotics. It’s really interesting to see how they work in a symbiotic relationship. That’s how probiotics and prebiotics affect our immune system, serotonin and vitamins.” Since kimchi recipes call for cabbage, radish or cucumber, it’s rich in fiber, which is also helpful for bowel movements, both for easing constipation and for developing firmer stools for those with chronic diarrhea. The fiber in kimchi provides food for the probiotics to help them flourish. Kimchi is not without its drawbacks. It can produce gas because it is made of fermented vegetables. The rich, garlicky odor can be offensive to some. It’s also strongly flavored with Korean fish sauce and the fermentation smell. The Korean red pepper flakes provide a distinctive taste; but it may be too spicy for some people. But choosing a “mild” variety can help mitigate this effect without compromising its health benefits. Springer advised trying just half a cup at a time or less at first and more once it’s well-tolerated. Eating it with protein and healthful fat can help, such as on an omelet or in a soup. In addition to its benefits to gut

robotic procedure about four months ago and he has performed it on four patients. One had a pre-cancerous condition at the head of the pancreas, one had a neuroendocrine tumor and two had ampullary cancers, located where the bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into the small intestine. The patients tend to feel less pain and it appears their body goes through less stress, so they get back to their baseline faster,” Dhir said, not that some patients left three to six days after surgery, Dhir said only 10-20% of patients with pancreas cancers qualify for the traditional Whipple procedure and even fewer qualify for the robotic version. Dhir said candidates must have early-stage disease in the region where the bile duct and pancreas ducts meet and be in good enough health to withstand a long surgery, among other considerations. In the traditional Whipple, the surgeon makes a large abdominal incision to remove and reconstruct affected organs and tissues. For the robotic Whipple, the surgeon operates through several small incisions, using robotic arms equipped with special instruments and a tiny cam-

health, “scientific scrutiny reveals that kimchi is replete with essential nutrients including vitamins A, B, and C, alongside minerals such as potassium, calcium and selenium,” said Canastota-based Laurel Sterling, registered dietitian with Carlson Labs. “Furthermore, it boasts a high concentration of dietary fiber while remaining low in calories. The cardiovascular benefits of kimchi consumption have been noted with its capacity to modulate lipid profiles and oxidative stress, thereby potentially mitigating risk factors associated with heart disease.” Sterling warned that kimchi is fermented, which may not be recommended for people with compromised immune systems and that kimchi can be high in sodium. Look for brands that contain moderate levels. Because kimchi recipes vary so much, try brands and styles until you find one you like. Or you can make your own. “It’s wonderful to make at home and easy, too,” said Randy Worobo, professor and food microbiologist in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University. That may also help you control the amount of sodium in the finished product. Worobo said that a “younger” Kimchi — one that has not been aged very long — “is not as strong flavored and not as active.” “Pair it with barbecue meat and rice. It is complementary to those foods. Initially, try it in smaller amounts. You can cut it into smaller pieces instead of the usual two-inch pieces,” he added. He recommends the websites Korean Bap Sang (www.koreanbapsang. com/) and Maangchi (www.maangchi.com) “They give really good recipes on how to make kimchi and how to use it,” Worobo said. “For kids, it’s a good project to show them how fermentation works. Kids are more willing to try foods they’re involved in making.” The spice level doesn’t affect its healthfulness. So it’s OK to go with a milder variety.

era. The robotic arms can move more precisely and with a better range of motion than a surgeon’s hands, while the camera provides a more complete view of the abdominal interior. Because the procedure is less invasive, patients experience fewer complications and recover more quickly. The robotic procedure, however, is very complex, and Dhir said it takes longer than the traditional version, anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Dhir said the team has to be ready for many outcomes, including any problems that would cause them to have to revert to the traditional method. “We have to be very careful and use meticulous dissection,” he said. “We have to plan out every move and we always have to stay one step ahead.” Dhir said offering this procedure puts Upstate on the map with centers like Sloan Kettering or Roswell. Previously, he said some of his patients traveled to a big center to have the robotic surgery done. “Having this state-of-the-art procedure uplifts our program and allows us to serve our patients better because we have the expertise at home,” he said.

SmartBites By Anne Palumbo

Helpful Tips

The skinny on healthy eating

Why Buckwheat Is This Year’s ‘Go-To’ Grain

Buckwheat comes in many forms: groats, flour, pasta, and noodles. Groats, the least expensive form, cook fairly quickly and last about 5 days in the fridge. Buckwheat flour, stored in an airtight container, can last up to a year in the freezer.

rom meal-flavored cocktails to hybrid snacks, premium bottled waters to soothing soups, the predictions are out for what we will eat and drink in the new year. This year’s trending grain surprised me. Buckwheat. Yes, humble, discrete buckwheat. Why now? For the climate-minded, buckwheat is a great cover crop, meaning it benefits the successful growth of future crops. And for the health-minded, it’s particularly rich in complex carbs, fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat. It’s a seed from a flowering plant and does not contain any wheat or gluten. Buckwheat, like many whole grains, is an excellent source of healthy carbs, averaging about 34 grams per cooked cup. Although carbs often get a bad rap, especially when it comes to weight gain, good carbs—like the kind in buckwheat— are vital to your health. They provide energy, help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and aid weight control by helping you feel full on fewer calories. In addition, buckwheat’s complex carbs, which take longer to digest than refined carbs, are less likely to cause blood sugar peaks and lows. Smart carbs, says registered dietitian Marina Chaparro, certified diabetes educator, “can actually do a lot for you and your diabetes control.” Buckwheat also contains a decent amount of fiber: about 5 grams per cooked cup. According to the Mayo Clinic, a high-fiber diet promotes regularity and bowel health, may lower the risk of colon cancer, helps control blood sugar levels, and may help lower total blood cholesterol levels,

which benefits hearts. Stumped about what to give your sweetie for Valentine’s Day? Nothing says “I love you” better than a steaming bowl of buckwheat! Antioxidants abound in buckwheat, more, in fact, than many other cereal grains. These remarkable compounds do a body good by helping to improve inflammation, lower your risk of cancer and heart disease, manage diabetes, and fight free radical damage. Although buckwheat is not a superstar provider of any one mineral, it boasts a wide variety of many, with manganese, copper, and magnesium taking top honors. All work together to promote good health and longevity.

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.

MUSHROOM, BUCKWHEAT, AND BLACK BEAN SOUP

Serves 6-8 Adapted from simple-veganista.com 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 celery ribs, sliced 2 large carrots, sliced 20 oz white mushrooms, sliced 1 cup buckwheat groats 2 teaspoons thyme 2 teaspoons fennel seeds (optional) ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 7-8 cups broth of choice or water juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper ½ cup parsley, chopped

1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat, add onions and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in carrots, celery, mushrooms, thyme and optional spices; cook another 4 minutes, stirring frequently. 2. Add in the buckwheat groats, broth, lemon juice, zest, beans, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, partially cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Serve garnished with a sprinkle of parsley.

Put Down That Salt Shaker to Spare Your Kidneys

olks who habitually add an extra sprinkle of salt to their meals are doing no favors for their kidneys, new research confirms. The finding held even after researchers accounted for other health issues, such as being overweight, not exercising or smoking or drinking. The bottom line: "Adding salt to foods is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease in the general population," concluded a team led by physician Lu Qi, of Tulane University's Obesity Research Center, in New Orleans. Qi and his colleagues recently published studies showing that adding salt to meals upped people's odds for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and shortened life spans. However, links between table salt and the odds of kidney disease

in the general population hadn't been well-researched, Qi's group noted. To remedy that, they analyzed data on more than 465,000 people, averaging 56 years of age, who didn't have kidney disease when they registered for a British health database known as the UK Biobank. Participants' health and lifestyle were tracked from 2006 to 2023. According to the researchers, over 22,000 cases of kidney disease emerged over the study period. Compared to folks who never or rarely added salt to their food, people who did so had a higher odds of developing kidney trouble. The risk rose with the frequency at which people said they used table salt. For example, compared to never-users, folks who said they "sometimes" added extra salt had a 4%

higher risk of kidney disease; those who "usually" added salt had a 7% higher risk, and those who "always" added salt saw their risk rise by 11%. Those risk estimates came after Qi's team accounted for lifestyle factors that often accompany heavy salt intake - overweight-obesity, smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, diabetes, hypertension and other issues. The study was published in the Dec. 28 issue of the journal JAMA Network Open.

There are many physiological issues linking high sodium intake and poorer kidney function, the researchers noted, including hormonal changes and "increased oxidative stress" on the twin organs. According to the Tulane investigators, their findings "support the reduction of adding salt to foods as a potential intervention strategy for chronic kidney disease prevention."

February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 13

Don’t Wait ‘Till Something Happens to Your Heart Experts say patients should be proactive: Start taking care of your heart now By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f course, if you have had a heart attack or not-so-good news about your heart you should follow your provider’s protocol for taking care of your ticker. But if you’re overall healthy, adopting healthful lifestyle habits can prevent heart issues when you’re older. And even if you’re already at or past middle age and have not been living healthfully, it’s not too late to start. “Take control of your health by knowing your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and waistline,” said physician Nelly Kazzaz, American Heart Association board member and cardiologist at SJH Cardiology Associates in Liverpool. “Act on this information to lower your risk of heart disease in the future.” Working your heart helps keep it healthy, but it doesn’t mean hours of pounding the pavement or sweating in the gym. Engaging in 150 minutes of aerobic exercise plus strength training per week should help you maintain good health. Fred Wilson, 82, operates Fitness After 50 in the Syracuse area and is a senior fitness-certified trainer. “There are all kinds of programs

available at the YMCA,” he said. “They have group fitness programs. If a person is serious about exercise, hire a personal trainer. One who has experience in training people the same age as you. Personal trainers can help people with specific medical issues. I recommend getting a doctor’s clearance, particularly if you have a medical problem.” Instead of joining an intense, intimidating class or regimen, Wilson promotes finding something you enjoy so it will be easy to participate regularly. Some people like the camaraderie of the class environment; others like the solitude of running, cycling or snowshoeing. Still others like a one-on-one approach with a personal trainer or fitness coach. Jill Murphy, certified personal trainer and co-owner of Mission Fitness in Syracuse, recommends for heart health “exercise, exercise and exercise,” she said. “Doing cardiovascular exercise is a great way to challenge the heart and lungs. When doing it you want to make sure you find a pace that is going to challenge the heart and increase the heart rate.” What you eat matters — a lot. “Eating a healthy diet void of sugars and seed oils (vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oils

to name a few), which cause inflammation to the arteries, is the best way to prevent heart disease,” Murphy said. “Taking a high-quality fish oil is another way to promote heart health. Dr. Sears Omega RX is a great one. However, you have to consult with your doctor before taking any; there are certain medications that do not mix well with fish oils, that would cause someone to be unable to take them.” Read the nutrition facts square on food labels to learn about what is in what you eat. You can also find information on the American Heart Association site (www.heart.org). Thomas Grady Jr., cardiologist with Oswego Health, recommends eating plenty of produce, along with lean sources of protein and avoiding pasta, marbled meat, heavy sauces and fried foods. Healthful seafood like salmon, cod and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This type of seafood promotes heart health. “If you have to eat between a meal, have walnuts or an apple,” Grady Jr., said. “Walnuts offer a lot of good nutrients.” Choosing whole grains as carbohydrate sources, like oatmeal, popcorn brown rice, sweet potatoes and whole grain pasta instead of white flour-based pasta, white rice and white potatoes is also healthful. Of course, the preparation of food matters as well. Olive oil is considered healthful for the heart, unlike many other choices. Don’t rely only on packaging’s “heart healthy” claims. The American Heart Association offers its heartcheck digital grocery list tool free

online at www.heart.org. You can look for heart-check certified foods and draft a grocery list to use digitally or print or email. The organization updates the tool to stay up-to-date information. Maintaining a healthful diet and exercise regimen can help you stay at a healthy weight for your height. If you’re not sure what that is, ask your primary care provider. Stress is not good for your heart. Grady encourages patients to find ways to mitigate the effects of stress by connecting with others through healthy relationships, getting in nature and engaging in hobbies that get them off of screens. Coping through tobacco and vaping “is not a good thing,” Grady said. “Vaping is a stimulant that can lead to other addictions. Try to avoid drugs and alcohol.” Sufficient rest helps reduce stress and contributes to heart health. “Sleep hygiene is important,” he added. “Watch for sleep apnea. Ask your significant other if you snore or note if you wake up not refreshed. If not, you could have apnea.” Carrying too much weight places people at risk for sleep apnea and is also not good for overall health, including cardiac health. Keeping a close watch on your heart health relies upon a trusting relationship with your primary care provider (and cardiologist if you’ve already been diagnosed with a heart issue). The American Heart Association recommends beginning cholesterol screening at age 20, long before the average American begins asking about this testing — or before most providers suggest it. This strategy offers a baseline and can help detect rare but serious issues.

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FOR QUESTIONS OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 315.464.1500 February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 15

“We continually struggle with getting the word out. There are so many people with vision loss that think their lives are over. You don’t think of it until it happens to you.”

Golden Years

Dearth of Low Vision Care Providers With the increase in demand and fewer providers, people with low vision may not receive needed help By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

2021 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology states that 20% of those 85 and older in the US experience permanent vision loss. Many causes for vision loss relate to advanced age. As the baby boomer generation grows older, this will increase demand for more care for those with low vision. But since the

pandemic, the number of providers has decreased. This presents a significant problem for people with vision loss. “I think there’s always been a shortage of people prepared to deal specifically with the functional needs of individuals losing their vision, whether an ophthalmologist, reha-

bilitation and teachers,” said Anne Costa, vice president of programs for Aurora of Central New York in Syracuse. “There are many low vision services that are low-tech, easy to apply in their lives that will make a huge difference in their ability to cope with a vision loss. We’re here to help.” Providers of services to people with vision loss include people like certified vision rehabilitation therapists (CVRT), certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS) and on the clinical side, ophthalmologists and optometrists who specialize in low vision eyecare. The therapists’ focus is helping people with low vision function better in their home and work environments. The clinical providers help patients optimize the vision they have left. Costa said that one reason for the shortage — locally at least — is that it’s tough to attract providers to New York.

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Anne Costa, vice president of programs for Aurora of Central New York in Syracuse. “If you have an orientation mobility instructor who works outside, will he want to work in Florida or New York?” she posed. In addition, she said that New York doesn’t have licensing for rehabilitation teaching or orientation mobility, which means lower reimbursement rates. On the medical side of low vision care, the exams tend to take four to five times longer than an exam for someone with average vision. This means lower reimbursement for the provider. Because most people tend to settle down near where they attended school — at least for a few years — this keeps people with CVRT training away from the Central New York area. Only about 40 CVRTs and 116 COMS live in New York. She attributed the shortage in part to a lack of knowledge about the profession. “We continually struggle with getting the word out,” Costa said. “There are so many people with vision loss that think their lives are over. You don’t think of it until it happens to you.” It’s also tough to justify returning to school when jobs are plentiful for people with a bachelor’s degree. But at least, “it’s very easy to find work in this,” Costa said. “It’s really interesting. We had a program at LeMoyne where people who are blind would come in and go on campus. We used students attending LeMoyne who were studying teaching.” Once they had an opportunity to work through the summer with the program, two or three ended up going into the field because they loved the work so much. “A lot of people are afraid of people who are blind, but once they get over that initial feeling, it’s very rewarding work. The intervention can do so much to help people be independent. A lot of mobility orientation teachers are blind. It’s very rewarding work. They can write their ticket in terms of where they want to work and how much they want to ask,” she said. Costa felt drawn to work in the field because her piano teacher was blind. Costa felt impressed with her competency and independence, thanks in part to receiving services from Aurora. “I always wanted to work here,” Costa said. “I’ve been here 22 years now and am retiring in May.”

lood remains the powerful liquid life force coursing through our veins. The precious resource often goes unnoticed until someone is in dire need. Blood is a body fluid that runs through the human circulatory system delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells and moving metabolic waste from those same cells. Understanding the significance of blood and its impact on saving lives can inspire individuals to become donors. According to the American Red Cross, someone needs blood every two seconds in the United States and less than 10% of the eligible U.S. population donates annually. “It does not make a difference between race or ethnicity and the most common blood type is O+ and the least common is AB-,” said Melissa Maciejko, hematology blood bank supervisor at Oswego Health. “Each time you donate up to three different products are obtained which are red blood cells, plasma and platelets. Each can help save a life.” Here are five frequently asked questions about donations.

easy and takes from 1.It’s 45 to 90 minutes

Generally, blood donation takes between 45 to 90 minutes. A nurse or technician at a donated area asks you for essential information such as your address and driver’s license. Experts

Things You Need to Know About Blood Donation By Ernst Lamothe Jr

suggest you wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with loose-fitting sleeves to make it easier to donate. “Someone will explain what is going to happen and give you some information to read over. In a confidential area, you will be asked various questions to determine your eligibility to donate, which includes travel history, health history and medications you are taking,” said Maciejko. “You will have your blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin level measured.” Once cleared for donation, a sterile needle gets placed in your arm and inserted into your veins. The blood draw takes about 10 minutes with about 475 milliliter of blood removed.

get a certificate of hon2.You or for donating

After donating blood, participants walk toward a separate area to get a drink and a snack to eat. Nurses or technicians monitor to make sure there are no light headed or other symptoms. “You will also be given a small certificate of honor for donating to help save lives. For the next 24 hours, drink a couple extra glasses of water or strenuous exercise,” Maciejko added. Your body replaces the liquid portion of your blood, which is plasma, in about two to three days.

Melissa Maciejko, hematology blood bank supervisor at Oswego Health. The red blood cells that carry oxygen must be created by the person in their bone marrow and takes about two months.

3.Your donation saves lives

When someone has surgery, gets into an accident or has an injury, they may lose a lot of blood. Some disease conditions cause anemia that requires blood replacement. Blood is in constant demand for various medical procedures, surgeries and to treat patients with conditions such as anemia and cancer. Regular blood donations remain important to maintain an adequate and stable blood supply. Sometimes components of blood are needed such as cryoprecipitate or platelets to help the clotting process. “There is no artificial replacement for these,” said Maciejko. “Blood donations from the public are the only way. Your donation could help save someone else’s life. Nearly 29,000 units of blood are needed each day in the United States.” Unfortunately, blood has a limited shelf life. Red blood cells are stored for 42 days, platelets for just five days and plasma for up to a year while frozen. This short span makes it crucial to have a continuous fresh supply.

4.You won’t get HIV

Some people think that donating blood is painful. It is no

worse than getting a regular injection or vaccination. Many times, the fear of donation causes more than the actual pain. Other myths include perceived health risks. “Some believe you will get HIV from donating blood. The needle and apparatus used in the donation process have never been used before and are completely sterile,” Maciejko said. “There is no way of getting any disease by donating blood.” She also said if you have been deferred in the past due to low hemoglobin, infections or maybe it was too soon to donate again, try again in the future. The deferment may only be temporary.

from donating if 5.Refrain you have certain diseases

Individuals with cancer, heart, lungs and kidneys issues, infections or fevers should not donate blood. “If you have or ever had HIV/ AIDS, hepatitis B or C you cannot donate blood,” she added. “The blood is screened for these diseases and it will be disposed of if positive. If an individual has gotten a tattoo from a state that does not regulate the facility, you must wait three months before donating blood.” Each unit of donated blood has at least 18 tests performed on it before it can be given to anyone. Those tests include hep B, hep C, HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, syphilis and West Nile.

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February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 17

Golden Years retirees are, or will be, living largely dependent on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid,” Townsend said. Loretto is an example of a “safety-net provider,” which means the organization cares for people of different income levels, including those who rely upon Medicaid. But with the present and increasing reliance upon Medicaid, “the low Medicaid reimbursement rate will continue to be a burden for those who care for this generation,” Townsend said. “For Loretto, which serves 10,000 individuals each year, 72 of residents are supported by Medicaid — that translates to a shortfall of more than $100 per person per day or a $7 million shortfall yearly.”

aging. It’s smart. You may get to the point where you can no longer live in your own home independently, so Goetz advises being proactive instead of reactive “and being in a place you don’t want to be,” she said. “I see this all the time. Something happens. They fall and can’t go back to their home and they’ve never even visited a facility.” Assisted living apartments can also provide a continuum of care as more levels of care are added on, which is less of a shock than abruptly moving after a health crisis.

6.Isolation and Loneliness

10 Top Concerns for Older Adults

Planning in these areas will promote healthier, more comfortable aging By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

lanning for long life can certainly help you achieve it and enjoy it more. Consider these issues in your approach to positive aging.

Nutrition

Nutrition is not only about the affordability of food but the availability. Older adults who no longer drive or who tire easily can find it overwhelming to shop and cook for all of their meals. “Food insecurity is a big issue,” said Sara Sunday, Oswego County Office for the Aging. “We contract with Oswego County Opportunities to prepare and deliver two meals.” OCO also manages countywide congregant meal site. People tend to eat better and eat more in a social setting.

Balance

“Falling is a big concern,” Sunday said. “They’re more likely to have a bone break, whether a hip or somewhere else. Many times, they don’t come home from that.” The Office for the Aging works with the Oswego County Health Department with the Stepping On class to help older adults improve their balance.

Diabetes

Unmanaged Type 2 diabetes can cause disabling side effects such as vision and limb loss. In addition, it is associated with many other health conditions. “We have a high diabetes rate in the county,” Sunday said. “We want to make sure people are tested for it and that those who have diabetes stay on top of it. There are a number of evidence-based programs like diabetes self-management classes.”

4.Cognitive Decline

“I think dementia is a top concern for seniors today,” said Jill Murphy, certified personal trainer

and co-owner of Mission Fitness in Syracuse. “Unfortunately, it’s very common, but there are absolutely things you can do to avoid it. Science shows 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily creates new brain cells.” She also encourages brain stimulating activity such as reading, writing, and completing crossword puzzles. “Science is beginning to discover that an excess of glucose in the brain is causing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, so cutting down on sugars is another great way to avoid dementia,” Murphy said. These findings prompt further research but have not been proven conclusively. But anything that promotes good health and may decrease risk of Alzheimer’s warrants attention because of the tsunami of Alzheimer’s diagnoses coming. Kim Townsend, president and CEO at Loretto, said that “barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease, by 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may grow to a projected 12.7 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.” Loretto has invested in Montessori and EssentALZ memory care certifications for staff and technology to help promote independence among people receiving memory care to improve their quality of life.

5.Financial Stability

“This generation of baby boomers has a champagne taste but a beer budget,” Townsend said. She noted that research by the Insured Retirement Institute found 24% of baby boomers have no retirement savings, the lowest number since the study began in 2011. In addition, only 55% of baby boomers have some retirement savings and of those, 42% have less than $100,000. “Thus, approximately half of

Page 18 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

The baby boomer generation’s desire to age in place may increase independence, but Townsend said it also places them at risk for social isolation and loneliness. “One in three people between the ages of 50 and 80 still say they sometimes or often experienced these feelings or sometimes go a week or longer without social contact with someone from outside their home,” Townsend said. Isolation isn’t good for wellbeing. Townsend said that aging in place doesn’t mean that older adults remain isolated. Loretto’s PACECNY Program provides home care and community programs, including transportation to activities and appointments.

Kimberly Townsend

7.Engaging in foot care

“We take a lot of people to podiatrists,” said Lauren Goetz, owner of Everyday Hands in Rochester. “I didn’t realize until I got into this business how foot care affects everything else. It can affect balance, be painful if there are ingrown or infected toenails. Swelling in the feet is painful. I’ve seen some nasty bunions.” It can increase fall risk of falling to shuffle around the house in sloppy slippers that accommodate these issues. A podiatrist can address serious issues.

Jill Murphy

8.Planning for transportation Goetz said that transportation represents about 70% of her errand service and that many people “don’t want to be a burden” on their adult children. Anticipate that someday, you may no longer drive, so learn now how to use ride sharing apps. Look into ministries of local houses of worship or civic group that provide low-cost or donation-based rides. Friends and neighbors may be up to occasionally help, such as providing a ride when they’re already going to the store or salon.

Sara Sunday

your 9.Choosing/modifying home

“Have a strategy for if things change, whether downsizing your house or not having a first-floor bathroom,” Goetz said. “Split levels are the worst.” If moving or remodeling seems expensive, Goetz said to compare the costs to long-term care. Moving or remodeling is a bargain.

10. Developing an exit plan

It’s not macabre to plan for

Lauren Goetz

Golden Years

Expanding Longevity: $101 Million to the Best Ideas

Can tech advance longevity? Bestselling author thinks tech is the answer — and plans to award $101 million to the best ideas By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

n late November, Peter Diamandis announced a new XPRIZE competition, his $101 million worldwide event for pioneering technology that promotes healthy longevity. Diamandis is the founder of the XPRIZE Foundation of Culver City, California. The organization creates supports technological, environmental and health advances through competitions, among other efforts. Diamandis hopes to attract doctors, researchers, technology experts and more to develop verifiable means to roll back the clock by a decade in areas like muscle mass, immune function and cognitive ability for people aged 65 to 80 within a year. Judges of the competition will perform assessments on participants to rank the contestants’ results. The competition is sponsored by Hevolution, a nonprofit organization investing in aging research. “The team has got to deliver a minimum of a 10-year restoration of function with a target of 20 years,” Diamandis told Fortune. “We’re talking about the potential for therapeutics to have a massive impact on humanity.” The goal is not just longevity, but healthy longevity, in which those benefiting from the technology can stay active and enjoy their extra decade or two. Although the XPRIZE may

succeed in finding such helpful technology, improving the chances of healthy longevity is available now. “I’m sure there is science out there that will continue to advance for life span to increase,” said Jill Murphy, certified personal trainer and co-owner of Mission Fitness in Syracuse. “Genetic testing is a great way to stay ahead of the curb, which I think they mentioned in the article they may be using. There is some genetic testing out there now, which can be very beneficial as well. Knowing your epigenetics allows you to be more proactive with your health.” By knowing present risks for diseases, people can choose to focus their time and resources on preventing them. Another key to healthy longevity is staying connected with others. During the pandemic, older adults became particularly isolated because of factors such as retirement status, increased emphasis on social distancing because of their elevated COVID-19 risk and termination of many programs designed for older adults such as congregant meal sites, life enrichment classes and 60-plus exercise programs. Many of these programs were in part managed by retiree volunteers who have not returned to volunteering. “We find as major issue social isolation,” said Sara Sunday, services

administrator with Oswego County Office for the Aging. “It has so many negative health effects on older adults if they’re not getting out in the community and not seeing people. Like any other depressive health condition, it has a negative impact on their health. It’s not only people who live by themselves out in the country. You can be socially isolated in an apartment building if you’re not getting out.” Along with connection often comes greater physical activity and more cognitive activity, both of which are beneficial. The Office for the Aging is using technology to meet some of these needs, such as connecting older adults with animatronic pets for people who can no longer care for a real pet. Or placing AI units in private homes. “It’s not an Alexa, but it gains information with every interaction with the person, like if they usually get up at 8 and then get up at 9, it will ask how they slept,” Sunday said. “Or if the person puts in that they have a doctor’s appointment, it will remind them of the appointment and that it’s cold out and remind them to bundle up. Or prompt them to play a trivia game or listen to music.” While not the same as a human-to-human conversation, interacting with a machine that can learn does provide some mental stimulation that is not as passive as watching television. Sunday said that for older adults who have internet access, the vir-

tual senior center offers a means to interact with others and they also attend classes such as virtual chair yoga. Encouraging more movement is essential, as regular physical activity is also key to healthy longevity. Kerri Howell, certified personal trainer and owner of The Hourglass Mom in the Rochester area, recommends preserving muscle strength. “More muscle means fewer falls, more strength and mobility,” she said. It also contributes to performing activities of daily living, such as cleaning the house, shopping for groceries and cooking. These become harder with less muscle. “Falls among older adults have been identified as a strong indicator of shortened lifespans,” said Ann E. Cunningham, executive director at Oasis Rochester. “They contribute to bone fractures, which lead to deconditioning and greater susceptibility to illness.” She noted a recent advisory from the US Surgeon General, which called attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection with others. “He stated that lack of connection can be as detrimental to our health as smoking daily,” Cunningham said. She added that by engaging with organizations like Oasis Rochester, which provide opportunities in lifelong learning, health and wellness, “we can build strong interpersonal connections, remain active and engaged and continue learning and growing.”

GRAND PRIZE $101M

Daily Multivitamin Might Help Aging Brains

daily multivitamin could help people keep their brains healthy as they age, a new trial

finds. Results suggest taking multivitamins could help prevent memory loss and slow cognitive aging among older adults, researchers report in the Jan. 18 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The effect was measurable: A daily multivitamin slowed brain aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo. Still, experts expressed some skepticism, and wondered if simply eating healthy might not bring about the same results. “Taking a multivitamin supplement is probably good for you, but we don’t know if it’s likely to have a big impact in people who have a healthy diet,” physician Richard Caselli, a professor emeritus of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, told NBC News. “I still maintain a bit of skepticism as far as what magnitude of impact this makes,” he added. “I’m

doubtful the difference would be really big.” The new study was led by physician Chirag Vyas, an instructor in investigation at Massachusetts General Hospital’s department of psychiatry. “Cognitive decline is among the top health concerns for most older adults, and a daily supplement of multivitamins has the potential as an appealing and accessible approach to slow cognitive aging,” he said. The Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) is a large-scale, randomized trial performed in collaboration by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Columbia University and Wake Forest University. It looked at whether a special cocoa extract supplement, a daily multivitamin (in this case Centrum Silver) or both might help boost health. The clinical trials were funded by the National Institutes of Health and candy and snack manufacturer Mars Inc. Pfizer donated both the multivitamins and placebo tables used in the

Clinical trials found strong evidence of benefits for both brain function and memory from taking daily multivitamins for two to three years. trials. Neither company had any role in the design of the trials. Analysis of more than 5,000 participants in three separate, but related, COSMOS clinical trials found strong evidence of benefits for both brain function and memory from taking daily multivitamins for two to three years, researchers said.

“The meta-analysis of three separate cognition studies provides strong and consistent evidence that taking a daily multivitamin, containing more than 20 essential micronutrients, helps prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging,” Yvas said in a MGH news release.

February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 19

Hearing Aids May Extend Life Span

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hearing aid's first purpose is fairly obvious, but a new study argues that the devices also provide an important second benefit — a longer life. “We found that adults with hearing loss who regularly used hearing aids had a 24% lower risk of mortality than those who never wore them,” said lead researcher Janet Choi, an otolaryngologist with the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. In the study, Choi and her colleagues tracked more than a decade's worth of federal health survey data on nearly 10,000 adults aged 20 and older, of whom more than 1,800 had suffered hearing loss. Previous studies had linked untreated hearing loss to reduced life span, as well as other health problems like social isolation, depression and dementia. But there's been little research regarding whether using a hearing aid can help ward off those health risks associated with hearing loss, the researchers noted. In the new study, they found a nearly 25% lower risk of early death among the hard-of-hearing who regularly use a hearing aid versus those who never use them. That difference remained steady even after taking into account other factors like age, ethnicity, income, education and medical history. “These results are exciting because they suggest that hearing

aids may play a protective role in people's health and prevent early death,” Choi said in a university news release. Interestingly, there was no difference in death risk between people who never used a hearing aid and those who had one but only used it occasionally, researchers found. Choi speculated that this lowered risk of death could be tied to the benefits that improved hearing brings to a person's mental health and brain function. Other studies have found that using a hearing aid can ease a person's depression and dementia, Choi said. By treating those problems, the devices could be contributing to overall better health. Hearing loss affects about 40 million U.S. adults, but only one in 10 who need a hearing aid actually uses one, the researchers noted. Choi said she hopes the new study will encourage more people to wear hearing aids, even if they must overcome barriers like affordability, identifying and fitting the right device, or the perceived stigma that comes with donning the gizmo. Choi personally relates to those challenges. Born with hearing loss in her left ear, Choi didn't wear a hearing aid until her 30s because it took her years to find ones that worked for her. The new study was published Jan. 3 in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity.

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www.BeltoneSound.com Page 20 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

Golden Years

Kris Rookey, hearing instrument specialist and owner of Port City Hearing in Oswego.

Why You Need to Have Your Hearing Checked

It’s about more than missing conversations and cranking up the TV By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

our spouse may continually ask you to turn down the TV. Or perhaps repeat herself louder so you can hear. It may seem like “everyone mumbles” these days. But you have even more reasons to have a hearing exam. Untreated hearing loss can eventually bring other unpleasantries to your life. A study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey followed a population of younger people with hearing loss. Those who treated their hearing loss and used appropriately fitted hearing aids regularly lived longer than those who didn’t. The aids may reflect an overall better engagement in self-care than in the shorter-lived population. But it could also reflect an increased fall risk among people with untreated hearing loss. Older adults who experience falls are at risk for breaking bones and subsequent life-threat-

ening deconditioning. Another aspect of fall risk and hearing loss is that the individual may focus on trying to hear what’s around them. “Balance issues occur with hearing loss because of working memory,” said Doug Brown, audiologist and owner of dB Audiology Associates, P.C. in Syracuse. “If you’re concerned about listening, you may not be able to walk as well because not all the resources can be spread that thin. The effort in communicating takes away your effort in walking.” Untreated hearing loss may also correlate with cognitive function. Brown said that recent studies indicate dementia is associated with hearing loss, but whether it is causal is still unclear. “We recognize that social withdrawal, which means you’re not as active mentally and cognitively,

can probably contribute to cognitive decline, but it’s not 100% clear that hearing loss in and of itself is a causative factor. Have your hearing evaluated to see if there’s loss or if there could be cognitive problems.” Quality of life is another reason to treat hearing loss. It can shift the family dynamics as the partner with untreated hearing loss must rely increasingly upon the one who hears better, such as ordering dinner at a restaurant, answering the phone, talking with medical providers or making reservations. This effect further narrows the individual’s scope of human interaction and conversation. “It’s nice to be able to have enhanced hearing to hear leaves rustling, birds singing and babies laughing,” Brown said. “The most common reason people come is because of difficulty with communication like hearing in noisy situations. That leads to social withdrawal because you don’t enjoy those activities as much. Hearing loss leads to greater listening fatigue and there’s more frustration on both sides of the conversation and you have to ask people to repeat.” Hearing well can help make better connections between current stimuli and memories. For example, hearing snow crunch under one’s boots can elicit a memory of sledding as a child. Without hearing that sound, the memory would not surface. Another reason to have a hear-

ing exam is to rule out other reasons for diminished hearing. Brown has discovered issues such as a benign tumor in a patient that slowly diminished her hearing as it grew. Having it removed prevented hearing loss from progressing and prevented facial function damage. “There are also infections and other problems,” Brown added. “Having a hearing evaluation can help you get treatment sooner. Ignoring the problem and telling people to speak up ignores the reasons that the hearing loss is happening.” Seeking an exam and following through with any prescribed hearing instruments should happen sooner than later, as Brown said those who wait have a harder time adapting. Unfortunately, many people delay seeking help, as they do not want to bother with seeing another specialist. They may also hold onto stigma about hearing aids being “for old people.” Kris Rookey, hearing instrument specialist and owner of Port City Hearing in Oswego, said that hearing aids “have advanced tremendously over the years. They’re very smart in identifying a human speech frequency and other sounds.” They’re no longer simple amplifiers but are custom made to address each ear’s hearing needs and can self-adjust to the environment in real time while the person wears them. But Rookey said that the most crucial factor isn’t the equipment but the examination and fitting—and having these take place sooner than later. “We want to get stimulation to the nerves and brain,” he said. “We want to slow it down. It’s harder to treat if you wait until it’s bad. Your hearing does decrease over the years. But people who wait, their discrimination and understanding decrease first. It’s important to get that stimulation early on.” Anyone who notices changes in his hearing or whose family notices changes should schedule an exam. Most insurance covers exams and hearing instruments at least in part. If the provider does not identify hearing loss, the exam can serve as an important benchmark for future exams. Most primary care providers do not screen for hearing loss, so it’s important for patients to advocate for themselves.

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February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 21

Q A &

with

Stefanie Noble

More than just exercise: YMCA of Central New York offers cancer survivor programs, hospital referral services, cardio, walking and yoga sessions, says VP of marketing and communications By Mary Beth Roach

Q: The YMCA offers some programs that one might not associate with the Y, for example the cancer survivor programs, the hospital referral programs, cardio, walking and yoga. With regards to the cancer survivor programs, can you describe them? A: We have a range of cancer survivor programs, including the Laurie’s Hope program, which is supported by the Saint Agatha Foun-

dation. That program supports breast cancer survivors, helping them maintain strength and fitness, connecting them to other cancer survivors. That includes men and women. Many people think that breast cancer only impacts women, but that is not true. It connects them to a community of people that have gone through it, and it’s a really strong community. Folks in those programs also have access to

our Kaye Center for Cancer Wellness in our Northwest Family Y, which is in Baldwinsville. It is a specific space that was created, with learning materials, a place to meet and a few pieces of exercise equipment. The air is separate from the rest of the facility. It’s an enclosed space with a balcony — a nice, relaxing space for them. We also have Live Strong programming at the YMCA, which is exercise and group support for those with other forms of cancer. Another thing that we make available to cancer survivors are services such as child watch, to support them if they have to attend appointments or treatment. You do have to be a Y member, but when you reach out to learn about these programs and potentially enroll in them, the membership is part of the program. You don’t have to be a member beforehand; you can become a member by participating in these programs. Q: Are doctors’ referrals required? A: Not necessarily. We are partnered with a number of local oncologists to make those connections. But anyone can reach out. They can go on our website — www.ymcacny.org — and reach out to one of our team members to learn more about the programs and connect with us. Q: Can you explain what is involved with the hospital referrals program? A: We have connections with a number of hospitals, including Crouse and the VA and some doctors. You may be working with a physical therapist or your doctor, but there may be ways that the Y and our range of wellness programs can support you in your recovery; that can work in conjunction with your doctor; that would take place through a referral from your health care provider. Q: With the hospital referral programs, are the participants working one-onone with a Y staffer? A: It depends on what they need. It may be that that one-on-one is best; it may be that participating in one of our small group classes is best. It’s dependent on what those person’s needs are. To expand on that a little bit, if somebody is having issues with mobility, we have, for example, a lot

‘We have a range of cancer survivor programs, including the Laurie’s Hope program, which is supported by the Saint Agatha Foundation. ‘ of programs that focus on regaining mobility through Enhance Fitness and active older adults programming, if that is the population that the person is in. Q: And one of the requirements is that the participants are Y members? A: If you weren’t already a Y member, you would get a membership as you sign up for that program. Q: Other programs — Walk with Ease, yoga, cardio — Y membership is required, right? A: Walk with Ease is one of the Arthritis Foundation programs, along with Enhance Fitness. It is important to note that we do offer income-based financial aid, so we do make things easy for people to access the services. Q: Are there contracts in that people need to belong for a particular length of time? A: We don’t have any contracts. It’s dependent on the way that the program runs. Some of the programs, for example, the Live Strong program, is a specific 12-week program. For a regular Y membership, there is no contract, it’s month-to-month. Q: Is there something you’d like to add? A: I would bring up our arts programming. Creating that well-rounded aspect of wellness is one thing that I think people don’t often think about. We do have a wide range of arts programming that supports some of these other wellness goals — that mental aspect of it is something that we’ve found to be very helpful.

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Page 22 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

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card), but if you wish to delete the account, you’ll also need to verify that you’re an immediate family member, legal representative or executor, unless you’re the legacy contact on her account.

Instagram By Jim Miller

How to Close Social Media Accounts of a Deceased Loved One Dear Savvy Senior,

How do I go about canceling a person’s social media accounts when they die? My wife died a few months ago and her social media accounts are still active. Sad Spouse

Dear Sad, I’m very sorry for your loss, but this is a smart move on your behalf and one that often gets overlooked. Social media is part of many people’s daily lives, but when a person dies their dormant accounts can become vulnerable to scammers who can hack into them and even steal your deceased loved one’s identity. Here’s a run-down of how you can cancel or change many different social media accounts after a loved one dies.

Facebook If your wife used Facebook, you can either “memorialize” or “delete” her account. A memorialized account serves as a place where family and friends can share memories to celebrate the deceased person’s life, with the word “Remembering” shown next to the deceased person’s name. Once an account is memorialized, content the person shared is still visible on Facebook to the audience it was originally shared with, however, the user’s profile will not show up in public spaces such as people you may know, ads or birthday reminders. To memorialize your wife’s profile simply go to Facebook.com/ help/contact/234739086860192. Or, if you’d rather have her account removed, go to Facebook.com/help/ contact/228813257197480. To memorialize her account requires proof of death (via death certificate, obituary or memorial

The policy on a deceased users’ Instagram account is the similar to Facebook’s, which owns Instagram. You can either memorialize or remove the account at Help.Instagram. com/264154560391256. But just like with Facebook, you’ll need to provide proof of death and relationship to the deceased.

X (formally Twitter) To deactivate an X account, go to Help.Twitter.com and type in “How to contact X about a deceased family member’s account” in the search bar and follow the prompts. After you submit your request, X will email you with instructions for providing more details, including information about the deceased, a copy of your ID, and a copy of the deceased’s death certificate.

LinkedIn To remove a deceased person’s LinkedIn profile, submit a request at LinkedIn.com/help/linkedin/ask/ ts-rdmlp. You’ll need to provide the name and URL to the profile; the relationship you have to the deceased; the email address; date of passing; and link to an obituary.

Snapchat To delete this account, simply login to the account and click “Delete My Account” and follow the prompts.

Tumblr Send an email to Support@ tumblr.com requesting to remove the account of the deceased person with their Tumblr username, proof of their death, and proof of your relationship to the deceased. If your wife had social media through a company not listed here, go to that company’s website for information on how to delete the account.

YouTube – Google To close these accounts, simply go to Support.Google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590 and fill out their form and upload scans of the death certificate and your ID.

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

Pinterest To remove a Pinterest account, email Care@pinterest.com with the deceased user’s account username, proof of death and proof of relationship to the deceased.

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February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 23

Parenting By Melissa Stefanec MelissaStefanec@yahoo.com

A Bad Rap: Gentle Parenting

ecently, my family was sitting around the dinner table. My 12-year-old daughter had just joined us, fresh from an hour of math tutoring. She started talking about her day and my 9-year-old son couldn’t wait to interject with some questions. My daughter found those questions to be highly annoying, so she snapped at my son (who was asking questions that would annoy almost any sister). They were about to get into a good-old-fashioned bicker-fest, when my husband swooped in to lay down the law. He said to my daughter, “You know, your brother probably just wants to talk to you. He hasn’t seen you all day and is just looking for a way to engage with you. He’s not trying to annoy you. Maybe you could kindly ask him to ask his questions in a different way, so you two can talk and he doesn’t annoy you,” he said. My daughter paused and the look of annoyance on her face cracked — ever so slightly. “Fine,” she huffed, turning to

her brother and rolling her eyes. “I’m trying to talk and your questions grossed me out. Can you ask different ones?” And my son did just that. Our meal carried on in the way most of our family meals do, with little dashes of annoyance, chaos and laughter, all thanks to a little gentle parenting.

The way we grew up When I was growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, societal norms were anything but gentle. As a member of the Oregon Trail generation, my parents’ style matched the style of most parents during that time. Spanking and yelling were as commonplace, as was letting your kids run free around town and the woods. A lot of kids from my generation enjoyed a mix of subtle absenteeism and hard-headed and hard-handed guidance. Anger and authoritativeness were good for what ails your kids. This isn’t a knock at my folks; that’s the way things were. If the dinner-time conversation

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f you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete or at least start your application on our website – and, if necessary, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a local office.

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online, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office to complete the application, typically in less time. • Complete the application process at your local office. If you can’t complete the application online, you must visit a Social Security office. To learn more, please review our publication, Your Social Security Number and Card, at www. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf.

Replace your Social Security card Want to replace your card? The card replacement screener on our

Page 24 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

had played out in the 1980s, it probably would’ve gone down like this: my daughter would have snapped at my son, there would have been an angry exchange, I would have told my kids they had to be quiet. If they didn’t quiet down, me or my husband might have let things get out of hand and then told them if they didn’t stop, we’d give them something to cry about and so on. Thirty five years ago, there wouldn’t have been an attempt to recognize, own and understand all the emotions my kids were feeling. The goal would have been to shut everyone down and up. That approach to intense feelings always felt like mismanagement. It never left me (or anyone else) feeling better and capable. It did the opposite. I wanted to do something different with my kids. And I’m not alone.

Enter gentle parenting So, as a means to nurture today’s young ones, many folks in my generation turned to gentler parenting. I think gentle parenting gets a really bad name. If done correctly, gentle parenting doesn’t let kids get away with saying or doing whatever they want. Gentle parents give their children consequences, but there is far less emphasis on punishment and shame as ways to correct a child’s undesirable behaviors. Gentle parenting encompasses many different parenting styles, such as mindful, intentional and respectful parenting. Conceptually, gentle parenting aims to teach children how to recognize their emotions and self regulate. Instead of threatening or punishing, gentle parenting focuses on helping children understand their

Replace Social Security card webpage at www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card helps you determine the best way to do so. Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement card without visiting a local office. Choose “Answer a few questions” on the Replacement Card webpage at www.ssa.gov/number-card/ replace-card to get started. Even if you can’t complete the process online and must visit an office, you can still save yourself time by starting the application online.

Were You Asked to Come into an Office? Here’s What You Should Know If you start the application online and we determine you need to come into an office, you can use our new online self-scheduling option. This

Q& A Q.: I didn’t enroll in Medicare Part B back when my Part A started a few years ago. Can I enroll now? A.: It depends. The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B, medical insurance, begins Jan. 1 and runs through March 31. Keep in mind that although there is no monthly premium for Medicare Part A, there will be a premium for your Medicare Part B. In most cases, that premium

own emotions while recognizing how their actions affect others. Consequences share the stage with self awareness, empathy and future thinking. Said more simply, gentle parents want their kids to understand themselves and those around them. You can’t coach kids on doing that if they are living in a state of fear, anger, dismissal and shame. Emotions are tough. Our lizard brains make us feel very passionate, irrational and intense things. I’m 41 years old and I’m still trying to understand how my own emotions and actions affect others. Doing such is a lifelong process, but it likely doesn’t help that I mostly started this process in adulthood.

Starting early I don’t want my kids to wait until they’re in their 20s to start rediscovering their emotions and how to appropriately process those emotions, just because I made them stuff their emotions down for 20 years. I don’t want them to wait until young adulthood to consider how their emotions and resulting actions affect their own and others’ wellbeing. I want my kids to be twice the person I am by the time they’re 40. So, I’m starting early. Societal norms during my childhood may have taught me that being kind and nurturing were signs of a weak character. I may have been taught that it’s impossible to be both gentle and firm. But a lot of gentle parents are proving that ideology wrong. We know it’s possible to be gentle, firm and effective. We can give our kids the tools they need to be happy, strong and empathetic adults.

option allows you to: • Select your language preference. • Select the most convenient office to receive service. • Choose to receive communications and appointment reminders through email or text. • Conveniently use your mobile device to check-in for your appointment. You can also reschedule, modify or cancel your appointment online without having to call or visit the office. Please note that this service is not available in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa. We hope to make it available soon. It’s never been easier to do business with us! Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.

goes up each 12-month period you were eligible for it and elected not to enroll. If you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on your employment or the employment of a spouse, you may qualify for a special enrollment. Special enrollments may be processed at any point during the year, but require proof of coverage. To find out more about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov or www.ssa. gov/benefits/medicare/.

Health News Crouse Health Foundation has new director Crouse Health has announced that Heather Allison Waters has been named executive director of the Crouse Health Foundation. A community leader and accomplished development executive, Waters most recently Heather Waters served as head of impact for Akili Ventures, Nairobi, Kenya, responsible for raising capital for infrastructure development. Prior to that, she was consulting co-executive director for the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation in Fayetteville, where she directed operations and fundraising for the foundation and historic home. From 2013 to 2021 Waters was assistant dean for advancement for Syracuse University’s School of Education, where she increased annual fundraising from $700,000 to $4 million and raised over $30 million in gifts and grants. In her role as Crouse Health Foundation executive director, and working with the foundation team, Waters will provide leadership and strategic direction for all foundation activities and operations in support of the Crouse Health mission, including donor stewardship, major gifts, planned giving, cultivation and solicitation of major gift prospects, capital campaign oversight and special events.

Bassett Healthcare Network names interim CEO Staci Thompson has become Bassett Healthcare Network’s new interim CEO Jan. 1. She succeeds physician Tommy Ibrahim, who left the network at the end of 2023. Thompson joined Bassett in 2023 from The Guthrie Clinic, Staci Thompson where she held several executive leadership positions, including executive vice president and chief operating officer for Guthrie Medical Group. In her role as chief operating officer, Thompson made strides in areas critical to Bassett’s continued success, including operational performance, quality, and patient experience. “Staci is a respected, experienced leader with a real heart for rural healthcare,” said Doug Hastings, chairman of Bassett Healthcare Network’s board of directors. “Her passion for Bassett and the people we serve, along with her demonstrated operational expertise, makes Staci the right person to lead the organization forward. In her role as interim CEO, Staci will focus on continuing

to improve our core operations while upholding our commitment to being a national model for rural healthcare delivery.” In partnership with the executive leadership team, physicians and other caregivers, Thompson will ensure Bassett continues its sharp focus on elevating operations and working to best serve its communities today and for generations to come. “I am honored that the rich legacy of Bassett has been entrusted to me. Surrounded by the capable team of leaders at Bassett, I have confidence in our ability to never miss a beat in providing the care that our patients expect,” said Thompson. “My immediate focus is the Bassett team. Bassett’s physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, other clinical professionals, and administrative and support staff ensure that Bassett can provide the care that our communities deserve. Recruitment and engagement of the Bassett team is at the core of operational excellence and a top priority for me in this role.”

Martin Durkin, Jr., named chief campus counsel for Upstate Martin T. Durkin, Jr., has been named chief campus counsel for SUNY Upstate Medical University after serving in an interim capacity since April 2023. Durkin has over 30 years of legal experience, primarily focused on healthcare Martin T. Durkin, Jr law, academic medicine, and related compliance matters. Durkin was selected after a nationwide search. The chief campus counsel serves as the lead attorney in all aspects of the management and supervision of the SUNY Office of General Counsel (OGC) satellite office at SUNY Upstate Medical University and advises SUNY Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD, and other Upstate leaders regarding all legal matters related to the operation of SUNY Upstate, including its four colleges and two hospitals. In addition, the chief campus counsel supervises the attorneys and legal staff assigned to Upstate’s OGC office. Before joining Upstate, Durkin was a partner at the law firm of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP, in Pittsburgh, where he represented corporations, academic medical centers, hospitals and physicians in a wide variety of business, healthcare regulatory, and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions and healthcare fraud and abuse investigations involving the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Durkin also previously served as associate counsel for UPMC, physician services division, representing the interests of UPMC’s principal faculty practice plan, University of Pittsburgh physicians.

He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2017, Durkin joined SUNY Upstate’s OGC office as associate counsel and was subsequently promoted to senior campus counsel – healthcare. Since joining OGC, he has advised the university on a myriad of legal matters, including, without limitation: federal and state regulatory compliance in such areas as physician compensation, the financing of the mission of the institution and hospital operations; strategic affiliations, including mergers and acquisitions; campus and hospital procurement; and, legal questions about the administration of patient care. “Upstate Medical University is pleased to have Martin Durkin lead our campus counsel team,” said Upstate President Mantosh Dewan. “He has served the campus exceptionally well in his interim role and we look forward to his continued leadership and astute legal guidance of our campus.”

Community Memorial appoints chief financial officer Tracy Frank, CPA, has joined Community Memorial Hospital as its new chief financial officer. A graduate of Clarkson University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting, Frank brings diversified experience in different Tracy Frank industries such as education, agriculture and healthcare. Most recently serving as the director of finance and accounting for Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., she also previously held leadership roles in regional healthcare systems in the Syracuse and Utica markets. Throughout her career, Frank has held progressive leadership positions. She is well-versed in process improvement initiatives and information system implementations, as well as all aspects of accounting and finance. Her leadership in these roles resulted in financial process improvements, in turn creating operational efficiencies and yielding financial success. “On behalf of the board of directors, I am excited to welcome Tracy to the team,” said Jeff Coakley, president and CEO. “Tracy’s expertise and leadership will keep CMH on the path to financial success.” As the Community Memorial network continues to see record patient volumes and growth through service line development, Frank’s experience will improve the healthcare system’s financial sustainability. “There are a lot of wonderful initiatives happenning at Community Memorial, along with an exceptional leadership team that I am excited to be a part of,” said Frank. “I have been committed to local not-for-profit organizations throughout my career

and have always been grateful for the mentorship and support I have received. I strive to pay it forward as a leader.”

St. Luke appoints new rehab department’s assistant director St. Luke Health Services announced a growth in staff with the appointment of Teall Karn as assistant director of the rehabilitation therapy department. Karn is a graduate of Keuka College with a master’s degree Teall Karn in occupational therapy, who brings her extensive clinical experience in both short-term and long term rehabilitation services in the skilled nursing setting to the Oswego-based provider. “As assistant director I will work to ensure that our therapy team delivers high quality, holistic services to our patients,” said Karn. “As a licensed occupational therapist I will draw upon my experience to focus services on maximizing our patient’s ability to reach their individual goals of improving or maintaining their ability to perform daily activities.” “Teall is person-centered and results-driven in her treatment philosophy, and her advanced skills and experience provide an important component to our rehab program,” said physical therapist Chuck Besa, rehabilitation program director at St. Luke, said

PA joins St. Joe’s cardiology team St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovas cular Institute recently welcomed physician assistant Nicole Campbell as a member of its cardiovascular team of specialists. Campbell brings to her new role the knowledge and Nicole Campbell experience of general medical, surgical and emergency patient care. She handles diagnosis, treatment and coordination of care with the patients’ cardiologists and primary care physicians. Campbell received a Master of Science in physician studies from Clarkson University in Potsdam. She graduated cum laude from Le Moyne College with a Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in psychology.

February 2024 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • Page 25

Health News Community Memorial primary care receives national recognition The Community Memorial (CMH) network in Hamilton recently announce that each of its five family health center locations, offering primary and specialty care services, have been recognized by a national group as patient-centered medical offices, for delivering primary care and managing the full spectrum of healthcare needs. The NYS Department of Health collaborated with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the creator of the patient-centered medical home program in developing a transformation model that encompasses all eligible primary care providers in New York state. The NYS Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program’s goal is to expand access to high-performing primary care, which drives improved health and wellness in the communities served. The PCMH model of care enables CMH teams to put the focus on the patient, creating a symbiotic relationship across the care continuum. The providers and staff in the family health centers strive to provide every patient with quality care and a great patient experience. “This accreditation recognizes the dedicated efforts of the Family Health Centers team and their commitment to providing quality improvement with a patient-centered approach to care,” stated Maria Grice, vice president of physician services. According to the NCQA website, the PCMH model ”focuses on care coordination, population health, evidence-based guidelines and effective use of health information technology to meet patients’ needs.” The CMH Family Health Centers worked to improve the patient experience, deliver improved preventive care, and collaborate with other clinicians for patient care to identify care gaps. All primary care practices that have earned recognition through NCQA have made a commitment to improving primary care by promoting the triple aim: better health, lower costs and better patient experience.

St. Joseph’s welcomes physicians St. Joseph’s Physicians recently announced two physicians have joined its team: • Anthony Vigliotti has returned to St. Joseph’s Health Hospital to provide palliative medicine care. He brings more than 10 years’ experience to the role, including serving as the assistant medical director for Hospice of CNY. Anthony Vigliotti Vigliotti is responsible for

the medical care and treatment of seriously ill patients. He will provide direction and guidance to the patient, family members and fellow clinicians to assure quality of end-of-life care for patients and their families. “Palliative care gives me the opportunity to support my patients through the final life transition,” said Vigliotti. “It is an honor to be a part of a team that holds the collective belief in caring for the whole person with dignity and working together to prevent and ease the suffering for our during this transition.” Vigliotti received his Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He completed his undergraduate studies at Hamilton College receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry. • Vincent Skovira, an interven tional cardiologist, joined St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute. Skovira is a board-certified cardiologist who recently completed his subspecialty training in interventional cardiology at Vincent Skovira Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan. Prior to that, he completed his internal medicine residency and cardiovascular fellowship at United Health Services Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, near Binghamton. In his role, he will use his specialized skills to diagnose and treat heart attacks, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, venous thromboembolic disease, and pulmonary emboli. “I am excited to be a part of the cardiovascular team at St. Joseph’s Health,” said Skovira. “It has been my goal to become an interventional cardiologist and contribute to a tradition of cardiac excellence.” Skovira is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and cardiovascular medicine. He grew up in Owego, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Syracuse University and his medical degree at American University of Antigua College of Medicine.

Oswego Health welcomes general surgeon General surgeon Osama E. A. Essa, board certified, has joined Oswego Health to provide care at the Center for Surgical Services. Essa is now part of the over 100 physicians and advanced practice providers employed by Osama E. A. Essa Oswego Health and the 270 providers on the medical staff representing multiple specialty services across the community. Essa’s professional interests

Page 26 • IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • February 2024

include minimally invasive surgery, bowel surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendix surgery and thyroid gland surgery. Before joining Oswego Health, he practiced at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, Mohawk Valley, and UPMC Cole in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Essa earned his medical degree from Garyounis University in Benghazi, Libya, in 2002 and completed his training in general surgery in 2007. That same year he became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. In 2015, Essa finished his general surgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Crouse Medical Practice welcomes Clinton Ingersol, MD Crouse Medical Practice (CMP) welcomes physician Clinton Ingersol to its practice. Ingersol specializes in endocrine surgery and general surgery and is board certified in general surgery. Ingersol received his medical degree from the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac, Hamden, Connecticut. He completed his residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and his fellowship in endocrine surgery at University of Miami – Jackson Health. Clinton Ingersol Ingersol is a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio. CMP offers primary care and specialty care out of several locations throughout Central New York. In addition to primary care, clinical services offered through CMP include general surgery, cardiology, OB-GYN, endocrinology, pulmonology, neurosurgery, neurovascular, diabetes care and stroke care.

New coordinator at Center for Wound Healing at Oswego The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at Oswego Health has appointed Kimberly Haller as clinical coordinator. Haller’s responsibilities will include providing continuity of care for patients, integrating new Kimberly Haller therapies into care and training new personnel. A member of the Healogics network that brings together people, resources and the expertise to promote true healing, the center offers state-of-the-art treatment practices and protocols to reintroduce the body’s innate ability to heal. A resident of Fulton, Haller most

recently served as a senior registered nurse at the Lobdell Center for Mental Health & Wellness at Lakeview. She brings over seven years of clinical experience to the center, including experience in providing safe care for patients that were homebound. Haller earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Keuka College in 2019.

St. Joseph’s adds primary care physician Physician Anthony Ciricillo has joined St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care in Fayetteville, part of St. Joseph’s Health. In his new role, Ciricillo will provide patients with comprehensive care in collaboration with an integrated team Anthony Ciricillo of experienced primary care professionals to ensure quality care and the attainment of the patient’s personal health goals. In addition, he will serve as a faculty member for St. Joseph’s Family Medicine Residency Clinic. Ciricillo brings to his new role four years of family medicine experience in New Jersey and Iowa. Most recently, he practiced full spectrum family medicine in a 25-bed critical access hospital in Carroll, Iowa, and was the medical director for a local rural health clinic in nearby Wall Lake, also in Iowa. “I’m very excited to become a part of the family medicine team in Fayetteville,” said Ciricillo. “I am looking forward to developing strong relationships with our patients and partnering with them to create an individualized plan that makes their future health vision a reality.” Ciricillo earned a Doctor of Medicine from West Virginia University School of Medicine in Charleston, West Virginia. He received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. He is also interested in global health and has volunteered in mission trips to Haiti, Peru, Ghana and Uganda.

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